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Brazen robber holds up bank, steals B2.7 million

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Accused Swede killers have their day in court

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Phuket FC win 4-0 to stay in the Thai First Division

SURIN HOTELIERS SAY NO TO PARIS HILTON NEW YEAR PARTY > P2

BRITISH TOURIST SLASH ATTACK

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“

I thought they were going to kill me and rape my girlfriend

Jack Cole in Bangkok Hospital Phuket on Friday October 26.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 3

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PHUKET NEWS

NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Lost tourists are found Brits safe after overnight jungle ordeal > 4

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

‘No boutique hotels will be affected’ – Sydictive REPRESENTATIVES FROM Sydictive Element, the organisers of the Surin Beach New Year’s bash, spoke to The Phuket News on Wednesday while in Phuket, saying they do not feel that any boutique hotels in the area will be affected by the party.

A spokesman speaking on behalf of CEO Jirat Pethnunthawong said the party had already been approved by the Governor.

A letter of acceptance and support had also been written by Phuket TAT’s vice president of marketing in Asia/ Pacific, Sansurn Ngawrungsi, acknowledging the event.

The spokesperson was particularly surprised to find that Double Tree Surin by Hilton GM Simon McGrath had signed the letter to the Phuket Governor opposing the party, despite Double Tree earlier expressing their “full support”.

The company also said for

those who experienced a lot of guest complaints, they were happy to step in and purchase rooms, to make up for the loss of business.

The expected 50,000 strong crowd would be “well looked after”, with a total of 4,000 staff members at the event, including 2,000 of which would be the security team made up of the tourist police, army and navy. Bangkok Hospital Phuket would have two ambulances on standby to provide first aid if required, and a helicopter would also be there in case of any medical emergency.

Local buses would be contracted to transport guests to and from the event free of charge. There would also be a Sydictive bus to shuttle guests from Phuket Town and Patong.

Taxi drivers with fixed rates would be contracted by the company too, and the company would organise a beach clean up before and after the event.

Hotels want no NY party

A

group of Surin hotel representatives have sent a letter to the Phuket Governor regarding the Paris Hilton-announced New Year’s Eve two day party on Surin Beach, asking him to reconsider the date and the venue of the festive bash.

TP Surin Beach Hotel chairman Carl G Langenskiold, The Chava Surin GM Larry Cunningham, Twinpalms Phuket GM Olivier Gibaud, The Surin GM Antonio Saponara, CBRE Property Management Ayara Surin, Ayara Hilltops GM Jean-Pierre Dousse, Amanpuri GM Frederic Varnier and Double Tree Surin by Hilton GM Simon

McGrath jointly send a letter to Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut on Tuesday (October 30) outlining their concerns.

Last week, American socialite Paris Hilton flew into Bangkok to announce the massive Sydictive Element New Year’s Eve party planned for Surin Beach. Up to 50,000 people are expected to attend.

In the letter to Gov Maitree, the Surin hoteliers outline their main concerns as the ‘very unsuitable choice of date’, the ‘definitely inappropriate selection’ of Surin Beach and Park for the event, the ‘massive round the clock noise disturbance’ in the area, and the fear that techno music

events are often associated with drugs and alcohol.

“The infrastructure is already overwhelmed during this time of the year leading to traffic jams around Phuket in general and around Surin Beach in particular.

Surin was already surrounded by luxury hotels that were fully booked during the peak season, the group said.

“The Surin area is also the home of many luxury villas and estates, which welcome either their wealthy owners or VIP guests during this period.

None of which are likely to enjoy the noise, traffic and other disturbances related to this event.

“The massive round the clock noise disturbance in the whole area which is home to thousands of tourists and villa owners, will severely disturb and would probably interrupt or even block the access to the public beach and park for a week before and several days after the event”.

They propose “free seaside/beach spaces” such as the north end of the Patong sports field be used, or at the north end of BangTao. The letter ends, “We do hope our request assist you in making the best decision for Surin area, Phuket and Thailand in the interest of all parties.”

Phuket reactions What do you think? Have your say at thephuketnews.com

“

I really would like to know how it has taken so long for local residents to be informed about this event? It will be hell on earth if they do get 50,000 people.

I live in Bangtao and really enjoy New Year but if this goes ahead I’m gone.

Phuket does not need this sort of thing.

”

–Granitebeetle

“

This a great event for putting Phuket on the worldwide dance scene, which is definitely in the limelight these days. This calibre of artists and events should be welcomed with open arms! Agreed though that the timing is less than ideal with very short notice to local businesses and residents.

”

–Paul

“

Drugs, alcohol, noise, trash and other environmental destruction on land and sea... I can see no benefit other than a handful of people making a lot of money at everyone else’s expense. It’s a horrible idea and it will further tarnish Phuket’s image as a place for quality tourism.

”

–Dave

Wearing a helmet, the unidentified bank robber points a gun at the staff member.

Gone in 60 seconds: Robber steals B2.7 million at gunpoint Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

DRAMATIC CCTV FOOTage has shown the 60 seconds when an unidentified man robbed a Kasikorn Bank branch on Thepkrassatri Rd on Wednesday afternoon, holding staff at gunpoint as they were ordered to collect cash.

The man fled on motorcycle with B2.7million in cash, and police on Wednesday night offered a reward of B100,000 to anyone with information that can lead to an arrest.

Phuket Police Station Deputy Phuket Police Commander Colonel Pirayut Karajadi said

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a man wearing a motorbike helmet and black clothing entered the bank at around 3pm.

CCTV footage shows him entering the bank, pointing a gun at terrified staff and demanding cash. One staff member hides under the counter while the other, Sasiwimon Klakij, is held at gunpoint, and gets money from a drawer to give to the perp.

After he f lees with the cash haul on his motorcyle, Ms Sasiwimon presses the emergency police call button at the branch and police arrived less than 10 minutes later.

Ms Sasiwimon, a customer service officer, describes the

moment the man arrived.

“He said, ‘Put money in the bag and give me the bag’ in Thai, while still pointing the gun at me,” she said.

Police say the suspect may have worked in the branch before because he headed directly to the counter which had the most money stored there – the other counters only had around B500,000 stored there. Police are viewing the bank’s CCTV footage over the last two weeks to check for clues.

The man is believed to have acted alone and escaped on a motorcycle that had no registration.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

PHUKET NEWS

Stabbed British tourist says attack ‘unprovoked’ Isaya Thongchua reporter3@thephuketnews.com

K

rabi police chief Niwat Timket said the group of Thai teenagers who attacked British tourist Jack Cole, 21, in Krabi, are well known to police, but said violent attacks on tourists in the area were rare.

Both Chainarong Chansanga, 17, and Anusor Kunluk, 18, have been arrested and charged with the attack on Mr Cole.

They admitted assaulting Mr Cole on October 22, and will stand trial for assault with a deadly weapon causing bodily harm.

Mr Cole headed back to Krabi on Tuesday (October 30) to give his statement to the courts.

The Briton sustained seven stab wounds to his shoulder and arm, one of which was eight inches deep and tore through muscle and tendon, after being attacked by the group of Thai teenagers.

He also needed 30 stitches from being hit in the head with a machete, and was admitted to Bangkok Hospital Phuket last

week. Mr Niwat said there was not enough evidence to prove the teen gang were looking to kill Mr Cole, or rape his girlfriend, so the charges would remain as is. There was also not enough evidence to charge others in the group.

Police needed to get permission from the juvenile court in order for Chainarong to stand trial – the paperwork for which could take up to one month to be completed.

Mr Niwat said the particular group of teenagers were “well known” to police in the Ao Nang area, as they usually hung out at the beach, and “sometimes would get into verbal arguments” with shopkeepers and locals. He was unable to say whether this group had assaulted anyone else.

However, he said “violent attacks on tourists in Ao Nang are rare”.

“Many Thai youths these days try to sort out disputes by using their fists, instead of common sense.”

He warned tourists to “try to avoid any sort of confrontation with these people as it can lead to disastrous results”.

Jack Cole recounts his ordeal while in hospital in Phuket.

Mr Cole said he was walking back from dinner around 11pm with his girlfriend April when the attack occurred.

“We happened to walk past a group of eight young Thai teenagers sitting around on their motorbikes,” Mr Cole said, which was when the trouble began.

He says that he didn’t think anything of the group and walked past, but when they got

about 50 metres away, someone from the group threw a large piece of concrete that hit him in his lower back.

When he turned around to see who it was, all eight youths were already running toward he and Ms Cliffon with “sticks, machetes and a butterfly knife”.

They both started running “screaming for help”, but the Thai group caught up to them and started attacking him. Mr

Cole said he “thought that they were going to kill him and rape his girlfriend”, because she was being held back by two Thai men around 20 metres away.

He remembers himself yelling “get off her”, to the Thai men.

Mr Cole believed the “unprovoked attack” must have lasted no longer than six minutes, but thinks that when the group saw how much blood there was, they fled on foot and motorbike.

Mr Cole put the attack down to “being at the wrong place, at the wrong time”, adding he believed it was “hooligans looking for a bit of fun that could have turned deadly”.

Police said the youths told police Mr Cole “shouted, pointed and yelled rude words”, something Mr Cole firmly denies.

Mr Cole and Ms Cliffon have decided to fly back to England as soon as Mr Cole gets his stitches out as they “no longer feel safe in Thailand”.

When asked if he would consider returning to Thailand again, he said “ no, not for a while at least”.

3

IN BRIEF Chinese tourist rescued from Racha Yai A Chinese tourist was airlifted from Racha Yai to Vachira Phuket Hospital on Monday (October 29) after falling unconscious on the island.

Police said Ligi Feng, 38, was on an island trip with 12 other tourists when he began to feel numb on his right side.

He then had trouble breathing and lost consciousness.

He is believed to have a congenital heart disease.

Hon Con meetings are back on Phuket’s new gover nor Maitree Intusut met with the island’s honorary consuls on Monday at the Phuket Provincial Hall.

Mr Intusut announced that the tri-monthly meetings – which were cancelled during the latter part of the previous governor, Tri Augkaradacha’s tenure – have been resumed.

However, Monday was just a formal introduction, for the new Gov to meet the honorary consuls. Governor Maitree’s first tri-monthly meeting will be held either in January or February.

Student wins Miss Teen Thailand BRITISH INTERNATIONAL School student, 16-year-old Tia Li Tawepanitchaphan, was crowned Miss Teen Thailand 2012 on Saturday (October 27) during the competition finals in Bangkok, winning B300,000 in prize money.

Tia, who is in grade 11, said she did not expect to win the competition and she entered “as a little bit of fun”.

She was one of 3,000 competitors, and one of just five selected for the grand final.

She had flown to Bangkok to visit relatives, and decided to try out for the contest while in the capital because the Phuket

Tia, 16, on the finals night. deadline had passed already.

Tia said she was ready to quit early on in the competition, because it was so tough waking up at around 5am every morning, and then not

getting to bed until around 1am. It was her mother that gave her the motivation to continue.

Tia said she would use the prize money to pay for her university studies in Australia.

Tia is half South African, half Thai, however identifies more with being Australian-Thai because she grew up there.

As well as taking home the grand prize, Tia also won the Most Popular Media Choice award. Tia says her experience in the competition was a positive one. She also signed a five year modeling contract with Miss Teen Thailand.

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

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JODY HOUTON Sub Editor

British couple Mohammed Samir, second from left, and Hanna Zareen Shaid, third from left, after their ordeal.

Lost British tourists emerge from jungle

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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T

wo British tourists who went missing in the Ton Sai waterfall area in Thalang had a lucky escape, after they spent the night lost in the jungle and sparked a massive police search.

Police said British couple Mohammed Samir, aged 28, and Hanna Zareen Shaid, 26, visited Ton Sai waterfall at about 2pm on Monday (October 29). Around 5pm they called their taxi driver to say they had lost their way, then their phone disconnected, sparking a massive search.

Phuket ‘casino’ tipoff a dead end MORE THAN 50 KATHU policemen and guards raided the JJ Plaza in Patong on Thursday (October 25) following a tip off that a casino was operating in the area, but the search revealed nothing.

Kathu Police Station deputy superintendent Pol Lt. Col. Oknit Danpitaksat, Pol Lt. Col. Kittipong Klaikaew, Kathu District Deputy Pattanapong Nueklong, as well as a mix of investigation officers and volunteer guards brought a search warrant to investigate the property, near Banzaan Market.

The raid came after some villagers in the area made a complaint to the government’s complaints centre that a casino was in operation there.

Police were shown through the property by Sumeth Suksai, the manager of JJ Plaza, and Wittaya Tomee, who leases the land.

Included in JJ Plaza is

a motorcycle rental shop, a small restaurant, two houses and a laundry shop. In front of the building is the XTC club, which owners said had closed a long time ago and was being used as a warehouse at the moment.

When police completed their search, they had found nothing resembling a casino.

“We came to investigate the complaint of the villagers, who sent their complaint to the office of the Prime Minister, who sent the order back to us,” Pol. Lt. Col Oknit said.

“We don’t know who sent the complaint, and we don’t know their intention. After this I will send the investigation results back to the office of the Prime Minister, saying we found nothing.”

M r Su met h told T he Phuket News there had never been any casinos operating in the area, and police were sure this area was clean.

They emerged from the jungle near the Thalang Temple around 1pm on Tuesday, and a villager contacted police to say the pair had been found.

Police Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Peerayut Karajedee said, “They stayed in the jungle all night, and had scratches on their legs and arm. I am

very relieved they are fine.”

The couple were taken to Thalang Hospital for a checkup before being taken back to the Banyan Tree hotel where they were staying.

Around 100 police officers from Phuket and neighbouring provinces arrived to search for the missing couple.

Patong hospital flood prevention measures to be done by January DOCTOR PUMIN SILApan, Director of Patong Hospital on Friday (October 26) announced that flood protection measures for the hospital will be completed

by January.

A larger expansion project – which includes construction of the hospital’s first Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – is due to finish by September 2013.

Mr Pumin met with Phuket Vice-Gover nor Sommai Preechasilpa last Friday and confirmed that construction had began on f looding prevention measures, which include a waterproof wall around the area, raising the road inside the hospital, and a new improved drainage system.

The upgrade will cost

B16 million, and will be finished by January 7. Patong Hospital is often flooded during the rainy season because it is in a low lying area.

In addition, the project to expand the hospital by 60 additional patient beds, and add 13 private rooms, an ICU department, a new delivery room, a medical stock room, and sterilisation room was almost 15 per cent complete.

Around B69.5 million has been earmarked for the project.

“However, the budget only covers the building.

It is not for new medical instruments, so we will use the hospital savings to buy them, and then get some more funding,” Dr Pumin said.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

PHUKET NEWS

Accused Swede killers appear in court today T

he two Swedish men arrested in August last year, charged with the brutal murder of Russianborn Swede Maxim Schantz, will appear in Phuket Provincial Court today (November 2) for a hearing.

Tommy Viktor Söderlund and Johan Sebastian Ljung, both age 26, face charges of conspiracy to murder; possession of a handgun and seven bullets with no permit; possession of a handgun in a public area; threatening use of a knife in a public area; and theft of a motorcycle.

The duo have already denied all charges except for threatening use of a knife in public.

The men earlier confessed to the murder of Mr Schantz, 25, saying it was a revenge attack after a business partnership turned sour, though they claimed they did not intend to kill Mr Schantz.

The men were arrested at the Surin Sweet Hotel in Surin last year, where they had apparently gone into hiding after fatally stabbing

Tommy Soderlund, right, and Johan Ljung, at the time of their arrest in 2011.

Mr Schantz at his home inside The Lantern housing development.

The three men had previously been part of a call

centre scam operation in Pattaya.

In February last year, Mr Schantz apparently fell out with the group and left, tak-

ing with him a list of all their “customers” and delivering it to Pattaya police. That led to the arrest of Söderlund, who was later released on bail.

After a quick search of Facebook, Söderlund and Ljung found that Mr Schantz had moved to Phuket, and decided to pay him a visit.

It took them three weeks to track him down, but they eventually found him living in The Lantern in Koh Kaew, and moved into a house opposite.

When Mr Schantz returned home late on August 1, 2011, the two men confronted him and tried to force him into their house.

Mr Schantz resisted, leading Ljung to fatally stab him in the throat in the ensuing struggle.

“It was an accident,” Söderlund told police at the time.

The two then f led the scene, commandeering a motorbike during their escape.

They initially checked into the Andaman Place Hotel in Thalang District, before moving to Surin Sweet Hotel, where they were arrested. A blood-stained T-shirt belonging to Ljung was found in their room.

5

IN BRIEF Student reaches for the stars A student from Phuket Wittayalai School won third prize in the International Ast ronomy Oly mpia d , fighting off competition from students from 20 other countries.

Nawat Sawattong, a grade 9 student, was one of five Thai students representing the country at the competition, held in South Korea.

It is an annual scientific astronomy challenge for high school students, aged 14 to 18 years-old.

Electric grid gets boost from new transformer The Andaman region’s third electrical transformer station at Koh Kaew was officially opened on October 26.

This station will work alongside the two existing 230/115kV transformer stations that are already operating in Phuket and Phang Nga provinces.

The third electrical transformer station will effectively support the tourism and business industry by providing much-needed electricity in the areas.

Airport expansion will include power station PHUKET GOVERNOR MAItree Intusut and Vice-Governor Sommai Preechasilpa met with Phuket International Airport officials last Wednesday (October 24) to discuss progress on the airport’s expansion, and at the same time released details of a new electricity power station for the area.

Work started on October 16 to upgrade the international terminal, which is phase one of the airport improvement project and expected to take around one year to complete.

The upgrade will double the airport’s passenger capacity from the current official figure of 6.5 million a year to 12.5 million.

In the other phases, the number of aircraft stands will increase from 15 to 21, the number of airbridges will be increased to 11 from the current seven, and parking spaces will increase from 500 to 1,500.

Customs officers would also undergo more training to deal with international tourists, such as learning other languages.

The entire project, costing B5.79 billion, will take approximately 31 months to complete, with completion scheduled for May 2015.

To keep up with increased demand, Mr Maitree said on Wednesday (October 24) that, “The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has an electricity budget of B5 billion – some of which we will spend on a new power station next to the airport.”

A new water pipe would also be built from Bang Jo reservoir, which was nearby the airport.

“There is no need to worry about water supply because

we can build this new pipe,” said Mr Maitree.

He recommend the AOT to advise the public about the news and possible inconvenience, suggesting large signs be put up on route to the airport so people are advised of the changes.

He said he would work with the Highways Department to ensure that traffic flowed well, despite a number of temporary roads being set up.

He will also be looking at irrigation, flood protection measures, lane expansion, garbage destruction and waste water treatment issues.

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PHUKET NEWS

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THE ICEC DEBATE Centre dropped for 'environmental, economic' reasons

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M

inister of the Prime Minister’s Office, MP Worawat UeApinyakul, was in Phuket last weekend and took the opportunity to explain that the cancellation of the Phuket International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC) was for ‘environmental’ as well as ‘economic’ reasons.

MP Worawat said that the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) had not approved the submitted plans for the Phuket ICEC in August as the proposed land was in a mangrove forest area that was also used by sea turtles to lay eggs.

“It was not appropriate to build,” MP Worawat said.

“Furthermore, we didn’t have any idea of who would have taken charge of the ICEC and if someone does not manage it effectively, we would have lost more than we would have gained.”

He said that the ICEC might even have had a negative impact on the island’s economy.

“This would not have benifitted the private sector who want to invest in the area. I

MP Worawat, right, in Phuket last weekend. recently heard that The Central Group has plans to open an ICEC here. We, as the government sector, should not compete with them,” he said.

He also suggested that people should not only focus on the ICEC project. He said there will be many other big projects in the Andaman region such as new hospitals and other infrastructural developments that the government is ready to support.

His comments follow Phuket MP Anchalee Vanich Thepabutra's questions to PM Yingluck Shinawatra in Parliament last Thursday (October

25), about the decision to cancel the project.

Local MPs and other representatives say the island has been ‘robbed’ of something that would be of great benefit.

“Phuket people asked me to question why the cabinet has cancelled the project,” MP Anchlee said in Parliament.

MP Anchalee argued that as the Phuket ICEC budget was set during the previous party’s time in office, it had no link with PM Yingluck’s current cabinet budget.

MP Anchalee went on to condemn the cabinet as ‘narrow-minded’ for its inac-

tion. She asked PM Yingluck to review the project again and if it is still not approved, to return the B2.6 billion.

Meanwhile former Prime Minister, MP Abhisit Vejjajiwa, who approved the B2.6 billion budget for the Phuket ICEC during his time in office told The Phuket News on Sunday (October 28) that he ‘totally disagreed’ with the government regarding this matter, and that it would badly affect Phuket’s economy.

“We totally disagree with the government. We think this is an irresponsible decision,” MP Abhisit said.

“The plan to set up the exhibition centre for Phuket was part of the strategy to increase tourists in Thailand – not only for Phuket. It will damage not only Phuket tourism but also Thai tourism.”

He also said that the cancellation of the project was a ‘politically narrow-minded decision’.

He said if the Democrat Party were to come back into power, the ICEC would be looked at again. However, the party would need to investigate problems with land and check what has happened to the B2.6 billion budget.

Seminar held on Thai- Island needs more than foreign relationships just 'sea, sun and sand’ A SEMINAR TO INFORM couples of mixed nationality about their rights and obligations both here and abroad was held last Wednesday (October 24) in the Phuket Provincial Hall.

Sponsored by Thailand’s Interior Ministry, in conjunction with the National Network of Thais Married to Foreigners Association, the event was entitled “Open Your Mind and Learn. Know How to Open the Door to Enter International Society. Know Yourself, Understand, Develop – Towards Having a Sustainably Happy Family”.

Phuket Vice Governor Jamrern Tipyatada described the seminar as “a really special event because it provides the people of Phuket who have foreign spouses – or are con-

sidering marriage to a foreigner – information they can use to improve their lives.”

He said the network had been founded by various “organisations, groups and individuals working in charity” and acts as an information clearinghouse, “publicising news to Thais with foreign spouses and organising seminars to enhance knowledge of laws pertinent to Thai families with foreign marriage partners.”

Among the laws or regulations thought pertinent are those relating to: living in Thailand or other countries and entering or leaving the country (immigration); how to submit applications and supporting documents; marriage; divorce; suing for child custody; and inheritance.

– Source: Manager Online

Isaya Thongchua reporter3@thephuketnews.com

PH U K ET L AC K S A ‘distinguishable’ culture compared to other top tourist destinations and should be more sustainable, Dr Ruckphon Osalort, Director of the National Institute of Development Administration for Thailand, said at a recent meeting.

Dr Ruckphon was at the Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town on Tuesday (October 30) to discuss sustainable tourism measures for Phuket.

He told those present at the meeting there was a “lack of a distinguishable culture” that would encourage visitors to come to Phuket to see something other than “sea, sun and sand”.

Dr Ruckphon also wants to put a stop to local Phuketians

selling their property and moving away from the island due to the increased cost of living.

“This allows for more foreign companies to come in and set up large, profitable organisations such as chain hotels. These hotels are looking to keep their hotel guests spending solely inside the comforts of the hotel grounds.

This money obtained from tourists goes straight into the hands of foreigners, with Phuket not benefiting from it.”

Dr Ruckphon wants Phuket to be able to be environmentally sustainable in the long run.

“This does not mean we all need to turn to eco-tourism, but we need to be able to find a way to preserve famous places like James Bond island, and Koh Panyee – two places that seem to deteriorate each year."

Land deeds on Koh Racha investigated M EM BER S OF T H E National Committee on Human Rights’ Sub-Committee on Property and Forest Rights met with local people on Koh Racha Yai on Sunday (October 21) after receiving complaints about selective issuance of island land title deeds to big investors.

Two committee members and nine others visited the island. Their investigation was precipitated by a formal complaint to the sub-committee last year from Res. Lt. (JG) Yuthana Jantdee, who requested an inquiry into arrangements surrounding issuance of property title and similar documents on the island.

Barami and Jakrapongs met with five persons representing local people there: Res. Lt. (JG) Yuthana, Sarit Jantdee, Pramot Chokekeua, Dani Pujarern and Chuchat Jailek.

Yuthana, who headed the group, said 31 other locals joined him in demanding the investigation.

“We asked that operations by the Phuket Provincial Land Office be investigated, and that officials find a way to issue chanote title deeds to local citizenry.”

He noted that in 1998 two large parcels on the island were advertised for sale in the newspaper Khao Sod: one, offered by the Chaisuk Co Ltd, covered around 48 rai, with a supporting Nor Sor 3 document, the latter upgraded from a Sor Kor 1.

“A map with dimensions measured from the centre showed it did not infringe on adjacent properties, public lands or protected areas.

Notice was therefore posted that the chanote title would be issued in 30 days and, as no dispute was made, the property was registered.”

As for the other piece offered for sale in Khao Sod, “The Provincial Office decided documents on the 99-rai parcel should be revoked – yet, presently, the parcel has been divided into five plots and, somehow, chanotes issued,” Yuthana said.

– Source: Matichon

THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

7

Phang Nga native arrested with 5kg kratom leaf stash 21-year-old Phang Ng a n a t i v e w a s arrested after an official caught him at the Phuket bus station at around 9.30pm on Tuesday night (October 30) with a 5kg haul of kratom leaves in his bag.

Deputy chief of Muang Phuket, Songkom Sinpradit, captured Thanit Praditnipol at the Phuket bus station after he caught a bus from Trang.

People noticed he was acting strangely and he was carrying a black bag. They searched the bag and found 5kg of kratom.

“I work in a hotel in Phuket and my friends want to have a party there, so they asked me to find kratom for the 4x100 drug cocktail. So I went back to my home in Phang Nga to find kratom.”

Thanit was taken to Phuket Police Station and was arrested.

A Provincial officer Anantasak Boonnak at the meeting.

Locals concerned about new Provincial Hall site CONCERNS HAVE BEEN raised by members of the community regarding the future of the Sanam Chai sports field and High School Educational Service (HSES), as plans get underway to build the new B450m Phuket Provincial Hall on the site.

A meeting was held on Wednesday (October 31) at the Phuket Provincial Hall to discuss concerns about the different sites that will undergo changes when the new hall is built.

Plans for the new hall were announced on October 11. The planned building, six floors high and paying lip service to the Sino-Portuguese style of its predecessor, will occupy four rai of land across Surin Rd from the present building, taking the area currently occupied by the tennis courts and the offices of the Department for High School Educational Service for Phuket, Phang Nga and Ranong.

What is now the Sanam Chai sports field will be turned into gardens, with a car park underneath for 400 cars. However authorities have said the sports field will remain - just with a cleaner look and upgrade.

OrBorJor representative Sakchai Chawwai spoke at Wednesday’s meeting about his concerns the sports field would be unable to be used again.

“We came here as representatives of the local people who do not want the new provincial hall to be built on Sanam Chai,” Mr Sakchai said.

“We are not disagreeing

with the new provincial hall project, but we just want to know what will happen to Sanam Chai and how large it will be after the provincial hall is built.

“Will it still be the same public utility as before?

There is so much hearsay,” Mr Sakchai said. Supporting him were fellow OrBorJor representatives Boon-Um Uejittrakul and Chusak Sematrakul.

The OrBorJor team have asked for more information to state exactly how long the field will be closed for, and confirmation as to whether people will still be able to use it as a sports ground.

Provincial officials Prajiad Aksornthammakul and Anantasak Boonnak, who ran the meeting on behalf of Phuket Vice Governor Jamroen Thippayapongdara, responded to Mr Sakchai that the hall would not be build on Sanam Chai and reconfirmed it would be built next door.

Orapin Suwanboriban, representing HSES, who were told they would be kicked out of their office to make way for the new hall, initially expressed concern and shock about the decision.

She said the organisation’s offices had only recently been renovated, and new office equipment had already been ordered.

But on Wednesday she was told the offices would be able to move into the new provincial hall premises, despite previously being told by Vice Governor Jamroen there was no room for them.

Songkom Sinpradit is pictured with the stash of kratom leaves he carried in a backpack.

Phuket’s Live 89.5 celebrates one year on airwaves THE PHUKET NEWS’ affiliated radio station, Live 89.5, celebrated its first birthday this week with an all-day party held at the station.

Station manager and ‘Lifestyle’ presenter Steve Johnston believes it is the station’s dedication to community, entertainment and fun that makes the station so popular.

“Phuket’s Live 89.5 starts off the day with ‘Breakfast with Sam and Natasha’: a local breakfast show with two very talented presenters who know how to wake up the island.

“We carry this on throughout the day with programming that appeals to the

mature Phuket listener with the very busy ‘Drive Time’ show that gives you up-todate information on your journey home as well as great entertainment and fun.

“Then we change things slightly at the weekends, including an excellent local talent show on Saturday mornings and wrap-up of local environmental issues.”

The last year has also seen the station produce a ton of live broadcasts from a variety of venues including Tiger Muay Thai and Laguna Summer Family Festival.

There’s also been car sticker campaigns and competitions with major international airline companies giving the listener the chance to fly half way round the world.

Simon Samaan, managing director of Class Act Media, which owns The Phuket News and Live 89.5 said, “It’s been a very exciting 12 months and now when I reflect on that, I think it’s probably been one of the best business decisions I have ever made.

“Radio is such a powerful medium and the amount of interest and followers we have achieved in such a short time is a big testament to that.

“Having such a great team obviously makes it all that much easier. Live 89.5 is all about the listeners and their interaction and we will continue with that model in the near future and beyond.”

NOW OPEN ALSO DINNER!!

Open from 9.00am to 10.30pm.

Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Chef Massimo Pettinau.

Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, fine extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products.

Enjoy our Illy coffee at the coffee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.

thephuketnews.com

8

PHUKET FOCUS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Left, l-r: Kelvin Lim and Agnes Chow of Avattvon, Patchara ‘Petch’ Samana, his mother Mrs Yuparate, Dr Doctor Wanaporn Anantaseri of Prince of Songkhla Nakarin hospital.

‘Mum, I can breathe now’ Singaporean company provides life-changing machine for Petch Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

O

n September 21, The Phuket News reported the heartbreaking story of Phuket boy Patchara “Petch” Samana, a 16 year-old with Prader Willi Syndrome.

As part of his condition, Petch suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the

thephuketnews.com

term for when an unconscious sleeper stops breathing. But while sufferers from OSA usually start taking in oxygen again on their own, Petch does not. In fact, the only way to keep him alive is to wake him up.

For a while, his mother was able to rely on the use of a Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) respirator, loaned

by the Prince of Songkhla Hospital in Songkhla, to keep her son breathing through the night. But two years ago the respirator broke down.

Mrs Yuparate sent it back to the hospital in Songkhla to be fixed, but there were no parts to fix it. Apparently, two years later, there were still none. “My son has been sleeping without the BiPAP for

almost two years until now” she told us at the time.

His nighttime breathing problem became worse than ever. “I have to make sure he sleeps on his side,” said Mrs Yuparate.

“If he sleeps on his back, he cannot breathe. I have to stay awake almost all night, waking him up whenever I notice he has stopped breathing.”

The only solution was a new respirator, but Mrs Yuparate, a single mum, simply didn’t have the money.

The story of the desperate mother, who had battled for 16 years to keep her son alive, was told to the Phuket News by Doctor Siriporn Seauwatanakul, a member of the Lions Club of Phuket Pearl, which supports the Phuket Parental of Autism Group which Mrs Yuparate is involved with.

After the tale was published in the 21 September issue of The Phuket News – online and in print – Ms Agnes Chow from a company called Avattvon Medical contacted Mrs Yuparate to offer help.

Unbelievably, they were willing to donate a new BiPAP machine to save Petch’s life, the same type of respirator that had been broken for the past two years.

The Greek word for breath, Avattvon Medical (avattvon. com) is a Singapore-based company established in 2008 as a total solution provider for sleep apnea, from basic diagnosis, CPAP treatments to private in-home assessment and sleep management.

On Monday (October 29), Agnes Chow, the business director and owner of Avattvon Medical, together with Kelvin Lim, the business operations manager, flew from Singapore to Haad Yai, Songkhla, to meet

Petch can now breathe at night, thanks to the new machine. with Mrs Yuparate and her son.

“You can not understand how happy I was to see Ms Agnes and Mr Kelvin walk into the hospital’s children’s ward,” recalls a visibly emotional Mrs Yuparate. And then she saw the machine.

“They are Petch’s saviors.

By helping him breathe, he will now be able to live. We will be able to live. Nobody else has ever given him this much.”

In a quiet moment later on, in the lobby of her hotel, Ms Chow explained how she came across the story of the boy who couldn’t breathe.

“I was in Phuket on holiday, and one morning I was sitting in a cafe having breakfast and was reading through a copy of The Phuket News.

“I came across the story about the boy with sleep apnea, and immediately went back to the hotel to call the boy’s mother. All I could think was, ‘How can a mother never sleep, for fear her son will die?’”

Remembering the moment when she gave the machine to Petch, Ms Chow says: “It was an amazing feeling when I saw how he smiled after he received the machine. It was a look of total relief.

“We hope we can help more people who have this problem

and need the machine.”

“It means the two can enjoy their lives, and I can see that the mother is very happy,” added Mr Lim. “What we do is to create awareness of this problem [sleep apnea], and to let people know more about how we can help them.”

“We will stay in touch with Petch and his mother in case anything happens to the machine or they need any further help,” said Ms Chow.

For her part, Mrs Yuparate said that Petch was just so glad to have the new BiPAP machine.

“Last night (October 29), Petch was on the machine from 8pm. He felt so happy and comfortable as he said the machine made him feel good.

He could breathe again.”

Having been receiving treatment in Prince of Songkhla Nakarin hospital since October 1, after using the BiPAP respirator supplied

by Avattvon, Petch was able to leave the hospital on October 30.

He couldn’t wait to get back home, where his grandmother was waiting – to see him breathe easy again.

Read the original story at tinyurl.com/petchphuket

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Illegal ivory trade might help fund guerilla groups Bangkok Post

W

ashington has asked Thailand to crack down on the illegal wildlife trade, citing the illicit business as a major moneymaker for armed guerilla groups.

The matter was raised by US ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney during a meeting with Natural Resources and Environment Minister Preecha Rengsomboonsuk on Monday (October 29).

Theerapat Prayurasiddhi, deputy chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said ambassador Kenney asked for closer cooperation between Thailand and the US in tackling wildlife crime and smuggling.

The major concern of the US authorities was the illegal ivory trade from Africa in which many Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, were the destinations, Mr Theerapat said.

US authorities say revenue from the illegal African ivory trade goes to some guerilla groups, which use the dirty money to buy weapons to arm their causes.

A Thai elephant with the tips of its tusks cut.

“We [told] the ambassador that Thailand has put the utmost effort into curbing the illegal wildlife trade,” he said. “Many state agencies are working on the matter.”

Under Thai law, the ivory trade is illegal except that which is certified by the Provincial Administration Department. Certified ivory must be from elephants in captivity.

Souvenir shops that sell

ivory products must also be registered with the Ministry of Commerce.

The international community has also taken on the issue of the illegal ivory trade. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) secretariat recently warned its member countries they could face trade sanctions if they fail to stamp out ivory trafficking.

Foetus found under bus seat A FIVE-MONTH-OLD FOETUS WAS found on a bus running the Bangkok to Chumporn route on Monday (October 29).

The foetus was stuffed into a glass.

Police arrived at the central bus station in Chumporn to find the 38-seater Chumpornregistered bus parked nearby the station’s ticket counter. Inside, under a seat near the emergency exit, they saw a large plastic glass containing the bloody foetus.

“22-year-old Kamneung Kijaran, the bus attendant who found the foetus said, “As I was sweeping up I noticed a large plastic soft drink container, its cover closely sealed, un-

der one of the seats,” he explained. “A comic book lay on top of it. I grabbed the glass to throw it out – but it felt unusually heavy, so I opened the top to look inside.”

Police said they would investigate further in order to find out the ‘suspect’s’ identity and prosecute her in accordance with the law.

Abortion, except for those who can ‘prove’ it necessary to the mother’s health (mental of physical) is illegal in Thailand. A 17-year-old girl bled to death in Hat Yai last month after a botched abortion.

– Source: Manager Online

RIDERS ON THE STORM Thai farmers ride on buffaloes during the annual buffalo racing festival in Chonburi province on October 29. The annual race takes place at the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent, before the full moon. Photo: AFP

“I don’t think Thailand is at risk of being boycotted since we have strong measures against the illegal ivory trade,” Mr Theerapat said.

Cites officials last week inspected ivory shops in Nakhon Sawan’s Phayuha Khiri district and were satisfied with how the authorities regulated the ivory business there.

Phayuha Khiri is the country’s biggest centre for the ivory trade. There are about 150 ivory shops in town and 20 of them have joined the department’s pilot project which monitors the ivory trade.

The illegal trade of African tusks will top the agenda of the 16th Conference of the Parties to Cites hosted by Thailand from March 3-15, 2013.

Thailand, as the host country, will nominate March 3 as World Wildlife Day. That date matches the day in 1973 on which the convention’s text was agreed. Thailand will also propose de-listing Thai freshwater crocodiles from Appendix I to Appendix II. The crocodile population has increased to 700,000 thanks to breeding programmes at crocodile farms.

THAILAND NEWS

9

Red shirts ready to counter Pitak Siam Bangkok Post

RED-SHIRT SUPPORT ers from 20 provinces in the northeast are ready to counter any further rallies led by the Pitak Siam group, Udon Thani red leader Kwanchai Praipana says.

He made the statement in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday in response to a plan by the Pitak Siam group to hold its next rally against the Pheu Thai Party-led government within a month following Sunday’s (October 28) gathering at the Royal Turf Club in Nang Loeng district of the capital which the rally organiser claimed drew around 20,000 participants.

Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit, a retired officer and the core organiser, believes the campaign is gaining momentum.

Mr Kwanchai, head of the Khon Rak Udon group (People Who Love Udon), said he and his group were ready to hold rallies anywhere to counter the Pitak Siam group and he did not believe Pitak Siam’s campaign would gain any momentum.

Mr Kwanchai said he stood on his own feet without

New Stoc k

financial support from Pheu Thai and that the Khon Rak Udon group acts on its own.

He also warned that if the government fails to bring ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back home during its first four years in office, Pheu Thai should not expect the Khon Rak Udon group to support it in the next general election.

Pheu Thai’s two previous incarnations, Thai Rak Thai and People Power, had failed to bring Thaksin home, Mr Kwanchai said.

Mayuree Sawatasai, a red-shirt leader in Ayutthaya, said Pitak Siam is an offshoot of the yellow-shirt People’s Alliance for Democracy. The group’s leaders are those who had previously campaigned against the government.

She said if the Pitak Siam group continues with its antigovernment rallies, she and red shirts in Ayutthaya will feel the need to come forward to protect the democratically elected government.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has said that the rally by Pitak Siam would not affect the government’s work.

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thephuketnews.com

10 ASIA NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

French geneticist turned Tibetan monk is ‘happiest man’ in history A Frankie Taggart

s he grins serenely and his burgundy robes billow in the fresh Himalayan wind, it is not difficult to see why scientists declared Matthieu Ricard the happiest man they had ever tested.

The monk, molecular geneticist and confidant of the Dalai Lama, is passionately setting out why meditation can alter the brain and improve people’s happiness in the same way that lifting weights puts on muscle.

“It’s a wonderful area of research because it shows that meditation is not just blissing out under a mango tree but it completely changes your brain and therefore changes what you are,” the Frenchman said.

Ricard, a globe-trotting polymath who left everything behind to become a Tibetan Buddhist in a Himalayan hermitage, says anyone can be happy if they only train their brain.

Neuroscientist Richard Davidson wired up Ricard’s skull with 256 sensors at the University of Wisconsin four

years ago as part of research on hundreds of advanced practitioners of meditation.

The scans showed that when meditating on compassion, Ricard’s brain produces a level of gamma waves – those linked to consciousness, attention, learning and memory – “never reported before in the neuroscience literature”, Davidson said.

The scans also showed excessive activity in his brain’s left prefrontal cortex compared to its right counterpart, giving him an abnormally large capacity for happiness and a reduced propensity towards negativity, researchers believe.

Research into the phenomenon, known as “neuroplasticity”, is in its infancy and Ricard is a confidant of the Dalai Lama. Photo: Pruneau Ricard has been at the forefront of ground-breaking experi- ners who did 50,000 rounds of Buddhist and is one of the reliments along with other leading meditation, but also with three gion’s leading western scholars. weeks of 20 minutes a day, But he has not always been scientists across the world.

“We have been looking for which of course is more ap- on the path to enlightenment.

Ricard grew up among 12 years at the effect of short plicable to our modern times.”

The 66-year-old, accom- the Paris intellectual elite as and long-term mind-training through meditation on attention, panying other senior Tibetan the son of celebrated French on compassion, on emotional monks at a festival in the re- libertarian philosopher Jeanmote Nepalese Himalayan Francois Revel and abstract balance,” he said.

“We’ve found remarkable region of Upper Dolpa, has watercolour painter Yahne Le results with long-term practitio- become a globally respected Toumelin.

“All these people used to come around, most of Paris intellectual life. We had all the French painters and I was myself interested in classical music so I met a lot of musicians,” he said.

“At lunch we’d have three Nobel Prize winners eating with us. It was fantastic... Some of them were wonderful but some could be difficult.”

By the time he got his PhD in cell genetics from the Institut Pasteur in Paris in 1972 he had become disillusioned with the dinner party debates and had already begun to journey to Darjeeling in India during his holidays.

Eschewing intimate relationships and a career, he moved to India to study Buddhism and emerged 26 years later as something of celebrity thanks to The Monk And The Philosopher, a dialogue on the meaning of life he wrote with his father.

“That was the end of my quiet time because it was a bestseller. Suddenly I was projected into the western world.

Then I did more dialogues with scientists and the whole

thing started to spin off out of control,” he said.

His other works include Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill and several collections of photographs of the landscape, people and spiritual masters of the Himalayas.

Ricard donates all proceeds of his books to 110 humanitarian projects which have built schools for 21,000 children and provide healthcare for 100,000 patients a year.

He was awarded the French National Order of Merit for his work in preserving Himalayan culture but it is his work on the science of happiness which perhaps defines him best.

Ricard sees living a good life, and showing compassion, not as a religious edict revealed from on high, but as a practical route to happiness.

“Try sincerely to check, to investigate,” he said. “That’s what Buddhism has been trying to unravel – the mechanism of happiness and suffering. It is a science of the mind.” AFP Ricard will speak at Thanyapura on November 16. See Events for more information.

China watches US democracy avidly, but without jealousy Sebastien Blanc

T H E WO R L D’ S T WO biggest economies choose their next leaders in early November, an accident of timing that lays bare the vivid contrast between China’s opaque communist state and America’s riotous democracy.

The rhythm of the presidential election in the United States has been set by three televised debates watched by tens of millions of voters, with campaigning carried out online as well as at boisterous rallies that draw thousands.

On the other side of the Pacific the power games are under way behind closed doors, as Communist Party leaders jostle for positions ahead of the regime’s once-in-a-decade leadership change starting on November 8 at a special congress.

The victor of the November 6 contest between Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney is too close to call, but it is almost cer tain the new Chinese president will be Xi Jinping, currently vice president in the

thephuketnews.com

one-party state. Speaking at a university campus in Beijing, Chinese students from diverse backgrounds said they were following closely the change in Washington, which was more lively and entertaining than the transition at home.

State television relays events on the US campaign trail, while websites such as ifeng.com provide live streaming of the debates and social media networks buzz with discussion of the process and perceived China-bashing by the candidates.

But many of the students’ comments made clear they had no desire to import Western-style democracy to China immediately.

“Copying in a mechanical way American democracy would cause a lot of problems in China, even if we need to go that way in order to make progress here,” said 24-year-old Zheng Kailun, a philosophy student.

Others admired how the US candidates faced off in the televised debates and even poked fun at each other at a gala dinner last week in New York.

“Obama is a great performer in front of the public, he’s got a magnetic personality,” said Tu Zongchi, a student of international relations.

One issue with particular resonance in both countries is the personal finances of the candidates for high office.

Obama has sought to highlight Romney’s enormous personal wealth and investments in China. The Republican released some of his tax returns – something unimaginable in China where leaders’ lives are meant to stay private.

Last week, a New York Times investigation into investments said to total US$2.7 billion by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s family was quickly blacked out by official censors.

Zhang Shuo, a student of mechanical engineering who says he is avidly following the US election, said China’s system “largely meets our national needs”. ¨Perhaps in 30 to 50 years we will also reach the same level of democracy. It’s an evolution,” he said. AFP

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

WORLD NEWS 11

Truce frays as Obama, Romney navigate hurricane aftermath Stephen Collinson

P

resident Barack Obama planned to tour superstorm Sandy’s debris field and Mitt Romney plotted a return to campaigning Tuesday, as high-stakes politics stirred back to life a week from election day.

During an unprecedented 24-hour truce so close to a US presidential vote, the campaigns assessed the storm aftermath and how to squeeze the best use from fast dwindling days left in a race either man could still win.

The storm muffled campaign trail rhetoric and jumbled political battle lines.

Obama was in presidential mode Tuesday, firing off orders to government emergency chiefs, telling victims that America found their plight “heartbreaking” and affecting not to notice the looming November 6 poll.

But his trip to New Jersey Wednesday and meeting with Governor Chris Christie – a Republican Romney backer who has poured praise on the president’s handling of the disaster – will take place in a highly political context.

Romney meanwhile concluded that in such a tight race, he could not afford another day watching Obama dominate the headlines, announcing

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS Rising water, caused by Hurricane Sandy, rushes into a subterranean parking garage on October 29, 2012, in the Financial District of New York. Hurricane Sandy, which threatens 50 million people in the eastern third of the US, brought days of rain, high winds and possibly heavy snow. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the closure of all New York City bus, subway and commuter rail services as of Sunday evening. Photo: AFP plans for a three-event tour of tightening battleground Florida – which he must win.

Still, Obama will still control the media narrative on Wednesday as he picks through wreckage and consoles storm victims alongside a key Republican, as Romney plays the grubbier game of campaign politics in sunny Florida.

The no-nonsense Christie is a frequent Obama critic and was playing the same talismanic role and raising his own profile while managing

disaster as New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani played in the September 11 attacks in 2001.

In one aside on Tuesday which likely pleased the Obama camp, Christie snapped at a Fox News interviewer when asked if Romney would get a disaster photo-op.

“If you think right now I give a damn about presidential politics, then you don’t know me,” said Christie, often mentioned as a future White House hopeful.

Though the principals were off stage and the political

heat was turned down, the campaigns did trade punches, with each side accusing the other of desperation as they sought to lock in key states on the electoral map.

Obama took full advantage of the tools of the presidency as he projected a sense of authority and organisation,

marshalling the federal government emergency effort and empathising with millions in the storm’s path.

“Do not figure out why we can’t do something. I want you to figure out how we do something,” Obama said he told federal workers, after a visit to the American

Red Cross headquarters in Washington.

“I want you to cut through red tape, I want you to cut through bureaucracy, there is no excuse for inaction at this point.”

Obama’s response to the storm, which roared ashore as a hurricane on Monday, could help his approval ratings, but both sides believe there are few undecided voters left, so it was unclear whether it would actually shift votes.

While the US media establishment is based on the East Coast and is fixated on the storm, swing states like Ohio, Iowa, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, and even Virginia where the election will be won and lost, escaped Sandy’s worst wrath.

But Romney will still face a test of tone Wednesday in Florida.

The Republican has already been accused of muscling in on tragedy for political gain – over the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi last month – and so cannot afford missteps seen as motivated by politics. AFP

New York in shock over storm horror Tim Witcher

NEW YORK CONFRONTED Tuesday the devastation of superstorm Sandy, which left at least 18 people dead in the city and threatened to bring prolonged chaos and misery.

Firefighters battled blazes and carried out rescues in flooded houses a day after the storm set off an explosion at a power station. Scores of buildings were destroyed by fire or the record 4.2-metre storm surge.

Subway trains and buses remained suspended for a third day and hundreds of thousands of homes face up to a week without electricity, the power company warned.

John F. Kennedy International Airport should reopen Wednesday, officials said, but other major airports had flooding and damage to clear up. The New York Stock Exchange was also set to reopen Wednesday after its worst emergency closure since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Eighteen storm deaths in the city were reported by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who warned the toll could rise.

One man was crushed by a falling tree in the Queens area. Bloomberg said another person stepped in a puddle in which there was an electric wire and two people were found drowned in a flooded house.

New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo said police and national guard troops “saved hundreds of lives” in post-Sandy operations.

“The path of destruction that she left in her wake is going to be felt for quite some time,” Bloomberg said. “This was a devastating storm, maybe the worst that we have ever experienced.”

Firefighters battled 23 serious fires across the city, some of which continued to blaze Tuesday, Bloomberg said.

Smoke lingered over many streets after a huge fire tore through more than 80 homes in the Breezy Point district of

Queens. Firemen in boats rescued about 25 people trapped by fire.

Breezy Point is near Rockaway Beach, where firemen rescued several people trapped in their homes by waves that tore into the streets. Upturned cars were strewn across roads.

A spectacular explosion at a Manhattan electrical substation at the peak of the storm cut power to about 200,000 homes on the island.

About 300,000 other homes in New York lost electricity as Sandy tore down trees and flooded power transmission facilities.

“Don’t be surprised if it takes a week” to get power back, warned Con Edison electricity company spokesman Alfonso Quiroz.

Many roads remained blocked by trees, and road tunnels were inundated by floodwaters that slowly receded after the city was battered. Bridges leading out of Manhattan were only open to emergency services. AFP

thephuketnews.com

12 LETTERS / VIEWPOINT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

OPINION

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editor@thephuketnews.com

Editor’s Viewpoint

Norachai’s World

Not so ‘hot’

S

Where are we taking this thing to? Paris?

o this time last week The Phuket News reported that Paris ‘that’s hot’ Hilton had arrived in Bangkok to announce that Phuket was hosting 50,000 party people during a two-day long party extravaganza.

Think two Koh Phangan Full Moon Parties without breaks to clean up, chill out, rest or eat.

We expressed our concern at the time about the logistical feasibility of such an event, not to mention issues regarding transport, accommodation and the overall legality of actually putting it on.

It seems we weren’t the only ones. On Tuesday, general managers from many of the large hotels in the Surin area penned a letter – in English as well as Thai – to Governor Maitree Intusut, expressing their concerns and appealing that the venue be changed from Surin to either Bangtao or Patong beaches.

We’re not too sure how Patong and Bangtao residents would feel about that...

Regardless of where it will be held, it is most probably

going to happen (especially as the TAT have given it their blessing), so make sure you plan your private hideaway spot during the festive period where you are able to escape the masses, the noise, the smell and the buckets.

In fact, if you’re looking for a remote place to hide over the New Year, you might do well to visit Khao Pra National Park. Perhaps in pursuit of peace, quiet and solitude along with the Ton Sai waterfall, a British couple visited the national park earlier this week and got completely and utterly lost.

This wasn’t an ‘unexpected detour’ kind of lost, this was lost as in they had to sleep in the jungle overnight and weren’t ‘found’ by the search party until the following day.

Little wonder too. Routes around the Khao Pra National Park are terribly signposted, there’s overgrown foliage, felled trees, almost no staff (apart from the one person that takes entrance fees from foreigners), no facilities and no safety and security measures.

It is, however, rather nice.

Letters to the editor

It’s not unusual [Re. Doctors take out dildo from man’s stomach] I would have thought that a paper of your quality, especially with expat editorship, would be a little bit more professional when it comes to headlines, and not follow the typical Southeast Asian labelling of anything below the chin as ‘stomach’.

As your article rightly pointed out, the object was removed from the man’s (large) intestine, therefore the headline should correctly read: the object was removed from the man’s abdomen.

This by the way is not an unusual or a Weird World issue, it is indeed a very common occurrence which manifests itself in casualty departments of many inner city hospitals in the West, usually during the twilight hours from 2am to 5am.

Michael Pohl MBBS,

Too old to rock?

[Re. Phuket Blues Rock Fest 2013 cancelled] Admittedly I am getting older and not much of a night person any more, but I am sure there are others like me, regardless of age.

I went to the Blues Rock Festival a while ago, mostly because Curtis Salgado, who came from my home town, was the headliner.

The concert started late, dragged on and on with other artists. It finally got so late, myself and my much younger Thai woman were so exhausted, we went home to bed and never saw Curtis.

I doubt we will ever attend another Blues Festival here.

Jon W

Listen to your sister [Re. Phuket ‘robbed by government’ of convention centre] Looky here. The yellows grovelling at the feet of the reds to get a mouse centre. How funny.

While the yellows were in power,

they discriminated, now you want the reds not to do unto you what you did to them.

You are like funny little children squabbling over spilt rice grains.

Grow up, big sister said no and no means no.

Titimouse

Chaos and Christmas [Re. Plans move ahead for ‘party of the year’] Because it would boost tourism in Phuket over the Christmas and New Year period?

Do we need boosting over this time as in my business all accommodation has been booked out months ago along with flights in and out of Phuket.

I am very, very interested to see where the 50,000 people will come from and also how they will manage to get to and also park in Surin.

I think the words that come to mind are chaos and wrong time of the year.

Paul

Nightmare New Year [Re. Surin hoteliers oppose Paris Hilton NY party] The north end of Bang Tao beach is a National Park. Can you imagine the damage 50,000 people will do to it?

Plus the area is used by Thai families on holidays – not sure they’ll appreciate Paris and her entourage showing up.

Frankly the beach and picnic area just isn’t big enough to hold that number of people anyway. The fact that there are few hotels in that area, means people would still have to stay in Surin and Patong. And access, parking and toilets would be a disaster.

I sympathise with them not wanting this to take place in Surin, but Bang Tao is not a feasible alternative.

Patong, maybe. But wherever this thing happens it will be a nightmare.

Anon

A little notice, please [Re. Seminar held on Thai-foreign relationships]

It would have been nice to know about this event.

Although, if the two organisations can’t even put out a press release informing people of an event, what else can’t they do effectively?

Nathan

Shining a light on Paris [Re. Surin hoteliers oppose Paris Hilton NY party] This is a great event for bringing Phuket on to the worldwide dance scene which is definitely in the limelight these days.

These calibre of artists and events should be welcomed with open arms!

Agreed, the timing is less than ideal with very short notice to local business and residents.

Let’s hope we have many more events of this scale, but done with environmental sensitivity, safely, with correct security measures and logistics in place to handle the high volumes smoothly.

I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!

Paul

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

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

ECONOMY 13

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

BUSINESS

Fight or flight

Aviation columnist Alastair Carthew takes a close look at LCCs > 14

Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

Thailand and Indonesia tie Mice knot TTR Weekly

THAILAND CONVENTION and Exhibition Bureau says a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia will help to boost events hosted in Thailand.

TCEB signed the MoU, October 17, to open the way for official collaboration with Indonesia’s exhibition industry and the Directorate General for National Export Development (DGNED). The objective is to jointly promote and enhance cooperation in trade exhibitions.

The agreement is in line with TCEB’s strategic approach under the “Asean Mice Collaboration” aimed at promoting the Mice industry in the region.

The MoU with DGNED should prepare the way to establish a long-term affiliation in the exhibition industry.

It will also encourage more delegates to attend exhibition and trade events in both countries, support cross-promotion, exchange market surveys in Asean, and trade exhibition information.

TCEB Exhibition Department director, Supawan Teerarat, said: “We expect the forthcoming economic integration within Asean in 2015 will drive a major expansion of the exhibition industry in Southeast Asia.”

Indonesia Ministry of Trade’s National Export Development general director, Gusmardi Bustami, said the signing of MoU with TCEB will help boost relations between the two countries, especially in term of the trade exhibition industry via bilateral cooperation and business development policies.

According to the Thai Ministry of Commerce, Indonesia is ranked sixth as a trade partner with Thailand.

The trade value between the two countries is worth around US$17 billion in 2011.

In Thailand’s exhibition industry, Indonesia ranks sixth among Asian nations in term of visitors attending shows in Thailand.

Thailand has nine wellequipped exhibition venues, including a new one in Chiang Mai, but none in Phuket, the controversy about which we report in the news this week.

Thai rice mountain casts shadow over world market T

hailand’s status as the world’s top rice exporter is under threat from a controversial scheme to boost farmer incomes that has resulted in a growing mountain of unsold stocks, experts warn.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s year-old policy to buy rice from farmers for 50 per cent more than the market price has hit the competitiveness of Thai exports, which are expected to almost halve in 2012.

“It’s the worst year we have ever faced,” said Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association.

“We are already losing our market share in the world to our competitors, especially the newcomers like Cambodia and Myanmar which are producing more and more rice for export,” he said.

Rice is the staple food for more than three billion people – nearly half the world’s population. Last year Thailand had nearly a third of the global export market.

But its worldwide share is forecast to drop to less than one-fifth in 2012, accord-

two airport Don Mueang.

The longer the government holds on to the stocks, the bigger the drain on the public finances.

Yet experts say if Thailand abandons the scheme now, it risks flooding the world market.

“They are in a jam because with all this rice hanging around they have very little option to do anything else other than just keep on going because otherwise the rice price will drop and then they will have political problems,” said Ammar Siamwalla, an economist with the Thailand Development Research Institute Foundation (TDRI).

“The Vietnamese and the Indians are rubbing their hands. They’re taking advantage of the fact that we’ve slowed down our exports considerably,” he said.

If Thailand tries to shift its glut of rice on world markets now, “the price would plummet,” Ammar warned. “There is no exit strategy.”

He estimates that Thailand has about 10 million tonnes of stock sitting around in storage. The USDA predicts the country will have stocks of about 9.4 million tonnes at the end of 2012 and 12.1 million tonnes in 2013.

China and India also have large stockpiles but their pro-

duction and domestic consumption are much higher.

While the scheme is putting strains on Thailand’s government finances, it has been welcomed by many farmers, whose support helped sweep Yingluck to a landslide election victory last year.

“I want the government scheme to continue because, at the very least, it helps us farmers sell our rice at a high price,” said Supoj Joopia, who has 9.6 hectares (24 acres) of rice paddy in Chachoengsao province east of Bangkok.

About four million households rely to some extent on farming in Thailand, of which 900,000 have joined the scheme so far, according to the TDRI. The policy is seen as benefiting owners of large farms in particular as they have a bigger surplus to sell to the authorities after their own household consumption. The scheme has also been dogged by allegations of corruption.

The government says it is confident that it can find buyers for its rice on world markets at a price that will raise the living standards of its farmers. AFP

JAPANESE AUTO MAKER Nissan is aiming to double its production in Thailand with plans for a new B11.5 billion factory near Bangkok, according to a recent report.

The new facility in Samut Prakan province will be built near an existing Nissan plant, which emerged largely unscathed from record flooding

last year that dented Japanese firms’ production in the country, the Nikkei business daily said.

Nissan’s existing plant temporarily stopped production during the disaster, however, owing to a parts shortage.

The new factory, scheduled to open in 2014, will produce about 100,000 vehicles annu-

ally with plans to boost that figure to 200,000, roughly equivalent to Nissan’s current annual production in Thailand, the Nikkei said.

A Tokyo-based Nissan spokeswoman declined to comment, saying only that the firm would “soon make an announcement about its business in Thailand”. AFP

Lush scenes like this field in Nan province are contributing to huge unsold rice stocks. ing to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which expects the Southeast Asian nation to fall behind rival exporters Vietnam and India.

Thailand produces about 20 million tonnes of rice each year on average, about half of which is normally sold overseas.

This year, however, exports are expected to reach only about 6.5 million tonnes, according to the exporter association and the USDA. With its warehouses filling up quickly, Thailand is running out of space to house its unsold stocks and even briefly considered using an aircraft hanger in Bangkok’s number

Nissan to double Thai production: report

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14 AVIATION

Scoot to fly Dreamliners TTR Weekly

SCOOT, THE LOW-COST subsidiary of Singapore Airlines recently announced it will buy 20 Boeing 787 aircraft due to roll into the fleet starting 2014.

The aircraft will replace Scoot’s Boeing 777-200s and support the airline’s on-going expansion.

The 20 so-called Dreamliner aircraft were originally ordered by parent company, Singapore Airlines, but the selection of the engines will be made closer to the delivery dates. The aircraft feature the latest weight-saving materials such as carbon and are considered to be the most fuel efficient aircraft flying.

Scoot serves Sydney, Gold Coast, Bangkok, Taipei and Tianjin from its Singapore base, with Tokyo due to join the network 29 October, followed by Shenyang and Qingdao in November.

Myanmar flight links to expand TTR Weekly

MORE AIRLINES HAVE announced plans to start regional services to Yangon during this winter schedule.

From 28 October, Singapore Airlines took over seven weekly flights from its subsidiary Silk Air, which is operating 16 flights a week.

The moves means SQ can use a bigger aircraft to increase capacity in response to passenger demand.

Also from 28 October, China Airlines increased its five-weekly flights between Taipei and Yangon to daily.

Dragonair will launch a four weekly service from Hong Kong, 9 January 2013, using an Airbus A321 aircraft.

Previously, travellers had to fly to Bangkok or Singapore to connect with airlines serving Yangon.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

It may be ‘Bye bye Bali’, but AirAsia continues to set the pace for LCCs. Photo: AFP

Airlines and Virgin Blue, which actually became full service carrier Virgin Australia, which also dropped out of the Phuket-Australia route). The United States has 20 defunct LCCs. Even by the appalling high casualty rate of airlines folding in the aviation business, that is an alarmingly high figure over such a short period of time.

Why? The underlying reason is the extremely slim margins LCCs must operate on. So a serious oil price spike, a 2008 type recession, or just stiffer competition, can easily put an LCC under. LCCs like AirAsia must be ruthlessly proactive about dropping loss-making routes for more potentially profitable ones.

The business model is simple: very low ticket prices, high utilisation of the fleet (quick turnaround on the ground) simple structures and processes and light workforces who multitask to save money (flight attendances cleaning out planes after landing; doing multiple check in processes).

All this means higher vulnerability to the slightest change.

So while AirAsia’s handling of the Phuket-Bali issue lacked finesse the simple fact is that this business model has served it well as it is now arguably the world’s most robust LCC with a stranglehold on the Asian market compared to its competitors. It continues to pick up awards and expand.

In many ways the epitome of the modern LCC. Pity about the PR. Alastair Carthew is a Phuket-based journalist and public relations professional with extensive experience in the aviation industry. alastair@ phuketpublicrelations.com

LCCs and why they act the way they do Alastair Carthew Up In The Air

A

irAsia’s public relations disaster in September scrapping the Phuket-Bali route without warning underlines the precarious nature of the low cost carrier business and its negative impact on customers.

Low cost carriers [LCCs] carry inherently higher risks than full service airlines because to achieve those lower fares that have opened up the world to grandma and kids alike, the business model means operating off razor thin profit margins vulnerable to the slightest change in market conditions.

It means being flexible and nimble which, when confronted by a change in strategy as AirAsia was on this occasion, can result in The Phuket News’ screaming September 28 headline: ‘Bye bye Bali.”

The sudden switch from a route like Phuket-Bali to more lucrative Bangkok-Mainland China destinations, given the huge increase in Chinese tourism to Thailand, is not altogether surprising as all airlines frequently switch loss making routes, not just LCCs. Full service airline adherents would argue that passengers would not have been left stranded, receiving an SMS message telling them they cannot fly directly back to Phuket from Bali, but via a more expensive route through Bangkok. Normally an airline would signal its intention to come off a route well in advance and plan for it to avoid PR mishaps.

And in many instances the full service carrier would be

able to call upon code-sharing partners (such as those in the three airline alliances, Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam) to place passengers on a partner airline or bi-lateral agreements with carriers plying the same, or similar routes, to help stranded passengers get home.

But LCCs like AirAsia, despite its size, generally, don’t have the same luxury because they do not fly through airport hubs, but point-topoint, making code-sharing difficult. AirAsia has, in fact, been guilty of cancelling other flights without warning. It stopped its long-haul AirAsiaX flights from Kuala Lumpur to London earlier this year, angering many passengers.

Here’s the thing about LCCs. Since Southwest Airlines in the United States pio-

neered the business model in 1971, LCCs have grown exponentially with the explosion in air travel in the last 50 years, overcoming skepticism – in Asia in particular – to have carved out around 25 per cent of the global aviation market.

Indeed, many of the full service carriers own LCCs to cover a low fare sector of the market.

In the post 9/11 and SARs eras LCCs multiplied, even if good profits remained elusive.

Thai Airways is typical, although it has been slower than other full service airlines to adapt. It now has Nok Air and its new LCC, Thai Smile servicing smaller, short haul domestic and Asian regional routes to less popular destinations as Singapore Airlines, Qantas Airways, Japan Airlines and other heavyweights go after a segment of the

market they need to cover off otherwise the void will be filled by competitor LCCs. However, LCCs are also a very high risk business if the statistics are any indication.

As of this year there were around 120 LCCs operating.

Of these, 34 were in Southeast Asia (Thailand has seven: Nok Air, Thai Smile, Thai AirAsia, Orient Thai Airlines, Nok Mini, Solar Air and Happy Air-which is Phuket based), while the United States has the most LCCs, with nine.

But dig deeper for the more telling story about LCC carnage. There are currently 104 defunct LCCs , including six in Australia (Air Australia – which folded stranding passengers in Phuket; Compass Airlines, East-West Airlines, Impulse Airlines – rebranded

by Qantas as Jetstar – Sungold

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THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

12

It’s Grand Theft Auto time on new Gaming page

14

Something Sinister is going on in shock film

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

POWERED BY

Pack your trunk Discovering the charms of Hua Hin, Thailand’s first beach resort (elephants included) > p10

Photo: Kiri Heald

thephuketnews.com

2 CULTURE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2,2,2012

Creating new memories at On On Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

Kyaw Kyaw ‘Joe’ Khine.

The original owner, Mr Anurak wanted us to promise not to demolish the hotel in its entirety owing to it being in his family for many generations and he believed it may affect the heritage of the island

thephuketnews.com

P

huket’s oldest hotel, the On On Hotel on Phang Nga Road, has delayed plans to open until February of next year owing to unforeseen and unexpectedly high renovation costs.

In June of this year, the On On Hotel’s owner, Anurak Tansiriroj, grandson of the founder Pak Yok-tew told The Phuket News that he was on the lookout for investment and a possible partner to renovate the old Sino-Colonial style hotel.

That help has come in the form of the Treasury Village Group, a resort group that also owns, runs and manages the Koh Yao Yai Village Hotel and Nasara House.

Kyaw Kyaw ‘Joe’ Khine, the associate property operation director of the Treasury Village Group said that their latest hotel was a very special project indeed for Nasara Trisuvan, the owner of the group.

“Mrs Nasara knew that the hotel had existed since 1929 and so she was very interested in taking over the project. We’ve taken out a 20-year lease on the land and property and re-branded it The Memory at On On Hotel.

“The original owner, Mr Anurak wanted us to promise not to demolish the hotel in its entirety owing to it being in his family for many generations and he believed it may affect the heritage of the island.”

Joe says The Phuket News that attempting to maintain the authenticity and not tarnish the overall feel of the On On experience was in fact one of the main reasons for the delay.

“In order to keep the experience genuine and maintain the look we needed to strengthen the foundations, walls and pillar.

“This is also why we didn’t want to change too much, we just couldn’t without causing

The Memory at On On opened a make-shift showroom during the Vegetarian Festival for potential guests and interested onlookers to see what it might look like. structural weaknesses.”

The overall interior look of the new On On Hotel will remain the same – classic, traditional and wooden – but it is the rooms themselves that will most benefit from an overhaul.

“Before the rooms were...” here Joe searches for an appropriate description for how the On On hotel’s previous rooms used to be without appearing rude.

He doesn’t quite find it, but suffice to say the On On Hotel was the setting for the dodgy, dark, grim, dirty hotel at the start of the movie The Beach, when Leonardo DiCaprio’s somewhat innocent tourist Richard encounters the terrifyingly-crazed backpacker Daffy, played by Robert Carlisle.

Much like before, the rooms will be split between dormitories and private rooms. There will be 21 dormitories, eight of which will be

female-only. All dorms will come with A/C. In fact every room will now come with A/C – in news that will sadden some, gone are the cheaper ‘fan-only’ options.

The extra room luxuries at the On On hotel definitely come at a price. Room rates for dorms will be from B450-550, while private rooms are priced at a relatively-speaking whopping B1,500.

This price, Joe believes is really quite competitive for the island, especially considering its prime location in the centre of historical Phuket Town.

“The old rooms were very cheap and the guests quite often made complaints, but now it is clean and is a nice hotel in a great location and good value.”

The Memory At On On Hotel is due to open on February 1.

EDUCATION 3

THE PHUKET NEWS 2,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2012 NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Asian language plan ‘central’ to Australia reforms: PM

A

ustralia will make “Asia literacy” a key plank of its future education strategy with the goal of every local school being partnered online with one from the region by 2025, the government said Monday.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said she was going to prioritise Asian languages as part of an ambitious plan to get Australia into the world’s top 10 wealthy economies in the next 13 years by boosting links to China and its neighbours.

The plan, unveiled Sunday and titled “Australia in the Asian Century”, contains a number of lofty goals focused on education and business with key Asian partners China, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and India.

Gillard sa id Australian students would have “priority” access throughout their schooling to Mandarin, Hindi, Indonesian and Japanese languages, vowing to link every school with an Asian partner for online classes by 2025.

“I’m going to put access to Asian languages at the centre of (our) national school improvement plan,” she told ABC radio on October 29.

Gillard said it was essential to send “the right message to our kids about how important it is for their future and the careers that they will choose for them to have Asia language capability and general Asian literacy”.

According to the policy paper, less than six per cent of Australian students studied an Asian language in their final year in 2008. AFP

How to become a much loved Phuket teacher TEACH BY DESIGN Jason Stanley drjasonstanley@gmail.com

What Is Active Brain Based Learning & Teaching?

#1

Teach by Design Jason Stanley

Proven Effective Classroom Methodologies Jason Stanley Ph.D.

For the next few months The Phuket News will be publishing exclusive excerpts from Dr Stanley’s Teach By Design book.

Y

ou know the one. The one that’s the best teacher in your school. The one all the kids fight over to get into her class next year, and not because she passes out easy “A”s. She’s tough, she’s decisive, she’s fair, she’s fun, heck, even you love her!

Teachers, want to know how you can do it too? Want to discover simple, easy, effective classroom procedures?

I can show you the yellow brick road that will take you to being ‘that’ teacher.

My name is Jason Stanley and I’m a recovering school administrator.

I spent the last six years in a unique situation that allowed me to test classroom methods in real classrooms with real teachers dealing with real students from kindergarten to high school.

We had some amazing results and we had some abysmal results.

One campus went from #23 out of 25 schools in the district to #3 in just one year! Another campus in a different city was the only private school listed by the Ministry of Education and Training as a model school for the province. Other campuses were not impacted at all.

What we did was take much of the recent, theoretical information about ‘brain-based learning’, sometimes known as neuroeducation and figure out how to use it in the classroom to make your job easier, get improved student results, and gain happily engaged students at the same time.

I discovered that our international and local teachers needed useful, practical, classroom procedures to improve their teaching and enjoyment in their job. To make this happen is why I’ve gone from school administrator to teacher assistant, by writing a series of short, easy-to-read booklets about simple to apply methods on brain-based teaching and learning entitled Teach by Design.

The booklets explore the complexity of brainbased learning research, proposes action steps, and determines which aspects of this information are applicable and easily integrated into your classrooms for maximum results. Years of experience as a classroom teacher, vice principal and headmaster of a dual curriculum international school system was a “boots on the ground” test arena that provided understanding and answers to many questions teachers had and still have about brain-based learning.

Below are some of the questions asked by teachers that I’ll address through the upcoming series of articles here in The Phuket News.

• What is brain-based learning?

• What are some of the more important aspects of brain-based learning that should be seriously considered?

• What aspects of brain-based learning can be ignored in the classroom?

• What are the simple, effective, and practical steps needed to successfully use active brain-based learning and teaching?

• How can neurological understanding of the brain be applied in my classroom?

• What extra training do I need?

• Will it take a lot of extra prep work?

• Can the teaching models I already use be incorporated with brain-based learning and teaching?

• Does this new brain-based process support classroom management?

• Can active brain based teaching help with student leveling in the classroom?

• How can active brain based learning and teaching help with the increasing classroom sizes that are happening everywhere in the education system today?

• Does active brain-based learning and teaching improve student results?

• Can active brain-based learning and teaching help with student motivation?

• Can student leadership be fostered with active brain based learning and teaching?

• Does active brain-based learning and teaching have any impact on critical and creative thinking?

• Can active brain-based teaching be done without any special or expensive technology?

Think about it, wouldn’t you really like to be ‘that’ teacher? To find out how, be sure to read next month’s installment of Teach By Design.

I will be happy to address your additional questions concerning the impact of brain-based learning or how to do brain-based teaching.

Please contact me at drjasonstanley@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Jason

FOOD SAFETY TRAINING Educating all food handlers to understand the importance of food safety standards.

Our training is highly interactive.

info@foodhygieneasia.com 076 617 692, 081 862 4439 www.foodhygieneasia.com thephuketnews.com

4 ENVIRONMENT

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2,2,2012

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket named as champions of the environment

D

usit Thani Laguna Phuket has achieved a total of 565 points out of 656 for its sustainability policies in environmental and ecological responsible management, giving it 64th place in the prestigious TUI Umwelt Champion (TUI Environmental Champion) award 2012 by TUI Deutschland GmbH, one of the world’s leading tour operators.

The annual TUI Umwelt Champion award is based on a customer-driven questionnaire relating to a hotel’s perceived environmentally-responsible performance. Selected hotels receive a special quality seal symbol that is also highlighted in the TUI brochures and tour-related material.

“This outstanding accolade is a special mark of appreciation for our resort and one that acknowledges the efforts of our dedicated team of our green environmental committees,” said Peter Komposch, General Manager of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket.

“It’s an award of which we are all especially proud.”

Staff at the Dusit Thani Phuket hold aloft their TUI certificates.

CLEANING KAMALA TOGETHER The Kamala Green Club, children from the Shining Stars School and staff from Paresa come together for a beach cleanup at Kamla beach on October 19.

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

“Woof woof, I’m Sparky, and I’m a West Highland Terrier and I’m three months old. That’s my owner Bella pictured with me, she’s four years old.

She is a great owner and I love playing with her!”

Pets

“Hi, my name is Boom and I’m around two years old. I belong to Peter and Helen Munoz, owners of Seabreeze bar and restaurant on Surin Beach. I was rescued from the streets, and my owners think I’m a pug/boxer cross. Sometimes I like to escape from the house while Helen and Peter are trying to get ready for work, but my favourite thing to do is chase crabs on the beach.”

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

HEALTH 5

THE PHUKET NEWS 2,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2012 NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Fountain of youth LOSE FAT WITH PAT Patrick du Preez editor@thephuketnews.com

Patrick du Preez, MD Club Asia Fitness, Royal Phuket City Hotel, Phuket Town, clubasiaphuket.com

With regular training you can turn back your functional age. You can build muscle in your seventies and you do find people in their eighties running marathons.

Anyone, regardless of age, can burn fat

Y

ou will have noticed that some folk carry their age well while others don’t. You can lead a longer, healthier and more productive life by learning some self-discipline.

Your chronological age may differ from your actual physical and functional age.

Research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to health problems and physical limitations.

By staying active you can maintain muscle mass, stay in shape, improve your cardiovascular system, maintain your weight and reverse the aging process.

The more active you become, the fewer limitations you’ll encounter. Exercise can help us maintain and improve our strength, stamina and overall health.

Age should not be a barrier to starting or continuing an exercise programme. The ability to increase strength, muscle mass and endurance is not the exclusive privilege of the young. You can reverse your functional age by regular exercise.

Physical activity in the form of aerobic exercise is encouraged to slow the progression of aging. In addition working out with weights will firm up your muscles and improve your strength.

Research has further shown that exercise and weight training can delay and may reverse loss of bone density, especially in post-menopausal woman.

In some cases you may find an individual that has a chronological age of 30 that has

a functional age of a person that is inactive at 70!

With regular training you can turn back your functional age. You can build muscle in your seventies and you do find people in their eighties running marathons.

Anyone, regardless of age, can burn fat. Whether walking, jogging, swimming, taking a Group X class or training with weights, start out slow and gradually increase the intensity.

By gradually increasing your aerobic exercise and reducing saturated fats and complex carbohydrates you will lose weight.

Sensible eating habits

Daily calorie intake may vary from person to person depending on your age and gender and the amount of activities that you partake in each day. If you really want to

lose fat, gain muscle, increase stamina and strength you must change your eating habits. This of course is easier said than done.

The relationship between the amount of food that you consume and the amount of time you spend exercising will determine your success. If your calorie intake is higher than you burn you will put on weight. You need to find a sensible diet that will work for you without getting rid of your favorite foods – everything in moderation.

What should be incorporated into a ‘Healthy Eating Plan’? Health specialists recommend the following mix of nutrients for middle-aged adults: Carbohydrates 45-60 per cent (fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole-grain breads and starches – potatoes, rice, beans, pasta); fats 20-35 per cent (animal meat, dairy products , monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat ) and protein 15-35 per cent (fish, poultry, lean red meats, low fat dairy products, eggs, dried beans, protein powder and amino acids).

Good nutrition can help prevent disease and promote health. Make sure you drink plenty of water!

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Many studies in both children and adults have shown that breakfast eaters tend to weigh less than breakfast skippers.

One theory is that eating a healthy breakfast is part of a healthy lifestyle that includes making wise food choices and balancing calories with exercise.

Looking after the cardiovascular system Benefits of a good cardiovascular programme include making you feel and look younger; it helps you lose weight by burning fat; it builds endurance, energy and confidence; and it gives you a smaller waistline. Here are some recommended exercises:

Activity

Starting Out

Advanced

Walking

10-15 Minutes 3 times a week

20-30 Minutes 4/5 times a week

Jogging

10-15 Minutes 3 times a week

20-30 Minutes 4/5 times a week

Cycling

15-20 Minutes 3 times a week

30-60 Minutes 4/5 times a week

Swimming

10-15 Minutes 3 times a week

20-30 Minutes 4/5 times a week

* Walking / Jogging - Treadmill or Outdoor * Cycling - Upright / Recumbent Bike or Outdoor

Always ensure that you warm up and cool down properly by stretching. As you become fitter you may increase the intensity by completing a certain distance in a certain time.

thephuketnews.com

6 PEOPLE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2,2,2012

The pursuit of happiness Pisarn ‘Lek’ Trangkasombat speaks to Jody Houton about his new ‘happy’ O2 Beach Club Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

W

hile many spend their student days in the library, extending their tie-dye Tshirt collection, or ‘finding themselves’ in the counterculture, Trang-born Pisarn ‘Lek’ Trangkasombat spent much of his time while studying Sales and Marketing in the US looking at real estate and investment opportunities.

However, this unusual approach definitely stood Mr Lek, CEO of thailand-resort.net and owner of the recently-opened O2 Beach Club in Chalong, in good stead for the future.

After graduating, Khun Lek returned to Thailand, travelled to Samui and fell in love with the island.

“This was my first project, so I just bought a lease on the land and then built 16 bungalows. At the end of the 11 year lease, I left all the bungalows there, I just took out some fittings.

“But it was much different back then – leases were much cheaper and everything was easier.”

Indeed much has changed in the 20plus years that Mr Lek has been in the hospitality and real estate industry, but the principles remain very much the same, he says.

“In the last 20 years it’s changed so

much, it’s become much more expensive but also more desirable. People need to do their homework and study the market and be aware of whom they are targeting before making their selection on what to buy and how to design it.”

This, Mr Lek believes, is one of the major reasons why so many ambitious restaurant, entertainment and condominium projects fail on Phuket.

“I agree there are too many condos on the island. It’s a very cautious market to be in, but there’s still room for more. The failures occur because the designers need to study more.”

This is something that Mr Lek certainly cannot be accused of not doing. In fact, one could say that real estate and the hospitality industry is in his blood.

His family have owned the Queen Hotel in Trang for around 46 years. It was only natural that he follow in the family’s footsteps.

After the project in Samui, Mr Lek had saved enough money to invest in land and so travelled to Phi Phi and bought a plot there. He remembers it well.

“Actually it was on Christmas Eve. I remember telling my friend I’d bought a portrait by god. Some people have bought the Mona Lisa, but I remember thinking I’ve bought a portrait by god,” says Mr Lek, referring to the picturesque plot he had just purchased.

He still has that hotel – the Phi Phi Bay View – but has since added many other properties to his portfolio, including resorts in Chiang Mai, Pai and his first love, Koh Samui.

Mr Lek came to Phuket around 15 years ago, but it was not until around five years ago that he set in motion his latest venture – the O2 Beach Club in Chalong.

“I came up with this concept about five years ago. It’s going to be a beach club for those who live in the Chalong to Rawai area, and will officially open on 12 December.

“It’s a restaurant, pub, pool bar – complete with a 25 metre pool – and place where you can hang out. For guests who want to wait for their evening flight,

there’s even a place to put their luggage.”

Mr Lek envisions the O2 Beach Club as catering for an older, more sophisticated crowd, with facilities that include an executive lounge and fine dining area.

It will be a place where people can go for a swim, have a coffee, or walk on the beach and have a good time, which is paramount to the success of a beach club, according to Mr Lek. “The real rstate model is ‘location, location, location’, whereas for me and the beach club environment it’s ‘happy, happy, happy.’

With the launch of his latest property, Mr Lek is feeling positive about the future of Phuket.

Despite there being many examples of failed condo and hotel devlopments on the island, he feels there is still plenty of room, both literally and figuratively speaking, for more.

“The north of Phuket will see a bit of development and investment over the next few years, while I believe the prices in the south will double in next two to three years.

“I think to keep on building condos might be a problem [during that time] but then it will be fine because people will always need somewhere to live.

“I am quite positive about Phuket’s future and I believe that with the start of the Asean Economic Community (AEC), tourism will continue to be a top priority, but business and real estate will also become really important.”

Interestingly, Mr Lek believes that the onset of the AEC will bring with it a change in the way that people view the island.

“People will refer to Phuket just like they do with Bali – they don’t say Indonesia, just Bali. In the same way they will say Phuket and not think of Thailand.”

By that time, however, it is likely that Mr Lek will already be busy on his latest venture – opening an O2 in Khao Lak, “This will allow tourists to see what Phuket was like 30 years ago.”

From top: Mr Lek; beautiful people relax by the new O2 Beach Club pool bar.

thephuketnews.com

WEIRD WORLD 7

THE PHUKET NEWS 2,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2012 NOVEMBER 2, 2012

THE BIG LIST Asian remedies

Building homes with virgin money

A

Living in Asia, we come across many wacky treatments for what ails us – from rubber tube flossing to fire cupping, there is a rather strange ‘cure’ for every kind of disease or ailment you’re suffering from.

Rubber Neti: In the provinces of northern India, nasal flossing is as much part of the yogi’s daily routine as cleaning your teeth. A rubber string or tubing is inserted into the right nostril, pulled through the mouth, and continues with a back and forth motion similar to flossing. It is believed that the process helps keep away asthma and the common cold. Participants say they end up eating their own mucus. Lovely.

young Brazilian woman raised US$780,000 (B24 million) for a charity by auctioning off her virginity last week.

Twenty-year-old Catarina Migliorini, a physical education student from Brazil, sold her virginity to a Japanese man called Natsu after receiving 15 bids from others across the globe.

Migliorini said she intends to build homes for poor families with the money.

An Australian film crew is documenting the entire process in a film called Virgins Wanted.

“If you only do it once in your life then you are not a prostitute, just like if you take one amazing photograph it does not automatically make you a photographer,” she told reporters.

The documentary is also following a 21-year-old Australian student, Alex Stepanov, whose virginity netted just US$3,000 (B100,000) from a Brazilian woman called Nene B.

20-year-old Brazilian Catarina Migliorini sold her virginity for US$780,000.

Man attends own funeral

A

Cow Urine: Locals in Cambodia have been collecting cow urine and drinking it for centuries.

They believe that it contains medicinal properties that enhance the body’s capabilities of healing itself.

And the Cambodians are not alone in their daily ritual. Cow urine is also used in many products in Ayurveda medicine, which holds special significance in the Hindu religion. People who use cow urine praise the products capabilities of curing arthritis and certain types of cancer. Others say they just like the taste.

Apitherapy: Apitherapy, or bee venom therapy, is still practiced in parts of western China and is believed to cure everything from bursitis, tendinitis, herpes and arthritis. The process involves the patient being stung by bees, though the exact location on the body is up to the patient. Reports of how many bee stings is necessary range from a few to hundreds.

In case you weren’t already alarmed, the process can result in death if the patient is allergic to the venom, though they wouldn’t have to worry about their illness.

Hijama: Otherwise known as cupping, th is is a popu la r treatment throughout the Arab world, as well as in China.

Though the procedure originally involved the use of hor ns, nowad ay s met a l , glass, and plastic cups are used to seal a certain location on the body. Then they take the cup off, make small incisions on the affected area, and put back on until the blood flow subsides. A different form of Hijama, known as fire cupping, involves heating up the inside of the cup before applying.

It is believed to hurt like heck.

Ejiao: Traditional Chinese Medicine includes gelatin made from the hide of a donkey, known as Ejiao, and is credited with rectifying dizziness, dry cough, insomnia, and act as a purifying skin agent. Since donkey-hide can be held year-round, donkeys aren’t actually killed for the gelatin but it is made after they pass. The skin is emolated into a gelatin and mixed with herbs believed to enhance it’s healing powers. The actual gelatin is said to have a sweet taste, though some say it just tastes like ass.

man who family members thought was dead interrupted his own funeral.

Jose Marcos Araujo, 41, shocked his family when he walked into the ceremony in the town of Alagoinhas, Brazil. His brother Gilberto, identified a body at the morgue as that of Jose Marcos, authorities told reporters last week.

“The confusion started when news started circulating that a car washer had been shot dead,” Jose Marcos’ wife, Ana Paula,

told reporters. “Police called my husband and told him that his brother had been killed and his body was at the morgue.”

A wake was then held after the body arrived at the home of his mother.

Authorities said that the man whose body was in the morgue was named Genivaldo Santos Gama, who also worked as a car washer and resembled Jose Marcos.

“Some people fainted and others ran away. It was a big shock,” a family friend said of the moment.

Two cups of Black Ivory blend will set you back B1,500.

Thai hotel brews up elephant dung coffee

T

hailand could be the new “it” destination for coffee lovers after a blend made from elephant dung was put on sale by an upmarket hotel chain.

The Black Ivory blend, made from coffee beans digested and excreted by Thai elephants, is billed as producing a particularly smooth cup and costs a staggering US$1,100 (B34,000) per kilogram, making it one of the most expensive blends in the world.

“Research indicates that during digestion, the enzymes of the elephant break down coffee protein,” an Anantara Hotels spokesman, which is selling the pungent brew at around US$50 (B1,500) for two cups, said in a statement.

Once the elephants have digested the coffee berries, the beans are picked out of their dung by their trainers and then sun-dried.

The process is carried out at the hotel’s elephant rescue centre in Thailand’s north.

Black Ivory is not the first novelty blend to hit the market in recent years. Coffee passed through the civet, a tree-dwelling mammal in the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, sells for a similar price. AFP

thephuketnews.com

8 DINING

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2,2,2012

Revealing the secrets of Thalang

Isaya Thongchua reporter3@thephuketnews.com

Above, wild mushrooms in yellow curry.

Top right, from left, Marriott Director of Food & Beverage Joerg Delin, Marriott General Manager Tony Pedroni, Deputy Phuket Governor Chaiyawat Thepee, Na Thalang host Norman G. Jones, Na Thalang Chef Premchit Prateap Na Thalang, TAT Phuket Office’s Director Chanchai Doungjit, Channel 11’s Director Sudruetai Lertkasem, and Marriott Marketing Communications Manager Kewalin Sukumjittanon.

Right, wild Andaman Sea blue crab.

A

‘Secret Na Thalang Ancestral Rainforest’ dinner by Chef Premchit Prateap Na Thalang was held at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa in Mai Khao last Friday evening (October 26), the launch of a six-month series of traditional dinners to be hosted by the resort.

The dinner was called the ‘Thalang 1785 Menu’, designed to represent a more subtle and complex ‘slow’ cuisine enjoyed by Na Thalang owner and chef Premchit Prateap Na Thalang’s ancestors, Thao Thep Kasatri and Thao Sri Sunthon, the famous heroines of the battle of Thalang in 1785.

The secrecy part of the event comes with the menu, which is only revealed to guests upon arrival.

The Ancestral Rainforest dinner was composed of 12 courses – including fresh juice, canapés, beverages, six main dishes, a palette-cleansing sorbet and two desserts served with a digestif. Mrs Premchit’s husband Norman described each menu item as it is served to the table.

Drawing on over 400 years of family tradition, Mrs Premchit uses fresh seasonal ingredients collected from her farm and foraged from the rainforest, beach, sea and village markets of Phang Nga and Phuket,

and secret recipes passed on from generation to generation.

Mrs Premchit was born in the village of Khok Kloi in Phang Nga, where her family lived a “simple life on the edge of the rainforest in harmony with nature”. This meant that Mrs Premchit was able to fully “enjoy the bounty of the rainforest”.

Her love of picking rare fresh seasonal fruit, combined with wild ingredients, started from a young age. When she was five years old she would take regular trips into the rainforest with her father, where he would pass on his love and knowledge of nature. He showed her how to harvest and store plants for use as food, traditional herbal medicine and even beauty products.

After coming back from the rainforest her mother would teach her how to turn the plants into “delicious ambrosias and elixirs for eating and nature herbal medicines for healing”.

As a result Mrs Premchit has become the chief inheritor of her family’s knowledge about the rainforest. This lead her to create the Premchit brand of organic wellness called “Ambrosias and Elixirs” mainly selling herbal teas used for holistic natural remedies as a “positive response to the chronic aliments of modern life”. She hopes

to one day pass on her knowledge to her son.

The remaining dinners are scheduled for November 27, December 18, January 8, February 26, and March 5. Every dinner is held at a different location within the resort, which is kept secret until just beforehand.

The dinners are priced at B3,500++. For reservations, phone the resort on 076 338 000 or visit jwmarriottphuketresort.com

The benefits of thorough hand washing

O

ctober 15 was Global Hand Washing Day, an annual event to improve and heighten the importance of hand washing.

As basic as it sounds, many people still do not wash their hands as thorough or as regular as they should.

Did you know?

Around 20 per cent of women and 40 per cent of men don’t wash their hands after using a public loo!

Ninety per cent of germs on hands

are found under the nails.

The number of bacteria can double in 20 minutes and after one day without hand washing; a single bacterium can multiply 2 billion, trillion times.

We have between 2 and 10 million bacteria between fingertip and elbow Damp hands spread 1,000 times more germs than dry hands The number of germs on your fingertips doubles after you use the toilet.

Germs can stay alive on hands for up to three hours

Millions of germs hide under watches and bracelets and there could be as many germs under your ring as there are people in Europe.

Hand-washing is the most effective way to stop the spread of illness!

These food safety tips are provided by Stuart Baker from Food Hygiene Asia.

Food Hygiene Asia, based in Phuket, works with resorts, restaurants and businesses delivering training and support to improve food handlers safety awareness. Foodhygieneasia.com

k Meinds ù

Weekly SET MENU, 2 courses with soft drink @ 375 Baht

*AUTHENTIC ITALIAN, GREAT ATMOSPHERE*

thephuketnews.com

DINING 9

THE PHUKET NEWS 2,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2012 NOVEMBER 2, 2012

A taste of Tokyo in the north Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

Chef Shiraishi has been cooking since he was five years old, when he helped out in his family’s restaurant on Kyushu island. At the age of 19 he left home to become an apprentice chef in Osaka.

He’s been travelling the world ever since.

He is plainly a firm believer in dishes that all Japanese will regard as comfort food.

A

bout 500 years ago, Jesuit missionaries from Portugal arrived in Japan – or Cipangu as Europeans called it in those days.

While the Japanese were not terribly impressed with their ideas, they did spot one thing the monks brought that might be useful, with a bit of creative adjustment: battered fish.

Some inventive Japanese cook took the recipe but substituted rice flour for the more traditional wheat flour, making the meal crisper and lighter.

Tempura was born – a very early example of AsianEuropean fusion food.

But the Japanese these days are not really into inventing new dishes or adapting from other cuisines.

Instead, they stick to the staples, says Sriram Kailasam, GM of the Banyan Tree Phuket. He knows his stuff – he started his hotel career in the kitchens, and he has spent time in Japan.

“If you come across a fusion restaurant in Tokyo, chances are 99 per cent that the chef’s a foreigner,” he says.

The Banyan Tree’s newly reopened Tamarind restaurant, next to the spa, serves up a full Japanese menu, all very traditional.

Mr Kailasam says, “We looked around and there really wasn’t a top-notch Japanese restaurant in the area.”

So he hired Master Chef Shiraishi, whom he already knew from his time in the Banyan Tree in Bangkok, and brought him down to Phuket.

Chef Shiraishi has been cooking since he was five years old, when he helped out in his family’s restaurant on Kyushu island. At the age of 19 he left home to become an apprentice chef in Osaka. He’s been travelling the world ever since.

He is plainly a firm believer in dishes that all Japanese will regard as comfort food.

To begin the evening, Mr Kalaisam orders us a large selection of sushi and sashimi – mackerel, salmon, tuna, squid, snapper, scallops and lobster. We’re on familiar ground here. It’s all beautifully prepared and presented.

The wasabi is freshly ground – nothing out a tube here.

We follow up with an avocado salad with wasabi and sesame oil dressing, light, delicately flavoured; and miso soup, the Japanese equivalent of mum’s chicken soup.

We also have to have a plate of that Portuguese stuff,

Top and left, the Banyan Tree’s newly reopened Tamarind restaurant has a selection of authentic Japanese style dishes such as sashimi, sushi and tempura.

tempura, on this occasion vegetables in batter. It comes right up to expectation. The Jesuits would have been happy.

We finish off with dorayaki (red bean pancakes) and sakuranbo (cherry ice cream) on the side.

All very authentic, very Japanese and very edible.

30th November 2012

The most active club in Phuket with monthly events.

Retail outlet at Wana Park, Cherng Talay (Manik).

To join the club or see our products visit andaman-wine-club.com

thephuketnews.com

10 TRAVEL

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2,2,2012

Far from worries Simon Ostheimer editor@thephuketnews.com

Long before the arrival of paved roads throughout the Kingdom of Thailand, the quickest way to reach Hua Hin from Bangkok was by train, which is why the city’s station has a specially constructed Royal Waiting Room. where members of the royal family would alight after arriving from the capital

H

ua Hin was Thailand’s first beach resort, having been the haunt of the nation’s royalty since the 1920s, when a royal palace was built here for King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), and given the calming name Wang Klai Kang Won (‘Far from Worries’).

Located 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, Hua Hin remains a favoured destination for the Bangkok elite (according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, tourist arrivals totalled 1.61 million last year, while nearby Cha-am received 1.73 million).

Much of the attraction is due to how relatively unspoiled it is when compared to other major Thai beach destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket. Though it has its fair share of shopping malls and hotels, there is a genteel atmosphere about the place – tourists are civilised, people drive slower, and there are no girlie bars.

The reason for all this, of course, is because Hua Hin still retains favoured royal status.

Ironically, it means that surprisingly few overseas Western tourists head here for their holidays, most instead choosing the more salubrious surrounds of other places, where the drinks flow freely and the party goes all night. Accordingly, many of the local attractions – and for that matter the hotels and resorts themselves – cater to Bangkok hi-so sensibilities.

The upside is it makes for a wonderfully relaxed, lowkey destination. Here, just some of the highlights.

Hua Hin Railway Station Okay, we’ll admit railway stations are not exactly on most must-see lists on holiday (train-spotters aside), but the one in Hua Hin has a special place in most Thai hearts, as this is where the King used to disembark for his seaside holiday.

Long before the arrival of paved roads throughout the Kingdom, the quickest way to reach Hua Hin was by train, which is why the city’s station has a special wooden constructed Royal Waiting Room. (Interesting aside: in spite of the constant potholed roads and unbridged rivers, in 1967 Anantara resort’s Bill Heinecke once passed through here on a mad dash from Singapore to Bangkok, a 1,443 kilometre journey he completed in a remarkable 29 hours and 40 minutes to win a bet).

Thailand’s only north-south train line still runs through here on the way to Malaysia, but they run infrequently, and have long been supplanted by a high-speed road network. Still, it makes for a pleasant diversion, and, with an old steam train and quaint architecture, is

thephuketnews.com

a popular photo-shoot location for young Thais.

There is a cute coffee shop adjacent to the main building called the Hua-Hin Coffee Station (tel: 090-7913680), which on a rainy day makes for pleasant place to while away an hour or so with passengers awaiting the next train.

For more information on train timetables and fares to Hua Hin, visit railway.co.th

Elephant Polo Begun following a conversation between two British horse polo enthusiasts, the game quickly spread from its origins in the sub-continent – where it is played in Nepal, India and Sri Lanka – to Thailand, where it has been played since 2001.

Held every September, the King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament was the initiative of Anantara hotels, part of the Minor Group run by Bill Heinecke. This year’s edition was held from September 12-16 at the Suriyothai army camp outside of Hua Hin, and consisted of 16 international teams participating with 50 elephants.

Highlights for 2012 included former New Zealand All Blacks rugby team members Robin Brooke, Olo Brown and Charlie Riechelmann taking on a transvestite team led by Miss Tiffany Thailand Panvilas Mongkol, as well the presence of a number of members of European royalty, including German Prince Carl Oettinger-Wallerstein, 42, by all accounts an avid elephant polo player. In the final, the offensive might of Thai team King Power overcame the defending champions Audemars Piguet.

Not just amazing all-round entertainment, the tournament also has a more serious side, with fundraising

Photos: Kiri Heald Clockwise from top: having come from the south of Thailand, the train to Bangkok pulls in to Hua Hin’s historic station; the long beach that originally attracted Bangkokians to spend their holidays here; a food vendor at the retro-themed Plearn Wan mall; action at the 2012 Kings Cup Elephant Polo tournament, held just outside of Hua Hin; the royal waiting room at the city’s train station.

TRAVEL 11

THE PHUKET NEWS 2,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2012 NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Where to stay

from last year’s event donated to three projects in Thailand. The first was to continue to supporting research and clinics using elephants in therapy sessions for children in Thailand living with autism; launch the first and only elephant hospital in southern Thailand, and a human-elephant conflict project between the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and the Elephant Conservation Network charity, who work in a wildlife reserve in Kanchanaburi, This year, B3.3 million was raised to help Thailand’s wild elephant population, and rehabilitate elephants taken from the jungle to perform for tourists in big cities.

For more information on next year’s King’s Cup, visit anantaraelephantpolo.com

Plearn Wan Located almost directly opposite the royal palace Wang Klai Kang Won, Plearn Wan is a rather different though just as respectful homage to Thailand’s past. Equal parts mall and museum, its remarkable plank frontage gives way to a long, grassy thoroughfare lined with traditional wooden Chinese shophouses – the type once common to Bangkok and Hua Hin, before development displaced them.

The complex was only built in 2009, the name combining the English words ‘play’ and ‘learn’ with the Thai word ‘wan’, meaning yesterday. As with the train station, it’s a popular site for “cam-whoring”, as one recent Malaysian visitor described it.

T Certainly, photo opportunities abound with the picturesque exteriors (at times, you won’t be able to move without finding yourself in someone’s shot), but there’s plenty to discover inside the shops themselves: such as the record store that sells LPs and music from the 1950s and 60s, and the toy shop where retro coin operated machines dispense small toys and glass cabinets hold candies.

In addition, there are venues selling antique furniture, products made from recycled materials, musical instruments, and even an old school pharmacy. But of course, a Thai shopping experience is nothing without good food, and here’s where Plearn Wan kicks things up a notch – in a yesteryear style, of course.

From classic coffee to homemade coconut ice cream to fish noodle soup, it’s all found here – the restaurants supplemented by an array of pushcarts, all hawking their own specialty (especially look out for the delicious grilled banana slices drenched with a mixture of condensed milk and palm sugar).

For more information on visiting or staying at Plearn Wan (it has a retro-styled hotel), visit plearnwan.com

he Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa is designed in the style of an ancient Thai village, and located right beside the beachfront.

Lush tropical gardens surround the property, inviting you to spend your hours outdoors, while in the rooms and suites you’ll find all the amenities you need for an idyllic romantic vacation.

The resort offers a range of superior facilities including a beachside swimming pool, tennis courts, cookery school and a choice of glorious dining options of various world cuisines, all combining to create the perfect romantic vacation.

The resort is currently promoting the Hua Hin Perfect Getaway special offer from now until December 24, 2012, priced from B19,900. For this price, enjoy seamless transfers from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport by private hotel car, then choose the perfect accommodation to suit your needs, with Lagoon Room and Suite guests receiving a wealth of convenient, indulgent and VIP experiences.

The package includes 3 nights’ accommodation in a Premium Room, Lagoon Room or Anantara Suite; daily buffet breakfast for 2; roundtrip transfers between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Anantara Hua Hin; 15 per cent discount on selected food and beverage; and 15 per cent discount on Anantara Spa treatments.

To book now, or to enquire about special promotions for next year’s King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament, call +66 (0) 2365 9111, or visit huahin.anantara.com

SILKAIR CONNECTS YOU TO SINGAPORE WITH 2 MORE WEEKLY FLIGHTS From 15th November, MI759 / MI760 start operation on Thursday and Saturday.

5,960

All-in return fare from

Phuket to Singapore

THB

Flight MI759

Valid on MI759 and MI760 only

All times listed are local.

Day Thu, Sat

Depart 2100

Singapore to Phuket Arrive 2345

Flight MI760

Day Thu, Sat

Depart 1925

Arrive 2010

For travel on MI751 and MI760 only, all-in return fare starts from THB 6,460.

facebook.com/SilkAir Fares quoted are for return trip on Economy Class per person, originating out of Phuket to Singapore only. Advertised fares are inclusive of associated taxes and surcharges only. Fares quoted are subject to change due to currency fluctuation and exclude agents’ service fee. Bookings to be made online via silkair.com or through authorised SilkAir agents from 01 to 14 November 2012 for travel between 15 November 2012 to 31 January 2013. Black-out travel dates apply. Subject to seat availability. Tickets are strictly non - refundable, and change of flight, date or passenger name is not permitted. Other terms and conditions apply.

thephuketnews.com

12 GAMING

THE PHUKET NEWS

GAMER

IN BRIEF SimCity release pushed back Instead of a February release, Electronic Arts has announced that SimCity will be in stores on March 5, 2013.

A reason for the one month delay has not been provided by EA. The new SimCity, the sixth edition to the series, will be the first to feature full online play since SimCity 2000 Network Edition.

A simulated global economy with price fluctuations on key resources will be featured and depend on the in-game world’s supply and demand. It will be released only for PC and Mac.

Halo 4 most costly Microsoft title to date Though specific numbers have not been released, Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer admitted in a recent interview that Halo 4 is the company’s most expensive title to date.

Already one of the most expensive games to produce has been Halo 3 which reportedly cost US$60 million (B1.8 billion) including advertising and development.

Halo 4 will feature a new story-driven game mode and will be released worldwide on November 6 exclusively for the Xbox 360.

NHL 13 players can move to Europe leagues With NHL players moving across the pond to European teams because of the on-going NHL lockout, EA Sports has release an update to NHL 13 that allows gamers to transfer players to their new teams.

NHL 13 now includes five Europeans league, 66 Europeans teams, and over 2,100 players after the update. Gamers can now simulate real-life NHL exodus of players and use them in the Russian, Finish, and Swedish leagues among others.

Cheat of the Week

Borderlands 2 (All consoles) “Moxxi weapons” Keep tipping Moxxi in the Sanctuary over $10,000 after she talks, and she will eventually give you a weapon. You can repeat this once you leave and come back. She gives two weapons: a fire elemental submachine gun and a corrosive elemental submachine gun. Cheat Code Central (http://s.tt/1dIFm)

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2,2,2012

Each month we will profile one of the island’s many gamers. First up is professional muay Thai fighter and World of Warcraft veteran Matthew Semper.

If you would like to be featured here, email editor2@ thephuketnews.com

Rockstar wants fan feedback on GTA V

T

he makers of Grand Theft Auto V: Pest Control are seeking feedback from fans on the game’s new multiplayer mode.

Fans with ideas on how to enhance the Social Club Crew pages, competitive in-game features, and who want to weigh in on pros and cons of Max Payne 3’s Crews page are encouraged to contact Rockstar Games, GTA V’s developer, for feedback at GTAVCrewFeedback@rockstargames.com.

A trailer and official screenshots of the game were recently released.

The game, which has almost been entirely single-player since 2001’s GTA III, was announced in October 2011. Though analysts believe it will be released in March 2013, Rockstar Games has yet to announced the date.

Wii U set for late 2012 Asia release

S

ix years after releasing the Wii gaming system, Nintendo are set to launch their newest console: Wii U. It is expected to be released in the United States on November 18 with a release in Europe and Australia set for November 30. It will hit Asia (Japan) on December 8.

The main feature of the new system is the controller, which has a touchpad and resembles an early version of the Sony PSP. The wireless controller comes with a built-in camera and microphone intended for use in Nintendo’s software applications and will not be sold separately.

Nintendo announced the Wii U at the gaming expo E3 last year and hope to sell 5.5 million consoles.

The Wii U will be sold in an 8GB basic bundle (US$300 / B9,000) and a 32GB premium bundle (US$350 / B10,500). Each will include an HDMI cable, Wii sensor bar, and an adapter. The pre-

mium bundle will include 32GB of memory, charging station, one game, and a Nintendo Network Premium subscription to play games online with other players.

Over 50 games have already been announced for the console, including 007 Legends, Fifa Soccer 13, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Bayonetta 2, and a muchanticipated new Super Mario Brothers game.

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK

TOP MOBILE GAMES

1

Fifa 13

Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS Vita

6

Pokemon Black Version 2

DS

1

Devil’s Attorney

2

Skylanders Giants

Wii, Xbox 360

7

Resident Evil 6 (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3

2

Hidden Runaway

3

Dishonored (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

8

Borderlands 2 (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

3

Infectonator 2

4

Just Dance 4

Wii, Xbox 360, PS3

9

Pokemon White Version 2

DS

4

Funky Smugglers

5

Doom 3: BFG Edition (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

10

XCOM: Enemy Unknown

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

5

Topia

Name: Matthew Semper Nationality: American Gamer tags: Sobek, SaintOfFate Console: Xbox 360 How old were you when you started?

I was pretty young, I might have even been born with a controller in my hands.

First game owned?

Battlezone for Atari.

Toughest game?

World of Warcraft (WoW) and the arcade version of Dance Dance Revolution (DDR).

Quickest you ever finished a game?

Normally I will finish a game in one day. I wont put the controller down until my mission is complete!

Favorite game of all-time?

I have three. In the arcade it is DDR, in role-playing games it is WoW and in shooters it is Call of Duty.

What do you love about gaming?

That it is a world inside of a world and you can get lost in all the things you can do. Going on adventures with people from other parts of the world by your side. Also, you can be anyone you want online. If you aren’t outgoing in real life, you can still lead others to victory in a game.

What type of game do you prefer playing, and why?

I like to play first-person shooters and arcade games but massively multi-player online RPGs have taken over my life. There is so much you can do. It is your chance to have a second life.

Favorite gaming moment?

When my guild GenocideX (in WoW) ranked as one of the top guilds in the world in each game we played, with thousands of members under my leadership.

FILM 13

THE PHUKET NEWS 2,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2012 NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Sinister

Michael Fassbender has been tapped to star as Assassin’s Creed’s Desmond Miles.

From the console to the big screen

T

Don’t watch the home movies FILM REVIEW J.P. Mestanza editor2@thephuketnews.com

Approx. 110 minutes Director: Scott Derrickson Starring: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, Fred Thompson, James Ransone

H

orror films are the guilty pleasure of every movie fan, and even though few will admit it, a good scary story messes with your head well after the final credits.

Sinister falls into the latter camp, along with other well-made horror flicks Halloween and Hellraiser, of being a perfectly paced story with a spooky villain that still manages to bring a fresh angle to the genre.

The opening of the film creates a heightened sense of anticipation, playing around with your emotions, pushing and pulling you until the fright sets in – and from then on it does not let go.

Sinister stars Ethan Hawke as truecrime writer Elison Oswalt looking for just one more bestseller. He thinks he will find it by following the case of a missing girl whose family was hung in their backyard.

In a move that reminds of the doomed writer in Stephen King’s The Shining, Oswalt moves his family into the exact same house (you have to wonder why his wife agreed to it), hoping to uncover the truth

about the tragic case, but instead becoming increasingly obsessed with what he finds.

Without giving away too much of the plot, he gets much more than he bargained for when he discovers a box of home movies in the attic – does all work and no play make Elison a dull boy?

As well as the terrifying thrills, there are actual humorous moments peppered into the film, which give the story a bit more character beyond a mere shock-fest. It’s not so much gory as it is well-scripted.

The movie does not reinvent the horror movie, but it clearly knows how to use the genre in fresh ways. Cliches from old films are evident, but the twists and turns Sinister takes are completely new.

Much like what Saw did for the genre by making everything into a game, Sinister tells their story with a crime drama gusto that is more akin to thoughtful detective TV shows, notably Criminal Minds.

In sum, elements of history, the supernatural, and veiled boogie man hints used with creepy home movies and scary children gives us a horror flick perfect for Halloween.

Schwarzenegger to reprise Conan role

A

rnold Schwarzenegger is going full circle and will reprise his legendary role Conan the Barbarian in an upcoming sequel.

The script for the film, slated for a 2014 release, is currently in development and will take place after the

events of Schwarzenegger’s last Conan film, Conan the Destroyer, with an elder character.

“We will be able to use the fact that he has aged in this story. I love the property of Conan so much that I wouldn’t touch it unless we came up

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) Alex Cross(E) [15+] Alex Cross (E/F) [15+] Frankenweenie (E/3D) [G] Hor Taew Tak 4 (T) [15+] Looper (E) [18+] My Name Is Love (T/E.SUB) [15+] Saranae Osekai (T) [G] Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (E/3D) [13+] Sinister (E/F) [18+]

11:40, 13:50, 16:00, 18:10, 20:20, 22:30 14:40, 19:30 11:15, 13:15, 15:15, 19:45 11:15, 13:15, 15:30, 17:45, 20:00, 22:15 17:15, 21:45 16:30, 21:25 11:50, 13:50, 15:50, 17:50, 19:50, 21:45 11:35, 13:40, 15:45, 17:50, 19:55, 22:00 12:15, 17:05, 21:50

with something worthy. We think this is a worthy successor to the original film. Think of this as Conan’s Unforgiven,” said screenwriter Chris Morgan.

The film will not include be connected to 2011’s failed Conan movie.

he movie adaptations of popular video games Mass Effect and Assassin’s Creed are moving along with names attached to both projects.

A script for the Assassin’s Creed film, which has Michael Fassbender on board to produce and star, is currently being developed.

The Assassin’s Creed story involves a bartender named Desmond Miles who is captured and put into a machine that allows him to relive the memories of his ancestors who were assassins. The story incorporates historical elements and conspiracies.

Sony Pictures bought the rights to the Assassin’s Creed franchise and will develop the film along with UbiSoft’s new film division. UbiSoft is also looking to film the Tom Clancy franchises Ghost Recon and Splinter Cell, both of which are highly regarded in the gaming world.

Meanwhile, Legendary Pictures acquired the rights to Mass Effect and have hired screenwriter Morgan Davis Foehl for the script. Foehl has also worked on I Now Pronounce you Chuck & Larry and Click.

“Producers sparked to Foehl’s take on the project, given that he is a Mass Effect fan, but also has penned action pics with a strong espionage bent, something that factors into the overall plot of the Mass Effect games,” said a statement.

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film

Weekend gross

Gross

1

Argo

$12.3M

$60.8M

2

Hotel Transylvania

9.5M

$130M

3

Cloud Atlas

$9.4M

$9.4M

4

Paranormal Activity 4

$8.68M

$42.6M

5

Taken 2

$8M

$117M

6

Silent Hill: Revelation 3D

$8M

$8M

7

Here Comes the Boom

$5.5M

$30.6M

8

Sinister

$5.07M

$39.5M

9

Alex Cross

$5.05M

$19.4M

$4.06M

$4.06M

10 Fun Size

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) Alex Cross (E) [15+] Finding Nemo 3D (E/3D) [G] Hor Taew Tak 4 (T) [15+] Looper (E) [18+] Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (E) [13+] Sinister (E) [18+] Taken 2 (E) [15+]

11:30, 16:00, 18:10, 20:20, 22:30 13:40 11:15, 13:30, 15:45, 18:00, 20:10, 22:20 11:35, 14:35, 18:25, 21:25 11:40, 13:45, 15:50, 17:55, 20:00, 22:05 12:15, 14:00, 17:00, 21:00 16:20, 19:20

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 call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076 - 600 -555.

thephuketnews.com

14 ISLAND SCENE

DRESSING UP FOR A CAUSE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2,2,2012

It was a great night at the Halloween Costume Charity Party held at Bliss Beach Club on the evening of Saturday (October 27), as guests raised B346,000 for the Good Shepherd Charity in Phuket. Proceeds raised from the event will go towards the Good Shepherd’s Mon-Burmese School located in Bang Jo.

From left, Phuket Provincial Employment Office Executive Officer Poung Songnam; Yaowapa Pibulpol, Chief of Phuket Provincial Employment; Noppadon Ployyoudee, secretary to the department; and Jorge De la Torre Koch, MD of Events Thailand are flanked by two staff members from Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort.

Oh, from Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort human resources department.

ON THE JOB HUNT The Phuket Job Fair 2012 was held on the weekend of October 27 and 28, at Rajabhat University in Phuket Town. The successful event was organised by Events Thailand.

thephuketnews.com

Robin Deb, GM of the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort.

Jorge De la Torre Koch, MD of Events Thailand.

ISLAND SCENE 15

THE PHUKET NEWS 2,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2012 NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Eam Thavornwongwongse Asia Center Foundation Chairman, far left, and his wife, Jiratha Thavornwongwongse, right.

TEN YEARS OF SUCCESS HELPING PHUKET’S PEOPLE The Asia Center Foundation (ACF) held a celebration and fundraising dinner on October 27 at the Phuket Orchid Resort in Karon, to celebrate the charitable work they have done amongst disadvantaged families and children at risk in the local community for the past 10 years. Bob Dwyer, former Australian National Coach, was the guest speaker.

Bob Pearson and Patrick Cotter, Ambassadors of Hope recipients, with Trevor Day.

Phuket teachers Michelle and Farrah.

From left, Daniel Meury, GM of Andara; Christophe Deridder, GM CDP Unique; Tobias Lauinger, GM Black Forest; and Kay Deridder.

A DINING DELIGHT Andara Villas & Resort along with Black Forest recently held an event in conjunction with Reni Hildenbrand from Hildenbrand Estate in South Africa. Around 100 Phuket residents, including restaurateurs and entrepreneurs attended the event at Silk Restaurant. Black Forest GM, Tobias Lauinger, said he was pleased to see guests coming from Siray, Laguna, Rawai and Mai Khao to Kamala to attend.

From left, Mr Lauinger; Alain Tabruyn, Owner of Brasserie; Robin Wilson, Director Marketing, Communications & Events at Laguna; and Peter Komposch, GM of Dusit Thani.

CENTARA GIVE KIDS A HELPING HAND

Tiwaporn Mahaprom, Director of Human Resources at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, second from left, recently organised a monthly Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity by providing ice creams, doughnuts, stationery kits for children and money to support the Child-Watch Phuket Association at the Uncle Pitak Home.

thephuketnews.com

16 ISLAND SCENE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2,2,2012

Violetta (in blue) and family, Khun Keat (holding flowers), Jana and Eni.

DAVINCI’S DELI DELIGHTS The new DaVinci Deli held its official opening in the island’s south on October 25.

Jana with the team from Blue DZine.

Tom and Sue with Jana from DaVinci.

Leinfe (left), guest and Nalaly (far right).

From left, Live 89.5 Station Manager Steve Johnston, Murat Can Sakarya from the Royal Phuket Marina, Live 89.5 breakfast show hosts Sam Clarke and Natasha Horrelt, and Mai Vatcharawipakorn from RPM.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIVE 89.5

Phuket’s Live 89.5 FM, The Phuket News’ sister radio station, celebrated one year’s broadcasting on the island’s airwaves last week with an all-day party to thank listeners for their support.

Claudio and Jana from DaVinci, David and Leinfe.

IT’S ALL THAT JAZZ The 2012 Phuket City Jazz Summit will be held on Sunday (November 4) as a tribute to the island’s hard-working musicians, and hopes to embody the best of

Phuket music and musicianship.

The event will be held at the Katina Hotel (5/61 Sakdidaj Rd, Phuket Town) from 8pm to 2am.

It is a free event and open to all.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD Around 200 people from the Seed Church Phuket visited their sister church in Krabi on October 20-23 to attend the “Covenant Yearly Camp 2012”. Around 20 Christian couples took the opportunity to get married during this event.

thephuketnews.com

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THE PHUKET NEWS 2,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2012 NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Thailand and Tyneside David Brook editor@thephuketnews.com

There is a connection between Giuseppe Garibaldi, former Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, and former world professional darts champion “Jocky” Wilson.

Certainly they came from contrasting backgrounds – one from a family of coastal traders, one from a wealthy family of Thai-Chinese origin, and one from an orphanage upbringing.

D

o you have a favourite biscuit?

Mine is a Garibaldi, first manufactured in 1861 and popular in the UK ever since. The biscuit is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, (1807-1882) an Italian general, politician and leader of the fight to unify Italy.

But there is a connection between Giuseppe Garibaldi, former Thailand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, and former world professional darts champion “Jocky” Wilson. Certainly they came from contrasting backgrounds – one from a family of coastal traders, one from a wealthy family of Thai-Chinese origin, and one from an orphanage upbringing.

The connection is Wallsend, on Tyneside, where one was a visitor, one was born, and one lived there for 10 years.

Garibaldi was a visitor to Wallsend. His exploits had made him popular on Tyneside and an enthusiastic welcome greeted him on March 21, 1854, when he sailed into the Tyne from New York to take on coal. He stayed for more than a month before setting sail for Genoa after being presented with an inscribed sword, which his grandson later carried as a volunteer in British service in the Boer War. Abhisit Vejjajiva was actually born in Wallsend on August 3, 1964, to two Thai medical professors although his deeper origins lie in a Thai-Chinese family that has cultivated close ties to Thailand’s ruling elite for generations.

Mark A. Vejjajiva attended Eton College and Oxford University. Elected to the Parliament of Thailand aged 27, he became Democrat Party leader in 2005, and the 27th Prime Minister in December

Live 89.5’s Got Talent

T

une in on Live 89.5 on Saturday mornings from 9am to 10am with your host Siobhan McGovern as she interviews Phuket’s up and coming talent. Hear them perform on the air and find out why they love the arts.

Name: Georgia Franck Age: 14 Occupation: Student What instrument do you play and how long have you been studying?

Piano and guitar for three and four months.

What is your favourite thing about performing?

My favourite thing about singing is performing and listening to your voice improve.

Do you get stage fright?

How do you deal with it?

Yes I get stage fright. I deal with it by staring at one spot.

Eventually it will go away when you are more into the song.

Tell us about one of your best performances.

One of my favourite performances was when I was in the Battle of the Bands last year, that was so much fun.

Which people inspire you musically?

There are a lot of people who musically inspire me: My mum, Australian music entrepreneur Molly Meldrum, and American actress and singer Selena Gomez.

2008 (until 2011) – Thailand’s youngest prime minister in over 60 years.

By contrast John Thomas “Jocky” Wilson was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland on March 22, 1950.

His early years were in an orphanage, and later as a coal delivery man and miner. Ironically unemployment set Jocky on the road to darting greatness. He entered a Butlins’ darts competition which he won, claiming the £500 top prize.

This success convinced him to turn professional in 1979. He quickly rose to the top of the game, twice winning the World Professional Darts Championship.

A contemporary and rival of Eric Bristow, Bob Anderson and John Lowe, Wilson won many titles in his career, including the British Professional Championship a record four times between 1981 and 1988, as well as the prestigious British Open and Matchplay titles.

For 10 years during his darts career he lived in Wallsend and became a regular visitor to Federation Brewery (where I was Chief Executive). Jocky played in our unique Darts Event, The Champions Challenge, which featured only former World Champions.

Ever the entertainer, he would always be guaranteed to liven the audience.

Sometimes controversial, often outspoken, but ever popular with darts fans for his honest approach, natural talent, and sense of humour. He retired from the game in 1995, withdrew from public life, and was rarely seen in public before his death in 2012. Great memories of an amazing guy. Particularly as he used to dunk his biscuits every time he came to see me – always a Garibaldi!

Asian-nominated DJ of the Year spins at Bliss

A

sian DJ Celeste Siam will perform at Bliss Beach Club tomorrow (November 3) as part of the second Fistpump party.

Having just returned from Ibiza playing at Space and Ocean Beach Club, spinning with the likes of Carl Cox, Fatboy Slim, Umek and Nic Fancciuli, Celeste Siam is now fully involved in the production of her new EP. The Fistpump party brand was created earlier this year by Phuket resident Darren ‘Daz’ Smith, to fill a gap in Phuket’s entertainment industry.

Daz said the idea stemmed from wanting great parties with great music to attend himself.

The first official Fistpump party was held at the Secret Cove in Ao Yon in September.

Celeste Siam spins everything, including deep house, disco, funk, tribal and classics in a set, an approach that has made her a respected and sought after DJ in Asia.

She was recently nominated as the Asian DJ of the Year for the Global Spin Awards.

Bliss Resident DJs will play

earlier in the night, followed by DJ Mikito, with Celeste Siam playing from 11pm.

Tickets are B800 on the door, or B600 for those on the VIP Guest List (includes one welcome drink). To get on the guest list, RSVP on Facebook event page “Fistpump presents Celeste Siam” or contact organiser Darren on daz.smith@live.com or 082 285 0035 (Eng) 089 2226 197 (Thai) before 6pm Saturday. Five per cent of ticket sales go to the Good Shepherd Phuket charity.

Doors open 8pm.

For more information visit facebook.com/fistpumpfans

Pop star Glitter arrested in British sex abuse scandal

F

ormer glam rocker Gary Glitter has been released on bail after being arrested Sunday by police investigating sexual abuse allegations against the late British TV star Jimmy Savile that have plunged the BBC into crisis.

The 1970s pop star will appear before officers in mid-December as part of the investigation police have termed “Savile and others”, according to a Scotland Yard statement.

Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, is the first person arrested in an investigation which has snowballed since claims that Savile molested underage girls were aired in a television documentary earlier this month.

The king of the glam rock era with a string of stomping hits, has served a jail term in Britain for downloading child pornography and in Vietnam for child sex offences.

Wearing a hat, dark glasses and a winter coat, 68-year-old Glitter was seen being escorted from his central London home into a waiting vehicle early Sunday.

“Officers working on Operation Yewtree have today arrested a man in his 60s in connection with the investigation,” a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

The operation has identified around 300 possible victims of Savile over a 40-year period, which would make the eccentric BBC presenter one of the worst sex offenders in British history.

The claims against Savile have plunged the BBC into crisis and destroyed the reputation of a man who, with his garish tracksuits and ever-present cigar, was one of the most famous faces on British television for decades.

Savile, who died on October 29 last year aged 84, also single-handedly raised tens of millions of pounds for charity. AFP

thephuketnews.com

18 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, 2012 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2,2,2012

FRIDAY NOV 16 The Need for Altruism by Ven. Matthieu Ricard

Does true altruism really exist? Is it possible to train our minds to be more caring and compassionate? How do we bridge the gap between personal transformation and fostering a more compassionate society? What is the link between altruism and happiness?

In this discussion, Ven. Matthieu Ricard will address and explore the complex topic of altruism and its role in the modern world.

Time 5.30pm until 7pm. Venue: Thanyapura Retreat Centre – Teaching Hall. 076 336 000, email: mcdirector@thanyapura.com. See thanyapura.com.

FRIDAY NOV 2

erage. Located at Patong Promenade: www.hogs breath.co.th.

refreshing drinks, and good company. Balloon artists entertain the little ones with face painting and kids’ activities. Every Sunday at 12pm-3pm. B1,100++ per adult.

B700++ per child (Ages 5-12). Make your reservations at phuket.sales@hilton.com.

MONDAY NOV 5

Monday Buffet Special Friday at Hogs Breath Live acoustic band. B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade, www.hogsbreath.co.th

Kokosnuss Restaurant. Schnitzel, fried potatoes and salad buffet B190 per person. Starts 5.30pm. For more info please visit phuketkokosnuss.com.

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

SUNDAY NOV 4

Sunday Roast Pork Sunday roast pork or beef dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www.expathotel.com.

University and Higher Education

Phuket Cricket Group season opening day Steak Night Buffet at Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong Char-grilled and delicious. Tender cuts of quality meats cooked to perfection. Tasty side dishes, selection of fine sauces and a deliciously fresh salad bar. Start from 6.30pm-10pm. Contact 076 349 800-7, email chp@chr.co.th.

10 over Triangular Exhibition Tournament.

Be treated to a fast-paced hard hitting regional derby between teams representing northern/southern hemispheres and central region. Fun-filled family day with heaps of entertainment and activities for all. Starts at 9am. Location: Alan Cooke Ground Baan Lipon, Thalang. For more information please visit the PCG website or the Phuket Cricket Group Facebook page. See phuketcricketgroup.com.

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Every first and third Friday a month, allyou-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

TUESDAY NOV 6

L a z y Sund ay Ja z z Mor ning at Paresa Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast at Paresa with jazz music 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. Contact 076 302 000.

25+ colleges/universities (UK, US, Australia, Thailand, Europe) will be showcasing their further education offerings for students and parents. Lots of research is needed to find the right college/university after secondary school - the BIS University and Higher Education Fair is a great place to start or continue your research. Students from neighboring schools are welcome.

Email: bclark@bisphuket.ac.th.

Wicked Wednesdays

Ladies day. Buy one beverage get one free. Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogsbreath.co.th.

Special Sunday at Hogs Breath Kids eat free when adults buy main courses.

B99 beverages during live sports coverage.

Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogs breath.co.th.

Pool Competition at Expat Hotel

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

Pool Competition: Meet The Come hear the loving words of Best Players in Town Jesus Designed and built by a Thai-Canadian

SATURDAY NOV 3 Sunday Brunch at Hilton Phuket

Special Saturday at Hogs Breath B99 beverages during live sports cov-

thephuketnews.com

Enjoy our lavish international buffet with friends and family each Sunday at Sails – a Hilton experience. Our jazz band sets the mood for a relaxing afternoon with delicious food, live cooking stations,

At The Seed Church in Cherngtalay. Enjoy a great fellowship, practical preaching, contemporary music and free snacks in one of the fastest growing churches in Thailand! English services every Sunday at 2pm in Cherngtalay. Visit our website for directions or call for more information. See www.seed churchthailand.com.

Contact 098 764 5353, 084 056 7027, 081 891 2503.

family in 2011, The Plaza is a very fine sculpture and wall relief garden and entertainment centre. Artist’s pictures can be seen at the plaza walls all year round.

The art pieces are donated by “The Unique One,” a rare selection of art by Khun Manop and Mike. Pool competition is sponsored by Komodo Bar at 9pm. Entry fee B100 plus one free beverage. Come on everybodylet’s party. Call 082 280 3282.

THE PHUKET NEWS 2,FRIDAY, List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2012 NOVEMBER 2, 2012

 

 

 

Wahoo Thailand 2013 Sport Fishing Tournament

Ao Chalong Yacht Club Everyone welcome

Offshore The Similan Islands

19th - 21st February 2013 Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.

Cash and prizes totaling over 2,000,000 Baht ($60,000)

  

        

EVENTS 19

“Award winning chef from Airlie Beach, Australia.

Fabulous breakfast, and authentic western Sunday roast from 12 - 4pm - just like home! Home made desserts eg. cheesecake, bread & butter pudding, apple pie made fresh every day.”

          

There is parking on site, cool breezes and a beautiful view.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8.00am 7 days per week.

Tel: 090 890 8993 email: amandaleehay@bigbond.com

    

info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel:

+66 (0) 862739948

Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com



For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright Rawai Beach Fishing Club is an official Sponsor Club of the International Game Fishing Association. RBFC supports IGFA’s standards of good sportsmanship in recreational fishing

drink list for everyone all night long. From 6pm to midnight - DJ tunes till late. RE KA TA Beach Club at Boathouse.

FRIDAY NOV 9

NOVEMBER 28

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

THURSDAY NOV 8

Charity Quiz Night at Sugar Reef

the Royal Phuket Yacht Club. We suggest parking at Nai Harn temple parking lot.

Limited tables available. Please call 084 509 1975. Look for us on Facebook: later razza.phuket.

Rory Byrne - Benetton, Ferrari IBAP has the great pleasure of hosting an evening with Rory Byrne where he will discuss his career to date, covering 20 years with Benetton and Ferrari, plus his views on the future of Formula One. Byrne designed cars have won over 70 Grands Prix, 7 constructors titles and 6 drivers titles, mainly with Schumacher and Ferrari. Doors open 6pm, A2 Resort on Bypass Road. http:// ibap-phuket.org.

SATURDAY NOV 24 - DEC 3

Phuket Has Been Good To Us charity quiz night start at 7pm. Raffle prizes plus B10 from every drink goes to charity. www. sugarreefbar.com.

Loi Krathong Festival Loi Krathong is one of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand. The event occurs on the full-moon night of the 12th lunar month.

The festival originates from Sukhothai Province. Loy means to float and Krathong is a lotus-shaped boat made from banana leaves. The festival is of Brahmin origin to honour Mae Khongkha, the Mother Goddess of the Waters. Before people float their krathong, they make a wish. It is believed that the krathongs carry away sins and bad luck.

EVERY DAY

Kata Beach - Soi Taina 11 Meet up with your friends to enjoy good drinks and food at Allstar Restaurant & Sports Bar. Burgers, pasta, steaks, ribs, Thai food and much more. Our kitchen is open 12pm untill late. Dagens Husman (Swedish specialty). Every day 12-5pm watch games from all international football, F1, golf and much more or just come for a drink! We also show live sport from Sweden. Call 091 159 01 22.

Traditional Home Cooked Food Special club membership for expats entitling members to discounts on food and drink. Ask Jamie for details. All major sporting events shown live on big screen.

Sugar Reef opposite Tesco Cherngtalay. www.sugarreefbar.com.

FRIDAY NOV 30 AustCham Phuket Sundowners Pork Roast and Roast Chicken Buffet Includes salads, soups, mashed potatoes, bread dumplings. All you can eat B190 per person. See phuketkokosnuss.com.

Laguna Phuket Tri-Fest Laguna Phuket Triathlon on Sunday 25th November and Ironman 70.3 on Sunday 2nd December, launch the high season in carnival style, are linked by a “Tri-Fest” of related training and social events for the many age-group and professional athletes who flock from all over the world each year to soak up the unique triathlon ambience. 076362300 www.lagunaphuket.com/ events/tri-fest, info@lagunaphuket.com.

Australian Thailand Chamber of Commerce social and business networking soiree at the new Hogs Breath Cafe on the 3rd floor of the Promenade Plaza off Soi Bangla in Patong, at 5.30pm. (Opposite the old burnt Tiger disco). Contact harry@ladypie.com for more details.

SATURDAY DEC 1

Double Happy Hours At the end of the Rawai beach strip, Rawai Plaza is the best entertainment venue for those who seek a bit more fun after a good meal. Listen to good music, enjoy sport on large TV. Play pool or dart games or just enjoy the unique surroundings. Selected beverages. At 4-8pm and midnight till late.

Plus free pool sponsored by Komodo Bar. From 8- 9.30pm. Come on everybody Let’s party. Call 082 280 3282.

SATURDAY NOV 24 Pure Blue Foundation presents a night of Chocolate Decadence

Karaoke Night Fever Enjoy Karaoke night every Thursday at Ao Chalong Yacht club. Starting at 7pm. Call 090 809 8993.

La Terrazza

Manicure Ladies Night Free express manicure for ladies. Free beverage for ladies on arrival, 50% off

Come and join us at La Terrazza opening, the beautiful Sunset Bar & Lounge right on the rocks over Nai Harn beach. DJ set, live art performance, fire player bartender show, midnight lucky draw. Free buffet from 8 - 10 p.m., first drink on the house, 50% off on next drinks, special treats. Just pass

Put a spring in your step and a twinkle in your heart under the night sky at Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga and release the endangered leatherback turtles with us on the pristine sands of Natai Beach, at our annual fundraising event. A silent auction for contributions to assist us continue our work preserving and building the turtle population for now and future generations to come will also be a highlight of the evening. Tickets are B2,222 net per person including all food and drink. The evening starts at 7pm.

Please book now, as availability is limited at help@purebluefoundation.com.

Going to Surin Beach?

If you have time this week head to Sea Breeze Surin Beach for a great lunch time offer. We are doing any of our burgers with homecut fries for only B175 between 12pm and 5pm every day. For expats we are also offering B20 off beverages all day, every day - ask a manager when you arrive. Live sport every day including our 100” HD screen. Ask about our new pool club, plus kids and adults parties planned and catered for. Call 076 270 399, www. thebestbeachclub.com, info@theburger barandbeachclub.com.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

20 TIME OUT GOT YOUR NUMBER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

GUESS WHERE THIS IS AND WIN!

GERRY’S VIEW

250,000

THIS WEEK’S HINT: “Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees and have to stand back to appreciate the view. In this case, this is what I have done in getting away from the hustle and bustle of Phuket’s favourite playground, and driven along the west coast road a few kilometres. Of course the three tall buildings are distinctive landmarks.”

In an average year, the number of American men beaten up by their wives.

33,000

–Gerry Cummings

Number of McDonald’s outlets worldwide.

50

editor@thephuketnews.com

The number of millions of tonnes of methane farted by cows every year.

30

www.photohutgroup.com

thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

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

Congratulations go to Rune Hyll Krantz, who correctly guessed that last week’s photo was of the five monkeys on pedestals next to the main road leading from Phuket Town into Rasada District and Koh Sirae, not far from the small bridge.

Percentage of people who can flare their nostrils.

This week in history ■■ November 2, 1936 Italian dictator Benito Mussolini proclaims the Rome-Berlin Axis, establishing the alliance of the Axis Powers.

■■ November 3, 1957 The Soviet Union launches the Sputnik 2 satellite. On board is the first animal to enter orbit, an unfortunate dog named Laika.

■■ November 4, 1922 British archaeologist Howard Carter and his men find the entrance to Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

■■ November 5, 1605 The arrest of Guy Fawkes during a search of the Palace of Westminster foils a plot to destroy the House of Lords and all within it.

Across

Down

1. Al’s got tummy trouble in head office – he’s a boozer. (9) 6. Auto and French mark to put it here. (5) 9. Replays mixed garnish.

(7) 10. In difficult situations, just manages to make a living. (7) 11. More insensitive cipher.

(6) 12. Son follows to steal in department store. (8) 15. Stops hospital keys. (5) 17. Medea, maybe, or goddess in ship. (9) 19. Attractive quality of Man or 22 across. (9) 22. Let Ma make lead, perhaps. (5) 24. Very hungry about 5 looking intently. (8) 25. Sounded like male bees. (6) 28. Forgive muscle and work out. (7) 29. Copied person, employed man in dock.

(7) 30. Pose a storyteller in reverse. (5) 31. Anger consumed moderate. (9)

1. Tree like writer. (5) 2. After auto, am the Spanish candy. (7) 3. Yells for hers in nothing – and a couple of fifties. (7) 4. Non-professional ballads. (4) 5. Commodores rebuilt launch site. (10) 6. Explosive string – point after it. (7) 7. Response is ripe about ring saint. (7) 8. It’s mixed up. (3) 13. Nosey? Not applicable to Sal. (5) 14. Stem snag in odd job. (10) 15. Heard in church? Not hers, they say. (5) 16. Cask is heavy, apparently. (3) 18. Whisky town (3) 20. Talks a lot about learner in specs. (7) 21. Five in direction: “Cut! Wrap!”

(7) 22. Car went back about mile – supernatural event. (7) 23. 16 down is one – a country.

(7) 26. Venetian leader takes note of clever trick. (5) 27. How magician may make tree disappear? (4) 28. Eureka, however you read it.

(3)

1. Who or what is a Guillemot?

2. Which glands produce white blood cells?

3. What colour is a sari for a traditional Indian wedding?

4. What nationality was the World War I exotic dancer and spy Mata Hari?

5. What is the word for a factory in which leather is produced?

Answers at the foot of the page.

■■ November 6, 1528 Shipwrecked Spanish conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca becomes the first known European to set foot in Texas.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. A seabird; 2. The lymph glands; 3. Red; 4.Dutch; 1. Eight; 2. Potatoes; Dolly; 4.Two; 5. Flax.

5. A 3. tannery.

thephuketnews.com

■■ November 7, 1994 WXYC, radio station of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, provides the world’s first internet radio broadcast.

SUDOKU

■■ November 8, 1519 Hernán Cortés enters Tenochtitlán and Aztec ruler Moctezuma welcomes him with a great celebration, the city subsequently falls.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 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

POWERED BY

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 thephuketnews.com

16 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

JOBS

Beachfront cottage

Chalong beach, one bedroom, available for rent now > 20

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

preferred Min. 3 years experience. Email: admin@ patonghemingways.com.

Sala Phuket Jobs Vacancy: -Purchasing Manager: 1 Position -Chief Engineering 1 Position -Spa Therapist 4 Positions -Reservation Officer: 1 Position Contact 076 338 888.

Email: pncphuket@sala phuket.com.

Bartender and Waitress Needed:

Tw o G r a p h i c Designers Wanted: SPIKEMEDIA is a

Lounge Bar opening in November: 2 bartenders, 2 waitresses, 1 maid/ helper English speaking, some experience, good looking and good attitude to service. Better if from hotel industry. Offering: salary according with experience, good tips, one meal, uniform, one day off. Email: laterrazzaphuket@hotmail. com. 084 509 1975.

creative media agency based in Phuket working for a variety of national and international clients.

We are seeking full-time Graphic Designers, to work on a diverse range of print and web design projec t s. Salar y de pending on experience and talent level. Please send CV and some s amp l e s of wo r k to: info@spikemediagroup. com.

Administrative Assistant: Thai nationality.

Plumbers Required: Plumbers/Labourers wanted, Thai or expat (must have work permit). Total Water Solutions are a small p l u m b i n g /c o n s t r u c t i o n company based in Chalong we are urgently seeking workers. Khun Aoy at 086 940 7205.

Air Con/Refrig Tech- Excellent English is a must. nician: Looking for a Computer literate (Office,

technician with experience in electrics, air or refrig (compressors), for servicing, repairing and maintaining equipment. Competitive salary and bonuses. Call 084 915 9507.

Excel, Word, Internet).

Please send CV in English.

Email: lola2605@gmail. com.

Pizza Maker / Cook: Full time! (only Thai app l i c a nt s) w w w. p h u ket adventureminigolf.com, contact Khun Decha 0 8 0 5 4 8 3 3 4 5 , e m a i l: manager@phuket adventureminigolf.com.

Russian Guest Relation: Russian Guest Phuket Brasserie Jobs Recuitment: -Waitress 5 Positions.

-Bartender 2 Positions.

Salary B9,000. Service sharge B4,000. If you worked in hotels before will be an advantage. Contact 076 210 511.Send CV and photo to linkwanjai@me.com.

Tw o Te c h n i c i a n s Wanted: Technical Certificate, ages 25-50. Two years experience, salary, competency-based pay, full time/part time, be able to work at up-country. Call 076 323 043, email: juicyfx@ yahoo.com.

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.

Relation is needed at The Imperial Adamas Beach Resort, Phuket.

The position is available now. Please send your CV and actual photo to e l ye s .b @ i m p e r i a l adamas.com.

Instructor for a Wake Park: Wanted a wakeboarding/ water ski instructor. Male/female. Native Russian language speaker.

Fluent English. Permanent location at Phuket.

Please send CV to phuket wakepark1@gmail.com.

Executive Chef Wanted: Minimum 4-5 years experience, must have

Mobile Car Rental is experience in food quality hiring !: Rapidly expand- and cost control, developing ing car rental company is hiring new staff members.

Required: good English knowledge, driving license, independent thinking, positive attitude, computer skills.

Call us ! 081 970 5204.

Clothes shop staff wanted: Blackbird shop, 6 days per week full time or part time. Must speak at least basic level English.

Contact 084 676 6663 (Thai and English).

menus and recipes. Please send CV and references in Thai or English to jazon@ headstartphuket.com.

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

Administrative Assistant: Thai, degree in Admin or equivalent, good

Finance Manager: This written and spoken Engposition performs high-level professional level accounting work and is responsible for the preparation of the company’s financial statements and reports. CPA

lish, basic accounting, experience a must. Salary based on qualifications.

Send resume to: officemanager@techworx.asia or call 081 080 3773.

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, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. We are currently seeking

Full Time Public Relations/ Marketing manager to handle: ● PR and marketing of our products & services ● Identifying sponsorship opportunities & liaising with event organizers ● Building relationships with local organizations, government & private companies The applicant must have:● Thai National ● Excellent personal skills ● Good command of English ● Experience in PR/Marketing in print media or radio would be an advantage but not essential ● Existing relationships/network of contacts in Phuket an advantage ● Own car & ability to work flexible hours and attend events during non-work hours

We offer:● Competitive salary & bonuses depending ● 5 day work week – (Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 6 pm) ● Friendly work environment & excellent progress opportunities ● Time in lieu policy for any overtime hours worked

Interested applicants are invited to apply by sending a full resume in English with a recent photo & expected salar to: info@thephuketnews.com

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553

www.thephuketnews.com

thephuketnews.com

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, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. We are currently seeking

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, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. We are currently seeking

Sales Manager

JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT

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@thephuketnews.com or post to below address.

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553 adminmgr@thephuketnews.com

Experience in accounting system with international company is a plus ● Good command of English ● Knowledge of Taxation/VAT/PND/Social Security ● Service-Minded ●

We offer:Monday-Friday (8.30 am – 6.00 pm.)

Friendly work environment ● Excellent progress opportunity and job security ● ●

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or post to below address.

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553 adminmgr@thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 17

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php Office Assistant Needed:

JOBS IN PHUKET ing Welcome. Contact 082 806 1695.

House near Laguna! 085 579 5030.

Food & Beverage Manager: Experience

Guest Experience Manager: European

Small dynamic and friendly real estate agency company based in Chalong, Phuket working for national and international clients.

We are seeking full-time assistant with administrative skills and outgoing personality.

Experienced in selling real estate is advantage. Thai National, Excellent English spoken and written is a must.

Computer literate (Office, Excel, Word, Internet).Salary based on qualifications. Send resume, photo and expected salary to: sales@18excelsior-property.com, welcome walk-in candidates. www.18excelsior-property.com.

Operation Manager: Luxury Yacht Charter Company is looking for an Operation Manager. Thai nationality.Key tasks: yachts provisioning and cleaning control,staff coordination.Secretary and basic accounting work.Own car is needed. Email to sales@ fivestarseacruises.com. speak English. Experience

gramming and installation,

S a l e s R e p r e s e n - Restaurant Manager in tour operator / reser- can drive. Salary based on t at ive: O ur c ompany Wa n t e d: Re st au r a nt vation would be a benefit experience. Send resume sp e c i ali s e s in p r o duc t development and distribution of high quality beverages. Please send your most recent resume, picture, and cover letter to: hr@ premiumthaibrands.com.

manager / accounting with experience managing restaurant, accounting, managing staff and Ser ving Customers. 087 471 1351

but not necessary. Able to work on shift. Able to use Microsoft Outlook. Contact 076 381 703.

Classroom Teacher We are looking for Needed: For nurser y key members: Res- school. Qualified, patient,

taurant manager, execuSales Consultant Re- tive chef, waiter / waitress, dedicated teacher needed quired: Club Asia Fitness guest service agent (Eng- to teach children aged berequires a sales consultant.

A Thai national with fluent English. Excellent remuneration offered. Please submit your resume to info@clubasiaphuket.com.

lish speaking and writing, male preferred) room maid, room boy, cleaner, technical engineer. Care@ bydlofts.com.

tween 1-5 years. 3 positions available. Email: info@ smiley-kidz.com.

to: office-manager@tech worx.asia or call 081 978 2725 for more details.

Managers Position at Rollerball: Experienced manager required for Rollerball. Applicant must be fluent in Thai and speak/write English and also have experience with dealing with Thai staff. Send CV to: robinson_wells@hotmail. com.

Piano Instrumental Teacher: PIADS is seek-

DaVinci Restaurant: ing a qualified piano teach- House maid: Looking for er to join our music depart-

Business Coordina- D aV i n c i Re st au r a nt i n a Thai national maid to work tor Hotel: Urgently want- Nai Harn is looking for ment. Qualifications: Able in Chalong. English speakto work 2:30-5pm, strong ed. Responsible for hotel relationship management and optimisation, as well as new account acquisition in order to expand our room supply network. Send CV to jobs@hoteltravel.com.

st af f ( T hai nat i o nalit y).

1 Rest aurant manager with good English, 1 bartender, 1 accounting assistant. Good salary and b enef it s. Email jana@ davinciphuket.com.

Resor t F&B manager proactive and motivated with passion for high qualit y ser vice stan dards. This is a hands on operational role. Send CV to recruit@paresa resorts.com.

with excellent English and computer skills to manage daily guest experience with outgoing personality and strong customer service skills.

Send CV to recruit@ paresaresorts.com.

Secretar y Wanted: We are looking for an addition to our team. Should be Russian and speak English. Contact 087 893 8747. Email: info@platinum residencepark.com.

Part Time Maid Wanted: Need a maid to work in my house for 2 - 3 times(3 hrs) a week, just do basic cleaning things such as: sweeping floor, wash clothes and iron, change bed sheets, gardening.

Two Technicians Wanted: Technic al Certificate, ages 25-50.

Two years experience, s alar y, c o mp etencybased pay, full time/ part time, be able to work at up-country. Call 076 323 0 43, email: juicy f x@ yahoo.com.

experience in teaching piano and ability to communicate in English. Contact 076 336 000. Email: tanyaporn.p@pia.ac.th.

IT/AV Engineer: Thai, Web/Graphic Design- R e s e r v a t i o n a n d AV or IT Engineer, basic English, experience in proers Wanted: Degree in O p e r a t i o n: A b l e t o Arts Graphic Design. Proven experience in creating, designing and maintaining websites. Photoshop, Dreamweaver, CSS,HTML/ DHTML & Design Principals. Send CV to jobs@ hoteltravel.com.

Thai Waiter Wanted: Thai and western restaurant is looking for a experience waiter, male or female, motivated and good seilling skills. Must speak an d un de r st an d f lu e nt english.Good tips shared.

Please contact 086 940 4801.

Thai Cook-Sous Chef Wanted: Thai restaurant and western food is looking for a experience Thai cook.

Must work under pressure, team player and good organization skill. Working hours 11.00-22.00. Good tips. Please contact 086 940 4801.

thephuketnews.com

18 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

BUY&SELL

Furnished house

Near Loch Palm > 20

a look at Chicky Net, the online social network for (expat) women living in Thailand with over 2,400 members. info@ chickynet.com.

BOATS & YACHTS

Phuket Cooking Academy: Offers many

Natural Mountain Stone: Original from an-

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.

cient time. Shaped by expert craftsman. Unique with its texture and colours. Harmony with traditional and contemporary. Commit to best and always available to our valued customers. Call +66 (08) 1719 6930. Email: info@maxxnova.com

CARS FOR RENT Car for rent: Car in good condition, shor t and longterm rental with first-class insurance and delivery service. 086 690 6007, email: k.niwatt@hotmail.com.

Timber boat for sale:

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

CHILDCARE Choochuay Trading Group: Specialised in designing, sales, installing and repairing large commercial cooling systems and heating systems and small residential air-conditioning systems. Contact 076 319 406-8, see choochuay.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. Please contact 076 381 895.

Farang Food Paradise: Sell Freelance Company: Sell freelance (Diver.OK) company B40,000.

Call 086 280 9282 Marc.

thephuketnews.com

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.

Come to learn how to cook with our professional chefs and discover the art of bakery, and Thai and European cuisines.

Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all Singa-

Ski boat for sale: Glas-

Tile It: Thalang. Wana

cooking and baking classes in our top-class professional facilities.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS

BUSINESS SERVICES

14m traditional timber boat for sale. Extensive work has already been c om pleted with the hull. Needs further work for installing, engine, fuel / water tanks, decking and upper deck.

The owner has invested B800,000 in construction and is selling due to other more urgent business projects. Genuine enquiries only. The boat is located near Sarasin bridge. For inspection, please contact for an appointment. All reasonable offers will be considered. Contact 084 294 6039, sladepeter@yahoo. com.

COOKING CLASS

Spa At FunStart for Sale: Well established spa for sale B95,000. For more details contact K.Bee call: 081 970 8130 or chalerm siri@gmail.com.

tron Carlson design, Thai registered, 120-ltr fuel tank, 200Hp Yamaha engine in excellent condition. Includes trailer, boat cover, wakeboard pole, ropes and ski equipment. Call 081 894 5822, email: markbreitis@ gmail.com.

come along and join the action.

Tel 076 354 027, 087 275 3614. www.clubasiaphuket.com.

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 1.5-8. Monday-Friday. 8am -5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chal ong. Website: www.buds-phuket.com.

CHILDREN’S CLUB FunStart: Family sports and leisure club. Swimming/ golf/playcentre/gaming arcade. Contact 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstart phuket.com.

poreans in Phuket to join Singapore Club Phuket. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189.

Cl u b A s i a Fi t n e s s: Royal Phuket Cit y H otel.

Ad ve r t i s e t o E x p a t Offers Zumba/LesMills classWomen: Are you looking to es/ weight training /sauna / promote your business to expat women in Thailand? Have

steam/swimming pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout,

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.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 19

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE Health Food: Online health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural, healthy, and organic products. Please contact 082 276 1675, www.good karmathailand.com.

MOTORBIKE SERVICES

Safeway Storage: Self storage from B800/M. Container rental B3,000/M. Sales/ site of fice A /C B6,000/M. Mobile toilets B2,80 0/M month. Chalong, opposite Wat Chalong. Thalang, main highway. Contact 076 313 235 or 081 125 1873.

service: home cinema, home automation, marine AV and IT, lighting control and multiroom audio-video. Call 084 443 9863.

Personal Trainer: Ful-

Dynamic Tyre Balancing: Dynamically balance your Baan Cananga Spa Products: We use traditional organic Thai herbs and make quality homemade spa products, cosmetic and OTOP health and beauty products. Shop: Kata Night Plaza and Raya Beauty Rawai Sai Yuan.

Call 081 979 3504 Khun Wan.

MOVING & STORAGE

Bon Café Phuket: A 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.

Phuket Visa: Offers consulting and services on company registration, work permit, visa, accounting, auditor, legal advice. Contact 081 892 9960.

Techworx: Custom design & installation. Professional service and support. Premium

510 111, email: info@hhlegal advisors.com, www.hhlegal advisors.com.

Backgammon: Players Wanted. Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnection@ yahoo.com

PERSONAL SERVICES

motorcycle tires 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.

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

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

ly-qualified female personal trainer from the UK. With guaranteed results and over 10 years of experience in men and women’s health and fitness. Pre- and post-natal exercise. Nutrition and weight management. For a free consultation, contact Sarah on 084 985 8161, email: sarah@ one2one-fitness.net.

Are You Thinking Of Getting A New Dog Or Puppy?: Please consider

adopting a homeless dog, rather than buying from a pet shop or puppy mill.

Contact: Gone2thedoggies@gmail.com If you’re interested in seeing some of the many dogs looking for a new home.

E m a i l: p e n t h o u s e 210 2 @ gmail.com.

English-Russian Translations: Professional

translator specialized in translation of contracts and agreements in real estate field, web sites and tourist information.

Email: malaikaya@yahoo. com.

Live Music By Colin Hill: Popular expat professional musician (guitar/vocals) with work permit. Can perform solo, duo or band. www.play guitar.net 089 777 3063.

• Movement • Stillness • Balance M obile:0 81-728 - 9 9 8 0 Email: Serenethai@yahoo.com

Haris & Hawr yluck Attorneys at Law: Unit

6D CCM Complex. Call 076

Sound Engineer! AV Home system! : We’re

exper ts in systems and control designs of highest quality: Home automation, AV, cinema room, lighting control. Professional services certified by CEDIA. English speaking call +66 (0 8) 1719 6 93 0. Email: info@max xnova.com, www.maxxnova.com

Personal Training from Home: Launch price special. Keep Fit Phuket is offering half price personal training sessions to anyone that books before 1st December 2012 just B500 per hour. Visit us at www.keepfitphuket.com.

Buon A p p et i to: D e li m a r ket an d b i st r o. N um ber one supplier of Italian deli in Phuket. Call 076 384 273 , e m a i l i nf o @ b u o n a p petitogroup.com, www.buon appetito group.com.

Atmanjai: World’s best natural health programmes to improve health, reduce stress, weight loss, detox, rejuvenation, vitality and overcome disease. See atmanjai.com.

Pro t e c t Yo u r H o m e with CCTV: CCTV & alarm service. Protect your home with high-quality CCTV camera and GSM alarm. Free sur vey and quote. Please call 086 105 8144 or visit: www.huketechnology.com.

PET ADOPTION FriendsBandMusic Entertainment: Our services: Live band, music system rental, Thai classical dance, Thai folk band, MC and DJ. Call Khun Sathit on 080 524 1698, email sathit@friendsband music.com. www.friendsband music.com.

Ghost Writer: For life story of successful business man.

Gambler, playboy, world traveler now living Patong Beach.

Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 085 574 4258 or email: cindy@ soidog.org.

PET HOSPITAL Chaofah Pet Hospital:

8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. Contact 076 283 365.

thephuketnews.com

20 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

PROPERTY

Land for sale in Marina Good location, and gated community > 21

ued at B12 million on completion. Save millions. Contact 081 270 4291, email: thailand mls@gmail.com.

Opportunity Knocks: B24,500,000. Deceased Estate - Absolute waterfront.

Occupying a stunning location on the east coast of Phuket this five-level villa has panoramic sea views from every level. Renovation work required. 085 793 2667. See exotiqproperty. com. Ref AB-V453, email: dmuir@exotiq.com.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Beach front pool villa for rent/ sale. 3 bedrooms, furnished.

Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Surin Beach Office For Rent: Prime location

fully renovated sales office/ shop with initial lease of 6 years. Internal area 144 m2, walled back garden 60 m2, 4 parkings, 3 phase, kitchen, internet, phone/ fax, TV, 5 AC. Contact 085 060 0033.

Pool Villa in Marina:

Office for rent Patong Tower: 3 Offices for rent

on 5th floor of Patong Tower, close to beach, post office, Jungceylon. 69 sq.metre: B3 4,500 per month. 10 6 s q . m e t r e: B 5 3 , 0 0 0 p e r m o n t h . 12 6 s q . m e t r e: B63,0 0 0 per month. 076 341 369-71.

Beach Front Cottage for Rent: Chalong beachfront cottage. One bedroom.

Call Siriporn 089 649 9939, email: siri_phuket@chang runner.com.

Commercial Building For Sale: 5 metre x 18.30 metre, three floors, located close by condo at Saiyuan, two big halls, two bedrooms, four bathrooms, clean and new building.

Negotiable price. For more details please call 087 881 7979, 081 472 0770, email: ss.kijrungruang@gmail.com.

Commercial Building for sale: Prime location in Shop Front for Rent: The Royal Phuket Yacht Club shop front space for rent 4.34 M. x 4.37 M. located on the first floor of a great looking area for retail shop, boutique etc. Call 076 380 200 ext. 601 Khun Naphat.

Layan Pool Villa Rental: B6,600 - B11,000 Kathu Two Bedroom Two Bathroom Furnished for Rent: Two

aircons, TV, telephone line, ADSL / WiFi, washing machine, hot water shower, parking for two cars, nice mattress, storage. Near Loch Palm. Thai: Call 088 705 3237, Eng: Please SMS 089 973 327.

per night. 2 - 3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms. Contact Ms.Laddawan - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/085 661 0623.

Allamanda (Laguna) Residences/Phuket:

House for Rent-Kathu: Ret ail Spac e O p portunity: Large international resort in Karon seeks retail tenant. Excellent year round occupancy.

Flexible rental terms. Must sell quality merchandise.

Khun Boonchu call 076 396 200–5, fcckr@chr.co.th.

thephuketnews.com

Two b e dr o o ms / t wo bat h rooms. Calm and clean area.

Built in early 2012, first occupant. Aircon in all rooms. Floor area 120 m2 + back and front yard, furnished. Contact 091 034 0035.

Rawai Beachfront Pool Villa Rent/Sale: Rawai

The Billion Plaza and main road to Patong. Building 80sqm + 6m of patio behind. 4 storey, 4 bathroom, chanote title. Sale by owner, price B13.8m. Email aew28325@gmail.com, 081 807 9914.

Loft Style Flats for Rent: Central location with easy access to main roads, near Bang Wat dam Country Park in the middle of the island. The area is quiet, minimal traffic, great walking and running around the dam. Call 086 664 5575.

One condo unit, half of a deluxe twin house, fully furnished and equipped, set direct on the picturesque lagoon with balcony right over it. 3 bedrooms each w i t h s h owe r/ b at h r o o m, roof terrace. Long term rent or sale. 081 737 0365, utaipan@yahoo.com.

Ready to move in, single storey pool villa with 3 bedroom situated in the impressive Park Residence sector of Boat Lagoon Marina. Impressively constructed along a modern Asian theme. 076 238 948, email : marketing@ phuketpropertytrip.com.

Rawai Pool Villa: Unique three bedroom pool villa “off the plan” in Rawai. Three easy payments over eight months build time. Overlooking a peaceful, fish-filled lake. Val-

Furnished House for Sale Phuket Villa 5: 3 bedroom house with furniture, close to Kajonkiet School. Secure area, Cul De Sac, nice gardens, two bathrooms. B3,500,000 negotiable. Details 081 370 8114 (Thai) 087 889 3838 (Eng), email:davidgem98@ hotmail.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 21

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

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

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

House in Phuket Town / Samkong 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms: Semi detached house with large 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large open living/dining area and entertainment deck outside. Large western kitchen with all appliances.

Great area very conveniently located 5 minutes from all amenities including both international hospitals, Central Festival, international schools and the centre of town. Selling due to relocation.

Phuket Cottages

Near British International School, pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000.

www.phuket-cottages.com

Call: 089-724-7211

Priced to sell at B4.3M including 4 air cons. and all modern style furniture. Nothing more to spend. Contact (English): 084 768 0536 or (Thai): 085 888 0502.

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

Golf View Villa For Sale: Near British International School, state-ofthe-art villa overlooking the Loch Palm Golf Course: 4 bedrooms + maid’s room; 485 m2 built on 1,860 m2 land. B28million. Contact owner 089 724 7211.

Condominium in Patong for Sale: Less than Condominium At The Point: Condo for sale, The Point opposite Big C, freehold, chanote, studio 36sq metre. Fully furnished include AW fittings and inventory. Nice views from 6th floor, close to Lotus, Big C, Central Festival Etc. Only B2,695,000 negotiable. Call 087 889 3838, Skype: davidpaul49, email: davidgem98@hotmail.com.

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

1 Km from the beach, large 2-bedroom apartment with communal swimming pool and balcony. FREEHOLD (can be foreign owned).

7.5MB. Contact owner 089 724 7211 or julien@phuket immo.com.

ote title at Manik-township.

20x25 metre in natural surrounding, B2.6 million. Free design+construction permit.

Phone 087 275 9621, email nut t apol _ trateng@yahoo. com.

House on The Corner for Sale: Quiet location and only 500m from the main road. Thepkrasattri, Heroines Monument.

70sqw x 280sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, big living room with open-plan kitchen (9x9m), 1 separated kitchen, carpark for 3 cars and a small storehouse, 2 aircons, cable TV, 1 phone line TT&T. Price: B3.5 million including fur niture.

Excl. furniture B2,995,000.

Must see! Email: jochenschmitz16@gmail. com. Call 081 607 8000.

Land for Sale - in Marina: Design and build your own home with good location and gated community.

All the infrastructure you need is available such as water, underground cabling for power,telephone,ADSL internet etc. Contact 076 238 948, email: marketing@ phuketpropertytrip.com.

Rawai Half Rai for Sale: Land plot 100 metres

Golf Course Land For Sale: Near British Inter

to Rawai Beach, about 850 sq.metre. Chanote title deed, private road with sewer, 3 phases electricity and wall around the land. Contact rawai.steen@gmail.com, call 080 530 6880.

School, 17 Rai with public road access. Suitable for resort or housing project. Can be divided. Price: B4 MB per Rai. Contact owner 089 724 7211, email: julien@phuke timmo.com.

Land At Kathu For Sale: Only 15 minutes to Patong and only 10 minutes to Phuket Town, located at Kathu, total 141 Square wah or 564 Square metre with ready Public utility. Call 081 892 0610,081 472 0770, tan_ohio@hotmail.com.

Amazing Sea View Penthouse: Panorami c S e a V i e w, M o u n t a i n View and Big Buddha 310 sq.metre, 2 beds, 2 baths w i t h o p t i o n t o c o nve r t in 3 beds. Contact: Izzy +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy. serenitygroup@gmail.com.

Phuket Condominium Resale (PKS0842):

Pool Villa in Chalong: 300sq metre. Three bedrooms, four bathrooms, one western kitchen, one living room, private pool, two car parking, electric gate, fully furnished. Price: B10 million / Rent: B50,000. Call 081 539 7311 Th/Eng.

Phuket Condominium Resale (PKS0810) Bangt ao Tropic al Resi dence B4,900,000. One bedroom, one bathroom Unit Size: 78.11 sq.metre Facilities: A generous designed swimming pool area, fine restaurant / bar area and recreation area nestled in a hillside tropical wood-garden environment.

Ms.Prakaipeth - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/081 538 6879

nice location hill land by the Bangwat Dam, total 60 Rai, 96,000 square metre.

Contact: Attapong 081 892 0610 (Thai), Jantiwa 081 890 8268 (Eng). e-mail: jantiwa_ j@hotmail.com.

Phuket- Surin Beach Area for Sale: Chan -

7.5 M House and Pool Bypass Rd: Very clean 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom house with 5 x 10 metre pool 10 minutes south of Central Festival, walking distance to Kajonkiet Bilingual School.

To see: 083 301 3470, email: wpdrake@hotmail.com.

Hill Land for Sale: Very

Three bedroom house for sale: In Land and House Park, Chalong. Gym, swimming pool and nice restaurant on site. Price reduced to sell quickly. Furnished or unfur nished. Call 089 291 7078.

Kata Oc ean View Con dominium, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Unit size: 118.10 sq.metre. Freehold.

B7,500,000. Ms.Prakaipeth - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/081 538 6879.

Beachfront land for sale: 2 Rai absolute amazing beachfront, few min. boat ride from Phuket, facing west to sunset and views of Phuket. B13 million per rai +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy. serenitygroup@gmail.com.

thephuketnews.com

22 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

EQUIPMENT SALES & RENTAL

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

EQUIPMENT SALES & RENTAL

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMOVALS

We believe that the success of a project is essentially based on a serious management liberto@construction-thailand.com

liberto@construction-thailand.com 40 years experience of more than 20 years at your service in Thailand.

Main Contractor:

Study Project Architecture Design Construction & Management

Office 3.L.H & I.C.P. Manufactory 3.L.H & I.C.P.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

STORAGE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

SWIMMING POOLS

Specialized in large commercial and small residential cooling & heating systems.

076 319406-8 086 4702026-7 www.choochuay.com

w w w. e m

p ir e p o o ls p h u k e t . c o m

1,800 baht pool service

for the first 20 customers (standard size pool)

19/43, 19/45 Moo 7,Srisoontorn Rd, T. Srisoontorn, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110.

Tel: 076-620113 or 084-8506140 Fax: 076-620015

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET SPORT 23

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Phuket FC stay in Thai Division 1 with 4-0 win Thai Division 1

FOOTBALL

Team

Jean-Pierre Mestanza editor2@thephuketnews.com

A

n up and down season came to a halt last Saturday (October 27) as Phuket FC scored four unanswered goals against a much weaker JW Rangsit team at Surakul Stadium in Phuket.

The win meant Phuket FC finished in 13th place to finish the 2012 Thai Division 1 season, securing them a spot in the league next year after having flirted with possible relegation the last few weeks.

Nonthaphan Jeansathawong got Phuket FC off to a roaring start with his goal after just two minutes. A goal

by Taiwin Bootsom at the 63 minute mark was celebrated by the large crowd of 3,500.

Man of the Match Ibrahim Kanoute put away two goals himself at the 43 and 72 minute marks.

“I’m happy that the team

Ibrahim Kanoute scored two second half goals and earned ‘Man of the Match’ honours got through this and we have another chance to go to the Premier League next year.

That is the goal,” Kanoute said after the match.

The last stretch of the

season saw the team pull through adversity that included the hiring of new head coach Anurak Srikerd, their captain Watcharapong Jung-ngam surviving a car

accident, and the suspension of their goalkeeper.

Phuket FC finished on a total of 40 points – six points away from the relegation zone, after having put their long

MP W

D

L

F

A

Pts

1

Ratchaburi

34

24

6

4

85

31

78

2

Suphanburi

34

23

6

5

58

17

75

3

Bangkok United

34

23

5

6

57

29

74

4

Sriracha

34

21

4

9

70

41

67

5

PTT Rayong

34

19

5

10

62

33

62

6

Krabi

34

17

6

11

49

28

57

7

Siam Navy

34

13

11

10

54

42

50

8

Nakhon Ratchasima

34

12

11

11

42

46

47

9

Air Force United

34

12

8

14

45

45

44

10

Bangkok

34

11

9

14

62

57

42

11

Khonkaen

34

12

6

16

36

50

42

12

Saraburi

34

11

8

15

49

53

41

13

Phuket

34

10

10

14

41

48

40

14

Songkhla

34

9

10

15

38

51

37

15

Phattalung

34

7

13

14

38

59

34

16

Rangsit JW

34

8

7

19

36

65

31

17

Raj Pracha

34

6

7

21

33

66

25

18

Chanthaburi

34

0

4

30

21

115

4

suffering fans through the wringer for the entire season.

Teams relegated to Division 2: Phattalung FC, JW Rangsit, Raj Pracha, and Chanthaburi.

Teams promoted to TPL: Ratchaburi FC, Suphanburi FC, and Bangkok United.

Teams relegated to Division 1 from TPL: Thai Port, BBCU, and TTM Chiang Mai.

Organisers and members of the Thai Royal Navy were on hand at the Phuket Dinghy Series.

Second dinghy event sees familiar winners SAILING THE PHUKET DINGHY Series held their second of three-race events last weekend (October 27-28) with 20 participants taking over the seas off Bliss Beach Club on Bang Tao Beach.

The Dinghy Series is a three part event leading up to the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, which takes place December 1-8. The first event took place on Nai Yang Beach in September, with the final Series taking place off Cape Panwa November 24-25.

The race saw Chonburinative Anaphat Ngamdee going six-for-six and winning in the Optimist Class once again out of 16 racers. He took home the crown at Nai Yang Beach last month in the first Dinghy Series event.

Phuket finished in the top three with Sumet Pandam taking second place in the Optimist Class coming in number two in all six races, while junior sailor Surassawadee Supraw came in third.

The Laser class, which had four racers, saw Auckarapong Chayim of Chonburi take the Bang Tao title with a clean

sweep of all six races. Jittawat Boonrat from Songkhla, and Teeranai Petcharat from Phuket, finished second and third respectively.

With the final leg of the Series set for late November in Cape Panwa, Anaphat Ngamdee (11 points) is first with Sumet Pandam (27 points) and Charef Rakpongbandit (39 points) looking to gain the lead.

Similarly, Auckarapong Chayim (11 points) leads the Laser class as Jittawat Boonrat (28 points) and Teeranair Petcharat (30 points) not far behind.

thephuketnews.com

24 PHUKET SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

Phuket enjoy life in Thai Futsal Premier League FUTSAL

N

ewly elected Phuket Governor Mr Maitree Intusut was named honorary chairman of Phuket United Futsal Club last week by team officials.

Phuket United is enjoying its first season in the 16-team Thai Futsal Premier League, which kicked off on October 10.

The team play in the 4,000 seat Sapan Hin Stadium with the next match scheduled on November

Governor Maitree Intusut with team officials last week.

24 against Bangkok FC. Phuket United spokesman

Mr Preechawut Keesin made the announcement about Gov.

Maitree at a press event at Provincial Hall last Friday (October 26). He also said that the team has added two players from the Brazilian national futsal team.

President of Phuket United FC Mr Samak Rattanadilok Na Phuket, Club Director Mr Pradit Sangjan, local officials Mr Somnueg Hima of Rawai, along with Mr Wirat Patee, President of Phuket Provincial Sport Authority of Thailand were all in attendance at the event.

“I would like to invite all

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Phuket fans and also those from provinces near by to go to encourage the players. This is the first time our futsal club has taken part in the Premier League,” Preechawut said.

Mr Maitree praised the sport and said he would attend the team’s next match on November 24.

The league is currently on break for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012, which takes place from November 1 to 18 in Bangkok.

Southern Phuket Pool 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Phuket Darts League Team

Score

1

Hilltop

24

2

Presley

23

3

Starfish

19

4

Ting Tong

18

5

Mangmoom

17

6

Phuket Beer House

15

7

Lucky Luke

12

8

Sonic Bar/ Mickeys

11

9

Lemon Tree

0

A RECORD SHARED

Team Ranking

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

Shaggy’s Bar Pita Bar Office Bar Solutions Bar Mick’s Aussie Bar Walkabout Bar JT’s Bar Australia Bar & Grill

5 5 5 4 5 4 4 4

4 3 2 1 1 1 1 1

0 2 1 2 2 1 0 0

1 0 2 1 2 2 3 3

41 34 20 23 22 15 15 10

9 16 30 17 28 25 25 30

12 11 7 5 5 4 3 3

Patrick Gasiglia, whose 16-day journey down the Mekong River on a stand up paddle board (SUP) was a world record, shared his story with kids at the Montessori Rawai Progressive International School last week. The SUP board that Gasiglia used on his 1,000 km odyssey will be on display at the Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong from November 19-23.

For more information on his record, visit supme kong1000.wordpress. com. Photo: Kiri Heald

Beer Monster Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

Legs

1

Shaggys Bar

5

5

0

0

10

2

5

2

Mick’s Aussie Bar

5

4

0

1

9

3

4

3

Office Bar

5

3

0

2

8

5

3

4

Pita Bar

5

3

0

2

7

6

3

5

Solutions Bar

4

1

0

3

4

6

1

6

Walkabout Bar

4

1

0

3

3

7

1

7

Australia Bar & Grill

4

0

0

3

2

6

1

8

JT’s Bar

4

0

0

4

3

8

0

SUPER SIX SOCCER Division 1

Team

P

W

D

L Goals GD

1

Morning Star

11

9

1

1

49

18

Pts 28

2

Phuket Condos & Homes

12

6

2

4

59

9

20

3

Shakers FC

11

6

2

3

36

7

20

4

Sweet Lemon FC

11

5

3

3

38

3

18

5

Joy Dive FC

9

4

1

4

40

15

13

6

Nanai Boys

12

3

2

7

42

-8

11

7

The Hulk

11

2

3

6

27

-18

9

8

PSU Alumni FC

11

2

0

9

29

-26

6

Division 2

Team

P

W

D

L Goals GD

1

Puensil FC

13

12

0

1

78

42

Pts

2

Pita Bar Phuketeers

11

11

0

0

75

49

33

3

Phuket Serenity Villas

13

7

2

4

55

12

23

4

Mr. Moo

12

7

0

5

56

11

21

5

Shambhala FC

12

6

2

4

68

13

20

6

Seduction

13

4

2

7

62

-7

14

7

Bat Fire

13

4

0

9

32

-17

12

8

Pluto Italian Ice Cream

12

4

0

8

50

-26

12

9

Atmanjai

13

2

2

9

42

-30

8

10

Thai Nee FC

12

1

0

11

34

-47

3

36

The Tiger Muay Thai team took home 18 total medals at the Bangkok Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu event. Photo: Ryan Jones

Phuket Tigers win gold in Bangkok MARTIAL ARTS A TOTAL OF 18 MEDALS were won at the Bangkok Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition last week by competitors based at Phuket’s Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Training Camp.

Eleven different competitors took home five gold, five

thephuketnews.com

silver, and eight bronze medals across 13 different categories in both the gi and no-gi divisions.

Former UFC fighter Roger Huerta, a trainer at the camp, won gold in the no-gi elite weight division after attaining a purple belt just two weeks ago.

The Tiger Muay Thai team,

led by 4th degree black belt Fernando Maccachero, also placed third in the no-gi team awards.

The team comprised of Huerta, Kitty Teppo, Stuart Cooper, Orlando Tardeli, Tracy Lockwood, Helen Harper, Oscar Mendoza, James Tomko, Elvir Mujanovic, and Ali Tan Kutluay.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

PHUKET SPORT 25

Double champion will compete in Phuket Ironman TRIATHLON

T

he newly crowned 2012 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 triathlon double world champion Leanda Cave will compete against other elite athletes at the Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket on December 2.

The Brit, who became only the first woman and second person to win both competitions in the same year, will face tough competition from defending champion Melissa

Hauschildt of Australia.

Hauschildt placed fourth at this year’s 70.3 world championship in Las Vegas last month, the same competition in which Cave took home the top spot. Two weeks before that, Cave won the Ironman world championship in Hawaii. “[Leanada Cave] signed up for our Ironman 70.3 just hours after becoming the world champion in Las Vegas,” said Debbie Dionysius, Laguna Phuket’s assistant vice president of destination marketing.

Meanwhile, the 19th Laguna Phuket Triathlon will take place on November 25.

Both Belinda Granger of Australia and Radka Vocickova of the Czech Republic will try to become the event’s first-ever women’s triple champion.

The first-ever triple champion in the event, Massimo Cigana of Italy, will vie for a fourth title but will have to stave off one of the fastest triathletes in the world in Chris Lieto of America.

Cave won the 2012 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 triathlon, the first woman to do so.

Phuket Cricket Group splits series with Bangkok team CRICKET

Brazil will look to win their 5th Futsal World Cup after beating Spain in the finals four years ago.

Brazil, Spain favourites to win Futsal World Cup in Bangkok FUTSAL A LL EY ES W ILL BE ON Bangkok the next three weeks as the FIFA Futsal World Cup kicked off Thursday (November 1) and will rage on until November 18.

Brazil will look to continue their dominance in the event and add an unprecedented 5th trophy to their mantle. The only other team to have won this prestigious event is Spain, in 2000 and 2004.

The two teams found themselves

in an epic final showdown four years ago with the Brazilians winning in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Rio de Janeiro.

Both teams continue to be favourites this year, despite Brazil placing third in South American qualification behind Argentina and Paraguay.

Spain has remained largely undefeated in open play for the last seven years, which included five European titles.

Still, there are several teams that look ripe as upset candidates. The list

includes Russia, Portugal, Paraguay, and ten-time AFC Futsal champs Iran.

Japan also looked strong after playing to a 3-3 draw against Brazil last week.

This is the seventh edition of the event, which started in 1989, and the second to be held in Asia (Taipei hosted in 2004). Construction continues on the 12,000 seat Nong Chok Arena in Bangkok, with officials hoping for the venue to be completed in time for the quarterfinal round on November 14.

THE PHUKET CRICKET Group representative side split two matches against the British Club Bangkok (BCB) cricket team last weekend at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG).

The 30 overs game played on Saturday (October 27) saw both teams take two 15 over innings each. The BCB team were only able to post 78 for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 15 overs, with N White (39 runs) their top scorer.

The PCG team then came out with bats blazing amassing a healthy 91 for three, as J Anderson anchoring the innings with a contribution of 39 not out. BCB rallied, but PCG chased them down

with relative ease scoring the winning runs with three overs to spare.

The teams then returned for a T20 match on Sunday with BCB limiting PCG to just 131 runs for the loss of six wickets. A determined batting performance punctuated by some heavy blows saw the side from the capital scoring the winning runs in the 18th over.

The PCG will take on Singapore Cricket Club on November 10 in a 35-over match beginning at noon.

The Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Cricket League will kick off with a season opening Family Day on November 4 at the Alan Cooke Ground starting at 9am.

Fine Indian Cuisine • • • •

Finest Indian Food Air-conditioned Restaurant Indian Takeaway / Delivery Service Open Daily From 12 noon Until 10.30pm

For menu and more details visit:

www.deepavaliphuket.com

• Live Sports on five 55' TV's

• International And Thai Food

• Food Takeaway / Delivery Service

• FREE Wifi

• Regular Happy Hour: 4pm-7pm

• Club/Dance Hits From 10pm

• Chilled-out Sounds All Day/Evening

Open Daily: 11am - Last Orders: 12.30am

For menu and more details visit: www.loungephuket.com

Deepavali Restaurant / The Lounge 123/24 Bangtao Place, Phuket, Thailand

0807 223377

thephuketnews.com

26 WORLD SPORT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: ROUND 9

Chelsea, Man U match results in controversy

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

FOOTBALL

C

ontroversy surrounded week nine in the English Premier League, including the highly anticipated match-up between the top two teams Chelsea and Manchester United that has led to yet another FA investigation into racial abuse.

Substitute Javier Hernandez’s 75th minute heroics gave the Red Devils a rare 3-2 victory over nine-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where they have not won in 10 years.

Chelsea blew the game in the 63rd minute when Branislav Ivanovic was sent off after a tackle on Ashley Young, with Fernando Torres following him just minutes later – all with the game tied 2-2.

After the match, Chelsea defender and Nigerian international John Obi Mikel stormed into the referee’s room along with teammates to complain about alleged racially offensive

JP’S TIPS ROUND 10 Manchester Utd v Arsenal Win Fulham v Everton Lose Norwich v Stoke Win Sunderland v Aston Villa Draw Swansea v Chelsea Draw Tottenham v Wigan Win West Ham v Manchester Cty Win QPR v Reading Win Liverpool v Newcastle Lose West Brom v Southamption Draw MONTHLY STANDINGS

Fernando Torres’ second half red card left Chelsea with only nine players on the pitch. language that official Mark Clattenberg had uttered during the game.

The FA are conducting a full investigation into the matter.

Manchester City kept pace with United thanks to a lone goal

by Argentine forward Carlos Tevez against Swansea. City

and United both are tied with 21 points.

Liverpool blew a 2-0 lead against Merseyside rival Everton and came away with a draw.

Reds player Luis Suarez nearly finished off a hat trick in stoppage time, but it was disallowed because of offside.

Leapfrogging Everton on the table was Tottenham, who took over fourth place with a 2-1 away win against Southamption. Their new manager Andre Villas-Boas has them in top form, winning four of their last five, including their impressive 3-2 win at Old Traf-

1. Ping 2. Blackrosebar 3. mickyleeds 4. strummerville 5. apollo131 6. bazerb 7. chasman 8. Cybernok 9. aory 10. diggersd

THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

OVERALL STANDINGS 76 75 73 72 70 70 70 70 67 67

ford one month ago.

In The Phuket News tipping competition, ‘Ping’ ends up the winner in the October competition with 76 points, squeaking by with just one point over second place ‘Blackrosebar’. ‘Ping’ wins a B3,000 voucher to spend at

1. apollo131 2. diggersd 3. mickyleeds 4. Blackrosebar 5. Campanil 6. Paul614724 7. Ping 8. A1CR 9. scottkip 10. suncat100

193 182 182 179 179 179 177 176 176 176

Angus O’Tool’s in Karon.

The winners of November’s competition will win a B3,000 voucher to spend at Australian Bar & Grill in Kata. The overall winner at the end of the year will win a brand new Honda Scoopy courtesy of AP Honda.

‘Kung Fu Panda’ powers Giants as World Series MVP BASEBALL

Pablo Sandoval led San Francisco to a World Series title last week. Photo: Jacalbes

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway.

SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

thephuketnews.com

SAN FRANCISCO THIRD baseman Pablo Sandoval was a unanimous choice for ‘Most Valuable Player’ of the World Series thanks largely to the Venezuelan slugger’s powerful performance.

But the 26-year-old heavyweight nicknamed ‘Kung Fu Panda’ also made a nimble fielding move to deny Detroit a key run Sunday (October 28) in the Giants’ 4-3 victory to complete a sweep in Major League Baseball’s best-of-seven final.

In the World Series, Sandoval batted 8-for-16 with a double

and three home runs, all in the opening game.

But in the third inning of the fourth game, Sandoval charged toward a bunt by Detroit’s Quintin Berry and despite having to duck low to evade Matt Cain as the pitcher dove over him, he made a critical throw to first base to put out Berry.

The next Tiger batter, Miguel Cabrera, blasted a two-run homer that gave Detroit a 2-1 lead, the only lead they would enjoy in the entire World Series. It would have been a three-run homer and a 3-1 lead without Sandoval’s acrobatic move.

“It’s one of the reasons we

call him ‘Kung Fu Panda’,” Teammate Matt Cain said.

Sandoval sees himself as somewhat like the Jack Blackvoiced character Po from the Kung Fu Panda movies, with his happy-go-lucky manner.

“When I got that nickname, I thought, ‘It’s me.’ I have fun, like a little kid, fight for everything, never lose faith,” Sandoval said.

Sandoval enjoyed the game of his life with three homers in the Series opener, a rare feat.

“I still can’t believe that game,” Sandoval said. “It’s the game of your dreams. You don’t want to wake up.” AFP

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

WORLD SPORT 27

Messi leads shortlist for Ballon d’Or magazine will determine who wins the accolade, with Argentina’s Messi favourite to land the award again at a presentation on January 7.

A three-man final shortlist will be unveiled on November 29 along with the three-strong shortlists for best coach, best female star and best women’s coach.

Messi has scored 73 goals for Barcelona in all competitions this year, leaving him just two short of Pele’s 75 for

FOOTBALL

F

resh from hitting his 300th career goal in a weekend swamping of Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona icon Lionel Messi heads a 23-strong shortlist for a fourth FIFA/France Football Ballon d’Or (Golden Ball) award.

National team captains and head coaches plus international media representatives selected by the French

French Ligue 1 Team

Santos and Brazil in 1959.

He is also closing in fast on Gerd Mueller’s all-time calendar year record of 85 for Bayern Munich and West Germany in 1972.

Messi’s main rival again appears to be 2008 player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo, but Spain keeper and fellow Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas is another strong candidate after his role in Spain’s retention of their Euro crown. AFP

Italian Serie A D

L

F

A

Pts

1

PSG

10

6

4

0

16

5

22

1

2

Toulouse

10

5

4

1

18

10

19

2

3

Marseille

9

6

1

2

12

8

19

4

Olympique Lyonnais

9

5

3

1

14

8

5

MP W

Saint-Étienne

10

Valenciennes

6 7

10

Reims

10

4

3

4

3

4

3

3 3 3

17 20 12

7 11 8

Team

Messi is on the cusp of breaking Pele’s goal record.

MP W

Juventus

D

L

1

F

A Pts

German Bundesliga Team

D

L

F

1

Bayern Munich

9

8

0

1

27

2

Schalke 04

9

6

2

1

3

Eintracht Frankfurt

9

6

1

2

15

4

Borussia Dortmund

9

4

3

16

14

5

Bayer Leverkusen

9

4

11

12

12

6

Mainz 05

9

3

11

13

12

7

Hamburger SV

9

8

0

Napoli

9

7

1

1

3

Internazionale

9

7

0

18

4

Lazio

9

6

15

5

Fiorentina

9

4

15

6

Roma

9

15

7

Parma

8

20

4

25

15

5

22

2

16

7

21

0

3

15

10

18

3

2

11

7

4

2

3

20

9

3

3

3

Udinese

9

3

3

MP W

A Pts 4

24

18

8

20

20

13

19

2

20

11

15

3

2

15

12

15

4

2

3

12

10

14

9

4

1

4

11

11

13

8

Bordeaux

10

3

6

1

12

10

15

9

Saint-Étienne

8

3

2

3

14

6

11

9

Catania

9

3

2

4

9

14

11

8

Stuttgart

9

3

3

3

10

15

12

10

Lille

10

3

5

2

13

12

14

10

Cagliari

9

3

2

4

6

11

11

9

Borussia M’gladbach

9

3

3

3

12

18

12

11

Bastia

10

4

2

4

15

21

14

11

Sampdoria

9

3

2

4

10

11

10

13

10

11

14

10

16

12

10

18

5

5

4

1

1

2

4

3

3

10

9

9

Rennes

Milan

Hannover 96

12

12

10

11

9

11

15

8

14

15

10

15

5

3

4

2

4

2

3

2

3

10

9

9

Montpellier

Torino

Werder Bremen

13

13

11

11

9

11

13

13

12

10

10

13

3

4

4

4

3

2

3

2

3

10

9

9

Ajaccio

Genoa

Freiburg

14

14

12

15

Brest

10

3

1

6

9

17

10

15

Atalanta

9

3

2

4

7

12

9

13

Fortuna Düsseldorf

9

2

4

3

7

12

10

16

Nice

10

1

6

3

13

16

9

16

Pescara

9

2

2

5

6

15

8

14

Hoffenheim

9

2

2

5

13

20

8

17

Evian TG

9

2

2

5

10

15

8

17

Palermo

9

1

4

4

6

11

7

15

Nürnberg

9

2

2

5

7

15

8

7

18

Chievo

9

2

1

6

7

16

7

16

Wolfsburg

9

2

2

5

6

16

8

Bologna

9

2

1

6

10

14

7

17

Augsburg

9

1

3

5

5

13

6

Siena

9

2

3

4

9

10

3

18

Greuther Fürth

9

1

3

5

6

15

6

18

Sochaux

9

2

1

6

8

14

19

Troyes

10

1

3

6

10

19

6

19

20

Nancy

10

1

2

7

3

16

5

20

RESULTS Saint-Étienne Lille Nancy Sochaux Montpellier Reims

2 – 0 2 – 1 0 – 1 PSTP 3 – 1 1 – 1

Rennes Valenciennes PSG Evian TG Nice Troyes

Toulouse 3 – 1 Lorient 4 – 4 Bastia 3 – 1 Postponed: Marseille vs Olympique Lyonnais

Live Sports TV Schedule

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START

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TEAMS / INFO

Friday, November 2 816, 104

20:00

00:00

Tennis

ATP Tour, Paris

Quarter Finals

Saturday, November 3 813, 108

19:50

21:30 Motor Racing

Formula 1

Abu Dhabi Qualifying

812, 101

19:45

21:45

Soccer

EPL

Man United v. Arsenal

812, 101

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Swansea v. Chelsea

813

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Southampton v. Wigan

817, 102

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Fulham v. Everton

817, 103 107

00:30 21:10

02:30 23:00

107

23:10

01:00

816, 104

20:30

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Rugby Union Aviva Premiership

West Ham v. Man City Leicester v. Northampton

Rugby Union Aviva Premiership Harlequins v. Gloucester Tennis

ATP Tour, Paris

RESULTS Siena Milan Catania Bologna Fiorentina

0 – 0 1 – 0 0 – 1 1 – 3 2 – 0

Palermo Genoa Juventus Internazionale Lazio

Pescara Sampdoria Torino Roma

0 – 0 0 – 1 1–3 2 – 3

Atalanta Cagliari Chievo Udinese

RESULTS Hamburger SV Augsburg Schalke 04 Freiburg Mainz 05

0 – 1 0 – 2 1 – 0 0 – 2 3 – 0

Stuttgart Hamburger SV Nürnberg Borussia Dortmund Hoffenheim

Greuther Fürth Fortuna Düsseldorf Stuttgart Bayern München Hannover 96

1 – 1 1 – 4 2 – 1 1 – 2 2 – 3

Werder Bremen Wolfsburg Eintracht Frankfurt Bayer Leverkusen Borussia M’gladbach

Spanish Primera Liga

English Premier League Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

MP

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

1

Chelsea

9

7

1

1

21

9

22

1

Barcelona

9

8

1

0

29

11

25

2

Manchester United

9

7

0

2

24

13

21

2

Atlético Madrid

9

8

1

0

22

9

25

3

Manchester City

9

6

3

0

18

9

21

3

Málaga

9

5

3

1

13

5

18

4

Tottenham

9

5

2

2

17

13

17

4

Real Madrid

9

5

2

2

21

7

17

5

Everton

9

4

4

1

17

11

16

5

Real Betis

9

5

1

3

13

13

16

6

Arsenal

9

4

3

2

14

6

15

6

Levante

9

5

1

3

12

14

16

7

Fulham

9

4

2

3

19

14

14

7

Sevilla

9

4

2

3

12

11

14

8

West Brom

9

4

2

3

13

11

14

8

Getafe

9

4

1

4

10

12

13

9

West Ham

9

4

2

3

13

11

14

9

Real Zaragoza

9

4

0

5

9

11

12

10

Newcastle United

9

3

4

2

11

13

13

10

Mallorca

9

3

2

4

10

14

11

11

Swansea City

9

3

2

4

14

13

11

11

Valencia

9

3

2

4

11

12

11

12

Liverpool

9

2

4

3

12

14

10

12

Real Valladolid

9

3

2

4

14

11

11

13

Stoke City

9

1

6

2

8

9

9

13

Celta de Vigo

9

3

1

5

10

11

10

14

Sunderland

8

1

6

1

6

8

9

14

Rayo Vallecano

9

3

1

5

11

22

10

15

Wigan

9

2

2

5

10

16

8

15

Real Sociedad

9

3

1

5

10

14

10

16

Norwich

9

1

4

4

7

18

7

16

Athletic Club

9

2

2

5

12

19

8

17

Aston Villa

9

1

3

5

7

14

6

17

Granada

9

2

2

5

8

15

8

18

Reading

8

0

4

4

11

17

4

18

Deportivo

9

1

4

4

14

20

7

19

Southampton

9

1

1

7

14

26

4

19

Espanyol

9

1

3

5

11

15

6

20

Queens Park Rangers

9

0

3

6

7

18

3

20

Osasuna

9

1

2

6

8

14

5

RESULTS Aston Villa Arsenal Reading Stoke City Wigan

1 – 1 1 – 0 3 – 3 0 – 0 2 – 1

Norwicha QPR Fulham Sunderland West Ham

Manchester City Everton Newcastle Southampton Chelsea

1 – 0 2 – 2 2 – 1 1 – 2 2 – 3

Swansea Liverpool West Brom Tottenham Manchester Utd

Team

RESULTS Espanyol Real Betis Celta de Vigo Rayo Vallecano Real Zaragoza

0 – 0 1 – 0 1 – 1 0 – 5 2 – 1

Málaga Valencia Deportivo Barcelona Sevilla

Levante Athletic Club Atlético Madrid Mallorca Real Valladolid

3 – 1 1 – 2 3 – 1 0 – 5 2 – 2

Granada Getafe Osasuna Real Madrid Real Sociedad

Semi Finals

Sunday, November 4 813, 108

17:00

17:45 Motor Racing

Formula 1

Raceday, Yas Marina

813, 108

17:45

20:00 Motor Racing

Formula 1

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

812, 101

20:30

22:30

Soccer

EPL

QPR v. Reading

817, 101

23:00

01:00

Soccer

EPL

Liverpool v. Newcastle

107

21:10

23:00

816, 104

21:00

00:00

Rugby Union Aviva Premiership Saracens v. Wasps Tennis

ATP Tour, Paris

Finals

thephuketnews.com

SPORT J. P. Mestanza editor2@thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Race is on

Laguna Phuket Ironman adds recently crowned champ Leanda Cave > 25

WE DID IT!

Phuket FC stay up with four-goal romp at home

FULL STORY ON P23

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