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ISLAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Forgotten victims

The innocent Libyans whose lives were destroyed by Nato mistakes > 9

BUT IS IT ENOUGH? Mixed reactions as local figures review Cabinet’s decisions On the second and last day of its high-profile mobile sessions in Phuket, the Thai Cabinet on Tuesday (March 20) approved project budgets totalling just over B84 billion for 117 projects in five of the six Andaman coast provinces – Phuket, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi and Trang.

Phuket will get the lion’s share of the money – B47 billion – over the coming few years, though how these budgets will fare under future governments remains to be seen.

Among projects approved for the island was the B200 million road bridge over Klong Koh Phi, linking Saphan Hin to Sakdidet Rd, which has been on the government back burner for 15 years.

The Cabinet also approved B175 million of the B418 million requested to convert the Thalang Technical College into a hotel and tourism college.

However, for this year the Cabinet

approved spending for the region of just B526 million, of which Phuket gets only B113 million.

Reactions from local political, business and labour leaders have been mixed, though no one was jumping for joy.

Local MP Reywat Areerob, a member of the Democrat opposition in government, commented, “I think [the 2012 figure] is too little money to support Phuket. Many problems in Phuket that await solutions were not included in the mobile Cabinet agenda – for example the international convention hall project, traffic jams, flooding or the second airport road.

“We have to see what will happen with Phuket from now on, and whether Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra can work as she says.”

Dr Sirichai Silapa’archa, Chairman of the Phuket Chamber of Com merce, however, said he

PM Yingluck Shinawatra thought the budget for this year was enough, though he wondered how “real” it was.

“I am not sure whether this is budget that can really be spent on Phuket or whether it’s just a declaration of intent. But it would be wonderful if the total B47 billion could be made available soon.”

Methee Tanmanatragul, President of the Thai Hotels Association, said he was pleasantly surprised that B47 billion – more than half the total for the five provinces – had been earmarked for Phuket.

“It is more than that I thought we would receive. I think that the government believes in our potential to bring in more income for Thailand in the future.”

Vijit Dasantad, President of the powerful Phuket Federation of Hotel and Service Labour, disagreed.

“Phuket is now growing quickly but the improvements are slow in coming,” he argued. “I think [B113 million for this year] is a very tiny amount of money to be spent on our

island’s improvement.

“The governor and provincial officials know the causes of the problems but they cannot solve them if [they don’t have] the budget.”

Tourism commentator Bill Barnett – in a column in his thephuketinsider.com blog, headed “Too Little, Too Late For Phuket Infrastructure Projects” – was not impressed.

“There appears to have been little movement on critical mega-projects that are needed in Phuket to address the island’s stress points,” he wrote.

“More questions than answers remain in the political slipstream as to what immediate solutions can be made to [Airports of Thailand’s] operation at Phuket International Airport. This is not an island crisis but a national one.”

Read more details and commentary on the Cabinet’s visit to Phuket at thephuketnews.com.

Editorial: p10

WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING B84 billion: Total funding approved for coming years.

Phang Nga B3.8bn Krabi B3.4bn Ranong B4bn Trang B334m Andaman region: B24bn Phuket: B47bn

B105 million: Andaman region funding approved for 2012.

Water supplies: B20m Promotion of safety: B25m New pier at Koh Yao Noi: B30m Development of Koh Sukorn, Trang: B30m

B113 million: Phuket funding approved for 2012.

Speed traps: B17m Chao Fa East Rd upgrade: B20m Restoration of Wichit Songkram mansion: B9m Suan Luang reservoir: B25m Marine traffic control system: B17m Airport water supply: B25m

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Protestors unfurl banners at Laem Singh. Part of the new corrugated iron fence can be seen behind the protestors.

Locals slam Laem Singh blockade About a hundred local residents and vendors from Kamala met with graft hunter Pol Col Dutsadee Arayawut on March 15, to appeal to him to investigate ownership of land abutting the popular Laem Singh Beach.

The locals said that someone was installing an 800-metre-long corrugated iron fence around the land, which would completely block access to both beachgoers and vendors.

Somnuk Korkaew, a representative of the local residents, who has been living near the beach for 30 years, said that blocking the entrance also blocks people’s income.

“This beach and surrounding areas have had no owner

for 30 years. There are two entrances to go down from the main road to the beach.

If they block the entrances, nobody can get down there.”

He pointed out that there are public drainage pipes near the two entrances, to drain water from mountains, “but when we saw the land deeds at the Phuket Land Office there was no mention of those pipes”.

Col Dutsadee, who is secretary-general of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), and has been investigating land allegedly occupied illegally by corrupt officials said, after checking all sites, he would inform the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

ISLAND NEWS

3

Local police victims of huge corruption?

Members of the Senate Committee on Justice and Police Affairs (CJPA) visited Phuket last week to inspect abandoned, part-completed police accommodation in Thalang, Thung Tong and Kathu.

The CJPA suspect that the abandoned apartment buildings are the result of high-level corruption. In Phuket there are three of them. Across the country there are an astonishing 163 uncompleted police accommodation buildings.

Not only that, but the CJPA also found 396 part-built police stations across the country that had been abandoned since 2010. The ‘value’ of the unfinished works could be as much as B8 billion.

Every one of the abandoned construction sites was originally started by a single company, PCC Development & Construction, under contract to the Royal Thai Police.

The President of the CJPA, Pol Lt Gen Manote Kraiwong, told a press conference on March 14 that the committee suspected corruption for two reasons: the use of a single contractor to handle hundreds

Abandoned police apartment building in Patong. Construction began back in 2010. of police buildings across the country, and the fact that so many had not been completed.

During visits to construction sites in Krabi, Surat Thani and Phuket, the CJPA found out that even the labour camps at the construction sites were empty. Some construction sites showed sloppiness in design or construction, he added.

Reinforcing the suspicion of corruption was the fact that just one police officer

was given the job of overseeing 35 construction sites in seven provinces.

The scandal initially came to light when Police Region 8 complained to the CJPA that its officers were in difficulty because neither their workplaces nor their accommodation seemed to be getting any closer to completion.

The letter led the CJPA to start an investigation, which in turn led to the discovery

of “a stunning number” of uncompleted buildings.

On average, the unfinished police flats were estimated to be about 50 per cent done, while the police stations were hardly started – just 2 per cent done.

The contracts with PCC are due to expire in April and June.

If hard evidence of corruption can be obtained, the CJPA will pass the case and all details to the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

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

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Class Act Media Managing Director Simon Samaan (right) and Capital TV’s Les Nyerges.

Phuket News in TV deal The Phuket News has scored a major coup in its plans to offer unrivaled national media coverage to advertising clients, event promoters, and the public at large. The newspaper’s parent company, Class Act Media, last week finalised an alliance deal with Capital TV, Thailand’s leading Englishlanguage television production company, adding the visual medium to the company’s rapidly expanding portfolio of media formats and services.

The tie-up means that Class Act Media can now offer event organisers national TV coverage – adding to the services

already offered through The Phuket News, Live 89.5 FM radio, and Phuket Ticketmaster.

Capital TV features on Phuket Cable 49 times per week, and on Pattaya Plus 42 times per week. It also screens nationally with Destination Thailand on True Visions, TAN Channel, three times a week.

According to Les Nyerges, the Australian co-founder of Capital TV, “This alliance will be of great benefit to us as Class Act Media can actively represent our company at events, help us increase our Phuket-based TV content.

It also adds to their already

significant range of media properties and services.”

The airing times in Phuket are significantly greater than any other television production company can offer, and makes Class Act Media the only media outlet on Phuket to offer true national coverage.

Managing Director of Class Act Media, Simon Samaan, said: “This alliance between Class Act Media and Capital TV will take our company, including The Phuket News, to the next level, offering advertisers truly national coverage across all mediums – in print, web, radio, and TV.”

27 elephants declared ‘legal’ Twenty-seven of the 37 trekking camp elephants sequestered by the government since February 27 while checks were made on their ownership have now been declared legal.

Officials are gradually establishing which of Phuket’s trekking elephants are legally held and which are not.

Chamreon Laktan, headman of Chalong Village, who

was made responsible for ensuring that none of the suspect elephants in three Chalong trekking camps were moved, told The Phuket News that all but eight in the Chalong area have now been confirmed as legally owned.

Siam Safari and AT Hill Adventure Tour are now out from under the official cloud, but the eight elephants of

ATV Seaview Tour are still under investigation.

Also not yet resolved are the eventual fates of baby elephants Popeye and Joey, seized from ATV Seaview and Laguna. They have been taken to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang, where they will be kept until DNA tests to determine their maternity are completed.

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Seven Phuket residents completed their four-day circumnavigation of Phuket on stand up paddle boards on Friday (March 16), finishing a day earlier than planned thanks to some calm waters and a late rush of enthusiasm.

More than 60 people showed up at Skyla’s Beach Bar in Kamala on Sunday (March 18) to celebrate the achievement.

Tal Derhy, Nathan Chilcott, Tim Campbell, Arend Moelich, Luke Remmers, Quintin Clover and Andrew Eadie spent four days stand-up paddle-boarding around Phuket to raise money to build a school for the Good Shepherd charity.

The team left on Tuesday, travelling over 150km in

The seven paddlers strike piratical poses at Skyla’s. total and arriving back at Skyla’s on Friday, a day earlier than expected.

Quintin Clover, the organiser of the event, said the first three days were tough for the

seven men, with strong winds and white cap waves.

So far B300,000 has been raised for the school fund.

Around B5 million is needed. www.standupphuket.com

Seven people involved in narcotics dealing were arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force of the Phuket Provincial Office of Local Administration in a period of nine days from March 6 to 14.

Phu ket Gover nor Tr i Augkaradacha told a press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall that the biggest bust came following a tip from an informer that Thitipat “Khem” Thirapornpisut, 35 and Warut “Rut” Phatkaew, 31, of Baan Bang Rong, in the northeast of the island, were involved in narcotics.

Thitipat, the informant added, was due to make a delivery of drugs in Soi Koh Kaew 24, near the main traffic lights on Thepkrassattri Rd. Officials hurried to the scene, stopped Thitipat and, on searching her, found 47 bags of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) and five bags of methamphetamine pills (ya ba) .

She confessed that all seized drugs belong to her and that there were more drugs in her house in Baan Bang Rong.

At the house, the official found another 207 bags of ya ice and eight bags of ya ba pills, hidden in a stereo loudspeaker.

Police estimated the total street value of seized drugs at B1.5 to 2 million. Warut was in the house when police arrived and admitted that he was involved with Thitipat in the drug trade.

Thitipat said she received the drugs from a man named Oh in Bangkok, who would send them by bus. She was paid B20,000 a month to deliver the drugs.

S h e d e n ie d a b u s i n g drugs herself, though Warut admitted he did. Five other drug dealers were arrested in the same period, and another 450 ya ba pills and 16.3 grams of ya ice seized.

Narongchai “Ning” Ningnoi, 32 was arrested in his apartment in Wichit sub-district, along with 100 ya ba pills and 3.6 grams of ya ice.

Witoon “O” Koompai, 20 was arrested in his apartment in Phuket Town, with 5.2 grams of ya ice.

Sirilert “Toh” Kamolthipsukon, 26 was arrested in his room in Phuket Town with 200 ya ba pills.

Nimit “Poo” Sae-kor, 27 was arrested in Wichit subdistrict, in possession of 4.8 grams of ya ice.

And Boonrod “Kui” Whanpued, 23 was arrested in Phuket Town with 150 ya ba pills and 2.7 grams of ya ice.

All are now being held at Phuket Town Police Station.

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

5

Corruption busters out in Kamala Hills again

Guard Surasit Wongpakam with the captured wild cat.

Leopard spotted Management and staff at the Thanyamundra Organic Farm have become almost blasé about predators such as eagles and pythons from the neighbouring Khao Sok National Park deciding that the farm’s hundred-plus organic chickens are easy meat.

But early on Monday morning (March 19) a member of the farm’s security team, from Siam Guardian Services, caught a rare intruder in the chicken run – a clouded leopard.

The cat was spotted after Surasit Wongpakam, who works as a security guard at the farm, heard frantic noises in the chicken run at 4am. Inside the run he found 10 roosters and five hens that appeared

to have been clawed to death.

On a beam about a foot off the ground, normally used as a roost by the chickens, he spotted the leopard.

Cool as a cucumber, Mr Surasit, grabbed hold of the female cat with his bare hands.

“It was just a clouded leopard, not a dangerous animal.” The leopard surrendered without a struggle and “seemed guilty about what she had done – she had killed 15 chickens but eaten none of them”.

He car ried her to the staff accommodation nearby, where he tied her mouth and paws as a precaution, and then called officials from the Khao Sok National Park, who released her into the forest.

Land among the forests of the Kamala Hills and a steep road up from Patong was inspected last Friday (March 16) by the National Anti-Corruption Committee (NACC).

The president of the NACC, Pol Lt Gen Wiroj Pao-in, led the inspection party, which included Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit, local MP Reywat Areerob, Phuket Vice Governor Somkiat Sangkaosuttirak, officials from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC). Gen Wiroj said after checking the Kamala Hills site that he was confident that corruption was involved in issuing deeds for the land there.

“This hill is covered in rain forest and full of big trees, some of which may be over 100 years old. If any resort or houses were to be built here, the ecology would be damaged.

“This is the watershed for Kathu Waterfall and it is in Zone C of reserved forest, which means that no construction is allowed and the land may not be privately owned.

“Yet some areas have had title deeds issued on them, and another 200 rai or so is waiting for the issue of land deeds.

Gen Wiroj also assigned V/G Somkiat to check a nearby road project and to chase up with the Phuket Provincial Land Office any more instances of title deeds being issued for land in the Kamala Hills.

Customs Director General Somchai Poolsawasdi aboard the seized ship Singa Maju.

SMUGGLERS SMACKED Sukunya Phoonpong reporter2@thephuketnews.com

Royal Thai Customs announced on Saturday (March 17) that they had seized an oil tanker allegedly being used for smuggling diesel oil into Thailand, and arrested its crew.

Somchai Poolsawasdi, the director general of Royal Thai Customs said on March 17 that the vessel, the Singa Maju, was seized on March 15, 20 kilometres off Racha Noi Island, with a cargo of 100,000 litres of diesel.

The combined value of ship and cargo, he said, was

more than B20 million. The ship is registered in the midPacific island nation of Tuvalu, but is believed to be Malaysian-owned.

Officials also arrested the Singa Maju’s Indonesian skipper along with six Indonesian crew members. They were taken to the cells in Phuket City Police Station.

Mr Somchai explained, “This ship would buy oil from bigger tankers that stay outside Thai national waters.

It would then move in and resell the oil to smaller vessels such as fishing boats.

“When we seized it, there

was only 100,000 litres of illegal diesel on board, which is worth about B3 million in Thailand. But the tanker could hold about 500,000 litres, so some has obviously been sold.

“The price of diesel oil in Thailand is higher than in neighbouring countries so untaxed, smuggled oil is tempting.”

Malaysians benefit from significantly lower fuel prices than in Thailand. A litre of diesel sells at the pumps for 1.85 ringgit, equivalent to B18.60. The current diesel pump price in Thailand is between B32 and B35 a litre.

Nine hurt in bus crash Traffic was brought to a standstill last Friday morning (March 16) after a tourist bus hit a tuk-tuk then lost control and crashed into a house on Patong Hill.

Nine people were slightly injured in the crash, including both the tuk-tuk driver and the bus driver. They were

taken to Patong Hospital.

Pol Lt Thanakrit Keawyai said the bus, carrying officials from the Department of Employment in Bangkok, was driving to a seminar at the Sea Pearl Villa & Spa Resort at the top of Patong Hill when the driver missed the turnoff, and then lost control, and

started heading down the hill to Patong. The bus clipped an oncoming tuk-tuk, before crashing into a house near the bottom of the hill at 7am.

T he bu s wa s one of three heading to the seminar in a convoy. The house a nd bot h veh icles were severely damaged.

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ISLAND NEWS

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CALLING ALL DOG LOVERS A Phuket resident lending a helping hand at the Government Dog Pound in Thalang is looking for volunteers to assist with the dogs, builders to fix up the compound, and food to feed the animals.

Sherin Peace, a New Zealander living in Phuket, started volunteering at the dog pound about eight months ago, following a story in The Phuket News about government dog pound officials appealing for food donations, because the provincial government had run out of funds to feed the animals housed there.

Sherin began a daily collection of unwanted food from Phuket International Academy. She now collects from HeadStart International School, Quality Schools International, Watermark Bakery, Les Anges, and La Taverna restaurant in Boat Lagoon.

A Thai driver helps her collect these scraps and take them to the dog pound every day.

Sherin is now looking for another volunteer driver to help collect food from different locations around northern

New Zealander Sherin shovels food at the dog pound.

Phuket, as well as volunteers to help with feeding every day at 4.30pm, cleaning up the kennels, and giving the dogs cuddles and human interaction, which they sorely lack.

“A huge thank you to everyone who is already donating food. If there are any other restaurants, schools or resorts with large amounts of scrap food going to waste, we would

be more than happy to come and collect it from your door and see it gets to the starving dogs,” she says.

“I love animals and sadly I don’t see anyone interested in helping these poor dogs. I just can’t turn my back on all these hungry dogs.”

Anyone interested in helping should email Sherin at: gone2thedoggies@gmail.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

IN BRIEF Suspicious package triggers bomb alert

Falling wall hits three houses

Rassada Post Office was evacuated last Friday (March 16) after a suspiciously heavy parcel was delivered.

Ultimately, the bomb threat proved to be a false alarm, but police did manage to score a minor drug bust instead – the package contained 30 bottles of cough syrup, an ingredient in the stimulant cocktail known as 4x100, popular among teenagers in the deep South.

Police are now searching for the sender of the parcel, who will face some tough questioning.

T h ree houses on Soi Panieng, in the northwest of Phuket Town near TescoLotus, were damaged when a wall on the top floor of a partly-completed building collapsed, raining concrete blocks on roofs below.

Luckily, no one was killed or seriously injured.

The owner of the apartment is understood to have received approval from authorities to build a four-storey building. The collapsed wall appears to have been part of an additional fifth floor.

Police are investigating.

Woman found dead in tin pond

Village protest halts futsal stadium plan

A woman was found dead in a public tin pond close to Phuyaiban Rd, Phuket Town, on Sunday (March 18).

It took rescue workers about 30 minutes to climb down the side of the 10-metre-deep pond and retrieve the body.

A witness reported seeing the woman, aged about 40, wearing a sarong and carrying a bucket, heading in the direction of the pond on Saturday afternoon. That was the last time she was seen alive.

Villagers in the Koh Sireh area succeeded on March 15 in putting a halt, for the time being, to a plan to build a futsal stadium on a piece of public land they say is used by their community for all sorts of other activities.

A total of 186 people signed a petition opposing the stadium. This was presented to Rassada Municipality, which promised the villagers that the project would be suspended and a public hearing would be organised.

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NATIONAL NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Thailand hosts world Rotarians Some 38,000 Rotary club members from all around the world are due to arrive in Thailand between May 3-9 for a record-breaking convention, as the first global Rotary event to be held in this country.

With the theme of “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity,” the 2012 Rotary International Convention is expected to generate roughly three billion

baht in visitor income.

Expected to be Thailand’s biggest convention ever, the convention is an annual gathering of global Rotarians, comprising more than 1.2 million business people and professionals who form more than 34,000 clubs in 200 countries.

The 2012 event will mark the 103rd such convention.

Cabbie returns lost gold TRAFFIC MIDVIVES: Traffic policemen practice emergency delivery during

training at a Bangkok hospital on March 14. The Royal Traffic Police Project, one of six police divisions in the capital, was set up in 1993 with a broad mission to help people stranded in traffic. On occasions, the delivery of babies due to the mother being stuck in traffic has become an important function of the project. Photo: AFP

Police block web pages Agence France-Presse

Authorities have blocked thousands of web pages deemed insulting to the monarchy in the past three months, police said on Wednesday (March 14), amid growing debate about the Kingdom’s lèse majesté law.

More than 5,000 pages with content deemed to be critical of the Royal Family were taken down between December and March, national police spokesman Piya Utayo said.

“We found that the number of inappropriate or insulting posts was less and less,” he said, without explaining the cause of the reduction.

Lèse majesté, or Article 112 of the Thai criminal code, is designed to protect senior Royals from insult, but academics say it has been politicised in recent years.

The Royal Family is an extremely sensitive subject in Thailand, with 84-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej revered by many.

Social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter are providing a platform for both critics of the law and ultra-monarchists, who have encouraged internet users to report posts that are regarded as insulting the Royals.

On Monday (March 12), media rights group Reporters Without Borders said in a report that the current Government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had presided over a worsening of Internet censorship.

“If Thailand continues down the slope of content filtering and jailing netizens on lèse majesté charges, it could soon join the club of the world’s most repressive

countries as regards the Internet,” the report said.

Under Thailand’s strict lèse majesté rules, insulting the monarchy or a member of the Royal Family can result in jail terms of up to 15 years.

Anyone can file a lèse majesté complaint, and police are duty-bound to investigate it.

And under Thailand’s computer crime law, introduced in 2007, acts of defamation and posting false rumours online are punishable by five years in jail.

Recent cases have sparked fierce debates, including over a 61-year-old man who was jailed in November for 20 years for sending text messages deemed insulting to the monarchy.

A political activist was sentenced in February to seven and a half years in prison for insulting the monarchy.

A taxi driver last Friday (March 15) returned 8.2 kilogrammes of gold ornaments worth around B12.3 million (US$410,000) to their owner who had left them in his car three days ago, police said.

Bangkok cabbie Saksri Ketsrikaew, 56, said he spent two days searching for the owner because he had no contact number.

He said he contacted community radio after he learned that gold shop owner Eakerat Kanokwattana, 60, had filed a complaint with police and the story of the missing gold hit local headlines.

But police were not convinced he had a heart of gold.

“His excuse doesn’t make

sense if he intended to return the gold to its owner as he knew where they got off,” case officer Lt-Col Udom Sukprasert told AFP. Mr Eakerat, who owns a gold shop in the city of Ubon Ratchathani, came to Bangkok with his wife to do a gold trade in Chinatown and got a taxi on Tuesday evening (March 13) to the northern outskirts of Bangkok.

But he later realised he had left his bag full of gold ornaments in the taxi and offered a reward for their return.

Television news on Friday showed a relieved Mr Eakerat giving the taxi driver gold worth around B192,000 ($6,400) as his reward.

7

IN BRIEF AIDS on the rise Public Health Ministry reports that the number of HIV/ AIDs patients in Thailand is on the rise, with over 1 million currently.

At the annual HIV/AIDs conference held in Chiang Mai on Sunday (March 18), Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri said 25 per cent of the total diagnosed patients are aged between 30-34.

Unprotected sex remains the major contributor, accounting for as many as 84 per cent of infections.

Quicker execution of drug dealers Announcing the seizure in Chiang Rai of 2.5 million ya ba tablets and 50 kilogrammes of crystal meth worth B800 million, Deputy Premier Chalerm Yoobam r ung vowed to change the law to ensure that drug dealers who have been sentenced to death, are executed within 30 days.

Mr Chalerm also warned hospitals and pharmacists not to supply pseudoephedrine-based cold medicines to makers of ya ba and ice, or they would face serious punishment.

British-Thai couple killed Agence France-Presse

An elderly British man and his Thai wife were robbed and beaten to death by three men, including a chef and a security guard, at a beach resort in southern Thailand, police said last Wednesday (March 14).

A worker at the resort in Thap Sakae District of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, 280 kilometres south of Bangkok, found the badly-beaten bodies of Michael Raymond, 68 and

Suchada Baokhamdee, 52, Tuesday afternoon in their beach-front bungalow. “ T hey were beaten with a chair and other hard objects,” case officer Captain Winai Raila-aied told AFP by telephone.

Police have arrested three Thai men, including two resort staff and a villager, who all allegedly confessed to robbery and murder.

“At first two suspects – a chef and a security guard –

admitted they had robbed the couple of B2,000 baht (US$67), a mobile phone and a Bangkok Bank ATM card,” Captain Winai said. “Now all three have confessed to their wrongdoing,” he said.

The couple had checked in at the resort on the Gulf of Thailand a day earlier.

Captain Winai said Raymond had lived in the northeastern province of Khon Kean for two years since he got married.

thephuketnews.com

8

REGIONAL NEWS

IN BRIEF Bali beefs up security after terror raids Police in Bali stepped up security in tourist hotspots on Monday after five suspected terrorists were shot dead in raids by the elite Detachment 88 unit. The suspects planned to carry out a series of robberies including at money changers to fund future attacks, national police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar said.

Police seized two firearms and dozens of bullets.

The suspects were part of a terror group who killed a police officer in a spectacular bank robbery in Medan, North Sumatra province, in 2010 to raise funds for terrorist attacks, Amar added.

Australian zoo probes mystery rhino deaths

An Australian outback zoo was Wednesday investigating the sudden and mystifying deaths of four white rhinos who showed “neurologic abnormalities” like stumbling.

The Taronga Western Plains Zoo about 400 kilometres west of Sydney, said toxins, bacterial infection, snake venom and organ failure had so far been ruled out.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Refugees yearn for peace in conflict-hit Myanmar Agence France-Presse

Fears are growing for the future of tens of thousands of refugees uprooted by ethnic conflict in northern Myanmar, despite the reformist government’s talk of peace with the rebels.

Civilians in camps in northernmost Kachin state lack adequate shelter, sanitation as well as food and water supplies, and with the monsoon looming the risk of malaria and other diseases is increasing, relief workers say.

UN agencies are struggling to deliver aid to those most in need, particularly in rebel-held areas in the mountainous state bordering China, and access will become even harder when the rainy season starts in around May. “The weather would have a huge impact on anybody that is displaced,” said Aye Win, a spokesman for the United Nations in Yangon, urging “a solution so that aid can be delivered as soon as possible”.

The campaign group Refugees International has warned of the risk of a “serious humanitarian crisis” in the region.

Myanmar women walk on a platform at the train station in Myitkyina, north Kachin.

Photo: AFP Many of the refugees are traumatised after fleeing clashes between government troops and guerrillas with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which controls swathes of the state.

The predominantly Baptist and Catholic Kachin account for about seven per cent of Myanmar’s population and live in the remote far north near China.

The KIA used to be one of the most powerful armed rebel groups, but signed a ceasefire with the junta in 1994.

Today their guerilla army is still thought to be at least several thousand strong.

The conflict re-erupted in June last year as anger grew over a clutch of Chinesebacked hydropower projects in the region.

Fighting has raged since then despite the new quasicivilian government’s insistence that it wants to reach peace deals with the country’s various armed rebel groups.

“When the mines exploded near our home, it was like an earthquake.

“Our houses were shaken.

We were really frightened,” Khun Mai, a 37-year-old ethnic

Kachin woman, said while cradling her three-monthold baby at a camp housing hundreds of refugees in a church compound.

Having reached the state capital Myitkyina, which is relatively easy for relief workers to access, her family has a temporary bamboo hut to sleep in and food donations from local aid groups and the UN World Food Programme.

She and her family fled their home near the town of Laiza, which is under the control of the KIA, in June last year and crossed into government-held territory.

Some of her relatives and friends, including children from her village, were k illed by la nd m i nes or illness while escaping.

“My children think they have to run away forever,” Khun Mai said.

A new repor t by Human Rights Watch, due out on Tuesday, estimates that about 75,000 ethnic Kachin people have been displaced by the conflict.

It accuses the Myanmar army of abuses such as the torture and rape of civilians, conscripted forced labour on the frontlines – including children as young as 14 – and blocking international relief efforts.

The report also accuses the Kachin rebels of using child soldiers and anti-personnel landmines, and the refugees fear that even a peace pact would not end the violence.

“I worry the situation could be worse if there is a ceasefire. The (government) soldiers do what they want in our region,” said Aung Mai, a 39-year-old bishop staying at a camp in the governmentheld town of Bahmo.

Civil war has gripped par ts of Myanmar since independence in 1948.

An end to the conflicts and alleged rights abuses involving government troops is a key demand of Western nations which have imposed sanctions on the regime.

While the government has signed peace deals with other insurgent groups, several rounds of talks with the political wing of the Kachin rebels have failed to bear fruit.

Group pushes N. Korea to scrap rocket launch Agence France-Presse

Leaders of five nations will discuss ways to press North Korea to scrap a planned rocket launch when they meet next week at a Seoul summit, South Korea’s president said in interviews published Wednesday.

US President Barack Obama will attend the nuclear security summit, along with leaders of China, South Korea, Japan and Russia.

A l l t he c ou nt r ie s h ave been involved since 2003 in talks to shut down the North’s nuclear programme.

“The North’s move to launch the so-called satellite has created a new topic of discussions at the summit,” President Lee Myung-Bak said ahead of the talks to be held Monday and Tuesday.

thephuketnews.com

“The five nations share similar views on this,” Lee was quoted as saying. “The best option is for the five nations to try to persuade North Korea to cancel the plan.”

The nuclear-armed North has announced it will launch a rocket next month to put a satellite into orbit, a move which the US and its allies see as a pretext for a longrange missile test.

A UN Security Council resolution passed after the North’s missile and nuclear tests in 2009 bans a ballistic missile launch for any purpose.

Washington also says a launch would breach a bilateral deal announced on February 29, which offered 240,000 tonnes of US food aid in return for a partial nuclear freeze and

a suspension of missile tests.

“No matter what the North’s excuse is, the launch is a clear breach of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874,” Lee told the International Herald Tribune (IHT), South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo newspaper and other media.

“It is breaking a promise with all the countries around the world.”

The US-North Korean deal had raised hopes of eased tensions under the North’s young new leader Kim Jong-Un. “We had high expectations, but now we have this happening,” Lee said.

“Although we cannot say conclusively, this new development will have a great impact on the assessment of the North, particularly in trust.”

THE PHUKET NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

The forgotten victims

Agence France-Presse

Libyan schoolgirls stroll the streets of the close-knit neighbourhood of Arada without a second glance at the pile of rubble that was once a house for four families before NATO explosives blew it apart.

The mound of debris in the capital Tripoli has become part of the landscape, and only birds nest there now.

But Mohammed al-Garari, who lost his home and five relatives on June 19 last year, still chokes up at the sight of crushed cradles, collapsed walls and shards of china, the few recognisable remains of his old life.

“NATO made a mistake, a fatal mistake,” said the 32-year-old as he scrambled across the rubble to what used to be the second storey where the walls were blasted open, delivering a death blow to his brother Faraj.

Mohammed found the corpse in the patio below.

The home of his sister was levelled completely, killing Karima along with her husband Abdullah and their two small children.

“There was no light, it was full of smoke and at first I didn’t know that the

Mohammed al-Garari, who lost his home and five relatives on June 19 last year, shows what was once a house for four families before NATO explosives blew it apart. Photo: AFP blast that woke me had hit in the heart of our house,” Garari told AFP. That fatal air strike was the only mistake NATO openly admitted to during its seven-month long air campaign in Libya during the bloody rebellion against now dead dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

The regime at the time bussed journalists to the scene in the middle of the night to witness the horror.

“This is not propaganda,”

said government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim in what came across as an admission that other casualty sites had been staged, according to an AFP journalist present at the time.

But that night less than a year ago, the mistake by the Western alliance was highlighted by the singed bodies of two men, one woman and two children, all members of the same family.

“Even NATO admitted it was a mistake, but when people

make mistakes they must make amends and NATO has not made amends with us – they have not come to apologise or do right by us,” Garari said. “ T hey dest royed my home, my family and never looked back.”

Amnesty International on Monday urged NATO to investigate the killing of dozens of civilians during its air campaign in Libya last year and to provide reparations to the people affected.

“Adequate investigations must be carried out and full reparation provided to victims and their families,” said the rights group in a statement released one year after the first air strikes were launched in Libya by the alliance.

Amnesty’s call drew a rebuttal from NATO, whose spokeswoman Oana Lungescu insisted in a statement that the coalition conducted a campaign in line with its UN mandate and international norms.

The rights watchdog said it has documented 55 cases of named civilians, including 16 children and 14 women, killed in air strikes in Tripoli and the towns of Zliten, Majer, Sirte and Brega.

Garari said the air strike has also damaged his family’s reputation as those who did not know them personally assumed the building was targeted because they were hiding weapons or were loyalists of the Kadhafi regime.

“Our neighbours know what we stand for and it is through their generosity that we have survived,” he said, noting that Arada was of the strongholds of the opposition and subjected to endless security raids during the conflict.

9

French manhunt underway as victims’ bodies flown to Israel Agence France-Presse

An El Al plane left Paris for Israel early Wednesday, with the bodies of three Jewish children and a rabbi gunned down in southern France, amid fears that a suspected serial killer will strike again.

The plane also f lew French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe to Tel Aviv along with 50 relatives and friends of the victims who were shot dead in a coldblooded attack at a Toulouse school on Monday and will be buried in Israel.

The Israeli flag-carrier plane was expected to land in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, an airport source said, confirming that it had taken off f rom Par is’ Charles de Gaulle airport shortly after midnight.

Jonathan Sandler, a 30-year-old Frenchman, his two sons Arieh, 5, and Gabriel, 4 as well as sevenyear-old Myriam Monsonego will be buried later Wednesday morning at the Givat Shaul cemetery in Jerusalem, according to the Israeli embassy in France.

Clinton vows search for ‘heroine’ Amelia Earhart on remote Pacific island Agence France-Presse

The United States vowed Tuesday to help solve the 75-year-old myster y of aviation legend Amelia Earhart after analysis of a photograph showed that she may have crashed on a remote Pacific island.

Earhart set off in 1937 from Papua New Guinea on a mission to circumnavigate the globe over the equator, its longest route.

She and her navigator Fred Noonan were never seen again, despite a massive US search in the midst of the Great Depression.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described the trailblazing female pilot as a personal and national heroine and offered moral support for an upcoming expedition to find the wreck of Earhart’s Lockheed Electra aircraft.

“Amelia Earhart may have been an unlikely heroine for a nation down on its

craft Recovery said that they planned an underwater mission in July on the Kiribati archipelago’s remote island of Nikumaroro.

R ic Gillespie, the group’s executive director, said he came across a photograph of Nikumaroro taken in 1937 by a British expedition that – unlinked to Earhart – was assessing the uninhabited island for Amelia Earhart. Photo: potential settlement.

Underwood and Underwood Gillespie said he saw luck, but she embodied the what he thought was a simple “blob” on the picture. spirit of an America comBut after a closer analysis, ing of age and increasingly Gillespie said he believed confident, ready to lead it showed landing gear in a quite uncertain and from the ill-fated Electra. dangerous world. She gave He called the evidence people hope and she inspired “compelling, but circumthem to dream bigger and stantial” and promised bolder,” Clinton said. to search the entire area “When she took off on around Nikumaroro. that historic journey, she “There are some very carried the aspirations of smart people who think our entire country with her.” we’re wrong about this, but Aviation enthusiasts there are some very smart from The Inter national people who think we’re Group for Historic Air- right,” Gillespie said.

Building C1-C2 Premium Outlet-Gallery Zone, Bypass Rd., Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel: (076) 350-465 Fax: (076) 350-465 Email: abfabsales@gmail.com www.absolutelyfabulousthailand.com Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5.30 pm Closed: Sunday

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10 LETTERS/VIEWPOINT

THE PHUKET NEWS

OPINION

The first rule of mini fight club

‘Brutal Thai boxing bouts see boys and girls as young as six fighting as ‘entertainment’ for tourists’. Newspapers and online articles brand child boxing as child abuse > 11

Editor’s Viewpoint

NORACHAI’S WORLD

BUDGET TIME At first glimpse the numbers look big: B84 billion worth of projects approved for the upper Andaman region, with Phuket getting B47 billion – more than half.

In this year alone (and we’re already done with the first quarter): half a billion baht for the region, with Phuket getting approval for spending of B113 million.

The money this year, it is a piffling amount. There are homes in Phuket on the market for B240 million apiece – twice the budget granted by the government to fund six provincial projects that are regarded as crucial and are ready to roll.

Phuketians may be disappointed but surely not surprised. Governments of all colours have always treated Phuket as the goose that lays the golden eggs – but doesn’t really need feeding.

As Senator Thanyarat Achariyachai noted this week, Phuket contributes B100 billion a year to the national economy, but gets very little consideration in return.

“It’s a rich province,” goes

To a brighter future.

Letters to the editor On the nose [Re. Under the Bard’s watchful gaze] Last weekend I came to page 18 [of the paper] and saw the wonderful photo and essay by [Norachai] about Nose2Nose and my students.

It made my day.

The photograph captured the performance perfectly.

His observations on the rehearsal was accurate. And his witty inclusion of the Bard was most appreciated.

In these days when journalists are seen as hacks, your write-up was a delight and so refreshing. It was honest and witty. And everyone was put in a good light.

My students were thrilled.

And I am content.

Timothy Evans BIS

Going underground Please could you start a campaign on Phuket to get rid

of electrical pylons and put electricity wires unerground?

It would make Phuket so much more beautiful.

Brian Phillips

Watching the meter [Re. Airport crackdown coming for black taxis in Phuket] If the black taxis are only charging double give me one of them.The green plate taxis want B1,300 from the airport to Kathu before the hill to Patong.

[At the airport recently] it was five minutes after midnight and the meter taxis refused to take passengers.

And when you get the meter taxis from the airport they tell you the fare before you leave and don’t turn on their meters. PIA taxis are a joke.

[I rang] my friend, waited 40 minutes for him to come and get me, gave him B750 for his fuel and he was more than happy. Now every time we visit Phuket we ring him

first. Helps him and his family.

He thinks long term not the “today only” attitude.

No Phuket taxis for me

Outside interests [Re. Southerners protest at megaproject plans] Why is it whenever there is a serious problem in Thailand it is somehow linked to foreigners or outright blamed on foreigners. Make it illegal to invest in Thailand and watch what happens.

Dave

Smile, you’re on TV [Re. The Phuket News adds TV to its media portfolio] Simon ‘Rupert Murdoch’ Samaan... you’re a class act (excuse the pun). I guess it’s just a matter of time before your mate at the other paper tries to do one better on you again.

Whetts

Why we’re not all aboard the buses [Re. New bus terminal to open in May despite objections] As much as I like the idea of folks taking buses, this new terminal system is a traffic jam just waiting to happen.

The drivers will surely pull out whenever they are ready, not considering how many other vehicles will have to wait for them to make their wide turn.

I’m equally sure that they will also pull out and block all of the traffic coming one way just to wait for the other way to clear for them.

I don’t have a solution, but what has been built ain’t it, mark my words.

Dave

Well done Ms Yingluck It was good to see the Redor Black-shirted Cabinet’s

the reasoning in Bangkok.

“It doesn’t need big funding. So when Phuket asks for B100, put off making a decision as long as possible, or fob it off with B20.”

There is, of course, a valid argument to be made for taking from rich provinces and giving to poor ones.

And yes, Phuket has more than its fair share of fancy restaurants, luxury spas and Lamborghinis.

But take a look around the non-tourist corners of Phuket and you’ll find slums where people can’t even afford to buy into cheap government housing schemes. You’ll find roads with patches on patches, traffic lights that don’t work, or streets with lights that are not hooked up to the power grid.

Phuket is far from perfect.

But in the end, most people will probably shrug off this week’s excitement as the usual Bangkok PR BS – “We’re here, we care, we listen. Look, here’s some money. Bye bye.”

Life, of course, will go on and, one way or another, Phuket will manage just fine.

This week in history foray into the pale blue sea of southern Democrat voters.

Whose idea this was, thought up within the Government itself, or whispered

by Skype from Dubai, is a popular one.

To have our rulers coming to the provinces, especially bearing gifts of project funding in the billions of baht of taxpayers’ money, is good for our democracy, and for reconciliation between the political shirts of different colours.

The message, hopefully true, is that the Government cares and wants to visit on the ground to see for itself what is needed and how the centre can help.

It may help to redress complaints of ruling MPs not turning up to make a quota in Parliament, or come in a little bit tipsy to work.

Pale-blue Shirt

Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com or fax 076 612 553. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

■■ March 23, 1801 – Tsar Paul I of Russia is struck with a sword, then strangled, and finally trampled to death in his bedroom.

■■ March 24, 1958 – Elvis Presley is drafted into the US Army.

■■ March 25, 1969 – During their honeymoon, John Lennon and Yoko Ono hold their first Bed-In for Peace at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel (until March 31).

■■ March 26, 1934 – The driving test is introduced in the United Kingdom.

■■ March 27, 1871 – The first international rugby match, between England and Scotland, is played in Edinburgh at Raeburn Place.

■■ March 28, 1910 – Henri Fabre becomes the first person to fly a seaplane, the Fabre Hydravion, after taking off in France.

■■ March 29, 1973 – The US ends its covert bombing campaign in Laos, designed to stop communist infiltration into South Vietnam.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FEATURE 11

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

LITTLE LORDS OF THE RING Is child boxing a form of abuse? Or is it a perfectly acceptable sport?

‘Child abuse’:

Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

T

he pungent smell of liniment fills the changing rooms behind the ring at Patong Boxing Stadium.

Half-sitting on a hard bed, 10-year-old Arsarn is being rubbed all over with the fragrant oil until he shines.

Arsan is small and lanky – but tough both physically and mentally. “I’m not afraid to fight,” he says, jabbing the air with punches as part of his warm-up. “The only thing I’m worried about is that my opponent will get hurt.”

Children in the Thai boxing ring is nothing new in Thailand, but Buffalo Girls, a documentary made recently by an American filmmaker, Todd Kellstein, about two girl boxers, sparked a furore in the West.

“Brutal Thai boxing bouts see boys and girls as young as SIX fighting as ‘entertainment’ for tourists” Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper howled last month. Newspaper and online reviews of the movie varied from thoughtful to outraged, many branding child boxing as child abuse.

“British, American and German holidaymakers are queuing up to see the sickening spectacle which has arrived in the country’s holiday resorts from remote villages,” the Mail stormed.

Arsarn is unaware of all this. His name is called and he jumps into the ring and performs the slow ritual dance that is the precursor to every Thai boxing match. His opponent, another 10-year-old boxer from Krabi, does the same.

At just 10, Arsarn doesn’t yet understand that his full-on, no-punches-pulled bout with another child will produce very mixed reactions in the multinational crowd of spectators: acclamation or shocked silence.

But one of the judges for the evening understands.

“Some people love watching them, some don’t. It depends on your point of view whether you see children boxing as opportunity for the kids or as child abuse.”

Right, Arsarn, 10, fights with another child boxer from Krabi Province.

Above, Pom, 15, followed his uncle from Buriram to Rawai Muay Thai camp.

Below, spectators watch two boys fight in the ring. Some of them allegedly place bets.

One person who does think child boxing is a form of child abuse, and should be banned, is the Chief of the Child Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center (CSIP) of Rama Hospital, Dr Adisak Palitpon.

Last year, CSIP arranged medical checkup for a study group of 40 long-term child boxers. Though the study detected no physical or mental problems, CSIP plans to perform annual checkups for the study group as part of a longterm study into the physical and mental impacts of boxing.

But Dr Adisak argues that boxing is not a sport, but a business. “It’s clearly child abuse,” he says. “I don’t think child boxing is a proper form of sport. Claiming that children enter the ring ‘to escape poverty’ is just not the case.”

Opportunity:

Flowers and stones: It is estimated that more than 30,000 child boxers kick and punch in rings across Thailand. Child rights activists in Thailand pushed in the 1990s for stricter control of child boxing. Partly as a result, in 1999 the Boxing Act set the minimum age for professional boxers at 15.

But still child boxing matches were popular and, for many families, a child who could box well was a valuable addition to the family finances.

The Boxing Act did nothing to protect the under-15s.

It simply bars them from the ring – unless parents sign a letter of permission.

Only boxers over 15 years old who are registered with the Sport Authorities of Thailand receive safety guarantees from the authorities, and get finan-

cial support if they are injured during a fight.

In 2007, a seminar on measures to ensure the safety of child boxers was arranged in Bangkok. The seminar itself and the specialist research presented in the seminar showed a deep divide between child rights activists and those who supported child boxing.

“W hen we conducted the research, the feedback we got was like a mixture of flowers and stones,” said Prof Sombat Ritthidetch from Ramajitti Institute, who surveyed aspects of child boxers in the Northeast of Thailand.

His survey showed that many of the study group were often absent from school because of their long hours of training. Many of the children, he found, showed signs of stunted growth because of

measures taken by trainers to control their weight.

He also concluded that boxing for years might cause brain damage in children.

But very little research of this nature has been done in Thailand, partly because its publication angers people in the boxing business.

Many trainers, and boxers too, argue that in order to achieve success, any Thai boxer with aspirations must start training very early. They also argue that experience shows that child boxing is not harmful if the children are taught well and practice consistently.

“We don’t oppose child boxing,” said Prof Sombat.

“We just want some changes to be made to child boxing.

For example, let the children wear protective gear to prevent damage during fights.”

Proponents of the sport, however, argue just the opposite, adding that the money – in particular the betting – that goes with Thai boxing is essential for some families. This, they say, is particularly the case in rural parts of Thailand, where boxing allows people to escape the poverty trap through excellence in sport.

“If you have no other opportunities, you don’t have a choice,” says the owner of Rawai Muay Thai, Pricha Chokkuea. “You won’t have the money to buy equipment to play any other sport, or to pay a trainer for the training.”

Mr Pricha started his own boxing career when he was very young as a way to open up opportunities in his life.

He is now a model for others: the sucessful child boxer who became wealthy.

He points out that in Muay Thai training, young students don’t usually have to pay for the training, or even for food and accommodation.

The child boxers may make some money from happy gamblers rewarding them for winning but their performance fee is normally split 50-50 between

their trainer and the camp.

Mr Pricha currently has eight child boxers under his wing, some of whom moved from other parts of the country to Phuket because the performance fees are higher on the island than elsewhere.

The fees start at B1,000 a match for a beginner fighting in a proper stadium – there are two in Patong and one in Chalong. If the child is a winner the fees can climb as high as B10,000 a bout.

Pom, 15, followed his uncle to train at Rawai Muay Thai. He is luck y – M r Pricha lets him keep his performance fees. Pom gets paid B4,000 a match, and can earn several thousand more from happy spectators.

“I want to be a professional boxer,” he says. “I’m okay with what I’m doing now.”

In a place like Phuket, where extreme poverty is now happily rare, some children go into the ring in search of fame and respect, rather than as an escape from poverty.

For example, the family of nine-year-old Fifa don’t have financial problems. He just loves to box. He trains in the early morning, from 5 to 7am, and then again after school, starting at 4pm.

Fifa enrolled himself. “I walked to the boxing camp by myself, and asked if I could join the training,” he says.

He’s good at it. After winning seven matches, he commands fees of B10,000 a bout.

Grinning with pride, he pulls a Samsung mobile phone from his pocket. “I bought this phone myself,” he says.

“Boxing is my choice.”

Movie-maker Kellstein admitted in an interview that when he first saw children boxing, “I thought it was horrible child abuse. I wanted to make a film that would create awareness and make it end.”

But after three years making the documentary, he is much more ambivalent. “In the US, people are adamant that it has to stop [but] it’s really not our business to say what people in other cultures should or shouldn’t do,” he says.

thephuketnews.com

12 BUSINESS/TOURISM

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUSINESS

New dynamics of property Changes in tourist demographics mean a different ball game for developers > 14

business@thephuketnews.com

Rising public debt ratio ‘no problem’ TAN

Criticism that the government’s plans for Thailand include massive projects that will leave the count r y with unsustainable levels of debt have been answered by the Public Debt Management Office. Not at all, the office says.

It reports that the national debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio stands at 50 per cent and has said that it will have no significant impact on the Government’s spending discipline as the figure is still well below the ceiling considered the safe maximum by economists.

Director of the Public Debt Management Office, Chakkrit Parapuntakul, has reported that the Government’s plan to borrow B800 billion will raise the public debt to gross domestic product ratio from 42 to 48.6 per

cent in 2012.

But Mr Chakkrit said this will have no effect on the Government’s spending discipline as the new debt ratio is still well below the 60 per cent generally regarded as the maximum for a healthy economy.

The USA, Japan, Britain, Germany, France and other major world economies all have much higher debt-toGDP ratios than Thailand.

Japan ranks highest in the world with a ratio of 220 per cent, according to 2011 IMF estimates.

Moreover, the Government will not borrow B800 billion all at once, because some major long-term projects will be funded through committed budgets.

Funding for other projects may be borrowed from the money markets, but then be converted into long-term bonds at a later date.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Samui Quest expands into Koh chosen for Indonesia, Vietnam low-carbon experiment Lag una-based cor porate team-building organisation Quest is now offering its programmes at the Lagunarelated Indonesian resort on Bintan near Singapore and is poised for further expansion throughout the region.

Quest Bintan, a permanently-managed facility with a full Quest team, recently ran its first programme, an “Amazing Race” for a 36-strong Unilever Singapore group.

Quest will also be managing all team-building operations at the new Laguna Lang Co resort in central Vietnam, due to open later in 2012.

Quest’s head office remains at Laguna Phuket, where it has been operating since 1995.

“These are all signifi- Setting its sights higher: Quest already operates in Bintan. cant developments that take Quest to new heights of in a press release announcing now operate anywhere in Asia to meet the varying demands service in Asia’s corporate the expansion.

“As well as our three man- of regional MICE planners, team-building arena,” Alun Gathergood, Quest regional aged facilities in Phuket, Bintan with our range of tailor-made manager, was quoted as saying and central Vietnam, we can team-building programmes.”

MCOT

The Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC) has selected Koh Samui as its first island to pioneer modelling a low-carbon lifestyle with the aim of reducing the use of fossil fuels and boosting efficient energy use.

APERC researchers and experts arrive on the island this week to spend the next six months conducting a study on energy use.

The idea of Koh Samui being suitable for development into a low-carbon society was welcomed by Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

For the people and businesses of Koh Samui, tax breaks may be considered for electric cars, energy saving equipment, construction of energy-saving buildings and energy-conscious waste management, among others.

AustCham seminar to discuss marine industry in Thailand The Phuket chapter of the Australian Chamber of Commerce is opening the doors for its next meeting, on March 30 at Royal Phuket Marina, at which speakers will look at the current state of the marine leisure industry in Phuket.

Scheduled to speak are: Scott Bradley of East Marine, discussing chandlery, boat repairs and rigging; S c ot t D u n c a n s o n of Quantum Sails, discussing sails and racing; Scott Finsten of Ocean

Marina in Pattaya, looking at the marina industry; Andrew De Bruin of Lee Marine, examining boat brokerage; Nick Anthony of Indigo Real Estate and environmental foundation SEEK, who will discuss the marine environment; Anthony Gates of Andaman Maritime Services, examining the recreational marine industry in Thailand; and David Wood of Boating Lifestyle Adventure (BLA)

of Aust ralia, discussing chandling.

The seminar, to be followed by a question-andanswer session and then sundowners, will be moderated by David Bell, a director of AustCham and, in his spare time, also a sailor.

Entry to the session is free for AustCham members and B300 a head for non-members.

Bookings may be made online at: www.austchamthailand. com/ATCC/asp/eventdetail. asp?EventID=1686

Nattapreecha Muenpin, CEO of AS1 Co (fourth from left), with guests and colleagues.

Luxury cruise boat under new owners

The principals of AS1 Co Lt d , new ow ne r of t he luxury cruise boat Nara, introduced themselves to government officials, the travel trade and media with a dinner cruise in Phang Nga Bay last Friday (March 9).

The company recently bought the luxury four-deck cruise boat from Nara Cruise Co for B30 million. The ship

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has been operating its usual programme while the change in ownership went through.

Currently, the company offers two day trips a week, every Thursday and Sunday, to the islands in Phang Nga Bay, including snorkelling and canoeing activities.

On the other days of the week, the ship is available for private charter, either by tour

agencies or tourist groups for sunset dinner cruises.

The boat can accommodate 80 to 120 passengers in the main cabin for parties or dinner, and there is an open area and VIP room on the deck above that.

For details call 076 612 600, visit as1.co.th or email nawadet@as1.co.th

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUSINESS/TOURISM 13

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

RECOVERY AT LAST?

Agence France-Presse

IMF chief Christine Lagarde said on Sunday (March 18) that measures taken to fight financial woes in Europe and the United States were beginning to pay off.

Ms Lagarde was in Beijing for a two-day trip to attend a forum on China’s development and hold meetings with her economic counterparts, such as Vice Premier Wang Qishan, before she travels to India.

In a cautiously upbeat assessment of the global economy, she said, “Even just a few months ago, the situation was decidedly gloomy. Indicators for the last quarter of 2011 – namely for Europe and the United States – did not provide much reassurance.

“Yet, today, we are seeing signs of stabilisation; signs that policy actions are paying off.

“Financial market conditions are more comfortable and recent economic indicators are beginning to look a little more upbeat, including in the United States.”

Europe – China’s top export market – has been hit by a severe debt crisis that has seen

Christine Lagarde: ‘We are seeing signs of stabilisation.’ a wave of credit-rating downgrades and brought Greece to the brink of bankruptcy, sparking concern across the world.

But Lagarde said some of the policy actions taken – particularly by the European Central Bank and some Euro-

Photo: MEDEF pean countries – had helped stabilise the overall situation.

Most EU nations agreed in January to a treaty that will

require governments to introduce laws on balanced budgets and impose near-automatic sanctions on countries that violate deficit rules.

And the looming threat of a Greek default has receded after a large majority of the country’s private creditors agreed to a bond swap that will see them accept huge losses and wipe some 100 billion euros (B4 trillion) off Athens’ debt.

In the United States, meanwhile, the economy is showing signs of improvement with better consumer and business spending and an improved job market, though there is still high unemployment and a depressed housing sector.

But Lagarde warned there were still major vulnerabilities, with public and private debt still high in many advanced economies, oil prices rising, and the risk of slowing activity in emerging nations.

She also praised China for its “leadership and adept policy skills” in the global financial crisis, but said it should continue to move away from its dependence on exports and investment, and focus more on domestic consumption.w

Kingfisher battles to end freefall Embattled Indian airline Kingfisher hoped this week to convince investors, creditors and passengers that it can pull out of freefall and fly right.

Indian business website Livemint.com predicted that the recovery will entail further cutting of international operations, the dumping of all loss-making routes, renegotiation of high-cost aircraft leases, tapping foreign loans for working capital, and getting back its US$40 million (B1.2 billion) deposit from the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

The airline held a difficult meeting late last week with pilots who are on strike after not being paid since December.

It is also being given a rough ride by India’s Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), EK Bharat Bhushan, who has issued a show-cause notice to the airline demanding to know why it should be allowed to continue operations.

The DGCA’s concern is that Kingfisher’s apparent lack of funds could affect safety.

If Kingfisher’s answers are found to be unconvincing, Bhushan could initiate tough measures against the airline.

LiveM i nt quot ed M r Bhushan as saying at the weekend that he was free to meet Kingfisher Airlines executives to discuss a recovery plan, and that he was monitoring the airline’s operations.

Another battle the airline faces is a very real possibility of court action by the tax authorities, which have accused it of collecting taxes from both staff and passengers, but failing to pay them on to the government.

The Times of India quoted Central Board of Excise and Customs Chairman S K Goel as saying, “They [Kingfisher] have to face the court... Evasion has already taken place...

They can even be jailed.”

Beset from all sides, and

with falling numbers of passengers willing to travel on the airline, Kingfisher seems to be pinning its hopes on the big plan to be announced this week.

A key element in plan is recovering the US$40 million deposit kept with Iata, which has suspended Kingfisher Airlines for the second time in two months from the Iata Clearing House (ICH) system because of its failure for make payments.

Airlines use the ICH system to settle payments for interline agreements. Every Iata member is required to keep a deposit with the body for such settlements.

The airline’s net loss widened sharply to 4.44 billion rupees ($88 million) in the three months to December from a loss of 2.54 billion rupees a year earlier, while its debt totals at least $1.3 billion.

India’s airline industry – once a symbol of the country’s

economic progress – is now plagued by high fuel prices, fierce competition, price wars and inadequate airport infrastructure, with Kingfisher one of the worst-hit firms.

T he ai rl i ne ha s said “positive and immediate action is being taken on all fronts to cut costs”.

Kingfisher’s market share has slid to fifth position at 11.3 per cent, from second earlier, according to data on the civil aviation regulator’s website.

The carrier has never t ur ned a prof it since its launch in 2005 and owes millions of dollars to suppliers, lenders and staff.

Michael Ayling: ‘Pursuing further business interests.’

Ayling to leave Laguna Michael Ayling, Managing Director of Laguna Resorts & Hotels Plc, the company that owns and operates Laguna Phuket, will leave the company on May 31 “to pursue further business interests”, the company announced Tuesday (March 20).

M r Ayling has spent more than 11 years with Laguna Resorts & Hotels.

He joined in 2000 as Assistant Vice President Finance, before being promoted to Deputy Managing Director/ Vice President Finance in 2005 and to his current role in 2006, taking over from popular man-about-theisland James Batt.

During his tenure, Laguna Phuket has become recognised as Asia’s leading lifestyle destination resort and a similar project, Laguna Lang Co, has been launched in central Vietnam.

Mr Ayling’s successor has yet to be named. A Laguna statement said, “A further announcement on Laguna Phuket’s management structure is subject to Board approval and will be made in due course.”

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14 BUSINESS/PROPERTY

THE PHUKET NEWS

Tourism College hits budget speed bump The proposal to convert the Thalang Technical College into a hospitality and tourism college hit a speed bump this week when the Deputy Minister of Education, Sakda Kongpetch, met with the college’s director.

Mr Sakda was in Phuket on Monday and Tuesday, attached to the mobile Cabinet meeting being chaired at Prince of Songk hla University by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

College director Suthep Yongyuth told The Phuket News last week that there was unanimous support from the tourism and hotel industries for such a college. He said that if budgets were approved, the first course could be launched as early as May this year.

The college would teach both hotel and tourism courses at both diploma and higher diploma levels. Parts of the diploma courses would be taught in English, while the entire higher diploma courses would be taught in that language, he explained.

After listening to Mr Suthep’s presentation on Monday, Mr Sakda said he thought the idea was good but the director was asking for too much money from the government.

He said he could see the merits of the idea but warned that the budget the director was asking for – B30 million – was too ambitious. He said that B15 million was more likely to be accepted.

Mr Suthep was hoping at

the meeting to line up support for the project, scheduled to be submitted as part of the Phuket package put to the mobile Cabinet meeting.

Quanchai Panitpichetvong, a senior figure in the Pheu Thai Party and project consultant for the transformation of the college, said that hotel giant Marriott Asia-Pacific had already agreed to support the proposed hotel course at the college with on-the-job training and advice on the course.

Mr Suthep had put together a budget estimate of B418 million for three years. The first year would require B64 million. However, realising that this might be regarded as a bit steep, he told Mr Sakda that he was initially seeking support totalling B30 million.

However, Mr Sakda countered that Mr Suthep should lower his sights by half again – to B15 million – because the government has set a sum of only B100 million per province to fund projects that are ready to start immediately – which would include the Thalang College project.

Mr Sakda also stressed that the project should be done to international standards. He added that he was concerned about the college’s ability to attract enough teachers for the all-English-language higher diploma programmes.

If the Cabinet, after meeting in Phuket, decides to reject the proposal, this is not the end of the project. Funding can still be requested later on from the Ministry of Education.

A NEW DYNAMIC FOR PROPERTY?

Goodbye to well-off Westerners, and hello to Russian and Chinese buyers The current world economic crisis means that while formerly well-heeled travellers from the US, Europe and Australia drove the island’s economy, planeloads of Chinese, Russian and Middle Eastern visitors will now dictate growth, property consultancy Knight Frank predicts.

In an opinion released last Friday (March 16), Risinee Sarikaputra, the company’s Associate Director of Research and Valuation in Thailand, writes, “Phuket in recent years has become known as the playground of the West’s rich and famous, attracting pop stars, celebrities, supermodels and run-of-the-mill millionaires.

“Some of these visitors spent time checking out property in the area, which spawned a healthy market for villas costing B30 million or more.”

However, the financial crisis that began in the United States in 2008 and is still depressing Western economies, took some of the wind out of Phuket’s property sails as wealthy Westerners began to watch their budgets.

“But the island’s tourism industry has barely missed a beat. The new wave of visitors may not all be jetsetters but they’re happy to

Chinese tourists enjoy Phuket’s annual Vegetarian Festival. Property developers must hope that some of these visitors like the island enough to want to buy a home here. spend on tourism or property.”

The new wave consists mostly of mainland Chinese and Russians.

Mr Risinee quotes a a survey by Ctrip.com, China’s leading online booking agency, which notes that Hong Kong was the top destination for Chinese travellers, with Phuket second.

“Considering that Hong Kong is actually part of China, that puts Phuket in top position as an overseas destination for Chinese holidaymakers,” he writes.

“Russia, meanwhile, is threatening to overtake Australia as Phuket’s second prime

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

source of tourists. One reason for the dramatic increase in numbers is simple – the severe winter weather in Europe, notably Eastern Europe, has shaken up many people and spurred a desire to relocate to safer, better homes.”

Apart from the West’s economic woes, there is another factor in the rise of Russian tourists coming to Phuket, Mr Risinee explains: the Arab Spring.

Russians on holiday used to f lock to places such as Turkey and Egypt in greater numbers, but with that region racked with political upheaval, and with the cost being about the same, many have turned to Phuket.

“Another reason for the shift is that it’s never been easier for Russian and other international tourists to get to Phuket. Many charter airlines now run direct flights between big and small cities in various parts of the world to Phuket.

“The first Russian private airline, Transaero Airlines, has launched scheduled flights from Moscow and St Petersburg in Russia to Phuket airport. Next

season, there will be more direct flights to Phuket from around 15 cities from Russia.”

The situation is similar for China, he notes. “Major cities in mainland China have direct flights to Phuket.

Besides Beijing and Shanghai, these include Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Nonbo, Taiyuan, Wuhan and Xian.”

However, he notes, many of the new arrivals are “zero dollar” tourists – they travel on all-inclusive packages and spend very little on the ground.

“While some ultra-wealthy Chinese and Russians are regular visitors to the island, the new wave of travellers are mainly lower middle class.

“So, although the number of tourist arrivals to Phuket has risen sharply, the total revenue of many shops along Patong, Kata and Karon beaches remains about the same.

“With Asian economies booming, it is forecast that Phuket will be full of tourists all year round.”

This, he says, bodes well for the property market. “We will see the Phuket property market pick up within this year.”

16 ART

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

CULTURE

BIG LIST: Weird Cities > 20

culture@thephuketnews.com

KNOW WHERE THIS IS? GUESS RIGHT AND WIN!

GERRY’S view

THIS WEEK’S HINT: “As far as I know this is the only wind turbine on Phuket . It stands prominently on a hill between two popular beaches on the island, and is easily seen from either.

On most days anyone looking up at the wind turbine will also see paragliders and model plane enthusiasts taking advantage of the warm sea breezes blowing up the side of the hill”.

–Gerry Cummings

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editor@thephuketnews.com

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Congratulations go to Suchada Sukhpool, who correctly guessed that last week’s photo was of the big yellow plastic dog on the Beach Road in Patong. Unfortunately the poor fella’s nose has been broken off, but he is still a rather majestic figure. Readers Jasmine Rice, Jureerut Brett, Sukanda, and Mile Tatis also guessed right.

Everything’s beachy at rain-soaked exhibition

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Designed by Woulfe Studio

Baan Wana Park, 177/22 Moo.4, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, 076 620 071, designedbywoulfe.com.

Dream Gallery

Boat Lagoon, 23/122 Thepkasattri Rd, Koh Kaew, 076 273 487, gallery@asiansourcingallery.com, thedreamgallery.asia.

I Mon Art Gallery:

Norachai Thavisin editor3@thephuketnews.com

Driving rain swept in at the launch of Andaman View, an exhibition of the work of local artists Niran Chanhom and Virat Uttakul, held at Centara Grand’s Cove Restaurant last Wednesday (March 14).

Just as musician friends of the artists were beginning to sing and play on the landing outside the restaurant, all assembled had to run for cover and retreat under shelter to escape the lashing rain.

The timber sculptures of Niran and and the black-andwhite line drawings of Virat were spread around the walls of the resort’s restaurant.

But because it was busy with guests enjoying their buffet dinner, there was not much room for artistic celebration inside. Virat left early, but Niran was undeterred.

From his studio home in the south of Phuket, Niran regularly scours the beaches to collect driftwood and timber from old fishing boats, using them to make three dimensional beach landscapes.

He paints carefully on the worn pieces of timber, many

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Little Monk Gallery:

95/33 Saiyuan Rd, Naiharn, 086 294 3971.

Nakonnai Art Museum:

84/34 Moo7, Soi Saiyuan 2, Rawai. 085 974 7218, nakonnaiartmuseum@yahoo.com.

Red Gallery:

Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 087 323 321, redgallerythai@yahoo.com; phuketredgallery.com.

Sarasil Art Galllery:

121 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 076 224 532, somkiatkaewnok@yahoo.com; oilpaintingsphuket.com.

Open daily 8pm-9pm.

The Love Art Studio: Niran Chanhom stands in front of his sea sculptures. Below left, one of Virat’s drawings.

28/13 Soi Naya 2, Naiharn, 089 471 5653, pui.t.l.a.s.@hotmail.com; theloveartstudio.com.

The One Gallery:

53 Srisoonthorn Rd, Cherng Talay, 083 634 6840, inone_111@yahoo.com. Open daily 11am-9pm.

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Vichen Gallery Bzenter

Behind Da Vinci Restaurant, Saiyuan Rd, Rawai, 087 890 3722.

Open daily 3-9 pm. (Telephone to view before 3pm.)

still with the original if faded paint still on them.

Virat offers similar views, using just his fine-point pen to etch out loving details of trees, boats, and waves. Guests and visitors at Centara still have the chance to admire their

work for another week.

The credit for organising the show goes to two local Australian women, Kerrily Jennings and Jo Stuart, married to a Thai musician and a Thai painter respectively. Their company Artjerm (artjerm.

com) mounted this show.

The company plans later to offer art tours to studios of artists and galleries around the island. Watch this space.

VR Gallery & Coffee Shop

Next to Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, 12 Kata Noi Rd, Kata Noi, 076 333 568; art@momtriphuket.com, momtriphuket.com.

Watcharin Art Studio:

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Wua Gallery and Studio: Call them on 084-946-2171 or email kez@artjerm.com

1 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 076 258 208, wua.artgallery@gmail.com; wua-artgallery.blogspot.com.

Renaissance man THE PHUKET NEWS

PEOPLE 17

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Norachai Thavisin editor3@thephuketnews.com

“When I turn 70, in a month’s time, I’m going to be a full-time artist. I’ll still paint people I see on the beach,” says Mom Luang Tridhosyuth Devakul, better known as Mom Tri, the owner of the eponymous Mom Tri’s Villa Royale in Kata Noi. Glimpsed through the trees at his luxurious house on the headland at the resort, the sea off Kata Noi Beach glitters in the afternoon sun, forming an inspiring vista in front of us.

Mom Tri is relaxing with long-time friends and artists, Leo Musch and Dineke Derksen, who have called into Phuket on their way home to the south of France from exhibiting in Beijing.

As well as catching up with an old friend, they are here to enjoy the opening of his exhibition of paintings, Bodies on the Beach at Mom Tri’s own VR Gallery and coffee house just next to the resort, where bright paintings depict men running on the beach and splashing in the sea.

There are also several large sculptures in wood and resin on display at the exhibition, with many more spread

Some of Mom Tri’s paintings, hung in his own VR Gallery.

Dineke Derksen, Leo Musch, Mom Tri and his wife Tam. around his open-plan house, which is filled with freeflowing breeze from the sea.

“I am a sculptor basically. These sculptures were done over the years when I had time,” he says.

“One was made, for example, when Suvarnabhumi Airport was closed because of political protests and I was stuck in Phuket.”

Mom Tri says the early sculptures were inspired by the hippies who were some of the first outsiders to discover the natural beauty of Phu ket’s beaches. T hey often went about naked.

He says at that time a beach

was considered to be crowded when there were two or three people on it, meaning it was time to move on to the next, empty one.

“I loved to sit in front of the Boathouse during the New Year when young people would come wearing very little to hide their beautiful bodies,” he says.

This remarkable man is very much a Renaissance allrounder. Graduating as an architect from prestigious Harvard University, Mom Tri designed many projects, such as the Prem International School in Chiang Mai and the Boathouse in Kata, which he built and owned until recently.

He is also a businessman, developer, artist and a promoter of culture in Phuket.

“I am not going out to improve the cultural scene. I’m just doing what is enjoyable, just doing my bit and hoping that others will do more.

“But there is still very little culture in Phuket. I contribute and I have been doing that for years, without much else happening.

“Even Thai culture has more or less disappeared from Phuket,” he says regretfully.

For 25 years, the annual Baan Kata Arts Fest was held at Mom Tri’s beach house before it became Villa Royale.

Eminent musician Mom Luang Usni Pramoj, who recently played viola with his quartet at the Villa Royale,

used to perform regularly at the Baan Kata Arts Fest.

“The Government seems to think that tourists are not interested in culture, only in beaches and the bars. So there is no funding for culture. But people always come to my events,” says Mom Tri. And with that thought, our interview comes to a close.

Mom Tri is ready to open his new exhibition. It’s yet another of his events in the cultural life of an island he knows so well.

Mom Tri in Phuket ML Tri’s first architectural work on Phuket was Club Med. He was also architect and/or developer of Le Meridien Phuket Resort, Royal Phuket Yacht Club Resort (1986, at Naiharn Beach), Tri­

sara, Villas Grand Cru (near the top of the hill between Kata and Chalong) and Mom Tri’s Kitchen in Kata.

Baan Kata, designed and developed by him, was Phuket’s first upmarket property development (c1997).

Houses there sold for a massive B10 million! They now sell for almost 10 times that amount.

He is a close friend and collaborator with writer William Warren, who has written dozens of books on design and architecture in Thailand (mostly coffee table books).

Mom Tri was also the publisher of Warren’s book Prem Tinsulanonda, Soldier & Statesman.

The Boathouse under his ownership was a centre of culture, with a small art gallery, musical soirées and the Chaophraya Literary Society, which held regular meetings at which invited authors discussed their work and how they went about it. These regularly drew crowds of 50 or more (mostly Westerners).

Mom Tri’s interests in Phuket now include Mom Tri’s Kitchen and Mom Tri’s Villa Royale. There are now plans to open a new restaurant at Villas Grand Cru in Chalong.

thephuketnews.com

18 EDUCATION

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Hanging up the future Norachai Thavisin editor3@thephuketnews.com

For a small group of senior art students at the British International School Phuket (BIS), Monday (March 19) was a nail-biting day.

An external examiner had arrived from Malaysia to assess their art submissions for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Visual Art exam.

After a morning assessment of their art work and a 45-minute interview with the examiner, the five Year 13 students – Rapeepong Suwa n n a k a r n , K r it t ap or n Suttichan, Yoonji Kim, Orn Siriwangsanti and Sarida Scot t – could breathe a collective sign of relief.

In fact they could do much more than that.

The school has placed their work in the corridors, and was holding a grand opening for the students, in an exhibition entitled Entrée: Year 13 Visual Arts Exhibition, attended by teachers and parents.

Their art teacher Anita Pardoe introduced their work, and Ajarn Pranee Sakulpipatana, retired Associate Professor at Rajabhat University, dressed in a colourful Phuket traditional

Fellow BIS students admire paintings by Sarida Scott.

Ajarn Pranee Sakulpipatana (centre) cuts a ribbon to open the student art show. dress, cut the ribbon to open the show. She also sang a song in praise of His Majesty the King.

Nibbles a nd d r i n k s accompanied congratulations given to the now-beaming students. After graduation Sar id a Scot t i ntends to study visual arts. Krittaporn Suttichan will pursue a career in fashion design.

Encou r aged by t hei r teachers to find reasons to motivate their art creation, and

to try tackle their art-making using innovative ways, their sound work now spoke of very personal concerns.

And many in the audience were clearly getting the message. “After experiencing the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, it t r iggered a range of emotions as my family was there when it happened,” Kittaporn said in her artist’s statement.

“I have created personal

artwork portraying different emotions that I have felt throughout my life.

“I aim to guide the audience through the journey that I have taken so that they can have an understanding of how I once felt.”

The show is on until April 27 at BIS, and is open to the public. Call 076-335-555, email communications@bisphuket. ac.th or visit bisphuket.ac.th

FUN RUNNING: Early Years teacher at Kajonkiet

International School Phuket (KISP), Ms Chan, (left) and student Indie Rae (Year 6) show their medals won at the recent QSI Fun Run. Ms Chan raised B6,000 for the Holland House Orphanage as well as winning a silver medal in the 12km run. Physical Education teacher Lennard Kolthof had a busy day, taking part in the 6km run with Osaman (Year 5) and Rudtin (Year 3) and the 1km run with Nathan (Year 1) and Indie.

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THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

ENVIRONMENT 19

Sediment killing Thai coral reefs U

King of the ocean MEET

the natives Among the many fish in the coral reefs around Phuket battling to survive (see other story on this page) is this strikingly-dressed predator, the lionfish (Pterois).

Outside of the ocean, it can be admired, swimming gently and displaying its fine costume for all to see, at the Phuket Aquarium.

In its native coral reef, however, this aggressive animal feeds on small fish and invertebrates. Its showy spines and wings serve as its defence: the tips are venomous.

Nitric oxide is released when these tips pierce marine prey and human skin. Pterois venom can cause vomiting, fever and sweating in humans, and has been lethal in a few cases. So beware when diving.

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, these reef lions have colonised other seas in the world. For example, multiplying freely in large numbers, they have become a pest off the east coast of the United States.

In captivity, lionfish are popular aquarium fish, though prone to eating and attacking others. On the reefs, its dominance may add to the pollution threat coral already faces.

p to a third of all coral reefs around Thailand have been covered and destroyed by sediment from land development to build hotels, resorts and private homes, says the Marine and Coastal Resources Department (MCRD).

According to a 2009 report, destroyed reefs now total more than 35,520 rai (14,200 acres) from a total of 96,000 rai of reef in coastal areas, reported The Nation.

Off the Andaman coast, about 50 per cent of the coral reefs covering 49,000 rai has been degraded, while some 24 per cent of 47,000 rai of reefs in the Gulf of Thailand have been destroyed.

A director of the department’s Office of Marine and Coastal Resources Conservation, Pinsak Surasawadee, said recently that coastal land developments were the main destroyers of coral reefs.

“The removal of land surfaces in coastal areas has sped up the amount of sediment flowing into the sea, affect-

Destroyed coral reefs now total more than 35,520 rai.

ing reefs, aquatic animals and plants,” he said. Sediment in the sea also blocks sunlight and affects the growth of coral.

“The problem is that many builders do not follow guidelines for the environmental impact assessment, which

require them to construct sediment retention to prevent soil flowing into the sea,” he said.

Coral reefs around three islands in Surat Thani province, Koh Samui, Koh Phang Ngan, and Koh Tao, have been severely damaged by a huge amount of sediment, as have those around Phuket and Koh Yao, according to a sea watch agency.

“We have discussed this problem with the department to try to find effective ways to reduce the impact from coastal development, especially in Phuket, which has areas designated for environmental protection, but law enforcement has never been implemented,” said Mr Pinsak.

He said MCRD officials now had no authority to arrest people who damaged coral reefs and marine resources.

The department wants the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning to give more power to its staff, under the 1992 Environmental Act, to arrest offenders.

Pet of the Week

This beautiful dog named Fox belongs to the staff at Thanyapura.

Fox lived on the land before the centre was build, and staff have since adopted him as their own. Fox is estimated to be around four or five years old. His kennel was built by Robert the Thanyapura president, and Fox is fed by the gardener. He enjoys moo ping (grilled pork kebabs), sleeping, and chasing birds in the morning. Fox has no special tricks apart from charming everyone that meets him, say the staff.

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

Dog rescued from House of Horror Norwegian Stein Håvard Dokset’s beloved dog, left behind when he was charged with “intentionally causing” his girlfriend’s death and attempt-

ing to hide a dead body, has successfully been re-homed by the Soi Dog Foundation.

W hen Soi Dog were notified that the dog had

been left all alone at the house, they arranged to collect the abandoned canine.

He has since been adopted locally in Phuket.

thephuketnews.com

DANE'S WORLD

20 WEIRD NEWS

Libby kicks up a stink Even the most talented stage performer can get stage fright.

For Libby the dog, it happened to come mid-way through the world’s most prestigious dog show, and it left quite a mess.

Libby, a five-year-old cross-breed, was making a good impression on the judges at Crufts as she raced around the agility course in record time, demonstrating excellent balance, power and speed.

Her handler was left with her head in her hands, how-

ever, after the canine succumbed to a sudden urge to relieve itself in front of shocked spectators and three unimpressed judges.

As a collective gasp echoed around the area, the event commentator, said: “A dog’s got to do what a dog’s got to do. That’s not very nice is it?”

Like any respectful dog owner, Libby’s handler cleaned up the mess after an assistant rushed to her aid with some tissues and a plastic bag.

‘A dog’s got to do what a dog’s got to do’. Photo: YouTube The clip has now been viewed over 230,000 times on YouTube.

Crufts is an annual event

held in the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK, and is the largest dog show in the world.

No more bull: World champ breeder dies

Photo: Russian Airborne Force

On a wing and prayer Russia has taken religion to new heights after creating a flying church, complete with paratrooper priests.

The unique high-tech, airdropped church consists of a modified army tent and a life-sustaining module including a diesel power source, air conditioner and fridge, and is put on the ground with an airborne platform, according to the Russian news site RT.com.

Officials say the airborne

chapel is needed because the Russian Orthodox Church requires special sacraments that demand a substantial number of utensils such as bells and crucifixes.

But in order for the plan to take flight, Russian military leaders are drafting some chaplains who are experienced paratroopers. No word on when the flying church will launch, but Russian officials reportedly expect them to be ready soon.

Irish Pubs • Restaurant • Guest Houses

Draft Beer Great Food Cool Rooms Good Music Live Sport

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

Jocko Besne achieved the dream of most males – becoming a world champion breeder. He was so successful at spreading his seed, in fact, that he had at least 161,888 offspring, and didn’t even pay child support.

Made all the more impressive, he achieved this monumental feat by the age of just 27, before he died of natural causes.

To clarify, Jocko was a bull.

Jocko was the sire – literally in at least 161,888 and

perhaps as many as 400,000 cases – of the Prim’Holstein race of cattle, the main French strain of the black and white Holstein or Friesian breed of milk-producing cows. “ He wa s t he st a r of French livestock rearing and one of the last stars in world breeding,” said David Leguyader, spokesman for the Creavia cooperative.

In his career, Jocko donated 1.7 million doses of sperm.

One man town Looking to make a serious statement with your next property purchase – why not buy an entire town?

It just so happens there’s one up for sale in the US at the moment, though in fairness, it is the smallest town in the country.

Buford, located between Cheyenne and Laramie in southeast Wyoming, is famous for having just one inhabitant, Don Sammons.

Sammons plans to retire from managing his businesses at Buford and move on. The auction is set for noon on April 5.

Buford traces its origins back to the 1860s and the con-

The population has exactly halved since this photo was taken. Photo: Frankenstoen struction of the Transcontinental Railroad and had as many as 2,000 residents before the railroad was rerouted.

Assets up for sale will include a gas station and convenience store, a 1905 schoolhouse that has been used as an office, a cabin, a garage, 10 acres of land, and a three-bedroom home.

BLOODY OATH: Most of us know you can get any-

thing for a price in Patong, but we have to say, this guesthouse of questionable integrity offers quite a bargain for those with ‘special’ needs. Photo: Becky Taylor (who stressed she did not receive a B200 fine)

with Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

THE BIG LIST

Weird Cities

Apparently you can pick up an entire town for an absolute bargain in the US at the moment – but here are a few cities you might think twice about visiting, let alone purchasing: What a dump: Manshiyat Naser is a city with zero unemployment, extremely cheap housing and a populace that mostly describe themselves as “happy”. But looking at a picture of this charming little utopia (above), you could be forgiven for thinking it was shot in an apocalyptic montage. That’s because it’s an entire society based solely around trash. Manshiyat Naser is located right next to Cairo, one of the largest cities on the African continent, and Manshiyat Naser is little more than Cairo’s rubbish dump; which makes the city’s inhabitants like one giant hobo living in a comically oversized dumpster.

Oompa loompa land: China.

Political correctness. Because we’re morally not allowed to put those terms in the same sentence, it’s fair to say being a minority there isn’t exactly all talent competitions and inspirational after-school specials. Well, one man decided to give little people a place where they could join together to escape the bullying – by living their entire lives on display in the world’s first live-in theme park. The citizens of Dwarf City, outside the city of Kunming in Yunnan province, live in houses shaped like mushrooms, dress up in fairy tale outfits and make their living off of souvenirs and tourism, and even boast a miniature police force, fire brigade and political system.

Crime density: Located just outside Hong Kong, Kowloon Walled City is where Chinese laws went to die. When the British went to clear the area in 1948, they failed so spectacularly that everybody, English and Chinese, adopted an official policy of simply forgetting about the god-forsaken hell-hole. And to everybody’s mutual surprise, the Walled City absolutely thrived on the anarchy. The city was only .03 square kilometres, yet housed roughly 33,000 people, making it the most densely populated area in world history. Citizens even jury-rigged up their own water and electric grids, and though it looked like Tim Burton was their city planner, it mostly worked, until it was eventually torn down 30 years later.

Waterworld: Back in 1945, the USSR discovered oil just off the coast of Azerbaijan. Of course at that point in history, no one had ever built an offshore oil rig before. Not to be deterred by minor considerations such as reason, the USSR went ahead and built a massive multiplatform oil rig. When even more oil was discovered right next door, they didn’t bother with a whole new platform; they just retired a boat, bolted it to the existing platform and started working on it – and continued in this fashion until they wound up with Oily Rocks, a gargantuan city of 5,000 oil workers, with over 200 kilometres worth of road built into the middle of the Caspian Sea. World domination: In 2003, Dubai’s economy was raging, and they were sporting more hasty erections than a seventh grade gym class. You could build anything in that city, not in spite of your structure defying logic, but because of it. Such was the attitude when the Nakheel Company set out to create a series of new islands in the shape of a scale map of the entire world, which they creatively named ‘The World’.

The private world-islands were completed in 2008. Which was exactly when Dubai’s economy finally tanked. Nobody ever moved onto the islands, and the whole thing has just been sitting vacant ever since, slowly sinking back into the sea.

TIME OUT 21

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

BOOK

MUSIC

FILM Moneyball 133 minutes Rating: 13+

Director: Bennett Miller Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Phillip Seymour Hoffman Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

The Night the Elephants Cried

by Nancy H Murray A family torn by personal tragedy seek peace in Phuket, only to be faced with the cataclysmic events that reshaped much of the island in 2004.

While the book is placed in the context of the tsumami, particularly the days leading up to it, very little of the text is actually dedicated to the event itself. Indeed a significant thread of this book is about elephants and the bonds they form with the story’s central characters.

While the writing style is targetted towards a younger audience, at just 169 pages it is an easy and enjoyable read, and should find a large Phuket audience given its local relevance.

Available as e-book from bangkokbooks.com. B119.

Love at the Bottom of the Sea

The Magnetic Fields It’s not easy to inject humour into songwriting, but Magnetic Fields frontman Stephin Merritt does it seamlessly, peppering sweetly sung melodies with just the right amount of cynicism.

These 15 tracks are perhaps his most consistently wellexecuted examples of this, and they also mark the band’s return to the celebrated sound that made their name – the scratchy synths and delicately strummed acoustic guitars of 1999’s 69 Love Songs.

None of the tracks play beyond two minutes and 40 seconds, which works well, or else they may become tedious – but the melodies burrow into your brain, with the lyrics not far behind.

There are not many sport movies that inspire you to become an accountant. But then Moneyball is, quite frankly, a bit of an oddball when it comes to sport films.

Most notably, for a film about baseball, there is surprisingly little baseball actually shown. And those parts that do feature in-game action are perhaps the most tedious and drawn-out of the film.

Instead, the real joys of this movie come from the nuanced performances, stellar

script and well-judged direction, which admittedly may not appeal to everyone.

Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland A’s baseball team, who has an epiphany: that all of baseball’s conventional wisdom is wrong.

Forced to reinvent his team on a tight budget, Beane has to outsmart the richer clubs with the help of impassioned numbers man Peter Brand (an uncharacteristically dramatic Jonah Hill).

Director Bennett Miller, whose only major previous credit was 2005 film Capote, has a restrained but dead-on storytelling style that is an ideal counterpoint for a tale set in the volatile world of professional sports.

Given what could have been fairly dry subject material, Moneyball relies heavily on Pitt’s ability to bring subtle humour to the real-life proceedings – and simultaneously, delivering believable emotional complexity in some especially tough scenes.

The supporting bench definitely helps, with Philip Seymour Hoffman (as Manager Art Howe) and Brent Jennings (playing A’s coach, Ron Washington) offering

SFX COLISEUM PHUKET (CENTRAL FESTIVAL) Chronicle (E) [13+]: John Carter (E/3D) [G]: John Carter (T) [G]: Rak Auo Yoo (T/E.SUB) [13+]: Rak Sud Teen (T/E.SUB) [13+]: This Means War (E) [G]: This Means War (E/F) [G]:

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

SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET (PATONG) Act of Valor (E) [18+]:

1. All the same, perhaps with seating?

(15) 9. Is friend with quiet fool. (5) 10. Involved twisted need – about 144. (9) 11. Aide may help small creature. (9) 12. Back zero fuel. (6) 14. Examine fly, for example, in quiet. (7) 18. A turn in the past.

(3) 20. Wet tree replanted for social media user.

(7) 21. Get back, speaking of Sept ’06 political event. (6) 24. Sunset feature following gravity nadir.

28. Stories for giraffes?

Lies! (4,5) 29. Radio for piano technician. (5) 30. Janitors are great under canvas, with lair inside. (15) Down 1. Fruit flower juice in one direction. (9) 2. Shows disapproval about ring of Patong pests. (5) 3. Phoney tax for queen. (8) 4. Said, “Hello, Ina (what an animal!).” (5) 5. Drunk dog, maybe, in a difficult position.

(5,4) 6. No overdose for the French rice product. (6) 7. This month, in the street. (4)

18:15, 22:15

Haywire (E) [18+]:

12:00, 14:05, 16:10, 20:10

John Carter (E) [G]:

11:30, 14:15, 17:00, 19:45, 22:25

Moneyball (E) [13+]:

12:30, 15:15, 18:00, 20:45

This Means War (E) [G]:

8. Dizzy, taking up, gets horse to move. (5) 13. Way to drink. Cool!

(4) 15. Seemingly put one’s name to a wave. (4) 16. Sailor Paul in a piece of canvas. (9) 17. Blaze is effective in making aerial entertainment. (9) 19. Point to hesitation.

Ranked and having teeth. (8) 22. Speaker, alternately a rocky outcrop. (6) 23. Little amounts of money for parasites. (5) 25. Sense is point about gallery. (5) 26. Helen interested, a bit, in revolutionary. (5) 27. Loud wave action causes a panic. (4)

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s quiz:

11:35, 13:50, 16:00, 18:10, 20:20, 22:30

?

?

Across

12:30, 14:50, 17:10, 19:30, 21:50

Chronicle (E) [13+]:

BRAIN TEASERS

1. Adolf Hitler; 2. Ulan Bator in Mongolia; 3. Myanmar; 4. Zanzibar (Tanzania); 5. Star fruit; 6. Fencing; 7. Pine resin; 8. Blue; 9. Seven; 10. Jacques Clouseau.

SUDOKU

some especially entertaining counter-points to Pitt’s more solemn portrayal.

That said, with the exception of Beane, the story almost entirely pushes side characters out of the picture in the closing act, and the narrative becomes much more about Beane and how he “changed baseball” than about his team.

It feels like it’s really building towards something, and then rapidly changes direction and rather abruptly ends.

But if you take it for what it is, Moneyball is, at least in its attempts, ultimately an honest film that gives the audience unobstructed access to Beane’s quite remarkable journey, warts and all.

Just don’t go in expecting a baseball movie.

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up-to-date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or phone the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076 209 000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076 600 555.

?

THE PHUKET NEWS

THE QUIZ Test your general knowledge with these 10 questions

1. Actors Alec Guinness, Robert Carlyle, Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen have all played which 20th century historical figure in movies?

2. Which, on average, is the coldest capital city in the world?

3. In which country did the Saffron Revolution take place in 2007?

4. Where was Queen vocalist Freddie Mercury born?

5. Around here, what is the more common name for the carambola?

6. Foil and epée are pieces of equipment used in which sport?

7. What gives the Greek drink retsina its distinctive flavour?

8. What colour is the diesel pump nozzle at gas stations in Thailand?

9. What is the cube root of 343?

10. What was the full name of the bumbling French detective in the Pink Panther feature films?

thephuketnews.com

22 KIDS PAGE

THE PHUKET NEWS

COLOURING CONTEST

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

E

very week, colour in Sophie's drawing, have a photo taken with y o ur wo r k, a n d em ail to editor@thephuketnews.com The winner will be announced on this page next week.

This week, congratulations go to Jenna Gasiglia-Tokutake, age 6, a student at Rawai Progressive International School.

Norachai says: "This week's winning drawing is coloured very delicately with a gentle touch.

The pastel blues and greens are beautiful." We also recognise the talent of Live 89.5 DJ Jason Wilder (below), whose black and white effort shows startling imagination and technique.

mail@ sophieillustration.co.uk

Runners-up

Nyke (10), Year 5A, HeadStart

thephuketnews.com

Elena (10), Naomi (10), and Marc (8) (not in photo), Year 5B, HeadStart

Jason Wilder, DJ, Live 89.5

Thanks to all the children at Darasamuth Phuket School, Kajonkietsuksa School, HeadStart, British International School Phuket, Phuket International Academy, and Coconut Club for their entries.

Please keep them coming in, remembering to write your name, age and school on your work.

THE PHUKET NEWS

SHOPPING 23

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

LIFE&STYLE

That’s just The Ticket Entertainment news, reviews and gossip > 30

lifestyle@thephuketnews.com

fashion file Have an outfit to show off? Send a photo to:

editor@thephuketnews.com

Princess Zara Saowapa Ditpatanaphan Housewife

Flower pr int d ress (B1,290), belt (B990), and leggings (B1,290) all bought at Zara in Central Festival.

Beige Memala bag (B15,000) bought on a shopping trip to Italy.

Vanilla Suit dark brown shoes (B2,500) purchased in Hong Kong.

The right stripes Thanyawan Chiangin Marketing executive

Striped head band (B10) from a street stall in Bangkok.

G r ay sh i r t d ress (B599) from a shop n e a r B a n g k o k ’s Tawanna Square.

Striped legging (B199) bought in Pathunam Market, Bangkok.

Grey Roberto shoes (B259) purchased in Central Festival.

Phuket Indy Market: More than just shopping Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

An avenue for the island’s youth to display their creativity.

We’ve all been there before – the endless rows of hot, cramped corridors, the shop selling useless souvenirs, followed by 10 more selling the exact same thing.

Let’s face it, despite the potential of finding a good bargain, most Thai markets just aren’t that much fun to visit.

But if you’re sick of overpriced, mass produced souvenirs and ‘same same’ singlets at tourist markets around the island, the Indy Market may be the place for you.

The Laad Ploi Kong, as it’s known in Thai, is quite small and still gathering momentum, so don’t expect to be wandering through stalls for hours, but that’s part of what makes it so appealing.

The atmosphere here is relaxed. The street is wide, and people – mostly Thai tourists and Phuket locals – meander slowly along it, looking at the variety of handmade crafts on offer. The sound of live music fills the night air, combining

The atmosphere here is relaxed. The street is wide, and people – a mix of Thai tourists and Phuket locals – meander slowly along it, looking at the handmade crafts on offer. with the smells of exotic foods to satisfy the senses.

There’s plenty of open air seating where you can appreciate it, too, along with a meal from any of the food stalls or full-fledged restaurants, or you can just sit down and enjoy a beer or cocktail while watching

the crowd go by around you.

It’s not often you go to a market just for the atmosphere, but this place is well worth a look even for the non-shoppers.

For those who do appreciate a good bargain, the quality and individuality of the goods on offer at the Indy Market

are among the best you’ll find in Phuket. It’s been set up basically as an avenue for the youth of the island to display their creativity and earn a few baht on the side. It’s full of everything from handmade trinkets and jewellery to clothing, to vintage motorcycle accessories. And best of all, the prices are low.

And while the market may lack the creative diversity seen in places such as Chiang Mai, this is still a unique concept for the island, and some of the handmade jewellery in particular is difficult to find anywhere else on the island.

Located on ‘Limelight Avenue’, a small lane just off Dibuk Road, it is also within easy walking distance of Thalang Road. A perfect afternoon in town: Explore the streets of Old Phuket, dine at nearby Raya House or Lemongrass (two of the better Thai restaurants on the island, both on Dibuk Rd), and then shop at the Indy Market in the cool of the evening.

Laad Ploi Kong is open Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm to 10.30pm.

thephuketnews.com

24 DINING

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Healthy eating and raw food workshop comes to Phuket

P

huket raw food consultant Sylvie Yaffe will host ‘Healthy Food 101: Introduction to health food and vegan-raw foods’ in Nai Harn next Thursday (March 29) evening.

Sylvie hopes to educate Phuketians about the importance of making healthier food choices, and paying attention to the ingredients in everything we eat.

Accordingly, the introductory workshop will include food demonstrations and help with reading food labels.

A graduate from the Matthew Kenney Academy in the US state of Oklahoma, the only classically structured raw and living foods educational centre in the world, Sylvie has lived in Phuket for the last 11 years.

She is also a consultant for the Good Karma Thailand health food store.

“Because of my own relationship with food I’ve always

Some of the organic produce at Good Karma Thailand.

Yaffe is a graduate from the Matthew Kenney Academy in the US state of Oklahoma.

been interested in health and nutrition”, says Sylvie.

Sylvie eats an 80 per cent vegetarian diet, and about 50 per cent raw food, which is a plant-based diet consisting of nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables, with nothing cooked

In 2010 she hosted a workshop with celebrity raw food chef Ani Phyo.

So popular it was standing room only, she realised that there was local demand in learning more about healthy eating in general. Healthy

over 42 degrees Celsius.

“Raw food is the solution for me.

“It is guilt-free and every ingredient has nutritional value, when I first discovered raw food I knew this was the answer.”

Food 101 will be held at the Book Cafe in Nai Harn (bookcafephuket.com) on March 29 at 6pm.

Although free of charge, there is limited seating available, and guests must be over 15 years-old.

To reserve a seat call 085794-2371, or email info@ bookcafephuket.com The event is sponsored

by Good Karma Thailand health food store (goodkarmathailand.com) and Pura Organic (puraorganic.com)

Kiwi wine makes a splash in Phuket Pip Austin, General Manager of New Zealand’s Asia Pacific Sileni Estates wine company, was in Phuket last week to host a wine dinner in conjunction with Mom Tri’s Villa Royale in Kata Noi. She spoke to The Phuket News about the company’s ambitions and increasing involvement in Phuket.

Sileni Estates’ Pip Austin, pictured with Bart Duykers from the Andaman Wine Club, sponsors of the event.

thephuketnews.com

Tell us about Sileni Based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, Sileni was founded by the Avery and Edmonds families. Graeme Avery’s former business was medical and pharmaceutical publishing, however his great love of wine led him to establish Sileni Estates with winemaker Grant Edmonds in the Hawke’s Bay area in 1997.

Grant was the former chief winemaker of the Villa Maria Group (New Zealand’s second largest winery).

Sileni’s first vintage was in 1998, and until 2002 all of Sileni’s wines were made from its own vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. In that year though, Sileni started making Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough today is New Zealand’s 8th largest wine company, currently exporting to 60 international markets.

What wines does Sileni specialise in?

The classic French varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. All of Sileni’s wines, with the exception of the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, are grown in Hawke’s Bay and are characterised by their food friendly style. At Sileni we

like to describe our wines as having New World fruit with Old World elegance.

We are also one of the founding winery members of the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand initiative and all of Sileni’s wines are sustainably made. This means that the wines are made in such a way that they have a positive impact on the environment both in the vineyard and the winery.

consumer, and worked well in the warm and humid climate.

We have been exporting to Thailand for around eight years, and Phuket has always been a very strong market with many hotels featuring Sileni wines.

We were one of the first New Zealand wineries to enter the Phuket market, and we see a natural fit between our wine and the relaxed alfresco lifestyle here.

What is Sileni Estates’ involvement in the Asian and Phuket markets?

Sileni has been exporting to Asia for 10 years, and it has always been a very important market for us.

As we were producing more red wines in the early years, Asia became a natural fit for us as red wine was more popular than white, and the fruit driven and elegant qualities of our wines appealed to the

What are the key ingredients involved in hosting a successful wine dinner?

A great wine dinner is about the wine and food matching seamlessly together.

When selecting a wine to go with a particular dish it is always important to look for similar aroma, flavour and textural elements in the food.

This often means that the old adage of white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat is completely incorrect.

A great example of this is the barracuda fillet that was served with Sileni’s Cellar Selection Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir at the wine dinner on Saturday evening.

Normally one wouldn’t expect a white fish to be served with a Pinot Noir, however this dish includes some complementary flavours in the cauliflower and beetroot purée and the wine is featured in Pinot Noir reduction.

THE PHUKET NEWS

DINING 25

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

BURMESE DREAMS Young chefs aim to be ingredient of nation’s success Agence France-Presse

A

s Myanmar (Burma) opens up to the world, one cooking school is giving chefs a chance to shine in the bustling kitchens of Yangon as the city prepares for an influx of foreign visitors.

Trainees at the Shwe Sa Bwe, or “Golden Table”, cookery school are learning how to whip up a gazpacho soup, flip crèpes and perfectly grill juicy chunks of chicken – all on the menu du jour for paying guests.

The centre, in a quiet upmarket area just north of Yangon’s Inya Lake, offers free courses to underprivileged young Burmese, giving them the chance to learn French-based cuisine or restaurant hospitality.

François Stoupan, the Frenchman behind the project, says his aim is for the trainees “to be part of the economy and the growth of the country” after their nine months of training.

“Before I only knew about Myanmar’s food but now I’m learning about European food, which is very different,” said 26-year-old Win Mu. “It’s a little bit difficult, especially making the sauces. It takes time.”

Set up in November and now with 14 students, the project has come at an apposite time for Myanmar’s underdeveloped commercial hub, which is struggling to accommodate a visitor boom.

After decades of outright military rule, dramatic changes over the past year have encouraged foreign tourists, diplomats and business people to pile into the city’s hotels, where Shwe Sa Bwe’s students hope eventually to work.

“It’s corresponding to a moment in Myanmar’s history and a period of opening up,” said Stoupan.

Tourist arrivals hit a record

This photograph shows Jeoffrey Offer, centre, the French head chef at the Shwe Sa Bwe cookery school, teaching Burmese trainees at the school in Yangon.

Photo: AFP high for a second year running in 2011, rising more than 20 per cent, the Myanmar Times weekly said in January, quoting figures from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

The trend is set to continue as it becomes ever easier to obtain an entry visa, and with Myanmar ranked as a top travel destination for 2012 by publications including the New York Times and Condé Nast Traveller.

Such attention is highlighting the culinary potential of Yangon.

“There are fresh ingredients – very fresh – local ingredients. If you go to the market early at six in the morning, the fish are still alive, still moving,” said Jeoffrey Offer, the French head chef at Shwe Sa Bwe. Experiments with locally-sourced produce are already thriving in the former colonial capital, as wealthy Burmese become more adventurous in their tastes.

Sharky’s, a delicatessen and restaurant business, initially targeted wealthy

expatriates but is seeing its clientèle diversify “because of the changing situation, the economy, everything,” said operations director Thaw Tar. “We want to be like Bangkok or more than Bangkok.

This is our dream, but who knows if it can happen?” said Thaw Tar, whose eatery sells foods grown, farmed and prepared in Myanmar, from air-dried meats and artisan cheeses to gourmet burgers and ice-cream.

Traditional dishes, which have long languished in the shadows of neighbouring Thailand and India’s worldrenowned flavours, are also getting their time in the sun.

The unofficial national dish, mohinga, featured highly in a new Lonely Planet guide to the world’s best street food.

“This comforting noodle soup exemplifies the earthy flavours of the country’s cuisine,” Lonely Planet said of the dish. All in all, say local restaurateurs, there is plenty to excite the taste buds.

“Everybody knows Thai dishes, so we think we should

come out more so the world knows Myanmar’s food,” said Phyu Phyu Tin, owner of Monsoon, one of a handful of restaurants in the city that combine a chic dining experience with Burmese dishes such as wether acho chet, a sweet and rich pork curry.

The restaurant’s manager, Aung Moe Winn, says that

Myanmar has historically lost many of its energetic young workers to overseas cities with booming service sectors – a trend he hopes will now change.

“We want them to use their qualities and skills to develop our country,” he said.

At Shwe Sa Bwe, the students were chosen partly for their willingness to st ay i n Mya n ma r, a nd already they are devising ambitious plans to develop their country’s cuisine.

After a stint in a Yangon hotel, Win Mu hopes to set up a fusion restaurant near her family home in northeastern Shan state, serving a blend of European and Burmese dishes.

It is perhaps the ideal recipe to match Myanmar’s growing interaction with the outside world – even if Gallic cuisine sometimes baffles the Burmese.

“Myanmar people eat their beef well-done but the French eat it raw. That’s how foreigners like it! For me, that’s really strange,” said Win Mu.

Photo: More.wanna

Myanmar’s national dish Essentially rice noodles in fish soup, mohinga is the unofficial national dish of Myanmar. Although mohinga is readily available throughout the day, it is usually eaten as breakfast.

The usual ingredients are crushed toasted rice, garlic, onions, lemongrass, banana tree stem, ginger, fish paste, fish sauce and catfish in a rich broth cooked and kept on the boil in a cauldron.

thephuketnews.com

26 EXPLORE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Not obvious from the road, the restaurant is actually right next to a wide mangrove river. Right, the colourful sign that marks the entrance.

Tha Sai Seafood, Phang Nga JAMIE’S PHUKET Jamie Monk lifestyle@thephuketnews.com

Sometimes we eat at a restaurant for the first time, and instantly add it to our list of favourites.

Places such as Tha Sai Seafood, which we visited on March 3 for a late lunch, feeling hungry and thirsty after spending half a day exploring caves, a very odd temple, and a forest park with waterfalls.

We parked hesitantly by the restaurant while the local

village idiot tried to suggest we park in a different spot.

It looked rather quiet, and from the road did not look like anything amazing really.

Then we walked through the entrance, and suddenly we were wowed. Not obvious from the road, the restaurant is actually right next to a wide mangrove river. There are several levels of seating, and we chose a table lower down.

What a beautiful spot. “We're coming here again, so long as the food is good!” I said. We had not even ordered, and a return visit was already being planned! As we pondered the

Yam pla dook foo, or fried catfish salad, left, and poo nim, soft shelled crab with garlic. menu, a longtail boat chugged its way past the restaurant out into Phang Nga Bay. Being a late lunch, there were only a few tables occupied, though I saw plenty of staff around, which indicates

Journeys to treasure are always meant to be shared.

that is is a popular place. And a popular place in the middle of nowhere has to mean that people are willing to drive a bit for good food. And yes, the food was good.We ordered all kinds of dishes. One of my

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Phuket Bike Week First held in 1991 by Phuket Rider Club, welcomes motorbike riders from around the world.

Date: Mid-April.

Location: Loma Park, Patong Beach.

Phuket Otop Fair Promotes food and products made in Phuket.

Date: Mid-May. Location: Centre Stage, Sapan Hin Public Park.

Prisoner Product Fair Sells products made by prisoners across southern Thailand.

Date: Mid-June.

Location: Centre Stage, Sapan Hin Public Park.

Phuket Halal Food Festival Introduces Muslim culture in Phuket, with fashion show, live music and singing.

Date: Late July.

Location: Various.

Enjoy exclusive preview booking from today to 15 March 12. In addition, all MasterCard payments from 01 March 12 to 14 April 12 are eligible to redeem special travel accessories bags and neck cushion, while stock last**. You also stand a chance to win Central Gift Vouchers worth THB 8,000 in our Grand lucky draw. Visit mcshopathon.com/silkair

All-in one-way fare from

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facebook.com/SilkAir More journeys to treasure at silkair.com Fares quoted are for one-way and return trip on Economy Class per person, for flights originating out of Phuket only. All advertised fares are inclusive of associated taxes and surcharges only. Fares quoted are subject to change due to currency fluctuation. Bookings to be made online via mcshopathon.com/silkair or authorised SilkAir agents from today to 14 April 12 for travel from today to 31 May 12. Black-out travel dates apply.

Subject to seat availability. Tickets are strictly not refundable, and change of flight, date or passenger name is not permitted. Other terms and conditions apply. The products and services offered under this Promotion are provided solely by the Merchant, under such terms and conditions as determined by such Merchant, and MasterCard accepts no liability whatsoever in connection with such product and services. *Australia/New Zealand: Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Auckland and Christchurch. **Please email Phuket_Sales@singaporeair.com.sg within 30 days of your ticket purchase to arrange for the collection of the giveaways.

thephuketnews.com

Seafood Fiesta Celebrates the sea, with a wide range of freshly cooked local seafood, including lobsters, crabs, octopus, squid, clams and all kinds of fish, together with vegetables, fruit and a variety of interetsing juice drinks.

Date: August Location: Rawai Beach.

Por Tor Festival Fair Also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore, ethnic Chinese worldwide believe that during the 7th lunar month, the ghosts of their ancestors visit their home. To make sure their visit is a happy one, offerings of food are made, such as the common local offering of a red cake in the shape of a turtle.

Date: Seven days in late August.

Location: Phuket Road.

Patong Carnival Marks the start of high season.

The highlight is the colourful parade held on the first day.

Date: December 15-20.

Location: Patong Beach Road

favourites was a dish called yam pla dook foo, or fluffy fried catfish salad.

Another one of my new favourites – thanks to my wife who insisted I try it – was poo nim – soft shelled crab fried

with garlic. And it goes just perfectly with a cold beer, served with ice of course.

It was one of those happy afternoons: find a new restaurant, enjoy great food and views. While Thai Sai Seafood is a bit far to drive from Phuket just for lunch (about 1.5 hours), it’s worth visiting if you’re already exploring Phang Nga. Days like this remind me how lucky we are to live here...

■■ Read the full version at jamie-monk.blogspot.com.

Jamie works at liveaboard dive specialists Sunrise Divers in Karon: 084-6264646, sunrise-divers.com

PHUKET MUSEUMS Chinpracha House

Seashell Museum

This elegant colonial-style mansion was completed in 1907 by wealthy Chinese immigrant Tan Ma Siang. Chinpracha House is one of the most integral ancient remains on the island.

Old photographs, Italian floor tiles, imported furniture from China and old utensils are wellmaintained in the house’s interior.

Over 2,000 species of sea shells that were collected by the Patamakanthin family are now displayed in the museum.

98 Kr abi Rd, Phuket Town, 076 211 281. Open daily 8am4pm. B100.

Thai Hua School Museum

Kathu Mining Museum

Built according to colonial architecture, imitating a mansion of a tin miner, the museum shows the origins of Phuket’s culture and history especially from the mining era.

Several indoor exhibition rooms display different themes such as Phuket architecture, mining , Thai - Chinese way of life, Chinese immigrants’ life, the Baba’s marriage and the solar system.

The outdoor exhibition displays equipment including a dredge and hydraulic mining gear.

2/2 Moo 2, Viset Rd, Rawai, 076 613 666; www.phuketsea shell.com. Open daily 8.30am5.30pm. B100 for Thais, B200 for foreigners, children half-price.

The museum is in what used to be the main Chinese-language school, built in 1934. Classrooms inside were renovated as exhibition rooms, displaying Phuket Thai-Chinese culture and tradition.

28 Kr abi Rd, Phuket Town, 076 211 224; www.thaihua museum.com. Open daily 9am-5pm.

B50 for Thai, B200 for foreigners, add extra fee for photograph.

Thalang National Museum

The museum focuses on the history and archaeology of Phuket and nearby provinces. Has archaeological finds such as ancient statues, pre-historic beads and tools.

Muang Tor Sung Rd (behind Loch Palm Golf Club), Kathu, 088 766 0962. Open daily 9am4pm. B50 for Thais, B100 for foreigners, children half-price.

On 4027 Road (eas t of the Heroines monument), Thalang, 076 379 895. Open daily except public holiday 9am-4pm. B20 for Thai, B100 for foreigners.

Philatelic Museum

Thavorn Hotel Lobby Museum

The museum is in the old preserved Post Office, housing old equipment such as telegraph tickers, telephones, parcel-weighing machines and collections of Thai stamps issued since 1951.

There are also a small library and a souvenir room.

Phuket Post Office, Montri Rd, Phuket Town, 076 224 883. Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm. Sat 9am-12pm. Free entrance.

Located in the walkway from the lobby to the dining room of the Thavorn Hotel, this small museum corner shows old photographs, posters, ornaments, utensils and mining tools from the Phuket’s mining era and World War II, collected by the owner of the hotel.

74 Rassada Road, Phuket Town, 076 211 333. Open daily 8am5pm. B30.

THE PHUKET NEWS

TRAVEL 27

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

DIVING IN THE DEEP END

The Sea Bees Diving crew enjoy a day out on the water.

I

t is a hot mid-morning out on the Andaman Sea, and a 50-something British woman named Julie is sitting on the side of the Sea Bees Diving boat wearing a life jacket.

She’s nervous. It’s her first time snorkelling. But she’s come all this way to see her daughter and son-in-law, and wants to give it a go. With a deep breath she takes the plunge.

Later, safely back on deck, a beaming Julie says: “I feel great.

I’m very pleased I went in.”

Julie is one of three snorkellers on-board the Sea Beesowned boat Excalibur II, which is taking 12 divers out on a trip of a lifetime as part of the

company’s Super Sunday trip.

Heading due east from Phuket, the boat takes the divers and snorkellers on a day tour of Phi Phi, Shark Point, Koh Bida Nai, Turtle Rock and Koh Dok Mai. The boat has three levels, with plenty of comfortable seating and a large lounge area on the top level for relaxing.

G e r m a n t o u r le a d e r Stephan Hinterberger has been working in Phuket as a dive instructor for more than 11 years, and is a course director, one of the highest ranks in the diving world.

He gave up a job working as an insurance broker in

Sea Bees Diving tour leader Stephan Hinterberger.

Germany to pursue his dream of being a dive instructor, as he had always been “mad keen” on diving.

“I thought, I’m nearly 40, it is now or never. It had always been a dream for me. It is a lot of work but it is a fantas-

tic combination of work and doing my hobby,” he says.

Stephan is one of the talented, multilingual group of dive instructors who work at Sea Bees Diving. Founded in 1989, the company has been under the the leadership of German Holger Schwab since 1995. Like many of his fellow instructors, Stephan is fluent in a variety of European and other languages.

Asked for the best dive spots, he says Shark Point, near Phi Phi, is one of the best, with plenty of colours, soft coral, and as the name suggests, lots of sharks. Koh Doc Mai (Flower Island) is also a favou-

rite of his because it is a ‘micro dive’ site, which means it is packed with all sorts of marine life. He also rates Hin Daeng and Hin Muang south of Phi Phi because of the number of manta rays and whale sharks.

Also on board is Martin Niederberger, a 27 year-old dive instructor from Switzerland.

This is his third season with Sea Bees, and this year will be the first time he’s stayed to work over the low season.

“I love my job so much and I love the island, so why move? Every day I’m out on the ocean, it’s awesome.”

Martin, who is also a qualified chef, says one of his best

experiences has been at Racha Noi and the Similans, where he saw six metre long manta rays.

“They came up so close and it was just brilliant,” he says. It is just one of the many amazing experiences he’s had while diving in and around Phuket.

■■ Sea Bees Super Sunday trip runs weekly. Diving is B5,250 for the day and includes four dives, one of which is a night dive, plus meals, fresh fruit, tea, coffee and water. Dive equipment is B900. For snorkellers the price is B2,400. Phuket residents are entitled to discounts, for more information contact info@sea-bees.com, call 076381-765 or visit sea-bees.com

thephuketnews.com

28 ISLAND SCENE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

PIRATES OF THE ANDAMAN: Tal Derhy, Nathan Chilcott, Tim Campbell, Arend Moelich, Luke Remmers,

Quintin Clover and Andrew ‘Easy’ Eadie, above, celebrated their stand up paddle board circumnavigation of Phuket on Sunday at Skyla’s Bar in Kamala. The group raised more than B300,000 to help the Good Shepherd charity build a school for local children. From bottom left, Nathan Chilcott, Aisling Seberry, Manish Hegde, Amrita Sarkar, Sandra Watermann; Anna Cato and Katharine Reynolds; Chantal Fernandes and Tim Campbell.

HEROINES ARE A HIT:

Hundreds of local people and tourist s enjoyed the Heroines Festival last week, as 800 performers, mostly students, reenacted the famous 1785 Battle of Thalang, the historic fight between the Phuket people and Burmese.

Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha acted as King Phra Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke in the B6 million re-enactment performance. Vice-Governor Chamroen Tipayapong ta da played King Padung of Burma, while Suphangphun Korsantiwichai took the stage as one half of the two heroic sisters, Thao Thepkrasattri.

Pornthip Wiwattikul played the other sister, Thao Srisoonthorn.

IT’S ALL RIGHT ON THE NIGHT: A large crowd of Phuketians turned out to enjoy the Thanyapura Night Bazaar on Friday evening.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND SCENE 29

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Honorary Consul of Ireland Hélène Fallon-Wood with friends.

When Irish eyes are smiling

People from all around the world celebrated the annual Irish St Patrick’s Day on Saturday (March 17), many donning green clothes. These happy revellers are pictured enjoying the craic at the Irish Times pub in Jungceylon.

thephuketnews.com

30 ENTERTAINMENT

THE PHUKET NEWS

THE TICKET with Claire Connell

WHAT’S ON IN PHUKET Friday March 23 Party on Studio 188 Terrace Grill, Dewa, 9pm dewaphuketresort.com

Saturday March 24

Agence France-Presse

Half Thai, half British musician Hugo will perform at the Hard Rock Cafe Phuket on March 24 from 6.45pm as part of the Amazing Phuket Benefit Concert Series #4.

Born in England and raised in Thailand, Hugo is a songwriter, musician and performer based in New York. Full name Chulachak Chakrabongse, he is signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation label, with his music dubbed as “gangsta rock”.

He is best known for his cover of Jay Z’s song 99 Problems, and also achieved recognition when his song Disappear was featured on Beyonce’s album I Am...Sasha Fierce.

As well as the concert, the entertainmentpacked evening also features performances

by Phuket’s very own teen band Legends of Siam, 7 Tactics, K2Z and a fashion show.

For more information: 080-887-6879, csr@phuket-hrc.com; hardrock.com/phuket.

Tickets range from B99 to B1,599.

Saturday March 24 Hed Kandi presents Twisted Disco Seduction, 10pm seductiondiscotheque.com

Friday March 30 DJ Mr Mike Famous Phuket, 9pm famousphuket.com

Swiss DJ Mr Mike will perform in Phuket at Famous on March 30 as part of his Asian tour.

Mr Mike is known as a pioneer of Swiss dance music culture after hosting for many years the legendary Pump It Up and Groove Lift radio shows on the alpine nation’s national radio.

He produced various tracks in collaboration with Dj Djaimin as the Black and White Brothers, releasing the global smash hits Put Your Hands Up in the Air and Pump it Up. In 2005, Mr Mike discovered Yves La Rock and co-produced his first his single Zookey.

The record sold in excess of 150,000 copies and a new career was born.

His MAP Dance Records then caught the eye of international press and the music industry, establishing itself as a flagship Swiss record label.

For more information visit famousphuket.com

thephuketnews.com

editor1@thephuketnews.com

Games’ Hugo comes ‘Hunger hits big screen to Hard Rock

Hugo Amazing Benefit Concert Series 4 Hard Rock Cafe Phuket, 6.45pm hardrock.com/phuket

Mr Mike comes to Famous

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Fond memories of a furious Fergie

Post-apocalyptic teen movie The Hunger Games, adapted from a bestselling fight-tothe-death novel, hits screens worldwide from Wednesday in one of the most-anticipated box office releases of the year.

The movie is expected to be screened in Phuket soon, but no confirmation was available when The Phuket News went to print.

The film is based on the thriller of the same name by the US novelist Suzanne Collins, part of a trilogy that has sold 30 million copies worldwide, the latest teen publishing phenomenon in the wake of the Twilight saga.

Set in Panem, a fictional land born of the ashes of a ruined North America, the film stars Jennifer Lawrence as a young girl forced to fight for her life in a Roman circus-style televised bloodsport – known as “The Hunger Games”.

Online bookings ahead of the film’s US release today (March 23) are higher than for the third instalment of the Twilight vampire saga, its distributors say, with several hundred US cinemas sold out.

Since its release September 2008, The Hunger Games has spent more than 180 weeks on New York Times bestseller list, with two sequels, Catching Fire and Mocking jay fleshing out the teen saga.

The fast-paced movie version treads a line somewhere between the reality TV genre and a close-up, highintensity war-reporting style.

Adapted by Pleasantville director Gary Ross, with Collins as co-writer, the film conjures up a dystopian world midway between George Orwell’s 1984 and the Ridley Scott blockbuster Gladiator.

For more de ta ils on screenings in Phuket visit www.sfcinemacity.com/

WEEKDAYS As the recent sacking of Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea shows, the life of a football league manager is precarious. Which makes it all the more remarkable to see a manager reign for more than 25 years.

The longest serving manager in the English league is Sir Alex Ferguson, appointed by Manchester United on November 6, 1986. His subsequent achievements are indeed legendary, as are some of his antics. But it cannot be denied that he is indeed the most successful British football manager in history.

But back in 1978, all was not success, sweetness and light. After Ferguson’s playing career finished in 1974, he managed Scottish side St Mirren – but was sacked in 1978, the first and only time he has been fired in his management career.

However, the sacking was to turn into success, albeit not immediately. He joined Aberdeen, and there were a few feisty occasions. Nicknamed “Furious Fergie”, he had been known to kick a tea urn at half time.

From left, Sales Manager Colin Mcpherson, Alex Ferguson, John Hewitt, and yours truly (still young looking).

The 1982-83 season was 1986 Alex Ferguson arrived pivotal. Aberdeen had qualified at Manchester United, the for the European Cup Winners’ 18th full time manager since Cup. A quarter final tie first, records began in 1892. then victory over Belgian side But once again it was not Waterschei in the semi-final. all sweetness and light. The They now had to face mighty 1989-90 season proved deReal Madrid, managed by the cisive. Fergie later described famous Alfredo Di Stefano.

December 1989 as “the darkest The final was played in period [he had] ever suffered Sweden on May 11, 1983. in the game”, with United just Drawing 1-1 after 90 minutes outside the relegation zone. the match went to extra time, The knives were out. and Aberdeen scored as once T hen came the thi rd again John Hewitt came off round FA Cup match against the bench to win the Cup Win- Nottingham Forest. United ners Cup for Aberdeen. were expected to lose and it The very same player that was expected that Ferguson Ferguson once severely disci- would be sacked. plined, fining Hewitt for overBut United won the game, taking him on a public road! and went on to win the FA A remarkable day in the Cup, giving Ferguson his first history of Aberdeen as the major trophy as Manchester whole city celebrated, as did United manager. And the rest, Scotland. On November 6, as they say, is history.

The Breakfast Club

Ryan Jon

7am til 11am

Weekday Hitz Blitz

non-stop music

11am til 3pm

Drive on LIVE

Jason Wilder

3pm til 7pm

The Night Ritual

Sam Clarke

7pm til 10pm

SATURDAY Box Of Neutrals Saturday Morning Glory Phuket News Radio Dazed and Confused Phuket News Radio

Rob James, Peter McGinley & Michael Lamonato Sam Clarke & Ryan Jon Jason Wilder & Simon Ostheimer Bongo Bob & Baba Fats Ryan Jon & Alasdair Forbes

9am til 10am

10am til 12pm 12pm til 1pm 1pm til 4pm 4pm til 5pm

Going Green

Nick Anthony

5pm til 7pm

Saturday Night Fever

DJ Burt

7pm til 11pm

SUNDAY Dazed and Confused

Bongo Bob & Baba Fats

1pm til 4pm

Lazy Sunday Afternoons

Jason Wilder

4pm til 7pm

Absolute Jazz

Doug Styles

7pm til 9pm

www.phuketliveradio.com Tel: 076-612-895, 090-490-7895

THE PHUKET NEWS

EVENTS 31

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012 List your events here for as low as B99 per line, or online at www.thephuketnews.com/events.php

UNTIL APRIL 27

MARCH 29

WHAT’S ON IN PHUKET APRIL 13-15

Healthy Food 101 Learn about making healthier food choices and becoming aware of ingredients in common foods and products. This will be a basic workshop aimed at people who are just learning about healthy eating. The event will be held at the Book Cafe in Nai Harn and has limited seating.

This is casual and informal and participants will get to taste some raw food.

Sponsored by Good Karma Thailand health food store (www.goodkarmathailand.com) and Pura Organic. Bookings info@bookcafephuket.com

MARCH 30

IB Visual Arts Exhibition The British International School Phuket Year 13 IB Visual Arts students exhibition will take place in the foyer of the Main Teaching Building of BIS at 4.30pm on Monday, March 19. Public viewing will take place until Friday, April 27. Some great pieces on display from very talented students.

Contact 076 335 555, email: info@ bisphuket.ac.th.

MARCH 24

Phuket AustCham Sundowners Phuket AustCham Sundowners at 6pm on Friday, March 30at Skippers, Royal Phuket Marina to tie in with the Phuket Boat Show.

This business and social networking event will be preceded by an open seminar on the marine industry at 4.30pm in the function room next Les Anges at RPM. A panel of six local Aussies working in different aspects the marine industry will give short presentations which will be followed by an interactive Q&A session.

For more details contact Harry Usher on 081 273 1740 or email harry@ladypie. com.

Songkran Festival Songkran is the old Thai New Year, and is an occasion for family reunions. Many Thai people return to their homes and families for the three-day festival. It is celebrated each year between April 13 and 15. It was originally a religious holiday. Songkran begins with early morning merit-making, by offering food to the monks. Paying respect to elders and ancestors is also an important custom of Songkran.

Young people pour scented water over Buddha images and on the hands of elders to show respect, and to seek their blessing.

Another custom of Songkran is to clean houses and anything old and useless must be thrown away. It is believed that anything bad belonging to the old year will be unlucky to the owner if left and carried on to the coming new year. The most prominent custom of the festival is throwing water.

Everybody throws water on each other, during the three-day festival. The most popular place for water-throwing is in Chiang Mai.

APRIL 21

MARCH 30

Comedy Jokes Funniest Night Free transfer from Paradise complex at 5 pm at Time Bar. White and green tea on Saint Patrick’s day. Comedy show from Kiss Bar at 7pm. Dress code: white and green. Contact CC Bloom's Hotel 076 333 222, email sales@ccbloomshotel.com.

Central's Summer Collection 2012

Wacky Olympics “A Ray of Hope” Fundraiser The Lions Club of Phuket Pearl cordially invite you to “A Ray of Hope” fundraiser on March 24, 2012 from 7 pm. Welcome punch, snack buffet, live band, live show and auction. Dress code is colourful. Entrance fee is B1,200 per person. Contact 087 887 9672 for more details.

Tickets available at www.phuketticket master.com.

The family sporting event you will not want to miss! Free entry. From 9 am to 3 pm.

Children of all ages are welcome. See headstartphuket.com. Call 076 612 876.

APRIL 6 Chakri Day A public holiday to honor the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I.

The latest collections for men by Central Department store are inspired by the theme of fresh scent of the sea during summer.

The “Central Men Summer 2012” collection combines bright colours with the latest in men’s fashion design.

A body combat show will kick off this show to demonstrate the latest fashion design for men, to be modelled in five sets: Boutique: Summer’s elegant style with a colourful presentation by celebrities and expats.

Casual: Presented by new young male model from the Y Club.

Denim: Don’t miss this if you love the latest in denim jeans, to be modelled by young expats.

Swim wear: A hot new collection to welcome summer, presented by Inter Model.

Underwear.

thephuketnews.com

32 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS

WHAT’S ON IN PHUKET

List your events here for as low as B99 per line, or online at www.thephuketnews.com/events.php

FRIDAY

tong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim areas.

Reservations call 081 891 4381.

................................................................................

IBAP - Networking “Thailand’s Future: Reconciling Democracy and Monarchy” with Dr Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Director of the Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS) and Associate Professor of International Political Economy at the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University. April 06, 2012 from 6:30pm at URBAN FOOD, located in Central Festival Shopping Center. http:// ibap-phuket.org or call 081 970 7910.

................................................................................

Pool Competition Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.

................................................................................

Chef’s Table at Paresa Recipe by Ryan is an innovative culinary dining venture. Indulge in intricate dishes created by Paresa’s Executive Chef Ryan Arboleda, featuring a six-course set menu prepared in a live cooking environment.

Time: 6pm to 10pm. Call 076 302 000, email: dining@paresaresorts.com.

................................................................................

BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat Only B295 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. For reservations call on 081 891 4381.

................................................................................

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Live Music Enjoy live music at Kamala’s only live music venue. Every Saturday from 8.30pm with free buffet. Call for more info on 085 655 5127.

Every Friday, all-you-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person.

Draught beer B50. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

SATURDAY Live Music Enjoy live music at Kamala’s only live music venue. Every Saturday from 8.30pm with free buffet. Call for more info on 085 655 5127.

................................................................................

Half-Chicken Spit Roast Only B225 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

................................................................................

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM The Craíc Live Music every week Roaring Bhoys - Tuesdays & Saturdays Bangkok Travellers - Sundays

All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub. Contact 081 895 4763.

................................................................................

BBQ at Expat Hotel

Draught Guinness at the only Irish Bar in North Phuket

Time 7.30pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsports bar.com.

Open from 5pm, closed Mondays

................................................................................

Laguna Phuket

20% Off All Pizzas At Shakers. Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, Pa-

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

All Major Sports Live On the big screen. F1, MotoGP, Tennis, Golf, AFL, NRL. Irish Times Irish Pub, Jungceylon, Patong.

Pool Competition At 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse. com.

................................................................................

Rotary Club of Patong Beach

................................................................................

Weekly meeting in English. Dinner out on first Tuesday of the month. rotarypatong.org.

Chef’s Table at Paresa

................................................................................

Recipe by Ryan is an innovative culinary dining venture. Indulge in intricate dishes created by Paresa’s Executive Chef Ryan Arboleda, featuring a six-course set menu prepared in a live cooking environment.

Time: 6pm to 10pm. Call 076 302 000, email: dining@paresaresorts.com.

Salsa Class Rawai

SUNDAY Church Service English/Thai Every Sunday 10am. Come share in worship unto God, and hear Word of God, followed by fellowship lunch. See phuketchurch.net.

................................................................................

Sunday Roast Pork Every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong B290 per person.

Please see www.expathotel.com.

................................................................................

Best Sunday Carvery in Phuket Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork and Yorkshire pudding. All you can eat B399.

Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

Salsa Class in Green Man Studio from 6.30 to 9 pm, more information on phuketdance.com.

.

WEDNESDAY Quiz Night @ Peppers

Quiz Night every Wednesday at Peppers Sports Bar near Laguna. Great food, great music, great beer. Contact 081 728 1010.

Facebook Peppers Sports Bar.

................................................................................

Interactive Pub Quiz Night Starts from 8pm every Wednesday night.

The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

................................................................................

BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat Only B295 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. Reservations call on 081 891 4381.

................................................................................

THURSDAY

Half-Chicken Spit Roast

BBQ Buffet All You Can Eat

Only B225 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. Reservations please call 081 891 4381.

Only B325 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Rd, Patong. Reservations 081 891 4381.

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Sunday Brunch

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM

Enjoy the original Sunday brunch in Phuket at Twinpalms, Surin Beach. 12-3pm. Reservations please call 076 316 577.

All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

MONDAY

.

DAILY

Roaring Bhoys

Mango Paradise

Live Music every Monday night. The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

Throughout March, we will be offering “Mango Promotion” where you can enjoy the tropical fruit and beat the summer heat.

Sweet mango desserts include mango with sticky rice, and mango icecream. At the Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa, contact 076 340 666, www.royalparadise.com.

................................................................................

BBQ Buffet All You Can Eat Only B325 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. Reservations 081 891 4381.

TUESDAY AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Call 081 895 4763.

................................................................................

Half-Chicken Spit Roast Only B225 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

................................................................................

Grizzly’s Sports Bar & Restaurant Watch all the sport that is on TV this weekend with us. Located between Loch Palm Golf Course and Kathu Waterfall. Call 087 471 8747.

................................................................................

Sunset Happy Hours & Ninjazz Don’t miss the Sunset happy hours. Between 5pm and 7pm. “Buy one get the same one free” promotion. The Luna Bar, Centara Grand Beach Resort. Call 076 201 234.

THE PHUKET NEWS

JOBS 33

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS

Home on the farm

20 rai close to Rajaprapa Golf Course > 36

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

JOBS IN PHUKET Staff Wanted: Siam Diving Enterprises and Pier 42 Boutique Resort in Chalong are seeking staff for the following positions (Thai nationals only): Reception, café staff, housekeeping, porter, kitchen staff helper, sales staff, sales supervisor, warehouse/drivers. Interested candidates please send CV to ian@sde-asiapacific.com, Call 076 384 476.

Driver with a Sidecar Wanted: English-speaking sidecar driver wanted to collect food packages at Central and deliver to Thalang Dog Pound. MondayFriday between 3pm-4.30 pm daily. Call 084 877 3566 for more info.

Reggae Musicians: Looking for a Reggae lead guitarist and keyboardist to help form a Reggae band in Phuket. The goal is to create a quality Roots Reggae band that does covers, originals, and dub! Contact: Idren movidaflow@gmail. com.

Accountant: Englishspeaker with good Quick books, Microsoft Of fice skills and references. CV to info@techworx-projects. com.

To advertise here visit: thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

contact K. Sandy on 087 275 4581 or email: info@ kar o nhi ll si d e h ote l.c o m

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage

Qualified Teacher/ Tutor wanted : English- speaking, tutor wanted for Grade 4 student, 2-3 hours per day, 6 days a week, to do extra tutoring (reading, writing, math) in Thalang. At Phuket International Academy School. Contact:Sherin. peace@gmail.com. or call 084 877 3566.

Kindergar ten Secretary: Must have good English and computer skills.

Mon-Fri, 7.30am-4.30pm, Chalong. Call 08 0 624 7060.

Sales Staff Wanted: English-speaking female.

Thai with previous selling experience with own car, outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, fuel, phone and commission. Call Khun Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Web Developer PHP MVC: PHP Developer with strong MVC framework (Yii, CI, Symf, ZEND) and JQuery. Email: iibc. shayne@gmail.com.

MY STORAGE – Thailand’s No.1 Self Storage facility located at Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket – is seeking a well organised and enthusiastic Facility Administrator / PA.

Facility Administrator / PA

- Bachelor’s degree or related field - Thai national 25 – 35 years old, fluent in English (written and spoken) - Minimum of 3-5 years experience in the related field - Computer literate with good knowledge of Microsoft Office - Excellent administrative and communication skills required - Bookkeeping and Office Management skills required - Self-motivated, Proactive, Flexible and Well organized - Service-minded and must have attention to detail - Experience in Property Management an advantage.

Submit your CV with recent photo and a covering letter in English to hr@mystorageasia.com or call 076 29 29 09 for further information.

Want to know more about MY STORAGE? Visit mystorageasia.com

Office Staff Wanted: ground, basic knowledge of gmail.com.

Female, English-speaking staff to work in nice environment with outgoing personality and basic book keeping skills. Please call K. Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

web technology, fluent Thai and good English a must, analytical and problemsolving abilities, with keen attention to detail, degree or a student of IT-connected university. linkyphuket@

Apple Mac Support: Female English Teacher: SGS/Security company looking for fulltime female English teacher to teach our guards. 081 607 6637.

Apple Mac technical support needed to help with computer issues in Surin area. Please email admin@esxoasia.com.

Web Support Specialist: Job Description: Answering technical and billing questions (e-mails and web requests); registering all incoming messages in the database; problem-solving, dealing with complaints; development of knowledge base; moderating websites Requirements: IT back-

Administrative assistant: English-speaker

with good Microsoft Office skills and references. CV to info@techworx-projects. com.

Purchase manager: English-speaker, must have experience and references.

C.V to info@techworx-proj ects.com.

Karon Hillside Staff Wanted: Karon Hillside Hotel is looking for staff: For the following positions no English is required; chef, kitchen helper, housekeeping staff, handyman. For the following positions English is required; bar and restaurant service staff, reception staff, night reception. Good star ting salar y and SC. Only Thai nationals. Please

thephuketnews.com

34 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

To advertise here visit: thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

FS TVs, pool table, stock, furniture. etc. Price negotiable.

Call Chompoo on 084 844 3504.

Prot e c t Yo u r H o m e w i t h C C T V: C C T V &

Kiddies Home Nursery: Award for top Nursery

Russian Language for Your Kids: Are your chil-

Investment Opportunity: 8-15 per cent monthly

alarm service. Protect your home with high-quality CCTV camera,and GSM alarm. Free survey and quote. Please call 086 105 8144 or click www. huketechnology.com.

returns. Obligation free appointment . Call for more information 084 100 6274.

dren starting to forget Russian? Sign up to our Russian Language For Kids program.

Visit http://PhuketRussianSchool.com, email us at info@ phuketrussianschool.com or call 082 804 9131.

CARS FOR RENT

for Phuket Province 2011.

Ages 3 months to 4 years.

Open 7 days a week and from 6.30 am to 7pm. Rock Garden Village. Call 0p76 528 862, mobile 082 539 8252, email: kiddieshomenursery@gmail. com.

Unique Automated Business: Low overheads, great returns. Create passive cashflow with our forex trading system. Call for more information 082 286 4463.

BUSINESS SERVICES BOATS & YACHTS

Phuket Consult Services: Insurance, personal

Digifox Marine: Marine

Refur bished 33 Foot Speed Boat for Sale: 2 X YAMAHA OUTBOARD 200 HP 2 STROKE (original Yamaha parts). Wooden keel made of Takian Thong.

New upholstery, scuba tank racks, full registration and insurance.

Contact : Cesare Benelli (Thai/English) 081 891 3937 Bangkok or Ian 087 883 6487 Phuket.

inboard engines, hydraulic and mechanical equipment service, repairs and spare parts. MAN, Arneson, ZF, Rolls Royce and others. Professional team of engineers, high quality, personal approach guaranteed. Contact 076 336 221, 083 171 4141. Email info@ digifoxmarine.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Restaurant for Sale:

Speedboat for Rent: Panwa Beach, 16 knots service speed, comfy, can do 38 knots in emergency.

Sightseeing Phi Phi Island or fishing. We have equipment and experienced skipper. Contact Gustav 080 649 0500.

Restaurant for sale farang/ Thai, quality furnishing, terrific potential, ill-health forcing sale. B800,000. Contact 087 978 5804.

Kamala Bar for SALE!: Very profitable bar on main road. Owner returning to Australia in high season. Has one bedroom with ensuite, three

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

assistance, legal assistance, police and emergency assistance, property management, sales and rentals, company registration, visa and work permit and accounting. Call 081 691 9679.

New Mazda2 & Vios for Rent: First class insurance, special price for long term rental. Call 080 521 9888, email sornin_s@yahoo.com.

The car for rent:

ABC International Nursery: Education for chil-

dren 18 months to six years old with experienced native English teachers following the UK EYFS curriculum. Contact 089 971 1813.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS

Car in good condition, short and long-term rental with first-class insurance and delivery service.

Call 086 690 6007, email: k.niwatt@hotmail.com.

Loch Palms Membership for Sale: Member-

CARS FOR SALE

ship lifetime, B600,000 include transfer. Call Tantita 081 797 3326.

Laguna Family Memb e r s h i p : 12 ye a r s .

B500,000 includes transfer.

Call Tantita 081 797 3326.

Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tile-asia.com.

Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. Contact 076 381 895.

Farang Food Paradise: Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.

Funstart: Family sports and

Nissan Navara Sell 4 Doors: July 2011, 14,000km. B750,000. Call Olisiy 088 838 3242.

CHILDCARE Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest bilingual international child care facility. High-quality, time-proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand new purpose-built school.

Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/28. Mon-Fri 8am.-5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Website: www.buds-phuket.com.

leisure club. Swimming/golf/ playcentre/gaming arcade.

Call 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstartphuket.com.

SK A L I nt e r na t i onal Phuket: Skål is a professional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www. skalphuket.org.

Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all Singaporeans in Phuket to join “Singapore Club Phuket”. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.

DIVING

Guitar Lesson By Pro Player: Guitar/bass lessons beginner to advanced. Personal one-on-one or by DVD. Diploma of Teaching (Aust) degree. Call 089 777 3063.

Want to Practice your Thai?: Thai Courses and

lessons for daily life (culture and language) with friendly and energised Thai female teacher. Graduated from university. Negotiable prices can be offered. Plus have outdoor activities for your experience!!

Call 080 386 5026.

Cooking School: Fire up

your creative flair with Food Services Cooking School. Italian, Western and Thai cuisine.

Try our famous pizza school.

082 816 0126, email: info@ foodservicesth.com.

Native German Teacher: Native German TEFL teacher is teaching German and English to single students at home or small groups in Chalong. 080 778 1220, 081 810 9115.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE SOKEN Surround Sound Stereo: Big amp, 5 powerful speakers, really excellent sound. Paid 15,000 12 months ago, sell 7,500.

Call 082 283 8902.

All 4 Diving: 5/4 Sawatdirak Road, Patong Beach.

Contact 076 344 611.

SAFEWAY STORAGE

EDUCATION

• Furniture

Learn Thai at Home: Thai woman teacher with 8-9 years’ experience gives Thai and English lessons for company/hotel staff and Thai cooking at your home.

Full course with conversation practice and home study material. Both at beginner and more advanced levels. Tel:081 797 1497 Email: teacherjoy_ phuket@hotmail.com.

Q uali f i ed Teach er/ Tutor Wanted: English speaking, tutor wanted for Grade 4 student, 2-3 hours per day, 6 days a week, to do extra tutoring (reading, writing, math) in Thalang. At Phuket International Acadamy school. Contact:Sherin. peace@gmail.com. or call 084 877 3566.

thephuketnews.com

• Cars-Boats • Machinery Main Highway Thalang 076 313 235 081 125 1873

Health Food : Online health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products.

Contact 082 276 1675. www. goodkarmathailand.com.

Table for Sale: Long 6-8 seat table, dark wood, 6 m a t c h i n g c h a i r s , 12 months old. Cost B16,000 Sell B8,000 ono. Call 082 283 8902.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 35

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

BUY & SELL/HOMES IN PHUKET

To advertise here visit: thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

info@buonappetitogroup.com, www.buonappetitogroup.com.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE

CHURCH

SERVICE, PATONG Kawasaki Boss 175: Blue, 9 years old, Yamaha Serow for Sale: 220cc, year 1996.

Sale B45,000. Please contact Khun Nicolas (farang) 083 176 4265. Khun Ball 081 084 9532 (Thai).

Yamaha Mio for Sale: Yamaha Mio B19,999. Call 089 973 3276.

good condition, used d a i l y. I n c l u d e s ve r y solid sidecar (now detached). Email for Photos. B29,000 ono. Call 082 283 8902.

MOTORBIKE SERVICES

8,000 km. Perfect condition. Fast and fun. Priced to sell quickly at 595,000 baht. Call 081 734 8309, email ducphuket@gmail. com.

Ev.Sunday 10am + Fellowship Lunch Ev.Wednesday 9.30am Prayer Meeting Addr. 110/12 Soi Patong Tower

Suzuki Revo 110, 5 years old, blue paint, 2 new tires, taxed until July. Excellent condition, B18,000 ono. 082 283 8902.

Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully-vaccinated and sterilised.

Contact 087 050 8688, email: john@soidog.org.

POOL TABLES

davidtankahseng@gmail.com

Phuket Pool Tables:

www.phuketchurch.net

www.phuketpooltables.com.

Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket.

Sales, rent and profit-sharing.

All accessories and services.

Call for more details on 081 823 4627.

American Health Clinic: Chiropractic spinal adjustment with an experienced chiropractor can take away the pain almost as quickly as it began.

Call 076 612 707.

PROPERTY CONCIERGE

PERSONAL SERVICES

B22,000. Contact 089 594 4067.

Techworx: Custom design & installation. Professional service and support. Premium service: home cinema, home automation, marine AV and IT, lighting control and multiroom audio-video. Call 084 443 9863.

Selling or Renting Your Property?: We have buyers for foreign freehold, sea view properties and land. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket. net.

producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. 076 355 600-1.

English-Thai Law Off ice: Visa, wor k per mit, Buon A p p et i to: D e li market and bistro.Number one supplier of Italian Deli in Phuket. Call 076 384 273,

THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS

House for Rent Near Heroines Monument:

Bon CafĂŠ Phuket: A

Suzuki 110 Revo:

PET ADOPTION

Ctc. Ps.David Tan 084 006 3438

Dynamic Tyre Balancing: Dynamically balance your motorcycle tyres for a smoother ride with DYNA BEADS! Available at West Coast Service Center Phuket.

Your big bike specialist on the bypass road. Contact 085 785 4440.

Harley XR-1200 for Sale: 2009 model. Only

HOUSE OF LORD CHURCH

sulting and services on company registration, work permit, visa, accounting, auditor, legal advice. Contact 081 892 9960.

company formation, property transfer etc. Please telephone for advice. Call 084 063 9223.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Patong Hill Seaview: One bedroom fully-furnished apartment. 20,000/month for six month or more. Tam 082 271 4487.

Haris & Hawryluck - Attorneys at Law: Unit 6D C o n d o i n P h u k e t CCM Complex, call 076 510 111, email info@hhlegaladvi sors.com, www.hhlegaladvi sors.com.

Town for Rent:

New condo, 1 bed, fully furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view.

Call 081 893 5188.

Two bed, one bath, cable TV, internet, fully furished house at B8,000 per month. Call 080 521 9888, sornin_s@yahoo. com.

Comfor table Private and Quiet: Three bedroom townhouse, just a few minutes to Karon Beach. B25,000 per month, long term rent required.

Call 081 396 0880.

Houses for Rent : Long Term, Chalong, very private with mountain views, two bedrooms, kitchen, fully-furnished, Sat TV, ADSL, UBC and common swimming pool. 089 724 3669.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

After a great success of the first phase, the Sunrise Ocean Villas is now starting to build the 8 other villas of "Phase2". The price of 17.9 million baht makes the project one of the most compettitive on the island for being only 60m from the beach.

Each villa has an living area of over 300 sqm, has 3 spacious bedrooms, all sea views, 5 bathrooms, a 10x4m infinity pool, maid's quarter and a covered 2-car parking. The houses are specially designed to guarantee a complete privacy, with an open panoramic view of the sea.

Havana Cigar Shop: New House for Rent Land for Sale: Land MisOpposite HomePro Village Near Central: 4 bed, 2bath sion Hills half rai plot, quiet Chalong. Contact 081 956 2024. Email: vinoltds@hotmail. com.

furnished, WiFi, office, 20K. 089 973 3276.

Atmanjai: World’s best

Space for Rent in Patong: Of fice, Busi-

natural health programmes to improve health, reduce stress, weight loss, detox, rejuvenation, vitality and overcome disease. See atmanjai.com.

select location, chanote, water, electricity. Price B1.6m. Six rai hilltop, sea/mountain views, chanote, water, electricity and office. B4.2m per rai. Contact 087 978 5804.

n e s s s p ac e f o r r e nt o n fifth floor of Patong Towe r. C a l l 0 7 6 3 41 3 7 0 .

Come visit the villas and you will be wonderfully surprised by the quality of the project as well as the quality of life you can find here.

Villa 5 House for Rent: Live Music By Colin house for rent 37sq.wah. Two Hill: Popular expat pro musi- bedrooms, one restroom, one cian (guitar/vocals) with work permit. Can perform solo, duo or band. www.play-guitar.net, 089 777 3063.

kitchen. B16,000 per month.

Call 081 895 9622.

Luxury Pool Villa: Designed for comfort has ev-

Phuket Visa: Offers con- erything near Laguna lease

Nice One Rai Chalong: Reduced, just B6 million now! Full chanote title. Call 089 651 3479, 087 053 6181.

For appointment or more details, contact the project director Khun Monta at 081 343 0777 (Thai, English & German) Email: thesunrise villas@yahoo.com.

www.thesunrisevillas.com

thephuketnews.com

36 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

HOMES IN PHUKET

To advertise here visit: thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo, 1 bed, fully furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.

pool, security 24/7. Furnished, 46sqm, freehold: B2.9 million.

089 728 4005, thamad17@ yahoo.com.

Sea View Villa: Luxury

pany name available. B5.5 million. Call 081 131 5751, email: seadog5000@yahoo.com.

Seven rai with 180 metres of ocean frontage opposite of Yacht Haven Marina, for sale. Very peaceful natural environment, water, electricity, access by public road and boat, ready to build.

Price B6.2 million per rai.

Land could be subdivided into small plots.

For details please call owner directly 081 343 0777 or 086 475 6060, email: montha _ phuket@yahoo. com.

Perfect Land for Villa: Approx three rai, with chanote title, 2 km south of Thai Muang town centre. Just 24 km north of Sarasin Bridge. Good road access and electricity. Very quiet, green area. Urgent sale for just B5 million total, nonnegotiable. 089 652 1951 or email phuket.pn@gmail.com.

r o o m s , t wo b at h r o o m s , Western kitchen, 130 sq metre. Nice garden with large pool in quiet area. Price: B5.5 million or minimum threemonth rental. Call 081 496 9070 (Eng/Swedish) or 081 719 1175 (Thai). Email:diod@ telia.com.

Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA

Info: 089 594 4067 Gentleman’s Farm 20 Rai Land: House 1,000 sq metre, under roof made from granite rock, salas and walkways, 400m of water frontage on river.

Many types of fruit trees.

Close to Rajaprapa Golf Course. English and Thai for details Tantita 081 797 3326.

Kata House For Sale: 5 minutes to beach, large modern house, three floors, furnished, three beds, two full bath, air-con, western kitchen, spacious living room, garage with laundry/overhead storage, large covered patios, security doors/windows, garden, com-

Pa l m a n d Ru b b e r Farm 67 Rai: House 450 sq metre, under roof.

400m of water frontage on river. Income producing. 2 small Klongs for holding fish. Close to Rajaprapa Golf Course. Engish and Thai for details Tantita 081 797 3326.

Luxury Condo Central Kathu: For sale or rent. Two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Guest toilet. Total 161212sq metre. Very nice view, large balcony, common facilities pool/gym. 086 268 7901 (English), martin@per tinax. asia.

Seaview Land for Sale: Near Chalong pier, 150 metres from the sea. Three rai and one ngan plot. Chanote title. Price: B20 million per rai. No agent.

Call 087 278 7206.

Land for Sale: 11 rai, one kilometre from Naiyang beach. B6.5 millions per rai.

Please call : Siriporn +66 (0) 896 499 939.

Fi ve B e d ro o m Th a i Style Pool Villa for Sale: Near Laguna Phuket on one rai, living space 600 sq metre up. 087 893 4636.

Top Rawai Beach Condo For Sale: Serenity Resort & Residences. Two bed / two bath, 134 sq metre.

Only B11.9 million. See www. stefan.asia for details.

Modern Pool Villa: Ka t a B e a c h Ce n t r e Phuket: Apar tments for rent and lease in luxury building with pool. Per day, week, month, year and 30 years. Contact Scott Bolls, email: sbolls@ hot mail.com. Contact +66 81 828 0972.

Stunning three-bedroom pool villa, five minutes from Laguna 600 sq metre plot in peaceful location. Finished to a very high specification “MUST SEE” Selling price B12.9 million. Please contact 084 994 9303 or email phuketpoolvilla.info@ gmail.com.

Land For Sale: 6 rai Hilltop, sea/mountain views, chanote, water, electricity and office. B4.2 million per rai , Contact : 087 978 5804.

condominium in The Point, across from Phuket International Hospital and BigC. Beautiful four-year-old central atrium building with no stuffy hallways. 36 m2, high-speed internet, cable TV, and swimming. Parking under building. Third floor with nice view.

B1.9 m. Contact Walter at wp drake2@yahoo.com, 083 301 3470.

room/4 Bathroom European style single storey house with self-contained guesthouse and pool on 736m2 plot.

Large master bedroom with en-suite, walk-in wardrobe.

Modern western style kitchen with granite tops, built-ins throughout and 4 air-cons.

Electric gate, TV and phone line. Large verandahs, carport, and established garden.

Chanote title B11m. 087 891 9349.

off main road in great location.

Full chanote title. 089 651 3479.

stairs, walls, 2 bedrooms.

Land 330 sq metre, peaceful location, five minutes to Patong, Chanote title.

B5.5 million. 086 268 8701, email: f430spiderf1@hotmail.com.

B1.9 Million New Condo: New Studio (1 bedroom)

Rawai Pool Villa: 4 Bed-

Nice One Rai Chalong NOW Reduced to 6.5m ono: In Chalong 200 metres

Thai Style House for Sale: Teak wood floors,

thephuketnews.com

house in Moobaan Tarn Thong Villa opposite Moobaan Chao fa California. B3.1 million. Contact Lee on 081 803 7189.

Kamala Two Brand New Villas: Two bed-

Discount Rentals

white sandy beach of Kamala and about 10 minutes drive to Patong. Prices from only B4,900,000. For more info call 087 882 2856 or email luc@ phuket-tropical-realestate.com.

Nice Three Bed House for Sale: Three-bedroom

seaview Patong-Karon villa, four bedrooms, private pool.

Sell for B22 million, and also available rental daily and monthy basis. www.awphuket.com.

Beach Front Land:

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Jindarin Beach Club & Resort: B1.5 million for one plot, B3.2 million for cottage + plot. Call 080 467 7770 (Thai), 083 520 0020 (English). www.jinda rin.com, Email: eam1008@ me.com.

Private Pool Villas from B4.9M: Intira Villas is a development of 15 boutique villas in the heart of Rawai. Second phase open now. Only a few villas available. 083 594 9279.

Condo at Patong Loft for Sale: Condo for sale with the renter. Good for investment!. 86sq metre on fifth floor.

Please call 081 432 6587.

24 Rai Flat Land Cheap:

24 rai flat land close to Phuket zoo. Owner direct, B3.8 million per rai, chanote title. Call 085 789 1773.

Phuket - Allamanda Residences: One Deluxe Condo-Unit (Duplex House) fully-furnished set within the unique Phuket Laguna Complex with balcony right over the lagoon, 3 bedrooms, roof-terrace with sala etc. FOR SALE OR LONG TERM LEASE. Call (66) 081 737 0365, e-mail: utai pan@yahoo.com.

New Apartment for Sale Patong: Condo: swimming

Great House for Sale: Three bedrooms, four bathrooms and pool. B5 million.

Contact 089 469 2897.

New Townhouses in Kamala: This is a development of affordable 3-bedroom townhouses, located in Kamala, approximately 1.5 km from the

Urgent Three Bed House for Sale: Phuket Grand Ville Pasak Soi 8, two storey house, three bed, three bath, three air-con, cable, internet and fully-furnished. Call 081 894 2505.

Chalong Land: Land in Chalong. 15 rai of gently sloping land, with full chanote, near Chalong temple. Sea views from top of land. Good road access and electricity. Perfect for development. Only B5 million per rai. Call Peter on 089 652 1951 or email phuket.pn@ gmail.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

TRADES 37

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thephuketnews.com

38 ISLAND SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

Village knock the spots off Leopards CRICKET

Portrait remain picture perfect FOOTBALL With top place already decided in both divisions, there was little more than pride at stake during the penultimate round of games in the Adult Futsal League (AFL) last Thursday (March 15).

With only one game played in the Premier Division, Thalang Tigers almost caused an upset taking a 2-1 lead against already-crowned champions Portrait FC, but a spirited fightback with some clinical finishing was enough for the tabletoppers to remain unbeaten for the season with a 5-2 victory.

In Division One, TSLC

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Premier Division Team

GP W D L G+ G- GD Pts

Portrait FC

8 8 0 0 47 14 33 24

Thanachart

7 5 0 2 33 15 18 15

Thalang

7 3 0 4 25 20 3

Jitjongrut FC 7 2 0 5 Honda

9

8 39 -31 6

7 0 0 7 13 38 -25 0

continued their great form against local rivals SGS as five goals in 10 minutes saw them go to 5-2.

The leaders then added two more late in the game to finish the match deserved 7-2 winners.

In the final match of the night, Island Boys took on a confident Chevrolet, whose three goals in the final minutes saw them run out 6-2 winners.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run 1359: Saturday March 24 at 3.30pm Hares: Who the F*** is Alice, Stupid Canard and Denise Directions: View Point. From Kata go south towards Rawai, road 4233. Ten metres after the view point, turn right. From Rawai go north towards Kata and turn left 10m before view point. Laager at 1km.

With The Village reeling from their humbling defeat at the hands of Laguna in their last outing, the bottom placed Leopards saw a good opportunity for a big win to get their season back on track. They were also looking to gain some valuable match practice prior to their participation in the National Youth Cricket Championships, to be held in Chanthaburi province from March 23-28.

In the 15th match of the Island Furniture League, held on Sunday (March 18), The Village batted first hoping to set a big total. They got off to a solid start, reaching 50 runs before the loss of their opener Martin Foster (13) in the ninth over, clean bowled by Bank.

They pushed on to 77 runs before fellow opener, Kevin Quilty (34), also fell.

Tom Gordon (32) played an aggressive innings before Leopards captain Pao skittled his stumps with the score on 135 runs in the 16th over.

Village captain James Firth then strolled out confidently into the middle, however, he

Island Cricket Team

P

W

L

Pts

The Village Laguna CC Island CC Patong CC TNT Lizards Leopards

5 4 4 4

4 3 3 2 4 1 0

1 1 1 2 2 3 5

25 20 17 16 2 12 1

4 5

Moin tour postponed

Pao was again the standout player for the Leopards.

The planned tour by the Moin Cricket Academy from Pakistan has been postponed. Further details will follow once new dates have been confirmed.

was immediately on his way back to the pavilion after being bowled for a golden duck from Pao’s very next ball.

However, an 89 run partnership by man-of-the match Divan Mydeen (retired 101 not out) and Justin White (29) for Village saw the Leopard’s hopes of easy victory slip away.

White eventually fell in the 27th over with the score on 224, before Mydeen and Martin Platts (17) put on another valuable partnership of 83 runs to carry Village to 313 by the 34th over.

An exhausted Mydeen then retired after posting a maiden century at the ACG, while Chris Gordon (19) and Greg Heanan (12 not out) managed to push

the score along to a record 8-352 from their 40 overs.

The Leopards could have contained the score had they managed to hold onto several dropped catches during the innings. Pick of the bowlers for the Leopards were First (2-42), Pao (2-43) and Pan (2-28).

After the lunch break, the Village took to the field in the hot afternoon sun. The Leopards were looking to post a respectable score, though chasing down the massive target of 353 runs looked improbable.

Things went along smoothly until the fourth over, when Martin Foster struck a double blow, initially dismissing Pup (4), and then immediately followed up with Mac (0) for a

golden duck.

Foster missed his hat-rick but managed to capture his third wicket in the same over, clean bowling Jay for a duck.

Foster continued his good spell with another wicket in his next over, and at 4-25 runs, the Leopards were on the verge of an embarrassing innings collapse.

However, an inspirational 83 run partnership by Pao (65) and Bank (24) saw the Leopards reach 108 runs, much to the delight of the pavilion, before Bank was dismissed.

Pao followed shortly thereafter, being stumped while playing forward to a leg-side delivery and not keeping his back foot grounded.

The rest of the Leopards failed to show any resistance and they were bowled out for 117 in the 21st over. Pick of bowlers for the Village were Martin Foster (7-34) and Tom Gordon (1-9).

Man of the match was Divan Mydeen, with Martin Foster and Pao picking up second and third place respectively.

The win also returns the Village to the top of the table.

THE RACE IS ON:

The winner of the Live 89.5/Phuket News Malaysia Formula One giveaway, Jacob Svensen (centre), collects his prize at the Tourism Malaysia office early this week. Mr Svenson scored himself two free return flights to Kuala Lumpur, and a double grandstand pass to watch all the action at the Malaysia GP, courtesy of Tourism Malaysia and Qatar Airways. He is pictured here with acting commercial manager-Phuket of Qatar Airways, Patipat Sawasdee (left), and acting director of Tourism Malaysia, Mohd Fahmi Nordin.

Phuket gets a bit wacky Forget the seriousness of this year’s London Olympics – Phuket is where all the real fun is happening.

Specifically, at the island’s HeadStart International School, as they host the 2012 Wacky Olympics.

The event is being held next Saturday (March 31) from 9am – 3pm, and with free entry for participants and spectators, it’s definitely better value than a trip to the United Kingdom, and with better weather guaranteed.

thephuketnews.com

including sumo suit wrestling, bungee trapeze, laser quest guns, a scavenger hunt and Zorb ball racing.

To cool down, there will also be a 300 metre long aquatic obstacle course to swim, climb, crawl and grapple over.

You too could look this wacky.

The Wacky Olympics will consist of a mix of team challenges and individual events,

For more information or to enter a team, visit headstartphuket.com/wacky-olympics or call 076-612-876. All are welcome to compete or attend. The Phuket News is a sponsor of this event.

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND SPORT 39

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

MATCH POINT The Chang International Tennis Federation (ITF) Pro Circuit women’s event kicked off at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Centre this week, attracting some of the world’s most promising female tennis stars. Running until April 1, 64 professional players are competing for a US$25,000 (B765,000) prize pool. The main draw has 32 ranked players, with 32 more selected through qualification. Results as of Wednesday (March 21):

SINGLES

138 JPN SEMA, Erika [1] 398 TPE CHAN, Chin-Wei 218 THA WONGTEANCHAI, V 243 CHN WANG, Qiang 363 THA LERTPITAKSINCHAI, N 222 JPN NAKAMURA, Aiko 600 FRA RAMIALISON, Irina 189 THA LERTCHEEWAKARN, N [6] 157 HUN JANI, Reka-Luca [4] 244 UKR AREFYEVA, Tetyana 391 CHN SUN, Sheng-Nan 282 THA KUMKHUM, Luksika 299 THA LUANGNAM, Nudnida 389 CHN HAN, Xinyun 319 AUT HOFMANOVA, Nikola 190 JPN FUJIWARA, Rika [7] 167 FRA FEUERSTEIN, C [5] THA SAE-EUNG, Julaluck 237 GER PFIZENMAIER, Dinah 240 UKR BURYACHOK, Irina 219 INA DAMAYANTI, Ayu-Fani 454 THA PLIPUECH, Peangtarn 214 RUS SIROTKINA, Marta 156 BEL FLIPKENS, Kirsten [3] 204 UKR BEYGELZIMER, Y [8] 482 RUS DZALAMIDZE, Natela 220 HKG ZHANG, Ling 311 KOR KIM, So-Jung 1158 THA THONGSING, Tanaporn 217 JPN EGUCHI, Misa 334 CHN ZHENG, Saisai 147 JPN NARA, Kurumi [2]

DOUBLES

SEMA, Erika [1] 6-2 6-4

229 CHN TPE CHAN, Chin-Wei [1] ZHENG, Saisai

WONGTEANCHAI, V 6-4 6-4

552 HUN BEL FLIPKENS, Kirsten JANI, Reka-Luca

NAKAMURA, Aiko 6-7(6) 7-6(5) 6-2

611 TPE INA BASUKI, Yayuk KAO, Shao-Yuan

LERTCHEEWAKARN, N [6] 6-2 6-0

THA THA DE CESARE, Helen SAE-EUNG, Julaluck

BASUKI, Yayuk KAO, Shao-Yuan 6-2 6-1

JANI, Reka-Luca [4] 6-4 6-3

439 UKR UKR BEYGELZIMER, Yuliya [4] BURYACHOK, Irina

KUMKHUM, Luksika 1-6 6-4 6-2

955 THA THA PLIPUECH, Peangtarn SANKAEW, Napatsakorn

HAN, Xinyun 6-3 2-6 6-4

1473 THA THA BUAYAM, Kamonwan THONGSING, Tanaporn

HOFMANOVA, Nikola 1-6 6-4 6-4

910 JPN JPN EGUCHI, Misa NAKAMURA, Aiko

FEUERSTEIN, C [5] 6-1 6-0

559 RUS RUS DZALAMIDZE, Natela SIROTKINA, Marta

PFIZENMAIER, Dinah 7-5 7-6(6)

751 KOR KOR KIM, Ji-Young YOO, Mi

PLIPUECH, Peangtarn 6-2 6-2

701 THA KOR KIM, So-Jung WONGTEANCHAI, Varatchaya 274 JPN THA LERTCHEEWAKARN, N [3] SEMA, Erika

FLIPKENS, Kirsten [3] 6-1 3-6 7-6(3)

CHAN, Chin-Wei [1] ZHENG, Saisai 7-6(6) 6-1

BEYGELZIMER, Y [8] 6-3 4-6 7-5

857 UZB UKR AREFYEVA, Tetyana SHARIPOVA, Sabina

ZHANG, Ling 6-2 3-6 7-5

767 FRA AUT HOFMANOVA, Nikola RAMIALISON, Irina

EGUCHI, Misa 6-1 6-1

703 THA INA DAMAYANTI, Ayu-Fani KUMKHUM, Luksika

ZHENG, Saisai 6-2 6-0

242 CHN CHN HAN, Xinyun [2] SUN, Sheng-Nan

BEYGELZIMER, Yuliya [4] BURYACHOK, Irina 6-2 6-4 EGUCHI, Misa NAKAMURA, Aiko 4-6 6-1 [10-4] DZALAMIDZE, Natela SIROTKINA, Marta 6-2 6-2 LERTCHEEWAKARN, N [3] SEMA, Erika 6-2 6-4 AREFYEVA, Tetyana SHARIPOVA, Sabina 6-3 6-2 HAN, Xinyun [2] SUN, Sheng-Nan 6-3 6-0

Kirin share points in season opener Thai Premier League (TPL) Division 1

Kazira Hans sport@thephuketnews.com

The Thai Premier League (TPL) Division 1 – now renamed Yamaha League 1 – kicked off a new season on Saturday (March 17) with JW Rangsit FC hosting the Southern Sea Kerin of FC Phuket at their temporary Cadet School Stadium.

The teams’ two encounters in 2011 resulted in FC Phuket claiming the upper hand with a 3-1 win at Surakul Stadium and a 1-1 draw in the away game.

But this year, while JW Rangsit has managed to keep their starting 11 intact, after a string of off-season f inancial d ramas which saw the future of the club threatened, FC Phuket were afforded no such luxury.

New head coach Milos Josic sent his lineup of mostly fresh faces onto the field in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with new recruit Ibrahim Kanoute on his own up front.

The trio of Poramut Kro-

ngborisut, Kim Won Sup and Niran Panthong lined up in midfield, while at centreback was the dynamic duo from the 2011 season, Suphat Ontthong and Nene Bi, with new Brazilian ’keeper Alonso Cavalho in goal.

The Kirin were without their other new Brazilian recruit, midfielder Marcio Santos, as he is still waiting for his Inter national Transfer Certificate (ITC) document to be cleared.

For the first five minutes, it was all JW Rangsit FC, who almost scored their first goal of the season from a free kick that went high over the bar.

FC Phuket took nearly 10

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A GD Pts

Phattalung

1

1

0

0

4

Ratchaburi

1

1

0

0

3

Songkhla

1

1

0

0

2

2 +2 3 1 +2 3 0 +2 3

Suphanburi

1

1

0

0

2

Khonkaen

1

1

0

0

2

Krabi

1

1

0

0

2

Nakhon Ratchasima

1

1

0

0

2

PTT Rayong

1

1

0

0

2

Phuket

1

0

1

0

0

Rangsit JW

1

0

1

0

0

Air Force United

1

0

0

1

1

Bangkok

1

0

0

1

1

Saraburi

1

0

0

1

1

Siam Navy

1

0

0

1

1

Bangkok United

1

0

0

1

2

Raj Pracha

1

0

0

Chanthaburi

1

0

0

1 1

1 0

1

0

0

1

0

Sriracha COMING UP: Ratchaburi Sriracha Phattalung Siam Navy

v v v v

Nakhon Ratchasima Bangkok Khonkaen Songkhla

minutes to find their pace, with the inexperience of the side visibly showing. However, two corner kicks in succession

by Niran Panthong almost set them up with the lead, with Poramut Krongborisut setting up Kanuete, but the

Phuket Chanthaburi Krabi Air Force United Saraburi

v v v v v

0 +2 3 1 +1 3 1 +1 3 1 +1 3 1 +1 3 0 +0 1 0 +0 1 2 -1 0 2 -1 0 2 -1 0 2 -1 0 4 -2 0 3 -2 0 2 -2 0 2 -2 0

Raj Pracha Rangsit JW PTT Rayong Bangkok United Suphanburi

Ivorian’s header was inches wide of goal.

The home side pressed hard in response, but it was FC Phuket that had the next g reat oppor t u nit y when Kanuete stole the ball from a JW Rangsit defender just

a few yards outside JW’s penalt y box, only to be denied by the agile goalkeeper Piriya Naiyanet.

Throughout the first period, Kanuete caused havoc among the JW Rangsit defensive line, and was unlucky not to be given a penalty after being brought down inside the box just before the break.

But it wasn’t to be, and the first half ended with the scores locked at 0-0.

After the break, both teams returned to the field determined to take all three points.

The second half was played at a faster pace, and it was JW that had the best chance on goal early on, with a dangerous free kick that was eventually cleared by the Phuket defence.

With the stalemate continuing, FC Phuket shifted up a gear and began to play much more cohesively in the final 20 minutes of the game, creating several goal scoring opportunities.

The closest chance came when Phuket forward Ni-

ran Panthong f ired in a free kick, which found the head of Suphat and beat the JW keeper, only for a JW Rangsit defender to f ind himself in the right place at the right time and clear.

It was the last chance for FC Phuket as the game ended in a scoreless draw.

JW Rangsit coach Kawin Kachendecha said after the game: “We had opportunities but we failed to convert them into goals. That was too bad for us. But on the bright side, it’s still our first game.”

FC Phuket coach Josic, meanwhile, said: “I’m a little disappointed because I was hoping we could have had a better passing game as we had trained. But we played a defensive game and took opportunities to hit them on the counter attack quite well.

“Overall I am quite happy we can come home with our first point from game one away.” Phuket host Raj Pracha this Saturday (March 24) at Surakul Stadium, kickoff 6pm.

thephuketnews.com

40 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

IN BRIEF AFL great Jim Stynes dead at 45 Jim Stynes, who left his Irish homeland to become one of the greats of Australian Rules football, has died at the age of 45 following a long battle with cancer.

Stynes was recruited in the mid-1980s by the Melbourne AFL club from Ireland and went on to become decorated as the first international player to win the sport’s highest honou r, the Brow nlow Medal, in 1991.

The giant ruckman holds the AFL record for the greatest number of consecutive games at 244 over 11 years and played a total of 264 matches for the Melbourne Demons after making his senior debut in 1987.

ICC backs Ajmal’s bowling action The International Cricket Council on Monday backed Saeed Ajmal’s controversial bowling action following reports that India had complai ne d ab out t he Pakistan off-spinner.

Indian television channel NDTV, quoting unnamed sources, said the team management had spoken to the ICC about Ajmal’s action after Sunday’s Asia Cup match between the arch-rivals in Dhaka.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat, however, clarified that the governing body saw no problem in the off-spinner’s bowling style.

Ex-FIFA boss Havelange in serious condition Joao Havelange, the former president of world football governing body FIFA, is still “in serious condition” in a Rio hospital, his doctor said Tuesday.

He is suffering from “a ser ious bacter ial infection with cellulitis in the right ankle.”

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

Slater kicks up a Storm as he shatters scoring record

Australian test player Billy Slater broke the all-time try scoring record for a fullback in the Melbourne Storm’s 30-6 away win over the Gold Coast last weekend.

Slater’s double took his NRL career try tally to 130, overtaking former Penrith f ullback R hys Wesser’s previous best of 129, and his total from just three games in 2012 to six.

The Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm now lead the competition after three rounds.

Canterbur y Bulldogs maintained their unbeaten

RUGBY LEAGUE

start to Australia’s National Rugby League season with an impressive 32-18 win over the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.

Centre Jonathan Wright’s second try five minutes from time sealed the win for Des Hasler’s Bulldogs after the Warriors had fought back from 16-0 down to lead 18-16.

Brisbane Broncos heaped more misery on the Newcastle Knights’ with a dominant 24-10 away win.

North Queensland Cow-

RESULTS

NRL

Slater. Photo: Stormfan85 boys continued Parramatta’s horror start to the season with a rampant 42-6 win at home.

The Eels are winless after three rounds, and without

Team

P W D L B F

A Pts

Bulldogs

3

3

0

36

6

Storm

3

3

0

0

0

78

35

6

Broncos

3

2

0

1

0

68

44

4

Cowboys

3

2

0

1

0

70

50

4

Sea Eagles 3

2

0

1

0

62

55

4

Dragons

3

2

0

1

55

56

4

Roosters

3

2

0

1

0 0

38

46

4

Raiders

3

1

0

2

0

51

50

2

Rabbitohs

3

1

0

2

0

70

72

2

Knights

3

1

0

2

0

42

45

2

Warriors

3

1

0

2

0

74

78

2

Panthers

3

1

0

2

0

56

62

2

Sharks

3

1

0

2

0

39

49

2

Titans

3

1

0

2

0

36

54

2

Tigers

3

1

0

2

0

47

74

2

Eels

3

0

0

3

0

32

96

0

0

0

84

the injured Jarryd Hayne and Fuifui Moimoi struggled to apply attacking pressure on the Cowboys.

Sharks Warriors Roosters Panthers Titans Cowboys Dragons Knights

17 – 14 Sea Eagles 18 – 32 Bulldogs 14 – 8 Raiders 24 – 40 Rabbitohs 6 – 30 Storm 42 – 6 Eels 36 – 12 Tigers 10 – 24 Broncos

St George I llawa r r a brushed aside an under-par Wests Tigers 36-12 after leading 24-6 at halftime.

Sydney Roosters edged past an injury-hit Canberra 14-8 in Sydney, while South Sydney had their first win of the season with a 40-24 mauling of the Panthers at Penrith.

Manning signs with Denver Bangladesh

through to first Asia Cup final

NFL Agence France-Presse

Superstar quarterback Peyton Manning made his first appearance as a member of the Denver Broncos on Tuesday after signing an NFL quarterback record five-year deal worth US$96 million with the club.

Manning, a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player who led Indianapolis to a Super Bowl crown in 2007, smiled as he spoke at the Broncos team headquarters just two weeks after an emotional departure from Indianapolis after 14 seasons.

“I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my playing career,” Manning said. “I can

CRICKET Agence France-Presse

Manning in action for the Colts. Photo: Michelle M. Dickson tell this organisation is committed to winning. This is a great place to be.

“In the end, I felt the Broncos were just a great fit. I’m

thrilled to be here, looking forward to meeting my new teammates and hopefully leading the Broncos to more Super Bowls.”

AFL season kicks off It’s the dawn of a new rivalry in the Australian Football League (AFL) as new franchise Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants embarks on its journey as the designated home side against the Sydney Swans on Saturday night (March 24) for the season kickoff.

It will be the weekend’s

only AFL match.

The bookmakers have already written off any chances of a fairytale start for the new side, and most pundits echo those same sentiments.

The Giants did show a little more during the NAB Cup than most expected, picking up a victory over Gold Coast and

pushing Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs close in the opening round, but they also suffered twin 74-point defeats to Hawthorn and Richmond.

As the season gets into full swing next weekend, The Phuket News will bring you a full preview of the competition in next week’s edition.

Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan smashed brisk halfcenturies as Bangladesh went through to the Asia Cup final for the very first time with a remarkable five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Tamim celebrated his 23rd birthday with a 57-ball 59 and Shakib hit a 46-ball 56 as the hosts achieved the rain revised target of 212 with 17 balls to spare in the day-night match, watched by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh’s victory – only their third over Sri Lanka in 30 one-day internationals – saw them through to meet Pakistan in the final, which was due to be played yesterday (March 22).

Pakistan topped the league with nine points from three matches, followed by Bangladesh (8/3), India (8/3) and Sri

Nasir Hossain in full swing.

Lanka (0/3). The hosts made it to the final as they beat India in their league match.

“The final is one of the biggest achievements in our cricketing history. Hopefully, we will cross that hurdle. It is a great boost to have the crowd supporting you,” said Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim.

“It has been a great tournament for us. Nazmul Hossain did well and that set up the game. We had a stiff target after the rain, but Shakib and Tamim batted well.

There are five or six people performing in every game.”

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway.

SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

41

Vettel backs Red Bull to shine Chumpol catches F1 fever

Agence France-Presse

World champion Sebastian Vettel said his second place in Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix proved that Red Bull are in better shape than their poor qualifying performance had suggested.

After dominating the 2011 season, Red Bull’s Mark Webber and Vettel were knocked back to fifth and sixth on the Albert Park grid.

But Vettel found the pace to make progress and was soon up to third when compatriot and seven-times champion Michael Schumacher was forced to retire his Mercedes.

He then grabbed second when he took advantage of a safety car period to pass Lewis Hamilton of McLaren after the final pit stops.

“I am happy to come away with second. A lot of people did not expect it after yesterday. It was a positive race for us, one we knew would be a difficult one – so to come second with a lot of points is important,” said Vettel.

“The car has a lot of potential. I would have loved to be in a better position yesterday. Now we need to address problems and make sure we give them a harder time

McLaren’s Button leads Vettel and Hamilton at last weekend’s Australia Grand Prix.

Photo: AFP next week (in Malaysia).”

McLaren’s Jenson Button took line honours in a thrilling start to the season as he held off two-time defending champion Vettel.

The 32-year-old Englishman started second on the grid but took advantage of a slow getaway by his pole-sitting team-mate Lewis Hamilton to take the lead at the first corner, and then controlled the race all the way to the flag.

Hamilton, struggling for the pace he exhibited as he flew to pole on Saturday, finished third behind Red Bull’s defend-

ing double world champion Sebastian Vettel, who climbed from sixth on the grid.

“That was beautiful, just a perfect start and it shows how good a winter can be,” said Button. “A great start to the year for me and the team.”

It was the 2009 world champion’s third win in four years at the Australian Grand Prix, and the 13th of his career.

Two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Ferrari was fifth after a forceful race from 12th on the grid, following a disappointing qualifying performance on Saturday,

ahead of Japanese Kamui Kobayahsi of Sauber.

The 2007 champion Finn Kimi Raikkonen, who started 18th on the grid, came home seventh for Lotus in his first race after a two-year absence in rallying, and Mexican Sergio Perez was eighth for Sauber.

Webber, who finished fourth – his best result in h i s h o m e r a c e – s a id : “There are some positives to take out of today.

“Qualifying was difficult for us, but the race pace was better. It was just that we didn’t have track position. I had a

Thailand could meet all the conditions to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix as early as 2014, according to Tourism and Sports Minister, Chumpol Silpa-archa.

Following discussions with relevant parties on the possibility of hosting Formula 1, the tourism minister said the Thai government would now officially confirm interest to host a race in 2014.

On possible circuits, Mr Chumpol said he favoured Rajdamnoen Avenue where Red Bull team driver Mark Webber drove a Formula poor start, so I need to see what happened there and then I got sandwiched at Turn 1.

“I didn’t want the race to be over; I was able to keep going and then started to build from there.”

Webber believes that third was a realistic outcome, but the lack of overtaking opportunities at Albert Park made the challenge too difficult.

“We had a bit of luck with the Safety Car and I was quicker than Lewis [Hamilton] at the end, but it’s a difficult track to overtake here – in Malaysia it would have been different.”

I Car on a demo circuit in December 2010.

“It will save costs to use a road circuit and we can i mprove the roads, which will have a spin-off benefit for city motorists after the event,” he said.

The alternative is a custom-built race circuit at Pattaya, but it would require 350 rai of land that would put the budget through the ceiling.

Mr Chumpol will submit Thailand’s bid to the F1 franchise holder and president, Bernie Ecclestone, this month.

–TTR Weekly

DRIVER STANDINGS 25 Jenson Button (GBR) McLaren-Mercedes 18 Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull Racing-Renault 15 Lewis Hamilton (GBR) McLaren-Mercedes 12 Mark Webber (AUS) Red Bull-Renault 10 Fernando Alonso (ESP) Ferrari 8 Kamui Kobayashi (JPN) Sauber-Ferrari 6 Kimi Räikkönen (FIN) Lotus-Renault 4 Sergio Perez (MEX) Sauber-Ferrari 2 Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1 Paul di Resta (GBR) Force India-Mercedes

CONSTRUCTORS STANDINGS 40 McLaren-Mercedes 30 Red Bull-Renault 12 Sauber-Ferrari 10 Ferrari 6 Lotus-Renault

Acid test awaits Wales RUGBY

Agence France-Presse

World Cup semi-finalists Wales won their third Grand Slam in eight years when they took the Six Nations title at the weekend, a mark that stands comparison with their celebrated predecessors of the 1970s.

But will Sam Warburton’s class of 2012 still be spoken of with the same awe decades on from their heyday as is now reserved for the likes of Gareth Edwards, Gerald Davies and JPR Williams?

What is certain is that suc-

Six Nations

Team

P W D L

Wales

F

A Pts

5

5

0 109 58 10

England

5

4

0

1

71

8

12

Ireland

5

2

1

2

94

5

12

France

5

2

1

2

86

5

12

Italy

5

1

0

4

53 121 2

Scotland

5

0

0

5 108 0

10

FINAL RESULTS Italy Wales England

13 - 6 16 - 9 30 - 9

Scotland France Ireland

cess in what was then the Five Nations was more of a yardstick of a team’s quality than its present-day equivalent.

Back then matches between Europe’s elite and the Tri-Nations (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia) were rare – Wales played the

All Blacks just twice in the 1970s – now this has become an annual event.

But in the professional era, World Cups and matches against the cream of southern hemisphere rugby represent a new gold standard. Whisper it quietly in Wales but they have won just one of their last 16 Tests against Tri-Nations opposition. However, they have the chance to improve that record when they head to Australia for a three-Test series in June.

“Tri Nations teams tend to beat us, and we will definitely be targeting the Australia tour,” said Wales prop Gethin Jenkins.

THORPEDO BOMBS OUT Five-time Olympic swimming champion Ian Thorpe failed to qualify for the London Games on Sunday, but said he had no regrets about returning to the pool and vowed to continue his comeback.

Thorpe lost his last chance to make it to this summer’s Games after failing to make the semi-finals of the 100-metres freestyle after missing out on the 200m freestyle earlier in the Australian selection trials.

The 29-year-old won his heat but posted 50.35 seconds

SWIMMING which was the 21st fastest time behind world champion James Magnussen (48.26) and his Olympic odyssey was over.

The Olympic great, who had retired in 2006, said the bitter disappointment would not stop him from planning ahead to his next competition.

“I’m still swimming. I wanted to start racing again, I wanted to be competitive again and I wanted to go to the Olympics,” he said after failing

to make the cut.

“I still want to do all of those things. I’ve missed out on what was a huge goal for me to accomplish in this short period of time, but still the desire I had before this, it’s still there. I still want to swim.”

Thorpe said he has no regrets about returning, adding he hoped to turn the failure into a “great motivator”.

The ‘Thorpedo’ ruled the pool from 1998 to 2004, taking nine Olympic medals and 11 world titles.

thephuketnews.com

42 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS TIPPING COMPETITION: 28

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

United surge to 5 goal win FOOTBALL Due to disruptions caused by the FA Cup over the weekend, the Premier League round had not been completed by press time Wednesday.

But already there was plent y of d r a ma on t he pitch as Manchester United signalled their title intentions by beating hapless Wolves 5-0 at Molineux.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men went top of the table last weekend for the first time since October, and the Red Devils strengthened their grip on the table with a thumping victory over 10-man Wolves.

Jonny Evans opened the scoring inside 20 minutes before Ronald Zubar saw red for two yellow cards.

The visitors gained the upper hand against the 10 men, with Antonio Valencia scoring on the break and Danny Welbeck tucking in before the interval.

Javier Hernandez then hea ded i n a nd f i n ished Va l e n c i a’s c r o s s , w i t h Steven Fletcher going closest for Wolves.

Congratulations to ‘zedi 44’ (right), winner of last month’s competition and a B3,000 voucher for Australia Bar and Grill.

Wolves now sit bottom of the table with new manager Terry Connor managing only one win in his four games in charge.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United were made to work

by Norwich City but came away with a 1-0 victory at the Sports Direct Arena.

New boy Papiss Cisse expertly volleyed home to give Alan Pardew’s men all three

points, with Steve Morrison wasting the visitor’s best chance in the second half.

On Saturday Swansea beat Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage, while honours were even at the DW Stadium where Wigan and West Brom drew 1-1.

Man City was due to play Chelsea on Wednesday, Tottenham were to take on Stoke, Everton to host Arsenal and QPR to play Liverpool to

complete the round.

In the FA Cup, Everton and Sunderland played out a 1-1 draw, and both teams will play again next week in the north-east to determine who plays Liverpool in the semi-final at Wembley.

Phil Bardsley’s crashing strike put the Black Cats into the lead, until Tim Cahill popped up to grab h i s e ig ht h c a r e e r go a l against Sunderland.

Everton dominated the second half but Martin O’Neil’s men will now be favourites heading into the replay.

The other quarter-final on Saturday between Bolton and Tottenham was abandoned just before the break with the score 1-1 after the shocking scenes involving Fabrice Muamba (see page 44).

O n Su nd ay, C helse a disposed of Leicester City 5-2, with Fernando Torres finally ending his five-month goal drought by bagging a brace against the Championship outfit.

Liverpool booked their Wembley date with a 2-1 win over Stoke City at Anfield.

Phone +66 76 270958 abpoffice@yahoo.co.uk www.lcc-albatross.com THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

DANE’S TIPS ROUND 29 Chelsea v Tottenham Arsenal v Aston Villa Bolton v Blackburn Liverpool v Wigan Norwich v Wolves Sunderland v QPR Swansea v Everton Stoke v Man City West Brom v Newcastle Man Utd v Fulham

away win draw draw home win draw win away win away win away win home win

TOP 10 PERFORMERS (MAR): 1. bazerb 2. Farang2005 3. fazza 4. MRB 5. rutherman 6. toptipster 7. Patrick 8. ChrisL 9. The Lunchroom Kathu 10. gafferworld

TOP 10 (OVERALL): 47 42 39 39 39 39 38 37 37 36

It’s another close one this month as we compete for a B3,000 voucher to be spent at the Peppers Bar & Restaurant, Phuket’s premier sports bar.

And of course, the overall winner for the year will re-

1. gafferworld 2. MRB 3. apollo131 4. alanphuket 5. chasman 6. scottkip 7. dcoutts 8. Paul614724 9. Farang2005 10. fazza

436 397 391 385 376 366 362 361 358 352

ceive a return flight to the UK, courtesy of Albatross Lufthansa City Center.

Gafferworld is predictably still in the lead, though the gap has narrowed slightly thanks to a poor performance this week.

Messi breaks record to secure points for Barca FOOTBALL

Ronaldo for president FOOTBALL Former Brazil star Ronaldo, a member of the local organising committee of the 2014 World Cup, on Monday registered his interest in becoming president of the country’s football federation.

Ricardo Teixeira, who led the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) since

thephuketnews.com

1989, stepped down this month and also resigned his post as head of the organising committee.

His 22-year stewardship of CBF was marred by controversy, including repeated calls for his resignation amid allegations of financial irregularities in Brazil and abroad.

His deputy Jose Maria Marin has taken over.

Agence France-Presse

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to become Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer on 234 goals in a 5-3 win over Granada Tuesday which moved the champions to within five points of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

It was Barca’s sixth consecutive league win and puts pressure on Madrid ahead of their trip to Villarreal Wednesday, three days after Jose Mourinho’s side dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at home to Malaga.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola praised the recordbreaking Argentinian.

“We have to congratulate Messi, he has scored so many goals and is only 24, he does not just score ordinary goals but great goals and we hope he gets lots more for us, we can compare him perhaps to Michael Jordan in football,” he said.

Xavi Hernandez and Messi hit the net for Barcelona in the first half before Diego Mainz reduced arrears for the

Lionel Messi is now Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer.

Andalusians on 55 minutes. In doing so, Messi equalled the record of 232 goals held by club legend Cesar Rodriguez.

Guilherme Siqueira levelled from the spot for the away side seven minutes later after Dani Alves pulled down Dani

Benitez, raising the prospect of a possible upset.

However those fears lasted only minutes as Messi produced a trademark chip over Granada’s Brazilian ‘keeper Julio Cesar in the 67th minute to put Barcelona 3-2 ahead.

Cristian Tello then drove the ball into the net after Messi’s shot was parried by Cesar to make it 4-2 for the hosts, and Messi followed up with another fine piece of individual skill to make it 5-2 in the 86th minute.

Dani Alves received a second yellow card on 88 minutes for handling the ball in the area and Siqueira scored from the spot again, moments before the final whistle.

Previously, Cesar was believed to have scored 235 goals for Barcelona, but a study had revealed that the 1950’s striker had in fact scored 232 goals – a statistic confirmed earlier on Tuesday on Barca’s website.

Messi’s latest hat-trick, taking his Barca total to 234, also made it 34 goals so far in the league, two more than his fierce rival, Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

Earlier on Tuesday evening Osasuna and Getafe drew 0-0 in an uneventful match.

The result means both teams edge a point closer to the objective of safety that both managers have set for their sides this week.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT 43

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

Tendulkar knocks his 100th hundred From page 44 to retire from one-day cricket to prolong his Test career, Richards urged everyone to let the batsman decide his own future.

“I think Sachin has earned the right to decide when exactly he wants to put down his bat,” he wrote. “He is not going to continue if he feels he is not performing up to his standards.

“Let us sit back and enjoy the last years of this humble, diminutive and yet

commanding cricketer.”

Tendulkar himself played down talk of retirement, saying he had not made up his mind.

“If I decide to retire, it won’t be done secretively,” he told a media conference in Dhaka late on Friday night. “I will let you guys know. As of now, I am enjoying the game.”

Tendulkar was disappointed that India lost the game to Bangladesh despite making 289-5 following his 147-ball 114.

“I think it was a good

English Premier League Team

I will be honest, I was frustrated at times, but I never gave up.

“I came close to it so many times. My feet were moving so well. I just didn’t know why it was not coming. It was difficult, those who haven’t gone through it won’t know how difficult it was.”

Asked what could be his next milestone, Tendulkar replied: “I’ve never played cricket for milestones. I play cricket just because I enjoy the game.”

For mer India captain

French Ligue 1

“He has stood up to the very best and continues to do his part. One needs to realise that to go out there and keep on doing the best day-in-day-out is an achievement by itself.”

Ganguly said Tendulkar remained motivated to carry on for a few more years yet.

“Representing your country is in itself a motivator,” he wrote. “The tri-colour is still proudly imprinted on his helmet and I am sure it will be there for a few more years.”

Italian Serie A

D

L

F

A

P

D

L

F

A

P

D

L

F

A

P

Manchester United

29

22

4

3

73

27

70

1

Paris Saint-Germain

28

17

8

3

52

29

59

1

Milan

28

18

6

4

57

22

60

2

Manchester City

28

21

3

4

69

20

66

2

Montpellier

28

17

6

5

52

27

57

2

Juventus

28

14

14

0

44

17

56

3

Tottenham Hotspur

28

16

5

7

52

34

53

3

Lille

28

13

11

4

50

31

50

3

Lazio

28

14

6

8

42

34

48

4

Arsenal

28

16

4

8

57

39

52

4

Toulouse

28

13

8

7

30

24

47

4

Napoli

28

12

11

5

52

30

47

5

Chelsea

28

14

7

7

48

32

49

5

Lyon

28

14

4

10

44

35

46

5

Udinese

28

13

8

7

39

26

47

6

Newcastle United

29

13

8

8

41

41

47

6

Saint-Étienne

28

13

7

8

35

30

46

6

Roma

28

13

5

10

41

33

44

7

Liverpool

28

11

9

8

33

26

42

7

Rennes

28

12

8

8

37

32

44

7

Catania

28

10

11

7

36

35

41

8

Swansea City

29

10

9

10

34

34

39

8

Bordeaux

28

10

10

8

34

31

40

8

Internazionale

28

12

5

11

38

36

41

9

Sunderland

29

10

7

12

36

33

37

9

Marseille

28

10

9

9

35

29

39

9

Bologna

28

9

9

10

31

33

36

10

Everton

28

10

7

11

28

31

37

10

Evian

28

9

9

10

41

40

36

10

Palermo

28

10

5

13

40

45

35

11

Fulham

29

9

9

11

37

40

36

11

Valenciennes

28

8

7

13

28

34

31

11

Chievo

28

9

8

11

24

35

35

12

West Bromwich Albion

29

10

6

13

35

38

36

12

Lorient

28

7

10

11

27

36

31

12

Atalanta

28

9

13

6

31

29

34

13

Norwich City

29

9

9

11

39

46

36

13

Brest

28

5

15

8

23

26

30

13

Cagliari

28

8

10

10

29

35

34

14

Stoke City

28

10

6

12

27

39

36

14

Nancy

28

7

9

12

26

36

30

14

Genoa

28

9

6

13

35

49

33

15

Aston Villa

28

7

12

9

31

35

33

15

Dijon

28

8

6

14

34

48

30

15

Fiorentina

28

8

8

12

27

33

32

16

Blackburn Rovers

29

7

7

15

42

60

28

16

Ajaccio

28

7

9

12

30

48

30

16

Siena

28

8

8

12

32

30

32

17

Bolton Wanderers

28

7

2

19

31

57

23

17

Caen

28

7

8

13

32

42

29

17

Parma

28

7

10

11

33

44

31

18

Queens Park Rangers

28

5

7

16

29

48

22

18

Nice

28

6

9

13

26

33

27

18

Lecce

28

6

8

14

31

45

26

19

Wigan Athletic

29

4

10

15

25

54

22

19

Sochaux

28

6

9

13

28

43

27

19

Novara

28

5

8

15

24

46

23

20

Wolverhampton

29

5

7

17

30

63

22

20

Auxerre

28

4

12

12

33

43

24

20

Cesena

28

4

5

19

16

45

17

2-0 1-0 0-5 0-3 1-1

Sunderland Norwich Man Utd Swansea West Brom

FA CUP RESULTS Chelsea 5-2 Leicester Liverpool 2-1 Stoke Everton 1-1 Sunderland Tottenham - Bolton (abandoned)

SPORT

EVENT

Parma Fiorentina Cagliari Internazionale Bologna

0-2 0-5 3-0 0-0 2-2

Milan Juventus Cesena Atalanta Chievo

D

L

F

A

P

23

2

2

89

24

71

1

Borussia Dortmund

26

28

20

6

2

82

22

66

2

Bayern Munich

27

13

8

6

43

31

47

3

Mönchengladbach

27

12

5

10

38

37

41

4

Real Madrid

27

2

Barcelona

3

Valencia

4

Levante

1-0 0-2 1-1 2-2 1-0

Lazio Novara Palermo Napoli Genoa

German Bundesliga

MP W

1

Catania Siena Lecce Udinese Roma

Team

MP W

D

L

F

A

P

18

5

3

53

16

59

26

17

3

6

64

17

54

26

15

6

5

39

16

51

Schalke 04

26

16

2

8

58

34

50 40

Blues v. Hurricanes

15:30

17:00

Rugby Union

Super XV

Rebels v. Western Force

NRL

Dragons v. Tigers

5

Málaga

27

12

5

10

38

38

41

5

Bayer Leverkusen

26

11

7

8

39

34

Morocco

Day 2

6

Osasuna

28

9

13

6

32

41

40

6

Werder Bremen

26

11

6

9

40

39

39

7

Espanyol

27

11

6

10

35

36

39

7

Hannover 96

26

9

11

6

34

36

38

8

Athletic Club

27

9

10

8

42

37

37

8

VfB Stuttgart

26

10

6

10

43

34

36

9

Rayo Vallecano

27

11

4

12

40

43

37

9

VfL Wolfsburg

26

10

4

12

34

47

34

10

Atlético Madrid

27

9

9

9

37

33

36

10

FC Nuremberg

26

9

4

13

25

37

31

11

Getafe

28

9

9

10

28

35

36

11

FSV Mainz 05

26

7

9

10

38

41

30

12

Sevilla

27

8

9

10

27

31

33

12

1899 Hoffenheim

26

7

9

10

29

37

30

13

Mallorca

27

8

9

10

28

33

33

13

FC Köln

26

8

4

14

33

50

28

14

Real Sociedad

27

9

6

12

30

37

33

14

Hamburger SV

26

6

9

11

30

48

27

15

Granada

28

9

4

15

27

43

31

15

FC Augsburg

26

5

11

10

27

40

26

16

Real Betis

27

9

3

15

31

41

30

16

SC Freiburg

26

6

7

13

33

53

25

17

Villarreal

27

6

9

12

27

41

27

17

Hertha BSC

26

5

8

13

26

47

23

22

40

24

18

FC Kaiserslautern

26

3

11

12

17

36

20

17:30 Rugby League 00:30

Golf

Saturday, March 24

813

Montpellier Olympique Lyon Toulouse Nice Valenciennes

Super XV

20:30

8, 816

1 - 0 0 - 1 0 - 1 2 - 0 4 - 0

Rugby Union

15:30

8, 816

Nancy Saint-Étienne Stade Rennes Sochaux Lille

MP W

15:30

815

8, 816

Evian TG Ajaccio PSG Brest Dijon

Team

13:30

8, 816, 107

813, 109

0 - 2 1 - 1 2 - 2 2 - 1 1 - 2

Team

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, March 23 8, 816, 107

Auxerre Bordeaux Caen Lorient Marseille

MP W

Spanish Primera Liga

Live Sports TV Schedule CHANNEL START END

Team

Sourav Ganguly said the 100th ton was unlikely to be the last for Tendulkar, who turns 39 next month.

“Amazing, incredible, unbelievable,” Ganguly wrote in the Hindustan Times about his long-time team-mate, who is the world’s leading scorer in both Test and one-day cricket.

“I can surely tell you, hundred hundreds is not the ultimate figure for Sachin and many more are still due from the ‘Special One’.

1

Blackburn Newcastle Wolves Fulham Wigan

MP W

total,” he said. “Until the last three overs, when they needed 33 runs, we were in good control. Then we lost the grip on the game.”

Tendulkar said the yearlong wait to reach his 100th century after scoring his 99th on March 12 last year had frustrated him at times.

“I am not God. I am Sachin Tendulkar,” he said.

“I felt that even after 22 years, the cricketing god was testing me over the last one year.

14:50

16:30 Motor Racing Formula 1

Malaysia Qualifying

11:30

13:00

Rugby Union

Super XV

13:30

15:30

Rugby Union

Super XV Crusaders v. Cheetahs

15:30

17:30

Rugby Union

Super XV

Brumbies v.

Highlanders

21:55

00:00

Rugby Union

Super XV

Bulls v. Reds

Rugby Union

Waratahs v. Sharks

00:00

02:00

Super XV

Lions v. Stormers

17:30

19:30 Rugby League

NRL

Cowboys v. Sharks

19:30

21:30 Rugby League

NRL

Dragons v. Sea Eagles

18

Racing Santander

27

4

12

11

19:40

21:30

EPL

Chelsea v. Tottenham

19

Sporting Gijón

27

6

6

15

25

50

24

20

Real Zaragoza

27

4

7

16

22

50

19

Soccer

812

21:55

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Arsenal v. Aston Villa

813

21:55

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Liverpool v. Wigan

817, 105

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Sunderland v. QPR

817

00:30

02:30

Soccer

EPL

Stoke v. Manchester City

Soccer

102

21:55

00:00

108

16:00

18:30 Rugby Union

815

20:00

00:00

Golf

EPL

Norwich v. Wolves

HSBC Sevens

Hong Kong Sevens Day 2

Morocco

Day 3

Granada Real Zaragoza Getafe Sevilla Rayo Vallecano

2-1 1-1 1-0 0-2 3-0

Sporting Gijón Osasuna Real Sociedad Barcelona Real Betis

Levante Mallorca Athletic Club Real Madrid Espanyol

1-0 2-1 0-3 1-1 3-1

Villarreal Atlético Madrid Valencia Málaga Racing Santander

Borussia Dortmund 1 - 0

Werder Bremen

Bayer Leverkusen 1 - 2

Mönchengladbach

Hamburger SV

1-3

Freiburg

Nürnberg

1-3

Wolfsburg

Champions League Relegation

Augsburg

2-1

Mainz 05

Hertha BSC

0-6

Bayern München

Kaiserslautern

1-4

Schalke 04

Hannover 96

4-1

Köln

Champions League qualifiers

Premier League promotion

Europa League

Premier League play-off

6 4 Q B B

Sunday, March 25 813, 109

14:00

14:45 Motor Racing Formula 1

Raceday, Sepang, Kuala Lumpur

14:45

17:30 Motor Racing Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix

8, 816

16:00

18:30

8

11:00

13:00 Rugby League

NRL

Storm v. Roosters

812, 103

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

West Brom v.

Newcastle

105

23:00

01:00

Soccer

EPL

Newcastle v. Norwich

815

20:00

00:30

Golf

Morocco

Day 4

HSBC Sevens

Hong Kong Sevens Day 2

Morocco

Day 3

Kong Rugby Union Hong Sevens

108

16:00

18:30 Rugby Union

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Golf

Final Day

March 31st,2012 thephuketnews.com

44 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

SPORT

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2012

F1 race in Bangkok?

GE S T 7 PAP OR OF STION! AC

Sports minister targets 2014 for Thai GP > 41

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THANKS A TON

Little Master passes massive milestone THE LEADERBOARD

SACHIN TENDULKAR

Top century-makers in history Test/ODI/T20 100 - Sachin Tendulkar (IND) 51/49/0 71 - Ricky Ponting (AUS) 41/30/0 59 - Jacques Kallis (RSA) 42/17/0 53 - Brian Lara (WIS) 34/19/0 48 - Rahul Dravid (IND) 36/12/0 45 - Mahela Jayawardene (SRI) 29/15/1 42 - Sanath Jayasuriya (SRI) 14/28/0 41 - Kumar Sangakkara (SRI) 28/13/0 40 - Matthew Hayden (AUS) 30/10/0 39 - Mohammad Yousuf (PAK) 24/15/0 38 - Mark Waugh (AUS) 20/18/0 38 - Sourav Ganguly (IND) 16/22/0

W

Tests:

Matches 188, Runs 15,470, Highest 248 not out, Average 55.44, Centuries 51, Half-centuries 65

One-dayers:

Matches 462, Runs 18,374, Highest 200 not out, Average 44.92, Centuries 49, Half-centuries 95

World records:

Most Test runs and centuries Most one-day runs and centuries Most World Cup runs (2,278) Most appearances in Tests and one-day internationals 1,000 or more Test runs in a calendar year six times: 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2008, and 2010 1,000 or more one-day runs in a calendar year seven times: 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2007

orld and Indian greats on Saturday bowed to Sachin Tendulkar – “the best” – for scoring 100 international centuries, but speculation about his future threatened to overshadow the achievement.

Feve r e d I nd ia n me dia seemed unconcerned that thei r side had lost t he Asia Cup match to Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday despite Tendulkar’s hundred, as newspapers devoted several pages to celebrate the unprecedented feat.

West Indies legend Viv Richards, regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of alltime alongside Don Bradman a nd Tendul ka r, said he was a great admirer of the record-breaking Indian.

“I have seen Sachin bat and I think I have seen the best,” Richards wrote in a front-page tribute in the Times of India. “The 100th century was a testimony to his self-belief and his unwavering focus.”

Amid calls for Tendulkar Continued on page 43

Muamba collapse triggers EPL review Agence France-Presse

The English Premier League will review its medical procedures after Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch, the EPL chief executive Peter Scudamore said Tuesday.

Scudamore praised officials and medical staff for saving Muamba’s life during the FA

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Cup quarter-final at Tottenham on Saturday and said he wanted to ensure other players receive the best possible care.

Experts say the swift treatment that 23-year-old Muamba received when his heart stopped probably prevented him from suffering brain damage.

The level of care he received after collapsing at White Hart Lane owed much to lessons

FOOTBALL learned when Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech suffered a fractured skull five years ago.

Speaking to a sports business breakfast in London, Scudamore said: “If there are ways and means of making it better in the future – just like we did in 2006-07 following the Petr Cech incident – we will do

everything we can to make sure we reduce to the point of elimination, if we possibly can, things like that.”

He added of Muamba: “Let’s hope, God willing, that the progress he’s making continues to be made and that he makes as decent a recovery as he can.

“In some ways, his life, if it is saved – and let’s hope it has been saved – is as a result

of the things a lot of us put in place after what happened with Petr Cech.”

Friends of Muamba who visited him in hospital on Monday, three days after he collapsed, said he was speaking and moving.

Asked if Muamba would make a full recovery, Bolton manager Owen Coyle said: “That’s something

they (the doctors) have said has happened before.

“Every case is on it’s own merits, but we’ve said consistently the two things Fabrice has which can help him further is that he's such a fit young man and the life he’s had, he has had to fight and earn every step of the way.

“Those two things I am sure will stand him in good stead.”