20-072012 by The Phuket News

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‘Don’t go in’: lifeguards’ plea to local swimmers

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Pepe from Bliss gives us a ride on his Ducati bike

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A visit to Takua Pa, the town that time forgot

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Ex-Chelsea player Alan Birchenall reveals all

WILL PHUKET EVER GET ITS LONG-AWAITED CONVENTION CENTRE? P6

SICK BAY 100 100 40 50

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Is Chalong Bay dying?

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■ Threat from poor garbage

disposal and soil run-off from property and resort development ■ Cans of insecticide especially harmful – just a tiny amount can cause severe harm to marine life ■ Problems occurring around the island could lead to serious damage to Phuket’s environment FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

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FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

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Exiled Thaksin says there can be no reconciliation in Thailand until he is given amnesty > 10

Alasdair Forbes, Jody Houton & Claire Connell execeditor@thephuketnews.com

Is Chalong Bay dying?

ipon Pongsuwan, Chief of Marine Biology and Ecology at the Phuket Marine Biology Centre, is a worried man. He believes that Chalong Bay is in big trouble, threatened by two phenomena – poorly managed garbage disposal and soil run-off from property and resort development. Waste management has been a major problem around some islands around Phuket, he said, with garbage being dumped in the water. Especially harmful are cans of insecticide, he said. “Just a tiny amount of insecticide [left in cans] can do severe damage to marine life,” Mr Nipon said. He also called for more cooperation between the public and private sectors to control sedimentation around the island, particularly in Chalong Bay. Sediment has been collected in the bay since the tin min-

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A serene view. But beneath the surface Chalong Bay is far from healthy, says marine biologist Nipon Pongsuwan. ing era. Although tin mining stopped decades ago, its role in aggravating sedimentation has been taken over by run-off from property development sites cleared of vegetation. “Damage to the marine ecosystem in Chalong Bay has an tendency to be more severe [than in other parts of

the island] because the bay is semi-enclosed, with Koh Lone blocking the seaward side,” Mr Nipon explained. “We found the water in the bay is more turbid than in the past because the currents cannot flush the sediment from the area.” Evidence of the damage

from development, he said, is the degeneration of the reef in front of Koh Lone. The condition of the reef is now “deteriorated”. Mr Nipon said he thought the source of the problem might be poor implementation of Environmental Impact Assessments, with developers not giving enough attention to mitigating soil run-off from construction sites. “We need more cooperation between public and private sectors to solve these problems,” Mr Nipon stressed. Although Chalong Bay is particularly affected, he said, “It’s not just Chalong Bay; the problem occurs around the island, which will cause serious damage to Phuket’s environment.” The degradation of Phuket’s reef is a good indication of the damage done by sediment, said Mr Nipon. From examination of the reef, specialists found the remnants of the reef and sea bed around were covered with layers of sediment. Phuket used to have very

healthy reefs 20 years ago, especially at Koh Hay, Koh Aew and around Cape Panwa. The reefs were badly damaged by coral bleaching in 1991 and 2010 and have yet to recover. Furthermore, the cutting down of mangroves has removed much of the natural sieve that would normally filter out sediment. Local environmental activist, Suta Prateep Na Thalang, said that a major part of the problem of run-off and waste was unplanned development resulting from the reckless granting in the past of deeds for land along the shoreline. On top of this, he believes, people simply do not comply with environmental laws and regulations which are, in any case, not enforced on construction sites along the shore. “It’s difficult to fix the problem because land ownership gives people the right to exploit the natural resources [on their land],” he said. “If the situation continues like this, then we are a long way

from achieving sustainability.” Bhuriphat Theerakulpisut, chief of the Marine Office, which has responsibility for enforcing regulations that relate to the marine environment, was not concerned. In fact, he said he thought that the sedimentation of today was probably from past years, rather than current activity. “The condition of Chalong Bay is normal,” he said. “Sedimentation now is reduced. Part of the reduction is due to the new marina, which cuts down the number of boats anchoring on the sea floor – which stirs up sediment. “Development has to go on, [but] using laws, regulations and enforcement,” Mr Bhuritphat said. Thanan Tanphaiboon, a former president of the Phuket Property Club, which groups proper ty developers and agents on the island – while not addressing the Chalong Bay concerns specifically – said, “Phuket has environmental laws and regulations such as the Environmental Enhancement & Preservation Act, along with regulations controlling land use and planning aimed at preserving the environment.” However, he said, “It’s up to the developer and local authorities to find ways to control the environmental impact from development.” He admitted that the club was concerned at the rapid growth of the property industry. “With so many projects being launched in Phuket, the construction of new buildings has created waste that may be contaminated by toxins which then contaminate underground water supplies,” Mr Thanan said.

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FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012 COLOURFUL MEETING Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha met with Phuket News Managing Director Simon Samaan (centre) and PR/Marketing Manager Tamakorn Khowpon (right) on Wednesday to discuss the launch of The Phuket Colouring Book. The Phuket News will participate in the Phuket Provincial press conference on August 1 to officially announce The Phuket Colouring Book, which is available across the island for B149. Gov Tri also made a donation to the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation, the charity supported by The Phuket Colouring Book.

IN BRIEF Stabbed corpse found floating

The body of an unidentified man, believed to be a Burmese crew member from a fishing boat, was found floating in waters at Por Pichai Pier in Rassada District on Tuesday morning (July 17), with 13 stab wounds to his chest and neck. Police suspect that he might have had an argument with another crew on the boat, before being stabbed and dumped in the water.

Boy, 6, drowns in sewage farm A six-year-old boy, Yuthakarn Limpek, died after he fell into a pond at the Patong wastewater treatment plant on Rat U-Thit 200 Phi Soi 2 at about 10 am last Friday (July 13). Yuthakarn had gone to the pond with a friend who raised the alarm some time after he fell in. Kusondharm Rescue Foundation staff retrieved the boy’s body at 2 pm, after two hours spent pumping water from the pond.

Drunk driver hurts 5 in crash

A pickup tr uck driver, Sarawut Nuisate, 33, was charged with drunk driving on Monday (July 16) after he crashed into 11 other vehicles in front of the River Beer Garden on Songkla Rd in Rassada District. Sarawut admitted to police that he was driving against the traffic and collided with a pickup truck. His truck then spun, smashing in to the other vehicles. Five people were reported injured, two of them seriously.

Dope bust nets 2,000 ya ba pills

Cherng Talay police arrested a 30-year-old man, Jaturachai “Nong” Kobchaiyaseng on July 10 on charges of importing methamphetamines from Beungkan district of Nong Khai and selling them to young people in Phuket. They also seized 2,000 methamphetamine (ya ba) pills.

Damrong Pidech inspects the Arcadia site last week.

Burgler for trial over teen’s death

Resort site is legal: says A Arcadia boss

Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

MAITREE NARUKATPICHAI, Executive Director of Phuket Arcadia Ltd, which owns the Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach, has insisted that the ownership of the land for the resort, currently under construction, is completely legal. His comment came on July 12 after the site on Phuket’s northwest coast was visited the day before by Damrong Pidech, Director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Mr Damrong announced that the Arcadia and nine other sites would be investigated over suspicions that they encroach on the Sirinart Marine National Park. Mr Maitree said, “We have legal land papers, which are ready to be investigated. Every paper was issued [legitimately] by authorities.” He added that he himself organised the purchase of the land from “an individual”. He insisted that he would proceed with the construction of the

project until it is completed. The Pullman Phuket Arcadia is due to open in November this year, with more than 280 rooms. The project cost B1.5 billion, funded mostly by a B1.05-billion credit line from KasikornBank, Mr Maitree said. Meanwhile, park officials reported to the Tha Chat Chai police that they believe that three rai of the 38-plus rai of the Arcadia site encroach on the park.

28 -ye a r- old m a n from Amnat Charoen Province, Kittikun Wonghajak, is now sitting in Phuket Provincial Prison awaiting trial for the death of 17-year-old Sunisa Saiyoi at her home on July 10. Kittikun, who was arrested two days after Sunisa’s death in Soi Sukniran in Wichit, where he was living, told The Phuket News that he was acting alone when, on the spur of the moment, he decided to break into the girl’s home, using a screwdriver to jimmy open a window. Thinking no one was at home, he was startled to be confronted by Ms Sunisa. A

Kittikun Wonghajak, pictured just after his arrest. struggle ensued, during which her clothes became dislodged, he said. This stimulated him and he then held her face-down on the bed and attempted to rape her. However, having taken drugs before going into the

house, he was unable to complete his assault so, after ransacking the house, he left. It was only later, he said, that he discovered she was dead. Results of an autopsy and other tests on Ms Sunisa have yet to be completed, but police believe that she suffocated while being held face-down on the bed by Kittikun. A reenactment of the crime was staged on July 14. The Superintendent of Chalong Police Station, Pol Col Sirisak Wasasiri, said police was waiting for the results of DNA tests on objects thought to have been used during the suspect’s rape attempt. Once they have these, the case will be handed to the prosecution lawyers.

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SIMON OSTHEIMER Managing Editor 083 922 9265 managingeditor@thephuketnews.com From Hong Kong; a decade’s experience as editor of magazines and newspapers in Shanghai (City Weekend, that’s Shanghai), Beijing (tbjhome, Urbane), Hong Kong (Time Out Hong Kong), Kuala Lumpur (Vision KL), Bangkok (Bangkok 101) and Phuket. Journalist for Esquire, Fah Thai, Vacations & Travel, Travel & Leisure, CNNGo, Surface and Dwell.

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

DANE HALPIN Sub Editor editor2@thephuketnews.com From Australia; Degree in Journalism, Charles Sturt University. Four years’ experience at: The Australian, The Central Western Daily, The Leader, The Canberra Times, and The Vientiane Times.

CLAIRE CONNELL Sub Editor editor1@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; BA (English) from University of Otago; Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Five years’ experience at Gisborne Herald and Marlborough Express.

JODY HOUTON Sub Editor editor3@thephuketnews.com From the UK; Masters Degree in Journalism, Kingston University. Five years’ experience at Groove Magazine, Metropolis, The Western Telegraph, The Mirror and Phuket Post.

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FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Pirated bags valued at B900,000 seized Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

huket Customs seized 351 fake brand-name bags, valued at more than B900,000, on Sunday morning (July 15) at the office of a transport company on the bypass road, but police have so far been unable to find the owner of the bags. Customs Enforcement Unit chief Charoen Chamniklang, said the officials had received a tip about a route used to smuggle pirated goods made in China into Bangkok before they were trucked to Phuket. The bags included copies of travel bags by such brands as Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, Prada, Mulberry, Chanel and Mont Blanc. Since January, Phuket Customs officers have seized pirated goods valued at more than B2.8 million.

Customs officials with some of the seized travel bags.

Touts caught with night animals

TWO THAI MEN USING captured Javan Lorises to make money from photographs of tourists posing with the animals, were arrested on Bangla Rd in Patong on July 8. The animals were confiscated. The arrests came after a tourist alerted police, who contacted the Livestock Department who in turn passed the word to Awat Nitikul Chief of the Provincial Environmental Conservation Department. The two men, Nachapon Kensing, 20, and Sudjai Jar-

ernphu, 30, were charging tourists B100 a time for photos of themselves with the three baby lorises, and were not difficult for officials to find and catch. “The three baby lorises will be taken to the Wildlife Breeding Center in Phang Nga province and the two men will be prosecuted,” Mr Awat told The Phuket News. They were fined B20,000 each and may face further legal action. Javan Lorises are slowmoving jungle animals that

Lorises are nocturnal, hence the large ‘cute’ eyes. move around only at night, eating fruit or insects. Because of the exotic pet trade, their numbers have declined rapidly in recent years and they are now listed by the International

Union for Conservation of Nature as an endangered species. Many wild animals and birds, including sea eagles, monitor lizards, iguanas, crocodiles, snakes, and gibbons are touted for photographs in Patong. Some of these species, too, are listed as endangered but the touts are rarely caught, or even bothered by the authorities. The Phuket News went to Bangla Road on July 12 and saw two touts with two more baby lorises.

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FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

PHUKET NEWS

Lifeguards plead for swimmers to listen Kornkarnokphan Suwan reporter2@thephuketnews.com

One of the water courses that runs through the land.

Legitimacy of Laem Singh land checked PHUKET VICE GOVERNOR Somkiat Sangkhaosutthirak led a team of officials on July 11 to inspect the contentious 35 rai of land on the hillside next to Laem Singh Beach. Local people complained earlier to the Ministry of Interior in Bangkok that the land appeared to overlay two public water courses draining water from the top of Kamala Hill into the sea. The water courses don’t appear on the title deed for the land, noted Prapan Kanprasang, chief of the Damrongtham Centre and a member of yesterday’s official team. As result, V/G Somkiat ordered the Phuket Land Office to find a way to add the water courses into the map on the deed, while local authorities will arrange for discussions with the land owner for him to relinquish those parts of the deed that overlay the waterways.

“If the owner agrees, the problem [of the waterways] will be over,” Mr Prapan said. “But if not, local authorities will lodge a complaint with the police against the owner of the land and any officials involved [in issuing the deed] to police.” A deadline of 30 days for resolution of the conflict was set. In March, the land was inspected by the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) after locals also made complaint to that body. Initially, the owner put up a fence around the land, which prevented tourists and local vendors from getting down to the sea, and they staged a demonstration in an effort to restore their livelihoods. The land is owned by a director of a major Thai television channel, who later settled with the locals, reopening the route down to the beach.

he Phuket Lifeguard Club have again asked people courageous enough – or stupid enough – to swim in the heavy seas of the treacherous monsoon season to respect their advice and not to go in. Viroj Saweangphon, the head of the club, asked members of the public to follow the flag system set up daily on Phuket’s beaches. “Red means no swimming in the area because there is a strong current. Two half-redhalf-yellow flags means ‘Swim only between the flags’,” Mr Viroj said. He said there are now 106 trained lifeguards in 33 different locations on 13 beaches on Phuket. The lifeguards are on duty from 9am to 7pm every day. “Whether it is high season or monsoon season, there is no guarantee the beaches are safe, because accidents can happen at any time when sea conditions change. “There are also hidden

Could this be you, flat on your back? Lifeguards practice their CPR skills. dangers such as rips, jellyfish and high waves. But the risks are greater during the monsoon season,” Mr Viroj said. “Most people who die in the sea die while swimming at

night, swimming while drunk, or swimming in the red-flag areas. In some countries it is illegal to swim during the night, or to go against the advice of the lifeguards.

“But it is not illegal in Thailand and we prefer to warn people nicely. “However we do ask that people listen and respect our warnings.”

Plans for a third incinerator PH U K ET’S SECON D incinerator has been working successfully for the past 20 days, officials say, and there are now plans for a third one to be built to keep up with the island’s constantly growing mountain of waste. Kittisak Aphichatabat, chief executive officer of PJT Technology, the company in charge of the incinerator, confirmed the second incinerator was up and running, and so far had been burning 700 tonnes of garbage per day. “But we need a backup plan for when the incinerator needs to be shut down for

Kittisak Aphichatabat, chief executive officer of PJT Technology, which manages the second incinerator. around 45 days every year for maintenance and cleaning, as we will not be able to burn trash in it during that

time,” he said. Government officials have proposed digging up the trash currently buried on the site adjacent to the second incinerator, burning it, and then use that land as the site for the third incinerator. However, officials said that the success of the proposal depends on cooperation between all parties involved, and whether there is sufficient budget for its construction. At a meeting this week Vice Gover nor Som k iet Sangkaosutthirak said he agreed with the idea of a third incinerator.

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he Chief Justice of Phuket’s Juvenile & Family Court (JFC), Pornchai Liaopattanapong, said on Tuesday (July 17) that the number of juvenile and family cases is on the rise in Phuket. Since January 1, about 120 civil cases and 130 criminal cases have been put before the JFC. Forty per cent of these involved drugs, 30 per cent theft and 10 per cent sexual offences. He was speaking after a seminar clarifying a 2010 amendment to the Juvenile and Family Court Act of 1991, which aims to stop many of the more frivolous cases coming to court, and to prevent youngsters being put behind bars as a matter of routine. The amendment states that police officers must deliver juvenile suspects to the JFC within 24 hours of their arrest. This gives the court a chance to take part in any investigation, in order to prevent unfair treatment of children (10 to 15 years old) or juveniles (15 to 18). Another aim of the amendment is to reduce the number of cases that have to be heard by the court, because it allows court officials to look into

Chief Judge of the Central Juvenile & Family Court, Dr Jiraniti Hawanon, says number of cases is on the rise. the circumstances and decide whether the case actually merits a hearing. However, Judge Pornchai said that Phuket is a different from the rest of the country. “Here we have a large hidden population, with high numbers of civil cases related to the children of illegal immigrants,” said the judge. Examples, he said, include immigrant children brought into Phuket by their parents and therefore being on the island illegally, or children whose parents simply do not take care of them or take responsibility for them. Because the child is in Thai-

land illegally, that child, if caught, must be brought before the court. Last year 40 per cent of cases heard in the Phuket JFC involved the children of illegal immigrants. The amendment puts an end to the previous practice of sending young Thai offenders straight to the Juvenile Detention Centre, if the court considers that the juvenile should instead be placed under parental care. In the case of parental care being ordered, the juvenile will also be ordered to make regular appearances at the new Juvenile & Family Counseling Centre, which was set up after the 2010

amendment came into force. The aim of the centre is to advise and rehabilitate young people, and to get them back into the mainstream of society. The Phuket centre opened in April. It was officially inaugurated on Monday (July 16) by the Chief Judge of the Central Juvenile & Family Court (CJFC), Dr Jiraniti Hawanon. Judge Jiraniti said he hoped the revision to the Act would help alleviate problems with juveniles. “Juvenile problems don’t start from the juveniles themselves, but from the environment they grow up in, which does not offer them models for good behaviour or give them ways out in times of crisis,” said Judge Jiraniti. The CJFC has introduced four methods which it hopes will steer youngsters away from a life of crime: counselling, rehabilitation, creating a community network to monitor juvenile problems and building up social power to control or modify the behaviour of young people. “The JFC should be the last recourse for juvenile problems,” he explained. “If these [four methods] are applied in society, we hope that problems involving juveniles can be solved at a much earlier stage.”

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THE PHUKET TOURIST Association (PTA) on Tuesday (July 17) called for the government to pay more attention to the proposed International Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC). A Vice President of the PTA, Bhuritt Maswongssa, complained that the PTA has yet to receive clear details from the government about progress on the project, first mooted at least 10 years ago. “[The current silence] is in contrast to the government’s claim that they will support the project,” said Mr Bhuritt. “We’ve even heard that the project might be postponed or cancelled.” He stressed that the project is “very important” for Phuket’s tourism development, especially to support Thailand when the Asean Economic Community comes into being in 2015, and to

help the government to achieve its goal of increasing Phuket’s tourism revenue to B2 trillion in the next five years. The ICEC project is currently awaiting approval of its environmental impact assessment by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Mr Bhuritt said. The President of the PTA, Somboon Chirayus, said that the ICEC would expand Phuket’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice) sector of the tourism industry. Mice visitors are known for their high value; spending by Mice visitors is three to four times higher than leisure tourists. “Currently, the leisure market is the main source of income for tourism in Phuket,” said Mr Somboon. “With high competition today, plus the economic slump in Europe, we need to

Bhuritt Maswongssa: ‘We’ve heard it might be … cancelled.’ look for alternatives to leisure tourism, such as Mice, sports and spa tourism.” To attract these alternatives, Mr Somboon insisted Phuket needs more facilities such as ICEC to support tour-

ism growth. The PTA plans to write to the government, as well as using other resources such as the press and social media to deliver their message to the government.

Popular Phuket rocker Colin Hill and his band headline Laguna’s German Beer Party tomorrow night.

German focus for Laguna Summer Family Festival L AG U N A P H U K E T ’ S Summer Family Festival will be rocking tomorrow night (July 21) with a German Beer Party at Canal Village headlined by the Colin Hill Band with a variety of supporting entertainment. With authentic German light and dark draught beers at happy hour prices all night, music from Live 89.5 DJs, performances from Palazzo entertainers, and a host of other attractions, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the start of the German Grand Prix weekend and to watch the qualifying rounds live on big screens. The fun starts at 5pm with a free welcome drink and canapés. Meanwhile, festival artistin-residence Elsie Evans will be focusing on deeper aspects of life with a special two-week session of Mandala painting classes, beginning on Tuesday July 24. Elsie, who runs Attic Studios in Bangkok, says Mandala painting can be a fulfilling way of self-expression as a tool for contemplating life’s issues, by helping to calm thoughts and emotions, creating a centring and joyful experience and bringing a sense of wholeness. Her Mandala painting classes will be held at Banyan Tree Spa during the two weeks beginning Tuesday July 24 from 9.30am-12.30pm, for B2,000 per person including all materials and instruction. Afternoon classes at the Festival Art Studio in Canal Village are also available. For more information, visit lagunaphuket.com

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Two hurt in shooting at Nai Yang Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

THA CHAT CHAI POLICE on Monday arrested Jatuporn Nooplod, 31, from Phang Nga province, suspected of shooting two Thais near Nai Yang Temple on Saturday morning (July 14) in a dispute over a woman. Suphachai Mong kon, 29, was hit twice, in the back and chest, and Chairat Peekamon, 21, was wounded in his ankle while the two were enjoying beers at a roadside restaurant. Both are in satisfactory condition after receiving treatment at Thalang Hospital. The victims and other witnesses identified Jatuporn as the shooter. Hearing of the police investigation, Jatuporn visited Tha Chat Chai police station on Monday morning to insist he was innocent. Police managed to keep him at the police station until they had obtained a court warrant, then arrested him. He was charged with attempted murder and carrying a gun in public, and was due to appear in court later the same day.

will Elephant numbers to be Britain cut price of more tightly controlled passports Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

ne more elephant will be joining the Siam Niramit Phuket cultural show soon, and a second is likely to follow once the paperwork is in order. But Phuket’s elephant licensing committee is promising stricter control over the number of elephants coming into Phuket, after it was revealed the island was well over its ‘maximum limit’ of the animals allowed. Oddly, according to a local regulation set nine years ago, the Siam Niramit elephants should not be allowed onto the island. In 2003, a limit of 176 of the giant animals was set for Phuket. But even before Siam Niramit’s application, there were already 188 of them on the island. At a meeting on July 12 of the ad hoc elephant licensing committee at Provincial Hall, to discuss Siam Niramit’s application, Vice-Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosuttirak admitted that no one seemed to know how the limit on the number of elephants had come

Committee members inspect the accommodation built for the new elephants. to be breached. But, he said, “We can apply the law strictly to block more elephants from coming into Phuket. From now on getting permission from the committee will not be easy. “Possibly the committee will check all elephant workplaces and move surplus elephant back to their homes,

such as in Surin province.” After officials inspected the new elephants’ quarters at Siam Niramit, along with feeding and waste disposal arrangements, Virasak Putpairot, head of the Provincial Livestock Office, said, “The paperwork for the importation [of the elephants from elsewhere in Thailand] must

be correct.” The committee approved one of the two applications but gave the other back to Siam Niramit for correction to the paperwork. Mr Virasak also told the company, “Please, add more signs to warn visitors about the dangers of being close to elephants.”

THE PRICE OF A STANDARD British passport is to be reduced by £5 (B250) from this September, British Immigration Minister Damian Green has announced. From September 3, the standard adult passport fee will be reduced from £77.50 to £72.50 (B3,875 to B3,625). The reduction, Mr Green explained, has been made possible by a restructuring programme within the Identity and Passport Service, which delivered savings of £40 million (B2 billion) in the past financial year. IPS Chief Executive Sarah Rapson said: “The UK passport remains one of the most trusted and secure documents of its kind in the world. I am very pleased that we are able to provide it in ever more efficient ways, whilst maintaining our high standard of service and rigorous security checks.” For information on how to apply for a new British passport from Thailand, or a renewal of an existing passport, go to direct.gov.uk/en/ TravelAndTransport/Passports/ index.htm.

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FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

United by food and beer PHUKET COMMUNITY Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

tereotypes are ugly, lazy, nasty things that serve no purpose other than reducing a person to a national characteristic and segregating people according to race, gender or nationality. For instance, not all British people have bad teeth, not all Americans are obnoxious and not all Belgium people are obsessed with food and drink – though most, admittedly, are. Four of the five Belgians I recently met whilst researching opinions on the upcoming Belgium National Day tomorrow (July 21) were restaurateurs, the other I met in a bar enjoying a bottle of Belgian beer. “I’m somehow proud to be Belgian,” begins Arnaud Verstraete in a rather ominous fashion, before explaining, “I

Corry Ringoet at home at the Royale Nam Tok.

Alain Tabruyn enjoying a premium Belgian beer at Brasserie.

was born in a Flemish part, raised in a French part and attended the military in the German part.”

the Dutch-speaking Flemish, the French-speaking Walloons, the 75,000 residents of the eastern German Cantons, and the bilingual capital of Brussels. Arnaud experienced this divided and unified Belgium in a very literal way, yet there are many Belgians who - regardless of their experiences and birthplace - are well aware of their country’s division. For Alain Tabruyn, the owner and manager of the Brasserie restaurant in Phuket Town, the very real physical divide is actually far from a hindrance and is actually what makes Belgium, well, Belgium. “One thing about the Belgian people is their ability to adapt and live with many different types of people with different kinds of personalities. “We are such a small country that we have to learn many languages just to be

Belgium is a small Western European country with a population of just over 10 million, which is divided into

able to communicate with each other. This is one of our main strengths: we are very adaptable.” Alain even believes that this virtue is one of the main reasons that Herman Van Rompuy, the former Belgium Prime Minister, was named as the first long-term, full-time President of the European Council. Mr Van Rompuy’s ability to maintain stability in Belgium during various tensions between the French and Flemish speaking communities was seen by many as invaluable experience, making him an obvious diplomatic choice for his role in the multinational European Council. For others, however, especially those who live in the capital city of Brussels, they are somewhat geographically and metaphorically caught in the middle. Olivier Shakers, from a small village located just outside the perimeter of the 14 villages or cities that

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are part of Brussels, and who therefore finds himself politically in the Flemish area, owns a restaurant in Patong. He said, “I am not one of the extremists who hates the other side. To me you have the ‘Francophones’ [French speaking Belgians] and the ‘Nederlandstaligen’ [Dutch speaking Belgians] and then you have those like me who are bilingual and who will find it hard to answer the question, ‘What is your mother tongue?’ So no, to me it’s not important [whether I’m Flemish or Walloon].” One thing that does seem to unite all the Phuket-based Belgians at least, is good food and wine, which is unsurprising, considering the majority of them make their living from it. Corry Ringoet, the coowner of Royale Nam Tok in Kathu said, “Belgian people work hard, and slave for their luxuries and houses, but we have a very rich food culture. “Belgian people like fine dining and spend quite a lot of money and time in restaurants, this is why we have the most Michelin star restaurants per square mile than in any other country.” Speaking at a full bar on a Wednesday night, both Alain and Arnaud enthusiastically agree with this. “Belgian people work to live, not live to work. The restaurants in Belgium are always quite full despite the recession. We like to party,” said Alain.

THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET FOCUS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Arnaud relaxes in some natural Belgian surroundings.

Above: How Belgium is divided and where it is located in Europe.

BELGIUM AT A GLANCE

Area: 30,528 sq km

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. The country prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Location: Western Europe, between France and the Netherlands

Although Arnaud enjoys a bottle or two of the popular Stella Artois lager, Alain is quick to extol the virtues of other, more traditional Belgian beers. “There are around 2,000 in Belgium, with at least one in most villages. There are ales, wheat beers, even cherry beers, we also have the biggest brewery in the world [InBev].” Indeed, even the monks in Belgium make beer, with many of its monasteries busy on a daily basis making the hugely popular Trappist Beers. Interestingly many of those who I spoke with said that it was through food and wine and their work that they managed to still feel part of Belgium culture. Olivier Julien Dubois, Regional Manager of Belgian Beverage Asia – a company that specialises in importing Belgain beers into Thailand said, “Sure, I still feel connected with Belgium because I’m talking about my culture’s

Ethnic groups: Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11% Languages: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French). Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, other (includes Protestant) 25% GDP: $529 billion (2011 est.)

produce everyday. I’m passionate about it, much as Thai people are passionate about their food.” Olivier is also from Brussells, “It’s the heart of Belgium and the city of industry. I hope it won’t change and become more divided, I wouldn’t like to think that someone one day can say to me that you are no longer Belgium, you are French.” “But we do alright,” added Olivier. “We have not yet had a civil war.” What is unlikely to change is the respective communities’ pride, whether they classify themselves as Fleming, Walloon, Geman Canton, or from Brussells. That’s why, other than a small minority of Flemish who celebrate their Flemish Community Day, Belgium’s National Day tomor row will be marked by almost all Phuket-based Belgians. “As an ex military man, I of course swore allegiance to Belgium. I was raised a

Major cities: Brussels (capital) 1.892 million; Antwerp 961,000 (2009) Chief of state: King Albert II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince Philippe, son of the monarch National holiday: 21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King Leopold I Head of government: Prime Minister Elio DI RUPO (since 6 December 2011) Belg ium Embassy i n Thai land: 16/F Sathorn Square, Bangkok, 02-1081800, diplomatie.be/bangkok

Royalist and still am, even if I live abroad. I have a Belgium flag in my house,” said Arnaud, who will most likely be found at the Brasserie bar enjoying a bite to eat tomorrow, as Alain most certainly will be. “We are proud to be Belgium sure, but we are not like the French or English and silly with it,” said Alain. “In Brussels there’s a big parade and lots of food and a few parties and things like that. But in some parts of Belgium, they do nothing. “For most Belgians it’s just a day off,” he added. Unlikely to be taking a day off is Corry, and even if he did have one, it is unlikely he would be celebrating it with much gusto, “I don’t celebrate Belgium Day,” he said. “Since I live abroad, I feel more like an international citizen.” Likewise Olivier from Belgian Beverage is unlikely to be painting little Belgium flags on his cheeks, “I never

really celebrated it back in Belgium, only watched fireworks mostly under the Belgian ‘drach’ (heavy rain).” Over at the Shakers bar and restaurant in Patong, there is every chance there will be a party, but not necessarily to celebrate Belgium

Olivier Julien Dubois

Olivier Shakers

National Day. Olivier said, “I normally do not celebrate July 21, but as it is a Saturday and we are running with the Hash House Harriers they will make sure I celebrate it.” Most likely with a beer and some really, really good food.

Phuket Community is a new feature series on the many different communities that make up the vibrant international population living in Phuket. Next month, Jody Houton meets many of the island’s growing number of South Korean residents.

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10 THAILAND NEWS

IN BRIEF Woman caught stealing B90,000 Pattaya police are examining CCTV camera footage of a female thief helping herself to takings from a cash box in a Pattaya bar on July 15. Footage clearly shows the woman approach the

bar and report an apparently broken bathroom hose pipe. When the bar owner goes to investigate the lady is shown reaching over, stealing B90,000 and making off on a black Honda Click.

Lése majesté Thai woman misses her return flight A 63-year old New Zealandresident Thai woman accused of lése majesté did not show up for her return flight from Bangkok on July 17. Waiting for her at the Bangkok airport were a dozen or so protesters with placards that read in English and Thai “Blasphemy against the King. Be punished by law.”

The pilot of the flight had pledged not to take off with the woman on board. Similarly, the police said that had he she turned up, they would have detained her as “she was unfit to leave the country.” The woman is said to be suffering from a ‘mental’ illness and is currently being assessed in hospital.

Stabbed body of mystery man discovered at Pattaya dump The body of a man believed to be in his mid-thirties has caused mystery after being found at a rubbish dump in Pattaya. The body is believed to have been dumped in the

location, as there were no blood stains in the area. There were several deep stab wounds in his head and chest, but no identifying marks or forms of I.D on his body.

Elephant tusks found at Bangkok airport Customs at Suvarnabhumi Airport seized 158 African elephant tusks worth B22.8 million on July 13. The ivory was found in

three boxes labelled ‘handicrafts’, brought in on a flight from Kenya. The items were handed over to the National Parks Department.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Thaksin says amnesty key to reconciliation Agence France-Presse

hailand’s fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra called for a highly-controversial amnesty on Tuesday (July 17), saying it is a “key to reconciliation” and “long overdue”. “Everyone says the same thing, that reconciliation must include amnesty,” he told a panel discussion at the Strategic Review Forum in Jakarta. “It’s long overdue for Thailand to bring about reconciliation. “If you learn how to forgive, that’s the only key, it’s the key to reconciliation. I’d like to urge all parties in Thailand to forgive.” Thailand’s government in June said it was postponing voting in parliament on controversial “reconciliation” proposals that have stoked political tensions in the divided kingdom. The bills are strongly opposed by opposition MPs who fear they will be used to grant an amnesty to Thaksin, ousted by royalist generals in a 2006 coup.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin, a former telecoms tycoon who lives in Dubai to avoid a jail term for corruption, is loved by many rural and poor Thais for his populist policies while in power, but hated by the elite who see him

as a threat to the monarchy. Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra is now prime minister following a landslide election win by her brother’s party last year. One of the draft laws,

which aims to amend the kingdom’s constitution, has angered royalists who see it as an attempt to weaken the monarchy. Thailand’s Constitutional Court last Friday (July 13) found complaints against plans by Yingluck’s party to amend the constitution – drawn up under the military junta that deposed Thaksin – were unfounded. Thaksin denied his desire to return to Thailand was linked to the court ruling. “I don’t think the Constitutional Court has anything to do with (whether) I’m going back or not,” he said. “We’d like to see the constitution amended in a democratic way.” Thousands of royalist ‘Yellow Shirt’ protesters blockaded parliament in May to prevent the house from discussing the reconciliation plans. In 2010 mass protests by Thaksin’s ‘Red Shirt’ supporters against the previous government descended into the kingdom’s worst civil violence in decades, with more than 90 people killed.

Viktor Bout cronies tried to renew arms trade: NGO Agence France-Presse

TWO MEN ALLEGED TO be accomplices of convicted Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout – arrested in Bangkok in 2008 – sought to relaunch his business from the Indian Ocean nation of Mauritius, a US non-governmental organisation said on Tuesday (July 17). “Many actors involved in this network had a connection to Viktor Bout and are back in the game of shipping arms to war zones,” Kathi Lynn Austin, head of the New Yorkbased Conf lict Awareness Project, said.

Bout arriving on US soil. According to Austin, two of Bout’s top lieutenants, Russian nationals Sergey Denishenko and Andrei Kosolapov, recently applied for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to employ a local airline in trafficking weapons, but Mauritian authorities rejected

the application, stalling their plans. A former Soviet army pilot and translator, Bout was sentenced by a US judge to 25 years in prison in April. The Russian – widely dubbed the ‘Merchant of Death’ – was lured to Thailand and arrested there in 2008 at the end of a US sting operation that stretched from the Caribbean island of Curacao to central Europe. Bout was eventually extradited to the United States and convicted in November on four counts of conspiring to sell missiles to terrorists and to kill US troops.

Diplomats urge scams crackdown NNT

FOREIGN DIPLOMATS MET with Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Suwat Sidthilaw, in Bangkok on July 11 to urge Thai authorities to clamp down on extortion and scams against foreign tourists. The meeting followed others that European and Australian diplomats have already

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had with Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa, at which they urged the Thai government to step up safety measures on Phuket. The most common scams, they said, involve local operators demanding excessive cash payments from tourists for allegedly damaging jet skis, or tricking visitors into paying through the nose for low-quality gemstones.

The Ministry has also been requested to provide the embassies with updates on the government’s efforts to fight crimes against tourists. Mr Suwat added that the ministry is urging all local tourism operators to refrain from scamming tourists as Thailand’s reputation as an attractive tourist destination could be “severely jeopardised”.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Myanmar pop stars brace for their lyrical revolution Agence France-Presse

ith a flamboyant wardrobe and a diva’s voice, she’s seen as Myanmar’s Lady Gaga – a rare pop star in a country where years of isolation have left musicians reliant on borrowed foreign tunes. Singing Burmese translations of international hits like Bon Jovi’s You Give Love A Bad Name, Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein is famed for her feathered masquerade masks, rhinestone glamour and dramatic ball The Me N Ma Girls band rehearsing on the eve of a concert in Yangon. Photo: AFP gowns. Only a few artists are able with international standards, But she shrugs off the Lady cold, dark cave... some people Gaga comparison, saying she around the world even didn’t to struggle into the mainstream although it is unclear when in the country, where rampant that process might take place. was shocking fans with her notice we exist.” The 30-year-old graduated piracy has suffocated the music The move could require outfits in an eight-year career well before the US star made with a medical degree but says industry and strict censorship copy acts to apply for permisit big: “No offence, but it’s she gave up training to become controlled everything from sion from intellectual property a doctor because people kept lyrics to outfits. owners to translate their songs the truth.” But sweeping reforms after into Burmese – providing an And unlike the eccentric recognising her in hospital after American songstress her cos- her television performances. the end of junta rule last year incentive for artists to write Myanmar pop is dominated raise the prospect of exposure their own lyrics. tumes do not reveal much leg Government moves to relax or cleavage, in keeping with by copies of international tunes, to the influence – and copyright from the power ballads of Ce- laws – of the outside world and control of the internet mean local customs. The Myanmar pop singer, line Dion to the soft rock strains hopes of a shake-up that could music fans can now access thousands of tunes on the who grew up idolising far of Rod Stewart, accompanied revitalise the music scene. Myanmar has indicated YouTube video-sharing website. away megastars, describes by sometimes incongruous For most of Myanmar’s decades of political isolation Burmese lyrics about heart- it will review its copyright laws to bring them into line population, however, pop as like being “locked up in a break and failed love.

means street corner stalls selling pirated copies of films and music videos. Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein described piracy as “uncontrollable”, with fake copies of her videos undercutting sales of her albums, which retail for around $2. One act trying to forge its own sound is the Me N Ma Girls, a five member girl band who write their own songs in English and Burmese, including one urging Myanmar’s diaspora around the world to return and help development. Their Australian manager Nikki May, who is based in Myanmar, hopes that by creating its own music the band will find it easier to flourish on the world stage, without getting in trouble for singing unauthorised covers. “If there are copyright issues (musicians) are never going to be able to get outside Myanmar so they’re never going to be able to represent their country,” she said. The band says other artists have now started to say they will focus on original material in the future.

ASIA NEWS 11

IN BRIEF Kitten survives 6,500-mile trip in China-US container A three-month-old kitten is recovering in California after surviving a journey across the Pacific in a shipping container from China, without food or water, officials said Tuesday. The orange-and-white animal has been named Ni Hao, or Hello in Mandarin, after being found when the container was opened last week, following the twoweek, 10,450-kilometre trip from Shanghai.

Fukushima opens first beach since nuclear meltdown

Japan’s Fukushima prefecture has opened its first beach to swimmers since last year’s tsunami and nuclear disaster after judging the water to be safe. About 1,000 people have descended on Nakoso beach, about 65 kilometres south of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant. Iwaki city official Joji Kimura says negligible radiation was detected in water at the beach. Airborne radiation was measured at 0.08 microsieverts per hour, far below dangerous levels.

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12 WORLD NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Funds shortage hold up Mandela dream of SA children’s hospital Agence France-Presse

ne of Nelson Mandela’s cherished dreams of building a southern African paediatric hospital is struggling to take off as the anti-apartheid hero is increasingly too frail to personally raise funds. It was about a decade ago when the former president conceived the idea of a specialist children’s referral and teaching hospital. He had spent days visiting a child being treated in an intensive care unit of a Johannesburg private hospital for 80 per cent burns, witnessing the agony that both the parents and the five-year-old boy went through. The boy later died. A discussion about the lack of children’s critical care wards ensued and the idea of a dedicated children’s hospital was born: a 200-bed paediatric facility for the southern African

region based in Johannesburg. Africa has only four children’s hospitals – two in Egypt, one in Kenya and one – a Red Cross hospital in Cape Town – all built several decades ago. Construction of the one billion rand ($120 million, 99 million euro) hospital is planned to start in November and the first patient should be admitted on July 18, 2014 – Mandela’s 96th birthday. But amassing the funds has been “tough, it’s very tough,” said the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund executive director Sibongile Mkhabela. “Depending on what we get we are ready to break ground in November.” After some seven years of research, about a fifth of the targeted funds have been secured, and for construction to kick off, at least half of the project funds should be available. “We have collected about 200 million rand but we we can

Nelson Mandela’s dream is struggling to get off the ground. only break ground when we have secured at least 500 million, that gives us confidence to break ground,” she said. A new “very powerful campaign” of two songs by South African artists to run on public radio stations was launched on Monday. “Using that public platform we believe we will be able to make

Obama should ‘learn how to be an American’, says US Governor Agence France-Presse

US PRESIDENT BARACK Obama jetted into the Republican bastion of Texas on Tuesday to raise funds and burnish his nationwide appeal as opponents called his American identity into question. Campaigning ahead of November’s presidential vote has become increasingly rancorous, as the Democratic incumbent

and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney trade attack ads and bitter accusations of lies and cover-ups. In the latest swipe, former New Hampshire governor John Sununu sneered that he wished Obama “would learn how to be an American” – a comment that recalled previous attacks on the black president’s identity and background. Obama’s camp jumped on

the remark, alleging it represented a desperate move by Romney to stir up controversy and distract attention from criticism of the Republican’s tax records and business affairs. Interviewed later on CNN, Sununu apologised for his choice of language, saying: “Frankly, I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have used those words and I apologise for using those words.”

the 500 million rand before November in order for us to break ground.” While raising funds was easier during the research phase of the project, when Mandela was still active, lately it has been an uphill struggle. Going around with a begging bowl “could not be at worst of times, when the econ-

Photo: AFP

omy is melting down. When we started the research (in 2005) it was fine ... but now it’s very hard for people to part with hard-earned cash in this environment,” Mkhabela said. But the frailty of Mandela, who turned 94 on Wednesday (July 18), has not helped the situation. Had he still been active,

she said they would “be done by now,” she said. Funds have been sourced locally so far, but now the plans are to cast the net wider and target the international community. “We want to go international. The work that is being done now is to rally around the local people to say we are the major anchors to this project, but we cannot do it alone,” said the hospital project leader Joe Seoloane. The Nelson Mandela Children’s hospital, which will have lodging facilities for accompanying parents, is seen as the first to be proposed and built by “liberated Africans”, Mkhabela said. The hospital will be built on a 34,000 square metre plot of land on the grounds of the Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg. It will also offer telemedicine facilities for doctors in outlying areas as well as in southern Africa.

Syrian ‘liberation’ begins Agence France-Presse

REBELS DECLARED THE battle to “liberate” Damascus has begun as heavy fighting raged across the city on Tuesday and Russia said an agreement is possible for a UN resolution on the Syria crisis. The proclamation by the Free Syrian Army, which also claimed it had shot down a helicopter in the capital, came as peace envoy Kofi Annan said the 16-month crisis increasingly described as a civil war was at a “critical time”. The opposition Syrian National Council meanwhile said Syrians will seek new ways to confront President Bashar al-Assad if the UN Security Council fails to threaten sanctions, ahead of a vote show-

Syrian policemen inspect the site of a car bomb explosion in the capital Damascus on July 13. Heavy fighting has raged across the city since Sunday. Photo: AFP down Wednesday between the major powers. Heavy machine-gun fire was reported in Damascus’s Sabaa Bahrat Square, where Assad’s regime has staged rallies to counter anti-regime protests that erupted in March

2011. At least 19 people were killed as tanks and helicopter gunships were deployed in Qaboon district and battles were fought in Al-Midan and Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

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THE PHUKET NEWS

LETTERS/VIEWPOINT 13

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

OPINION

Editor’s Viewpoint

Norachai’s World

Crocodile tears

Crocodiles are sometimes spotted on Bangla Road. This is not a metaphor, nor an analogy. Touts have been known to offer personalised photographs of splayed crocodiles with their mouths taped shut. It is a common sight to see touts with drugged animals; whether gibbons, iguanas – or as seems to be the fashion these days – lorises. Most tourists stroll on by, but some stop to marvel and have their photos taken (B100 a pop). This nasty practice has existed for many years in Phuket. The only thing that changes is the particular animal. The latest hawking of baby loris however seems to be causing a huge outrage. Why? Is it because they’re cute? Lorises have big beautiful, doe-like eyes and tiny bodies. Walt Disney would have struggled to create something cuter. This is not a f lippant remark. The cute factor affecting what is deemed acceptable or not cannot be understated. Two tourists were so horrified at seeing these particular primates treated in this manner that they alerted police, who

The gawk-eyed tourists laugh at the animal.

Letters to the editor Straighten out the island [Re. Resort site is completely legal: Arcadia boss] Mr Damrong, many people (locals) are thankful to you and hope you will create the “difference” and give Phuket a second chance. If you have some friends with courage and power like you, please send them over for government posts on Phuket. We have some more issues and scams which need urgent attention and changes to be solved here on Phuket. Too many scams and (foreign) scum here. Local authorities seem to have lost control and evil and greed are in power here. All we get from local authorities is promises, false hope and new delays. The current rising tourist figures can’t be realistic. People/tourists stop returning to Phuket. The land of smiles starts crying and Thailand stops being the “Land of the Free”. Thailand is becoming the Land of the Greedy. Help us please, Khun Damrong. Phuket Greed

No more burning please

[Re. Is cancer in the air?] Pollutants from home burning of plastic bottles, tyres and tubes are far worse than diesel emissions. The burned aromatics are poison. Try an article on the burning by your neighbours of “trash” that poisons the local air. Air that is not “crystal blue skies”. Alf

Thanks for reporting the truth [Re. Troubled Istana development] Excellent article on Istana. Finally some reporting on a development here with some real information and objectivity. Also very happy to see someone with a pulpit raising the diesel fumes issue. And finally, putting our article in this issue, given the cover story, nice move. Well done and thanks for the read. Jerrold Kippen (contributor)

Employ westerners

[Re. Lifeguards plead for swimmers to listen] I would agree, the lifeguards seem very shy. Maybe someone with a big personality and communication skills could help support the life savers. Maybe it’s time to get Western volunteers on the beaches, like the tourist police. Thailand tourism could offer good visa options in return! Pamela Andersin

Hoping for a fair outcome [Re. ‘Demolisher’ orders probes into 10 sites] Good luck to you Mr Damrong, I just hope if that if they are found to be illegal that they will indeed be demolished. Paul Phillips

Let’s go eco friendly [Re. Plans for a third incinerator] This actually sounds like a sensible idea (since they are in the habit of burning rubbish), although I am

sure there are other ways to use the rubbish to generate electricity or something. Why would you need additional garbage trucks? Tbs

Punish the culprits [Re. Bangla Loris touts still at it] Surely if anyone was serious about catching these touts, it would be easy. But does anyone ever see any police on Bangla? No. They do one walk about 10pm, up and down the strip, and you would be hard pressed to find a policeman if you needed one. Tbs

Flags mean nothing [Re. Lifeguards plead for swimmers to listen] In the last two months I have been to the beach a dozen times at Kata Noi and Karon beacwhes. The red flags were up every single day from May to December. They mean nothing to me. Dave

Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.

contacted the Livestock Department who in turn passed the word to Awat Nikikul Chief of the Provincial Environmental Conservation Department. O n July 8, M r Awat arrested two loris touts and took them to the police station. The baby lorises were confiscated and sent to the Wildlife Breeding Center in Phang Nga province and the touts were fined. Happy ending? Not really. The messy and convoluted way in which this situation was passed around from department to department shows that Thai authorities have not quite made up their minds as to who should be doing what with regards to which particular animal entertainment on the island. In the meantime, two different touts, along with two (one hopes) different baby lorises appeared on Bangla Rd just a few days later. There is only one sure way to stop these crimes against nature. That’s for all tourists to refuse to have anything to do with the touts, so that their nasty little business withers away. How about it, tourists?

This week in history ■■ July 21, 1925 – Sir Malcolm Campbell becomes the first man to break the 150 mph (241 km/h) land barrier at Pendine Sands in Wales. ■■ July 22, 1933 – Wiley Post becomes the first person to fly solo around the world, travelling 15,596 miles (25,099 km) in 7 days, 18 hours and 45 minutes. ■■ July 23, 1903 – The Ford Motor Company sells its first car. ■■ July 24, 1966 – Michael Pelkey makes the first base jump from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, along with Brian Schubert. Both came out with broken bones. Base jumping from El Capitan has since been banned. ■■ July 25, 1965 – Bob Dylan goes electric as he plugs in at the Newport Folk Festival, signaling a major change in folk and rock music. ■■ July 26, 1745 – The first recorded women’s cricket match takes place near Guildford, England.

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14 BUSINESS

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Singaporeans buy in Thailand Heavy interest in Thai property from buyers in the republic > 16

Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

King of the kitchen SUCCESS

Stor y

n an island where it sometimes seems as though there is one eatery for every two people, it takes a special kind of skill to stay in the restaurant business for 15 years. Here, Harold Schwarz reveals some of the secrets behind the success of his restaurant, Tatonka, in Tin Lay Place, Cherng Talay. When did you arrive in ‘We move everything; machinery, furniture and even pets.’ Phuket? October 1994.

ABS opens in Phuket Advertorial

BA N G KO K- BA S E D international removal company ABS Relocations opened its Phuket branch on Vichitsongkram Road last month. For the owner, this was a natural step for the company. “We were getting more and more requests for Phuket deliveries and relocations to and from the island, so we decided to open a branch here.” ABS (Always Best Service) has been operating in Bangkok for three years, but the owner has been in the removal business for 25 years, starting at a very young age in Scandinavia. “We have extensive experience of moving corporate and private clients quickly, cheaply and efficiently between different continents and to all corners of the world,” he says.

ABS operates both domestically and internationally and its worldwide networks ensure that shipments, containers and important produce are delivered by land, air or sea, no matter what the cargo is. “We move everything; machinery, furniture and even pets,” he says. He is confident that ABS will be able to thrive and move to the top spot on the island, despite there being other removal firms in Phuket. “We don’t care about competitors. With 25 years’ experience in our back pocket, we cannot go wrong – and we also offer door-to-door service, which many of our competitors don’t.” For more information on ABS Relocations, call 076 304 298, email contact@ abs-relocations.com or visit abs-relocations.com

At that time were you planning to start a business? I worked at the Dusit Laguna Resort, and one year later I decided to start my own restaurant. Was this something you had done before, or did you have to learn from scratch? I have been cooking professionally since I was 18. I worked for many hotels and restaurants in different parts of the world, but this was the first business of my own. What made you want to start this particular business? I wanted to create my own style of cooking with a multicultural cuisine, giving guests an opportunity to try something different. At Laguna, 15 years ago, there weren’t many places to go to dine out, so I thought it had potential. What was your initial investment? Not much; we did most things with our own hands. On a scale of 1 for “not at

Harold Schwarz: ‘Work hard to keep the quality consistent. And stick to your own style.’ all” to 10 for “absolutely”, how has your business developed compared with your initial expectations? Between 8 and 9. What was easiest to do in developing your business? Nothing is easy, but you have to try to make things go easy, to be flexible and stay positive. What was most difficult to do in developing your business? It’s difficult to say but if you are professional and determined, nothing will block your way to success. If you were to do this again, what would you do differently? Not much, really. How much was culture

clash a factor in the way your business developed? Restaurants are a tough business to be in, dealing almost entirely with local people, so it requires an understanding of their values and beliefs, and you have to treat them with respect. Being able to speak Thai is essential for me in taking care of everyday matters. What do you love/hate most about what you do? Food and cooking are my passion, and I love to make people happy. How is business right now? I can’t complain. Are you affected much by local/national/international economic issues? We have a very healthy mix

of clientele with about 50 per cent residents and 50 per cent tourists. The majority are return guests. Have you been affected by increasing competition? How do you counter that? We haven’t really been affected because we have a quite unique style in terms of food and ambiance. Where do you go from here? I’ll just try to stick to my principles and keep going as long as I enjoy it. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs starting up in Phuket? Do your market research, start small and work hard to keep the quality consistent. And always stick to your own style.

New drive on tax evasion NNT

THE REVENUE DEPARTment (RD) is to launch a new drive against tax evasion in the private sector. The RD is now working on developing a system whereby local business operators will be required to report all purchase and sales tax to the RD.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

BUSINESS/TOURISM 15

CHINA BOOM Chinese tourist numbers are growing fast – and they’re spending more

otels in Asia Pacific are expecting a major rise in mainland Chinese visitors in the coming years, according to a new survey by Hotels.com, while another survey by the Wyndham Hotel Group predicts that each of these travellers will be spending more in the future. Launched last Friday (July 13), Hotel.com’s inaugural Chinese International Travel Monitor (CITM) found that the majority of hoteliers envisage the boom in outbound Chinese travel continuing, with almost a quarter expecting to see an increase of as much as 40 per cent. Johan Svanstrom, Managing Director of Hotels.com Asia Pacific commented, “The Chinese made a staggering 70 million international trips in 2011 and, while many of these were to Hong Kong and Macau, the number going further afield is growing significantly. “Implementing strategies to cater specifically to this burgeoning source market is moving from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a competitive necessity.” The study, which gathered the views of 5,000 of Hotels. com’s hotel partners, found that the profile of Chinese guests is also changing as they become increasingly independent, confident, younger and more familiar with foreign cultures and customs. Among hoteliers polled, those in the Asia Pacific region already recognise the need to

Turochas Fuad (left) and Prashant Kirtane of Travelmob.com.

Mob rule Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

AN INNOVATIVE NEW accommodation booking site, Travelmob.com, launched officially in Phuket on Tuesday, aimed at delivering “nontraditional” places to stay. Turochas “T” Fuad from Indonesia, the site’s CEO, and Prashant Kirtane from India, the Chief Technical Officer, explained that the site will not carry hotels or resorts, thereby conveniently avoiding head-on competition with giants such as Agoda or Expedia. Instead, it already carries a portfolio of “thousands of hosts” ranging from a houseboat in Kerala to a ski lodge in Japan and a clifftop villa in Bali called Oh My God. “Theoretically, if you have a spare couch and you want to list it, there will probably be someone who wants to sleep on it,” Mr Fuad explained. Apart from avoiding hotels and resorts, the site has a number of innovative aspects. For a start, unlike many conventional villa rental sites, listings are free, with Travelmob making its money from charging guests a service fee of up to 12 per cent. “So the hosts have nothing to lose by listing. If it doesn’t work for them, they can take the listing down,” Mr Fuad said. Both hosts and guests have access to a dashboard, which allows them to set many more parameters than usual. Guests can comment on a property they have stayed in – which is not so unusual – but it also works the other way round: hosts can comment on guests, so that guests who break the TV or spill red wine all over the white silk upholstery may find booking a gorgeous villa difficult. Hosts have between 24

and 48 hours to respond to a booking enquiry, with the site set up to allow direct dialogue between the two parties (without phone numbers or email addresses so that hosts and guests don’t do a private deal outside the system). Payments are not made to a host until 24 hours after the check-in time, with the aim of ensuring that guests are satisfied before their money leaves their pocket. All of this adds a human element that most accommodation booking sites lack Payments, using PayPal or credit cards, can be made or received in 13 currencies, 10 of them Asian currencies. Good ratings by guests for a property automatically push it up the search ratings, and vice-versa. The Singapore-based duo have plenty of infotech experience. Mr Fuad helped push Yahoo’s mobile business in southeast Asia before moving to Skype as managing director for Asia. Mr Kirtane was most recently senior director of engineering for Yahoo’s video division globally. They say they are not worried about copycat competition. “We have experience,” said Mr Fuad, “and Travelmob is not so easy to replicate.” The site is currently in English, Vietnamese, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia and traditional and simplified Chinese, but more will follow, especially Russian. Is this a start-up aimed at making enough noise that it will be bought up by one of the giants? Mr Fuad says no. “We’re in it for the long term,” he said. Travelmob.com is also on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. There’s a US$50 discount for anyone booking by August 9.

A new portrait of the Chinese tourist: Many are becoming more adventurous, moving out of the traditional comfort zones of Macau and Hong Kong. have Mandarin-speaking staff, translated materials, Chinese menus, entertainment options and China UnionPay card services for payments. 59 per cent of Asia Pacific hotel respondents already offer Chinese newspapers and magazines, while 70 per cent offer Chinese food on their menus. “Hoteliers should form concrete plans in two areas,” said Mr Svanstrom. “First, develop marketing strategies to reach the Chinese source market; concentrating on online as the Chinese internet population has now crossed the 500-million mark. “Second, adapt hotel prop-

erty services to cater to the expectation and needs of this growing audience.” The Wyndham research suggests that Chinese travellers are planning to increase their holiday budgets, allocating extra spend towards hotel upgrades and opting for shopping and adventure getaways. The study polled 5,600 global customers from key cities to determine consumer spending habits. The results revealed 58 per cent of Chinese travellers would increase their holiday budget in 2012, compared with 27 per cent in the US and 24 per cent in the UK

and Canada. Chinese travellers also lead the world community when it comes to booking well-known major hotel chains, with close to 24 per cent willing to pay extra for brand reputation. 56 per cent of Chinese travellers are seeking a shopping trip, while “close to half are aspiring to take a theme park holiday or embark on a diving adventure,” according to survey results. The United States was revealed as providing the most loyal customers, with 64 per cent of respondents claiming to be part of a hotel loyalty rewards program, while the Chinese came in at 50 per cent.

thephuketnews.com

16 BUSINESS/PROPERTY

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Most Asian tourists ‘not yet tempted by Thai property’ propertyguru.com.sg

PROPERT Y SA LES I N apartments, condominiums and villas in Phuket continued to improve generally during the first quarter of the year, according to new research from CBRE Thailand. But supply will have to be adjusted if the new wave of Asian travellers, who have yet to become significant property buyers on the island, are to find Phuket an attractive place to invest. David Simister, Chairman of CBRE Thailand, said, “Despite healthy increases in tourism arrivals, we are not for now seeing a proportional increase in sales in the resort property market. “The traditional market of European expatriates in Asia and European buyers have less of an appetite [these days for] property. We believe [this is] in part due to European and global financial problems and in part due to concerns about investment in Thailand. “The rising tourism numbers are mainly from Asia, who have yet to become resort property buyers. Over time repeat tourists will create new buying demand.” In the condominium and apartment market, CBRE’s statistical analysis is based on prices per sqm. The company noted this this does not always provide a completely accurate picture of the market because of the wide range of unit sizes; there are one-bedroom units with high prices per square metre, and larger condominiums with

high total prices but mid-range prices per square metre. This needs to be taken into account when reviewing the research, CBRE said. During the first quarter, CBRE Thailand recorded 84 condominium sales, up from the 74 units sold in the same period of 2011, but a drop from the 94 units sold in Q4 2011. Most sales were one-bedroom 43-68 sqm units with an average price of B5.9 million. Tourism arrivals continue to grow, with the growth mainly from Asian arrivals but as yet they have not been big property buyers in Phuket. CBRE Thailand noted that these new growth markets will generate repeat visitors. “We have seen that in the Thai resort markets, repeat visitor can become potential property purchasers,” the report noted. Whatever the nationality, buyers prefer completed developments with completed units to those under construction. Off-plan developments do not give buyers the level of confidence they are looking for and as a result sales are poor. With growing tourist arrivals and the strong reputation of Phuket, CBRE Thailand expects the overall performance of the condominium and apartment market continue to improve in 2012. According to CBRE, a total of 60 villas were sold in Q1 2012 compared to 51 villas in Q4 2011. The entry-level segment showed the strongest performance with 30 villas sold, while the luxury segment showed the lowest performance with just two villas sold.

Singapore’s skyline glitters – but property buyers are finding government restrictions irritating. Photo: Brandon Lim

Singapore home buyers look north for bargains propertyguru.com.sg

hai listed developer SC Asset sold an astonishing 52 units at The Crest Sukhumvit 34, each selling for hundreds of millions of baht, during its global launch in Singapore, underlining the substantial interest in Thailand properties from Singaporean buyers. The 28-storey freehold condominium, which will have 265 units, is expected to be completed by the end of 2015. Prices for sales achieved in Singapore were between B174,650 and B188,000 per sqm for units on the 16th floor and above, according to the SQFT Global Properties, the Singapore real estate agent responsible for the launch event.

Villa Suksan is a quie

ASE II RN PH NAI HA ING NOW H LAUNC

t seclud ed de velop men t of bou tiqu e vi llas

com bini ng lu xury and a ffordab ility

Dave Loo, Managing Director of SQFT Global Properties, said, “Over the weekend, we gathered that the main reasons that spur Singaporeans to buy Bangkok property are that, first, Singaporeans are beginning to find the Singapore property prices too high to enter with a smaller budget. “On top of this, the current regulations that have been imposed [in Singapore] have made it more difficult for Singaporeans to enter the property market. As a result, their attention has turned towards overseas property markets in search of greener pastures.” Singapore has recently hosted global launch events for London property developments, but this is believed to be the first time that a Thailand developer has chosen to launch a property in the city state before making it available to buyers at home. Loo explained: “Within Asia, Bangkok has become one of the more appealing cities to invest in, [because of] the absence of government intervention. In fact, [the government has] been promoting Thailand as a destination for

business and tourism.” It is estimated that more than 400 overseas property transactions happen every month in Singapore, although no official figures are available. Interest in Thai properties among Singaporean buyers has been increasing rapidly this year and more developers are marketing their projects to affluent buyers there. Knight Frank Thailand recently revealed that Singapore buyers have become significant buyers of property in Phuket. Loo added: “Prospective buyers [at the Singapore launch of The Crest] were primarily concerned with taxation, price trends, capital growth and rental yields. The location of the project and the accessibility are also important to them. “Those that were buying to use as second homes were concerned with the environment, as well as location and accessibility. Most importantly, buyers wanted to understand if the prices being quoted were justified.” At the weekend, Patong’s Charm Residence launched Phase D of its project, also to Singaporeans, after what agency Trillion Property de-

scribes as “pretty encouraging” sales which has seen sell-outs of Blocks A and B, and 80 per cent of Block C. The Charm Residence is a beachfront project being developed by Proliving – a hotel operator with a background of previous projects on the island. The project consists of four interconnecting buildings with a total of 246 units. There are six different layouts ranging from studio, one-bedroom, duplex units with Jacuzzis and ground units with pool access. All units come fully furnished. Owners can also benefit from a rental pool programme which is offering up to 8 per cent rental returns per year. William Loke, Managing Director of Trillion Property, said, “Overseas projects are increasingly popular for Singaporeans because they offer an interesting alternative for investors who may be hindered by the cooling measures introduced in local market. “Investors nowadays are also more informed about global property trends and the various property investment options.”

Middle Easterners shopping for villas

Villa Suksan is a quiet secluded Boutique Development of Bali Style Pool Villas combining luxury and affordability. Villa Suksan is inspired by the calm and tranquillity of the Balinese lifestyle combined with Thai and modern elements to achieve an elegance that is both comfortable and functional for overseas buyers. Our goal is to build high quality villas at an affordable price that blend well with the tropical environment. • Full property management • Freehold and Leasehold Ownership Nai Harn Beach & Rawai Bay Tel. 083 388 9339 or 076 384 691 Sales@villasuksan.com

thephuketnews.com

THE NUMBER OF RICH Middle Eastern citizens vacationing in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket has surged this year to record highs, says Nattha Kahapana, Director of Knight Frank Phuket. They are also buying holiday homes on the island of Phuket, and are shopping for family-sized pool villas, Mr Nattha said.

THE PHUKET NEWS

ARTS 17

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

LIFE&STYLE

Time travel

Simon Ostheimer makes the trip to the old town of Takua Pa > 28

Jody Houton & Claire Connell editor@thephuketnews.com

Water difference

PHUKET GALLERIES Designed by Woulfe Studio

Baan Wana Park, 177/22 Moo.4, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, 076 620 071, designedbywoulfe.com.

Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

Drawing Room

I Mon Art Gallery

56 Phang Nga Road, Talad Yai, Muang, Phuket Town, 086 899 4888

R Gallery’s latest exhibition Oceans Apart opened on July 14, and will run until August 17. It features work by two artists – divided by an ocean – Phuket-based artist Robin Gillow and South African artist Libby Harrison. Libby, an illustrator of children’s books and a fine artist, created her first cartoon character when she was just five-years-old. For the past 25 years or so, she has been working from home in Cape Town. Libby says, “My paintings vary widely in medium, style and content – I was once told it looked like ten different people had done my paintings! I used to work on huge canvasses, but have had to go smaller due to space constraints. The work I’ve done for this particular exhibition is more representational and controlled, though the brush strokes are still loose. My paintings come from an emotional response to an experience, be it visual or otherwise. I suppose that’s the unifying element.” Meanwhile, Robin composes more realist pieces, from race horses, large yachts,

29/2 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 086 961 8968, montian_29@live.com. Open daily 8am-7.30pm.

Nakonnai Art Museum

84/34 Moo7, Soi Saiyuan 2, Rawai. 085 974 7218, nakonnaiartmuseum@yahoo.com.

P. Fire Studio

Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 085 591 1587, virat-uttakut@hotmail.co.th. Open daily.

Red Gallery

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

Sarasil Art Galllery

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

Tawan Ook Art Gallery

Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 081 956 5872. Open daily.

The Love Art Studio Artists Libby Harrison (third from left) and Robin Gillow (fourth from left) with friends at the opening night of Ocean’s Apart at Mom Tri’s VR Gallery. Photo: Dan Miles land and seascapes, portraits to commercial work, yet she admits that topics and interpretations can vary, “At times I use a combination of a number of styles, from realism, to abstract, to surrealism, to collage, it depends on the mood I wish to convey or the story I want to tell. My style is unique and cannot in fact be categorised.” Robin admits she has rather a unique approach to the composition of her work and one

GERRY’S

editor@thephuketnews.com

that is certainly eye-catching, “The finished [first] painting often has a subtle message hidden in its presentation. “However more often than not, once the painting is ‘complete’ in the viewers’ eyes, I then set about cutting the canvas into pieces. Slashed or cut canvases are recycled into a second work – a collage of the previous work glued to a second canvas. This is then combined with over-painting or drawing between the spaces

on the new canvas not covered by the cut painting.” This not only creates rather subtle balances between light, colour, form and movement, but also enables her to make a statement, “regarding ‘life’, ‘the planet’ and how, we, as humankind view it.” VR Gallery is located adjacent to Mom Tri’s Villa Royale at the entrance of the Baan Kata Estate. For more info: momtriphuket.com/artgallery

Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 089 471 5653, pui.t.l.a.s.@hotmail.com; theloveartstudio.com. Open daily.

Veerachan Usahanun

110/34 Cherng Talay, Bang Tao Beach Rd, 081 490 4359, usahanun@live.com; veerachanusahanun.com.Open daily.

Vichen Gallery Bzenter

Behind Da Vinci Restaurant, Saiyuan Rd, Rawai, 087 890 3722. Open daily 3-9 pm. (Telephone to view before 3pm.)

VR Gallery & Coffee Shop

Next to Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, 12 Kata Noi Rd, Kata Noi, 076 333 568; art@momtriphuket.com, momtriphuket.com.

Watcharin Art Studio

27 Yaowaraj Rd, Phuket Town, 088 386 1449, watcharintinorodnit@hotmail.com, rindamagicalart.com.

Wua Gallery and Studio

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

KNOW WHERE THIS IS? GUESS RIGHT AND WIN!

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THIS WEEK’S HINT: “This idyllic scene is of one of Phuket’s finest beaches in the southern part of the island and was taken a few months before the weather changed, the red flags went up, and the sailors moved their boats to much more tranquil waters. In the few short years of living on the island I have seen this once quiet beach area move from low development to mega development, putting it on a pace with those stretches of sand found on the west coast of the island.” –Gerry Cummings

EMAIL US ENTER ONLINE

www.photohutgroup.com

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GUESS THE CORRECT LOCATION AND WIN A B500 GIFT VOUCHER FROM PHOTO HUT

Congratulations go to Graham Collar, who correctly guessed that last week’s picture was of the immigration office building in Phuket Town, which every farang living here must visit at least once every three months.

thephuketnews.com

18 PEOPLE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Proud mountain man 10 Questions Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

he Nepalese Charge d’Affairs, Dor nath Aryal was in Phuket recently to attend a Visit Lumbini Year 2012 festival. He sat down with The Phuket News to answer his 10 Qs. 1 What was the purpose of your most recent visit to Phuket this month? The Government of Nepal launched the Visit Lumbini Year 2012 campaign earlier this year. Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha and located in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. Ne p a l a l s o r e c e n t l y launched Tourism Vision 2020 with a goal to increase annual international tourist arrivals to Nepal to two million by 2020, and increase employment in the tourism sector to one million. It is for this reason that the Embassy has been organising promotional programmes in different parts of Thailand. We also held a

thephuketnews.com

Yes, Thai tourists can get a visa on arrival at the international airport, or at the immigration offices at border points. They need to submit a valid passport and fill in the form with a passport size photograph. I f yo u a p pl y a t t h e embassy, it generally takes one working day, but if it is urgent the embassy may consider issuing a visa immediately. The embassy is always ready to extend any cooperation.

similar programme in Pattaya on July 7 and on April 18 in Bangkok.

2 For how long have you been working in the Nepalese Embassy? I’m Counsellor/Deputy Chief of the Mission, but currently in the absence of the Ambassador I have been working as Charge d’ Affaires a.i. since December 7, 2011. My tenure is for four years. 3 What is the Nepalese government’s relationship with the Thai Nepalese? The Embassy has excellent relations with Nepalese people and the communities in Thailand. We have been organising such programmes as the Visit Lumbini Year 2012 with their active cooperation and coordination for a long time. They extend very good cooperation to the Nepalese people. 4 How would you describe the relations between Nepal and Thailand? Nepal and Thailand enjoy excellent relations. Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, is also a

7 Besides Lumbini, what

Dornath Aryal at the Royal City Hotel in Phuket town.

5 Why should Thai people

destination for Thai tourists for a long time. In ever y religion, the birthplace has its own significance. I therefore request all Thai people to visit Lumbini at least once in their lifetime.

in particular be interested in visiting Lumbini? Lumbini has been a special

6 Can Thai tourists obtain a visa on arrival?

symbol of strong religious and cultural ties between us. We share a common value in Buddhism and we also share cultural similarities.

are the other main tourist attractions in Nepal? [Outdoor activiites such as] trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, mountain biking, fishing, jungle safari, rafting, sightseeing, ultra-light flights, and canoeing. There are also many different traditional activities and historic and cultural sites to visit. 8 Does the Phuket Nepalese community differ much from the Bangkok Nepalese? I think the Phuket Nepalese are well managed and communicate and co-operate well

with each other. In terms of customs and culture they are the same as in Bangkok.

9 People of Nepalese heritage are very proud of their culture and remain to refer themselves as Nepalese even after 3 or 4 generations of living elsewhere. Why do you think this is? Yes you are right. People of Nepalese origin living in Thailand still preserve and adopt Nepalese traditions and culture even after many generations. They observe Nepalese festivals and follow Nepalese traditions and culture. I think it is because of Nepal and Thailand’s cultural similarities, and their affection towards Nepal and the Nepalese people. 10 W hy do you th i n k Phuket is such a popular place for Nepalese people to move to? The beautiful island of Phuket attracts people from all over the world, so how could Nepalese people be an exception? I found most Nepalese people are in the tailoring business in Phuket.

THE PHUKET NEWS

HEALTH 19

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Picking up the pace

IN BRIEF Europe sells kidneys The European financial crisis has led to an increase in the trading of body parts, with kidneys apparently fetching large sums as highly sought after items. More and more of Europe’s most impoverished people are choosing to sell their kidneys as a last resort, for on average B580,000. Around 65,000 people in Europe are awaiting kidney transplants.

LOSE FAT Introducing weight training WITH PAT resistance It’s important to do a light Patrick du Preez editor3@thephuketnews.com

n my previous article I spoke about how regular exercise can reverse the ageing process, and the importance of fitness regardless of how old you are. I pointed out that you should start off slowly by gradually increasing aerobic exercise and then develop proper eating habits. If you’re a beginner it will take roughly a month before you begin to notice certain changes. Those with the lowest fitness levels will also show the fastest improvements. You will notice gains in strength, flexibility and coordination. Once you have started your routine keep at it. It’s often best to train with a buddy to keep you motivated. There is nothing in life that you cannot accomplish if you want it bad enough.

warm up prior to you starting your programme, and it’s further advisable to cool down at the end of your workout. The following are some basic guidelines based on your goals and level of training experience. If you’re training for size and strength you should be doing fewer exercises per workout by using heavier loads and performing fewer repetitions. You should be doi ng around 4-6 different exercises per workout with an average of 2-3 sets and 6-8 reps. If however you’re interested in burning fat and improving your general fitness you should be doing lighter loads, higher reps, and fewer sets. For example 8-10 exercises with an average of 1-2 sets and 12-15 reps. It’s further advisable to train three times a week on alternative days to give your body one full day of recovery. I would advise that

Nurses doing well It’s important to start out slowly before building to a regular rhythm that works. you initially do two sets per exercise for each body part. One to two minutes rest between sets. Sets, repetitions may vary as you progress and your strength increases. Patrick du Preez is the D i r e c t o r of C l u b A s i a Fitness Centre at the Royal City Hotel in Phuket Town. For more information, see clubasiaphuket.com The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation.

BEGINNERS MUSCLE BUILDING WORKOUT Monday

Wednesday

Friday

Chest

Thigh

Back

Bench Press 2 x 10

Leg Extension 2 x 12

Lat Machine 2 x 12

Pec Deck 2 x 10

Leg Curl 2 x 12

Rowing Machine 2 x 12 (Seated)

Triceps

Squats / Leg Press 2 x 12

Biceps

Triceps Extension 2 x 12 Triceps Kickback 2 x 12

Calf

Barbell / E-Z Bar 2 x 12

Standing Calf 2 x 12

Dumbbell Curl 2 x 12

Shoulders

Seated Shoulder Press 2 x 10 (DB) Upright Row 2 x 12 (barbell)

Abs / Cardio

Sit-ups 2 x 20

Treadmill 10-15 minutes

Upright Bike 10-15 minutes

Elliptical 10-15 minutes

Agency temporary nurses were paid B79,000 a day during recent nursing shortages at U.K hospitals, ten times the average rate of B7,900 for NHS nurses.

Alcohol packaging not graphic enough Alcohol should carry health warnings in the form of graphic images in much the same way that cigarette packwages do, according to prominent U.K doctors. The UK Faculty of Public Health said that drinking had become so common place and accepted in British culture that ‘no-nonsense’ warnings were needed to overcome widespread public ignorance of the dangers.

Study reveals stubbing out leads to putting on pounds Agence France-Presse

QUITTI NG SMOK I NG leads to an average weight gain of four to five kilogrammes in the first year, “significantly” more than previously thought, a bmj. com study revealed last week. Most of the pounds are piled on in the first three months, the team of medical researchers wrote, and added that the health benefits of quitting far outweighed the

risks of putting on weight. For quitters who did not use nicotine replacement therapy, the average weight gain was 1.1 kilos at one month, 2.3 kilos at two, 2.9 kilos at three, 4.2 kilos at six months and 4.7 kilos after a year. This was “substantially higher than the 2.9 kg often quoted in smoking cessation advice leaflets.” “Moreover, this mean weight gain is greater than

the 2.3 kg gain that female smokers report being willing to tolerate, on average, before embarking on a quit attempt.” Earlier research showed that nicotine is an appetite suppressant and may increase the metabolic rate. Researchers stressed that fears of getting fat could deter some people from quitting and called for further research to identify those most at risk of gaining weight to be targeted for counselling.

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway. SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

thephuketnews.com

20 MOTORING

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Doing what Italians do Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

iuseppe “Pepe” Viva, manager of Bliss Beach Club on Bang Tao Bay (see review on page 26), is, by his own admission, nuts about bikes. When he was 13, growing up in Puglia, southern Italy, he told his parents he was going to stay with a friend for the summer. Instead, he rented a room nearby and went to work on a construction site. With the money he saved he bought a secondhand Aprilia 125 Six Days trail bike. “It was a beauty,” he recalls. He had to keep it at a friend’s house – his parents disapproved of two things in particular: their son working, and their son owning a motorbike. Inevitably they found out, and there was a brief family crisis but eventually they gave in. Each year Pepe would work, and each year he would upgrade to a better bike. The police knew him well. “I had fun being chased by the

thephuketnews.com

Left, ‘It’s so much fun,’ Pepe Viva says of his bike. Above, the new mufflers he had fitted, which boosted performance.

police. They never caught me – I would always get off the road and they couldn’t follow me.” Usually they would meet him at home and give him a ticking-off, but after all, this was a young Italian doing what young Italians were expected to do. By 1996, a 24-year-old

Pepe has moved to London, working in hotels. Up until then, motocross and enduro bikes had been his preference (he’s had two cars in his life, and disliked both of them). But in the Big Smoke he fell in love with Ducati – the ultimate Italian road and racing bike. Pepe has never raced bikes,

apart from informally with friends, but he did take bikes to Brands Hatch racetrack. One time was a bit of a disaster: coming off the straightaway where he had hit “exactly 169.9 mph” [273 kmh], he braked too late for the next bend and the bike went away from under him.

Pepe was unhurt – “I’ve never been hurt”, he says – but the B500,000 bike was a total loss. But he’s stuck with Ducatis since then. His latest is a slightly modified 848 Evo superbike, one of a handful in Thailand, and one of just two in Phuket. Price tag new: B928,000. He’s fitted new mufflers and tweaked the electronic control unit so that the 850cc V-twin engine pushes out 155 bhp for a top speed of 260 kmh and a 1-100 time of three seconds. “It’s a completely different bike,” he says.

The day he got it he took it for a little run, from Phuket to the Samui ferry at Don Sak and back, taking the old road on the way out. “It’s so much fun on all those bends. There’s no traction control or ABS, so you have to feel what it’s going to do.” He was taking it easy on the way out – “I didn’t do more than 220 kmh, at 7,000 rpm.” On the way back he took the new highway for some straight line speed. “I hit 240 at 8,000 rpm.” No police have chased him yet. And after all, he’s still an Italian guy doing what Italian guys are expected to do.

THE PHUKET NEWS

ENVIRONMENT 21 THEENVIRONMENT

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Clinton urges Mekong nations to learn from American errors

Agence France-Presse

he US on July 13 urged Mekong nations to learn from its mistakes in river infrastructure projects, as Laos confirmed it has postponed a controversial multi-billion dollar dam project. The US$3.8 billion hydroelectric project at Xayaburi has sharply divided the four Mekong nations – Laos, Viet nam, Cambodia and Thailand – who rely on the river system for fish and irrigation.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pressed for further environmental assessments before proceeding with the project during a meeting with Mekong countries in the Cambodian capital, echoing calls from Hanoi and Phnom Penh who worry the dam could decimate their fishing and farming industries. Cl i nt o n , wh o c a l le d the Mekong river basin “a miracle”, said Washington would help fund studies on the impact of proposed dams on the river, on which some 60 million people depend

Environmentalists fear the proposed 1,260 megawatt dam on the Mekong will have disastrous environmental effects. for transportation, food and economy.

ANDARA HELPS CLEAN-UP KAMALA In a praiseworthy effort, staff from Andara Resort & Villas collected 50 bags of trash from Kamala Beach on July 3.

Pets

“Hello I’m J e e W onn (meaning in Thai) an monk’s robe ful tabby d I’m a delightas a kitten cat. I was rescued months ag from a temple fou r o who becam by the lovely Nuchy , e m y n e w fa favourite fo od is cat fomily. My boiled fish od and .Ia with my s lso love playing ma and chasin ll bell toy g mov things!” ing

“I’ll be very honest with you. We made a lot of mistakes,” Clinton said in her opening remarks, offering the assistance of her country’s Mississippi river commission to the Mekong nations. “We’ve learned some hard lessons about what happens when you make certain infrastructure decisions and I think that we all can contribute to helping the nations of the Mekong region avoid the mistakes that we and others made,” she said. The Mississippi, one of the longest rivers in the US, has struggled with many river projects over the years that

have led to floods, water flow issues and sediment problems. Laos Foreign Minister Thongloun Sisoulith said after the talks in Phnom Penh that he had assured his Mekong counterparts the Xayaburi dam was on hold until its neighbours’ environmental concerns were answered. “The Laos government decided to postpone, we have to study more,” he told reporters. Environmentalists fear the proposed 1,260 megawatt dam, the first of 11 on the key waterway, will have disastrous environmental effects and harm the livelihoods of millions of people. Communist Laos, one the world’s most under-developed nations, hopes the dam will help it become “the battery of Southeast Asia” and plans to sell most of the electricity to Thailand. But there is opposition to the project in Thailand too, and Thai Mekong river basin villagers said through a lawyer on Friday they would seek a court ruling to ban Thailand’s state electricity giant from buying power from the dam.

IN BRIEF Spain most polluted country in Europe Spain has been found to be the European country with the highest level of natural pollutants, according to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Ten other countries – including Cyprus, Greece and Italy – also reported air pollution above legal limits because of natural particles. Forest fires, volcanic ash and dessert sand combined with rising levels of manmade dirt are adding to the difficulty of many European restaurants being able to meet EU environmental regulations.

Germany to miss 2020 green targets Germany’s Environment Minister has conceded that the country may not meet environmental targets set for 2020. The government had previously stated that there would be one million electric cars on German roads by 2020, he has since admitted that this may not be so easy to achieve. He also admitted that rising energy costs would make the reduction of nuclear production “very difficult”.

Every month, the best pet wins a B500 voucher from:

“Hello, I’m Simbi, a gorgeous four year old female Japanese Spitz. My mother is Orn-in Na Phatthalung (pictured) and my father is Ji Sung Lee. On hot days I love going to the beach. I am photographed here at Skyla Beach Bar in Kamala.”

Want to see your pet here? Email your photos to: editor1@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com

DANE’S WORLD

22 WEIRD NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

with Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

Olympian feats Freaky Foods

THE BIG LIST

ith the 2012 London Olympics just a week away, we thought you should know something about the odder side of this mega-event. Our five favourites: ■ Being the supreme specimens of humanity that they are, Olympians have superhuman needs. That’s why, since the 1992 Games in Barcelona, they have been supplied with free condoms. For the 2000 Sydney Games 70,000 were supplied, and ran out. In Beijing the Chinese authorities supplied 100,000, while for London 150,000 will be handed out. ■ Streaking at the London Olympics will be frowned upon. High-speed strippers who are caught will have their bank accounts stripped of £20,000 – about B1 million. ■ Lots of frivolous souvenirs will be manufactured by people who think that sports fans are really, really stupid. And we’re not just talking cheap tat: Among

Do you see Lisa Simpson above? the “official memorabilia” are packets of playing cards made from stainless steel and selling for £2,000 a pack. That’s about B100,000. Still, they should last longer than most of the rubbish on sale.

■ Heroic athletes require heroic amounts of food. For delivery to the Olympic Village will be 232 tonnes of potatoes, 82 tonnes of seafood, 31 tonnes of poultry, 100 tonnes of meat, 25,000 loaves of bread, 75,000 litres of milk, 19 tonnes of eggs, 21 tonnes of cheese and 330 tonnes of fruit and vegetables. ■ The London Olympics logo, designed by Wolff Olins, who charged £400,000 (B20 million) for the job, has been widely criticised, variously being described as looking like a Nazi symbol, and as Lisa Simpson performing a sex act on the city. Iran even threatened to boycott the games because the logo “looks like the word Zion”. Of course. Influential design critic Stephen Bayley has described London 2012 mascots Wenlock and Mandeville as “patronising, cretinous infantilism” and “appalling computerised Smurfs for the iPhone generation”.

Rock fan loves the stones

She’s into the hard stuff.

STRESS DOES FU N NY things to people’s eating and drinking habits. The classic remedy for stress is, of course, to get blitzed on booze. Then there’s chocolate. Or there’s just plain food – eat lots and you’ll feel happy. But whenever Teresa Widener, 45, from Bedford, Virginia, feels a bit stressed or down at the mouth she swallows a handful of rocks. She’s felt quite a lot of stress over the past 20 years, eating a

kilo and a half of rocks a week – or about 1.5 tonnes in total. That’s about the same weight as a large hippopotamus. She said: “Over the last 20 years I’ve eaten on average three pounds of rocks each week. “It fluctuates depending on how I feel. If I feel down then I eat lots more because it comforts me. “If I know I have some at my house I feel better, just knowing they’re there. Like a comfort, they’re there for me when I’m upset.” While cook-

ing is not a problem – she eats her rocks raw – selecting the right ones is a bit of an art. She prefers more brittle rocks that break up easily, and flavour is also a factor. “I pick the ones I like the look of,” she added. “I like the earthy flavour of them so sometimes I just suck the mud straight off them too.” She added: “I’ve never had any medical problems because of the rocks but I don’t go to the toilet too often and my tummy hurts a little sometimes.”

All puffed out AN ORANG-UTAN HOUSED in an Indonesian zoo who quickly shot to stardom for puffing on cigarettes will be forced to quit cold turkey. Visitors began throwing lit smokes into the cage of 15-year-old Tori when she was five and over the years she has developed an addiction, says Centre for Orang-utan Protection conservationist Daniek Hendarto. “We are working with the zoo’s management to try and move her to an island, in a big lake in the middle of the zoo, away from the other orangutan and where visitors can’t toss her any more cigarettes,” Hendarto said. Tori’s parents had also been smokers, adding that orangutans easily mimic human behaviour, including smoking, said Hendarto.

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News of the smoking orangutan spread 10 years ago, attracting more visitors to the Taru Jurug Zoo in the central Javanese city of Solo. “Until we get approval from the zoo to move her, a guard has been placed outside her cage to make sure she doesn’t smoke and she is undergoing therapy. She will have to go cold turkey,” Hendarto said. Indonesian zoos have drawn international criticism in recent years for their poor treatment of animals. In March, a giraffe at a zoo in eastern Java was found dead with a 20kg beachball-sized lump of plastic in its stomach from visitors’ food wrappers thrown into its pen. Indonesia has few restrictions placed on marketing of tobacco, and smoking rates have risen sixfold over the past 40 years.

If you thought eating rocks was bad (see story left), then how about some of these foul foods, which are guaranteed to leave a bad taste in your mouth...

■ Tears for fears: The Italian ‘Casu Marzu’ (pictured above) roughly translates into English as ‘God-forsaken rotting maggot stink bomb’. It’s a sheep’s milk cheese, which sounds innocent enough until you discover that it has been deliberately infested with piophila casei, aka the ‘cheese fly’. The result is a maggot-ridden, weeping lump of curdled milkiness in an advanced state of decomposition – which people eat. The worst bit: The larvae are still alive and pass through the stomach undigested, sometimes surviving long enough to breed in the intestine, where they attempt to bore through the walls, causing vomiting and bloody diarrhea. This cheese is a delicacy in Sardinia, proving that Sardinia did in fact create something worse than organised crime and canned salty fish. Even the cheese itself is ashamed; if you poke it, it weeps an odorous liquid called ‘lagrima’, Sardinian for ‘tears’. ■ Acid trip: After finishing the maggot-ridden cheese as your appetiser, we would all welcome a nice, clean Scandinavian dish to wash it all away. But this dish might be a little too clean – in fact, if prepared incorrectly, you might even be eating straight up soap. Lutefisk is a traditional Norwegian dish featuring cod that has been soaked for about a week in a lye solution, until its flesh is caustic enough to dissolve metal. Lye is a powerful industrial chemical used for cleaning drains, killing plants, making soap, powering batteries and manufacturing biodiesel. Direct contact with lye can cause chemical burns, permanent scarring or total delicious fishiness, depending on whether you ask a Norwegian or a sane person. ■ Brandy bomb: The ortolan bird, a kind of bunting, grows to around six inches long and weighs just four ounces. Basically, it’s tiny and adorable, and, if you’re French and advocate torture, it’s also quite delicious. The recipe for ortolan comes straight from the Guantanamo Bay training manual: Capture the bird in the wild, blind it using a pair of pincers, stick it in a tight cage so it’s unable to move, then feed it nothing but millet, grapes and figs until it grows to be four times its normal size. Then, in a final act of mercy, drown it in a big glass of brandy. After roasting the violated remains of the bird, you cover your face with a napkin (probably because you need to disguise your identity), place the whole bird inside your mouth, with only it’s head and beak sticking out... and bite down. The head falls into the napkin, while you slowly bite through the bird’s adorable little bones, tiny muscles and even tinier internal organs. The finale comes when you bite through its lungs and stomach, releasing pockets of brandy into your mouth, probably to help numb the trauma from the atrocity you’ve just committed. ■ Black Sabbath: The best way to deal with your fears is often to face them head on. If that doesn’t work, you can always try eating them. The island nation of Palau might be the place to do it, with the locals boasting a dish equal parts coconut milk, Ozzy Osbourne and pure, unfiltered nightmares. Basically, they take the flapping foot soldiers of Satan, otherwise known as bats, and cook them in milk and spices. We’re told the bats have a ‘gamey’ taste that has been described as ‘oddly fragrant’ and similar to chicken liver.

THE PHUKET NEWS

TIME OUT 23

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

BOOK

MUSIC

FILM Ice Age 4: Continental Drift 94 minutes Rating: General

Directors: Steve Martino, Mike Thurmeier

Before I Met You

Ill Manors

THIS IS A WARM AND wonderful tale of two women in two different times. Having grown up on the quiet Channel Island of Guernsey, Betty Dean can’t wait to start her new life in London. On a mission to find Clara Pickle, the mysterious beneficiary in her grandmother’s will, she arrives in grungy, 1990s Soho, ready for whatever life has to throw at her. Or so she thinks... In 1920s bohemian London, Arlette, Betty’s grandmother, is starting her new life in a time of post-war change. As Betty searches for Clara, she uncovers a tale of love, loss and heartbreak. Will the secrets of Arlette’s past help Betty on her path to happiness?

I LL M A NOR S IS T H E third full-length album from Ben Drew, aka Plan B, and the first since the soul stylings of The Defamation of Strickland Banks, which sparked his meteoric rise to fame. The East End cheeky chappy once again combines the lyrical depth of his first album with the soulful musicianship of his previous release to create what he describes as a “bassline, soul, hip-hop” record. The album was preceded by the theatrical release of the full length motion picture Ill Manors, which Drew wrote and directed. Much like The Defamation of Strickland Banks, this album also manages to accurately chronicle the film’s plot and pathos.

Jojo Moyes

Plan B

Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

he unlikely trio of Sid the sloth, Diego the sabre-tooth tiger, and Manny the mammoth return in the fourth installment of the Ice Age franchise, which sees the boys take to the high seas, to rescue their entire continent, no less. Using a floating iceberg as a make-shift ship they set out to explore new lands. And what has brought about this brave new world?

Well, it’s Scrat of course. The little rodent has finally succeeded in his pursuit of the acorn, unfortunately at the expense of the world as Sid, Diego and Manny know it. The movie takes place 16 animal years after the third

installment, and follows the exploits of the teenage daughter of Manny and his wife Ellie, cute ‘little’ Peaches. As all teenage daughters tend to, she develops a crush on the wrong animal which leads to a ‘mammoth’ falling out with her father.

Following the argument, the continent physically splits and separates Manny from his family. So Manny must embark on a journey to not only reunite his family but life as he knows it. Ice Age 4 has moments of charm and witty slapstick, but it often seems content to recycle ideas from the previous films, a criticism that can be levelled at many sequels these days to be fair. Hip-hop stars Nicki Minaj and Drake also join the team of voice actors. In sum, it’s an entertaining way to spend a few hours on a rainy day if you’re caught out nearby Jungceylon or Central Festival, but it will probably look better on your high definition TV.

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up-to-date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or phone the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209-000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.

SFX COLISEUM PHUKET (CENTRAL FESTIVAL) The Amazing Spider-Man (E)

13:00 16:00 19:00 22:00

The Amazing Spider-Man (T)

14:30 17:30 20:30

Abraham Lincoln (E)

2:40 14:55 17:10 19:25 21:40

Abraham Lincoln (T) Ice Age 4: Continental Drift

13:55 16:10 18:25 20:40 11:15 13:15 15:30 17:45 20:00 22:15

Heaven and Hell (Wong Jorn Pid)

12:00 14:15 16:30 18:45 21:00

SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET (PATONG) The Amazing Spider Man Abraham Lincoln Snow White and the Huntsman Ice Age 4: Continental Drift

12:20 15:20 18:20 21:20 12:30 14:45 17:00 17:00 19:15 21:30 14:00 19:00 21:40 11:15 13:15 15:30 17:45 20:00 22:15

What to Expect When You’re Expecting Heaven and Hell (Wong Jorn Pid)

11:40 16:40 12:00 14:15 16:30 18:45 21:00

BRAIN TEASERS Down

1. Gets comfortable on long wooden bench. (7) 4. Hits the mixed drinks. (7) 8. Involved in quiet rodent. (4) 9. In a trice? Not quite – it’s dodgy. (4) 10. Little dogs swallow 1,000 shoes. (5) 12. She cleans the room in church with yellow mother’s ID. (11) 14. Ha! Right clothing for crop collections. (8) 17. For example, right, and French bird. (5) 20. Knock out pest in city. (5) 21. Encroach on spa surrounded by hair. (8) 25. Vote for, or back, cute way to kill. (11) 27. Chunk of turf for five hundred and six on overtime. (5) 29. Note to boxer: Island. (4) 30. Chopper is center line. (4) 31. Miss? I’ll say “Rocket”. (7) 32. Back lonely T as headache cure. (7)

1. Shirt tag crumpled but undeviating. (8) 2. Subject to little picture. (5) 3. Strongbox better by half – a sure thing. (4, 3) 4. Prayers, almost, for those who shell out. (6) 5. Sleep in card game. (3) 6. Drone, identity is damp. (5) 7. To the south east, identical seed. (6) 11. Material speed cut to pieces. (8) 13. Emperor makes wind in Australia and the States. (8) 15. Right! I love city. (3) 16. Steamship shirt is faster than sound. (1, 1, 1) 18. Time for baseball statistic. (3) 19. Adopting idea, wrecked pal, so sue! (8) 22. Nothing in rot to allow underground extension. (7) 23. Knowledge from Lewis Domino. (6) 24. Animal house does not decay easily. (6) 25. Singer lives badly. (5) 26. Big sister has 20 in a long time. (5) 28. It’s back in a language group. (3)

1. By what name is Nicolas Kim Coppola better known? 2. How old was Justin Bieber when his first single was released? 3. Which cocktail consists of Tia Maria, vodka and Coca-Cola? 4. What was the name of the first cloned sheep? 5. Which of the Brontë sisters wrote Wuthering Heights? Answers at the bottom of the page.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Nicholas Cage; 2. 15; 3. Black Russian; 4. Dolly; 5. Emily.

SUDOKU

Across

thephuketnews.com

24 KIDS PAGE

THE PHUKET NEWS

COLOURING CONTEST

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

On Sale

NOW!

Every book sold helps disadvantaged kids. With 22 Island Scenes to colour in, it makes the perfect gift for your children, friends and family. Free colouring crayons with every copy! For commercial inquiries, call Boo on 088 766 1615 or email pr@thephuketnews.com

To order your copy today, call 076 612 550 or email info@thephuketnews.com

Also on sale at all the following outlets: www.thephuketnews.com/distribution-points.php

Thalang Road is one of the oldest streets in Phuket, with many houses more than 100 years old. DID YOU KNOW? Every January, the whole street is closed for the Old Town Festival.

very week, colour in Sophie's drawing, have a photo taken with your work, and email it to editor@thephuketnews.com This week, congratulations go to Fif, age 11, from the Coconut Club, who has won a B500 voucher for Phuket Adventure Mini Golf!. We look forward to seeing next week's entries, pick up y o ur copy o f T h e Ph uk e t Colouring Book today!

Runnerup mail@

The kids at ABC kindergarden school in Rawai love colouring in!

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K a w, a g e 9, f r o m Coconut Club

sophieillustration.co.uk

SHOPPING 25

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

FASHION FILE

THE PHUKET NEWS

Have an outfit to show off? Send a photo to: editor1@thephuketnews.com

FEELING BLUE Clara Tan Yanni

Singaporean tourist, age 17

White shirt / Jatujak Market, Bangkok / B350

MAKING A NOISE Denim jacket / Zara / Singapore / S$69

Sunglasses / H&M / S$8

Pakphume Lampakon

Earring / local market, Songkhla / B200

Thai singer, age 23

Waistcoat / Huay Kwang, Bangkok / B450 Black shirt / Forever 21 /Singapore/ S$25

Belt / Platinum shopping mall, Bangkok / B350

Demin shorts/ Idk / Singapore / S$25

Watch / Fossil / Pennsylvania / US$79

Shoes / Nike / New York / US$40

Black shoes / Cobe / Singapore / S$28

ACCESSORIES 1

ANDARA

1. Shell necklace B6,290 2. Shell bracelet B5,090 3. Panama hat B3,990

Organic accessories from Andara, Plaza Surin, Srisoontorn Rd., Cherngthalay. Open daily 10am-8pm. 076 271 624.

thephuketnews.com

26 DINING

A blissful retreat

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

earching for a little bliss? Well, you just found it. Perched on the sweeping sands of Bang Tao, Bliss is a west coast lounge and restaurant that is rapidly becoming a Phuket institution – despite only opening in November last year. Part of the attraction is its family friendly nature, and an ethos that kids are to be seen and heard – with slides, see-saws, swings and even a rocking horse, to keep them entertained. Later in the evening, after bedtime, adults flock here for cocktails and DJ performances. But it’s the food that keeps many people coming back, as exemplified by the Sunday Butler Brunch, which, according to Bliss owner and manager Pepe, exudes discrete Englishness. “It’s delivered quietly, without fuss, with a touch of Thai. Like your dish? Order another. ‘Jeeves’ will provide. It’s all very English on the Andaman Sea but, hey, why not?” There are three set menus available: food only is B900++, food with wine

Clockwise from top: the fantastic Sunday Butler Brunch spread, where dishes can be reordered as many times as you like; view of the beach; children’s playground and lawn. is B1,100++, and food with sparkling wine is B1,500++. Dishes served, which can be reordered as many times as you wish, include marinated grilled rock lobster with herb and lemon dressing, mussels with chorizo, sliced roast beef with red wine sauce, pizza

bianca, ham and salami plate, and an excellent cheese platter, with a mix of Gorgonzola, brie, and goats curd. There’s a variety of desserts too, such as the excellent mini-chocolate reaper, and tamarind sorbet with roasted coconut f lakes. Combined

with the sun above, shining through leafy branches, it’s enough to make you stay all day – which you probably will. Bliss Beach Club, 202/88 Moo 2, Cherngtalay, 076 510 150, info@blissbeachclub. com; blissbeachclub.com

Fine wine at Indigo Pearl INDIGO PEARL’S WINE DINNER WITH Robert Fredson from the St. George’s Winery in the United States was held at the resort’s Rivet Grill on July 6. On the menu was marinated Japanese scallops with green apple and wasabi, served with Willamette Valley Chardonnay, Dijon Clone 2006; butter poached corn fed chicken terrine with leak, golden raisin puree, celeriac remoulade,

served with Domaine St. George “Coastal” Cabernet Sauvignon 2009; king prawn ravioli with wild mushrooms, served with Domaine St. George “Coastal” Chardonnay 2009; braised Meyer U.S. Kobe short ribs, truffle polenta and roasted vegetables, served with Merryvale Merlot, Starmont 2005; and vanilla crème brulee with red berries served with Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Whole Cluster 2007.

NZ wine dinner at Mom Tri’s Kitchen MOM TRI’S KITCHEN, IN Kata Noi, will host a Pegasus Bay wine dinner on Thursday, July 26. The four course meal will be held at the ocean front restaurant featuring wines from Pegasus Bay, an award winning winery in New Zealand. The event starts at 7pm and is priced at B1800++.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

WINE 27

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Foreign chefs take on Bordeaux wine country Agence France-Presse

hen it comes to pairing food and wine, most chefs start with the food. But in Bordeaux, the wine comes first, offering a new challenge to the Michelin-starred chefs flocking to the French region. With Hong Kong the guest of honour at the Bordeaux wine festival, the territory’s tourism head Anthony Lau flew in a team of starred chefs to cook for half a million festival goers and the region’s wine elite. “It’s a new challenge, a new concept,” Lau told AFP at the event earlier this month. “We want them to be the rock stars of the festival.” Lau’s chefs had less than a day to adapt to kitchens lent to them by local caterers and tweak their recipes to use locally-sourced ingredients, while adhering to the golden rule of never overpowering the wine. “We were told not to use too much pepper as it will affect the pairing with Bordeaux wine,” said Lee Man-sing, who clinched a first Michelin star for the Hong Kong Mandarin Oriental’s Cantonese restaurant last December. There were also unforeseen glitches when playing with the nuances that make a wine and a dish work together, or not. “We couldn’t find the right soy sauce. It was too strong. In Hong Kong we have hundreds of kinds of soy sauces,” said Mak Kwai-pui, dim sum specialist and owner of Tim Ho Wan, a one-star eatery that serves meals for under five euros. Continuing their turn in the spotlight, the Hong Kong chefs later manned the kitchens at a dinner for 300 members of

Chef William Ma from Hong Kong serves a French Chateau Fayau prior to cooking a crab and wine dish. Photo: AFP the wine elite, hosted by the CGCC, the council representing the most prestigious wines from Bordeaux, the classified grand crus. The council has been spearheading a move to open Bordeaux up to world cuisine, including through an award-winning cookbook that matched top wines with recipes from top chefs around the planet. Bordeaux estates have been rushing to sign up chefs from France and elsewhere as partners, to showcase new approaches to pairing food and wine, playing on textures and aromas and integrating world cuisines. “Everyone seems to have their own Michelin-starred chef,” commented Miguel Lecuona, a wine consultant visiting from Texas. “We like to say, there are

only traditions, no rules,” said Aline Baly, the young French-American owner of Chateau Coutet, who works with a Michelin-starred chef to create dishes to pair with her sweet wines. “We have to seek out the complexity of the wine. For a chef, it’s an absolute joy,” said Yannick Alleno, three-star chef at the Meurice hotel in Paris who was tasked with creating the perfect match for Chateau D’Yquem’s 2011 vintage. “I immediately wanted to pair it with carrots cooked in parchment, with olive oil and mascarpone cream and liquorice. Sometimes you have to go looking for contradictions.” While some chefs fly in for cameo appearances, others remain year around, raising the region’s profile as a foodie destination with 14 Michelin-

starred restaurants so far. “For a long time, people said there was no real haute cuisine in Bordeaux but now

that’s not true. We’ve grown extensively in terms of gastronomy,” said Philippe Etchebest, chef at the two-starred Hos-

tellerie de Plaisance in the medieval wine village of Saint Emilion. “I have clients who come specifically for the cuisine, not just the wine. They travel 1,000 kilometres to have dinner.” The trend goes hand in hand with the growth of wine tourism in the region. “The development of tourism in Bordeaux has engendered a massive influx of top Michelin-starred chefs, often backed by investors who want to attract this kind of talent,” said Stephan Delaux, president of Bordeaux’s Tourist Office. “I came here for the challenge,” said Nicolas Masse, one-star chef at La Grand’ Vigne, on the estate of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte. “The restaurant didn’t have the reputation it deserved with a wine like Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte next door, very up-market, and a five-star hotel. It seemed obvious to me that it deserved a gourmet restaurant.”

thephuketnews.com

28 EXPLORE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

The town that time forgot

Simon Ostheimer takes the long way round to Takua Pa. Photos by Kiri Heald

here’s a certain thrill when you first drive off the island of Phuket, crossing Sarasin Bridge and heading north to Phang Nga. Almost immediately, it seems that the number of billboards thins, people drive a little slower, and the scenery becomes, well, more scenic. Despite being a province in its own right, the mainland to the north is often seen as our back garden, part of the non-existent Greater Phuket so often touted in tourist brochures and on travel websites. Not far from the bridge crossing, you reach a fork in the highway – right towards Krabi and Surat Thani, and straight on to Khao Lak and Takua Pa. To reach the latter, you first pass through the small village of Taimuang, before entering Khao Lak town, a heavily tourist-focused drag with the usual suspects of tailors, fast food outlets, trinket shops, cheap bars and western restaurants. Mercifully, it doesn’t take long to pass through before you’re once again on a pleasant tree-lined road headed north. Before too long, you’ll pass Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort on your left (a large yet understated resort, it is especially popular with northern European guests) and then the road gently curves east, before you arrive at Takua Pa new town. At the first set of traffic lights turn right, and head away from the busy strip of shops and businesses. If you set off from home

Cafe owner Gook-Gik with a young customer. in the morning, it should be midday by now, meaning its time for lunch. A few minutes up the road on your left-hand side look out for a sign, in English, that reads Pata restaurant. A small wooden open-air building with benches and picnic-style tables, this not a fancy place. But you don’t come here for the design, but for the view. The family run eatery overlooks lush green fields filled with grazing water buffalo and white cranes, surrounded by distant, mistshrouded mountains. Picturesque doesn’t do it justice. As for the food, the menu is full of simple, home-cooked Thai favourites such as tom yum goong and chicken satay, all served by a smiling mother

Le Méridien Residents Deal

Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort (lemeridienkhaolak.com) is currently offering an exclusive deal for Thai nationals and expatriate residents for just B2,999 nett. This package includes 1 night in a deluxe room with a garden terrace and easy access to the pool;

thephuketnews.com

Takua Pa’s main Chinese shrine, around which the town’s annual Vegetarian Festival is held.

and daughter team. Once you’ve had your fill here, head back to the main road, turn left and follow the road until you reach a quaint little town filled with Chinese-style shophouses – the original Takua Pa. This historic settlement was once one of the largest trading posts along the Andaman coast, a stopping point for Arabic, Chinese and Indian sailors, who came here to trade spices, and, later, deal in tin. However, it had slowly lost importance over the centuries, cut off from passing traffic and business when a new highway bypassed the town altogether. Because of this, it’s seemingly remained in a time warp, a stasis only shaken up

free upgrade to a premium room with free internet access and 2 drinks per day; a daybed for a child up to 12 years old; daily buffet breakfast for two adults; 25 per cent off dining in the resort’s restaurants; free participation in kids’ club; bike tour to Sairung rainforest and rubber plantation; and beach yoga.

by the occasional inquisitive tourist. Architecturally, the settlement shares roots with the historic Phuket Old Town (both were founded by Hokkien Chinese immigrants), but unlike the latter which – with its roti restaurants, batik sellers, and herbal stores – at least bears some resemblance to its important past, Takua Pa is a ghost town for most of the year. There is a weekly Sunday market held on the main street, which draws in people from the surrounding area, but the one week that the place really comes alive is for the Vegetarian Festival in September. According to the owner of local shop CC Coffee & Bakery (089 591 4697), Gook-Gik, this festival

– now famous worldwide for its Phuket incarnation – was celebrated here first. The town’s main Chinese shrine is certainly impressive, and by all accounts there is just as bloody a spectacle here, but one more in keeping with tradition. If you are looking to stay a while longer, accommodation is available at the nearby Baan San-Fan Orphange (baansanfan.org), where the B750 you pay per day goes towards its upkeep, and providing for the 15 or so children that live there. They also produce a range of organic products, including coconut oil soap, honey, recycled sack bags, and kitchen aprons, which make for excellent gifts, as well as a way to support their

Families with children from 12 years old and below may purchase a SPG kids’ pass at just B300 per day, which is inclusive of breakfast, lunch, dinner and free flow soft drinks. You must enrol in the SPG membership programme to qualify for the above kids dining offer.

charitable efforts. Speaking of which, on your way back to Phuket, approximately halfway between Khao Lak town and Sarasin Bridge, make a stop at the Home and Life Coffee & Bakery shop on your right (homelifethailand.com). Part of the adjoining orphanage established to look after youth whose lives were destroyed by the 2004 tsunami, this noble venture is staffed by the children themselves, offering them training and an income to prepare the orphans for a brighter future. They’re off to a good start, as the coffees and cakes are excellent. It’s an ideal way to end your visit to Phang Nga – much more than just ‘Greater Phuket’.

Offer valid for book and stay from now until October 31, 2012. Offer is exclusive to Thai nationals and expatriate residents, proof of residency required upon check in. For bookings, please call 076 427500 or email reservations.khaolak@lemeridien.com and quote rate code ‘LOCALTH2’.

THE PHUKET NEWS

TRAVEL 29

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga CHECK-IN

pened in 2006, the Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga is a family owned and operated resort, led by Managing Director Anchalika Kijkanakorn. In coming up with the concept, the family wanted to create an oasis on unspoilt Natai Beach on the shore of Phang Nga Bay, just north of Phuket island. Right from the off, the family wanted their designers and engineers to pay strict attention to not harming the environment and working with the local community to establish a sustainable resort. As the first resort on this stretch of beach, Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga has become a leader in ensuring these rules are adhered to. The development concept also focused on using as many local suppliers and companies as possible to benefit the local community. This was extended further when it came time to hiring staff, with more than 80 per cent hired from the surrounding area, ensuring wlocal families and the local economy would benefit from the resort’s construction. Their community involvement includes a scholarship programme

Aleena Phuket-Phang Nga provides a relaxing weekend getaway.

Amazing views from the luxurious master bedroom.

launched five years ago to support two school children every year, the launch of the Pure Blue Foundation to restore reefs in Phang Nga Bay, and a programme to revitalise the falling leatherback turtle population. In terms of design, their concept is based on ‘Outside Living – In’, where all rooms open up for guests to enjoy fresh air, the sounds of the Andaman Sea and uninterrupted views. This also cuts down on the need for air

and learn about this very fragile eco-system. Alternatively guests can snorkel to see the reef located 20 metres off shore or help nurture the endangered species of leatherback turtles that are released here. Lastly, if you’re looking for a tailormade wedding, bridesand grooms-to-be at the Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga are contacted personally by the resort’s in house wedding planner and guided through all the steps. Every wedding is unique in its conception

conditioning and lighting during the day. Their cooking school allows guests to really experience Thai cuisine. They are personally escorted by the chef to the local market where they select fresh food and learn about the local herbs, fruits, how to choose the best seafood before preparing authentic Thai dishes at the resort. Guests can also learn about reef restoration. Join their coral expert during their monitoring

from the menu to the flowers to the table set up, with only allow one wedding at a time to ensure maximum privacy and dedication. Aleenta currently has a Special Summer Saver Offer running until October 31 for Phuket Residents looking for a weekend getaway, with up to 50 per cent savings off the normal rate. Please contact rsvn@aleenta.com or visit www.aleenta.com, and quote this code when booking: APH012

thephuketnews.com

30 ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

THE TICKET

Formula for success with Claire Connell

editor1@thephuketnews.com

Meeting British legend Nigel Mansell T

he date: May 13, 1950, a truly historic day in Formula One motor racing. The first ever world championship race, held at Silverstone. The race was won by Giuseppe “Nino” Farina who went on to become the first world champion. In that same momentous race was the only Thai driver ever to race in Formula One, Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh, better known as Prince Bira. He finished 8th in the 1950 world championship. Prince Bira was a regular on the circuit between 1950 and 1954, racing 19 times. He went on

to become an Olympic sailor, racing in 1956, 1960, 1964 and 1972, the infamous Munich Games. Sixty-two years on, the 2012 F1 World Championship season is well under way. Since 1950 some 32 different drivers have won the title, with Germany’s Michael Schumacher holding the record at seven. The UK has been the most successful with 14 Championships from 10 drivers. But it is the British Grand Prix at Silverstone that naturally holds pride of place in British hearts. Many famous races, many famous drivers. Twelve British drivers have won the British Grand Prix, but one above all stands out – Nigel Mansell, the most successful British Formula One driver of all time. A career of 191 races, 31 victories, 32 poles, 32 crashes, 59 podium

David Brook with Nigel Mansell. appearances; fourth overall on the Formula One race winners list behind Michael

Schumacher, Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, in a F1 career that spanned 15 seasons, his

final two seasons of top-level racing being spent in the CART series. Always a keen and competent golfer, he bought Woodbury Park golf course bnear Exeter in the southwest of England in 1994, transforming it into one of the best complexes of its kind. He played to professional standard and had a useful golf colleague in Greg Norman. And it was at Woodbury that I first met Nigel back in 1996. On a rather hilarious occasion he tried to fit me into one of his F1 racing cars... it proved to be mission impossible. On another occasion he showed me his very impressive trophy room, including one really exceptional personal item presented to him by Paul Newman. Not always the best-liked individual in motor racing or

indeed in other walks of life, nevertheless he was adored by millions of racing fans. Who can forget Silverstone in 1987 as he chased down Piquet? Or the amazing duel with Senna around Monaco in 1992? Or the 1992 blistering race at Silverstone when the race track was invaded as fans saluted their hero? Crowned 1992 Formula One World Champion he moved over to CART Indy Car with Newman/Haas Racing, winning the 1993 title in his debut season, the only person to hold both titles simultaneously. The most successful British driver ever. Fast and aggressive on the race track and often controversial. But who can forget Mansell Mania and the huge number of fans draped in Union Jacks saluting their hero. Proud to be British. Nice one Nigel!

Ronaldo in Phang Nga WEEKDAYS Breakfast

Sam & Natasha

7am-11am

The Power Hour with Live 89.5 Radenska Natural Water

11am-12pm

Lifestyle

Steve Johnston

12pm-3pm

Drive

Jason Wilder

3pm-7pm

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

7pm-7am

SATURDAY

GAME ON Real Madrid footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and Russian model girlfriend Irina Shayk were reportedly holidaying in southern Thailand earlier this month. Photos posted to Ronaldo’s Twitter account show the couple enjoying a day out on the ocean with scenery that looks like Phang Nga bay. They were believed to be staying at Six Senses Yao Noi.

Korean-Australian sister act to perform in Bangkok late July KOREAN-AUSTRALIAN singing phenoms Sonia and twin sister Janice Lee will perform in Bangkok on July 28. The sisters, known as Jayesslee (created by fusing their initials together), have Australia’s number four most popular YouTube channel, with 300,000 subscribers and over 49 million views.

thephuketnews.com

Tickets for their last concert in Bangkok sold out in just 14 minutes. This time the sisters have prepared more than 30 songs, making it one of their biggest ever. The concert will be held at the Bangkok Convention Centre at 8pm on July 28. For more information or bookings see thaiticketmajor.com

Weekend Brunch

Jay Le Shark

10am - 1pm

Phuket News Radio

Live 89.5

1pm - 2pm

Saturday Sport

Sam Clarke

2pm - 5pm

Going Green

Nick Anthony

5pm – 7pm

Saturday Night Fever

Live 89.5

7pm – 11pm

SUNDAY Weekend Brunch

Jay Le Shark

10am – 1pm

The Spin

Tim Newton

1pm - 4pm

Jason Wilder

4pm - 7pm

Live 89.5

7pm - 8pm

Live 89.5

8pm – 11pm

Lazy Sunday Afternoon Phuket News Radio (repeat) Sunday Night Chill

www.phuketliveradio.com Tel: 076-612-895, 090-490-7895

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND SCENE 31

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Sanaeha owner Chawalit ‘Lek’ Ratanachinakorn, left, and musician Nattawath ‘Moo’ Kijsomboon.

From left, Dome Yodsapak, Linda Kul, Tanya Jitboon, Yuwaree Nonkhamphan and Top.

GLITZ AND GLAMOUR Sanaeha bar and restaurant in Phuket Town celebrated

three years of entertaining locals on July 11. The anniversary attracted hundreds of ‘hi so’ Phuketians who dressed up to the nines for the special red carpet event.

Above, Piak Kratiam, Naiyana Thongprasri and singer Viyada Komarakul Na Nakorn. Above from left, Brian Woulfe, Natasha Eldred and Martin Solorzano.

Above from left, Jukk, Bert, Koh (saxophone player), and Sanaeha owner Noi.

BRIT PACK Alistair Why and Larry Flynn at a British Business Association of Phuket Thanakorn Kahong and Saranyu Pakhothom.

social networking event held at the Irish Times, Patong on Thursday (July 12).

thephuketnews.com

32 ISLAND SCENE

HAPPY SIXTH BIRTHDAY Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket celebrated its sixth birthday on June 20. The hotel conducted a Brahmin ritual ceremony in the morning, followed by a monks’ blessing ceremony and prayers. Pictured is Hansruedi Fruitger, the hotel’s General Manager.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

CLEANING UP IN PHANG NGA Staff at the Best Western Allamanda Laguna Phuket visited Phang Nga on June 28 and 30 to clean street signs.

Festive (and a little scary) red white and blue clowns. Royal Phawadee Resort owner Claude de Crissey, left, with Jeff and Nung.

BONJOUR! Hundreds of French nationals and Francophiles enjoyed Bastille Day celebrations on Saturday (July 14) at the Royal Phawadee Village in Patong, with fine French cuisine, free-flow drinks, a prize draw, an acrobatic show by Mid Air Circus Arts and dancing late into the soirée.

Marcus from FongKaew celebrates his win in the draw with Fred Mathieu.

Peter Hollands and Karyn Connors.

thephuketnews.com

Australian Samantha Lambert from Mid Air Circus Arts performs.

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND SCENE 33

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Panatta ‘Mam’ Bunthanom, front, with fellow models.

Brush owners John and Judy Underwood, and their children Casey and Zachary.

AHOY, ME HEARTIES! Brush Restaurant and Lounge in Kalim celebrated its first birthday on Saturday (July 14) with a raucous pirate themed party and fashion show.

Charlotte Joy Trudgill and Pongsapak Upatising.

IBAP treasurer Denny Bowman, centre, with IBAP guests

STORIES FROM THE PAST Long time Phuket residents Jeroen From left, Jeroen Deknatel, Eric Snyder and Bruce Stanley.

Deknatel, from Fantasea Divers and Waterline Marine; Eric Snyder, from Jairak Enterprise; and journalist Bruce Stanley shared their memories of Phuket from 30 years ago at the IBAP “Phuket Remembered” event on Friday (July 13) at the A2 resort on the bypass road.

Linda Barry and Lynne Dennis. Kaye Smith, left, and Richy by Francis owner Oummy Kasper.

THE SMELL OF SUCCESS Oummy Kasper, owner of the Richy by Francis perfume

brand, held a wine, canapes and perfume testing night at her store on Takua Pa Road in Phuket Town on Sunday (July 15).

thephuketnews.com

34 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php WAHOO THAILAND 2013 SPORT FISHING TOURNAMENT Offshore The Similan Islands

19th - 21st February 2013

Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.

57 hours of non - Stop fishing!

Huge media coverage!

CASH AND PRIZES TOTALING OVER APPROX. 3,000,000 BAHT ($100,000) For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel: +66 (0) 862739948 Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com RAWAI BEACH FISHING CLUB IS AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR CLUB OF THE INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION. RBFC SUPPORTS IGFA’S STANDARDS OF GOOD SPORTMANSHIP IN RECREATIONAL FISHING

JUNE 23 - AUGUST 25

JULY 14 - AUGUST 17

Robin Gillow @ VR Gallery Summer Family Festival Laguna Phuket’s Summer Family Festival runs until August 25. Canal Shopping Village is transformed into a carnival playground, with a Beer Tent for parents to socialise and relax while their youngsters enjoy the Kidzsole Flying Trapeze, bouncy castle, trampoline and games in the Kidz Lounge. Festival attractions during the two months include art classes with an Artistin-Residence, free Zumba fitness sessions twice a week in Canal Village, entertainment by a strolling troupe of international performers from the famous Palazzo dinner theatre, and theme parties. The Beer Tent offers a feast of televised big screen summer sporting events with coverage London Olympic Games, F1 grand prix races and AFL games, as well as a variety of entertainment, weekly quiz night and happy hour drinks. And a popular return attraction for the youngsters at this year’s festival will be the Kidz Fun Zone, serving up daily afternoons of sports skills, cooking lessons, adventure and educational activities, golf excursions and outings to local amusement parks, for just B200 per session. For more information, a schedule of events and details on promotions, please visit http://www.lagunaphuket.com/events/ family-festival.

Divided by an ocean, yet linked through art and friendship, Phuket based artist Robin Gillow and South African artist, Libby Harrison will be showing their newest work in this joint exhibit. The exhibition’s ocean related theme, perfectly suits the art duo’s subject matter. Please contact Mom Tri’s VR Gallery, 076 333 568. See www.momtriphuket.com.

JULY 20

JULY 26

C Supercentre Phuket. The winning team will be awarded the Governor’s Cup trophy inscribed by Phuket Governor Tri Augaradacha. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the ongoing “Dusit Smiles – Operation Smile Thailand” programme. For the Dusit Charity Cup 2012, a registration fee of B1,500 per team covers the rental of bowling shoes and refreshments. Contact Ms. Sirintra Chatnoe, 076 362 999 ext 7413, www.dusit.com.

Pegasus Bay New Zealand Wine Dinner

JULY 29

We invite you to join us at our ocean front restaurant for a four-course wine dinner featuring wines from Pegasus Bay, an award winning winery in New Zealand. Full menu details can be found on our website. Main Course Pork two ways - Crisp braised belly on herb mash, tenderloin bacon and caramelized apple roulade with red cabbage and chanterelle “Pegasus Bay Pinot noir 2008”. Contact Mom Tri’s Kitchen at Villa Royale, Kata Noi, 076 333 568, www.momtriphuket.com.

JULY 28 AUGUST 2 Asalaha Bucha Day It celebrates the first sermon given by the Lord Buddha on the full moon day of the Asalaha (the eighth lunar month). On that day, all Three of the Triple Gem, The Buddha, The Dhamma and The Sangha, had established. It became the day that honoured the Sangha, or the community of the monks.

Art Dinner with Michael Earle Six paintings of Phuket artist Watcharin Rodnit have inspired Chef Pablo Blattmann to create a magnificent six course gourmet dinner. Very limited space! Book now, and enjoy a splendid evening of two combined forms of Art. B2,500 net per person include wines. Contact 076 325 182, info@dedos-restaurant.com.

AUGUST 12 HM the Queen’s Birthday Dusit Smiles Bowling Cup 2012 Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket will hold its second bowling tournament, the Dusit Charity Cup 2012, on July 28, 2012 at CS Bowl, Big

Commemorates the birthday of Queen Sirikit, also observed as National Mother’s Day (Wan Mae Haeng Chart). It is a public holiday.

www.phuketticketmaster.com

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

EVENTS 35

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php

ONGOING EVENTS

Summer Promotions!

Best mini golf in Phuket! Phuket Adventure Mini Golf – fun for everyone! A challenging 18 holes miniature classic championship golf course surrounded by palm trees, stones, water, bamboo and bushes. Designed and built together with Scandinavian Adventure Golf. Whether living close by or here on a fabulous holiday, this is the place for the whole family, friends and couples to enjoy at all times. Contact 076 314 345, 080 147 2468, www.phuketadventuremi nigolf.com.

FRIDAYS

Pool Competition @ Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.

buffet with a touch of Scandinavia, and listen to our live music. For example: Our home-smoked salmon, smoked prawns, Swedish meatballs, roasted porkloin, home-made bread, delicious desserts and much more. B395 or B695 include free flow of Chang draught, wine, Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, 076 330 065, katacenter@ twochefs.com.

SATURDAYS

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM Two Chefs Surf Night

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal

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

SUNDAYS

skewers, salmon quesadillas, grilled corn cob, desserts from our bakery and much more. Our house band will be here to play live music. B495 or B795 include free flow Chang draught and Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, call 076 286 479, karon@ twochefs.com.

THURSDAYS

................................................................................

................................................................................ Every first and third Friday a month, allyou-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. Draught beer B50. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

MONDAYS

At Two Chefs Kata Beach. Every Monday from 6pm-12am. You can enjoy our big BBQ Buffet with Blackened red snapper, beef burgers, Chicken Fajitas, Tacos, Chimi-Churri marinated chicken, desserts from our bakery and much more. One member from our house band will sing pleasant music during the night. Only B495. See www.twochefs.com, 076 284 155, kata@ twochefs.com.

All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

EVERY DAY

TUESDAYS Surin Beach Just Got Better

Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse Pool Competition Every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.

Salsa Night at RPM July 28 at 8.30pm onwards. Dance the Cha-cha, Bachata, Samba and Rumba with the soud of Dj Miscaro. Venue RPM Yacht Club, free entrance. Dress: colourful. For all reservation and enquiries please contact Ann and Didier on 084 306 2016 or Mr. Murat (Events and group manager) 081 797 3364.

................................................................................

Lazy Sunday Jazz Morning at Paresa Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast at Paresa with jazz music, free flow sparkling wine and stunning selection of breakfast dishes. Spend the rest of the day at Paresa’s Infinity Pool or Beach Club. B600++ per person. Every Sunday 9am to noon. Call 076 302 000.

WEDNESDAYS Interactive Pub Quiz Night

Starts from 8pm every Wednesday night. The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

Sea Breeze has joined forces with The Burger Bar and Beach Club to bring you not only superb Thai cuisine in a beach front setting but also an excellent range of gourmet 100% Australian beef burgers. To celebrate we are offering up to two free kids meals with any two full paying adults. Look for the voucher inside this paper. Live sport every day including our 100” HD screen. Ask about our new Pool Club, plus kids and adults parties planned and catered for. Contact 076 270 399, info@ seabreezesurin.com, www.thebestbeach club.com.

................................................................................

Friday 21st Pub & Restaurant

Two Chefs Saturday Brunch At Two Chefs Kata Centre. Every Saturday 12pm-3pm, you can enjoy a big delicious

Sunday Roast Pork

Two Chefs Tex Mex Night

Sunday Roast Pork or Beef Dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www. expathotel.com.

At Two Chefs Karon 6pm-1am. Every Wednesday you can enjoy Phuket’s best Mexican food. Chili con carne, Mexican rice, Mexican springrolls, nachos, pork fillet

Happy hour 6pm-9pm. B60 for beer. Every last Friday in the month free BBQ (start from 6pm.) Call 076 344 133, Tum 081 171 7993, Bas 080 523 5371. E-mail friday_21st@hotmail.com, facebook: Fri day Twentyone.

thephuketnews.com

36 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

JOBS

Villa for sale in Kathu 4 bed, 4 bath, fully furnished > 40

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

How would you like to join a young dynamic radio organisation?: We are looking for an EXPERIENCED ENGLISH speaking FEMALE Thai radio presenter to be part of our expanding team. This position is based in Phuket and could be either full time or part time depending on salary and experience. If this interests you then please send am mp3 demo of three minutes (no demo no reply) to manager@ phuketliveradio.com.

Wanted Admin Asst. Part Time: One or two

Catering and Events Intern: Intern is required

Office/Admin Manager: Boat service company

to work closely with our team with tasks including: develop/budget catering and event packages, market research, and working with the F&B service staff. Call 081 893 4122.

in Yacht Haven Marina for secretarial, accounting and administration. Accurate and organised team member with the ability to manage multiple tasks. English essential rogerg@seamari neservices.com.

P/T English Teacher Wanted: English Teacher Wanted 1 - 1.5 hours per day, 5 days per week for 3 months. Teaching English to staff at our 5* resort. Job to start early/mid August. Please contact us for more details. Call 087 627 6115.

Construction consultant: Looking for construction consultant overlooking renovation of a large property, weekly visits and reports. Please send resume and expected salary to info@phuketlp.com.

accommodation available. Call 089 054 4354.

days plus one evening per week to start. Must be fluent in English and Thai. For details call Larry on 081 487 4812 or email lamsden@phuket. ksc.co.th.

Semi-retired UK/Canadian businessman seeks Companion: English speaking female only. Free high end separate accommodation. All expenses paid. Call 089 054 4354.

Female Driver Wanted: Semi-retired UK/Canadian businessman seeks English speaking female driver. High end separate

motivated, fluent in speaking and writing English, driving license, preferably experience in ad sales or proper ty field, competitive salary plus commission. See Exotiq Property. Please call 076 527 568.

Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position

Sales Manager Thai or Foreigner (Located in Phuket) Responsibilities : - Managing the sales team (including responsibility for recruitment of new sales staff when needed) - Weekly & monthly sales budget meetings and reporting - Developing and following up new sales leads - Reaching own personal sales targets and responsibility for reaching team targets We offer: - Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses - Friendly work environment - Social security (10%) paid by the company - Excellent career progress opportunity ***The company may offer accommodation plus local transportation costs to successful candidates.***

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@the phuketnews.com

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

thephuketnews.com

enc e to teach class of 10-12 children ages 2-6, M o n - Fr i , 8 a m - 4 p m , Chalong. Call 0 8 0 624 7060. www.buds-phuket. c o m, e m a i l b u d s. s p a n @yahoo.com.

Thai Freelance Phot o g r a p h e r : Phuket

Assistant to Car Hire Photo Tours is looking for Company: Thai male a Thai Freelance Photogto help with daily routine work. Driving license and English skills are required. Fixed salary B15,000 plus social security. Send resume with recent photo to info@phuketdrive.com.

rapher to perk up tourist activities in Phuket. Excellent knowledge of English is required. CV and photo at info@phuketphototours. com.

Urgent! Florist and Shop Staff: If you love

Yo g a I n s t r u c t o r work at Fitness: Newly open Elite Fitness is looking for Yoga Instructor to work at Fitness. Full time or Part time. Thai or Foreigner. Contact 089 600 0041, email : tiya@elitegyms. net.

Sales And Marketing Executive: Thai, self

flowers and want to work in a new flower shop in Central Festival with great salary and conditions contact us. Email boutiqueflow ersphuket@gmail.com.

Operations Manager / Sales: Club Asia Fitness - Phuket’s leading fitness centre requires an Operations Manager and a Sales Consultant. Requirements Thai National, degree and must be able to communicate in English. info@cluba siaphuket.com.

Kindergarten Teacher: Female c auc asian n a t i ve En g l i s h s p e a king teacher with experi-

Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News , Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui.

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper (The Phuket News), Phuket’s leading English radio station (Live 89.5 Radio), a host of print publications such as The Phuket Colouring book as well as Phuket’s leading Events company (Events Thailand). We are currently expanding into TV and will be setting up a new English TV production company/ station. The station will start airing in October/November 2012 and will offer English news as well as a host of travel, topical programs and features.

TV Presenter/ Producer (Thai or Foreigner)

We are currently recruiting for a TV Presenter/producer to join our team to present/produce our news and other feature programmes.

TV Cameraman (Thai only)

We are currently recruiting for a TV Cameraman to join our

team to film external and internal (in studio) features.

TV Editor (Thai only)

We are currently recruiting for a TV Editor to join our team to edit our news and other feature programmes.

We offer:

- Competitive salary - Friendly work environment and being part of Phuket’s fastest growing media company - Excellent progress opportunity and job security Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

info@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

U RG E N T S TA FF WANTED: -Villa Technicians -English speaking Maids -Villa Supervisor -Accountant -Villa Handyman -Villa Attendant (Male). Please contact HR Phuket Villas & Homes. Call 076 527 633, email hr@phuket villasand homes.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

JOBS 37

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php Marketing Director: CC’s located in the lush hills of Kata is your home away from home. Currently under renovation but when open, our hotel will have gone through many major upgrades. We are currently looking for a Marketing Director who will be responsible to direct and oversee the hotel’s marketing plans. Experience in understanding tourism trends in Phuket and able to adjust marketing plan as required is a must. At least two years of experience in the tourism industry and is familiar with a variety of the fields concepts, practices & procedures. Self-motivated and able to meet stated goals and objectives. Attractive compensation package offered. Position available now. Contact Ken Miller, sales@ ccbloomshotel.com, 086 604 1333.

Chef de Partie Need- English, be physically fit. ed: Phuket Adventure Mini Please email info@securi Golf is currently looking for a Chef de partie. Salary B12,000-B17,000. Minimum two years experience required. Email: manager@ phuketadventureminigolf. com.

Electrican Plus: Swimming pool company re quires an electrican with an electronics and motor repair background. English skills an advantage. Please contact 076 620 193.

GHOST WRITER: For tion. Thai or Indo/Filipina/ life stor y of successful business man. Gambler, Playboy, World traveler now living Patong Beach. Email penthouse2102@ gmail.com.

Burma .Join our dynamic team, send your CV with recent photo and references. info@katagardens.net.

Restaurant Manager Wa n t e d: Re st au r a nt Car-rental Company is hiring - Drivers: Thai nationality, deliver, collect and clean our cars, be chauffeur if necessary. Requirements: basic English knowledge, driving licence, flexible in working hours, multitasking and reliable. Email info@mobilecarrent. com.

Car-rental Company is hiring - Receptionists: to handle bookings and walk- in clients re quirements : basic English knowledge, driving license, good computer skills, flexible in working hours, motivated,ability to multitask. info@mobilecar rent.com.

Office Staff Wanted: Female, English-speaking staff to work in nice environment with outgoing personality and basic book keeping skills. Please call K. Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

manager wanted for new Patong bakery, must have computer knowledge, stock ordering and hiring plus training of staff. Excellent conditions plus pay forward. Send CV to bazens ir@gmail.com.

Sales & Marketing Manager: Condominium Project Sales & Marketing Good command of English. At least 1 years experience required. Must be an enthusiastic and self-motivated professional. Email: sales. admin2@ap.jll.com.

JOBS IN PHUKET

tysafestop.com for details. 076 620 010.

Nanny/Maid Live in Wanted: Only Thai nationality, basic English essential. Take care of the house and family. One new born baby and 1.5 year old boy to help with. Private room, insurance, long term contract - one month trial. Please call 087 980 7570.

Nanny/ Helper Wante d: Fu l l t i m e N a n ny/ helper wanted for Thai/

Wanted Seller: Wanted English family in Kathu. seller. Women, Thai nationality, good English, good looking, friendly, tidy. Six days a week, 3pm to 7pm, B300 per day plus comissons. Call 083 649 6169.

Administrator Needed: The SHE Foundation requires an Administrator/ receptionist. Must have some English, typing and computer skills. Salary negotiable upon previous experience send CV to info@ shethailand.

0 8 6 2 741 4 9 3 ( E n g l i s h) 0841935124 (Thai).

Woman Wanted: For cooking European food, or to be trained. “Weissbier & Wine” Restaurant, Patong. Evening working hours. Nice atmosphere. Contact 087 273 6427. Po s i t i o n Wa n t e d: Native English-speaking TEFL, journalist seeks fulltime job. Volunteer teacher on Koh Yao Noi. MA Mar-

A HOTEL GROUP IN PHUKET HAS 2 FOUR STAR RESORTS, PATONG AND KARON HAS THE FOLLOWING VACANCIES :

Horizon Patong ● FB Mgr., ● FOM, Asst. FOM Horizon Karon ● Rest. Supervisor, Hostess, Waiter ● Purchasing Officer ● Asst. HK ● Night Mgr., Asst.Night Mgr., Guest Relation Mgr., GRO ● Asst. HRM EMPOYEE BENEFIT SALARY, BONUS, SVC, LIFE INSURANCE, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORTATION, UNIFORM, DUTY MEAL, SOCIAL SECURITY, ETC. ***If you are eligible, please send your full details with recent photograph on E-Mail : apply@horizonbeach. com or call : 076 292 526 -30 , 076 284 555 keting from UK. Caribbean national, worked at UK radio station for 10 years. Please contact 083 642 3213. Email benwoodbaje@hotmail.com

Website Programmer required: Cyber-

nok are looking for good HTML, CSS and PHP programmers (preferably with Joomla! experience) with good English skills. Please e-mail your CV with recent picture and expected salary. Email: info@cybernok. com.

Free Security Training Course: Free security training course open to all Thai nationals over the age of 24. You must have a basic command of

Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News, Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui. Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position

Sales Representatives Sales Staff Wanted: English-speaking female. Thai with previous selling experience with own car, outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, fuel, phone and commission. Call Khun Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Receptionist wanted Rawai Area: English speaking helpful, outgoing personality. Well groomed, height /weight in propor-

Qualifications: - Thai or Expat. - Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English. - Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude. - Works well under pressure and has a will to succeed.

We offer:  Competitive

salary, bonuses and travel expenses. friendly work environment.  Social security paid by the company.  Excellent career progress opportunities. A

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

thephuketnews.com

38 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUY&SELL

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Purebred cat for sale

Female Persian kitten needs home > 39

Charter Fishing Business: Owner is changing business disciplines and wants to exit the charter fishing business. For sale ‘02 Bertram 510 Flybridge and ‘91 Tairia sport fishing yacht. Plus website and all past customers. www. phuketfishboat.com, email martin@phuketfishboat.com.

BUSINESS SERVICES Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park

on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tile-asia.com.

BOATS & YACHTS Northern Lights Generator: Brand new 5 Kw 220 volt 50 hZ generator, sound shield and accessories available. 1500 RPM for quiet and reliable operation. Or 1800 RPM for 6 Kw 110 volt 60 hZ operation. Full warranty. Call 076 239 112.

New Marine Engine: Vetus 52 Horsepower diesel marine engine 4 cylinder turbo, 110 amp alternator, low 3000 RPM 127 NM torque at 2000 RPM Heat exchanger cooling complete with 2.5-1 gearbox, 5 year warranty. Call 076 239 112.

BUSINESSES FOR SALE L u x u r y Ya c h t f o r Sale: For sale 2002 Ber-

tram 510 Flybridge luxury yacht. USD825,000. Email mar tin@phuketfishboat. com.

Lo n g Ta il Bo a t Fo r Sale: Long tail boat 11 meter

long. Need some fixing price B50,000 negotiate. Call 081 719 3962.

Fi shin g Yac h t fo r S a l e: F o r s a l e 19 91

Tairia sport fishing yacht USD275,000. Email martin@phuketfishboat.com.

Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. 076 381 895. Farang Food Paradise:

Cement Production Plant: Ready mixed concrete company’s factor y. 446.92 horse power. Output of workers in the production of 22 people per day at an average yield of about 100 Q/ Day (B1,800 per Q). Average revenue per day for about B180,000.

Manufacture of readymixed concrete. Can continue immediately. Just bought a cement truck delivery only. Ready water source to be used for production. Address: Moo. 4, T. Maikhao, Thalang Dist. Phuket 83110. Land Size: 20 rai 2 Ngan and 56 talang wah. Price: B130 Million. Contact: Mr. Lee, mobile: 081 803 7189.

Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact: 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.

Three Toyota Camry for Sale: Year: 2009, engine capacity: 2,362 cc, Color: two white and one metallic silver, Navigator. Price B1.3 million (Negotiable) Contact Mr. Lee, mobile: 081 803 7189.

CARS FOR RENT A1 Car Rentals: Fullyinsured. Starts at B12,000 to B18,000 per month. Please call 089 831 4703. Email for more info: a1carrent@gmail. com. Car for rent: Car in good condition, short and long-term rental with first-class insurance and delivery service. Please contact 086 690 6007, email: k.niwatt@hotmail.com.

CARS FOR SALE

ONLY 170,000 BAHT CASH!: October 2011, 8,000km. Proton Exora 7/8seat family car. Many options, including GPS, DVD. Price new: B940,000. Now B740,000, or on finance: B570,000 + B170,000 cash. Call 081 788 8280. Email: maurice.phuket@gmail.com.

CHILDCARE Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest bilingual international childcare facility. High-quality, time-proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand new purpose-built school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/28. Mon-Fri 8am -5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Website: www.

Restaurant for sale: Established restaurant located in the heart of the island. New kitchen, toilets, private roof top terrace etc. Two connected shop houses on main road. 40+ seat dining area with room for expansion. Huge owner’s apartment could be converted into rooms for rent or otherwise. Must-see, ready to move in. Owners relocating. Contact us for details and pictures. 081 956 3166.

thephuketnews.com

buds-phuket.com.

CHILDREN’S CLUB Ventury Van for Sale:

Year: July 2008 (4 years) Color: White/brown. Mileage: 218,039 km. Price: B1.2 million. Contact 081 803 7189.

Funstart: Family sports and

leisure club. Swimming/golf/ playcentre/gaming arcade. Call 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstar tphuket. com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 39

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE

MOBILE PHONES FOR SALE

PERSONAL SERVICES Bon Café Phuket: A

B l u e C a nyo n G o l f Membership for Sale:

beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised. Please contact 085 574 4258 or email cindy@soidog.org.

producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. Contact: 076 355 600-1.

Family lifetime membership, including golf privileges B800,000. Buyer pays transfer fee. 081 487 4812, e-mail lamsden@phuket.ksc.co.th.

PET BOARDING Home Stay & Day Care For Dogs: Opening Soon in August 2012! Dog-A-holics Thailand is ideal for small to medium size dogs. Owner Rose Nattanicha who is a dog lover. For more information: doga holicsthailand@gmail. com.

PET FOR SALE

Second Hand Goods for Sale: Executive Tables and More. Contact 081 978 2725 for details. Prices are negotiable.

Club Asia Fitness: Royal Phuket City Hotel. Of fers Zumba /LesMills classes/ weight training/ s au n a /s te a m /s w i m m i n g pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout, come along and join the action. Tel 076 35 4 027, 087 275 3614. www.clubasiaphuket.com.

Health Food : Online health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products. Contact 082 276 1675. www.goodkarmathailand.com.

Open to all from the age of 12 years old and without any prior cooking experience. For more info visit us at: www.phuket-cookingacademy.com or call 081 821 40 64.

Like to Rescue a Homeless Dog?: Many dogs, includ-

Buon A p p et i to: D e li market and bistro. Number one supplier of Italian Deli in Phuket. Call 076 384 273, info@buonappetitogroup.com, www.buonappetito group.com.

PET ADOPTION Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300

ing puppies, adult dogs and some pedigrees are sadly all locked in dirty cages, don’t have much to eat and are dying to get out and find a loving home. Please help these poor dogs have a new life. If you’d like to meet some of these dogs who are located in Thalang or see some photos of just a few of them. Email: gon e2thedoggies@gmail.com. Or call 084 877 3566.

Persian kitten looking for a good home. Born May 28 - available to take home in August. Call 084 676 6663 (Thai + English) or email miko_blackbird@hotmail. co.th (Thai + English) for more info.

POOL TABLES Phuket Pool Tables: www. phuketpooltables.com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales, rent and profit-sharing. All accessories and services. Call 081 823 4627.

Safeway Storage: Self

Clearance Sale: Techworx clearance sale: amplifiers, speakers, network kit, printers, media players and servers Email daragh@ techworx.asia for detail list.

Baby and Maternity Items for Sale: Gen-

cooking and baking classes in our top-class professional facilities. Come to learn how to cook with our professional chefs and discover the art of bakery, and Thai and European cuisines.

CLUBS & Would You MEMBERSHIPS

Persian Kit ten for Sale: Purebred female

MOVING & STORAGE

Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all Sin-

Phuket Cooking Academy: Offers many

MOTORBIKE SERVICES

your motorcycle tyres for a smoother ride with DYNA BEADS! Available at West Coast Service Center Phuket, your big bike specialist on the bypass road. Contact: 085 785 4440.

sional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www.skalphuket.org.

COOKING CLASS

normal batteries, two double batteries with special back covers, two charging docks, plug in wall charger B15,000. And Samsung Galaxy Note, white B15,000. Call 084 443 9863.

Dynamic Tyre Balancing: Dynamically balance

SK A L I nt er nat ional Phuket: Skål is a profes-

gaporeans in Phuket to join Singapore Club Phuket. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.

Samsung SII / Galaxy Note: Samsung SII, four

tly used Maternity clothes and baby items including a Graco Playard, bottle sterilizers, Avent bottles, pop-up tent, Met Tai carrier. Located in Chalong. Email for photos and prices at kiriheald@ gmail.com.

Sale: Furniture and paintings: Set living room (sofa, two chairs, foot stool), Dining table with 6 chairs, cabinets, TV stand. Excellent quality. Abstract paintings by Filipino Ivan Acuna. Pictures and prices: see website furniture4sale.com or call: 084 399 8978.

storage from B800/M. -Container rental B3,000/M -Sales/ Site office A/C B6,000/M. -Mobile toilets B2,800/M. Chalong - opposite Wat Chalong. Thalang -main Highway. Contact: 076 313 235, 081 125 1873.

We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store. Call 076 292 909.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT Semi- retired UK /Canadian businessman seeks Companion: En g li s h s p e ak i n g fe m a l e only. Free high-end separate accommodation. All expenses paid. Call 089 054 4354.

thephuketnews.com

40 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

PROPERTY PROPERTY CONCIERGE

Selling or Renting Your Property?: We have buyers for foreign freehold, sea view properties and land. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket. net.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Sur in Beach Apartments[LOFTS]:

Discount Rentals

Tw o a n d O n e b e d r o o m Apartments now available for long term rentals,[minimum period 6 months] short term will be considered depending on availablity. FREE HiSpeed WIFI Cable TV The LOFTS apartments are situated on the beach road in Surin which is fast developing into one of the trendiest areas of Phuket. 086 120 0298, info@rentalpropertyphuket.com. See rentalpropertyphuket.com.

Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA

Laguna, designed for comfort. Has everything+spa, B32,000 lease. Call 089 594 4067.

Luxury Pool Villa: Laguna, quality furnishings spa, bar, security, BBQ. B22,000 lease. Call 089 594 4067.

Three Bedroom Furnished for Rent: B11,000 per month, one bathroom, lock up garage and carport on 800 sq metre lot. Close to PIA school, golf, beach and airport. For more info email gor don_asia@hotmail.com.

20 rai overlooking golf course > 41

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Land for sale: 6 rai beau-

Villa for Sale at Kathu:

House for Rent-Kathu:

Big Luxury Villa: Pool,

Land for sale at Loch Palm Kathu

Info: 089 594 4067

House Villa for rent:

Two bedrooms/ t wo bath rooms. Calm ans clean area. Built in early 2012, first occupant. AirCond in all rooms. Floor area 120m2 + back and front yard Furnished. Contact 091 034 0035.

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Friday 21st (Room For Rent) Good cond i t i o n: H i g h S e as o n

Villa for rent in Rawai Beach, 3 Bed 4 Bath Jacuzzi Bath, Private pool, The striking two-storey homes feature a grand living room and dining area, kitchen. TV, DVD/CD Player, Internet Wifi. 089 727 7477, www.baanmari mar.com.

B800.- per day, B18,000.per month. Low Season B500.- per day, B13,000.per month. Please contact 076 344 133, TUM 081 171 7993, BAS 080 523 5371, e-mail: friday_21st@hotmail.com. Facebook : Friday Twentyone.

Overlooking Golf Course. Fully furnished. Land size 800sq metre. Living area 487sq metre. Large pool. four Beds, four baths. Fully-fitted Western kitchen. Lifetime membership. B20 million. Call 087 222 4770.

Kamala Two Brand New Villas: Two bedrooms, two

tiful hilltop land near Mission Hills golf club, was 4.2million baht per rai now drastically reduced to *B3.2 million per rai* for very quick sale, full chanote, water/electric, office, sea/mountain views. Call 087 978 5804(Eng), stanjsmith25@yahoo.com

Luxur y Condo Kata Beach: Stunning seaview 5 star, 1 bedroom lounge kitchen, microwave, satellite TV, DVD WiFi. Weekly/Monthly rates. Call James 090 864 4519.

bathrooms, Western kitchen, 130 sq metre. Nice garden with large pool in quiet area. Price: B5.5 million or minimum three- month rental. Call 081 496 9070 (Eng/Swedish) or 081 719 1175 (Thai).

S e avi ew L a n d Fo r Sale: Near Chalong pier,

Luxury Private Pool Villas: Brand New Bali

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED FREE ONLINE: 189 CHARACTERS + 1 PICTURE Headline: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

Rawai B eachf ront Pool Villa: Rawai Beach front pool villa for rent/sale.3 bed rooms,furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

style three and four Bed Villas, one km to Nai Harn Beach. High Rental guaranteed Investment. Prices from B12.9 million (include full furniture pkg). Enquiries sakt27@gmail.com, call +66 (0)87 897 4421.

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189 CHARACTERS

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Online upgrades:

Website link B199

Urgent banner B199

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM

FOR JUST B1,099 GET AN ADDITIONAL 9 PICTURES

PLUS 1 ISSUE IN THE PRINT COPY OF THE PHUKET NEWS Print upgrades:

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DEADLINE: MONDAY 11.59PM (MIDNIGHT) FOR THAT FRIDAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ISSUE Hand this in at agent shops, our office or fax: 076 612 553

thephuketnews.com

House in Patong for Sale: Very nice townhouse

Stylish House Rental / Rawai: Separate located

nice 2-floor-house (furnished) close to Rawai and Nai-Harn. 2-bedrooms (air-cond.). TV and phone/internet provided. With kitchen, dinning area, terrace and garden. Call 076 388 639, 083 106 2680.

Fully Furnished Homes for Rent: Fully furnished 1-3 air-con bedroom rental homes.Quiet area near Ao Yon beach,Cape Panwa.1bdr start from 9,000/m,2-3 bdr from 20,000 free wifi,Tel.081 892 4311, http://panwagreen. weebly.com.

Loft Style Flat: Secure, quiet, spacious, new decoration. Great location for exercise. Long-term rental. 086 664 5575.

150 metres from the sea. Three rai and one ngan plot. Chanote title. Price: B25 million per rai. No agent. Call 087 278 7206

for sale, 3 floors,3 bathrooms, living-room,kitchen,3 sleeping rooms, roof-terrace, parking, good location, 200 square metre living area. Must see. Call 084 188 4544.

Kathu : Ser viced Land for Sale: Near the British International School, 500 sq. m. including road, water, electricity and security. B3,000,000. Call 089 724 7211. E-mail julien@ phuketimmo.com.

Thai Style House for Sale: Teak wood f loors, stairs, walls, 2 bedrooms. Land 330 sq metre, peaceful location, five minutes to Patong, Chanote title. B5.5 million. 086 268 8701, email: f430spiderf1@hotmail.com.

Nice One Rai in Chalong: Reduced, just B6 million now. 200m off main road near Chalong temple. Full chanote title. Call 087 053 6181/089 651 3479. Email philcroker69@ hotmail.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 41

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

Now for sale The White House (Baan Khao) Kata In the safest and best residential area in Phuket This stand alone villa has 3 bedrooms+office room Pool /Tropical Garden/Inside Parking include Peogeot Cabrio/Coupe

Transfer Chanote title or Company FREE!!

Phuket Cottages

Near British International School, luxury pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000. www.phuket-cottages.com

Call: 089-724-7211 6142 or email bluegirl83150@ yahoo.com.

Price 16 MB (or any interesting BID)

Tel: 084-8438720 E-mail: thewhitehousekata@gmail.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

Land for Sale Mission Hills: 800 sq metre 1300 sq metre 1600 sq metre. Very quiet and private locations, very close to airport, Tesco, golf courses and Phuket International Academy. All Chanote title from B1.7 million. Contact 087 276 0529.

Land for Sale at Loch Palm Kathu: 20 Rai overlooking golf course with concrete access road and electric. Ready for building project. Call 087 888 4770.

Petchabun Land for Sale: 8 Rai+448sq metre. Chanote title and close to main road. One year teak plant on the land. Call 087 284

one bed, fully-furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.

Mission Heights Residence

Renovated Condo for Sale: Patong near Simon Cabaret, 50sq metre huge pool and garden area. Everything new, fully furnished plus kitchen, free hold. Sale B3 million, no stupid offers. Thai 087 621 3405/ English. Contact 085 471 9246.

Phuket- Surin Beach Area for Sale: Chan ote title at Manik-township. 20x25 metre in natural surrounding, B2.6 million. Free design+construction permit. Phone 087 275 9621, email nuttapol_trateng@yahoo.com.

Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo,

Beach Front Plots: Located opposite of Yacht Haven Marina in a very peaceful, natural environment. Ready to build, electricity and water on site, road and boat access. 2 Rai plots each with 60 metre of ocean frontage, perfect for living as well as investment. For sale direct from owner, price only B12 million. Call 081 343 0777.

Rawai Pool Villa: Unique three bedroom pool villa “off the plan”. Three easy payments over seven months. Situated in a well established housing complex in Rawai over looking a peaceful, fish filled lake. Email for plans. Call 081 270 4291. 6.1 Rai Land for Sale: 6.1 rai (10,0 0 0 sq metre). B2,500,000 per rai. Total price: B15,600,000. - 5 minutes to Naithon Beach. -10 minutes to Naiyang Beach. -10 minutes to Airport. -7 minutes to New Tesco Lotus. - Roadside land and Chanote title. Call 085 793 2718.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

MY STORAGE– The Home E x tension: Store your belongings at MY STOR AGE Storage solutions to home space problems arising from situations such as: moving, renovating, relocation, travel or simply lack storage space at home. Call 076 292 909.

Designed specially for families, the Mission Heights Residence offer very spacious 540 sqm houses, all with 12 metre long swimming pool, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, guest bungalow, maid quarter and a nice garden in a very secure, children friendly environment only couple of minutes from Phuket International Academy.

Located only 10 minutes from airport, Grand Ao Por Marina, new Tesco Shopping center, 2 golf courses, Naiyang Beach, Thanyapura Sport & Leisure Center and international school, the Mission Heights Residence is a perfect place to live for families without traffic in a very peaceful, secure and natural surrounding.

The Villas currently under construction being built to highest western standard and are launched at only 13.9 million Baht for the first 3 houses. For appointment or more details contact project director, Khun Montha at 088 751 1750 or email mission_ heights@yahoo.com.

Villa Resort Style: Villa resort style six bedroom, Located in peaceful area South of Phuket, Rawai. This villa has been designed and furnished to the highest standards. Contact 088 178 1845, email min tra99@gmail.com.

THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS

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KISS AND TELL THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET SPORT 43

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Former Chelsea player and Leicester City legend Alan Birchenall talks about football, Mick Jagger impersonations, and his life as an involuntary gay icon FOOTBALL Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

e’s brutally honest, and tells me his career consisted of precisely two things: “One goal against Leeds – a thirty-five yarder – and a kiss.” But perhaps Alan Birchenall MBE is just being modest. After all, this wasn’t just any kiss – it was an embrace that challenged popular perceptions of sport, and even had the British prime minister of the time lambasting the decline of English football. Of course, the infamous osculation was just one of many stories the former Chelsea player, and Leicester City legend, shed light on when he was in Phuket recently, as he spilled the beans on some of the highlights – and lowlights – of his eventful career. “The funny thing is that they’re the stories I can’t tell you, the highlights,” he says through a cheeky grin. “If you played in the late ’60s and the ’70s, it was probably the golden era of English football. We won the World Cup in ’66 and for the next 10 years, it was just flamboyant football.” Between partying with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, we can only imagine the tales of debauchery that occurred off the field, though Birchenall did share one insight into those two English bands: “I’ll tell you what they didn’t do, they didn’t get a round of beers, the tight b**tards.” An attacking midfielder, Birchenall gave up his day job as an engine fitter and started his professional football career with Sheffield United in 1963. He made his league debut a year later, and won the first two of his four England under-23 caps while with the Blades. He had the privilege of playing with, and against, some of the greatest players the world has ever seen – including Best, Pelé and Beckenbauer, to name but a few – but he says the true significance of what he achieved has only sunk in later in life. “When you’re a 20-yearold, you just take it on board. Looking back on it now... and you think ‘these players are legends’. “At the time, you didn’t look upon him as George Best, the unbelievable footballer, which he was. You just looked upon him as a player of our generation.”

Left: Alan Birchenall celebrates scoring a crucial goal for Leicester in the ‘70s. Above: Having a ‘laugh’ in Phuket.

And for all the money and careerism that exists in the modern game, Birchenall still maintains his generation was up there with the best of all time, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything. “People always say, ‘with the money that’s flying around the game today, what we were earning was peanuts.’ I’m not being facetious, of course I’d have liked to have earned the money, but you can’t replace that. “The football today is quicker, and therefore you have to be marginally fitter, but I wouldn’t say it’s any more skillful. Ronaldo or Messi are outstanding footballers, but every team I played against had great players. But Birchenall didn’t exactly do too bad in the money stakes – he was among the first players to command a £100,000 price tag when he moved from Sheffield Utd to Chelsea in November 1967. Leicester City then paid £80,000 for him in 1971, and he remained with them until 1977, before later going on to play for American NASL (precursor of the modern day MLS) sides San Jose Earthquakes and Memphis Rogues. But Birchenall says being offered that kind of money doesn’t change a footballer, even in today’s environment of multi-million dollar players. “You’re exactly the same person. It’s immaterial... Money doesn’t corrupt a footballer.” Yet despite his success on the field, Birchenall says one of the few regrets of his colourful

life was never pulling on the national strip, despite captaining the England under-23 side. And he says it was all thanks to a night out in Hungary while on tour with the under-23s. “We were allowed a night out in Budapest... and it was dead. But I could hear some music, and where there’s music there’s beer. So I said ‘come on lads’, and about six or seven of the lads entered this dark room.” After a few pints, the band started playing ‘Satisfaction’ by the Rolling Stones. After an enthusiastic Mick Jagger rendition, Birchenall says everyone in the bar was cheering for more – everyone except his teammates, who were nowhere to be seen. “As the lights came on, sat in the corner were the team officials who came on the trip.” A report went back, and Birchenall never played for his country again. But despite his solid returns for Chelsea and Leicester, and his moonlighting as a Hungarian cabaret dancer, Birchenall’s playing days have instead been immortalised by one of the more unusual moments in world sport: An innocent exchange between two passionate footballers, and a well-placed photographer with a very long lens and immaculate timing. It was 1974, and Leicester were down 4-0 against Sheffield United. The game was into the dying stages, and Leicester’s Birchenall was running for the ball. He collided with Sheffield player Tony Currie, and both went down.

“As I came out of the tumble, I just looked at him and said ‘Give us a kiss’… and behind the goal, there was a guy with a zoom lens, and he just captured that split second. And we just played on and thought nothing else about it.” But that fraction of a second, splashed across the front pages of the British tabloids, would be the catalyst for parliamentary debates and scathing newspaper editorials about the state of football in England. Perhaps more amusingly, it catapulted the pair into fame as gay icons across Europe; Birchenall was even approached to write a regular column for a German gay magazine. He declined. To this day, there is a large print of the infamous moment mounted at the Leicester City ground. For the sake of posterity, Birchenall has added a caption next to it: “Just good friends.” Despite not playing for England himself, Birchenall was able to share his thoughts on the Three Lions’ recent performance at the Euro championships, which saw them bow out in the semi-finals after several lacklustre performances. “Predictable. I think we all knew,” he says. “I think the most outstanding team won the tournament, and if anything’s been proved in the last few years is that you’ve got to adjust your game to play football now. You don’t necessarily have to have a big lump up front. “It’s proved itself watching Spain over the last eight years, you can play any system you want if you want to control the ball and drag the other team

around the pitch.” “Because we invented the game, let’s don’t be embarrassed by taking [from other countries].” And one country we might be seeing a little more of in England in the foreseeable future is Thailand. Birchenall was visiting these shores as part of his duties as ambassador for Leicester City. In August 2010, the club was bought by a Thai-led consortium fronted by duty-free retailers King Power Group, meaning the club now has strong Southeast Asian ties. Birchenall says the visit to Thailand has opened his eyes to the enormous potential of

football in Asia. “What’s surprised me is how passionate it is out here [in Thailand],” he says. “And now I understand why King Power [came in]. “Back home in England it was questioned a bit, ‘Are they here for the long term?’. And having been out here, yes, 100 per cent, because you realise how passionate they are about football.” As for Thai players in the Premier League: “That time will come,” Birchenall says. Already, players from [Bangkok-based Thai Premier League side] Buriram FC are going over to train with Leicester City. “I can tell you a few of the lads have been very, very impressive, and that’s a massive high level to get in our academy.” He says the progress is evident, and it’s only a matter of time before more serious football is being played in Thailand. But between his overzealous on-field male bonding, playing against Pele, and his lifetime ties with Leicester , Birchenall himself has never taken life too seriously, and therein perhaps lies his greatest success. “In over 500 games, I never came off the pitch without having a laugh, with a supporter, with a referee, a teammate, or whatever. “It was my job, and it was serious, but football is a sport, it’s an entertainment, and I treated it that way.”

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44 PHUKET SPORT

DaVinci, Voodoo win on calm day SAILING

n the last day of the 2012 Rawai-Nai Harn Phuket Multihull Regatta last Sunday (July 15), places were still up for grabs in both the Racing Multihull and Firefly classes, which were eventually won by DaVinci and Voodoo respectively. Race Officer Simon James headed south and located the start line on the south side of Lone Island where the wind direction and wind strength were consistent, if low. Racing Multihulls went first, followed by the Firefly 850 Sport One Design class. Course three (windward/ leeward), one nautical mile to the windward mark, was the course of choice for the final day and final race of the series. Henry Kaye’s Sweet Chariot led at the pin-end of the line with Mark Pescott and DaVinci second at the committee boat end. Miss Saigon (David Liddel) had a slow start, changing the headsail as they approached.

Da Vinci (background) overall winner of the Racing Multihulls series, and The Frog, last in class on Sunday. Photo: Duncan Worthington/MarineScene.asia Nina (Grenville Fordham) tacked first, looking for better wind. Miss Saigon made good speed upwind and rounded the windward mark first and led the class back down to the leeward mark. DaVinci lost ground, but rounded second ahead of Sweet Chariot. The wind was holding (building to 8 knots) but as time limits approached, the race officer made the call to

shorten course and finish at the windward mark for both classes. Five wins from five races left DaVinci on top, undefeated. After finishing second place in almost every regatta to date, they finally took the elusive overall honours. Miss Saigon finished second overall. In the Firefly 850 Sport One Design class, all was still to race for. Voodoo (Hans Rahmann) got the jump on the start at the pin-end with Moto Inzi (Roger

Kingdon) and Dyer Straits (Shaun Jackson) opting for the committee boat end of the line. Once clear of the committee boat, Dyer Straits tacked immediately and headed to the other side of the course looking for better winds. Their ploy worked. Voodoo were last to tack and took a higher line, but both Dyer Straits and Moto Inzi had stretched out a lead upwind with Moto Inzi leading around the top mark. The Frog (John Priestly) took the opposite side of the course to the rest of the fleet on the downwind leg, a decision that cost them dearly; when the fleet came back together The Frog rounded the bottom mark in last place. On the final upwind leg, Voodoo continued their form and stretched out a further lead to comfortably win the race and the overall series. The final day’s prizes and overall series winners were presented at the closing party hosted by Serenity Resort & Residences in Rawai.

THE PHUKET NEWS

Phuket FC captain, coach call it quits FOOTBALL Kazira Hans editor@thephuketnews.com

BOTH PH U K ET FC’S captain and coach have resigned following Sunday’s 6-0 loss to PTT Rayong FC, the latest bad news to hit the team this season. Coach Milos Joksic announced his resignation on Sunday and apologised to fans, saying he had failed to lead the Islanders out of the rut they have been in for the past few months. Then Phuket FC captain Suphat Ontthong, announced on Facebook that this Sunday’s home game against Songkla will be his last. He will join his home team Ratchaburi FC for the rest of the season, starting the end of July. “I would like to thank Phuket FC, Khun Pamuk, Khun Eam, staff, Khun Lek (Naruebet Aryupong), Soranun, my teammates and all fans, for their continuous and unfaltering support for Phuket FC and for me from Division 2 until today. “I feel like I’m home, here in Phuket. Everyone

Toe (left) with former All Black Byron Kelleher.

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FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Resigned coach Milos. here is my family. We have been through so much, we have laughed and cried together,” Suphat said. “I must apologise that I can’t fulfill my promise that together we will bring Phuket FC to the Thai Premier League. I am truly very sorry. I hope that in the future I can come back and work here again.” The new team coach is likely to be former Thai national team footballer Narong Ajarayut, a Phuket businessman who has been involved with the team in the past. Narong said he believed coaching would come “naturally” to him, and said it was not too different from running a business. THE RIGHT PITCH Jirayut ‘Toe’ Sarsat, who was the Phuket Lomas Youth Development Rugby Player of the Year 2011, is now in the Thai National Under 19s training squad and has been picked to take part in an IRB U19s tournament in Hong Kong. Toe is currently in Bangkok with the Thai team on a three week training camp before they depart for Hong Kong at the end of July. He will be the first representative from Phuket to play in a Thai national rugby side at any level.

THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET/WORLD SPORT

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

PHUKET BRIEFS T20 league goes in to bat Although it’s the off-season, Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) is hosting the Outrigger T20 league for those die-hards who can’t get enough cricket. The league kicks off this Sunday (July 22) at 9am at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG), in Thalang. If you’re interested in going along to watch the big hitters go for six, or taking to the field, simply turn up at 9am as there are still a number of spaces available in some of the teams. More info: acgphuket.com

Jaray wins minimarathon Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club’s triathlete Jaray Jearanai, age 31, won first place at the Boat Lagoon Mini Marathon with a time of 42.30 minutes for the 11.5 km run on July 15. Jaray has been training with TSLC’s triathlon coach and five time European Ironman Champion Juergen Zack for the past two years, and has attended triathlon competitions around the world. The event, organised by Phuket Andaman Pearl, saw a total of 491 runners.

Premier League finds its home from home in Asia FOOTBALL Agence France-Presse

glut of Premier League sides including Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are touring Asia this month hoping to cash in on the region’s unquenchable thirst for English football. QPR and Sunderland are also heading East, meaning a quarter of the Premier League will build up to the new season by jetting off to countries on the other side of the globe and where the searing heat can be punishing. The clubs will not admit it, but the trips to China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea are less about football and more about the “brand”, in a part of the world where disposable income is rising fast. It is all a far cry from the pre-seasons of yesteryear, when teams would warm up for a new campaign by spending a few days at an English seaside resort. United, dethroned by rivals City as Premier League

Man City captain Vincent Kompany scores against Man U in April, but can they beat them on the marketing front? champions last season, have set the benchmark in attracting foreign fans and claim to have 325 million supporters in Asia, with officially endorsed fan clubs across the continent. Alex Ferguson’s men play against Didier Drogba’s Shanghai Shenhua on July 25 as part of a gruelling pre-season schedule that sees them take in South Africa first, followed by China, Norway, Sweden and Germany. But if it was United that set the trend, the signs are that the rest are catching up – no more so than their city neighbours, whose captain Vincent Kompany said the club had a long-term strategy.

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“It’s not like we arrive and say everyone has to become City fans right now,” the Belgian international said last month on a promotional tour to Kuala Lumpur, where the Premier League holders play a Malaysian XI on July 30. “We want to show ourselves and prove that we’re a better club and hopefully becoming the best club in the world in the next 10 years,” said the defender. City also take on Arsenal, in Beijing, three days earlier. The Londoners are similarly heading to football-mad Malaysia, and also taking in Hong Kong. Julian Kam, chief executive

of ProEvents, organiser of the Manchester City and Arsenal visits to Malaysia, said that while teams benefited from an immediate financial spinoff, such as increased sale of merchandise, they were mainly looking to build a long-term fan base in Asia. “For the fans it’s great. It’s right on their doorstep. It only makes sense that they come here and try to consolidate their fan base,” he said. More than 45,000 tickets have been snapped up for the Arsenal game and 50,000 for City. Both games take place at the 100,000 capacity Bukit Jalil Stadium, with tickets costing between 58 ringgit (B580) and 388 ringgit (B3880). QPR, now owned by Malaysian budget-airline mogul Tony Fernandes, have firmly set their sights on boosting their profile in the Far East. The London club swooped for South Korean star Park JiSung from Manchester United last week – a move sceptics said was with at least one eye on the Asian audience – and after a jaunt in Malaysia they go on to Indonesia. Organisers there expect a

sell-out for the July 23 match against Persebaya Surabaya, with about half the 45,000 tickets on sale still available. That already means that the crowd will be bigger than QPR’s average home gate. “The match will give QPR more exposure and it will attract more fans in Indonesia,” said Abi Hasantoso, spokesman for organisers Indonesia Premier League, adding that QPR already had a large following in the country. “It is also a golden opportunity for our players to gain experience by playing against one of the best clubs in the Premier League.” Sunderland are off to South Korea for the four-team Peace Cup from July 19 to July 22, but interest has been muted, with only 15,000 tickets sold so far for their clash with Seongnam. Notable absentees from the Asian summer party are Chelsea and Liverpool. The American-owned Reds, who have long enjoyed significant support in Asia, are heading instead to North America, while the Champions League winners will be touring the US.

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46 WORLD SPORT

IN BRIEF Red hot Serena shifts focus to Olympics While Stanford champ Serena Williams shifts her focus to the London Olympics, runner-up Coco Vandeweghe is poised to continue her breakthrough season at this week’s WTA Carlsbad event. Williams, who earlier this month won her fifth Wimbledon crown, beat the 20-year-old Vandeweghe 7-5, 6-3 Sunday for her second straight WTA Tour title at the Stanford tournament. The world number four is not in competition this week after winning Stanford and will soon head to Britain for the Summer Games, which open a week from today (July 20). “(A gold medal) would mean a lot to me, but I can’t put all my hopes and dreams on just that,” said the 30-yearold Williams, who has twice lifted Olympic doubles gold with her elder sister Venus.

Jones happy to be Aussie swim ‘mother Leisel Jones may be 26 but the Australia swimming star is about to embark on her fourth Olympic Games. And for Jones part of her role at London 2012 is to play “mother” to the “kids” on the Australian team and help them achieve Games glory – even if it means her own medal ambitions take a back seat. Jones won the 100 metres breaststroke in Beijing four years ago, when she also helped Australia take the 4x100m medley relay. But Jones is now keen to see how her team-mates get on. “I just can’t wait to see how they will perform,” she said at the Australia swimming team’s pre-Games camp here on Monday. “I’m just really looking forward to this [new] role.”

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THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

Giggs wants Team GB to go beyond London FOOTBALL

Agence France-Presse

yan Giggs wants the Great Britain football team to continue beyond the London 2012 Olympic Games. This Olympics sees a British team competing at a Games for the first time since 1960 but only after officials from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland objected on the grounds that their status as independent football nations would be compromised by such a side. Manchester United great Giggs was named captain of the team by manager Stuart Pearce, the former England defender. Welshman Giggs will be competing at the first major international tournament of a medal-laden career – Wales’s last appearance at a leading global football event was the 1958 World Cup. Giggs, one of only five Welshmen, including Liver-

Manchester United player, Welshman, and member of Team GB football, Ryan Giggs. pool forward Craig Bellamy in an 18-strong squad featuring 13 Englishmen, said Monday: “I hope it is not a one off, based on what I have experienced and how much I have enjoyed it this week, I hope in future Olympics there will be more Great Britain teams. “Both Craig and I are Welsh and proud of it, but

for me it was a chance I could not turn down, of playing in the biggest sporting event in the world,” the 38-year-old Giggs added. “I am glad I have done because so far everything has gone great and hopefully that will continue. “I have had nothing but positive feedback from the

Obama backs 1992 USA team in Olympic debate BASKETBALL Agence France-Presse

David Robinson, part of the original 1992 ‘Dream Team’.

AMERICAN PRESIDENT Barack Obama waded into the USA Olympic basketball debate Monday, saying the 1992 Dream Team with Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley would have beaten the 2012 Olympic team. Obama said Monday he remembers a 1992 gold-medal winning USA team that looked unstoppable from the very first game.

“I got to go with the original Dream Team,” said Obama during a halftime interview of the USA against Brazil exhibition game with American broadcaster ESPN. “I suspect that Michael and Sir Charles would point out they were never down at any point in any of their games but this is a great team.” Obama got a bird’s-eye view of the current USA national team Monday, sitting courtside at the Verizon Center arena with his family and Vice President Joe Biden.

people I know, wanting me to do well. “The different FAs may have opposed it, but people who I have met face to face have been nothing but positive. “I am not a politician, but from what I have experienced, I just hope fellow British footballers can experience what I have.”

Liverpool forward Bellamy – one of Pearce’s three overage picks, which did not include former England captain David Beckham – endorsed Giggs’s comments by saying: “It has been immense. The week away could not have gone any better, all the boys have really got on. “I never thought this was going to happen, for me to be involved in anything like this. I just want to embrace this and enjoy every moment. This is something I am going to cherish for the rest of my life.” Meanwhile former Manchester City manager Pearce was in confident mood ahead of today’s (July 20) friendly with gold medal favourites Brazil in Middlesbrough, north-east England. “As a group we have gelled fantastically well, I am really pleased with the way they have come together, which has been quicker than I thought,” said Pearce. “We are delighted with the week we had. I set teams up to try to win the tournament with the best players I have available.

Tajik ‘million dollar baby’ punches way to London TAJIKISTAN IS FOR THE first time sending a female boxer to the London Olympics who is on a mission not only to win but to smash gender stereotypes in the religiously conservative ex-Soviet state. Mavzuna Choriyeva, 19, won her ticket to the Olympics at a qualifying competition in Beijing earlier this year and will be the only competitor from ex-Soviet Central Asia in the boxing competition. Choriyeva, who fights in the 60 kilogrammes category, is already Asian champion. President Emomali Rakhmon awarded her a car as a gift.

“My dream is to win a medal at the London Olympics,” she said before flying out to the British capital. “I know this is not going to be easy – the strongest sportswomen are going to be there with victories and experience behind them. There is nothing to fear – you just need to move forwards to new victories.” “The competition will show your level, your readiness and will reveal your strengths and weaknesses,” said Choriyeva, who celebrated her Asian championships victory by wearing a national costume on the podium.

THE PHUKET NEWS

WORLD SPORT 47

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012

SPORT

Kiss and tell

Former Chelsea and Leicester footballer Alan Birchenall on ‘that’ kiss > 43

Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

Iraq’s softball players grapple with curve ball SOFTBALL Agence France-Presse

heir equipment was dilapidated and they had only a fuzzy grasp of the rules, but under the watchful tutelage of US trainers on a makeshift field in Baghdad a few dozen Iraqis took a swing at that quintessentially American passion: softball. The eight-day course, culminating on July 4, American Independence Day, was a bid to widen a foothold for a sport that, eight years since it was introduced to Iraq, has struggled to expand in a football-mad country. And indeed it was on a converted football pitch at Baghdad Sports College that around 25 men and 15 women,

mostly in their 20s, undertook eight hours of training under gruelling temperatures in the piping-hot Baghdad summer. “We told the Iraqi Olympic Committee that we need experts from foreign countries to develop the game in Iraq,” said Ali al-Baldawi, secretary general of the Iraqi Baseball and Softball Federation (IBSF). “It’s a new game, and it is not enough to depend on skills that we learn ourselves,” said the 45-year-old, who worked for six months to organise the training camp with Global Sports Partners, an amateursports development organisation based in the US state of Oklahoma. Softball, a variation of baseball, differs from its more popular cousin in that the field is typically smaller, the

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last year, there are still only a total of 14 registered baseball and softball teams covering seven of Iraq’s 18 provinces, Baldawi said. “Softball is an American sport,” said Deb Packwood, head coach of the four-member US training team sent by Global Sports Partners. But the Iraqi players “are open”, she added. “They want softball, so we bring it to them.” Packwood said she did not believe security was much of an issue for the American coaches, though Baghdad and Iraq remain dangerous by international norms. But she was concerned that Iraqi players could come under threat as a result of their interaction with Americans. Iraqi players also struggled

balls are larger and pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand. The principle, however, remains the same – hit the leather ball as far as possible, then circle the bases before the opposing team can tag you out. In the United States, softball is mainly played by women, and for the moment, that is also true in Iraq, though Baldawi says the IBSF is hoping to change that. Baseball and softball first gained a footing in Iraq in 2004, a year after the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein, when local physical education students gleaned information on the game from the internet and began playing. But while the national women’s softball team took part in a tournament in Taiwan

Super 15

with the terminology, much of which does not easily translate from English into Arabic. “There are some idioms in softball, like ‘steal a base’, and we don’t have a term for it in Arabic, so I have to explain to the players what it means,” said Adil al-Jaafar, the training team’s interpreter. “They have terms like curveball, which doesn’t exist in Arabic. What is a curveball? That is hard to explain.” Yasser Abdul Hassan, a pitcher and assistant coach with the Iraqi national baseball team, himself admitted that baseball and softball remained “a mystery to us”. For Rose Abbas, a pioneer of the sport in Iraq who usually spends her days examining DNA samples at Baghdad’s Forensic Institute, softball

offers a rare opportunity for women to assert their status in a male-dominated society. “I usually do not like team sports,” the 25-year-old Baghdad native said. “But in baseball and softball, you can play alone but, at the same time, you are on a team – you can show your personal skills. “I love that film with Madonna – ‘A League of Their Own’,” she joked, referring to the 1992 film about a female professional baseball team starring Madonna, Geena Davis and Tom Hanks. “It’s like Iraq. I feel like Madonna,” Abbas said. “In the film, when they are beginning to put women in the game, there are jokes about women on a field. But she stands firm. Me also.”

NRL

Team

P W D

Team

Pts

Chiefs

419

330

BP Pts 7

Stormers

350

254

Stormers

324

233

Chiefs

444

358

Brumbies

388

301

Reds

359

347

Crusaders

447

319

Crusaders

485

343

Bulls

435

349

Sharks

402

333

Bulls

472

369

Reds

327

331

Sharks

436

348

Hurricanes

461

404

Brumbies

404

331

Highlanders

359

385

Hurricanes

489

429

Highlanders

359

385

Cheetahs

391

458

107

14:30

16:30

Rugby Union

Super XV QualiCrusaders v. Bulls fier 1

Cheetahs

376

424

107

16:30

18:30

Rugby Union

Super XV QualiReds v. Sharks fier 2

Waratahs

330

375

341

494

346

407

Rabbitohs v. Dragons

NRL

Rugby League

20:15

Rebels

Waratahs

18:30

107

Blues

359

430

107

20:15

22:00

Rugby League

NRL

Warriors v. Knights

816, 104

18:45

01:00

Tennis

ATP 500

521

11:00

14:00

Aussie Rules

AFL

Adelaide v. West Coast Eagles

AFL

Western Bulldogs v. Carlton

AFL

Melbourne v. Port Adelaide

521

16:30

19:30

Aussie Rules

Semi-Finals, Hamburg

521

21:00

00:00

Aussie Rules

813, 109

18:50

20:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Royal Lytham & St Annes England v. South Africa

Blues

329

414

Force

282

402

Rebels

362

520

Lions

297

423

W.Force

306

440

Lions

317

460

Conference leader RESULTS Hurricanes Brumbies Crusaders Reds

28 – 25 16 – 30 38 – 24 32 – 16

Wild card team Chiefs Blues Western Force Waratahs

Stormers Sharks Bulls Bye Highlanders

26 – 21 Melbourne Rebels 34 –15 Cheetahs 37 – 20 Lions

RESULTS Broncos Bulldogs Storm Knights

10 – 8 32 – 12 16 – 20 32 – 6

Warriors Eels Cowboys Sea Eagles

Tigers Raiders Dragons Roosters

26 – 18 26 – 38 18 – 10 22 – 24

Panthers Titans Sharks Rabbitohs

Hockenheim Qualifying

812, 108

16:00

01:30

Golf

The British Open, Day 3

16:30

20:00

Cricket

Test Match Day 3

16:00

23:00

Cricket

ODI No.1

Sri Lanka v. India

Final, Hamburg

Sunday, July 22 816, 104

19:00

22:00

Tennis

ATP 500

813, 109

18:00

18:45

Motor Racing

Formula 1

813, 109

18:45

21:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Raceday, Hockenheim German Grand Prix

AFL

Sydney Swans v. St. Kilda

Rugby League

NRL

Panthers v. Roosters England v. South Africa Royal Lytham & St Annes

521

10:00

13:00

Aussie Rules

107

12:00

13:50

16:30

23:00

Cricket

Test Match Day 4

812, 108

17:00

01:30

Golf

The British Open, Day 4

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FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012