The Phuket News 23 Feb 2018

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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NEWS

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One dead in construction site landslide

A criminal record may be cited as a reason to refuse your marriage registration.

Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

LIFE

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Gill Dalley Day: Remembering a life of dedication

FOREIGNERS MARRYING THAIS NOW SUBJECT TO FINGERPRINTS TAKEN FOR CRIMINAL BACKGROUND Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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huket officials in charge of registering marriages have confirmed that they have begun scanning fingerprints of all foreign men who register to marry a Thai woman so that they can have criminal background checks conducted.

The regulation change, which was issued by the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) head office in Bangkok in Aug 2017, was revealed this week after a foreigner

contacted The Phuket News asking for clarification on why he was required to have a criminal history check so he could marry his Thai fiancée.

“Specifically they are making farang (foreigners) who are marrying Thai get a criminal record check and a personality profile check to make sure farang are not marrying just to get a marriage visa,” the expat wrote.

“I will only recount to you what is said in the regulations issued,” the Head of the Muang District Office’s Registration department (Palad), who declined to be named directly,

confirmed to The Phuket News on Wednesday (Feb 21).

“I did not think of these myself.

So please write your story according to the regulations and not as an interview with me,” he requested.

The marriage registration model issued by the DOPA in June 2015 says, “The Department of Provincial Administration considers that marriage of foreigners to Thai citizens will have effects on socio-economic conditions…

“Where in some cases of the marriage of a Thai woman and for-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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eign man, some foreigners will use a marriage certificate to apply for a visa to extend their stay in Thailand, work without a permit, and other illegal activities.

“Some officials have also been found to be involved in this,” said the notice.

“In order to prevent this, the Department of Provincial Administration sets a model in the case of a foreign man registering to marry a Thai woman, which are to be strictly enforced by each district office,” it said.

The Palad at Phuket’s Muang...

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Patong hotels tested for illegal wastewater LOCAL ENVIRONMENtal officers on Monday (Feb 19) began testing wastewater discharged by hotels in Patong in response to raw sewage flowing into Patong Bay some 11 days earlier.

“We have just started to inspect and test wastewater at hotels in Patong,” Khanchit Soontrakorn of the Regional Environment Office (Region 15), which is based in Phuket, confirmed to The Phuket News on Monday.

“Today, we collected samples from three randomly selected hotels. We want to find out the BOD (biological oxygen demand) of the wastewater discharged from each hotel, so we can determine the toxicity of the sewage being released,” he said.

“Our plan is to collect samples of wastewater from 30 hotels in the Patong area in three weeks.

“We know there are more

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Airport flamed for overcrowded conditions, failed aircon > page 4

Earthwall collapse kills construction worker Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Officers collect wastewater samples from ‘randomly selected’ hotels in Patong.

Photo: Patong Municipality than 30 hotels in Patong, but we need time to work with only three officials from my office,” Mr Khanchit added.

The environmental chief also assured that his office will keep randomly testing wastewater discharged from hotels in Patong after the checks on the first 30 hotels have concluded.

Mr Khanchit did not elaborate on any action his office would take against any hotels caught illegally discharging wastewater.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

O

ne worker died and t wo ot he r s we r e rushed to hospital after a landslide at a construction site near Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town on Wednesday morning (Feb 21).

Rescue efforts were quickly launched soon after the news broke of the landslide, with rescue teams on site to recover the workers.

The landslide occurred at about 10am, Narongrit Poompaung, the 28-year-old project engineer on site told The Phuket News.

The workers were levelling the land at the site when the accident occurred, said Mr Narongrit.

Construction of the threestory building at the site began

Rescue efforts were quickly launched soon after the news broke of the landslide, with rescue teams on site to recover the two workers. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot on Jan 9, Mr Narongrit noted.

“No one knew that this would happen. There was no sign or any hint to be aware of this,” Mr Narongrit told The Phuket News.

As indicated by a sign in Thai at the site, the building is to become the “Dr Prawet Clinic for Children with Mild

Intellectual Disability”. Carrying out the construction is Suwannarat Civil Co Ltd. The clinic is to open at the end of this year.

“Three men were buried in the soil,” confirmed Lt Col Chana Suthimat of the Phuket City Police.

“Myanmar nationals Jo

We Nai and Ne Sor Lin, both about 20 years old, are at Vachira Phuket Hospital, but 37-year-old Miw Ta Taw died at the scene,” he said.

“The area where the workers were buried by the landslip was beside a section of soil excavated, leaving a three-metre high earth wall that was not restrained by any structure,” Col Chana pointed out.

“The man (Miw Ta Taw) died of asphyxiation by being covered by the soil,” Col Chana added.

“We are still investigating other details,” he said.

Work at the site was immediately ordered to halt until a safety plan has been presented to – and approved by – the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket office (DDPM-Phuket) and Phuket City Municipality.

Local officials decide whether criminal history allows marriage Continued from page 1 ...District Office – which covers all of Phuket Town, Rassada, Wichit, Chalong, Kata, Karon, Rawai and Nai Harn – explained that criminal record checks are one way which all district offices in Phuket have enforced the model set by the department.

Of note, in August last year, the DOPA issued another notice under the regulations of which it was specified that foreigners from any of 13 countries were recently being “more commonly involved in wrongful marriage and family registration”.

“Many groups of foreigners in

Thailand, legally in the country on a Non-immigrant Visa-O from some 13 countries have been registering for marriage certificates and family registration in order to wrongfully obtain a marriage visa, be involved in illegal drugs, or conduct other criminal activities,” said the 2017 notice.

In order to check this is not the case and the marriage registration or family registration is for correct reasons, all district offices are to check additional information from aliens from the list of 13 countries, which the Palad denied to reveal to the public.

“It’s better not to reveal the 13

countries. It might cause damage for the countries,” he said.

The DOPA notice also stated that the Chief of each District Office – in Phuket there are three: Muang, Kathu and Thalang – was to be responsible for being the registrar of all marriage certificates.

The Palad clarified that in the process of criminal background checks for marriage certificates, fingerprints will be taken during the registration process and sent to the Forensic Police.

“The police are the ones who conduct the checks. They can only check for criminal records within Thailand, it is not possible to check

for records in other countries,” he said.

“The time taken for the certificate to be approved or rejected will depend on other circumstances surrounding the foreigner.

“This includes whether the foreigner has been here a long time, already have children with a Thai person, have businesses here, and so on,” said the Palad.

“All of this is supporting evidence that they are not registering for marriage for the wrong reasons, and will mean the process will be faster. It can take just one day,” he added.

“However if they are a tourist

for example, hasn’t been here very long, there may be further checking into the history of the person.

If a person is found to have a criminal record relating to drugs or breaking immigration laws, the office will refuse the marriage certificate, the Palad warned.

“We cannot issue a marriage certificate for anyone with a criminal record that makes us suspicious of their intent in registering for marriage with a Thai person,” he said.

The Palad refused to elaborate on what was regarded a “suspicious” criminal history.

“We have to look at each case,” he said.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

PHUKET NEWS

Maya Bay visits limited for restoration period

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Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Chief of the Hat Nopparat – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park has confirmed that Thailand’s famous Maya Bay at Phi Phi Island will be closed to all boats from June to September this year in order to provide much-needed relief to the coral reefs and marine eco-system.

However, visitors will still be able to access the bay on foot after arriving at another bay nearby, Park Chief Worapoj Lomlim told The Phuket News last Thursday (Feb 15).

“Maya Bay itself will not be closed to visitors, we do not use the word ‘closed’,” Mr Worapoj emphasized.

“Maya Bay will simply be prohibiting all boats from accessing the beach via the bay during the period from June to September,” he said.

“There will be no boats allowed at all through Maya Bay. The marine life and corals need time to recover,” he said.

“However, the beach itself will not be closed to visitors because people can still access the beach on foot from an adjacent bay through the back, at which boats can park,” he added.

The bay where boats may land is called Loh Samah Bay, and is located on the south side of Phi Phi Lei Island.

From there, tourists will be able to walk

From right: PKCD chairman Karn Prachumpan, Chief of the PLTO Banyat Kantha, Head of Vehicle Inspection of the PLTO Decha Patawanich and PKCD staff. Photo: PKCD

Smart Bus gets green light to go The move to protect Maya Bay aims to allow the area to recover from heavy mass tourism in recent years. Photo: DNP the 250 metres across the small isle to see Maya Bay firsthand.

However, Mr Worapot stressed, as he explained to The Phuket News late November last year, that the number of boats allowed to bring tourists to Loh Samah Bay will be limited.

The exact number of boats bringing visitors to Loh Samah Bay still has yet to be decided, he said.

“We know there are many problems brought on from the number of tourists visiting the site, but it is difficult to regulate as the boats that bring tourists arrive from many different areas from different provinces, namely Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket,” Mr Worapoj said in November.

“This issue is very important but right

now I can’t give a number of how many [people and/or boats] will be allowed to visit the site each day,” he added.

“At our best estimate at this stage, we are looking to allow an average of 2,400 visitors per day, but this is not yet confirmed as we have yet to best balance the number of people visiting the area, the damage done to the environment and the livelihood of all the people who rely on bringing tourists to Maya Bay,” Mr Worapoj noted.

The confirmation by Park Chief Worapoj last week follows the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in a post on its Facebook page on Feb 14 branding the news in the international media that Maya Bay will be closed to visitors this June-September as “false news”.

T H E PH U K ET LA N D Transport Office (PLTO) has approved the Phuket Smart Bus initiative and the service is set to commence on Feb 28, the operator Phuket City Development (PKCD) confirmed on Monday (Feb 19).

PKCD chairman Karn Prachumpan recently welcomed officials from the PLTO for an inspection of the Phuket Smart Bus at the PKCD office at Central Festival East.

PLTO Chief Banyat Kantha and Head of the PLTO’s Vehicle Inspection division Decha Patawanich visited the PKCD office to conduct a system check of the Phuket Smart Bus and confirmed that it was fit for carrying passengers.

The smart vehicle passed all of the PLTO’s requirements and is set to be launched on Wednesday, Feb 28.

There are currently four Smart Bus vehicles on the island, with the other six set to arrive in Phuket before the launch, confirmed PKCD’s public relations.

PKCD Executive Director Watchara Jaru-ariyanon explained earlier this month, “The bus route will start from the airport and go to Cherng Talay, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai and then back along the same route.

“We are launching the service of ten smart buses on Feb 28. This is the date that we are working towards,” he said.

Shela Riva

Police hunt man who cut off wife’s hand, slashed stepson POLICE ARE HUNTING FOR a Thai man who last Friday night (Feb 16) viciously attacked his wife, cutting off her left hand, and injuring his stepson who had tried to intervene to protect his mother.

Lt Chanat Hongsittichaikun of the Chalong Police was notified of the incident at 9pm. Lt Chanat and rescue workers arrived at a house opposite Phuket Shooting Range in Moo 10 on Patak Rd, which runs between Chalong and Kata.

Inside the house they found a woman, identified as Yaowapa Kowai, 47, unconscious and face

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down in a pool of blood on the floor.

Ms Yaowapa had sustained slash wounds on her chest, face and her left hand had been severed.

Her son, Songpon Thongsai, 23, was found nearby with slash wounds on his left arm. Both victims, along with Ms Yaowapa’s severed hand, were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town for treatment.

Lt Chanat said, “Mr Songpon told us that his stepfather’s name is Sayam Onwai, aged 40. Sayam was arguing with Ms Yaowapa before he used a knife to attack her. Mr

Songpon tried to stop the attack but he was also slashed by Sayam.

After that Sayam sped away.

“After we checked Sayam Onwai’s name in the civil registration system we found that he had a fake identification card. We are now hunting for Sayam to face legal action.” Lt Chanat said.

Police have yet to recover the weapon used in the attack, he added The Phuket Provincial Court on Monday (Feb 19) issued an arrest warrant the suspect, Lt Chanat confirmed on Wednesday (Feb 21).

“After checking we found that

the suspect is of an unknown nationality. He lived with Ms Yaowapa as a husband and wife.

He did not have a Thai ID card, but local residents told us the man goes by the name ‘Kam’. At this stage we believe he is Laotian,” Lt Chanat told The Phuket News’ Thai-language sister paper Khao Phuket.

“An arrest warrant has been issued for attempted murder, and we are now hunting for the suspect so he can be brought in to face legal action,” Lt Chanat said.

Lt Chanat also confirmed that

The injured Yaowapa Kowai, 47, seen here arriving by ambulance at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Ms Yaowapa and her son Songpon are safe but are still receiving treatment at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town.

Eakkapop Thongtub Additional reporting by Chutharat Plerin

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The black water flows freely onto the Nai Thon Beach.

Nai Thon raw wastewater angers locals ANGRY VILLAGERS IN Nai Thon on Monday (Feb 19) went public about untreated wastewater allegedly being released into the sea.

The residents demanded that Sakoo Municipality investigate and come up with a solution for the black wastewater being pumped into the sea.

“The issue of wastewater has been around a long time. It is wastewater from many parts of the community including shops and hotels,” local village headman Thanapong Kuekenung told The Phuket News.

“Originally, there was not much. However, it has became worse as the number of tourists has increased and there are no agencies able to handle such problems,” he added.

“We want local authorities including both Sakoo Tambon Administration Office and the hotel operators to check the sources and resolve the problem before it intensifies.”

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Traffic jams at Chalong test Governor’s patience Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

M

otorists are expected to have more space on either side of the Chalong Underpass in the coming two months after Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong this week ordered that steps be taken to reduce the long traffic jams at the busy intersection construction site.

Governor Norraphat gave the order for more to be done to alleviate traffic jams at a meeting at Provincial Hall on Monday (Feb 19).

In response, project engineer Somkiet Yimpong explained to The Phuket News on Tuesday (Feb 20), “There will be about 30 metres more space on the roads for people to drive on in about two months. Then traffic will be able to flow while the construction is completed step by step.

“Right now, construction of the underpass is 34% complete, as this project is expected to be finished in April 2019. At this stage the roof and walls of the underpass are being installed, and the concrete base for the

Workers install the roof of the Chalong Underpass as a queue of traffic stretches off into the distance, waiting to pass the construction site. Photo: Mark Knowles roads leading into the tunnel is being laid,” he added.

Mr Somkiet urged drivers to use alternative routes to avoid using the Chalong Circle, easily the busiest intersection in the south of the island.

“Drivers travelling between Rawai and Kata-Karon can divert to Suksan 1 Rd. Those travelling between Phuket Town and Kata-Karon can divert along Anusorn Rd,” he added.

Gov Norraphat on Monday was plain in his appreciation of the traffic woes for people driving past the construction site.

“This issue needs to be solved as fast as possible,” he said.

“First, set up more signs so people are aware of the alternative routes. Also, the project manager must add more lights and bring in extra workers for safety.

“This project must progress faster,” Gov Norraphat repeated.

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen also raised his concerns at the meeting on Monday.

“We are concerned about residents being permanently stuck in traffic jams on this road. The people need to know about the alternative routes. This will help reduce the traffic jams in the area,” he said.

However, what was not raised at the meeting was concern for ambulances and other emergency service vehicles being stuck in traffic at the site.

One reader of The Phuket News wrote in last week deeply concerned about the issue.

“Today, I saw an ambulance that had its siren on and they were locked in behind a tourist bus and concrete blocks. People can die waiting for the ambulance!,” wrote the Norwegian, a regular visitor to Phuket for many years.

“The ambulance was heading towards Rawai, and if he needed to come back (through Chalong Circle) to get to some of the big hospitals, he should take a boat instead. It would be faster by speedboat and the injured could be picked up somewhere along the coast.

“This is absolutely unacceptable,” he added.

The push by the Governor Norraphat for the Chalong Underpass to be completed as quickly as possible follows a long history of delays to the B500-million project, which officially started on July 28, 2015.

Airport flamed over terminal aircon

OFFICIALS AT PHUKET International Airport on Monday (Feb 19) responded to a post on social media about overcrowded conditions in the Domestic Terminal.

The response came by an official notice posted by Airports of Thailand (AoT) on its Phuket International Airport Facebook page following a post made on the Facebook page of “Paithoon Tou Monpanthong” on Sunday (Feb 18) about the lack of air-conditioning within the Domestic Terminal.

The post, which by Monday had garnered over 1,500 interactions and nearly 600 shares, read; “Let’s share an experience which we hope will reach someone responsible.

“I have been to Phuket International Airport many times. Sometimes I have to face unsuitable service staff at the airport. Please improve

Conditions inside Phuket Int'l Airport last Sunday (Feb 18) were said to have been similar to a 'sauna'. Photo: Paithoon Tou Monpanthon the service given to passengers, please.

“I am writing this because I feel so sorry for the tourists. The air is as hot as a sauna room and there is a smell. There were some fans blowing the air instead of air conditioning.… There were a lot of people inside,” it said.

The post continued, “The staff said to foreigner passengers in Thai that they were being tested because they are

leaving. Some staff also made angry faces to tourist who were trying to relax.

“This airport is supposed to be of an international standard, this is why people keep complaining on social media,” the message concluded.

The press release issued by the AoT on Monday read, “There were a lot of passengers at this moment. Also, the air conditioning at the Domestic Terminal is still being fixed as it is not working well.

“Right now staff are working to fix the problem by placing fans inside the departure lounge. We have ordered new air-conditioning units but that takes time.

“In addition, only three of the eight air-coolers in the terminal are working. Our staff are trying to rectify this problem as quickly as possible.”

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OPINION

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

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EDITORIAL

Avoiding the road to ruin

P

hi Phi National Park Chief Worapoj Lomlim last month announced that the popular tourist day-trip destination of Maya Bay would be closed to boats from June to September this year to provide much-needed relief to the coral reefs and marine eco-system.

Pa r a dox ical ly, Ch ief Worapoj made it clear that there will still be access to Maya Bay, it’s just that boat operators will have to park at a different cove and tourists will have to walk overland to reach the iconic bay – which gained world-wide fame when it featured in the Hollywood film The Beach.

In the film, Maya Bay was portrayed as a tropical Eden where adventurous backpackers gathered to live out their selfsustained desert-island dreams far from the mass tourism that is destroying Thailand’s popular holiday islands.

In a darkly ironic twist, the spotlight the film shone on the once pristine Maya Bay has turned it into a perfect example of very thing the film’s protagonists sought to escape – a beautiful natural environment overexploited and degraded by unregulated mass tourism.

Any measure to slow the destruction of the coral reefs surrounding Maya Bay, and indeed all of Thailand’s precious coral reefs, should be applauded – but sadly it seems that this recent measure is again a case of appearance over actual action. Coral reefs do not simply bounce back in matter of months after years and years of exploitation for the sake of the almighty tourist baht.

Much more drastic measures are needed immediately to create sustainable tourism operations for Thailand’s precious tropical islands before we will kill the goose that

lays the golden eggs.

A recent AFP article describes a similar situation facing Ecuador and the management of tourism in the country’s famed Galapagos Islands. Recognising the importance of preserving nature through sustainable forms of tourism, Ecuador’s Tourism Minister Enrique Ponce de Leon said, “The Galapagos are the crown jewel, and as such, we have to protect them… we must be drastic in caring for the environment.”

Echoing this sentiment, the Director of the Galapagos National Park Walter Bustos, said, “The environmental, social and biological features of this place forces us to set a limit, to manage tourism in terms of supply, rather than demand.”

A drastic approach indeed… Thailand’s authorities should take note, before it’s too late.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Maya Bay will close to all boats during restoration period Officials finally warn tourists of Patong sewage contamination Phuket Opinion: Patong, you’re swimming in it Phuket police hunt man who cut off wife’s hand, slashed stepson Poll: Should Thailand build the Kra Canal?

Chinese tourists injured in Patong Hill bus crash Officials refuse to act on vendor motorbikes on Phuket beach PLTO approves Phuket Smart Bus for operation, service to begin Feb 28 Phuket Int’l Airport responds to air-con complaint Chalong Underpass works to cause major Phuket water shutoff

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Refreshing radio My compliments and congratulations again for your “Afternoons with Shela” weekday radio program on Live 89.5.

I listen to this program most weekdays from Brisbane, Australia, when time permits.

Shela has a contagious tone of voice and an interest in life issues that many of her generation seem to miss. I’m happy to note that the music playlist feels like it offers a more up to date vibe today that hits the spot for me.

Thank you Chris, Shela and your studio team for this most enjoyable program that without fail brightens up my week.

Phillip Dunn ...................................................

Organised chaos

Re: Phuket Int’l Airport responds to air-con complaint Maybe I am wrong, but wasn’t this airport closed for about a year to be revamped? Obviously new aircons were left off the list – like the immigration computers at the international airport. I am amazed the people in charge can actually manage to get out of bed, let alone manage anything else Shwe

Stick it to them

Re: Busting out: New Phuket Smart Bus service to serve entire west coast I wish this long overdue service the all the best. One little needle in the butt of the criminal mafia organisation on this island.

Jo.Loit ...................................................

West coast airport bus must succeed

Re: PLTO approves Phuket Smart Bus for operation, service to begin Feb 28 I’ll be using it even though I have a car and motorbike.

I want it to succeed as it is important to both residents and tourists.

Opinioated Farange Glad that brand-new buses driven by professional drivers met the tough scrutiny of PLTO (cough, cough).

I look forward to seeing a new, fresh and desperately needed alternative to public transportation on Phuket.

I hope this takes off like wildfire, and that it is able to set the new standard in public transport.

Ben Pendejo

Short-term thinking Re: Phuket campaign targets Patong hotels for illegal wastewater discharge

Hotels and locals who illegally discharge wastewater are very shortsighted and cut into their own flesh.

They should take responsibility for their actions, this kind of news is not good for the overall image of Phuket.

After all, a healthy, clean environment is the source of Phuket’s prosperity.

Concernd ...................................................

Honda Houdini

Re: Anuphas Vividhkarn’s withdrawal leaves Phuket without Honda dealers What an appalling attitude!

“Asked specifically about Honda upholding its warranties for new vehicle owners, Mr Montawee said plainly, ‘If it’s under warranty by Honda, it’s Honda’s responsibility’.”

No sense of corporate responsibility. No thought to the people who have put money in the Anuphas company coffers. Bear that in mind folks when you think about buying a Mazda or a Ford. lowprofile17

As a retired US auto dealer, the question that comes to mind is why didn’t these franchise holders sell their respective business?

If operated properly, an auto dealership can be a big money maker. What is making them just walk away?

Foot ...................................................

Water quality tests should be public

Re: Phuket Opinion: Patong, you’re swimming in it Independent tests of the water quality should be posted daily on every beach.

Xonax ...................................................

The blind leading the willfully blind

Re: Officials refuse to act on vendor motorbikes on Phuket beach Wow, what an interesting article. The police are not interested in illegal activity and the OrBorTor will only do their job when someone makes an official complaint about them not doing their jobs. No wonder there is no respect for law and order in Thailand.

Discover Thainess

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

THAILAND NEWS

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Women smash up pickup Two Bangkok ladies take revenge on vehicle blocking their driveway BANGKOK Bangkok Post

T

wo women who used an axe and a metal pole to attack a parked pickup truck that was blocking their driveway in Prawet district of Bangkok are facing charges of property damage and intimidating the owner-driver.

The incident was videoed and the clip went viral on social media.

The pickup’s driver, meanwhile, faces a fine for parking the vehicle in way that blocked traffic.

Col Alongkorn Sirisongkhram, chief of Prawet Police Station, said on Monday (Feb 19) that the damaged truck’s driver lodged a complaint with police last Sunday (Feb 18).

Rachanikorn Lertwasana, 37, told investigators she parked her vehicle directly in front of the driveway entry gate to house No 37/208 on Soi Srinakarin 55 at about 11:15am last Sunday, before going shopping at a nearby market.

Ms Rachanikorn, who is

@thephuketnews

One of the Bangkok women takes to the pickup truck with a metal pole. Photo: Screengrab of video by Debbie Saengyoktrakarn / Facebook from Samut Sakhon province, claimed she thought the house was deserted because there were numerous announcements posted on the twin gates, which were fastened with wire.

It was her habit to apply the parking brake anytime she parked her vehicle, but she regretted doing so because it angered the two women who wanted to drive out of

the house, but could not move the truck out of the way.

She told police she returned to the vehicle only 10 minutes later, to find onlookers surrounding her truck and the two women busily smashing it up. Some were using their phones to video the incident.

One woman used an axe and the other used a long metal pole, Ms Rachanikorn

said. When she tried to calm them down by apologising and giving them a wai, the two women threatened to hurt her.

Someone else had to escort her away from the two angry women, she said.

Col Alongkorn said the owner of the house had a history of filing police complaints over similar incidents in which a parked car had

blocked the entry gate on four occasions in the past three years. But no such violence had been reported before.

He said although the truck driver had not violated the traffic regulation prohibiting parking in that area between 6am and 10am, she still faced a fine of B500 for parking in a manner that obstructed traffic.

The two women in the video clip, later identified by police as Ratanachat Saengyoktrakarn, 61, and Ranee Saengyoktrakarn, 57, were being summonsed to answer charges of damaging private property, intimidation and carrying weapons in public.

Ms Ratanachat and Ms Ranee called a press conference on Tuesday morning (Feb 20) in front their house, saying the family had been suffering from the problem of irresponsible parking for nearly a decade.

“We had to smash up the truck to protect our rights,” they agreed. They did not feel they were overreacting in attacking the vehicle because the truck driver had hesitated

over moving it out of the way even after she returned to it.

The two said they had first called police to complain their gate was blocked again, but no officials came to the scene.

In previous similar cases, sick family members could not be rushed to hospital simply because someone had blocked the gate with their car, they said.

They also claimed they had first waited about half an hour for the truck driver to return, and then honked their car horn repeatedly for another half an hour to draw the truck driver’s attention.

When the owner eventually returned she told them she did hear the horn honking, but still wasn’t done with her shopping at the market, they said.

The two women also refused to pay Ms Rachanikorn compensation for the damage to the truck, estimated at B50,000. They said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had to pay it, for its failure to enforce land use laws in the housing estate, the Seri Villa.

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Preaw in court, denies killing karaoke bar girl KHON KAEN PREEYANUCH “PREAW” Nonwangchai, on trial for the murder and dismemberment of a karaoke bar worker, has changed tack in court and denied killing the young woman.

She and the four other defendants earlier confessed to the charges, which include premeditated murder.

The five defendants were taken to Khon Kaen Provincial Court on Wednesday (Feb 21) for the second day of the hearing. Other witnesses included Khao Suan Kwang police chief Col Phakphum Phitsama.

I n her testimony the 25-year-old said she only “assaulted” Warisara Klinjui following their severe quarrel, defence counsel Bunyong Kaeofainok said after the hearing.

Three other defendants – Kawita “Earn” Ratchada, 26, Apiwan “Jae” Sattayabundit, 29, and Wasin Namprom, 22 – told the court they only helped cut up the corpse so it could be hidden, Mr Bunyong said.

The fifth defendant, Jidarat Promkhun, 22, confessed to robbery, the only charge police pressed against her.

After her arrest in Myanmar, Preeyanuch apologised

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Drinking cobra blood US-Thai marines in war jungle survival program CHONBURI Bangkok Post

Preeyanuch Nonwangchai (right), and two other woman defendants apologise to the family of Warisara Klinjui.

Photo: Chakkrapan Natanri to Ms Warisara’s relatives, claiming she had “no intention” to kill her.

According to police investigators, Preeyanuch asked Ms Warisara to get into a car, intending to teach her a lesson because the victim had given police information that led to the arrest of Preeyanuch’s husband on a drug offence.

The 22-year-old victim was strangled to death in the car. Her dismembered body was found in a shallow grave in Khon Kaen’s Khao Suan Kwang district on May 26 last year.

Ms Warisara’s family also filed a civil lawsuit demanding compensation of B10.3 million, but the defendants argue this is too much and wanted it to be settled in court, Mr Bunyong said.

Bangkok Post

U

S and Thai marines slurped snake blood and ate scorpions in a jungle survival program on Monday (Feb 19) as part of the two nations annual Cobra Gold war games.

Now in its 37th year, Cobra Gold is one of the largest military exercises in Asia, bringing thousands of troops from the United States, Thailand and other countries for 10 days of field training on Thai shores.

On Monday, several dozen US and Thai marines took park in an annual jungle survival drill on a Thai navy base in Chonburi province, where troops took turns drinking blood from a severed cobra before grilling and eating the snakes.

Thai military trainers also taught the group – which included South Korean troops – how to remove venom from scorpions and tarantulas before eating them, find water in jungle vines and identity edible plants.

“The key to survival is

US and Thai troops took turns drinking blood from a severed cobra.

Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP knowing what to eat,” said Thai Sgt Maj Chaiwat Ladsin, who led the drill that also saw the marines take bites of a raw gecko.

“Definitely my first time drinking snake blood... It’s not something we do too often in America,” US Sgt Christopher Fiffie said after the training.

“I think I’ll be able to hold my own out there,” he added.

“The biggest take was how exactly they get their water as well as the vegetation that you can eat.”

This year’s Cobra Gold exercise drew some 6,800 US

personnel to the war games – nearly double last year’s attendance, in the latest sign of warming relations between the two allies.

A 2014 ar my coup in Thailand tested ties with Washington, which urged a return to democracy and scaled back military aid.

But the two countries have upped their engagement under US President Donald Trump, who has taken a softer stance on human rights issues and even embraced Thai junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha in the White House.

The US is also keen to flex

its military muscle in Asia amid tensions with North Korea over the pariah state’s nuclear missile program.

“The [attendance] numbers are reflective of the US commitment in the region,” US embassy spokesman Stephane Castonguay said at the start of the exercise.

“The focus of this exercise still remains humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, in addition to community relations projects.”

Troops from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore also participated in this year’s drills.

Japanese man wins custody of 13 kids born to Thai surrogates BANGKOK A BANGKOK COURT ON TUESday (Feb 20) granted a Japanese man “sole parent” rights to 13 children he fathered through Thai surrogate mothers, a ruling that paves the way for him to take custody of the group.

Mitsutoki Shigeta caused a “baby factory” scandal in 2014 after Thai police said DNA samples linked him to nine infants found in a Bangkok apartment, plus at least four other babies born by surrogates.

The murky case threw the spotlight on Thailand’s then unregulated

rent-a-womb industry, and helped push authorities to bar foreigners from paying for Thai surrogates in 2015.

Shigeta, the son of a Japanese tycoon, left the country in the wake of the scandal but later sued Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security for custody of the children.

“For the happiness and opportunities which the 13 children will receive from their biological father, who does not have a history of bad behaviour, the court rules that all 13 born from surrogacy to be legal children of the plaintiff,” Bangkok’s Central Juvenile

Court said in a statement.

Shigeta, who did not attend the trial in person, was deemed the “sole parent” of the children after the Thai surrogates had signed away their rights, the court said.

As he comes from a wealthy family, he has ample money and has prepared nurses and nannies to care for the children in Japan, the ruling stated.

Shigeta’s lawyer said he would contact the Social Welfare Ministry, who has taken care of the children since the scandal broke in 2014, about the next steps in transferring them from state custody.

Shigeta hired the Thai surrogates before the country banned the lucrative trade in 2015, following a string of scandals and custody tussles.

Surrogacy agencies quickly migrated to neighbouring Cambodia, who followed suit and barred the industry in 2016.

In recent months there have been signs the industry has shifted to Laos, an opaque communist country with no restrictions on surrogacy.

Some surrogacy agencies are now offering services to carry out the embryo transfer in Laos and then provide pregnancy care for the surrogate in Thailand, a wealthier

Kong Suriyamontol, the Thai lawyer for Japanese national Mitsutoki Shigeta, speaks to the press after his client was granted paternity rights. Photo: AFP country with vastly superior medical facilities.

AFP

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

ASIA NEWS

9

Claws out in Year of Dog

No walk in the park for global leaders, say feng shui masters HONG KONG Elaine Yu

A

s the Chinese zo­ diac switches into the Year of the Dog, Hong Kong feng shui experts predict anything but a walk in the park for global leaders.

Born in another dog year, 1946, United States president Donald Trump faces a run of bad luck, according to soothsayers, as his zodiac animal clashes with 2018’s canine theme.

Feng shui – literally mean­ ing “wind-water” – is influ­ ential in many parts of Asia, where people adjust their lives and carefully position items such as a cup of wine or pieces of crystal in offices and homes to maximise their luck and wealth.

The philosophy says that all events are dictated by the varying balances in the five elements that make up the universe: metal, wood, water, fire and earth.

Trump’s birth date makes him a “fire dog”, but 2018 is

Feng shui master Thierry Chow, working in her office in Hong Kong ahead of the Lunar New Year. As the Chinese zodiac switches into the Year of the Dog, Hong Kong feng shui experts predict anything but a walk in the park for global leaders. Photo: Elaine Yu / AFP an “earth dog” year, a mis­ match of elements.

The fire in Trump’s own birth chart will foment and af­ fect his health, says feng shui master Thierry Chow, while his words – the fire element also represents speech – may bring about “real problems”

and tangible consequences.

“The elements are too much fire and too much earth, so that’s going to be causing him imbalance in his fortune,” Chow said.

Chow uses the “f lying star” system to make her predictions based on constel­

Durian-themed cafe smells success SINGAPORE A SINGAPORE EATERY centred around the pungent tropical fruit durian has caught a whiff of success as patrons flock to the cafe in droves for a bite of its exotic offerings.

The spiky fruit long re­ garded as a delicacy in South­ east Asia has left a divisive trail – you either love it or hate it – and its odour means it is banned in most hotels and metro trains.

Detractors often describe its intense smell as a mix of gym socks and onions, while enthusiasts liken the creamy texture and intense aroma to blue cheese.

While the bittersweet fruit is usually eaten on its own or as a dessert, the Mao Shan Wang cafe in Singapore’s Chi­ natown district has a special menu with durian in all dishes, even savoury ones.

Customers can opt for chicken nuggets with a durian dip, pizza topped with durian flesh, fries with a side of du­ rian sauce, all washed down with coffee – durian infused, of course.

“Durian is (usually) eaten by itself and as sweets or treats, but what our company @thephuketnews

Customers sample durian at Mao Shan Wang café in the Chinatown district of Singapore. Photo: AFP wanted to do was put it with savoury stuff like fries and nuggets,” company spokesman Lance Lee said.

“We will be looking to expand the offerings as well, with maybe rice, pasta and other things.”

Mao Shan Wang, Chinese for Cat Mountain King, refers to a strain of durian from Kelantan state in neighbour­ ing Malaysia distinguished by its bittersweet taste and small seeds.

When reporters visited the cafe on a weekend afternoon, business was brisk.

While many opted for durian ice cream to beat the

muggy tropical heat, the more adventurous customers, most of them tourists, were seen trying the strong-smelling fruit – while wearing gloves.

Many were also waiting in line to buy durian-flavoured confectionery, and even freshly cut up fruit conveniently sealed in vacuum packs for their plane journey.

American tourist Michael Capps, who had been trying fresh durian straight from the husk, said he was a convert.

“It’s hard to explain the taste to it, but it actually has like a sweet taste to it and it’s very good.”

AFP

lation positions, foreseeing more tensions between the US and North Korea, which is afflicted by the most ma­ levolent number five star.

She also warned of the risk of crossed wires between Trump and China on the thorny issues of trade and

the economy.

“The seventh star is fall­ ing onto the east side – the star affects communication, it causes gossip and misun­ derstanding,” says Chow.

Feng shui runs through life in Hong Kong, with many people seeking advice from masters before making im­ portant life decisions, from picking a wedding date to choosing a new home.

Major companies also employ their own feng shui consultants to dictate interior designs and give investment advice.

Each year, brokerage firm CLSA comes out with its own Feng Shui Index, predicting what the next 12 months holds for the business world.

In 2018, it divined that the internet, utilities and technology sectors would perform with flying colours.

All are categorised as “fire-related” industries, and will do particularly well between May and July, feng shui experts said.

However, with the city’s bourse going through a roller­

coaster of highs and lows, the brokerage masters advised a cool head to navigate the earth dog market.

“The dog represents duty and loyalty and is a sign of defence and protection,” it said in its public predictions.

“Entrepreneurs should stick with their most loyal clients, and investors are advised not to bite off more than they can chew.”

Away from politics and finance, Chow predicted a happy wedding for Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who will tie the knot in May. The earth element repre­ sents royalty in the Chinese calendar and combined with the image of a candle as­ sociated with May in the traditional almanac the ele­ ments are aligned for a day of celebration.

“I think it will be very smooth – it will bring very good things to the coun­ try and good energy to the world,” Chow said of the marriage.

AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Fishing in troubled water

Dispute over Piran Bay affects livelihoods of local fishermen CROATIA Lajla Veselica

F

or two decades Diego Makovac has made a trouble-free living fishing for sole in Piran Bay. But he now faces a flurry of Croatian and Slovenian patrol boats as the two countries fight over the water.

Police vessels from the neighbouring states escort Makovac’s boat as he lets out his nets under a grey winter’s sky speckled with seagulls.

“I can no longer work peacefully... They are beside us non-stop. It’s stressful,” said the 48-year-old, one of dozens of Croatian fishermen from coastal settlements who work in the bay in the northern Adriatic Sea. The dispute over Piran Bay – less than seven kilometres long and five kilometres wide – has poisoned ties between Croatia and Slovenia ever since they proclaimed independence from Yugoslavia nearly 27 years ago.

In June last year, an in-

Diego Makovac, a Croatian fisherman from Savudrija, prepares to lay out his nets while accompanied by a Croatian police patrol boat off Savudrija.

For two decades Diego Makovac has made a trouble-free living fishing for sole in Piran Bay. But he now faces a flurry of Croatian and Slovenian patrol boats as the two countries fight over the water. Photo: STR / AFP ternational arbitration court allocated more than two-thirds of the disputed body of water to Slovenia.

Croatia, whose coast stretches for 1,700km, refused to accept the ruling. It wanted the maritime border to be drawn down the middle

of the bay.

But Slovenia, which has just 46km of coastline, had argued its access to international waters was at stake.

Relations between the two European Union members became further strained in December, when Slovenia

began implementing the ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

This has not stopped Makovac and his colleagues fishing in “their” half of the bay.

“This is our territorial sea. We’ve been working here forever,” said Daniele Kolec, head of a local fishing association.

“Nobody can tell us that we cannot fish here any more.

No chance!”

Each time the fishermen sail out they inform the Croatian police, who accompany them for protection in patrol boats.

As Makovac sets off from his village of Savudrija and

approaches the centre of the bay, a Slovenian police dinghy with flashing blue beacons rushes to warn him that he is entering “Slovenian territorial waters”.

Makovac said that he expected a Slovenian inspection boat to be there when he retrieved the net the next day, carrying officials who would take down his details for a fine.

Both countries have begun issuing penalties for alleged “border violations” of up to 1,300 euros (B50,602) for an individual and 41,000 euros (B1,595,938) for a company.

On top of that is the risk of a collision on the water – “especially when it’s foggy,”

Makovac’s wife, Franka, said as she helped him cast out a net.

Slovenian fishermen with nets say they have so far remained cautious, sticking to one half of the bay to avoid problems and “work in peace”.

“We allowed a third party to draw the border and what was done was done,” said fisherman Zlatko Novogradec from the picturesque Slovenian port city of Piran, to the north of the bay.

Novogradec, a representative of small-scale Slovenian fishers, said that his colleagues would wait until Croatia accepted the ruling before extending their nets further.

“It will happen sooner or later, but it must happen eventually as a legal ruling has to be respected.”

Croatia pulled out of the arbitration proceedings in 2014 following a phone-tapping scandal, in which a Slovenian judge from the tribunal and a Ljubljana official were recorded discussing tactics for a ruling favourable to Slovenia.

The proceedings nevertheless continued.

Both Croatian fishermen and the government in Zagreb say they have no intention of paying the fines now being imposed.

The Makovac family and their colleagues say their work in the bay – whose fish patterns they know well – is crucial to their earnings. Most of their catch is sole, which is exported to Italy.

“This is our bread, our life,” said Franka, who would like to see a deal struck with the Slovenians so that they can fish together.

“It’s all politics,” she said.

Her view is echoed by many other Croatian and Slovenian citizens, who have long lived and worked side by side around the border area.

Slovenians say that the issue has been whipped up domestically because of upcoming parliamentary elections.

Until now local people “were never in dispute”, said Peter Nussdorfer, 56, a bus driver from Piran.

While the deadlock continues, fishermen and women carry on doing their job under daily escort, with the number of police boats set to rise as the high fishing season approaches.

“Both countries have much more serious issues on which the money could be spent,” said Franka.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Getting the drop on mozzies Aussie enviro-startup sets sights on mosquito countermeasures ENVIRONMENT

Mosquito Drops, in Phuket.

Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

n Australian company is looking to break into the Thai market, and elsewhere in Asia, with a revolutionary product that prevents disease-carrying mosquitoes carrying dangerous diseases such as dengue, Chikungunya and malaria from breeding in standing water.

The product, simply called Mosquito Drops under the brand EnviroSafe, is effective on all mosquito species, notes Brad Dickinson, Regional Representative for Evergreen Marketing, who was recently in Phuket as part of the campaign to bring the Australiandeveloped product to Asia.

Key to the product’s effectiveness is the technology behind the active ingredient Aquatain, allowing Mosquito Drops to be developed as a silicone-based liquid that spreads across the surface of standing water to form a very thin film.

“As silicones have a very

low surface tension, mosquito larvae can’t attach themselves to the surface when they come up to breathe – causing them to drown,” Mr Dickinson explains.

“The product has an entirely physical action, and doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals,” he adds.

Silicones have been used in hundreds of applications, including the food industry, for more than 50 years, and decades of studies have shown

that they do not have any negative impact on humans or on the environment, Mr Dickinson notes.

“The product, which was invented by another Australian company (Aquatain Products Pty Ltd) and is sold in many countries under the name of Aquatain AMF, is approved for sale in more than 60 countries.

“In fact, its safety is demonstrated by the fact that it has been exempted from the normal registration processes

Highfield OM 390 model with 20 HP electric outboard engine.

Cholamark goes electric MARINE RENOWNED PHUKET boatbuilder Cholamark Boat Co Ltd has taken a leap into the future in local boating and is presenting at the Thailand Yacht Show this week rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs) with electric outboard engines made by Torqeedo in Germany.

“Our Highfield tenders with Hypalon tubes and aluminium hulls are a perfect match for this new generation of outboard engines,” explained Cholamark company owner and founder Hans Martin. @thephuketnews

“At the Thailand Yacht Show at Ao Po Grand Marina (on Feb 22-25) from 3pm till 6pm visitors will have the opportunity to test our tenders with Torqeedo electric outboard engines, powered by state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries made in Germany,” he added.

The batteries can be charged by shore power or by solar energy, Mr Martin noted.

“One of our boats at the show features a bimini top with eight solar panels generating sufficient power to run a 3hp electric outboard engine,” he explained.

“We are also presenting

a powerful Cholamark-built 7.2m RIB with two 200hp gasoline outboard engines.

This boat is a perfect choice for commercial operators looking for a chase or rescue boat.

“In an emergency situation when only one of its 200hp outboard engines is working, the boat will still reach a top speed of 37 knots,” Mr Martin added.

The Phuket News

The Cholamark booth at the Thailand Yacht Show is at A9. Tenders for trials are at berth Z1. The Phuket News is a proud media partner of the Thailand Yacht Show.

in many countries (including the European Union) because it doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals,” he adds.

Recognition by health authorities have driven support behind the innovative product.

Under the name Aquatain AMF, the product is certified for application to drinking water storages by NSF International, the world’s foremost certification authority.

The product, being marketed by Evergreen Marketing

of Perth, Western Australia, which also has several other household pest control products in its range, brings particular benefits to mosquito hot zones such as Phuket, says Mr Dickinson.

Beyond the commercial applications for the likes of hotels and community housing projects, considering the short distance that mosquitoes travel, is the impact the product can have on singular simple household, he adds.

“Mosquito Drops are perfect for householders to apply around their homes: a few drops in water containers such as pot plant trays, bird baths, old tyres, water tanks, blocked gutters and so on will protect against mosquito-breeding for around four weeks,” he explains.

“Unlike other mosquito control products which are generally toxic and unsafe for use by the general public, Mosquito Drops are totally safe to use.”

Evergreen is also marketing a variation on the product, called Mosquito Gel Drops.

These are water soluble cap-

sules containing the Mosquito Drops liquid, which can be dropped into small water containers. When the capsule dissolves, the liquid floats to the surface and spreads across it.

Further afield throughout Thailand and Asia is that in addition to domestic uses around the home, Mosquito Drops can be applied on a large scale to mosquito-breeding grounds such as rice paddies, swamps, polluted canals, roadside ditches and even large water storages.

“Field trials around the world have confirmed its effectiveness in all of these applications. As the product has such a strong spreading action, in most cases it can be simply poured on to the water and it will spread across the surface for large distances.

“It will even spread around heavy vegetation, Mr Dickinson notes.

Currently, Mr Dickinson is in talks with a potential distributor based in Bangkok in bringing Mosquito Drops to the local market, but says he is open to discussions with local Phuket partners.

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Anuphas leaves Honda behind

After 32 years as Phuket’s Honda dealer, Anuphas calls it quits AUTO SALES Jirarat Rakjamroon

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fter 32 years, Anuphas Vividhkarn will cease to serve as a the sole Honda car dealer in Phuket, it was announced at a press conference at the Novotel Phuket Phokeetra Hotel in Phuket Town last Saturday (Feb 17).

For decades, Anuphas Vividhkarn has served as the only Honda dealer and official service agent in Phuket.

Managing Director Montawee Hongyok announced last Saturday that Anuphas Vividhkarn’s four dealerships in Phuket and Phang Nga will cease operating as Honda showrooms and service centres from Mar 1.

“Due to economic conditions and changes, we have decided to stop being an official Honda dealer,” Deputy Managing Director Montri Hongyok explained.

“Honda itself will continue their work. They have their own plan, so customers have no need to worry,” he assured.

People gather at a Phuket Honda showroom for the launch of the Honda CRV 2017 model last year. Photo: The Phuket News However, with Anuphas now exiting its Honda arrangement, there are no other Honda dealers in Phuket, according to the official Honda Thailand website.

Asked where Honda owners will able to have their vehicles serviced by official agents, a standing condition in order to uphold warranties on new vehicles bought, Mr Montri said, “I want Honda to say themselves because I don’t know whether they will find new dealers, and where (such dealers might be located).”

Mr Montri added that he had been informed that “within one to two months, a Honda centre headquarters will be in Phuket, but we don’t know the exact location yet.”

Asked specifically about Honda upholding its warranties for new vehicle owners, Mr Montawee said plainly, “If it’s under warranty by Honda, it’s Honda’s responsibility.”

Speaking to The Phuket News on Tuesday, Honda Customer Relations Officer Jarudech Kittichokwattana in Bangkok confirmed that

Honda already had a new dealer lined up to launch in Phuket, but said he was not authorised to name the company or release any other details until the news had been formally approved.

“We are in the process of renovating a Honda centre, but we can’t confirm when it will be finished due to many factors,” he said.

As for the future of the building that for years served as the main Honda dealership in Phuket Town, Mr Montri explained, “As our Honda

centre is in a great location, we think it can be more beneficial for Phuket people. We plan to launch a business in the fields of tourism, health and service for Phuket people.

“As for the staff, we have another 15 businesses, so the staff can still work with us,” he added.

The four dealerships to be released from their Honda obligations will continue to operate, he added, but as general service centres for all vehicles, Mr Montri noted.

“They will become complete repair centres, not only for Honda vehicles, but for other vehicles also,” he added.

The closure of the Honda dealerships in Phuket follows Chevrolet Thailand having their previous sole dealership on the island terminated on May 31 last year.

Throughout the closing six months of last year, Chevrolet Thailand repeated their promise of having a dealership in Phuket by the end of 2017, but in December finally refused to confirm or deny whether a Phuket dealership was still forthcoming.

As of Tuesday (Feb 20), Chevrolet still did not list any official dealers or service agents in Phuket on their official “Find a Dealer” webpage, despite Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Sales and Marketing Director Piyanuch Chaturaphat issuing a media statement in December stating, “As Chevrolet Sales Thailand ended its partnership with its dealership in Phuket earlier this year, it has made all services at its dealership in Krabi available to any customers who need support.

“We understand this may represent a temporary inconvenience for our customers in Phuket, and in view of this we are taking additional actions with our dealers in the neighbouring provinces to arrange mobile services for our customers in Phuket as an interim solution.”

Meanwhile, any Chevrolet owners in Phuket who must have their new vehicles serviced by an authorised dealer must continue to make the 300-kilometre round trip to Krabi in order to keep their warranties intact.

B15.9bn Chinese New Year boost TOURISM JUST OVER 300,000 CHInese tourists will visit Thailand to celebrate Chinese New Year, the Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports announced this week.

Basing its estimates on flights and booking trends, February 15-21, the ministry said 888,472 foreigners would visit the country of which 304,192 would be Chinese tourists, up by around 20% compared with the Chinese New Year week in 2017.

During the week Feb 1521, tourism receipts on the estimated 888,472 foreign tourist visits could reach around B48.452 billion. Of that total, 304,192 Chinese visitors should generate earnings of B15.978bn.

During the Chinese New Year holiday this year, 20,677 flights will serve routes between China and Thailand, an increase of 6% over last year’s festive season.

The increase is driven by new flights that originate in second-tier cities in China and fly package tour groups to secondary cities in Thailand.

Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat says he wants to reduce the concentra-

Chinese New Year is expected to boost tourism revenues this year by more than B15 billion. Photo: TAT tion of tourists visiting popular destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.

The Phuket News notes that the new strategy might in part explain why the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has Phuket as the only destination in the country to begin its official Chinese New Year celebrations five days after the Chinese Lunar New Year – and starting from Wednesday this week (Feb 21) instead.

Regardless, around 90% of all Chinese tourists continue to travel to Bangkok, Chonburi (Pattaya), Phuket and Chiang Mai, with just 10% visiting secondary destinations such as Chiang Rai, and Samui.

In preparation for the huge influx of tourists, government departments including the Immigration Bureau have recruited volunteers to provide information to Chinese travellers at

airports including interpreters to process visas-on-arrival, VAT refunds, while security has been beefed up with patrols and checks on water transport.

The visa-on-arrival counters at airports will be crowded this week with long-delays for thousands of Chinese tourists, who did not gain a visa before they left home.

There have been calls to replace the cumbersome visaon-arrival with an online evisa, prepaid by a credit card.

Myanmar has the most practical and user-friendly online visa service of all the Asean neighbours, while Thailand has lagged behind.

An e-visa would cut costs, be more user friendly, still give immigration officials the opportunity to check blacklists and reduce queues and congestion at airports.

TTR Weekly thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

UK comic brings her riotous act to Phuket

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

15

The search is on to find ‘Phuket’s Best Burger’

BALI’S BOUNTY

17

Bali’s ancient temples, volcanic landscape, unique cuisine and friendly people combine to draw millions of tourists yearly Pura Besakih, the most important and largest Hindu temple in Bali, is a stunning example of the island’s unique architecture. Photo: CE Photo-Uwe Aranas

Andrew J Wood

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ften referred to as the “Island of the Gods”, Bali’s neighbours are Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It’s a tropical paradise of unsurpassed beauty. Just eight degrees south of the equator, Bali has an even tropical climate with average temperatures of 30°C year round. Bali has piqued the minds of travellers for generations; a treasure trove for explorers, the island still retains a special allure with its unique culture, arts, architecture and the warmth of its people.

Bali’s population is 4.5 million spread across 5,780 sq km, 145km at its longest point and 80km at its widest. From mag-

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nificent mountain jungles to deep valley gorges, rugged coastlines to lush hillsides, black sandy beaches to stunning ancient temples, it’s no surprise Bali is known as the “Island of the Gods”.

Classic Balinese architecture is omnipresent and the island houses thousands of Hindu temples in every nook and cranny. Black and white cloth is everywhere. On stone statutes; at the front of houses, in temples, worn as a wrap or adorning holy banyan trees. The black and white cloth is called saput poleng.

The saput (blanket) poleng (two-toned) is a holy black-and-white chequered textile.

The black and white squares represent balance in the universe – similar to concept of Ying and Yang.

Equally, the evocative smell of incense permeates wherever people and

buildings are found. Unmistakable frangipani flowers, white or red with yellow centres, are used extensively to decorate.

Their splash of colour bringing life to static objects, spaces and even people.

Daily you’ll see intricately squareshaped palm leaves pinned together with bamboo sticks to form a small flat square tray called a Canang Sari. They are offered in prayer to appease the gods and ward off evil spirits. Sometimes the offerings includes betel nuts, lime and even cigarettes and sweets. They adorn everything and are placed liberally around buildings, temples and homes.

Hinduism is the predominant religion on the island (84%) a rarity in Indonesia’s largely Muslim population (87%). Bali’s tourism success can be dated to the late 1970s. Free spirited

travellers explored this beautiful island, especially the beaches that attracted many surfers. Artists and writers flocked here too.

There‘s a strong spiritual feel here.

The heady mix of rugged mountains and beaches, strong island winds, the waft of incense, the plethora of temples, the flower offerings – and above all the happiness and calmness you experience in your interactions with smiling islanders. They all draw you towards an inner spiritual self. If it’s soul searching and meditation you seek I can recommend no better place.

Ubud is my favourite place on the island. I simply wallow in the rustic atmosphere, its greenery, its mountains, its village and its undeniable charm…

Continued page 14

14 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

The terraced rice fields of Bali are a magnificent sight to behold. Photo: Imacim

Bali: So much to see, so little time Continued from page 13 ... Each morning there I woke to silence punctuated by a cacophony of morning sounds. The crowing of a rooster, the rustle of the trees, the sound of distant water falling, a dog barking, a farmer’s tractor. All calming and reassuring.

Our first overnight stay was at the impressive four-year-old Sankara Boutique Resort in Ubud. The resort’s layout is centred around the pool and has a forest-like feel. Trees and greenery abound. Our villa had a traditional thatched roof with a high ceiling and a generously sized ensuite bathroom.

Access to your villa is a paved walkway through the forest. It’s the friendliest hotel I’ve come across. The staff are genuine and sincere. It has a great kitchen too. Over two days, with the exception of lunch, we had all our meals here.

Ubud is Bali’s cultural and artistic heart, it was the destination of choice for artists from all walks of life. Today Ubud is a small town with an emphasis on wellness, small local shops and great cuisine. At night the bars and restaurants come alive. There’s a real buzz.

We continued to explore Ubud the following day and spent the morning with an outstanding local musician. We were privy to a private recital and a face-to-face meeting with one of Bali’s most famous recording musicians. We visited him at his home in a small village in Ubud. His music was relaxing, spiritual and mesmerising. We stayed for about one hour. He is a kind, unassuming gentleman. His wife surprised me by presenting me with a collection of all four of his albums. He plays from memory. He doesn’t read music. After our musical interlude we headed off to a spectacular local home for a very unique cooking class.

I believe that one of the most remarkable ways of discovering Bali and

any destination is through its people and their culture. Certainly this is the case for Bali. The island and its cuisine are well known the world over. We were invited to take part in a rare culinary experience at the home of a local celebrity. It opened a door to a world that is normally hidden.

We were introduced to a chef at his sprawling traditional Balinesian homecome-restaurant in Ubud. He only allows seven classes per month and just three in the low season. He believes in a simple lifestyle with little stress. He takes great pains to ensure his work ethos does not negatively impact his family’s well being and his own harmony. What followed was an extraordinary afternoon with a former hotel chef now an entrepreneur, farmer and family man who shared with us his philosophy for a balanced life and sustainable harvesting. It was truly fascinating.

After our introductions we were invited to join him in a special cooking class culminating in lunch. It was no ordinary cooking class. Eight dishes were prepared. We chopped, sliced, diced, cooked and even wrote down the dictated recipe by hand.

It was serious work and we took great pride to help prepare all the dishes meticulously under the clear instructions from the chef. He was a good teacher, explaining every ingredient and his philosophy that “food is medicine”. We always hope to meet interesting local people when we travel. Meeting this wonderful chef at his home was one of those occasions, a real pleasure.

It was day three and after breakfast we checked out of the Sankara Resort and headed east to see the Kerta Gosa, or Hall of Justice, built in the 18th century in Klungkung. It is beautifully laid out within a moat and provides an exquisite example of the Klungkung style of architecture which can also be seen

Pura Bratan Water Temple.

Photo: Konstantinos Trovas

A traditional Balinese village. Photo: Bart Speelman

Tanah Lot Temple. Photo: Chensiyuan in their ceiling murals.

Our next stop was at Tenganan, an original Balinese village, one of the last remaining Bali Aga villages with their own language; traditions and customs that date back several millennia. This includes its famed double ikat weaving.

Mr Komdri was on hand to welcome us, bare chested with purple hair he was quite a character. Komdri showed us various samples and explained the techniques for weaving the tie-dyed cotton strands. Each piece of cloth is for sale, a medium piece costs a few hundred dollars. It is considered magical and can ward off evil spirits.

It was the weekend and we had dinner in the hotel on our first night. It was exceptional. The following day we had arranged to meet old friends who live on the island. We had a day of eating and shopping in Ubud. Very relaxing. I particularly enjoyed Bridges Bar and Restaurant and Naughty Nuri’s for BBQ. On Monday morning we were met by our Khiri tour guide Mr Sana and a driver who whisked us away to visit to the world famous Jatiluwih – perfectly manicured terraced rice paddies.

Beautiful and pristine, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are just spectacular. The rugged landscape of Bali and its terrain make for fertile soil which, combined with a wet tropical climate, make it an ideal place for crop cultivation.

Water from the rivers has been channelled into canals to irrigate the land, allowing the cultivation of rice on both flat land and mountain terraces. We were able to walk right amongst the paddies. The views were movie stills. The landscape here is over a thousand years

The royal treatment in Seminyak. Photo: A Wood old. It was a very special experience.

We drove south to Seminyak and en route stopped to visit Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali’s most spectacular sites and one of the most photographed temples in the world. It is perched on a barren rock outcrop and at high tide is completely surrounded by the ocean. It is only accessible on foot at low tide. The temple was using the low season (Jan-March) to undertake repairs and carry out maintenance to the temple complex.

The next day we checked into the Indigo Hotel in Seminyak – an area brimming with restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries.

Our last night in Bali was a very special treat – dinner with a Princess.

It was an extraordinary experience. We were escorted to the private villa of a member of the Balinese Royal Family – a relative of the late King. We arrived at her villa and were greeted by a showering of rose petals and a Balinese dancer.

We were the only guests. The conversation flowed effortlessly. I had plenty of questions and our host was very candid.

The princess treated us to a fabulous five-course dinner which was simply delicious, a culinary highlight of the entire trip. It was an extraordinary dinner, cooked by her private chef and a memorable experience.

Andrew J Wood is a travel writer, a regular university guest lecturer and a long-time resident of Thailand. He is also a former hotel GM and Immediate Past President of Skal International Thailand. Andrew is also a Director of Worldwide Destinations Asia Co Ltd in Bangkok. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 15

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

UK comic brings ‘Walk of Shame’ show to Phuket

Drinks & Co Phuket set to host edgy UK comic Eleanor Conway The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

She partied around the world as a music journalist, ran off to Asia to work for the triads, made hardcore porn and Tinder’d her way through most of London.

Phuket Venue: Drinks & Co., 21/11 Lagoon Plaza, Lagoon Road, Boat Avenue (opposite Skye Lake Club).

Date: March 8, 2018.

Time: Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 7:45pm Cost: Tickets are B500 in advance (including one drink) or B700 on door (including one drink).

Online ticket sales: www.thephuketnews. com – Drinks & Co presents Live Comedy – Walk of Shame For all enquiries: Call Neil on 083 720 5586 or visit the FB page at drinksandco.phuket Retail store by day, refined, high-quality bar by night, Drinks & Co launched its Phuket branch in August 2016, providing a variety of quality local and imported beverages at retail prices, that can be taken away or enjoyed in house. There is also a full bar serving handcrafted drinks made from the finest imported ingredients. @thephuketnews

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ome people talk the talk but don’t walk the walk, but one person who puts her money where her mouth is, is comedian Eleanor Conway. Her debut stand-up show “Walk of Shame”, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to critical acclaim, is now set to be performed in Phuket for one night only.

Ferocious clubber and party girl, Eleanor Conway has always been a woman of extremes; she partied around the world as a music journalist for Ministry of Sound and Virgin Music, ran off to Asia to work for the triads, made hardcore porn and Tinder’d her way through most of London. But, now sober from alcohol and substances, she’s failing to find moderation and meaning.

Eleanor is a Comedy Store King Gong finalist and has been performing stand-up since 2014. An experienced music presenter and host, she’s interviewed everyone from 50 Cent and Oasis to Justin Bieber and can still be regularly seen crowd surfing in a corset at some of the UK’s biggest festivals. She has also penned an article about the travails of the modern online dating game for The Guardian.

“Walk Of Shame” discusses larger issues of feminism and women’s rights, as well as Eleanor’s own personal experiences, “I talk about slut shaming, and how suffragettes used to chain themselves to railings to fight for equal rights, which has led to ladies having more freedom to enjoy sex and chain ourselves to some-bloke-called-Dave’s Ikea bedposts, should we want,’ she said in a interview with The Debrief.

Her debut show “Walk of Shame” is a riotous comedy about sex, sobriety and the modern addict. Now after two sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival and a Stockholm Fringe Festival Award nomination,

Eleanor Conway will be performing her hit show ’Walk of Shame’ in Phuket on March 8. Photo: Supplied Eleanor is taking her show on a 100date global tour, taking in 10 countries across the globe. Critics have said: “A fascinating story.”

– The Scotsman “Shocking, poignant and undeniably funny,” – F-Word “Reminiscent of early Graham Nor-

ton (albeit sexier),” – The List The 2018 Asia-Pacific tour dates for “Walk of Shame” include: Feb 16-25: Adelaide, Australia Mar 3-4: Singapore Mar 8: Phuket, Thailand Mar 9: Bangkok, Thailand

16 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Soi Dog founder an exemplar of compassion ‘Gill Dalley’s Sanctuary’ christened in honour of her tireless dedication The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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or staff and volunteers at Phuket’s Soi Dog Foundation, February 13 will now forever be known as International Gill Dalley’s Remembrance Day, in honour of its generous and kindhearted co-founder Gill Dalley, who dedicated her life to improving the welfare of stray dogs and cats in Phuket and across Thailand. To inaugurate the occasion, and as a memorial to Gill, the Soi Dog Shelter has been renamed “Gill Dalley’s Sanctuary” to remind staff, volunteers and visitors about the iron-willed lady.

Gill and her husband John Dalley moved to Phuket in 2003 to begin a quiet and peaceful retired life. However, they soon noticed the sheer number of stray dogs and cats living on the

streets of Phuket (an estimated 70,000 at the time) and were shocked by the appalling health conditions they suffered from.

Unable to just sit by and do nothing, in 2004 the couple founded the Soi Dog Foundation, setting their sights on ending the suffering of these animals. Soon they were working 14 hours a day, seven days a week for the foundation – a far cry from their plan of idyllic retirement.

“We were a bit shocked at first. Most of the dogs were emaciated through malnutrition. Many had mange and were covered in sores. Many of the wounds were infested with parasites and maggots and riddled with infection.

I wanted to find a solution to improve their lives,” said John.

That same year, a dog which had been tranquillized for a sterilisation procedure ran into a flooded buffalo field, knowing that the dog

Soi Dog co-founder and passionate animal rights activist Gill Dalley will forever be remembered. would quickly lose consciousness and drown, Gill ran in to rescue her. Wading through that flooded field, Gill unknowingly contracted a rare form of septicaemia. A few days later, she started to feel ill. She was taken to a hospital and was in coma for six weeks and eventually lost her legs due to a severe infection.

“I don’t think too many people achieve their goals, their aims, their dreams and I’m not one of those people who’s going to go to the grave thinking ‘what if’,” said Gill.

“I got the best outcome, only losing my legs. I could have lost my life, so I’ve a lot to be grateful for that I was given this chance to carry on doing the work that I love,” said Gill following her recovery.

After the Tsunami disaster that killed more than 200,000 people, John and Gill volunteered to rescue dogs left hurt and hungry. This effort put Soi

Dog on the map – drawing volunteers and donations from across the globe.

“Animals feel pain the same as we do. They need food. They need a doctor when they are sick. They need a safe place to sleep. They need somebody to love them. They are domestic animals.

We created these creatures, and for me, we have a huge responsibility to take care of them,” said Gill.

Gill was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on February 13, 2017 after a short battle. However, her dedication, vision and mission will be carried on by the Soi Dog Foundation.

So far, Soi Dog foundation has sterilised more than 150,000 dogs and cats, while also providing life-saving treatment to them by the teams of vets, nurses, nurse assistants and staff in Phuket and Bangkok including mobile clinics in the two provinces and Koh Samui.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 17

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

THE BATTLE OF THE BURGERS

‘Phuket’s Best Burger’ competition 2018: ‘Showcase of the Immortals’ Jay Leshark

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veryone loves a great burger.

The perfect ratio of burger to bun, the selection of choice ingredients and the overall personality of the “Burger Maestro” are all major factors in determining whether any hamburger is worthy of being declared Phuket’s Best Burger.

Now in its fourth year, the “Phuket’s Best Burger” competition has become one of the island’s most loved events. This year Phuket’s Best Burger will be getting “burgerliscious” at Phuket Boat Lagoon on Saturday, March 24 from 4-10pm. The event will see scores of restaurateurs and chefs competing to see whose burger will reign supreme and named Phuket’s Best Burger for 2018 – this will truly be a “Showcase of the Immortals”.

Jay Leshark struck upon the idea for the event while working with Phuket Live radio and surfing the Phuket airwaves with his weekend brunch radio show in 2013. He was looking for an event that would be something different for Phuket, something to do with food and, most importantly, something fun!

“I honestly never thought it would get as big as it has,” said Jay. “It was just a crazy idea I had which has grown over the past four years.

@thephuketnews

Just a sample of the burger bonanza on offer at last year’s event.

“It was the history of burgers that also really interested me,” Jay continued, “burgers can be traced back to 1209 when Genghis Khan’s army needed food that could be carried on their mounts and eaten easily with one hand while they rode, ground meat was the perfect choice, and if it’s good enough for Genghis Khan then who are we to argue?”

After a couple of years of planning, which really meant going around Phuket eating burgers and studying burger competitions around the world, the inaugural Phuket event was held in March of 2015 and the first ever winner was Xana Beach Club. In 2016 Kata Rocks prevailed and then last year Thavorn Beach Village & Spa won.

This year’s event is set to be the biggest and best ever. The venue at Phuket Boat Lagoon is fabulous and there are some awesome sponsors, including some such as Class Act Media who have been with the event since the start.

There will be a live broadcast from the team at Live 89.5 who will take to the stage at the event, as well as some great children’s activities organised

by Rainbow Trout Creativity, who are opening The Harbour School in April.

Hooters will also be showcasing an amazing cooking demonstration and their lovely Hooters girls will be performing a couple of dance routines.

But what does the winner get? Well not only do they get bragging rights

for a whole year and the Phuket’s Best Burger trophy, they also receive a host of other prizes from the amazing sponsors.

The prize fund is already over B250,000 which includes a huge B180,000 worth of advertising from Class Act Media and B25,000 worth of BBQ equipment from The BBQ Shop. The other sponsors are, Real Life Phuket, Rainbow Trout Creativity, Image Asia and Hooters.

So make sure you get down to Phuket Boat Lagoon on Saturday, March 24 from 4-10pm and join in this fabulous event for the whole family.

Email: phuketsbestburger@gmail.com Web: facebook.com/PhuketsBestBurger Call: 086 943 7840

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Guests enjoyed some snacks as they toured the show condominiums.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

From left: Nikki, Yin and Rudy.

MONTAZURE HOSTS PARTY TO SHOWCASE NEW BEACHFRONT CONDOS Luxury property developers MontAzure last Saturday (Feb 17) hosted an open house viewing and party to showcase some of the newly completed Twinpalms MontAzure condominiums to the media and special guests.

Inspired Phuketian organiser Able presents guest speaker Philipp with a gift to mark the occasion.

Scores of guests came to hear Philipp’s expert views on the future of education.

Guests mingled after the speech to discuss the some of the ideas raised by Philipp.

Skye Lake Club Inspired Phuketian talks attracts a wide variety of people on Phuket.

PHILIPP VON HARDENBERG TALKS EDUCATION AT INSPIRED PHUKETIAN Philipp Graf Von Hardenberg, President and CEO of Thanyapura Phuket, Founder of Yaowawit School and Board Member of United World College Thailand (UWCT), also wears many other hats as a business coach, entrepreneur, financier, educator, hotelier, fund-raiser and philanthropist. At the recent Inspired Phuketian event, hosted at the Skye Lake Club last Wednesday (Feb 15), Mr Von Hardenberg gave a speech titled “The Need for Paradigm Shifts in Education Systems”. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5.

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong (2nd from left) was one of the many VIPs who took part.

There were some unusually attired competitors who joined the run.

SIXTH ‘RUN FOR HEALTH RUN FOR CHARITY’ MINI MARATHON A SUCCESS The sixth annual ‘Run for Health Run for Charity’ Mini Marathon, organised by Siriroj International Hospital, was held last week (Feb 18). Hundreds of competitors took part in the run, which featured 4km, 6km and 11km distance categories. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

PHUKET’S MISS TEEN THAILAND WINNER VISITS THE PHUKET NEWS FRESH FROM HER WIN IN BANGKOK

From Left: Sipatrada ‘Winnie’ Phiutong, her mother Amporn Phiutong and Khao Phuket Editor Chutharat Plerin.

Winnie was crowned Miss Teen Thailand at a ceremony in Bangkok earlier this year.

Sipatrada “Winnie” Phiutong, a 15-year-old ThaiAmerican girl from Phuket, was crowned Miss Teen Thailand 2017, in the competition final late last month (Jan 24) at BCC Hall in Bangkok. Winnie dropped by the offices of The Phuket News on Monday (Feb 19) to thanks us for our support during her campaign to win the competition. The Phuket News team heartily congratulates Winnie and wishes her the best of luck in all her future endeavours – we are sure this is just the start of a long a successful career for Winnie.

Representatives of the KIS Phuket management team warmly welcomed Phuket Vice Governor Prakorb Wongmaneerung and other VIPs to the school.

KAJONKIET INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL WELCOMES VICE GOVERNOR The KIS Phuket management team warmly welcomed Phuket Vice Governor Prakorb Wongmaneerung and a variety of important delegates to an “Under the sea” press conference at the school last week (Feb 13) that focused on the preservation of endangered sea turtles.

Many students and staff wore traditional Thai clothing to mark the day.

MD of Andaman Sea Cruises Sukanya Panichakul (left) and guests.

QSI CELEBRATES ITS CULTURAL DIVERSITY ON INTERNATIONAL DAY Quality Schools International (QSI) Phuket recently celebrated the diverse range of backgrounds and cultures of its staff and students during an “International Day” at the school. Students donned traditional clothes and brought traditional food to share.

The pleasure cruise through Phang Nga Bay was enjoyed by all the guests.

ANDAMAN SEA CRUISE MARKS GRAND OPENING IN STYLE The day was a chance for students to share their culture and food with each other. @thephuketnews

Andaman Sea Cruise Company Limited recently launched its charter service with an exclusive cruise and buffet dinner about the company’s luxurious motor yacht.

The cruise left from Thavorn Beach Pier and toured Phang Nga Bay for several hours while guests mingled and took in the views.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

23 FEB

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

Curry Cravings in Karon Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out some of our delicious appetizers and mains such as: Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys / Achars, Gulab Jamun, Fruits, Onion Bhaji, Bomay Potatoes, Dal Makhini, Ice-cream etc etc. (Menus subject to change and variety). For only B499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks. Booking: 076 286 464 Ext 4.

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 445 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs!

Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD www.twochefs.com

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is B500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12pm at the Millennium Resort in Patong. For additional information please visit: www.rotarypatong.org.

Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservation recommended B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

SAT

24 FEB

Phang Nga Bay plays host to the third edition of the region’s premier experiential yachting event, the Thailand Yacht Show. Returning to Phuket’s Ao Po Grand Marina from 22-25 February 2018, visitors have the opportunity to climb aboard and trial some of our on-water displays. info@thailandyachtshow.com Opening Hours:

Chillin & Grillin at Sala Phuket

MON

26 FEB

On Mai Khao Beach. On Sun, February 25. Music

by Phuket House Mafia. BBQ Buffet, Drink Specials.

B850 per adult and B450 for under 12’s. Contact: events@salaphuket.com for bookings. For more information call: 076 338 888

All you can eat BBQ night

All you can eat BBQ night

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

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

SUN

25 FEB

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

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites!

Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken.

Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band!

Come for the FOOD - RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344914

TUE

Sunday Seafood Brunch Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch The Banyan Tree Brunch experience offers a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exceptional lobster dishes, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asian wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, live jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree Brunch has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12pm 3:30pm, Prices start from B2,800 net per person. For reservations email: fb-phuket@banyantree.com or call 076 372 400.

Indulge yourself in a Sunday Seafood Brunch, with fresh seafood on ice including oysters, prawns and New Zealand Mussels. Followed by sumptuous grilled meats, other seafood and much more. Complete the delightful meal at the dessert stations serving both Thai and international favourites. For food not inclusive of beverage packages. SPECIAL PROMOTION: BUY 1 GET 1 FREE! until 25th February. To reserve your seat, please contact us: fb@crowneplazaphuket. com. Located at 8/88 Moo 7, Sakdidech Road, Vichit Sub-District, Muang, Phuket 83000 Thailand. Email: fb@crowneplazaphuket.com or call 076 302 900.

27 FEB

Afraid of public speaking?

Toastmasters can help.

Looking to develop your public speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today!

Meetings held the 2nd and 4th Tue of every month at Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket. Contact Jason on 086 479 7471 for more info or visit the website: phuketprofessionals.toastmastersclubs.org

WED

Thailand Yacht Show 2018

22 February (Thursday) - 5 to 9 pm 23 February (Friday) - 3 to 9 pm 24 February (Saturday) - 3 to 9 pm 25 February (Sunday) - 3 to 9 pm Get your free tickets at: https://ticketing.igo.events/e/95

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

28 FEB

SURF & TURF NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY @ TWO CHEFS ALL YOU CAN EAT! GRILLED AUSTRALIAN RIB EYE STEAK, TERIYAKI MARINATED CHICKEN AND GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS WITH BBQ SAUCE, RED WINE SAUCE AND BEARNAISE SAUCE CEASAR SALAD AND HERB SAUTEED POTATOES. ONLY 495 BAHT. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8 pm until late. WWW.twochefs.com Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914, Kata Beach 076-333-370, Kata Center 076-330-065 COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!! Reservations, TWO CHEFS KARON – PATONG – KATA CENTER.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WED

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 starts 8pm. Tickets B500 in advance (includes 1 drink) B700 on the night (includes on drink).

Drinks & Co – Lagoon Plaza, Boat Lagoon, Cherng Talay (opposite Skye Lake Club). To book your tickets: 083 720 5586 or www.phuketticketmaster.com

28 FEB Meeting - Rotary Club Patong

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

The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is B500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12pm at the Millennium Resort in Patong. Please visit the website: www.rotarypatong.org for additional information.

SAT

THU

1 MAR

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

FRI

2 MAR

9 MAR

Phuket AFL Masters Tournament

3 MAR

Quiz Night - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites everybody to consume (responsibly) for a cause at the Aussie Pub Kamala’s trivia night. Raffles + trivia + drinks + food + raising money for charity = A) fun B) very fun C) boring ? If your answer is A or B, show up by 7:30pm. See: www.rotarypatong.org for more information.

FRI

The Thailand Tigers are hosting an AFL Masters tournament at the Alan Cooke Ground featuring teams from across the region. There will be Auskick run for the children, and food and drink available at the ground. We welcome all spectators. If you would like to be involved as a player or with Auskick, please visit www.thailandtigers.com or email thailandtigers@gmail.com

Boat Lagoon Weekend Beats & Bites Music & Food & Fun. March 9-10, 2018 from 6pm till 10pm at Lagoon Quay. Phuket Boat Lagoon. For more information call 095 012 2442 / 076 239 888 ext. 618.

ABBA TRIBUTE NIGHT IS BACK! One night only at Two Chefs Kata centre, March 3.

Our famous band will be playing all your favorite Abba hits all night long. Live music, amazing food, great beverages, prizes and a night of immense fun. Sit back and relax or get up and dance to your favorite Abba songs. Come for the FOOD stay for the FUN. Reservations are highly recommended so make sure you book your table in advance by phoning Two Chefs Kata Centre on: 076 330 065.

TUE

6 MAR

Dinner - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to enjoy dinner, drinks and a good time with the RCPB. The event starts at 6:30pm. Please visit www.rotarypatong.org for additional information.

THU

SAT

Taste the traditional

Pop Up 4 at The White House at Boat Lagoon For one night only, sample 15 of the best restaurants in Phuket ‘popping up’ at Boat Lagoon’s White House in support of Phuket Has Been Good To Us! For a B2,500 donation try culinary creations from the many amazing chefs and enjoy free flow from our beverage sponsors. The evening will also feature fantastic silent auction prizes, great music, dancing, and more!

Don’t miss Phuket’s best foodie event of the year!

Book now at: phuketticketmaster.com, by email at info@phukethasbeengoodtous.org or call 076 278 146

FRI

23 MAR

International Student Cooking Competition and Food Fair

Please connect with other Australian Alumni at a networking event in Phuket. At Westin Siray Bay Resort Phuket on March 2, 2018 from 5.30pm to 8pm. Opening remarks by H.E. Mr Paul Robilliard, Australian Ambassador to Thailand. Please register your interest by sending an email to: RSVP.Phuket@dfat.gov.au Australian Consulate-General Phuket.

@thephuketnews

Drinks & Co presents Live Comedy – Walk of Shame Eleanor Conway’s WALK of SHAME – Sex, sobriety and the modern addict. Doors open 7pm, show

EVERY DAY

17 MAR

8 MAR

Did you study in Australia?

SAT

24 MAR

Will take place from 11am-3:30pm at the QSI Phuket Campus. Our Student competition will be hosted by two celebrity chefs – Chef Ronnie from Café Del Mar and from our very own QSI Phuket Cafeteria: Chef Noi from Suay Restaurant. That day will also feature restaurants from around the area sharing and selling samples of some of their best dishes. Additionally, we will have local vendors selling organic produce and homemade foods from Phuket Farmers Club and Bake Free Cafe. Tickets will be 100 baht at the door.

For more information call 076 304 312. Come join us!

Experience Thai tastes, the way intended, with our choice of traditional tasting menus. Share in a selection of seven of our favorite dishes, encompassing the many flavours of one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Visit www.salaphuket.com for more information, or contact event@salaphuket or 073 338 888 for reservations. SALA Phuket Resort and Spa.

CHEF PABLO’S DEGUSTATION MENU Celebrating our Thailand Tatler’s BEST Restaurants Award: Come and indulge in a succulent 5 course tasting menu including foie gras, pumpkin soup, Alaska scallop, slow cooked duck breast and Baba au Rhum.

“Grape juice” pairing available! B1,390++ Reservations and full menu: dedos-restaurant.com 076 325 182 8 Lagoon Rd, Laguna, Cherng Talay.

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is an immense mythical tree – what type of tree is it?

2. Which US military cemetery is located across the Potomac River close to Washington, D.C.?

3. Which cathedral contains the world’s oldest working clock and the best surviving copy of the four original Magna Cartas?

4. Which word in the phonetic alphabet is also a capital city?

5. How many red stripes are there on the American flag?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. Grp. that gained its nickname in 1880 4. Detoxifying site 7. It’s breathable 10. Milo’s title partner in a 1989 film 12. Talk (over) 14. ___ Betty 15. Physics lab device, for short 17. Away from wind 18. Unique 19. Poker card 22. Detection 23. Like some humor 27. Matter in law 28. Faucet 30. Campaigner, for short 31. Lemon or peach, e.g.

32. Poker card 35. Dated 37. Have a bug 38. Airline security needs, briefly 39. Poker card 44. Grain good for cholesterol 45. Apple or pecan?

46. Word after T 47. Rate 50. Whine

21. Barber’s supply 24. Fall sound 25. Focal points 26. Agreed 29. New moon, e.g.

30. A kind of bear 32. Lamb’s mother 33. Advice 34. Fleur-de-___ 35. City in Central China 36. Before dote and pasta 39. Figs.

40. Newspaper piece Down 41. Using office 1. One often found cabinets playing a round 42.

University V.I.P. 2. Of no use 43.

Radiate 3. Calendar babes 47.

Parenthetical 4. Former Persian comments rulers 48.

Coniferous tree 5. Hardly tanned forest areas 6. On the Atlantic 49. Heartbreak 7. Years ___ 51. Diversify 8. In poor health 53. Whole alternative 9. Highball 55. It goes on forever ingredient 56. Pout 11. Indira’s dress 13. Concerning this 57. Able to see right through 14. Former country 58. Hoorah!

16. Ring-tailed 59. Boat equipment animal 20. Run out of steam 60. Purpose 52. Down Under resident 54. Big gem trader or high card 58. Part of BYO 61. Gas that can light up the night 62. Down source 63. Uncomplicated 64. Joint problem 65. Dole out 66. Continue 67. New, in a way 68. Perched

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Ash tree; 2) Arlington National Cemetery; 3) Salisbury Cathedral; 4) Lima; 5) Seven

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

Feb 23, 1455 Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, the first Western book printed with movable type.

1

Feb 24, 1989 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issues a fatwa and offers a US$3 million bounty for the death of Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses.

in every 21 New Yorkers is a millionaire.

4

Feb 25, 1932 Adolf Hitler obtains German citizenship by naturalization, which allows him to run in the 1932 election for Reichspräsident.

in 10 Americans are afraid of walking alone at night within a mile of their home.

Feb 26, 1993 A truck bomb parked under the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City explodes, killing six people and injuring over 1,000.

35

Feb 27, 2015 Russian politician Boris Nemtsov, opposed to the government of Vladimir Putin, is gunned down dead on the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge in Moscow, hours after appealing to the public to support a march against Russia’s war in Ukraine.

per cent of billionaires never finished college.

500

per cent is how much the cost of attending college in the US has increased since 1985.

Feb 28, 202 BC Liu Bang is enthroned as the Emperor of China, beginning four centuries of rule by the Han dynasty.

35 million people worldwide are direct descendants of the Mayflower Pilgrims.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

Laem Singh Beach, accessed by boat. Photo by Paola Vignati Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Mar 1, 1692 Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba are brought before local magistrates in Salem Village, Massachusetts, beginning what would become known as the Salem witch trials. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Trades & Services

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ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

EDUCATION

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

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PERSONAL SERVICES

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

POOL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

OTHER

ADVERTISE HERE

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CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

BAR, RESTAURANT Bar staff wanted

nt rge

Blondie Bar 2 at Otop Market Patong U requires Bar Staff. Thai nationals only. Good salary and room provided.

Phone Mick: 081 087 6114.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE t sa n e rg

le

Boat For Sale

72' (22m) Thai Trawler partially-converted U as Tour Boat Business. Rebuilt from top to bottom three years ago (spent just over 1MB) including engine as was planned to use for a tour business, owner had to return to the UK unable to return (very ill son). Some weather damage and need some repairs. Engine has only done only 6 hours, has new 12 kua generator. Currently in Hua Hin. Viewing can be arrange. Must sell within the next few months. Open to all reasonable cash offers. Contact Shayne on 093 418 9529 or shayne.inbox@gmail.com

BUSINESSES FOR SALE SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

Totally renovated, Italian design & furniture, all-new imported kitchen & bar equipment, ready to operate. Large Bar, DJ booth, garden lounge, rooftop. Seats 50 indoors, 50 in garden, 40 rooftop. Pablo: 080 143 5541.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20 year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! office@tcm-asia.com, 086-9439834, 076-385081.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Z300 ABS for Sale

Kawasaki Z300 ABS for sale. Good condition, from owner. Year: 2015. Colour: yellow and black. Price: B150,000. Bo in Cherngtalay/Pasak, email: cherngtalay@gmail.com or Call 076 615 810 or 076 615 811.

OTHER Loch Palm Golf Club

Lifetime family membership for sale, Annual fee 2018 paid. B300,000. Contact Mr Mons Billgren: monsbillgrenl@gmail.com or call 086 275 3493.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Chatta Real Estate

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. Chattha Real Estate and Professional Rental Management in Phuket. SELL-BUY-RENTMANAGEMENT-MAINTENACE-GUARANTEED RENTAL. Inquire NOW! www.chattha.asia, 076 636 244 or 090 179 6635. Contact Chanapa at Chattha Real Estate Co., Ltd., Email: info@chattha.asia

Property in Phuket!

Looking to buy property in Phuket?

International Property Advisory (IPA) can help! Give us a call today on 076 604 260/ 098 064 4408/ 080 886 9660 Email: info@ipa. black, utopia@ipa.black Website: www.ipaphuket.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE Brand new 1 bedroom house

Newly built 1 bedroom house sits in the heart of Rawai. Fully furnished house with car parking and ready to move in. Best location in Rawai. B3,400,000, Benni, Rawai, Phuket. Email: b_gholami@hotmail.com or call 088 168 5032. @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE RPM owner direct

PROPERTY FOR SALE 80m2 freehold condo in

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, Patong Freehold 80m2, 2-bedroom apart155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, ment in quiet condo with swimming marina, pool etc. Completely furnished to a high pool in Patong. Ideal investment in most active tourist area in Phuket. standard, toothbrush only required. Owner leaving Thailand. Priced at 16MB for quick sale. Contact B5.9 million, Michel GUILLIEN, Andaman Beach Suites, Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bgg- Unit 1604, Patong, Phuket. Email: mguillien@gmail. virgo@gmail.com RoyalPhuketMarinaCondos.com com or call 097 920 2339.

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE Building for Sale

One unit building for sale in business area Boat Avenue near Villa Market Laguna. Three and a halfstorey, 24 square wah. Khun Mhee (owner), 49/23, Cherngtalay. Email: anmehee@hotmail.com or call 095 545 0017 or 086 346 2622.

Chalong Office, Workshop/ Store

300sqm office on 2 floors with all services incl.3 phone lines + 300sqm undercover workshop/store with 4m ht & 3 phase. Chanote 0.5rai.

B12,000,000, Simon Jupe, 29/4 Soi Nayai, Chalong, Phuket 83130. Email: simonj@cscoms.com or call +66 (0)87 883 2542

Freehold studio at low price

Freehold 36m2 studio, opposite the Lotus Tesco hypermarket of Phuket Town, freehold condominium; perfect for long stay or for investment B1.9 million. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

Single house for sale

Located the way to Yamu Pakrok, from the main road 500m, 55 SQW, 3 bedrooms, 2 restrooms, with modern kitchen, 2 cars parking, free space 140 SQM. 3.5 Million Baht, K. Suwit: suwitlap5@ gmail.com, 081 895 6969.

KOH MAK ISLAND

3 rai with 50 metres of beach, 2 floor bungalow with 4-bedroom and living room. Very good/nice view from bungalow. About 2km from James Bond Island» only 4.4 million baht, Jostein Pedersen, KOH MAK ISLAND. Email: jospeder@live.no or call 089 872 6895

5-bed pool villa, 1.2 Rai

3 detached buildings, L-shaped open plan living, Western kitchen, guest suite, pool 11mx5m, quiet residential area. 1.2 rai plot. THB19,750,000. Contact Mrs Simpson by email: thaivillaonline@gmail.com or call 084 447 7248. More info at: thaivillaonline.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT OFFERED ON LEASE - BUY CONTRACT A profitable and intimate 20 room garden resort situated in KOH LANTA at the end of Long Beach just a two-minute stroll to the sea. Set in lush gardens, the bungalows are tastefully finished each with their own full-length verandas. Ideally located in Phra Ae Village, with many amenities in the immediate area.

The resort offers and benefits from: • A delightful swimming pool (guest use only) • Car-park • Free-WIFI throughout the resort • Room-service • A combined restaurant and bar adjacent to the pool with state-ofthe-art Western kitchen • A beautiful tropical garden • private manager’s accommodation (screened from the resort) • staff quarters • Private electricity supply • Ample water supply and storage For further information, please email: gardenisland.pp@gmail.com. For the attention of Ms Chorladda CHUANCHOM with the following details: 1 - Full name of potential Lessee/Buyer. 2 - Full contact details, inc. mobile phone number 3 - Brief explanation of experience (if any) in the service industry The Vendor is genuine and the terms very appealing to a LESSEE – BUYER. Genuine inquiries only please.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Property 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

Very big house 750 sqm, Land 4,000 sqm, available 15 June, 5 bed rooms, 6 bathrooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi, close to UWCT school, including pool/garden/service/wifi-tv/sat. Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho, Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@ yahoo.fr. Long term 145,000/Month, Email Alain: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT New Modern Villa 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

200 sqm, land 500 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, swimming pool, close to UWCT school. Including: pool/garden/wifi/TV.SAT/ services. Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho. Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. 65,000/ month, Alain, 57/3 Moo.3 Soi Ban Bang Pae,T. Paklok, T. Talang, Phuket 83110. Email: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

JOBS

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

SPORT 29

PPL reaches halfway mark

Two points separate Natalie and Ting Tong at top of table POOL

Natalie Bar’s top player Khun Nui played a strong tactical game last Thursday (Feb 15) giving Teacher Tak no chance.

Matt Pond editor3@thephuketnews.com

T

he 9th round of the Patong Pool League (PPL), sponsored by Thailand Pool Tables, was played last Thursday (Feb 15) with league leaders Natalie Bar and their closest rivals Ting Tong Bar both picking up wins, meaning at the halfway mark there is just two points splitting the two.

However, unlike in the two previous weeks where rain and a power outage hindered play in the league, last week saw no external “disasters” hit any of the competing bars and play went on unhindered.

In last week’s action, top of the table Natalie Bar met Happy End on home turf with Natalie hoping to regain their confidence after suffering

a surprising 3-8 loss at the hands of Hole in One Bar the previous week.

It was a game which saw good performances from both

teams but despite putting up a good fight Happy End couldn’t avoid going home suffering a 7-4 defeat.

Second placed Ting Tong

Bar were placed against Wombat in last Thursday’s action and the latter certainly gave Ting Tong a run for their money.

League Standings Natalie

65

Ting Tong

63

Hole in One

56

Caddy Shack

53

Happy End

48

Wet Dreams

48

Wombat

47

Martin Swiss

47

Red Light

39

Simon Oil

29

Wombat had seen themselves on a good winning streak leading into last Thursday’s game but that streak came to end with Ting Tong managing to pick up a narrow 5-6 win.

Meanwhile, Martin Swiss met with their Nanai Rd neighbours Red Light Bar last Thursday with Martin Swiss getting off to a really strong start

winning their first four singles games.

Red Light did manage to claw the score back but eventually walked away suffering a 7-4 loss.

Elsewhere last year’s champions Wet Dreams took on Hole in One Bar in what turned out to be a nail-biting game.

Hole in One had a great start with their top Thai player Goh 7-balling his Wet Dreams opponent. However, Wet Dreams raised their level of play and showed that they’re still a force to be reckoned with, and managed to take a 6-5 victory over their opponents.

Simon & Oils were up against Caddy Shack, and they started brilliantly taking a commanding 3-0 lead in the singles. However, Simon & Oil ran out of steam and Caddy Shack picked up all remaining points giving them a comfortable 3-8 win.

Charity run for mobile blood donation vehicle CHARITY A CHARITY FUN RUN TITLED “1st Run 4 Blood” is being held by Vachira Phuket Hospital on Mar 18 with the aim of raising B6 million for a mobile blood donation vehicle.

On Monday (Feb 19), Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong together with Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital Dr Chalermpong

@thephuketnews

Sukonthapon presided over a press conference to announce details of the 1st Run 4 Blood event. He was joined at the conference by local government officials and representatives of the local media.

Dr Chalermpong said, “Vachira Phuket Hospital has launched a project to raise funds to purchase a mobile blood donation vehicle. We see this as a needed acquisition as it will make blood donating more

convenient for the general public.

“We believe it will also help with the problem of a shortage in blood bank supplies.

“The budget for purchasing this mobile blood donation vehicle is B6mn, and as we are unable to receive a budget for this from the central government we are launching this project to help us raise the funds,” he said.

“With the cooperation of the

Phuket Blood Donation Club and ME-ED team we are organising the 1st Run 4 Blood campaign to help us raise funds for this vehicle.

“The event will be held on Sunday, Mar 18 at 6am, with the route taking runners from Karon Park (Nong Han) along Kata and Karon beaches.

“The run will be divided into three race distances; 3 kilometre, 5km and 10 km, and we are inviting people who want to be healthy and

Officials seen here at the ‘1st Run 4 Blood’ press conference.

Photo: PR Dept love running to come and join us for this charity run campaign,” he added.

The Phuket News

30 SPORT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

As authentic as it can get

Phuket fruit to be centre stage for Laguna Phuket Marathon MARATHON The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

O

rganisers of South East Asia’s leading destination marathon, Laguna Phuket Marathon, will put Phuket food front and centre at this year’s event when the 8,000+ athletes will literally get a taste of Phuket from locally grown fruits that will be available at stations on the half marathon and full marathon courses.

In line with Phuket’s recognition

by Unesco as a ‘City of Gastronomy’, showcasing authentic local foods and supporting the local community is at the heart of the 2018 event where 80% of the runners attend from outside of Phuket.

“Laguna Phuket Marathon is very much a destination event. We have runners participating from more than 50 countries and many come with families and friends, and make a vacation around the event.

“In addition to the course, which takes in Phuket’s stunning coastline and the beautiful surrounds of

The course takes in Phuket’s stunning coastline and the beautiful surrounds of Laguna Phuket.

Laguna Phuket, this year we really wanted to showcase Phuket further and chose to do this through food.

Specifically, we will have locally grown fruits available at some of the stations on the run course this year,” said Roman Floesser, General Manager of the event’s organiser, Go Adventure Asia.

Also new this year is a Marathon Team Relay category, whereby four people run equal distances in a relay format over the full marathon distance, and improvements have been made to the half and full marathon

courses which will make the event even more popular with runners throughout Thailand and from around the world.

“Laguna Phuket Marathon is in line with our own vision and philosophy – promoting a positive healthy lifestyle, working with the local community and developing long-term sustainable benefits for Phuket as a whole. It helps promote Phuket tourism, attracts quality tourists and showcases the beauty of Phuket’s Green Season. And now the event is held over two days it allows

more people to come and compete and enjoy Phuket at the same time,” said Anthony Loh, Senior Assistant Vice President of Laguna Phuket.

“Like all of our destination events such as the Triathlon and Food & Music Festival, what makes the marathon very special is that Laguna Phuket uses large-scale events like this as a platform to raise awareness and funds for many charitable causes and projects operated by ‘Laguna Phuket Foundation’. Last year, to celebrate Laguna Phuket’s 30th Anniversary, Laguna Phuket Foundation launched ‘Children First Fund’ or ‘CFF’ to support more than 400 orphans in seven orphanages in Phuket. We hope the contribution continues this year at all of Laguna Phuket events including the upcoming Marathon.

“Like every year, hundreds of Laguna Phuket associates and management will also run to help raise funds. We’d like to encourage participants, runners, spectators and everyone to help make donation, either by direct donation upon registration, in donation boxes at CSR booth at the Marathon or contact us

PYC to launch home-grown ‘Sailor’s Regatta’ SAILING PHUKET WILL BE HOSTing a new home-grown regatta next month as the Phuket Yacht Club (PYC) stages its inaugural “Sailor’s Regatta” from Mar 9-11.

The regatta was originally planned as a One Design (OD) regatta, However, due to many OD-class yachts not being available the Notice of Race has been amended to now include all cruising and racing monohulls and multihulls.

The change expands the range of boats allowed to enter from the three original classes of Firefly 850 Sports One Design, Platu 25 One

The home-grown ‘Sailors Regatta’ will now include multihull boats such as Hurricane. Photo: Chris Husted Design and Pulse 600 Class R to six with the addition of Class 1 – Monohulls (IRC), Class 2 – Mutihull racing (OMR), and Class 3 – Multihull Cruising (PHS), with race times to calculated using regular racing handicaps.

“This is the inaugural

event year, but it is now open to all yachts, multi and mono, not just One Design,” PYC Commodore Scott Duncanson told The Phuket News.

With racing in and around Chalong Bay, the regatta is expected to bring local sailors a fun reprieve from the tourism high season workload before the local racing season begins.

It also serves to fill a gap in the local yacht-racing calendar.

“The Sailor’s Regatta was started at the request of sailors who found the gap between the Bay Regatta and Multihull Solutions Regatta too long,” Duncanson explained.

“Hence, there was a call for an event that was completely sailor-focussed and void of

fringe-sponsored attractions,” he added.

Racing is expected to be close, with some of Phuket’s most-experienced sailors lined up to take part.

To this the regatta organisers are keeping the focus on racing with even rule 44.1 changed so that the Two-Turns Penalty is replaced by the OneTurn Penalty in all classes.

Entry is B2,500 per boat, and the regatta is open to all mono and multihulls with a length overall of greater than six metres that are acceptable to the Race Committee.

For more information visit the Phuket Yacht Club website or official Facebook page.

Chris Husted

at CSR@lagunaphuket.com.”

Speaking of the entries to date, Floesser commented, “The number of entries received so far is beyond our expectations. In fact, we received more than 1,000 entries within two weeks of last year’s event finishing alone. I expect the total this year to exceed last year’s record – we are planning for more than 8,000 runners.”

Held over two days, organisers expect more than 8,000 athletes to take part this year, breaking last year’s record of 7,000. In the afternoon of June 9 the event will start with the Kids Run (2km) followed by the 5km and 10.5km distances.

At sunrise on June 10, the 21.097km (half marathon), 42.195km (marathon) and Marathon Team Relay runners will compete.

Prices start from B550 for the 5km distance. Early Bird prices finish on Feb 28. Registrations can be made online at www.phuketmarathon. com/registration The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of the Laguna Phuket Marathon.

What’s on at the ACG Date

Time

Fri 23-Sat 24 Feb

All Day

Last Man Standing Four Day

Activity

Sun 25-Mon 26

All Day

International Tournament

Sat Mar 3

2pm

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort

Sat Mar 10-Sat 17

2pm

Family Touch Rugby Tournament contact damian.clowes@outrigger.com

Sat Mar 24

All Day

Aussie Footy International Tournament

Sat Mar 31

2pm

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort Family Touch Rugby Grand Final Family Afternoon of Fun

Family Touch Rugby

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp says the squad he has now is the best he's ever had. Photo: AFP

MAIN SPONSOR

MONTHLY SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri Panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for February 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at any one of the island's Two Chefs outlets.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

Marisa S 13 AOR 12 giggs 12 LateStart 12 The Machine 12

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

thailand express 147 malcmanning 144 TC 144 diggersd 143 adamrosindale 142

English Premier League 2017 - 2018

Liverpool squad ‘is best I’ve coached’, says Klopp FOOTBALL AFP

J

urgen Klopp says his current Liverpool squad is the strongest he has ever worked with as the players prepare for a return to action after a warm-weather training camp in Spain.

Despite the sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona last month, the former Mainz and Borussia Dortmund boss said it was difficult to leave players out.

Last week’s 5-0 thrashing of Porto in the last-16 of the Champions League was achieved without the suspended Emre Can and longterm injured Nathaniel Clyne but there was still no room in the matchday 18 for the likes of Dominic Solanke, Ragnar Klavan and Ben Woodburn, the youngest scorer in the club’s history.

The result means Liverpool, who host West Ham in the Premier League tomorrow (Feb 24), have virtually ensured a first Champions League quarter-final for nine years, with the second leg at

Anfield now a formality.

“It’s really hard in the moment to make the squad,” Klopp told the club’s TV channel, LFCTV, “Wow, I’ve never had a situation like that with the quality of the players not being in the squad.

“They all have made really big steps. Dom Solanke was not in the squad but is in outstanding shape at the moment. Ragnar Klavan, unbelievable. Ben Woodburn makes steps and is really close to everything.

“It’s difficult, it’s getting more and more difficult, but that’s good for us of course.”

Striker Danny Ings was one of the players to come off the bench at the Estadio do Dragao.

It was just the 25-year-old’s sixth appearance of the season after making his comeback from two serious knee injuries in the previous two campaigns.

“Danny is in fantastic shape. It always takes time.

Now, after two-and-a-half years, he can play in the Champions League. It’s a wonderful story, it’s really deserved,” added Klopp, whose side are third in the Premier League.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1673: Saturday, Feb 24 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Nothing, Too Old To F***, Baldylocks, Bob (VH) Location: Chalong, Chao Fa West - Naka Hill Directions: Travelling south on Chao Fa West Rd, turn right at the traffic lights just past the TOT building (Villa Zollitude) and continue one kilometre along Soi Nakok, go up the hill to laager site. From the south turn left at traffic lights (Villa Zollitude), Soi Nakok and continue as before.

Bus pick-up: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:15pm Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2:45pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews

“Is Danny knocking on the door for the first team?

Yes, absolutely. It’s good. He needed time.

“A few months ago it was different but a player like him, when they come back they think ‘I am under pressure’ and they want to come in immediately and get game time.

“Danny went the hard way.

He played a lot of games for the under-23s.

“If you feel like a settled player, like he usually is, and then you play under-23 and are not the best player on the pitch, then it's not nice but it's an important experience again.”

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Friday February 23

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Winter Sports 18:00 20:00 Rugby Union 13:30 15:30 15:40 17:40 Saturday February 24 Winter Sports 13:00 23:00 Rugby Union 11:15 13:00 13:30 15:30 15:45 17:45 20:05 22:00 22:10 00:00 Rugby Union 21:15 23:15 23:45 01:30 Soccer 19:30 21:30 22:00 00:00 00:30 02:30 22:00 00:00 Cricket 22:50 02:00 Sunday February 25 Winter Sports 13:00 17:00 18:00 20:00 Rugby Union 20:00 22:00 22:30 00:30 Soccer 21:00 23:00 Soccer 23:30 01:30 Cricket 07:30 13:30

Olympics Super XV Super XV

Various events Highlanders v. Blues Rebels v. Reds

Olympics Super XV Super XV Super XV Super XV Super XV 6 Nations 6 Nations EPL EPL EPL EPL T203 - Cape Town

Various Sunwolves v. Brumbies Crusaders v. Chiefs Waratahs v. Stormers Lions v. Jaguares Bulls v. Hurricanes Ireland v. Wales Scotland v. England Leicester v. Stoke Liverpool v. West Ham Watford v. Everton Bournemouth v. Newcastle South Africa v. India

Olympics Olympics Aviva Premiership Aviva Premiership EPL League Cup Final ODI1 - Hamilton

Various Closing Ceremony London Irish v. Worcester Saracens v. Leicester Man United v. Chelsea Arsenal v. Man City New Zealand v. England

Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

Manchester City Manchester United Liverpool Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur Arsenal Burnley Leicester City Everton Bournemouth Watford West Ham United Newcastle United Brighton Crystal Palace Swansea City Huddersfield Town Southampton Stoke City West Brom

27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27

23 17 15 16 15 13 9 9 9 8 8 7 7 6 6 7 7 5 6 3

3 5 9 5 7 6 9 8 7 7 6 9 7 10 9 6 6 11 7 11

1 5 3 6 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 11 13 11 12 14 14 11 14 13

79 51 61 49 52 51 21 39 32 31 37 34 25 22 25 20 23 28 27 21

20 19 31 23 24 36 24 40 46 41 47 46 36 36 42 37 47 40 53 40

+59 +32 +30 +26 +28 +15 -3 -1 -14 -10 -10 -12 -11 -14 -17 -17 -24 -12 -26 -19

72 56 54 53 52 45 36 35 34 31 30 30 28 28 27 27 27 26 25 20

Premier League fixtures Saturday February 24 Match

Time in Thailand

Leicester

vs

Stoke

Bournemouth

vs

Newcastle

10pm

Brighton

vs

Swansea

10pm

Burnley

vs

Southampton

10pm

Liverpool

vs

West Ham

10pm

West Brom

vs

Huddersfield

10pm

7:30pm

Sunday February 25 Match

Time in Thailand

Watford

vs

Everton

Crystal Palace

vs

Spurs

Man Utd

vs

Chelsea

12:30am 7pm 9:05pm

Friday March 2 Match Arsenal

vs

Time in Thailand Man City

2:45am

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018

New ‘Sailor’s Regatta’ comes to Phuket > p30

‘WE’LL GIVE YOU

OUR BEST!’ Leicester City Manager Claude Puel’s message to fans in Thailand Leicester City’s Manager Claude Puel seen here at the club’s training ground.

EXCLUSIVE Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

H

e’s only been at the helm as manager of Leicester City Football Club since Oct 25, 2017, but Claude Puel already knows that the club, owned by Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha of Thailand’s King Power Group, has a number of fans based in Thailand.

In a recent exclusive interview with The Phuket News, Puel said that the club will continue to give their best for them.

“I learned that we have a lot of fans in Thailand and that they support us with great passion,” he said.

“To them I’d like to say that we will continue to give our best for them. We want to play good football and continue to develop the team.

“It’s a long process and if we can continue to enjoy their wonderful support, it can certainly help us get to where we want to be,” he added.

Puel was born in Castres, France on Sep 2, 1961. He started his football career as a youth with Castres FC, where he was spotted by AS Monaco, joining their training centre in 1977 and spending his entire career there, playing 601 official matches in total.

During his time at Monaco, he won two championships and three

French Cups. He also played under fellow compatriot Arsène Wenger who jovially recalled being on the wrong end of a sliding tackle saying, “Even on the morning of a cup final he could tackle and even if it was the manager there’s no problem!”

After ending his playing career at AS Monaco, he became manager of the club, leading them to the league title in his first full season in charge.

He also managed Lille, Lyon, Nice and English Premier League side Southampton before joining Leicester.

When asked how he had settled into life in the East Midlands city, Puel said, “Of course it’s my first experience in Leicester and it’s important to learn.

“It was a tough situation when I arrived but I had to learn quickly.

Now it’s much better and the players know what it is that I want from them.

“Throughout the club there is a good understanding and relationship.

Now it’s important to work hard, not only on the pitch but also all around the club. We want to improve the good feeling.”

So why did Puel choose to take the job at Leicester City?

“I think I had a good introduction to the Premier League with Southampton and it was important to continue this work, so it was a great

opportunity to come to Leicester, which is a wonderful club.

“I really like the Premier League and the atmosphere around this team. For me, Leicester was perfect for me to continue in the Premier League,” Puel said.

When Puel arrived in Leicester back in October last year the team was struggling defensively.

Moreover, the team were 14th in the league with just two wins in their opening nine league games.

Now, having played 27 games with nine games won, lost and drawn, they see themselves sitting at 8th in the 20-team table.

So what does Puel see as the reason for this turnaround in performances?

“I think mainly the quality of the players and their willingness to listen and learn. It gives them the opportunity to play in the team and build on the strengths we already had with even more solutions on the pitch against different systems,” Puel explained to The Phuket News.

“It’s not easy to play in the Premier League, it’s very difficult, but we’ll see how we get on,” he said.

But is Puel happy with the club’s current position in the league table?

“For the moment it’s not crucial, we have to see where we are in the league at the end of the season – that’s important.

“It would be fantastic to be 7th

Puel talks to Jamie Vardy during Leicester’s game against West Ham United in Nov last year. Photo: Ian Kington / AFP but we can’t look that far ahead.

We have to keep our concentration on the next game. If we play good football every week, we can do well. It’s important to keep our focus to maintain these good results,” he said.

Having played and managed in France for several years, but most recently having turned to England to ply his trade, what does Puel see as the main difference between football in the two countries?

“It’s the atmosphere around football and the passion of the fans.

“Also, it’s all the journalists and newspapers at the press conferences

– there are lots in England,” he said.

“For example, after a game in England I will do interviews for a minimum of one hour,” he explained.

“But it’s amazing and it is a good thing,” he added.

“Also, on the pitch there is more quality in the play because the world’s best players come to the Premier League.

“Furthermore, there are differences in France because sometimes in England they don’t give a foul when in France it would be. Also, in the Premier League set pieces and corners are very important, more so than in France,” he said. thephuketnews