The Phuket News 22 March 2019

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FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

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GOING TO THE POLLS

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NEWS

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Man shoots two at spa, suicides in public park

VOTER TURNOUT EXPECTED TO BE HIGH FOR THE NATIONAL ELECTION

LIFE

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Rawai group creating their animal magic

A man casts his vote at the advance voting held in Phuket last Sunday (Mar 17). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

Waranya Prompinpiras & Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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early 300,000 people will be on the move in Phuket this Sunday (Mar 24) as they head to polling stations set up across the island to cast their votes in the national election. A total of 366 polling stations will be set up throughout the province to make voting more convenient, and likely reduce traffic congestion in key voting areas, explained Nutthawat Wongitsaraphap, Director of the Phuket office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT).

Of the 294,296 eligible voters in Phuket, 144,721 are registered to vote for any of the 28 candidates contesting Phuket Constituency 1, which comprises Mueang District, including Rassada, but excluding Koh Kaew and Rawai. The remaining 149,575 are registered to cast their votes at any of 192 polling stations for any of the 31 candidates contesting Phuket Constituency 2, which comprises the remaining areas of Thalang and Kathu Districts, but also includes Koh Kaew, Rawai and Karon. “We will have 174 polling stations set up in Phuket Constituency 1 and 192 stations set up in Phuket

Constituency 2,” Mr Nutthawat explained. “This should be enough. We have set the polling stations out to accommodate about 1,000 voters at each one,” he said. Despite voter turnout at the advance voting held nationwide last Sunday (Mar 17) averaging 86.98%, even reaching 90% in some places, voter turnout this Sunday is expected to be about only 80%, Mr Nutthawat said. “This is the general estimate for the whole country as given by the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand in Bangkok,” he explained. Mr Nutthawat declined to give

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his own estimate of what the voter turnout in Phuket is likely to be. Of note, although voting is compulsory by law in Thailand, voter turnout in national elections over the past two decades had grown to reach over the 80% mark. Turnout this weekend is expected to be high. The advance voting last weekend saw Phuket have the highest number of people registering to cast their votes early among all 14 provinces in Southern Thailand. A total of 49,017 people living and working on the island registered to cast their votes for candidates in their home provinces elsewhere, with 40,855 actually turning out to cast...

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Island readies as nation goes to polls Continued from page 1 ...their ballots – a turnout of 83.35%. Only 286 Phuket residents registered to cast their votes early, with 265 upholding that promise – a turnout of 92.66%. Polling stations will be open from 8am to 5pm. “After the polling stations close at 5pm, the head of each polling station will count the ballots on site and report the results through the ‘rapid report’ app developed by the ECT,” Mr Nutthawat said. “The app is safe and secure,” he assured. Using the app will allow for local, regional and national counting centres to be updated simultaneously as quickly as possible, he added. “Ballot papers from each polling station will be sent to district counting headquarters,” Mr Nutthawat explained. The ballots for Phuket Constituency 1 will be tallied

Jungle camps targetted over baby elephant care > page 4

Man shoots two at spa, suicides in public park Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A man checks the candidate profiles at the advance voting held last Sunday (Mar 17). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot and announced at Saphan Hin, while the ballots for Phuket Constituency 2 will be announced at Thalang Pranangsang School. “The unofficial count for Phuket will be announced at each district headquarters as the counts come in on Sunday night,” Mr Nutthawat said. “Outside votes will be counted separately, and the ECT in Bangkok will announce the national election results on Monday morning,” he concluded.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

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man who shot two people at a beauty spa south of Phuket Town on Tuesday morning (Mar 19) committed suicide in front of police officers in Saphan Hin Public Park that afternoon. Police confirmed that the man was Chana Rotket, 53, from Hat Yai. Chana refused to comply with police officers’ pleas for him to put his handgun on the ground, and instead shot himself once in the head. “I ordered police officers to be gentle in speaking with him and in any action taken because there were a lot of children around there,” Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Wisan Panmanee told The Phuket News.

Police investigate the scene of the shooting at The Beauty Spa in Wichit. Image: Eakkapop Thongtub / Screengrab “I was afraid that he might take a child hostage. The children could have been in danger,” he added. The park, located on the fringe of Phuket Town, was busy as children started enjoying their school holidays following the end of the Thai school year this week. Chana quickly became the prime suspect for the shootings following initial investigations

by police Tuesday morning. Chana worked at the spa, The Beauty Spa on Wirat Hongyok Rd in Wichit, where the shootings took place. Chana shot 73-year-old South Korean national Kwanghee Kim, the father of the owner of The Beauty Spa, Mrs Eun Mikim, once in the chest. He also shot 55-year-old Somsri Chueathonghua, who worked at the spa.

“She was shot in the back and her right arm. Another bullet grazed her right cheek,” explained Capt Ratthanachai Siengsanoh of the Wichit Police. Both Mr Kim and Ms Somsri were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital. Mr Kim remains in serious condition, Capt Ratthanachai said. Relatives told police that Chana had been “stressed for days” before the shootings over repeated rebukes at the spa by Mr Kim about his work. However, Capt Ratthanachai told The Phuket News that he believed that Chana’s motive for suicide was being confronted by police after knowing that a warrant for his arrest had been issued for conspiracy to murder in his home province of Songkhla in 2003.

Police warn of election alcohol ban PHUK ET PROVI NCIAL Police have cautioned business operators that the national election on Sunday will see a ban on the sale of alcohol over the weekend. There will be a 24-hour ban on the sale of alcohol from 6pm on Saturday (Mar 23) until 6pm on Sunday (Mar 24), Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Sermpan Sirikong told The Phuket News last week. “The ban on the sale of alcohol is mandatory by law. Police will enforce it the same as we do for the five Buddhist

The ban on the sale of alcohol is mandatory by law. Image: Patong Municipality religious days throughout the year on which the sale of alcohol is also banned by law,” he added. “I believe that foreign tourists will understand that this

law must be followed. When people travel to a foreign country, we must comply with the laws of that country,” Col Sermpan said. The ban is enacted by Section 147 of the Organic Act on the Election Commission, B.E. 2018, which states that any person who sells or distributes liquor of any kind in the election area between 6pm on the day before the election day until 6pm of the election day shall be punished with up to six months’ jail or a fine of up to B10,000, or both. The Phuket News

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Running on empty

PHUKET NEWS

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Action ordered over failing water supply

Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

LEFT: Pharadon Poochayan, 48, at Patong Police Station on Mar 15. RIGHT: Pharadon Poochayan, as pictured on his arrest warrant. Photos: Patong Police

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he Governor of the national Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) has visited Phuket in person to urge the local PWA office to solve the island’s drought problems and devise a plan to continue supplying water needed by April 1. PWA Governor Nopparat Maythaveekulchai was in Phuket on a twoday visit on Thursday and Friday last week (Mar 14-15). Governor Nopparat and his entourage of national waterworks officials inspected water levels at both the Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu and the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn. Phuket PWA Branch Manager Graisorn Mahamad told The Phuket News on Monday (Mar 18) that the Bang Wad reservoir currently contains an estimated 2.23 million cubic meters of its 10mn-plus m3 capacity. Meanwhile, the Bang Neow Dum reservoir, which serves much of the Cherng Talay area, contains about 1.46mn m3 of water, and the Khlong Kratha reservoir contains about 1.28mn m3 of water of its 4.2mn m3 capacity. Of serious concern is how fast the water reserves at the main reservoirs are depleting. As of Feb 6, Mr Graisorn estimated

Patong taxi driver charged for slaying The Bang Neow Dum reservoir as pictured last week. Photo: Daragh John O'Higgins that the Bang Wad reservoir contained some 4.5mn m 3 of its 10mn-plus m 3 capacity. Bang Neow Dum contained at that time about 2.4mn m3 of water. Worse, the Khlong Kratha reservoir in Chalong at the beginning of February contained about 1.42mn m3 of water of its 4.2mn m3 capacity. “Governor Nopparat saw all aspects of the water situation in Phuket. He ordered that I must figure out and solve the water situation in Phuket by April 1,” Mr Graisorn told The Phuket News. “He told me to draw up a plan with PWA Region 4 Branch Manager Serm Heukkhuntod in Surat Thani about the manpower and budget needed, as well as details of how the water supply is to be managed,” he added. “Mr Nopparat told me that he is very

willing to approve an emergency budget to buy water. I have already contacted owners of several local privately owned water sources. I just need the owners to reply confirming the terms, then I can ask for the budget,” Mr Graisorn said. “So far only one water source owner in Kathu has agreed which will give us only 200,000 m3 of water. It is still not enough,” he said. “Other water source owners are still silent. We need 500m3 more freshwater per day (on top of existing supplies already in the three reservoirs), which means (in addition to the 200,000 m3 already sourced) we still need 300m3 more per day (to meet demand),” Mr Graisorn explained.“I believe we can find a solution and present this as our plan to Mr Nopparat before April 1.”

Silence falls on ‘selfie beach’ closure A I R P ORT S OF T H A I L A N D (AOT) management at Phuket International Airport have still yet to make any public announcement to confirm – or even clarify – the possible closure of the beach at the end of the runway due to safety concerns, despite holding a meeting to define the boundaries of the expanded safety zone last Thursday (Mar 14). The area for decades has been one of the most sought-after places for an iconic selfie taken while on holiday in Phuket. Public relations staff for Airports of Thailand (AoT), which operates Phuket International Airport, told The Phuket News on Monday (Mar 18), “We don’t know the details from the meeting, which was held with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).” A staffer at Airport Safety Standards

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Plans to close the beach to tourists were revealed nearly two weeks ago. unit, who asked not to be named, said she was unaware of any details of the apparently imminent beach closure. “We don’t know. We will contact you with updated information as soon as possible.” the staffer said. The Phuket News

A TAXI DRIVER WANTED for shooting dead another taxi driver in broad daylight at a taxi rank on Phra Metta Rd, Patong, has handed himself in to police. Police began the hunt for the suspect, Pharadon Poochayan, 48, since the fatal shooting on Mar 7 after witnesses reported seeing Pharadon drive off in a pickup truck after losing a fight with Songpon Suwansa-ard, 45, who works at the same rank. Pharadon is believed to have returned with a gun and shot Songpon. CCTV footage from the scene shows the shooting, but the killer’s face is not clearly seen. Pharadon handed himself into police last Friday afternoon (Mar 15), Patong Police Chief Col Anotai Jindamanee told The Phuket News.

“He came to Patong police station with a lawyer. He refused to talk about the case. He requested to talk with the court only,” he said. "We had him detained in a cell at the police station,” Col Anotai said. “We transferred him to be held in the cells at Phuket Provincial Court. We opposed bail because it is a serious case and we fear that Pharadon might threaten witnesses,” Col Anotai explained. “The court agreed and denied Pharadon to post bail and he was taken to Phuket Prison to await trial,” he added. Police charged Pharadon with premeditated murder and carrying a firearm in a public area without permission and without reasonable cause. Eakkapop Thongtub and Waranya Prompinpiras


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PHUKET NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST

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Chained for tourism David Maclean is seen leaning out of a window at the condo on Feb 2.

Barricade Brit still in condo GENERAL MANAGER

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A FTER TWO MONTHS barricaded in a Phuket Town condo amid an extended dispute with the landlord, Australian-born British national David Maclean, 50, from Brisbane, remains locked in the apartment at the “Supalai Park at Phuket City” despite police previously assuring that action would be taken when his immigration permit to stay in the country expired on Feb 21. Police say they are still trying to find a safe, amicable way to resolve the standoff. The Phuket News

Complaints put baby elephants in spotlight Waranya Prompinpiras reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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huket Provincial Livestock Office Acting Chief Manas Thepparuk last Thursday (Mar 13) inspected two elephant camps on the road to the Big Buddha viewpoint. The inspections followed reports that a very young elephant was being used to make money from tourists and that an 18-month-old baby elephant looked distressed and dehydrated. “I found that ATV Seaview has a total area of 10 rai which is large enough for elephants. There is a building for the elephants to sleep in at night, a shower area, walking space and enough food and drinking

One of the young elephants that the Phuket Livestock official went to inspect in Chalong. Photo: Manas Thepparuk water,” Mr Manas told The Phuket News. “In one area of the camp I found one baby elephant, 5 years old, that was born in the camp. Tourists are allowed to feed it certain foods such as bananas, cucumbers and sugarcane.

“In the second area I found eight elephants; one 3 years old and seven over 20 years old. The elephants over 20 years old are used for tourists to ride,” Mr Manas said. “The mahouts bathe the elephants once a day. They leave drinking water in a

plastic bucket for them and if it’s not enough, a hose is used to feed them. However, the mahouts use water sparingly due to the lack of water on the island,” he said. “Later, I went to ‘Phra Yai Chang Thai’ camp which is also near Big Buddha,” Mr Manas continued. “The camp has a total area of 27 rai. There is a building for elephants to sleep in, a shower area, walking space and enough food and drinking water.” “Due to the water shortages that Phuket has been facing, the water supply at both camps was low so both owners agreed to purchase water in order to maintain a sufficient supply for daily bathing of all elephants and for drinking,” Mr Manus added.

French expat, pregnant woman killed in crash T H R EE PEOPLE DI ED in a motorbike collision in Rawai early Tuesday morning (Mar 19), including a 48-yearold French expat and a Thai woman who was five months pregnant, police have reported. Rawai Municipality rescue workers and Chalong Police were called to the scene of the accident, opposite of the Rawai Health Center on Wiset Rd, at 1:05am. At the scene officers found two wrecked motorbikes, one a white Ducati and the other a Honda Wave. They also found two people dead and two critically injured. One of the people killed was a 48-year-old Frenchman, reported Capt Somkiet Sarasin of the Chalong Police, who declined to name any of the people involved in the accident. The Frenchman was the person riding the Ducati motorbike, Capt Somkiet said. The other fatality was a Thai woman, five months pregnant, who was riding as a passenger on the Honda Wave, Capt Somkiet confirmed. Of the two people who suffered critical injuries in the accident, one was a Thai

Rescue workers and police at the scene of the accident. Photo: Rawai Municipality rescue team man who was driving the Honda Wave. “He was unconscious with critical injuries and was taken to Dibuk Hospital, but later transferred to Vachira Hospital (in Phuket Town),” Capt Somkiet said. “Today I was informed that he had died from his injuries.” The other person heavily injured was a Thai woman who was a passenger on the Ducati with the French expat. “She has critical injuries, and was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital,” Capt Somkiet said. “At this stage we are not even sure exactly how the accident happened,” Capt Somkiet admitted. “We are still continuing our investigation into that,” he said. Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews



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OPINION

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EDITORIAL

Change is in the wind

his Sunday (Mar 24), Thailand will hold its first genuine election for seven years, and voter turnout is expected to be high. According to the Election Commission in Bangkok about 2.6 million people registered for the advance voting held across the country last Sunday (Mar 17) with 87% turning out to cast their votes, and turnout in several areas exceeding 90%. Anywhere near that level of turnout would be a far cry from the 54.75% of eligible voters in Phuket who cast their votes last year in the national referendum for the Constitution. Last weekend, Phuket had the highest turnout in the South for those living and working on the island voting for candidates in their home provinces elsewhere in Southern Thailand in a clear statement that they want their voices to be heard. However, with elections

held so long ago, many voters may well have forgotten that seats won in the 14 provinces of Southern Thailand count for virtually nothing. Yingluck Shinawatra’s “landslide victory” in 2011 saw her Pheu Thai Party win not a single seat of the 53 seats available in the South. In 2007, the People’s Power Party – an incarnation of Thaksin Shinawatra’s then-oulawed Thai Rak Thai Party – won just two of 56 seats available. Thaksin himself fared no better in the preceding two elections. Getting the picture? In political terms, as long as the money keeps rolling in and “loss of face” incidents aren’t too embarrassing, then Bangkok politicians don’t even have to care about voters in the South. There is a lot to not like about the past four years, but the coup did bring the one

thing it was essentially aimed at achieving: the country has been stable under the Army. Those worried about the election’s effect on the economy might be able to breathe a little easier when they look back and remember CentralWorld on fire and M79 ‘bloop gun’ grenade launchers sounding off amid protests on the streets of Bangkok. Those days have not returned. Another thing to remember is that while people were still muttering about the nightly curfew in the days after the 2014 coup, cache after cache of war weapons were being seized by the soldiers carrying out raids in Bangkok, Chonburi and Isarn. The shame has gone both ways. However, this year there is a feeling that regardless of the vote and turnout, one way or another this election is going to count. Change is in the wind.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

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HAVE YOUR SAY Road unworthy

Re: Two banned trucks hit two motorbikes on same day, same road I think the biggest problem in Thailand is following an infrastructure model from crowded countries. If you look at the roads and highways in rural parts of Texas, for example, you can see that an extra metre or two of road is much safer than skimping on size. I mean, when you drive over someone’s flip-flops just outside of their door, there might be a problem with the road being too narrow. Rich Soderblom There’s a surprise. Just as big buses were only allowed at certain times on the hills, no smoking on the beach, nothing that churns out huge amounts of smoke, no jet-ski trailers on the beach, no 4x4s or motorbikes on the beach. Simon Lomas

Taken for a ride

Re: Hunt begins after Ukrainian passport used in B450k rental motorbike theft It’s my friend's passport. It was stolen from a villa in

Nai Harn around one month before. Two passports were stolen with US dollars and some devices. Yuri Simonov Aren't rental shops forbidden from keeping customers' passports? Simon Callebert

See the elephant

Re: Baby elephants at shopping plaza raise concerns The heartless mahout said “tourists were not allowed to ride them” but the staff said that the “eco-tourism village project” will include elephant riding. If there are plans for elephant riding, then these animals are being terribly abused. “Eco-tourism” does not involve elephant riding. The whole concept is about money, so don't green wash it with “eco.” BenPendejo Re: Official inspects elephant camps after Big Buddha complaint [Official says everything is fine] Apart from the fact that it has been taken away from its mother, apart from

being tied up, apart from being hurt on a daily basis... What a joke. Stephanie Costa How about I tie the inspector to the floor all day every day? James Haste “Not enough water for the elephants because of the shortage.” I'm willing to bet that they will find plenty of water next month for Songkran. Donna N Tony Patmore

Wasted efforts?

Re: Kamala to get B58mn wastewater plant It's good that a treatment mechanism is being installed. But “when the heavy rains come the extra water flowing through the canal may mean that not all the wastewater will be treated before being released...” Why install one that can't do the job? Foot Knowing beforehand that the water treatment system will not have the capacity to function during heavy rain makes installing it a big joke. And that for B58 million! I

also have my thoughts about the cost of ‘only’ B495,000 for an ozone facility for just a two month test period. Kurt They have people in that raw sewage/toxic waste scuz? No protective gear? More indications of the “Phuket Smart City.” Timothy All very well but what about the 4,000-room complex being built at the north end of town, and all the wastewater f lowing into the southern canal as well? Fascinated

Shipshape

Re: Mission of Mercy: The humanitarian vessel that needs our help I have been fortunate to have visited and met the crew and captain of Vega. She was loaded with all sorts of necessary items for the less fortunate. Her mission in life is to lift the lives of people in remote islands. I pray for her quick repair, and with the help from all of us she will sail on. Walter Attard

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FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

THAILAND NEWS

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(L) Pol Capt Watcharin Benjathotsawat. (R) Rescue workers give first aid to Capt Watcharin after he was fatally wounded by a gunman outside his house (Mar 19). Photo: Bangkok Post

More than 2.3mn locals and foreign visitors are expected to join Songkran festivals next month. Photo: Anthony Bouch

TAT expects 2.3mn visitors for Songkran BANGKOK Bangkok Post

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he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects more than 2.3 million locals and foreign visitors will join Songkran festivals this year, generating some B20 billion in revenue for tourism and tourism-related services. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said some 300,000 international arrivals are expected to celebrate the

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five-day festival starting from April 12, with 2 million locals. The number of visitors has grown from previous years as the government approved an extra holiday on April 12 in addition to the scheduled April 13-16, he said. Mr Yuthasak admitted he was a bit concerned about the poor air quality at provinces in the North, especially Chiang Mai, home to a major Songkran festival in the region. He said he hopes the situation improves soon.

Chiang Mai is one of several provinces in the North struggling with haze because of open-air burning of farm waste and rubbish. The heavy smog caused temporary suspension of flights between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, said Mr Yuthasak. Speaking on the 59th anniversary of the TAT, he said the agency will continue to promote tourism to reduce economic inequality by encouraging tourists to visit the 55 second-tier provinces.

Former cop shot dead after exposing police corruption SONGKHLA A FORMER POLICE SENIOR investigator who accused some former colleagues of abuse of authority and extortion was shot dead in front of his house in Muang district on Tuesday afternoon (Mar 19). The victim was Pol Capt Watcharin Benjathotsawat, 48, a former deputy investigative superintendent at Songkhla police headquarters. He was shot three times, the bullets hitting his torso and chin, after parking his white Toyota Vios sedan at his house. Rescue workers gave him emergency aid and rushed him to Songkhla Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Police said according to witness-

es there were at least two people in the black Toyota Vios that followed him to his house. After Pol Capt Watcharin parked his car, a person got out of the black car and shot him through the car door at point-blank range. The gunman got back in the car, which sped away. Police called to the scene said there were three bullet holes in the car door. Pol Capt Watcharin had been working with volunteer lawyers to help crime victims who had allegedly not been treated fairly by police. He had shared accusations via live Facebook posts and they included allegations of extortion at police checkpoints, police misconduct and abuse of authority. Bangkok Post


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THAILAND NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Tycoon poacher sentenced

Premchai’s jail term generates mixed reaction and surprise KANCHANABURI Piyarat Chongcharoen

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16-month jail term handed to construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta by a Kanchanaburi court on Tuesday (Mar 19) for illegal possession of a dead pheasant and weapons, and conspiring to poach wildlife, has drawn a mixed reaction from the public. He was cleared of any wrongdoing in connection with a black leopard carcass found at the scene. Mr Premchai remained calm and expressionless as he listened to the verdict being read at the Thong Pha Phum court, according to an eye witness in the courtroom. Following the hearing, Mr Premchai curtly told media “I am sorry”, after being asked for a comment on the case by reporters. It was the first time Mr Premchai had spoken to the media since he was charged with poaching in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province in February last year. Mr Premchai’s lawyer said his client and the other defendants in the case would appeal. Many comments on social media

Construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta (centre) arrives at court in Kanchanaburi on Tuesday morning (Mar 19). Photo: Piyarat Chongcharoen / Bangkok Post following the verdict read “justice is served” and “the law of karma”. The ruling came as a surprise to conservationists. “The verdict goes beyond my expectations,” Ornyupa Sangkamarn, an environmental trial expert and representative of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, a conservation organisation, told the Bangkok Post in a telephone interview. “I initially thought Mr Premchai

would be given suspended jail terms because he doesn’t have a criminal record,” said Ms Ornyupa, adding that courts have often given suspended terms to first-time offenders. Sasin Chalermlarp, the foundation president, wrote on his Facebook page that he wondered why the billionaire was acquitted of charges of possession of the leopard’s carcass despite the fact that Premchai was present when the leopard’s tail was

cooked in a pot. Locals were also surprised by the ruling. “I believed Khun Premchai would be cleared of all wrongdoing and would walk free because he is a very rich and powerful man,” said Teera Puangnoi, a Kanchanaburi resident. The 16-month sentence included six months for illegally carrying weapons, eight months for supporting poaching and two months for

possession of a dead kalij pheasant. Premchai was one of four defendants, and the other three took the rap for possessing the black leopard carcass. Yong Dodkruea was sentenced to 13 months in jail: three months for illegal firearm possession, six months for illegally carrying firearms, and four months for possessing the black leopard carcass. He was acquitted on the charge of illegally collecting forest products. Nathee Riamsaen was sentenced to four months in jail and fined B10,000 for illegally possessing the black leopard carcass, but the jail term was suspended for two years. She was acquitted of illegally possessing and carrying firearms. Thanee Thummat was sentenced to two years and 17 months in jail: three months for illegal firearm possession, four months for having the leopard carcass, six months for illegally carrying firearms, four months for attempted poaching, one year for poaching and one year for collecting forest products. He was found guilty of all charges. The court also ordered Premchai and Thanee to pay B2 million in compensation related to the case to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Bangkok Post

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FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

9

PM orders Kata condo probe

Construction continues while contactor appeals to keep land PROPERTY Waranya Prompinpiras reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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t Gen Kittisak Boonsuk, Deputy Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Operations Coordination Center 4, led a team of military officers from Bangkok to Phuket last week to inspect the construction of The Peaks Residence project on the hillside overlooking Kata Noi Beach. The project is currently in dispute with the Supreme Administrative Court hearing an appeal by the project developer, Kata Beach Co Ltd, which claims the NorSor 3 Kor land deed presented as evidence of ownership of the land is valid. The appeal follows the Regional Administrative Court in Nakhon Sri Thammarat ruling in Aug 2017 that the deed is invalid – and that the land itself was protected forest land. “We came here because there has been a complaint that The Peaks project is illegal construction. The Prime Minister ordered us to come to investigate the facts,” Gen Kittisak told a meeting held at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket office (DDPM-

@thephuketnews

The view overlooking the incomplete The Peaks Residence project at Kata Noi. Photo: Waranya Prompinpiras Phuket) headquarters located at the Provincial Hall complex last Thursday morning (Mar 14), before making a site inspection of the project in the afternoon. “Our examination is to focus on the legal aspects of the case, which so far is not clear. We need more details from inspecting the area, from which we will learn more than the details presented in the complaint,” he said. “Construction of The Peaks project can continue for now, as the law permits, but we will investigate additional conditions that may see

the construction project suspended,” he added. Gen Kittisak also recognised the impact on people who have already bought units in the project if Kata Beach Co Ltd loses its appeal. “Regarding the impact on cu stomer s who boug ht a condominium in the project, the Phuket District Chief has agreed with us that he will talk to the owner of The Peaks project about how to manage it if the Supreme Administrative Court decides to cancel the project’s construction permit,” he said.

“Regarding the impact on the environment in the area, before issuing a construction permit for the project, the Karon Municipality made an agreement with the owner of The Peaks project that if any part of the project breached the law the owner of The Peaks project agreed to restore the environment back to its original state,” Gen Kittisak added. “But before all this, we have to wait for the decision of the Supreme Administrative Court,” he said. Repeated calls to The Peaks Residence have gone unanswered, but one agent who sold units in the project told The Phuket News as of last Friday (Mar 15) that the entire project had already sold out. However, the agent, who asked not to be named, was not willing to divulge any further details. No materials presented last Thursday gave any indication of the total current value of the project, though reports in the Thai media have estimated the sales volume at more than B2 billion. Suttichai Bunyadsilof the Public Works Division at Karon Municipality, which issued the building permit for the project, told The Phuket News, “We issued a construction permit by considering the documents submitted with the application. The

documents included evidence of land ownership, construction drawings and the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) report. The EIA must be approved by committee involving all departments. If the EIA is not certified, we will not approve a construction permit, and The Peaks project has all the documents. “The Peaks project submitted a construction permit request at the end of 2017 and they received a construction permit on Feb 19, 2018,” Mr Sittichai said. “At that time we did not know that the Administrative Court had ordered for the land deed to be revoked. We learned that the Administrative Court ordered to revoke the NorSor 3 Kor only after someone complained to the Phuket Governor on Mar 7, 2018, and we therefore issued a letter to suspend construction on Mar 12, 2018. “But the owner of the project said that the ruling of the Administrative Court had not yet been completed and that they could continue to use the land. “On April 2, 2018 the project owner requested the use of the land in accordance with the law as the case had not ended. We allowed them to continue on Apr 10, 2018,” Mr Suttichai explained.


10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Airport duty-free under fire

Phuket Airport praised as ‘no-monopoly model’ in B100bn spat DUTY FREE Bangkok Post

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he State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo) this week made a public announcement that the Public-Private Partnership ( PPP) com m it t e e – not Airports of Thailand (AoT) – must have the final say on whether the concession for duty-free operations at four major airports comes under the PPP law. The move came after the AoT threw down the gauntlet on Monday (Mar 18), claiming that the controversial concession does not fall under the newly amended PPP law. Sepo Director-General Prapas Kong-ied said the PPP committee had yet to decide on whether it would form a legal panel to deal with the matter. “Deputy Prime Minister Som kid Jat usripitak has ordered Sepo to first clarify the way the scheme should be handled before they proceed,” said Mr Prapas. The AoT, which earlier

Airports of Thailand president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn (left) faces Prapas Kong-ied, Director-General of the State Enterprise Policy Office in a showdown over duty-free at the country’s biggest airports. Photos: Bangkok Post planned to open the bidding process for the duty-free concession at Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Hat Yai airports, decided to put off following the Transport Ministry’s order last Friday (Mar 15). The ministry’s order came when Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha raised concerns

over a possible monopoly, after the AoT announced it would merge the concessions of the four airports into one and decided to go ahead with the bidding process without waiting for the decision of the PPP committee. The new PPP law, which came into effect on March 10, requires the chairmen

of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Bankers’ Association to be included as members of the PPP committee. It also requires the regulations and mechanisms relating to the bidding process to be made more concise, transparent and inclusive.

T he A nt i- Cor r upt ion Organisation of Thailand (ACT), a national anti-graft net work , dema nded t he concession, which is valued at more than B100 billion, should be scrutinised under the PPP law for the sake of transparency. ACT Secretary-General Mana Nimitmongkol stressed that the merging of the four concessions into one could set a precedent for further monopolistic practices. Mr Mana said that airports abroad, including those in Japan, China, South Korea and Singapore, separate duty-free concessions depending on the type of products, which allows different operators to apply best practices that apply to their operations. “I wonder if there is a need to grant a concession to a single entity in Thailand,” said Mr Mana. AoT President Nitinai Sirismatthakarn insisted that the master concession of the scheme is not in line with the PPP law. Although Section 7 of the act stipulates that the

joint investment concerns aviation businesses and other related businesses, AoT believes the development of commercial zones and duty-free operations at the airports are not associated with aviation operations, he said. “As such, airports would still be able to operate in the absence of duty-free operations,” said Mr Nitinai. He also st ressed t he merg i ng of dut y-f ree operations at the four airports into a single concession would not be regarded as a monopoly. Duty-free pickup counters at the four airports would be liberalised, which means duty-free operators could run duty-free malls outside of the airports in key tourism spots across the country, he added. This would help boost business for duty-free shops in Bangkok, M r Nitinai said, before referring to the experience of Phuket, where more than 10 duty-free shops were opened after the airport liberalised the market. “There is definitely no monopoly there,” he said.

thephuketnews


THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Phuket: an island sinking in waste

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

13

Politics, pop music and Prayut

14

FUREVER FRIENDS Changing the lives of stray cats and dogs

Kitty corner. Photo: Warrick Philip Shannon Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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here does the phrase “like herding cats” come from? A swift Google search tells me that many a group have tried to claim ownership of it over the years. Mensa emblazoned it on T-shirts, higher-ups used it to describe managing professionals, the IT industry are adamant it’s about computer programmers. Whoever it was, it’s clear they never joined a feeding session with Simone Allene, founder of the Rawai Animal Lovers (RAL) community group. It turns out that it’s very much possible to get felines into formation, although admittedly it takes a generous amount of Whiskas and a great deal of dedication. Simone feeds the 100+ cats and 17 dogs in and around Wat Sawang Arom in Rawai daily, and has done since 2005. Her route within the temple grounds, as well as the crematorium, restaurants and locals’ houses on its perimeter, is well known to the felines and canines by now. They linger expectantly at the temple gates, having spent much of the day beating the heat and sheltering from coachloads of tourists and schoolchildren in the temple’s quiet, shady spots. As I drive through, they throw a few nonchalant, cursory glances my way before returning to the much superior task of self-grooming. With the recognisable hum of Simone’s moped, how@thephuketnews

ever, furry ears stand to attention, tails wag like windscreen wipers in a heavy storm and she is surrounded. The bags swinging from her bike handles are full of wet food, dry treats and water which she distributes whilst doing a stream-of-consciousness roll call of each diner. There’s Zeus the cat, named for his thunder-grey fur and impressive size. There’s Cleopatra the dog of RAL logo fame. There’s Caleb the kitten who gets a double portion today as she missed the last feeding. And there’s Morgana the cat, who I’m sure we saw two stops back and is sneaking a second course. Simone attributes her remarkable retention for the animals’ names and individual traits to her time as a diving instructor, a job in which paying close attention to the defining features of marine species in order to identify them later was customary. It’s a huge asset to Soi Dog on their weekly visits to the temple as part of their Community Outreach Programme too. Simone can identify changes in behaviour as well as signs of sickness and injury, have them confirmed by the foundation and then administer medication. Furthermore, certain animals have an inherent fear of humans on account of unthinkable abuse and will only be handled by Simone, who has earned their trust over time and with patience. Interestingly, the animals gave to her before she gave to them. In the immediate aftermath of the tsunami, Simone returned to Phuket having lost a number of friends, and became involved

Adopted RAL cats.

in recovery projects. The temple was a place of solace, and the local dogs would sit alongside her as she processed what had happened. Whilst working on several humanitarian projects, including the Phuket Sunshine Village, she would return to the temple for the ambience and animals and continue feeding the then resident dogs. And so it began. Simone is keen to challenge certain mentalities and misunderstandings that surround these animals; for example, that ‘dumping’ a pet at a temple somehow ensures its safety and wellbeing. While the temple may have been a sanctuary for her, it is by no means so for the animals that have come to call it home. Precious few temples have their own Simone, a fiercely kind, fulltime saviour. After feeding the animals for 12 years, and relying on word of mouth to advertise her cause, Simone set up RAL online in early 2017. The Facebook community group is an islandwide space for finding foster and

Man’s best friend. Photo Warrick Philip Shannon permanent homes for animals (namely mothers and their young), spreading the word about lost animals, exchanging tips and advice and even simply sharing a meme or two about the animals the 560+ members joined to help. Thanks to RAL, lost animals have been found, medical care has been provided to animals in need and feeds and sterilisations have been organised in Rawai. Fellow animal lovers can help Simone by: donating money, food (they love inexpensive tins of BigC Happy Price), litter boxes or cat toys; joining her on a feeding session; temporarily fostering animals; or adopting and giving them a ‘furever’ home. Contact ‘Rawai Animal Lovers’ via their public Facebook group for further information.


12 EVENTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Revving up for Phuket Bike Week Asia’s biggest motorcycle event celebrates 25 years The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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huket will be roarin’ and rumblin’ next month as Asia’s biggest motorcycle event heads to the island. Between April 12-20, Phuket will welcome motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world for Phuket Bike Week 2019. The annual event, now in its 25th year, carries the concept ‘World Ride Together’ this year in a show of unity for the worldwide bikers the event attracts. More than 5,000 vehicles and 50,000 participants, from Thailand and 30 other countries, are expected, bringing a projected revenue of at least B500 million into Phuket. The event will take place at Patong’s Loma Park between April 12-14 and at Phuket Boat Lagoon between April 1920 and promises to have something for

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

A serious hill start.

everyone. While the thousand-strong two-wheeled convoys might be a spectacle enough in themselves, there are a host of other events to wow attendees across the week too. Guests can expect: an opening ceremony led by the Mayor of Patong; motorcycle exhibitions; a custom bike contest; Miss Phuket Bike Week contest; a charity ride; a ride for peace; rock music festivals with Thai band Carabao, singer Pong Hinlekfai and Malaysian band Wings Rock; beach parties; a grand dinner; and souvenirs, clothing and bike accessories on sale. However, these big bikers are also on a mission to bring international tourism, highlight Thailand’s culture, point to Phuket as a world class destination, encourage safe riding and promote the reduction in global warming. Phuket Bike Week 2019 is supported by Phuket Province, Phuket Bike Week Association, Tourism Authority of Thai-

Expect exhibitions...

...and impressive convoys.

land, Phuket Provincial Administration Organization, Patong Municipality, Phuket Boat Lagoon, American Car Club Southern Thailand, Singha Corporation, Ride Thailand Team and many other clubs who love riding big bikes. The Phuket News is also a proud media partner.

dana, pin, patch, sticker, Ride Thailand Magazine and a key chain. Regular Ticket, Free entry at Patong Beach. B300 at Phuket Boat Lagoon includes: wristband entry and two drinks.

VIP Registration, B1,500 includes: wristband entry to every venue every day, a ticket for grand dinner, one t-shirt, ban-

For more information, please visit www. phuketbikeweek.com or contact Mr Wittaya Singkalah on 081 6919346, Mr Amarin Sarunyasakul on 081 8914702 or Mr Kittiwong Jansattum on 089 6468941

thephuketnews


THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 13

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Trash Talk

Tackling waste in Phuket Dr Peter W Harris

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aste is one of Phuket’s greatest challenges. Each person on the island generates 1.13 kilograms of waste per day (50% of which is biodegradable). That’s over 1,000 tonnes of waste sent to the Saphan Hin incinerator every day. The island’s high level of waste and profligate use of one single-use plastics – plastic bags 15%, straws 5%, cigarette butts 5% – impacts marine life, killing sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs. Experts on waste management and environmental protection are warning that Thailand could become the garbage bin of the world. At the Asean Forum last week, Thailand committed to reduce marine debris by 50%. Thailand’s National Action Plan encourages citizens, including children, and the private sector to reduce waste at source by following the 3Rs concept: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This is where schools, business groups and NGOs have a very significant role to play and indeed many different groups are already actively contributing to the reduction of waste in Phuket. The Asia Pacific Environmental Network (APEN), originally established in Australia and now established in Thailand, aims to contribute to building sustainable communities, including water, waste, energy and biodiversity, with a strong commitment to social justice. APEN’s current project is bringing community groups and agencies together to transform the poorest area of Phuket: Koh Siray. Connected to Phuket Town by a small bridge is the often forgotten Koh Siray. The island is home to around 10,000 people, including a village of 1,000 sea gypsies, Myanmar fishing workers and families of the poor and those in prison. High levels of toxins in the water and the monumental amount of plastic waste that floats beneath the residents’ homes (see photo, top right) is directly impacting the health of the community, especially that of the children. On April 29, between 9am and 12pm, some 40 sailors from the HMAS Canberra, the f lagship of the Royal Australian Navy f leet, will be deployed to Koh Siray to participate in a clean-up of the village and help establish the kindergarten as a sustainable centre with fresh drinking

water and a garden. This is part of a wider project sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade which aims to transform Koh Siray into a self-sustained ecosystem, reduce waste to zero, break the poverty cycle by empowering local waste management and increasing commercial gain by creating products to sell in local markets. Just last week, 30 representatives of the Koh Siray School, Koh Siray Kindergarten, Sunshine Village Foundation and the Family and Child Centre undertook training to learn how to operate five aerobic decomposition bins (compost) at each of their centres. The training was led by Khun Thiti (see photo, right), interestingly the former manager of the Saphan Hin incinerator, and was visited by the Australian Consul-General, Craig Ferguson, and the Deputy Mayor of Rassada, Pawat Supasuwan. The four centres will be the hubs which generate action through waste assessments, sorting of waste, training in waste utilisation, composting, building sustainable gardens and the development of young leaders to maintain these changes in the community. The Happy Green World Foundation develops educational programmes about waste, water and energy for children between 6 and 12 years old. The easy-to-follow programmes, which teach sustainable behaviour through a colourfully-illustrated activity guide, student book and game, see children composting, reusing plastic and tidying up playgrounds, amongst a host of other regionally-specific activities. In this way, children learn that they can directly influence the environment around them. The programme is currently being developed into Thai by students at British International School, Phuket – BISP with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and will engage 2,000 students across Phuket. Phuket’s energised Trash Hero group are well known for their weekly beach cleans across the island. However, they are committed to education and long-term sustainability projects too. With a keen understanding of how waste is created, and hands-on experience of the impact that it has on the local and global environment, they create long-term programmes to help communities to remove and better manage their waste and reduce the amount of it being produced in

Trash heroes and heroines at Koh Siray beach. @thephuketnews

Drowning in waste: the Moken village at Koh Sirae. the future. They also engage children through a multilingual kids’ programme. The newly-founded Small Steps Phuket group share tips, ideas and resources to reduce waste and pollution and minimise climate change. Their ‘small steps’ philosophy demonstrates that minor changes can have real impact and we all have our part to play. Plastic Free Phuket sees students, parents and teachers from UWC Thailand International School working together to reduce plastic use in Phuket with the aim of protecting precious marine life. Surfers, divers and entrepreneurs, under the moniker Precious Plastic Phuket, have a different approach. Viewing the single-use plastic already here as a free raw material, they repurpose it into a whole host of beautiful, practical objects. Think plant pots, phone cases, tiles and tote bags.

Khun Thiti, the composting guru. Tackling waste is never a waste of time and the time truly is now. Dr Peter W Harris is the Chair of APEN. They welcome anyone to join the Australian Navy at the Koh Siray halfday clean-up and Aussie barbecue on April 29. For more information, contact Songkran Kongmuang (Jimmie) on songrant33@gmail.com or 093-1687423. Keep an eye on the coming issues of The Phuket News as it follows APEN and the Koh Siray journey.


14 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Sing for Thailand

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

The unusual music career of Prayut Chan-o-cha

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Andrew Biggs

s Thailand goes to the polls, it’s difficult to say exactly what honorific or position Prayut Chan-o-cha will have by the time the week is out. Whatever the outcome, though, what we can say is that he’s a pop star… kind of. This side of his life is not covered as often in the English media as it is in the Thai media. We only get the edicts and hot-headed retorts of our military prime minister. It is not often we get to see his musical side. Military coups in Thailand are not bloody events like they are in other countries. In 2006 when the tanks rolled in, Thai civilians reacted by presenting the soldiers with roses. Things weren’t perhaps so rosy in 2014 when the military toppled Yingluck’s government. But the moment the army took over, our brand new unelected prime minister did something not too many despots do, let alone think of. He penned a song. It took him an hour, allegedly. The song was a ballad titled Return Happiness To The Thai People, which became Prayut’s catchphrase. Being a brand-new military dicta-

tor, Prayut had a lot of folks rushing to kowtow and ingratiate themselves before him. A smattering of those glutelickers were musical types. Before we knew it, a melody had been put to his words and a singer was found. Wasn’t that quick? Thailand doesn’t have a national song chart like, say, Billboard or the Official UK Chart. We cannot say, then, that Return Happiness was a No.1 smash but by goodness, it would have been Thailand’s Gangnam Style had there been such a chart! What a massive hit it was. It’s a power ballad, the kind Westlife or the Backstreet Boys probably could have covered in an afternoon in the studio. It’s also a love song, the type where the guy pleads with the girl to give him a chance to prove himself. The chorus went like this: “All you must do is trust and put your faith in us. Very soon the country will be great again. Return happiness to you, the people!” The song has had millions of hits on YouTube, though the official version stands at just 2.9 million. I am surprised by this, or perhaps heartened, considering this country has 68 million people. Clearly not everybody was racing to play the song voluntarily – and this sentiment is echoed by the fact

all comments for the video have been disabled. Perhaps there was no need to play it on YouTube, since it permeated daily life at all times and when least expected. There were parody versions, too – the second-highest viewed version featured the Chipmunks. So who teamed up with the prime minister? His name is Vichien Tantipimonphan, a bespectacled, highlysought-after songwriter who has penned some monster hits in this country. Without detracting from his clear ability to tap into mass musical tastes, the man writes power ballads for television soaps over and over again to the point where they do start to sound a little familiar. Think of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s Relax and Two Tribes. But this guy really does churn out the hits. Do you remember last year’s monster TV series, called Buppesaniwat, the period piece about Ayutthaya? Guess who wrote the smash hit from that series all on his own without a military lyricist? There was a mystery surrounding the song as well. As it permeated the airwaves, the question came up – who was the singer? Only in Thailand would a military dictator release a single. Only in Thailand, too, would a song become a hit single without anyone knowing who sang the thing. Many pointed to the melody writer himself. Vichien may have lain down the track that became as ubiquitous as som tam for a year. It certainly sounds like him. (It was in 2019 that the army officially claimed Cherdsak Rittikornkul was the vocalist. I would suggest you read that with a salt shaker close by.) This extraordinary story, and scenario, does not stop here. The songwriting talents of Chan-ocha/Tantipimonphan were not confined to the files of one-hit wonder. For a while there, in Thailand at least, they superseded Bacharach-David or Lennon and McCartney. In December 2015, Prayut followed up his debut single with a new song. As any recording artist will tell you, the sophomore album or song is crucial. It makes or breaks you. This time around it was titled Because You

Rock on. Photo: Prayut Chan-o-cha Facebook page Are Thailand (again, about bringing a bright future to Thailand). It wasn’t a huge success. An MV featuring Prayut in his various works probably didn’t set the charts on fire. At least we knew who the singer was this time round – a man named Sub Lt Pongsathorn Pojit, who to this day has sung on every release since. Then they came, song after song, being released to the public and played often. The entertainment industry is cruel, though. Fame is fleeting. What was popular, say, five years ago is fodder for fuddy-duddies now. By 2018, the artist was grasping at straws. A Valentine’s Day single, Diamond Heart (about bringing a bright future to Thailand) while attracting 700,000 views on YouTube also attracted a record number of dislikes, outnumbering the likes by five to one. Fight For The Country (about bringing a bright future to Thailand) came out the same time of Vichien’s major success, the song from the TV show Buppesaniwat. The only problem was… Prayut’s song was very, very similar. In January 2019, he released In Memory (about bringing a bright future to Thailand) and it stiffed. The magic had gone. Things were looking down. I am reminded of the last gasps of so many other artists – Michael Jackson’s Invincible, Katy Perry’s Witness, Spice Girls’ Forever. His musical career was over; he had worn out his welcome. Earlier this month he released a new song. The eighth of his career. It’s called New Day, and it’s all about bringing a bright future to Thailand. In the world of music, sometimes it’s best just to leave that dead horse alone and move on. Bangkok Post

thephuketnews


THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 15

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Healthy hospitality

Le Meridien Phuket wins health and well-being care award Run, Le Meridien, Run!

The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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ast month, Marriott International Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, Bill Marriott, and President and Chief Executive Officer, Arne Sorensen, announced Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort as recipient of the ‘Debbie Marriott Harrison TakeCare Award of Excellence’ for 2019. The resort was chosen from Marriott International’s 6,700 hotels and resorts worldwide. Launched in 2016, the award recognises a managed property, department or above-property team for demonstrating significant achievements in creating a culture of associate health and well-being. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort General Manager Julian Lowry said his team’s commitment to Marriott values was a driving factor behind this achievement. “We are grateful to Marriott International’s Awards Selection Committee for this recognition. TakeCare activities are integral to our culture and this award will inspire us to continue and improve what we do. Each month our associates, led by TakeCare Champions from every department, carry out activities that aim to assist local communities and our surrounding environment, and our programmes that improve our associates’ mental and physical well-being,” he said. “Our associates know that they belong to an organisation that makes a positive difference in their lives and those around them. Through these activities, we are all rewarded with a sense of fulfillment beyond professional work,” he added. Regular Zumba classes, yoga, meditation, hula hoop fitness challenges and activities hosted by the resort enable associates to improve and maintain good physical health. Le Meridien Phuket has also created a running team that joins races across Phuket. The runners have won several awards in different categories of various races.

@thephuketnews

Healthy, happy staff. The resort holds an annual Health Fair in which hospital professionals are invited to conduct eye tests, sugar tests and physical tests. More comprehensive than an annual medical check-up, the professionals also check cholesterol, undertake Thinprep pap tests for females, test for hepatitis and undertake other significant checks that could allow early detection of illnesses. For the past 20 years, the resort has maintained a multi-department ‘Green Council’ to ensure the continuous implementation of environment and energy conservation efforts and is tasked with increasing awareness of these programmes amongst current and new hire associates. These activities include beach cleaning, tree planting, school painting, World Clean-Up Day and the ‘Upcycling the Oceans’ intiative. In March 2016, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort completed a B7.5 million upgrade of its on-site waste-water treatment plant. Processed water is used for the surrounding gardens and plants all around the resort, thereby reducing consumption of water supplied by the city for this purpose. In 2017, in line with its commitment to reduce plastic waste, the resort discontinued use of plastic bottles in guest rooms and suites, replacing these with glass bottles. To further reduce plastic waste, in August 2018 the resort discontinued use of plastic straws at its 10 restaurants and bars.

March 2017 saw the launch of a herb garden on a repurposed underutilised plot of the resort. The site currently grows local Thai herbs used by its chefs for salads and dishes. Le Meridien Phuket is also actively involved in Marriott Business Council’s environment and community development projects such as mangrove replanting, helmet donation to schoolchildren and sea turtle conservation in the Phuket Marine Biological Center.

The Debbie Marriott Harrison TakeCare Award of Excellence is part of Marriott International’s Awards of Excellence honorees for 2019. The Awards of Excellence programme embodies the culture of the company and recognises associates across its brands and global portfolio of hotels who best represent its core values. lemeridienphuketbeachresort.com www.marriott.com/culture-and-values/ awards-of-excellence.mi



18 ISLAND SCENE

Flying flags.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Live on 89.5.

Representing South Africa.

International ladies.

AROUND THE WORLD WITH BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, PHUKET The BISP International Day 2019, held on Mar 8, was a great success with different foods available to taste, colourful costumes from all over the world, a flag parade and several on-stage performances by students representing over 60 nationalities. Well done everyone!

Pichai, Renee and Craig.

Past Australian alumni.

BRIGHT FUTURES AT AUSTRALIAN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXPO EVENT In partnership with the Australian Consulate-General Phuket, the Australian Alumni Association Thailand held an education expo and networking event at the Novotel Phuket Phokeethra on Mar 7. The event was attended by students from all international schools in Phuket who are looking at university options in Australia. Exhibitors featured representatives from the Universities of Melbourne, Queensland & ICTE-UQ, Monash, Western Australia, Canberra, Murdoch and Study in Australia by AIC.

MARRIOTT RESORT AND SPA, NAI YANG BEACH LAUNCHES REUSABLE BAG CAMPAIGN

Tackling plastic one bag at a time.

The Marriott Resort and Spa at Nai Yang Beach has revealed the next major step in its campaign to combat plastic pollution in Phuket: a month-long initiative to stop using plastic bags. Across February, the resort encouraged all associates to carry reusable fabric bags, and will continue to do so going forward. The resort hopes associates will encourage their friends, families, colleagues and communities to do the same.

thephuketnews


THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Celebrating their culinary victory.

QSIP Juniors.

ISLAND SCENE 19 Friends first, chefs second.

QSIP Seniors.

STUDENTS COOK UP A STORM AT QSI SCHOOL CULINARY COMPETITION On Mar 16, QSI Phuket hosted their third annual Culinary Competition. This year saw the introduction of the junior age group, the winner of which served delicious Nutella strawberry French toast rollups. The senior category saw Chef Michael from Mövenpick cook up king oyster mushrooms which the students then replicated. There were some fantastic prizes on hand with the winner receiving a three-day internship experience with Chef Pablo from Dedos and the runner-ups receiving a hands-on catering experience with Two Chefs Catering. The Phuket News were proud to be sponsors.

Guests dressed in white for the ceremony.

Good fortune and happiness were wished on the new owners.

MONTAZURE WELCOMES NEW OWNERS WITH BUDDHIST CEREMONY MontAzure, the Kamala lifestyle development, celebrated the official handover of its first luxury residences to their new owners this month. This major milestone was marked with a traditional Buddhist ceremony, giving the residents an auspicious start to their new lives by the ocean. Phrakhru Priyatayanuyu, the Abbot of Wichit Sangkharam Temple, led the ceremony with the new owners, MontAzure’s senior officials and local dignitaries, including a Vice Governor of Phuket Province.

Smalls make a big difference.

HILTON PHUKET DONATES BRAS TO FEMALE INMATES ON WOMEN’S DAY In celebration of International Women’s Day and in recognition of the achievements and contributions of women from all walks of life, Khun Jira Worasarn, the Learning & Development Manager of Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, together with female team members, donated bras to Phuket Provincial Prison. Over 200 bras were donated by the team to the female inmates, in different sizes to accommodate the diverse body types of women. @thephuketnews

At sea near Phuket Yacht Haven.

UWC THAILAND LAUNCHES ITS SCHOOL SAILING PROGRAMME Through the generous support and encouragement of the UWC Thailand parent community, UWC Thailand International School was able to purchase a small fleet of boats (five Optimist dinghies) in order to launch its first ever sailing programme this term. The school has its sights set on participating in inter-island regattas.


20 EVENTS

FRI

22 MAR

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm. For further information and reservation, please contact “Reservations”at Tel: +66 76 380 200. www.thenaiharn.com, 23/3 Moo 1, Vises Road, Rawai, Muang District, Phuket, 83130.

SUN

24 MAR

Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/ TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, 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.

SAT

23 MAR

Sala Sunday Night Steak & Seafood 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.

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

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.

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.

The Great Nai Harn Phuket Sunday Brunch, just got better… With our exclusive offer 4 guests eat for the price of 3! Culinary maestro Executive Chef Mark Jones, added exquisite new dishes for the most demanding palates. Experience it while enjoying the spectacular views over Nai Harn Bay and listening to the sounds of Resident DJ Sun. Every Sunday from 12:30 - 15:00 hrs THB 5,500 net per adult (With free-flow premium beverage handpicked by James Suckling) THB 3,850 net per adult (food only) THB 2,200 net per child aged from 6 to 18 (with free-flow juices and soft drinks) For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or fbreservation@thenaiharn.com

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

MON

25 MAR

March 27-31, Wild Sirenda presents Colours of Love @ Baba Beach Club Phuket. This 5 day experience will bring together an ever-growing community of free-thinkers, awakened beings and global go-getters. Uniting in celebration to activate your dreams, this incredible music and wellness lineup will create the perfect journey for your experience Baba Beach Club Phuket. For more information & bookings, contact us: 076 429 388.

28 FEB

All you can eat BBQ night 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.

BACK TO THE ’70s & ’80s EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night

Mr. Eric Canham

Baba Beach Club x Colours of Love

THU

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.

South African singer and songwriter Eric Canham will be entertaining you 23rd March until 21st April at Rock Salt and Cosmo. Sunday Brunch @ Cosmo - 12.30 pm to 3.00 pm. Happy Time @ Rock Salt - Monday, Tuesday, Saturday

WED

27 MAR

Sala Wednesday nights: Ribs, beats, brews

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.

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

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 Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the

Simmer & Spice Curry buffet, Great variety, Vibrant flavours. Every Monday from 18.30 - 21.30. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@salaphuket.com, 076 338 888.

Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Cajun Grilled Chicken Breast served on a wooden plate with mashed potato, red wine sauce, and bearnaise sauce for ONLY 395 THB. Have a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanilla ice cream for ONLY 95 THB. Sit back and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen to the famous Two Chefs band performing all your favorite retro hits and more! Live music starts from 8:30pm and goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations. Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at WWW.TWOCHEFS.COMor find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/TWOCHEFSTHAILAND COME FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE FUN! Reservations, Call us directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076-330-065, Kata Beach 076-333370, Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914

thephuketnews


THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

THU

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

FRI

28 MAR

5 APR

SAT

1 Year Anniversary Celebration of Cafe del Mar Phuket Every Drop Counts Sustainable Songkran An emergency working group on sustainable Songkran celebrations during a water crisis. UWC Thailand, The Phuket News and Thanyapura Health & Sport Resort invite you to join us in discussing how to sustainably celebrate Songkran 2019 amid the province’s water shortages, while still honouring Thai traditions and culture. We need your ideas, and we need your help sharing them across the island. 10AM12PM at The View, Thanyapura Health & Sport Resort. RSVP@UWCTHAILAND.AC.TH

SAT

Saturday 30 March 2019 from 9pm. You are all invited to our 1 year Anniversary Celebration. Dress Code : Sexy, Black & Mystic (Don’t forget your mask). Bring your mystic mask and get 2 FREE DRINKS before 10 pm !! Dj Line up : Nicola Vega | Dj Kay | Dj Man | Joe Gradante | Sam Sparacio. Bookings & Info : 061 359 5500.

SUN

31 MAR

30 MAR

Phuket’s Best Burger 2019 ‘Dare to Dream’ Now in its 5th Year Phuket Best Burger has become one of Phuket’s most loved events. This year Phuket’s Best Burger will be getting all burgerliscious at Boat Lagoon Marina on Saturday 30th March, restaurateurs and chefs will all compete to see whose burger reigns supreme and become Phuket’s Best Burger 2019 “Dare to Dream”. Boat Lagoon Marina

Supersport 10 Mile International Run 2019 Get yourselves ready for the Supersports 10 Mile International Run Series Thailand 2019. Thailand’s number 1 sports retail store, Supersports, is back with 5 challenging races across Thailand. • Phuket (31 March 2019) at Thanyapura Phuket • Hatyai (28 April 2019) at Central Festival Hatyai • Bangkok (19 May 2019) at CentralWorld • Korat (29 September 2019) at Central Plaza Nakhon Ratchasima • Chiang Mai (27 October 2019) at Central Festival Chiang Mai Part of the entry fees will be donated to both the “Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer Foundation” under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Queen Sirikit, and “The National Paralympic Committee of Thailand” which is under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King. Register for 5 races at once and enjoy a 10% discount.

WED

3 APR

The Grow Boating Networking Evening for April 2019 will be held at The Lagoon Saloon, at The Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina from 5pm onward. Please contact us if you would like to be our drinks sponsors. Once again Lagoon Saloon will fire up the BBQ serving their famous Friday night burger free to all attendees and there will be special prices on your favourite local drinks. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail.com. Grow Boating is kindly supported by our media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and Phuket News TV. The Grow Boating Networking Evening is proud to support the Thai Yachting Business Association. Find us on thaiyachtingbusinessassociation.com

SUN

As the first Collective Series event of 2019, this event promises fun experiences and incredible memories. Tickets priced at THB 1,600 net per guest that covers entrance, free flow canapés (from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm) and two signature beverages. Additional beverages can be purchased at the pop-up bar priced from 150 THB. Space is limited, advance reservation is required. Contact 076 370 777 or dining@katarocks.com

@thephuketnews

7 APR

DANA ALEXANDER IN PHUKET with RO CAMPBELL and SHAYNE HUNTER Do not miss DANA ALEXANDER (CAN), RO CAMPBELL (AUS), and SHAYNE HUNTER (AUS) on stage this April at Marriott, Merlin Beach. Early bird tickets are on sale now from 350 THB or 600 THB at the door. Get your tickets today on TicketFlap: www.ticketflap.com/phuketcomedy-danaalexander

Blue Horizon WCGC Thailand 2019 The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge continues in 2019 with the top 10% of teams (2 people per team) from each qualifier gaining entry to the Thailand Final on the 27th of April 2019 at Laguna Golf Club Phuket. Prominent sponsors provide an all-expenses paid trip to the World Final at Oitavoss Dunes in Cascais, Portugal. For more details and to sign up contact events@foremanagement.com

THU

13 JUN

Phuket Wellness Connection 2019 Before April 15, 2019 - 8,000 baht (registration free is 12,000 baht) Free Oilgoscan testing (8,000 baht value). Novotel Phokeethra Hotel Phuket, heatantiaging@gmail.com, 061 401 0345.

12 APR

Hospitality Golf Challenge 2019 The 4th Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge charity golf tournament will take place on the 3rd April 2019, with an amazing day of gourmet golf at Laguna Golf Phuket Course all in aid of The Children First Fund. Why not come and join the event with some great local hole sponsors treating all the golfers to some fun challenges and exciting Food and Beverage service. We are proud to have 89.5FM and Phuket News TV as our Media Partner and Sponsor. Visit www.aseanevents.com or email mark@asean-events.com

27 APR

Grow Boating Phuket Networking Evening

FRI Collective Series 14 - Parisian Night @ Kata Rocks

brate the 25th anniversary on 12-20 April 2019. This event will be the large gathering of motorcyclists, expecting to draw over 5,000 motorcycles, 50,000 visitors from more than 30 countries to Phuket. The excitement will take place in Patong beach on 12 - 14 April 2019 and in Phuket Town (Phuket Boat Lagoon) on 19 - 20 April 2019.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON Phuket Bike Week 2019 Phuket Bike Week 2019 “World Ride Together”, the Asian biggest motorcycle event, will cele-


22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

1. What was Al Capone’s nickname? 2. In the NATO phonetic alphabet, which word denotes the letter “P’? 3. What is the scientific name for the llama? 4. What does the “L” stand for in Samuel L. Jackson? 5. How tall is the Eiffel Tower? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. Fastener 5. Cottontail’s tail 9. Game table fabric 14. Drunk 15. Nonsense 16. Duck 17. Keen on 18. S.A. bird 19. Failure 20. Writer 23. Give as an example 24. Spoke 28. Wise one 31. Duck breed 33. Beer 34. People who categorize 36. Massage 37. Regulation 38. Frequently, to Keats 39. Jacob’s twin 40. Outback runner 41. Writer 45. Aardvark’s dinner 46. Ends partner 47. Absolves 48. Bad atmosphere 50. Milky-white gem 51. Writer 57. Cause to lose one’s nerve

60. Wagon part 61. Chow 62. Oyster gem 63. Train like Tyson 64. 15 Mar 65. Besmirched 66. Flip 67. Pointed end

30. Allen of furniture 32. White wine apéritifs 33. Kind of terrier 34. Queen of the Olympian gods 36. Blue dye 37. Cutting edge 38. Iceberg and Down romaine 1. Computer nerd 39. The “p” of m.p.h. 2. Getting on 40. As of now 3. Address 44. Heart color 4. Get in 45. Annually 5. In ___ way 47. Metropolitan 6. Prefix with drama symbol of 7. Team’s burden the American 8. Tennis player mainstream Dementieva 48. Public utilities 9. Bottled water 49. Cockeyed brand 10. Nicholas II, for 52. Antelope 54. 1984 people one 56. Grandmas, for 11. Ventured some 12. State of “Parks 57. Pre-med course, and Recreation” abbr. 13. Rang out 58. Cultural 21. “Me, too!” imitation 22. Material for a 59. Limitless whitesmith quantities 28. On the downside 60. Its logo features 29. Scholarshipa multicolored granting mil. butterfly program

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Scarface; 2) Papa; 3) Lama glama; 4) Leroy; 5) 300 metres (324m to tip)

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

3

This week in history Mar 22, 1630 The Massachusetts Bay Colony outlaws the possession of cards, dice and gaming tables.

months in jail is what you risk for cheating on your spouse in the state of New York, where the act is a Class B misdemeanour.

Mar 23, 1541 Waltham Abbey is surrendered to King Henry VIII of England; the last religious community to be closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

40

percent of women like spending time with their best friends more than their husbands/boyfriends, according to a survey.

2,501

Mar 24, 1989 In Prince William Sound in Alaska, the Exxon Valdez spills 240,000 barrels (38,000m3) of crude oil after running aground. (Photo: NOAA)

baht (US$79) is what the Night’s Watch cloaks seen in “Game of Thrones” cost. They are made from IKEA rugs.

Mar 25, 1807 The Slave Trade Act becomes law, abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire.

15,152

Mar 26, 1971 East Pakistan declares its independence from Pakistan to form Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Liberation War begins.

different forms of life have been found in the New York City subway system.

216 million

is how many steps the average person will take in their lifetime. Source: Uberfacts

Mar 27, 1998 The Food and Drug Administration approves Viagra for use as a treatment for male impotence, the first pill to be approved for this condition in the United States.

Phuket International Airport from above. Photo by Steve @ icworldtravel Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Mar 28, 2005 An earthquake shakes northern Sumatra with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VI (Strong), leaving 915–1,314 people dead and 340-1,146 injured. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews


THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Jobs

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

International Sales Support

APR is an international company dealing with customers in Asia and Australia, as well as decorative surface suppliers from Europe. Asia Pacific Representatives Ltd. are looking for: Support staff for our sales team Age: 20-35 years Thai National Excellent English language skills required Knowledge of Microsoft office Comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Excel Office location: Phuket – Chalong Tasks will include: - Project tracking and follow up - Communication with international suppliers and customers - Understanding of our products and services Please submit your resume and recent photo jobs@apr-pfleiderer.com

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Personal Assistant

For retired UK/CAD businessman in high end resort. Good English, some driving, shopping etc. Part Time OK. Brian 089 054 4354.

@thephuketnews

Art House Real Estate company

Looking for Thai Marketing manager at the property booth, Patong Area, for more detail please contact: info@arthouse.asia

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



THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

@thephuketnews


26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

OTHER

PROPERTY SERVICES

TRAINING

ADVERTISE HERE

thephuketnews


THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

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@AsiaYacht Agency. com, 081-894 -3234 (French/ English), 086-269-0808 (Thai/ English).

BUSINESS FOR SALE UR

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Golden Business Opportunity

Brand new two story massage shop for sale with high end furniture. 10 Beds, 6 chairs and nail Salon. Great opportunity for high season. B900,000 ono, Lek, Soi Post Office, Patong Beach Road, sweet_ lek55@hotmail.com, 099 362 7979

@thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE Subaru XV

Car for sale

Cross trek bought new 2013. Well maintained, glass coating, rust proofing, new tires, single owner. Must see! Nicha Residence, 0892873128.

Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 2.8 CC. 4X4 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 janthisa jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอถลาง จังหวัดภ เู ก ็ต, info@lifestyleinthailand.com, B 725,000

Monterey 415SY. Perfect condition. 1 owner. Regular maintenance in authorized centers. Twin Volvo IPS600 435hp, joystick control, Engine Hours: 670. Furuno radar. GPS. B6,900,000. 0878970501.

All prices are for up to 6 people, include: - land transfers, lunch, soft drinks, water, tea/ coffee and selected beverages, fruits and services of a captain and a stewardess. Charters start at 9 am, finish at 5 pm. Hours can be adjusted. Pavel, fortuna-2009@bk.ru, +7 984 188-62-89. Pavel (WhatsApp) +7 914 790-73-78 Pavel (WhatsApp) +66 83-475-7351 Pavel + +35799989736 (WhatsApp)

@thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

42ft Sport Yacht,Reduced Price

AL Sunreef 60 Loft, TS N year 2016, 185,000 URGE baht day charter

The Phuket News

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2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

UR

78,000km. Six-gear manual transmission. Looks and feels like a new car, treated like a baby by its single owner. Engine clean as. Full set of new tyres. B500,000. Call 081 427 5168.

Car For Sale

Immaculate condition, QUICK SELL REDUCED PRICE includes over 1M baht in options; GT Brembo brakes, Adjustable suspension, performance exhaust. Pioneer AVHX8850BT with Audison sound system. ADV7.1SL. 1 Piece forged rims. 1.35M OBO, Dan Miles, danmilesmedia@gmail.com, 065 621 5541, Thai 091 165 9332.

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Mitsubishi 2.0 GT Mivec Auto

Excellent Condition. Modifications on the car - Dual stainless steel exhaust, Bonnet, front & rear bumper, side skirts are Evo X Upgrade, Tinted windows and Upgraded alloy wheels. THB 470,000. Call Lek 0991677378.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL

Ford Fiesta 2012 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 Janthisa Jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอ ถลาง จังหวัดภ เู ก ็ต, B 250,000 info@lifestyleinthailand.com, 0826291419

Toyota GT 2013 - FT86

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Loan money for bail

Pablo, pablolawyer@gmail.com, Whats up +79841886289 Whats up +79147907378

MEMBERSHIPS

BLUE CANYON GOLF MEMBERSHIP

425,000 THB and Seller pays the transfer fee. For more information call 098 946 0709. Rob George.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Ducati Multistrada 2012

2012 Model Multistrada. Perfect condition. Only 23,000 kms. Faithfully maintained. Have panniers and 15 liter tank bag. Steve, ducphuket@gmail.com, 081-734-8309.


28 CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY WANTED

The Heights Phuket - Freehold

Interested Buyers looking for Foreign Freehold Units at the Height Phuket, if you are an owner or have any available units, please contact: +66872699206 or email mick11468@gmail.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE UR

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Mueang Phuket 1 Bed Condo

Wonderful 1 Bedroom Condo near Central Festival area. Just 10 minutes to Panwa Beach. A must see!!! Fully furnished and conveniently located. Amenities close by as well as tourist attractions. Full condo facilities. B2,500,000, Christine, 094 841 1918.

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Paul MOORHOUSE

‘Frontline’ sea view villa overlooking G Ao Yon Bay and the southern islands. UR Magnificent property with private elevator, 4 bedroom suites/6 bathrooms as well as 2 living areas, european design kitchen, games room, bar, sauna, steam room and wonderful pool deck with in-ground jacuzzi, infinity pool and waterfall. Fabulous property reduced to 65 million Baht for quick sale. 0898737075.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

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Paul MOORHOUSE

Recently fully renovated villa at the heart of Laguna Phuket. Huge plot, 4/5 bedrooms, study, dining lounge, European kitchen, lots of decking, large garden and sala with pool and a double garage. Can walk anywhere in Laguna and Boat Avenue in 5 minutes or so and includes family Laguna Golf and Sanctuary Club Membership. Fully furnished and equipped, freehold or leasehold to suit buyer. Reduced price for quick sale. 22 million Baht, ceopaulm@hotmail.com, +66898737075.

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Layan Gardens Luxury Apartment

Layan Gardens is a luxurious complex of only 40 wonderful 3 and 4 bedroom apartments just outside Laguna Phuket with tremendous facilities including 3 pools, jacuzzi, BBQ areas, Floodlit tennis court, boules pitch, golf pitching and putting area and much more. We currently have 2 apartments for sale (from 15.5 million Baht) and 2 apartments available for long term let (minimum 12 months). Check out this wonderful development on our website and contact us for sales or lettings.0898737075.

1 Bedroom Condo Kata Sale

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1 Bed Condo in Kamala

Great 1 Bed Condo just 200m fromKamala Beach. Comes with pool and onsite restaurant. Fantastic location and not to be missed. Fully furnished with appliances. Homestay or investment. B5,417,000. Call Andy. 083 800 1888

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

Saturdays Residence beautiful condo in Rawai. Tastefully decorated with class. Short drive to beach. All condo amenities. Looks so good that you do need to see to believe. You will fall in love at first sight. B6,300,000, Dimitry, phuket@thairesidential.com, 082 030 7199

5-Bed Pool Villa 1.2 Rai Rawai

Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities. Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000

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.

Mai Khao 1 Bed Condo Sale

Mai Khao Beach Condo-Great condo. 5mins from Splash Jungle Water Park. Wonderful location and is a must see. B5,300,000, Christine, 0948411918.

Rawai 1 Bed Seaview Condo for Sale Fantastic seaviews. Fully furnished. Condo facilities including pool and gym. Close to amenities. This 58sqm condo at Babylon Sky Garden is a great buy. B3,600,000, Andy, phuket@ thairesidential.com, 083 800 1888.

PERSONAL SERVICES Business Services

Providing International Clients with Complete Debt Recovery Solutions in the Phuket. Pablo, Umbrellacorp144@gmail.com, +66952688880 and +35799989736 (WhatsApp)

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 English/German. Email: picharly@gmail.com, B4.9mill.

White sand beach

29 Rai with breathtaking views and 128 meter of white sand beach frontage on Koh Yao Yai, just 20 minutes from Phuket away, secure Chanote tittle, public concrete road, water, electricity and ready to build for sale direct from owner for only 5.5 mln per Rai. Montha, montha_phuket@yahoo. com, 095 0147888.

2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

2bd/2bth furnished house for rent in Kathu near Loch Palm Golf Course. See link for more photos and details. www.kathuhouseforrent.com B13,500, May or Wes, wes@pillarmarketing.com, 0899733276

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 broker please. 60 Million Baht O.N.O., Songpan, songpanpirom@hotmail.com, 081 737 8662.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Stunning Ocean Views!

4 bed/bath large pool villa. Privately located in Cape Heights Cape Yamu. Furnished. Gardens. Fiber WiFi. 80,000/rent long term or 30 million to sell. Richard, Cape Yamu, Phuket, richarddesmondcapeheights@yahoo.co.uk, +66824203270, WhatsApp

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

1 Bed Condo in Kamala

MontAzure Twinpalms Residence-Great condo located in Kamala. The ultimate in luxury. Has got to be seen to be believed. Fantatsic facilities in this resort condo. B15,800,000, Tina, 0872699206.

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

Mandala Condominium - Wonderful spacious condo. Great location near Bangtao beach and Laguna. 184sqm with private pool and tropical gardens. B15,900,000, Andy, 083 800 1888

Dream Village Phuket house

RPM by owner

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand. Available to agents. Priced just REDUCED to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com

T EN

2-Bedroom Royal Phuket Marina Condo. Must be seen to be believed. So much space! 195m2 Stylish, Tastefully-Decorated Condominium Fully Furnished Overlooking Yacht Marina an absolute bargain @ 13.5 Million Baht, Christine, 0948411918

Paul MOORHOUSE

On the west side of Cape Panwa overlooking a stunning beach and Chalong Bay this wonderful property sits in 1.75 Rai’s of beautiful landscaped grounds and has a huge pool, jacuzzi, waterfall, shaded and non-shaded decking, large bar/dining sala and much more. With 4 bedroom suites and ample space to build more if required. This superb property with great sea views must be viewed. Being sold at a reduced price for urgent sale and is fully furnished and equipped and ready to move in immediately. B57,000,000. 0898737075.

RG

Sale - Koh Kaew, 2-Bed Condo

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote

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

Renovated 3bed Home Boat Lagoon

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY: Beautifully renovated & decorated 3bed+mezzanine, 250 sqm contemporary house featuring: boat berth, rooftop jacuzzi, open kitchen, wine cooler, 2 parkings, storage & laundry area. B 75,000 per month, Henry Cumberlege, hcumberlege@gmail.com

Villa in Patong prime location

One of the last Villas available in Patong. in top condition. 24 hour security. 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living. Fully furnished, garden. Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411

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 12.9MB, picharly@gmail. com

Paul MOORHOUSE

Solid, profitable business for sale at the entrance to Laguna Phuket. Specialising in Ladies Fashion, Beachwear, Footwear, accessories and jewelry. New 3 year lease on large unit and fully equipped and quality stocked store. Ready to take over and no additional costs. Tel 089 8737075 for more information.

thephuketnews


THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

SPORT 29

The flying Finn is back

Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas is reborn in Melbourne masterclass BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

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he best sporting stories rarely begin with a night on the drink, but it was an evening of overindulgence that sowed the seeds of Valtteri Bottas’s droughtbreaking Australian Grand Prix triumph. The Bottas who wiped the floor with his rivals in the opening round of the 2019 Formula One season bore little resemblance to the Valtteri who insipidly limped to the end of 2018 without a win and 161 points behind title-winning teammate Lewis Hamilton. The 29-year-old was so broken by December that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff feared his charge had been ‘mentally damaged’ by the drubbing. Bottas himself admitted to being exhausted by his sophomore season in silver and decided to spend the off-season in his native

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Bottas (C) celebrates next to 2nd-placed Hamilton (L) and 3rd-placed Verstappen (R) after the F1 Australian Grand Prix (Mar 17). Photo: AFP Finland and as far from the sport as possible. The bearded man who emerged from the long Scandinavian winter, back straighter, eyes brighter, hungrier than ever, was an all-new Valtteri. “He came back end of January and said, ‘I’m back’,” Wolff said. “Yesterday he said that he got drunk a few times

to forget, so it’s a good start! “He did some rallying and rediscovered the joy of driving. I expect Valtteri to be the stronger this year – the strongest Valtteri we have seen.” And stronger he was. Missing pole to Hamilton by just 0.1 seconds was a minor blip, and a sizzling start to seize

the lead at the first turn more than made amends. From there he sprinted off into the distance, collecting a point for the fastest lap along the way, and beat his betterdecorated teammate by more than 20 seconds. Out of the car and visibly elated, Bottas was just about lost for words.

“It’s really special,” he said. “I have to say it is the best race I’ve done so far in my career.” Despite his classically Finnish cool-as-a-cucumber exterior, Bottas is a confidence driver whose emotions influence his ability behind the wheel. In 2015 speculation over an advance by Ferrari for the then Williams driver infamously triggered a midseason form slump, and his gross misfortune early in 2018 followed by obliteration at the hands of his teammate brought on a similar negative spiral. Banishing those polluting emotions was key to his powerful resurgence straight from the blocks. “I was obviously one year without a win, so this is absolutely the win I wanted,” he explained. “It’s going to be a big boost for this year. “I believe in hard work and I believe in myself. You just need to do the right things for yourself as an athlete and as a driver. “Each race you are aware

when you’ve been better and where it has been more difficult, but you try to zero that, be mentally empty for the weekend and not think about it. “I think that’s something I managed to do this weekend.” Wolff said that the recovery illustrated the importance of the psychological side of motorsport “How he recovered … shows us that human potential, how much it is a mind game, Wolff said. “For me it’s a bit of a fairytale – don’t let others break you. Believe in yourself.” Bottas let his racing do the talking, but the usually mild-mannered Finn did allow himself one moment of emotion from inside the car. “To whom it may concern,” he said on his celebratory warm down lap. “F*** you.” He declined to explain just to whom his message was aimed – “It would be quite a long list,” he ventured – but the meaning was clear: don’t doubt the man ordained to become F1’s next flying Finn.


30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Kwan, Caddy tussle for top Patong Pool League: top two face-off in a tightly fought test POOL Jeroen Tak

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he 17th round of Patong Pool League (PPL) sponsored by Thailand Pool Tables and Genius 2 Garden and Restaurant was played Thursday 14 March. Champs bar played away against Red Light. Red Light and Champs bar get along well but when the pool balls are rolling things become just a little bit more serious. Andy, Gwen and Scott all playing for Red Light won their singles and doubles games. However, Gus playing for Champs bar did the same. The beer leg was a two-setter and also won by Red Light; even an old frog who transformed himself into a princess could not help that. Red Light won the night with a score of 8-3. Natalie played at home against Kiki Sports Bar. Natalie bar always playing in the top of PPL had a small dip but have come back strongly in the past few weeks, and this week Natalie won all games

bar one against Kiki. Only William playing for Kiki was able to win his single match. The beer leg was also won by Natalie, and Kiki were defeated 10-1 overall. Martin Swiss played away against Genius. Martin Swiss started well and Martin as well as Norbert won their singles and doubles games. However Preaw and Shane both playing for Genius also won their singles and doubles games. The beer leg was a three-setter and won by Genius, who also won the evening with a 7-5 result. Simon and Oil played at home against Happy End Bar. Simon and Oil started well, as did Luke and Reed, who won their singles and doubles games. Happy End did not have a good evening but eventually were able to win the beer leg in three sets, which made the evening little bit more pleasant. Overall, however, Happy End still lost against Simon and Oil by 7-5. Kwan’s Birdie team played at home against Caddy Shack. Caddy Shack is leading the PPL but has played one game

Gwen, owner of Red Light bar, always enjoys a good game of pool with customers. Photo: Supplied more than Kwan’s Birdie, so this promised to be a very exciting match. Only Ricky playing for Birdie was able to win his single and double games, but all other points were shared.

The beer leg was a threesetter and won by Kwan’s Birdie, who also won the evening with a score of 7-5. The PPL has still four weeks to go and Caddy Shack are still leading the league,

but Kwan’s Birdie has one game more to play. Both teams cannot afford a misstep the coming weeks. The next round of the Patong Pool League will be played

on Thursday (Mar 28). People who are interested to play as well as visitors are all welcome to attend at one of the 11 participating bars. You can also visit the Patong Friendly Pool League Facebook page.

Phuket fighter’s bid for US glory Continued from page 32 …inevitably had a negative impact on my strength. But since following a clean diet through my nutrition sponsor and maintaining a regular strength and conditioning program, I now walk around at 74/75kg leaving only a small water cut before the weigh-in which I then have more than 24 hours to recover from before the fight,” Andersson explained. The dangers of weight-cuts are often witnessed and governing bodies of combat sports have long mulled over how to prevent casualties by changing

the process in which fighters are selected and weighed. Hospital trips and deaths are not uncommon among fighters due to dehydration. “A previous girlfriend of mine passed out three times during a weight cut,” Andersson said. After the Las Vegas superfight, Andersson will spend the following few weeks holding seminars around the States before flying to Sweden for the first time in a year to hold more seminars and catch up with family. Then he’s back home to

Phuket and back to the 6am grind. So what’s the pinnacle for someone who achieves most of what he sets out to? “First of all I’m coming for the Lion Fight 160lbs belt. After that, my main goal is to win the WBC Muay Thai world title,” he says. The fighter, who floats in and out of the top 10 WBC world rankings, expects that it will take around two years to move up to a position that will earn him a title shot. WBC world champion by 27 wouldn’t be too shabby.

thephuketnews


THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Stubborn Sarri threatens Chelsea’s top-four hopes FOOTBALL

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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 March 2019 will receive a B3,000 voucher to be used on food, beverage and/or fishing at the Chalong Fishing Park.

Kieran Canning

C

helsea’s latest Premier League away-day collapse at Everton leaves Maurizio Sarri’s side facing an uphill task to finish in the top four and secure muchneeded Champions League qualification. Languishing in sixth, the Blues trail fourth-placed Arsenal by just three points but face a much tougher runin than the Gunners in the remaining eight games of the Premier League season. A run of four defeats in their past five league games away from Stamford Bridge also gives little reason for hope ahead of upcoming visits to title-chasing Liverpool and Manchester United. A kind Europa League draw, with Slavia Prague to come in the quarter-finals before a potential last-four clash with Eintracht Frankfurt or Benfica, may now provide the easiest route to next season’s Champions League, with a place in the group stage on offer for the winners of that competition. But to emerge victorious in Baku on May 29 or stand a chance of a top-four revival, Sarri must iron out a number of repeated failings from his first season in charge. Sarri was given the striker he desired in January with the arrival of Gonzalo Higuain. However, the Argentine has scored just three times in 10 appearances, against lowly opposition in Huddersfield and Fulham, with even Sarri admitting Higuain has to do more. “He needs to improve his physical condition and mental

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English Premier League 2018 - 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is under pressure to change his ways after a slump in form. Photo: AFP condition,” said Sarri after defeat at Goodison Park. But the pressure is on for him to finally relent and hand Olivier Giroud league starts. The French World Cup winner is the Europa League’s top scorer with nine goals, but has made just six Premier League starts all season with Eden Hazard, the departed Alvaro Morata and Higuain all handed more time as the focal point to Chelsea’s attack. Chelsea’s striker struggles have been exacerbated by a lack of goals and creativity from midfield. Sar ri’s side have now failed to score in eight of 30 Premier League games. One of Sarri’s most analysed moves has been to deploy N’Golo Kante in a more advanced role to make room for Jorginho – who followed Sarri from Napoli to west London last summer – at the base of the midfield.

No player in the Premier League has made more passes than the Italian international’s 2,554 this season, yet not a single one has provided an assist. Kante has three league goals but often fails to provide the finish in his unfamiliar role despite getting into good positions and on-loan Real Madrid midfield Mateo Kovacic has yet to score for the club. Even Ross Barkley, who started the season brightly, has not scored a league goal since October. Given that lack of goals, one of the growing frustrations for the Chelsea faithful is Sarri’s resistance to handing the home-grown talent of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi more Premier League minutes. A loan spell at Cr ystal Palace last season gave Loftus-Cheek the playing

12 13 14

time he needed to break into England’s World Cup squad but he has started just once in the league all season despite being Chelsea’s top-scoring central midfielder with six goals in all competitions. The same goes for 18-yearold Callum Hudson-Odoi, for whom Chelsea rejected a reported £35 million (B1.47 billion) bid from Bayern Munich in January. Hudson-Odoi has scored four times in eight Europa League appearances but has yet to start a Premier League game, with the more experienced Pedro Rodriguez and Willian trusted by Sarri. A lack of game time is one of the reasons Hudson-Odoi was keen to leave in January and has so far refused to extend his contract beyond 2020. Sarri’s current stance has done little to change his mind. AFP

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Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

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Rugby Union 13:30 15:30

Super XV

Blues v. Highlanders

Rugby League 14:00 15:50

NRL

Canberra v. Melbourne

15:50 17:50

NRL

Brisbane v. N Queensland

17:50 02:00

ODI1 - Sharjah

Pakistan v. Australia

Rugby Union 13:30 15:30

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15:40 17:40

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17:50 19:50

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20:00 22:00

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22:10 00:00

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16:25 20:00

T202 - Centurion

South Africa v. Sri Lanka

Super XV

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Friday 22 Mar nd

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Saturday 23 Mar rd

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Sunday 24 Mar th

Rugby Union 12:00 14:00 Cricket

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ODI2 - Sharjah

South Africa v. Sri Lanka Pakistan v. Australia


Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2019

Bottas reborn in Melbourne masterclass > p29

CRAZY VIKING Phuket fighter prepares for Las Vegas showdown

Phuket-based Muay Thai champion Magnus Andersson remains intensly focussed as his corner guides him to victory.

MUAY THAI Poria Mermand editor3@classactmedia.co.th

A

s Swedish, Phuket-based Muay Thai champion, Magnus ‘Crazy Viking’ Andersson, prepares for the most exciting challenge of his career to date, we ask, what does it take for a foreign fighter to become one of the world’s best at Thailand’s cherished national sport? The ‘Crazy Viking’ invades Las Vegas on Saturday, March 30 as he takes on US-based Brazilian fighter, Washington Luiz, in a co-main event ‘superfight’ at Lion Fight 53. Lion Fight Promotions was founded in 2010 and stands as North America’s premier Muay Thai organisation, successfully spreading the dynamic sport around the US and having it televised to a global audience through CBS Sports and AXS TV. The growth of the sport’s global popularity has accelerated since the rise of the UFC and MMA as Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are the two fundamental disciplines in MMA, together covering more or less every aspect of unarmed combat. Andersson signs a four-fight, 18-month contract with Lion Fight that will see him fighting on global stages between now and late 2020. But how did it all start? Andersson started learning Muay Thai 10 years ago, age 15, in Halmstad, Sweden. He felt he needed to learn to fight after a school play-

ground beating left him wanting never to feel like he couldn’t defend himself again. He joined his local Muay Thai club along with five friends. The friends dropped out one-by-one but for Magnus the value of what he was attaining was too good to walk away from. Three years later, the teenager took on his first amateur fight and won. “That night, I felt something new, something I hadn’t felt before. To stand face-to-face with another man and have to determine who is tougher in front of a large crowd created a feeling inside me that I became instantly addicted to,” he said with conviction. “From that moment, I knew I wanted to live doing Muay Thai.” Andersson won 13 fights in a row on his way to becoming Swedish and Nordic Champion. His first opportunity to visit Thailand came about for the IFMA World Championships in Bangkok. IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Amateur) is the governing body of amateur Muay Thai consisting of 130 member countries worldwide. Andersson took the sliver medal at the championships and won numerous other prestigious medals before moving to Phuket in November 2016 to embark upon a fighter’s life. For the past two and a half years, Andersson has trained relentlessly at the highly respected Sitsongpeenong gym where he flies the flag as a sponsored fighter. At 25, he holds a record of 50 fights with 37 wins

(11 by KO), 20 of which have been in Thailand where Andersson has been fighting at a very high level since moving to the country. He has since fought in various countries around the globe including Canada, China, Russia, Croatia and Czech Republic. In 2017 he competed on Thaila nd’s telev ised M X M UAY XTREME along with some of the country’s best fighters. After beating several top-class fighters, including a Lumphini Stadium champion (the most prestigious title in the sport), he became champion of the 70kg division – a title he still holds today. In 2018 he was invited back to the promotion for an event that pit champions against champions, and again he came out victorious against the then 67kg MX champion. In the same year, Andersson was a regular fixture on the televised Top King World Series which also attracts Thailand’s top fighters. Several memorable victories earned him a title shot in which he narrowly lost out to Isarn’s Chujaroen Dabransarakham, a highly regarded Lumphini Stadium champion, in a fiercely fought battle that went to the judges for a decision. Andersson’s relentless, frontfooted brawling style, as well as his eccentric personality in and out of the ring, have earned him vast popularity in Thailand. “Thais often ask me why I fight. “You can earn more money working in Sweden, why put yourself through such damage and hard work?” they ask.”

“But most foreign fighters don’t fight for money. We fight for the love of Muay Thai. To be motivated by passion rather than money creates a unique drive which is why we see many great foreign fighters,” Andersson attested. “Most Thai fighters start training at a very young age, encouraged by their parents for financial reasons. For them it’s hard to believe that people with opportunities to earn more money in a ‘normal’ job would choose to fight for a living instead, as the day-to-day life of a Muay Thai fighter is far from glamorous.” Andersson’s life as a fighter leaves much to be desired for many of us with ‘normal’ lives. Six days a week he wakes up before sunrise at 6am and embarks on either a hill run, a flat run, stair runs or sprints in the local area. The run ends at the gym at just after 7am where he starts to shadow box before working the bag and pads with his trainer. Depending on the day, he practices a combination of boxing, clinching (close-contact stand-up grappling with knee and elbow strikes and take downs), sparring and conditioning. Two and a half hours later the morning session ends, giving him enough time to eat and rest before the second run begins at 3:30pm and he does it all again. In addition to the 12 gruelling sessions per week (two per day, Monday-Saturday), he does three additional strength and conditioning sessions as in most sports, strength can be the difference between a win and a loss.

So is this your training routine in preparation for a fight? I asked. “No, this is the regular daily routine,” he replied. “Training gets more intense before a fight. We may have to fight at any time without much notice so we’re always prepared. Once a fight has been arranged, I train with more focus and intensity.” “My coach, Tim, owner of Sitsongpeenong Phuket, analyses my opponent and formulates a game plan which my trainer, Ghi, a former world and Lumphini champion who is a national treasure, helps me to execute. “I have a great team around me. Tim is the mastermind; I’ve won many fights thanks to his game plans and cornering. Ghi (known in the ring as Sayanoi) is an outstanding trainer whose credentials speak for themselves.” Recently, Andersson has made some significant adjustments to his diet and training. The addition of a strength and conditioning coach in Synergy_AF’s Justin Wallace, as well as a nutrition sponsorship by local restaurant, Bistro Bang Tao, providing all of the fighter’s meals, have helped him break new ground, as for the first time in his career his weight management is such that it dispels the need to cut large amounts of weight before a fight. “I used to walk around at 78/79kg whilst training six days a week and would have to diet down to 74/75kg before dehydrating down to 70kg the day before a fight. “Such regular weight cuts... Continued on page 30 thephuketnews


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