20-05-2016

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

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RUSSIAN DEPUTY HON CON DIES IN CAR CRASH > PAGE 3

NOTHING PERSONAL Failure to provide personal details to immigration ‘will have consequences’

NEWS

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Is your blood good enough to make donations?

LIFE

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Visaka Bucha: back to basics

The new form marks criminal liability for providing false information.

Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

IMMIGRATION GENERAL ASSURES FORM IS ‘OFFICIAL’ AND THAT SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS WILL BE DEEMED ‘OPTIONAL’ Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

A

General at the Immigration Bureau has warned that failure to provide personal details on a new form handed out the Phuket Immigration Office this week will have consequences for foreigners submitting applications in Phuket.

Maj Gen Chachaval Vachirapaneegul, Deputy Commissioner of

the Immigration Bureau’s crime suppression unit, told The Phuket News on Wednesday (May 18) that new form, titled “Foreign National Information Form” is mandatory.

The form asks for foreigners to provide details of their social media accounts, Facebook, Line and email addresses, details of vehicles owned by the foreigner completing the application, and bank account details, among other information.

The top and the bottom of the three-page form features the warning: “Providing false information to an officer, shall be punished under the Penal Code.”

The form applies to nearly every type of application a foreigner can submit to Immigration. The header itself states (verbatim): “This form shall be used for making record of information of every alien entering and staying in the Kingdom of Thailand and shall be submit with

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Notification of residences for Aliens (section 37, 38 of Immigration Act, BE, 2522), or 90-days notification, or Extension of Stays (all purposes), or Re-entry Permits, or in all cases involving alien labors.”

Gen Chachaval made plain his position on the use of the new form: “If a foreigner doesn’t want to fill in their information by themselves, they will be questioned for our records anyway. If they don’t fill in the form, we will suspect their reason”…

SPORT

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Despite blackout, Phuket FC deny forfeit

News 2

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New immigration form sends jitters Continued from page 1 …However, he did not clarify whether a foreigner declining to provide all the information asked for would constitute basis for rejecting the foreigner’s application.

Gen Chachaval did confirm that providing details of social media accounts was optional, as stated on the form, but said that all other sections on the form were “required”.

“We will not force people to provide their social media details,” he said.

The form started being handed out at Phuket Immigration on Monday (May 16), one day after the order for Phuket Immigration Superintendent Col Sunchai Chokkajaykij to be transferred was published in the Royal Gazette. Col Sunchai declined to reveal where he has been transferred to.

Col Kantawat Pongsatanbordee, Superintendent of the Immigration Bureau’s Information Technology Centre in Bangkok, last Sunday (May 15) was named as the

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Koh Tachai closed ‘indefinitely’ due to environmental pressure > page 5

Officials bust boat engine import scam Darawan Naknakhon editor@classactmedia.co.th

C incoming Phuket Immigration Chief, with the Royal Gazette stating he was to take office on Thursday (May 19). On Tuesday (May 17), Col Kantawat declined to comment on any issues.

“I am not ready to give any opinion yet,” he said.

The claim that the form is mandatory is an about-face for Gen Chachaval, who as recently as April 19 told media in Bangkok that the form was not mandatory when questioned about its introduction at Immigration offices in the capital.

He also said that the new form in use in Phuket was official, even though the copies collected by The Phuket News on Monday were photocopied on the back of other photocopies.

ustoms officers and Marine Police have seized 44 boat engines and generators with an estimated value of B10 million after busting a scheme to sell old engines from foreign-flagged boats in Phuket without paying import duty.

The engines and generators were seized at Rassada Pier on Monday (May 16), when officers also took into custody Chanwit Piyapanon, 43.

The operation was a jointinvestigation by the Phuket Customs Office and Marine Police, explained Phuket Marine Police Chief Lt Col Panya Chaichana.

“Mr Chanwit has admitted that the items seized were in his possession,” Col Panya said.

“He now faces charges of illegally importing items without obtaining Customs clearance and avoiding paying import duties.”

The arrest and raid followed two months of inves-

Customs officials and Marine Police seized B10 million of boat engines and generators. tigation, said Lt Col Prasert Srikhunrat, Chief of Region 8 Marine Police.

Foreign-registered boats were brought to Phuket to work in the fishing fleet, but after years of service, many old boats were left abandon at and near local fishing ports, he explained.

“But they took the engines out, reconditioned them, removed the serial numbers and sold them,” he said.

As the engines sold were from foreign-registered boats, at the point of sale, the engines became illegally imported, Col Prasert added.

“Nearly all engines seized

were from tuna fishing boats,” Col Prasert said.

Mr Chanwit was taken to Phuket Customs House for further questioning.

If found guilty, he faces a fine of up to four times the deemed value of the goods seized or up to 10 years in jail, or both.

Police turn to DNA in hope of identifying missing Patong hotel worker

Mr Hakiki, 24, was reported missing on May 7.

Photo: Thanin Promrungsri / Facebook

POLICE ARE LOOKING INto whether DNA samples taken from personal belongings of a missing Patong hotel worker will match that of a body pulled from a Kathu lagoon last week.

Police believe the body fished out of the lagoon on May 9 was that of 24-year-old Muhammad Hakiki from Indonesia, who was reported as missing two days

earlier (May 7) by 28-year-old friend Eakkachai Intarathon.

Mr Hakiki was a trainee hotel staffer at the Merlin Beach Resort at Tritrang, south of Patong, but lived at accommodation provided by the hotel near where the body was found.

“A toothbrush and some hair samples collected from Mr Hakiki’s room were sent to the Institute

of Forensic Medicine centre in Surat Thani for DNA comparison with the DNA of the body,” said Capt Wattanathon Bumrongthin of the Kathu Police (formerly called the Thung Thong Police).

Since Mr Hakiki’s disapperance, police have checked CCTV in and around the areas where Mr Hakiki worked and lived, Capt Wattanathon told The

Phuket News.

“We also questioned all his friends and co workers and we checked his room. His belongings are still there, including his passport. His friends posted a message on Facebook asking people to help find him, but so far there has been nothing,” he added.

Darawan Naknakhon

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

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Envoy killed in crash Accident claims life of Russian deputy honorary consul Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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British national Ronald Rymer is believed to have fallen to his death from the fifth floor, where he was staying.

Police probe fatal fall of Brit man, 70 POLICE ARE INVESTIgating the death of a 70-yearold British national Ronald Rymer, who is believed to have fallen from a fifth-floor balcony at a hotel in Phuket Town on May 12.

Staff at the Manohra Hotel on Komaraphat Rd notified police of the death at 10:30am.

Hotel staff told police that Mr Rymer was staying with his Thai partner on the fifth floor of the hotel, said Capt Udom Petchrat of the Phuket City Police “There is an injury on the back of his neck, but no other signs of assault on

the body or of a struggle at the scene,” Capt Udom said “We checked the fire escape on the fourth floor, which we think the man fell from, but found nothing suspicious. The man’s body was taken to Vachira Hospital for doctors to confirm the cause of death,” he added.

“The man’s partner said that the victim was suffering a lot of stress due to health issues, which may be a reason for him to take his own life, Capt Udom said.

“She was taken to Phuket City Police Station for more questioning,” he added.

Eakkapop Thongtub

ussian Deputy Honorary Consul for Phuket Santi Udom-kiratak died in a car crash in Wichit early Wednesday morning (May 18).

Police were called to the scene, near the Wat Naka temple, at 2am.

They arrived to find rescue workers using hydraulic cutters to recover Mr Santi, unconscious and unresponsive, from his wrecked MercedesBenz, which had slammed into the back of a six-wheeled truck.

Mr Santi was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police suspect Mr Santi, 50, fell asleep while driving.

“His body was taken to Vachira Hospital for doctors there to confirm the cause of death,” said Lt Patcharee Wongboon of the Wichit Police.

“Mr Santi was heading toward his home in Chalong.

He probably fell asleep when he was about to make a left turn onto Chao Fa West Rd

Milo, freed from Phuket Zoo, dies WILDLIFE OFFICERS AT Khao Prathap Chang Wildlife Sanctuary in Ratchaburi have confirmed that Milo, the female orangutan rescued from Phuket Zoo earlier this year, passed away on May 11.

“Milo passed away at the Kanchanaburi Animal Hospital at about 8pm. She had not been well since she arrived at the wildlife sanctuary in April,” said Banpot Maleehaun, Chief of the Khao Prathap Chang Wildlife Sanctuary.

“I was told that she died from health complications due to long-term poor nutrition, and the fact that she was getting old,” he said.

“I am sorry and feel sad for the life she was forced to live. We did the best we can.

Now, I am waiting for veterinarians to perform an autopsy to confirm the exact cause of death,” he added.

Milo was found amid forest in Thalang, central Phuket, in February after she disappeared from Phuket Zoo, where she was held for two years.

Vicki Kiely, who launched an online campaign that spurred officials to finally take action over Milo’s incarceration at the zoo, was devastated by the news.

In a heartfelt post on her @thephuketnews

Milo, the much-loved orangutan who was freed after two years at Phuket Zoo, died on May 11. Photo: Vicki Kiely Facebook page, Ms Kiely said: “It is with the deepest sadness, and heavy heart, I let you know that Milo passed away last night, between 8pm and 9pm. This was just relayed to me now, and I am utterly devastated and empty.

I know she was suffering greatly, and obviously gave up her long battle with her stroke last night.

“I did all that I could for her. I loved her more than life.

I put so much on the line to get her freedom, and to show her love and compassion.

“She was my friend and brought a great joy to both my life and my children’s, even in her dark days as prisoner

in the Zoo… we struck a bond that I will never forget, and her spirit and personality will be with me forever.

“I wish that she could have fought more, but I think the illness was too severe for her to recover. I will not be responding to anyone for the next 24 hours. I am in tot al shock and g r ief.

T ha n k you all for you r incredible love and suppor t of sweet Milo throughout her whole last 5 months.

“RIP my beautiful girl Milo… I weep many tears for you today… I will miss you desperately.”

Tanyaluk Sakoot

Police believe Mr Santi fell asleep at the wheel when his car struck the back of the truck. when his car struck the back of the truck,” she said.

“We are not sure if the truck had stopped at a red light or if it was slowing down to turn at the junction, but the driver, 26-year-old Wanlop Thongked, was taken in for questioning,” Lt Patcharee said.

At the time of going to

press, a senior staffer at the Russian Consulate in Phuket confirmed to The Phuket News that the consulate were aware of Mr Santi’s death, but had yet to issue a formal statement.

Mr Santi ser ved as a Deputy Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in Phuket, Phang Nga and

Krabi provinces since 2008 and had become well know for his public role resolving incidents involving Russian nationals. Among them were his intervention on Oleg Fomenko for smashing a monk statue at Wat Karon in 2013 and the rescue of a Russian woman sleeping on the streets of Phuket Town in 2015.

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PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast

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FRI MAY 20

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Bleeding for good All the requirements for making blood donations QUESTIONS & ANSWERS The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ADVERTISING 076 612 550-2 ext. 600

Fax: 076 612 553 info@classactmedia.co.th www.thephuketnews.com 99/7 Moo 1 (Billion Plaza), T. Kathu, A. Kathu, Phuket 83120

QUESTION I recently went to give blood for a man who was in dire need and was turned away.

I heard other people turned up at the Phuket Regional Blood Centre only minutes too late and were also turned away.

This was in response to an urgent call for blood donations.

I have many people over the years complain about all the different reasons given for being turned away from making blood donations. Can someone please let us know what all the requirements for making a blood donation are, and where and when blood donations can be made.

Chuck, Chalong

ANSWER To ensure the safety of blood donations for both donors and recipients, all volunteer blood donors must be evaluated to determine their eligibility to give blood.

In accordance to the requirements laid out by the Thailand Red Cross, blood donors must: 1) Weigh 45 kilogrammes or more, be in good general health and fit to donate blood.

2) Must be 17 to 70 years of age. Donors who are 17 years -old must have parental consent and the first-time donors must not be more than 55 years old.

3) If you are over 55 years old and never given blood before, you do not qualify.

4) Foreigners making donations must have been living in the Kingdom for at least the past six months before they can donate blood.

5) For donors aged 60-65 years: - Those who have been donating blood regularly until the age of 60 can donate blood only thrice a year, every four months; - Have a complete blood count (CBC) conducted before every donation;

There are many hurdles to clear before you can make that donation that could save someone's life. Photo: Rex - Have serum ferritin (SF) and blood chemistry (BC) checks done every year before donating blood; - Must have a doctor or registered nurse determine and record the result of SF, haemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit tests and blood pressure and approve you making a blood donation.

6) Donors aged 65-70 years: - Must have been donating blood regularly from ages 60-65 years; - Can donate every six months at most; - Must have CBC checked every time before donating; - Must have BC, SF, and EKG checked once a year before donating; - Must have medical certificate from their doctor, or a doctor from the blood donation centre approving your donation.

7) Donors must have at least six hours sleep the night before donating blood.

8) No diarrhoea or stomach problems within the past seven days, or have a cold or fever.

9) Pregnant women, new mothers, breast-feeding women, and women who had a miscarriage in the past six months are all not allowed to donate.

10) Donor's weight must be stable or normal, with no unexplained, dramatic fluctuations within the past three months.

11) People who have taken

aspirin, muscle-relaxants or painkillers within the past three days will not be allowed to give blood. Likewise, people who have taken any antiinfection medication (such as antibiotics) within the past seven days will not be allowed to donate.

12) Donors must not have asthma, skin infections, tuberculosis (TB), or any allergies.

13) Donors must not have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, cancer, thyroid problems, haemophilia or other diseases or medical conditions.

14) If have had any dental work done, such as tooth extraction, filling, root-canal treatment, plague removal, you must wait at least three days before donating blood.

15) If you had a major surgery, you must wait at least six months. If you have had minor surgery, you must wait one month before donating blood.

16) You or your partner must not have “sexual deviation”.

17) You must have no history of drug use, or have been clean for at least three years and maintain good health.

18) For ear piercings and body tattoos, you must wait at least one year before donating blood.

19) If you received a blood donation from others, you must wait one year before donating blood.

20) If you have had malaria, you must wait three years before giving blood.

If you visited a country that has malaria, you must wait at least one year before donating blood.

21) Donors must not have been injected with a vaccine within 14 days of giving blood.

If you are injected with a serum, you must wait one year before giving blood.

22) Donors must eat at least one hour before donating blood but avoid eating high-fat food such as Khao Mun Gai, Khao Kha Moo, any deep-fried food, dessert or curry made from coconut milk.

At the time of making a donation, your blood and blood pressure will be tested. Please answer all questions asked by blood-donation staff. Do not hide any health issues from them. Drink plenty of water to help with your recovery.

Do not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before donating blood and do not smoke any cigarettes at least an hour before and after giving blood.

After you make a donation, during your next visit you will be informed of your blood type and of any diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis and so on, that we have discovered while conducting tests on your blood.

When testing blood, we specifically check for: ABO blood group type, blood Rhesus type, antibodies, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and

HIV. T he Phu ket Regional Blood Centre is located at 38/193 Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd in Talad Neua, Mueang Phuket.

The centre is open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 8:30am to 4:30pm; Tuesday, Thursday – 8:30am to 8pm; Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays – 9am to 3pm.

For more information call the PRBC at 076-251-178.

Ms Wathu Ohaj, PR and Blood-Donation Organiser, PRBC The Vachira Phuket Blood Bank also receives blood donations. The blood bank is located on the 4th floor of Vachira Phuket Hospital, at 53 Yaowarat Rd, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket.

Donations can be made here Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:30am to 3pm.

For more information, call 076-237-237.

Blood donations in Phuket are accepted only at the PRBC and at Vachira Blood Bank, during the hours given.

Special arrangements may be made in case of emergencies, but this is done only at the direct request of hospital where the patient is receiving treatment.

Ampai Saengwichitr, Medical Technician, Vachira Phuket Blood Bank, Vachira Phuket Hospital. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Koh Tachai to be closed indefinitely The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Dive tours to Koh Tachai will also be affected. Image: Javid Ibrahimov / YouTube sites in the Similan Islands remain open to divers and tourists.

“Thanks to its beauty, Koh Tachai has become a popular tourist site for both Thai and foreign tourists. This has resulted in overcrowding and the degradation of natural resources and the environment.

“We have to close it to allow the rehabilitation of the environment both on the island and in the sea, without being disturbed by tourism activities before the damage is beyond

repair,” said Mr Tunya.

He said since the closure of Koh Tachai was declared more than three months in advance, tourists should watch out for some tour companies trying to sell trips to the island after Oct 15.

Asst Prof Thon Thamrongnawasawat, deputy dean of the Faculty of Fisheries of Kasetsart University, said when he was a guest speaker at a tourism fair organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand on May 15 he found

Body washes ashore at Nai Harn THE BODY OF A MYANmar national who was reported missing last Sunday evening (May 15) was found washed up on Nai Harn Beach on Monday afternoon (May 16).

Friends reported 22-yearold Joe Ye Bai as missing at around 6:30pm last Sunday, saying he was last seen being swept away by waves whilst swimming at the beach.

Phuket Lifeguard Club (PLC) President Prathaiyuth Chuayuan told The Phuket News, “The incident happened after 6pm when the lifeguards are no longer on duty. If people

@thephuketnews

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A woman walks through the floodwater brought on by an hour-long deluge on Thepkrasattri Rd last Saturday.

Hour-long deluge brings flash flood

T

he shoreline, beaches and coral reefs around Koh Tachai island in the Similan National Park, off Phang Nga province will be off-limits to all visitors for an indefinite period, starting Oct 15, according to authorities.

The closure aims to ease degradation of natural resources and the environment as a result of heavy tourism activities in the Similan National Park, a natural conservation area, said Tunya Netithammakul, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation.

The measure is part of the masterplan for marine resource management in the Andaman Sea, he added.

All marine national parks are closed from Monday (May 16) to Oct 15 during the monsoon. After Oct 15, Koh Tachai of the Similan Islands National Park will remain closed indefinitely, he said.

However, two deep-diving

PHUKET NEWS

Joe Ye Bai’s body washed ashore at Nai Harn on Monday. decide to go into the water late stay on the beach during the in the evening there is no one evening, it’s best not to swim there to help them should they or play in the water,” he said. need it… If people want to Darawan Naknakhon

that 14 tour companies were still selling their tour packages to Koh Tachai.

“In fact, Koh Tachai is preserved as a primitive zone, not a tourist site… A beach on the island can hold up to 70 people. But sometimes the number of tourists was well over 1,000 on the beach, which was already crowded with food stalls and tour boats. This caused the island to quickly deteriorate. If it’s not closed now, we’ll lose Koh Tachai permanently,” he said.

MOTORISTS ARE URGed to beware heavy downpours that may cause minor flash flooding in isolated areas throughout Phuket as heavy rain clouds move across the island.

Last Saturday (May 14), traffic backed up for hours on the northbound side of Thepkassattri Rd in Thalang from 6am, after heavy rains there caused minor flooding near the Thai Watsadu centre.

Residents in the Moo Baan Usookjaroen area of Thepkrasattri subdistrict reported floodwaters of up to 50 centimetres after an hour of incessant rain. Thalang Police officers were dispatched to the area to help direct traffic.

Some motorbikes were left stranded in the middle of

the road while other vehicles were able to move along the road very slowly.

The floodwater slowly dissipated into the drains and by midday traffic was moving through the area again.

According to the weekly weather forecast from Thai Meteorological Department, Phuket this week will see more hot weather with scattered to fairly widespread rain throughout the week with heavy rainfall in some areas.

On May 6, rainfall of 37.6 millimetres fell quickly at Phuket International Airport, and it took officials hours to clear the floodwater from the road front of the passenger terminal.

Eakkapop Thongtub

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PHUKET NEWS

Demolition notice

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Officials threaten Paradise Beach venue Suthicha Sirirat editor@classactmedia.co.th

Staff from the US Embassy in Bangkok’s Consular section will hold an Outreach clinic in Phuket on Friday, May 27.

P

huket officials have given the owner of a hotel at Paradise Beach, south of Patong, 30 days to remove the offending structure for encroaching on public land.

The eviction order of what Phuket Vice Governor Khajornkiet Rakpanichmanee described as a “discotheque hotel” was handed down on May 12 at a meeting at Provincial Hall.

The meeting was the last in a series of reviews of a slew of complaints filed at the Darongdhama Centre (Ombudsman’s Office) at Provincial Hall. The complaints alleged encroachment of buildings and hotels onto public land, illegal land excavation, deforestation and coral poaching.

“Every government office, including Patong Municipality, in charge of overseeing all structures built in the area reported that they had ordered the developer to cease construction of the building and banned the building being put into use,” V/Gov Khajornkiet said at the meeting.

“The operator was told to bring land documents as

US Consular Outreach heading for Phuket

Patong Mayor Chalermluk Kebsup (2nd from left) and Phuket Vice Governor Khajornkiet Rakpanichmanee (3rd from left) discuss details of the 30-day demolition notice. evidence in order to be issued a building permit, but the land document they presented raised too many questions, so officials declined to issue a permit approving the construction,” he added.

“Now, because the operator did not have a building permit, Patong Municipality will issue a demolition notice at the site.

Please note that the business operator has the right to appeal this,” V/Gov Khajornkiet said.

Patong Mayor Chalermluk Kebsup, noted, “We ordered construction to cease until a

permit had been issued, but they continued their construction until the building was completed and operational.

“We then filed a complaint with the police noting that the company that owns the building had disobeyed an official order.

“Today, this committee has voted to have the building removed within 30 days. If they do not do it themselves within the time given, Patong Municipality will demolish it for them,” she said.

V/Gov Khajornkiet al-

leged that hotel was built on a dubious SorPorKor claim to the land dating back more than two decades “ALRO revoked the claimant’s right to work on the land and ordered the site to be vacated on October 13, 1995, but the claimant ignored that order. ALRO even filed a law suit, and the court ruled in favour of ALRO,” he added.

Then, on October 20 last year, officials posted a notice at the site re-affirming that the claimant had no rights to the land, said V/Gov Khajornkiet.

THE CONSULAR SECTIon of the US Embassy in Bangkok will hold a consular outreach session on Friday, May 27, at Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort from 8am to midday.

Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointment is necessary.

The following consular services will be available during our outreach visit: PASSPORT SERVICES • Renewal of adult passports ($110 / B3,960 – exact change required) • Renewal of minor (under age 16) passports ($105 / B3,780 – exact change required) IMPORTANT: The child and both parents must appear in person.

• Replacement of adult lost/ stolen passports ($135 / B4,860 – exact change required)

• Replacement of minor (under age 16) lost/stolen passports ($105 / B3,780 – exact change required) IMPORTANT: The child and both parents must appear in person.

PLEASE NOTE: You must bring ONE PHOTOCOPY of all supplementary documents requested with the application. These copies will not be returned to you. Photocopy services are not available on site.

The ACS reminds all potential applicants that consular reports of birth abroad cannot be processed at Consular Outreach events.

For more information email ACSBKK@state.gov or call 02-205-4049, or visit the American Citizens Services official Twitter account at https://twitter.com/ACSBKK The Phuket News

How to best prevent more Phuket beach drownings?

PHUKET POLL

Phuket lifeguards are kept busy during the southwest monsoon as more and more beach-goers need rescuing from the dangerous surf at this time of year.

EACH YEAR THE SOUThwest monsoon arrives, swirling the surf along Phuket’s west coast into a deadly morass of foam and brine, with lethal rip currents dragging unsuspecting tourists out to sea, sadly often to their deaths.

The dangers of the strong waves and rip currents are

announced by many agencies time and again at this time of year, but seemingly falling on deaf ears, with lifeguards at beaches along the coast repeatedly reporting incidents of beach-goers ignoring lifeguards’ warnings.

To this, The Phuket News asks our readers, “What do you think is the best way to prevent drownings at Phuket beaches during the southwest monsoon?”

Responses available are: • M o r e a n d b e t t e requipped lifeguards • Improved safety campaigns, including more warning signs and mandatory warning pamphlets in hotel rooms and at the airport • Compulsory surf danger education by all tour companies selling tours to Phuket at this time of year • Compulsory surf safety education for all children in

Phuket • All of the above • None, enough warning is already provided Please note that respondents can choose multiple options in this poll.

To cast your vote, visit ThePhuketNews.com and select “Poll” from the “News” menu.

The poll will run online until May 31.

The Phuket News

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

‘Bad parker’ detained after torching BMW

PHUKET NEWS

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Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

30-year-old man who witnesses saw pour gasoline on a BMW before setting it on fire in Kathu early last Sunday (May 15) has been booked for arson, bad parking and threatening the police.

Pol Captain Wattanathon Bamrungthin of the Kathu Police was alerted to an incident of automobile arson at 3:10am.

Police dispatched a municipality fire truck to the scene, near the entrance to the Irawadee Ket Ho housing subdivision of Kathu’s Moo 1, where a bronze-coloured BMW parked illegally on the curbside was ablaze in flames.

Authorities worked for about 15 minutes to douse the flames, which had completely destroyed the vehicle.

Police detained a suspect, 30-year-old Warot Na Patthalung, formerly known by the name of Nattapong Na Phattalung, who was identified as the suspected driver and arsonist of the BMW. Mr Warot was reported to

Mayor Samran allowed the water trucks to resume using the torn-up road after a donation of B400,000 was made to the municipality to repair the road.

Chalong water trucks back on torn up road

Warot Na Patthalung (inset, right) was detained after witnesses said he was embroiled in a loud argument with a local female resident nearby and set the BMW on fire. be in a heavily intoxicated state at the time of arrest, and was displaying signs of someone under the influence of meth, police said.

According to eyewitnesses, Mr Warot had driven the BMW back and forth on the street several times, before finally parking the car on the curb and entering a rented house, where

he was said to have resided with an unnamed woman.

After a loud shouting match with the woman, Mr Warot emerged from the house with a tank of gasoline, which he then poured onto the BMW and ignited it, witnesses reported.

Col Chawalit Phetsripia of the Kathu Police said police are awaiting results of a drug test.

Phuket gains new police station A FORMER TEMPORARY police building at Naiyang Beach will become a new police station formally designated to serve the Sakoo area and Phuket International Airport.

“The Sakoo Police Station will take over some areas of responsibility from Tha Chatchai Police Station, and will be headed by former Koh Yao Police Chief Col Jirasak Siemsak, who has already reported for duty,” Gen Teeraphol said last Friday (May 13).

“It used to be a rest stop for Tha Chatchai Police, but it has now undergone some

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basic renovations and changed its name so officers can use it until the new station there is complete,” Gen Teeraphol said.

However, the budget for construction is not expected to be made available until the 2017 fiscal year, which begins on October 1, he added.

“After the station opens, we will have a staff of 80 to 100 officers stationed at Sakoo.

Meanwhile, officers from Tha Chatchai and the Provincial Police will help out until the station is ready,” he said.

Until a phone number for the station is established, Col

Kornthip Wonglee became the first person to officially use the new police station’s services when she filed a missing property report.

Jirasak urges Sakoo residents in need of police assistance to call him at 081-8941919.

The Phuket News

“We believe the car belongs to Mr Warot’s friend who is serving time in Phuket for drug charges.

“We’ve had several incidents with Mr Warot parking this car illegally on the curb, and tonight he also threatened us that he will burn down the police station if we arrested him,” Col Chawalit said.

C H A L O N G M AYO R Samran Jindaphol has allowed water trucks to refill their tankers at a lagoon near Wat Chalong on a road that he banned them from only days earlier.

Mayor Samran banned water trucks from using Luangporkluem Rd on May 11 after a slew of complaints brought him to realise that the trucks had torn the small road apart.

However, the water trucks resumed using the road on May 13, with one local resident reporting that 13 trucks were queued up for refilling at 8:30pm the night before.

“The owners pleaded to us that if they stopped the water deliveries, it would hurt their businesses and many people in hotels across the island would have no water,” Mayor Samran said.

“The lagoon owner and the water truck operators together gave B400,000 to Chalong Municipality to repair the road, and for them to continue with their business.

“They said the water trucks would not be filled to the brim and would be driven very slowly in order to not damage the road any further,” Mayor Samran added.

The Phuket News

Opinion 8

OPINION

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EDITORIAL

‘Tis the season

he searing dry heat has faded, the kids are back at school and the hordes of tourists jammed in every nook and cranny of the island have abated. Much of the island this week breathed a collective sigh of relief for the arrival of the rainy season, also known as the ‘green’ or ‘low’ season.

Phuket, like the rest of Thailand, has three recognised seasons: cool, hot and wet, and the return of heavy scattered thunderstorms, and even a flash flood, this week made made it clear as to which season has just arrived.

The dow npou rs also saw the undergrowth take on the green seen in travel brochures and brought on the usual spikes in humidity. This is island life, from now through October, when the pace of life takes a

slower turn.

Though business owners unprepared for the ‘dry season of customers’ let anyone within earshot know ‘how bad it is this year’, for many others, such complaints represent ‘business as usual’.

For many residents of Phuket, it is a time to relax and catch one’s breath after the hectic high season, and for many bar owners, it’s that time of year to catch up with old friends across town, who they could not see during busy times.

In other ways, small business owners, managerial staff and plain old expat workers at this time of year seize the opportunity to finally enjoy where they live. Many foreigners in Phuket work harder here in Asia than they would at home, inculcating an ele-

ment of the Asian work ethic, which presumes you are what your business card says you are – no matter where you are or what time of day it is.

The Phuket News urges all islanders – and visitors – to savour the coming wet season. The drought this year has reminded us that the water from the heavens is a blessing. Enjoy this time, take the chance to go and experience what people from around the world save up all year to come here and do.

Re m e m b e r t h a t t h e dangerous surf along the west coast also ret ur ns this time of year, dragging unsuspecting swimmers to their deaths. Don’t be fooled by a clear sky.

The deadly undertow of the rip currents at the beaches is not forgiving. Be safe.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Phuket Paradise Beach hotel given 30-day demolition notice Flash flood douses Phuket traf fic to a standstill Major Buddhist holiday brings alcohol ban to Phuket Three-year-old dies after being left in school van Koh Tachai to be closed indefinitely Foreign man, 70, dies after multi-story plunge at Phuket Town hotel Woman, 67, killed in Phuket hit-and-run Phuket elephant welfare park to offer respite from tourism Phuket officials bust B10mn ‘recycled’ boat engine scheme May o r hal t s wat er trucks over damaged Phuket road

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Water woes aplenty Title: Flash flood douses Phuket traffic to a standstill Extremely jealous down here in Saiyuan, Rawai. So long since we have had any rain. The well is dry as are the plants, trees and lawn. All dying including my avocado trees after being nurtured for 11 years. Just using the last of my storage tank marcher Re: Chalong water trucks back on torn up road This is a joke. It is not only the destruction of the road but also the blocking off by these trucks parking in some cases double parking that then stops the local residents using the road to and from their houses and also all the coaches full of Chinese tourists going to the spa next door and also the herb outlet just down the road.

Also when this road behind the temple becomes a main road due to the underpass construction it is only a short time until accidents and maybe even injury can occur? Is the mayor elected by the local residents? If so I hope they use their power at the next elections as I am sure there are plenty of other water

outlets that can be used. I would suggest that Mr Mayor looks after the local residents of his borough before those outside if it and one water lake owner is not a majority in this case. The local residents are.

YesSir Glad to report that work has started already today (Sunday) on the road repairs. Not sure if they are just repairing the broken bits with cement road and leaving a patchwork of tarmac (which of course can get destroyed in the future) between the new cement repairs and the old broken tarmac surface. But at least it is a start.

Local Resident Re: Thai worker passes out at bottom of deep well, thought to have suffocated Oxygen level is unlikely to have been the primary issue,its more likely that he stirred up the mud as he worked and thereby released hydrogen disulfide, often described as smelling like rotten eggs. A low amount is enough to cause a fairly rapid death. Very basic error for anyone with knowledge of the risks of working in confined spaces.

Belzybob

Name, shame and train ‘em Re: Bus driver records to be publicised Want to improve safety, how about giving them a high standard of driving lessons like in most countries of the world, carry out random drug and alcohol tests, drill it into them that driving passengers is not a race to see who can go the fastest, drive the closest to another vehicle. Learn that it is safer drive slower and leave a greater distance between vehicles in the rain. malczx7r Wouldn’t it be better to publish the safety, or in this case, unsafe, record of the bus companies, after all it is the company that employees these drivers, it is the company that mandates the distance and time the drivers are made to travel, without a co-driver, or a decent a mou nt of slee p, it is t he compa ny t h at is re sponsible for the safet y/ servicing of the bus. By publishing the companies record would force them to take action as customer would “normally” avoid a company with a bad record, though, as we know, Thais do

not always think his way.

Rorii

Forever fallin’ Re: Foreign man, 70, dies after multi-story plunge at Phuket Town hotel One thing’s for sure, the railing height for these incidents needs to be looked at. Also, I would not rule out foul play until it was thoroughly looked into with good forensics.

Was the deceased drugged and dumped, hence no struggle? Did the deceased arrive home to discover a tryst? Were they lying in wait for the old timer? Was the girl discovered to be a ladyboy and fight resulted? I don’t want to seem morbid, but there are just too many deaths for me to think they are all suicides or accidents. Is a serial killer on the loose? We need answers, not just the same old, same old and RIP. It seems to me that something is going on. I just hope all things are considered in light of the amount of falling deaths. At the very least, counseling should be available on a hot line for depressed fol k s a nd t hose railing heights looked into.

Rich 44

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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

THAILAND NEWS

9

Given 7 days to surrender BANGKOK

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he Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has given embattled abbot Phra Dhammajayo seven days to turn himself in to investigators after the Criminal Court approved an arrest warrant for him on Tuesday (May 17).

Phra Dhammajayo, the abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, is accused of involvement in money laundering and receiving stolen property worth B1.2 billion in connection with the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative (KCUC) embezzlement case.

The decision came just four hours after the DSI assigned its chief investigator in the case, Lt Col Pakorn Sucheevakul, to seek a warrant for the controversial monk’s arrest.

The request was opposed

by Samphan Sermcheep, the lawyer for Wat Phra Dhammakaya.

DSI chief Paisit Wongmuang said the DSI did not want a confrontation with the temple supporters and the abbot’s disciples so it decided to issue a letter to the abbot with

Wat Dhammakaya and the charismatic Phra Dhammajayo sprang into the limelight in the late 1990s as a reform sect, and almost immediately became mired in controversy and scandal. Photo: Freedomwatchinternational.org a seven-day deadline to meet investigators. He declined to say what the DSI will do if the abbot fails to show up.

Col Paisit said the decision to seek the newer warrant was made at Tuesday’s joint meeting between DSI investigators and prosecutors after the monk sent a lawyer to request a delay in reporting to the DSI. He said the DSI had reviewed the abbot’s medical

records and found them inadequate to justify another postponement of the meeting.

Col Paisit said the medical records were issued by Sahavej Clinic, a facility inside the Phra Dhammakaya temple, while the letter authorising Mr Samphan to act on his behalf was not signed properly.

He said the DSI submitted documents from both sides to the court for consideration.

Bus driver records to be publicised BANGKOK THE TRANSPORT MINIstry plans to develop a website that provides road accident records for public buses and vans to help improve safety for passengers.

Deputy Transport Minister Omsin Cheevapruek said the ministry was concerned about the safety of passengers who use public transport, particularly public buses and van services.

Various measures have been taken over the years to make public transport safer, he added.

This time, the ministry has come up with a website plan, Mr Omsin said. The move was in response to a request by a consumer watchdog which was worried about passenger safety and driver discipline.

Mr Omsin said a meeting between the Ministry of Transport and various agencies was held recently to discuss how to make public transport safer.

It was attended by authorities from the ministry, representatives from the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), from Thai Health Promotion Foundation and a company that provides a pro@thephuketnews

A passenger boards a bus on Bangkok’s BMTA Line 92.

Photo: Ian Fuller/Flickr gramme focused on improving essential safe driving skills.

The meeting had agreed that the quality of public transport services needs to improve, Mr Omsin said, citing the number road accidents in

which public buses and vans were involved last year, as provided by the TDRI. The meeting had also resulted in the agreement to create the website, he added.

Bangkok Post

The 72-year-old abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya was summoned to hear the charges at the DSI offices, following the DSI’s probe into the B12billion KCUC case. However, he postponed previous meetings with DSI investigators on April 8 and 25, citing severe ailments.

The DSI sought an arrest warrant on April 26 but the court rejected the request on

the ground that the abbot was not a flight risk. The DSI was forced to issue another summons for him to meet investigators on Monday (May 16).

Mr Samphan on Monday sought the postponement, but was asked by the DSI to submit documents naming his power of attorney and more medical records to prove his illness.

Mr Samphan submitted further documents to the DSI on Tuesday allegedly showing the abbot was not fit to travel.

He asked the investigators to meet the monk at the temple.

The monk had suffered an allergic reaction to medications, he said.

Before the arrest warrant was approved, the DSI chief said the agency would consider when and how the monk would be arrested and it would also ask other law enforcement authorities to assist.

As for a video clip posted on social media showing Phra Dhammajayo outside the temple performing a ceremony and releasing birds on May 4, Col Paisit said he had not seen it and it might be an old clip.

Mr Samphan said he was aware of the arrest warrant and would discuss it with the

legal team.

According to the monk’s lawyer, Phra Dhammajayo suffered a severe allergic reaction to his medications Tuesday morning and felt dizzy.

The monk’s team of four doctors advised he should rest for two months.

Mr Samphan declined to comment on the monk’s latest symptoms, saying the question should be answered by doctors.

He insisted the illness was not staged to avoid reporting to the DSI. “The DSI is welcome to bring in doctors to examine Phra Dhammajayo, but they must be specialists in the monk’s illness. The doctors who are treating Phra Dhammajayo will decide on this matter,” Mr Samphan said before the arrest warrant was approved.

On Sunday, Phra Sanitwongse Wuttiwangso, director of Wat Phra Dhammakaya’s communications office, said the abbot has been suffering from deep-vein thrombosis.

He added the ailment could be life-threatening if the abbot moved around too much.

Bangkok Post

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

slain Police refuse murder charges Guard at Mae Sot by inmates in disabled breadman killing BANGKOK

C

ity police insist there is no evidence indicating premeditated murder by seven suspects in the killing of a disabled bread delivery man in the Lat Phrao area.

Metropolitan Police Bureau acting commander Lt Gen Sanit Mahathavorn said police will press murder charges against the suspects only if there is sufficient evidence, not based on social pressure.

The city police acting chief made the comment after Anantachai Chaidet, the lawyer representing the family of Somkiat Sichan, 36, who was killed in a deadly brawl with a group of teenagers on May 1, together with the victim's family members, appeared on Monday (May 16) at the Royal Thai Police headquarters.

They submitted a letter to national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda asking for justice.

The lawyer and the victim’s family demanded Gen Chakthip pressure Chokechai investigators to press charges of premeditated murder (first degree murder) against the

suspects.

They also asked police to handle the case fairly as four of the suspects are the sons of police officers.

The lawyer said he submitted footage from surveillance cameras at the scene as evidence for the proposed charges.

However, Lt Gen Sanit said the seven suspects, including the latest suspect who is the girlfriend of one of the other suspects in the case, are currently being charged with manslaughter (second degree murder).

While he said the evidence at hand is not sufficient for pressing charges of premeditated murder, Lt Gen Sanit assured investigations are still ongoing and if the evidence allows it, police will charge the suspects more severely.

Lt Gen Sanit said a premeditated murder charge needs clear evidence that a suspect had prepared for a murder in advance. He said in this particular case, although some suspects made phone calls to get more help while the brawl was taking place and the newcomers came with weapons,

TAK

Police have charged these five and a hospitalised sixth men in their early 20s for attacking and killing a 36-year-old disabled man Somkiat Sichan. Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya there needs to be evidence that proves they had planned to kill the victim before arriving at the scene.

“But all the suspects insisted they came to the scene to help their friends in the brawl and carried weapons to protect themselves, not to kill the disabled man,” said Lt Gen Sanit.

He said premeditated murder is the most serious charge and comes with the death penalty upon conviction, while manslaughter,

which has execution as the maximum penalty, can have lighter sentences ranging from 15 years in prison to life imprisonment.

If an investigator files an exaggerated charge against a suspect without solid grounds, the officer would also face charges for causing others to be unfairly punished, he added.

The pressure on the police came after a group of people launched a campaign last weekend for police to file more serious charges against

the suspects.

The campaign, which was conducted online, has received strong support from netizens. Most believe the police’s hesitation to press more severe charges is due to four of the suspects being sons of police officers.

On May 1, Somkiat, was stabbed to death in a brawl with six young men on Soi Chokechai Si in the Lat Phrao area. One of the suspects was also injured in the brawl.

Bangkok Post

SECURITY OFFICIALS last Saturday morning (May 14) sealed off Mae Sot District Prison for fear of a riot after an unknown number of inmates killed a guard with weapons.

Lt Col Pongsakorn Thanawang, an inquiry officer at Mae Sot police station, told Thai media the inmates assaulted Mongkholchai Narkwan, who oversees the men’s sleeping quarters of the prison, with a knife, metal rod and wooden rod.

The 42-year-old sustained serious injuries and was later pronounced dead at Mae Sot Hospital.

Details about how the attack took place remain unclear.

Officials have not been able to identify the inmates involved in the killing, nor the number of inmates involved.

Many police and military officers were reportedly present at the prison to help prison guards control the prisoners , who could have started a riot following Mongkholchai’s attack.

Investigations are underway to find the culprits. Relatives are not allowed visits for the time being.

Bangkok Post

Khru Noi shuts child shelter BANGKOK

WELL-KNOWN CHILD welfare activist Nualnoi “Kru Noi” Timkul last Sunday (May 15) tearfully announced she had shut down her financially troubled children’s charity home, ending 35 years of helping the poor.

Ms Nualnoi decided to shut down the Baan Khru Noi home for poor children permanently after she amassed a debt of about B800,000 with loan sharks to try to cover the shelter’s expenses of about B200,000 per month.

Besides financial problems, the 73-year-old cited her health and age as obstacles to running her charity home that looked after 64 children and teens, eight of whom are handicapped, although she was helped by seven staff.

In an emotional farewell ceremony, Ms Nualnoi addressed the children and their parents to officially close the shelter. The children then sang a farewell song and each took turns to give her a flower and bid an emotional farewell. The session brought Ms Nualnoi, most children and parents to tears.

Ms Nualnoi told the media

Nualnoi ‘Khru Noi’ Timkul and some of her kids can’t hold back the tears as they say a final farewell to her home for the poor. Photo: Thanarak Khunton she would sell the 117-squarewah charity home for nine million baht to settle the debt and buy a little house to live in with her husband.

“All my children have graduated so I don’t have to worry about them,” she said.

She admitted her poor financial management skills were to blame for the accumulated debt, forcing her to declare a shutdown of the home twice in 2010 and once last year.

She denied an allegation that she used donations for her own personal purposes and challenged those accusing her to present proof and file a complaint with police.

The farewell ceremony was attended by Social Development and Human Security Minister Adul Sangsingkeo and deputy police chief Gen

Pongsapat Pongcharoen.

Gen Adul said he and ministry officials came to give moral support to Ms Nualnoi and the children.

The officials would assess the impact of Baan Khru Noi’s closure and determine each child’s needs to plan both short-term and long-term assistance, especially in respect of their education.

Gen Adul gave handouts worth between B1,000 and B3,000 to the families of the affected children as initial aid.

The minister has instructed Gen Pongsapat to help mediate talks between Ms Nualnoi and eight loan sharks.

Ms Nualnoi turned her private house on Bangkok’s Soi Rat Burana 26 into Baan Khru Noi home in 1980.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Seeing the light

Electricity finally comes to rural Indian village INDIA

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am Kishore searched long and hard to find a suitable wife for his son, but his efforts only paid off when electricity finally came to his village in rural north India this year.

It was not until the power pylons were installed as part of a government scheme to connect thousands of villages to the national grid that Kishore could persuade a prospective bride’s parents to part with their daughter.

Now he is all smiles as he sits under a glowing light bulb in his single-room home in Anandpur village. Just 230 kilometres from the capital New Delhi, it has never had electricity – until now.

“I will personally invite my daughter-in-law’s family to visit us and look at the electricity meter,” the 60-year-old former labourer said proudly after his house was connected.

Anandpur is just one beneficiary of an ambitious plan Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in his Independence Day speech last August to bring electricity to 18,452 Indian villages.

Government figures released last year showed that more than 300 million people in India – the world’s fastestgrowing major economy – still had no access to electricity.

Per-capita electricity consumption is barely one third of the global average.

Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi, Modi said those villagers had been “deprived of the rays of development,” promising to finish the job within 1,000 days and saying the country was “not ready to wait for 10 years”.

It has not been an easy task.

Dinesh Arora, who runs the scheme for the power ministry,

@thephuketnews

Villagers in Anandpur make use of modern technologies after being connected to the grid for the first time ever. Photo: Money Sharma / AFP says the communities targeted are the “the toughest villages in most extreme corners of the country”.

Many cannot be reached by road or are in areas riven by violence.

Two of Arora’s engineers were kidnapped and roughed up by Maoist guerrillas, while another team had to swim across a river to reach their destination.

Even once they reached the villages, some were given a hostile reception by residents suspicious of local governments that had given them little help in the past.

India’s federal structure has added to the challenges, with electricity provision usually handled at the state level.

Each state has its own, often loss-making power providers, which are not always eager to extend provision to the poorest villages where revenues are unlikely to justify the cost.

Nonetheless, since Modi launched the scheme, nearly 11,000 villages have been connected to the grid.

As the main power line to Anandpur is switched on, the local men who had gathered

excitedly round the visiting officials to watch then run screaming towards their mostly mud-and-brick houses yelling, “did it come?”.

“My husband has promised that we will now buy a fan and sleep peacefully at night, without mosquitoes,” said Urmila Devi, who lived in a village with electricity before she married and has had to get used to kerosene lamps in Anandpur.

Each of the village’s 120 residents has a different take – some women are looking forward to being able to cook indoors even after dark, which has been impossible without electric lighting.

For young men like farm labourer Neeraj Singh, electricity means having a mobile phone that works.

“Having to use a solar cell to charge was time consuming and my phone battery would stay flat for days every month,” he says.

For the children of the village, most of whom cannot read or write and have never been to school, electricity means being able to carry on playing even after sunset.

“I had once watched tele-

vision at my aunt’s place and really enjoyed it,” said Lakshmi.

“Now, I will ask my father to get us one.”

Only 18 of the 25 households in Anandpur agreed to get connected and have the free electricity metre installed – the other seven were unsure whether they could afford the monthly bill of between $1 and $2 (B35 and B70).

AFP

ASIA NEWS 11

Japanese travel firm cancels ‘sexist’ ser vice JAPAN A JAPANESE TRAVEL agency has cancelled a service offering in-flight lectures from “beautiful” female university students after a barrage of online criticism accusing the firm of sexism.

The HIS travel firm dropped the in-flight package last week with a message saying sorry after its website was overrun with a deluge of complaints from angry netizens.

“The company offers a sincere apology that the campaign caused unpleasant feelings to many people,” said a statement titled “Apology” on its website.

HIS’ proposal to titillate – and educate – male clients is not the first time a Japanese company has offered up women for innocent company.

Men can pay to snuggle with a beautiful woman at “cuddle cafés”, shell out for an innocent walk in the park or spend an evening at “snack bars” where female

companions are hired to chat, sing or light her date’s cigarette.

HIS’ service offered travellers a chance to sit next to a “beautiful girl” from Tokyo University, Japan’s equivalent of Harvard or Oxford, and receive a “fun lecture” about their area of study.

According to the HIS website, no premium had to be paid for the chance to sit next to a companion, instead the campaign appeared to be aimed at driving reservation traffic to the agency.

The campaign’s site posted photos of young women advertising what they could do for customers.

An ad for one of the women, apparently an urban engineering student, promised to entertain a traveller with a lecture on the development history of the flight’s destination.

HIS’ Twitter account was bombarded with complaints the campaign was “sexist”, accusing the company of treating the women like “hostesses”, a reference to females who work in bars.

AFP

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Resorting to nappies

US poultry workers denied toilet breaks: Oxfam UNITED STATES

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oultry workers in the United States are routinely denied bathroom breaks to the point of being forced to wear nappies while on the production line, a new report claims.

The “vast majority” of 250,000 workers in the sector are mocked, ignored or threatened with being fired when they ask to go to the bathroom, Oxfam America said in the study.

“Workers struggle to cope with this denial of a basic human need. They urinate and defecate while standing on the line; they wear nappies to work,” said the report, released last week.

The US arm of the global anti-poverty charity added that workers would often take on dangerously low levels of liquids, enduring pain and discomfort while risking

The ‘vast majority’ of workers in the US poultry sector are threatened with being fired when they ask to go to the bathroom, Oxfam America said. Photo: Scott Olson/AFP serious health problems.

The group quoted anonymous workers at Tyson Foods, Perdue Farms, Pilgrim’s Pride and Sanderson Farms, which between them have 100,000 workers and account for 60

per cent of the sector.

Tyson, one of the biggest poultry companies in the world, said in a statement it would “not tolerate the denial of requests to use the bathroom” in its factories.

“We’re concerned about these anonymous claims and while we currently have no evidence they’re true, are checking to make sure our position on restroom breaks is being followed,” it said.

Oxfam cites a survey of 266 workers in Alabama conducted by the anti-discrimination Southern Poverty Law Centre which said “nearly 80% said they are not allowed to take bathroom breaks when needed.”

“A recent survey in Minnesota revealed that 86% of workers interviewed said they get fewer than two bathroom breaks in a week,” Oxfam added.

The charity added that the few employees who say they are allowed to relieve themselves whenever they wish work in plants that are unionised, around one third of the total.

Supervisors deny workers permission to leave the production line because they are under intense pressure to keep up with production or meet daily quotas, the report said.

Workers were waiting an hour or more and then racing

across vast, often slippery workshop floors to accomplish the task quickly enough to avoid being disciplined, Oxfam added.

“While the poultry industry today enjoys record profits and pumps out billions of chickens, the reality of life inside the processing plant remains grim and dangerous,” the report went on. “Workers earn low wages, suffer elevated rates of injury and illness, toil in difficult conditions, and have little voice in the workplace.”

Oxfam called on the companies to deploy “floating” workers to step in temporarily when employees needed to leave the line, ensuring production would not be halted.

Tyson Foods says it has met with Oxfam and has already complied with the request. Perdue, Sanderson and Pilgrim’s were not immediately available for comment.

AFP

Sydney Sexpo still hitting the spot after two decades AUSTRALIA VIRTUAL REALITY PORN, a giant penis-shaped amusement ride and an artist dubbed Pricasso, Sexpo, Sydney’s adult entertainment and lifestyle show is celebrating its 20th year but is just as hot as ever.

The four-day show in Australia’s largest city features big-name porn stars, numerous sex-toy stores, a giant ride named “Shafter” and moved further into the digital age this week with virtual reality porn.

“Twenty years is a long time in this game,” Sexpo Australia’s event manager Bentleigh Gibson said. “I

think it is terrific that Sexpo can be operating through this period of time and it’s still so well-supported by the industry and the populations of the countries and the states that we go to.”

The show has been franchised to South Africa and Britain, bringing with it favourites such as artist Tim Patch, also known as Pricasso, a former Australian builder who uses his penis to paint.

While Sexpo draws thousands of Australians through its doors, it is also attracting young Asian fans keen to get a glimpse of Japanese adult internet star Mao Hamasaki, as well as an inaugural cosplay contest.

Cosplay – where enthusiasts dress up as characters from anime series, comics and video games, mostly from Japanese pop culture – has been growing in popularity in Australia and around the world, with Sexpo organisers keen to tap into the fantasy craze.

“Sexpo came to me and said we are doing this thing and we’d like for you to be involved,” avid cosplayer and Australian adult star Lucie Bee said.

“We’ve got some amazing mainstream [cosplay] conventions in Australia... but this is like a place where you are so free from judgement, everyone’s here to kind of lose their inhibitions a bit, discover

something new.”

Also making an appearance is virtual reality porn, with the fully immersive technology promoted as more than just a gimmick.

“We are trying to keep up with the industry trends as well, especially in terms of health, education and technology,” Gibson said.

“Virtual reality, VR, porn is a big one at the moment.

Obviously when the internet... came on board in the ‘90s, that was a competing factor, so we had to embrace that onto the floor with our exhibitors. “(VR) technology is going to be the next step in this industry I think.”

AFP

A dancer performs on stage during a presentation at the w exhibition, Sydney’s adult entertainment and lifestyle show. Photo: Peter Parks/AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

LCCs form alliance AirAsia, Jetstar left out of new venture AIRLINES

BUSINESS NEWS 13 Number of Foreign Productions and Revenue in Thailand 2012 – 2015 Year

Revenue Adver- Docu- Music TV Sensitive Game TV TV Feature Others Total (Million Percentage Content TV Show / tising mentary Video Program Program Reality Drama Series Film Baht)

2012

314

122

41

80

8

3

6

9

53

26

636 1,781.93 +45.29%

2013

346

150

47

86

6

0

7

8

67

21

717 2,173.35 +21.97%

2014

294

159

44

74

6

1

1

7

41

19

631 1,934.18 -11.00%

2015

329

176

57

62

8

9

1

16

63

37

724 3,164.30 +63.60%

2016

75

28

8

21

1

0

0

4

5

6

143

Bangkok Post

hailand’s Nok Air and seven other AsiaPacific airlines have forged what they call the world’s largest low-cost carrier (LCC) alliance.

The creation of the Value Alliance (VA) was made official on Monday (May 16) as the airlines pledged to complement each other’s operations to drive ticket sales.

The partnership is expected to boost every member’s airline revenue by 20 per cent over the next two years.

The founding members are Cebu Pacific (including its subsidiary Cebgo), Jeju Air, Nok Air, NokScoot, Scoot, Tigerair Singapore, Tigerair Australia and Vanilla Air. Through VA, customers will be able to view, select and book the best available fares on f lights from any of the member airlines in a single transaction with a single payment, directly from any of the partners’ websites, said a statement issued by VA on Monday.

This means more destinations, more routing options and greater convenience for customers, VA said.

Unlike typical technologies, the interface created by ABB, a British developer of

314.63

-90.06%

: Thailand Film Office

T

Bigger incentives for movie makers FILMING

Chief executives of the newly founded Value Alliance gather for a photo session at Monday’s (May 16) official launch in Singapore. Photo: Bangkok Post the world’s first dedicated multi-carrier interlining and booking system, lets customers take advantage of a full suite of ancillary choices rendered by the LCCs. These include seat and meal selection, variable baggage allowances and other in-flight features across all partner airlines for a single itinerary.

The eight VA members together span a third of the globe, serving more than 160 destinations from 17 hubs with a collective fleet of 176 aircraft across the Asia-Pacific region.

Last year, airlines that now comprise VA served a

total of 47 million passengers.

The system is expected to strengthen distribution in their non-home markets, expand their sales networks via the provision of interline itineraries, retain their ancillary revenue opportunities and offer customers a better, one-stop-shopping experience, VA said.

The cooperation model is strictly confined to enhancing sales and ticket distribution among members, unlike the comprehensive airline alliances adopted by full-service airlines.

The model of groups such as Star Alliance, Oneworld and SkyTeam is far more

extensive and includes cooperation in aspects like marketing, procurement and mileage transfer, along with common quality standards and service offerings.

“Those complex and costincurring exercises were frowned upon by LCCs, and that is not what we are pursuing,” said Piya Yodmani, chief executive of NokScoot, one of Thailand’s two long-haul low-cost carriers. “Our aim is to keep fares low.”

Notable exclusions from the new alliance were AirAsia of Malaysia, Southeast Asia’s biggest budget carrier, Qantas Airways’ Jetstar Group of Australia and India’s IndiGo.

State names risky companies on blacklist THE GOVERNMENT HAS put 18,756 companies on the blacklist of firms that pose a risk to do business with as they have not given the exact locations of their offices or submitted annual financial statements as required.

Pongpun Gearaviriyapun, director-general of the Business Development Department, said authorities inspected 630,000 juristic persons registered with the department and found 18,756 were questionable, deserving of special care in doing business with or contacting them.

Ms Pongpun said the department wrote a remark at the end of the certifications for all juristic persons that the public or other businesses can examine on its e-Service site by keying in the names of juristic persons.

If the department has made a remark, it has determined those companies require special care, she said. @thephuketnews

Ms Pongpun warned to take special care in dealing with juristic persons that use names that resemble large or famous companies such as Mitsubishi Electric Automation (Thailand), as the public may be misled. She also cautioned against those firms that had their business registration revoked such as uFun Store.

She said people should pay special attention to companies that exaggerate their registered capital. For instance, Ms Pongpun said the department recently revoked the business registration of one company that raised its registered capital from B1 million to B100 billion, as this was deemed impossible.

However, for juristic persons that run businesses with honesty, accountability and good corporate governance practices, the department offers accolades, putting remarks at the end of certifications for juristic persons.

Bangkok Post

The Business Development Department has posted on its website a list of 18,756 ‘suspect’ companies.

T H E CA BI N E T H A S asked the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Ministry of Finance to increase financial assistance through bigger cash rebates to attract more foreign movie companies to film in Thailand.

Government spokesman, Sansern Kaewkamnerd, said the Cabinet agreed in principle, last week, to give rebates to attract big-budget movies to shoot in Thailand, but recommended the rebates would have to have more incentives if they were to succeed.

The Cabinet has approved in principle a cash rebate equivalent of 15 per cent on every B30 million spent shooting a foreign big-budget movie in Thailand and another 5% for filmmakers using local postproduction services. For overall, the rebate will not exceed 20% per production.

“The ministries have been tasked to discuss appropriate rates and details to attract foreign filmmakers shooting productions in Thailand,” the spokesman said.

Ministry of Finance is also tasked to seek a funding source to support the rebate scheme. Initially, the ministry suggested the government rely on a competitiveness development fund to support the scheme for three years allocating B150 million per year.

Tourism and Spor ts Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said Thailand has huge potential as a film location and it would help to boost the country’s tourism image through the visuals.

Thailand earned a record B3.14 billion from on-location film shoots, January to December last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ Thailand Film Office Department data.

TTR Weekly

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Restaurant legals for starters establishment to sell alcohol legally. Establishments that require liquor licenses include pubs, bars, restaurants, distillers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, hotels, clubs, theatres, grocery stores and liquor stores. To obtain the liquor license under the Liquor Act, the applicant shall apply with the District Office or Local Excise Department.

Fabian Doppler and Mana Meerungruang

F

rom street food to highend restaurants, from Thai to international cuisine, Thailand is a paradise for foodies. The operation of a restaurant requires a license, that is, a permission by the Thai government. There are two types of government permission regarding to restaurant businesses: 1) the restaurant license; and 2) a certificate of notification.

Restaurant license If the applicant wishes to set up a restaurant having an area exceeding 200 square meters, he or she must apply for a restaurant license from the local government.

The local official shall issue the license within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application. All licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance. They shall be displayed openly and conspicuously in the business establishment and can be used only in the jurisdiction of the issuing government agency.

If the licensee fails to comply with the provisions of the ministerial regulations issued

Related licenses It should be noted that a restaurant business usually entails the application for other licenses, such as a liquor license and a construction permit.

Construction permit Furthermore, the premises of the restaurant must comply with building regulations, in particular the Building Control Act of 1979, and the applicant shall apply for a construction (or modification) permit for the restaurant.

The application for such construction permit shall be granted or rejected within 45 days from the date of receipt thereof. As supporting documents, the applicant shall provide details concerning the plans for the building’s design, and state the names of building architects, contractors or engineers. It is important to note that specific laws exist for different types of construction.

Liquor license A liquor license allows an

Operating without license Operating without a restaurant

Even opening a small bar or restaurant requires several legal permits issued by the government before you can open your doors to patrons. Photo: KayEss under the law of public health, or with the conditions specified in the license, the local official shall have the authority to withdraw or suspend the license for an appropriate period but not exceeding 15 days.

Certification of notice If the area is smaller than 200sqm, the applicant is only required to notify the local government. A certificate of notification shall be obtained before setting up the restaurant (Section 38 of the Public Health Act).

The following documents

will be required to support the notification: ID card of the applicant, lease agreement, medical certificate of staff, and any related license from a government agency (see below). The certificate shall be issued within seven working days from the date of receipt of the notification.

After receiving the certificate, the recipient must display it openly and conspicuously at the business establishment.

The licensee must renew the license annually before the expiration date. If the local official refuses to issue or

renew the license or certificate and the order receiver does not agree with that order, he has a right to appeal, within 30 days from the date of refusal. Note that small restaurants located in a food court or market are subject to specific rules.

or related license constitutes a violation of the respective laws and regulations. Transgressions shall be punished by fine and/ or imprisonment under the Public Health Act, the Liquor Act and Building Control Act, as applicable.

It is interesting to note that a significant number of restaurants, in particular in tourist resort locations such as Phuket, operate without a legally required restaurant license or certificate of notice.

The reasons for the lack of compliance are various.

However, stringent enforcement of the existing laws is certainly desirable to achieve the Public Health Act’s goals of transparency and quality control, and to maintain the high quality of food in Thailand.

Fabian Doppler is Partner and Mana Meerungruang is Associate at FRANK Legal & TAX, a law firm with offices in Bangkok and Phuket (www.franklegaltax.com).

This article is for reference purposes only, FRANK Legal & Tax disclaim any liability whatsoever for any damage caused by reliance on the contents of this article.

More Thais heading abroad KASIKORN RESEARCH Centre estimates there will be a 6 per cent increase in overseas trips made by Thais this year and estimates Thais will make 7.4 million trips by year’s end.

According to the Kasikornbank think-tank, the Thai outbound travel market will continue to expand this year, due to a positive economic outlook since the beginning of the year.

“Thais will travel more du r ing the long-holiday breaks… promotions by airlines, overseas hotels and travel firms even the payment process made easier by banks will encourage more travel,” the centre reported earlier this week.

Japan should continue to be the top destination for Thai travellers with an estimated 850,000 to 900,000 trips this year. Thai travellers are drawn by the mix of traditional and modern cultural attractions, the food and overall cleanliness of tourist destination in Japan, said the report.

Asean, the second choice, will continue to draw Thais due to free-visa travel and short travelling times, with an estimated four to 4.5 mil-

Japan should continue to be the top destination for Thai travellers with an estimated 900,000 trips this year. lion Thais travelling to Asean destinations this year, by air and overland.

“Tourism operators should sell products and services in a response to travel demand for Asean visits… focusing on Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam,” the centre advised.

The top Asean destinations are Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, using mainly lowcost carriers.

Europe is high on the agenda with the United Kingdom, Germany and France leading the booking trends but there are concerns about security, high costs and prohibitive visa rules.

The research centre estimates Thais will make 7.4

million trips this year. There is very little data on the value of the outbound market, and for years the outbound volume stagnated at around five million trips a year.

However, tourism operators need to closely monitor geopolitical factors especially terrorism, natural disasters and currency movements, which will impact to travellers’ decisions and spending, the centre noted.

Kasikorn Research Centre is a subsidiary company of Kasikorn Bank, which conducts tourism and business research mainly on Thailand’s economy including tourism with reliable recommendations and indicators on business prospects.

TTR Weekly thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

How to do the bow pose correctly

TOUR DE MONK

Koh Tapu. Photo: Diego Delso

A day trip to Phang Nga > Page 20

@thephuketnews

16

Dental care for Phuket’s children

18

Fearless yoga 16 HEALTH

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

The deep stretch of Dhanurasana

Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

Kim White is the owner of Sala Samadhi. She offers authentic Hatha yoga instruction for private and group sessions. Contact: www. mindbodyyogasystem.com or 086 276 9174.

Photo one: it is safer for beginners to attempt this position with a towel.

The opinions and advice c on t a i ne d i n this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results following any advice in any situation.

F

earlessness is such a powerful word and a quality that we all like to believe we have. Recently I have been faced with some difficult life changes and challenges. I was unable to control the situation and I did not want to change and let go. I asked myself, why? The answer was fear, fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of loss, fear of letting go.

This month I would like to share with you Dhanurasana, also known as bow pose, named after the warrior Arjuna and his bow. Known to be the most powerful and strongest of all bowmen and fearless in his approach, Arjuna was also compassionate and selfless, quoted as saying, “Selfish action imprisons the world.

Act selflessly, without any thought of personal profit”.

The Dhanurasana pose is a powerful stretch along the front of the body and a deep opening of the front body particularly the chest - the heart centre. This deep stretch helps you cultivate an attitude of fearlessness and grace. Let’s have a look at the other benefits of this pose: •Expands chest and shoulders •Mobilises spine •Stretches hip flexors (inner hip muscles) and core muscles •Stretches front of shins •Strengthens the gluteus muscles of the hip and hamstrings at the back of the thigh •Strengthens the lower back •Relieves some forms of lower back pain

Photo two: For more experienced practitioners.

•Therapeutic for asthma, opening accessory muscles of breathing •Tones the abdominal organs and stimulates organs of the neck.

Please follow these steps to start your practice of the bow pose.

1. Lie on your stomach with your hands by your side and palms up (beginners may want to lie on a rolled up blanket - see photo one). Exhale and bend your knees, bringing your heels as close as you can to your buttocks.

Reach back with your hands and take hold of your ankles, not the feet. Make sure your knees aren’t wider than the width of your hips.

2. Inhale and strongly lift your heels away from your buttocks and at the same time, lift your thighs away from the floor. This, in effect, will pull your

upper torso and head off the floor. Press your tail bone down toward the floor, and keep your back muscles soft. As you continue lifting the heels and thighs higher, press your shoulder blades firmly against your back to open your heart.

Roll your shoulders away from your ears and look forward (see photo two).

A few notes: 1. You will find breathing will be harder because your belly is pressed to the floor. It is very important to keep breathing, do not hold your breath. Breath steadily and slowly into your back and chest.

2. Hold for up to 30 seconds.

Release as you exhale, and lie quietly for a few breaths.

You can repeat the pose once or twice more.

Happy stretching! thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CULTURE 17

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Visaka Bucha Day basics A new column exploring Buddhism for the unenlightened, starting with today ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com

All About Buddhism will be a monthly article in The Phuket News where I take readers on my exotic journey into Thai Buddhism and debunk a number of myths about Buddhism, as well as take readers to exotic temples that few of us have gotten to see…

Jason at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

T

he old song goes “There’s no place like home for the holidays”. In Thailand it can be rather confusing for foreigners. After all, what do we know about Buddhism?

Having become a Theravada Buddhist two years ago, I know quite a bit. Anybody who takes a holiday in Thailand will immediately be struck by the number of Buddhist images here. Most people are intrigued by the statues.

Some people think they must be mystical images and deeply paranormal. On rare occasions, a minority of people are offended by the Buddhist shrines. I have one friend who called them “graven images”.

Many misunderstand what these images are supposed to mean. Buddha was actually just a man, like you and I. He walked the Earth and, we believe, found enlightenment. (I like to think we Buddhists got that part right. After all, he did foster a peaceful religion that has withstood the test of 2,000 years of history.)

Buddhists are mainly engaged in the search for truth. To be enlightened could be simplistically thought of as acquiring the ability to see life as it really is; kind of like finding the meaning of life. Many of us need certain things in life to feel secure, even if we know that they probably are not real. That’s perfectly fine, as long as we reconcile ourselves with the fact that we actually live in a lot of fallacies.

Buddhist Doctrine holds that Buddha was born, found enlightenment, and died on the same month and day. That’s what Visaka Bucha Day celebrates. It is the most holy day of the year and thus

Giving alms to monks is a large part of Visaka Bucha. Photo: Vichit Municipality Buddhists celebrate the day with a fair amount of fervor.

Different temples and groups mark the day a little differently. A rather elaborate service is held where we celebrate the holiday by “making merit”, a term that somewhat translates to giving alms. Buddhist monks don’t have any money and so they rely on us to provide for them through donations; or making merit. On this holy day my congregation will travel by bus to very holy temples that have very holy relics. We will hold an evening ceremony where we walk around the temple

three times with candles and we will make merit (give alms) to needy monks.

Some devotees listen to sermons, which we call the Dhamma.

Others might bathe small statues of the Buddha in water or wear special, white clothes. In fact, there are many other ways that devotees may mark the holiday but, in short, traditional Buddhists believe that Buddha was born on this day, found enlightenment at age of 35 on this day, and died at age 80 on this day. To Buddhists, this is a most important day.

Superstitions in Thai culture SIRINYA’S WORLD Dr Sirinya Pakditawan pakditawan@googlemail.com

Sirinya Pakditawan is a ‘luk kreung’, or half-Thai, born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. She enjoys writing about Thailand, with a focus on culture, art, history, tradition and on the people, as well as a mix of topics concerning Thai popular culture, travelogues and articles about Thai food.

Sirinya’s aim is not only to entertain you but to provide you with information and facts about Thailand, its culture and history that may not be generally known, in particular to the Western world. She has a PhD in American Studies from the University of Hamburg.

To read the original story, and many more, be sure to check out Sirinya’s blog: www.sirinyas-thailand.de

@thephuketnews

I

f you’re familiar with Thai culture, you will know that supernatural beliefs, especially in ghosts and spirits, are very prominent. They can be divided into two main groups: benevolent and malevolent spirits.

Benevolent spirits are primarily guardian spirits, for instance, the guardian spirit of a village and the numerous territorial spirits which are the spirit of the forest (Chao Pa), the spirit of the hills and mountains (Chao Khao), the rice goddess (Mae Phosop), Kuman Thong (กุมารทอง), the spirit of young children and Mae Sue (แม่ซ ือ้ ), the female guardian spirit of infants. The group of benevolent spirits include guardian spirits, thewada, usually referred to as a collective. A very well-known spirit in Thai culture is the ‘house ghost’, Phra Phum. Every Thai house and building has a guardian spirit that lives in the spirit house placed in front of individual houses.

Malevolent spirits cause trouble to people and aim at harming them. Most often these evil spirits are supposed to be the spirits of people who died violently or accidentally. It is a common belief that if

a person dies violently or suddenly, his/her spirit wanders around in this world since it still aims at fulfilling its role here.

However, there are also other kinds of bad spirits like Phi Pop (ผ ี ปอบ), a malevolent female spirit that devours human entrails, Phi Krasue (กระส อื ), a woman’s head with her viscera hanging down from the neck) and Phi Krahang (กระหัง), a male ghost that flies in the night, for instance. These spirits have the ability to possess people and can even kill a person and devour his/her viscera. Hence, it does not come as a surprise that the majority of good spirits are referred to as individual ghosts whereas the evil ones are categorised in groups.

Benevolent spirits are supposed to assist and protect the living. In return, the good spirits receive offerings and sacrifices made by people, to please the spirit so that it will help people, implying a sort of reciprocal relationship between the spirit world and human beings. For

Mae Nak Phra Khanong shrine offerings, portraits of the spirit and dresses. Photo: Xufranc. malevolent spirits, people often make an offering first in order to pacify the spirits. If that does not work, the assistance of the benevolent spirits is needed. Thus, it might also be the case that Buddhist rituals are necessary to pacify them.

It is a general belief that if human beings behave badly and disrespectfully towards a good spirit, this ghost might turn malevolent, making the distinction between good and evil spirits unclear at times.

We could be justified in stating that generally, in Thai culture, spirits and the supernatural are very important. Ghosts are classified by their nature of origin as benevolent or malevolent and some also have their own shrines for worship.

18 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Caring with a smile

Rotary project provides dental care to 400 children

P

atong Hospital, the Rotary Club of Patong Beach (RCoPB) and the Newport Sunrise Rotary Club (of California, USA) from April 18 to 22 provided 400 Phuket children with free dental care. Newport Sunrise Rotary Club brought 50 qualified dentists and dental students, as part of the Ayuda Mission, who are a strategic partner in the club’s BacchusDoc in a Box programme.

The focus of the project was to bring together all the schools, kindergartens, child-care centres and special centres to ensure the children have a high level of health and welfare.

Dr Porramatte and his team of dentists and assistants, turned the resources of Patong hospital’s dental clinic towards conducting screening, cleaning, extraction and restoration where required on the children, who were brought on buses

by the RCoPB, setting up 16 dental work stations.

Disadvantaged local children and many who live in construction camps watched instructional videos on oral hygiene, the importance of eating healthy food and non-fizzy drinks.

“This was a fantastic example of local and overseas Rotary clubs combining with a Phuket essential facility to enable access to free top-class dental care. Our thanks to the Patong Hospital and to Newport Sunrise for this great initiative,” said Dr Peter Harris, Chairman of the RCoPB Project Services Committee.

The project intends to return in January and work with the hospital to run clinics in the local Patong schools.

They plan to bring back supplies and train local volunteers to apply a fluoride varnish on students’ teeth and to help teachers educate students.

Khun Wipa has dedicated two decades to helping children avail opportunities.

Opportunities abound

O The conference room in Patong Hospital served for 16 dental stations.

ver the past two decades, Khun Wipa Tanmanatragul has proven to be an invaluable member of the Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC), having been a president and running the school scholarship programme since 2004.

She has made a massive contribution to PIWC and the students have benefited from her guiding hand during and after their education over the years.

Education is the basis for getting opportunities, and no one knows this better than Khun Wipa, who herself was the recipient of scholarships when she was young, enabling her to become a trained nurse. She works very closely with schools in the region, which alert her when they identify promising students whose families are unable to afford to put their children through higher education.

Alongside a committee of other club members, prospective new students are interviewed each year and many are helped as funds become

available. Currently 200 students are benefiting. For Khun Wipa, it is not just a question of solely awarding the scholarships, however. She becomes a mentor to the students, overseeing them and helping them with any problems that they may face. By doing this she benefits the students and ensures that the money raised is allocated effectively towards their best interests.

Khun Wipa believes strongly in giving back to the community, and her hard work has become essential to transforming and supporting the lives of countless people over the years.

Funds are raised by club members who act on a voluntary basis, giving 100 per cent of money raised to the charity. Donors are very welcome to come and see the students themselves at a presentation ceremony held each year.

For more information about this PIWC programme email: scholarships@piwc-phuket.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 19

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

PSU programmers go international Team FEDEX from PSU one of two Thai teams to make the World Finals

P

Sponsored

ost-secondary students from more than 40 countries arrived in Phuket this week to take part in the Association for Computing Machinery-International Collegiate Programming Contest (ACM-ICPC) World Finals 2016. Team FEDEX from the Prince of Songkla University, Had Yai Campus and team CUCP Meow Meow 3 from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok are to represent Thailand in this competition. Team CUCP Meow Meow 3 was the winning team of the ACM-ICPC Thailand 2016, while Team FEDEX won the ACM-ICPC Southern 2016, and includes team members Tanapol Anantachaiwanich (Dream), Arif Waram and Napat Wongphanngam (Jay), who are coached by Assistant Professor Sangsuree Vasupongayya. Team FEDEX were kind enough to answer a few questions to help spread more awareness about this prolific international tournament.

What inspired you to become programmers?

Dream: I started to work with computers in my elementary school. I got to learn how to solve problems and I enjoyed it so much that I have been interested about learning more about it ever since.

Arif: I wanted to learn more about computer programming since I had a chance to join the Computing Olympiad Camp. I found it to be quite challenging and I have been learning to solve problems and have taken part in many competitions ever since I was introduced to computers.

Jay: When I was young I enjoyed playing games and wanted to know how they worked. Plus, I grew up in a family where everyone studied IT, so I developed an interest to learn more about programming.

Do you have previous experience in entering competitions or won any awards or trophies?

Dream: I joined in all three camps of the International Olympiad in Informatics and have won a bronze medal. When I enrolled in college I joined the ACM-ICPC and competed in the southern division level, which I also won, this time first prize. I competed in the national level and last time was at the ACM-ICPC at the Asian level.

Arif: When I was in my senior year of high school I joined the International Olympiad in Informatics Camp 3, and after I enrolled in college I entered the competition of the ACM –ICPC. In past years I have won first prize. I have also entered at national and Asian levels.

Jay: I had a chance to join the competition ACM-ICPC at the southern division level, which I won. I also went for national and Asia levels.

which I got online from UVa Online Judge. I will use C and C++, and my computer teachers have been very supportive and taught me algorithms that we will be using in the competition.

Arif: During the course of the competition I have been using my How do you get ready for this spare time to practice and learn big event and what program- to solve all sorts of problems. In ming languages will you use the competition we can use three languages C, C++, and Java, but in the competition?

Dream: I don’t think I have had mostly I will probably use C++. a lot of time to prepare. I learnt I heard that some problems may that we had gone through to the take at least five hours to solve and next level in February and have that each team will get about 12-15 spent roughly two months practicquestions to solve. We have to work ing all sort of problem-solving tests as a team and rely on mathematics

PIA to become Thailand's first UWC Nattha Thepbamrung editor1@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket International Academy (PIA), located in Thanyapura, is set to become the first and only United World College (UWC) in Thailand, after two years of hard work and discussions with the London-based organisation.

“We are excited about the direction in which the school is moving”, said Julian Whiteley, Chief Executive of Phuket International Academy. “We aim to challenge our students in all areas of our educational programme and encourage them to take the initiative, exercise selfdiscipline and accept responsibility for their actions. By so doing, they will develop the skills and qualities necessary for them to live happy and successful lives.”

UWC has gained a worldwide reputation for developing young people who have a desire to work towards achieving peace and sustainable futures.

“Already, I have talked with some parents who are changing their life plan because they want their children to be educated at a UWC. We have also had a number of people contacting us from Bangkok as they have heard the news @thephuketnews

and intend to move to Phuket to be part of our community,” added Julian.

Julian, former Head of the United World College of South East Asia, Singapore, moved to Phuket because he shared his vision with the founder of Thanyapura and Phuket International Academy.

“Not only are the aspirations of UWC and Phuket International Academy very similar, they align perfectly with my own philosophy of education and life. At the heart of this is a deeply held belief that education is about the personnel development of all aspects of a child, it is not just about academics. Whilst it is possible to learn a certain amount in the classroom, so much more can be learnt by interacting with the world outside school. Hence the emphasis we place on outdoor education and service to the community.”

In August, the school will welcome 25 scholars from around the world who have been selected for their leadership skills and desire to be future change-makers.

PIA, due to become United World Col lege Thailand, is located at Thanyapura, 115/15 Moo.7, Thepkasattri Rd., Thalang, Phuket. Phone at 076 336 076 or visit their website phuketinternationalacademy.com.

From left to right: Arif, Dream and Jay. or other programming techniques to help us solve some problems so we can get the best and most accurate answer.

Jay: I have been preparing for this since I learnt that I had been selected to be in the team. I will use C and C++ at this competition.

I have spent two-three months getting ready for the competition and have focused mainly on problem solving techniques that range from easy to difficult.

Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Phuket Campus hosts the 40th ACM-ICPC from May 15-20 at Saphan Hin Sports Complex.

20 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Entrance to Wat Suwan Kuha

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Panyee village as seen from James Bond Island

Koh Tapu

Phang Nga Bay revisited The many charms of Koh Panyee and ‘James Bond’ islands JAMIE’S PHUKET Jamie Monk jjjjmonk@yahoo.co.uk

Everything is built around the rocky island called Koh Panyee, which towers above the village.

I

f anyone asks me for a list of “must see” places in the Phuket region, Phang Nga Bay is top of the list. The bay is vast, covering the sea and many islands in between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. From our house outside Phuket Town it takes just over an hour to drive to Phang Nga Town.

We set off late morning in February in no particular rush and stopped off first at Wat Suwan Kuha temple, which is just before Phang Nga Town.

Glad to see the entry fee is still B20 (and no dual pricing). Wat Suwan Kuha features lots of monkeys outside and a big reclining Buddha inside along with many other Buddha images, and behind the Buddha cave is a larger cave.

We headed up to Phang Nga in two cars as there were nine of us altogether – my wife and I, our two kids, my daughter’s friend, my wife’s cousin’s son, my cousin and his wife and their son.

After the stop it was time for lunch, then we backtracked a few kilometres – just before Phang Nga Town if coming from Phuket there is a right turn and a sign saying “Phang Nga National Park”, which leads down to the Phang Nga municipal jetty. As we arrived at the jetty, longtail boat drivers leapt into the road to flag down cars. We negotiated a boat for B1,600, actually a little more than I was expecting and my wife and I both thought the drivers were a bit of an unfriendly bunch. We know you can also get a “local” boat from here to Panyee village, and we’d like to try that sometime in the future.

We arranged with the boat boys to take our group to Panyee village first and then James Bond Island (at Koh Khao Ping Gan). The jetty is up a mangrove river about seven kilometres north of Panyee, about 20 minutes by longtail boat. Panyee is a stilted village built around a large limestone karst. I find this place very interesting once beyond the row of restaurants and souvenir stalls. It’s what I think of as a microsociety, a place slightly removed from reality, a little isolated from the rest of the world, although these days there are hundreds of tourists visiting every day.

Koh Panyee from the water - the mosque is just about the only building built on solid land. Everything else is on stilts.

Thus even more reason to find some backstreets.

Everything at Koh Panyee is built around the rocky island which towers above the village. Since our last visit there have been a couple of changes… the mosque has been rebuilt with shiny golden minarets, and the island has a floating football pitch! We walked through narrow streets passing the mosque to the west side of the island.

The back streets of Panyee village are narrow and full of interest. At every step I wonder what it’s like to live here.

I imagine it’s a very close community where everyone knows everyone and doors are always open. Life will have changed a lot over the past 20 years with tourism generating a lot of income, but it’s still a fishing village at heart.

Panyee is Muslim like much of the Phang Nga coastal area (and also much of Krabi and a fair amount of Phuket).

Although the stallholders selling souvenirs look a little bored, I see a lot of smiles here.

Crossing over from where we landed, past the mosque I found what I wanted to see – the floating football pitch. It wasn’t there when we visited in 2010 although there was a concrete recreation area attached to the school. The kids realised that you’d get quite wet playing here, as you’d need to jump into the sea to retrieve the ball any time it went out of play! We spent about an hour at Koh Panyee and I think I would happily spend half a day there taking photos.

It was nearly 4pm when we started heading towards James Bond Island, which is about another 7km south. We went via a small island where several sea kayak companies have their bases,

Panyee football field. and on a busy high season day you can find hundreds of tourists on a little kayak tour (part of a day trip package) – not for serious kayakers! Our longtail picked a path through the kayaks and through a small cave. All of these little islands are beautiful. I want a boat!

We got to Koh Khao Phing Gan (the proper name for where James Bond Island is located) about 4:30pm. The tall rock that sticks up from the water is called Koh Tapu, which means “Nail Island”. I wonder how many years until it falls over? I’m sure the base looked fatter in the movie! In the late afternoon light, this area is gorgeous. The photo above was taken at nearly 5:30pm, by which time we had this “crowded” tourist attraction to ourselves. Even the souvenir stall holders had gone. I had not noticed before, maybe it was the light, but you can see Koh Panyee from here, 7km to the north – what a view!

We sped back to the Phang Nga pier in about 25 minutes from James Bond Island, passing Koh Panyee with the sun sinking low. Every time we’ve done this trip it’s been a great day out.

We drove back to Phuket, straight into Phuket Town for dinner at about 8pm.

A perfect day! thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PEOPLE 21

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Orthodoxy with originality

From TV to church, Father Roman and Mother Kseniya Anton Markhov news@novostiphuketa.com

T

he Russian Orthodox Church in Thailand has a special meaning for more than just Russian nationals. At the moment there are eight Russian Orthodox parishes in Thailand – two in Pattaya, one in Bangkok, one on Koh Samui, one in Ratchaburi, one on Koh Chang, one in Hua Hin and one here in Phuket, each headed by a priest, titled Father.

The very titles Father and Mother (which is how wives of Russian priests are addressed) inspire in one’s mind images of conservative, righteous people beyond the scope of our ordinary lives. These are the stereotypes we all share in regard to clergy and churchmen. Father Roman and Mother Kseniya, who oversee the Russian Orthodox Church, break these stereotypes.

“Kseniya and I met while working for an Orthodox TV channel in Moscow. I worked as a cameraman, she was an editor. We got married, began to attend a missionary school, but never even thought about entering priest service, let alone doing it abroad.

In 2010 we were working on a documentary in memory of the slain priest Daniil Sysoev, and during filming met

a priest who later told us that Father Oleg from Pattaya needed volunteers.

We agreed, packed up and left,” Roman recollects.

Roman’s and Kseniya’s first experience in Thailand lasted only six months. The couple found it too difficult to live so far from home in a hot tropical climate, surrounded by people of different nationalities. They went back to Russia… only to return to Thailand again a short time later.

After one month, Father Oleg called Roman and asked him to come to serve in Phuket. At first Roman laughed and pointed out that he was not ordained as a priest, but Father Oleg assured him it was no obstacle. “‘That’s ok,’ he said. ‘We’ll apply to the Patriarchy, you will enter a distance course in Seminaria and that’s it,’” Roman says. That’s how Kseniya and Roman got to Phuket.

The parish of Holy Life-Giving Trinity on Phuket island was created in 2008 after the Russian Orthodox Church was registered in Thailand.

On 18 December, 2011 the church of Holy Life-Giving Trinity was officially opened.

Father Roman confesses that being a young priest is challenging. When asked if he is afraid of anything, he admits to numerous fears. “I’m afraid to say something wrong to a churchgoer, I’m a young priest still. I’m afraid to fail to see something, to miss something,” Oleg says frankly.

“Everything is difficult. It is hard to wake early for a prayer, hard to stay in constant contact with people, hard to find time for everybody,” he muses.

This openness is what many church-goers note when asked about Roman. People expect a moralitypreaching priest shrouded in dourness, and are surprised with how far their

Father and Mother outside their church.

Live performance at church.

Father Roman painting a mural in the church. @thephuketnews

Members of their congregation.

Father Roman and Mother Kseniya. expectations were from reality. Mother Kseniya says that living and working in Phuket has been a positive experience mainly due to Roman’s vitality.

“In a sense it is easier to be a priest here for a reason that maybe only few church-goers understand. The people we meet here in the church are mostly young, and the Father doesn’t have to align with stereotypes of the elderly,” she says.

Kseniya admits that the most difficult thing for her was to adapt to local living after her life in a big city and the increase in physical labour.

“But now we don’t belong to ourselves,” she concludes, alluding that Roman and Kseniya now belong to the community of their believers.

When asked where their home is now Father Roman is pensive, “Home is where some wait for you.” Having said this, he stands up, he bids his farewell and goes for the vesper service that is awaiting him. This makes his answer absolutely clear.

This article is based on an article that ran in Novosti Phuketa on September 27, 2015 by Daria Manina.

22 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

PIWC’S MONTHLY MEET & GREET COFFEE Phuket International Women’s Club held their monthly coffee meet on May 12 at Starbucks in Central Festival. A casual get-together for anyone interested in the club, as well as existing members, the event is held on the second Thursday of each month from 10:30am to noon.

Joan, Urn and Mary.

Marion, Suzi, Dyane and Christina.

KANGAROO BAR, BIKERS JOIN FORCES TO PROVIDE WHEELS FOR DISABLED Khun Ott (in white shirt), owner of the Kangaroo Bar on Bangla Rd in Patong, is joined by scores of supporters – including bikers from Heroes, Warpigs, Rebel and The Crims biker clubs, who helped in the donation of a mobility scooter for disabled local street vendor “Mr Pom” last Saturday night (May 14). The mobility scooter was provided by Pride Mobility Products in Australia. Don’s BBQ provided food for the night. Special thanks to the Patong Police for making the celebratory street ride on Bangla possible.

THE 8TH LIGHTHOUSE MARKET KEEPS ON SHINING BRIGHT (From left) Saranyu Suwannasoonthon, Chawalit Rattanachinnakorn, Boon Yongsakul, Kanittha Prasopsirikul and ML Sirinthip Yongsakul at the Lighthouse Market on May 6-7.

SILKAIR MOVEMENT SilkAir, Phuket Thailand held a farewell party for outgoing Phuket Manager Mr.Chandran Menon and welcome party for incoming chief Mr Ahmad Zuhri at the Re Ka Ta Beach Club, Boathouse by Montara, at Kata Beach on May 4. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Michelle, Kathy, Maliha

From L-R: Plerng, Oyé, Pui, Joy

OASIS ED MERITS GO ON SHOW The Second Oasis Ed Phuket Open Day on Saturday (May 14) was full of fun and engaging activities for everyone to enjoy. Throughout the day there were a host of free arts and crafts sessions for both kids and adults to join in.

Timmy, Paramee, Kez, Karn

Natasha, Steve, Russell

Derek, A, Kay, Yui

THE CIDER HOUSE OPENS TO A BARREL OF FUN The Cider House in Cherng Talay opened its doors on Friday (May 13) and welcomed mnore than 50 local residents to sample their imported products.

Mark, Martin, Greg

LIONS CLUB OF PHUKET PEARL GETS BOWLING FOR ‘A RAY OF HOPE’ The annual bowling tournament was hosted by the Lions Club of Phuket Pearl at Bowling Big C. Money that was collected will be used for project aimed to support children in need, such as the support of autistic and disabled children and other projects. @thephuketnews

(From left) Lions Club 2nd Vice Governor of District 310B Lion Sommart Onwong, Fundraising Chairperson Lion Igor Protasov and winners of the Bowling Competition.

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM dulging in our special weekend lunch set for only B399++ per person between 11am-3pm. Menu includes 3 starters, 4 main course and dessert served with Gulab Jamun/Phirni Vanilla Custard/ Ice Cream (choose 1). All for just B399++ per person. For more info please call 076 304 034.

20 MAY BISP Art exhibition - The Mad Artists Tea Party

Live entertainment Friday and Saturday night at Ceramic Kitchen

British artist Goldie MBE will open ‘The Mad Artists Tea Party’ on Monday 21 March at 3pm in the main lobby at BISP. The Grand Opening is open to the general public, and the exhibition runs until 27 May 2016. For more information about visual art at BISP, please visit bisphuket. ac.th/visual-arts.

Welcome to Ceramic Kitchen Bar and Restaurant, a charming Phuket restaurant serving Western and Thai food in the cozy atmosphere of a clay house. Open every day 12pm - 12am (except Tuesdays). Book your table for this weekend! Live entertainment Friday and Saturday evening. RSVP, 185/15 Moo 7, Srisoonthorn Rd., T. Srisoonthorn Thalang, Phuket, Thailand 83110, 099 410 0956, www.facebook.com/ceramickitchenphuket.

BBQ at Expat Hotel

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

DRUMMING TO BEAT CANCER

Come and join a very unique and free drum circle called DRUMSTRONG: Non-stop 2 hours of drumming and dancing at Yoonique Stone Music Cafe at Nai Harn lake - Saturday May 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. DRUMSTRONG raises awareness & funds for cancer research, through Rhythm. This event will represent Thailand in a world wide collaboration to beat cancer (www. drumstrong.org). Come out and PLAY or dance; we’re drumming to BEAT cancer! Proudly supported by The Phuket News.

SAT

21 MAY

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 B350 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com.

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

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

Price at 799++, RSVP, SKYE Beach Club at Naiyang Beach, 093 582 7700.

Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast first and third Friday of the month, in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys/Achars, Pistachio Ice Cream, Gulab Jamun, Fruits. Extra dishes on the menu: ONION BHAJI, BOMBAY ALOO, DAL MAKHINI, VANILLA ICE-CREAM. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks.

SUN

22 MAY

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

Friday BBQ Buffet at SKYE Beach Club

Indian Curry Night on Fridays

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Phuket FC VS Surat Thani FC

Saturday May 21, Phuket FC VS Surat Thani FC at Surakul Stadium. Kick-off 7pm. Admission B50 adults, Free for children with school ID Card. Proudly supported by The Phuket News.

Collective Series ‘Session Five

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar

‘The Great Prohibition 1930s Party’ starts from 5:30pm with tickets priced at THB 2,000 net per guest. This is inclusive of a free flow prohibition themed drinks and signature canapés. Reservations, Kata Rocks, dining@katarocks.com, 076 370 777.

The competition will be held at 9pm, Expat Sports Bar at the Expat Hotel Soi Taipan, Patong. See map at www.expathotel.com.

The High Tea Party

Gather the girls and get ready for our yearly shopping extravaganza in support of The Good Shepherd charity, a High Tea Party not to be missed! Saturday May 21, 2-5 pm. Afternoon Tea at 500 THB. The Plantation Club @ The Pavilions, Cherng Talay. rm.phuket@thepavilions. global.

A CASUAL SUNDAY BRUNCH BY THE POOLSIDE

Mussels night @ Shakers

1.2kg mussels served with french fries, your choice, your style: nature, marnière, provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

Bollywood Phuket’s Weekend Special Indian Lunch Set

Come and enjoy authentic flavours of India by in-

Open Mic @ TwoChefs

Reservations, Two Chefs Karon.

Relaxing afternoon by the poolside featuring a lavish spread of international delicacies and fresh seafood from the Ocean. Special Promotions: (1) A group of over 10 people receive 20% discount. (2) Birthday celebrations – birthday person receives a complimentary Brunch. The rest of the party, if over 10 people receive 20% discount. All prices are subject to a 7% government tax and a 10% service charge. Children’s prices are applicable to those aged from six to twelve. Children under the age of six dine with our compliments. RSVP, HYATT REGENCY PHUKET RESORT, fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com, 076 231 234.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

SUN

22 MAY

WED

25 MAY

SAT

4 JUN

Every Wednesday!

All-you-can-eat Pasta and Pizza Every Wednesday eat all you can - pizza and pasta only for 500 Baht. Drink all you can Peroni & Belleville only for 450 Baht or both EAT DRINK ALL YOU CAN ONLY FOR 890 Bath with DOUBLE EXPRESSIONS LIVE! Wednesdays 6pm to 11pm. info@pastabellini.com. Located at Chalong Circle, Chao-Fa East.

EVERY DAY

Sunday Brunch at Novotel Phuket Surin Beach Resort Indulge yourself in a culinary experience like no other: a wide selection of Thai delicacies alongside sushi platter, pasta, pizza, meat carving station and a variety of desserts. Only THB 399++ per person. Toddlers below 4 years old eat for free. Children aged 4-12 receive 50% discount. Advance booking recommended.

RSVP, info@novotelphuketsurin.com

MON

23 MAY

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

6pm – 11pm: All you can eat BBQ ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservations recommended THB295 P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

FRI

27 MAY

6pm – 11pm: beef, pork, chicken, burgers, sausages, prawns & squids, salad buffet, choice of potatoes & sauces, bread, buns & garlic bread Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

TUE

Toastmasters Phuket

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

Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Invitation only.

Contact Jason on 086 479 7471 for more info.

@thephuketnews

Asia’s largest destination marathon, the Laguna Phuket Marathon, will be taking place on 4-5 June 2016. More than 8,000 runners from around the world are expected to enjoy 2 days of races and fun. The 10.5km run, 5km Walk & Run, and 2km Kids’ Run will take place the afternoon of 4 June while the half marathon and marathon will start early morning on 5 June.

For more info and to sign-up, visit www.phuketmarathon.com or www.gotorace.com Proundly Supported by Live 89.5

WED

All you can eat BBQ night

24 MAY

11th LAGUNA PHUKET INTERNATIONAL MARATHON 2016

15 JUN

If you have time this month get down to Sea Breeze located in Royal Phuket Marina. Open 9am to 10pm everyday serving home-made mexican specialties, flame grilled burgers and Thai specials! All sport available shown live, Contact: Reservations, info@seabreezerpm.com, 076 360 806.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

The 2016 HOOTERS Phuket International Rugby Tens The excellent facilities at the Thanyapura Sports Club will showcase some excellent rugby in both the Vets and Open divisions as the Phuket Vagabonds attempt to retain the trophy they won for the first time last year. As is traditional the tournament will kick off Friday with the Athena Siam Coffin Dodgers vets Tournament with 16 teams showing the silky skills of a bygone era and reliving past glory. The Open tournament action will kick off on Saturday morning with 24 teams going for glory. Teams from Australia, Dubai, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, The UAE and the UK will battle it out in what will be one of the closest tournaments in our 18 year history.

The overall standard this year promises to be some of the most competitive and whoever wins Sundays final will be worthy winners of what is one of the premier tournaments in the region.

Entry to the tournament is free so come on down and support your local team, support the ACF & support rugby. Contact phuketrugby@gmail. com for more information Proundly supported by The Phuket News and Live 89.5 radio.

Great Mexican, Thai and Flamegrilled Burgers in a beautiful setting!

BRIAN TRACY COACHES IN BKK BEST OF THE BEST BUSINESS SEMINAR OF YEAR 2016 IN BANGKOK “BRIAN TRACY COACHES IN BKK” 1 FULL DAY BUSINESS SEMINAR WITH THE INTENSIVE COACHING BY THE WORLD FAMOUS BUSINESS SUCCESS EXPERT AND MOTIVATOR, BRIAN TRACY! 15 June 2016 08:00-19:00 hr Swissotel Le Concorde Bangkok Limited Seats Available...Don’t Miss Out the great opportunity :) BUY NOW! www.eventpop.me/e/483 or www.thaiticketmajor.com/seminar Group Booking (5 tickets+) or more info, please call 081 809 0780

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across

59. Certain raptors 60. Let 61. Hodgepodges 62. Boys 63. Duds 64. Retreats 65. Eyelid problem

22. Lodge 25. Arp’s art 1. ___ liquor 26. Dedicated 1. Which biblical measurement was approximately 18 inches?

5. Fraternity letter 27. Bridge call 2. In 1980, who was the most famous international figure to be 10. Good earth 28. Plant sucker presented with the key to the city of Detroit, USA? 14. Dwarf buffalo 29. Butcher’s 3. What name links Barbie and Margaret Thatcher?

15. Ne’er-do-well stock 4. Which law states ‘for every action there is an equal and 16. Song for 30. Go astray opposite reaction’? (give a name and number) Carmen 32. Culmination 17. Elusive creature 5. Robert Lewandowski of Poland just set a record of scoring 30 33. Pennsylvania goals in a season. Which club side does he play for?

Down 18. Indicated city Answers below, centre 19. Young salmon 34. Safecracker 1. Poet Angelou 20. Venus 35. Irish offshoot 2. Again 23. Threshold 37. Fine-grained 24. Down and out 3. French novelist wood Pierre 25. Blotchy 38. Be gaga over 4. Serious 28. Alter 39. Fortresses agitation 31. Be of use to 43. Card game 32. Rich Little, e.g. 5. Comparison 44. Totality 6. Model 33. Spud bud 45. Pressure 7. ___ rock 36. Pluto 46. Manifest 8. Department 40. Commercials 47. Rival of Paris store 41. Put out 48. Cake topper department 42. Bell sounds 49. In progress 9. Song and 43. Stumbled in 51. Symbol dance speech 52. Exclusive 10. Ran out 45. Senility 53. “___ Is It,” 11. Electioneer 46. Bay window Jackson film 12. Put on 49. Emanation 54. “Doggone it!”

13. Get a wife 50. Mercury 55. May event, for 21. City in 57. Kuwaiti ruler short northern 58. Great Lakes 56. Latin infinitive France salmon

SUDOKU

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) One Cubit; 2) Saddam Hussein; 3) Roberts: Barbie’s last name and Thatcher’s maiden name; 4) Newton’s Third Law; 5) Bayern Munich

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

■■ May 20, 1883

1

Krakatoa begins to erupt; the volcano explodes three months later, killing more than 36,000 people.

large orange is 86 calories and provides 163% of your Vitamin C needs for the day.

■■ May 21, 1980

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is released in cinemas.

72

■■ May 22, 1176

times Donald Trump has been personally sued in federal court since 2000.

The Hashshashin (Assassins) attempt to murder Saladin near Aleppo.

250

■■ May 23, 1568

The Netherlands declare their independence from Spain.

weeks (more than five years) has Serena Williams been ranked world No 1 in women’s tennis.

■■ May 24, 1883

The Brooklyn Bridge in New Yo r k C i t y i s opened to traffic after 14 years of construction.

1,457

electronic surveillance requests from the NSI and FBI were sent to the US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court in 2015. Zero were denied.

Source: Uberfacts

Photo by Joe Mabel

■■ May 25, 1664

Ming general Wu Sangui forms an alliance with the invading Manchus and opens the gates of the Great Wall of China at Shanhaiguan pass, letting the Manchus through towards the capital Beijing.

172 million dollars of ivory was torched by Kenyan authorities this year to prove that “unless it’s on our elephants, it’s worthless.”

This week in history

Vikings take Surin Beach. Photo by Marisa McRainey Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

■■ May 26, 1897

Dracula, a novel by the Irish author Bram Stoker, is published.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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Buy&Sell JOB OFFER Marketing & Sales Positions Seeking friendly Thais and Chinese who speak English and/or Mandarin.

Full & part time needed. EXCELLENT salary+bonus. Work at office, or from home. Jim, Mai Khao Plaza, hello@ivacasia.com, 094 679 1182.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Dual banana boat for sale Dual banana boat for water activities. 4.2 m long, 1.6 m wide. Up to 14 riders. This banana boat is brand new, packaging still intact. Stored in a warehouse in Chalong.

40000, Vladimir, sales@joydive.asia, 084 182 8685.

Dive boat for sale Dive boat Asian Adventure, Length–18m, Width– 4.6m, Depth–1.7m, 1 Eng–315 H.P. capasity 40 passengers +3 crew. Located in Chalong, sales@ joydive.asia, 084 182 8685.

1 engine speedboat for sale Honda 250 H.P. 15 passengers+3 crew, Length–8.10m, Width–2.40, Depth-1.6. Excellent conditions, sound system Located in Chalong. Vladimir, sales@joydive.asia, 0841828685.

Boston Whaler conquest 255 Immaculate condition, Mercury 150hp x 2 very low hours, Thai registered. This boat comes with full inventory. Lying AoPo marina Phuket. mikehigh1@gmail. com Mike, mikehigh1@gmail.com, 088 768 4701.

Yacht Chartering and Resort Big A Swan 55 Yacht Chartering and Resort in Phuket Thailand Sailing : Big A Swan 55, Accommodation: Big A Resort 076-383080 Email: bigasail@samart.co.th.

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Roof top Patong Mini Golf

The best sea view 18 Holes, roof top Mini Golf. Located on the 4th floor of Banana Walk Plaza in Patong, 091 762 2628, http:// patongminigolf.com

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Free Tiya’s Hammocks campaign Win Free hammock from Tiya’s Hammocks Phuket. Winner will get V Weave hammock, handmade from North of Thailand, weight capacity 250 kgs. Value 5,200 THB. More details visit Facebook: Tiya’s hammocks, Contact: Tiya, tiya@ tiyashammocks.com, 089 600 0041.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Restaurant for Take over Fully equipped restaurant in Rawai for Take over in a popular tourist spot. High density crowd. 10,000FT and air condition. June, Rawai, senajune@gmail.com, 081 978 5989.

Looking for a Partner Investor I am looking for a Partner/Investor to expand my Dive business Anyone interested please email me to discuss the proposal. rwhi690169@bigpond.com

Bangla agogo club for sale

A newly refurbished bar/club with great returns is for sale. Fully fitted out over 2 floors. Very cheap and very low rent. Reliable landlord. Steve, stevepearcergj@hotmail.co.uk, 089 587 0819.

Business for Sale Non tourist/bar related business for sale, yearly turnover of 15MB. Call 087 276 0529 or 081 968 6051 for more details.

Newly renovated hotel for rent Newly renovated hotel/guest house in Patong’s heart for rent from owner. 12 rooms, 2 shops to busy street, many facilities. More details check thephuketnews.com, search Listing ID 55398 or call +66(0)81 538 1399.

Restaurant on Main Street

Large, tastefully decorated restaurant in Cherngtalay. Fully fitted and equipped kitchen, 100 seats, bar. Walk in and start business. Now only B790,000, 089 400 5907.

German bakery & deli & snack

Main road, 8 years clientele, take over + incl. training complete equipment, staff room, 3 or 5 years leasing contract. Yearly volume 4 mio. hansibakery@gmail.com, Price: 3.5 million, Contact Mr. Stark.

Best Deal Rawai business for sale. Area approx 2Rai, can do restaurant or other business.Five mins from beach. Long term lease, yearly rent B200,000. 4 bedrooms house included. Reduce from B980,000 to B520,000. Contact Khun Asoke at 089 646 7176 / big_redchili@yahoo.com

CAR FOR SALE Ranger bargain Ford Ranger 2005. Only 125,000 kms. One expat owner/driver, no accidents. Excellent condition. Regular service. First class insurance. 155,000 baht, alangath@gmail.com, 087 273 0141.

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PETS

CAR FOR SALE Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI 2013 - 35,000km - Automatic White - CD Radio, Air-con, Alloys Excellent Condition, Only used for school runs. 575000, Duang, Royal Phuket Marina, gavinmullins@hotmail.com, 083 093 9724.

Horse and Dog Vet Hospital Open from 10am. – 8pm.*Service all types of animals. * Experienced professionals.Contact: 076 620 136 /084 210 6868 and contact@horsedogvet.com www.horsedogvet.com

2012 FORD RANGER Ford Ranger 2.2 Diesel Hi Rider 22 Inch wheels,tonne cover, sheep skin seat,cover, showroom condition, 24,000 Kms., by careful expat driver. 660,000, dougwatson@hotmail. com.au, 097 045 2788.

Pets Magic Planet Open from 9am. - 7pm. *The best international brands. * The ultimate choice. * Luxury accessries & jewels.

Contact: 076 620 106 / 091 040 4000 and contact@petsmagicplanet.com

TOYOTA CORALLA ALTIS TRD Sept. 2011. 57000 km. 1 farang owner no accident.

Toyota service. Top condition. Tel: 086 043 4315 (English and German). 440,000, Per Dompert, Phuket, perdompert@hotmail.com, 086 043 4315.

TOYOTA ALTIS 1.6G AT

2008. 62K kms. White. Usual G refinements.

Insurance, FSH, Lady driver 395K baht ono 395K, Clive Roberts, crob58@gmail.com, 081 087 9237 or 086 270 8727.

Chevy Captiva LT 2008 Chevrolet Captiva LT 2008, 499,000 Baht, 62.000 KM, 1 Owner, 2.0L Turbo Diesel, Full Chevy Service History, No Accidents, 1st Class Insurance. Tel. 082 804 1742.

TOYOTA Fortuner 2009 7 seats, Silver, GPS video, Family car Diesel 2,694cc, Blue book Service history Toyota Pearl 78,000kms. AUTOMATIC transmission, golfguru2005@yahoo.co.uk, 076 615 827.

Nissan Teana 2.5Lt Model 2014 17,000km. New price 1.7Mln NOW 1,050,000Baht Eng: 081 788 8280 Thai: 090 163 2140, Contact Maurice, maurice.phuket@gmail. com , 090 163 2140.

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Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto

57,000kms. One owner since new. Regularly serviced by Honda. Tax and Insurance until the end of June and available now at right offer. Reduced by 40,000bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht o.n.o, Andy +66846909144, andysmalster@gmail.com

CARS WANTED Urgent need Toyota hilux vigo Want to sell your Toyota hilux vigo Champ ? vigo4u is the best palace to sell your Toyota.

Vigo4u now in Phuket, Pataya and Bangkok also. 084 344 3444, 02 810 8117.

CAR WASH DELIVERY Tired Of Waiting?

We clean your car at your place - at your time. No.1 car wash delivery in Phuket.

Call 076-355-042 or go to CleanCar.me for more details.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE MAX SYM 400I Big comfortable 2012 scooter one expat owner. Only 2,600 Kms., has had 1st service a great bike, reason to sale leaving Thailand. 150,000, Doug Watson, Phuket, dougwatson@hotmail.com.au, 097 045 2788.

Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS 2012 Showroom condition, new from Kawasaki Phuket May 2012, 2,000km, Hepco & Becker Engine Bars & Rear-rack, Kawasaki Handguards and Pyramid Hugger., 220,000 THB, Paul, 084 1 303 234, Plongmore@hotmail.com

PERSONAL SERVICES De Laguna By Dr.JaQ International Clinic English Speaking Doctor By Appointment 095 0851188 FB: DrJaq Warnnissorn Providing Anti-Aging (Botox, Filler, Live Cell Therapy, Alternative Cancer Treatment, Chelation Medical, House Call). Integrative and Advancement in Medicine for individualized treatment programs for patients of all ages and with various disorders, Email: tosawcute@gmail.com

FURNITURE FOR SALE Swinging Sun Loungers For Sale Swinging, sun loungers, brand new, excellent quality- 6,000 baht only, Contact: Eddy, eddyelan@yahoo. com, 0899710278.

PETS FOR ADOPTION Two cute Poodles We are 2 cute Poodles, both under 5kgs & the best of friends & wish to find a new loving home together, both of us are sterilized, vaccinated & healthy. Please contact Sherin.peace@gmail.com for adoption enquires.

MOVING SERVICES Looking for Moving Company?

With over 15 years of experience Bigmove Phuket is the number 1 provider of moving and shipping in and out of Phuket Thailand. We provide storage in a state of the art clean, secure, storage facility located centrally in Phuket. www.bigmovephuket.com, 081-797-5377.

MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Membership

OTHER Office Space Laguna

Office Space Laguna - Plaza del Mar Fully Furnished offices 4 Office Suite plus boardroom Rent entire unit or individual office 080 045 4474.

PROPERTY FOR SALE House for Sale House at Land and House for sale. 2-storey with 3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, balcony, jacuzzi, library, laundry. Near to kid playground, two swimming pools, sauna, gym. Enough land to built a second house on the same plot. Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

D Condo Creek, fully furnished

Studio 5th floor, mountains view. Cool & quiet. 24 hrs security, 3 swimming pools, gym. Shops & restaurants around. Rent out good return. 1.85 MB., Tiya, Kathu Phuket, lodchong77th@yahoo.com, EN & TH 089 600 0041.

Modern home office for sale

Modern home office for sale located 400 m fr Central Intersection. 1 Unit has 1 commercial, 1 living space, 4 bedrooms & built-in bathrooms.

Owner, thip_ june19@yahoo.com, 087 543 4716.

Blue Canyon Membership for sale. 1 corporate nominee for sale THB 630,000 inc transfer fee. grahamhaslam@hotmail.com

PUBLIC NOTICES Notice In June 2016, Bangkok Hospital Phuket will have to destroy patient records being inactive for over 10 years. For assistance & information, call 1719 or e-mail us at info@phukethospital.com

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE New loft trailer Fully welded steel construction. Proper fenders springs, hitch, lights, toungue jack, alu deck. Fits M/C, ATY, const, landscape. 1700 lb. cap. 65,000 THB, 081 693 8214.

OTHER For Sale Industrial over locker. Whitehouse Brand. 3 Thread. Brand new never used.

Full tool kit. Bargain at 12,000 Baht. Call Sandi 087 264 0778.

COMMUNITY

MAI KHAO LAND Beachfront land in Mai Khao. East coast. 3 rai 2 ngan 24sqw. For sale: 45 million baht. 45 million.

Horst Lakits Resort for sale/lease long term, in Chalong/Rawai Area own big well 22 rooms 2 Rai land large pool Restaurant parking No Agents. lets talk, Horst Lakits, 67/18 Soi Sermsuk, bigasail@samart.co.th, 086 940 1860, 076 383 080.

2 New Resale Condos 3.9 MB. 7%net ROI 1 bed condos on the market 7%net ROI for 14 years! Rare Pool access modern hilltop unit. Panoramic views of Andaman Bay & city lights of Patong. Also 1 bed city & ocean views, fully furnished & professionally managed.

You just collect 7% net/year hassle free. Contact phuketjon@gmail.com, 084 842 2262.

Sea View Land 265 Met. Pub.Rd. Great investment. 3/5 Rai Plots. NS3G Titles.

Price start 4 M/Rai. Full infra. 265 Met. Pub. Rd. Frontage. Located on Koh Yao Yai resort area, just 25 min. speed boat from Phuket.

We can make easy half day trip 10am-2pm. Call Charlie /more info, charlesaraines@hotmail.com, 062 069 1965.

Laguna - Luxury 1 Bed & Golf Membership For Sale

Totally renovated: new kitchen, wood floors, furnished, sound system. Price includes Laguna Golf Membership and Privilege Card. THB 6.9M. Owner 084 247 1632 - E-Mail: phuket3203@gmail.com

Patong Tower and Andaman Beach suite for sale Mountains and Sea Views, Call David 080 692 6114, email: patongrealestate@gmail.com

Karon Beach New House For Sale/Rent 80 Sqm. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, Terrace carport. Nice Sea view.

Sale 5.8 MB. Rent long term 18,000 per month. Gunter Kraus, Phuket, naruchai@gmx.de, 091 040 2471.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Luxury Apartment hotel in Kata

House for sale

Luxury Apartment hotel for sale in Kata beach.

356sqm, 3 floors. 12 rooms, all have sea view, kitchen, Thai chanote or 90 years lease. 30 MB., Noi (Thai & EN), Kata Beach, t_senrum@live. com.au, 083 391 5525.

Private pool villa with lovely garden half a rai.

Quite and safe area. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom open kitchen. 160 m2 Situated in Ban Pahra.

12 minutes to PIA, Phuket Airport, Nay Yang beach, and Blue Canyon Golf course. 2 min to Mission Hill Golf course.Price 8 million baht, 225 000 euro, bergsstigen@ telia.com, 090 701 4204.

Chalong Villa for sale

Living area 450 sq.m, Land 800 sq.m. 1st floor: Living room, Master bdr with en-suite bth, Kitchen, Seaview terrace, Pool, Carpark. 2nd floor: 4 bdr with bth, 2nd living room, Office. 19.5M, oliver@thurmanngroup.com, 087 877 2320.

Phuket Beach Front Land 14 RAI Beach front Phuket,Phungnga Close 5 -7*hote,Chanode title,90 meters of water frontage More than 100 m wide beach&small piece of land close to the beach 25MB/ RAI, Ms.Pam, phuketmyhouse@gmail.com, 089 868 8668.

SPACIOUS 4-BED RAWAI VILLA Sale/rent. Beautiful, spacious home in 1,038sqm gardens.Three en suite beds, guest house, 9x4m pool, maid’s room. Living space 320sqm. Reduced to 12,000,000, alangath@gmail.com, 08727 30141.

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Sea View Villa

Two-story house in Phuket City Land 400 sq. m, living area 344 sq.m, 6 rooms, 3 bathrooms, maid’s room with bath.

Fully furnished. Very good for living and business. 15,000,000.-, Pauline Haldemann, haldemwa@hotmail.com, 081 895 0038.

The Base Downtown - Sale/Rent 1 Bed (35sqm) & 2 Bed (60sqm), fully furnished, pool view. Near Central, BIS, Big C, Lotus, Siriroj hospital, Darasamut School, Thai Hua School (Close to new Central Embassy- good investment). Swimming pool, fitness & library. Rent:15,000-25,000 THB/month and 35,000-45,000 THB/month. Panattaporn.c@gmail.com, 093 639 4654.

Premium villa 8B in the prestiques Sunrise Ocean Villas developement is now for sale.

Being built on the highest point in the estate, only 80 meters from the ocean and located 3 mins away from Grand AoPor Marina, 10 mins from golf course, 20 mins from the airport,, shopping centers, schools and hospitals, this villa is a perfect place to live with no traffic, no pollution and no mass tourism..., Over than 600 Sqm usable building area, 3 bedrooms, guest apartment, maid quarters, games room, 10 meter infinity swimming pool, roof terrace and breath taking views. Can be ready to move in within 8 weeks and still can be customized to the wishes of new owner. For sale at only 24.9 mill Baht. For viewing or more information please contact our sales director, Khun Montha 081 343 0777 Email : montha_phuket@yahoo.com.

Villa For Sale / Rent Alexander Kolesnikov Land & 4 storey Commercial building for sell.Patong. Just 60 m from the beach. Guesthouse 6 luxury rooms + restaurant 40 seats. 17 MB, Contact Alexander, alexkolinz@gmail.com, 089 651 3250.

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Located at Naiharn beach Soi Naya 3, Mountain view, Swimming pool, Balcony, 2 floor, 4 bed room. Total 92 sq.m. Thai 081 958 0542 ENG 081 956 6813.

Owner Sales Appartment “ The Pearl of Naithon “ Leasehold Total area 226,66 SQM including terrace 41,25 Sqm. 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms Price THB 13.5 million. MP: 089 814 1458.

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PROPERTY FOR RENT Phuket Office Share @ RPM

Searching for a prime location address as your office on Phuket? We are offering small companies or individuals to join us in sharing our office space @ ‘Royal Phuket Marina’. Email us or call us on: 076390482 for full details. Phuket Luxury Living, info@phuket-luxuryliving.com, 076 390 482.

Apartment for rent

Luxury 1 bedroom ground floor apartment.

65.s.q.m. Central Patong. Short or long term rental. For details email ianscondo21@ gmail.com

2 BDR Bungalow, Nai Harn Beach

PROPERTY FOR SALE SMALL RESORT BY LAGUNA

4 Luxury villas, office, 2 pools, 1 Rai - Chanote. Secure investment, price below replacement cost, money maker. Owner 82 retiring. 30 Mil Baht.

Lets talk. Owner, 089 594 4067.

House For Sale

PROPERTY FOR SALE Sale. Semi detached house

Living room 2 double bedrooms 1 fitted furniture and en-suite fitted kitchen office bathroom carport garden Land 188sqm, house 75sqm.

2,000,000, Khun Peter, Baan Pleunjan 2, Paklok, Talang, lowprofile@mail.com, 086 905 1406.

Located in Rawai soi Samaki3 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 1 Laundry room 1 storage room Living area 160 sq.m, Chanot title 280 sq.m. 3.2 MB., Rico9963@hotmail.com, 083 640 9041

Brand new 3 bed villa Onyx

Living area 160 sq.m. Land 200 sq.m. Fully luxury furnished. Open plan living room with kitchen, Private & Peaceful area, Security gate estate, Gym. 8.9M, oliver@thurmanngroup. com, 087 877 2320.

Villa for sale

Exclusive Villa with Pool and Garden In Phuket, Rawai/Nai Harn, Land size: 1’700 m2, build up area 400m2. Private sale, no agents please.

36 MB, JasminConsulting@gmx.net

Make money NOW - Kata Beach House for sale

West coast Phuket Great Location, Spa, 7 Bedroom, 7 Bathroom, all with kitchens. Rent or live with good income. 5 minutes walk to Kata beach. ขายของได้ 9 MB or Offer, Khun Arreerat, kataari@ yahoo.com, 086 595 8512, 081 970 4638.

Land for sale - Mission Height

NICE LAND FOR SALE AT MISSION HEIGHT, JUST OVER ONE RAI. Phone 093 629 4400 English, 082 421 4842 Thai.

Waterfront Condominium

The Cleat Condo, residence project in Krabi Boat Lagoon Marina. Price 3-9MB, size 37119 Sq.M., 1 or 2 bedroom, marina view. For rent/sale. marketing@phuketpropertytrip.com

Kata Seaview Condo For Sale

New 1 bedroom with great sea and sunset views! 44sqm. Leasehold with foriegn freehold available. Swimming pool, sauna and clubhouse. Flexible furniture options. Great management and rental program, 082 254 0760.

Anuphas Golfville House- Kathu

Land 162 sqwa. Large Pool/Jacuzzi-3 Bed-4 Bath-Office-2 Storage Building-Alarm System and much more. Reduced 22MB to 18 MB for Quick Sale. mrgeoffcurry@yahoo.com, Si +6681 970 8896 TH/ENG, Geoff+6681 854 0061 ENG.

For Sale or Rent

4 bedroom 3 bath room excellent view Chalong bay 3 storage,Fully furnished all new swimming pool in quiet area Rawai beach. All inquires. Tidarat, 087 466 5635.

Short/long-term rental. 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, Stunning sea view, Fully furnished, Large swimming pool, Lift. reservation@ almaliresidence.com, 0935742533

Half rai 797sq.m. cleared and leveled, power connected, sealed road, MUST SELL 6.75million. For ENG 090 492 3101 THA 093 768 6694.

Office/Shop for Rent

Ground Floor space with excellent positioning on Chalong Pier Road. For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

Partner for resort wanted

House For Rent at tennis club

5 Rai. hillside Maikhao beach. Main buiding finished. Nice sunset seaview, 087 267 1192, Julius_schuster2001@yahoo.de

2 bedrooms,1 en suite bedroom,2 bathroom, living area and big veranda. Idea for tennis Coach.

Prefer long term rent. Viewing by appointment only.

Patra, patbittersweet@gmail.com , 081 607 2805.

Land For Sale 3 Mil Baht

In Thalang area 2.5 Rai beautiful, flat land with access road, Chanote title, only 5 minutes from Thanyapura (PIA International school). sk.thanya@ gmail.com, 081 737 8624.

For Sale/Rent (5 Days - 6 Months)

4 Floors, 6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms. Fully furnished. Kuku, Phuket Town. Contact Joy, 093 596 2757, joyfulphuket@gmail.com

Townhouse for sale. Chalong.

Townhouse 150sq.m, 2 storey, 2 bedroom, living room, kitchen, 2 balcony, 2 bathroom, office, parking. Fully furnitured. Chalong circle, Price: 3700000, Contact: Mariya, mvs97@yandex.ru, 0822751146, Fax: 0918053725.

House in Karon for Sale. Hard

to find 3 bed room , 3 bath room house for sale in the perfect location near Kata & Karon beach, well maintained with a salt water pool, Price : 16,000,000, Narrisara (Tic), 7/8 Patak Soi 10, Karon, g-a-coates@ hotmail.com, 0991642991.

LUXURY POOL VILLA

BY LAGUNA

Has everything, comfort, security, live in a small resort - lush tropical garden. 35,000 Baht per month. Long lease. Owner, 089 594 4067.

Retail space for rent

Retail space available in the Ocean Plaza Patong for massage, beauty, coffee, souvenir shops etc. Low rent contracts for up to 12 yrs. For info call Natty at 086 281 8883 or 076 343 506. 3632, Nattida Thaboondee, g.cummings@hotmail.com, 086 281 8883.

Chalong Villa for rent

Sea view land in Patong

Alexander Kolesnikov

3 Bedroom Villa for sale. Building 320 s.m. Land 900 s.m. Nice garden, 2 cars garage, study. Just 3 minutes from BIS. 15 MB, Contact Alexander, alexkolinz@gmail.com, 089 651 3250.

Rawai Sea View Condominium For Rent

Ocean View Land Kamala

Fire sale

7 shop houses for sale, 20 meters from Chalong round about. On the way to pier for Sale. 25 Million, kieranpmadden@hotmail.com, 096 924 4661.

For rent with “Free UBC Platinum cable TV”, Security, Air Con, Fridge, stove, quiet area, at end of cul-de-sac, 12,500 per month.

Call 098 017 8818 or 087 884 8972.

gmail.com, 089 967 5373.

The Last Piece of Sea View Land on Prime Location in Patong, just 500 m. from Patong beach, 1.3 KM. to Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Contact: Karuna, kpattarawalee@

PROPERTY FOR RENT Two condos for Sale/Rent

2 condos for sale 48 sqm. ($116000) & 54,5 sqm. ($128,000). Fully furnished, near Central Big C BIS Lotus Hospital School. Communal pool and gym. Short&long time rent available 48 sqm. – THB 10000-15000 per month; 54,5 sqm. – THB 15000-20000 per month + electricity&water, Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

4BED 4BATH GOOD LOCATION

A secure 4-bed 4-bath with a swimming pool in Baan Suan Loch Palm. 5 mins to BIS, 12 to 15 mins to Central, Patong and Phuket Town.

65000THB, jenjiramountford@gmail.com

2 bed house for rent,Kathu

Furnished 2 bed house for rent in kathu, quiet area within easy reach of Tesco Lotus, Central, golf courses and fresh market. 15,000, Nok Roper, daveroper@live.com, 095 257 5382.

RAWAI: MORE FOR LESS

Rent/sale. Beautiful, spacious family home.

3 en suite beds, guest house or office, maid’s room. Gardens 1,038sqm. Cut-price longterm. alangath@gmail.com, 087 273 0141.

Living area 450 sq.m, Land: 800 sq.m. 1st floor: Living room, Master bdr with en-suite bth, Kitchen, Sea view terrace, Pool, 2nd floor: 4 bdr with bth, 2nd living room, Office. 90,000/month/ year., oliver@thurmanngroup.com, 087 877 2320.

Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai

FOR RENT Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai.

360 p ํ anoramic breathtaking views of Chalong bay, mountain view and big Buddha. Two bedrooms, 310 sq.m of spacious living area and balconies. Please contact Izzy 086278 8300 or Danai 090 170 0429. propertysales@serenityphuket.com

Surin Andaman Apt - 2 beds

100 sqm w 2 beds, close to Surin & Bangtao beaches. Common Pool.

Fully furnished with AC, fans, internet, cable TV. Short term possible.

24,000 THB, 081 273 1740.

House for rent - Near Pah-klok

Long term, quality furnishings, near Heroines Monument, 3 bed, 2 baths plus office. Good garden. THB35,000 per month. Call 087 878 5804.

PATONG: 1 and 2 Bed Apartments

2-Bed/2-Bath & Studio for rent. Balcony. Full A/C. Western Kitchen. Modern furnished. All Extras. Fast WIFI free. Ouiet Location & well maintained.

Email : khunrei@gmail.com, 084 185 8536.

CHALONG BEACH FRONT LAND

Direct beach front land for rent. Long and short term. Area 2400 sq meter with beach front of 40 meter, Contact: Mr. Narin, narinpga@ gmail.com, 081 826 9390.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

SPORT 35

Phuket FC content with draw FOOTBALL

AIS SOUTHERN REGION DIVISION 2

Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

Team

I

n the spirit of sportsmanship the Andaman Dragon of Phuket FC refused to accept an obligated forfeit from their opponents Ranong United last Saturday night (May 14) after two power outages at the Ranong Stadium brought the match to a halt for more than an hour.

Both sides were unable to activate the scoreboard in the first half of the match, played at Ranong’s Provincial Stadium.

In the second half, at about 7:17pm, there was a power blackout prompting officials to halt the match temporarily for about 50 minutes, until 8:05pm when most of the lights came back on and the match resumed.

Soon thereafter, Phuket FC’s Japanese defender Yusuke Sato scored the first goal of the match on the 63-minute mark.

However, about 13 minutes later, Ranong’s African striker Fofana Djade scored

Yusuke Sato (right) defends against Ranong’s Armah Stephens. Photo: Ranong United/Facebook the equaliser.

With still plenty of time on the clock, about half-anhour after the initial black out, the lights went out again.

As per the league rules, the host team would be obligated to forfeit the game, as the suspended time exceeded the allocated 60 minutes;

therefore it looked like the visitors would be awarded an easy three points.

However, Phuket FC’s coaching staff made the deci-

MP W

D

L

GD Pts

1

Suratthani FC

7

5

0

2

3

15

2

Pattani FC

7

4

1

2

8

13

3

Nara United

7

4

1

2

6

13

4

Ranong United

7

4

1

2

-1

13

5

Trang FC

7

3

2

2

2

11

6

Yala United

7

3

1

3

0

10

7

Hatyai FC

7

3

1

3

-2

10

8

Phuket FC

7

2

3

2

0

9

9

Phatthalung FC

7

2

3

2

-1

9

10

Satun United

7

1

3

3

-1

6

11

Phangnga FC

7

1

2

4

-7

5

12

Nakhorn Si Heritage

7

0

2

5

-7

2

sion not to press for a forfeit, citing an appeal to the ‘spirit’ of the game, and instead agreed to concede to a draw with the final score still at 1-1.

The point bumped Phuket FC down one spot into 8th place of the 12-team Division 2 South and also dropped Ranong’s “Andaman Sharks” to 3rd place of the league with 13 points.

Phuket now return home, ready to host first placed Suratthani “Roosters” FC (15 points) tomorrow (May 21) at Surakul Stadium with a 7pm kick off. As is usual, admission is priced at B50 for adults and free for kids who can present a student ID card.

The Phuket News is a proud media sponsor of Phuket FC.

Week 1 Under 7s

Under 9s

Blue Diamonds

0-5

Dragon Juniors

Loma F.C.

0-4

Blue Diamonds

Dragon Juniors

6-0

Blue Stars

Eagle Juniors

6-0

Loma F.C.

Blue Diamonds Blue Stars Karon F.C. Bang Jo Utd Dragon Juniors

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Dragon Juniors

2

2

0

0

11

0

11

6

2

Eagle Juniors

2

2

0

0

7

0

7

3

Blue Diamonds

2

1

0

1

4

5

4

Blue Stars

2

0

0

2

0

5

Loma F.C.

2

0

0

2

0

0-1 0-0 2-1 2-1 1-1

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Bang Jo Utd

2

2

0

0

3

1

2

6

6

2

Karon F.C.

2

1

1

0

3

1

2

4

-1

3

3

Dragon Juniors

2

0

2

0

1

1

0

2

7

-7

0

4

Blue Stars

2

0

1

1

1

2

-1

1

10

-10

0

5

Blue Diamonds

2

0

0

2

1

3

-2

0

Under 11s Blue Diamonds Blue Stars BISP Cruzeiro Bang Jo Utd Karon F.C.

Under 13s

1-1 1-0 1-2 0-3 3-0

Bang Jo Utd Karon F.C. Blue Diamonds Blue Stars BISP Cruzeiro

Blue Diamonds Blue Stars BISP Cruzeiro Karon F.C. Dragon Juniors

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Blue Stars

2

2

0

0

4

0

4

6

2

Blue Diamonds

2

1

1

0

3

2

1

3

Karon F.C.

2

1

0

1

3

1

4

Bang Jo Utd

2

0

1

0

1

5

BISP Cruzeiro

2

0

0

2

1

@thephuketnews

Bang Jo Utd Dragon Juniors Blue Diamonds Blue Stars Karon F.C.

0-4 0-0 2-2 1-1 1-0

Karon F.C. Dragon Juniors Blue Diamonds Blue Stars BISP Cruzeiro

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Karon F.C.

2

1

1

0

5

1

4

4

4

2

Dragon Juniors

2

1

1

0

1

0

1

4

2

3

3

Blue Stars

2

0

2

0

1

1

0

2

4

-3

1

4

BISP Cruzeiro

2

0

1

1

2

3

-1

1

5

-4

0

5

Blue Diamonds

2

0

1

1

2

6

-4

1

36 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

Getting their just rewards TRIATHLON Photo caption: League winners Natalie Bar and their opponents last Thursday (May 12) Sports Bar.

T

riathlon Head Coach Ricky Ekkarat Phanthip, in conjunction with Thanyapura Phuket ,recently held a ‘Born Free to Run Champions’ Party’ to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the runners in the past year while training at Thanyapura and joining competitions around Thailand.

“We wanted to organise this event to show our appreciation of their hard work and improvement with an aim to motivate them to keep on going and live the dream,” said Ricky.

Offering swim, bike, and run training at Thanyapura’s world class pool and facilities without charge, the ‘Born Free to Run’ project is focused on sourcing local young sporting talent to nurture the future generation of running and triathlon athletes.

“I think it’s an inspiring environment here for children, training alongside professional athletes, Olympians and world recordholders gives a sense of

Natalie clinch PPL title in style POOL

Witthawat Waree (Thep), 17, (centre) receiving his ‘Most Talented’ award. tangibility to their aspirations. Training at the same facilities as these sporting greats show them that their goals are attainable with the right outlook and support,” said 4-time triathlon world champion and Thanyapura Executive Chairman, Chris

McCormack.

The most talented award this year went to ‘Bor n Free to Run’ member Witthawat Waree (Thep), 17, who won the bronze medal at the 32nd National Youth Games Suphanburi finishing 140km cycling in 3:41hrs

with an average pacing of 37km/hr.

‘Born Free to Run’ running programs are available Monday to Friday at 5pm.

All levels are welcome. For more information, please email bornfreetorun@gmail. com.

T H E F I NA L GA M ES in the Patong Pool League (PPL) were played last Thursday night (May 12), and even though title contenders Ting Tong Bar had managed a good win it wouldn’t have really mattered, as top of the table Natalie Bar won 11-0 against Sports Bar giving them the title of 2016 champions.

On the night, Ting Tong Bar managed to beat Champs Bar 7-4, but with Natalie’s maximum win over Sports Bar it meant they had to do with the runners up spot.

Elsewhere, Dirty Nellies won 6-5 against Simon & Oils, but Craig from Simon's did a good job winning a seven ball against his opponent.

Genius had a good 7-4 win at home against Martin Swiss giving them third spot

this year, while the game between Wet Dreams and Andaman Sea had to be cancelled as the bar is currently in the process of being renovated. The game is scheduled to be played at a later date.

If there are any new bars interested in joining the 2016/17 Patong Pool Leag ue, due to kick-off on June 6, please contact Scott on 0817289509.

League Standings Natalie

138

Ting Tong

129

Genius

114

Dirty Nellies

110

Champs

106

Martin Swiss

89

Wet Dreams

87

Sports

85

Simon and Oils

72

Andaman Sea

49

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run: #1581: Saturday May 21, 2016 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Black Hole Driller & Chicken George Location: Chalong - Chaofa Soi 47 Directions: Southbound on Chao Fa West [4021] go 350 metres past Big Buddha traffic lights, turn right into Soi 47 (Soi Prattana - bet ween 7/11 and Su percheap). Continue straight along the road to the rubber plantation. Northbound

go 650 metres from Chalong circle, turn left into Soi 47 (Soi Prattana - between 7/11 and Supercheap). Continue straight along the road to the rubber plantation.

Hare Advisory: As the walk and run interact with an elephant trail please ensure all dogs are controlled and kept on their leashes. Hash horn is to refrain from blowing his/her horn whilst traver sing the elephant trail area and all runner s are to slow to a walk while passing any elephants on the trail.

Hash Bus Pickup Schedule: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:15pm Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2:45pm Kathu: @ Little Expat 3:15pm

Australian hockey star brings inspiration to BISP: Australian hockey star Nicole Arrold, who made her Olympic debut in 2004, competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and won two Commonwealth Games gold medals in 2006 and 2010 visited British International School, Phuket (BISP) on last Thursday (May 12) to give an inspiring talk to sports staff and students on the importance of resilience, working hard, a positive outlook, and seizing your opportunities.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

SPORT 37

The Foxes have landed

Garlands and crowds greet Leicester City in Thailand FOOTBALL

T

hai fans mobbed newly crowned English Premier League champions Leicester City as they arrived on Wednesday (May 18) for a publicity blitz after their fairytale title triumph.

They also hoped to banish the memory of a sex tape scandal that marred a visit to the homeland of their billionaire owner a year ago.

Scores of fans – dubbed the “Siamese Foxes” – and a frenzied local media pack swarmed the champions at Bangkok’s main airport on Wednesday morning, greeting them with requests for selfies and chants of “Leicester City, Leicester City!”

Manager Claudio Ranieri, captain Wes Morgan, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and forward Shinji Okazaki led the team, beaming as they

Leicester City fans cheer as Leicester City FC players arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Wednesday (May 18). Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP made a choreographed Thai bow – or “wai” – with garlands of jasmine around their necks.

Star players Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and Danny Drinkwater were not among the Wednesday morning arrivals, with the two English players called up this week for international duty.

Football-mad Thailand has fallen for Leicester after the astonishing success story of a club with deep links to the kingdom.

The Foxes are owned by well-connected but publicityshy, Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

His duty-free King Power

brand is emblazoned across the shirts of the team, whose home ground in the English Midlands is named the King Power Stadium.

The devout Vichai has also repeatedly flown Buddhist monks to the UK to bless the players and stadium.

Most Thais knew little

about the one-time minnows before Vichai bought the club in 2010.

Thais are readily changing – or at least doubling-up – their allegiances from perennial English favourites Manchester United and Liverpool, in step with Leicester’s stunning rise.

“Now I’m half Liverpool, half Leicester,” Max Akkhapracha, a 20-year-old student dressed in Foxes’ kit, said.

“It was a very exciting season, winning the premier league was just amazing.”

Ahead of the tour, club vice-chairman Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha, Vichai’s son, warned his players to be on their best behaviour in a kingdom whose wild nightlife belies a deep-seated social conservatism.

A tour last summer ended in a public relations disaster for the King Power family.

Then, three young players including the son of former

manager Nigel Pearson, were sacked after a racially charged sex tape featuring local women was leaked to British media.

Manager Pearson was quietly dismissed a few weeks later in an apparent dispute over his handling of the scandal, paving the way for the avuncular Ranieri to take charge and steer the club towards sporting glory.

“They (the players) are massive now and they want to say thank you to the Thai fans,” Top recently told reporters.

“The players need privacy as well, but I’ve talked to them and they know they need to treat everything well,” he said.

Leicester were 5,000-1 outsiders to win the title at the start of their campaign.

The team will have two days of press and publicity duties in Thailand as they continue to celebrate league victory.

AFP

Super Rugby eyeing BISP Track Club takes charity run in their stride more change - report ATHLETICS RUGBY S U PE R RUG BY W I L L keep its unloved current format until the end of next year, but change could happen in 2018, a report said Wednesday (May 18), citing the chief of the sport’s governing body SANZAAR. The competition expanded to 18 teams this season with the addition of Japan’s Sunwolves, Argentina’s Jaguares and South Africa’s Southern Kings, but it has not been plain sailing.

Critics have complained of the lacklustre standard of games, lopsided contests, exhausting travel schedules and a fragmented, four-conference system watched by smaller crowds.

While the New Zealand conference is fiercely competitive with three co-leaders among its five teams, the other three conferences in Australia and South Africa are considerably weaker.

Fairfax New Zealand’s stuff.co.nz reported that SANZAAR has hired a consultancy firm and over the next six months will map out a 10-year strategic vision.

Is it an expansion in two conferences? Is it a reduction and creating a two-tier system? There’s a whole lot of @thephuketnews

different permutations one has to consider as you go through a process like this if you want to get the best result.

“Certain countries may reduce and some may retain or expand.”

He added that “2018 for me is more achievable should we look to expand”.

“To try put a new team up in 2017 you’re not giving them enough time to prepare,” he said.

“You need at least 12 to 18 months to identify the opportunity and then make sure the high performance and commercial models can underpin it.”

AFP

THE ROTARY PHUKET South Charity Run 2016 was held on Sunday (May 15) at Bang Wad Dam, with a strong team from the British International School, Phuket (BISP) Track Club taking part.

It turned out to be perfect racing conditions with the temperature being cool and the rain holding off until just after the race finished. This led to some fast times and really good performances.

Hendrik Faber and Sota Maehara were the standouts on the day; Hendrik was making his debut for the BISP Track Club and it couldn’t have gone any better for him.

Hendrik and Sota ran what can be considered the perfect race. They worked together and eventually chose the right spot to out-kick their only competitor and ended up 1st and 2nd overall respectively. Other notable results were Theo and Jack continuing to show improvement, and Nathan Lowry completing the first 10k of his young career.

Overall it was a very good day for the BISP community, with various members coming out to race. For more information on coming races and training please check the BISP Track Club Facebook page at facebook. com/bispathletics or contact David Berman: berman@ bisphuket.ac.th.

BISP Track Club runners Hendrik Faber (right) and Sota Maehara came 1st and 2nd respectively..

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

The brand to beat

UFC the dominator in mixed martial arts competitions MMA

I

n the space of 15 years, two brothers from Las Vegas have transformed UFC from an known, somewhat frowned upon brand into the dominant company in mixed martial arts.

So much so that it is even competing with more traditional sports.

April 14 will go down as a historic date in the young life of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

That was the day New York became the last US state to legalise professional MMA fights.

Lorenzo Fertitta, a stocky, well-dressed man of 48 who is the co-owner of UFC, says this is perhaps the last big piece of the puzzle he has been assembling.

“I think it means a lot, because historically, anybody who was a detractor, who was against the sport, first thing they were putting up was, ‘well, you’re not even legal

in New York,’” he said.

“So obviously, it takes that argument away.”

Coming from the casino world, Fertitta and his brother Frank paid a measly two million dollars (over B71 million) in 2001 for a contest that was known for little more than how violent it was.

Around the same time, the mixed martial arts world developed unified rules that got rid of dangerous fighting moves and set the stage for a new, more respectable image.

It would be another four years before things really changed with the reality show “The Ultimate Fighter,” in which UFC hopefuls took each other on.

“The Ultimate Fighter drove casual viewers to watch MMA and the UFC that [they] were never really interested [in] before,” said Joe Favorito, a sports marketing specialist.

“They became very quickly educated so they then had a product on free television in the US and in Canada that

drove towards their pay per view,” he added.

UFC president Dana White said UFC 196, an event held in March in Las Vegas and featuring Irish superstar Conor McGregor, broke all revenue records for the firm and was watched on TV by 1.5 million paying viewers.

Parent company Zuffa was reported earlier this month to be in advanced talks to sell the company – valued at between $3.5 and $4 billion (B124mn and B142mn) – to a Chinese conglomerate.

White denied the reports as “overblown,” adding: “The UFC is not for sale.”

The more than 500 fighters the UFC has under contract are independent contractors.

That gives it a big advantage: in traditional major US sports leagues, players belong to unions that are often quite powerful.

UFC does not seem intimidated by its competitors – Bellator MMA, Cage Warriors or M-1 – even though media giant Viacom acquired

UFC president Dana White. Photo: AFP Bellator MMA in 2011.

UFC markets its product very well, managing to lure sponsors and strike a deal in 2014 with sports apparel manufacturer Reebok.

The fame of some UFC stars, led by American Ronda Rousey, has spread outside the octagon, the name given to the area where UFC fighters battle it out.

Big name stars come to watch, such as actor Leonardo DiCaprio and popular singer Bruno Mars.

Besides the fights themselves, the company now has its own branded UFC Gym, a network of workout spots open to the public.

“I think at first females were a little timid to come in because of the name UFC,” Rich Van Houten, who owns a UFC Gym in Jersey City.

But the brand has done a good job of showing it’s all about learning a new way

to work out and that “you’re not gonna get punched in the face,” he added.

UFC says that after TV, sponsorships and sports merchandising and gyms, the sky is the limit.

It has major fights lined up for November 12 at Madison Square Garden, one of New York’s holiest sports arenas.

Lorenzo Fertitta is talking about staging fights at Yankee Stadium in 2017, with 70,000 spectators, which would be a record there.

Then there is the contract for the right to broadcast UFC fights. It expires in 2018.

UFC said it is the only major championship whose broadcast rights are coming up for grabs before 2021. So interest will be keen.

Favorito said UFC and MMA may have benefited from the decline of professional boxing but “especially

in the digital space they control an audience and a demographic that every brand, every sport in the world, finds desirable which is 18 to 34.”

UFC says it is also looking into staging its first fight in mainland China and also considering opportunities in India.

To win over naysayers, UFC is counting on educating people as to what mixed martial arts are.

“New York being the most important city in the world in many ways particularly with the media I think it will change perceptions,” said Lorenzo Fertitta.

“Is it violent? Of course it’s violent. Is it controlled? Much much more so than it ever was before,” said Favorito.

“Our thing is, just judge us after you get a chance, after you experience the sport,” said Fertitta.

AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016

SPORT 39

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Van Gaal upbeat on future despite boos

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M

anchester United manager Louis van Gaal expressed confidence that he will still be at Old Trafford next season despite his team crawling to an underwhelming fifth-place finish in the Premier League.

United beat Bournemouth 3-1 in their final fixture on Tuesday (May 17) – a game held over from Sunday (May 15) due to a bomb scare – but it was not enough to take them into the Champions League as they finished below fourthplace Manchester City on goal difference.

United must now beat Crystal Palace in tomorrow’s (May 21) FA Cup final to salvage something from their season and there were ripples of dissent towards Van Gaal in the form of boos as he began a post-match address to a thin home crowd.

Despite persistent speculation linking Jose Mourinho with his job, when asked if he would still be in place on the first day of next season, Van Gaal, who took over at United in 2014, replied: “Yes. Because I have signed a threeyear contract.”

Fears that suppor ters would stay away following Sunday’s postponement, which followed the discovery of a fake bomb left by accident in a toilet cubicle during a training exercise, were realised.

While United did not officially announce the attendance, the stadium appeared around two-thirds full.

Van Gaal, however, used his post-game speech to praise United’s fans for their “unconditional” support and claimed afterwards that the stadium was only not full because overseas supporters had been

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Manchester United’s manager Louis van Gaal waves to the fans following the rescheduled English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Bournemouth on Tuesday (May 17). Photo: Lindsey Parnaby/AFP

12

“Defensively we are one of the best teams in the Premier League, but attacking-wise we have to improve,” he said.

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe confirmed that his club had rejected offers from West Ham United for midfielder Matt Ritchie and Callum Wilson on the eve of the game, and expressed annoyance over the timing of the bids.

“We had a bid yesterday (Monday) evening,” said Howe, whose side finished their first ever top-flight campaign in 16th place.

“The disappointing thing is why the bid has come in a day before our last game of the season. Two players who were due to play and a lot of speculation about their future... It was bizarre, from this club’s perspective.

“The bid was rejected and we don’t need to sell. We want to improve our squad, not weaken it.”

AFP

16

unable to make the trip.

Referring to his speech, he said: “I have said that also with very much conscience. In spite of the fact we have not always played very well, they have supported the players on the pitch always.

“However things have gone on the pitch, they never let us down and they always have come, 75,000, always. Not today, but why do you think?

“We have a lot of fans out of Asia. They are coming, 24 hours flying, and back. They couldn’t see the match and that’s why.”

Van Gaal conceded that United’s fifth-place finish represented a “step back”, but said that Leicester City’s title triumph proved that anyone could win the title next season.

Needing a 19-goal win to pip City to fourth place, United had to wait until the 43rd minute to go ahead as Marcus Rashford dummied Anthony Martial’s pass for skipper Wayne Rooney to

tuck away his 100th league goal at Old Trafford.

Rashford, named in England’s provisional Euro 2016 squad on Monday (May 16), made it 2-0 by thrashing home from Antonio Valencia’s knock-down, and Rooney then freed substitute Ashley Young to add a third.

In stoppage time Chris Smalling sliced Max Gradel’s shot into his own net to gift Bournemouth a goal that prevented David de Gea from earning a share of the Golden Glove – awarded to the goalkeeper with the most clean sheets – with Arsenal’s Petr Cech.

Van Gaal described the goal as “an irritation”.

United finished the campaign with just 49 league goals to their name – their worst tally since 1989-90 – and despite decrying perceived poor fortune with penalties, Van Gaal could not disguise his team's attacking shortcomings.

13 14 15 17 18 19 20

Team

MP W

D

L

F

A GD Pts

Leicester Arsenal Tottenham Man City Man Utd Southampton West Ham Liverpool Stoke Chelsea Everton Swansea Watford West Brom Crystal Palace Bournemouth Sunderland Newcastle Norwich Aston Villa

38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38

12 11 13 9 9 9 14 12 9 14 14 11 9 13 9 9 12 10 7 8

3 7 6 10 10 11 8 10 15 12 13 15 17 15 18 18 17 19 22 27

68 65 69 71 49 59 65 63 41 59 59 42 40 34 39 45 48 44 39 27

36 36 35 41 35 41 51 50 55 53 55 52 50 48 51 67 62 65 67 76

23 20 19 19 19 18 16 16 14 12 11 12 12 10 11 11 9 9 9 3

32 29 34 30 14 18 14 13 -14 6 4 -10 -10 -14 -12 -22 -14 -21 -28 -49

81 71 70 66 66 63 62 60 51 50 47 47 45 43 42 42 39 37 34 17

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