The Phuket News 23 Mar 2018 by The Phuket News

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LIFEGUARD CRISIS SPURS REQUEST FOR US TRAVEL ADVISORY WARNING FOR TOURISTS

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BISP students’ business skills on show at MIT

A lifeguard watches over tourists in the water in this file photo from last year. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

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he International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) has issued a resolution to formally request the US Department of State to issue a “Level Three Advisory” warning American tourists of the dangers of swimming in Phuket without trained lifeguards on the beaches. Under the US State Department travel advisory notices as revised in January, a “Level 3” advisory is rated as: “Reconsider Travel: Avoid

travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.” In a copy of the resolution obtained by The Phuket News, the ISLA resolution notes, “The Board of Directors of The International Surf Lifesaving Association requests that the United States Department of State issue a Level Three Travel Advisory advising US Citizens of the extreme danger that exists in the ocean waters

surrounding Phuket, Thailand, and that no ocean lifeguard services are provided. “ISLA requests that this Level Three Travel Advisory remain in place until the existing Internationally Certified lifeguard force is fully funded, operational, and able to provide lifeguard services that meet International Standards.” In its resolution the ISLA noted seven key factors for its decision to formally request the travel advisory, including: “The arrival of the southwest monsoon in May of each

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year renders Phuket’s ocean waters extremely dangerous for US Citizens and global visitors,” and… “Hundreds of visitors, including US Citizens, have drowned in the ocean waters surrounding Phuket, Thailand, in the last 10 years.” The seven factors also noted, “The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) collects money from US Citizens in the form of a hotel tax to fund professional ocean lifeguard service,” and “The PPAO continues to collect this money without providing professional…

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New strategy called to prevent island drug-delivery epidemic > page 4

Killer crashes Two dead, 10 injured in tour van road accidents

Nico Papke at the crime re-enactment last year. Inset: The victim, Ms Pischa. Photos: Eakkapop Thongtub / Supplied

German expat murder trial scheduled for April THE TRIAL OF GERMAN expat Nico Papke, 35, accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in Chalong last year, is to get underway at the Phuket Provincial Court on April 30. However, after originally confessing to the crime in July last year, police now say that Papke during the first hearing back in October denied the charges brought against him. Speaking to The Phuket News last Thursday (Mar 15), Chalong Police Deputy

Superintendent Lt Col Somsak Sopakarn said, “During the first court hearing (in October) Papke denied the murder charges… He said he did not attempt to kill Ms Pischa. “On that date the judge said that the trial would begin on April 30, 2018. “We have enough evidence to prove that Papke murdered Ms Pischa and that he also attempted to conceal her body,” Col Somsak said. The Phuket News

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Chinese tourist was killed along with her minivan driver and at least 10 other tourists were injured in two separate minivan accidents in Takua Thung, Phang Nga, just over the bridge from Phuket to the mainland, within less than 24 hours this week. A Swedish tourist was among the three people injured when a minivan slammed into the back of a 10-wheeled truck and then a power pole early Wednesday morning (Mar 21). Lt Col Suttipong Todsong of the Khok Kloi Police was notified of the accident, on Petchkasem Rd southbound near the entrance to 360º Andaman Viewpoint, at 5:10am. Col Suttipong said, “There were nine people in the minivan, seven of them were Swedish tourists and two of

The scene of the horrific crash on Tuesday. Photo: Kitti Wongrattanawut them were the driver and a tour guide. They were heading from Phang Nga to Phuket International Airport… “We are continuing our investigation to identify the cause of the accident. Six of the tourists have already been taken to the airport by a tour company,” he said. That accident came less than 24 hours after a minivan driver and a female Chinese tourist died when the minivan, heading from Phuket to the Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga,

slammed into an 18-wheeled truck that was making a U-turn, also on Phetchkasem Rd, Takua Thung, at about 9am on Tuesday (Mar 20). Governor Norraphat Plodthong on Tuesday visited the Chinese tourists still recovering at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, where all seven survivors were taken to after the horrific crash. Two of the tourists were reported as having “serious injuries”, but the which tourists and the extent of their injuries were not identified.

Surf danger without beach lifeguards evokes travel advisory request Continued from page 1 ...ocean lifeguard service. Daren Jenner, ISLA’s Warrant Marine Safety Officer - Phuket Specialist, told The Phuket News that serious concerns have also been raised over the quick and quiet appointment of Bangkok-based Consultancy LP Laikhum Co Ltd to provide lifeguards at Phuket’s beaches. LP Laikhum Co Ltd was quietly appointed a B13-million government contract to provide a total of 98 lifeguards on Phuket beaches from Mar 1 through Sept 30, thus offering no beach lifeguard protection for tourists during the

ISLA free ocean lifeguard training in Phuket last year. Photo: Premkamon Ketsara deadly month of October, when the southwestern monsoon whips up dangerous surf along Phuket’s west coast. News of the appointment was posted on the PPAO website on Feb 28, but the contract came into effect the next day, Mar 1. Regardless, Laik hum

Co Ltd has yet to even begin to fulfil its terms of the contract as it has yet to post any lifeguards at any Phuket beaches. Under the contract, the company cannot post any lifeguards at the beaches until it has provided a list of names of the lifeguards it will hire to the PPAO for approval. “The company that has reportedly ‘won’ the sevenmonth lifeguard contract, LP Laikhum, was a previous provider of ocean lifeguard services in Phuket for just one year, and was ousted for alleged mismanagement of funds,” Mr Jenner told The Phuket News.

“Allegations came from both sides, but numerous lifeguards report they were consistently late in paying the lifeguards’ salaries,” he added. “Conditions on Phuket’s beaches have also dramatically changed since Laikhum’s failed one-year stint in Phuket. Tourist arrivals and corresponding beach attendance have doubled since then, but the number of lifeguards proposed in the new contract remains the same as seven years ago. This is woefully inadequate for the current numbers of beach visitors,” Mr Jenner explained. “In addition, much of the increase in arrivals occurs

during the monsoon (low) season, when ocean conditions are much more dangerous,” he said. LP Laikhum is unlikely to acquire the services of trained lifeguards in Phuket, Mr Jenner noted. “At this stage, over 200 ocean lifeguards recently trained to international standards, many of whom were drafted from the ranks of the existing local lifeguards, have already pledged their commitment to another company. At this time LP Laikhum has no certified ocean lifeguards willing to work for them,” he said. The company that has

drafted a plan to extend lifeguard coverage at Phuket beaches – and to which the lifeguards have pledged their commitment to – is Baan Natacha Co Ltd, Mr Jenner explained. “ This company has submitted a plan for: 220 lifeguards, increased lifeguards at beaches with existing coverage, lifeguard coverage on additional beaches which are not staffed now, vehicles, radios, lifeguard towers, and so on,” he said. “As such, the budget offered by the PPAO is insufficient to implement this plan,” Mr Jenner pointed out.

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Residents call for end of wastewater on Surin Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

ocal residents have yet again voiced their angry complaints about black wastewater – complete with a foul stench – fouling the tourist-popular Surin Beach, on Phuket’s west coast. Worse, tourists have now complained of an itchy sensation from entering the water at the beach. “This problem has been happening for years, especially after the structures were demolished for encroaching [on government land], Jamlong Sittichock, a 50-year-old local resident at Surin Beach and a senior consultant for the Surin Beach Surfing Association, told The Phuket News. “A B300-million project (sic) was set up to install a wastewater-treatment system, but the system has not been used. We were later told that some parts of the system were not working, and now more wastewater is flowing onto the beach,” he said. “We asked the Cherng Talay Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor)

The pool of black wastewater, complete with stench, is growing on Phuket’s Surin Beach. what happened. The answer we received was that it [the OrBorTor] is in the process of providing a company to take care of this. “When still nothing happened, we asked again, and a pool was dug to hold the wastewaster until a truck could be used to suck out the wastewater [and take it away]. “Later more wastewater just flowed to fill the pool again,” Mr Jamlong explained. “I am afraid that when the annual rains come [in May], this wastewater will overflow onto the beach. This will definitely affect the seawater and corals. The wastewater

will also damage Phuket’s tourism image. So we would like to ask the relevant government agencies, especially Cherng Talay OrBorTor, to quickly solve this problem at the original source as soon as possible,” Mr Jamlong added. German tourist Raijer Schmidt, 55, told The Phuket News, “My wife and I like Surin Beach very much. The beach is beautiful and peaceful, but when we went into the water, we started to feel itchy. “We felt weird when we saw this black pool of water on the beach. This problem should be fixed as quickly as possible,” he added.

Cherng Talay OrBorTor Chief MaAnn Samran explained that the new wasterwater-treatment system at Surin, costing B355.52 million and taking four years to build, and completed only last year, had already broken down and that repairs were being delayed by contractors failing to abide by the terms in the government contract to maintain the system. “We have informed the Phuket Governor and asked for his cooperation in solving this problem,” Mr MaAnn said. In explaining emergency measures taken, Mr MaAnn said, “For now, the pool was excavated deeper to trap the wastewater in order to prevent it from flowing into the sea. “After that, wastewater was sucked out of the pool and taken to be treated at the wastewater plant in Bang Tao, which is still working,” he added. “We are not ignoring the problem. When solving any problem for which several government offices are responsible, we need to do step by step in accordance with official processes,” Mr MaAnn said.

The eggs were discovered along a path to Nui Beach at Koh Si Island in Phang Nga. Photo: Similan National Park

129 sea turtle eggs found on island beach SIMILAN NATIONAL Park officials at Koh Si Island in Phang Nga last Thursday morning (Mar 15) found 129 sea turtle eggs along a beach pathway to the island’s Nui beach in a welcome discovery marking sea turtles’ continued presence in the region. The eggs were found at 7:30am near where a tired sea turtle was spotted on Mar 12, reported Similan National Park Chief Ruamsilp Manajongprasert. “It is not known what species of sea turtle the eggs belong to, however, it is believed to be a different turtle to that sighted on Monday (Mar 12) as the trails near

the eggs are smaller in size,” Mr Ruamsilp said. “The staff moved the 129 eggs as the spot where they were found were on a footpath to the beach,” he added. “This is the third turtle this year that has spawned on Koh Si, and the second turtle to spawn at Nui Beach. The turtle eggs will take about 60 days to hatch, then the staff will send all the turtles to the Phang Nga Naval Base,” he noted. “They are ready and specialised in looking after turtles. At around eight months, they will release them into the sea,” said Mr Ruamsilp. The Phuket News

Alcohol ban this weekend for local election day FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE May 2014, an alcohol ban will be in force in Phuket this weekend as required under laws governing elections as the residents of Moo 1 (“Village 1”) in Chalong vote for a new Phu Yai Baan (“Village headman”). The ban on the sale of alcohol will apply to only Moo 1 in Chalong, Muang Phuket District Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Wilairat Kwanchien confirmed to The Phuket News on Tuesday (Mar 20). Moo 1 Chalong includes Baan Na Yai on the island’s famed Muay Thai training camp street Soi Taiad,

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and Baan Khao Noi, located at the Chao Fa East Rd end of Soi Taiad. “The ban will be in force due to the election for the new village headman, but it will apply to Moo 1 only,” Ms Wilairat explained. “The polls will be open from 8am to 3pm on Sunday,” she added. Under election laws, shops and restaurants are banned from selling alcohol from 6pm Saturday (Mar 24) until midnight at the close of Sunday (Mar 25), Ms Wilairat confirmed. Anyone caught in violation of the ban faces a fine of up to B10,000, up to six months imprisonment, or both. “This election is the only one

being held in Phuket this weekend,” Ms Wilairat said. “The election was permitted as the previous Phu Yai Baan, Pradit Ongsantipab, resigned for personal reasons,” she said. Former village chief Mr Pradit last made headlines in March last year when he was one of 15 gamblers arrested in a 1:30am raid at the “Eat n Sleep restaurant” on Wirat Hongyok Rd in Wichit that saw gambling items and B45,470 cash seized. Ms Wilairat on Tuesday also noted that another election originally scheduled to be held in Phuket this

weekend, for a new Phu Yai Baan in Moo 6 Rawai, has been postponed due to irregularities. “We found that the number of people who registered as moving into the area after the previous village headman retired was not so clear,” she said. “Last month alone, 330 residents moved into Moo 6 from several places. The average was 60 people per house – that is not possible in reality. “We have cancelled the new address registrations for these 330 residents and the election has been deferred while we investigate this

A bill poster for Suwan Songkhun, a candidate for the Moo1 Chalong Phu Yai Baan (village chief) election this Sunday (Mar 25). Photo: The Phuket News matter,” Ms Wilairat added. “We reported this to Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong a few weeks ago. We don’t know when the election in Moo 6 Rawai can be held until we hear from him,” she said. Tanyaluk Sakoot

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Soi Dog continues free sterilisation, vaccinations THE SOI DOG FOUNDAtion (SDF) is continuing its free sterilisation and rabies vaccination campaign in Phuket with teams to provide the free services to pet owners in Wichit and Rawai over the coming month. The news follows Soi Dog joining forces with Phuket City Municipality to provide free sterilisations and rabies vaccinations to pet owners in Phuket Town last week. From Mar 26 to April 6, the SDF mobile team will be providing the free services at Suan Sripuwanart Park (on Pattana Thongthin Rd) in Wichit. From April 9-27, the team will be at the Nong Harn Park in Rawai, beside Nai Harn Beach. The SDF mobile team will include one veterinarian, three veterinarian nurses and one

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New tactics called over drug epidemic The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

A Soi Dog Foundation volunteer carries out a free sterilisation procedure. Photo: Soi Dog Foundation / file team of dog catchers. The services will be available from 9am to 4pm on Mondays through Fridays, and on public holidays during the periods, but not on weekends. The SDF has long provided free sterilisations and rabies vaccinations in Phuket, a factor that may have factored considerably in that 13 provinces in Thailand – but not including Phuket. The Phuket News

he Phuket Provincial Office Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) has again called for extra effort in the fight against drugs to stave off an epidemic of drug use across the island. Palad Sakchai Kunanawatchaidej called for rampedup action against drugs at a meeting of the working group on drug abuse analysis and surveillance in Phuket held at Phuket Provincial Hall on Monday (Mar 19). “Despite officers’ serious attention in continuing their searches and arrests made for drugs, more drugs are being smuggled into and being sold in Phuket," Mr Sakchai said.

Drugs are increasingly being brought onto the island by drug mules travelling on government-run inter-provincial buses. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub “Drugs are being transported here via road transportation and even postal services,” he added. Most of the drugs found in Phuket are kratom, ya bah (methamphetamine), marijuana and ya ice (crystal meth), Mr Sakchai noted. In response, Mr Sakchai called for the anti-drug campaign to also target educating youths, not just making arrests. “We need to educate youths about the dangers of drugs and what it can do to

their lives,” he added. Mr Sakchai’s call for a more proactive anti-drug campaign follows Phuket Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok last Friday (Mar 16) calling for ramped up vigilance and effort to prevents drugs from being delivered across the province by post and private delivery companies, and even being brought onto the island by drug mules travelling on government-run inter-provincial buses. The Phuket News

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Beyond the tipping point

Island garbage excess to see return of trash mountain Pakin Intajak editor@classactmedia.co.th

fficials at the Phuket Solid Waste Incineration Plant – the only solid waste disposal centre on the island – are changing their approach to secure funds for a much-needed third incinerator in order to stave off the return of the huge piles of garbage at the landfill at Saphan Hin. Cha k k r it Songsaeng, Phuket Cit y Wastewater Treatment Chief at the plant, said that the two incinerators currently in action burn on average the same volume of garbage that is delivered from across the island each day – about 850 tons, depending on the number of tourists currently on holiday in Phuket. But that is now about to change. “This month (March), the daily average has increased to about 1,000 tons,” he said. After separation and being dumped into waste pits to dry out, the volume of the garbage is reduced by about 20%, meaning on average 680

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tons is incinerated each day. “Two incinerators are working right now, and they can burn 700 tons per day combined,” Mr Chakkrit said. “But in the high season, the volume of the waste arriving can even reach more than 1,000 tons per day,” With excess garbage arriving, each day about 2030 tons is dumped into the landfill, which is now home to an estimated 600,000 tons of garbage – and that is after years of being able to burn off garbage dumped in the landfill bit by bit, each day, to nearly clear the mountains of garbage the area is known for. Rungtiwa Sanbordo, an official from PJT Technology Co Ltd, confirmed to The Phuket News that during the years 2012 to 2016, incinerators were able to reduce the landfill pile and burn off more trash than was being received. “However, last year and this year the burn-off has remained at tipping point,” she said. “We might be able to manage to incinerate the waste at

For four years waste-management officials were able to burn off excess waste dumped in the landfill, reducing its size considerably. That is about to change. Photo: Phuket City Municipality the landfill again after the first incinerator is repaired to come back to work again or when we have a new incinerator because the two incinerators we have now can only handle the waste arriving,” she explained. Mr Chakkrit explained that the first incinerator, which could burn of up to 250 tons of garbage a day, had been working for 17 years, but stopped working in 2012. Regarding any planned upgrades to the plant, he said, “For now we are able to han-

dle the situation, but with the waste increasingly generated and coming to Saphan Hin every year it has led us to consider cancelling our budget request to the Bureau of Budgets to repair the first incinerator.” “This project would cost B530mn to repair the first incinerator to operate again,” he said. Although previous officials operating the plant had long before appealed for funds to repair the original incinera-

tor, Mr Chakkrit noted that his team proposed the repair project to the government in 2016. “They had approved our project, but later reconsidered it,” he said. “The government is considering whether it is worth rebuilding the first one. We are waiting for the Phuket Provincial Administration Office (PPAO, or OrBorJor) to cancel the budget request to repair the first incinerator. “Instead, we will consider allowing an organisation from the private sector to invest to either repair the first broken incinerator, or build two new ones, each with a capacity of burning 250 to 300 tons a day. This process will be more clear within this year,” he added. Mr Chakkrit forecasts that by 2027, daily waste sent to the centre may reach 1,150 tons. “Within this period the first incinerator must be restored, and its daily burn capacity must be 500 tons or more,” he said. Chantima Mongkol, Phuket City Solid Waste Management

Chief at the plant, expects that the process, even after cancelling the repair budget request, to take “about three to five years to complete”. “With the number of tourists increasing every year as well as Phuket residents that keep throwing away a large volume of unnecessary waste, it could be nearly impossible that the whole landfill waste will disappear,” she said. Ms Chantima took the opportunity to ask people to make a conscious effort to reduce their waste. “I do want to urge Phuket residents not to throw things that have not been long used. They must know when they should throw things away. Most things can be used many times,” she said. “People should also separate waste before throwing it out, and recycle them if they can. That will help the situation a lot,” she added. “Phuket residents need to be aware that it is also their responsibility to help deal with the waste problem in Phuket,” she concluded.

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EDITORIAL

The problem with Rawai

hanks for raising the issue of environmental problems in our area – namely the black water canals. We have these problems everywhere here in Rawai – as in the rest of our island. Thanks to your efforts this problem gets repeatedly addressed and finally reaches the Governor’s level. Nai Harn luckily is getting a wastewater treatment plant, currently under construction on the shore of Nai Harn Lake. However, there is a canal that empties onto Rawai Beach. The canal creates a problem with mosquitoes breeding. Every year a dengue-fever cycle repeats in the dry season when this black water stands still. Only heavy rain makes it flow. One hotel in the area has already reported five dengue fever cases among guests and staff this year. The government’s answer (that is, Rawai Municipality) is always to

fumigate the area, but this does not resolve the underlying problem. I am regularly all over our island and well aware of its problems. What astonishes me is the fact, that there are clear differences among different areas. It seems that local politics can well make a difference. Take the road from the Heroines’ Monument to Bang Rong or Ao Por as an example; it’s always clean, has good waste bins and is well maintained. Here in Rawai there is clearly something wrong. It has by far the filthiest roadsides. Unfortunately, mostly in Thai residential areas. This is so surprising to me since we regard Thais as such clean people with hygienic standards, but it seems only true within their premises. Roadsides here tell another story – locals just don’t seem to care. If one end of our island

can be maintained and another not – the solution must come from society and its leaders. The worst example must be the famous Rawai Seafood Market. Just metres behind the market and restaurants is a scene from a slum. Just filthy and dirty – and seen by thousands of tourists visiting the fresh market daily. I choose to live here and try to see the marvels of this tropical island, but the issues that you raise with the black water canal emptying into Chalong Bay, the resulting environmental damage, the medical problems arising from dengue fever and pollution due to rubbish dumping on the streets – are all easy to resolve if one wants to on a communal level. Thanks for currently and repeatedly rising this issue in your newspaper, online and TV. – Stefan, Rawai

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HAVE YOUR SAY Example to follow

Re: Phuket Poll: How should Phuket’s lifeguards be provided? The lifeguard ser vice in Phuket was begun, not by the government, but by one American woman named Patty in 1995. She went to businesses collecting money to support a lifeguard service at Kata Beach. The Aussies seem to have a pretty good grasp on how to do lifeguard services and often come to Thailand to train lifeguards. Thailand should consider following their example when it comes to funding. Island Man ...................................................

Safety standards A consistent set of beach safety standards needs to be implemented with lifeguards on beaches for the safety of locals and tourists alike. The Phuket Provincial government seems unable to handle this task because safety is clearly not their concern. The DDPM may be better suited to handle the budget and management of this task in a transparent manner. Safety First

As we are constantly reminded Thailand is for Thai’s, it is abundantly clear the authorities couldn’t care less about tourists’ safety, or the environment for that matter, they only care about the money they spend, so why bother. Pauly44 ...................................................

on Surin Beach It looks like if you don’t want to swim in Phuket wastewater you will have to find a deserted beach far away from tourist spots. Apparently, running a wastewater plant is equal in complexity to a Mars mission. Bindholt

Telling it like it is

This problem has been going on since 2012. The local expats know nothing will get done, it’s just a money pit. Erect a new Monolith saying: “Welcome to Urin Beach. Please don’t pee in our sea, as we don’t swim in your toilet”. R Sole ...................................................

Re: Phuket Opinion: Enough is enough They should put a sign on all Phuket beaches: NO LIFEGUARD, SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISKS. Write it in English, Chinese and Russian. That should definitely encourage more tourists to come to Phuket. Albator The water on the beaches isn’t the only thing that smells bad. Foot Just put the red flags up on beaches as usual! The water is too dirty to swim in anyway. Xonax ...................................................

Not rocket science Re: Phuket residents call for end to black wastewater

Stop at the source

Re: Phuket Governor steps in to fix black wastewater flowing into Chalong Bay Surely dredging the canal to help the water flow more quickly just moves the poo into the bay more quickly, rather than actually stopping the discharge. This is just moving the problem downstream, how does that help? Isn’t it better to stop the source? Or did I miss something? Discover Thainess

Money for nothing

Re: Army removes volunteer lifeguards from Phuket beaches The so-called “authorities” already have blood on their hands from last year when the PPAO cancelled the lifeguard contract and a number of people died soon after. But that doesn’t matter as long as the PPAO can save a few million baht a year. Lives mean nothing to these morons. Sue Yu2 And when no lifeguards are forthcoming, this company will of course be returning the B13 million? What kind of penalty will they be liable for for failing to meet their obligations? None of course. CaptainJack Somebody is making a lot of money for nothing. A few drownings might stir them into action. Great publicity. Hatcheee I assisted a lady who drowned on the beach, maybe with lifeguards she would have got better assistance straight away. Samhol

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THAILAND NEWS

Re-registration of SIM cards

Plans to force mobile firms to update customer databases, again NATIONWIDE Bangkok Post

he telecom regulator plans to force all mobile firms to re-register their entire customer bases, despite widespread concerns over its harm to consumer data privacy and the burden it will place on operators. Mobile operators said reregistering their entire user bases would entail a significant financial and manpower burden, raising the possibility of legal consequences for those that fail to comply. The new registration requires operators to either record the real owner of the SIM card, under what it calls a “registered by” formula, or record the holder (or user) of the SIM card under what it calls a “holder by” formula. If the new regulatory draft is put into effect, all operators will be given 180 days to complete the re-registration of their existing customer data, while all new SIM buyers going to 50,000 retailers nationwide will have to register under the

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If the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission presses the ‘Go’ button to proceed, every SIM in the country will have to be re-registered, with full ID and biometric information including fingerprint and face scan. Photo: Bangkok Post / files new concept. A source at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) who requested anonymity said a proper SIM registration system is needed to support digital activities, especially mobile banking, and to avert increasingly sophisticated fraud. The move also serves national security purposes, the

source said. The NBTC office held its first focus group meeting for the new regulatory draft on Monday (Mar 19), joined by representatives from every mobile operator, the Bank of Thailand and other commercial banks, the Digital Economy and Society Ministry and the National Security Council Office.

But representatives from mobile operators excoriated the new regulatory draft at the meeting, saying it was impractical in several areas, especially punishment. According to the draft, if incorrect registration information is discovered after the deadline, mobile operators will be held responsible, even in cases where registration is

done via retailers. “DTAC totally disagrees with the new draft because it may create confusion in several areas,” said Narupon Rattanasamaharn, senior vice-president for regulatory affairs at Total Access Communication. He said the new draft is aimed at forcing the operators to re-register their existing customers into two categories, but it’s hard to force existing users to do so, especially corporate ones. Many corporate customers have registered the SIM cards for all of their employees through one juristic person. “How can operators force all of their corporate customers to re-register, as the corporations will have to call on their employees who use but do not own the SIM cards to do so?” Mr Narupon asked. The draft’s condition does not match the lifestyles of mobile users in other instances, for example, when parents have bought and registered SIM cards for their children, he said. “It’s also difficult to force all existing mobile users in

households to re-register,” Mr Narupon said. The draft creates unfair conditions for operators, especially the punishment in cases when retailers have made registration errors, he said. The NBTC source said the office is allowing operators to submit feedback on the new draft until today (Mar 23). The NBTC plans to hold another focus group in April that will centre on mobile operators. The source said all representatives from the operators disagreed with the draft. Some representatives threatened to file a complaint with the Central Administrative Court if the new regulatory draft is put into effect, arguing it would be unlawful. The NBTC office is trying to finalise the draft and submit it to the existing NBTC board for approval by April. The draft is mainly being pushed by NBTC deputy secretary-general Korkij Danchaivichit. The existing NBTC board’s six-year working term expired in October 2017.

THAILAND NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Man caught in park with dismembered black bear PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN Drug lord Xaysana Keopimpha arrives at the Criminal Court last year, after being taken from the Central Correctional Institution for Drug Addicts. On Tuesday (Mar 20) he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Photo: Patipat Janthong

Bangkok Post

F Lao drug kingpin gets life imprisonment BANGKOK THE CRIMINAL COURT handed down life imprisonment to drug ring leader Xaysana Keopimpha on Tuesday (Mar 20) on charges of smuggling 1.2 million methamphetamine pills (ya bah) into Thailand. He was initially sentenced to death but punishment was reduced to life in jail because he cooperated with the court. Xaysana was taken to the court to hear the judgement from the Central Correctional Institution for Drug Addicts, where he has been detained since he was arrested at Suvarnabhumi airport on Jan 19, 2017 after arriving on a flight

from Phuket. Police had captured some members of his network on Oct 1, 2016 after seizing 1.2mn ya bah pills smuggled into Thailand through Nong Khai a day earlier. The drugs were being trafficked to southern Thailand for smuggling to Malaysia when seized. The subsequent expanded investigation led to the capture of Xaysana. Xaysana, 42, was convicted of smuggling the 1.2mn pills into the country on Sept 30, 2016. He was also charged with possession. The court's judgement was based on the most serious charge of drug smuggling. Bangkok Post

orest rangers have arrested a 52-year-old man in possession of the dismembered carcass of an Asian black bear, a dead civet and a long-barrelled shotgun and ammunition. Photos of the dead animals circulated on social media and sparked a frenzy of demands that authorities take the case seriously. Colonel Somchar n Pinkhanngern, chief of Ao Noi Police Station, said the arrest was made last Saturday (Mar 17) by Kui Buri National Park rangers who, while on patrol, came across two men acting suspiciously. One of them fled into the forest but the other, identified as Somjit Boonkong, 52, a resident of tambon Ao Noi in Muang district, was detained. In his backpack the rangers found a bear head, two bear paws, meat and a gutted dead civet. He was carrying a shotgun,

The head, paws and meat of a black bear, a dead civet, and shotgun and ammunition seized from suspected poacher Somjit Boonkong, 52. Photo: Chaiwat Satyaem ammunition, two hunting headlamps, a hammock and other items. The rangers suspect the man who fled had the rest of the bear and possibly the carcasses of other animals. Somjit was initially charged with illegal hunting of wildlife and having dead wildlife in his possession without permission or good cause.

Maj Gen Pattana Phetsyanawin, chief of Prachuap Khiri Khan police, said police knew the identity of the other man and would seek a court warrant for his arrest and he would be caught. He said wildlife poaching is a sensitive issue following the arrest of construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta in the Thungyai Naresuan Wild-

life Sanctuary last month. Asian black bears are protected under the 1992 Wildlife Protection Act. An adult bear is 1.2-1.5 metres long and can weigh 150-160 kilograms. Illegal possession of the carcass of a wild animal carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison and/ or a fine of B10,000.

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ASIA NEWS

Hong Kong’s richest tycoon Billionaire earned nickname ‘Superman’ for his business acumen HONG KONG Laura Mannering

ong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing, 89, who has announced his retirement, started his career selling plastic flowers and spent seven decades building a vast business empire spanning everything from container ports to telecommunications. The billionaire earned the nickname “Superman” for his business acumen and was so influential in Hong Kong that islanders joked he could prevent typhoons from hitting on working days. Li’s companies are part of the fabric of Hong Kong life, providing everything from internet services to supermarket chains, while his decisions have the potential to affect property and utility prices for the city’s seven million residents as investors hang on his every word. Li was born in 1928 in the mainland Chinese city of Chaozhou. His family fled to neighbouring Hong Kong during

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Hong Kong’s richest man, Li Ka-shing, gestures during a press conference in Hong Kong last Friday (Mar 16), where he announced he was stepping down as chairman of his flagship company CK Hutchison, marking the end of an era for one of the world’s most storied tycoons. Photo: Anthony Wallace / AFP the Sino-Japanese War – Li recalled bombs being dropped on his hometown when he was in primary school in an interview with Forbes Magazine in 2012. He first started his own business in 1950 manufacturing plastic flowers, calling the company Cheung Kong after China’s Yangtze River. But after diversifying into

property he saw large profits in the 1960s and in the following decades his businesses expanded into a diverse range of sectors. As the business grew, so did its global reach, with the 1980s seeing the firm make investments in the Canadian property and energy sectors. Accordi ng to Forbes his companies now employ

310,000 people in more than 50 countries. The magazine listed Li as the world’s 23rd richest person in a 2018 ranking of leading billionaires – three places behind Alibaba founder Jack Ma and six behind Tencent’s Pony Ma – with a net worth of $34.9 billion (B1.88 trillion). “Looking back all these years, it’s my honour to have

founded Cheung Kong and to have served society,” Li told a packed room of journalists in Hong Kong as he announced his retirement last Friday (Mar 16). “It’s been my greatest honour,” he said. Li invested heavily in China in the 1990s, the dedicated capitalist courting Beijing’s communist leaders as the Asian nation began to emerge as an economic superpower. But recent years have seen him offload major Chinese property investments, in a move seen as part of a quest for stability for his business and a sign of diminishing confidence, as the mainland’s formerly stratospheric growth rates cool. The moved irked Chinese critics. “He is worthy of the nickname ‘Superman’, but he may not be suitable as a bellwether for the future,” The Global Times, a newspaper close to China’s ruling communist party, said in 2015. “Li’s investment is a drop in the ocean compared to the huge size of the Chinese

economy,” it said. He has also sought to trim his Hong Kong assets and his CK Asset Holdings sold its stake in the Center skyscraper – one of the jewels in the crown of his property portfolio in the city – in November for a record HK$40.2bn (B162.421bn). Analysts said the deal showed CK Asset’s move to diversify out of real estate as it expands into infrastructure and energy. Three years ago Li announced a sweeping re-arrangement of his vast business empire, which was expected to pave the way for him to hand over the reins to his eldest son Victor. The re-structure combined assets from multiple sectors under two new listed companies. After the announcement of the revamp, when asked if he was preparing to pass the baton to his son, a lively Li said he would have to retire some day. “The tracks have been laid down, everyone has a goal, it’s a good thing for the company’s foundation,” he said. AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

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Fighting the albinism stigma First albino beauty contest held to increase awareness of the condition ZIMBABWE Reagan Mashavave

ozing charm and confidence, 22-year-old Sithembiso Mutukura beat 12 other contestants in Zimbabwe’s first Miss Albinism beauty contest aimed at reducing stigma and increasing awareness about the condition. Last Friday’s (Mar 16) “Beauty Beyond the Skin” pageant was held in Harare, making Zimbabwe the second African country after Kenya to host such an event. Many African countries have a dark relationship with albinism – a genetic disorder inherited from parents who both carry a faulty gene that prevents the skin from making melanin properly and thereby giving it colour. They are hunted down in some African countries by witch doctors for their body parts which are used in potions to bring good luck or riches. Some are even kidnapped and sold by relatives out to make some fast cash. Mutukura said she entered

Zimbabwe’s first Miss Albino Sithembiso Mutukura said she entered the pageant to raise awareness of the condition. Photo: AFP

the pageant to raise awareness. “The people with disabilities are always looked down upon even in schools. I have gone through a lot but I want people living with albinism to be brave and persevere in life,” the social work student at the University of Zimbabwe said after winning the crown.

“We must continue to advocate for our rights and I hope my win will empower the girl child. People with disabilities must not look down upon themselves.” The contestants sashayed down the catwalk in gowns and traditional African robes and were asked an array of

questions to decide the winner. Mutukura won a food hamper and $85 (B2,651) – a fair bit of money in Zimbabwe. Pageant organiser Brenda Mudzimu said she was happy to finally host the event as it was postponed last year due to a lack of funds. “The pageant aims to instil

confidence in girls living with albinism in Zimbabwe as well as reduce the stigma,” Mudzimu said. “People living with albinism are talented, beautiful and intelligent just like any other normal human being. My experience living with albinism was not easy. I learnt that in

life living with albinism you have to persevere and survive in life.” Mudzimu said she hoped to organise a global contest. “This will be an annual event which will later be advanced to Miss Albinism Africa and Miss Albinism World because we want to reach all corners of the world,” she said. The southern African country has about 39,000 people living with albinism, she said. Tapuwa Muchemwa, a government representative who was the pageant’s guest of honour, said Zimbabwean authorities were committed to uphold the rights of albinos. “We as government strongly advocate that people with albinism deserve their right to life and security and to be protected as well as the right not to be subjected to torture and ill treatment,” Muchemwa said. Albinism groups say more than 90% of people with the condition in Africa die before they reach the age of 40. The rate of albinism in Africa is much higher than in other parts of the world. AFP

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BUSINESS NEWS 11

ITB tells Phuket to ‘fix problems’ Infrastructure woes trouble big-hitting ITB travel, tour operators TOURISM Jirarat Rakjamroon editor@classactmedia.co.th

eedback from tour agents and operators at International Tourism Bourse (ITB) 2018 has been loud and clear, that Phuket must fix its infrastructure problems if it wants high-spending western European tourists to return. The feedback was brought back to Phuket by members of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), which led a delegation of 20 Phuket tourism businesses to the event, including hotel and tour ground-handler operators. ITB Berlin this year again cemented its status as the world’s leading travel trade show with 10,000 companies and organisations from 186 countries exhibiting their products and services to around 170,000 visitors, including 110,000 trade visitors. This year’s edition was held from Mar 7-11. PTA Vice President Bhummikitti Ruktaengam explained to The Phuket News that the delegation to the show presented a unified effort to attract more European tourists to Phuket. “Operators from Phuket, Krabi

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Feedback from tour agents and operators at International Tourism Bourse (ITB) 2018 was loud and clear: Phuket must fix its infrastructure problems if it wants high-spending western European tourists to return. Photo: PTA and Phang Nga signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) titled ‘Andaman One for All’ last year, so our theme this year was simply about the Andaman region,” Mr Bhummikitti said. The PTA itself kept its effort simple, focussing on Sun Sea Sand, culture, and weddings and honeymoons, he added. During the first three days of the ITB, which was open only to tourism trade operators (the ITB

was open to the public on Mar 1011), the Phuket booth remained a popular stop for trade representatives, Mr Bhummikitti said. “There was an influx of wholesalers from throughout Europe visiting our booth to negotiate trade agreements such as room rates, conditions, allotments and so on during those three days of trade,” he explained. However, Mr Bhummikitti noted, “We got some feedback from

the event that Phuket is a nice place to travel to, but the management of the province in terms of issues such as traffic, the airport and safety is not good enough.” The effect has been obvious, with return tourists from the Scandinavian, British, Swiss and German markets increasingly continuing to choose to travel in Khao Lak in Phang Nga instead of Phuket, while newcomers from Russia and China continue to choose Phuket for their first-time visit, Mr Bhummikitti said. “I think the government and the private sector should work together to solve these management issues in order to keep our tourists,” he said blankly. After ITB, the PTA and several members of the rest of the Phuket delegation in conjunction with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on Mar 12 staged a Phuket roadshow in Warsaw, Poland, which has been identified as a growing source market of tourists to Phuket. “The number of Polish tourists coming to Thailand increased by 19% last year, so we hope that more Polish people will come to Thailand, and especially Phuket, in the future.” Mr Bhummikitti said. “Moreover, there is an agree-

ment between TUI Poland and LOT Polish Airlines, so there will be direct flights from Warsaw to Phuket twice a week beginning in November. They will be charter f lights in the European winter season, which will automatically increase the number of tourists looking to enjoy their holidays at that time of year,” he added. Keeping the focus on Eastern Europeans, the PTA and TAT delegation held another roadshow in Prague, Czech Republic, the following day (Mar 13). “The number of Czech tourists coming to Thailand increases every year, so we think the Czech Republic is an interesting market,” Mr Bhummikitti said. “We believe the number of tourists from Eastern Europe, including places like Poland and Prague, will increase next year,” he added. “As for other European markets, we are still monitoring the situation closely because there are lots of factors, such as their own economies, that affect whether or not more tourists from these countries will come to Phuket. “If everything goes well, we expect Phuket tourism from these markets will also grow,” Mr Bhummikitti said.

12 BUSINESS NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

All change in rentals

New laws provide more protection for lessees PROPERTY Jerrold Kippen

Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

n Feb 18, Thailand issued a notification under the Consumer Protection Act (1979), which regulates leases of residential structures, including houses, apartments and condominiums. Pursuant to the notification any person or company that leases five of more residential structures (with some limited exceptions) is considered a residential structure “business operator”. The notification will come into effect on May 1, 2018 and requires all residential lease agreements between a business operator and the lessee to include a readily legible version in Thai. Details of the physical condition of the property and equipment (if any), inspected and acknowledged by the lessee, must be attached to the

lease agreement. The entire agreement must be made in duplicate, having the same content, and one copy must be given to the lessee immediately upon execution. The agreement must contain at least the following details: a. name and address of the business operator and its authorised person; b. name and address of the lessee; c. name and location of the property; d. details of the property’s physical condition, including any items and equipment in the property; e. term of the lease, specifying its commencement and expiration dates, months and years; f. rental fee, due date and method for payment; g. public utility fee rates for example, electricity supply fee, water supply fee, telephone fee, due dates and method for payment; h. service fee rates for example, electricity and water

The new regulations come into effect on May 1, with a raft of changes that protect lessees. Image: The Phuket News meter reading fees, water pump fee for boosting water pressure in the property, which must be reasonable and at the actual cost paid for the services, due date and method for payment; i. other fees and expenses (if any), which must be reasonable and at the actual cost paid, due date and method for payment; and j. amount of security deposit. The notification requires the business operator send invoices for the fees in items (f)-(i) above to the lessee at least seven days before the rental payment due date.

Furthermore, any security deposit must be immediately returned to the lessee at the end of the agreement, unless the business operator has to investigate any damage to ascertain whether or not it is the responsibility of the lessee. If the lessee is found not to have caused such damage, the security deposit must be returned within seven days from the end of the agreement and the business operator retaking possession of the property. The business operator is also responsible for any expenses incurred in returning

the security deposit to the lessee. Significantly, affected lessees will now have the right to terminate lease agreements that come under the notification’s regulation early, provided that: at least 30 days’ advance written notice is given to the business operator; the lessee does not owe any rent; and there is a reasonable and necessary cause for such termination. Any material breach for which the business operator can terminate the agreement must be clearly written in red, bold or italic font. The business operator can only terminate the agreement if written notice has been given to the lessee to rectify the breach within 30 days of receipt and the lessee fails to do so. Also, residential lease agreements that are subject to the notification must not contain, among other clauses, any waiver or limitation of the business operator’s liability from its breach of agreement or wrongful acts; any advance rental fee equivalent

to more than one-month’s rent; any term allowing the business operator to change the rental fee, public utilities fees, service fees, or any other expenses before the end of the agreement; or any security deposit of more than one-month’s rental fee. The notification should be welcome news to residential lessees, and in turn would generally also be good news for the real-estate investment sector. However, certain implications of the notification may be disturbing if not worse for lessors regulated by it, particularly developers who are planning to lease (and who have leased) condominiums, apartments, and villas. We explain why in part two of this article, next week. DUENSING KIPPEN is an international law firm specialising in business transaction and dispute resolution matters, with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, and affiliated offices in over 50 other countries. Visit duensingkippen.com

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

‘Caribbean Sun Splash’ at Rotary Fundraiser

BISP Students heading to MIT to test skills

ANCIENT FLAVOURS

Banyan Tree’s Saffron restaurant to welcome Thailand’s own Michelin-starred Chef Phatchara ‘Pom’ Pirapak

Chef Phatchara ‘Pom’ Pirapak from Michelinstarred Bangkok restaurant Saneh Jaan will be visiting Phuket on April 6- 7. Photo: Supplied The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

anyan Tree Phuket’s signature Saffron restaurant has announced that it will be welcoming Chef Phatchara “Pom” Pirapak, considered by many to be a national treasure, for two special set menu events on April 6-7. The dinners are set to bring Phuket’s celebrated cuisine to glorious new heights, featuring the skilful technique that helped Chef Pom earn a Michelin star for her Bangkok restaurant Saneh Jaan. Chef Pom’s set menu begins with an appetiser of mud crab wrapped with ginger, chilli and citrus in wild betel leaf. A pomelo salad soon follows, with crayfish as well as coconut soup with lotus stem and scallop. A dish of river prawn with stir-fried vermicelli

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and curry sauce provides an exquisite precursor to the main course. It is followed by a fine tenderloin Panang curry, cooked to perfection from a recipe originating in the south of Thailand, and served with nutritious riceberry rice. The meal comes to a close with a dessert of marian plum in citrus. The menu captures the essence of what makes Saneh Jaan, Chef Pom’s own restaurant, so highly regarded. The restaurant, located at the Glasshouse in Sindhorn Tower on Bangkok’s Wireless Rd, was singled out by the Michelin Guide for its “dishes crafted from ancient recipes… a mix of classics and hard-tofind recipes.” The weekend event comes in partnership with Sanpellegrino and Acqua Panna, whose distinguished Fine Dining Lovers Guest Chef Series makes some of the world’s most exciting culinary talents accessible to new audiences. The series brings renowned chefs to Thailand from top dining destinations around the

world, and also showcases top chefs from Thailand’s own creative restaurant scene. The brands’ joint-initiative is designed to demonstrate how the finest natural mineral water can be used to enhance the greatest of dining experiences. For more inspiration on food and wine trends, stories, profiles and videos around the world, visit Fine Dining Lovers, an online magazine sponsored by San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna. Banyan Tree Phuket, as host for the festivities, reflects the dedication to quality that defines the renowned Phuket luxury hotel and its reputation for gourmet dining. The set dinner is priced at B3,500 net, with an additional B4,800 net option which includes carefully selected imported beverages with each course. For reservations or enquiries, call 076 372 400 or email: fb-phuket@banyantree.com

14 EVENTS

Time for some fun in the sun!

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Rotary fundraiser set to be one big conga line of fun, food and frivolity Missy Devlin

Dress to impress in Caribbean style.

n April 7 at Dream Beach Club, the Rotary Club of Patong Beach promises a night of fun, food and entertainment for its 9th annual charity dinner auction and dance-athon – a festival full of Caribbean Calypso style fun and frivolity under the colourful theme of “Caribbean Sun Splash”. The evening will start with a refreshing and uplifting tropical welcome drink, or an ice-cold bottle of the amber nectar, to get you in the mood to groove to the wild beats of Caribbean bongo music accompanied by a spectacular blazing fire show and an awesome Latin duo complete with sensuous salsa dancers. The entertainment extravaganza will continue with the evening’s outstanding headliner – divine Canadian diva “EKA Soundz” who will be followed by a “WOW” DJ that will have everyone “shaking their booty” to the beats. To fuel this high-energy party, revellers will enjoy the vibrant flavours of exotic Caribbean cuisine at the sumptuous buffet dinner. But let’s not forget that all of this shaking, shimmying, frenetic fun has a serious purpose – to raise as much funds as possible for the many Rotary Club of Patong Beach projects that help local disadvantaged children.

It was a packed house at last year’s Rotary Gala Fundraiser. Revellers will be bidding for a fabulous range of live and silent auction prizes (Anyone for Wimbledon or Ryder’s Cup tickets? Or perhaps a trip to Machu Picchu in Peru?) plus a huge raffle and there will even be a prize for the most colourful Caribbean-inspired outfit. It promises to be a fantastically fun night for all. So don’t wait – you can go online and start your bidding on the auction website now! Just visit: rotarypatong.org/page/silent-auction Every cent raised during The Rotary Club of Patong Beach’s massive annual fundraiser will go directly to help children – with absolutely no administrative or handling costs added. The Rotary project “Clean Water for Kids” has already placed water sanitisers/ filters in over 360 locations – including most major local government schools – but that is still just the beginning. These filters and reverse osmosis (RO) systems provide clean drinking water to children who previously only had access to contaminated water for drinking. The Rotary Club of Patong Beach also helps local children to be able to stay in school, as well as providing safety helmets and basic school supplies. Also central to Rotary’s work in schools is developing programs to teach the children about the importance of water safety, dental care and good hygiene. Producing this world-class evening

‘EKA Soundz’ will be the evening’s headline act. of fun could not succeed without the support of generous sponsors such as Dream Beach Club, The Phuket News, EKA Soundz and the many others listed on the Rotary Club of Patong Beach website: rotarypatong.org/page/ caribbean-sun-splash. But there is still time to get involved! So restaurants, please consider donating a dinner; retailers, please consider sending over a basket for auction; hoteliers, please consider donating a weekend stay. Everyone should get involved to support this worthy cause – Phuket’s underprivileged kids. So put on your most colourful outfit, showcase your suavest samba, feast on fabulous Latin food, get enraptured by the music, watch eyepopping performances, and most importantly, let your serious self wait at home while you have an evening of non-stop fun! Rotary’s “Caribbean Sun Splash” party will be held at Dream beach Club on Saturday April & at 6:30pm. To purchase tickets contact 083 181 2946 or on the internet at: phuketticketmaster.com. The Phuket News proudly sponsors this event. thephuketnews

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EDUCATION 15

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Launching lifelong entrepreneurs

BISP students to represent Asia-Pacific at MIT LaunchX Global finals

F BISP

our Year 10 students from the British International School, Phuket (BISP); Irawadee Thawornbut, Timofey Podkopayev, Polina Cherdantseva and Uliana Leshchuk have created a winning formula as part of the LaunchX high school entrepreneurial initiative run by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, USA. MIT was recently ranked as the top university in the world in the respected QS World University Rankings. QS is a leading global career and education network that links high achievers around the world with leading business schools, universities and employers. The LaunchX project aims to showcase students’ passions and ambitions as they solve real-world problems through the launch of their own start up companies. This year’s topic of “Environmental Sustainability” was announced by MIT during a live-streamed event organised by the Secondary Deputy Head, Mrs Ginette Stockings, in September at BISP. Team BISP decided to focus their efforts on the creation of a technologybased product with a design development perspective and spent many hours working in the Design and Technology

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From left: Mr Jeff Craigen, Timofey Podkopayev, Uliana Leshchuk, Polina Cherdantseva and Irawadee Thawornbut. department under the supervision of Teacher Mr Jeff Craigen. By using tools such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), 3D-printing and more traditional manufacturing techniques the team was able to create a prototype of a self-

sustaining bio-diversified product. Last month, the BISP team travelled to Shenzhen, China and proudly represented Thailand as they competed against 13 other school teams from the Asia-Pacific region. A panel

of judges including the founder of LaunchX (MIT Engineer and Harvard Business School Alumni), an MIT Alumni from Japan and an Angel investor from Hong Kong declared the BISP team winners of the Asia Region. Building on this success, the students will now take part in the USA finals to be held at the Global Demo Day at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, in April. MIT chooses its Global Demo Day invitees based on three areas of evaluation: •Opportunity Identification – A team has identified a real unmet need for a specific customer segment through having done thorough market research directly with customers. They display a solid understanding of the customer’s drivers that underlie this need. •Proof of Solution and Traction – A team has iterated many times to arrive at a solution that solves the burning need. They’re able to show that their customers care and are willing to pay. •Business Logistics – A team shows a strong sense of its operations and financials, displayed through pricing, projections and future plans. Their pitch lends credibility to their business viability. BISP wishes our entrepreneurs the very best of luck at Global Demo Day in Boston, USA!

18 ISLAND SCENE

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The team from Baan Rim Pa.

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Guests were able to sample the wares of 15 of Phuket's best chefs.

PHUKET FOODIES POP IN FOR FOURTH ‘POP UP’ CULINARY EXTRAVAGANZA Scores of Phuket foodies came to the Phuket Boat Lagoon's White House last Saturday (Mar 17) to sample culinary delights from 15 of the best restaurants in Phuket. The fourth annual “Pop Up” event was a great success for local charity Phuket Has Been Good To Us, which raised funds to help underprivelidged children in Phuket.

Students dressed in their traditional national costumes.

Some BISP students visit the 'The Phuket News' booth.

STUDENTS DRESS IN NATIONAL STYLE FOR BISP INTERNATIONAL DAY Scores of students from the British International School, Phuket donned their national costumes last Friday (Mar 16) to take part in the festivities for the school’s annual International Day. Dozens of nations were represented during the event, which included traditional dancing, games and food of the many nationalities that make up BISP’s diverse international community. Phuket’s Live 89.5 team was also on hand for a live broadcast from the school grounds.

Phuket-based photographer Adriano Trapani and his wife pose with some models.

The dress code for the evening was ‘Shine and Sparkle’.

CAFE DEL MAR PHUKET HOSTS SPECTACULARLY STYLISH GRAND OPENING Cafe del Mar at Kamala Beach hosted its offical Grand Opening Party last Saturday (Mar 17). Phuket’s glitterati turned out en masse to celebrate the occasion and dressed to the nines in accordance with the evening’s dress code of “Shine and Sparkle”.

Some of the PIWC ladies enjoying the lunch that followed the AGM.

From left: Outgoing President Lyn Carthew and new President Maggy Wigman.

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB HOLDS AGM AT NOVOTEL The Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Novotel Phokeethra Hotel last Thursday (Mar 15). thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

The workers behind the scenes also contributed to the success of the show.

ISLAND SCENE 19

The conclusion to one of the show’s big musical numbers.

SUPERSTAN MUSICAL PRODUCTION A HIT WITH HEADSTART COMMUNITY On Friday March 9, HeadStart’s primary CAPA academy presented The Amazing Adventures of Superstan, an action-packed, fun-for-all production, filled with hilarious jokes and catchy songs. Years 4, 5 and 6 performed with enthusiasm, along with the junior academy students, for hundreds of happy parents. Congratulations to all who worked extremely hard to make this another very successful production at HeadStart.

Phuket officials dressed in traditional clothes during a festival ceremony.

The two Heroines are remembered and honoured in Phuket to this day.

PHUKETS LONGSTANDING ‘HEROINES’ FESTIVAL SPECTACULAR IN SCALE Phuket’s annual Heroines Festival, which celebrates the victory of Phuket people led by two formidable women Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sri Suntorn against Burmese Invaders in 1786 was held on March 3-17. The festival featured many events, including a re-enactment of the victorious battle, and many Phuket residents wearing traditional clothing through the festival in honour of the Two Heroines that saved the island. There were several fun team-building exercises held during the camp.

Khanisthanee Kanhdanisdha (left) Director of Human Resources for JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa along with other hotel associates, plant a mangrove tree.

MARRIOTT AND IUCN REPLANT MANGROVES IN PHANG NGA JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa team along with 108 representatives from Southern Marriott in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), took part in “Mangrove Planting 2018”, at Baan Tab Pla, Phang Nga Province, and planted 4,000 mangrove saplings as part of Marriott’s “Serve 360: Doing Good In Every Direction” global commitment to sustainability and environmental strategy.

QSI students enjoys some ball games on the beach at Rang Yai.

QSI SECONDARY STUDENTS HEAD TO RANG YAI FOR CAMPING TRIP Associates of JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa together with representatives from Southern Marriott in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) planted 4,000 mangroves in Baan Tab Pla, Phang Nga.

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QSI Phuket’s annual secondary students camping trip this year took place on the beautiful island of Rang Yai. The trip was filled with fun, group interaction and team-building exercises.

20 EVENTS

FRI

23 MAR

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Young people 13–30 are sponsored by Rotary to attend the event run by the club’s district committee. Today we will meet six RCoPB Scholarship students from Phuket who attended the event last year, sharing what they learned during this program. Cost: 350 THB for members, 550 THB for visitors.

10 Mile International Run Phuket 2018 Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Austcham Phuket Sundowners March 2018

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 445 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com

AustCham Thailand, in collaboration with AMCHAM, BCCT and NTCC is delighted to invite members and guests both from AustCham and partner chambers to join our Phuket Sundowners to be held on Friday 23rd March, 2018, at the Squires Loft Steakhouse Patong from 18:00 - 21:00 (Last drinks served at 20:30). Cost: 400 baht for AustCham members and partner Chambers’ members and 800 baht for non-members. Register online at: http://www.austchamthailand.com/ event-2853437

SAT

24 MAR

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

The Phuket race takes runners through Phuket’s beautiful lush settings, stunning sunrises, and backroads on the island’s northern side. The race spans over four distances: 10-mile (16 km), 5-mile (8 km), 3-mile (4.8 km), and 500-metre (for children aged 4-12 years). The top three finishers in the 10 and 5 mile categories receive a trophy. All finishers receive a medal and T-shirt. For more information and register on the website (Entry Deadline: 17 Mar) : https://www.thanyapura.com/ event/supersports-10-mile-international-run-phuket2018-presented-thanyapura Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort Phuket, events@thanyapura.com, 076 336 000.

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

SUN

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

6th Anniversary pink party Xana beach club 6th Anniversary pink party. CoranKolour (Australia) 14:00-16:00, Lazykay-sing sing theater (France)16:00-18:00, Alex Fischer-Oskar (France) 18:00-20:00, Fred Canal-sing sing theater (France) 20:00-22:00, Sacres Francais (France) 22:00-closing. Reservation, XANA Beach Club, info@ xanabeachclub.com, 076 358 500.

Phuket’s Best Burger 4 Showcase of the Immortals Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) a leadership program coordinated by Rotary around the globe.

Phuket’s Best Burger 4, “Showcase of the Immortals” Saturday March 24 at Boat Lagoon Marina. 4pm – 10pm. Burgers, drinks, live music, cooking shows, dancers and activities for the kids. Who will become Phuket’s Best Burger 2018?

Premium main courses including imported steaks and whole lobster, accompanied by a buffet of delicious appetizers. Every Sunday from 2 - 5.30 pm with live music performed by the ‘Colin Illy Hill Band’. Pricing: 1,700++ Baht/person and 3,200++ Baht/couple. For more information : www.salaphuket.com SALA Phuket Resort and Spa, fbphuket@salaphuket.com, 076 338 888.

25 MAR

Biotherapy Electronic Energy Healing “Nowadays, we acknowledged that the human body is built to heal and rejuvenate itself through the assistance of the immune system. For over 40 years people have been looking for other complementary methods which are non-invasive, have no side effects and are affordable to help themselves and their family members recover from various different health problems. These methods include things like yoga, meditation, chiropractic, aromatherapy and especially bio-energy therapy. Biotherapy Asia would like to offer 2 complimentary tickets for therapy and one 100% sponsored Module A intensive training course for those who register for a Biotherapy Free Talk on March 23 from 10am-1pm. You will get key information about biotherapy as well as the bioenergetic world. If you have any health problems, join us in group therapy weekends on March 31 and April 1. If you want to learn to become a future Biotherapist, join our extensive Biotherapy course from March 26 to April 1. For more information, contact us at 086 599 9399 WhatsApp and phone, LINE APP and FACEBOOK @biotherapyasia

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

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

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

The Pool Linner at Hyatt Regency

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night

Revolutionizing Phuket’s Brunch scene, here is how you brunch Hyatt Regency Phuket style! Wake up late or get active early, then spend your entire Sunday afternoon relaxing, dining and indulging by the pool, in great company or solo! Features: Six hours of freeflow beverages and buffet by the pool; Tunes by our resident DJ & live music; Complimentary shoulder & neck massages; Exciting kids’ entertainment; And a lucky draw. Take part in our Charity Auction to support Phuket’s unprivileged children, with the chance to throw our Executive Chef into the pool! Price: B1,950 net per person includes free flow fruit juices and soft drinks, B2,850 net per person includes free flow of selected beverages. For reservations contact Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort: fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com or call 076 231 234 ext. 5106

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

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MON

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

26 MAR

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

will also be able to enjoy the island’s epicurean delights sold by local vendors and restaurateurs. Join us for food and family fun from 11 am to 3pm.

A night with Jonathan Davies OBE Jonathan Davies OBE – Welsh Rugby League and Union legend will be in Phuket for just 1 night – 3rd April at Squires Loft. B2,500 includes a meal, 2 selected drinks and a chance to hear and meet and true sporting legend. Once in a lifetime opportunity – contact graham@ phukethasbeengoodtous.org or call 087 279 1230

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

THU

29 MAR

RETRO NIGHT – BACK TO THE 70S & 80S Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Flambé 300g Australian grass fed rib eye steak served with a creamy peppercorn sauce, roasted vegetable medley and potato gratin for ONLY B495. Have a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanilla ice cream for ONLY B95. Sit back and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen to the famous Two Chefs band performing all your favorite retro hits and more! Live music starts from 8pm and goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations. Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at WWW.TWOCHEFS.COM or find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/TWOCHEFSTHAILAND/ COME FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE FUN! Reservations: Call us directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076 330 065, Kata Beach 076 333 370, Karon 076 286 479, Patong 076 344 914.

STONEFISH WINEMAKER’S DINNER Enjoy a delightful evening featuring fine food paired with a selection of exquisite vintages. Winemaker Peter Papnikitas of Stonefish Wines typifies the very best of Australian viticulture, with varietals from carefully selected vineyards from across Australia. Price: B3,500++ per person. Reservations or more information – Sea.Fire.Salt. at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villa: dining.apk@anantara.com or call + 66(0) 7633 6100

SAT

31 MAR

FRI

6 APR

FRI

30 MAR

Thailand’s first Michelin-Star Chef

Thailand SUP Festival 2018 The Thailand SUP Festival is the biggest Stand Up Paddleboard event in Thailand. This year will be the 5th annual event. It will be a fantastic event with technical races, sprints and relays, fun races for kids & families, SUP Yoga and lots of great prizes. Come down to LUX Beach Club on 7 April 2018. www.thailandsupfestival.com info@thailandsupfestival.com

Chillin & Grillin at Sala Phuket On Mai Khao Beach, Sunday, March 31. Easter family special. BBQ Buffet, Pimms in the park, Easter egg hunt, games, face painting, balloon art, B850 per adult ot B450 for under 12’s. SALA Phuket Resort and Spa. For more information and bookings contact SALA Phuket on 076 338 888 or email them at: events@ salaphuket.com.

MON

2 APR

Boat Lagoon Weekend Beats & Bites Music & Food & Fun. 6-7 April 2018 from 6:00pm till 10:00pm at Lagoon Quay.

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong

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SAT

28 APR

PHAB 2 - Glam, Glitz and Glitter

Oklahoma! Oklahoma An Upbeat Version for Everyone. Music by Richard Rodgers book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. for more information and tickets contact British International School, Phuket: ldaniel@bisphuket.ac.th

TUE

3 APR

Dinner - Rotary Club Patong

The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites

Caribbean Sun Splash Fundraiser The Rotary Club of Patong Beach celebrates a “Caribbean Sun Splash” Fundraiser to benefit the children of Phuket. The B3000 per person ticket includes a sumptuous Caribbean buffet dinner, welcome drink, an entertainment extravaganza featuring EKA Soundz, plus Latin DJs with salsa and fire dancers. Online, live and silent auction prizes, a raffle and a prize for most colorful costume. (Srart to bid now at: biddingOwl.com/PatongRotary) Tickets at: phuketticketmaster.com

Saffron restaurant presents Thailand’s first Michelin-Star Chef, exclusive 6 course set dinner 3,500 net per person food only, 4,800 per person with premium beverage pairing. Reservation, Banyan tree Phuket, +66 76 372 400

Inspired Phuketian with Kiranee Narabal Speech title – Following The King’s Footsteps. Held monthly and open to the public, this event gives an opportunity for well-lived people the chance to share their life experiences. Inspired by the famous TED Talks, this it’s a great way for people to really connect to authentic ideas that will benefit their well-being and happiness in general. Limited to 55 seats only and priced at B350/pax/net including one drink and pass around canapé. Register now by providing name and email to sales@skyelakeclub.com Skye Lake Club Laguna, Cherng Talay.

SAT

7 APR

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

Phuket Oilfield Classic 2018 Phuket Oilfield Classic 2018, Friday April 6 at Laguna Golf Phuket, Saturday April 7 at Blue Canyon. Register online now at: events@foremanagement.com. The Phuket Oilfield Classic 2018: events@foremanagement.com

International Student Cooking Competition and Food Fair QSI Phuket is proud to announce their 2nd Annual Cooking Competition and Food Fare. On April 6 student teams from across the island will compete to impress celebrity chefs at our Kathu Campus. Visitors

The Phuket Hotels Association, a nonprofit organisation of hoteliers focused on promoting a positive image for Phuket while also supporting communitybased projects, is hosting a benefit gala dinner on Saturday 28 April 2018 to raise funds for 20 hospitality scholarships and traineeships for local residents. The Glam, Glitz and Glitter event will take place the Latitude Marque, Laguna Phuket from 7pm until midnight. Tickets available at phuketticketmaster.com

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

22 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Who designed the Jolly Roger flag, featuring a skull with crossed swords? 2. What word, meaning the person in charge or the boss, comes from the Japanese for ”squad leader”? 3. Who wrote A Dictionary of the English Language, published on April 15, 1755? 4. The fuppence was a silver coin worth four pence that was discontinued in 1856. What was its better-known name? 5. Who is the only honouree with five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across 1. Disney division 4. Certain refrigerant, briefly 7. Fly catcher 10. Pinnacle 12. Turns in pipes 14. Plunder 15. Bollywood setting 17. Get back 18. Employed 19. Brunch dish 22. Salad choice 23. Ballroom dance 27. Antiquity, old-style 28. Fruit often eaten dried 30. Black or Red? 31. Auditory range 32. Seasoned raw meat dish 35. Fed. property mgr. 37. Broker’s cut 38. Bar beverage 39. Celery, diced apples, nuts and mayonnaise 44. Tinge 45. Neighbor of Ukr. 46. CA ball team, for short 47. Taint 50. Test of character 52. Sushi side 54. Southern dish 58. Make permanent

corn 25. Empty 26. Have real existence 29. Large fishing hooks 30. Take the wrong way? 32. Blue 33. Famous falcon 34. Shade 35. Big ox 36. Toboggan Down 39. TV doctor 1. For each involved in space 2. Cincinnati player exploration 3. Mooched 40. Start-up company 4. World’s largest particle physics developing a 360 lab degree camera 5. Bolt 41. Kind of class 6. Not bare 42. Croquet area 7. Much used verb in 43. Proverb history 47. Lion, bear, or whale 8. Stretch 48. Monasteries 9. Sleeping need 49. Had an uprising 11. Show affection for 51. Ape 13. Bridal wreath 53. __ pump: waste shrub disposal device 14. Dancer’s dress 16. In the direction on 55. Genesis son 56. ___gram the stern 20. Lake near Niagara 57. Newts 58. “C’___ la vie!” Falls 59. Specifying article 21. Arctic fish 24. Coarsely-ground 60. Sting 61. Wide-eyed one 62. Ant 63. “Get out of here!” 64. Gold plate 65. Sign on a ticket booth 66. Pearl Jam “Oceans” album 67. Discouraging words 68. It may cause a bad trip

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Karl Starling; 2) Honcho; 3) Samuel Johnson; 4) Groat; 5) Gene Autry

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history Mar 23, 1801 Tsar Paul I of Russia is struck with a sword, then strangled, and finally trampled to death inside his bedroom at St Michael’s Castle.

8.5

percent of adults worldwide currently have diabetes – that rate was 4.7% in 1980.

minutes is all it took for Sia to write Rihanna’s song Diamonds.

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

bottles of sunscreen were used by the cast “Baywatch” each month to keep them free from sunburn.

Mar 25, 1306 Robert the Bruce becomes King of Scots (Scotland).

1,000

Mar 26, 1169 Saladin, a Sunni Muslim of Kurdish ethnicity, becomes the first sultan of Egypt and the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty.

emojis is what students at China’s University of Electronic Science and Technology are forced to write out every time they are late to class.

Mar 27, 1915 “Typhoid Mary” Mallon, the first healthy carrier of the disease ever identified in the United States, is put in quarantine, where she would remain for the rest of her life.

81 million US dollars was stolen from a Bangladesh Bank by hackers due to the bank’s use of $10 computer network switches and no firewalls. Source: Uberfacts

Sunrise at Saphan Hin. Photo by Jeffrey Ephreim Villanueva Villegas Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Mar 28, 1979 A coolant leak at the Three Mile Island’s Unit 2 nuclear reactor outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the US, leads to the core overheating and a partial meltdown. Mar 29, 1973 Vietnam War: The last United States combat soldiers leave South Vietnam. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Trades & Services

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ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

EDUCATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

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POOL SERVICES

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OTHER

ADVERTISE HERE

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

BAR, RESTAURANT Bar staff wanted

nt rge

Blondie Bar 2 at Otop Market Patong U requires Bar Staff. Thai nationals only. Good salary and room provided. Phone Mick: 081 087 6114.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE sa nt e g r

FOR SALE: SILVERCRAFT 31

ALMOST NEW, 35 HOURS ONLY, STILL U UNDER WARRANTY. EXTRAS, GRAB RAILS COVERS. AVAILABLE NOW. THAI REGISTERED AND TAX PAID. SEA TRIAL AT SHORT NOTICE OK. New price inc reg and extras B4,863,000. Offers over B4.6 Million. Contact William: wfphelps@me.com or 086 943 0333.

6.2m Hypalon Stingray RIB

“Ready to go” w 175hp 4str Suzuki w 130hrs, 8hp aux, dble axle trailer, Garmin 521S, 160l fuel and full set of gear. Top condition. Call Harry on 081 273 1740.

sa nt e g r

Boat For Sale

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

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Unique Investment Opportunity

Unique investment opportunity. Not to be missed. 5 pool villas / 8 Rai of land / Thai Company with Freehold included. INCREDIBLE PRICE. Contact: wfphelps@me.com

Restaurant for sale

Thai food, Seafood restaurant at Karon beach for sale. 1,500,000 Million Baht, George, Karon Beach, georgiospolyno@ gmail.com, 081 088 1451 George, 082 283 3154 May.

SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

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

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE sa nt e g r

2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

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

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Z300 ABS for Sale

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

OTHER Loch Palm Golf Club

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

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property in Phuket!

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

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Chatta Real Estate

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE 80m2 freehold condo in Patong

Freehold 80m2, 2-bedroom apartment in quiet condo with swimming pool in Patong. Ideal investment in most active tourist area in Phuket. B5.9 million. Contact Michel GUILLIEN, Andaman Beach Suites, Unit 1604, Patong, Phuket. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

PROPERTY FOR SALE OFFERED FOR SALE

OFFERED FOR SALE A profitable and intimate 20 room garden resort situated on Koh Lanta, Krabi at the end of Long Beach just a 2 minute stroll to the sea. Set in lush gardens, the bungalows are tastefully finished each with their own full – length verandas. Ideally located in Phra Ae village, with many amenities in the immediate area. The resort benefits from: • A delightful swimming pool (guest use only) • Car-park • Free-WIFI throughout the resort • Room-service • A combined restaurant & bar adjacent to the pool with state of the art Western kitchen • A beautiful tropical garden • Private manager’s accommodation (screened from the resort) • staff quarters • Private electricity supply • Ample water supply & storage For further information, please Email gardenisland.pp@ gmail.com For the attention of Ms. Chorladda CHUANCHOM with the following details: 1. Full name of potential Buyer 2. Full contact details, i.e. , Mobile phone number 3. Brief explanation of experience (if any) in the service industry The Vendor is genuine & the price is opportunistic. Genuine inquiries only please.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

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PROPERTY FOR SALE Nicklas Klodner

2-Story Villa -Gated Community @ Pruksa The Plant Kathu Cornered Land Plot 170 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms indoors 140 sqm With furniture ready to move in B8,100,000, Nicklas Klodner, The Plant 144/15, nicklas. klodner@gmail.com, +6680 519 7719

RPM owner direct

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool etc. Completely furnished to a high standard, toothbrush only required. Owner leaving Thailand. Priced at 16MB for quick sale. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com RoyalPhuketMarinaCondos.com

Brand new 1 bedroom house

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

Building for Sale

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

Freehold studio at low price

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

Single house for sale

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

5-bed pool villa, 1.2 Rai

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

Chalong Office, Workshop/Store

300sqm office on 2 floors with all services incl.3 phone lines + 300sqm undercover workshop/store with 4m ht & 3 phase. Chanote 0.5rai. B12,000,000, Simon Jupe, 29/4 Soi Nayai, Chalong, Phuket 83130. Email: simonj@cscoms.com or call +66 (0)87 883 2542

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR RENT

New Modern Villa 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

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

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Property 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

SPORT 29

B4.5mn condo up for grabs Unit could be won at WCGC Thailand Final with hole-in-one GOLF The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

ast week started with some very exciting news with the WCGC Thailand’s main sponsor Blue Horizon announcing they will be giving away a condo at their Grand Himalai project as a hole-in-one prize in the final of WCGC Thailand. Grand Himalai will be operated as a 5-star hotelresort under Ramada Plaza and in the ideal location in Kamala along Millionaires’ Mile. Grand Himalai is a large development offering unique facilities such as cable car, iceberg pool and lobby, birds nest style spa, meditation garden and a natural waterfall. The selected unit for anyone lucky enough to get a hole-in-one in the final on April 28 is a luxurious studio apartment offering a stylish modern interior at 34 square metres and is worth B4.5 million. With this exciting announcement and the race to

@thephuketnews

Steve Warnock, Adrienne Fullerton, Hallbjorn Stenhaug and Piyawan Khongjam before teeing off.

What’s on at the ACG

Fore Management’s Jack Hedges with the Banyan Qualifier winning teams. Phuket is really heating up, last week saw the WCGC series visit both Pattaya and Hua Hin, having events at both Phoenix Gold and Banyan Golf Club. Both courses provided a stern test for the golfers taking part. Qualifier 3 at Phoenix Gold Golf Club in Pattaya last Thursday (Mar 15) saw three teams qualify for the final. One

of these teams Akvavit Grill & Bar getting to the Thailand final for the 2nd year running. The WCGC Series then travelled on to Banyan in Hua Hin last Saturday (Mar 17) for qualifier 4. It was an extremely windy day but two teams came out victorious including the Evason Hua Hin, booking their places in Phuket on April 28

at the final. The last chance to qualify for final will be on April 4 at Laguna Golf Phuket, to sign up please call 095 075 0368 or send and email to events@ foremanagement.com The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of the Blue Horizon WCGC Thailand.

Date

Time

Sat March 24

All Day

Aussie Rules Regional Tournament

Activity Local Friendly

Sun March 25

10am

Wed March 28

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Fri March 30

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Sat March 31

2pm

Outrigger Touch Rugby Final

Wed April 11 - Sun April 14

All Day

Fri April 13

Event

Songkran Rest Day

Fri April 20 - Sun April 22

All Day

Thalang Asian Cricket 7s Tour

Fun day for all the family Asian Cricket Sixes Tour Four-Day Regional Competition

Three-Day International Tournament

Touch Rugby - A fun event for the whole family.

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

macher and his seven titles, no driver has equalled Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio’s five world championships, won in 1951 and 1954–57. It was therefore fitting that the closing rounds of the 2017 season teased the most fitting of scenarios for 2018: a title fight between Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing as each seeks to make or defend a stake in the record books, and a second championship showdown between Hamilton and Vettel for ownership of the sport’s current era. But again that central question: Can anyone catch Mercedes? Unlike last season, when the team was forced to revise its suspension system after an FIA rules clarification, the German marque has enjoyed a smooth development phase to build on last year’s car’s strengths and iron out its weaknesses. Ferrari, on the other hand, in adapting its largely successful 2017 package to build on its second-place momentum, appears to have slipped behind Red Bull Racing.

When once Red Bull Racing would have developed its car right up to the start of the season in a bid to find extra performance at the risk of unreliability, this season it pulled out all stops to be ready for day one of testing, the dividends being a more productive preseason. However, its weakness – the underpowered Renault engine – remains, potentially leaving it hamstrung in the season at least. These flaws are only small percentages for Ferrari and Red Bull Racing, but Mercedes has consistently defined its era in Formula One by leaving nothing to chance and dominating performance in the margins. Only flawless concept and perfect execution will do when facing down the mighty Mercedes. The Australian Grand Prix will adjudicate whether F1’s title hopefuls are capable of either.

Can anyone catch them? 2018 season a chance to extend Mercedes’ reign atop motorsport BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

he setting is idyllic: an inner-suburban lake in a grassy public park encircled by palm trees and set against the Melbourne skyline. But for one weekend each year the scream of high-performance engines and the screech of rubber on tarmac disrupt the peace as Albert Park hosts the opening round of the Formula One season. The shadow-boxing of the preseason wets the appetite, but the vagaries of testing – of who used what fuel load with which power setting on which tyres – serve to dilute the competitive picture. Not so at the Australian Grand Prix, for when the flag drops, the talk stops – or so goes the child-friendly version of the old F1 adage. And of all the questions posed by Formula One in the northern winter months, one requires an answer above

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton drives at the Circuit de Catalunya on Feb 26 in Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona during the first day of the first week of tests for the Formula One Grand Prix season. Photo: Jose Jordan / AFP the rest: Can anyone catch Mercedes? The 2018 season beckons to Mercedes as more than a chance to merely extend its reign atop the pinnacle of motorsport; the opportunity to begin rewriting Formula One history is on offer for the Silver Arrows. A fifth constructors’ world

championship would elevate Mercedes above Red Bull Racing in terms of both consecutive and accumulative titles. Such a feat would place the team outright second for most consecutive Formula One constructors’ titles and make it the most successful team since Ferrari’s era of domination ended with a sixth straight

championship in 2004 – a record that would come into striking range in 2019. A fifth drivers’ world championship for Lewis Hamilton would similarly elevate the Briton above his German rival Sebastian Vettel, marking him out as the dominant driver of the generation. Except for Michael Schu-

Don’t forget to tune in to Live89.5 each and every Saturday at 9am and 5pm for the Box of Neutrals radio show.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Success for BISP at FOBISIA Golf’s Black Mountain Golf Club, Hua Hin course

ISP golfers produced a magnificent performance last week at the Fobisia Golf Championships, Black Mountain GC, Hua Hin. With the championship course in superb condition and the greens very fast, our golfers adapted well and achieved some outstanding results. Several key members of the team, including Toy and Mark, were sadly unavailable for the competition due to attendance elsewhere, but this ultimately provided the opportunity for our Developmental players to raise their game. Winning his Age group (U15) by an impressive 11 shots with rounds of 69,70 (-5 total), 14 year old Sebastian Sawtell also narrowly missed out on taking 1st place in the boy’s event overall. Coach Oliver commented on his efforts saying, ‘I'm really pleased for Sebastian, he has had a lot of responsibility this week to step up as our leading player and his performance was simply magnificent. He proved he is now an elite player; the

way he approached the event and his mental strength under pressure were really impressive. He has worked so hard this year and I can see Sebastian really pushing on from here into high levels of the game. Our main focus now will be his strength and conditioning, but he really is a player to watch for the future.’ Another notable player, Filip Arnesten also produced some outstanding golf. His rounds of 72,74 (+2 total) gave him 3rd place in his highly competitive division (U11's). He also finished 4th in the overall boy’s champi-

onship which was an outstanding result. With his total score of 146, and his personal best score for 2 rounds, Filip’s efforts were impressive throughout the whole event. Coach Oliver added that ‘Filip has always been highly rated at our Academy, he has a great natural action and is starting to really mature as a player in big events. I really enjoyed watching him this week, his ball striking and mental approach were first class. Filip has an amazing ability and will become a top player if he continues to work hard.’ Overall, the BISP Boys finished 2nd in the team event with a total score of 285 (-3) and just missed out on the title which went to Shrewsbury, Bangkok by 2 shots. A proud Coach Oliver added ‘I'm delighted with the efforts of all of our players, and it was a pleasure to be with the entire BISP team this past week. We can be very proud of their behaviour on and off the course, and the learning experience for the players has proved invaluable.’

MAIN SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri Panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for March 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at any Walkabout Sports Bar in Karon.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

*Times may be subject to change

SPORT

START

STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Rugby League Rugby Union Cricket

14:00 13:30 11:00 14:50

16:00 15:30 14:30 23:00

NRL Super XV Test 1, Auckland Test 3, Cape Town

Bulldogs v. Panthers Crusaders v. Bulls New Zealand v. England, Day 2 South Africa v. Australia, Day 2

11:10 13:30 22:10 19:55 12:45 14:30 11:00 14:50

13:10 15:30 00:00 21:55 14:15 16:00 14:30 23:00

Super XV Super XV Super XV Guinness Pro 14 Formula 1 Superbikes Test 1, Auckland Test 3, Cape Town

Sunwolves v. Chiefs Hurricanes v. Highlanders Stormers v. Reds Southern Kings v. Benetton Qualifying, Albert Park Race 1, Chang Int. Circuit, Thailand New Zealand v. England, Day 3 South Africa v. Australia, Day 3

20:55 11:00 12:00 14:30 19:00 11:00 14:50

23:55 11:45 14:30 16:00 21:30 14:30 23:00

Aviva Premiership Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Superbikes EFL Test 1, Auckland Test 3, Cape Town

Leicester v. Wasps Raceday, Melbourne Motor Bikes Race 2, Chang Int. Circuit, Thailand Chesterfield v. Notts County New Zealand v. England, Day 4 South Africa v. Australia, Day 4

Friday 23rd Mar

Saturday 24th Mar Rugby Union

Rugby Union Motor Racing Motor Bikes Cricket

Sunday 25th Mar Rugby Union Motor Racing

Soccer Cricket

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OVERALL STANDINGS

adamrosindale 19 stafsulaiman 19 bondi brummie 18 TC 18 Ajax Amsterdam 17

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

TC 169 adamrosindale 165 diggersd 165 thailand express 163 MRB 162

English Premier League 2017 - 2018 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Live Sports TV Schedule

MONTHLY SPONSOR

Team

Pts

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

30 30 31 30 30 30 30 30 31 31 31 30 30 30 31 31 30 30 31 31

26 20 18 18 17 14 11 10 11 9 10 8 8 8 8 7 7 5 6 3

3 5 9 7 5 6 10 10 7 9 6 10 8 7 7 9 9 13 9 11

1 5 4 5 8 10 9 10 13 13 15 12 14 15 16 15 14 12 16 17

85 58 73 59 52 55 27 45 37 37 39 28 30 25 25 30 36 29 29 24

20 23 34 25 27 41 26 43 50 49 55 40 40 42 52 48 57 44 58 49

+65 +35 +39 +34 +25 +14 +1 +2 -13 -12 -16 -12 -10 -17 -27 -18 -21 -15 -29 -25

81 65 63 61 56 48 43 40 40 36 36 34 32 31 31 30 30 28 27 20

Sport WHAT’SUP PHUKET THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

More places booked for WCGC Thailand Final 2018 > p29

After year hiatus, the island gears up for 5th Thailand SUP Festival PADDLEBOARDING

The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

he Thailand SUP Festival is an annual showcase of Stand Up Paddling (SUP) brands and names which bring together SUP enthusiasts based in Thailand and international competitors for a fun and spirited weekend of networking and competition at one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches. Now in it’s 5th year, the Thailand SUP Festival will take place on April 7 at LUX Beach Club, Bang Tao Beach. With activities for the whole family including 6 kilometre and 2km Technical SUP races, team relay, 200 metre sprint race, fun, family and kids races, SUP Yoga and SUP lessons.

Although competition is always fierce, there is also a family-friendly side to the event. Photo: Supplied The last event in 2016 brought together 80 competitors and around 300 spectators from Thailand, Singapore and Australia, Hungary and Japan. This year, the event organisers expect to attract up to 100 competitors, with

paddlers from Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, China and Australia already registered to attend. The 6km and 2km Stand Up Paddleboard races will start at 9am on Saturday April 7, so that it won’t be

too hot for the competitors. There’s time for a lunch break at LUX Beach Club before the afternoon races kick off again at 2pm, followed by SUP Yoga and SUP lessons and a buffet dinner / awards presentation at LUX Beach Club in the evening. There’s a great prize pool on offer to the winners and participants with the total prize pool worth B150,000. Trash Hero Phuket will be leading a beach clean up at Bang Tao Beach on the same day, starting at 4pm in front of LUX Beach Club. The first 100 people to register for the event will also receive a free Trash Hero 750ml stainless steel refillable water bottle plus free water refills on the day. Stand Up Paddleboard brands Starboard, Sunova Surfboards and BIC SUP will be at the event. Some of these companies manufacture Stand

Up Paddleboards here in Thailand, and they hope to see the sport grow in popularity as it has done in other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the USA. The following local businesses are also supporting the event: LUX Beach Club, Arinara Bang Tao Resort, Freedom Boardsports, SUP Station Thailand, Anthem Wakepark, Surfhouse Phuket, 69SLAM, Lovely Wines, The Phuket News and Phuket Live 89.5 Radio. Event Date: Saturday April 7, 2018 Location: LUX Beach Club, Bang Tao Beach, Phuket For more information and to register: www.thailandsupfestival.com The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of this event.

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