The Phuket News 21 December 2018 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

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TOURIST DROWNS WIFE AMID INSURANCE BONANZA > PAGE 2 Dancers on Bangla Rd wait for customers to turn up on Wednesday night (Dec 19). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

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‘Phoenix’ never should have put to sea: Police

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Room with a view to Paradise on Koh Yao Noi

PATONG’S ‘WORST HIGH SEASON IN 10 YEARS’ AS PHUKET TAT DEFENDS ARRIVALS NUMBERS Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

ourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office Director Kanokkittika Kritwutikon this week struck out at claims online that Phuket is suffering an incredibly low number of visitors during the current tourism ‘high season’. The public scramble to reassure confidence in tourist numbers comes while Weerawit Kreuasombat, President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA), which represents some 500 entertainment businesses in Phuket’s busiest tourism party town, vehemently disagrees –

saying that this is “the worst high season in Patong in 10 years”. Ms Kanokkittika admitted that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Phuket so far this month has dropped by 2.63% compared with the same period last year, but also pointed out that the fall in Chinese arrivals had been offset by a 3.63% increase in the number of arrivals from other source markets. “I cannot agree that the number of tourists in Phuket has fallen,” she said. “I know the number of Chinese tourists has dropped, as confirmed by Phuket Immigration. They have recorded 130,221 Chinese-national arrivals (at Phuket International

Airport) from Dec 1-15. “That is a decrease of 3,516 people compared with the same period last year, but that has not caused a huge fall in the number of tourists. “There have also been 355,429 arrivals of other nationalities (during the same period), which is an increase of 3.63%,” she added. Ms Kanokkittika noted that room bookings from group tours in Phuket had seen a fall of 5% due to cancellations, and a corresponding fall of 5% (down to about 3,000 a day) in the number of tourists boarding tour boats at Rassada Pier, the main departure point for tours to the islands in Phang Nga Bay, including Phi Phi Island.

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However, she added, “We have certainly found that we have more FITs (free, independent travellers) travelling here. Hotel occupancy right now across all nationalities 71.77%, which is a 0.1% increase on last year.” According to figures cited by Ms Kanokkittika, 14.75% of tourists to Phuket during the first two weeks of December were Thai, with the remaining 85.25% comprising foreigners. “The average spending was B8,2110.80 per person per day, generating an estimated B40.39 billion per day. Hotel occupancy in beach areas is 84.78%,” she said. Phuket Tourist Association Vice President Sarayut Mallum, who for...

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B5k reward issued over ‘busy’ bus driver T H E PH U K ET LA N D Transport Office (PLTO) has handed over the B5,000 fine levied on the driver caught on video letting his 7-year-old son handle the steering wheel of an interprovincial bus in Phuket last Friday night (Dec 14) to the woman who posted the incident online. The bus driver, Surachai Riap-roy, 45, who was also recorded taking a video call on his phone while his son was “driving”, also had his licence suspended for one month – a penalty made moot if Surachai makes good on his claim that he will seek work following another career. To this, he did quit his job as a bus driver. Surachai also told PLTO officials that he always had at least one hand on the wheel at all times. Regardless, PLTO Chief Banyat Kantha, accompanied by PLTO Chief Policy Specialist Praprai Sounkul, announced the B5,000 reward for reporting the incident at a press conference on Tuesday (Dec 18). “The Phuket Transport Office has fined Mr Surachai B5,000 and suspended his license for one month in accordance with the Land Transport Act, BE 2522 (1979), Section 102 and Section 107,”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Leopard sharks return as corals recover at ‘East of Eden’ > page 4

Tourist drowns wife amid B142mn insurance claims Chutharat Plerin thai@classactmedia.co.th

A Bus driver Surachai Riaproy, 45, let his 7-year-old son ‘take the wheel’ while he took a video call on his mobile phone. Photo: Mango Maimai / Facebook Mr Banyat said. “We gave the B5,000 as a reward to the passenger who recorded the video and posted it online,” he added. “We have also ordered the bus company involved, Phatthalung Thaksin Transport Co Ltd, to refund the fare to this passenger,” Mr Banyat said. Chob Phutsupa, Chief of the Phuket Bus Terminal 2, located on Thepkrasattri Rd north of Phuket Town, and where the bus involved departed from, said, “From this incident, officers will strictly check drivers and their vehicles for the safety of passengers. “We will be focusing on that the driver must be fit to drive carefully and abide by the traffic laws,” she said. The Phuket News

Chinese tourist is in Phuket Provincial Prison awaiting conclusion of his trial for drowning his wife in a pool at a resort in Kamala, Phuket Tourist Police have confirmed. The news comes as the parents of the wife, 29-year-old Zhang Jia, report that her husband, Zhang Yifan, 31, from Tianjin, had taken out life insurance policies amounting to more than B142 million in the months leading up to the family holiday in Phuket. Zhang Yifan was taken into custody on Nov 2 after he confessed to police that he lost control of his temper and An officer of the Kamala Police inspects the pool where 29-year-old Zhang drowned his wife in a hotel pool at a Jia was drowned by her husband, Zhang Yifan. Photo: Kamala Police “luxury private hotel” in Kamala, Capt The Shanghai.ist report cited the news Ekkachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Po- the circumstances of Zhang Jia’s death lice told The Phuket News last Thursday brought him back in questioning on Nov breaking in the Chinese-language The Paper last Monday (Dec 10). (Dec 13). 2,” he said. The parents also claim that 158GB “He is now in Phuket Prison waiting That was when Zhang confessed to for his prosecution in court to conclude,” the killing. of porn was found on Zhang’s computer. Capt Ekkachai last Thursday said that “Zhang confessed that he hurt his Capt Ekkachai said. Police originally questioned Zhang wife and she died after he pushed and police had no knowledge of the insurance on Oct 29 while investigating Zhang held her head in the pool while both of policies, or the porn, said the report. “Zhang said nothing about insurance Jia’s death. them were arguing. He was charged with “Police were responding to a report inflicting injury on another person caus- during questioning. He just said that that his wife drowned in the hotel pool ing death,” Capt Ekkachai confirmed. he lost control while arguing with his and was later pronounced dead at Patong Zhang Jia’s parents have since claimed wife, hence police never investigated Hospital,” Capt Ekkachai said. that in the months leading up to the it,” he said. Regarding the porn allegedly found on Zhang was allowed to leave Thailand holiday to Phuket, Zhang had taken out on Oct 30 in order to take the couple’s more than a dozen life insurance poli- Zhang’s computer, Capt Ekkachai con20-month-old daughter home. Zhang cies on his wife totalling more than 30 firmed, “We had no knowledge about this returned to Phuket to collect his wife’s million yuan (about B142.66mn) – with either, hence we did not investigate it.” body, Capt Ekkachai explained. Zhang as the sole beneficiary, reports the Additional reporting by Nattinee Kittisitto “But Kamala Police suspicious of English-language Shanghai.ist.

Patong mired as TAT assures ‘high season is here’ Continued from page 1 ...decades has openly spoken against government policy that has worked to the detriment of Phuket and is now also President of the Phuket chapter of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), agrees with Ms Kanokkittika. “It is a normal gap in the high season, from Dec 1-15, as with every year. I think more tourists will arrive after Dec 20. Then tourists will come to Phuket,” he told The Phuket News. “We know that Chinese, Russian and Indian tourists are already coming. Also, the arrivals statistics from Phuket International Airport have not decreased at all,” he said. “Phuket is not as bad as some people are sharing (online) and talking about. Everyone is doing their job, including the TAT and other

A photo of tourists on Patong Beach on Monday (Dec 17), as provided by the TAT Phuket office. Photo: TAT government departments. Please don’t believe what some people are saying on social networks. Beware of getting information only from social media.” Mr Sarayut added. However, PEBA President Weerawit remained steadfast in his understanding of the dire economic situation facing members of his organisation. “I am a businessman in Patong, and I want everyone to realise the truth about the massive impact here. Some of

my members have been seriously affected,” Mr Weerawit said. “I don’t think the government will help with this at all. They never help us. It is the worst high season in Patong in 10 years. We have no way to avoid being affected by this. “Don’t lie to yourself. Accept the reality,” he said. Yet Mr Weerawit also argued strongly against the claims online that Phuket had “priced itself out of the market”, making itself so expensive that the tourists now chose not to come here. “I want to tell people who comment without understanding about the high prices of food and goods in Phuket. They are the normal prices as they used to be,” he said. “Less tourists is the result of several reasons, which even includes the upcoming

election. The election has not even happened yet, but it is important to people outside (the country),” he added. Meanwhile, Adith Chairattananon, the ATTA Secretary General in Bangkok, and who campaigned heavily for the government to roll out tourism stimulus packages to offset the plunging number of Chinese tourists coming to Thailand in the aftermath of Phoenix tour boat disaster on July 5, maintained his call for tourism-dependent businesses in Phuket to diversify in order to alleviate their dependence on only one key type of tourist. “I agree with the description that there are less tourists in Phuket right now. My advice to business people in Phuket is that they have to adapt their businesses in relation with the current economic situation,” he said. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Doomed from the start

PHUKET NEWS

The oil spill coated the waterline at Tungken Beach black. Photo: PR Dept

Phuket Marine Chief oblique on Phoenix The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

he Acting Chief of the Phuket Marine Office, Wiwat Chitchertwong, was silent this week on questions about marine officials being prosecuted for dereliction of duty for allowing the tour boat Phoenix to put to sea, in the wake of the investigation into the tour boat sinking on July 5, killing 47 Chinese tourists. Although it has already been confirmed that other boats also built in Phuket have the same design as the Phoenix, Mr Wiwat on Tuesday (Dec 18) assured that no boats with illegal ‘substandard’ designs were still operating among the Phuket tour boat fleet. Mr Wiwat’s reaction followed Immigration Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn on Monday (Dec 17) publicly revealing that the Phoenix was substandard and illegally approved, and that officials and others connected with the July 5 tragedy will lose their jobs. “Chinese and German specialists agree that the boat was substandard… It was not built at a shipyard but at a machine shop. Police have laid down charges during the interrogation process. Phuket marine officials were prosecuted for dereliction of duty,” he said. Gen Surachate, who previously served as Deputy Commander of the national Tourist Police, has been tasked with leading the investigation into the Phoenix tragedy, along with Royal Thai Police Deputy Commander Lt Gen Rungroj Sangkram. Mr Wiwat on Tuesday assured,“All designs of boats (in operation in Thailand) are approved by the Ship Standard Registration Bureau of the Marine Department. The same applies for all designs, including the design for the Phoenix. “We inspected more than 1,000 boats

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Hunt for beach oil spill perpetrator underway The doomed ‘Phoenix’ tour boat should never have been allowed to put to sea, police revealed this week. Photo: Eakkapop Tongutb operating from ports (and piers) in Phuket after the July 5 disaster. We found some boats that did not match their designs, and their owners were ordered to have them corrected. They have been taken out of service until they have undergone reworking at shipyards,” he said. “Marine Department officials from (the Ship Standard Registration Bureau) in Bangkok will come to check the boats again to make sure they meet safety standards. If they pass, they will be approved for use by the Marine Department officials from Bangkok and the Phuket Marine Office,” he added. Mr Wiwat declined to specify how many boats had been ordered to be rectified or which shipyards were carrying out the “redesigns”. He just said, “In Phuket province.” “There are no illegal boats in Phuket for which the owners will be charged. I have ordered them to have the boats fixed already. Currently, there are no boats (in operation) that do not meet the standards required,” Mr Wiwat repeated. Mr Wiwat declined to confirm or deny whether any officials at the Phuket

Marine Office were involved in approving the Phoenix to put to sea with tourists on board. “Some Marine Department officials who are concerned with the Phoenix boat are being questioned by investigators. I don’t know any more details,” he said. “The investigation of the Phoenix disaster is being carried out by the Royal Thai Police, as Gen Surachate Hakparn revealed to the press yesterday (Monday). I don’t disagree with what he said, but I am waiting for official confirmation by documents, not just words,” Mr Wiwat added. Of note, Mr Wiwat was not the Chief of the Phuket Marine Office at the time of the Phoenix disaster on July 5. He was installed as the Acting Director from his post as the Chief of the Ayutthaya Marine Office, a position he still officially retains. The Phuket Marine Chief on July 5 was Surat Sirisaiyat, who was transferred immediately after the disaster to the post of Acting Chief of the Ayutthaya Marine Office, where he is expected to remain while the investigation continues.

PHUKET VICE GOVERnor Thanyawat Chanpinit has called on the Phuket Marine Office to identify where the oil spill that washed ashore and coated that waterline black at Tungken Beach at Cape Panwa last Sunday (Dec 16) and process the ‘highest legal case’ against them. Vice Governor Thanyawat inspected the beach last Sunday along with senior officers from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, also located on Cape Panwa, on Phuket’s southeast coast. Joining the inspection team were officers from Wichit Municipality and the Phuket Marine Office. “If we find that any private operators caused this oil spill to contaminate the sea, the province will levy the ‘highest legal case’ against them, because oil spills affect marine life and degrade our natural resources,” Vice Governor Thanyawat said. Phuket Marine Office Acting Chief Wiwat Chitch-

ertwong reported that his officers will conduct checks on ships in the area. Most of the oil spill was cleaned up late Sunday afternoon through a joint effort by marine officers, personnel from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command and staff from nearby hotels. A net was set in place to contain the oil in the water immediately off the beach to make sure it could be removed safely, Mr Wiwat explained. “The cleanup last Sunday took about two hours. The contaminated sand was bagged and removed,” he said. “The beach itself is clean but some of the oil was mixed with the coastal water after high tide returned, and so there is still some oil in the water and on rocks in the area,” Mr Wiwat added. The cleanup continued on Monday to remove the rest that the officers could find, he said. The Phuket News

PHUKET NEWS

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PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST

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FRI DEC 21

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Monk prevented from walking into traffic

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A MONK WHO K EPT walking into traffic on the busy Thepkrasattri Rd while trying to sweep the road with a broom was taken into custody for his own protection late last Saturday afternoon (Dec 15). Police were notified by passers-by that the monk, who police have not named, was walking directly into the path of vehicles driving along Thepkrasattri Rd in Moo 1 Srisoonthorn at 3pm. The monk was carrying a broom and attempting to sweep the road clean. Officers arrived at the scene and attempt for two and a half hours to get the monk to stop trying to sweep the road, and especially to stop walking in front of the traffic.

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Leopard sharks return to Similans Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Officers were forced to take the monk into custody for his own protection. The monk repeatedly refused, leaving the officers no option but to take him into custody for his own protection. However, the monk resisted their attempts by the officers to take him peacefully, forcing the officers to take him by force, while he shouted for help and tried to wrestle free. The monk was taken to Thalang Hospital for assessment of his state of mind. Eakkapop Thongtub

n inspection of the Similan Islands Marine National Park north of Phuket has confirmed that that marine environment at popular dive sites in the archipelago are recovering well The inspection of the park, including underwater and onland sites, was conducted from last Thursday through Saturday (Dec 13-15), officers reported on the official Phuket Marine National Park Operation Center 2 Facebook page on Monday (Dec 17). The underwater inspection included Thai and foreign divers, the officers noted. Of special mention was that the marine environment at Similan Island No 7 – also

The marine life at the ‘East of Eden’ dive site at the Similan Islands is recovering well, national park officers have confirmed. Photo: DNP called “East of Eden” – is recovering so well that a pair of leopard sharks have returned to the area. “Leopard sharks swam near divers who surveyed the underwater environment and damaged reefs. Currently the marine life and corals there are restoring themselves,” said the report. Phongtheera Buapet, Lecture, Faculty of Technology and Environment, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, who joined the inspection, told The Phuket News, “The discovery of marine animals such as these leopard sharks is rare at the Similans. It means that the marine environment

is improving greatly.” Mr Phongtheera credited the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) introducing quotas to limit the number tourists entering the park as the key reason behind the marine life revival at the Similans. The DNP introduced the quotas in October this year, limiting the total number of visitors to the park to 3,850 a day, with the figure including 525 divers a day. Before the quota was introduced, park saw around 7,000 visitors a day. Last year, 912,000 tourists visited the park.

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Opinion 6

OPINION

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084 307 7408 execeditor@classactmedia.co.th Fifteen years working in news and covering local issues and events in Phuket, with 18-month hiatus spent working for the Brunei Times on Borneo. From Queensland, Australia; 10 years living in the UK before moving to Phuket in 2000. Degree in business management. Spare time spent sailing or with family.

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editor1@classactmedia.co.th Twenty years experience in the I n t e r n a t i o n a l m e d i a m a r ke t , creating content for Paramount Pictures, Mar vel and the BBC. Having previously lived on the island, David returned to cover regional lifestyle and cultural stories. He originates from the UK.

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT

Where the bloody hell are you?

he defence mounted by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office Director Kanokkittika Kritwutikon against claims online that Phuket is suffering an incredibly low number of visitors during the current tourism ‘high season’ raises many grave questions about Phuket’s tourism industry. First, Ms Kanokkittika drawing on statistics of international arrivals numbers at Phuket airport for Dec 1-15, a period ending only three days earlier, must have raised some eyebrows. They have to be the fastest-cited tourism statistics ever. The Ministry of Tourism & Sports as of Tuesday still had yet to post arrivals statistics for November. And coming to her support was Sarayut Mallum, a man who has never backed away from blasting the government in matters affecting Phuket’s

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tourism industry. We are not discounting the assessment by Weerawit Kreuasombat, President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA), which represents some 500 entertainment businesses in Phuket’s busiest tourism party town, of the “massive impact” of the fall in the number of tourists in Patong. “It is the worst high season in Patong in 10 years,” he said plainly. The Phuket News had received many of the same reports before we sourced that quote, and we don’t doubt that many businesses in Patong are suffering greatly. The question is: ‘Exactly which businesses are suffering, and why?’ Much suspicion lends itself to the huge shift in the demographics in the visitors coming to Phuket, and more specifically to Patong. After decades of barfly-

cum-party hard males descending on Patong for wanton relief, the town has seen a shift to more families arriving, and now that factor is coupled with increasing numbers of tourists from countries that simply don’t go for that form of entertainment, or even for relaxing in bars. Hence the proliferation of food establishments and more mainstream live music venues along Bangla Rd in recent years. Maybe Patong’s days as a “party capital” are finally drawing to a close. Discounting the sordid and criminal aspects of the town, that would be a pity. Having a fun place to go for a holiday – or even for a weekend staycation – and have your relaxing beaches and natural surroundings nearby is what everyone strives for. But let’s face it, we never wanted to be a second Pattaya anyway.

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US Embassy reminder: Income affidavits for visas to cease Jan 1 Visa crackdown to stay Spike in Phuket infections spur anti-Chikungunya offensive Heavy weather warning for Phuket Phuket’s coastal eyesore construction is legal, confirms mayor ‘Distressed’ elephant photo spurs zoo probe Property owners to be targetted as fake goods raids hit Patong, Central Monk prevented from walking into Phuket traffic Doomed ‘Phoenix’ substandard: international experts Chinese tourist on trial for killing wife in Phuket resort pool sole beneficiary to B142mn in life insurance

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EDITORIAL

Landed gentry

Re: Naka Noi land fight spills into allegations of denied access to public beaches This sounds like jealously gone mad in this battle of two families. Neither of which seem to have a legal right to the land from your story. Typical behaviour from greedy people. SueYu2

Concrete conclusions

Re: Phuket’s coastal eyesore construction is legal, confirms mayor Just because something is “legal” doesn’t make it right. There’s no way on earth any permit should have been issued for this project, and the fact that one was makes a farce of the whole “building permit” system. It is now clear that you can get a permit for literally anything (as long as you pay the right fee that is). CaptainJack69 Well, it took some time to modify the documents to make legal what was illegal – plus perhaps a lot of brown envelopes, as any departments were

involved. Many noses had to be steered in same direction. Kurt

Spot the fake

Re: Property owners to be targetted as fake goods raids hit Patong, Central I wonder why the Patong police were not involved… ? Discover Thainess I guess because the Patong Police is involved in all this illegal business, otherwise it wouldn’t exist. Kurt Police are not involved, because it is not their job. They have no mandate in counterfeit matters. Jor12

Banking on trust

Re: New tax law to see online, bank transfers to be monitored Airbnb books 50% + of the daily rentals of private residences in Phuket. Hosts that use Airbnb must take payment via Airbnb. All major booking websites have same record inside of where you sent the money. If you never use such websites… lucky

you. But I hope all your guests are fully briefed about lying to the police regarding their accommodation arrangements, if they get into any trouble. Winfield

Shooting off

Re: Phuket Opinion: A gun for all seasons …“sporadic indiscriminate killings” are NOT a “western disease” they are an exclusively American one. Everyone else exercises sensible gun control and so don’t suffer mass shootings. Religious terrorism on the other hand happens everywhere (including Thailand) but rarely involves guns. CaptainJack69

Real weather

Re: Heavy weather warning for Phuket “weather warning for all of Southern Thailand” Way to cover your backside TMD. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered (in the lee). It should not be in the general warning. As a tour operator, I closely monitor weather. I NEVER rely on TMD. There are too many sites that are actually accurate. Galong

Fogged off

Re: Spike in Phuket infections spur anti-Chikungunya offensive Gotta love the video of Mayor Aroon using the fogging machine. No respirator/ mask. Fogging inside the house. Fogging the clothes and cooking area, including what looks like bags of vegetables. He should be fogging the bushes and areas of standing water. Normally you are told to close all windows and doors to prevent any of this poison from entering your house. Timothy

Driven mad

Re: Stalled start to Phuket’s ‘Seven Days of Danger’ New Year road-safety campaign So road safety here in Phuket is good? Seeing every day the Chalong Police stop only tourists in Rawai and give them B500 ticket and have to be paid on site,so they can drive on to pat the next B500 at Chalong Circle. Is this good road safety in Phuket, or is it only about baht? Nasa12

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

THAILAND NEWS

Visa crackdown to stay NATIONWIDE

Wassayos Ngamkham

mmigration Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn admits frequent crackdowns on suspects who live in Thailand illegally have made other foreigners feel uncomfortable, but the bureau’s success in carrying out the campaign outweighs this concern. “Today the number of foreigners who overstay their visas is zero,” Gen Surachate said, referring to the outcome of strict measures against the wrongdoers. “I want to keep the number at zero.” Gen Surachate is aware that attempts to separate good and bad foreigners may have some unpleasant impacts, especially on those who live and work in Thailand legally. However, Gen Surachate insisted authorities need to “expel bad guys and have only good ones stay.” The campaign, called “X-Ray Outlaw Foreigners”, in which police inspect a wide range of venues from small rented houses and factories to luxury hotels, looking for errant foreigners, has helped the government reach its goal. An expat in Thailand, who asked not to be named, said: “The immigration police pick on all the

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An officer checks an application from a foreigner at the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot black people. No problem if you’re white. They’ll leave you alone. They just think all black people are bad.” The immigration bureau chief, however, claimed that a lot of visitors from certain African countries overstay and also commit crimes in Thailand. Another foreigner, who also asked not to be named, said his friends seeking asylum were also affected by the operations. Some have been detained. Since the campaign started in July last year, officers have conducted 39 operations in 3,755 target areas across the country as of the end of November.

Several thousand suspected wrongdoers, mostly overstaying their visas, were arrested and sent back to their countries. Information on asylum seekers was not revealed. In October alone this year, police arrested more than 40,000 suspects. Many of them were blacklisted and prohibited from re-entering Thailand. Gen Surachate attributed the success largely to complaints from owners of accommodation as well as crackdowns on brokers who help foreigners renew their visas illegally. By law, foreigners are required to report to authorities within 24 hours after they check in to their accommodation.

Usually, hotels will do the job for them, but in case they have to report to authorities themselves, they must contact the Immigration Bureau or police who oversee areas where they stay. It is an important law but may be easily ignored even by those who have never intended to commit any wrongdoing, Gen Surachate said, adding many bosses and their staff have no knowledge of this legal requirement. Foreigners who work in Thailand need to be careful not to overstay their visas. Usually, authorities will issue a warning letter, asking them to renew their visas which allow for a 90-day stay. If they fail to show up, they will be considered as overstaying their visas and will be subject to arrest, he said. The visa issue is also a problem when foreigners are lured into renewing their visas via brokers. Checks by police found their services involve many irregularities, involving forging documents that certify applicants’ financial status and false claims of their money records. A law stipulates that foreigners who want to prolong their stay in Thailand need to have at least B800,000 in their bank accounts. This is exploited by brokers who resort to trickery to make officers believe that the visa renewal ap-

plicants have enough money to pay for their living expenses. They transfer money to their clients’ bank accounts in the morning to have the balance checked by officers and quickly withdraw it in the evening once the financial “proof” has been provided, Gen Surachate said. It is not such a serious matter if their clients are decent people, but some might be criminals, he said. He recommended foreigners who need help to contact his agency directly. If they want a more technological channel, they can contact police through the Line App, which has the handle “immigration”. The software allows foreigners to give their addresses and apply for visa renewals online without a need to travel to the Immigration Bureau. With all these facilities available, if foreigners still rely on illegal means and opt to stay in the country secretly, “we’ll treat them as ill-intentioned people and they’ll face arrest,” Gen Surachate said. The campaign will stay in place, and even foreigners with refugee status will be carefully regulated. Police will keep a close watch on their number and the period they are allowed to stay here by working more closely with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, he said. Bangkok Post

THAILAND NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Calls mount for poll monitors

PM Prayut under pressure to allow foreign election observers BANGKOK Bangkok Post

he Election Commission (EC) will decide whether to allow foreign organisations to observe the general election, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Monday (Dec 17), amidst growing calls to bring in international monitors. “It is the business of the EC to consider and it’s our job to create transparency. Everyone must collaborate to ensure a credible election process” he said. When asked if this means foreign organisations will be allowed to observe the election process, he declined to comment. Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai has so far opposed the idea of allowing non-residents or foreign organisations to observe the polls but has welcomed embassy staff involvement. According to media reports, Mr Don said the EC had sought the ministry's view on election observation by foreigners. In

Elections have always been open to informal scrutiny, but the current issue is: Should the government approve or even sponsor foreign observers? Photo: Bangkok Post /file his opinion, non-residents or foreign organisations should not take part since it would be viewed as bringing in “outsiders”. Pheu Chart Party’s deputy spokesman Rayut Boontan called on Gen Prayut to take a stance on the issue, saying that if the government supports the idea, the EC is likely to comply.

He said even though the EC is an independent agency, it seems to lend its ear to what the regime has to say. “If the government makes itself clear that it favours local and foreign organisations observing the election, the EC will take its cue,” he said. In his opinion, both domestic and international groups should observe the entire

process, adding that the new election laws are viewed with scepticism as they appear to favour certain players. Mr Rayut also took Mr Don to task for his view against allowing foreign observers to monitor the elections, accusing the foreign minister of being narrow-minded. He said Myanmar’s elections in Nov 2015 were open

to outside observers including the People’s Alliance for Credible Elections (Pace), and the absence of these international bodies would cast the country in a bad light. Pheu Chart’s secretarygeneral, Linda Cherdchai, said the government should send out invites to show it is serious about ensuring an open and fair election and clear itself of criticism that it is intervening in the EC’s work. Chartthaipattana Party leader Kanchana Silpa-arch said she agrees with calls for the government to allow foreigners to observe the process. She said the country has everything to gain from allowing international monitors. According to EC secretarygeneral Jarungvith Phumma, the EC’s Office normally invites foreign counterparts to observe the election process as a standard practice. These observers monitor the management of the election process, the campaign, and related preparations and write up reports for peer review. He said if other foreign agencies are interested in observing the process, they have

to submit their requests to the EC. Asked about guidelines or criteria that the EC uses when considering these requests, he said he did not have information at hand but admitted allowing foreign observers would bolster confidence in the process. Also on Monday, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, head of the Pheu Thai Party’s strategic committee, urged the EC to explain how its draft regulations for election campaign leaflets and posters would help the process. The veteran politician was reacting to media reports that images that appear on an MP candidate posters may not include anyone else other than the candidate, the party leader or prime ministerial candidate nominated by the respective party. She said while parties would have to comply with the regulations, the EC owes the public an explanation as to how these prohibitions are in their best interest. “The EC should prove it is not under the thumb of those who want to return to power,” Khunying Sudarat said.

Police show off recent drug hauls including 9.8 million meth pills and 77kg of heroin in Chiang Rai. Photo: AFP / Bangkok Post / Apichart Jinakul

18mn meth pills seized in Chiang Rai CHIANG RAI AUTHORITIES SEIZED more than 18 million meth pills in the drug-riddled Golden Triangle, a senior military official said on Monday (Dec 17), following deadly antitrafficking operations in the border region. The Golden Triangle – the lawless wedge of land intersecting China, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos – is the main base of operations for Southeast Asia’s highly lucrative methamphetamine trade. Attempts to crack down on the influx of drugs into Thailand have resulted in massive

seizures and left at least 15 alleged smugglers shot dead in the country’s north since the start of November. The latest bust occurred in Chiang Rai province on Sunday night after authorities received a tip-off that smugglers were active in the area, later pinpointing two suspicious cars. “We found and seized bags... all were methamphetamine, about 18.76 million pills,” commander Vichit Wongsang said in a press conference streamed live on Facebook. Bags taken in the operation were branded with “999”, a trademark associated with

Myanmar drug lords. He added that in the past two months, northern army units had seized about 50mn to 60mn pills in total. The operation comes almost two weeks after police in Chiang Rai killed a smuggler in a shootout while two others escaped into the night. Police said they found 15mn tablets in bags, also marked “999”, in that incident. Traffickers in the region often employ smugglers from local hill tribes but much less is known about the major players involved and the vast amounts of product that makes it through. AFP thephuketnews

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BUSINESS NEWS

‘No more illegal guides’ Army ‘asks’ Phuket operators to cease hiring illegal tour guides TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

t Gen Wichan Suksong, the Deputy Commander of the Fourth Army Region, was in Phuket last week to “ask” tour companies to not use illegal tour guides in order to alleviate conflict with legitimate, legally-registered tour guides. The Fourth Army Region base, in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, is the regional Army command centre for all of Southern Thailand, and has its 25th Military Circle division stationed in Phuket. Gen Wichan issued the request at a meeting held at the Phuket office of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports Thursday last week (Dec 13). Present to hear the “request” was Phuket Provincial Chief Administration Officer (Palad) Anupong Wawongmoon as well as local legally-registered tour guides, and representatives from the Phuket Tourist Association and tour companies. To work as a tour guide, which in Thailand is an occupation reserved for Thai nationals only, guides by law must be qualified by the Ministry of

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Lt Gen Wichan Suksong, the Deputy Commander of the 4th Army Region, was in Phuket to deliver his request in person last Thursday (Dec 13). Photo: PR Dept Tourism and Sports and be registered with the Tourism Business and Guide Registration Office. At the meeting, the legal tour guides voiced their grievances about illegal tour guides still operating in the island’s lucrative tourism industry. “In the past, there have been complaints about unregistered tour guides. This problem affects the image of tourism in Phuket,” Gen

Wichan said. “Before, we had more Chinese tourists travel to Phuket than ever before. But now the number of Chinese tourists coming to Phuket is decreasing,” he said. Although Gen Wichan was careful not to expand his explanation further, his open recognition of the decreasing number of Chinese tourists as the key factor of the

“problem” lent itself to the common understanding that when the Chinese tour market was overloaded, private tour companies hired illegal guides to serve their clients. The argument presented at the national level was that there were not enough Thai tour guides proficient enough in Chinese language to serve the vast volume of Chinese tourists travelling to the Kingdom – a factor

consistently denied by official tour guide associations when pleading to preserve the work of tour guides for their legally registered members only. However, since the plunge in the number of Chinese tourists coming to Thailand throughout this year, the number of Chinese-speaking tour guides required to serve the inbound Chinese market has also fallen – meaning that fewer illegal guides were needed to serve the market. Gen Wichan’s appeal inferred that tour companies now no longer needed to hire illegal guides, and that tour operators now “should” move to hire legally registered tour guides only. “I want every department to create a good image of tourism in Phuket,” Gen Wichan told the meeting. “The issue concerns safety of tourists and to make sure tourists are not exploited,” he added. “And all the tour guides have to be legitimate (formally registered),” he said. “Our focus is on safety measures in all aspects, especially water tourism. Phuket has strict security measures, which will increase the confidence of tourists in travelling to Phuket,” Gen Wichan concluded.

10 BUSINESS NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Khiri Travel at 25 Founder Willem Niemeijer shares 5 x 5 Truths and Predictions when political crises occur.

TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

hiri Travel celebrated 25 years in business in 2018. Looking back on a quarter century in travel in Asia, Khiri Travel founder, Willem Niemeijer, shares 5 x 5 insights that inform his travel industry decision making in 2018 and plans for 2019 and beyond: TRUTHS 1. When you choose a career in travel, don’t make money your motivation. There are other industries out there where you can make more, and easier money. Work in the travel industry to serve guests and local communities alike, while preserving the environment. It is the only sustainable way forward for our industry. 2. Environmental certification (such as Travelife) for a DMC is not only – morally

Khiri Travel founder, Willem Niemeijer. – the right thing to do, it pays dividends for companies, such as Khiri, who are committed to the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.

3. People are king. Finding, hiring and retaining the right personnel can make or break a company. It’s the biggest challenge out there.

4. Email and instant messaging are great business tools, but do not replace faceto-face contact. Do take time and effort to see your friends, business relations, suppliers and clients as often as you can. 5. Good travel is defined by human connection more than place. You may discover respect for a community. Or a one to one connection. Or both. Either way, people make a destination. TRENDS 1. China will continue to transform not just the travel industry in Asia and the world, but the global economy and culture. India will continue where China leaves off. The West better get used to it. 2. The rise in independent travel booking with people creating their own holidays using the internet will become more pronounced. In an era when LCCs establish new destinations, and more businesses put their product offers online, the challenge will be in navigating the increasing density of online offers. 3. As the supply of new tourists from major markets continues to flow to destinations where overtourism already is a problem – or rapidly is becoming one – travellers from mature markets will increasingly seek new destinations away from crowds. 4. Single-use plastics will disappear from the travel industry. For guests from markets such as the USA

and Western Europe this is already the norm. They expect this to be followed by the places they visit on their holidays. Private companies and discerning consumers will take the lead. Government policies will catch up later. 5. In a time of mergers of the travel giants, smart investments in the travel industry will give rise to a slew of new niche specialists. This will continue to be more pronounced in the hospitality and the tour operating segments. There is power in agility and specialisation. WISHES 1. For governments to listen to residents more. And use money to improve tourism dispersal to areas where tourism income would make a difference. Tourism shouldn’t be measured in arrival statistics. 2. For fewer or no visas – or at least make applications easy online affairs. 3. In mainland Southeast Asia, make overland travel by car easier for locals. Use Europe as an example. Create Asean-wide car insurance and unlock potential. 4. For the tourism industry to do more than pay lip service to sustainability; to actively contribute to environmental conservation while helping local communities that host tourism. 5. For political stability in Asia. It’s a region where many countries have a fractious relationship with democracy. Tourism is quickly derailed

NEW DESTINATIONS 1. Nan – Northern Thailand. This province is home to many amazing national parks and is a cultural hub. Access to Luang Prabang in Laos will help it secure a firm place on the map of discerning travellers. 2. Flores – the gateway to Komodo will develop further as a wonderful new destination in Indonesia. 3. Cambodian Islands – like Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Rong will feature more in programs, making Cambodia a stand-alone destination. Super luxury resort brand Song Saa will be joined by Six Senses soon. Other big brands will follow. 4. Mergui Archipelago – exciting new exclusive resorts in the remote Southern part of Myanmar are already in the final stages of development. Accessibility from Southern Thailand offers exciting possibilities. 5. Kumana National Park in Sri Lanka. It’s close to Yala National Park but receives much fewer visitors and is better for wildlife safaris. PREDICTIONS 1. Augmented Reality will be a breakthrough technology in travel. The potential to add meaningful value to museums, national parks, restaurants, and travel trade shows will be mind boggling. 2. In an increasing age of overtourism and commodification of travel, the industry will have to redouble its efforts through responsible initiatives to protect its reputation. 3. Financial crashes, currency volatility, oil price swings, natural disasters, terrorism, and outbreaks of disease will all continue to wreak occasional short-term havoc on tourism. However, recovery times will be faster. 4. More realism in travel advertising will be mandatory – i.e. no more empty paradise beaches when the reality is otherwise. Institutions like the EU will increasingly define advertising parameters – and punish transgressors who mislead or fall short on promises. 5. Space Tourism will finally become reality and will rapidly become more accessible, while remaining the ultimate bucket list item for many. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Romantic dining at the Sunset Grill

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Wellbeing is an education priority

A DESIGN FOR LIFE

An unforgettable stay at TreeHouse Villas on Koh Yao

Photo: Gulnara Salieva The view from the stairwell down to the dipping pool and relaxing lounge area. Photo: Gulnara Salieva

The upstairs bedroom and open-plan bathroom have a perfect balance of functional space and design aesthetics. Photo: Gulnara Salieva David Jacklin editor1@classactmedia.co.th

s the boat leaves the quay at Yacht Haven Marina you can sense the expectation among my fellow passengers. Sunglasses are down, Samsonite luggage secured, as we are whisked off across the blue waters to what looks like, based on all the promotional images, the remote tropical paradise Robinson Crusoe would have found if he’d been lucky enough to have been shipwrecked on an island owned by Bill Gates, who had employed Philippe @thephuketnews

Starck as an art director. For we are off to TreeHouse Villas in Koh Yao Noi, a gem of an island sitting peacefully between Phuket and Krabi in Phang Nga bay. TreeHouse Villas is an adults-only luxury destination… with a difference. Correction. A BIG difference. This uber stylish and visionary resort is designed by ‘Nature’s own Architect’ as their site promotes. It’s hard to imagine a more idyllic setting. The boat trip lasts around 45 minutes, and it’s a pleasure. Calm seas and mounting expectations as we enjoy close-up views gliding between the sheer Jurassic cliff-faces of the region’s

famous limestone rocks. Eventually we round a point on the northern tip of Koh Yao Noi, and are presented with a secluded private bay and the TreeHouse Villas resort. Any boy is it a beauty. The unspoiled jungle looms between the rock faces, and then, as the boat reaches the jetty, you spot your accommodation for the night. If the environment isn’t magnificent enough to take your breath away, save the little oxygen you have left for when you enter the most unique living space that you’re likely to have ever experienced, that manages to combine rustic and opulence so effectively into an other-worldly experience.

These incredible treehouse structures sit in harmony with the surrounding dense green foliage. You’re high in the canopy, with private and unprecedented views across Phang Nga bay and the magnificent limestone rock seascape beyond. Even from leaving the terra firma of the earthy resort and stepping into your new world in the trees you’re in awe of these eco-friendly play dens and the design details in every nook and in every feature. From the beautifully crafted winding rope and steel stairwell that connects these two floor villas you enter... Continued on page 12

12 TRAVEL

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

A room with so much more than a view. Photo: Gulnara Salieva ...a thoughtfully designed and practical apartment in the sky, where you and your partner can relax and enjoy both the charming interiors and surrounding environment in tropical style. The first floor houses a wooden patio lounge space with recliners and bar area, which provides a wide and rather wonderful range of soft and more indulgent beverages with the compliments of the house. Designed into the flooring, and the perfect pastime to while your way through the fridge’s contents, is the jacuzzi dip pool. Cooling off from your journey with a Japanese malt, bubbles and view across the bay are to die for. Ascending the stairwell to the second floor, releasing the wooden door with a tap from your key card, and Open Sesame!... to your magical lair.

Mesmerising vista across the secluded beach to the limestone rocks that dot the Phang Nga landscape. Photo: Gulnara Salieva

This elegant and wooden-structured dome is a treasure trove of design details and home comforts. The extra cosy double bed with super-quality linen. The bespoke-designed bath tub and open shower wet area neatly cornered off in the round. I could be the envy of the shire! This is like a hobbit’s dream home, and at only 5' 7" I have every right to own one. But this living space is not small. Not at all. And that is down to the very well thought through architectural design, interior layout and fittings that gives the treehouse an extremely comfortable and roomy feel that even those lofty elves could enjoy. There’s also a great little balcony which gives you further elevated views for those high season sunset or sunrise stunners. And if this is all just that little bit too cosy to want to head back down to the first floor to fix yourselves a drink, have no fear. The bedroom also comes with its very own filled fridge and hot drink facilities. Come nightfall it’s like an enchanted grotto in the sky. The tree-top dwelling comes alive with charming soft lighting across the living spaces. On the first floor the cool blue florescence of the jacuzzi lights invite you and your partner back in for a romantic evening dip. I met with Josef Raess, the co-owner and creative brainchild behind the TreeHouse Villas project. One can tell within minutes of meeting this welcoming and charming man why this venture is such a unique experience. Josef, a successful hotelier and entrepreneur, is truly a designer at heart, and it’s clear that attention to detail is

The Clubhouse kitchen provides a quality breakfast spread, as well as fine dining dishes throughout the day and evening service. Photo: Gulnara Salieva key to his vision across every aspect of the resort. I was keen to know how he and his commercial partners came up with the treehouse concept and design. “I was looking to create a boutique paradise,” replied Josef. “I wanted to build with the environment, not imposing on it, but blending naturally in. I knew I wanted something completely unique for the villas in location and detail, but had yet to find a design I was happy with. Then I walked into John Underwood’s Art Factory studio in Phuket and saw an early stage design of the treehouse concept. “I asked John what it was. John replied it was just a crazy idea he was working with, and I told him that crazy was good.” Josef and his investors raised the capital for a prototype. John designed and built the prefab steel structure at his studio piece-by-piece. In Koh Yao they had a template design for the foundation, and when all was ready the steel parts were shipped over and the structure was fitted together like a luxurious lego set. The investors took one look at it, and TreeHouse Villas was born. Josef himself took on the job of the interiors and furnishings, and the result is a testament to his artistic flair and passion for design from every angle. It’s easy to get carried away describing the wonders of these structures, but there’s so much more to the experience of a stay at this resort. The Clubhouse serves up a fantastic and diverse menu with equal emphasis on quality and presentation. The resort has an outdoor pool and relaxing steam sauna, and the private

beach houses comfy sunbeds, seated swings at the water’s edge, and a rustic beach hut bar for those evening drinks with a quality house band. There is an activities centre too for those sporty types, and I took the opportunity to kayak around the surrounding bays to explore the limestone cliffs up close and personal, surrounded by the virgin jungle and unspoilt beaches. It would be amiss of me not to mention the level of service and attentiveness of the staff. From the moment you step off the quay you are completely cared for, and nothing is too much bother to ensure you have the perfect stay. It was important for Josef to support the Koh Yao community with this project, and 95% of the staff are locals and the team are actively involved in fundraising for charitable causes across the island. The resort has the highest standard of conservation practices, having been awarded the accolade of a Travel Gold Life certificate, recognised worldwide by the travel industry. They have their own off-site recycling plant, water treatment facility and electricity generators. In summation, TreeHouse Villas is a magical eco-microcosm that you won’t want to leave. I’ve been fortunate to travel the world and write about a number of high-end luxury resorts. Granted, this resort appeals directly to my particular taste, but in total honesty… TreeHouse Villas literally tops the lot. TreeHouse Villas Koh Yao Luxury Beach Resort Tel: +66 (0) 76 584 450 www.treehouse-villas.com thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Change is possible

HEALTH 13

Raw Movement is the Key to Vitality Darren Scherbain

hen was the last time you felt like a kid? Remember when you would jump on you bike. Head out at first light and spend hour after hour zipping around on your two wheeled stallion. When we were kids we hadn’t learned how to talk ourselves out of getting some dirt, grime and grit on our new bike. It was more than okay to acquire a little grit and grime. The grit, grime and a grease tattoo on the back of the leg were a price of doing business: not an indicator of failure and mistakes.

Action is a verb not a noun.

Clean, polished and shiny didn’t get you very far in my neighbourhood. When did we allow ourselves to start substituting clean, shiny and fitting in for adventure and playfulness? Do you know why we were so good at playing and making up our own games when we were kids? We relayed on ‘Raw Movement’, created our own rules. and we didn’t sit around waiting for permission. I grew up on the Great White North of the Canadian Prairies. Imagination and playfulness was my key to freedom. I played on Death Stars and battled the evil Empire. Zipping around on my bike I would make the jump into light speed and then immediately help an alien phone home. My belt became my trusted bull whip out in the hay fields searching for hidden treasures that would lead me to the lost Arc. Just like Indiana Jones, I too hated snakes, so did my best to avoid them. Our imagination and playfulness was the key to freedom adventure and vitality; not our garmin, heart rate monitor and strava profile. Surprises were always just around the next corner. Funny how 40 years later these same surprises have now become problems.

TURNING POINTS Expat Mental Wellness Advice

ambling. Psychologist and addiction counsellors are often asked “How do I know if I am gambling too much. If I cannot cut down, is it just lack of will power?” This is a fair and common question. Professionals in the addiction field tend to monitor trends in not just chemical abuse, but behavioural addictions also. In the last 10 years, the increase of pathological (compulsive or addictive) gambling has increased greatly. While there are always the gamblers whose access range from casinos, horse racing, or underground card games, the advent of the smart phone and wi-fi access has resulted in a huge increase in on-line sports betting. Whatever type of gambling one engages in, if is

becoming problematic the patterns are very similar. Increased frequency, short time between acting out, increased amounts of bets and secrecy and isolation are all warning signs of a gambling addiction. Some people report they began gambling as a response to boredom or stress; placing a bet and looking forward to the outcome was a temporary distraction to problems they may have been experiencing at work, in their relationships, or life in general. Other people report a long history of moderate gambling that seemed to increase in intensity over time. When it comes to the treatment of a gambling addiction, the specific origins are actually of little concern. A proper treatment focuses

on the level of harm, inability to control, motivation and reinforcement of the behaviour. Because gambling has both a psychological and physiological response, primarily related to dopamine, the ability to stop gambling and no longer receive this “rush” takes a formal strategy and not just good intentions. In order to stop gambling it is important that a person understand why they are doing it, in order to formulate a plan to stop. As with many addictions, will power, good intentions, and logic have little success. If you feel you have a gambling problem, you should seek help as soon as possible. You can speak to a local addiction professional or can contact Gamblers Anonymous at - www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

Craig Gagnon, Clinical Director of Miracles Asia, an Addiction & Mental Wellness Centre in Phuket. www.miraclesasia.com or email info@miraclesasia.com or call 076 529 510. @thephuketnews

As kids we were creative and could solve our own problems. Two shoes instantly became the goal posts. You learned at a young age to play ball hockey against a building otherwise you were chasing that frozen ball more than when you were playing. How many variations of tag did you play? You didn’t keep playing the same one day after day. We were creative and hadn’t put ourselves in that squeaky clean little box. This creativity constantly allowed us to keep learning. You can keep your 5 second rule. It’s just a little dirt, grime and muck. It doesn’t mean we are flawed and doing something wrong. The grit, grime and muck is all apart of being human and imperfect. Somewhere along the line we have forgotten that playfulness and raw movement is the key to vitality at any age. Are you a ‘Movement Machine’? Come and join us for a dynamic physical and educational experience that will leave you with the KNOW HOW to look and feel your best. Your Team, that we have assembled, have over 50 years of combined professional experience. Your team includes: Craig Burton - Nutrition; Thomas Engberts - Physi-

Playful is always an option. otherapist; Rob Morgan - Optimal Strength and Performance Coach; and Darren Scherbain - BA Kinesiology/Heroic Story Teller. These are professionals you can trust and are loaded with integrity. They not only talk the talk but walk the walk. Your ticket to ‘Raw Movement is the Key to Vitality’ includes two actionpacked training sessions: High Intensity Run session and a Sunset Beach Body Weight session. Three nutritious and delicious meals provided by Outrigger with the highlight being a BBQ dinner on the Beach. Plus all four Masterclasses. Change is possible. That’s Saturday January 12th 2019 from 7am to 8pm at Outrigger Laguna Phuket. Make an investment in your health and vitality! Contact me for more details: Darren 061 251 9768 darrenscherbain@gmail.com

14 DINING

Hilltop at the Hyatt

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Romantic dining with views at the Sunset Grill THE CULINARY DETECTIVE Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

rriving at the Hyatt Regency in Kamala, I make my way into the spacious lobby and on requesting directions to the Sunset Grill, am advised that buggy transport will arrive shortly. With a few surplus moments. I wander towards a spectacular Olympic-plus size, azure blue pool, which I am informed by attentive staff is one of the longest in Phuket. I have no doubt this is indeed true! I make a mental note, my first but not my last, to return to this oasis where I may recharge my batteries by swimming in this tranquil setting, whilst enjoying the unobstructed views out to the Andaman Sea; truly a relaxing oasis. My buggy has arrived and as I settle in for the short journey to the restaurant, I look up and can see that the hotel rooms are in fact all situated along neatly layered terraces on the face of the hill, cleverly ensuring all offer 180-degree sea views.

At the Sunset Grill in Kamala .

On route to the summit, we pass both the spa and also a cosy club lounge with plunge pool, a first for me and my second mental note, a must-visit on a future stay. We round the last corner and as I disembark and climb a flight of short stone steps, I turn around and take a moment to enjoy what must be one of the most stunning views in Phuket. If I were enamoured and seeking a venue to pop the question, this would certainly be high up my list. The Sunset Grill is perched atop the cliff and as I am welcomed, following the combination of the adventure of the short trip and the heart stopping views, my anticipation, is as high as this hilltop dining room itself. The contemporary furnished room has floor to ceiling windows which on a clear night afford some of the most breathtaking views available in Phuket. Jazz playing in the background, a slightly nautical cruise theme pervades; quite enchanting. I am greeted by charming staff who offer me both the a la carte menu and a gastro degustation. They are also on trend with a creative vegetarian tasting menu, offering several dishes which even interest me, a dyed in the wool carnivore. There is also a carefully curated selection of grape libations, from around the world, available by both bottle and glass. My starter arrives; one of my personal favourites, a wonderfully innovative foie gras dish with a delicate balance of balsamic and unusually so, liquorice dust. The complex flavours and textures in this dish are almost perfect, the juxta-positioning of the decadent,

Grilled Andaman Sea Tuna. creamy and rich foie gras lobe countered with the ever so slightly acidic balsamic layered with an aftertaste of aniseed is superlative. This is followed by Chef’s signature recommendation of cold cantaloupe melon soup, scented with Thai basil, the non-veg option featuring crunchy parma ham. Following on from the luxuriant liver, this is a wonderfully light and refreshing continuance. Main course follows; a tender wagyu beef tenderloin with anchovy mash which with an ever so slightly salty and rich fishiness, surprisingly for me, works well. Steak and anchovy has always been a classic marriage but I was a non-believer till tonight. The dish is accompanied by fresh asparagus, forest mushrooms and a sauce of green peppercorns. Chef Mario Caramella, originally from Milan joined the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort in late 2017 as Executive Chef and is certainly pushing the culinary boundaries on the evidence so far this evening. He now recommends another signature dish of Quail; roasted French quail wrapped in pancetta and stuffed with foie gras truffle potato cream; can I manage another rich in cholesterol dish? I am heartened, no pun intended, by an article I recently read which stated that whilst foie gras does contain a high level of cholesterol, in fact not all the fat contained within is harmful, equally it has a much-reduced impact on blood cholesterol and eating it in moderation is not damaging to one’s health. So, I continue with this small bird, a contradiction in itself, tiny yet unexpectedly a real taste bomb, the meat absolutely jam-packed

Executive Chef Mario Caramella.

with flavour. I round off our evening with a flambéed Baked Alaska and a Sabayon with berries and passion fruit; but honestly, despite their evident yumminess, slightly struggling to finish both. As I head back down the hill, I regret not having booked an overnight stay, perhaps even in a Club room, so I may have relished my continental breakfast whilst languishing in the luxury plunge pool followed perhaps by a few lengths of that wonderfully grand pool (especially needed after the double dose of foie gras!) and then feeling satisfied with my albeit one off exercise regime, even partake of brunch, before making the journey home. Ah…to err is human… there is always a next time… Chris is a former Michelin Guide Inspector who, following an international career in hospitality spanning 30 years in both the Middle East and Asia, has now settled in Thailand and will contribute a monthly restaurant column.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

A Year of Being Well

EDUCATION 15

The priority of wellbeing in the education system EDUCATION CORNER Richard Stockings

t is necessary, every so often, to pause and reflect on what we have accomplished over a period of time. We are in our second year/phase of our new Wellbeing program at BISP and I feel very proud of the steps we have taken as a community to place student wellbeing at the heart of all that we do. In fact, wellbeing has always been a priority at BISP, we have just made people more aware of what exists behind the scenes and created a language to help identify areas of our lives that need development. The pillars of Engage, Relate and Shine lie at the heart of the framework. This has been embraced by the whole school and the appointment of a coordinator here and a Jigsaw curriculum has been a huge move forward in creating continuity and consistency in transition across schools. Resilience The messages students have received

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over the past year constantly refer to the fact that it is normal to experience both happiness and pain. The vision of the programme is to ensure all students understand that all emotions are normal and that we will all have discomfort at times. It is at this juncture we are supplying a tool kit to equip our students to navigate these challenges with grit and resilience. However, this is not enough! They need to be educated about the potential risks of social media, drugs, sex and alcohol to name but a few. World Experts Bringing guests and experts into the school like Clive Leech and Nicole Gibson has helped validate this area and demonstrate to all its absolute importance in the educational sector. Although learning and academic achievement is vital, we cannot be at our best mentally, physically, emotionally or socially without taking care of our overall wellbeing. Coaching The development of coaching models to support students is fundamental to normalising emotions. It provides a safe place for students to talk with trained coaches about how they feel and to explore options and ways forward

when facing challenges. This has been a major component of the framework and has been embraced by teachers, administrators, sports coaches and boarding parents across the school. Character Strengths A focus on 24 Character Strengths has helped individuals to determine where they work best and how to ensure they use their strengths on a daily basis. Rather than focus on their weaker areas we prefer to engage with their strengths to ensure we are fully utilising the components of our character which motivate and inspire us. Student Voice The student voice and leadership programs have established a platform for our young leaders to meet and share ideas about relationships, engagement in learning and education about health and nutrition. It is so exciting to see students working together to create change and awareness in supporting one another. A growing awareness for the environment, educating on healthy lifestyle choices, planning school events and providing service all help students engage in their school experiences. Mindfulness A major development of the framework

The Wellbeing framework has been embraced by the whole school. has been exposing staff and students to mindfulness practices. Practicing awareness and learning to pause in our busy schedules is a wonderful and powerful way to help deal with the stresses of modern living. As a school we believe strongly that the development of a full mindfulness program will bring great benefits to everyone in our school community. Already training with staff and regular practice has seen this develop. We hope this will become the cornerstone to all of our wellbeing work and will provide anyone who is part of our community with life skills that will serve them wherever they go and well beyond BISP. BE WELL! Richard Stockings is Head of Student Wellbeing at British International School, Phuket - BISP. It is an English medium, coeducational, day and boarding school. Visit their website www.bisphuket.ac.th for more information.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Vice Governor Thanyawat Chanpinit and TAT Phuket Director Kanokkittika Kritwuttikorn (centre), flanked by Phuket Christian Churches Association President Thikun Papsaneh (3rd from left) and Phuket Christian Committee Vice President Yossanun Kornkumpanart (3rd from right). More than 7,000 people joined the concert.

Will Graham.

ANDAMAN CELEBRATION OF LOVE WITH WILL GRAHAM More than 7,000 people joined “Andaman Celebration of Love with Will Graham” concert held at the Prince of Songkla University Phuket campus over the weekend (Dec 7-9). Phuket Vice Governor Thanyawat Chanpinit and Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office Director Kanokkittika Kritwuttikorn were present at the official opening of the event, which was organised by the Phuket Christian Churches Association and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). Among the Thai artists performing live were Pu Anchalee, Bo TK, Eed Pong Lang, Hym The Rapper Thailand, Preaw Kanitkul, Ten Nararak, Dear The winner is, Ann Nantana, Fon The Voice, HISPOP from South Korea, W501 and others.

Guests celebrated the start of the festive season with Gingerbread house making at Firefly Pool & Restaurant.

Tim Sargeant, Director of Marketing; Sandy Robson, Resort Manager; and Conor O’Leary, General Manager.

THE PAVILIONS IN THE FESTIVE SEASON SPIRIT Firefly kicked off the festive season last Saturday (Dec 15) with a pool party brunch featuring gingerbread house making for the kids and festive stalls from The Good Shepherd Phuket. The event served to spread holiday cheer and get everyone into the holiday spirit with activities for all ages to enjoy at The Pavilions.

From left: Bussabonglahwan Pattaro, Information Specialist Media and Cultural Section at the US Embassy in Bangkok; Chris Husted , Executive Editor at The Phuket News; Steve Castonguay, US Embassy Deputy Spokesperson; Jason Beavan, General Manager at Class Act Media; and Chutharat ‘Um’ Plerin, Editor of the Thai-language newspaper Khao Phuket.

Guests getting into the holiday spirit!

The students put on an impressive performance.

US EMBASSY MEDIA LIAISONS VISITS CLASS ACT MEDIA OFFICE

HEADSTART STUDENTS STAR IN STUNNING ‘NIGHT AT THE MOVIES’

A big thank you to US Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Steve M. Castonguay and Bussabonglahwan Pattaro, Information Specialist Media and Cultural Section, for stopping by the Class Act Media offices last week (Dec 12). The visit included a quick tour of the offices, including the Live 89.5 radio and Phuket Xtra TV studios, and a chat about what US Embassy news Class Act Media can bring to residents and tourists on the island. We're looking forward to bringing you a lot more, soon!

An absoulte privilege and pleasure to be invited to the performance of ‘A Night at the Movies’ last Tuesday evening (Dec 11) at Headstart International School. A jaw-droppingly good musical, which included actors, singers, dancers and aerial performers skillfully crafted together into a stunning original show which had people grinning from ear to ear at this most professional production. This showcase of the depth of talent from the kids to staff alike in the school’s Creative and Performing Arts Academy serves to strengthen the school’s undeniable show of quality and educational values. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Everyone was getting into the festive spirit.

Just missing the mistletoe.

Kids enjoyed probably the biggest gingerbread house they’d ever seen.

Santa’s helpers and friends joined in.

DUSIT THANI LAGUNA PHUKET LIGHTS UP CHRISTMAS IN FESTIVE SPIRIT Over 80 guests and local media gathered at the Horizon Lounge at the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket to watch the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree last Tuesday (Dec 11). This year’s event included songs and show performances from the hotel staff. Lots of parents and children enjoyed the event, too!

Mom Tri (left) with Guests of Honour Bob and Joan.

Mom Tri unveiled his latest creations.

MOM TRI UNVEILS HIS LATEST COLLECTION, ‘DISSOLUTION IN STEEL’ Expanding his design ideas by working with new mediums, Mom Tri Devakul is presenting his new sculptural work, DISSOLUTION IN STEEL at WOK Gallery Kitchen. The formal opening was held last Saturday (Dec 15), with Guests of Honour Bob and Joan Hodgkinson from Manchester, UK, called on to officially open the exhibition. Photos: Dan Miles

Lyndon, Donna and Scot. Harry and Susan Usher, joined by Australian Ambassador Paul Robilliard (left) and Australian Chamber of Commerce Thailand (AustCham) President Brenton Mauriello.

HARRY & SUSAN GET AWARDED Congratulations to the 2018 recipients of the AustCham Thailand President’s Award – Harry and Susan Usher, from Lady Pie Phuket. The President’s Award provides recognition to a person/s who has provided tremendous support to the Chamber and its members, and Harry and Susan have played a key part in the revival of the Chamber in Phuket. @thephuketnews

ZUMA STUNNING, TASTY POP-UP RETURNS TO ANANTARA LAYAN More than 200 people enjoyed the launch event of Zuma returning for their annual pop-up, treating Phuket to award-winning contemporary Japanese cuisine. Guests sampled some of the great cuisine that will be available until Feb 15, 2019.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

live performance by Thailand’s first and only International pop opera band, Fivera, will enhance the Festive joy and cheers. Cocktail Reception: 6.30 PM - 7.00 PM at the hotel lobby. Dinner: 7.00 PM - 10.30 PM at the pool deck. Price: THB 3,000++ per person. Reservations, Dusit Thani, Laguna, Phuket, dtlpfb@dusit.com, 076 362 999 ext.7303.

22 DEC All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

All you can eat BBQ night

6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Sala Sunday Night Steak & Seafood An Italian Evening

Healthy Vegan Buffet at DiLite Restaurant Come to Thanyapura’s DiLite Restaurant to enjoy a healthy vegan buffet every Monday to Saturday. Lunch: 12pm to 3pm Dinner: 6pm to 8:30pm. Price: Lunch B350 and Dinner B550. Information and bookings call 076 336 000 or visit: thanyapura.com/hotel/dining/

ZUMA returns to Anantara Layan Award-winning contemporary Japanese restaurant, ZUMA, returns for a third season to the beachfront at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort between 15 December 2018 and 15 February 2019. For more information and bookings, please call + 66 (0) 7631 7200 or email zuma@anantara.com

Enjoy a selection of Italian antipasti, cold cuts, premium cheese, marinated olives, grill vegetables, homemade pickles, caprese skewers, bruschetta and homemade breads - all complemented by free-flow Italian beverages. B1,999 net per person for antipasti buffet and free-flow Italian beverages. Enjoy 25% OFF when you dine with four persons or more. Reservations at Dusit Thani, Laguna, Phuket: dtlpfb@dusit. com or call 076 362 999 ext.7303.

SUN

Premium barbecue main course, including imported Australian Rib Eye, full rack of Lamb or whole Phuket Lobster accompanied by buffet of delicious appetizers. Live music from 6.30pm. Premium BBQ. 1,700*Baht. Reservations, Sala Phuket, events@salaphuket.com 076 338 888.

Friendship Beach Waterfront Resort Rawai. Welcomes you to our Christmas Eve. Dinner Buffet & Party. Featuring - Live Blues Jazz & Pop classics with the Colin Hill Band. Children’s Chorus Carolers, Santa Claus w/ Presents for the Kids, Welcome Cocktail, Fabulous Holiday Buffet with: Imported Roast Turkey, Christmas Ham, Apple Cranberry Stuffing, Thai Seafood Special, Cranberry Port Sauce, Prawn Cocktails, Stuffed Salmon Lox and a large selection of Starters, Salads, Sides and Desserts. Vegetarian Options Available. Adults 1,900++ Children 4 - 12 years 600+ Baby’s free. For Bookings call (66) 89 728 5304 or email chef@friendshipbeach.com Chef Charlie, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap Rawai Phuket, chef@friendshipbeach. com, (66) 89 728 5304.

23 DEC

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-late performed by our famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - RESERVE your table now online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservation, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet & Party @ Friendship Beach

The Sunday Brunch Club Join us every Sunday from 12pm-4pm for the new season Sunday Brunch Club & Pool Party featuring over 120 items including... Alaskan King Crab, Live Boston Lobster, French Oysters, Seafood On Ice, new features include Live Stations, Imported Meats, Carvery Selection, Japanese Kitchen, Tapas, Brazilian BBQ, Sumptuous Salad Bar, Delicious Desserts, Exotic Fruits, International Cheeses and new weekly selections of featured cuisines from around the world... Dream Member Price THB 1590++ Adult Brunch THB 1890 ++ Reservations, Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.

MON

24 DEC

Christmas Eve Dinner ’Tis the Season to be Jolly @ Two Chefs Bar & Grill. Spread the holiday cheer and make your Christmas more merry with Two Chefs Traditional Christmas Buffet at Two Chefs Kata Beach branch on Monday the 24th of December 2018. Two seatings are available (6pm and 9pm). Adult Rate: 1,450 baht per person; Kids under 12 yrs: 750 baht per person. Book now until December 15, 2018 and avail of the 20% OFF Early Bird Reservation Discount from the buffet price! For bookings and reservations kindly email jonas. virtanen@twochefs.com

Brent Burns Takeover Friday 21 December “The Friday Mix” 17.00 – 19.00 hrs. - DJ K (HKT) 19.00 – 22.00 hrs. – DJ Brent Burns (BKK) - House & Tech-house. Saturday 22 December“Sunset Sessions” 16.30 – 19.30 hrs. – DJ Brent Burns (BKK) - House and Disco. Sunday 23 December “Brunch” 12.00 – 15.00 hrs. – DJ Brent Burns (BKK) - House and Disco 15.00 – 18.00 Hrs. DJ K (HKT) – Tropical house. Drinks & food specials all weekend long. Reservations, COAST Beach Club & Bistro at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, coastphuket@chr.co.th, 076 201 234.

Traditional Sunday Roast at O’Tool’s Served from 2pm. Your Choice of either Roast Beef, Chicken, Loin of Pork or Leg of Lamb Served with Roast & Boiled Potatoes, 3 Fresh Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy. Only 350 Baht. Includes a Free Glass of House Red or White. See: www.otools-phuket.com

Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner Indulge in a traditional Christmas feast featuring all your seasonal favourites as well as fine internationals fare. A

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

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12 JAN

Thai Phenomenon New Year Eve Dinner Celebration

Beach Chill Out Christmas Eve Dinner Celebration Chill out by the beach, breath the sea breeze and enjoy the sunset views, while celebrating your Christmas Eve on beach sand at Sala Bua restaurant in Patong. Meet & greet with Santa, enchanted with Christmas song for a truly magical evening. Live trio band and special entertainment will make this night more extraordinary. At the variety of buffet dinner, you will enjoy authentic cuisine and Christmas dishes and drink, created for the occasion. Impiana Resort Patong is the perfect choice for Christmas celebrations with your family, friends and loved ones. Reservations, Sala Bua Restaurant at Impiana Resort Patong, fb.patong@impiana.com

TUE

25 DEC

Celebrate New Year Eve 7 Course Degustation at The Plantation Club, from THB 4,990++. Firefly N.Y.E Live BBQ, from THB 3,990++. 360 Bar Glow Party, from THB 1,000++. Reservations, The Pavilions Phuket, restaurants.phuket@pavilionshotels.com, 076 317 600.

Make New Year’s Eve a night to remember; ring in 2019 in Phuket. Join families, friends and loved ones for an extravagant celebration at our “Thai Phenomenon Night New Year’s Eve Party and Gala Dinner” by vibrant Patong beach at Sala Bua restaurant. Enjoy an array of Thai delights, local Phuket foods and much more fabulous feast, created for this occasion. There will also be enchanting Thai dancers, a lion dance, lucky draw and live music to mark the auspicious night. The New Year’s Eve celebration will end with an unforgettable countdown with beautiful uncountable firework on Patong beach. Reservations, Sala Bua Restaurant at Impiana Resort Patong, fb.patong@impiana.com

New Year’s Eve Under The Stars CELEBRATE WITH THE MOVERS & SHAKERS IN PHUKET AT THE BIGGEST PARTY OF THE YEAR. DONʼT MISS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER UNDER THE STARS. Where the drinks will flow into the early hours, set to the upbeat soundtrack of Live Music and DJ performances with the thrilling sights of spectacular entertainment, fireshow and midnight fireworks that light up the skies above Kamala Bay - Ring in the New Year in style along the Millionaires Mile, Phuket. COUNTDOWN PARTY & INTERNATIONAL BUFFET * 6.5 HRS FREE-FLOW DRINKS * 6.30 P.M. - 01.00 A.M. * B 2,000 Net Per Person * B 4,999 Net Per Person (With Buffet 06.30 P.M. - 09.00 P.M.). Reservations, HYATT REGENCY PHUKET RESORT, fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com, 076 231 234 #5106.

Christmas Day Dinner

New Years Eve Party & Dinner Buffet @ Friendship Beach Friendship Beach Waterfront Resort Welcomes you to our New Years Eve. Dinner Buffet & Party. Featuring: Cabaret Show, Fire Show, Fireworks, Party & Dance with Live D.J. Welcome Cocktail, International Buffet with Imported Beef Filet, Grilled Salmon, B.B.Q. Ribs (award winning) Roast Duck Curry, Prawn Cocktail, and a large selection of Starters , Desserts & Sides. Adults 2,100 THB ++ Children under 12 years 700 THB ++ For Bookings call (66) 89 728 5304 or email chef@friendshipbeach.com Chef Charlie, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap Rawai Phuket, chef @friendshipbeach.com, (66) 89 728 5304 or (66) 98 670 6418.

THU

It’s definitely a Jingle Bell Time @ Two Chefs Bar & GrillCome and celebrate Christmas Day with us at Two Chefs Bar & Grill Patong Branch on Tuesday the 25th of December 2018 from 12pm to 12am. Our Executive Head Chef Daniel from England have prepared a 4-course Traditional Christmas set menu dinner that will surely light up your holiday cheer! Price is 995 baht per person. For details and reservations visit our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/twochefsthailand

Christmas Dinner at ANGUS O’TOOL’S KARON BEACH Served from 1pm-Midnight Starters: Roast Turkey with All the Trimmings, Christmas Pudding. 840 Baht Per Head. Book Now. xmas@otools-phuket.com, 076 398 262.

WED

26 DEC

Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous 2019 Held at Royal Phuket Marina from 10-13 of January, the THAILAND YACHT SHOW AND RENDEZVOUS combines all three of the island’s previous boat shows to create the definitive celebration of yachting and all things luxury. There will be live radio seminars, exotic car parades and activities for all the family to enjoy, including a painting competition from Elephant Parade where you can win prizes.

FRI

@thephuketnews

Avenue of Stars Dress to impress and walk the talk on our red carpet and shine bright like a star at our gala dinner where gourmet cuisine and vibrant entertainment will make for a truly memorable yearend night. Time: 6.30 PM - 11.00 PM. Price: THB 8,999 net per person. Reservations, Dusit Thani, Laguna, Phuket, dtlpfb@ dusit.com, 076 362 999 ext.7303.

EVERY DAY

Daily seafood at Sala Bua beachfront restaurant Spoil yourself with seafood set from noon – 10 pm every day! Come and crack open some crab legs, grilled mussels, peel some prawns, rock lobsters, sip some spicy tom yam soup and toast to your perfect night at this beachfront restaurant in Patong overlooking the sea (sunset) views. Start from THB 450. Reservations, Sala Bua Restaurant at Impia Resort Patong, patong@impiana.com, 076 340 138.

11 JAN

Sala Wednesday nights: Ribs, beats, brews Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finish it off with a bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews. Full Rack set B1,600, Half Rack set B1,200, bucket of craft brews B800. Reservations, SALA Phuket Resort and Spa. Email: events@sala phuket. com or call 076 338 888.

Come and join us for a dynamic physical and educational experience that will give you the Know How To Look and Feel Your Best! Your Team has a combined 50 of professional experience and are passionate about the carrying the message.The team includes Craig Burton- Nutrition, Thomas Engberts -Physiotherapist, and Rob Morgan and Optimal Strength and Performance Coach. Your ticket includes two action packed training sessions , all meals the Highlight being a BBQ dinner on the Beach, plus all Master Classes. Price 9500b Contact Darren 061 251 9768 darrenscherbain@ gmail.com

10 JAN

White & Gold NYE 2018 Party Join us for the countdown party of the year, with the biggest international line up in Phuket!! ‘Feat world exclusive performance by’ F A I T H L E S S (DJ SET) ‘Over 15 Million Record Sales Worldwide’ NYE VIP and Party Packages from THB 35,000 ++ for 4 persons Including **FREE FLOW PREMIUM BAR (9pm - 1am)** (Entry from 9pm). NYE Gala Dinner THB 5900 ++ (Advance booking required 7pm - 10pm). NYE Entry Ticket THB 2000 NET (Including 1 Complimentary Drink) (Entry from 10pm). Reservations, Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500

Raw Movement is the Key to Vitality @ Outrigger Laguna Are you a Movement Machine?

Boat Lagoon Weekend 11-12 January 2019 Beat & Bite. Music & Food & Fun. From 6.00 pm till 10.00 pm. at Lagoon Quay. พบกับงานแสดงดนตรี อาหาร และความสนุกหลากหลาย รูปแบบ ทีง่ านโบ๊ทลากูนวีคเอนด์ Phuket Boat Lagoon, Phuket Boat Lagoon.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

22 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

1. What Xmas product did Sir Henry Cole produce in 1843? 2. In the Christmas film ‘Gremlins’, what did Billy name the mogwai given to him as a gift? 3. Which traditional Christmas vegetable is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip? 4. According to the song, what did my true love bring to me on the 3rd day of Christmas? 5. Santa originally had only eight reindeer. Which reindeer was created - and added - in 1939? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Easy

Across 1. Elvis’s swinger 6. Juno’s Greek counterpart 10. Cut, maybe 14. Taste, e.g. 15. Arab League member 16. Change 17. Flier in opera? 20. Go downhill fast? 21. “My man!” 22. Freshens, in a way 23. Long discourse 26. Jazz man 27. Russian country house 29. Trig ratio 31. Ophidians 35. Downright 37. Sidekick 39. “Welcome” site 40. Flier in film? 43. A Turner 44. Aspersion 45. ___ Island, N.Y. 46. Increase, with “up” 48. “Good grief!” 50. Foreword, for short 51. W.W. II fliers 53. Milk producing glands (pl.) 55. Displaced, of an organ

28. Buddhist who has attained Nirvana 30. Bubkes 32. Little bit 33. Cutter 34. Court figure 36. Motion pictures for TV 38. Deserving respect 41. Calendar abbr. 42. “Two Years Down Before the Mast” 1. Doctrines writer 2. Pipe problem 47. Move forward 3. Not divided into 49. Reversible linen parts fabric 4. Cable network 52. “Tarzan” extra 5. Coverings 54. Back-to-work 6. Vagrants time: abbr. 7. Not a flier! 55. Carve in stone 8. Pro ___ 56. Dynasty in which 9. Goes before Confucianism 10. Slips and Taoism 11. Adroit emerged 12. Groundless 13. Santa’s sackful 57. Okla., before 1907 18. “... ___ he drove 58. “Bye now” out of sight” 19. Victorian, for one 61. Formally surrender 24. Blacken 62. Way, way off 25. Chart, plan or 64. Finance expert scheme 65. Fix, in a way 27. Beginnings 59. Extinct flightless bird 60. ___ Victor 63. Pink flier in film? 66. Apple leftover 67. They may provide relief 68. Paul’s wife 69. Pitch 70. Good, long bath 71. Night flier

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Christmas cards; 2) Gizmo; 3) A swede; 4) Three French Hens; 5) Rudolph (First appeared in a booklet by the Montgomery Ward department store)

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

days a year – Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter – are when Americans watch the least amount of pornography.

nanometers in size is still large enough to be detected by human touch.

minutes is how long it took Mariah Carey to write “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, which has earned her US$60 million in royalties.

923

words in the English language break the “i before e” grammar rule and only 44 words actually abide by it.

29.9 billion US dollars is expected to be spent on gift cards in the US this holiday season. Source: Uberfacts

Kata Noi sunset. Photo: Patrizio Forci Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

This week in history Dec 21, 1988 A bomb explodes on board Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, killing 270. This is to date the deadliest air disaster to occur in British soil.

Dec 23, 2007 An agreement is made for the Kingdom of Nepal to be abolished and the country to become a federal republic with the Prime Minister becoming head of state.

Dec 22, 1968 Cultural Revolution: People’s Daily posted the instructions of Mao Zedong that “The intellectual youth must go to the country, and will be educated from living in rural poverty.”

Dec 24, 1826 The Eggnog Riot at the United States Military Academy West Point begins, involving more than one-third of the cadets by the time it ceased on Christmas morning, 20 of them were court-martialed.

Dec 26, 1991 The Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union meets and formally dissolves the Soviet Union, thus formally ending the Cold War since it began in 1947.

The Adoration of the Shepherds, circa 1640, by Guido Reni. Dec 25, 336 First documentary sign of Christmas celebration in Rome.

Dec 27, 1845 Ether anesthetic is used for childbirth for the first time by Dr. Crawford Long in Jefferson, Georgia. His wife, Caroline nee Swain, was the grateful recipient. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Jobs

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

JOBS Website operator

Female website operator capable of building a shopping site and driving traffic to the site via Google, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, blogs and other systems. Will work a flexible 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Fixed salary B20,000 + 5% commission on sales generated by the site. 20,000 + commission. Contact Ron via: Siam.serenity.th@gmail.com, 0874178715. @thephuketnews

Thai Yoga Instructor

Position available now - Full Time Position - 24 Yoga Classes per month. Wellness Skills - Certificated to teach various Yoga Styles. Additional Health Skills i.e. Aerial Yoga, Acro Yoga, etc. Assist with Yoga Class inquires and Retreat health consultations. English Speaking - Thai National only 25,000 to 30,000. Kenneth Miller 0866041333. www.ccshideaway.com/wellness.htm

Need a governess/nanny

A family needs a nanny for a special needs child. The ideal candidate will have a background in teaching and varied methods of promoting learning in a fun way. Working 6 days per week. English speaker essential. Celina teacherphuket@gmail.com

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

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ADVERTISING SERVICES

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

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MARINE SERVICES

OTHER

PERSONAL SERVICES

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE FOR SALE AIR BERTH M320

250,000THB incl VAT. For boat up to 32 feet / 9.5 metres. Contact: Asia Yacht Agency Co., Ltd. Contact@AsiaYachtAgency.com, 081-894 -3234 (French/English), 086-2690808 (Thai/English).

Riviera sport fishing boat

Perfectly maintained and cared for, this boat is in excellent condition and will provide great enjoyment for the next owner. Powered by twin 660hp Caterpillar diesel engines and fitted with every conceivable optional extra including True Visions satellite connection through a 42â&#x20AC;? Smart TV, Raymarine navigation system, Dive Compressor, powerful stereo system and extensive fishing equipment. Selling to upgrade to a larger vessel. 9,000,000, Phuket Yacht Haven, sc@ crone.net.au

Boat Rinker 290

Rinker 290 with trailer Continental 2017, engine Volvo Penta, Under warranty includes all standard equipment, less then 100 hours used. More information in link: clc. la/07hDmA 3,990,000, +66-97-175-00-96.

N GE

BUSINESS FOR SALE Golden Business Opportunity

Brand new two story massage shop for UR sale with high end furniture. 10 Beds, 6 chairs and nail Salon. Great opportunity for high season. 1.2 Million THB ono, Lek, Soi Post Office, Patong Beach Road, sweet_lek55@hotmail.com, 099 362 7979.

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CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE Toyota Soluna - cheap!

FURNITURE T EN

NEW, LUXURY 2-UNIT

LEATHER SOFA Year 2000, under 200,000km, recently URG BOUGHT IN SB DESIGN SQUARE changed battery, checked engine - all PHUKET. LUXURY KELVIN GIORMANI works. Has dents and scratches but SOFA. PERFECT, NEVER USED. PAID PRICE B67,500/ starts every time and goes from A to B. 0836012526. UNIT TOTAL B135,000 NOW B50,000/UNIT TOTAL Toyota GT 2013 - FT86 B100,000. W2.30m D1.65m H65-90cm. 0930914502. GT Brembo brake system. Adjustable MOTORBIKES FOR SALE suspension, remote auto adjust w/ te controls. Performance exhaust. 2Din Pioneer Ducati Multistrada 2012 AVH-X8850BT sound system. Audison speakers. Wheels 2012 Model Multistrada. Perfect condiADV7.1SL. 1 Piece forged. 2 mil. Or best offer..., Dan Miles, tion. Only 23,000 kms. Faithfully maindanmilesmedia@gmail.com, 065 621 5541, Thai 091 165 9332 tained. Have panniers and 15 liter tank Amazing Deal! bag. Steve, ducphuket@gmail.com, 081-734-8309. 2016 Toyota Vios Model E with only 35,000 PROPERTY FOR SALE Km on it. Is an automatic, with fog lights, windows are tinted already, has the plastic Single story home for sale insert for the trunk, rubber floor mats for all seats, rain shields 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, 1 on all windows. Only driven locally in Phuket. It is kept in great living room, 2 cars parking space. Fully condition and is available to view in Chalong. Only 465,000 furnished, Jacuzzi, walk-in wardrobes, garden and THB. Adam 091 016 1167. E L swimming pool with Sala. Can do more build-in. Sunny, A TS 2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab N sunny@transinco.eu, 0823775555. GE UR 78,000km. Six-gear manual transmission. House for Sale/Rent Looks and feels like a new car, treated like Fully furnished with swimming pool, 3 beda baby by its single owner. Engine clean rooms, 5 bathrooms + maid room, 2 living as. Full set of new tyres. B500,000. Call 081 427 5168. rooms, Large entertainment area. Convenient location close to major shopping center and international schools. Easy access to airport. Long term lease 65,000 includes pool +garden services. Negotiable Price, Bea, Baan Saun Loch Palm Kathu, l.thumwong@gmail.com, 098 194 9351 and 097 352 4114.

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE GE UR

Bkk urban living near BTS

NEW 2 bedrooms for sale: Noble Ploenchit Condominium Next to BTS Ploenchit Station, Walk to Central Embassy & Central Chidlom Dept Store. 2 bedrooms, 85 Sqm, corner unit, high fl, unblock View, fully fitted wardrobe & kitchen, aircon, bathrooms Facility: beautiful swimming pool & common area, gym, sauna 23,500,000, Jitsarn, jitsarn@yahoo.com, 0859776301.

Lovely Pool Villa, Nai Harn

Prime location, 4 bedrooms, large garden and pool, 764 sqm, Chanote title, double garage. Great family home or investment property. Motivated seller. 12,500,000, Dean, dmuir@exotiq. com, 0857932667.

Dream Village Phuket house

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated.: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 engl/german picharly@gmail. com, 66870608400.

Villa Mission Heights big Pool

3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quite aera, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 engl/german picharly@gmail.com, 0870608400.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Penthouse for sale

432.44 sqm Penthouse for sale: 320 Degree view of Patong bay and city. Private pool. 22nd floor (top floor) at Andaman Beach Condominium, Patong, Phuket, Thailand. Condo Facilities. See beachsuites.com/ gallery. No brokers please. 60 Million Baht O.N.O., Songpan, songpanpirom@hotmail.com, 081 737 8662. T EN

Villa in Boat Lagoon Marina

5 bedroom, pre-school place in walking disU tance, 10mins to BISP, 30mins to UWC and HeadStart. Must Sell, Pls contact for price. Pen, pen@ mindproperties.net, +66 (0) 874658883. RG

T EN

House for Sale or Rent, Rawai

Cape Lam Promthep, Rawai - Nature area, beside sea. Swimming. Very quiet, just live and enjoy your life. If you want to make money perfect for building Rental Homes or Healing or Mediation center - Chanote land is not the way to go. We can’t own anything here with Thai wife unless stay together a long time and can take everything so best to Rent Land and have contract with a Thai. - All houses this area some WORTH MILLIONS OF EUROS ARE ON, “ LAND RENTED FROM GOVERNMENT,” FOR APPROXIMATELY 1000 BAHT A YEAR FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT. “You can Sell your Right to Occupy to others,” – this is LEGAL - Same as Crown Land in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and America, but still hasn’t stopped people from building expensive homes and title can be up graded with time - 12 million baht sale or 30,000 baht rent (one year rent in advance) - Almost 3 rai BESIDE THE SEA ( Zoned Yellow) CAN BUILD MULTIPLE HOMES, Healing or Meditation Center - TWO HOUSES, One large house 2 bedrooms and 2 bath, 2 decks, One Small House 1 bedroom and 1 bath 1 deck 12million or 30,000 month Andy, capt_canada42@yahoo.com, 091 823 2271.

GE UR

BKK condo by Chaophya River

The Water Mark: Luxurious living by the majestic river “Chaophya”, the river of the King. Located on Charoen Nakhon Road. Beautiful, spacious condo 283.6 Sqm. / 4 bedrooms / high floor (52nd floor) /panoramic view of the city & river / fully fitted to highest standard Facility: swimming pool by the river, gym, sauna 40,500,000-, Jitsarn, jitsarn@yahoo.com, 0859776301.

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote

Private location in prestige area. Outstanding Value. Call owner (Alan): 084 0657590.

Hot sale! Pool villa Naiharn

A lovely fully furnished pool villa in a secured estate in Naiharn, 5 minutes drive to Naiharn beach and 10 minutes drive to Kata. Freehold. 455 sqm of land. Sold fully furnished and equipped (solid teak furniture and high quality equipment). phukethomecareservice@gmail.com, 0638394973.

1 Bed Condo in Laguna

Exquisite Property meets Luxury Area in the Heart of Phuket. Welcome to the Ocean Sands, an upcoming hotel development located close to the Laguna Area, one of Phuket’s most luxury and trending areas. Comprising a total of 213 keys ranging from our signature 1 Bedroom Deluxe Suite up to our well-appointed Family Suite, this exquisite property equipped with large swimming pools around central simulated beach and five-star standard facilities will become a new enjoyment for lifestyle living. Invest with us and elevate your lifestyle, be a part of the Ocean Sands. phuket@thairesidential.com, 0872699206. UR

T EN

House for sale

Detach single story home, 1 Rai of land, 4 bedrooms 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens 1 living room, 2 cars parking space with garden and swimming pool. Sunny, 25/11 Soi Salika, Moo 2, Viset Road. 082 377 5555.

GE UR

HOT PRICE - SURIN BEACH

PENTHOUSE

Stunning ocean & sunset views over Patong bay-2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms fully furnished with car park & pool 121sqm+. Email for more details penthousedicw@gmail.com

Unique Investment Opportunity

Unique investment opportunity not to be missed: 5 pool villas, big land, large entertaiment areas, parking garages and private gates. More info www.thegardenkptphuket.com www. thegardenkptphuket.com

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT GE UR

3 B/R, Duplex, 170 sq/m. Shared pool, three decks, fully furnished. 400 meters from Surin Beach. Great Condition. Must sell jgstryker@ gmail.com 5,699,000, 0836450097

5-Bed Pool Villa 1.2 Rai Rawai

Villa with 4 beds, open-plan living area, western kitchen. Separate 1-bed guest suite. Separate workshop and laundry. Pool 11mx5m, large private garden, residential area. www.thaivillaonline.com Price - B15,750,000. 0844477247.

Beach Front Land

3 B/R Surin Duplex

400m from Surin Beach, fully furnished. Shared pool, 3 bathroom, and two decks/ salas. 38k per/month jgstryker@gmail.com 0836450097.

* 128 meter of white sand beach frontage * amazing views * 9 Rai , Secure Nor Sor 3 Kor tittle * located on Koh Yao Yai * 20 minutes boat drive from Phuket * public road with water and electricity * ideal for high-end development * ready to build * sale direct by owner *ONLY 11.9 Mill. Baht / Rai Email : montha_phuket@ yahoo.com Tel: 095 014 7888. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

SPORT 29

Champions League is coming

Cruzeiro Soccer Schools tourney to highlight development FOOTBALL Michelle Moulle editor3@thephuketnews.com

fter a successful Futsal League, Cruzeiro Soccer Schools is organising a Champions League starting on Jan 12. It will run for a period of six Saturdays between January and March 2019. The first day of the league always kicks off with players

in pre-arranged teams. As the leagues are open to both boys and girls of all levels, the coaches assess whether teams have been grouped fairly and make any necessary adjustments. On the second day of the league, players receive their Champions League kits and start to play against each other in a round-robin format. Coaches Leo and Jorge are deciding on four teams that are currently playing in the

FIFA Champions League and are popular with the kids. Teams are awarded three points for a win, one for a draw and nil for a loss. In the semi-finals, the team with the highest score plays the team with the lowest. The teams with the second- and thirdhighest scores play each other. The winner of each semi-final game plays off for first and second place. The remaining two teams play for third and fourth place.

As with the recent Futsal League, the aim of the Champions League is to give players of all levels the opportunity to challenge themselves in a new environment with new players. It helps them to get out of their “comfort zone” and to sometimes play in different positions to what they are used to. The first game may be a little challenging as players are getting to know each other’s way to play, but by the third

game, we can clearly see how players are starting to work together and communicate a little better. This leads us to the qualities that the coaches look for when awarding the “Player of the Match” trophy to two players per match. Coaches base their decisions on players who carry their teams and communicate well with each other during the game. It is a hard choice for the coaches to make, but their experience

can clearly guide them into choosing the players that stand out during the match. During our Futsal League, we published photos of the “Players of the Match”. However, some of our players did not make it to the news, so we have included their photos in this article. Registration is now open for the Champions League at the following email address: cruzeirosoccerschools@gmail. com

PLAYERS OF THE MATCH

Conor Walby (red shirt) Chloe Cicola (white shirt)

@thephuketnews

David Johnsen (blue shirt) Joshua Pond (green shirt)

Phudit (Merlin) Devine (green shirt) Paphonsan (Keen) Phakdeemak (blue shirt)

Coach Jorge Hernandez (grey shirt) Rainer Oeijord (red shirt) Emmanuel Puno (green shirt) Coach Leonardo Medeiros (blue shirt)

Coach Jorge Hernandez (blue & white shirt) George Desmond (blue shirt) Coach Leonardo Medeiros (white shirt)

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Strength, flexibility are key

From the yoga mat to the surf board, the benefits are boundless Yoga is one of the best exercises for surfers.

Hayden Rhodes

ack in the early ’70s Ger r y Lopez was known as the, ‘King of Pipeline’ – he had flow, timing and style to become the ‘worlds best tube rider’. Today, nearly 50 years on, Gerry surfs fresh powder in big mountains and yoga helps him maintain his strength and his flow. He may have been one of the first surfers to truly benefit from yoga. Today, many athletes including some of the world’s greatest surfers implement yoga practices into their surf training regimes. Yoga enhances surfing performance by improving postural balance, flexibility and breath mechanics – all vital for surfers. Yoga also improves moods and the ability to focus – hugely beneficial for all surfers! In Phuket, now that we are heading into the high

season and the oceans turn into beautiful flat peaceful bodies of water – it is one of the best times to start working on your off season body work and fitness – I would highly

recommend Yoga. Physical yoga is based on stability and flexibility, which is the foundation of all athletic ability. From beginners through to professional

surfers, adding stability and flexibility exercises into your surf training will improve how your body moves, both in and out of the water. However, enthusiasts

should note that some yoga can be dangerous, particularly if you have spinal or joint issues, so personalised f lexibility and stretching with personalized strength conditioning is best. It’s probably not wise to rock up to an advanced yoga class off the bat. That said, with the right instructor and practice, your surf training just got better. Some of the benefits of yoga for surfers include: more flow and better timing; enhanced range of motion through turns when you surf; better joint stability and mobility; stronger focus and improved breath mechanics; less injuries and stronger core function; and enhanced well-being of mind – body – spirit. Jack Farras from Yoga Republic in Cherng Talay has 10,000 hours (plus) of teaching yoga around Bali and Southeast Asia. He is the first one to tell you that surfing athletes will benefit greatly from incorporating yoga into their surf training regimes. Jack himself started with yoga to help with inju-

ries and constant pain from unmindful fitness approaches. After being based in Bali for a number of years he now resides in Phuket where he owns and operates Yoga Republic, a successful islandstyle studio. I practice with Jack and love his ‘no nonsense – let’s have fun’ approach to yoga and mind-body performance. For a comprehensive 28-day Fast Surfing Fitness Program that guarantees results check out the “Yoga-work-out-forsurfers” video at SurfTrainingSecrets.com Click on the “Fast Surfing Fitness” tab to receive 50% off now for Xmas! First 10 surfers only. Use the discount code: Xmas. https://www.surftrainingsecrets.com/yoga-work-outfor-surfers/ Remember, surfing is your medicine – so be at your best. For speaking engagements or private performance coaching to improve your surfing, health and fitness contact Hayden at info@surftrainingsecrets.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

UNCHOSEN ONE Manchester United sack Jose Mourinho FOOTBALL AFP

anchester United sacked manager Jose Mourinho on Tuesday (Dec 18) after the club’s worst start to a season in nearly three decades, hoping to bring about a radical change in atmosphere and the direction of the club. Mourinho, 55, became increasingly spiky in his last few months at Old Trafford, lashing out at the board’s transfer policy and turning his fire on his squad, especially record signing Paul Pogba. His constant complaints about the players’ lack of desire had an impact on the pitch, culminating in the 3-1 defeat by Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday which left United 19 points behind their opponents. Mourinho’s sacking comes just two-and-a-half years into his tenure and three years and a day since Chelsea dismissed him just months after he had guided them to the title. Former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, currently in charge of Norwegian club Molde, is reportedly being considered for the role of caretaker manager until the end of the season. Mourinho’s dismissal saw shares in the US-owned club rise on Wall Street by more than 5% to $18.18. Former players such as Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra expressed hope a change in management would bring a marked change in atmosphere. “The club needs an injection of positivity and hopefully this decision will allow that

@thephuketnews

Manchester United has sacked manager Jose Mourinho. Photo: Oli Scarff / AFP) / file to happen,” Ferdinand posted on Instagram. Mourinho’s old sparring partner Pep Guardiola insisted he took no satisfaction from seeing his rival dismissed. Guardiola and Mourinho were often at loggerheads during their time at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively, but had a more cordial relationship in Manchester. “When it happens I’m sad for the managers, all the time,” Guardiola said after City’s League Cup quarter-final win over Leicester. “We are alone. For the manager, when the situation is not good, we are alone. “You know what happens when you are sacked, because the results maybe are not good. “Of course he doesn’t need luck because he’s so strong and I wish him all the best and soon he is going to come back.” United’s worst start in the league since 1990 means even Mourinho’s ambition of finishing in the top four and a Champions League qualification spot is in danger. The club has reached the Champions League knockout stages, where they face an

intimidating last-16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain, but a combination of poor results, dressing-room discord and criticism of the board proved potent factors in the decision to dismiss the Portuguese manager. A United source told AFP that Mourinho had been supported in his efforts to sign players and described reports of player power at the club as being key to the sacking as wide of the mark. In the longer term former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has been linked to the club as has his fellow 1998 World Cup-winning team-mate Laurent Blanc, who played for United. Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is also strongly tipped. One bookmaker makes Pochettino the early favourite although the 46-year-old Argentinian refused to be drawn on the speculation. “We know a lot of rumours happen. But it’s not my business what happens in another club now,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday. Mourinho’s reign had started well enough with the League Cup and the Europa

League trophies but for a club that has been champions of England 20 times, neighbours Manchester City’s dominance over them in the league has hurt. Despite his protestations to the contrary, the United board gave Mourinho plenty of money to compete. Top-quality players such as Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku – who he persuaded to snub Chelsea and come to United for £75 million (B3.1 billion) in 2017 – and Pogba for a then world record fee of £89mn (B3.68bn) in 2016 have floundered under his authoritarian stewardship. Indeed it was Mourinho’s deteriorating relationship with World Cup-winning midfielder Pogba – one of many to feel the lash of his tongue in public – that symbolised the decline at the club under him. Mourinho questioned his attitude while the player hit back with open criticism of the tactics, culminating in him kicking his heels on the bench during the Liverpool debacle on Sunday. The manager’s overall Premier League points haul of 176 since his appointment by United lagged behind City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea during the same period. There was sympathy too for Mourinho, including from Jurgen Klopp, whose Liverpool side had sealed his fate and whose positive football exposed painfully the negative tactics of the United manager. “Nobody can take away all the things he has won. I hope he has that on his mind as he leaves. He is an outstanding manager.”

MAIN SPONSOR

MONTHLY SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a two-bedroom private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 90-minute spa treatment for two persons at Baba Beach Club Phuket. Total prize value: B130,000 The monthly competition winner for December 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at the Islander Bar & Restaurant, Rawai.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

Griffsbar LateStart Ajax Amsterdam chris goodhand diggersd

29 29 28 26 26

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Smiley Bar giggs fazza Griffsbar Ajax Amsterdam

106 105 104 102 101

English Premier League 2018 - 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Team

Pts

Liverpool Manchester City Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea Arsenal Manchester United Wolverhampton Everton West Ham United Watford Bournemouth Leicester City Brighton Newcastle United Crystal Palace Cardiff City Southampton Burnley Huddersfield Town Fulham

17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

14 14 13 11 10 7 7 6 7 7 7 6 6 4 4 4 2 3 2 2

3 2 0 4 4 5 4 6 3 3 2 4 3 4 3 2 6 3 4 3

0 1 4 2 3 5 6 5 7 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 9 11 11 12

37 48 31 35 37 29 19 24 25 23 25 21 20 14 14 17 16 15 10 16

7 10 16 14 23 29 19 22 25 25 28 21 24 22 23 33 32 33 28 42

+30 +38 +15 +21 +14 0 0 +2 0 -2 -3 0 -4 -8 -9 -16 -16 -18 -18 -26

45 44 39 37 34 26 25 24 24 24 23 22 21 16 15 14 12 12 10 9

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT

START

STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Saturday 22nd Dec Rugby Union

22:15

00:00

Greene King IPA

Richmond v. Bedford

Rugby Union

22:00

00:00

Gallagher Premiership

Exeter v. Saracens

Soccer

19:30

21:30

EPL

Arsenal v. Burnley

22:00

00:00

EPL

Chelsea v. Leicester

00:30

02:30

EPL

Cardiff v. Man United

22:00

00:00

EPL

Man City v. Crystal Palace

Sunday 23rd Dec Soccer

20:00

22:00

Championship

Aston Villa v. Leeds

Soccer

23:00

01:00

EPL

Everton v. Tottenham

Rugby Union

22:00

00:00

Gallagher Premiership

Wasps v. Bath

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Surfing and yoga, a match made in waves heaven > p30

BLACK SHEEP EATS PITA FOR BREAKFAST While Roses are crowned Division B champions Rawai Pool League Richard can’t look as Stefan gives Pita Bar’s Grant more bad advice. Photo: Rawai Pool League

POOL Barry Craig

wo weeks remain after Monday night’s action (Dec 17), of the Rawai Pool League’s 14th season going into the holiday break. League Leaders Black Sheep visited Pita Bar in what looked like a tricky tie as the Division A title remains up for grabs. Super Ding assembled a strong side for four time champions Pita Bar as they looked to hold on to their fourth-place position. R icha rd faced Black Sheep’s Kevin and was unfortunate not to take advantage of the ring-rusty Frenchman. Pita’s Grant made a mistake against Nanni, who was on fire in Shot Bar’s 9-ball tournament the previous night. One mistake proved too many against the league’s leading player as Nanni potted with ease and positioned with poise to take the game. With the first two close games not going their way, Pita Bar seemed to resign themselves to defeat as Black Sheep piled on the pressure to score a huge 0-7 whitewash.

Second-placed Shot Bar, to stay in with any chance of the title, needed a win to stay in touch at the top. They faced a Black Pearl side buoyed by the presence of Wayne. An early fluke from Luke wasn’t enough to stop Black Pearl’s Dave from leading his team into a 0-3 lead. For Shot Bar, losing one more leg would leave any title hopes in tatters. Pan started the fightback with a narrow victory in the last singles leg. Hard fought wins in both doubles brought Shot Bar level. The incredible comeback was completed when they dominated the beer leg and snatched a 3-4 victory leaving the Black Pearl all at sea. White Hart’s great form continued against Tropical Sands where they recorded their third consecutive 6-1 victory despite Patrick’s loss to the league’s leading arm wrestler, Fuzz. Mango Bar had a chance to go fourth at home to winless Orange Bar. Orange Bar’s form had been improving with only the narrowest of defeats in their previous three outings but, with team captain Jonathan off to Korat to see the in-laws, they could only manage to win

Baroque Bar and Division B champs, Roses.Photo: Rawai Pool League one leg through Rainier to get crushed 6-1. Future Bar moved into the top half of Division A with a great win away to a tough Masaya Bar team. Future’s Otis must have felt a little guilty beating Serge, who is possibly the friendliest guy in the league. Masaya’s Phil, couldn’t talk his way out of defeat against the cool and calm Adam. Future’s Fod and Barry ensured the win by beating Marcus and Michi respectively. Honours were shared in the doubles, but Future Bar completed their 1-6 win with victory in the beer leg. Spot Bar, occupying the final relegation spot in Division A, had a great game at home to Freedom Bar. Richard and Eddy both had comfortable wins in their singles, but

Freedom’s Tom and big Dave brought the scores to level going into the doubles. All pairings looked evenly matched and both doubles ties were close but Freedom locked up the win despite losing the beer leg, 3-4 Division B: Upsets aplenty but unbeaten Roses Bar celebrate title win O’s Bar welcomed Roses Bar, who were looking for their 20th straight win in their first season. Uncle John wanted to spoil the party by beating Phil, but Roses’ magic Mike brought the scores level with narrow victory over set the stage for a comfortable win. Roses Bar went on to win all but the beer leg, but this didn’t stop them celebrating long into the night and celebrating a 2-5 win and a great

first season in the Rawai Pool League. Baroque Bar’s form has been improving lately but they faced a difficult challenge with visitors Stor Bar wanting to seal second place in the Division. Pang had a surprise in store for Stor’s Micky, easily winning the first matchup. Oh and Nikki, followed up with great wins and Pookpick sealed the victory (and also the prize for the Division’s best dimples) for Baroque Bar by the end of the singles legs. Stor Bar got a point in the doubles, but Baroque Bar completed a scintillating 6-1 victory by winning beer leg. Black Bull had the chance to close the gap on Stor Bar when they faced Islander A in a topsy-turvy affair. Black Bull’s Matias had Jon in a pickle to go in front but Islander A’s JJ and Jez turned things around. Markus brought Black Bull level beating Andy M who lost his accuracy with both his pool cue and razor lately. Islander A again took the lead but Paul and Markus brought it back to level. Islander A went ahead in the doubles, but new player Paul and stalwart Markus

brought the game level yet again. Islander A’s JJ put the game to bed, and himself shortly after, by guiding his team to victory in the beer leg and the match, 3-4. The battle at the bottom saw Island B welcome Moonlight Bar. It was Kwan’s lucky night as she was drafted in to play alongside the fearless, fabulous and famous, young and handsome Islander B trio. Moonlight shone brightest however and overtook their rivals in another tight game, 3-4. Stoned Crab had to claw their way back after dropping the first leg versus White Hart BBQ but went on to win 5-2 after turning up the heat. The final fixture of the year between Kilt’n Haggis and Pink Sheep was yet another great game: 2-2 after singles and 3-3 after the doubles legs, Aey led the girls to a fantastic finish in the beer leg to take the tie 3-4 for the Pink Sheep. To view the RPL rankings and more visit Rawai-Pool-League. com. Even better, come and watch or join in the fun every Monday. For all your pool supplies visit league sponsor ThailandPoolTables.com.

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