23-01-2015 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

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WE TOLD YOU:

‘Let’s get our beaches back on best in world list’

NO CHAIRS POLICE SWOOP ON PATONG, SEIZE STACKS OF BEACH FURNITURE

LIFE

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One night only with world’s best restaurant

A police officer checks stacks of beach chairs seized by colleagues. Some turned out to belong to tourists.

Nattapat Tuarob reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

olice swooped on Patong Beach on Tuesday night (January 20) and seized 178 sunbeds, 37 chairs, and 53 umbrellas piled along the edge of the beach and announced that owners must come and retrieve them from the police station. Most of the seized beach furniture appears to belong to local business people trying to skate around the new rules.

Police announced that individuals coming to the station to collect their own personal sunbeds could do so, and indeed, 15 tourists did so Wednesday morning, each claiming two sunbeds. They were accompanied by kindhearted citizens who denied being beach sunbed operators. Police have already explained that they suspect the remaining furniture belongs to beach operators and will never be reclaimed. After all, any Thai who does

come to claim multiple chairs will be deemed an illegal beach operator, fined B1,000, and will not get the sunbeds back. This happened to five people Tuesday night who were found to own piles of chairs on the beach – each was fined B1,000, and each knows he or she will get no chairs returned. Pol Lt Col Akanit Danpitaksat, Kathu Police crime suppression chief, explained, “Under the new beach management rules, sunbed businesses are not allowed on public land.

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“I went to Patong beach Tuesday evening and saw many sunbeds on the beach. We found many places where sunbeds had been piled up – piles of 20 or 30 sunbeds with covers over them. So our officers seized them and brought them back to the police station. “Some belonged to tourists. That is fine. But what we are doing is preventing business people from encroaching again on public beaches – some of them are still trying to carry on business like before.”

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Thai world champ in Pencak Silat

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Electricity company worries red tape could leave island powerless > page 6

The chair coup Dtac Continued from front page. “If Thai people appear to reclaim the sunbeds we will charge them [with making a profit from public space]. But this morning, some tourists came and told me that they left their sunbeds with business operators, so we checked whether the sunbeds belonged to them or not. “The problem is that some are elderly couples and could not carry the sunbeds to and from the beach. Some business operators seized this opportunity to take care of the sunbeds – but they bought their own and added them to the pile so that they could rent them out. “When we seized the sunbeds, [the operators] claimed that all the sunbeds belonged to the tourists. “Some business operators charged the tourists B20 per sunbed [to leave them in a pile]. That is not allowed. “We won’t charge the tourists if they come to get sunbeds back. If anyone tells them that they are not allowed to do so, they should tell the police. “I want to stress that if the sunbeds operators occupy the beach, that is not allowed. In the morning, I sometimes see pickup trucks arriving, carrying sunbeds. That’s not right. “I want to clarify once again: I am not banning tour-

launches 4G Internet services Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

obile phone company Total Access Communication Co, better known as Dtac, has launched its fourth-generation (4G) mobile broadband Internet access service in Phuket, the first place outside Bangkok to get 4G. Dtac antennae across Phuket have now been upgraded to provide 4G signals and, as an inducement for people to switch from 3G, Dtac is offering 1GB of download free per month for four months. The provider estimates that about 10 per cent of mobile phone users in Phuket are already equipped to use 4G. Panya Vechbanyongratana, Dtac’s Senior Vice President, Regional Business Head – South & West, said at the launch last Friday (January 16) that the island was chosen to receive the service before

M A tourist retrieves his beach chair from the police station. ists, only illegal beach occupation. Some business operators put out disinformation that the tourists came to protest against the police but we didn’t seize the sunbeds from the tourists; we took them from the piles left on the beach, which we confiscated, and we returned them. “If tourists leave them at the beach, I will give them back without any charge. As for the Thai beach chair business operators, I don’t think they will dare try to reclaim their sunbeds. “We are not putting pressure on the tourists, but we don’t want to allow a situation where everything is run by just a few people.”

other provinces because “Phuket has lots of tourist and users.” He explained that the free offer is for four gigabytes of download over four months. “If the user goes beyond that amount, the service will drop back to 3G. “Existing subscribers can come to a Dtac centre before February 28 to register for the free 4G service and to get their sim card changed.”

To use 4G, subscribers must have a device (smartphone or tablet) that is compatible with 4G, the sim card changed, and must register their number with Dtac’s TRI-Net network. Anyone who wants to try this package free can get their phone set up and have the sim card changed at a Dtac service centre. Users on other systems such as AIS or True can migrate their existing phone number to Dtac and then get 4G. Dtac claims its service is superior because it is the only one running simultaneously at 1800 MHZ, 850 MHZ and 2100 MHZ frequencies. “This ultimately makes dtac the network with the widest bandwidth, providing better and more effective communication, clearer voice calls, smooth and uninterrupted service for high-definition video streaming and multiplayer gaming,” it says on its 4G website page at www.dtac.co.th/en/4g/

‘No corruption’ in Employment Office Nattapat Tuarob and Saran Mitrarat reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

THE RECENTLY APPOINTed Chief of the Phuket Employment Office (PEO) has told The Phuket News that there will be no corruption or bribery at the PEO during his term in office.

Pitool Dumsakorn took over as Chief of Phuket Provincial Employment three months ago. “When I first came to the office I heard that there was an officer soliciting bribes, but we have a clear policy from the government that there must be absolutely no corruption. “If I find my officers ask-

ing for bribes they will be punished. I have stressed this policy to my team, and there will be measures to prevent corruption. If anybody encounters an officer asking for bribes they can call our Hotline, 1649, or the governor, or even the press,” he said. Asked about his thoughts on the realisation of the Asean Ecomomic Community (AEC) at the end of this year, which will see much greater mobility of labour among the Asean countries, Mr Pitool said, “Some people in some professions are concerned about the international policy. At present, each country has its own laws on foreigners. “For professions that are reserved for Thai people, such as engineers, guides or doctors, we will have to wait, because these professions have specific organisations that regulate

them, such as the Medical Council for doctors.” On the matter of AEC labour mobility, Chief Pitool said, “I think Phuket is quite ready, we have dealt with foreign labour for decades. “However, the definition of work is broad. If there is a certain type of work someone does, their employer must ask for that job to be described in the work permit. But if that expat does works in their garden, that is not work, that is their personal daily life. “We need to check details: who are you working for, and have you been paid? “It’s going too far if you arrest every person [who appears to contravene labour laws]. We need to clarify their intentions. Are they deliberately stealing a job from Thai citizens? Flexibility will be applied to this question.”

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ATM refuses to yield to robbers P

The five with their drugs, after they were arretsed.

5 Patong ladyboys arrested for drugs IN TWO SEPARATE INcidents on Tuesday (January 20), five ladyboys were arrested in Patong after police busted them in the process of taking drugs. In the first incident, which occurred in a rented room on Soi Anamaion Prabaramee Rd, Kathu police, led by Lt Col Suthichai Tienpo, arrested Pichet Hogking, 29; Korawan Khantawee, 34; and Somwang Ritprasard, 35, in possession of 1.35 grams of crystal meth (ya ice),

four meth pills (ya bah) and paraphernalia used for consuming drugs. Following the arrest of the three, police then went on to search another rented room on the same soi and arrested two more ladyboys, Anoma Singkhow, 24, and Rattika Porsing, 21, with .90 grams of ya ice and drug paraphernalia. All five were taken to Kathu police station for questioning and possible charges of possession of Category 1 drugs.

olice have potential leads on three thieves who apparently used a rope and a pickup truck to drag an ATM machine off the wall of a pharmacy in Baan Manik in the early hours of last Friday (January 16). The robbers made a good job of smashing up the Siam Commercial Bank machine, but were unable to get at the money inside. Thalang police were called at 4am to the scene at the Manik Pharmacy, near the entrance to Permsap Village. Lt Suporn Meangkhai and his men arrived to find the ATM had been pulled five metres from the wall to which it had been attached. The damage suggested that a vehicle had been used to wrench it from the wall. An attempt had been made to break open the safe inside the machine, probably using an arc-welder. No one was at work and all nearby shops were closed at the

Kanyaporn (left) and Famondi (centre) were caught with marijuana, Wilai with ice.

Italian caught with ganja AN ITALIAN WAS ONE of five people arrested last Monday and Tuesday (January 12/13) for drug offences. In three separate incidents, the police seized 75.5 grams of crystal meth (ya ice), 206 methamphetamine pills (ya bah) and 10 grams of marijuana. On January 12, narcotics police searched a house in Rassada that officers had been watching for some time after receiving a tip-off about drug use at the house. They arrested Julapetch @thephuketnews

Boonchoy, 28, and Nethnapa Dejkoth, 32, with the 75 grams of ya ice and 206 ya bah pills, altogether worth close to B300,000 on the street. Julapetch and Nethnapa were charged with possession of Category 1 drugs with intent to sell. The other arrests were made the following morning after an undercover officer paid Wilai Yaondee, 27, B1,000 for half a gram of ya ice, during a meet at a gas station in Patong. After buying the drugs, the

officer identified himself and Wilai was arrested on a charge of possession of a Category 1 drug for sale. Acting on answers to questions they asked Wilai, police then went to a rented room on Nanai Rd in Patong where Kanyaporn Khunthong, 28, and Alessandro Famondi, 38, from Italy, were arrested after being found in possession of 10 grams of marijuana. They were charged with possession of a Category 5 drug.

The battered ATM resisted all attempts to get at the money. time of the attempted robbery, and a nearby CCTV camera was pointing in the wrong direction to catch the action. Officers were sent to check other cameras in the area and canvass witnesses. They found one witness who said, “I saw a bronze-coloured truck drive away but did not catch the make of the truck or the license number.” They later found a nearby camera with footage showing

the bronze-coloured pickup, which they identified as a Mitsubishi Strada – though the license number could not be deciphered. Later, however, a witness on a motorbike came forward to say that he had seen the truck leaving the scene in a hurry, and told police the license number was either 4772 or 4778. He could not say what the letters of the license plate were. Police believe that the rob-

bers waited until after 2am, when a nearby karaoke bar closed for the night, to wrestle with the machine. “They left in a hurry after several attempts to get the safe door open,” said a police officer. Police were later able to confirm that no money was missing from the machine, which was last loaded with B3.5 million on January 14. An employee of the company that refills ATMs, after looking at receipts left at the scene, confirmed that the B2.06 million left in the ATM was the correct amount. Thalang and Phuket Town Police are working together on the case. They believe that three men were involved, and that they may have robbed ATMs before. It is not the first time an ATM outside Manik Pharmacy has been attacked. Two thieves attempted to rob an ATM there in June last year but also failed to get the cash out of it. Ekkapop Thongtub

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overnor Nisit Jansomwong has expressed his confidence in a plan laid out by the government, which could see Phuket become the marina hub for yachts and cruise ships in the Asean region. His comments came after a government meeting on January 13, at which Air Chief Marshall Prajin Janthong, Minister of Transport, announced the plan. T he gover nor said , “Phuket has potential for international marine transportation. We have marinas, a deep sea port, things that are rarely seen in the other prov-

With not enough room in the deep sea port, many cruise ships have to anchor off Patong. inces. We also have popular marine tourism. “During the New Year, more than 300 trips a day were made on boats, with 10,000–15,000 tourists.” “I think Phuket has the largest number of people with registered private yachts in Thailand. “We have the facilities

to support the plan, such as proper boat yards, different types and styles of big and small hotels across the island, entertainment venues, and interesting activities that yacht and cruise ship passengers can enjoy during their stay. “The plan also sets out a vision of Phuket becoming the main port of call between

Singapore and Myanmar for cruise ships, with the deep sea port being adjusted and extended to be able to support the increasing number of ships.” The minister said he expects Phuket to be ready at the end of this year but the governor admitted that there are some problems that

authorities have to discuss and resolve before the plan becomes reality. “Around 85 cruise ships a year visit Phuket from around the world. “There is a problem that cargo ships cannot moor until the cruise ships leave the quay [and vice-versa], which leads to delays. So the deep sea port must be expanded.” But expansion of the port has proved troublesome, with an EIA submitted in 2011 being rejected. Local people have opposed the expansion plan because they worry that fish stocks could be wiped out and also that construction will cause a lot of dust and construction traffic congestion.

Owner slams 8-year wait for upgrade to canalside land paper VICE-GOVERNOR SOMkiet Sangkhaosutthirak on Tuesday (January 20) visited a piece of land in the Klong Bangcheelao-Kong Thajeen forest mangrove preserve in Rassada after a complaint from a landowner that it had taken eight years for a decision on whether a land deed he holds can be upgraded to full Chanote status. The complaint involves about 500 square metres of land that possibly overlaps the preserve. In 2007 locals filed an objection to the land upgrade, but since then no decision has been forthcoming. The wouldbe owner complained that this was too long a period for consideration of the upgrade from NorSor3 Kor. But V/Gov Somkiet noted, “There must be something wrong with the land for the committee that approves upgrades to have taken so long.” The Baan Kuku Mangrove Preservation group, led by Sommai Charoensuk, launched a campaign five years ago to preserve the mangrove area by erecting signs marking the

borders of the forest in an attempt to prevent encroachment. The group also filed a complaint to the administrative court in Nakhon Sri Thammarat in the same year, asking it to consider revoking two other land papers they felt encroached on the mangrove forest. V/Gov Somkiet said he would hold a meeting in the coming few days to discuss the facts of the case and to establish whether the land claimed by the NorSor3 Kor holder – who has not been named – encroaches or not “It’s possible that it encroaches on the mangrove preserve. This has to be examined by the land committee and also other departments such as the Royal Forestry Department, the Muang District Chief, the Provincial Attorney, land officials and the Rassada Mayor.” News reports about the battle over the mangroves in Rassada were at one time thought to have been the motive for the assassination of local journalist Wisut “Ae Inside” Tangwittayaporn three years ago, though this has since been discounted by police. thephuketnews

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Second northsouth highway ‘still under study’ THE MAJOR PROJECT THAT would see Phuket get a second northsouth highway stretching 22 kilometres from the airport road to the bypass road is still being studied but is not currently a priority, says the island’s highways chief. It is unlikely to go ahead for at least five years, Samak Lueduanghad, Director of the Provincial Highways Department, added. The concept was first proposed in 2009 by the then-Governor of Phuket, Wichai Praisa-Ngob, and is “still under study” Mr Samak said. If built, he explained, the fourlane road will start from Road 4030 [the airport road], go through Baan Don, across the Heroines-Cherng Talay road near Baan Manik and then intersect with the bypass road. “We need to study it very carefully because it will pass some historical sites. According to the law, any highway must be at least two kilometres from such sites. “We are currently carrying out a feasibility study and at the same time working on the environmental impact assessment (EIA). I believe the study will finish by 2020 and it will take two or three years to construct.” The cost of the project, if it goes ahead, is currently estimated at B9 billion – B3 billion for construction and B6 billion for land acquisition.

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Gov wants beaches back in ‘best’ lists Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

uring a recent monthly beach-cleaning activity at Kamala Beach, Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong announced that he wants to see Phuket beaches once more ranked among the best in the world. That could be a hard ask. He noted, “Phuket currently has no beaches ranked in the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world, even though we are a world class tourist destination. I think we have to adjust Phuket and make tourism here more sustainable. It is the island ̕ s main income,” he said. He has an idea to push improvements: “In the coming 12 months we will hold a contest to find the best and worst beaches in each district. Hopefully, this will convince people to be more concerned about our valuable public property.” He added that the beach-cleaning activity he joined is aimed at encouraging people to become more concerned about beach cleanliness. But to achieve this, cooperation from everyone including tourists is needed. He also mentioned that the beach

Gov Nisit makes his own contribution to the pile of rubbish picked up along Kamala Beach. zoning project will soon be finished, following the implementation of beach zoning at all beaches in Muang district – from Karon to Naiharn. The governor said, “We want to make local people and businesses feel proud about and love their beautiful beaches, and also to help keep them clean.” The award for worst beach may also alarm local businesses to the point where they actually do some-

Kind-hearted fishermen save stray catamaran LOCA L F ISH ER M E N who had anchored his boat just off Yanui Beach came to the rescue on January 14 after seeing a small group on a dinghy attempting to stop an unmanned catarmaran straying out to sea. It is believed that strong northeasterly monsoon winds were responsible for Honky Cat dragging its anchor. Luckily it hit no other vessels in the vicinity. Speaking to The Phuket News, dinghy driver John Priestly said, “We were out on my dinghy at Yanui Beach when we noticed the cataraman drifting further out to sea, dragging its anchor. “It had already got close to a couple of boats but luckily it didn’t hit them. “We managed to get to the Honky Cat and rope it to the dinghy, but our 15-horsepower engine was proving fruitless against the strong winds and we were unable to move it. “Luckily, a Thai fishing trawler was anchored nearby and saw us struggling with the catamaran and came over and offered us a line, and with all its trawling ‘grunt’ had @thephuketnews

The fishing boat takes Honky Cat under tow, with the dinghy between them. Photo Phattharaphon Phimphasi no problem towing the boat to safety. “I would like to thank the fishermen for their alertness, initiative, and quick action in

helping with the rescue, and saving the day. “If they hadn̕ t come to our aid, that boat could well have ended up in India.”

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thing about cleaning up the sand. “If we show concern about our own property [the beaches], the tourists who visit will also respect them, and will take care of them as we do.” Regarding the beach zoning, the governor said that beaches in Muang district have already had their zoning plans, and regulations will come into force in the near future. “In Muang district we have now

completed the plan for the 10-percent zoning areas for each beach. “We also have regulations set out for each beach. However, these will vary as some beaches do not have umbrellas, and some do not allow masseurs on the sand, while some do. “I will make an announcement as soon as the other two districts [Kathu and Thalang] complete plans for their beaches, and I will ensure the rules are enforced.”

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Egat asks governor to help fast-track new power cable Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

enior officials from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) met recently with Gov Nisit Jansomwong to try to get his help to speed up installation of a cable to keep Phuket’s power supply ahead of demand. Deputy Director Phol Khawnnui explained that Egat has a project to lay a 500kV cable from Jombung in Ratchaburi via Bang Sapan and Surat Thani to Phuket. This would be completed in 2019, he said. “But before that date the system we have today will not meet demand.” To bridge the gap, he said,

Phuket’s demand for power keeps growing and Egat is having trouble keeping up.

Egat proposes to lay a B1.6 billion 230 kV cable from Krabi via Phang Nga to Phuket, which could meet future demand and which could be completed by next year. But, he explained, laying of the cable could be delayed by the requirement to get the correct construction permits before work can start. He therefore requested Gov Nisit to allow Egat to begin work while waiting for the construction permits so the project can be completed soon enough to meet the future needs of Phuket. Gov Nisit, however, insisted everything be done properly. “They told me that the project must be finished by

2018 or there will be a shortage of power in Phuket,” he said. “But the environmental impact assessment (EIA) has not yet been approved. I understand that it is a matter of some urgency, and Egat has sent [the EIA] to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. “I believe that important projects such as this will get an EIA result fast, and there should not be any problem as the cable will be installed beneath the existing power lines around the island.” He said he would hold another meeting with Egat representatives around the end of January to discuss details and any problems that might slow the project down.

Fund-raiser aims to give young disabled woman a better life

IF YOU’RE LOOKING For something to do this evening (January 23), and you want it to include generosity, then the Kangaroo Bar on Bangla Rd, Patong, is where you should be. The bar is holding a fundraiser for a young woman named Wan, who works around Bangla selling various wares. Gregory Westcott from The Kangaroo Bar explained, “Wan was born with no hands and badly crippled legs. She has an amazing spirit and is worthy of a lot more from life than she currently receives. “The fund raiser is to help buy an Electric Mobility Scooter for her. “The scooter will help raising her self-esteem,

The fundraisers hope to give Wan greater mobility. perhaps create better job opportunities, and give her a great deal more independence in life.” Mr Westcott said that Rod ney Gothe, project

manager of Anywhere on Wheels, who is in Patong, has had discussions with Pride Mobility Products in Australia, which manufactures mobility scooters and modifies them for people with disabilities. “Pride Mobility have responded in a very positive way indicating they can provide the scooter at cost price.” The Kangaroo Bar plans to hold a presentation night in March for Wan, and present her with her new set of wheels. The event at the Kangaroo Bar will start at 6pm and all are welcome to join the fun and raise some money for a very good cause. Class Act Media is a sponsor of the event.

Wreckage along the front of the two shops. Luckily neither was open at the time.

Cement truck rams into shops A CEMENT TRUCK SIDEswiped parked vehicles and mangled the fronts of two food shops in Baan Manik on Tuesday afternoon (January 20). Luckily, the food shops were closed at the time and no one was hurt. The driver of the truck,

Suchart Sinma, 30, told police that he was heading along Srisoonthorn Rd toward the Heroines monument when the crash took place. “I swerved to avoid a headon collision with another truck coming the other way. But I hit a parked pickup truck, which

caused a domino effect,” he said. By domino effect he was referring to a motorbike the pickup truck was cannoned into. He was taken to Thalang Police Station and charged with reckless driving.

HUGE REDUCTIONS on exclusive properties in Phuket, details on page 17

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The gang (red arrows) and their intended victim (green).

CCTV catches thieves A VIDEO RECENTLY posted on a social media site captures a pickpocket gang at work at Phuket’s main SuperCheap store. The video, originally from SuperCheap’s CCTV, came to light after a customer, 32-year-old Lampai Jaisai, reported that she had B10,000 stolen at the store on December 28. Sayan Naraat, an assistant in SuperCheap’s Security Department, told The Phuket News, “It had never happened until this pickpocket gang got this victim’s money (which was in a roll in her bag). They left as soon as they got it.” Mr Sayan explained, “The victim told us these three pickpocket gang members, one believed to be a ladyboy, along with a fat woman and another woman

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in a blue shirt, looked at other products and then came to talk with her. “One of the women was friendly to her and asked her to hand down some products which were on a shelf above her. At that moment, one of them picked the victim’s bag. “After it happened, we gave our CCTV footage to the victim so that she could inform the police. “Now we are putting plainclothes security guards around the store, and passing photos of the gang members’ faces around our staff. “We have evidence to prove they’ re pickpockets on our video record.” Pol Col Se r mpa n Sirikong said, “The victim should inform us what happened and give us all the evidence. We can then follow up on the incident.”

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Frustrated beach guard lashes out Tanyaluk Sakoot

reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

heer frustration at the stubborn wrong-headedness of people who ignore red flag warnings at beaches exploded on January 12 when a beach lifeguard at Naiharn shouted at and then kicked a Russian tourist. An expat Phuket News reader who witnesses the explosion described it. “Just before sunset lifeguards put up a red flag. A few minutes later a lifeguard was shouting at people to get out of the water. As people left the water he continued to shout at them, getting the attention of nearby swimmers on the beach. “Then he approached one couple and shouted at them but they simply walked away. Then he approached a man, woman and child and began shouting at them. “The man shrugged his shoulders, apparently confused. The lifeguard then really began to have a go at the man and

The life guard (centre, red shorts), allegedly kicked a tourist. flipped him the middle finger. “The tourist returned the gesture and the lifeguard started to run after the man. The man ran away and it appeared to be over. “Then two minutes later the two were back together, jawing at one another. Then the lifeguard took off his shirt and squared up to the man. The man backed up but then the lifeguard swung at the man twice before kicking him in the leg. “He then got into a Thai boxing stance as if to continue. A few people got in the middle

and more lifeguards arrived on the scene. But rather than simply ushering their co-worker away, the other lifeguards squared up to everyone as well. “No tourist was being aggressive. I know the lifeguards have a rough time here but in this incident the aggressor and the rest of the lifeguards were well out of line. “They’d only just put up the one pole and then this guy just seemed to lose it. I speak some decent Thai and really wanted to ask the guy why he was so angry, but he was so worked up I didn’t feel safe

approaching him.” Chula Montri, 43, head of the Naiharn beach lifeguards, was unapologetic. He told The Phuket News, “There were heavy waves at the time and three or four tourists needed help from the team to get out of the water. “It was a hard job for the team and they were tired [because of it]. “Some tourist obeyed the lifeguards’ urging [to leave the water]. But one man, a Russian, did not want to come back to the beach, even though he was in a red flag area. A consultant to Phuket Lifeguard Club, a private company that runs the lifeguards around the island, said, “I know that he should not act like this because he is lifeguard. I understand that he was angry but I have already warned and advised him. I have to teach him. “I am worried about the feedback because we work so hard. But it will be okay.” He added, “We will improve the lifeguard team.”

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Phuket ‘getting tough’ on illegal labour issues Nattha Thepbamrung & Nattaphat Tuarob reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

ollowing the US State Department downgrading Thailand to a Tier 3 ranking – the lowest – in its 2014 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, Phuket has set up a committee to work on illegal foreign labour suppression and management. The announcement came from Governor, Nisit Jansomwong, following instructions from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to adhere urgently to the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) or face consequences that could affect the country. “We cannot simply arrest illegal labourers as we usually do. It is not the only way to solve the problem,” said the governor. He explained that efforts are now being made to improve working and living conditions for foreign labourers in Phuket. “There are a lot more factors that we have to consider and that is why we now have a committee. “The committee, comprising several involved sectors – for example, the Labour Office, Marine Office, Fisheries Office, and Public Health Office – will integrate their work. “This is not only about the workers’ legal status. We also have to consider their basic

needs, safety, hygiene and health, work contracts (whether they are fair or not), working hours, wages, welfare and so on,” he said. First on the agenda for suppression and management are fishing boats and construction labour camps which use many labourers from neighboring countries, especially Myanmar. “There are 83,003 Burmese labourers in the registration system right now,” he noted. “The provincial committee will have to make a draft strategy for the suppression and management committee. The team will then send a letter showing a list of things the operators who employ foreign labour must adhere to. “We will then carry out unannounced spot checks. We must make Thailand pass Tier 3, and improve the labourers’ quality of life. The US State Department pulls no punches in its report, which begins, “Thailand is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking.” It notes, “In the 2012 and 2013 TIP Reports, Thailand was granted consecutive waivers from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 on the basis of a written plan to bring itself into compliance with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. “The Trafficking Victims

Close quarters: Officials check the crew of a trawler. Protection Act (TVPA) authorises a maximum of two consecutive waivers. A waiver is no longer available to Thailand, which is therefore deemed not to be making significant efforts to comply with the minimum standards and is placed on Tier 3.” Responding to this criminal aspect of Thailand’s problems, the governor said that human trafficking, including slavery and forced prostitution, are also targets of the committee’s campaign. “These are the main issues that the integrated committee will be working on. When illegal labour such as this is found, the victims will be rescued by

the relevant department. “For example, the Phuket Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office will take care of people forced into prostitution or under-age labour. “The officers will provide shelter and appropriate treatment until they have improved physically and mentally to the point where they can decide whether they want to go home or register as foreign workers – provided that they are of legal age to work. “It will be the same for other labourers forced to work. They will be rescued by the team. Those who do not hold a license to work will be sent

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Thanin Kumbaan, 22, was caught with 150 Xanax pills.

home while labourers who are registered can choose to stay or leave.” As for slavery aboard ships, particularly fishing boats, he told The Phuket News, “The boat operator will definitely be punished according to the anti-human trafficking act.” Very few arrests are made in Phuket for human trafficking. The last that made it into the limelight was in June last year when a Burmese man was arrested for keeping four compatriots in virtual slavery, and telling their families that they must pay to have them freed. Meanwhile, a team of Phuket Marine and Immigration Police on Tuesday (January 20) arrested four Myanmar labourers thought to be working illegally on a fishing boat moored near Rassada Pier. The team inspected a total of three trawlers. Altogether there were 48 crew on board, but the four were the only ones who could not provide work permits and ID when asked by officers. Pol Lt Col Suban Krudpan, of Phuket Immigration Police told The Phuket News that the four were charged only with entering Thailand illegally, and not with working illegally, as they were actually asleep on the vessel when they were found. This was also the reason given as to why the boat operator was not charged with any offence.

15yo caught with 100 Xanax pills

them he had never seen his attackers before. Mr Songwit (pictured

above) was initially taken to Thalang hospital but was later transferred to Vachira Hospital where he is being treated for his wounds. Police theorised that the shooting might be gangrelated but said they will need to question the victim when he has recovered sufficiently to get more information. Officers have already been dispatched to check CCTV footage in the area and collect evidence, including spent bullets, from the scene. Phuket has seen a series of shootings involving teens in recent months.

A 15-YEAR-OLD WAS ONE of two people were arrested on Sunday (January 18) in Phuket Town after being found in possession of a total of 250 pills of the prescription drug alprazolam, the drug marketed as Xanax to treat anxiety and other disorders brought on by chemotherapy. When abused, Xanax can induce a high that can be enhanced by alcohol. Regular use can bring on addiction, with mood swings, compulsive behaviour and aggression. Thanin Kumbaan, 22, from Koh Kaew, was arrested in front of the 7-Eleven store in Soi Kingkaew with 150 pills and the 15-year-old, from Phang Nga, was caught near Phuket Wittayalai School with another 100 pills. For legal reasons the boy may not be named. Both were charged with possession of restricted medicines without a permit. Meanwhile today (January 19) Kathu Police arrested three men after searching their rooms and finding 2.1 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Worawut Islam, 34, Sarawut Tongpan, 36, and Suwit Susoa, 29, face a charge of possession of a narcotic with intent to sell.

Two teens sought for drive-by shooting POLICE ARE LOOKING for two teenagers who severely wounded a 46-year-old man in a drive-by shooting in Srisoonthon on Monday morning (January 19). Thalang investigator, Lt

Sanit Nookong, was called to the shooting at 7am, and was led to a house in Moo 6 where the victim had been found unconcious. Village head, Amnoy Somneang, told police that

the victim was Song wit Winyupradit, 49, and that he had suffered three gunshot wounds, in the waist, right leg and buttock. Police learned that the suspects were two teenagers

who were driving a motorbike in the opposite direction to the victim on the Baan Ya-Baan Don Rd. The passenger on the bike fired four shots at him. After being shot, the victim managed to drive his Yamaha motorbike a further 200-300 metres, where he asked villagers for help. Before collapsing he told

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PHUKET NEWS FOCUS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

‘Fat Leonard’ enters guilty plea to graft Alasdair Forbes

execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Navy Marines act out a hostage rescue during the Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Phuket Navy mark Armed Forces Day UNITS OF THE ROYAL Thai Navy base in Phuket joined others in Phang Nga on Sunday (January 18) to mark Thai Armed Forces Day. RTN Third Fleet commander Rear Admiral Sayan Prasongsomrit took the salute at the march-past by troops at the RTN base in Tab Lamu, and there was also a demonstration of

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parachuting skills, and a combat simulation. Armed Forces Day is held on the anniversary of King Naresuan’s defeat of Prince Minchit Sra of Burma in single combat in 1591. Troops at Sunday’s (January 18) ceremony also renewed their oath to defend King and country, and were blessed by a Buddhist monk.

he man at the centre of the Southeast Asia bribery scandal that has rocked the US Navy to its highest ranks, yesterday (January 15) changed his graft plea from not guilty to guilty. Leonard Glenn Francis, also known as “Fat Leonard” is accused of bribing US Navy officers for information, some of it classified, about warship movements in the Far East. The information on ship movements gave his company, Glenn Defense Marine Asia (GDMA), a big edge in bidding for multi-million-dollar contracts for “husbanding” ships in Asian ports – including Phuket – providing food and other supplies, transport and security for the ships in ports. When GDMA was husbanding the US Navy, a dozen or more warships a year would visit Phuket. Since the scandal broke that number has fallen to two or three a year. When Navy investigations

Under a cloud: US Navy intelligence chief V Adm Ted Branch. began into the bribery allegations, it is alleged that Francis also recruited spies in the Navy to keep him up to date on the investigations. The bribes, it is alleged, took the form of cash, hotel rooms and holidays, and the

services of prostitutes. Several US Navy officers and two of Francis’ lieutenants have already pleaded guilty. But most of them knew only about their own part in the scandal. The last person to plead guilty was Cdr Jose Luis San-

chez, 42, who admitted on January 6 to taking bribes in return for tipping Francis off about investigations into overcharging by GDMA. He also admitted to briefing Francis on internal US Navy deliberations. Two other officials, former Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Special Agent John Beliveau and Navy Petty Officer First Class Dan Layug, previously pleaded guilty in the case, as well as two former GDMA executives. Francis’ decision to plead guilty suggests that he has made a deal with prosecutors to reveal all, a possibility that is likely to send a cold shiver down the spines of more naval personnel whose involvement has not yet been uncovered. It may also shine light on the involvement – or lack of it – of two very senior officers: Vice-Admiral Ted Branch, director of Naval Intelligence, and Rear Admiral Bruce Loveless, director of intelligence operations. Both were suspended from their posts in November 2013.

Opinion 10 OPINION

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

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The beach problem

here’s nothing more “sabai” than the beach. But here we are, stuck between the zoning plans of a Governor who wishes to preside over an island with beaches that are “among the best in the world” (see story page 5), and the beach businesses and tourists who just want to get back out on the sand with umbrellas and other amenities. While it is illegal for businesses to operate on the beaches, declared public land, it’s another story to force tourists into a 10 per cent zoning area simply because Margaret has a sunbed on another part of the beach. Gov Nisit Jansomwong should be commended for his attempts to help some of the beach operators. It’s a simple way to help these businesses, many of which are owned by poor locals. Though it remains

Originally from Canada; BA in Sociology from the University of Birmingham in the UK and an MA in Online/ Print Journalism from the University of the Arts in London. Three years experience for Britain’s third-biggest publisher, Immediate Media, as well as Bauer Media and InStyle magazine.

Ruining tourism

News Editor

Re: Phuket mayor discovers you can’t please all the beach people all the time So many people will never be coming back to Thailand again because of the ridiculous behaviour of the Thai government. Only a complete half wit would ban all umbrellas and mats on the beach! What a good way to ruin tourism! Next high season will be much more lower than this one, as a lot of people here had already pre-booked before the coup and the so called ‘beach clean up’. What does the Thai government think? There were armed soldiers on beaches making tourists take down their own umbrellas! Hardly a boost for tourism is it? chazwolf

Originally from the UK; Has four years experience as editor and reporter for Phuketindex.com magazine and website, and InPhuket magazine.

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to be seen just how well the system of rotating businesses will work, given the small amount of real estate they’ve been allowed to work within. The system was announced on Boxing Day and was met with cheers from many commentators on both our Facebook page and our website. But some time over the past few weeks, tourists who bring their own sunbeds and loungers on the sand got dragged into the same wave that put the beach vendors within the 10 per cent zones – and for that one must ask, why? Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsap has already said that tourists will not have their umbrellas or chairs seized in the middle of the day if they are outside of the 10 per cent zone; instead, her officials will try persuasion, “trying to convince tourists”.

Yet it was in Patong that police seized 178 sunbeds, 37 chairs, and 53 umbrellas at night (see Page 1) – all of which were covered with protective plastic – simply because they were on the sand and looked like they were from local businesses. Fifteen tourists came to the police station and were given back their sunbeds with no penalty incurred. If the Governor wants Phuket to have some of the best beaches in the world, allowing tourists to enjoy the beaches with their own umbrellas and sunbeds should be simple. Tourists don’t sell while on vacation, but they sure do spend money. It would be a shame if the island’s economy were to begin to dip because of local restrictions on two things that are allowed on almost every beach in the world.

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Immigration opens for permanent residence applications Frustrated Phuket beach guard lashes out at tourist Italian among five held in Phuket for drugs CCTV catches pickpocket gang at work in Phuket store: VIDEO Dad goes busking to collect cash for daughter hurt in Phuket Chiang Mai Karaoke Bar Charges 8 Tourists B114,080 5 Phuket ladyboys arrested for taking drugs Troubled budget airlines cut fares Phuket mayor discovers you can’t please all the beach people all the time Proposal for efforts to attract ‘silver’ tourists

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HAVE YOUR SAY

MATTHEW POND editor3@classactmedia.co.th

EDITORIAL

Thank you for my daily dose of ridiculousness. Why can’t the Mayor just let tourist sit wherever they want...forget the silly zone plan... it is ridiculous. The only zone there should be is one small zone at the south end of the beach for jet skis...away from the tourists that want to enjoy the beach. The only enforcement you

need is to make sure your jet ski thugs keep their dangerous and polluting machines within their zone. Everyone else is free to go where they want. Ed Sanders

Don’t want to be lagging behind Re:Tax and Law Expert: Inheriting a property lease Excellent idea to boost property investments not only here on Phuket. Especially for elderly lessees this lease weakness is currently often a serious show-stopper. Combine your innovative concept with a permitted 50 years lease period and the government would have done a solid first step not to lag behind the legal developments in other ASEAN countries. KHK Realty

Look what others do Re: Gov wants Phuket beaches to be ‘among best in world’ With millions of tourists visiting these beaches every day, monthly clean-ups won’t make much difference. If you want

your beaches among the best in the world maybe it is a good idea to educate yourself in what countries with the best beaches in the world are doing on daily basis. durian Teach your own people first Mr Gouvernor, just have a look at Chalong! All this garbage is from local boat boys! Perhaps the speed boat companies they work for could do something? Horst

pay the adult price. I can read Thai and I have never noticed a senior’s price as it doesn’t exist. So Thailand doesn’t just discriminate against foreigners, it also discriminates against elderly people, including it’s own. Thomas Nutterfield

Is it a waste of money?

Discrimination

Re: Egat asks Phuket gov to help fast-track new power cable 1.6 billion baht for a temporary ‘bodge’. LOL. Instead of wasting that much money, it could be used to give households and businesses - throughout the entire island - solar panel technology. The amount of surplus electric pumped back in to the grid, could even negate the need for the planned 500KV cable! Agogohome Agogohome

Re: Tax-paying foreigners not entitled to local price at National Parks I have never heard of even Thai seniors getting a discount at any tourist attraction. Very young children might, but not elderly people as they still

I had to dig to find out what the capacity of a 500kV electric line is. If I understood correctly, it’s about 5GW for those distances, which is equal to 5 nuclear power plants. Pekka Oilinki

Does it happen here more? Re: Cement truck rams into Phuket food shops I know vehicle accidents happen worldwide but they seem to be of a more careless and frequent nature on Phuket. Grant Sheridan

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THAILAND NEWS 11

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Rail investment project to launch September Bangkok Police hunt T stray dog shooter

THE THAI ANIMAL Guardians Association on Sunday (January 18) called for police action after a teenage car driver shot dead a stray dog in front of the Imperial World Ladprao department store in Bangkok, in defiance of the law. The call came after video footage of the shooting Tuesday night (January 13) went viral on a social network, and strongly condemned the shooting, and the defiant driver who fired shots in the busy area where several people passed. The CCTV footage of the department store showed a group of four stray dogs barking at a passing car near Imperial World Lardprao. The gesture somehow prompted the driver, said to be teenager, to stop the car, step out and fire two shots at an 8 year-old female stray dog nicknamed “Sue Bue,” then drove away. The footage was posted on the social network with all Netizens condemning the inhumane shooting and calling for an investigation to bring the man to trial, for killing the dog and firing shots in public places in defiance of law. Following the incident, representatives from the Thai Animal Guardians Association handed over the CCTV footage to police officers at Choke Chai police station and urged the police to indentify and prosecute the suspect under the newly-enacted animal welfare act. Under the law, those found guilty of animal cruelty face up to two years in prison and a B40,000 fine, they said. Meanwhile, a vendor at the place said she often fed stray dogs in this area and the dogs here have never shown signs of aggression and never bitten passers-by. She said a group of teenagers were probably out clubbing and tried to hit-and-run the stray dogs but they barked. A driver then stepped out of the car and shot Sue Bue. Another bystander then took Sue Bue, badly wounded, to an animal hospital for treatment. Sue Bue later died the next morning at the hospital. ThaiPBS @thephuketnews

he Transport Ministry last Thursday (January 15) set in motion the first railway investment project with a construction plan tentatively set for a September launch. The preliminary timetable is included in the roadmap of the railway investment project and unveiled by Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong, as Thailand prepares for a series of meetings on the massive infrastructure plan beginning this month. China was awarded the first B350-billion project in December to build two dualtrack lines of the 1.435 metre standard gauge from Nong Khai to the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate via Kaeng Khoi district in Saraburi and from Kaeng Khoi to Bangkok. The total distance is 873 kilometres. The construction plan is divided into four sectors. The first section is from Bangkok to Kaeng Khoi totaling 133km. The second sector of 246km is from Kaeng Khoi to Map Ta Phut. The third section running 138km is from Kaeng Khoi

Work will start in September: ACM Prajin Juntong. to Nakhon Ratchasima. The fourth sector covering 355km starts in Nakhon Ratchasima and ends in Nong Khai. ACM Prajin said construction of the first two sections could begin in September and would be ready for service in December 2017. Construction on the third and fourth sectors would begin in December this year and be completed in March 2018. The project is split into four sectors to speed up the work, he added.

The police, answering questions, claim they did no wrong.

Boat-shooting cops surrender to police THE SIX POLICE OFFICERS who allegedly shot at a fishing boat in the Andaman Sea last week finally turned themselves in last Friday (January 16) after a local police commander demanded they comply with the summons. The six men are wanted for shooting at a fishing boat called Gao Baramee Por off the coast of western Thailand on 7 January 2015. According to the boat’s crew, the six police officers fired more than 30 shots at their ship without warning, and only stopped when a nearby Royal Thai Navy ship came to the fishermen’s rescue. Upon being detained by Navy sailors, the six men identified themselves as police officers from Ranong Police Station, and claimed they thought the fishermen

were smuggling Rohingya refugees. The boat owner later filed charges against the six officers with police in Phang Nga province. However, the six officers did not surrender themselves to Phang Nga police until last Friday, when Pol.Lt.Gen. Decha Butrnampetch, commander of the 8th Region Police, realized that they had not yet reported and ordered them to do so at Kuraburi Police Station at 11.00 am. Prior to their arrival, several police officers also tried to bar reporters from taking photos of the suspects. The order was later overruled by a police supervisor. The six suspects eventually arrived at Kuraburi Police Station to hear their charges and provide testimony to investigative officers. Bangkok Post

Details of the plan and other issues will be thrashed out in talks between Thai and Chinese officials beginning this month. The officials will meet for the first time on Jan 20 and 21 in a joint steering committee after signing the train agreement in December in Bangkok. The committee will centre on plans to survey the route and related studies. Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the new lines would mostly

run parallel to the present tracks to save on construction costs. The second meeting on Feb 5 and 7 will focus on financial and investment issues. Mr Arkhom said the form of investments remained open, including an option on a joint investment with China, the setting up of an infrastructure fund, a state budget and a plan to mobilise money from the Stock Exchange of Thailand. One clear condition is that Thailand will take full responsibility for train services, he added. Officials are now collecting information on Thai construction firms which could join the lucrative project. The partnership between Thai and Chinese companies will be concluded for approval in the third round of meetings scheduled for Feb 25-27, according to ACM Prajin. The new tracks will double train speed to 160km per hour and are part of the plan to project Thailand as a transport hub in Southeast Asia. Bangkok Post

Who dumped two tonnes of condoms? THE MYSTERY OF WHO dumped two tons of condoms in an empty field in Ayutthaya has been solved as a woman stepped up to say, yup, those were her condoms that officials collected and butrned. Napat Menthong, 38, said Tuesday (January 20) that thousands of condoms found partially burned had only been left there to dry before she sold them to a recycling plant in Samut Sakhon province. Napat said she bought the condoms, which had failed quality control, from a factory in Bangkok for B100,000 last year. She hung onto the prophylactics, described by one police officials as unusually large, and planned to sell them when the price of rubber rose. Turns out she also owns the field where she left them to dry. Alas her investment went up in smoke when provincial officials had them all incinerated yesterday. Napat said she also left several wooden pallets, which she suspects were stolen by a thief who might have set her condom trove aflame by dropping a cigarette. Coconuts Bangkok

12 ASIA NEWS

Japan visa relaxation sees record Thai visitors THAI VISITORS TO JAPAN almost doubled last year as they continued to take advantage of Tokyo’s visa relaxation to promote tourism. The estimated number of foreign traveller arrivals in Japan in 2014 jumped by around 3 million from the previous year to a record 13.41 million. Arrivals to Japan jumped by around 3 million year-onyear to a record 13.41 million in 2014, boosted by the weak yen and relaxed visa requirements, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) said last Tuesday (January 20). The number of arrivals in 2014 surpassed the previous record of 10.36 million in 2013, lifted partly by the easing of visa requirements for visitors from more Southeast Asian countries. About 657,600 travellers from Thailand visited Japan last year, a 45 per cent rise from 2013, according to the JNTO. April was the high season for Thais, with almost 100,000 visitors, followed by October, with about 80,000. Bangkok Post

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Baby Gammy gets Aussie nationality A

baby at the centre of a Thai surrogacy scandal has been granted Australian citizenship, authorities said Tuesday (January 20), after his birth mother said he was abandoned by a Perth couple who went home with his healthy twin sister. Baby Gammy sparked a global debate about the legal and moral issues surrounding surrogacy when reports emerged in August that he was left behind by the pair, who returned to Australia with his sister Pipah. The couple have denied abandoning the boy, who has Down’s syndrome, saying they had wanted to bring him home and left Thailand fearing the surrogate mother would seize their daughter. “The department can confirm that an application for baby Gammy’s Australian citizenship by descent has been assessed and found to have met all criteria for the grant,” an immigration department spokeswoman said

Thai surrogate mother Pattaramon Chanbua (L) plays with her baby Gammy. Photo AFP in a statement. “It is not appropriate for the department to make any further comments on this case.” Surrogate mother Pattaramon Chanbua, who is in her early 20s, confirmed her son had been granted Australian citizenship. “He got citizenship four days ago. The Australian embassy called me on Friday to ask me to come and collect

the documents,” she told AFP by telephone from her home in Chonburi province, 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of the capital Bangkok. Pattaramon, also known as Goy, said she has no immediate plans to take her son to Australia but applied for citizenship with the help of the Australian charity Hands Across the Water as a safeguard for his future. “I want him to be near me

here (in Thailand) so that I don’t have to miss him,” the 21-year-old mother said. “But if all of my family, including me die and if Gammy is left behind alone, at least the Australian government will help him.” She added that Gammy is in good health and turned one in December. The baby has moved into a new home in Chonburi province about 90 kilometres south-east of Bangkok using money donated by wellwishers across the globe, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. Gammy’s biological father, David Farnell, a convicted sex offender, is under investigation by the authorities in Western Australia regarding the wellbeing and safety of Pipah. Commercial surrogacy is illegal in Australia, prompting growing numbers of infertile couples to head overseas to countries such as India and Thailand to fulfill their dreams of having a family. AFP

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

AirAsia jet climbed fast then stalled THE AIRASIA PLANE THAT crashed into the Java Sea last month with 162 people on board climbed faster than normal and then stalled, the Indonesian transport minister said Tuesday (January 20). “In the final minutes, the plane climbed at a speed which was beyond normal,” Transport Minister Ignasius Jonan told reporters, citing radar data. “The plane suddenly went up at a speed above the normal limit that it was able to climb to. Then it stalled.” The minister’s comments came after Indonesian investigators said they were focusing on the possibility of human error or problems with the plane having caused the crash, following an initial analysis of the cockpit voice recorder. There was a huge international hunt for the crashed plane, involving ships from several countries including the US and China. AFP

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WORLD NEWS 13

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

IMF slashes 2015-2016 world growth forecast T

he International Monetary Fund on Tuesday (January 20) sharply cut its 2015-2016 world growth forecast of only six months ago, saying lower oil prices did not offset pervasive weaknesses around the globe. The IMF said poorer prospects in China, Russia, the euro area and Japan will hold world GDP growth to just 3.5 per cent this year and 3.7 pc in 2016. The forecasts were lower than the 3.8 pc and 4 pc growth for 2015 and 2016 respectively given in the previous World Economic Outlook in October. The cut underscored the steady deterioration of the economic picture for many countries, due to sluggish investment, slowing trade and falling commodity prices. While the United States will remain the one bright spot among major economies, Europe will continue to struggle with disinflation, the IMF said. Meanwhile, China’s growth

-- which Beijing said Tuesday had slowed to 7.4 pc in 2014, its weakest for 24 years -- will decelerate further, hit by poor export growth and a real estate slump, the organization said. The IMF forecast that the United States, the world’s largest economy, will expand by 3.6 pc this year, up a halfpcage point from the previous outlook. But the economy of China, the global number two, is expected to grow 6.8 pc this year, the IMF said -- 0.3 pc slower than previously expected -- and 6.3 pc in 2016. The last time Chinese growth fell below seven pc was in the crunch of 1990, when it slowed to 3.8 pc. “Lower growth in China will have an adverse effect on its trade partners, in particular on the rest of Asia,” Oliver Blanchard, the IMF’s chief economist, said at a briefing in Beijing, as the organisation also downgraded growth prospects

This famous painting, Barrels of Money, circa 1897 by Victor Dubreuil, still has significant symbolism in today’s resource-capital dependent economy. for other Asian countries. For the eurozone and Japan, it said, “stagnation and low inflation are still concerns” requiring sustained monetary easing and other measures to keep interest rates from rising. In the eurozone, where the region’s central bank is expected to decide to boost stimulus this week, low oil

Ex Guatemalan police chief gets 90 years for embassy raid A COURT IN GUATEMALA on Monday sentenced a former police chief to 90 years for an assault on the Spanish embassy in 1980 when a group of protesting Indians, peasants and university students were holed up inside. The attack left 37 people dead and came during the Guatemalan civil war pitting a rightist government against leftist rebels and people accused of supporting them. Some 200,000 people were killed or vanished without a

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trace in the country’s 19601996 civil war, according to a 1999 UN-sponsored report. The convicted police chief, Pedro Garcia, will only have to serve 30 years, however, because that was the maximum possible sentence at the time of the attack. Protesters outside the court yelled “murderer, murderer.” Before the sentence was announced, indigenous people held a Maya ceremony with an altar holding flowers and

candles. Nobel peace laureate Rigoberta Menchu, whose father died in the attack, praised the verdict. “It is essential that we still create a drop of hope in justice,” she said. The embassy was attacked after Indians, peasants and students took refuge inside to protest army repression. Garcia led a special police commando unit when the embassy was attacked and burned. AFP

prices and the depreciated euro are a help to growth. But it will also struggle with low investment levels and poorer demand for the region’s exports from emerging economies. The region is expected to expand 1.2 pc in 2015, and 1.4 pc next year. Japan’s stimulus has not worked as well as expected,

and the IMF expects it to expand just 0.6 pc this year, picking up to a still-sluggish 0.8 pc in 2016. “At this stage potential medium-term growth in Japan is very very low,” Blanchard said. “So far both private domestic and foreign demand have disappointed.” Russia, already pressed by sanctions over its support for secessionists in Ukraine, is particularly hurt by lower oil prices. The IMF now says the Russian economy will contract 3.0 pc this year and 1.0 pc in 2016. In October the IMF was still predicting slight growth for the country. Cheap oil good but... The world’s crisis lender warned that continued volatility in markets, partially a product of the US beginning to tighten monetary policy, pushing the dollar higher, will challenge governments and central banks around the world for some time to come.

And while the halving of crude prices is a net positive for the world, the strong dollar partially negates that effect for many oil importers using weakening currencies. And the impact of slower growth in trade, low commodity prices and market turbulence will all but erase the gains from cheap oil. “New factors supporting growth -- lower oil prices, but also depreciation of euro and yen -- are more than offset by persistent negative forces, including the lingering legacies of the crisis and lower potential growth in many countries,” said Blanchard, the IMF’s chief economist. It meant “good news for oil importers, bad news for oil exporters” he added. “Good news for commodity importers, bad news for exporters... Good news for countries more linked to the euro and the yen, bad news for those more linked to the dollar.” AFP

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

ALL MEN ARE FOOLS

Capitalising on the Collective Folly of Mankind

homas Tusser was a poet and farmer in 16th Century England, and his writings recorded many expressions and proverbs in print for the first time. Possibly the most famous line attributed to Tusser is “a fool and his money are soon parted.” Though not his precise words, he certainly inspired the sentiment. Fools were cer t ai n ly around long before Tusser toiled the land and gave us folksy insights into country customs in Tudor England, but the insight of an English farmer over 400 years ago remains just as true today – fools are still parted from

their money with relative ease. Indeed, fools continue to walk among us today in their multitudes. Your gentle Bonobo does not wish to imply that any of his dearest readers are fools, but rather to point out that even the wisest of men can be influenced by the madness of crowds. When thrust together – be it in groups of hundreds, thousands, or even billions – mankind is prone to delusion and irrationality. And so today we regale you with insights into how one might profit from going against the crowd – doing the exact opposite of the broader investing population. In other words, being a “contrarian”. A contrarian often requires patience because the denizens of this fair planet often “straddle the fence” between foolishness and wisdom. Gradually (albeit unknowingly) they transition from fear to greed . . . and back again. They have a tendency to become bullish

when they should already be bearish, then suddenly turn bearish just as a new bull market looms. Any shopper knows that cheaper prices are a good deal, not a bad

one. As things become more expensive, however, we should be buying less, or not buying at all. But for those caught up in the delusion, lower prices suck and higher prices are a steal. (Your humble author has been trying unsuccessfully to teach this lesson to the good Lady Bonobo for years!) For long periods of time the masses may appear neither wise nor foolish, but when they go to extremes there is profit to be made. The average investor is said to climb a wall of worry, then slide down a slope of hope. Investors jump into an established upward trend and worry every day that they have made a mistake. When their mistake is verified for them (in the form of a market top and subsequent correction), they hope the market will stop falling, but to sell out would be to confirm that buying was foolish in the first place. That is emotion at work. So as Thomas Tusser observed, it pays to hold your money close. While the Bonobo and his followers prefer to

safeguard their wealth, they are always looking at what the fool is doing before making rational, intelligent, contrarian investment decisions. When the masses are still investing in a market which is at a top, the contrarian opposes the herd. He does the opposite of what everyone else is doing and believes the exact opposite of what everyone else is thinking. But while everyone thinks him a fool, he is possibly the wisest one of all. And so it is that those of us who recognize the collective folly of the human race can use that information to improve our own net worth. But to do so we must follow some basic rules. We must see what the fools are doing and distance ourselves by making logical, rather than emotional decisions. And when the masses are intoxicated by unexplained irrational exuberance, that is when we must stockpile food and water and batten down the hatches. We must take the phone off the hook,

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lock the doors and windows, draw the curtains, curl up in a ball in the darkest recesses of our bunkers, and wait. Simply wait. When the bottom is near and the foolish masses are running scared, then we may emerge from our bunkers into sunshine, wallets and cheque books at the ready. And while the herd is crying, we shall laugh; when there is blood in the streets (or at least on Wall Street), we must celebrate. Then, when the bottom has truly been reached and the herd is afraid to invest, we contrarians can pick up bargains with the enthusiasm of a shopaholic in the January Sales (the Lady Bonobo would be uniquely qualified for the latter pursuit). Granted, some people are less foolish than others, but mankind (and that includes you ladies) is certainly less clever than it thinks it is. A person who makes the same mistakes over and over again is undoubtedly a fool, and unless he changes this pattern of behaviour, is destined to remain so. Like wisdom, foolishness is easier to detect when you can sit two men side by side to compare their levels of irrationality. Unfortunately it does not pay to argue with a fool; he will simply drag you down to his own level and brainwash you into thinking that you are one, too. But rather than shun the fools, we should instead embrace them. For isn’t it true, dear readers, that without the wonderful abundance of fools in the world, the wise men could never gauge what’s going on. Or as Cicero put it over 2,000 years ago: “The multitude of fools is a protection to the wise.” The Brazen Bonobo offers penetrating insights into current affairs and the world of finance, enabling high-net-worth expatriates throughout Asia to stay two steps ahead of the curve. If you are an expatriate living in Asia and are searching for advice on tax mitigation, estate planning, UK pension transfers (QROPS), or simply a strategy for prospering in the current economic environment, then contact the Bonobo: advice@brazenbonobo. com thephuketnews

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BUSINESS NEWS 15

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Princess Yachts shine at PIMEX and London A

record of more than 5,000 visitors – verified by an independent auditing company at the show – made the 12th Phuket International Boat Show, PIMEX, the biggest yet. Quoting Andy Dowden, PIMEX Show Director “Having talked to many people at the show, the feedback from exhibitors and the interest from serious buyers has been very encouraging. We expect there to be a lot of business done after the show as a result of leads made at the show.” It certainly was a success for Boat Lagoon Yachting which had an impressive lineup of ten boats at PIMEX including eight Princess Yachts ranging from the Princess 42 to the star of their display: the recently delivered newest model Princess 68, an Asian premiere. On display at PIMEX were: the Princess 42, an iconic Princess model and the ideal family cruiser; the Princess 52, a perfect example of the

An impressive line-up of eight Princess Yachts were on display at Pimex Flybridge range; the Princess 60 Flybridge, a powerful and elegant cruiser as well as the Princess 64 with her sleek and sporty profile. Visitors also lined up to visit the Princess 72MY and Princess 78MY the ultimate cruisers. The Star of the show was the all-new Princess 68 making her Asia Premier. The Princess

68 is an exciting departure from Princess-convention with a galley-aft arrangement on the main deck. There is a separate staircase to the amidships master suite meaning a single companionway forward leaves room for two full side-by-side twin cabins in addition to the forward VIP guest suite. Specified with a flybridge hardtop

Ceiling price agreed for Chinese tours THAI TOUR AGENTS HAVE reached an agreement to set a maximum price for optional tours for Chinese visitors at 600 yuan (B3,175) per head to reduce problems of them being abandoned or forced to buy expensive goods in Thailand. Members of the ThaiChinese Tourism Alliance Association (TCTA) agreed the ceiling price at the start of this year, and many have already implemented it, said president Kasian Watanachaopisut. “We know this measure cannot solve all problems for Chinese tourists but it’s a good start,” he said. In recent years, Chinese

tourists have been lured to buy cheap package holidays to Thailand. When here, if they did not buy optional tours, they would be abandoned or taken to places where they were forced to buy expensive goods. In 2013, about 80 per cent of Chinese travel agents in Thailand suffered big losses as they faced heavy competition to offer very low tour prices. More than 10 tourists lodged complaints every day at the Chinese embassy in Bangkok about tour nightmares. “Chinese tour prices to Thailand will be higher after agents apply the ceiling for

optional tour prices, but Chinese tourists like to visit Thailand, which remains more affordable for them than Japan,” Mr Kasian said. If private tour operators let the problems drag on, it will affect Thai tourism’s reputation in the long term in its biggest market. “What we want is the government to seriously step up law enforcement to solve major problems in the Thai tourism business before it’s too late,” Mr Kasian said. The TCTA hopes the tour price ceiling will help reduce scams on tourists by about 50 per cent by the end of next month. Bangkok Post

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and davit she truly was the must see at this year’s show. The Princess 64 Destiny also raised a great deal of interest as she is probably the most luxurious charter yacht under 100 feet in the region; and, as a recent addition to the luxury yacht chartering offer, she adds a new dimension to any luxury travel experience.

With her bright red colour hull, well-positioned on the corner of the most visited pontoon, the Wider 32 soon became the “wow” craft of the show. Boat Lagoon Yachting was announced as the sole distributor for Wider Yachts in Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia a few days before the opening of PIMEX. Last but not least, a day after the closing of PIMEX, the winners of the 2015 Motor Boat Awards were announced at the annual awards ceremony at the Landmark Hotel in London. Among the winners in the eleven categories were the Princess V48 Open, in the Sportscruiser over 45ft category, and the Princess S72 in the Flybridge over 55ft category. 2015 certainly already looks very bright for Boat Lagoon Yachting. For more information, contact Rico Stapel, Email: rico@ princessyachtssea.com Tel: +66 8 66 900 444.

The Naka Island voted “Asia’s Top 5 Villa Resorts” T H E NA K A ISLA N D, A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Phuket was recently voted one of “Asia’s Top 5 Villa Resorts” at the prestigious “NOW Travel Asia Awards 2014”. The annual NOW Travel Asia Awards were launched by NOW Travel Asia magazine in 2012 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate service excellence within the luxury travel industry in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The result of votes by thousands of readers and hospitality industry professionals, the award strengthens The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Phuket’s already considerable reputation as a unique tropical island resort destination offering truly exceptional service.

16 WEIRD NEWS

THE BIG LIST Tarnished tiaras Just because they can work the cat walk, look good in a bikini and hope for world peace, doesn’t mean they are angels.

Laura Zúñiga: This Mexican beauty won the Miss Hispanic America title in 2008. Just two months later, she was in handcuffs, along with seven others, for drug trafficking, racketeering, and weapons violations, among other charges. They had seven 9mm pistols, semi-automatic rifles, and over US$53,000 in cash. The Mexican media dubbed her “Miss Narco” because of connections to the drug underworld through her boyfriend, Angel Orlando Garcia Urquiza, a high-ranking leader of the Juárez Cartel. A movie loosely based on the scandal, Miss Bala (or Miss Bullet), was released in 2011. May Nyat Noe: A Myanmar beauty queen was dethroned after she took off with her crown and free breast implants in August 2014. May Myat Noe, winner of Miss Asia Pacific World Super Talent 2014, was flown to South Korea for preparation to become a K-pop star. But she was stripped of her crown for alleged dishonesty and bad behaviour – she even received US$10,000 (B320,000) for a breast enlargement operation to help her budding singing career. The organisation also prepared two albums for her to record and provided choreographers. She later apologised in a televised press conference. Lindsey Evans: Miss Teen Louisiana USA Lindsey Evans was stripped of her crown with just two weeks left on her reign back in October 2008. The reason? The 18-year-old and her friends were arrested after skipping out on paying the bill at a restaurant. What made matters worse is that Evans returned to the restaurant because she forgot her purse. Police were already at the scene and found a small bag of marijuana in her bag. She was charged with theft and possession of marijuana. Que Van: The first runner-up at the Miss Vietnam World 2013 competition, Que Van, had to step down after it came out that she was fined the year before for assaulting another woman. According to the victim, she was kicked in the stomach and hit on the head and face with heels by Van and several other women outside of a bar in Hanoi. Van’s qualifications to enter the contest also came in to question since the rules only allow unmarried women to participate – Van is a divorcee with two children. Leona Gage: It only took one day for pageant oranisers to strip Leona Gage of her Miss USA title in 1957. Soon after she won the crown, it was revealed that Gage was a married mother of two. In addition, she was 18 years old, not 21 as she originally said. Later, she admitted that she was first married at the age of 14 but had it annulled a week later. Still, this could be considered the first beauty pageant scandal of all time.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Miss Lebanon in hot water after selfie with Miss Israel iss Universe contestants are keen to proclaim their desire for world peace, but this year’s Miss Lebanon has declared war after claiming Miss Israel muscled in uninvited during a group “selfie.” Saly Greige took to her Facebook page to declare that Israel’s Doron Matalon had pushed her way into a now widely-circulated photo showing the Middle Eastern beauties with Miss Japan and Miss Slovenia. “Since the first day of my arrival to participate to Miss Universe, I was very cautious to avoid being in any photo or communication with Miss Israel (who tried several times to have a photo with me),” Greige

wrote in English on her page. “I was having a photo with Miss Japan, Miss Slovenia and myself, suddenly Miss Israel jumped in, took a selfie, and put it on her social media.” The offending photo, taken in Miami where the Miss Universe pageant is staged, appeared on Matalon’s Instagram account on January 11.

It shows Miss Israel with a beaming Miss Slovenia and Miss Japan, and Miss Lebanon, who appears to be gritting her teeth. Matalon responded to the controversy herself on Sunday (January 18), saying it made her “sad”. “It doesn’t surprise me, but it still makes me sad. Too bad

you cannot put the hostility out of the game,” she wrote in English and Hebrew. Lebanese media picked up the story, running Greige’s allegations that Matalon had “photobombed” the selfie, and local social media users both defended and attacked their beauty queen for the picture. Israel occupied parts of Lebanon for 22 years until 2000, but the two countries are still technically at war and their armies occasionally skirmish along the UN-designated withdrawal line. Israel fought a bloody war against Lebanon’s Hezbollah in 2006, which killed more than 1,200 people in Lebanon, mostly civilians, and some 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers. AFP

British boy hit with invoice over party no-show A FIVE-YEAR-OLD BRITISH boy was handed an invoice for a “Childs Party No Show Fee” and threatened with court action after missing his schoolmate’s birthday party to spend the day with his grandparents. Tor point Nursery and Infant School in southern England said that one of their teachers had been asked to pass on an envelope from the birthday boy’s mother to youngster Alex Nash as he returned from the Christmas break. Inside, father Derek Nash found a demand for £15.95 (US$24.18), according to British press reports. The invoice seemed to appear as if it came from Plymouth Ski Slope, the venue of the “slide and ride” party that included three toboggan rides, a hot meal, ice cream, jelly and balloons. “It was a proper invoice

Hitman fined for not finishing job with full official details and even had bank details on it,” Nash, 45, told the British press. Having not yet paid the bill, the family is now threatened with action in the small claims court, which deals with minor civil disputes. “The money isn’t the issue, it’s the way she went about trying to get the money from me.” Julie Lawrence, who issued the invoice, stood by her demand in a statement issued to the press.

“All details were on the party invite. They had every detail needed to contact me,” she said. Nash said he had lost Lawrence’s contact details. The ski slope manager said they would never issue invoices for no-shows, and that their address had been “fraudulently” added to the bill. “Apart from the fact they had the party here, we have nothing else to do with it,” Louisa Duggan said. AFP

P O L I C E I N N O RWAY forced a 21-year-old man to pay a €1,090 (B42,319) fine for not carrying out a contract to kill a 17-year-old teenager. According to reports, the man was charged with fraud because he had no intention to fulfill on the contract. Local media said that the 21-year-old man was hired because the teenager had rejected romantic advances from the contractor. The man’s client, who was also a teenager, was originally sentenced to two years in prison until he confessed to the crime while in custody.

Something fishy: Chinese car boasts tank in back seat COMBINE A FISH TANK and a driverless car and what do you get? The WitStar, an autonomous electric vehicle from China’s GAC. The concept car, on display at the Detroit auto show, also boasts a wooden floor and swish front seats that swivel around so the family can enjoy the sight of the fish all together -- all while in transit. “In southern China, water means fortune and wealth,” Tang Xiaojian, studio engineer for the ambitious Guangzhou

Automobile Industry Group, told AFP. “So many people will have a fish tank in their home.

“So in this concept, the interior will feel like your living room at home.”

GAC had another concept car with the whole dashboard an elongated fish tank, he said. But asked the likelihood of the fish tank staying when the WitStar is one day produced, Tang said: “The final product -- maybe not because you need to keep the water in the tank clean.” And when will the driverless WitStar make it to market? “Every company is developing autonomous cars, but probably it will take a long time.” AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

What would it be like to be a show dolphin?

Phuket Town’s got a new cool high view.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Scientists suspect there are more planets in our solar system> Page 12

An artist’s impression of how the surface of Pluto might look. Scientists now theorise there are at least two more planets out in the fringes of our Solar System Photo: ESO/L. Calçada

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2 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

By the community, for the community

Locals, expats come together for kids playground JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

The project, spearheaded by the Mushy Peas, the Rawai-based Phuket FC supporters club, is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

s the concrete poured on the new playground at the Wat Sawang Arom Temple & School in Rawai, several on-lookers gathered around talking about what was to come. The majority of the people that gathered last Monday (January 19) around the area all played a part in the school’s newest addition. While there had always been a playground in the vicinity, it had become delapidated with holes everywhere, hardly a safe-environment for the more than 800 primary school kids that attend Wat Sawang Arom. “This is a happy day here in Rawai, everything came together to help the school so the children have some area to play. It’s going to help get kids out of trouble, they have a safe place to play,” said Rawai village head Sin Polrob. In his 20 years as the Kamnan of Rawai, Polrob says he’s rarely seen as much of a mix of foreigners and Thai’s coming together for the better good. The project, spearheaded by the Mushy Peas – the Rawai-based Phuket FC supporters club – is expected to be completed within the next few weeks with flood lights, fencing and a donation of sports equipment all in the works. “We started collecting the money for several weeks, a lot of it came from our monthly donations, but then there were a lot of one-off donations

from people who saw what we were doing,” said Richie Dell of the Mushy Peas. The group has made it a point to help several Rawai-based causes and have already donated B30,000 worth of sports equipment to the local sea gypsy village, helped organise football clinics for disadvantaged Burmese children, and donated football boots and school uniforms to several children. This project, however, is easily the biggest for the group and has included donations from people all over the world as well as the generosity from local businesses. Salika hardware donated trucks and riggers for the old concrete while Property For Sale Phuket donated other materials. Chochkai Concrete even agreed to donate the entire

B150,000 worth of concrete for the surfacing. “We’ve liaised with the head director of the school, the Kamnan (village head man), the monks at the temple, cocontributing businesses. It’s definitely by the community for the community,” Dell said. In addition, a small meter will be put up near the playground to collecte rental fees from locals so the school can make a bit of money. Once complete, the entire playground will be marked for basketball, football, volleyball and tennis. “We are happy to have foreigners helping out for the kids. Normally, we are looking for anyone to help, but we are even more happy that foreigners have lent a hand,” Polrob said.

Kajonkiet School children celebrated World Religion Day

n Monday 19th January 2015 Kajonkiet International School (K IS) children celebrated World Religion Day. During this event all members of the KIS community were invited to learn more about the different cultures, backgrounds and religions within KIS through speeches from Do Imam Karee from the Muslim community, Prah Pichit Suthummo from Wat Kathu, Ms Ganokorn Moody a Pastor from the Christian Church and Mr.A nand Metta Panyalert from the Phuket Sikh Community. It was great to find out more about all these different religions which gave the KIS children a good perspective of the diversity of beliefs and practices around the world. After the speeches everyone was treated to delicious delights, snacks, sweets and savories from around the world. A range of cuisines were represented including, Australian Anzac biscuits and Vegemite sandwiches, Indian Chickpea curry and Rice pudding, Thai desserts, Pakistani Chicken Biryana, Pork

Pie and Mushy peas from England, Welsh cakes and egg sandwiches from Wales, Milk Tart from South Africa, Syrian Salad with flat breads and much much more for everyone to enjoy. Thank you all for your great contribution in making

this event successful! KIS temporarily offers 50% discount on their entrance fee till March 2015. For more information please contact their admin staff on 089 6527599 (English and Thai) 082 4250104 (English) or visit our campus in Kathu. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 3

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

G’day it’s Australia Day

n Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian, and to reflect on our domestic and international achievements. In Thailand, the day also provides an opportunity for us, Australians and Thais, to celebrate our bilateral relationship which has flourished for over 60 years. Thailand is an important, longstanding partner for Australia. Thailand is Australia’s eighth largest bilateral trading partner and our second largest trading partner in ASEAN. Trade between Australia and Thailand has grown substantially in recent years, particularly since the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement’s launch in 2005. This year we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Free Trade Agreement. Strong economic growth in regional Thai cities also means our bilateral trade will increasingly expand beyond metropolitan Bangkok to urban, regional Thailand. We also welcome growing Thai investment in Australia.

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We also support Thailand’s development through our regional aid programs. The Australian Government’s regional assistance programs help Thailand respond to transboundary health threats, improve regional water management, safeguard human security, and promote economic integration. Australia shares many strategic in-

terests with Thailand, and we continue to work constructively with the Thai Government in multilateral forums. The Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police and Customs Services cooperate extensively with their Thai partners. Education links between Thailand and Australia are very strong. Over 22,000 Thais are currently studying in Australia, and our education links are growing. I am very pleased that this year 160 Australian students will come to Thailand to study and undertake work placements under the New Colombo Plan established by the Australian Government. Their placements will help them develop an understanding of the country and reinforce links between Australian and Thai people. The Australian Government continues to provide scholarships and fellowships to international students including Thais. Since 2007, the Australian Government’s Endeavour scholarships and fellowships program have been accepted by 155 Thais to undertake study, research or professional development in

Australia and 35 Australians accepted an Endeavour Scholarship or Fellowship to undertake study, research or professional development in Thailand. Nearly nine hundred thousand Australians visited Thailand in 2014. Phuket remains one of the most popular destinations for Australian tourists. The Embassy has continued to provide a high level of consular assistance to clients all over Thailand, including Phuket. We conduct regular outreach visits to Phuket and Chiang Mai to assist Australians with notarial and passport matters. We also encourage all Australians in Thailand to register at www.smarttraveller.gov.au and obtain relevant and comprehensive travel insurance. I look forward to continuing our engagement with Thailand in 2015 – my first full year as Ambassador to Thailand. Happy Australia Day to all Australians in Thailand. HE Mr Paul Robilliard Australian Ambassador to Thailand

4 PEOPLE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Moving up in the world

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Owner of Phuket’s modular office, storage-unit business on company scope, growth and future Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

Though classified as temporary buildings, Safeway’s modular building units are more durable and sturdier than most “permanent” buildings...

Safeway has been serving Phuket as a leader in the storage, modular office and toilet rental business for 13 years, and its owner Gordon is ready to pass the business on to the right bidder.

huket’s longest-running storage and modular building contractor and rental company, Safeway, has established a new home, in Bang Roang, on the northeast of the island. Speaking to The Phuket News, owner Gordon Adamson explained the reasons for the move. “The lease renewal for our stockyard in Thalang was coming up and we were starting to run out of space. Every time we move, it costs us a lot of money, so this time we decided to buy land for a more permanent location.” He noted that he still has storage units available at the Thalang location on Thepkrasattri Rd – just north of Tesco Lotus – as well as his original site on Chao Fa West Rd in Chalong. The new Safeway headquarters, just opposite of Pak Khlok School, sits on a plot just over 2-rai, which provides sufficient stockyard space for the rental units. Gordon explained

that the business is the same as before but they are now supplying rental units as far afield as Pang Nga, Krabi and Surat Thani. Though the business isn’t limited to the local region. “We have exported 35 units to Australia with still a huge potential for further export business to Australia and New Zealand “With our increase in space available we are now offering storage for trailer boats and cars as well. We’ve probably got about 100 units now,” he said. “The core of our business is rentals, mostly offices and containers, but we also carry portable loos.” Safeways’s client base includes Laguna, Marriott, Tesco and the new HomePro developments as well as schools and construction developers such as Phuket International Academy The portable toilets – singles and doubles – rent for around B3,000 and B4,000, while basic 20 foot storage containers can be rented for B3,500 a month, and mobile offices start at B6,000/month. On toilets, Gordon explained that clients tend to make their own septic systems on site, using moulded plastic tanks or concrete rings buried into the ground for longer term rentals. “We do have some units with builtin septic tanks which are popular for shorter term rentals.”

Modern is modular

All modular offices are fully insulated, with air-conditioning units and standard electrical breakers, conduits and outlets for AC230V – ready to plug into the grid. Some of the offices have been modified, from shipping containers; others built from scratch; all are steel-framed and crane-friendly, for convenient relocation to anywhere in Phuket – or other southern provinces. “We can have them moved to most sites, as long as there’s enough clearance on the access road, including height and width for the truck to access the site. Things you have to look out for are power, and especially phone lines, which sometimes hang only a few meters above a road.” Gordon explained you’d generally need clearance of up to 4 meters overhead, and three meters width, and an additional 2-3 meters of clearance at the final unloading spot. With a background in construction engineering, Gordon also designs and directs custom builds, whether for a unique modular office unit, accommoda-

tion or coffee shops etc.. Gordon can make designs from scratch, or apply his engineering and construction expertise to turn your own design into a reality. “The advantage of working with container designs, is you can modify, and make extensions at a later stage pretty easily,” he said. Though classified as temporary buildings, Safeway’s modular building units are more durable and sturdier than most “permanent” buildings, and will last for decades with little maintenance required. And even for long-term projects that would be more ideal for purchase, they’re cost effective too, starting between B10,000 to 20,000 per square meter. So how much does it cost to transport one of these multiple-tonne units in Phuket? “To move [one of the units] anywhere around the general area of Phuket would cost about B5,000... If you wanted to ship to Bangkok, for example, it might cost around B30,000, depending on the weight, size and distance.” Safeway has its own forklifts for general manoeuvring, and for relocations, the company works with many craneready shipping companies servicing Phuket, and the rest of the country. Asked about his future plans, Gordon says that he may concentrate on part time consultancy work including for “Safeway” if required. “I started this company 13 years ago, and the business continues to grow. More development is coming to Phuket which is good for the business.” Though turning over decent profit, which grows every year, Gordon who is pushing 70, is ready to slow down. “The business is for sale. I’d consider selling the land and all the assets with the business, or if a buyer wants to move the business somewhere else, I’m open to negotiate,” he said. For more on Safeway, its products and services, contact Gordon on 081-8924804 or email gordon_asia@hotmail. com. Visit www.safewayasia.com

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EDUCATION 5

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Kids in Captivity

Gecko teachers Huw and Celi led the day.

his was by far the most poignant lesson of my 23 year teaching career. One morning, Celi and Huw (Gecko teachers aka ‘dolphin trainers’) rounded up the children (with parental permission) with bamboo sticks and whistles. The children were herded into a small area and then ‘driven’ into a room where they spent the whole day. They were provided with water and given only a bowl of rice for lunch. Throughout the day the ‘dolphin trainers’ entered the room but only communicated with the children through whistles. Materials and games were removed from the room to ensure the kids could not be distracted and amuse themselves, and forget that they were in captivity. At first the children thought this was fun, cool and exciting, but soon the

Local school promotes anti-bullying

ajonkiet International School is excited to announce that they will be participating in The Great Kindness Challenge from January 26 to January 30. The Great K indness Challenge is a powerful and positive bullying prevention initiative organised by the Kids for Peace Foundation that has developed into a global celebration of kindness, unity and respect. KIS is one of thousands of schools around the world taking part in this special week dedicated to perform-

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ing as many acts of kindness as possible. The week will take place across the whole school including all members of the school community from their Pre-Nursery children right

up to their Key Stage 3 students. For more information about The Great Kindness Challenge please visit: www. greatkindnesschallenge.org

boredom set in and bickering began. The kids begged for food and even learnt that doing tricks in front of the dolphin trainers would earn them a small reward like a splash of soy sauce on their rice. Even at home time the trainers did not speak to the children, they simply opened the door. Towards the end of the day the kids wrote a reflection on their experience of being in captivity.

Kids reflections

“ They made us go in a corner just like in The Cove. It was really scary when Huw and Celi were blowing the whistles,” said Amelia. “I was too hungry and was about to give up. Huw walked into the room with this giant piece of cake then I had hope. But he started to eat it. I just wanted to be slaughtered at that moment, I couldn’t take it anymore. This was the

worst day of my life. I soooo wish this doesn’t happen again,” said Jackson. “Today I experienced how dolphins live in captivity, it made me really angry, frustrated and depressed. It was horrible. It really sucks to be a dolphin,” said Connor. “I realised everyone was angry and stressed because they were hungry so they started arguing. I experienced what dolphins go through,” said Jack.

6 EXPLORE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

New Viewpoint at Khao Rang Hill Improvements in Phuket Town pave way for stunning views JAMIE’S PHUKET Jamie Monk editor@classactmedia.co.th

We spent The view from Rang Hill is just, wow. It was just about possible to see Koh Phi Phi in the distance nearly 50km away to the southeast).

(Clockwise from top) The new viepoint at Khao Rang Hill; the view of Phuket Town from the new platform; Tower Pavilion at the Rang Hill Viewpoint. Photos: Dawn in Phuket

omething new and rather good has happened at Rang Hill on the north side of Phuket Town. A new viewpoint has been built! Maybe not a huge deal, since Rang Hill has always had a decent view, but it’s been done very nicely and with a platform extending out to the south of the hill beyond the tree cover, so the view is now much better and you can see pretty much all of Phuket Town, plus all the way across to Chalong Bay and the hills to the west including the Big Buddha. We’ve been up Rang Hill countless times and it’s been blogged about many more, most recently in 2013. Not much had changed up there for many years. A twisty road heading up from town (actually several twisty roads from different directions) and the well known Tunk Ka Cafe which has been there for, well, it’s been there longer than I’ve been in Phuket. A new restaurant called Khao Rang Breeze was completed a few years ago

(we’ve not eaten here) and now there are more monkeys than there used to be. And now, this new viewpoint is complete (see picture at top of page). You have to walk under a white pavilion to reach the open area. When we saw the building works going on we thought the pavilion would be like a view tower, but there are no steps to take you up to the upper levels, although it does have a balcony and looks totally like something to be ascended. Someone mixed-up the building plans somewhere? Rang Hill is not exactly a tourist attraction. But it’s easy to find, and with the nice views and places to eat, it’s worth a look if you are exploring around Phuket Town. We stopped at the weekend to check out the new viewpoint and it was all local people up there. And as my daughter noticed, most of them were taking ‘selfies’. It’s wellbuilt and certainly adds to Rang Hill. We did not stop for food on this particular day. We have eaten at Tunk Ka Cafe many times and we also mean to try the Rang Hill View restaurant which is halfway up the hill. The Breeze restaurant is a little pricier. Previously, the view from Rang Hill was more limited and looked southwest towards

Chalong and the Big Buddha. There were snatches of views to the south from Tunk Ka looking through the trees, but now with this viewing platform you get to check out sights spanning more than 180 degrees and I think it looks great. The view from Rang Hill is just, wow. It was just about possible to see Koh Phi Phi in the distance (nearly 50km away to the southeast). Most of Phuket Town is visible, you can see south to Cape Panwa, southwest to Chalong and (visible on the right side of the top photo of the viewpoint) west to the hills including the Big Buddha and Radar Hill. Now I need to visit again around sunset! I think this viewpoint has been done really well. Good job, Phuket municipality! We were just in Hua Hin last month and they have built several viewpoints on top of the hill (Khao Hin Lek Fai) to the west of the town. This viewpoint at Rang Hill certainly rivals Hua Hin. I’ll try to get up again soon for a sunset. Read the full version at Jamie’s Phuket Blog, jamie-monk.blogspot.com. Jamie works at liveaboard dive specialists Sunrise Divers in Karon, 084 626 4646, sunrise-divers.com

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

BEAUTY 7

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Beauty changes for the new year Dalia Hilmi editor1@classactmedia.co.th

What could be cooler than a gothic wing of coloured paint brushed freehand along the eyes.

Time to dig up that glitter collection and experiement with it on your eyes, as styled by Givency.

o although Thailand doesn’t really have a spring season, the drop in temperature and a slightly chilly breeze gives way to a whole new season in the cosmetics and fashion department. Make-up collections compete in offering a spectrum of colours and many brands have already launched their new collections, coinciding with the new year and many people’s idea of a fresh start. Spring makeup tends to look like bronze skin, glossy lips and soft, pastel eyes, although you could argue that’s the description of what most women walking the streets of Thailand look like all year. However, putting aside where we live, the beauty on the runway this season threw out a few surprises in the form of bold smoky shadow, vivid and striking red lips as well as strokes of intense and clever colour. The most exciting and popular runways around the world featured a collection of bohemian, free-spirited festival girls; edgy biker babes; and low-key fresh-faced beauties. Some of the most exciting looks around feature the following: Undone Hair: the type of hair you can just wake up with and walk out the door. Loose, beautiful and natural. Although you still need to ensure it’s clean and in good condition, including the colour. Rock Star Statements: this season we are seeing a lot of striking, sexy eyeshadows. It’s all about making a statement, whether that’s through Givenchy’s style of a sharp colour painted across the eyelid, (and what

Burberry nail polish and eyeshadow collection. could be cooler than a gothic wing of coloured paint brushed freehand along the eyes) or vivid black cat eyes. Glam-rock pops of glitter on the eyelids are also a popular hit, and give girls the chance to dig out their 80’s glitter collection again. Pastel shades are popular in spring collections around the world because they are associated with warmth and youth. Fresh and luminous complexions could be seen on the models walking down the 2015 catwalks, in particular in the Calvin Klein, Chloe and Alexander Wang collections. Fuchsia, pink pearls and lighters shades give cheeks a fresh-faced and angelic glow. Pastels are described by MAC as poetic colours that usher in a new vitality after the

Beauty tips: how to reap the most benefits from your moisturiser Bangkok Post

e’ve all been told that we should pick the right moisturiser based on our skin type — dry, oily or combination. The truth is the condition of our skin changes not only at different phases of life, but also during the same day. The texture — gel, lotion, cream or heavy cream — only matters in terms of feeling and absorption time. Make-up does not go well on heavy cream, so if you put some on later, lighter textures are better. However, if you like a heavier texture, spare a few extra minutes to make sure it has completely absorbed before adding a layer of make-up. In addition to choosing the right product, how you use it also matters. Here’s La Mer’s guide on how to get the most benefit from your moisturiser.

Apply it while the skin is damp

Skin is most receptive to hydration when there is some water on the surface, so moisturise within a minute of washing your face or stepping out of the shower. And to make any moisturiser absorb more fully, hold a warm, wet washcloth to the face for a minute, and then follow immediately with moisturiser.

Moisturise twice daily

Don’t wait until your skin feels dry @thephuketnews

to use moisturiser. Hydration is most effective when applied daily to maintain continuous levels of moisture and to help the skin barrier stay healthy. Other perks to moisturising daily include suppler, softer skin and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Exfoliate skin

If dead skin cells and oils are clogging the surface of the skin, moisturiser can’t effectively penetrate through and hydrate properly. Once a week, use a gentle exfoliator to reveal a fresh complexion. Rinse and follow with your moisturiser.

Treat eyes with care

The delicate skin around your eyes shows both your age and levels of dehydration by revealing wrinkles. Moisture here should come from a thicker formulation with ingredients targeted to the unique concerns of the area, like puffiness and dark circles. A good eye cream can help dissolve the appearance of surface discolouration and unevenness as well as soften wrinkles.

Photo: Luxy Hair cold winter. However light shades may not work well for every women, especially those with a darker skin tone and lip colour. It can actually work in the opposite way. So that’s where the vivid luscious lip colours come in. All the hot brands such as Chanel and Burberry featured it. Bright oranges and fuchsias feature in Chanel’s elegant spring look. The pale, and natural eye colour allow for a more striking lip colour to take the leading role. Be sure to look out for an array of decorative hairpieces, slick back hair, polished ponytails, and the chic, playful braid. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your bohemian side. This season is all about change.

8 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Iron Chef of Thailand delights food fanatics at Naka Island

t The Naka Island, Phuket lovers of gourmet cuisine can enjoy award-winning dining with Chef Ian Thomason, the recently crowned “Iron Chef Thailand Champion 2014”. Chef Ian’s recent victory on the culinary TV show, “Iron Chef Thailand”, has further enhanced his reputation as a truly remarkable chef, and The Naka Island, Phuket as an exceptional destination for epicureans. Following his recent victory on the popular TV show, one of the esteemed judges said of Chef Ian, “Over the years, nobody was able to overcome the reigning Iron Chef Champion, however with his ability to enhance local ingredients and consistency in flavouring, from the first dish to the last dish, Chef Ian and his team triumphed and became the new Iron Chef Thailand Champion 2014.” As Culinary Director at the renowned resort, Chef Ian, ensures guests have memorable experiences at the all-day dining venue, Tonsai, succulent steaks and fresh seafood at the relaxed alfresco beachfront restaurant, My Grill, and exotic sunset cocktails accompanied by tasty Asianinspired tapas at Z Bar. Chef Ian began his culinary journey at Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, UK. His natural ability and passion was noticed at an early age and he went on cook in some of world’s most prestigious kitchens including The Dorchester in London, England.

Chef Ian’s impeccable pedigree also includes a position as Senior Sous Chef at The Savoy, followed by Executive Sous Chef at the Sofitel London St. James where he worked under the legendary Chef Albert Roux. For the past three years Chef Ian has been delighting diners at The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort, Phuket. Whether savouring his

exquisite cuisine at Tonsai, My Grill, Z Bar or for unforgettable in-villa dining, guests of the resort are assured an enriching and authentic epicurean experience with “Iron Chef Thailand Champion 2014”. For more information about the property, visit www. luxurycollection.com/nakaisland.

Pad Kee Mao Pla @ Sambaitao

ad Kee Mao Pla (drunks’ fish stirfry) is a spicy fish and rice dish which you will love if you like your food spicy and hot. The addition of sweet basil gives it a really fantastic taste. The dish can be topped with a fried egg or omelet, and a side dish of pork soup is always included. In addition to the Pad Kee Mao Pla, the Sambaitao food shop also serves an array of other tasty and popular Thai dishes such as Pad Thai Goong Sod (Stir-Fried Rice Noodle

with Prawn) or Pad Kra Pao Gai (Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Holy Basil).

Sam Baituo food shop is located on Soi Phaniang, Yaowarat Road in Town. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 9

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

A night of culinary greatness Paresa’s one night only dinner with El Bulli chef

JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

At this point, it’s apparent that what El Bulli did during their nearly 45 year was above cutting-edge...

(Clockwise from top right) Chef Paulo De Souza putting finishes touches on a plate; Jardin Floral - a dessert dish; Mero de Emporda dish included grouper fish; Gamba Enmascarada dish has shrimp “masquerading” under bisque and on top of shale rock; Carrillera Coulant included wagyu cheek, foie gras and other delicious goodies.

@thephuketnews

grew up in New Jersey, far from the picturesque seaviews of Northeastern Spain where legendary chef Ferran Adrià’s famed El Bulli sat for decades. They didn’t serve food, they served tasty science experiements – and lots of them. The dining was so spectacular at El Bulli that it was named the No. 1 restaurant in the world five times (2002, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009) by Restaurant Magazine. Peruvian-born chef Paulo De Souza was one of few culinary artists to have worked at El Bulli (from 2005 to 2008). The chef recently held a one-night only culinary feast at Paresa Phuket, where 32 diners enjoyed several El Bulli classics from his time there. “This dinner has a lot of sentiment for me. To redo [these dishes], I would be doing something that represented an era, a place, a special restaurant. I did this to commemorate a special time,” he said. Each dish was paired with a wine vintage from the year that the dish was made. As De Souza puts it: “Each plate told a story of one year at El Bulli.” The Gamba Enmascarada (translation: hidden prawn), made in 2008, is served on a plate of shale rock. The prawns were covered in a bisque and included mushrooms as well as nasturtium (an edible watercress). The fresh seafood was light and had a clean finish thanks to the bisque. Mero del Emporda (translation: fish from Empordà region of Catalonia) was one of the delights of the night, with a puree of Aragon olives and a lightly cooked grouper that enhanced the flavours of the rest of the dish, including the leek ash. At this point, it’s apparent that what El Bulli did during their nearly 45 year was above cutting-edge. The restaurant closed in 2010 and served 8,000 diners a year (with 2 million reservation requests annually). Each month, the restaurant’s menu included anywhere from 27–29 small dishes (37 dishes at its peak). The menu, even recipes, would change four times a month, so their chefs worked hard and fast. “The restaurant was so isolated and far from everything that you had to drive many hours to get there. In order to make a great experience for the customer, to make it worth it for them to drive, we gave them a 4-5 hour experience” De Souza said. Perhaps this is what drove Paresa General Manager Dawid Koegelenberg to seek out De Souza. Phuket is slowly becoming a haven for fine dining, with several high-end restaurants making their mark on the island. The molecular gastronomy that went on at El Bulli was shaped by people with a passion for more than food: it’s all about the senses, the presentation, and making it all as unique as possible. Case in point: the Carrillera Coulant (translation: flowing cheek), from 2007. Originally made with hare, the dish was the first time the restaurant had used game meat. It was stuffed with foie gras, served with a garlic sauce and crispy pieces of tomatoinfused bread. On this night, wagyu cheek was used for hare.

Though we had three desserts, the clear favourite was the whimsical Jardin Floral (translation: floral garden), from 2009. It was created by pastry chef Albert Adrià in 2007, during a phase where he recreated landscapes. “The idea is that this is a garden that you need to share with a person you are dining with,” De Souza said. The dish had chocolate, hazelnut and edible flowers, each prepared with the theme in mind. There was soil, mud, flowers, sand, and other elements

with a powerful chocolate taste. It’s difficult for the chef to pick one dish as his favourite, since these recreations were only a sliver of what was on the original El Bulli menus. Though the diners were delighted, it was De Souza who will remember this night fondly. “[All these dishes] are my favourites since they remind me of that beautiful moment in my career. It was the hardest job I ever had to do but I learned so much and it helped shape me into the pofessional I am today,” he said.

Hilton

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10 ENVIRONMENT

Gecko community cycle for dolphins

n Friday, January 23, Gecko children, parents, teachers and friends will be cycling all, or part of the ‘Road to Sustainable Marine Tourism’ commencing at Gecko Community in Thalang and ending at the JW Marriott Hotel in Khao Lak. The reason? To raise money to help send some Gecko children to ‘The Cove’ in Taiji, Japan to try and help stop the slaughter of thousands of dolphins there every year. Why? Back in October 2014, Vicki Keily, a resident of Phuket who volunteers for the “Dolphin Project” came to Gecko community to talk to the children about the proposed opening of the dolphinarium in Phuket. She explained all the reasons why the place should not open and explained where the dolphins were coming from. What happened next? The children researched all about dolphins, some of them watched The Cove filmed in Taiji. They all decided that it was not a good idea to keep dolphins in captivity, especially considering that five of the dolphins bound for the dolphinarium in Phuket are believed to

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

originate from Taiji. What action did they take? The kids wrote persuasive anti dolphinarium posters, signed online petitions, promised never to go to a dolphin show, created message rocks which were taken to Taiji Japan to the Cove, sent letters to the fisheries and government departments, created dolphin art using recycled materials, presented at the AMCHAM conference, attended the dolphin talk in Patong, did a whole day of kids in captivity so they could feel what it was like to be a dolphin in a tank and also went on a boat trip to see dolphins in the wild. But people want to see dolphins... Well, we are all very fortunate that we live on a beautiful island and there are dolphins around the waters of Phuket. So, a group from Gecko community hired a big boat and headed out to Phi Phi island with fingers crossed hoping to spot dolphins in the wild. They were lucky, after about 90 minutes, a pod of between 10 and 15 dolphins came to the boat and stayed with them for about 15 minutes. It was magical. It proved that if you live on Phuket you do not have to go to a dolphin show to see these amazing animals. Patong: Quite a few of the Gecko children went along to the talk in Pa-

The Gecko group proved that you don’t have to go to a dolphin show to see the magical mammals in Phuket. tong about the proposed dolphinarium to show their support against it. AMCHAM at Laguna: Three Gecko children even presented at the AMCHAM meeting in December on Marine Tourism. Their message – No Dolphinarium in Phuket. Message Rocks: The kids painted small pebbles with messages on and gave them to Vicki for her visit to Taiji as a ‘Cove Monitor’. She threw the pebbles into “The Cove” to wish the dolphins good luck. Gecko is continuing the cove message rocks when they go to Taiji at the end of January. And then...

Celi Harper, owner and teacher at Gecko, decided that she should go to Taiji to support Vicki. She told the children she wanted to go and some of them said they would like to join her. So, after a lot of planning, six Gecko children will become the first ever child cove monitors to visit Taiji. They leave on January 29 and will be away for eight days. Cycling the ‘Road to Sustainable Marine Tourism’ is not just about raising money for the children to visit Taiji, it is about raising awareness for protection and respect of all marine life. To get in touch, involved, be sure to visit geckoschool.org

United for cleaner beaches: Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong last week led a team of local government officials, merchants and members of the public in a sweep clean of Kamala Beach. The volunteers collected what trash they could, though the beach wasn’t too dirty as it is already maintained regularly by the Kamala Green Club. Also, see story on News pages about Phuket officials hoping to position Phuket’s beaches in world’s best.

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PROPERTY DEALS IN PHUKET *FIND THEM ON PAGE 17 thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

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12 TECHNOLOGY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Two more planets in our solar system, astronomers say

ou read that right. The Solar System has at least two more planets waiting to be discovered beyond the orbit of Pluto, Spanish and British astronomers say. The official list of planets in our star system runs to eight, with gas giant Neptune the outermost. Beyond Neptune, Pluto was relegated to the status of “dwarf planet” by the International Astronomical Union in 2006, although it is still championed by

some as the most distant planet from the Sun. In a study published in the latest issue of the British journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, researchers propose that “at least two” planets lie beyond Pluto. Their calculations are based on the unusual orbital behaviour of very distant space rocks called extreme transNeptunian objects, or ETNOs. In theory, ETNOs should be dispersed in a band some 150 Astronomical Units (AU) from the Sun. An AU, a measurement of Solar

System distance, is the span between Earth and the Sun – nearly 150 million kilometres. ETNOs should also be more or less on the same orbital plane as the Solar System planets. But observations of about a dozen ETNOs have suggested a quite different picture, the study says. If correct, they imply that ETNOs are scattered much more widely, at between 150 and 525 AU, and with an orbital inclination of about 20 degrees. To explain this anomaly, the study

suggests some very large objects – planets – must be in the neighbourhood and their gravitational force is bossing the much smaller ETNOs around. “The exact number is uncertain, given that the data we have is limited, but our calculations suggest that there are at least two planets, and probably more, within the confines of our Solar System,” of the ETNOs, said Carlos de la Fuente Marcos of the Complutense University of Madrid. “If it is confirmed, our results may be truly revolutionary for astronomy.” AFP

What you should be playing right now: Unblock Me CHADDER BOX Chad Nolan Meyers chadnolanmeyers@gmail.com

Chad Nolan Meyers is a product of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. After falling in love with Princess Zelda at age 4, Chad has been running, jumping and fighting his way through the video game world ever since.

e’ve reviewed plenty of games here at The Phuket News, yet today we are hitting closer to home. It may be a few years old since it came out in 2010. Still, even five years later Unblock Me is still the worldwide #112 most popular mobile app game (for Android smartphones, at least). Created by Kira Games and hailing from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, Unblock Me is a deceptively tricky puzzle game. Who is the “Me” in the title? Why, it is a lone red horizontal block, and its path to the exit is blocked by a slew of wooden blocks. Vertical blocks can only move vertical, and the same goes for the horizontal blocks. Your job is to move the mess and unblock your red friend, using as few moves as possible. With over 14,500 puzzles spread out over four difficulties ranging from beginner to expert, you will almost be glad you popped your tire driving through the Central Festi-

val underpass construction, just to give you the opportunity to play a few more levels The brainchild of game creator Mr Kira-

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK:

korn Chimkool, Unblock Me was a side project while Kirakorn was working at an outsourcing division in a company from the US. After learning the programming language for the iOS (the operating system used for the iPhone), Mr Kirakorn cooked up a winner on the first try. Unblock Me has over 100 million downloads, is the 17th most downloaded game ever in Apple’s App Store, and has caused this columnist to cuss at his phone numerous times. Unblock Me is available as a free download. Support the Thailand gaming community by upgrading your gaming experience for only B30 more to unlock more levels and receive more hints.

TOP MOBILE APPS THIS WEEK:

inFamous: Second Son

PS4

Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Evernote Scannable (Productivity)

iOS

Just Dance 2015

Wii U

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Monument Valley (Game)

Android

Assassin’s Creed: Unity (Bundle)

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Grand Theft Auto V

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Yplan (Entertainment)

iOS, Android

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

3DS

Fifa 15

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Unblock Me (Game)

iOS, Android

Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

3DS

10 Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Xbox One

Parallels (Remote desktop)

iOS, Android

thephuketnews

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM 4, 2014 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FRIDAY,APRIL JANUARY 23, 2015

IN BRIEF J-Law joins James Cameron project

FILM REVIEW J.P. Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

INTO THE WOODS

Into The Woods mixes Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, [and] Jack And The Beanstalk.

Starring: Emily Blunt, James Corden, Meryl Streep, Ana Kendrick, Johnny Depp and Chris Pine

DIRECTOR: Rob Marshall

RUNNING TIME: 124 minutes

NEW MOVIES THIS WEEK...

ere are this week’s coming attractions for SFX Coliseum Cinema (Central Festival) and SF Cinema City Jungceylon (Patong). For up-to-date movie times and tickets, visit booking.sfcinemacity.com.

To see the forest for the trees

nto The Woods is a delightful riot, a maddening mash-up of fairy tales, magic, farce and camp, with a healthy dose of Freudian mockery of macho princes. But the reason this film feels refreshing and subversive (it was adapted from the Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine) is its wry, dark spirit — it continues to smile and wink while simultaneously picking the bones of the carcasses of those fluffy Disney tales, acknowledging the eerie undercurrents of the original Brothers Grimm stories. This is a Disney film, too, and that makes it all the more head-spinning — in a welcoming way. Into The Woods mixes Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Jack And The Beanstalk, throws in a childless baker and his wife, and adds a sinister blue-haired witch for good measure. The structure of the story (and the musical) is a bombshell to the tradition of happily-ever-after: the witch dispatches the baker and his wife (James Corden and Emily Blunt) into the woods to retrieve four magical items that will help the barren couple lift the curse and finally have a child, but the comical quest to obtain those objects is not the whole point. By the time they’ve acquired Cinderella’s slipper, Rapunzel’s lock, the blood-red hood of Little Red, and a white cow originally belonging to Jack of magic beanstalk fame, the film is far from ending — it doesn’t even let the celebration of the happy denouement linger, instead delving into the terrain of guilt, death, forbidden desire and adult dishonesty. The enchanting woods become a swamp of the subconscious, simmering with the id and superego. Thus, this is an unusual specimen, a sugarcoated bitter pill from the empire

MORTDECAI Running time: 107 minutes

of ice cream. The songs are melodic, the jokes are uproarious, Blunt and Anna Kendrick (as Cinderella) are so enjoyable to watch and, of course, Streep has slipped into the witchy role that’s perfect for her calibrated theatricality — children will enjoy all of those. Still, it’s clear that the film, especially the black comedy of the last act, is geared fully towards that tricky terrain between adults’ anxieties and enjoyment. It may be said that whatever we see in the film version isn’t as subversive as the original musical, but what we see is dark-tinged enough to throw unsuspecting viewers looking for another piece of Disney candy off their seats. In this crazy cocktail (“crazy” is complimentary) we also detect the recent Disney trend of questioning its own mythology of princesses and princes. The two strutting peacocks here, played by Chris Pine and Billy Magnussen, are self-absorbed pretty boys, fair game for ridicule. One of the best songs is the princes’ duet, Agony, in which they rip open their shirts and moan about their heartache in delirious histrionics, unaware that they look pathetic, but the film eggs us on to laugh at them. Meanwhile Rapunzel isn’t actually “rescued” by her bumbling prince, and Cinderella has a habit of running away from her beau. But it’s the baker’s wife who becomes involved in the strangest turn of all. Desire lies hidden, so in the woods we all go looking for it — and Into the Woods is an odd and merry trip that’s worth your weekend. Bangkok Post

Juggling angry Russians, the British Mi5, and an international terrorist, debonair art dealer and part time rogue Charlie Mortdecai (Johnny Depp) races to recover a stolen painting rumored to contain a code that leads to lost Nazi gold. (Adapted from the book antholoy, The Mortdecai Trilogy).

Running time: 133 minutes

@thephuketnews

Last week, A ma zon a nnounced their ambitious project of producing a dozen original films to be made available for both cinemas and their Amazine Prime Instant Video subscribers. According to reports, Amazon Studios plans to make their films available online about 30 to 60 days after the theatrical release. The goal of 12 films is annual and Amazon Studios plans to get started with their first film soon, which will be led by producer Ted Hope. The news comes one week after Amazon Studios won two Golden Globes awards for its breakout series Transparent and the announcement of a programming deal with Woody Allen.

Another reboot: The Ring

Popular horror f r a nc h i s e T he Ring will make a comeback with a new name and star. Italian actress Matilda Lutz will be the lead in Rings, which – rumour has it – will continue the story for the previous two films made in 2002 and 2005. Of course, the America films were remakes of the Japanese films, which were based on Koji Suzuki’s 1991 novel. Director F. Javier Gutierre (Before the Fall) has been attached to direct while Akiva Goldsman (Cinderella Man; A Beautiful Mind) is set to write the script.

Film

Rated: R

Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle’s (Bradley Cooper) pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind. (Based on the book of the same name.)

Out: The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies, Seventh Son

Amazon to make movies

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10

AMERICAN SNIPER Rated: R

Jennifer Lawrence has sig ned on for the James Cameronproduced project, The Dive, online reports say. The film will see Lawrence team up once again with her Hunger Games director Francis Lawrence (no relation). The Dive revolves around the true, tragic love story of married free divers Francisco “Pipin” Ferraras and Audrey Mestre, who died while trying to beat her own tank-free world record dive of 169.9 metres. Dana Stevens (Safe Haven) has already written a script though it’s not confirmed when the film would go into production.

Weekend

Gross

1 American Sniper

$105.31M $108.73M

2 Paddington

$25.21M

3 The Wedding Ringer

$24.50M

4 Taken 3

$17.40M

$66.19M

5 Selma

$11.50M

$29.16M

6 Into the Woods

$8.70M

$116.45M

7 The Imitation Game

$8.07M

$51.67M

$6.01M

$245.68M

$5.07M

$106.01M

$4.96M

$109.30M

8 9

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

10 Unbroken

14 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Yulianna’s return to Phuket Dalia Hilmi editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Her real accomplishment was being accepted into the Academy of Grammy.

Yulianna, originally from Kazakhstan, has been invited back to the Maikhao Dream Resort ever since filming there in 2011.

alifornia based pop singer Yulianna was recently on tour in Thailand, and The Phuket News went to interview her at the luxurious five-star Maikhao Dream Resort & Spa, in Natai, Phang-Nga, where she was staying. Yulianna was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, but she grew up in Santa Barbara, California. She graduated from the California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts) with a BFA and MFA in Opera Vocal Performance and a minor in Jazz Systematic Improvisation. It was while studying that she scored her first gig. After receiving her MFA, she decided to study composition in a community college. There, she was offered the golden opportunity to meet with music producer Robin Nixon, who then went on to produce her first album entitled “La-La-Land” in 2009. Yulianna then went on to work with multi Grammy winning composer Walter Afanasieff, and later released a single called “Forgiveness”. The video for which was shot on the beach at the Maikhao Dream Resort & Spa, by Oscar winning director Waleed Moursi. With various nominations under her belt, including a Grammy nomination for the Best Vocal Performance and Best Instrumental Composition for her single “Forgiveness”, as well as a number of exciting gigs, including performing at the Coachella music festival with producer and Dj Frank Royal in California, it’s no wonder Yulianna has quickly made a name for herself. Her real accomplishment was being accepted into the Academy of Grammy, and although she didn’t win she says she was “so close to her lifetime goal”. Having worked alongside the likes of Nicholas Ras Furlong, Spencer Nezey, notorious rapper The Game, and many more, Yulianna has learned from some of the best in the music industry.

Yulianna says her inspirations come from all “the natural things in life: love, friendship, struggles and war.” Yulianna continues to grow and develop her musical sound, which was evident in her third album Popra “Soldier”, released in September 2014. Yulianna says she was thrilled when a blogger of PopDose placed her Popra “Soldier” album at #9 album of the year, and compared the album to Lady Gaga’s new album Artpop. “She [Lady Gaga] is one of my favourite artists. I am proud of all of my work, after all, each step takes me to a new place or gives me an opportunity to meet someone new. I love collaborating and working with new people. “In October last year I started my own show, YuliannaTV, on youtube where I interview indie and main stream artists.” Yulianna has been invited back to Maikhao Dream Resort & Spa ever since filming the video to “Forgiveness”. “I have been performing here for private parties as well as the New Years Eve

concert. I guess after you get spoiled by a five-star resort, you wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. “I absolutely love the Maikhao Dream team. Everyone is super friendly and will always do their best to accommodate you, whether that’s whipping up your favourite meal or getting you around the city. It’s extra special for me, purely because of its sentimental value.” So what’s next for Yulianna? “I hope my music will continue to touch people’s hearts and relate to their life stories. “When I was travelling recently, a fan stopped me and asked for my autograph. I hope my fan base will continue to grow. “My main goal is to continue making great music, break even more barriers, and create something new. “There’ll be a few more tours, and coming soon is the release of my new music, written in collaboration with Jeff Blue.” For more information visit yulianna.com

Old boyfriends, new films, new babies and a celebrity couple in Phuket AMIGOVIA Whitney Mitha whitneymitha@yahoo.com

ew Year, old boyfriend! It seems old habits die hard with Jennifer Lopez – just like the rest of us. She has been spotted out and about with most recent ex-boyfriend Casper Smart. He was originally one of her back up dancers and as their relationship blossomed so did his career, not surprisingly. Now he is a bona fide choreographer. They even rung in the year together. I am such a fan of an older woman and a younger man! Go JLo. A nother gorgeous woman and her long-time boyfriend have split after five years together. Russian model Irina Shayk and

Portuguese sports superstar Cristiano Ronaldo have gone their separate ways without disclosing why, only a statement saying the split was not due to his family’s disapproval as rumoured. Finally another classic old boyfriend scenario is playing out between Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber. The on-again, off-again couple were seen dining and leaving together in Los Angeles last week. Sparking rumours that “Jelena” is back on. The young couple have split and reunited a couple of times, but recently both said to be dating other people. As for going back I can’t blame her, we have all been there. I will say he seems to have a better image when he is with her. She should probably move on but just as Selena’s current hit song says: “The heart wants what it wants.” Coming Soon Six years after the film

(Clockwise from top left) Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Shayk; Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber; Casper Smart and Jennifer Lopez; the late rapper Tupac Shakur. Notorious (a biopic about late rapper Notorious B.I.G.), the legalities have been worked out to begin production of a similar film about rival rapper Tupac Shakur. Both rappers were fatally shot in drive-by shootings in the mid-1990s. Fans will be anxiously awaiting the release of this film.

The 2015 Oscar award nominations were announced last week. A stark similarity: all the nominees share the same skin colour. All twenty acting nominees are white and this fact has caused some rumblings as some feel a lot of talent was overlooked this year. This combo of nominees has not

occurred since 1998. Plus, no females were nominated in screenwriting and directing. What do you think about this? Baby Boom Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds secretly welcomed their first baby girl in December. No pictures have been released yet nor the

baby’s name. But when they do surface, I am sure this baby will be dressed to the nines. I suspect Blake will take kid couture to a whole new level. VP Under Attack American Vice President, Joe Biden was not home luckily when an unknown person(s) drove-by his Delaware home and fired gun shots. No one was injured but I am sure they will tighten security. Celeb Sightings in Phuket! Unless you were diving all Christmas and New Years, everyone knows that Beyonce and Jay Z were in Phuket. Anyone have a sighting story to share? Whitney is an American living in Phuket, writing about the latest gossip and trends in pop culture. Read more from Whitney onWordpress and Facebook (search: “amigovia”) and follow her on Instagram @Amigovia.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 15

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Erich Friedl - GM The Naka Island Resort, Susannah McNeil (C) with friend.

TASTING A HEAVENLY SUNSET W/ PASCAL JOLIVET @ KATA ROCKS

Kata Rocks toasted Pascal Jolivet, one of the Loire Valley’s most dynamic wine makers, for a special sunset tasting on January 17. Guests enjoyed a selection of Tapas and five of Pascal’s finest vintages in a Kata Rocks Penthouse “Sky Villa”.

Brice Borin, GM The Regant Panwa; Jintana Borin’ and Scot Toon, GM Kata Rocks

WELL WISHES FROM GRAND MERCURE PATONG

THANKS FROM KIND CLIENTS

Pemika Na Nakorn of the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Maikhao Beach(2nd left) and Goy Piyanuch of The Nap Patong (2nd right) paid a visit to CAM offices.

Representatives of Grand Mercure Phuket Patong, Songphop Dulphinitphatthana, Sales & Marketing Manager, along with Wichaya Kongkaew, Assistant Director of Marketing Communication, paid a visit to the Class Act Media offices on January 19 to present a spa care gift set to SalesManager Jittiya Rakdej and Sales Support, Siriporn Seangmas.

ISRAELI SUPERSTAR & WIFE VISITS AMARI Mr Pierre-Andre Pelletier – Vice President and Area General Manager, South Thailand (left) and Ms Tipaporn Koonphol – Deputy General Manager (right) gave a warm welcome to the famous singer from Israel Mr Lior Narkis and his wife Ms Sapir Narkis (middle) during their recent visit to Amari Phuket.

SWEET TREATS BY THE KEE Samornpun Somnam, Exeutive Director of The KEE Resort & Spa Patong Beach, and team, paid a visit to CAM, bringing with them yummy choco-filled snacks.

A SPORTING TIME AT DARASAMUT SCHOOL @thephuketnews

Darasamut Phuket School students competed in various competitions and team-spirit building activities recently. For more information, see sports pages.

CENTARA GRAND WHITE SANDS BRING GIFTS FOR THE TEAM Khun Dao and Khun Patrick from Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket recently stopped in for a visit, but didn’t come empty handed. Thanks!

16 ISLAND SCENE

Kittisak Pattamasaevi, Rossarin Maitland Smith, Narong Pattamasaevi, Poonsri Pattamasaevi.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Rossarin Maitland Smith, the arttist (middle), Narong Pattamasaevi, chairman of Montara Hospitality Group (right).

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Rossarin Maitland Smith.

SOLO ART EXHIBITION @ BOATHOUSE BY MONTARA Rossarin Maitland Smith launched a special, solo art exhibition featuring her latest abstract expressionist paintings. The artist uses acrylic on canvas as well as mixed-media and produces pieces that are suggestive of flight and freedom from conscious thought. The official opening was on January 15 and the exhibition will be open through February.

LAGUNA LOVES KIDS On Saturday (January 10), Laguna Resorts & Hotels, hosted the 23rd Annual Laguna Phuket’s National Children’s Day Celebration at Laguna Grove. More than 7,000 children and parents from the communities as well as tourists enjoyed various stage performances, kids’ talent demonstratoins, activities and fun games.

GREAT LOCAL TEACHER MAKES NATIONAL NOISE Kru Juree (Ms Churee Kosakul), a teacher for deaf students at Phuket Panyanukul School was honoured on Teacher’s Day (January 16) with royally endorsed, national recognition. With experience as a special education teacher for more than 30 years, Kru Juree has been at Phuket Pnayanukul School – a school for disabled students in Thalang – for 12 years.

HOMESCHOOLERS ASSEMBLE Independently educated pupils recently got together in Phuket for an Open House of Homes school Phuket event, which brought together 80 students, parents and independent educators to share and exchange ideas, knowledge and progress. The event was presided over by Mr Chalum Oratham, Director of Primary Education in Phuket, and included Ms Pimphon Kabphet, director of the Supplementary Education Group. In 2014, the Ministry of Education approved of homeschooling applications for 29 students in 21 families, and aims to ensure that the kingdom’s home-schooling curriculum and assessment procedures are competitive with international standards.

RAJABHAT HONOURS EDUCATORS To mark National Teacher’s Day last Friday (January 16) Rajbhat University Phuket held a ceremony to honour its educators. Presided over by Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong, the ceremony featured a blessing by Buddhist monks, speeches, dedicated performances from pupils and awards presentations to a number of “outstanding educators”. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

ISLAND SCENE 17

GOV THANKS LOCAL MEDIA FOR SUPPORT OF ASIAN BEACH GAMES Governor Nisit Jansomwong presided over a reception dinner at the Phuket Pearl’s rooftop restaurant, on Saturday (January 17), which was organized as a token of gratitude to local media who showed strong support in coverage of the Asian Beach Games on the island last November. Phuket News TV Broadcast Manager Tim Newton (above) took the opportunity to present usb flash drives containing 11 Phuket News TV coverage segment clips, as well as a framed newspaper coverage from The Phuket News.

(Left) Irina and Steve from Seduction, and Dalia from Class Act Media.

Seduction’s Steve and his wife Judith

HIGHER GRAND OPENING NIGHT

The grand opening of Higher restaurant on top of the popular Seduction night club in Patong took place on Saturday January 17. Many VIPs and members of the media attended the event and sampled the delicious food tasters on offer.

KARON’S NEWEST & COOLEST CHILL SPOT Karon Beach Square’s grand opening took place on Saturday, January 17. Many attending the fabulous event and enjoyed a selection of canapés and beverages.

Able Wanamakok. @thephuketnews

Hansruedi Frutiger (C), GM of Moevenpick Karon with staff, friends.

Peter Smith, Gilber Melki and Jai Napper.

18 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

23 JAN Jazz, Blues & BBQ at Dewa Phuket

BBQ at Expat Hotel

Fridays from 7pm Enjoy live jazz with a delicious banquet of grilled meats, fresh seafood and more. From THB 800++ per guest Book Now: 076 372 300, Person: RSVP, Address: Dewa phuket, Email: sales2@dewaphuket.com

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

Taste of Siam Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket proudly present ‘Taste of Siam’, an extraordinary premium drinks dinner paired with limited-edition Monsoon Valley from Hua Hin Hills, Thailand. The 4-course menu created by The award-winning Chef Morten Bojstrup Nielson along with our Executive Chef Silvano Amolini and his team of Thai Chefs. Meet with an honoured guest speaker, Mrs. Kathrin Puff, Winemaker and Deputy Director Technical Support who will share the vineyard’s history throughout the night. Price: THB 2,200++ per person. Bookings are essential, please contact F&B Team call +66 (0) 7636 2999 or email: dtlpfb@ dusit.com Address: (Bang Tao Beach) 390 Moo 1, Srisoonthorn Road, T.Cherngtalay, A.Thalang, Phuket 83110

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar The competition at 9pm Expat Sports Bar at the Expat Hotel Soi Taipan Patong. See map at www.expathotel.com.

For THB 499/-nett. All you can eat

Indian Curry Night on Fridays

A fund raising function for a young woman named ‘Wan’ At Kangaroo Bar on Friday the 23rd of January on Bangla Road. Wan works in Patong around the Bangla Road area selling various wares. Wan was born with no hands and badly disfigured legs. Wan has an amazing spirit and is worthy of a lot more from life than she currently has. The fund raiser is to assist in buying an Electric Mobility Scooter for her., Contact Gregory Westcott kangaloowest@yahoo.com, 0895318615 Class Act Media is a proud supporter of this event.

Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, butter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks, 076-286464 Ext 4.

SAT

24 JAN

SUN

25 JAN

Sunday Poolside Chill Out Brunch at Kata Rocks Chill out poolside every Sunday for brunch, with our shared table family style dining along with live chill out music. Chef serves modern Mediterranean inspired plates and platters with an Australasian accent. Relax the afternoon away enjoy the brunch then cool off in our stunning 35 meter oceanfront infinity pool Chilled live beats will set the tone and backdrop to the perfect Sunday session 12 noon till 4 pm every Sunday 1500++ per person for brunch and 2500++ including free flow of selected beverages Reservations required, Person: Reservation, Email: reservations@katarocks.com, Phone: +66(0)76 370 777

Monthly Pub Quiz 2015 Monthly Pub Quiz by Phuket Has Been Good To Us is back!!! On last Monday of every month from 7pm. till late at Aussie Pub, Kamala. Entry fee 100THB per person (teams of up to 4). Join a special round every month with amazing raffle prizes. And the winners will get a 1000THB bar tab! Entry fee goes directly towards making a difference to underprivileged local children. 10THB from every drink goes to charity. More info. visit phukethasbeengoodtous. org or call 076278146.

MON

26 JAN

Aussies in Phuket - Australia Day 2015 At Lady Pie, Cherntalay, from 5:30pm, THB 200 for members and THB 300 for non members for either: 1) sausage sanger with salad and lamington 2) Pie mash and peas/ salad and lamington 3) Pie, Aussie drink and lamington Additional Aussie drinks from THB 60 each. All welcome. aussiesinphuket.com, Contact 086 479 7471

Live Seafood & Jazz Sunday Brunch at Banyan Tree Join Banyan Tree’s indulgent LIVE Seafood Sunday brunch featuring lots of LIVE Canadian Lobsters, Tiger prawns, freshly shucked Oysters, Wagyu rump and Foie Gras. Meander from one live cooking station to the next, and don’t forget to leave room for cheese and dessert. With live Jazz music and a kids club, starting at B2,800++ per person including free flow of selected beverages. Advance bookings are highly recommended, Contact 076 372 400. fbphuket@banyantree.com

SWASDEE SIAM at Dewa Phuket Mondays from 7pm An evening of Thai cultural performance and aromatic flavours from our Thai kitchen. Just THB 650++ per guest, Kids Eat Half. Price Book Now: 076 372 300, sales2@dewaphuket.com

Free Sauna TRX – Santosa Signature training

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi

Celebrating Fine Wagyu Beef At Every Saturday night, Num Noi Singpatong, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa the head trainer and owner of Singpatong + 3-day Saga Beef Promotion Presented By Renowned Japanese Chef. The Saga Beef Promotion Menu takes place at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s acclaimed Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre on Thursday January 22 to Saturday January 24 from 5 pm to 10 pm, and is priced at THB 3,800++ per person with 6 premium courses including a glass of Japanese beverage. RSVP: 076 338 000

Sitnumnoi gym in Patong Beach, hosts an elite fight series “Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Saturday fight night” at Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen Road), where top international and Thai fighters compete. Visit pattongboxingstadium.com for more info. Contact 087 628 2719. Proudly supported by Class Act Media. Remark: Free transportation in Patong, Karon, Kata areas when requested in advance.

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B320 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com

Santosa Wellness Center is the home of Phuket’s only certified, open TRX class. Born in the Navy SEALs, TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. TRX is the original workout system that leverages gravity and bodyweight to perform hundreds of exercises. TRX is highly functional and efficient in achieving extreme results quickly! To book this class, or to find out the other TRX class times, please go to www.santosaphuket. com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TUE

EVENTS 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

27 JAN

THU

29 JAN

MON

6 FEB

Toastmasters Phuket Looking to develop speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Invitation only. Contact joannetoastmasters@gmail.com for more info.

Free Sauna Zumba in the Jungle We do not consider Zumba a class, it is a fitness party! Making exercising fun, the dynamic Latin-based dance workout has taken the fitness world by storm. Vibrant and energetic, an hour of serious cardio passes by in such a flurry of colourful smiles, that it doesn’t feel like exercise at all! Join us at Santosa, where the formidable Geti Pici transforms our fitness pavilion into a fit-party! To book this class, or to find out the other Zumba class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.

WED

28 JAN

PASTA MANIA at Dewa Phuket Wednesdays from 7pm Savour the flavours of Italy with fresh pasta, homemade sauces, tasty appetizers and desserts. Just THB 650++ per guest, Kids Eat Half Price Book Now: 076 372 300, sales2@dewaphuket. com

SGS Training Centre Launch Seminar With the Training Centre officially opening this year, SGS are proudly exposing their accredited safety courses to the island. The safety seminar promises to be an informational and interactive morning with internationally accredited key note speakers, live K9 and first aid demonstrations. It’s free and includes lunch. Reservations required before 21 Jan. training@ sgsphuket.com, 089 728 6673

Aerial Yoga–Unique to Santosa The fluid, gravity-defying twist on yoga shows how we can learn to fly whilst relieving compressed joints and re-aligning the body. The practice uses graceful, trapezelike movements which sometimes seem like acrobatics. A wonderful way to do inversion poses, aerial yoga really is an innovative fitness trend, and Santosa are extremely proud to be the only center in Phuket offering suspended movement in every direction along with stimulation of the organs, muscles and bones. To book this class, or to find out the other Aerial yoga class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600. Patak Rd, Kata, colleen@santosaphuket.com

SAT

31 JAN

Youth Talent Contest 2015 Taking place again at the Royal Phuket Marina in Phuket, starting at 6pm. This year the competition has been split into two categories of Vocal Performance and Instrumental Performance. The main cash prize sponsor is Phuket International Academy. Additional sponsors are Hard Rock Café Phuket, Legend Music and Siobhan’s Music School in conjunction with Rock School out of the UK. Entry fee is B500. To enter contact 084 304 2587 or admin@phuketacademyofperformingarts.com. This event is proudly sponsored by Class Act Media.

WED

VNEA Pool Leagues Season 2 Join Thailand’s Largest Pool League ! Have Fun - Meet People - Play Pool For more details LIKE us on www.facebook.com/vneaphuket or call: 085 797 0005 For Schedules, Standings & Statistics check out: www.compusport.us Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

@thephuketnews

TUE

27 MAR

18 MAR CONSTECH 2015

RBFC THAILAND 2015 ‘Classic’ Sport Fishing Tournament To be held 18 to 20 March 2015 off the beautiful Similan Islands, the tournament boasts the most generous prize money in Asia!!! At least 20 boats have already confirmed, including teams from Australia, Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Oman, Hong Kong and Singapore. For further details please contact Warren Crowe Tel: +66(0) 812704291 or Andy Bright Tel: +66(0) 862739948. E-mail: info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com

Monthly Student Performances at Central Festival Mall Each month selected students from the Phuket Academy of Performing Arts and Siobhan’s Music School in the disciplines of vocals, piano, violin and guitar are invited to perform live at Central Festival Mall in Phuket. To find out more visit www.musiclessonsphuket.com or phuketacademyofperformingarts.com. Or 084 304 3587 or info@musiclessonsphuket.com and admin@phuketacademyofperformingarts.com.

greeting cards for all occasions, Novelties like tooth fairy pillow, and many more. All proceeds go directly to The Good Shepherd mission. More info visit www.thegoodshepherd.info/shop/ reginatudor@ gmail.com, 083 104 0788

The Good Shepherd Craft Shop Opens every Wednesday from 10AM to NOON and every Saturday from 9AM to NOON. We have a wide and wonderful selection of handicrafts such as educational toys, dolls, puppets, paper art,

Thailand International Construction Machinery, Equipment and Technology Exhibition 2015 is an international business platform gathering more than 400 exhibiting companies & brands from around the world spanning a vast range of construction and mining machinery and equipment, and machinery for building material production. More than 5,000 trade buyers, industry player and key decision makers from Thailand and ASEAN construction and mining industries are expected to visit the event. CONSTECH 2015 is organized by Thai Contractors Association under H.M. the King’s Patronage (TCA) and managed by IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. CONSTECH 2015 is a must visit exhibition!, Address: IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand., Email: pasinc@impact.co.th, Phone: 02 833 5208 Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

20 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 1. Name two sports in which you would use a mallet. 2. What is the name of Tintin’s dog – in the original French? 3. Which word can be added to the following to make three new words; Band, Hand and Grand? 4. Candlestick, dagger, lead pipe, rope... What two items are missing? 5. Astigmatism affects which part of the body? Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

49. Two-part 52. Agents 1. Phoenix neighbor 53. Support system? 5. Year type 56. Is out of options 9. Touches 59. Illegal firing 14. Denmark monetary 60. Suffix with psychsubunits 61. Lack 15. Oscar winner 62. Legal papers Paquin 63. Escritoire 16. Salami choice 64. Cutting part 17. Targeted 20. Untilled tract Down 21. Unstable particle 22. Urges onward 1. Drudgery 23. Match game? 2. Haliatus albicilla 24. Point to the right 3. Stiff hair 25. Cornered 4. Blue ___, Ohio 32. Safari sighting 5. Gap 33. Windows forerunner 6. Implant deeply 34. Lending letters 7. Like most graffiti: 35. Litmus reddeners Abbr. 36. Low-___ 8. ___ de deux 37. Off to one side 9. Shocked 39. Coffee order: Abbr. 10. Wild things 40. Swell place? 11. Newton, for one 41. Gadabouts 12. Bolted 42. Ensnared 13. Get smart 47. Rabbit ___ 18. Corrects 48. Swelter 19. Persian

potentates 23. Sort 24. Conscious minds 25. Lively 26. Sore spot 27. Coniferous forest 28. Consummate 29. Less important 30. “Lohengrin,” e.g. 31. Date 36. Some M & Ms 37. Certain discriminator 38. Good shot 40. Goat antelope 43. Flavored liqueur 44. Poetic feet 45. Old World herbs 46. Ruble kin 49. Certain herring 50. Container weight 51. They, in Trieste 52. Mesh of veins 53. Thin fastener 54. Crosspiece 55. ___ meridiem 57. Coal carrier 58. Be shy

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Polo and croquet; 2. Milou; 3. Stand; 4. Revolver and spanner/wrench – weapons in the board game Cluedo; 5. The eye.

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

■■ January 23, 1556

Percentage of people who say they would sooner give up alcohol than give up their smartphones (chocolate, 63pc).

1,000,000 Approximately, the number of bubbles in a glass of Champagne

Number of countries where atheism is a capital crime.

Number of people worldwide who are paid by Lego to build Lego sculptures.

Number of elephants killed every day in Africa. Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

A performer meditates for a moment before going on stage at the annual Kathu Festival. Photo by Alasdair Forbes Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to editor1@classactmedia.co.th

The deadliest earthquake in history, the Shaanxi earthquake, hits Shaanxi province, China. The death toll is thought to have been as high as 830,000. ■■ January 24, 41 Roman Emperor Caligula, known for his eccentricity and sadistic despotism, is assassinated by his disgruntled Praetorian Guards. ■■ January 25, 1981 Jiang Qing, the widow of Chinese dict ator Mao Zedong and one of the Gang of Four, is sentenced to death. ■■ January 26, 1788 The British First Fleet, led by Arthur Phillip, sails into Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) in Australia to establish the first convict colony. ■■ January 27, 1984 Pop singer Michael Jackson suffers second degree burns to his scalp during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in the Shrine Auditorium. ■■ January 28, 1820 A Russian expedition led by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev discovers the Antarctic continent. ■■ January 29, 1886 Karl Benz patents the first successful gasolinedriven automobile. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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EDUCATION

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Jobs

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Are you looking for a Nanny? Job Wanted!!! If you are looking for someone who can look after your child, pets or house when you plan to get away at night or during the weekend, Pls contact Email : jj_icu@hotmail.com, 081 476 7570

Luxury Hospitality Management is Thailand’s leading luxury management consulting company, offering services to organisations primarily within the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism industries.

Russian Property Broker 150k+ We are one of the leading real estate companies in Phuket that is expanding fast and looking for talented individuals to join our young, dynamic team. We have a position for a Russian speaking agent who has a number of years experience in real estate & within the Phuket market. This is a great opportunity for any hungry and talented sales people to join a market leader. Top Level Commission offered., Top Level Commission, Kamala, Phuket, 092 474 6157, paul@livephuket.com

We are growing and hiring: SALES CO-ORDINATOR Thai nationality only, fluent in English, with background & experience in OTA and connections with wholesale agents, Minimum two years experience in Sales. Able to work independently in headquarters office. Good benefit and bonus by KPI targets.

TOUR DESK SALES CO-ORDINATOR Thai nationality only, Sales coordinators for our LHM Adventure tour counter To be based in the properties we manage, fluent English with strong sales mind, full time and part time, good salary, attractive commissions with KPI target bonus structure. Interested candidates are invited to send an application with complete resume, in English, with qualifications, experience, a recent picture and expected salary to: md@luxuryhospitalitymanagement.com Phone: 0897256994 http://luxuryhospitalitymanagement.com/

Kotasovac

Join an International Team, Princess Yachts Phuket is hiring 1 Position: Yacht Charter Assistant; excellent written and spoken english, computer and internet, secretarial experience, Thai national 1 Position: Marketing Assistant; Video, Photo, Adobe, Internet and good English, Thai national Please call Rico Stapel at: 0866900444 and send resume to rico@princessyachtssea.com

Swimming coach & assistant Swimming coach & assistant wanted: 2 yrs experience teaching Babies. (1 yr for asst.) Native English speaker. Sal 50K/20K with other benefits., K.Bee, mantakids.pkt@gmail.com

The Terminal Phuket

Phuket Sirinath Property & The Terminal Phuket Sales Staff 2 (2 years Experience) Marketing 1 (3 years Experience) Accounting 1 (5 years Experience) A & S Supervisor 1 (10 years Experience) M & E Engineer 1 (10 years Experience) HR, Naiyang Beach, k.taksakorn@gmail.com, 076 327 590

TELE SALES WORK FROM HOME Earn up to 3,000 - 5,000 baht/day. International organization specialized in holiday rentals listing is expanding to new areas of interest. The ideal candidate is a responsible and diligent person with experience as a telemarketer or in sales. Good English and excel skills are essential. Thai or foreigners can both apply. We offer: full training, telephone and email support, high commissions, Email: recruitment@holiplanet.com

Come and join us to be a part of our Dream Team. The new unique Pool Bar and Restaurant on Phuket’s stunning East Coast is looking for you.

Position:

- Restaurant Manager/ Assistant Manager (ผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร, ผูช้ ว่ ยผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร) - Bartender/Bartendy (บาร์เทนเดอร์, บาร์เทนดี�) - Host/Hostess (พนักงานต้อนรับในห้องอาหาร) - Banquet Attendant (พนักงานฝ่ายจัดเลี�ยง) - Marketing /PR (การตลาดและประชาสัมพันธ์)

Incentives:

Salary package: ��,��-��,��, competitive compensation and benefit packages and guaranteed service charge. (รายได้รวมอยูร่ ะหว่าง

��,�� – ��,�� บาท ตามตำแหน่ ง , ความสามารถ และประสบการณ์)

- Daily tips - Staff Food - Staff Van - FUN at Work

Phuket Shopping Tours Job Are you an outgoing, fun loving person? Highly motivated, with excellent customer service skills? If so we want to hear from you. Phuket Shopping Tours is seeking expressions of interest from LICENSED TOUR GUIDES for freelance and full-time work. In addition to hosting Shopping Tours and Island Tours, successful candidates will assist with other aspects of the business including sales, marketing and promotional duties and will be an integral part of our growing team. Requirements ·Good English ·Outgoing personality ·Excellent customer service skills ·Own transport - driver’s license and own car highly desirable ·Excellent knowledge of Phuket ·Prior experience in 4/5 star resorts To learn more about Phuket Shopping Tours and what we do please read our website www.PhuketShoppingTours, Facebook and Tripadvisor. To apply send resume including copy of Tour Guide License to info@PhuketShoppingTours. com or call 0898 66 88 33

Native English Teachers Chalong International School is looking for two experienced teachers for our preschool and primary school to start Jan 6 Mon-Fri resume to phuketteacher@ yahoo.com, 080 624 7060

BB PHUKET NEEDS YOU!

An offer you can not refuse! Anyone who wants to be within a few weeks of earning money an interesting way, contact us. It involves a simple promotional activity on the Internet, which is very fairly assessed and which can behandled easily, by even a schoolboy! For work, you need a computer, patience and a desire to change their financial situation for the better. If you want to have an interesting monthly income, contact us as soon as possible. We would like to help. Contact by E-mail only: kotasovac@gmail.com

Vacancies for property sales reps 1.Sale English,Chinese,Russia (Good commission) Have experience in line of Sale 2.staff at booth for Property(17,000 + Lunch + Commission) Can communicate Good English, Kaew, kaew@agtropical. com, 094-8073434

POPMUSIC BAND AVAILABLE FOR NY 5 piece band available for NEW YEARS EVE. Can do audition first. Bring own instruments. Good quality band for a good party with popular old and new songs! email: paulsmollan@yahoo.com phone: 091-0426739

EXECUTIVE CHEF Popular hotel in Central Patong is looking for an Executive Chef. The applicant must have a minimum of 5 years experience in a similar position. The applicant must be able to assume full Management of a busy Kitchen and be able to co-ordinate Staff. Other duties include: Purchasing, Costing Innovative ideas and external catering events. Salary is negotiable and dependent on experience and ability. Languages Required: Thai / English

Excellent THAI CHEF Looking for an excellent Thai Chef to work abroad. I am looking for an excellent Thai Chef to work overseas in Sri Lanka at a new Thai Restaurant. Would require to speak little bit of english but what I am looking for is a really good chef who can make Authentic Thai food. Will provide great salary and accomodation. Please contact me on suranga.sd@gmail.com to discuss further.

Assistant Branch Manager 20 K We are hiring!!!!! Both positions for our new branch in Phuket and to be part of our energetic team. Excellent commission & benefits. Email info@thailandpooltables. com, 20,000 THB per month, Ying.

Requirements:

- “Can Do” attitude (มีทัศนคติดี) - Outgoing personality (บุคลิกภาพดี) - Good English (สามารถสื�อสารภาษาอังกฤษได้ดี) - Great communication skills (มีทักษะการสื�อสารที�ดี) - Passionate (มีความชื�นชอบในสายงาน) - F&B Knowledge (มีความรู้ในด้านอาหารและเครื�องดื�ม) - Hard working (มีความอดทนในการทำงาน) - Reliable (ซื�อสัตย์ม, สุจริต)

Thai& Non Thai nationals Contact us on Jobs@bbphuket.com Phone number: English: 0848927517, Thai: 0935757770

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BOATS & YACHTS Luxury Motor Yacht for sale

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

COMPANY FOR SALE

BRAND NEW REFIT - IMMACULATE Condition This luxurious 85-foot motor yacht is a Raymond Hunt Design (Bertram boats) 2 x caterpillar C12 ACERT 705hp (Digital Controls) Licenced for 60 passengers or 12 berth A full specifications sheet is available upon request. 39,265,992 THB, Stuart Walker, elitechartershk@gmail.com, +85297600287

4.1M/40HP RIB, 09/2014 AS NEW! BOUGHT IN SEPT. 2014,14HRS ONLY! SUZUKI ENGINE+BOAT UNDER WARRANTY (SUZUKI PHUKET). BIMINI+TRAILER+TUBE COVERS. 0935840565 (RUS/ ENG) 0987086632 (FR/ENG, 350,000 THB, )

Company for sale - Owner retiring

Silver Princess Yacht PC530

A 53 ft Power Catamaran by Silver Princess Yachts. Beautiful design, compact yacht with space & modern interior. Dimensions: 53 ft length, 21 ft beam, 4 ft draft, 50 passengers, 22,000,000 THB, Sonny, 669 8810 5024, www.silver-princess.com, sonny@silver-princess.com

Office/Shop For Rent

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Chalong Pier Road ground floor unit available for shop or office use. Excellent location on this popular and well-known road.

One of a kind retail space One of a kind retail space for rent!! Road front building, 36-50 SQM price from 12 to 16,000 THB per month. Call now 085 797 0005

For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

INVESTMENT IN RAWAI German design, 5 units, 50sqm to 100sqm. Building 2014 + 1-shop 40sqm. Complete price: 28.5 million Baht. Tel: 0801453533 Chistina.

RAWAI RESTAURANT

Band available for events New on Phuket island; 5-piece good quality music band available for all sorts of events Corporate events, weddings, gala dinners, parties, festivals etc. Genre: pop/top 40, motown and a bit of rock. Please contact: Brigitta, 0822577102, brigittalouisa@yahoo.com

For Urgent Sale. Area 3.800 Sqm Reduce from 1.5 MB To 980,000 baht Yearly Rent 200,000 baht Includes 2 Houeses.,K.Asoke, big_redchili@yahoo.com, 089 646 7176

Business For Rent Massage Spa and Travel Agent with Room for Motorbike Rental good location close to Laree Hotel in Patong Beach. Low key money and Rent, Darren, billycross666@outlook.com, 098 040 8356

For sale Navy Bar Soi Sea Dragon, Bangla, Patong. Key money paid until October 2015. Asking price for 1.6 MB., playschoolphil@ yahoo.com, 081 083 3231 Restaurant & Bar For Rent A long established fully

Bangla rd bar for sale

equipped Restaurant with Bar for Rent in an excellent location on Nanai Rd, Patong. The 105 M2 premises includes a fully equipped Kitchen, Restaurant and Bar with ample seating for 50 customers and excellent parking facilities., Peter Wesche, info@phuket-besthomes.com, 081 892 8526

Bangla rd Patong bar for sale 10 meters from the band everything included alcohol stock computer fridge chairs 8 year lease 3.9 million baht eng. 086 2752264 or thai 0806195985, 3.9 THB, ed bayford, edbay54@yahoo.ca

Charter: Rico Stapel rico@princessyachtsthailand.com call: +66 8 6690 0444 Го в о р и м п о - р у с с к и : А л ё н а В и х а р е в а alyona@princessyachtsthailand.com call: +66 898 74 9944 Sales: Alister Brunskill alister@princessyachtssea.com mobile: +66 8 0886 4945

I N F O @ P R I N C E S S YA C H T S S E A . C O M /PrincessYachtsSEA

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Well known 12 year established company specializing in sales and rental of containers, site/sales offices, Porta Loos as well as Self Storage. Customer base includes Tesco Lotus, Laguna, Marriot, Boat Lagoon and many more. Enormous potential for expansion and export. A conservative value of company assets exceed 11MB which is included in the sale price of 14MB. Call Gordon 081 892 4804, www.safewayasia.com.

CAR FOR SALE FOR SALE Mitsubishi Triton Triton 2.5. Only 25,000km. With tinted windows, reverse sensor and camera. A1 condition. Full service history with Mitsubishi dealer, 650,000 THB, Sam Hannah, samhannahtci@gmail.com, 0960538117

2010 BMW 325i Sport

Immaculate low kms (47,000) White 325i Sport with a full compliment of accessories. The car is in new condition with good rubber, full insurance and still has 12 months warranty remaining., 1.67 MB, hsewaugh@yahoo.com, 0849138926

TOYOTA VIOS for Sale Toyota Vios 1.5 J, ABS, Auto, 2010 model, Silver. 64,XXX KM. First class insurance till 25 January 2015. Only THB 339,000. Call 086 479 7471 to view.

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CAR FOR SALE NEW MAZDA BT50PRO PICKUP TRUCK

Perfect condition. Only 7800 km. Only 720 000 bht. See more pics http://goo.gl/zZW0Xi, Kathu, 083 391 6554

Subaru WRX STI A Line 2012

Arctic silver with satin gray wrap, Advance racing wheel, STI front and side spoiler, Cold air intake, HKS exhaust, Fuel bank system, STI rear diffuser, Engine remapping, Turbo boost control, Front anti roll bar, Front and back strap bar, Racing STI steel wheel, Mint 2,000 km., 3,500,000 THB, Rujiporn (Fang), fang@sripanwa.com, 076 371 000

2013 SUZUKI CARRY

2 cars, 8100 km and 16500 km. Top condition. Price: 300,000 THB/car o.b.o. Tel 080-5889390 Eng or 092-5628762 Thai

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE

FURNITURE Folding Event Chairs 100 funky, modern design chairs that fold for easy storage. Made from high quality plastic that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change colour in the heat. Great for a restaurant or events. Bought in Bangkok from Pioneer Furniture. Paid approx 950 THB per chair. Willing to separate but would prefer to sell as a bulk lot. Some are still brand new in un-opened boxes and all are in excellent condition, 650 THB each, Andrea, andreachappell@gmail.com, 080 208 7454

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE CAMERA baby car seats for sale BAKLONG Car Seat - Very good condition, suitable for newborn to 25KG. Prices are THB 4,000 per seat, buy both for only THB 7,000. Call 086 479 7471.

PETS FOR ADOPTION Neo and Cookie We are 15 weeks old. We are very

sweet with people and can get along easy with other dogs too! We hope you are the one who can give us a home. We will protect your house and love to cuddle. We already got some basic training. If you are interested in us you will get 2 dog training lessons for free.A dog is often happier when they have a friend around. These are best friends, so it would be best if they can stay together, Diana Koster, info@phuket-dog-resort.com, 083 599 6017

Motorbike and trailer for sale Honda

200cc Motorbike + Trailer Perfect condition, will sell separately or both. Bike B60,000, trailer B20,000. Ideal 4 shopping, camping, dog carring., pino.ellul@yahoo.com, 0848581917

Missing Quincy

Missing our dog Quincy, Airdale terrier, male, black and brown coat. He got lost on the 31st of december in Patong,3000 Baht reward, 0870912798

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

OTHER Beautiful land plot for sale very convenient located in a secure estate with underground electricity less than 10 mins from Phuket International Academy, Airport, Tesco , Naiyang beach, Grand AoPor marina in a peaceful foreigner community, Chanote title,1100sqm, flat land with fences around, mountain view , ready to build, good investment. For quick sale direct from owner only B3.5 mln., Montha, 081 343 0777, montha_phuket@yahoo.com FOR QUICK SALE

Sea-View Land & Luxury Villa project in Kamala including architect plans & building permit for 9 villas, 4000m2 sale only THB 30 MB, MIO, pupillopascal@gmail.com Call:088 768 0942

Land for Sale Phang-nga

18 rai Land with Rubber Plantation for sale In Thayu, Phang Nga. 600,000 baht/rai Tel: 086 276 0041 Owner.

Inexpensive land plots / commercial property Inexpensive land plots on east coast of Phuket

for sale, 0.3 - 8 rai, some with a sea view (Bang Pae, Yamu Hills). Direct sale by owner. Price starts from 500 000 THB. Commercial property: two-storey building: 50 rooms, 13 bathrooms, 3 kitchens, 4 rai land plot, 7 min from airport. Nicely renovated. Can be a hospital/ school/commercial/residential property. 35 mln baht, Lana, lana.phuket@gmail.com, 080 27 16 484, 090 870 7773

COMMUNITY

CALLING THE DOG LOVERS OF PHUKET Soi Dog are looking for dog lovers in Phuket to come and spend time with our 300+ street dogs in residence at our shelter in Mai Khao, North Phuket. We need volunteers to help socialise and walk our dogs - as this is fundamental in preparing our lovely dogs for adoption in Phuket and around the world. Whether you can spare one day a week or can come every day, we would love to have you help our dogs. Volunteering at Soi Dog is an amazing experience and may well change your life. For more details, please email Diana at volunteering@soidog-foundation.org

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

(Left) Phuket FC first team at Republic Phuket facilities in Chalong. (Right) Striker Pipat Thonkanya dons the new kit.

Phuket FC unveils updated uniforms FOOTBALL

JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

n front of several fans and local media, Phuket FC unveiled an updated version of their home kits for the upcoming Yamaha League-1 season. At the press conference, which took place on Monday (January 19), and even saw

Governor Nisit Jansomwong pay a visit, the Ronins brass showed off home kits that were largely similar with the exception of a few design changes. Gone are the yellow horizontal strips along the front of the jersey, replaced with a dark green shadow. The trim along the cuffs of the jersey have also had a small design change. The shorts will now feature a bit of yellow on the

left side. The team also announced that Yusuke Sato has been named Phuket FC captain for the upcoming 2015 season. The Japanese international has played for the team since the start of the 2013 season and scored five goals last year, three of which were game winners. “In this upcoming season, the players are working hard for the club. We have many

Students celebrate Sports Day: The new

gymnasium on the grounds of the Darasamuth School was the site of their Sports Day last Thursday (January 16). The opening ceremony of the event saw participants from all over the school with celebrations of Thai culture and the marching band did a variety of renditions, including Eye of the Tiger to inspire our budding athletes. The teachers jumped into several sporting activities along with students as a crowd-pleasing futsal match between the foreign and Thai male teachers took place in addition to the highly competitive chairball match played by the female teachers.

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young players who are ready to prove themselves on the field. They are playing for the future of Phuket FC,” said team manager Pariyawit “Benz” Atchariyachai. The team will take to the field with their new uniforms this coming Sunday (January 25) at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town as the team takes on Japanese first-division club Yokohama FC. The match will kick-off at 7pm.

Thai wins top honours at Pencak Silat worlds MARTIAL ARTS AS THE WORLD PENCAK Silat Championships 2015 wrapped-up last week at Saphan Hin Sports Centre in Phuket Town, Thai martial artist Pornthep Poonkaew was recognised with the Best Male Athlete award. The closing ceremony for the competition, which took place from January 8 up to January 17, saw over 1,200 participants from 38 nations around the world, including USA, Netherlands, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Australia. Thailand came away with four gold medals in the competition. Poonkaew won gold in the men’s 60-65kg category while Nantachai Kansakorn took the top spot in the men’s

50-55kg weight class. Surasak Dekli won gold in 80-85kg category as Napaporn Boonchuen took one for the females in the 45-50kg weight class. The most medals were awarded to Indonesia, as they took nine gold, seven silver and three bronze on their way to being named the Overall Champions. Indonesia’s Wewey Ita was also named the Best Female Athlete of the competition.

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Venus Williams eyeing late career renaissance TENNIS

enus Williams has long been hindered by illness and injury, but the seven-time Grand Slam champion is feeling more upbeat this year than she has for some time. The elder Williams sister is on a 6-0 run, having won the lead-up Auckland Classic title – beating world number eight Caroline Wozniacki in the final – and then her first match at the Australian Open. It is a continuation of the form she showed in 2014, when she reached the third round at Wimbledon and the US Open, won the Dubai Tennis Championship, and made the final of Montreal, defeating sister Serena en route. The 34-year-old American, one of

Federer fights back to beat Bolelli TENNIS S W I S S S E C ON D S E E D Roger Federer bounced back after dropping the first set to trounce Italian Simone Bolelli and reach the third round at the Australian Open on Wednesday. Federer, chasing his fifth Australian Open title, won 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in 2hr 9min and will next play either Frenchman Jeremy Chardy or Italy’s Andreas Seppi. The 17-time Grand Slam

Payback for Murray at Aussie Open TENNIS

champion lost the opening set after the only break on his serve, but he steadied and swept through the next three sets as Bolelli began to unravel. Bolelli made 39 unforced errors as Federer ramped up the pressure to break the Italian’s service five times. AFP

the oldest women on tour, hasn’t won a Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 2008 and few are betting on her changing that at Melbourne Park. But she feels her form is getting back to its best after a long battle with the energy-sapping Sjogren’s Syndrome, which was diagnosed in 2011, and a string of injuries. Williams adopted a raw foods diet to ease her symptoms and is trying to reach the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time since Wimbledon in 2011. “You know, I got issues, but so do a lot of people. Everyone has different kinds of issues, and I deal with my own the best way that I can,” she said of her recent battles. “I’d like to think that moving forward I have a lot of good days ahead of me in terms of health.” AFP

ANDY MURRAY GOT some payback on vocal local hope Marinko Matosevic as he cruised into the third round of the Australian Open with a straight sets romp on Wednesday. The British sixth seed had few problems in winning 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 in 1hr 42min in hot conditions on Margaret Court Arena and

will next face Portugal’s Joao Sousa. The two-time Grand Slam champion broke the erratic Matosevic’s serve seven times and controlled the match with the Australian committing 49 unforced errors to Murray’s 12. It extended Murray’s record against Australian opponents to 10-0 as he bids to go one better than his three runner-up finishes at Melbourne Park. AFP

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Klitschko aims for Briggs fight after Jennings bout BOXING

orld heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has said he wants to finally meet perennial taunter Shannon Briggs of the United States in the ring after facing Bryant Jennings in April. His management team has confirmed WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO champion Klitschko will face undefeated American heavyweight Jennings at New York’s Madison Square Gardens on April 25. It will be the fourth time Klitschko has fought at the New York venue and he is relishing the fight. “I do have great respect for Bryant Jennings and his achievements. I know this will be a tough challenge,” said Klitschko in a statement. “I am extremely happy to fight in New York again. It will definitely be a great fight night and I will do everything for it from my side.” But Klitschko, 38, insists he is also keen to meet former WBO heavyweight champion Briggs later in 2015 to end the 43-year-old’s constant goading of the Ukrainain world champion to give him a fight.

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Vladimiar Klitschko (left) during his bout against Kubrat Pulev (right) back in November. Photo: jstar “Shannon Briggs has stepped over the line in terms of good taste. I want to punish him for his cheekiness and really want to fight him,” Hamburg-based Klitschko told German magazine Sport Bild. “I understand Briggs. There is a logic to what he does.

“He wants to promote himself, just like Tyson Fury, David Haye, Manuel Charr and Marco Huck have done, the boys want to draw you into a conversation. “But no one has done it so well as Shannon Briggs. “However, he has overstepped the

line, he doesn’t know when to stop and it’s not funny anymore.” Briggs stalked Klitschko in the build-up to his knock-out of Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev last November by attempting to gate-crash a media sparing session bare-chested and yelling his demand to fight the champion.

In the past, Briggs has taunted Klitschko while the champion was eating in a Miami restaurant and even used a speedboat to bother Klitschko while the Ukrainian was paddle-surfing. Klitschko was last defeated more than a decade ago in 2004 to Lamon Brewster. AFP

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Arsenal’s Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla scores the opening goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. Photo: AFP/Oli Scarff

Cazorla stars as Arsenal stun City FOOTBALL

anti Cazorla scored one goal and made another as Arsenal damaged Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge with a brilliant 2-0 victory at a chilly Etihad Stadium on Sunday (January 18). The Spanish midf ield scored a 24th-minute penalty and teed up Olivier Giroud for a second-half header to re-energise Arsene Wenger’s side’s push for a top-four finish, and maybe more. “Santi Cazorla has been superb for a while now but today he was maybe even more influential,” Wenger said after the match. “When you give him the ball you always have a chance to relieve pressure.” Victory avenged Arsenal’s crushing 6-3 loss on their last visit to this ground in December 2013 and left Manuel Pellegrini’s City five points adrift of leaders Chelsea, who they play at Stamford Bridge on January 31.

For Arsenal, wins against major rivals have been few and far between in recent years, but having closed to within a point of fourth-place Manchester United, and 13 points of Chelsea, they will approach the run-in with renewed ambition. It was City’s first defeat in 15 games and gave Arsenal a first win at the Etihad since a 3-0 success in October 2010, which was the last time the home side had lost by a twogoal margin on their own turf in the league. City have now conceded two or more goals in three successive home league games for the first time since October 2002, which will deeply concern Pellegrini ahead of their trip to Chelsea in two weeks’ time. “The penalty changed the game, but it was not the reason we lost...we were not creative -- we didn’t have the ideas to cause damage in their defence,” Pellegrini said. Meanwhile, Oscar and Diego Costa each scored twice as Chelsea established a five-point

lead at the Premier League summit with a crushing 5-0 success at Swansea City on Saturday (January 17). The one-sided victory, which saw Chelsea go 4-0 up inside the first 36 minutes, enabled Jose Mourinho’s side to pull clear of second-place Manchester City. “However, I keep saying that if you play fantastically well, but don’t win cups, in 20 years time nobody will remember you. Yes, we are playing well, but we have to win competitions,” Mourinho said. Wins for Southampton, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool meant that there was little material change in the race for the Champions League places, although Arsenal moved to fifth. On-loan striker Radamel Falcao returned to the Manchester United starting XI at second-bottom Queens Park Rangers, but spurned a good early chance to score when he was denied by a Rob Green double-save. United manager Louis van Gaal persisted with a three-man defence and with the visitors toiling, their fans made their dissent plain at half-time by chanting: “4-4-2!” Van Gaal introduced Marouane Fellaini and 19-year-old striker James Wilson early in the second half, tweaking United’s shape. Within seconds the visitors were in front after Fellaini scored in the 58th minute. Shortly before full-time, Wilson added another.

Despite the win, fan dissent was still on everyone’s mind after the match. Van Gaal glossed over the incident during his post-game press conference: “It is always a question of whether you are effective enough. In football, it is not always the better team that wins.” Liverpool added to Aston Villa’s troubles as goals from Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert secured a comfortable 2-0 win on Saturday. Brendan Rodgers’ side were always in control at Villa Park and Borini’s first half strike was followed a late effort from Rickie Lambert. Liverpool were without captain Steven Gerrard, with Rodgers opting not to risk the midfielder, who has a tight hamstring, ahead of their League Cup semi-final against Chelsea. AFP

PREVIOUS RESULTS: Monday 19th January 2015

Everton

0-0

West Brom

Sunday 18th January 2015

West Ham Man City

3-0 0-2

Hull Arsenal

Saturday 17th January 2015

Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool Burnley 2-3 Crystal Palace Leicester 0-1 Stoke QPR 0-2 Man Utd Swansea 0-5 Chelsea Tottenham 2-1 Sunderland Newcastle 1-2 Southampton Sunday 11th January 2015

Arsenal 3-0 Stoke Man Utd 0-1 Southampton Saturday 10th January 2015

Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool Burnley 2-1 QPR Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle Everton 1-1 Man City Leicester 1-0 Aston Villa Swansea 1-1 West Ham West Brom 1-0 Hull Crystal Palace 2-1 Tottenham

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OVERALL STANDINGS 58 58 58 55 55 52 52 50 50 50

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

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426 413 412 408 408 408 407 405 405 404

English Premier League 2014 - 2015 Team

MP W

Pts

Chelsea

22 16

51 19 32

Man City

22 14

45 22 23

Southampton

22 13

37 16 21

Man Utd

22 11

36 21 15

Arsenal

22 11

39 25 14

Tottenham

22 11

32 30

West Ham

22 10

35 25 10

Liverpool

22 10

31 27

Swansea

26 30

-4

Stoke

23 27

-4

Newcastle

26 35

-9

Everton

30 34

-4

Crystal Palace

25 33

-8

West Brom

10 20 29

-9

Aston Villa

10 11 25 -14

Sunderland

19 33 -14

Burnley

10 21 36 -15

Hull

11 20 30 -10

QPR

13 23 39 -16

Leicester

13 20 34 -14

EPL FIXTURES

Crystal Palace v Arsenal