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100 100 40 50 Suwit Pongkatin is restrained by officials after he tried to stop them demolishing his restaurant.

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Japan hunkers down as new disaster hits.

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–Photo by Phuket Anti-Narcotics Task Force.

BEACH BRAWL Illegal restaurant owners clash with police Two Karon beach vendors clashed with police in a fiery confrontation last weekend, as they attempted to intervene and prevent officers demolishing illegal restaurants along the beachfront.

Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha, commander of Phuket Provincial Police Pol Maj Gen Pekad Tantipong, and officials from Karon municipality led a team of more than 70 early Sunday morning (September 18) to clear up the three restaurants built illegally on the beach in front of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket.

They also brought in the

heavy cavalry – a large backhoe provided by Karon Municipality – to do most of the dirty work.

The action was taken under orders from the Ministry of Interior, Gov Tri explained, after the Ministry received several complaints about beach front encroachment.

Local authorities had met with the owners of the three restaurants – all brothers from the Pongkatin family – several times this year, and had issued formal requests for them to move their business to an area designated by Karon Municipality.

However, the family failed

to comply with those orders, instead adding more permanent structures like toilets and kitchens to their establishments, leading police to conduct last weekend’s raid.

The officers, including several from Phuket’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force, converged on the restaurants at about 5.30am on Sunday morning.

The restaurant owners, who arrived later, complained loudly that they had not been given advance notice of the demolition.

One of the restaurant owners, 47-year-old Nawin Pongkatin, had to be restrained by officers as he attempted to

physically stop the demolition crews. The family claimed excessive force was used in the process, though this was refuted by police.

The situation became more intense when Mr Nawin’s brother, Suwit Pongkatin, 45, also jumped in to oppose officials and assist his brother.

Mr Nawin eventually had to be taken to Chalong police station to help calm the situation, and was later bailed out by his family.

Mr Suwit claimed his family had been operating the restaurants on Karon beach for the past 30 years, and had never been asked to move on.

He labelled the demolition as a case of officials bowing to pressure from Centara, which opened last year. The restaurants partially obstructed the resort’s ocean views.

The Head of the Phuket Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Wiroj Suwannawong, dismissed those claims and said it was simply a matter of enforcing Thai law, which states an individual must not trespass on a public area for personal gain.

“Even if you have operated for a long time, if it’s public land, you can’t own it for yourself,” Mr Wiroj said.

–Paritta Wangkiat

Alonso aims to wreck Vettel’s victory party.

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ISLAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

US ‘will not join debate on tuk-tuks’

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US Consul General Pratt: ‘Regulating transport is up to the Thai government.’

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The United States Consul General in Bangkok, Elizabeth Pratt, has said the responsibility of sorting out the island’s tuk-tuk and taxi problems falls on the Government and she has no plans to get involved in the debate.

Ms Pratt was in Phuket on Friday (September 16) to provide “Outreach” embassy services for US citizens.

Ms Pratt, who began her three-year term one month ago, said she and other officials were well aware of the tuk-tuk and taxi situation in Phuket.

“I don’t want to shirk responsibility, but regulating the industry here is really the Thai Government’s responsibility. They are the ones who deal with the tourism industry.

“This is a large tourist destination and if the tourists can no longer feel comfortable here, then it could have... well I don’t want to suggest what it could have.”

At recent meetings between Phuket’s provincial authorities and honorary consuls to discuss concerns about the island’s transport woes, the United States has been noticeably absent.

Ms Pratt said this was because the country has volunteer “wardens” in Phuket. The US does not have a system of honorary consuls anywhere.

There were no plans for any US official representatives to get involved

in the debate with the local authorities, she added.

The United States’ travel website, travel.state.gov, has information advising tourists to negotiate taxi fares before getting in the vehicle, and other general information about Phuket and Thailand. There is also a Smart Traveller smartphone application available, Ms Pratt said.

“It’s always serious when it affects the wellbeing of our citizens.

But if you’re well-informed, that’s your best defence.”

Ms Pratt said an independent travel advisory for Phuket was “not appropriate” because the information was already available on the US’s travel website, and advisories were usually time-sensitive.

There had been no Americans involved in any tuk-tuk or taxi-related violence that she knew of.

Before arriving in Bangkok for the position last month, she was the Deputy Director of Southern African Affairs, at the Bureau of African Affairs in the US. Friday was her first time in Phuket, which she described as “charming”.

“I want to come back here on vacation, but I’ll negotiate any tuk-tuk prices in advance,” she said with a smile.

–Claire Connell

Saga of ancient beads continues An exhibition of ancient beads is now on display at Thalang National Museum in a thinly veiled bid to prove the national treasures remain under the care of the Regional Department of Fine Arts.

But the most valuable beads, and the source of some contention, are notably absent from the exhibition, which began on Monday (September 19) and will run until the end of the month.

The issue of the ancient beads came into the spotlight in late July after Suta Prateepnathalang, ViceChairman of the Phuket Happiness Development Association, went on national television to announce his fears that the beads had been lost to illegal traders.

He noted that thousands of decorative prehistoric beads – some worth as much as B1 million and thought to be between 2,000 and 4,000 years old – had disappeared after their discovery in Phang Nga and Ranong as long as eight years ago.

Thai law states that all archeological artifacts found beneath the ground must be handed to the Department of Fine Arts and kept in national museums.

Archeologist Boonyarit Chine-

A visitor examines the pre-historic beads at Thalang National Museum. suwan, who is undertaking research on the beads, insisted that the full collection remained in the care of the Regional Department of Fine Arts

office, but could not be displayed while research was taking place.

Neither men provided definitive evidence to support their claims, and

the current exhibition is unlikely to completely satisfy Mr Suta, with the largest, most valuable beads not available for public viewing.

Mr Boonyarit said those were still undergoing research and would be displayed in due course.

“I agree that many [Thai national artifacts] are in the hands of private owners,” he said. “Trading archeological artifacts is a chronic problem [in Thailand].”

Archeological artifacts can be resold endlessly because of their high value, Mr Boonyarit further explained, before adding “It’s impossible to keep an eye on every historical piece found in Thailand.”

However, Mr Suta questioned why the Fine Arts office doesn’t use laws to retrieve artifacts back from private owners, as simply possessing them is also a crime.

“There are some cases where we found villagers who possessed beads they had dug out themselves.

But because there were no victims in these cases, we didn’t arrest them,” said Mr Boonyarit.

He said he welcomed a f ull inquiry into Mr Suta’s complaint, insisting that “The beads have not disappeared.”

ISLAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

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Police strike big with drug busts

Maj Gen Pekad Tantiwong shows off the haul, packaged neatly in a cheerful gold bag.

One of the largest hauls of yaice (crystal methamphetamine) ever seized on Phuket – 1.04 kilograms – was put on display last Thursday (September 15) along with 25,905 pills of ya-ba (methamphetamine) and four depressed-looking alleged drug dealers.

The total street value of the drugs was estimated at B8 million.

The arrests began when undercover police set up a drug buy in Phuket Town with Wichai Sapparod, 26. After the ‘deal’ was done, officers arrested Wichai.

They seized 12 ya-ba pills, 0.95 grams of ya-ice and a pistol from him.

Under questioning, Wichai gave police two names: Sunaree Boodsisuay, 23, and Supan Jandang, 40. Police set up an-

other ‘deal’ and then arrested the pair, taking possession of 21.3 grams of ya-ice, 643 yaba pills, two more guns and B150,000 cash.

Sunaree admitted she had bought the drugs from a longtail boatman name Adul Tongkly, 22. She and Supan then organised a meeting with him early last Thursday, at which Adul was promptly arrested.

This time, police hit the jackpot, seizing close to a kilo of ya-ice packed in a cheerful gold bag with a picture of a coconut on it, and another 25,240 ya-ba pills.

Adul confessed he had regularly bought drugs in Phang Nga province, loaded them onto his longtail and motored from Khok Kloy the long way round the south end of Phuket before landing at

a pier in Tambon Pa Khlok, where he delivered the drugs to Supan.

Police in Phang Nga are expected to follow up on information supplied by Adul about his drug sources.

Phuket police commander, Maj Gen Pekad Tantipong, said police and local authorities have been handing out forms to local communities to identify drug hot-spots. The forms ask local people, anonymously, to identify known haunts of drug users. In this way 57 places have been identified.

“A strong community is very important in the fight against drugs,” Maj Gen Pekad said. “We’re trying to encourage local people to be aware of drug networks, and to look after their communities.”

All aboard in push for public transport Trains and ferries are the way forward, heard the Senate Committee of Transportation (SCT) during their meeting last Friday (September 16) with prominent locals to discuss public transportation on Phuket.

After observing the quality of the island’s roads during his visit, Prapat Chongsanguan, assistant to the Minister for Transport, said the island needs more roads and better public transport.

Though private lands will need to be expropriated for road construction, they are needed to support public transportation in

the future, Mr Prapat said.

However, Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, vice president of the Phuket Tourism Association, was concerned that additional roads may not be a real solution.

“The more roads we have, the more vehicles we will have,” he said. “We definitely need a public transportation system, but it must use clean energy.”

For many present, a Light Railway Train system (LRT) was the best solution, but as many meeting participants complained to the SCT, the proposed LRT project has been a tedious process, already under

discussion for more than 10 years.

It’s understood that as much as B10 billion is required to build a LRT route from Phuket International Airport to Chalong Circle.

Another problem is Thailand’s Joint Ventures Act, which places restrictions on foreign shareholders involved in joint venture projects with Thai state agencies. Those restrictions increase for projects with a budget of more than B1 billion.

Mr Prapat also pointed out that local people might protest the construction of the LRT if it infringes on their land, while the island’s taxi and tuk-tuk drivers may not

be pleased with the competition.

“It’s the same old story of development,” said Mr Prapat, who overcame obstacles to successfully build the Bangkok BTS ‘Skytrain’ network when he was governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority.

“When something new is proposed, such as a public transportation system, there will always be some groups of people who don’t agree, or even protest against the project.”

Apart from land transportation, KPP Cable TV representative Rawai, Paitoon Sillapavisut, suggested Phuket should have ferry transport around the island, especially along

the west coast, with a series of proposed stops including Phuket International Airport.

Though his idea was criticised by others present, who said trips might be rough during monsoon season, the SCT showed interest in the idea of a public ferry network.

Following the meeting, the SCT will report back to Ministry of Transport to push forward ideas for public transportation on Phuket.

Mr Prapat added: “Everyone needs to understand that if you don’t accept any changes, how can our country develop any further?”

Leaders call for Special status Business and political leaders in Phuket have once again taken up the cry for the island to be declared a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to allow it to tackle long festering problems that Bangkok has never addressed.

The calls came during a seminar titled “Creating Future Opportunities for a Sustainable Phuket” organised by the Senate Committee on Transportation (SCT).

The seminar was arranged at short notice as a response to growing problems of overcrowding at Phuket International Airport.

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, a vice president of the Phuket Tourism Association (PTA), produced figures to show that some of the problems relate to the unquestioning pursuit of ever bigger numbers of tourists.

He pointed out that while the quantity continues to increase,

the quality is falling.

This year, he said, the average tourist stays 3.4 days in Phuket, compared with 4.52 days 10 years ago, and spends less.

“We use the number of tourists as an indicator of achievement in tourism industry,” said Mr Bhummikitti.

“But we forget that the quality of tourists and their impact on the island’s environment are very important.”

The solutions to many problems become mired in tedious processes, he said, and the problems never get fixed.

Phuket is still a long way from sustainability because there has been no serious cooperation from central government.

Phuket’s elected senator Thanyarat Achariyachai agreed.

She said she had many frustrating experiences when meeting members of the government.

Phuket, she pointed out, contributed more than B100 billion a year to the Thai economy, yet had received only B6.5 million from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports during the past three years.

“I’ve met government officials who ignore pleas from the Phuket people,” Sen Thanyarat said. “They see Phuket as a rich province. This attitude has to change.”

She said she had proposed that Phuket receive a budget equivalent to three per cent of its contribution to the Thai economy – in other words, B3 billion.

She also raised the conflict between statistics and reality that has long dogged Phuket’s relationship with Bangkok.

Budgets, she said, were allocated based on the most recent census, which showed Phuket has a population of 300,000.

In reality, the island is home to more than half a million people.

This Bangkok attitude had been amply demonstrated earlier by one of the visiting senators, Preecha Orpraset, when he commented that Phuket did not, in his opinion, need public transport because its population was quite small.

Sarayuth Mallam, also a vice president of the PTA, called for decentralisation of power. “Devolve control to Phuket and let Phuket people make decisions for themselves,” he suggested.

The SCT response, however, was not encouraging.

Sen Kanpat Mangkalasiri said declaring Phuket a SEZ “will take time to consider”. He pointed out that the issue has been under debate for a long time, and governments did not seem keen to lose any control.

Editorial: Page 10 www.thephuketnews.com

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ISLAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Soi Dog secures Phuket dog shelter land 0/35/100/0 The Phuket News offers flexible advertising100/100/40/50 options both online and in hard 0/100/100/0copy.

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After months of worrying that they might lose their base in Mai Khao, the Soi Dog Foundation have announced they have succeeded in raising the funds to buy the remaining seven rai of land.

The charity now owns the entire 12-rai plot on which stands its dog shelter and animal hospital.

Earlier this year Soi Dog announced that it might be forced to leave Phuket and set up elsewhere if it could not secure the funds to buy the seven rai by the end of October.

Soi Dog Vice President John Dalley said, “We are delighted to be able to maintain our headquarters here on

Phuket and finish the job started here nearly eight years ago. Many thanks to our supporters across the world who have raised the necessary funds “We would particularly like to express our thanks to the donor from Germany who doubled up on the final B2 million worth of donations and to his Thai personal assistant Khun Ae for conducting the negotiations with the former land owner.”

Apart from its continuing catchneuter-release campaign on the island, the charity has been busy outside Phuket, Mr Dalley said, in talks with other groups throughout Thailand to offer practical and financial support.

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mals; many are stolen pets from all over Thailand.

“The dogs are stuffed alive into small cages, usually around 500 dogs per truck. Many suffocate to death.

These are the lucky ones.

“It is erroneously believed that the adrenalin produced through causing pain to the dogs tenderises the meat, and it is common [for the traders] to break the dogs’ legs and hang them before skinning them alive.

“If anybody believes that this is a humane way to transport and process any form of meat then that person should not be calling themselves a human being,” he said.

Chinese miss out on water safety flyers

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Charity leaders also held talks recently with the Speaker of the Thai Parliament and other government officials over the introduction of an animal welfare law, and were involved in a protest in Bangkok earlier this month against the dog meat trade.

Thais were shocked and galvanised

by TV footage showing 2,000 dogs seized by police in Nakhom Phanom on August 13 from illegal dog traders who had been stealing dogs for sale as meat.

Mr Dalley said, “This is not an issue of whether it is right or wrong to eat dog meat.

“These dogs are not farmed ani-

The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (OrBorJor) is distributing 13,000 water safety pamphlets to 261 hotels around the island, as well as to local authorities along the west coast in Rawai, Patong, Karon, Cherng Talay, Mai Khao, Sakhu and Kamala.

The pamphlets will also be available from the Phuket International Airport, Phuket Immigration Off ice, and Tourists are being encouraged to read the new OrBorJor Phuket Tourist Police posts. water safety pamphlets before swimming off Phuket.

Contained in the pam-

phlets are important safety messages about swimming off Phuket’s beaches, which can be deadly at this time of year. Emergency numbers are also included.

T h e p a m p h le t e xplains the meaning of the swi m m i ng f lags, wa r ning signs and details about lifeguard stations in Thai, English, French, German, Russian, Korean, Japanese and Bahasa Malaysia.

It is not in Chinese, despite the Chinese currently

being the largest and fastestgrowing source of tourists in Phuket. An official in the OrBorJor’s Sport and Activities Department said this was because no one could be found to translate the pamphlet into Chinese.

Future printings will include Chinese, the official added.

For more information or to obtain pamphle ts from the OrBorJor, contact the Tourism and Sports Department at 076 217 087.

Reservoirs to get Housekeeper’s murderer green makeover had killed before: police

Phuket OrBorJor is planning to develop Bang Wad and Bang Niew Dam reservoirs into recreational parkland areas.

A public meeting to discuss ideas for the project was held on Monday.

Chief Administrator of Phuket OrBorJor Manop Leelasutanon said Bang Wad and Bang Niew Dam reservoirs, which are important water catchment areas for Phuket, are suitable to develop into community recreation and eco-tourism areas.

Phuket OrBorJor has contracted Phisut Technology Co

Ltd to design the parkland areas. Phisut’s Managing Director of Technology, Songkrit Sappakit, said the master plan will include a service area, including parking space and toilet facilities; a dedicated recreation area; and a forest and adventure area, showcasing native flora.

In addition, the existing Royal Irrigation Officer’s house at Bang Wad will be converted into a 200-seat conference hall.

The project will cost an estimated B600 million.

How good is Phuket’s water? See page 11.

A man who admitted killing a Patong housekeeper last week had already been in jail for a previous murder, as well as having a warrant out for his arrest on a different matter.

Narong Sripetch, 23, a Patong security guard, was arrested last Friday night (September 16) for the murder of 39-year-old guesthouse housekeeper Nuanchawee Sarating that same evening.

Narong admitted stabbing Ms Nuanchawee in the throat after she had advised him not to enter visitors’ rooms without permission, after

she had seen him do exactly this earlier. Narong said he killed her because he didn’t like being told off.

When Narong f led the scene on Soi 5, Phra Baramee Rd, Patong, he left behind his security guard necktie, which led Kathu police directly to him.

His blood-stained security guard uniform was found when he was arrested.

It was only after Narong was in custody that it was discovered he had previously been in jail for four years after being found guilty of

committing another murder in Surat Thani.

Shortly after his release, a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Surat Thani courts after he broke into a house and raped a woman.

After the murder in Patong on Friday night, relatives of Ms Nuanchawee initially blocked the road in front of the guest house where the murder took place, asking police for justice because they thought her murderer had not been arrested yet.

Narong is now in Phuket Prison awaiting a court date.

Phuket Detailed Weather Forecast

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FRI SEPTEMBER 23

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ISLAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

5

Tourist Police launch new app for iPhones The Tourist Police have released a new bilingual app to help local and foreign tourists alike.

The app provides information in English and Thai about the locations of Tourist Police stations, local attractions, restaurants, hotels, petrol stations, hospitals, and more.

In addition, tourists who need assistance or are involved in accidents can use the app to directly inform the Phuket Tourist Police.

The service also works After facing choppy seas, the yacht Aqua is taken under tow by the Royal Thai Navy.

–Photo Royal Thai Navy.

Navy helps yacht to safety The Royal Thai Navy rescued two foreigners and their boat from turbulent seas off the coast of Satul Province on Monday morning (September 19).

The two aboard, Italian Gionata Bellagamba and Luke

Lockyer from South Africa, contacted the Royal Thai Navy Third Commend in Phuket at about 1.45am asking for urgent help.

They reported that they were on their way from Langkawi to Phuket and that their

yacht, Aqua, was struggling in heavy waves.

The navy searched for the boat for about two hours before finding it and taking it in tow.

About six hours later, the yacht and crew were towed safely to a port in Satul Province.

in Ranong, Krabi, Trang, Songkla, Surat Thani, Koh Samui and Narathiwat.

Deputy Director of SubDivision 5 of Tourist Police Division Pol Lt Col Sathit Polpanit said the application will be convenient for tourists.

“As tourists can now contact us at anytime it is more convenient for them.

“Moreover, if they need help there is a function that shows their position in relation to the nearest tourist police station,” said Pol Lt

Col Sathit.

Currently only compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, there are plans to further develop the app.

“It was only launched on September 14, so I think in about a month we will have better feedback from users.

“Right now it is only available in only two languages, Thai and English, but we plan to release it in other languages as well to better cater to international visitors,” said Pol Lt Col Sathit.

Case of the bungling Shotgun murder ‘may be over drugs’ bomber blown open A 30-year-old man was shot dead on Sunday night at his rented home in Rawai in what police suspect may have been a drug related murder.

Preecha Tangkliang was reportedly fixing his car stereo with a friend when he was shot twice from behind.

Police believe the murderer approached Mr Preecha’s house on Soi Pattana from a patch of nearby forest before firing on him twice with a shotgun.

Mr Preecha has a record with Chalong police, having been arrested on drug possession charges about two weeks ago. He was out on bail.

Police are continuing their investigations.

A fake bomb, allegedly belonging to the man who tried to rob Kasikorn Bank branch on Tilok Utis Rd on September 12, was found in a local rubber plantation last Thursday (September 15).

The wire get-up was discovered covered with clothes by a rubber tapper making his daily circuit through a plantation in Lam Nga in Koh Sirae area.

Fearing the bomb might be real, he immediately reported his discovery to Phuket City Police.

Police later confirmed the bomb was fake, and that the clothes belonged to the failed bank robber, as witnesses confirmed he had been wearing them at the time of the

Photographers in last year’s walk through Phuket Town stop for a group portrait.

Time for a snap and stroll Photographers in Phuket – pro or amateur – are invited to join the 4th annual Worldwide Photo Walk on Sunday October 2.

The Walk, devised by American photography and PhotoShop exper t Scot t Kelby, sees photographers gather in cities across the world for a day of walking around trying to catch great photos. Last year 33,000 people took part in walks in 1,100 locations worldwide.

There are prizes to be won, mostly loads of expensive software, though photographers will have to be particularly good to come ahead of 32,999 other shooters.

Phuket walk organiser Karim Khamzin says, however, that the main point of going on the walk is “to meet others, compare thoughts on

photography, try to take great pictures and simply have fun looking at Phuket Town with a new perspective”.

This is the third time the walk has been organised in Phuket. The last one attracted around 20 photographers.

The Worldwide Photo Walk website is at worldwide-

photowalk.com. To join this year’s walk in Phuket Town visit worldwidephotowalk. com/walk/mueang-phuketphuket-thailand/.

A description of last year’s walk can be seen on Jamie Monk’s blog at jamie-monk. blogspot.com/2010/07/phuketphoto-walk-2010.html.

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ISLAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Geologist warns about landslides A Phuket geologist has urged the local Tessaban and OrBorTor to consult the Phuket Natural Resources and Environmental Office (PNRE) before granting permission for hillside land to be developed.

Professor Amnart Tantitamsopon made his recommendation after announcing that Patong, Kathu and the hill along the bypass road were the most at-risk areas on the

island for landslides to occur.

Mr Amnart completed a survey on 30 landslide risk spots around the island. He said land around Phuket had been disturbed for many years, particularly to develop hotels and other developments.

The survey revealed many man-made “check” dams had been built in various areas to collect water, particularly on 50 Pi Road, east of Patong.

Mr Amnart also found many hillside areas had been extensively cut into and developed, or carved out for land sale.

“The decision-making around land carving is made by local authorities in the area, particularly the Tessaban or the OrBorTor. They don’t have the staff who understand, in depth, the geology of the land,” Mr Amnart said.

“The local authorities do

not collaborate with relevant administrators such as the PNRE, so permission given to cut up the land might not be based on proper research.

“I don’t agree with construction taking place on hill slopes. However, applying stricter laws will improve the present situation,” he said.

He hoped the authorities would consider reporting to the PNRE before making

decisions, as well as letting the organisation examine the land first.

A decision by the authorities about whether to take Mr Amnart’s advice will be made soon.

In July 2008, three people died after a landslide on 50 Pi Road in Patong. An investigation revealed that the hillside close to the disaster had been extensively cut and graded.

Honorary degree for oldest monk

About a thousand people from all over Thailand turned out last Friday to celebrate one of Phuket’s most respected monks – and possibly the world’s oldest person – being awarded an honorary degree.

Luang Pu Supha, the head monk at Wat Luang Pu Supha in Chalong, was presented the degree by representatives of Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University, Bangkok, in recognition of his extensive community work.

Now aged 116 – a claim Talay Shrine).

8pm Fire Walking at Baan which, if verified, would make him the world’s oldest living Tha Ruea Shrine.

8pm Fire Walking at Sa­ person – Luang Pu Supha has been a monk since he was phan Hin Park.

9pm Fire Walking at Sapam aged nine. During that time he has helped many people Shrine. in the community, as well as Monday October 3 7.30am Street procession in helping to build houses for Baan Don, Baan Kian, Baan monks in Phuket, Singapore Sakoo, Baan Naitang, Airport and Malaysia.

Luang Pu Supha also and Muang Mai (by Gim Tsu awarded 270 academic scholarShrine in Bann don). ships to enable disadvantaged 8.00am Street procession in students the chance to study Phuket Town (By Jui Tui Shirne Highlights of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival include painful feats of amazing courage. in Phuket Town – the longest in Phuket.

Monday September 26 Saphan Hin, and Baan Tha and biggest parade during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2011 schedule (highlights 5pm Rising of the lan- Ruea shrine, symbolising the Vegetarian Festival). only – for a full schedule tern poles at the island’s main beginning of the event.

8pm Bladed-ladder climbof events visit the Tourism shrines; Kathu Shrine, Jui ing at Cherng Talay Shrine.

Tuesday September 27 Authority of Thailand office Tui Shrine in Phuket Town, No main events 8pm Bladed-ladder climblocated in Phuket Town) Bang Neow Shrine close to Wednesday September 28 ing at Bang Neow Shrine close Steve Thomas, the former 8am Street procession in to Saphan Hin. British Royal Marine who 8pm Bladed-ladder climbPhuket Town (by Choor Su was in a motorcycle accident ing at Sapam Shrine.

Gong Naka Shrine). in Chalong two weeks ago, Tuesday October 4 Thursday September 29 remains in a coma at Bangkok 7am Street procession in 7am Street procession Hospital Phuket but his condiPhuket Town (by Sapam Shrine in Phuket Town (By Kathu tion appears to be improving.

Shrine). in Sapam).

As of Tuesday this week, 7am Street procession in Friday September 30 Mr Thomas had been making Chalong Area (by Na Bon 7am Street procession in rapid eye movements, and Shrine).

Phuket Town (by Lam Hu Tai 6.30pm Street procession in reacting to his parents’ voices.

Su Shrine in Samklong).

His insurance company, Thalang District (by Baan Tha 7am Street procession in UK-based Barclay’s, has reRuea Shrine).

Chalong, Rawai and Karon fused to contribute towards 8pm Fire Walking at Bang (by Tae Gun Shrine in Baan the cost of Mr Thomas’ treatNeow Shrine close to Saphan Nabon). ment, leaving his parents to Hin. Saturday October 1 8pm Fire Walking at Sam pick up his rapidly growing 6.30am Street procession in Kong Shrine. medical bills.

Sapam Village (by Jang Ong 8pm Fi r e Wa l k i ng at They are now searching for Shrine in Sapam). a way to return Mr Thomas to Cherng Talay Shrine.

7am Street procession to 8pm Bridge crossing for the UK to receive ongoing care.

Patong Beach (by Kathu Shrine purification at Jui Tui Shrine Anyone willing to assist in Kathu). or donate can visit the “For in Phuket Town.

7.15am Street procession in Steve ‘Tommo’ Thomson” Wednesday October 5 Pasak Village and Ban Don 5pm Bridge crossing for Facebook page.

Market in Thalang (by Tae purification at Bang Neow Gun Tai Tae Shrine in Baan Shrine close to Saphan Hin. Pasak).

7.30pm Bridge crossing for 7.30am Street procession in purification at Kathu Shrine.

Phuket Town (by Baan Tha 7.45pm Bridge crossing for Phuket’s Kajonkietsuksa Ruea Shrine in Thalang). purification at Sapam Shrine. School (KS) and Shelton Col2pm Street procession in 8pm Br id ge c r o s si n g lege International (SCI) of Naka Village (by Choor Su for purification at Baan Tha Singapore signed a memoranGong Naka Shrine).

Ruea Shrine. dum of understanding (MoU) 7pm Street procession in 8.30pm to midnight Farewell on Wednesday at KS. Sa­p am Village (by Sapam parade. Representatives from Through the MoU, the Shrine in Sapam). each shrine walk through schools have agreed to exPhuket Town to Saphan Hin. change students and staff, with Sunday October 2 6am Street procession in the objective of understandThursday October 6 Phuket Town (by Bang Neow 5pm Lantern pole low- ing each nation’s culture and Shrine in Phuket Town). ering at the island’s main environment better, as well 7.30am Street procession in shrines, marking the end of this as working towards mutual Thalang District (by Cherng year’s Vegetarian Festival. educational excellence.

Full Vegetarian Festival calendar The countdown to the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival is now well and truly underway, with festivities kicking off next Monday, September 26.

During the 10 day festival, many locals will abstain from ingesting meat or alcohol.

Highlights of what is undoubtedly Phuket’s most unique festival include fire walking, climbing on bladed ladders, and bizarre acts of disfigurement such as piercing faces and bodies with sharp objects.

Sunglasses and earplugs are advised when watching the parades, as large numbers of firecrackers are let off.

Read about the history of the Vegetarian Festival on page 23 (Grandpa Yarns).

Crash victim makes slow progress

School signs exchange deal

www.thephuketnews.com

NATIONAL NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

7

IN BRIEF Yaba burns in bonfire About B240 million worth of drugs, mainly methamphetamine, from over 130,000 seizures across the country was incinerated last week as officials warned there was an increasing number of very young users.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra attended the drug burning ceremony at an industrial estate in Ayutthaya that destroyed 821 kilograms of drugs, including about seven million tablets of methamphetamine, also known as yaba.

A man lies injured on the road as motorcycles burn after a bomb attack by suspected separatist militants in Sungai Golok last Friday. – Photo AFP

Malaysians die in blasts Malaysian tourists were among four killed and 110 wounded in multiple blasts in the insurgency-plagued south, authorities said last Saturday (September 17), amid concerns that foreigners were targeted.

Three Malaysians, including a three-year-old boy, and one Thai national died in explosions near two hotels and a Chinese-Thai cultural centre in

a coordinated attack in Sungai Golok town, Narathiwat province on Friday night.

Police said militants may have deliberately aimed to hurt tourists in the triple bombing, one of the largest in recent months in the Muslim-majority deep south where a seven-year rebellion has left thousands dead.

“The insurgents intended

to raise the violence to the level of international terrorism by targeting foreigners,” said Phaithoon Choochaiya, Commander of Southern Border Province Police, during a visit to see the injured at the town hospital on Saturday morning.

Shadowy rebels regularly target security forces, government workers and Buddhist and Muslim civilians in attacks,

but the violence rarely affects foreigners.

The director of Sungai Golok Hospital said 19 Malaysian tourists were among the wounded in last Friday’s blasts. He said 40 people were still being treated for their injuries and the rest had been discharged.

Two devices – outside the Parkson Hotel and the Chinese

centre – were believed to have been planted on motorcycles.

Another explosion outside the Merlin Hotel and near a police station was thought to be from a car bomb.

Other police and army figures gave another explanation for the violence, saying drug dealers instigated the blasts in revenge for a recent narcotics crackdown.

–AFP

New writer wins award Jaded Kamjorndet, painter and new writer, has won the 2011 SEA Write Award for his book, Daed chao ron kern kwa ja nang jip kafair (morning sun is too hot to sip coffee). The award committee chose his work out of seven finalist books for “its mind-blowing effect”.

The 12 short stories in the book deal with issues from violence in the south, racial discrimination between locals and Burmese minority in a western border district and personal problems.

Two jailed over fire The owner of a Bangkok nightclub destroyed by a fire that killed 67 people on New Year’s Day in 2009 was convicted of gross negligence and sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday, prosecutors said.

Visuk Setsawat, whose Santika Club was set ablaze by pyrotechnics during a performance by rock band Burn, was imprisoned on charges of gross negligence resulting in death or injury by the southern Bangkok criminal court.

Boonchu Laosrinak, owner of Focus Light Sound System

Company, the company that installed the pyrotechnics, was also convicted on the same charges and sentenced to three years in jail.

The court dismissed charges against three club employees and Burn lead singer Saravuth Ariya because of insufficient evidence.

“For Saravuth... because there was al ready solid evidence that the fire was caused by lighting effects, not because of his acts, the judge dismissed his charges,” the prosecutor said.

Focus Light Sound System Company was fined B20,000.

The court heard 103 people were wounded, including 32 people who suffered critical or life-changing injuries, the prosecutor said.

Hundreds of party-goers were inside the swanky nightclub when it caught fire.

Three Singaporeans, one Japanese and a Myanmar national were among the dead, while scores of foreigners including some from Australia, France and Britain were injured.

–AFP

Govt to review royal insult cases and political trials Thailand will review political trials and royal insult cases connected to five years of unrest, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Tuesday in response to independent recommendations.

Ms Yi ngluck , whose brother Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup that opened deep divisions in the kingdom, said the Government accepts a report from the Truth for Reconciliation Commission, received last week.

“The Cabinet received recommendations and in order to

create an atmosphere for reconciliation and in line with the rule of law... the Government agrees to review all criminal charges and lèse majesté cases to ensure fair investigations,” she said.

She also vowed to “coordinate to secure temporary release of political prisoners”, in line with the commission’s advice.

Government spokeswoman Titima Chaisang said in cases where judges denied release for political prisoners, the commission had recommended

they be held in special areas, not ordinary prisons.

She said she was “seeking clear explanation” from the Justice Ministry over cases which have already been tried and resulted in conviction.

In its first report to the new leadership, the commission said prosecutions under legislation, including an emergency decree and the lèse majesté laws governing insults against the monarchy, were linked to political conflict before and after the coup.

–AFP www.thephuketnews.com

8

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

IN BRIEF Norway killer’s detention and isolation extended Self-confessed mass killer Anders Behring Breivik has been ordered to remain in pretrial detention for eight weeks during a closed court hearing in which he was cut off from making statements irrelevant to the case.

The Oslo District Court approved a police request to keep Breivik in custody on terror charges for another eight weeks – four of them in solitary confinement – as they prepare a formal indictment against him.

German-speaking Catholics want reform from Rome Pope Benedict XVI faces a clamour for change as he heads to Germany for his first state visit, with calls for reform on many fronts – from recognising gays to ordaining women into the priesthood.

Grievances over the Vatican’s “out of touch attitudes towards sexuality and the family are likely to underlie the pontiff’s visit from Berlin to Freiburg, which began yesterday (September 22).

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

US calls for end to violence The United States has called for an end to the violence in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and for a prompt political settlement, after gunfire and shelling rocked the city for a third day on Tuesday.

It was the worst outbreak of violence in Sanaa for months – 23 people were killed before a tenuous truce took hold.

The death toll from the violence now stands at 76 after three days of violence.

Fighting between dissident troops and those loyal to embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh resumed at dawn after a brief lull overnight and raged through the day before receding in the evening, medics and witnesses said.

The defence ministry said early evening that Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi had given “strict orders for a rapid ceasefire in the capital and that government forces were obeying.”

An opposition official said the dissident troops had been observing a ceasefire since noon to “foil the plans of the band that wants a military escalation.”

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton had earlier urged an immediate end to the bloodshed and pressed Saleh

to agree to a transfer of power in the face of the mass protests that have rocked his regime since mid-January.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman said “the United States continues to support the Yemeni people’s aspirations for a peaceful and orderly transition that is responsive to their aspirations for peace, reconciliation, prosperity and security.

“A political solution is the best way to avoid further bloodshed,” she said while attending meetings with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

“We remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached that leads to the expeditious signing of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) political transition initiative.”

Republican Guard troops, commanded by Saleh’s son, Ahmed, shelled posts held by troops of the First Armoured Brigade loyal to dissident General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar around Change Square, epicentre of the protests, witnesses said. Protest organisers said the numbers of demonstrators had swelled to nearly 150,000.

Meanwhile, Valerie Petitpierre, deputy head of the

President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has ruled Yemen since 1978, has been recovering in Saudi Arabia after an explosion at his presidential compound in June, but has so far refused to transfer power to his deputy or to sign the so-called Gulf Initiative plan.

International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in Yemen, spoke of “receiving very worrying reports of armed confrontations taking place in Al-Gomhori Hospital and placing many innocent lives at risk.

In addition, “over the past three days, Yemen Red

Crescent Society emergency response teams have been threatened and assaulted,” said Petitpierre.

Saleh, who has r uled Yemen since 1978, has been recovering in Saudi Arabia after a June 3 explosion at his presidential compound, but has so far refused to transfer

power to his deputy or to sign the so-called Gulf Initiative.

The GCC plan, proposed last spring, calls on Saleh to step down as president and hand over all constitutional authorities to his deputy. In return, Saleh and his family would be granted immunity from prosecution.

–AFP

US man Troy Davis denied final clemency appeal Troy Davis, an American man convicted two decades ago of killing an off-duty policeman in Georgia, has failed in his bid for clemency to avoid the death penalty.

He was due to be executed by lethal injection on Wednesday.

The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles ruled on Tuesday against Davis, who is black, and refused to commute his sentence for the shooting in 1989 of Mark MacPhail, a married white father of a twoyear-old girl and an infant boy.

The campaign to spare Davis’ life drew high-profile support from former US president Jimmy Carter and Pope Benedict XVI, helping him escape three previous dates with death in a raciallycharged case.

“The struggle for justice doesn’t end with me,” Davis said in a letter to supporters released to the public via Amnesty International USA after his legal appeal was refused.

“This struggle is for all the Troy Davises who came before me and all the ones who will come after me,” he said in the message.

There was no physical

www.thephuketnews.com

Protestors march against the death penalty for Troy Davis. evidence tying Davis, then 20-years-old, to the shooting and several witnesses at his trial later recanted their testimony.

MacPhail, 27, had been working nights as a security guard when he intervened in a brawl in a Burger King parking lot in Savannah, Georgia and was shot in the heart and the head at point-blank range.

Some 2,000 protesters gathered, at Amnesty’s urging, at the Georgia state capital on Tuesday, exactly 24 hours before Davis was due to become the 34th person executed in the United States this year.

The family of the victim have long maintained that Davis was guilty and that the execution should go ahead, with MacPhail’s daughter telling journalists emotionally how she had been robbed of her father.

Davis, now 42, has always maintained his innocence amid doubts over his conviction and says the state of Georgia is about to execute an innocent man, but justice officials refused to commute his sentence.

Richard Dieter, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, said there was next-to-no chance Davis could earn a reprieve in what he called the “biggest capital punishment case in at least a decade.”

The Supreme Court became involved in the Troy Davis case in 2009 and ordered a federal judge in Savannah to convene a hearing to consider new evidence.

In August 2010, however, a US District Court in Georgia ruled that Davis had failed to prove his innocence and denied him a new trial. The top US court turned down a subsequent appeal. –AFP

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Air show death toll rises to 10 The death toll from a horrific crash at a US air show rose to 10 on Monday after another person died from their injuries in hospital, officials said.

As harrowing new video emerged of the accident, hospitals said four of the more than 60 people injured in last Friday’s crash of a World War II-era fighter plane in Reno, Nevada remain in critical condition.

St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center said one person had died, adding to the seven who were killed immediately in the crash, and two who died in the Renown hospital, the other main facility where casualties were taken.

Overall St. Mary’s initially received 28 patients, and Renown 37 casualties after the crash, which is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

T h e v i n t a g e P-51 Mustang was flying in the National Championship Air Races Friday when its elderly pilot, a race veteran, apparently lost control of the aircraft and it plunged at full speed into spectators.

–AFP

Japan hunkers down as new disaster hits

More than a million people in Japan were warned to leave their homes on Tuesday as an approaching typhoon brought heavy rain and floods which left three dead or missing.

Typhoon Roke, packing winds of up to 144 kilometres an hour near its centre, was expected to land in central Japan on Wednesday (September 21) and move northeast later this week, possibly towards the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, the Japanese weather agency said.

“We ask that the highest level of caution be used because of the heavy rain, strong wind, and high waves,” an official with the Japan Meteorological Agency said in a televised news conference.

The city of Nagoya, a regional commercial hub located near the home of Toyota Motor Corp, issued an evacuation advisory to some 1.09 million residents at one point because of worries that rivers might burst their banks.

The advisory was lifted from parts of the city, but landslide, flooding and tornado warnings affecting over

Typhoon Roke, pictured heading for Japan. a million people were still in place as night fell.

A 65-year-old man in Nagoya fell to his death while fixing a stuck drain, Jiji Press news agency reported, while in neighbouring Gifu prefecture a nine-year-old boy and an

84-year-old man were feared to have been swept away by rising flood waters.

Water has poured into Nagoya’s subway system and underpasses, with television images showing struggling pedestrians wading knee-deep

in water, helped by firefighters with rafts.

The city asked for Japan Self-Defence Force (JSDF) troops to be deployed to assist with rescues, transport, and engineering damage.

Nationwide, evacuation advisories have been issued to a total of 1.32 million people, national broadcaster NHK said.

It was not known how many people have heeded the evacuation warning, which falls far short of a mandatory evacuation order.

Rain and runoff water flooded residential areas and major local streets in southern and western regions. Heavy rain stopped trains and forced officials to close highways.

The storm was then expected to move towards the disaster-ravaged Tohoku region north of Tokyo, with the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant located on its possible path.

Japan was hit by Typhoon Talas earlier this month, leaving around 100 people dead or missing, mostly in the west of the country.

–AFP

9

IN BRIEF Scientists on trial over earthquake deaths Seven scientists and other experts have gone on trial on manslaughter charges for allegedly failing to sufficiently warn residents before a devastating earthquake that killed more than 300 people in central Italy in 2009.

The case is being closely watched by seismologists around the globe who insist it’s impossible to predict earthquakes and dangerous to suggest otherwise, since seismologists will be discouraged from issuing any advice at all if they fear legal retaliation.

Danish royals to visit Australia Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik and his Australianborn wife, Crown Princess Mary, are to return to her homeland in November for their first official visit in six years.

The Danish royals will visit Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra during their tour from November 19-26, which Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said would be hosted by the government.

Canberra facing defeat on Malaysia refugee deal Australia’s conservative opposition on Sunday warned it would almost certainly knock back laws vital to the government’s salvaging of its controversial Malaysia refugee swap deal.

Opposition spokesman Greg Hunt said his Liberal/National coalition was poised to reject migration law amendments that would allow Canberra to revive the controversial plan.

“I think in its current form it is exceptionally unlikely that we will support the bill,” Hunt told ABC television.

“It’s still a cabinet and partyroom process but... we will not give this government a blank cheque.”

Canberra’s plan to send 800 asylum seekers to the Southeast Asian nation in exchange for 4,000 of its registered refugees was derailed by a High Court ruling which threw Australia’s entire offshore processing policy into doubt.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, struggling in the polls, wants to amend the laws so the Malaysia swap can go ahead, along with plans to

process boatpeople in Papua New Guinea.

But objections from the left-leaning Greens party, key allies in Gillard’s fragile ruling coalition, mean she must get opposition support.

Hunt said the amendments “stripped out the 1951 (UN) convention” on refugees, removing Australia’s obligations not to return asylum seekers to places of persecution or danger. Australia has a mandatory detention policy for boatpeople, who mostly arrive via Indonesia.

–AFP

Disputes in South China Sea Philippine President Benigno Aquino said on Tuesday that he expected China to be “reasonable” over tense territorial disputes so long as Beijing is given a way to save face.

Aquino, who recently visited Beijing in a bid to ease high tensions over the resource-rich South China Sea, said it was crucial to try to understand the other side’s position and identify areas of agreement.

“In their particular case, the concept of saving face is (so) important,” Aquino said

at the Asia Society in New York, which he is visiting to take part in the annual UN General Assembly.

“We think they will be reasonable, but they also need to have some means that their face is preserved.”

But Aquino stood by his position that China should reach an agreement with the full 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea. “If we do it on a bilateral basis then we will just

be exaggerating and exacerbating the problem of competing claims,” Aquino said.

ASEAN and China agreed in 2002 to work on a code of conduct for the sea but there has been little follow-up, with diplomats saying that China wants to deal with the disputes individually with each nation.

Tensions spiked this year when the Philippines and Vietnam accused China of harassment of fishermen in the sea, where Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have claims. –AFP www.thephuketnews.com

10 OPINIONS & VOICES

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

NORACHAI’S WORLD

Editor’s viewpoint

No devolution?

Let’s try SEZ instead Political and business leaders have once again appealed for Bangkok to declare Phuket Province a special economic zone (SEZ) to give it the funds and the flexibility to manage its own affairs and solve festering problems on the island.

In recent months, news stories have highlighted the need for some way to remove the dead hand of central government from Phuket.

It’s not that Bangkok is meddling; it’s that Bangkok is simply ignoring Phuket’s problems, often because it simply does not believe that there are any to solve.

Examples include a backlog of 4,000 properties that have never been examined for compliance with environmental requirements; or the utter lack of central enthusiasm for public transport on the island.

When the Democrats ushered in the 1997 constitution they made a point of devolution of power.

They succeeded in bringing in the tambon administration organisations (OrBorTor) which gave more power to local voters to choose local leaders. Similarly, the elected provincial council, or OrBorJor. They also tried to put education under the control of local authorities. Not so successful, that one. Teach-

ers did not want to lose their exalted status as members of the national civil service.

With successive governments and constitutions, devolution was dumped in the trash. The two governments of Thaksin Shinawatra plainly wanted to keep control of just about every aspect of Thai life.

The coup leaders and the puppet government who followed predictably never discussed devolution, and neither did the lame duck civilian governments (including the Democrats), who were too busy fighting for survival.

The current Pheu Thai government, as heirs of Thaksin, are not going to allow their political veins to be sullied by the virus of devolution.

So failing national devolution, local leaders argue that the only route to take is the SEZ road.

First, however, they are going to have to do a much better job of educating and converting opinion leaders in Bangkok. And even among those who are not ignorant of the realities of Phuket, there’s little enthusiasm for the SEZ idea.

As another visiting senator put it, the issue has been debated for a long time, and “will take time to consider”.

In other words: Fat chance, boys and girls.

Letters to the editor Lots of love

My wife and I have been buying your newspaper for several weeks now... and we are in love with it! As travel bloggers and homeschooling parents, we don’t have a lot of time, but your paper helps us with our research and gives us insight into the lives of fellow Phuketians; we consider it a must read.

Billy

Re. A scar on Phuket’s name

This can never be solved by the government if the government is afraid to act because the tuk-tuks are “too influential now”. If the local government cannot control the forces that would “set the island on fire”, they should appeal to the national government to send in more effective police and the

military – if necessary – to round up those who are creating this problem. Otherwise the situation will perpetuate Thailand’s image as a corrupt third world country when in fact it is not.

All that needs to be done is to empower the police to enforce the laws concerning licencing, permits and criminal activity. A tuk-tuk without a properly displayed licence should be impounded and the driver arrested, fined and, if a repeat offender, imprisoned.

Anyone guilty of violence towards anyone should be arrested and tried. Until the government officials all grow a pair, nothing will change.

“FedUp”

Re. US won’t join tuk-tuk debate As an American citizen who

lives here for the most part of the year I find her [United States Consul General in Bangkok, Elizabeth Pratt] comments quite disturbing, of the “it is not my problem” attitude. Well ma’am, it is your problem, and you should be very concerned about what is happening here.

Maybe no American has reported anything, [but] there are so many documented cases of abuse, attacks, rip offs, blockades, and so on to many who live here – foreign nationals, visitors, and Thais as well.

I will keep this article archived so that when an American is seriously injured or killed I will hand it over to his or her family.

Rest assured that you will be seen in court for lack of responsibility to your duties.

“Jimmy”

It will be the business of the US government when an American citizen gets beaten or killed by a gang of tuk-tuk drivers, but of course by then it will be too late, and time for the obligatory news conference about how the government will do everything possible to avoid this in the future.

What needs to be posted on the [US government] website, and handed out to everyone coming to Thailand, is a warning to completely avoid tuktuks along with alternatives for getting around Phuket.

It will only be through a concerted boycott effort by all governments and all residents that the mafias will be forced out of business.

Saen Yim “There had been no Americans involved in any tuk-tuk

or taxi related violence that she knew of.”

Very little comfort to the American beaten by motosai taxi drivers for parking in the “wrong” public parking space behind Jungcyclon as reported on June 10 this year.

And I guess it’s true blockading the U.S. military doesn’t technically count as “violence”. FYI Ms Pratt, local taxis and tuk-tuks continue to grow in numbers and power.

Meanwhile violent incidents have increased with the power of local taxi and tuktuk drivers, who monopolise as much of Phuket’s tourism traffic as possible and demand extortionate fares.

I really hope it doesn’t require an American (or anyone) to be murdered for your office to chime in on the subject.

Very disappointing Ms Pratt, [as] I see you are as of yet

completely unaware of the situation. No problem though, as you will have a letter from me soon.

“Scuba Ninja”

Dreading the annual Vegetarian ‘freak show’ Living in Phuket Town, this [Vegetarian Festival] is one annual event that I dread.

The food is quite good, but the food stalls are often built on roads that are already too narrow for the average traffic.

Coupled by people parking wherever it is convenient for them (excluding how it affects everyone else) and the horrid and unnecessary rites are enough to make me avoid all of this at all costs.

Phuket Town is a great place to visit, except during this freak show.

“Katakayaking”

Make your voice heard We welcome all letters to the editor. Letters should be limited to 250 words or less, and may be edited for clarity or length. To reach us, you can email editor@thephuketnews.com or fax your contribution to 076 612 553. Please be sure to include your name, address and contact telephone number. www.thephuketnews.com

HOT TOPIC 11

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

F

ollowing a recent study, Dutch water supply consultant company Span has indicated that within the next decade, demand for water will outstrip supply in Phuket.

But quite apart from the quantity of water Phuket needs, what about the quality?

How good is Phuket’s water?

The answer is, it depends where you live.

The Phuket News met recently with officials from the Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority (PPWA), who explained to us the problems of water supply and quality on the island.

PPWA scientist Jarurat Chaolert says that the PPWA is working to supply quality tap water throughout Phuket, but many parts are still not connected due to problems with distance and with the terrain in between source and user.

This means that in some areas residents have to use water from a local supply managed by a local authority or private supplier.

“Common problems such as dirty water, or complete lack of water, occur when there are cracks in the pipes, which cause contamination and leakage,” says Ms Jarurat.

Contaminants may include E. Coli bacteria (which causes diarrhoea), heavy metals, manganese and calcium. She adds, “Sometimes people even mix water supplied by us with ground water, which can contaminate it.”

There are two main water treatment stations in Phuket, at the Bang Wad and Bang Niew

By Sukunya Phoonpong (Beau) REPORTER

Dam reservoirs, with a third planned for the Klong Kratha reservoir at Chalong, which is currently being expanded.

“Before, there was only one water treatment station on the island [at Bang Wad], which was not enough, so we had to build another one at Baan Bang Jo, which uses raw water from Bang Niew Dam reservoir,” Ms Jarurat said.

Bang Wad supplies water direct to residents along both Chao Fa roads, along with Kathu and Patong; and also to the Phuket Town Municipality, which distributes it in the city.

Bang Niew Dam supplies Cherng Talay, Kamala and some parts of Pa Khlok.

There is a third source of large amounts of clean water – the privately-owned desalination plant close to the Centara Grande Resort in Karon. Water from this is pumped by the PPWA direct to consumers in Kata, Karon and Patong.

In addition, PPWA buys water from other private sources – including tin mine lagoons – to supply Phuket Town, Thalang, Kata, Karon, Chalong and Rawai.

“It is cheaper than putting in more pipes to distribute water, while [desalination] treatment is quite expensive.”

Despite all of this effort, many parts of Phuket, particularly in the countryside, still pump water from wells, and if this water is not clean

Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority scientist Jarurat Chaolert tests water samples to ascertain their quality. it can cause health problems in the long term.

“Ground water is fine for washing but not for drinking,” says Ms Jurarat, explaining that high levels of calcium can cause gallstones and bladder stones. All water supplied by the PPWA is filtered and treated with low levels of chlorine to sterilise it before it is sent down the pipes.

But, Ms Jurarat explains, while the water is drinkable when it leaves the station, it might become contaminated along the way.

“When water flows through old or cracked pipes, it can become mixed with plastic, dirt or other contaminants.

The PPWA checks the pipes in each area twice a month to clean and fix them, rechecking water quality in each area once a month. In fact, most bottled

water is produced using the same process as the PPWA uses for its piped water, Ms Jurarat says, “though some brands also use a UV filter [to kill bacteria]”.

However, many people are still suspicious of the quality of government-supplied water, which is why they prefer to drink only bottled water.

Of course, even this is not a complete answer. There is no control over the quality of water in the large 20-litre plastic bottles that are sold at every corner shop in the island nor – locally, at least – the drinking water sold in smaller bottles at supermarkets.

Though Ms Jarurat is confident that water coming out of PPWA treatment stations is good enough to drink, she echoes warnings that current levels of supply will not

be enough to satisfy everincreasing demand. “The levels of water usage are increasing sharply – by more than 10 per cent a year. It is a good idea to tap more sources, such as tin mines. However, water from old tin mines has to be treated thoroughly. It can easily contain heavy metals, including arsenic or lead, that are dangerous for humans.”

There’s food for thought for hotel operators who blithely order up tanker-loads of water to feed into guest rooms. Phuket has no natural lakes. All its lakes are former tin mines.

As reported in last week’s The Phuket News, Dutch consultants Span have suggested that the small reservoir at Khok Tanod, close to Cherng Talay, be enlarged and used to supply additional water to

the Bang Niew Dam reservoir.

They have also suggested that a law be introduced requiring all new homes built to have rainwater collection tanks, so people aren’t dependent solely upon water being delivered by the government or private suppliers.

“Delivering water is our job, but it is also a good idea to have a tank in your own house or building so that, when there is a shortage, or an extended period of dry weather, you will have your own water to use.

“Rain water won’t necessarily be drinkable, but it is absolutely fine for washing.” said Ms Jutarat.

“P rov i ncial agencies and consumers alike must realise the importance of protecting our natural water resources, so we will never be short of water.” www.thephuketnews.com

12 ART & CULTURE

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

MAKING HRH Princess Marsi Paribatra

ART

“Art is a reflection of life and death. I try to interpret this in my way,” so said HRH Princess Marsi Paribatra, an extraordinary royal free spirit.

Born in 1931 as a member of the Thai nobility, the Princess lived most of her colourful life in Indonesia and then Europe, first as an academic in Paris and Madrid.

She then put it all aside to live an artist’s life for 40 years in the small town of Annot by the French Alps.

Teaching herself to paint in her thirties, Princess Marsi was much influenced by the surreal art of Salvador Dali. She used her own surreal touch to show on her canvases a Buddhist acceptance of life and death.

A rare showing of her detailed and evocative paintings was in 2010 at Halls of Mirror in the Siam Paragon shopping mall when the artist was 79 years old. The Marsi Foundation in Bangkok (marsifoundation.org) now shares her art work with art students and also helps implement her love of animals.

–Norachai Thavisin

Random View The dramatic structure that fascinated this week’s photographer, Banterng Kajkla of Phuket, is what is left of a pier that once carried tin ores to ships moored in the sea at Na Tai Beach in Phang Nga Province.

The setting sun turns the pier into the silhouette of a bold and satisfying abstract sculpture that is forever reaching for the sky.

As always, one enjoys the play of light, shadows and reflections in the shining sand.

Our eyes are then drawn right into the centre of the image by the disappearing

perspective of the composition.

Almost unconsciously from our point of view, the impression comes across from the sculpture of failed or abandoned efforts, even futility. A journey through life, made with much planning and hard work, ultimately in vain.

What is left from it all is debris that no one now has any use for, not even to sit on top to fish from.

Except for a passing photographer who, seeing pleasing and energetic patterns against the sky, is keen to use the scene to practice his photography skills.

–NT

ARTEYE

Featuring an eclectic collection of statues and woodcarvings, this pleasant café and restaurant is hidden in a lane that leads to the vibrant backpackers’ district of Khao San Road in Bangkok.

Sourced from the north of Thailand, Myanmar and Bali, these beautifully carved statues in wood have become increasingly rare. The destruction of Thai forests in particular over the last few decades has meant a shortage of hardwood, such as teak, of good workable size. Because of this, many carvings are made now on faster-growing, inferior and less-durable timber.

While good carving skills still exist, as can be seen in Chiang Mai’s famed night bazaar, somehow the magic in the carved statues of dancers or Buddha statues has been much diluted. The skillful carvers of old had captured life as it was lived in the past, as we can see in their carved faces, large and small.

–NT www.thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

PHUKET PEOPLE 13

It’s plain sailing in Phuket James Neilson

Managing Director of Wahoo Phuket yacht charter company

What were you doing 10 years ago?

I had just graduated from high school in Hong Kong and was getting ready to go to university in Loughborough in the UK to study for a mechanical engineering degree. I was suffering from a monumental hangover as my ‘friends’ had decided to make sure I was sent off remembering where I came from – somewhere there are pictures from that night, I hope they never surface!

When and why did you move to Phuket?

I moved here five years ago to take over running Wahoo.

I was called by an investment group who asked if I was interested in being involved in growing a business in Phuket.

Whilst I didn’t know a thing about fishing and my knowledge of boats was an engineering understanding – Wahoo as a business had been through its fair share of difficulties and I was keen to get it to what I know it can be.

What’s the best thing about life here?

The cross-section of people found on the island. Right from the experienced old hands to the bright-eyed new arrivals – Phuket has all types and it keeps things interesting.

The weather also helps.

How do you relax?

At home with Brian, my dog.

Or I will go and hang out with friends. The location is really a lottery with the group of friends that I have – ranges from a bit of street side noodles, to a night out that begins at Joe’s Downstairs and ends when the sun comes up.

Favourite night out?

A completely unplanned one that takes place all over the island. It normally begins with a grown up dinner in Phuket Town followed by a few drinks at Saneha then onto Kor Tor Mor, and finally a thumping party somewhere in Patong.

What sports do you play?

I used to play a lot of rugby

Exposed and lacrosse, but these days it’s harder to find the time – I “try” to go to the gym regularly and keep promising myself I will take up kite-boarding as a more full-on hobby.

B e st t ip for p e ople thinking of moving here?

Do your research. Phuket is a great place to live, but as with anywhere – it’s not for everyone.

Who is the person you admire the most?

Richard Branson. When you read what the guy has achieved in the time he has, it is nothing short of epic. Starting with a student magazine and ending up with a business empire; whilst having gone James Neilson, pictured near Racha Island, is the Managing Director of Wahoo. for his sporting records, had Where would you take by government then they need world – and it’s not exactly a family and still remaining to regulate themselves. There what you’d call comfortable. someone on a first date? a well-liked person.

It would really depend on are too many people looking Favourite place to relax? the person, but probably What don’t you l ike for an easy baht instead of an about life on the island? honest day’s work, so the same The area around Laem Prom- cool places like some of the The attitude of public transport tourist baht is being fought thep. It is somewhere you can lesser known waterfalls or workers. Their selfishness and over by an increasing number really relax. Having access to beaches, followed by a tasty stupidity is starting to impact of vendors. A three kilometre boats means I’m spoilt when it meal in town, and then maybe negatively on the island’s safety. ride in Phuket is easily in the comes to untouched beaches… a cocktail or three at a waterfront hangout.

If they won’t accept regulation top five most expensive in the but they are all off island.

STREET PEOPLE

Life’s often a lottery The blind young woman, who usually sells lottery tickets at the front entrance of the Bangkok Hospital Phuket, is not at her place today. Security men tell me that, because it’s the time between the two monthly lotteries when no tickets are sold, the seller is instead working at home nearby.

Home for t he you ng woman is a traditional Thai massage shophouse called Kon Boran (‘ancient people’).

When she is not selling lottery tickets, Phiyanit Duangfou is one of the eight mostly female traditional masseurs who work and live there, all of whom are visually-impaired.

Sitting in the morning breeze, Ms Phiyanit smiles and says she can only see bright light, meaning she can tell day from night, but not much else. Almost blind from birth, she moved from her native Phitsanulok province to Bangkok to train in traditional massage, before arriving in Phuket about 10 years ago.

She enjoys it here as the weather is good and the people are friendly, especially the staff at the hospital.

Phiyanit Duangfou is a familiar face outside the hospital.

The blind masseurs take turns to work with clients, who are both locals and foreigners, charging B200 for a massage lasting an hour and forty-five minutes. The staff pool their takings and all eight of them live a convenient life on the second floor of the shophouse.

–Norachai Thavisin ■■ Kon Boran, No. 85, Soi 1, Phuket Villa village, Yaowaraj Road, 076 224 204.

Over Khlong Bang Yai creek from the Bangkok Hospital front entrance, ask security guards there for directions. www.thephuketnews.com

14

www.thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

GETTING AWAY 15

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Above left: Delightful riverside residence – though not right now with the Chao Phraya River in full flood. Above right: Orchids galore at the Pak Khlong Talat flower market.

ABSOLUTELY CAPITAL I

f you can spare only a Saturday or Sunday to take in the sights of Bangkok, here is a suggestion for a cheap whirlwind wander on foot and public transport around the Big Mango.

From wherever you are staying in the city, take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the nearest underground station.

Buying a day ticket on the underground Metro will transport you fast on its long convenient routes, simply by tapping your day card at the turnstiles. Return the card to the Metro office at the end of the day for a refund of any value left in it.

Jump off at Kamphaeng Phet station for the famous weekend Jatuchak market.

There, market sellers have been waiting all week to open and they do so early on Saturday morning.

Like the bazaars in Cairo or Istanbul, this Thai version of enterprising vigour has over the years become a small city, selling anything and everything, way beyond what one needs.

It’s hot under the tarpaulin and glass fibre roofs of the crowded maze of stalls, branching in all directions.

Most tourists lose their way in this Aladdin’s Cave, engrossed in the mountains of silk, brass cutlery, travel bags, souvenirs and a million other goods.

The pet section is filled with yelping dogs of all pedigrees, exotic macaws, squirrels, snakes plus animals on the endangered lists being sold illegally.

After an hour or two of heavy commerce, the traveller can stagger up to the BTS skytrain at the other end of the market next to the Jatuchak underground station. Again, buy a refundable day ticket for the BTS. The sprawling city zooms by underneath. For yet more shopping, get off at Siam

central station, bang in the bustling commercial heart, and hop on another skytrain going one stop to the National Stadium. Lunch in the food hall at the nearby economical MBK (Mahboonkrong) shopping mall is recommended.

Back to the National Stadium stop and the BTS takes you to Saphan Taksin on the broad Chao Phraya River.

There you can hop on to the regular passenger riverboat for a cheap (under B20) scenic ride to the Ta Tien stop for serene Wat Po. The river breeze is cooling now as the traveller sits back and imagines what life was like when Krungthep (preferred name for Bangkok, meaning city of angels) was known as “the Venice of the East.”

Wat Po is less crowded than the nearby tourist stop at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Walk around the golden reclining Buddha, pause for some peace, or let the traditional Thai masseurs at one corner of the wat massage your body back into shape.

Return, more sprightly, to Ta Tien for another boat ride to Ta Pra Athit stop and stroll

Advertising makes eye candy of the BTS skytrain. to Khao San Rd, the unique backpacker street near the Sanam Luang central park, now restored as a vast green lawn as it once was, from where kites were flown.

Backpackers over the years had colonised this part of the old city. They are now well catered for with plenty of good

cheap guesthouses, shops and bars, always filling this street with youthful energy.

As evening falls on your long capital day, it’s time to catch the river boat back to the Saphan Phut stop, under the old green-painted iron bridge spanning the river.

There the whole old street

parallel to the river is brightlylit and overflowing with golden marigolds, mauve, white and pink orchids, and large bundles of yellow, white and red roses (only B80 for 100 roses).

This fragrant and spectacular Parklong Talat marketplace gathers flowers from far and wide, and supplies wholesale

to city florists and smaller flower markets.

On your taxi ride back home, knowing that you have spent less than B400 all day on public transport including this taxi, you can savour the reward of a bunch of red roses for your capital sightseeing day.

–Norachai Thavisin

A group of blind street musicians perform under the BTS on busy Silom Road. www.thephuketnews.com

16 BUSINESS & TOURISM

University survey shows corruption is on the rise children as a long-term solution.

Meanwhile, the AntiCorruption Network, which consists of 30 member organisations, is organising a major activity, which will take place on September 25 at Lumpini Park. The organiser is looking to invite Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to the event.

Chada Wattanasiritham, chairperson of the Thai Institute of Directors, said the event is held to commemorate the legacy of late ACN founder and former Chamber of Commerce Chairman Dusit Nontanakhon. She said the person who will succeed Dusit as ACN chairman has to work harder to encourage the private sector to fight against corruption.

Chada believes if business people and companies stop paying money under the table, it might prevent politicians from taking part in corruption.

–TAN

Govt leaps into deficit of B350bn for 2012 The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a budget deficit of B350 billion for the 2012 fiscal year, starting October 1, according to Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala.

Of the total budget, annual government spending was approved at B2.33 trillion, an increase of 7.4 per cent from the fiscal 2011 budget at B2.1 trillion.

The investment budget, counting for 16.5 per cent of the overall budget, was agreed at B380 billion, an 8.1 per cent increase year-on-year.

The next fiscal year’s revenue is aimed at B1.98 trillion, a rise of 11.9 per cent from that of Fiscal Year 2011 at B1.77 trillion.

The total budget approved was based on economic conditions in 2012 forecast to expand at 4.5-5.5 per cent and have inflation rates at 3-4 per cent.

In this regard, Deputy Finance Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom said among other issues Cabinet approved on Tuesday were an extended period for a diesel tax cut and the Pheu Thai Party’s first-car

M

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The corruption index, based on a survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), rose to 91.4 points in August. A more disturbing a fact is that most respondents are happy to keep silent even if they witnessed improper practices.

In its latest survey, the university found that the corruption index rose from 89.4 points in July to 91.4 points in August.

UTCC Vice-President Saowanee Thairungroj said 55 per cent of respondents said the corruption situation could worsen in the year to come if no serious action is taken.

Some 75 per cent of those surveyed said they would turn a blind eye to improper practices, saying it is none of their business.

Most respondents also think the Government is not sincere in addressing corruption problems. They suggest the Government foster good conscience in

Service costs (or receive rewards in goods) when servicing models from 1976 to 2006.

www.thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala: budget up by 7.4pc. project.

The fuel tax cut, which is to last until December 31, will affect Excise Department revenues of B25 billion, but the government is trying to maintain the tax rate at B0.0050 per litre, lower than the previous rate of B5.3, Mr Boonsong said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Government Spokeswoman An-

–Photo AFP

uttama Amornwiwat said Cabinet also approved the National Rice Policy Committee’s proposal on the 2011/2012 rice mortgage scheme for inseason unmilled rice, which is to start October 7 and continue until February 29.

The criterion for mortgaged rice is that the level of humidity per tonne of unmilled rice must be under 15 per cent.

The mortgage price for hom mali fragrant rice (jasmine rice) is set at B20,000, Thai Pathumthani fragrant rice at B16,000, while other types of fragrant rice are at B18,000, and 100 per cent unhusked rice at B15,000.

The Commerce Ministry will find additional sources of funds for this B400 billion programme.

–MCOT

ADB cuts Thai growth forecast

First-car tax rebate scheme set to launch

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) pared down its economic growth forecast for Thailand this year to four per cent from its earlier estimate of 4.5 per cent, ADB country director for Thailand, Craig Steffensen, has announced.

Mr Steffensen said the revision was due to the fact that the economy in the first half of this year expanded at a rate of 2.9 per cent, lower than earlier projected due to the impact of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, together with the debt crisis in the US and Euro-zone countries.

The bank has also revised down the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) next year to 4.5 per cent from the earlier forecast of 4.8 per cent, Mr Steffensen said, adding that the rate remains satisfactory.

ADB economist Luxmon Attapich said the bank has been monitoring the Government’s implementation of its fiscal policy to stimulate the economy and boost peoples’ income, watching out for signs that it may cause inflationary pressure.

Looking out for signs of inflationary pressure: ADB economist Luxmon Attapich.

Clearly it saw some signs because it has revised this year’s inflation forecast from its earlier estimate of 3.5 per cent to 3.8 per cent, though it added that it believes the rate is likely to drop to 3.2 per cent next year.

The bank was confident that Thailand’s fiscal position remains strong enough to accommodate the Government’s policy, Ms Luxmon said.

–MCOT

The tax reduction scheme for first-time car buyers came into effect last Friday, September 16 – brought forward from its original October 1 launch date – and will be available to buyers until December 31 next year.

The tax cut will be applicable to cars, not pick-up trucks. Around 500,000 vehicles are projected to be sold under the programme.

Conditions include that the car must have an engine no bigger than 1500cc or be priced at no more than B1 million while buyers must be at least 21 years old, must buy the car for their own use and may not sell it on for five years.

Car owners can redeem compensation from the Government equal to their vehicles’ excise tax of not more than B100,000 one year after owning the vehicle.

Deputy Finance Minister Boonsong Teriyaphirom says he is not worried about some foreign car makers’ planned lawsuit against the Government for violating the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.

– NNT/TAN

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

BUSINESS & TOURISM 17

ZEMAN’S ZECRETS Business tycoon shares his wisdom with Phuket H

ong Kong-based tycoon Allan Zeman, renowned for h is M id a s touch and, locally, for completing Andara and the Plaza Surin, on Friday (September 16) gave the Phuket business community liberal access to his business secrets.

At a packed meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce at Andara, he recalled how his business life began at the age of 10 when he had a paper round in Canada. By the time he was 16 he had made enough money from that and working in a steakhouse to buy his first car.

At the age of 19, after working in sales for a lingerie company for two years, he had made his first C$1 million, and started his own company importing clothing. He moved to Hong Kong in 1975 to get away from high corporate taxes in Canada.

The company, Colby International, was sold in 2000, by which time it had operations in 40 countries.

He is now in nightclubs and restaurants, through Lan Kwai Fong Holdings in Hong Kong, which is about to expand into China, starting with Chengdu; movies, through his LA-based production company Sweetpea Entertainment; fashion, through the Algo Group; and property development in Phuket.

Everyone at the Amcham meeting was there to hear how he had achieved all of this.

Dr Zeman’s one-hour talk riveted the audience, and could probably form the basis of a new career for him – as writer of business how-to books – if he has the time and inclination. Gems that fell from the tycoon’s lips during his talk: While selling lingerie I learned that if I’m honest with customers and sell them the right product, they’ll come back. Follow-up is very important to sales.

The first thing I do when doing business in a foreign country is to understand the local culture. Who’s your customer? What do they want?

Be first class, even if you are working at the economy end of business. Be the best there is. Then give it a twist.

Make sure there’s a style to it.

It doesn’t matter if it’s clothing, restaurants or a club; it has to have style.

The most important thing in building a company is to build a good team around

Above: after his presentation, Allan Zeman (centre) poses for pictures with admirers.

Left: essential equipment – two white iPhones match the wrinkled white linen outfit.

–Photos by Dan Miles. look beyond it.

Do what you thin k is right, even if people say you’re crazy.

Because of the internet, there are no more secrets.

You can no longer get away with poor products. You must raise the way you do business.

Be the best.

Always make the decisions. Clear your desk every night. You have to stay ahead of the curve.

you. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Examine your own. If you are weak in some aspect, surround yourself with people who are strong in it.

There are no bad staff.

Only bad leaders. People want leadership. They want to know where the company is going.

I’ve never had a candidate who was perfect for the job. You’ve got to work with them and let them understand your vision. Listen to every idea they have. You don’t have to use the ideas, but don’t put them down.

China is the future.

The Chinese are fanning out all over the world. Fakes are for foreigners. The Chinese want the real thing. The Chinese will be the customers of choice.

Make sure your staff are happy. High-class, back-of-

house facilities for staff are very important. If your staff are happy then your guests or customers will be, too.

No matter how much money you have, reputation must always be earned.

Don’t try to do everything yourself. Use agents and don’t be afraid to pay commissions. I love agents.

There are many ways to get to the bottom line.

They’re all correct if you get to the profit.

Think of yourself as the customer; If [what you are planning to do in business] meets your standards [as a customer] it has a shot at success.

Land is land. It’s what you put on the land that’s most important. You have to respect the land. You have to look at it, feel it, and then

He also offered advice for the Government in Bangkok and the authorities in Phuket: Immigration at Phuket airport has to be sorted out.

First impressions are the most important. People don’t want to stand in line for an hour

at the start of their vacation.

Phuket has the weather, the nature, the culture, but planning could be better than it is. Planning is really important.

Make Phuket more business-friendly.

In Phuket you need more brand-name hotels. Then you’ll get the brand-name retailers.

Despite the fact that he is a director of the Wynn Casino in Macau, Dr Zeman said that introducing gambling in Thailand would be “a real mistake”.

Gambling, he said, “attracts a lot of undesirable elements. It’s something that needs controlling; I’m not sure that you can control it at this

stage in Thailand. They need to clean up their act first. At this time it’s better if they don’t have gambling.”

Finally, he dropped a couple of surprises for those who don’t have the inside track on the property industry in Phuket: Andara is sold out apart from one final two-bedroom unit, so Dr Zeman is now getting ready to launch a new project, also on Millionaires’ Mile, called Suwannara.

He will also start work soon on another shopping mall, almost opposite Plaza Surin. This will be much bigger, with 54 shops.

“It will be another very special landmark,” he said.

–Alasdair Forbes

www.thephuketnews.com

18 BUSINESS & PROPERTY

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

BoT ‘concerned’ over rice mortgage scheme

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has expressed concern that the rice mortgaging scheme because it will push up the market price and hit exports.

BoT Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul suggested that the Government instead allow the rice price to move in line with market mechanisms.

Meanwhile, in response to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s decision to downgrade Thailand’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth estimate to 4.1 per cent (See page 16), Mr Prasarn confirmed that the figure was comparable with the BoT’s projection.

Asked whether or not the central bank would adjust its own growth estimate, he said many factors would need to be taken into account before the decision could be revealed in the inflation report in October.

Up to four million rice farmers, more than half the country’s rice growers, have registered to take part in the rice mortgage scheme, said Luck Wajananawat, manager of the Bank for Agriculture

Half of Thailand’s eight million rice growers have applied to join the mortgage scheme.

–Photo by Torikai Yukihiro. and Agricultural Co-operatives (BAAC).

The registration came after the National Rice Policy Committee approved the rice mortgage scheme’s start-up for October 7 for in-season unmilled rice.

The scheme will include

a survey on actual cultivated areas. Representatives from related government agencies will sign and certify farmers’ rice produced and quantity, so they can have their rice mortgaged according to the actual rice grown.

Mr Luck said BAAC will

pay out loans to farmers no more than three days after their rice is mortgaged to the government and their registration documents submitted to the bank.

The Ministry of Commerce has forecast that around 25 million tonnes of rice would

be harvested this year, despite f looding in many parts of Thailand. Farmers are aware of price drops as harvested rice affected by floods will be damp.

The BAAC manager said that the budget of B400 billion for the rice support scheme is divided into two parts.

The f irst is f rom the BAAC’s own liquid assets of about B90-100 billion for the mortgage’s first phase, which is until mid-December.

The budget’s second part of about B100 billion will comprise loans from state-owned banks, which are Krungthai, Siam City, TMB, and the Government Savings Bank.

The Ministry of Finance will be responsible for the loans’ principle and interest, Mr Luck said, noting that his bank’s liquidity of about B200 billion is sufficient to support government projects valued at around B150-160 billion, including the rice mortgage scheme and the national village fund at B40 billion.

–NNT and MCOT

Fine views over Kata from all rooms Those after fine sea views over one of Phuket’s most popular beaches will find delight in this three-bedroom home located on the hill above Kata Beach.

T h e h o m e h a s t wo bathrooms (one ensuite), a Wester n-st yle k itchen, lounge, dining room, a roof terrace, balconies and a private swimming pool.

There are also communal facilities available, such as another swimming pool and a gymnasium.

The proper ty covers 382 sqm and sea views and Phuket’s famed sunsets can be enjoyed from all areas.

A new

Home Within a short distance are numerous bars, international restaurants, beaches and shopping facilities.

The property is for sale with Chanote title deeds and foreign freehold purchasing terms for B22 million, discounted from the original B33 million.

■■ For further information contact Patrick Lusted at Siam Real Estate on 076 288 908, email patrick@ siamrealestate.com or visit www.siamrealestate.com Pool with a view: All rooms in the apartment have panoramic views across Kata Beach and the surrounding mountains.

www.thephuketnews.com

THAI Smile Air takes middle way With the imminent departure of Tiger Airways CEO Tony Davis, the chances of Thai Airways International (THAI) launching the Thai Tiger budget airline joint venture are looking increasingly remote.

But THAI continues to search for new ways to generate revenue, and has now announced plans to launch a “light-premium” sub-brand, THAI Smile Air, with the first flights targeted for take-off in July 2012.

“Think of it as a competitive hybrid between premium THAI flights and ultra cheap, low-cost airlines like Air Asia and Tiger Airways,” said Woranate Laprabang, Managing Director of THAI Smile Air. In its first year of operations, using Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as its main hub, THAI Smile Air will replace the mother brand on routes to Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chiang Rai, and Surat Thani.

The main target market for these initial in-country flights will be young people, business travellers from small or medium-size companies, local travellers and government officials who wants a relaxed, stylish atmosphere on board but without the premium price.

THAI Smile Air lightpremium service will offer a complimentary meal and drink service, free passenger seat selections, faster checkin procedures, 15-to-20-kilo baggage allowances, and the ability to accrue frequent-flyer mileage on both THAI and the Star Alliance network.

Just like THAI, which was rated in 2011 as the world’s 5th best airline by Skytrax Surveys, “our new sub-brand promises to give passengers high value for a good price,” Woranate said.

By 2013, THAI Smile Air’s fleet of 11 new 174-seat Airbus A320 planes are expected to fly to neighbouring countries – India, China, and most ASEAN member states of Southeast Asia – thereby making these regional destinations that much more accessible.

Recruitment drives for new cabin crew, scheduled for January 2012, will target “young, active, and energetic girls with a high level of servicemindedness”, who are willing to undergo an intensive threemonth training programme at the newly-built THAI Flight Training Academy.

Membership cards and discount coupons will also be launched early next year, as part of preparations for lift-off in July 2012.

BUSINESS & PROPERTY 19

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

fund aims to Holiday Inn to open Village counter loan sharks Express in Patong Holiday Inn is to open a new Express hotel in Phuket, the first on the island and also the first HI Express at a beach resort location. Express is Holiday Inn’s mid-priced brand.

The new hotel, to be developed in partnership with the local owners, the Kebsup Group, will be located 100m from the beachfront in central Patong, and is expected to open by early 2013.

It will have some 280 rooms

with facilities including The Great Room, a hallmark of the hotel brand, which serves as a social space and is also where breakfast is served.

There will also be meeting rooms, a gym and a swimming pool and guests can use free Wi-Fi, a self-service business centre and a laundry room.

Jan Smits, InterContinental Hotels Group’s chief executive for Asia, the Middle East and Africa, said, “The Holiday

Inn Express brand meets the demand for an international standard hotel that offers fuss-free comfort, convenience and value, with no compromise on location.

“This proposition resonates well with our owner partners and the brand is growing strongly across the region, with a pipeline of 47 hotels in Asia Pacific alone.

“Phuket remains a popular international tourist destination;

the well-established Holiday Inn Express will appeal to visitors and quickly distinguish itself as the accommodation of choice.”

This is the fourth development for the brand in Thailand: the first Holiday Inn Express for the country and Southeast Asia will open at the end of the year in Bangkok, and two other hotels are currently being built, a second in Bangkok and another in Pattaya.

For the café crowd design is desirable Scott Gorsuch Design Matters

Two new bakeries have opened in my neighborhood in the last year. Both have first-rate pastry chefs. Each serves a perfect cappuccino and a luscious latte, and seriously tasty sandwiches are equally at hand.

The area is home to hundreds of expatriate residents who love this sort of thing; several upscale resorts are nearby and mornings see dozens of tourists searching for an alternative to hotel food.

Each café features fair prices, and there would appear to be sufficient trade to sustain them both.

But one of these cafés is full every morning and the other sits empty. And I mean completely empty – not a soul in the joint.

Why should one establishment be a roaring success while the other languishes? Service?

The same. Parking? Equal.

Cleanliness? Both spotless.

So here is the difference: One of them clearly spent a lot money on the interior fit out; the other, not so much. And guess what – the place built on a tight budget is the one making bank.

White and grey are the colours, concrete and glass the materials. Tables and chairs are stylish but inexpensive (they came from Index, but don’t tell anybody). The lines are simple, clean and elegant.

There is a fresh, contemporary, “right now” feel to the place, and it draws a similar crowd. I feel pretty stylish just siting here with my espresso macchiato....

The interior of the other spot, despite big money spent

Kudos for design: the front entrance to Cudos in Surin. on custom woodwork, looks something like a cross between grandmother’s house and an Irish sports bar.

The coffee is good but I’m not sure I want to be seen in this place. Apparently, no one else does either – it’s empty. For the café crowd, it would appear that design indeed matters.

Phuket has had more than its fair share of restaurants with pretty decent food and pretty bad décor. Until recently residents and visitors alike had little choice but to go for the former and accept the latter. Living in Phuket has always, truth be told, involved compromises.

But increasingly, it seems,

we do have a choice.

One of the first Phuket restaurants to feature beautiful food and great design was Acqua, Allesandro Frau’s international class Italian restaurant in Kalim. Catch Beach Club on Surin Beach also pays attention to the décor, having finally brought something more than bamboo and thatch to the shore.

Taste, just up the beach, proves that great design doesn’t have to cost a lot of money and can add immeasurably to the dining experience (and presumably to the bottom line – a recent weeknight visit found Taste to be busy while restaurants nearby were empty).

The most recent example of this welcome trend is Cudos restaurant in Surin.

This little architectural gem presents a mix of Mediterranean and modern Australian cuisine in a minimalist but well-thought-out space designed by Angus Keeling of Oracle Architects and Warren Lucas of Mantra Restaurant Group.

Proving that there is no need to re-invent the wheel, the room features mid-century design classics such as bent plywood chairs and pendant lights, against warm grey walls and simple red upholstered bench seats.

The space is exceedingly well designed, but serves to highlight, rather than upstage, the culinary creations of chef Belinda Tuckwell.

Carefully curated artwork completes the equation – the current exhibit features splendid mixed media paintings by Tilo Kaiser.

Good taste in food, design, and art – a winning combination every time. Somebody tell the bakery guy, will you?

The Ministry of Finance is ready to allocate a total of B80 billion to village funds nationwide next year, in an effort to tackle the problem of “informal” debts – known to most people as loan-sharking.

Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala announced that he had instructed the Fiscal Policy Office to meet with related agencies in search for measures to address the informal debt problem in the country.

As one of the measures, he announced that the ministry had set aside a budget of B80 billion to be disbursed to village funds across the country – B1 million per village – at the beginning of next year.

The main aim of the village fund is to allow debtors to get loans to pay off the loan sharks, thereby turning black market debt into a more formal kind.

According to Mr Thira-

chai, the Government Savings Bank and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives will initially be responsible for the onemillion-baht payment to each village fund.

The Finance Ministry will reimburse the banks later on but, as it is still not known how long the repayment process will take, the ministry will also pay interest to the banks until the principle is repaid.

The minister pointed out that no conditions had been set as to how much each debtor might borrow from the village fund.

But he stressed the need for the loans to be spent “wisely”, in parallel with efforts to build careers and generate income, in order to stamp out debt problems “in a sustainable manner”.

–NNT

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20 WEIRD WORLD

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Man needs penis surgery after spa A

Hungry, anyone?

Man takes gluttony to new heights

Steven Magee has added new meaning to the big brekkie, managing to stuff himself with a whopping 7,500 calories – or three kilos of greasy breakfast goodness – to beat the challenge of the so-called “world’s largest English breakfast”.

By doing so, Mr Magee, 29, became the only person in six years able to defeat the humungous fry-up at the Hungry Horse cafe in Corby, Northamptonshire in the UK. At least 60 customers have attempted The Big One, which contains more than three times the recommended daily number of calories for an average male.

The breakfast includes three sausages, three beef burgers, three fried eggs, three rashers of bacon, three slices of black pudding, three square sausages, three portions of beans and three portions of mushrooms.

It comes alongside three potato waffles, three potato scones, three hash browns, three portions of fried bread, three rounds of bread and butter and three rounds of toast.

n erratic eel wriggled its way up a man’s penis and into his bladder following an accident during an unorthodox beauty spa treatment in China.

Zhang Nan was bathing with live eels to cleanse his skin when one rogue serpent took a liking to his manhood.

The eel treatment in question is a similar concept to the popular Thai spas that offer fish pedicures.

Thinking that the eels would make him look ten years younger, Nan dived into the water and let them feast upon layers of dead skin.

But after laying in the spa bath, Nan felt a sharp pain and realised a small eel was working its way up his urethra.

Men, makes you cringe just thinking about it, doesn’t it.

“I climbed into the bath and I could feel the eels nibbling my body. But then suddenly I felt a severe pain and realised a small

eel had gone into the end of my penis,” the 56-year-old from Honghu, Hubei province said.

“I tried to hold it and take it out, but the eel was too slippery to be held and it disappeared up my penis.”

Rushing himself to hospital, the man underwent a threehour operation to remove the six-inch eel which was dead by the time doctors found it.

Surgeon Jin Wang said that, because of the eel’s slippery nature, it was able to make a smooth entry into the genitals of Nan. “The diameter of the urethra in a man’s penis is just a little narrower, but because eels are quite slippery, its body worked as a lubricant and so it got into the penis smoothly,” he said.

Cambodian boy milking the limelight over strange antics Forget drinking milk from the carton – this young Cambodian boy goes straight to the source.

Tha Sophat, just 20 months old, lives partly on milk he suckles directly from a cow since he saw a calf do the same, according to his grandfather.

Um Oeung said his grandson started suckling the cow in July after the boy’s parents left their rural village in search of work.

He said he pulled the boy away at first. He relented after his grandson protested loudly and the boy has suckled the cow’s milk once or twice a day since then.

Eric Booker is a big man, and obviously has an appetite to match, destroying 49 glazed doughnuts in eight minutes on October 2, 2002.

Perhaps the most impressive record on this list goes to 65-year-old Dick LeFevre, who put away six pounds of Spam from the can in 12 minutes at the Spamarama festival on April 3, 2004. It’s hard to decide what’s more disturbing – that someone ate six pounds of Spam, or that a Spamarama festival actually exists.

Most people know Takeru Kobayashi (if they know him at all) as that skinny Japanese guy who eats a lot of hot dogs. But he also boasts the record for the most cow brains with 57 (17.7 pounds) in 15 minutes. Picture human brains, but smaller and cooked a bit. Mmmm … makes you hungry, right?

Juliet Lee downed 13.23 lbs of jellied cranberry sauce in eight minutes as part of Spike TV’s MLE Chowdown on November 22, 2007.

The record for eating live cockroaches is held by Ken Edwards of Derbyshire, England. In 2001 he ate 36 hissing Madagascar roaches in one minute.

On October 8, 2008, Eric Livingston defied all concepts of human revulsion and downed 3 pounds of Haggis in just 8 minutes. He’s not even Scots.

Don ‘Moses’ Lerman probably took ten years off his life when he ate seven quarter-pound sticks of salted butter in five minutes at the Fox Glutton Bowl in 2002

At least it’s fresh, right?

Tha Sophat has lived with his grandparents in Siem Reap province in northwest Cambodia since his parents moved to Thailand looking for work.

Um Oeung said the cow doesn’t mind the boy suckling but he is worried about his grandson’s health if he continues.

Yet another reason to never visit Darwin.

‘Could have ended badly’

www.thephuketnews.com

Gallery of Gluttony

Eric Booker was understandably tearful after taking out the record for the most onions, ploughing through 8.5 ounces (three onions) in one minute on August 8, 2004.

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Draft Beer Great Food Cool Rooms Good Music Live Sport

THE BIG LIST

If it was a prank, it was a pretty mean-spirited one.

A saltwater crocodile was recently found sharing a public swimming pool with a group of oblivious bathers in northern Australia.

Brave lifeguard Tim Dupe, 54, fished out the crocodile from the shallow end at the Parap swimming pool in Darwin.

He said the pool was holding a swimming boot-camp at the time but luckily the reptile “had a lane to itself”.

Fortunately for swimmers, the croc was just a baby and only 50cm long.

Ranger Tommy Nichols thinks it was put in the pool as a joke and added that it was the third crocodile to turn up in a public pool in the past few years.

He said: “They didn’t get there by themselves. It’s just a stupid thing to do.

“Certainly, a croc this size isn’t going to hurt anyone, but if it was bigger it could have ended badly.”

Sonya Thomas has a stomach of steel. Not only does she claim the honour of eating 36 dozen Acme oysters in 10 minutes on March 20, 2005; she also downed 38 Moon Pies in eight minutes at the Lady Luck Caruthersville Moon Pie Eating World Championship on October 16, 2010.

She’s also a turducken champ, eating 7¾ of this preposterous poultry dish in just 12 minutes on November 26, 2003. A turducken is a dish consisting of a de-boned chicken stuffed into a de-boned duck, which itself is stuffed into a de-boned turkey. And, the icing on the cake, so to speak, she also holds the record for the largest amount of fruitcake consumed in 10 minutes, scoffing down four pounds, 14 ¼ ounces of Wegmans Fruitcake on December 30, 2003.

But the champion of chow-down champions has to be Patrick Bertoletti, who set a record at the 7-Eleven Sports Slurpee competition on April 15, 2010, by downing a 22 oz slurpee in just 9 seconds. It’s not clear how long it took him to recover from the brainfreeze that inevitably followed.

That’s possibly why, on May 1 this year Mr Bertoletti swallowed 275 pickled jalapeno peppers in eight minutes at the La Costena “Feel the Heat” Jalapeno Eating Championship this year. How long it took before he could rise again from the can is also not recorded.

In between these two feats he set another record, this time on March 19, swallowing 7.5 pounds of fried catfish in 10 minutes at the World Catfish Eating Championships.

Enough? Not for Mr Bertoletti. He also destroyed 38 Mars Bars in five minutes at the Red Faction Mars Bar Eating World Championship on July 22, 2010.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

ON CAMERA 21

Sheer speed: all the thrills and spills of the track as the Honda Civics race for top honours at Saphan Hin.

RACE PACE ACES M

ore than a thousand people t u r ned out to watch the Honda Racing Fest 2011, held at the specially created race track at Saphan Hin, Phuket Town, last weekend.

More than 100 cars from 40 teams raced over the

weekend. Members of the public also got the chance to try their hand at go-kart riding, learn about road safety and take in a special concert.

Race classes included Honda Jazz One Make Race, Honda Civic One Make Race and the Honda Pro Cup.

Thai stars Akumsiri ‘Jakkajan’ Suwannasuk, left, and Chanapol ‘Aof’ Sattaya, right, pose with a race driver.

Honda Civic Pro Cup race driver Thomas Raldorf from the Pizza Co team had his own race girl to keep the sun off.

Having fun at the go-karts.

Don’t I look pretty? One of the race girls.

A great day out at the race track.

Gimme a hug: The Honda mascot puts his arms out.

Phuket Vice Governor Weerawat Janpen. www.thephuketnews.com

22 DOWN TIME BOOK REVIEW

MUSIC REVIEW

Making Mirrors Maphead

Ken Jennings Scribner, 288 pages Ken Jennings, best known for his epic winning streak on American gameshow Jeopardy! in 2004, returns to the writing world with Maphead, a charming, funny, and of course, informative book about the world of maps and the people who love them.

Sound boring? Well, it’s not, and even if maps are not your thing, Jennings writes about them with such affection and humour that the topic becomes fascinating; the clever captions for the maps in the book alone are worth the read (the first map in the book compares shapes of places that were “separated at birth” and are therefore soul mates. Included: Lake Michigan and Sweden).

From the politics of geocaching, to the ups and downs of contestants participating in the National Geographic Bee, Jennings captures the excitement and wonder of places in a way few others could.

Gotye Samples ‘n’ Seconds, 2011

On his last solo album, 2006’s Like Drawing Blood, Gotye achieved the abstraction and restlessness of spectacular art-pop, but failed to bring enough actual pop to the musical equation, making it a little hard to access for the wider audience.

Fortunately, with his newest release, Making Mirrors, Gotye has figured out how to remain sonically voracious while still giving his listeners a sturdy foothold. He finds room here for a bit of everything from psych-rock, soul, creepy retro-futurism, electronic and Tropicalia touches, and, yes, scads of seriousminded 1980s pop.

It’s in that last category that most of album’s best moments reside. Without ever settling in one spot too slavishly to come off like a mere imitator, Gotye deploys his powerfully expressive voice to deliver an album full of depth and emotional insight.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

FILM REVIEW Johnny English Reborn

101 minutes Rating: 13+ Despite what the title promises, Johnny English is not reborn. It hasn’t been reinterpreted or reimagined or even reworked in any real sense. Rather, it’s been recycled, falling back on the tried and true formula of Jame Bond spoofery, with a heavy dose of Mr Bean-style skit humour.

The result is, well, exactly as you would expect it – an awkward fusion of Mr Bean and James Bond.

And so it is that, after an eight-year hiatus, Rowan Atkinson’s bumbling MI-7 agent, Joh n ny English, makes his return. The real question is, did anyone actually miss him?

In the years since MI7’s top spy vanished off the grid, English has apparently been honing his unique

skills at a Shaolin monastry in remote Asia, providing for a few genitalia-oriented gags.

But when MI-7 get wind of a plot to assassinate the Chinese premier, English’s services are called upon once more, resulting in a highoctane wheelchair chase through the streets of London, brawls with elderly women (including Her Majesty the Queen), and a typically James Bond-eque showdown on a ski lift in the Swiss Alps, all packaged in a well-paced, but entirely predictable plot.

For Reborn, Atkinson, director Oliver Parker and writer Hamish McColl decided to leaven the parody with

a more serious tone, casting Gillian Anderson as MI-7 boss “Pegasus”, the granitejawed Dominic West as a fellow agent and Rosamund Pike as the psychologist and love interest who prefers honesty over charisma (which is probably just as well).

Atkinson throws every comedy trick in his diverse arsenal at this film – rubberfaced Bean-isms, gross stupidity, slapstick, word plays, farce, absurdity and diverse physical oddities – but the result is a hectic, haphazard mix of the occasionally-hysterical with the too-often hopeless.

There are some genuinely hilarious moments, but in amongst them are some painfully cringeworthy gags that just don’t work. In the end it’s the subtle, underplayed moments that allow Atkinson’s true comic genius to shine and will appease fans of Blackadder, but these moments are unfortunately all too rare.

Perhaps it’s due to the fact that the James Bond films

themselves are already brimming with rich humour, but the Johnny English franchise fails to soar as a clever parody, sitting somewhere uncomfor tably between farce, homage and an actual spy thriller.

It lacks the absurdity that made Austin Powers such a riotous comedy experience, and whilst there are engaging moments, there is an absence of inventive gags to hold the comedy cohesively together. Scenes that hold enormous comic promise are either cut short, or opt for the predictable over the subversive.

That being said, at a little over 100 minutes it doesn’t outstay its welcome. It’s calibrated for a family audience and parents can rest easy knowing that the violence is bloodless, the romance is sexless, and Atkinson is still a master of slapstick and the raised-eyebrow gaffe.

–Dane Halpin

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

SFX COLISEUM PHUKET Bad Teacher (E) [18+]: 14:40, 18:10, 21:10 Bangkok Kung Fu (T) [15+]: 12:30, 16:00 Colombiana (E) [18+]: 18:50 Johnny English (E) [13+]: 13:30, 15:45, 18:00, 20:15, 22:30 Johnny English (E/F) [13+]: 12:15, 14:30, 16:45, 19:00, 21:15 Shark Night (E/3D) [15+]: 12:00, 14:05, 16:10, 18:15, 20:20, 22:25 U-Mong Pa Muang (T/E.Sub): 11:15, 13:15, 15:30, 17:45, 20:00, 22:15 Zookeeper (E) [G]: 11:40, 13:50, 16:40, 20:10, 22:20

SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET Bad Teacher (E) [18+]:

11:20, 13:30, 17:45, 22:05

Colombiana (E) [18+]: Johnny English (E) [13+]:

11:15, 15:30, 19:45 12:00, 14:15, 16:30, 18:45, 21:00, 22:10

Luer Lae (T/E.Sub) [G]: Shark Night (E) [15+]:

11:45, 13:50, 16:00, 18:00, 20:05 11:25, 13:25, 15:25, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30

U-Mong Pa Muang (T/E.Sub) [15+]:

13:10, 15:25, 17:40, 20:00, 22:20

STRETCH YOUR BRAIN Across 2. Echoes of thieves in underwear. (8) 6. I would take printer’s measure, all the same. (4) 10. Incarnation of Ms Gardner with black goo.

(6) 11. Thai solver of business disputes has a couple of donkeys in.

(8) 13. Stole and amassed around returning referee. (8) 14. Order in the most straightforward way. (6)

Solutions to last week’s puzzles

www.thephuketnews.com

16. Cheers for hoteliers’ club! (4) 17. Character may run east. (4) 18. American ship takes Romeo to Russian empire. (4) 21. Score for speed. (4) 23. Does Cardinal snip tail? (4) 24. Three points about quiet fencing implement. (4) 28. A fellow with the Spanish church. (6) 29. “I’m powerful!”

Not. (8) 31. Minister to Al in countryside. (8) 32. Dodges a space to the south. (6) 34. Can take shirt color.

(4) 35. Rides bus, strangely, to make payments. (8)

5. Impatient skin condition. (4) 7. Those who work with rags. (7) 8. As to currency, painter took a railway.

Down (8) 1. Restricts spasms. (6) 9. Old language in American part. (5) 2. Resort area had 12. Deflect light and muddled “Aloha” in react with a little French 2000. (4,3) 3. Is a ringer a Spanish in. (7) 15. Partical in any queen? (8) bodily structure. (7) 4. OK in boxing?

Quite the opposite. (1,1) 19. Loony may damage

vessel. (8) 20. Weapon turner. (8) 22. Exiled leader, thin, takes request oddly. (7) 25. Recluse before parasite. (7) 26. Singer’s general meaning. (5) 27. No motion, oddly, in its ass. (6) 30. Transport strain for I. (4) 33. King of pellets. (1,1)

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

HISTORY/THE ENVIRONMENT 23

The real meaning behind the

VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL Grandpa’s yarns

As a modern grandchild of a conservative Grandpa, I did not quite understand what the Phuket Vegetarian Festival meant, until one day Grandpa called me back home during the festival.

I had always complained to him about Phuket being too far away, and about how boring it was to see so many people packed into my hometown.

That was, until he began telling me the history of the festival.

It all began hundreds of years ago when a group of Chinese opera performers set up their playhouse in the Kathu area. During that time, many Chinese had migrated to Phuket, and mainly to Kathu, in search of a better life, many of them finding work in the thenbooming tin mining industry.

Soon there were dozens of homes and shops in the area, with a few hundred Chinese calling Kathu home, all of whom regularly watched the performances of the local Chinese opera troupe. However, after a while several members of the group became inexplicably ill. Searching for an answer, the local Chinese community realised that they had not yet conducted an annual vegetarian festival as they had always done back in China, and so in some way had angered the gods.

Going back to China to join the festival was impractical, so they instead decided to estab-

Despite appearances, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival is not just about showing off ‘supernatural’ powers, devotion to the gods, and bizarre acts involving sharp, pointy objects. It also supposedly helps ward off sickness in the local community, and brings good luck to those who take part. lish a traditional vegetarian festival at their opera house in Kathu, organising a ritual to pay homage to Chinese gods, and offer their sincere apologies for neglecting to hold the festival earlier. As well as offering prayers to the gods, they also abstained from eating meat and drinking alcohol.

According to legend, the ill members of the group were

miraculously healed, and so the Chinese immigrants and performing group arranged for the festival to be held again the next year, and every year since.

Thus, many believe holding it helps ward off sickness in the community.

The attitude of young people towards the Vegetarian Festival has changed considerably since it began, says Grandpa.

These days, the festival seems to be more focused on promoting supernatural abilities, and competing to see who can perform the craziest acts with their bodies, such as piercing their faces with knives.

In fact, Grandpa tells me that the famous fire walking and bladed-ladder climbing – so well known now – did not exist when the festival was first

introduced to Phuket, but became part of things much later.

During the festival, many young people become lost in trances, apparently channeling the gods, and they seem to be very proud of their scars on their bodies after they pierce themselves – all the while claiming to feel no pain. It is believed that taking part prolongs one’s life, and brings

good luck. I have learned from Grandpa that the festival is about much more than wearing white clothes, or boasting of supernatural powers, or people taking part in crazy stunts.

Rather, it is an opportunity to help prevent illness and the loss of innocent lives – for all of us, it is truly an occasion to celebrate.

–Paritta Wangkiat

Not a fish as we know it, Jim Put some zest in your step

Meet

the natives Despite its name, the cuttlefish (Sepiida) is in fact not a fish but rather a mollusc, part of the same family as snails and oysters. If you visit any of Phuket’s many fresh markets, you’ll usually see stainless-steel tables laden with them, brought in as part of the previous night’s catch.

It is often confused with squid, despite clearly differing in shape. Cuttlefish have thicker bodies with swimming flaps along their length, unlike squid’s fins that are only at the bottom of its body. The animal’s eight arms are shorter than those of the squid, though it has two long tentacles that shoot out to catch the crabs, shrimps and fish that it eats.

Healthy Herbs

It can grow to 30 cm long and live up to two years.

Its mollusc shell is actually inside its body, the white porous cuttlefish bone that is readily found washed up

on a beach, and is a popular exercise toy and scratching tool for pet birds.

In the sea, the cuttlefish is a weird and spectacular creature that propels itself backwards

by internal jet propulsion.

Amazingly, it can change its colour to instantly camouflage against changing backgrounds and even to reflect its prevailing mood.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a very beneficial herb, widely used in Thai cooking.

A perennial herb, it can grow vigorously in your tropical garden as an attractive big grey-green clump of grass up to a metre high. Native to the Philippines, the plant grows widely across Southeast Asia.

You might best know it as the dominant taste in your spicy tom yum soup, though its familiar citrus scent is present in lemongrass soup and is also used as a restorative infusion, drunk warm or chilled.

Known locally as takrai,

it is used in Thai traditional medicine as a diuretic and to help with digestion. The handy herb also has anti-fungal properties and its oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative.

In 2006, research conducted at Israel’s Ben Gurion University found that lemongrass juice can destroy cancerous cells while leaving normal cells completely unaffected – though only in a test tube. www.thephuketnews.com

24 PET PAGE

Pet of the Week

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Adopt a dog

Gorgeous street dog Happy has been adopted by Miko who lives in Chalong.

Email us a photo of you and your pet to: editor@thephuketnews.com *Each month one winner who submit the best Pet of the Week photo will win a B500 voucher from the Chao-Fa Andaman Pet Hospital.

The Chao-Fa Andaman Pet Hospital is located at 8/28--29 M.9 chaofah (East) Rd., T Chalong, A. Muang Phuket 83130. Tel: 076 283 365 or fax: 076 384 524. Mob: 083 501 8488 or email urenium333@hotmail.com.

www.thephuketnews.com

Komarn was found with a broken leg after being hit by a car. Her leg has now healed and she’s a very playful girl with boundless energy. Komarn is four months old, sterilised and fully vaccinated, and now looking for a family to call her own.

If you are interested in adopting a dog please do not buy from the markets. Soi Dog Foundation has over 200 dogs and puppies available for adoption at any time. For more information on how to adopt visit soidog.org. All animals are fully vaccinated and desexed. Young puppies will be desexed free of charge as soon as old enough.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

AROUND PHUKET - DOWN SOUTH 25

Rawai-Nai Harn South Coast Experience

www.rawainaiharn.com

Blue sky thinking in Phuket

P

huket IT company Blue D Zine knew that in order to continue being successful it was going to have to create something no-one had thought of before.

So Assistant Managing Director Patima Khunpromkessara got her team together and they created Toursys – web software that allows tour operators to manage their business completely online.

“Web design is very common so we wanted to provide something better,” she said.

Toursys was recently nominated for an award in the tourism and hospitality applications category of the Thailand ICT Awards (TICTA) in Bangkok. Around 50 related companies in Thailand entered the awards and attended the corresponding expo.

The software is believed to be one of the first of its kind. It provides an organisational framework for tour operators that includes a customer database, an organiser, analysis of popular tours, accounts and financial information, and hopefully reduces simple mistakes, Ms Patima explained.

“The tourism sector is growing so there is a demand for this to bridge the gap between industry and To Phuket Town

Blue D Zine Assistant Managing Director Patima Khunpromkessara at the Thailand ICT Awards in Bangkok. education – we can link them. This software helps tour operators manage their daily operations better.”

The software will be officially launched at the end of this month, and so far feedback from the expo in Bangkok has been positive.

Around 15 vocational schools and universities in Thailand, including the Thalang Vocational School in Phuket, have already bought Blue D Zine Assistant Managing Director Patima the software and have had Khunpromkessara, front, second from right, with her team at the awards. training sessions with Ms Patima. Blue D Zine plans to located in the Phuket Soft- ■■ Blue D Zine offers a hold software training ses- ware Park, 88/9 Moo 2, 15 per cent discount on sions in Phuket in the future. Chao Fa Est Rd, Phuket. website design for holders Those interested in buy- Call 076 680 310, email pati- of the Rawai Nai Harn ing Toursys should contact ma@bluedzine.com or visit Bus ine s s As soc ia t ion Benefits Card.

Ms Patima at Blue D Zine, www.bluedzine.com.

Sunday Lunch Available from 12pm – 3pm Enjoy our expansive mouthwatering buffet at:

Start from Baht 999.-net per person Further information please visit

For reservation: Tel 076-363600 Fax 076-363698 Email: info@vijittresort.com The Vijitt Resort Phuket 16 Moo 2, Viset Rd., Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130

See Bees Diving

Blue D Zine At Software park

Chalong Intersection

Chalong Pier

tR Wise oad

ak Pat

ad

Ro

Phuket Consult

Serenity Resort Friendship Beach

Atsumi

Retreat Healing Center

Atmanjai

Sai Yuan Road

Detox & Wellness Centre

Kata - Sai Yuan Road

Davinci

The Vijitt Resort

To Rawai Beach

www.thephuketnews.com

26 FASHION

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Street fashion

1

2

Nitipong Kaewmanee

Sales and marketing executive.

This smart gent’s dapper white and blue shirt (B599) and black belt (B290) were both bought at Phuket Town’s Expo Market, while his pants (B599) are from a store in Central Festival and his white and blue Bata shoes (B1,200) from a shop in Phuket Town. The distinctive (and expensive) Bentley watch (B70,000) was bought in Bangkok, while the retro Ray-Ban sunglasses were a gift from a friend.

Naruenan Thanirat Saleswoman.

Spied taking an evening stroll around Phuket Town, this stylish lady is sporting a summery black, pink and green Miss Selfridge dress (B1,890) and a pair of sparkly Nine West sandals (B1,990), both purchased in Central Festival.

ISLAND WEDDINGS

Rebecca and Johan, from Sweden, got married on Bang Tao Beach on August 22.

Their wedding was arranged by Maria at Phuket Wedding and Events.

–Photos by Khun Ae www.thephuketnews.com

Must haves 1: Necklace B2,900 2: Head band B380 3: Bracelet B580

Ac c e s sorie s from Jasmine at 37 Laguna Road in Cherng Talay, Thalang District.

3

IN CLASS 27

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Busy school activity days A

t the Kajonkietsuksa School recently, primary and secondary students came together to enjoy practical learning activities and celebrate ‘Science Day’.

Mattayom (teenage) students prepared a small programme with a special dance and a presentation of academic awards for science.

Then it was time for kindergarten sports day, where it was the turn for little legs to show how surprisingly fast they can run when cheered on loudly by parents.

Finally, talented students of all ages came together to give a mini concert as part of the school’s ‘One Music, One Sport’ project.

It was a wonderful combination of singing, and guitar, violin, traditional Thai bamboo angkalung and even ukulele playing. Students also performed ‘Cinderella’ in their English class.

The Kindergarten also hosted heritage day, a celebration of cultural heritage through music, stories, craft activities, national costumes, games and food.

Each of the 13 classes represented a different country in an exciting day for the small children present.

Students were given passports and were encouraged to participate in as many country activities as possible and to collect stamps while doing so.

Kindergarten students in full flight.

The young actors involved in a production of Cinderella.

Making music in the mini-concert.

Science day at the school.

Farmers’ market returns BIS goes football crazy The Thanyapura Arts and Organic Farmers’ Market is back on Sunday September 25 from 11am-4pm at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club, in a day filled with activities for kids and the whole family.

Children can walk on water in the pool with KidzSole Walk On Water, accompanied by live music by the Fuzztonez.

There will be an art exhibition by local

artists from the Phuket Arts Village and Phuket Town, pottery for sale from Earth to Art, organic health products from Balanced Naturally, organic fruit, vegetables and products from Pura Organic, and an open house for the sports facilities.

For more info. contact Jo Moon at 076 336 000; jo@pia.ac.th; thanyapura.com

Class of the week

This class of the week is a very young one, at the award-winning Kiddies Home Nursery School. There are many happy faces, and a mixture of blonde and black hair, and some infants are comfortable on the laps of carers. Looks like it’ll be a fun day ahead.

If you would like a class from your school to appear here, please email a photo file, of at least one megabyte in size for good printing, to editor3@thephuketnews.com.

School football teams from around the region are set to compete in the 10th annual seven-a-side competition at the British International School Phuket (BIS) on November 4 and 5.

Each year BIS hosts teams from all over South-

east Asia to compete in age categories ranging from under 9 to over 15. Last year’s tournament saw 25 school teams from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore compete for top honours, with more than 650 par-

ticipants in total.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the tournament, this year sees new teams from China and Taiwan.

For more info. contact communications@ bisphuket.ac.th

Local nursery scores top marks for 2011 Kiddies Home Nursery School in Rasada has been awarded the highest rating for 2011 by the Phuket Provincial Authority.

In recognition of the school’s work, Phuket Gov Tri Augkaradacha recently presented a trophy to Principal Preeyawan Srisivat.

“This reflects the time and effort put into creating stimulating play and educational activities by our dedicated staff, together with the high standard of environment we’ve created in our school,” she said.

Kiddies Home is at 125/270 Rock Garden, Rasada Sub-district.

Tel: 081 894 8498, email: kiddieshomenurseryschool@gmail.com. Principal of the Kiddies Home Nursery Preeyawan For children from three months to Srisivat shows the trophy that the school recently received from the Phuket Provincial Authority. five years of age. www.thephuketnews.com

28 EAT PHUKET

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Thai chef enjoys a taste of Sweden A

seven-week culinary exchange in Sweden has proved to be a life-changing experience for Dewa Phuket Executive Chef Jumpol “Bee” Hiran.

Chef Jumpol visited Angelholm, in south-west Sweden, a few months ago, to work at Klitterhus Havsbadshotell restaurant, as part of a culinary exchange programme. Several months earlier Dewa Phuket had hosted a Swedish chef from the same Angelholm restaurant.

Chef Jumpol is originally from Krabi province but has worked at Dewa for more than two years.

He has come back from Sweden armed with a host of exciting new menu ideas, which – in good news for Scandinavians on the island – will be incorporated into the menu from mid-October.

While the dishes are yet to be confirmed, he hopes to include authentically made Swedish meatballs (beef, onion, cream, egg and salt) as well as cod and herring dishes with creamy sauces, lemon, sweetbread and crème fraiche.

Altogether he plans on introducing about 15 to 20 new Swedish dishes onto the international menu (there is also a Thai restaurant at Dewa) and rotating them, as well as having regular specials.

Most of Dewa’s guests are Scandinavian so Chef Jumpol

‘The biggest thing I learned was teamwork.’ Chef Bee (third from left) during his seven weeks training in Sweden.

Bee is now back at Dewa, armed with a host of new menu ideas, including salmon with a white wine and dill sauce. is hoping the new menu design is a hit. He is also making changes to opening times, taking a leaf out of the Swedish restaurant’s book.

Instead of being open all afternoon, the restaurant will instead be open from 11am to 2pm for lunch, and then reopen at 6pm. This will allow

more time to prepare dishes properly, he said.

While at the restaurant Mr Jumpol hosted two Thai food nights, which were extremely

popular, attracting more than 100 people each evening to sample 17 Thai food dishes he had prepared. “The people were very friendly there, and

very respectful. Everyone was very interested in Thailand.”

In an interesting change of lifestyle, Mr Jumpol traded his motorbike for a push bike while in Sweden, spending time cycling around the seaside town of 22,000 people. It was his first time in Europe, aside from a trip to Cyprus, and he said there were vast differences between Sweden and Phuket.

“I think the biggest thing I learnt was teamwork. They run the restaurant [in Sweden] so well, and the menu is very simple, but it’s delicious,” he said.

In addition, unlike in Phuket, there was only one restaurant built on the beach in Angelholm, with all the electricity wires running safely underground.

He also noticed motorists were more courteous and gave way to bicycles constantly. Drink driving was also not the done thing in Sweden, and there was good public transport.

One of the highlights of his trip was meeting a Thai woman and being invited to her house for Thai food with the woman’s Swedish husband and his family. Indeed, Chef Jumpol said that he loves Swedish food but occasionally found himself having to add chillies. “I missed the chillies,” he said with a laugh. “[But] I can’t wait to go back.”

Boathouse tops wine awards The Boathouse Wine & Grill, in Karon, has again taken top honours in the annual Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards 2011, which aims to find the best wine lists around the world.

Along with five other restaurants around Thailand, The Boathouse was awarded a ‘Best of Award of Excellence’. The awards were announced in the monthly Wine Spectator magazine. Phuket restaurants given the runner-up ‘Award of Excellence’ include the Trisara Grill, Re Ka Ta next

to the Boathouse, Mom Tri’s Kitchen in Kata; Acqua Restaurant, Baan Rim Pa, Da Maurizio and Joe’s Downstairs – all in the Patong-Kalim area; the Andaman Grill and Cucina at the JW Marriott, the restaurant at the Sala Resort and Sea Fire Salt at Anantara (all on Mai Khao Beach); and Into the Sea at the Evason in Rawai.

Altogether, Phuket’s performance is streets ahead of anywhere else in Thailand, scoring 13 awards of a total of 26 across the country.

Mee-hoon pa chang, ready to serve with spare-rib soup.

Aunty Elephant’s noodles

T

hin white noodles made from rice flour, meehoon is used to make dishes all across Thailand, with the Phuket version a little bigger than the normal variety – as used in local dish mee-hoon pa chang.

A delicious and popular lunch for islanders and tourists alike, mee-hoon pa chang consists of fried mee-hoon with sliced spring onion and deep-fried red onion, served with spare-rib soup. www.thephuketnews.com

Street eats According to legend, there was once a large Chinese woman who cooked and sold her own noodle recipe to moviegoers in front of the Phithak Theatre (now Krungthai Bank on Ratsada Rd).

Although her real name is shrouded in mystery, local people used to call her ‘Pa Chang’ (pa means aunt and

chang is elephant) due to her enormous body, hence meehoon Pa Chang.

Today there are many places that serve mee-hoon pa chang, including Rim Tang restaurant on Thungka Rd, the small stall in Soi Soon Uthit on Yaowarat Rd, at Cham Cha market on Ranong Rd, at Lock Tian restaurant on Yaowarat and Dibuk roads, or near Bang Niew School on Takua Thung Rd. The price is between B25 and B40.

EAT PHUKET 29

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Slainte! ‘Chivas Master’ Teera Weerawan leads Director of Food and Beverage at the Westin Siray Bay Resort, the assembled guests in a traditional Scottish toast. Sadettin Kaya, far left, seen here with two hotel guests.

About 40 people gathered at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket’s Eest restaurant for the unique event.

A curious culinary concept T

here was a degree of hesitation when I received the invitation to a whisky dinner. I’ve never been much of a whisky drinker, and the very thought of whisky and food pairing just didn’t quite sit right.

Of course the lure of free grog has always been a weakness of mine, and so it was that last Friday night I arrived at the invite-only Chivas Whisky Dinner at the The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket’s Eest restaurant with fairly low expectations. I was, as is so often the case, proved wrong.

As the sunset cast its glow over Phuket Town from our viewpoint high on Koh Sireh, I took my place alongside another 40 guests, also, I assume, lured by this most unusual premise.

Touted as “A new experience in whisky dining, blending fine whisky with fine food,” by our host for the night, ‘Chivas Master’ Teera Weerawan, we were first treated to an array of intriguing Chivas cocktails (see opposite for recipes), which warmed up the taste buds for the main show to come.

Acknowledging he was in a room of people more accustomed to drinking wine than hard liquor, ‘Master’ Teera, pointed out the rather obvious distinction: “Whisky is not like wine. Wine, when you put it in your mouth, that is where the appreciation comes from.

Whisky is strong right up, but the appreciation comes after you swallow.” Gulp indeed.

The pièce de résistance: Chiveas Regal 25 year old.

COCKTAIL RECIPES Chivas Revolution: Chivas 12yo, vanilla syrup, lemon juice, organic apple juice, blueberries.

Chivas Freedom: Chivas 12yo, Cherry Heering, Cranberry juice, GH Mumm Champagne.

Chivas Diva: Chivas 12yo lychee juice, raspberry puree, fresh lemon, sugar syrup.

Chivas Kiwi Chai: Chivas 12yo, fresh lemon, almond syrup, apple juice, fresh kiwi.

‘Master’ Teera offered some final advice before we got underway: “Relax and take your time.” We all dutifully obliged, with the sole exception of Francesco Greco, executive sous chef at Eest – the man tasked with the challenge of creating a menu of dishes to complement the Chivas.

Despite admitting it was his first time combining food with whisky, he said the challenge was “not difficult – just interesting. To match [the food] you have to follow the origin

of the whisky; the malt, the smokey flavour.”

First on Chef Greco’s menu was duck foie gras and hazelnut terrine with Chivas Regal jelly, served with pear salad and toasted malt brioche. Although a little bland on the palate, the buttery texture matched well the glass of 12 year-old scotch, which seemed magically capable of refilling itself.

Second up was smoked risotto with Gorgonzola and pain brulé. The latter (essentially ‘burnt bread’, though pain brulee sounds much more interesting), added a rich, smokey finish to the dish, while the fattiness of the cheese balanced out the strength of the liquor.

Following that was honeyglazed suckling pig with black lentils and potato mille-feuille, roasted cabbage and granny smith infused jus. The pork perhaps wasn’t quite as crispy as it should have been, though the apple infused jus added a soft tartness to the sweetness of the honey which was interesting.

As the meals progressed in complexity, so too did the whisky, and by the end of the night we had sampled the full Chivas range, from the 12 yearold (which supposedly tastes of honey and ripe apples); 18 year-old (chocolate and orange notes, apparently) right through to the jewel in the crown: the Chivas Regal 25 year-old (apricot and peach?).

Not being much of a whisky drinker, I can’t confirm any of these flavours, but the whisky

Dark chocolate lava cake provided a deliciously rich end to the evening. was surprisingly palatable, and was increasingly so with age.

At the apex of the night, ‘Master’ Teera gave an excellent salute to the Chivas Regal 25 year-old that had half the room with their right leg in the air (women in short skirts

and dresses sadly excluded) for what was a traditional Scottish toast, or so he claimed. With a shout of sláinte (cheers), some of the world’s most expensive Scotch disappeared down the throats of an increasingly appreciative crowd.

To finish proceedings, our glasses were refilled once more and out came the dark chocolate lava cake with liquorice ice cream and vanilla sauce; a deliciously rich way to round off an interesting evening.

–Dane Halpin

www.thephuketnews.com

30 EVENTS MAIN

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

WHAT’S ON IN PHUKET

THIS MONTH

THIS WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 24 Twinpalms 7th Anniversary Party

SEPTEMBER 25 Thanyapura Arts & Organic Farmer’s Market

Complimentary access.

Featuring by Dome Pakorn Lam, Taiko Drums: Ongsasilp, Saxophone Man(Jaturong Rungjareun) Num by T-Bone (Pirasuth Pattanajindarak), Dj Sammii (Samuel Robert) Jay Leshark and Dj Joey (Kiattisak Martwanna).

Time: 8 pm-2 am. Dress code: White (Latex welcome) Complimentary cocktails and food from 8pm-10pm. Catch Beach Club call 076 316 567, catchbeachclub.com.

Turn Sunday into something special for the family at the Thanyapura Arts & Organic Farmer's Market.

Activities: • Art Exhibition • Open House to Sports Club (Free access to Fitness Centre, Kids’ Club, Tennis Courts, Club Memberships information available) • Balanced Naturally Beauty Products, Jewellery, Kids Swimwear, Local Crafts, Baan San Fan • Live Music.

Brunch at DiVine Restaurant. B650 per person. B350 for kids. Brunch with free flow sparkling wine: B1,100 per person. www.thanyapura.com.

IN COMING MONTHS OCTOBER 17-21 Star Vocals Returns to Thanyapura Monday, October 17 to Friday, October 21. 7 - 11 years old, from 9am-12pm.

12-18 years old, from 1pm– 4pm. Open to all including adults.

Adults are welcome to join the afternoon workshop, however if there is a high level of interest, we will offer a separate adults workshop from 4.30pm-7.30pm.

Venue: Thanyapura (Monday to Thursday) Legend Music Studios, The Boat Lagoon (Friday). Cost: B6,500 per person. Call 076 336 000 ext. 3501, Email: jo@pia. ac.th. See thanyapura.com.

SEPTEMBERDECEMBER TSLC Ironkids

TSLC Ironkids Phuket Triathlon After school training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3.45pm to 4.45pm. Open to all children from six to 15 years old. Price at B350 per person.

Tuesdays: Swim and bike and Thursdays: Bike and run. Pre-book sessions by email activities@thanyapura. co.th. Bikes available for rent at B100 per session. More info at www.ironkidsphuket.com.

rat is the nickname for the King, meaning the beloved great king.

race for children ages six to 15 years old. Registration is at www.ironkidsphuket.com.

OCTOBER 30 TSLC Ironkids Training Race

NOVEMBER 10 Loi Krathong Festival Loi Krathong is one of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand. The event occurs on the full-moon night of the 12th lunar month. The festival originates from Sukhothai Province. Loy means to float and Krathong is a lotus-shaped boat made from banana leaves.The festival is of Brahmin origin to honour Mae Khongkha, the Mother Goddess of the Waters.

OCTOBER 23 Chulalongkorn Day A public holiday in remembrance of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1910. Thai people lay flower wreaths at his statue in Bangkok and in the provinces. Piya Maha-

Asian Hospitality & Travel Show Be seen...

List your events on our website for free; here for 50 per cent discount www.thephuketnews.com

TSLC IronKids Phuket Training Race. A practice triathlon

People float krathongs in rivers, canals, lakes and the

NOVEMBER 05 The Thailand Property Awards 2011

For Exhibiting opportunities Contact: info@eventsthailand.net Mobile: 089 725 6994 BOOKINGS CLOSE 1 OCTOBER 2011 www.eventsthailand.net www.thephuketnews.com

sea, all over Thailand. The krathongs are made from banana leaves and contain a candle, a coin, incense and flowers.

Before people float their krathong, they make a wish.

It is believed that the krathongs carry away sins and bad luck. If the candle stays alight, the wishes will come true. Today it is simply also a time to have fun.

NOVEMBER 26-27 9th Phuket Intern.

Soccer 7s The one and only Phuket Soccer 7s will celebrate its ninth anniversary this year.

This tournament has developed into one of the largest 7s tournaments in Asia with over 80 teams from 20 countries that will compete during two weekends.

on December 3-4 there is a lot to look forward to this year. Register your team now on info@Thai7s.com, www.

Thai7s.com.

DECEMBER 3-10 Phuket 25th King’s Cup Regatta 2011 The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is Asia’s largest regatta comprising five days competitive racing in the tropics, with six nights of some of the best regatta parties to be found anywhere.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the regatta regularly attracts over 100 boats and 1,000+ participants from all corners of the globe.

The jewel in the crown of the Asian Yachting Circuit, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has become “the one to win”. www.kingscup.com.

DECEMBER 3 TSLC Ironkids Phuket

@

Phuket’s biggest ‘trade show’ for organisations whithin the Hospitality & Travel industry Hosted Buyer programme - buyers from Asia, Australia, India and more.

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making.

Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as “Ma Song”.

Also with the 6th Andaman International Soccer 7s

18TH - 20TH NOVEMBER 2011

LESS THAN 30% OF THE SPACE AVAILABLE.

SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 05 Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Now in their sixth year, The Thailand Property Awards are widely recognised as a benchmark for excellence in Thailand’s residential real estate industry. The Gala Award ceremony will take place at the Grand Hyatt Erawan in Bangkok on November 5th, and with many of the tables already reserved, the event is expected to attract more than 600 leading figures from the Kingdom’s property sector.

Over a thousand developers, property agents, architects and real estate companies are represented on the submitted list of entries, including many of Bangkok’s top residential developers, plus stand out projects and real estate firms based in Thailand’s most popular resort destinations, with Phuket well represented. www. thailandpropertyawards.com. Contact 02 662 5195.

Triathlon for kids six – 15 years old. Registration open until November 27. More information and registration forms on www.ironkidsphuket.com.

EVENTS REGULAR 31

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

List your events on our website for free; here as low as B49 per line www.thephuketnews.com

Happy Hour?

Special promo?

Live Music?

Live Sport?

Brunch?

Dinner?

Spa Promo?

List here for

FREE! thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat Only B295 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim.

Reservations call on 081 891 4381.

TapasTree Near Peppers Bar Laguna. Buy one get one free cocktails. Resident DJ, ’70s to now. Great tapas.

088 443 4166.

Indian Night At RPM Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine from 7-10pm. This authentic home-made Indian buffet will be prepared and served by inhouse Indian Chef Padum Kahtri. Only B495++ per person. Please call Les Anges on 076 360 803

Tapas & Wine Night Order tapas, as much as you like, plus one bottle of wine. B1,200 net per person. 6-11pm at White Box Kalim. Call 076 346 271.

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Alternate Fridays, all-you -can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. Draught beer B50. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

50% Off All Drinks From 10pm to midnight with live music, Roaring Bhoys. Every Friday. Irish Times Irish pub, Jungceylon, Patong.

Beach BBQ Enjoy a beach BBQ at Catch Beach Club, Surin (from B1,190++ per person). 7-10pm. Call 076 316 567.

SATURDAY Colin Hill Colin Hill performs (duo) now every second Saturday at Legends Bar in Kamala, with local guitarist Florian. Call 081 079 1069.

B1,190++ per person).

Call 076 316 577.

Come and enjoy our new wines, delicious snacks and meet other wine lovers.

3 glasses of white and 3 glasses of red wine, tapas buffet and live music only B599.

Wine Theme: Australia, France & Thailand (new vineyard). Free tasting of spirits (Grappa, Vodka, White Rum).

September 24, at 6.30 pm. info@wineloversphuket.com.

Half-Chicken Spit Roast Only B225 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim area. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

TapasTree TapasTree (Near Peppers Bar Laguna). Resident DJ, ’70s to date. Great tapas. Contact 088 443 4166.

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, 82/15 Moo 4 Patak Road, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

All Major Sports Live On the big screen. F1, MotoGP, Tennis, Golf, AFL, NRL. Irish Times Irish Pub, Jungceylon, Patong.

Interactive Pub

Champagne Brunch at Trisara

Ever y Sunday, the beachfront bar becomes a celebration of f ine wines, exquisite tapas, live cooking stations and Phuket’s best dessert, featuring the cool sounds of a jazz trio.

Come and indulge in Roederer Champagne or a wide variety of wines.

Kids club welcome all children with complimentary snacks. Advance reser vations rec om mended on 076 310 100 or guest@trisara.com.

MONDAY Roaring Bhoys Live Music every Monday night. The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

Only B325 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pickup Patong and Kalim.

Reser vations 081 891 4381.

SUNDAY

TUESDAY

Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork and Yorkshire pudding. All you can eat B399. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

Sunday Brunch Enjoy the original Sunday brunch in Phuket at Twinpalms. 12-3pm (from

Quiz night. Starts from 8pm every Wednesday night. The largest se lection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub 82/15 Moo 4 Patak Road, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

DAILY Brew Great Beer

Half-Chicken Spit Roast Only B225 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim area. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, 82/15 Moo 4, Patak Road, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

Rotary Club of Patong Beach Weekly meeting of the only English-speaking

Star t at 7.30 pm, four courses for B750 with award-winning Chef Daniel Isberg. 086 047 1474, www.suringate.com.

Salsa Class At RPM Salsa c las s at Royal Phuket Marina from 7.309pm. For more info on www.phuket-dance.com.

BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat Only B295 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim.

Reservations call on 081 891 4381.

happy hours. Between 5pm and 7pm. “Buy one get the same one free” promotion. The Luna Bar, Centara Grand Beach Resort. 076 201 234.

GAA Football & Hurling Live games shown at Australia Bar & Grill, Kata Beach. For more info visit www.australiabargrill. com or call 089 226 2878.

3-Hour Happy Hour Three-hour Happy Hour M onday- Fr iday, 4pm 7pm. Beer from B5 0.

House spirits B90. Australia Bar & Grill, Kata Beach. 089 226 2878.

Duke’s Sports Bar at Kata

Chef’s Dinner at Surin Gate Kitchen

At Shakers. Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, Patong.

Free pick up Patong and Kalim areas. Reservations please call 081 891 4381.

Best Sunday Carvery in Phuket

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM

At Club Yamu by Twinpalms. Noon till 3pm. Enjoy delicious pasta, BBQ, Thai home cooking. Call 076 310 557.

BBQ Buffet All You Can Eat

Les Anges at RPM. From 11am to 3pm. B795++ Adults, include one glass of house wine, 50 per cent discount. Children under 12 eat for free. Call 076 360 803.

Beach BBQ Enjoy a beach BBQ at Catch Beach Club (from B1,190++ per person).

7pm-10pm. 076 316 567.

WEDNESDAY

20% off all Pizzas

Family Brunch on The Boardwalk

at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit R o a d , P a t o n g . Fr e e pickup Patong and Kalim. Reservatins 081 891 4381.

Sunday Family Brunch

Half-Chicken Spit Roast Only B225 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim area. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

Rotary Club on Phuket at the Aloha Villa Hotel (Dinner out on first Tuesday of the month). rotarypatong. org.

Happy hour daily from 4pm to 7pm. Draft beer B110/pint, cocktail two for B220. Behind the ship at Jungceylon Call 076 3667 753.

Grizzly’s Sports Bar and Restaurant Watch all the sport that is on TV this weekend with us. Located between Loch Palm Golf Course and Kathu Waterfall. Call 087 471 8747

Currie Cup Rugby

THURSDAY

Live games shown at Australia Bar & Grill, Kata Beach. For more info visit www.australiabargrill. com or call 089 226 2878.

BBQ Buffet All You Can Eat

Sunset Happy Hours & Ninjazz

Only B325 per person

Don’t miss the Sunset

Watc h your favour ite sports and enjoy a cold beer at the best little spor ts bar in Phuket.

Special “drink of the day” B110, all day - every day. w w w. d u ke s b i g b o a r d . com.

Peppers Quiz Night Peppers Sports Bar daily happy hour, great food, full English breakfast.

Open from 8.30am. All spor ts shown. Laguna area. Please call 088 443 4166.

Australia Bar & Grill at Kata Projector screen plus 50” TV’s. TrueVisions and Astro systems. All live sport include AFL, NRL, rugby, F1, football. Call 089 226 2878.

Write your classified advertisement Heading ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

Body ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

50% discount until 30 September 2011 ONLY B49 per line.

Upgrade to a box or colored background for only B100. Add a picture for B197.

Please hand this form to our office or Fax to: 076 612 553 www.thephuketnews.com

32 ENTERTAINMENT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

IN BRIEF Bob Hope’s widow dies at 102

Emmys: Mad Men take it home

Dolores Hope, the sultryvoiced songstress who was married to Bob Hope for 69 years and sometimes sang on his shows for US troops and on his television specials, has died aged 102.

Hope family spokesman Harlan Boll said Ms Hope died on Monday of natural causes at home in Los Angeles. Bob Hope died at age 100 on July 27, 2003.

The 1960s Madison Avenue saga Mad Men won its fourth consecutive best drama series award on Sunday, while big-hearted romp Modern Family claimed its second best comedy trophy.

Modern Family producer Steve Levitan, whose picture of the American family today includes gay couples and interracial families, told of being approached during shooting by a real-life gay couple who wanted to say thanks.

“They said, ‘You’re not just making people laugh, you’re making them more tolerant,’” said Levitan, whose show received a total of five awards.

Timberlake, Kunis deny photos Reports that Justin Timberlake and actress Mila Kunis exchanged indecent photos are “entirely false” say representatives.

Last week it was alleged that Kunis’ previous cell phone account was hacked.

Four raunchy photos, including one of a shirtless Timberlake and a naked Kunis in a bathtub, were reportedly leaked.

Phone hackers claim the Friends with Benefits co-stars swapped these racy images with each other on their mobile devices. Timberlake and Kunis’ representatives completely refute the allegations.

www.thephuketnews.com

Gaga scoops Euro MTV nominations Pop star Lady Gaga leads the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) nominations with a total of six, including best song for Born This Way, best pop and live act and best female artist.

In all four categories the 25-year-old entertainer was up against another charttopping diva, namely Katy Perry, nominated four times including for best song.

Bloc Party.

Massive Attack.

Huge acts announced for Sri Panwa party S

ix internationally acclaimed bands and DJs will form the core entertainment for one of Phuket’s hottest parties next Wednesday night (September 28), guaranteed to keep party goers revelling until dawn.

Baba Poolclub and AG Productions will host the Sweet Sexy & Spicy F1 After Party at Sri Panwa, featuring Bloc Party, Massive Attack, Lovebirds & Vincenzo and Kruder & Dorfmeister.

Tickets are strictly limited for the event and are available for pre-sale at B2,000 per person (incl. two drinks) from 16 to 25 September.

British rock band Bloc Party released their critically acclaimed debut album Silent Alarm in 2005. The band themselves were nominated for ‘Best New Artist’ at the 2005 NME Awards, and were also up for the ‘Best Alternative Act’ category at the 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards.

Meanwhile, fellow Brit DJ duo Massive Attack, consisting of Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall, have won numerous awards over their stellar career, including being nominated for Best British Group, Best British Album, and Best British Single at the 1999 Britt Awards. However, their most famous song is arguably 1991’s ‘Unfinished Sympathy’.

Adding to the already stellar lineup are DJs Kruder & Dorfmeister, and DJ Vincenzo.

Several Korean superstar singers have also been invited, but no names had been confirmed at time of press.

Tickets may be purchased directly at Sri Panwa or by calling 076 371 099 ext. 5025 or 5024, or by visiting their Facebook page (search Sri Panwa). After September 25, tickets will be sold at the door only for B3,000 per person (incl. two drinks).

■■ F o r m o r e i n f o s e e sripanwa.blogspot.com

JOBS 33

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com

Salesperson - Hotel Dive Shop Sea Bees Diving is looking for a Thai female salesperson for one of our hotel dive shops commencing October 01.

A pplic ants should be min. 25 years, have good English skills and basic accounting knowledge. This position is for a long-term and full-time contract.

Diving experience preferred but not necessary. Monthly fixed salary plus commission.

Please send your CV and photo to: office@sea-bees.com or telephone 076 381 765 (Khun Anja).

Staff Required for New Hotel -Five receptions staff -Waitress and waiter -Four bartenders -Two cashiers -Three accountants.

Contact Victor on 088 819 1976 (Thai).

Send your CV to admin@hemingwayshotel. c om or Fa x. 076 3 6 6 204.

Hotel Receptionist Required English speaking Thai national with good computer skills required for reception, restaurant and bar work in Kamala.

Salary and hours negotiable based on experience. To apply phone 086 941 8880 or send CV to phil@royalembassyresortphuket.com.

Thai Staff Wanted Four Thai staff wanted for new sandwich shop “Delicious” in Patong. B8,500 per month. Contact rambomuis@hotmail.com or call 083 738 7139.

Dog Lover Couple Needed Thai couple, aged no more than 45, no smoking. Take care villa and 5 dogs. Husband to work as driver and handyman, wife to work as housekeeper. B20,000/per month Call 0881689455.

Sale/Recruiter in Bangkok ICPA has long been helping Japanese clients to recruit top professionals.

We are look for a salesperson or recruiter with a drive for success, solution sales experience, excellent telephone skills, fluent in English and/or Japanese.

Call 02 632 1536, 086 577 8356. Fax 02 632 1539.

Send CV to hr4@icpa.com

Sales / Recruiter for Japanese Market 50K up to 100K+ based on success High energy attitude and drive for success  Must have strong sales experience/track record  Recruiting experience preferred but not required  Ability to speak with and technical managers  Excellent telephone skills  Good people skills  Excellent English and/or Japanese 

for further details, please see our website at www. icpa.com.

Job Available from MAGpal MAGpal imported international magazines for rent. We provided rental service of 1000++ titles of magazines from all over the world. Please visit our website www.magpalthailand.com.

Job available: Sales representative. English fluency, enthusiasm, sales skill, puncual, responsible. karita@magpalthailand. com.

Driver PEXGO Courier requires driver for pick up and deliveries in Phuket. Must be able to work at night. Must speak some English, basic use of computer. Contact Meaw on 076 322 663 or email phuket@pexgo.com.

PA to GM Wanted Pe r s o n a l a s s i s t a n t t o general manager of trading company in Kamala.

Only Thai national, must speak English 100% and have driving license. Salary start at B25,000 per month. Send resume to email only giovanni@skgf. asia.

Travelling Salesperson Sales representative available to travel around Thailand for our range of fast moving consumer products. Must be Thai national, have a driving license and proven experience of sales to minimart, supermarket.

We already have more than 500 customer in Thailand. Contact via email skgf@skgf.asia.

Driver Wanted My car, part-time, good English. Contact Mr Brian.

089 054 4354.

Personal Assistant Wanted Personal Assistant wanted

full-time. This is a longterm position with growth opportunity. Lady between 25-35 years old. Able to work in the morning and evening, be able to speak, read, and write English and Thai.Must have own vehicle.

Good computer skills, college graduate, good salary. Please reply with resume(CV) to hr@newyorkcasual.com.

Health Consultant www.atsumihealing.com is seeking a Thai national to join our detox team. Excellent English required. shell@atsumihealing.com.

Homemaker/PA Needed Single, attractive female under 32 years. College graduate with good English, live in. Own luxury apartment and transportation provided. Flexible hours and liberal time off.

Swimming pool, health club and tennis cour ts steps away. Send CV to bggvirgo@gmail.com.

Sales Staff for Cherng Talay Good English, positive attitude, good in sales, outgoing personality. Salary B12,000 plus commission.

Please contact Phuket Pool Tables 085 782 1200.

Native English Speaking Teacher Need native English speaking teacher with ability to speak, read and write Thai. Call Robin on 081 803 7189.

Nanny/Babysitter/ Maid We are looking for experienced staff to work for us as a nanny/maid or babysitter. Basic English is a plus. Candidates must have their own transportation. For interview please contact 089 648 2408.

Accountant Needed Phuket Fish Boat Company and its director seek

an accounting graduate for general accounting work and database management.

Can be without experience but require a degree in accounting. Full-time position with salary starting at B15,000. Please send applications to martin@phuketfishboat.com.

Secretary Required Female, bachelor degree.

Must speak, write and read English well. Must have at least two or three years work experience.

Please your send CV: daragh@techworx-projects.com or call 084 449 3863.

Charity Manager The Phuket Community Foundation has a full-time opening for a manager.

The job: Working with the Board to implement the board’s policies and decisions; Implementation of projects, including fundraising activities; Serving as spokesperson for the foundation, Developing and managing budgets, taking day-to-day responsibility for financial management.

The candidate: Thai, age up to 35, degree, computer literate, Thai/ English literate. Email resume to apply. manager@ phuketcharity.org.

Help Wanted Food Services are looking to fill several positions within the business: One account and marketing manager (Thai or expat).

Two kitchen helpers (female). One cleaner.

For more information or to apply call 076 390 977 or 0 82 816 0126, or email info@foodservicesth.com.

Accountant Wanted Accountant wanted for cooking school and food services business. Thai national. For more information call 082 816 0126

We Offer:

Training, work permit, medical insurance, fitness club, special 15% tax rate for expat employees

Send CV to: hr1@icpa.com

The Phuket News is looking to add to its ever growing team of professionals and seeks: Sales Representatives Qualifications:

- Thai or Expat.

- Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English.

- Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude.

- Works well under pressure and has a will to succeed.

Tele Sale Executives (Thai Nationals) - Able to meet deadlines.

- Experience in sales or telesales would be an advantage.

- Must have good command of both English and Thai.

Reporter (Thai National)

- Curiosity about the world and a delight in telling stories.

- Good team player.

- Good English speaker and communicator.

- Above-average English writing skills.

- Proficient photographer.

- Must be able to work unsupervised and be a self starter.

- Must be willing to work after hours to cover events; some weekend work will also be required.

- Applicants must have their own transport and driver licence.

We offer:  Competitive

salary, bonuses and travel expenses. friendly work environment.  Social security paid by the company.  Excellent career progress opportunities. A

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 6212 550-2 for mor info. or info@foodservicesth. com.

Secretary We a r e l o o k i n g f o r a Thai secretary to work in a placement agency in Kathu. The candidate must speak English and have basic computer skills.

Hours of work are from Monday to Friday 9am to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Salary starts at B10,000 plus commission. 089 648 2408.

Sales Assistant Urgently Needed Fluent in spoken and written English,assist man-

ager on a daily basis dealing with clients & office duties,effective interpersonal skills, creative and result-oriented.

Experience in interior design will be advantage.

Good compensation to the right candidate. Send CV to abfabsales@gmail. com.

Phuket Deli Looking for Driver Phuket Deli food shop looking for delivery driver.

Must have good knowledge of Phuket. Company provide car. Call 082 427 0154. www.thephuketnews.com

34 CLASSIFIED ADS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com CONTENTS Animal Care...............34 Boats & Yachts..........34 Business Opportunities............34 Business Services....................34 Cars for Sale..............34 Child Care Servies.....34 Computer Sales & Repair......................34 Clubs & Associations.............34 ComputerSales-Repairs............34 Diving Services.........34 Education Services................34-35 Miscellaneous Items Wanted.......................35 Miscellaneous Items for Sale.............................35 Motorbikes for Rent...35 Motorbikes for Sale.....35 Personal Services........35 Pets for Sale...............35 Pool Table Sales & Repair......................35 Property & Concierge Services.....................36 Property for Rent......36 Property for Sale...36-37 Trade Directory..........38

more details on 084 844 5868.

Wonderful Chaparral Boat

8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. 076 283 365, 083 501 8488.

BOATS & YACHTS Fishing Boat for Sale

18’ fibreglass, 60hp Mercury, GPS/fish-finder, bimini, trailer, nice tidy boat with blue book, ready to go. Presently moored in Rawai, for viewing and test. B99,000. Call for

For lease in Patong. Furnished laundry with two bedrooms. Call Khun Nata on 086 115 2184.

Shop for Rent

22FT, year 2009, wonderful chaparral boat 215 SSI Cuddy, 35 hours engine usage only, amazing prize for quick sale.

Contact 087 515 7064.

fice with an alarm system and CCTV cameras. Call 085 798 9469 or email contact@alarms-phuketservices.com.

Prime potential shop for rent in prime commercial location. Also has franchise opportunity for Bellini. For more information call 082 816 0126 or email info@foodservicesth.com.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Farang Food Paradise Your specialist of im ported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact 076 612 733, 076 248 900. Fax 076 612 734.

And now new branch in Samui. See our website phuketfood.com.

11 Units Apartment-House for Sale

Green House Phuket Consult Services

Patong, off Nanai Road, newly renovated, secure income with little work, long term rentals, Chanote title, sale by owner, detailed sales folder available. Only B 7.9 million. 087 265 0652, gisbert1@gmx.net.

Laundry To Let Lease B2 20,0 0 0 plus B 8,5 0 0 monthly rent.

Pisitkoranee Road, Patong. Fully-fur nished.

Contact Khun Lek, call 089 232 9807.

Insurance, personal as sist anc e, le gal as sistance, police and emergency assistance, p r o p et y manag em ent sales and rentals, company registration, visa and work permit and accouning. Call 081 691 9679.

Construction, renovation, electric, metal work, wood work, shop fitting.

Please contact 085 654 2244.

Founder membership for sale. B600,000 include transfer fee. Call 084 839 4868.

52,000 KM black colour.

Excellent condition, like new.Pr ic e B870,0 0 0.

Cherngtalay (near Laguna) Russian and English speaking. Call 083 636 1435.

Car for Sale As New 2010 Nissan Traveller, top model as new. Only 18,000km cost B1,625,000. SELL B1,325,000. Please call 087 276 0529.

CHILD CARE SERVICES Buds Nursery Kindergarten Phuket’s oldest bi-lingual international child care facility. High quality time proven schedule and curriculum. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1½ -6. MonFri 8am-5pm. Bus service available. 076 282 232.

International private sc ho o l fo r age s 3 -12 years, offering Montessori education. For more informationtin see our website montessori-thai land.com.

Indo Construction 40 years experience of more than 20 years at your service in Thailand.

Main Contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. 076 381 895.

all branches of the travel and tourism industry. See www.skalphuket.org.

Phuket Golf & C. C. Membership

Rawai Progressive School

Singapore Club Phuket Calling all Singaporeans in Phuket to join “Singapore Club Phuket”. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.

DIVING SERVICES Phuket Scuba Club PA D I 5 S t a r C e n t r e.

Half day, daytrips, liveaboards and diver education. Phuket’s only dive club! Contact 076 284 026.

All 4 Diving 5/4 Sawatdirak Road, Patong Beach. For more info call 076 344 611.

Paradise Diving Asia All courses and diving trips. Boat charter and individual tours. See more information at www.diveparadise.com.

EDUCATION SERVICES TTT Language School Chalong

Education for children 18 months to six years old with experienced native English teachers following the UK EYFS curriculum. For more details call 089 971 1813.

Ministry of Education ED Visa - Learn Thai TEFL/TESOL Teacher Training. Stay in Thailand! FREE English test!

Many languages with Native Teachers. www.ttt-tefl.com, info@ttt-tefl.com Contact 076 280 869 087 467 8719

International Kindegarten

Yoga Teacher Training Course

Fully insure d st ar t B12,000 to B18,000 per month. Please call 089 831 4703. Email for more info: a1carrent@gmail. com.

International Kindergarten. Native English teachers, UK and Singapore curriculum, small class sizes. The best choice.

Call for info on 082 323 1188.

Yoga teacher training i nte r nat i o na l t r ai ni n g course certificate, 250 hours. October 16-November 13. www.ayuryoga.ch. Call Khun Noi 080 533 2202.

CARS FOR SALE

COMPUTER SALES-REPAIRS

Mazda Familia Pick-up Manual

English Computerman

Excellent condition, engine rebuilt, brakes, battery, body and paint excellent. Must see. Price B85,000. Mobile 086 270 5462.

Sales (New and Used), Ser vic e and Repair s, WLAN a speciality. Free telephone advice. Please call 084 625 7744.

ABC International Nursery

Alarms & CCTV Services Protect your home or of-

CARS FOR RENT A1 Car Rentals

Toyota Pickup 4 Doors for Sale Turbo Diesel auto. 148,130 km, year 19 92. Pr ic e B195,000. Call 089 822 7547 (Thai and English). www.thephuketnews.com

Toyota Fortuner 2005

Tile It Thalang. Wana Park on Sr isoonthor n Rd. Phuket ’s Quality Tile Boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tileasia.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

ANIMAL CARE Chaofah Pet Hospital

Laundry For Lease

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS SKAL International Phuket Skål is a professional organisation of leaders from

Cooking School Fire up your creative flare with Food Services Cooking School. Italian, Western and Thai cuisine. Try our famous pizza school. Call 082 816 0126 or email info@foodser vicesth.com.

Guitar Lesson By Pro Player Guitar/bass lessons beginner to advanced. Personal one-on-one or by DVD. Diploma of Teaching (Aust) Degree. Call 089 777 3063.

CLASSIFIED ADS 35

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com EDUCATION SERVICES Dos & Don’ts of Thai Culture

Brand New “TYLO” Sauna Inside 1.40mx1.40m, 2m height. Price B150,000.

Call for details on 082 271 4487.

ing bike and heaps better street cred than a Phantom! Special price now 40k (never ride, have too many bikes). Contact 080 038 7599.

MOTORBIKES FOR RENT

PERSONAL SERVICES

Honda Click for Rent

Learn Thai and Thai culture that is necessary for enjoying life in Thailand. Group classes three days per week learning about the real dos and don’ts of Thailand.

Free English-Thai dictionary for the first 10 students for enrolments until September 20, 2011. The Genius Language School 089 203 9270 (Aooddy). www.thegeniuslanguageschool.net.

Teaching English We o r g a n i s e En g li s h courses and lessons for Prathom and Matayom students at their home.

Books provided. 087 282 2699.

Learning Tagalog Want to learn Basic Tagalog? We can help. Please contact patong.peter@ gmail.com.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS WANTED Carpet for Luxury Condo Wanted Four large approximately 9’x12’ high-end carpets.

Call on 089 054 4354.

Shor t- and long -ter m available, no scams, honest good value. Free delivery for hires over one week. Call 087 188 9047.

Honda CB 750 Chopper for Sale

Of fers consulting and ser vic es on c ompany registration, work permit, visa, accounting, auditor, legal advice. Please call 081 892 9960.

Kata Hot Yoga The most popular Yoga for men and women in Phuket. Four c lasses every day. Kata yoga, it works! www.katahotyoga. com, Contact 076 605 950.

American Health Clinic

23 years old, hand built, will go forever, nice look-

Why buy a pet?

Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully-vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 087 050 8688, john@ soidog.org.

For Sale 13 Pedigree Puppies

Houses for Rent Long Term

Selling Your Property?

Chiropractic spinal adjustment with an experienced chiropractor can take away the pain almost as quickly as it began.

Call 076 612 707, 080 530 3376.

Techworx Custom design & installation. Professional service and suppor t. Premium service: home cinema, home automation, marine AV and IT, lighting control

Get maximum exp osure on our top ranked website. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket.net.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Super Pool Villas Low rates-monthly-weekly. Near Laguna. Villas have everything. Call 089 594 4067.

45,000 For 2 Months Luxury villa near Laguna.

Pool, spa room and internet. Call 089 594 4067.

Secluded Pool Villa for Rent Chalong, four bedroom, two bathroom, lounge, dinner, big T V ro om, great location, five minutes to Chalong Circle, 5 x 10 metre pool, approx 700m2 block, partly furnished. B35K per month.

Contact 081 082 5707 for more details.

Live Music

By Colin Hill

Leaving Items for Sale

Honda Rebel Classic

PETS FOR SALE

A completely new visa run company. Only B1,100.

Leave 5am, return 5am.

No crazy driver, no boats, no bull. Please call 083 390 4924.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE

Recently had major overhaul and re-spray black, kick and elec tric start. This bike is a real head turner. Nice and loud. H as green book so all legal. Get ready fo r B ike We ek 2012. Only B95,000. Call 087 267 8602.

Wo r l d ’s b e s t n a t u r a l health programs to increase health, reduce stress, weight loss, detox, rejuvenation, vitality and overcome disease. www. atmanjai.com.

Visa run B1,100

Popular expat pro musician (guitar/vocals) with work permit. Can perform solo, duo or band. www. play-guitar.net, please call on 089 777 3063.

Whole body vibration workout machine. Flabelos FL-3000. The fast track to great abs (for press).

DH Fitness running track.

LG digital TV 47’ LH50.

LG DVD receiver system home theater. Philips DVD player. Frosen camera “Sandem Intercool”. Cherngtalay (near Laguna). Russian and English speaking 083 636 1435 or Email for pictures: natadubai@inbox.ru.

WiFi. Start B6,800 per month. 081 956 1218.

PROPERTY & CONCIERGE

Atmanjai

Phuket Visa

All your chopper needs.

Located on the hill before Safari heading south from Patong. Get ready for bike week 2012. Please contact 076 292 079 or Khun Bang on 087 382 2494.

A producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. 076 355 600-1.

Opposite HomePro Village Chalong. Khun Vasanh 081 956 2024. vinoltds@hotmail.com.

BMW R1200 GS US

Southern Big Bike Chopper Shop

Bon Café Phuket

rent and profit sharing. All accessories and services. Please call for more infomation on 081 823 4627.

Havana Cigar Shop

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE

2006 with 46,600km.

Farang owned. Perfect condition and serviced

by BMW. Silver colour with leather side bags and cover. Selling price: B550,000. Call 089 814 1458, lucdayot@gmail. com.

and multi-room audio-video. 084 443 9863, www. techworx-projects.com.

First time in Thailand. www.rhodesian-ridgeback.name. Rhodesian r i dg e bac k pup p i e s.

Ver y play ful nature.

Most faithful friend for life from “Top Pedigree World Champion Parents” Please contact l enysikuv@ h ot mail. com or call 089 871 2744.

POOL TABLE SALES & REPAIRS Phuket Pool Tables www.phuketpooltables. com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales,

Terrace House Phuket for Rent At Phuket City Home, three storeys, good for home office. B12,000 per month plus bond. Call 081 978 6700.

Chalong, ver y private with mountain views, two bedrooms, kitchen, fully furnished, SAT TV, ADSL, UBC and common swimming pool.

Contact 089 724 3669.

Orchid Kathu Heights Stylish Ser vice Apar tments Studio. One bed t wo bed, t wo baths.

Roof top swimming pool free WiFi en suite room from B6,000 per month.

Please see www.orchidkathuheights-phuket.com or 076 203 208.

Saiyuan House For Rent Two bedrooms, one bathroom with a big garden in Saiyuan near Naiharn Beach. Good price for long term. 087 883 0105.

Apartment for Rent in Patong New 1 bedroom fully furnished apartment aircon.

WiFi, on hill & good view of Patong town & beach.

Quiet location, gate lock at night. Tam 082 2714 487.

Beach Frontage One bedroom self-contained holiday villa Rawai.

Rental day/week Call 081 677 1641.

Kata - Office for Rent

Studio Condo Kata for Rent At Kata Plaza, near beach, two minutes walk.

Semi furnished, fridge, air-con. bed. B12,000 per month plus bond. Please call 081 978 6700.

Happy Home Apartment (Rawai) Apar tment for rent at Saiyuan 15, Rawai. Fullyfurnished, swimming pool,

Kata beach in front of hotel Alpina resort. Good condition, with air-con 1 unit, pantry, Well-decorated. B16,700 per month only. Contact for more details on 081 956 1077.

WE'RE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL OUTLETS IN PHUKET This is in addition to 400+ locations including all 7-Eleven, Big One Supermarkets, Se-ed book store and all major shopping outlets.

For full list of outlets please visit www.t h ep hu ket ne ws.co m/ distributionlists.php

Tel: 076 612 550-2 www.thephuketnews.com

36 CLASSIFIED ADS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com PROPERTY FOR RENT CONT Pool Villa for Rent Fully furnished with three bedrooms. Near Lotus Rawai, in quiet and secure area. Call 086 940 0379.

Comfortable Private and Quiet Townhouse three bedrooms, just a few minutes to Karon Beach. B25,000 per month, long term rent requires. 081 396 0880.

One Bedroom House, Kata Fully-Furnished, one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, terrace, WiFi and cable T V. Price B9,0 0 0 per month. Located in Kata.

Call 081 606 2827.

Phuket Paradise Property

Sunset Plaza in Kata Two Bedroom with Seaview

Villa 300 metre from Kata Beach

Kata – Sea View Apartment

Spectacular Panoramas

Sea View Apartments

Modern furnished one and two-bedroom apartments in Kata. Available for long and short term rent. From B20,000 per month. Contact 081 326 2542.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

3 Steps to Re-sale Cape house, Cape Yamu. A luxurious fourbedroom villa at a remarkable destination.

In a hillside estate with amazing ocean views.

Features include marble finishes throughout, pool and lush tropical gardens. Close to BIS/ PIA schools. B60,000/ month. Call 086 279 6283.

House for Sale or Rent

Three Bedroom House in Chalong

Large house in Chalong, three beds, four bathrooms, swimming pool.

Well worth a look. Offers over B6 million or B30,000 a month. 076 374 562.

Near Palia Beach. Fully furnished, two aircon. carpark, washing machine, WiFi, free cable TV. No pets. Please contact 086 944 4885.

1.Valuation.

2.List your property.

3.Sale.

-Promotional booths with fully trained staff through out Phuket.

-Five International offices supplying customers direct.

-Nine sales staff all nationalities.

Phuket Paradise Property A Step In The Right Re-sale Direction.

PRICE: 8.3m. THB TYPE: Condo BEDROOM: 2 REF.: AB-002 Modern furnished two bedroom. Apartment in Kata. Western kitchen.

Balcony with sea view.

Two big common pools.

Contact 086 95 22 444, 083 595 6733. Please visit our website www.

PRICE: 9.9m. THB TYPE: Villa BEDROOM: 2 REF.: JP-001 Fantastic opportunity in the heart of Kata Phuket, Detached family home set on its own plot offering convenient access to Kata beach 300 mtrs away and all surrounding facilities. Contact 086 95 22 444, 083 595 6733.

Visit our website www.

PhuketParadiseProperty.com.

PhuketParadiseProperty.com.

One Bedroom Apartment With Seaview in Rawai

Visit our website www.

PhuketParadiseProperty. com. Please contact 086 95 22 444. 083 595 6733.

PRICE: 3.5m. THB TYPE: Condo BEDROOM: 1 REF.: MS-0031 Modern one bedroom apartment. With pool.

New kitchen. Bathroo with spa. Big living room and balcony. Contact 086 952 2444, 083 595 6733.

Visit our website www.

PRICE: 9.9m. THB TYPE: Condo BEDROOM: 2 REF.: AB-001 Modern furnished two bedroom. Apartment in Kata. Western kitchen.

Balcony on 21 sqm with sea view. Two big common pools. Contact 086 952 2444, 083 595 6733.

Visite our website www.

PhuketParadiseProperty.com

Rawai Two bedroom on 180 Sqm. With Sea View now 3.0 million

PRICE: 3.0m. THB TYPE: Condo BEDROOM: 2 REF.: MS-006 Big living room and kitchen. Two bedroom and bathroom. 2 minutes walk to the beach. Common pool. Contact 086 952 2444, 083 595 6733.

Visit our website www.

PhuketParadiseProperty.com.

Private Pool Villa In Centre of Nai Harn

PRICE: 9.9m. THB TYPE: Villa BEDROOM: 2 REF.: MS-003 Stunning two bedrooms villa with big pool. Big modern kitchen and living room. 2 minutes walk from Tesco Lotus Express. Contact 086 95 22 444, 083 595 6733.

Visit our website www.

PhuketParadiseProperty.com

PhuketParadiseProperty.com.

Seaview Pool Villa One Bedroom Apartment With Seaview in Rawai

Condominium in Kathu

PRICE: 1.3m. THB TYPE: Condo BEDROOM: Studio REF.: JP-003 Condominium in Kathu central Phuket. 1 bedroom kitchenette and living room opening on to balcony. Fully serviced accommodation 6 minutes from Patong and all amenities. Contact 086 952 2444, 083 595 6733.

Visite our website www.

PhuketParadiseProperty.com

PRICE: 23m. THB TYPE: Villa BEDROOM: 4 REF.: JP-002 Detached luxury villa in Ao Yon set on the east coast of Phuket at Cape Panwa. This 250 square meter-proper ty of fers both executive and family living. It has 4 bedrooms, living room and 9 meter x 3.5 meter infinity pool, all positioned with panoramic ocean views of the famous Phuket Deep Sea port. Contact 086 95 22 444, 083 595 6733.

Visit our website www.

PhuketParadiseProperty.com.

www.thephuketnews.com

PRICE: 3.2m. THB TYPE: Condo BEDROOM: 1 REF.: MS-002 Modern one bedroom apartment. With pool.

New kitchen. Bathroom with spa. Big living room and balcony. Fully-furnished. Contact 086 95 2 2444, 083 595 6733.

Visit our website www.

PhuketParadiseProperty.com.

CLASSIFIED ADS 37

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT House for Sale Three beds, four bathrooms in Chalong, small estate, end of road, fitted wardrobes, swimming pool, garden, big kitchen, fully fur nished. Pr ic ed B6,250,000. Call 076 374 562 to view property.

11th Fairway LochPalm For Sale

Land for Sale One rai with Chanote title.

Five minutes from Rawai Beach in secure area. Call owner on 086 940 0379.

Land up Patong Hill, Sea View Various sizes of land with sea view overlooking Patong Bay. znresidence@ gmail.com, Please see www.znresidence.com.

Great 180 degree elevated seaview land for sale in Leelawadee Hill behind Toyot a on Bypass Rd. 1080sqm for B18.9 Million.

081 823 4627.

Bali Style Pool Villa for Sale

Eight rooms, internet cafe and an apartment. Rent B52,000 per month. Asking price B1.75 million. Call 085 794 6530.

For sale. 82 sq metre, three bedroom, two bathroom, Chalong, B4.3m.

Call details on 087 907 4004.

Private Pool Villas from B4.9M

House Near Laguna 2.1 MB

Detached house in Baandon, 55 sq wah Chanote, two bed with aircon.

Two bath (one en-suite), phone/ADSL, fully furnished, nic e garden.

Price B2.1 million. Call Tay 086 280 4734.

180 Degree Seaview Land Sale

Guesthouse for Sale

Land and House Park Phuket Villa with three bed, two bath, open living, fully furnished, sala, pool and jacuz zi. Fair way and mountain views. Urgent sale B10.8 million. Contact 089 731 0283.

Contact 080 530 6880.

Intira Villas is a development of 15 boutique villas in the hear t of Rawai. Second phase open now! Only few villas available. www.in tiravillas.com, call 083 594 9279.

850 SQM Land Plot for Sale In Soi King Saliga, front 22mx42m long. Walled and about 100m from Rawai Beach. Full chanote title.

furniture. phuketbbgc31@ gmail.com.

Two storey house, 134 sq.m, land 225 sq.m, three bedroom, two bath room, in Chaiyapruek, Land&House Park Phuket. 086 470 2468.

Nice One Rai For Sale B7.0M

Two bed with en-suite in Naiharn, 480sq metre, fully furnished, internet etc, freehold. Priced at B9.7 million. Contact anohoa@gmail.com.

Two bedrooms, two bathrooms in Soi Samakee 2, Saiyuan. Near Naiharn beach. 100 sq.wah, B5.5 million. Contact owner on 087 883 0105.

NS3K land plot of 50 0 square metres, includin g inf r ast r uc ture an d construction permit for a 220 m2 villa. Price at B2,900,000. Call: 089 724 7211.

Rawai-Naiharn Land for Sale Soi Saiyuan13. Sale at reduced price. 640 sq.m.

B4.2 million. Elevated, walled, views and Chanote.

085 782 7551.

Land at Anuphas 40 sq.wah of land behind weekend market at Naka Temple, on Wirathongyok 3/1 Road. Call 089 668 3639.

Deliver The Phuket News every Friday * to the following details: Last Name* Company Street* Amphur* Zipcode*

In Chalong area, 200 metre off main road. In great location. Full Chanote title. Contact 089 651 3479.

House for Sale or Rent

Eco Resort on Coconut Island: Private Pier - Spa - Grass-roofed Village - Lap Pool - Resort lots start at B1 million. Cottage and lot start at B2.5 million. w w w.jindarin. com. Email eam1008@ me.com or call 081 396 6060.

Rawai-New Thai/ Bali Villa

Prime Land for Sale in Rawai

The Sands Condominium 150sq metre foreign freehold, two bedroom, swimming p o o l, G RG FLR , lake view, 15 0 metres to Naiharn Beach. Price B9.8million. Call 089 875 4173.

JINDARIN BEACH CLUB & RESORT

Saiyuan-House for Sale

Kathu: Serviced Land for Sale

can now be delivered direct to your door step every Friday.

We are able to deliver to your home, company or even Hotel.

Please complete the subscription form and fax to 076 612 553.

First Name* Email* Address* Tambon* Province* Nearest cross street or other landmark Phone1* Delivery start date*

House for Sale in L&H Phuket

One-Three Rai with private access. Nice quiet country area. For sale by owner B6 million per Rai ono. Call 081 477 4792.

Land for Sale Rawai

Three bed two bath, full furnished, four aircon. European kitchen. B15,000 per month. Convenient to all beaches, shop ping centre and Phuket City. Special price for long-term rental. For sale B3 million. For more details call John 086 940 4267.

Rawai-Sai Yuan Villa

Four Rai, two Ngan, 64sq Wah (7,456sqm), near shell museum, 80m road frontage. Price at B7.5 million per Rai. Call for more details on 089 731 0283.

Rawai Land for Sale One Rai plus 77 Tarangwah in Soi Saliga, close to Eva beach and Palm House School. Clean and ready to build. Sale by owner. Call 084 745 4132.

Penthouse for Sale Two-bedroom, two bathr o o m p e n t h o u s e. 2 0 0 metres walk to Bangtao Beach. B11.5 million, plus

Soi Suksan, Newly constructed private pool villa. Three bedroom/ three bathroom. Land 1/4 Rai, built area 180sq metre. Open plan living dining with western kitchen. Mountain views in a nice green area.

Fully furnished. Asking B8.5 million, but negotiable on this price. Call 089 973 1180.

Golf View Land for Sale

For sale or rent. Twostorey villa on 620sqm land. Living spac e: 220sqm. In quiet area.

Three-bed, office, open living area, Western-style kitchen, bathroom, cable TV, telephone, ADSL, balcony, car parking, beautiful garden, swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Must see. Original price: B12.5 million. Now B9.9 million. 089 731 0283 or harrij@loxinfo.co.th.

17 rai in Kathu, connects to main road, Nor Sor 3 Gor. 1,600,000 Euro. Contact 089 724 7211, info@botanvillage.

Guesthouse Near Beach for Sale Patong Beach, 100 metre from the sea shore, 10 bedroom guesthouse for sale. Price including land, price B29,400,000. 089 724 7211.

Villa in Pattaya for Sale New build luxury villa in Pattaya for sale B45,000,000.

Call 080 692 8468.

Phone2

(Payment must be received by Monday 12.00pm if you would like your subscription to start that week. Otherwise your subscription will start the following week.)

Please choose your subscription type Hand delivered on Friday* 13 issue 325 Baht Hand delivered on Friday* 26 issue 650 Baht Hand delivered on Friday* 52 issue 1,300 Baht Express Post (Outside Phuket)** 13 issue 910 Baht Express Post (Outside Phuket)** 26 issue 1,820 Baht Express Post (Outside Phuket)** 52 issue 3,640 Baht - Delivery times will vary depending on location.

The Phuket News aims to have all its deliveries completed by Friday 6.00 pm - Delivery by EMS service – Posted on Friday and normally received by Saturday.

Please note The Phuket News is naturally unable to control postage delays beyond its control due to The Royal Thai Post.

You can hand this form to our office or Fax to: 076 612 553 www.thephuketnews.com

38 CLASSIFIED ADS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com

TRADE DIRECTORY AIR CONDITIONING Siam Cooling System Marine air-conditioning, Koh Kaew. Contact 081 891 9442, or scspkt@ loxinfo.co.th.

Phuket Home Services Installing, servicing commercial and residential air- con systems since 2001. All brands. Call 076 324 400, or www.phukethomeservices.com.

BOAT REPAIRS

Phuket Pro-Built Construction, renovation, electrics and shop fitting.

Call 089 909 8604.

Just Sofas Premier supplier of leather sofas. Is your sofa looking old and tired?Give it a new life for less than half the cost of a new one. Call 076 262 024-5

Water Proof Phuket Waterproof, water stop and water swell. Design, construction for factory and home structure roof.

See www.itrthailand.com.

Lucky Awning

Parts supply, refits, repairs, project management yacht delivery. Call 076 239 111.

For the best pr ic e in phuket for retractable/verticals/roll ups with acrylic fabric direct from the importer and save. Call 087 276 0529.

C & C Marine (Thai)

KV Southern

Asia Marine Ltd.

Marine Engineering Services. Call 076 273 247. www.candc-marine.com.

Dan Marine Limited Koh Kaew. Yacht interiors, maintenance and management. Call for more info on 081 271 742.

BUILDING SUPPLIERS Casa Nine Co.,Ltd Mosaics, tiles, stones, wall plaques, hand-made, c er ami c s, de c o r at ive items. Call 081 514 8547.

Island Curtains For all your windows furnishings. Made to order in our factory. Workmanship is guaranteed, our service is second to none. Call 076 262 0245.

plumbing to international standards. 076 615 810.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Raksa Electric Service

Interior Passion

Electric, airconditioning, lighting services and water systems. Call 084 849 8204 for details.

Cooling Technician All commercial, kitchen needs, fridges and cooling systems. Good, reliable and honest. Service all over Phuket. 086 310 3870.

AAA Phuket Electrician UK-approved electricians available to advise on all electrical issues. Contact for 081 691 9907.

Phuket Home Services

Waterproof flooring. Engineering, product architectural, product repair system. 081 828 2457.

Specialise in domestic and commercial electrical wiring installations, telephone, internet and security systems. 076 324 400.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

E.C. PHUKET SATELLITE

J-SAT Communication The leader of a communication system in Phuket.

Service fire alarm, CCTV system, PABX system, TV system. Call for more details on 076 258 200.

Mono Sun Technology Phuket solar, tomorrow’s technology, working today. Wind and solar at down-to-earth prices. 076 263 717.

AVC Engineering Mechanical, electrical and

Professional Satellite Provider. Astro and Thai Satellite and Cable Services.

For quotation call for Thai: Lek on 081 535 9936. For English call: Mel on 086 687 8806. Shop number 076 215 081.

HARDWARE STORES Phaisan Makita Paint All types of paints, colours for home and more.

Find us at MaeLuan Road, Phuket Town, entrance to Rang Hill. 076 355 664.

Whether it’s home improvement , c o mplete renovations or a face lift to add value to your business or property, let Interior Passion be your one-stop-shop to a stress free building and interior solution to suit all budgets. Contact us today for more information. 085 918 4661.

Phuket Home Maintenance Renovations,house repairs, painters, electricians, plumbers, construction workers. Fluent English speaking. Free quotes given. Please contact 084 193 5124.

Contex Phuket Co. Bang Tao area. High-end teak doors and windows with German technology.

Call us on 086 281 1264.

Chem-Dry Cleaning Service The carpet and furniture exper ts. Also of fering full cleaning services for stone, marble, terrazzo, granite and more. Contact 076 261 513.

European Management.

Contact 087 282 4930.

Adisak Trading Bypass Road. We have the largest selection of TOA paint. 076 261 420.

Phuket Awnings Service Making an alliance with the sun. Contact 076 612 870 for more details.

Phuket Home Services High-quality building, contracting and refurbishment work in Phuket and the surrounding region. 076 324 400.

Buildersmart Public Treated pine, Thai gypsum, shera, weber, and watty. Contact for more information 076 275 221.

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Cherng Talay area. Professional landscape design and care. Call 076 318 266

Thalang area. We have the knowledge, networks and technology to answer your needs. 081 797 2753.

Advance Interfreight Express Chaofah (East) Road.

Moving and shipping. Better services, better prices.

076 376 677.

WATER SYSTEMS Phuket Home Services Since 2001. Offer a range of qualif ied in - house plumbing engineers, p lum b in g inst allat i o n teams and plumbers. Call 076 324 400.

Srisoonthorn Road, all areas of Phuket. Contact 076 620 193 or www.mobilepooldoctor.com.

Environmental Solutions

Phuket Home Services

Providing a solution for all your home requirements.

076 270 854.

The Stone Doctor Co.,Ltd

REMOVAL SERVICES

Expert cleaning and protective sealing of all stone types including sandwash, terrazzo, marble, ceramic etc. Operating in Thailand nine years under

Global Logistics Asia

The Mobile Pool Doctor

Chateau Sabai Villa

Design and build salas, pergolas and decks. Offer custom design and build water features and ponds.

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Phuket Home Solutions

Bigmove Phuket One-stop service for all your removal and shipping needs. 076 263 987.

Chalermphrakiat Road, Rassada. 076 304 278.

Phuket Water Supply Water filtration systems for home and pool. Thepkrasattri Road, Rassada area. Call 076 215 681.

Siam Pickpack

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Air- con and solar water heating sales and ser vice. 076 321 562. www.phuketaircon.com.

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PHUKET SPORT 39

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

FC Phuket unbeaten in three A second-half goal by midfielder Jongrak Pakdee was enough to clinch all three points for FC Phuket against southern rivals Songkhla and extend the Southern Sea Kirin’s winning streak to three games.

Jongrak headed the only goal of the game in the 72nd minute as FC Phuket collected three points away from home for only the second time this season.

The win lifted the Southern Sea Kirin up to eighth in TPL Division One with 35 points, 10 points behind third placed Chainat FC with 11 games remaining in the season.

Despite still trailing Chainat by 10 points FC Phuket are just three points behind a cluster of four teams including this weekend’s opponents PTT Rayong FC. With the exception of striker Thawin Butrasombat, who is continuing his rehabilitation from a broken ankle, coach

FOOTBALL

Somphong Wattana had his entire squad to choose from for the clash at Tinnasulanondha Stadium last Sunday.

Songkhla, on the other hand, were forced to take to the field without stars Chayane Santos and Panai Kongpraphand, who were banned after to collecting too many yellow cards.

Due to some rain before kick off, both teams started slowly, but once into their stride it was FC Phuket that made all the early running.

Niran Panthong sent a free kick from the right into the box where Watcharapong Jan-ngam sent a diving header into the back of the net.

The joy of the away side was short lived, however, when referee ruled the goal out for a foul.

The Kirin continued their assault on the Songkhla goal, creating a number of chances

Jongrak Pakdee was the FC Phuket hero in Songkhla. as the home team were reduced to hitting Somphong’s side on the break.

FC Phuket’s profligacy in front of goal has cost them before in away matches and almost did so again when

Worawes Jan-uthai went charging in on goal, only to be brought down by FC Phuket goalkeeper Jonathan Matijas, who earned a yellow card for his trouble but prevented a likely goal.

The visiting side launched one more attack before halftime and once again they were denied by the referee’s whistle.

Sarach Yooyen thought he had given his side a welldeserved lead only for it to be ruled out for offside.

In the second half, Songkhla, urged on by some 23,000 fans, pushed FC Phuket back into their own half with a sustained period of pressure lasting nearly 20 minutes.

The home side failed to capitalise on their dominance, however, and were made to pay just moments later.

A quick counter attack from the Kirin resulted in a free kick 35 yards out from goal.

Sarach curled the free kick goalwards where Jongrak was on hand to head past the Songkhla goalkeeper to give his side the lead.

Down but by no means out, the home side resumed their bombardment of the FC Phuket goal but found Matijas

in defiant mood; the French goalkeeper made a number of important saves to earn himself a clean sheet, his side a second successive away win and a third win in a row.

After the match coach Somphong was delighted with the three points: “I have to thank my boys,” he said.

“We came here as underdogs but they played with all their hearts until the final whistle.”

Captain Suphat Ontthong said that playing as a team had earned his side the three points: “Songkhla are a strong team and they made things difficult for us but we played really well as a team,” he said.

“It’s the only way to beat the teams who are ranked above us in the league.”

Phuket FC: 1 – Songkhla: 0 Next match: FC Phuket v PTT Rayong. Sunday, September 25 at Surakul Stadium.

Kick off is at 6pm.

Futebol crazy competition Brazilian Soccer Schools (BSS) are hosting their fifth Premier League three-a-side Futebol de Salão (FDS) tournament this weekend.

The two-day event, which focuses upon encou raging sportsmanship among participants, will take place at Thanyapura Sport and Leisure Club (TSLC) on their state-of-the-art Fifa-grade playing surface.

Two tournaments will be staged on Saturday and two on Sunday with undereights, under-10s, under-12s and over-12s all competing

to be crowned champions of their respective age groups.

Girls are welcome to enter the tournament and are invited to play one year down. For example, a girl aged 10 can compete in the under-10s category.

The under-eights and under-10s competitions will take place on Saturday, September 24 with the remaining two being staged the following day.

The under-eights and under-12s tournaments will begin at 8.30am, whereas the other two will commence at 4pm and conclude under floodlights.

A maximum of 12 teams

can take part per age group and entry to the tournament costs B400. Registration and payment is possible on both Saturday and Sunday.

Players will be divided into squads of four on the day, representing a Premier League team, and everyone will get the same amount of time on the pitch. Each player taking part will receive a medal.

■■ More info: Martin Hill, 085 331 0295. To register email your name and age to bss@thanyapura.co.th or bssphuket@icfds.com.

The Youth Football Home (YFH) under-12s pose for a picture after finishing runners up.

Big turnout for YFH Cup

Bangkok-based Thai tennis ace Paradon Srichaphan (second from right) was in Phuket recently as a special guest at the Life Fitness Asia Pacific Distributor Conference, which drew 60 distributors of Life Fitness exercise equipment to Le Meridien Phuket Resort. Also pictured, from left, are Samattapol Lohsiriwat, General Manager of Seara Bangkok, George Foose, Executive Director of Seara, C J Prieur, the company’s Director for Southern Thailand, and Patrick Dean, Executive Director of Seara, which is the Thailand distributor of the equipment.

The Youth Football Home (YFH) in Thalang, a home for underprivileged children who display aptitude for football, played host to an impressive 32 teams last weekend, all competing for glory in the YFH Cup in seven-a-side football at both under-10 and under-12 levels.

For the first time in the tournament’s five-year history, teams from other areas within Phuket were able to compete as participation fees were waived by the YFH Foundation.

This enabled teams from Kata, Patong, Cherng Talay, and Phuket Town, to name but four, to enter for the first time and play on the YFH’s beautifully-prepared playing surface.

FOOTBALL The tournaments got under way on the Saturday (September 17) with the group stage matches. The 16 teams in each age division were split into four groups and each side played the other members in their mini league twice, as a total of 48 games were played in the one day.

The top two teams in each group progressed to the knockout rounds on the Sunday where they contested the quarter-finals, semi-finals and, if they were fortunate enough, the final.

In the under-10 age group it was a team from Cherng Talay that emerged victorious after they beat the Kata Group

team 3-2 on penalties after the game finished in a draw. The two teams were joined on the podium by Bang Jo United, who pipped Sainamyen to third place after completing a 4-3 penalty shootout win.

In the under-12s, Bang Jo United sealed another third place finish but the YFH Cup went to the Fifa team who recorded a 3-2 victory over the YFH. This weekend it’s the turn of the under-14s who will play in full 11-a-side matches.

The tournament kicks off at 9am tomorrow with the final on 2pm the following day.

■■ More info.: http://home. exetel.com.au/katjahouse/ Thailand_html/index.html

www.thephuketnews.com

40 PHUKET SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Young: I can’t wait to race MOTOR SPORT

This weekend sees the return of the Singtel Singapore F1 Grand Prix night race, Asia’s premier motor sport event, which is rapidly becoming one of the highlights of the Formula One calendar.

For approaching two hours the world’s best drivers test themselves around the floodlit streets of Singapore, zooming past some of the city’s famous landmarks at speeds approaching 300 kmh, all in front of huge crowds, making it a spectacle that is unique to this part of the world.

As part of the three-day festival of speed, the JK Racing Asia Series returns to support the main event and taking his place on the starting grid will be Phuket’s 22-year-old Australian F1 hopeful Dylan Young.

After months of frustration at not being able to race since the Malaysian Grand Prix earlier this year, Young secured his seat for this coming weekend after securing three new sponsors in Energy Watch and Wilson Security of Australia, and the Phuket branch of Auto Express. He will also be in Singapore as an Ambassador for the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation.

Having seen his hopes of reaching F1 stall temporarily, Young is eagerly awaiting his chance to rub shoulders with the best and is looking forward to racing in Singapore again.

“Last year was an awesome experience,” he said.

“They are calling Singapore the Monaco of the East; I can’t wait to get back there and back

Phuket-based Australian racing car driver Dylan Young in action in Singapore last year. The 22-year-old speedster will be competing in the JK Racing Asia Series, which acts as a support event for the Singtel Singapore F1 Grand Prix this weekend, the only night race on the F1 calendar. in the car again. To be racing through the streets past some of Singapore’s famous landmarks at well over 200 kmh was insane.

“Being at night it is probably the most spectacular F1 circuit in the world and you definitely sense that while you’re on track under the lights.

“The crowd is massive and you can see them up close shooting their cameras when you’re driving past.

Young is following a welltrodden path into F1; a number of the current drivers – including current world champion and championship leader Sebastian Vettel – have raced at this level and are always happy to offer advice.

“We always cross paths

with the F1 drivers at the events as we are in the paddock trying to push our names in front of the F1 teams. We also do the track walk at a similar time to them.

“A lot of the drivers are really chilled out and are great to talk to for advice. They have all been in our situation before in the junior ranks and know how hard the ladder up to F1 is.

“Last year Lewis Hamilton gave me some great advice and I was shocked to hear that he recognised my name and the other drivers in our series as they all watch our races.

“You have to listen to guys like Lewis as he is a world champion but all of the drivers are great at giving you an insight into what it takes to

make it in F1.”

A lot of people who are casual observers of motor sport don’t realise the levels of fitness that the drivers must have so they can withstand the pressures put on their bodies.

Having been unsuccessful in getting track time since Malaysia in April Young has been hard at work ensuring he is in peak physical condition.

“It’s so humid in the car at these Asian events and people have no idea just how fit we have to be.

“I’ve been doing weights or running on a daily basis, combined with a lot of other strength and conditioning exercises for my core and neck.”

Having raced around Singapore’s streets in 2010, Young

will approach this weekend’s event with more confidence than he did a year ago.

“Learning a new circuit is always somewhat of a disadvantage so I’m a little more confident having raced there last year.

“I’m not the only driver that raced there last season, however, I think around half of us were racing there last year.

“I also lose some of my advantage because I haven’t been in the car for over five months; some of the rest of the field have completed eight races since April.”

Despite going into the race confident in his ability, Young is realistic about his chances of success this weekend.

“Having not driven the car

for over five months I realise that it is going to be a very difficult weekend.

“It’s like asking a footballer who has been injured for half the year to step into a big game without having kicked a ball and expect he or she to perform on the spot.

“I think if I can score some solid top 10 results, finishing in the points, I will be extremely happy given the long lay-off.

“My team and I know I can win; the potential is there. To have beaten the people I have with so little track time shows that if we can finally string some races together the results will come.

“But because of the layoff we have to be realistic about this weekend and do the best we can.”

Moto Inzi recovers to win

Bird’s Eye View: Race three winner Moto Inzi as pictured from high up the mast. The crew overcame a poor start to clinch victory.

– Photo by Graham Collar www.thephuketnews.com

A fumbled spinnaker on Moto Inzi at the start of race three in the Ao Chalong Yacht Club’s (ACYC) Irish Times Series proved to be no obstacle for skipper Roger Kingdon as he and his crew overhauled their opponents on the way to a first victory of the series.

The small fleet of just five boats took to the water off Chalong last Sunday (September 18) for the third race of the seven-race series which took the crews around Koh Dokmai and back to Chalong.

Linda was the sole participant in the racing class and had the luxury of having no-one to compete against to seal maximum points, while the multi-hull class contained the remaining four vessels.

Good winds saw the multihulls make a fast start as The Frog, sk ippered by Ch r is

SAILING

Jongerius, and Alan Carwardine’s Sidewinder jumped out into an early lead.

Trouble with the spinnaker on Moto Inzi saw Kingdon lose time on his competitors, but once the problem was corrected he began to eat up the water between himself and the leading pair.

Kingdon eventually passed Jongerius and Carwardine, and never looked back, sealing his first win of the series.

Jongerius and The Frog pipped Sidewinder for second, leaving Niña to bring up the rear in fourth.

Race four of the ACYC Irish Times Series will take place on Sunday October 2.

■■ For more information on the series, call Scott Duncanson on 081 958 6879.

Action from the first of three rounds of the Phuket Dinghy Series last weekend ahead of the 2011 King’s Cup regatta. Round one took place on the waters off Sarasin Bridge as 32 sailors competed in the Optimist and Laser classes. The Optimist class was won by defending champion Anapat Ngarmdee with Akapoj Kankeaw and Teerapong Tokratoak in second and third. Trirat Manthong took the honours in the Laser, finishing ahead of Jittawat Boonrat and Chut Dawruang.

INTERNATONAL SPORT 41

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

United standing tall FOOTBALL

After five rounds of matches in the 2011/12 Barclay’s Premier League defending champions Manchester United are the only side to have claimed maximum points.

Sir Alex Ferguson bought a number of new players in the summer to freshen up his squad and has seen instant results as his Red Devils have scored 21 times and conceded just four goals.

The most recent win came at the expense of Chelsea. The Blues trailed 3-0 at halftime but fought back well in the second half.

Fernando Torres pulled a goal back for Andre VillasBoas’ side but was then guilty of an astonishing open goal miss as his form deserted him again.

Once more the Premier League threw up a number of unusual results.

Arsenal lost 4-3 away at Blackburn, conceding two own goals in the process; QPR beat Wolves 3-0 away from home; Norwich beat Bolton 2-1 at the latter’s Reebok Stadium; Manchester City threw away a two-goal lead away at Fulham, dropping points for the first time this season; while Spurs and Sunderland thrashed Liverpool and Stoke 4-0 respectively.

In the remaining three

WEEK 5 Home Team W D W Away Team

i r i

n a n w 24/09/2011 Manchester City Arsenal Chelsea Liverpool Newcastle United West Brom Wigan Athletic Stoke City

Everton Bolton Wanderers Swansea City Wolverhampton Wanderers Blackburn Rovers Fulham Tottenham Hotspurs Manchester United

25/09/2011 QPR

Aston Villa

26/09/2011 Norwich City

Sunderland

Please Fax this form to 076 612 553 or hand it in at the Phuket News office in before Friday 2.00 PM. Or visit our website www.thephuketnews.com to enter online.

in a week, however, so the destination of the B3,000 Peppers voucher is still to to be determined.

A new prize will be given to October’s top points scorer and the grand prize is a return Left: Sir Alex Ferguson appears to have seamlessly inte- flight to the UK. This week should see home grated his new players, dramatically reducing the average age of his squad and achieving a series of great results. wins for Manchester City, Ar –Photo by Austin Ouside. senal, Chelsea and Liverpool as the line up against Everton, matches Swansea secured ing just six points to take his Bolton, Swansea and Wolves their first win, beating West tally to a dismal 45 points. respectively.

Brom 3-0, Aston Villa and After five rounds MRB The game at Etihad StadiNewcastle drew at Villa Park, (87) has opened up a seven- um between City and Everton and Everton beat Wigan 3-1 point gap at the top with just is the pick of the fixtures and at home. one week left to play for the gets underway at 6.45 pm.

Like the previous week B3,000 voucher to be used at Despite the Britannia Sta(read month) The Phuket Peppers Bar and Restaurant, dium being a tough place News’ football ‘expert’ Dan Phuket’s premier sports bar, to visit, expect Manchester Ogunshakin endured another located outside of Laguna. United to continue their excelEverything can change lent start to the season with Torres-esque torrid time, scor-

Oracle find redemption in Plymouth SAILING Oracle Racing Spithill won the Plymouth Fleet Racing Championship after an action-packed final day of the America’s Cup World Series in south-west England last weekend.

Skipper James Spithill made amends for a lacklustre Match Race Championship where he finished fifth, with an emphatic victory in the winner-takes-all race.

“It’s redemption after the match racing,” said Spithill, who seemed unfazed by the 30-knot breeze shooting across the course.

“I still think we had a bit left in the tank to be honest.

The puffiness and change in direction made it challenging, but what a fun race.”

Other sailors might have a different perspective. In the anxious minutes leading up to the start, the Energy Team capsized trying to avoid Team Korea; fortunately Loick Peyron’s crew managed to get the boat upright quickly and rejoin the race.

Moments later there was

This month's competition is supported by:

another win, while QPR and Norwich will hope for three points each in their home games against Aston Villa and Sunderland respectively after impressive away wins last weekend.

In the weekend’s other fixtures, Newcastle host Blackburn, looking to extend their early form; West Brom take on Fulham at the Hawthorns and Spurs travel to Wigan.

You can now enter your predictions for round six.

Either enter them online by 11.59pm today (September 23) at www.thephuketnews. com, fax them to the office on 076 612 553 or hand them to us personally here in Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco-Lotus before 2pm.

If you didn’t play in rounds one to five but still wish to take part you can; just register at www. thephuketnews.com and make your predictions.

DAN’S TIPS: Man City v Everton: home win Arsenal v Bolton: home win Chelsea v Swansea: home win Liverpool v Wolves: home win N’castle v Blackburn: home win West Brom v Fulham: draw Wigan v Tottenham: away win Stoke v Man Utd: away win QPR v Aston Villa: home win Norwich v Sunderland: home win

RESULTS FROM ROUND FIVE: Blackburn Aston Villa Bolton Everton Swansea Wolves Tottenham Fulham Sunderland Man Utd

4-3 Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle 1-2 Norwich 3-1 Wigan 3-0 West Brom 0-3 QPR 4-0 Liverpool 2-2 Man City 4-0 Stoke 3-1 Chelsea

TOP 10 PERFORMERS: 1. MRB 2. gafferworld 3. dcoutts 4. MAMCHAM 5. Allard 5. chasman 7. alanphuket 7. BallBoy 9. apollo131 10. Mal Kenyon

87 80 79 78 77 77 76 76 75 71

Oracle Racing Spithill – hitting speeds of up to 50 km/h in 30-knot winds.

–Photo America’s Cup. a dramatic collision when Artemis Racing rode up over the back of Spanish boat Green Comm Racing, with its skipper Vasilij Zbogar falling off the back and suffering a minor injury to his hand.

With their boat damaged in the collision, Green Comm retired without crossing the start line.

“Vasco [Vasilij Zbogar] and the entire crew are doing well, nobody has been seri-

ously hurt and we will try to be back on the water as soon as possible,” said Green Comm Racing Executive Chairman Francesco de Leo. Steering clear of trouble in the pre-start, the two Oracle Racing boats and Emirates Team New Zealand burst off the start line with other teams following behind. At the first mark China Team capsized but got up and running again.

With boats touching speeds

in excess of 50km/h, it was a wild ride, and while the Kiwis battled hard with the two Oracle boats, Spithill moved clear on the final lap and Dean Barker had to settle for second ahead of Russell Coutts.

“Today it was racing and survival,” said Barker, the Kiwi skipper.

“When the wind cranked in it was full on. We always like to win, but it was nice to get past Russell and take second.” www.thephuketnews.com

42 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Alonso aims to sabotage Vettel party

Two-time champion Fernando Alonso is aiming to wreck Sebastian Vettel’s title party in Singapore this weekend by finishing on the podium and, if possible, beating the German as he seeks to wrap up his second drivers’ championship.

Spaniard Alonso of Ferrari believes he will have enough speed and competitiveness in his car to finish in the top three at least, a result that would make sure this year’s championship is not settled at the floodlit Southeast Asian showpiece.

Alonso is 112 points adrift of runaway leader Vettel in the title race, but has produced some consistently strong showings in the second half of the season and knows he can stop the Red Bull team enjoying early celebrations as they bid to retain their crowns.

Alonso said: “Our aim, when we arrive in Singapore, will be to win the race. After practice and qualifying, we will see where we are exactly,

FORMULA 1 but speaking now, before the race, there is one clear aim – winning.”

He added: “For me, Singapore is always a very special circuit. It is a street circuit with all the characteristics we normally like. We were quick in Monaco this year so I think in Singapore that we have the possibility, the chance, of being competitive.

“I think in this part of the year, with the advantage that Vettel has, winning the title is not mathematically impossible, but it is extremely difficult.

“We will fight to get second place in the championship, which is better than fifth, and try and enjoy every Sunday, as we did in Monza where we qualified fourth, attacked aggressively at the first corner, fought in the race and then enjoyed the podium.”

Alonso said that the fact he is currently second in the

world championship – in what has been a disappointing campaign for Ferrari – shows how much better things should be in 2012, if the new Ferrari car can deliver on the promises made by the team.

“Our expectations are always very high,” he said. “We are Ferrari so we know that we need to keep fighting, and we need to be competitive.

“The world championship is the main target every year because you race for the best team in the world. Next year we will start again preparing for the winter and the season in the best way possible and try and fight for the world championship.

“This year we did not complete our expectations.

We were not quick enough in some parts of the year, and we struggled a lot with the 2011 car. Even with these problems, however, we are second in the championship so that shows our aims and ambitions to reach our targets.” –AFP

Fernando Alonso is hoping for a podium finish at this weekend’s Singapore F1 race.

Dream still alive Big guns return Australian rugby league legend Darren Lockyer’s dream of ending his career with another Premiership trophy is still alive despite the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Kangaroos star suffering a fractured cheekbone in his side’s narrow 13-12 win against the reigning champions St George Illawarra Dragons. He was ruled out of today’s (September 23) clash against the Manly Sea Eagles.

Lockyer was caught on the cheek by the knee of teammate Gerard Beale in the closing stages of regular time but was still able to find his composure when it mattered, kicking a sudden-death golden point in the 82nd minute.

The league superstar un-

NRL

derwent surgery after the match and returned to training on Tuesday (September 20) ahead of the showdown with Manly this afternoon (Thailand time) but was ruled out of the match on the advice of medical staff.

Should the Broncos win, Lockyer is expected to return for the Grand Final despite initial concerns about his health.

Coach Andy Griffin reacted angrily to the suggestion that the Broncos were more concerned with winning than over the health of their players.

“The only thing I am cranky about is people tell-

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ing us how to look after our players,” said Griffin.

“This club has been at the forefront of best practice in how we look after our players and we’re doing the same now with Darren.”

Griffin rested a number of his stars during the regular season which drew criticism but his decision appears to have been vindicated.

The Brisbane club head into today’s game having won eight straight matches, with players looking fresh at a time of the season when energy levels are usually low.

In today’s preliminary final they face a Sea Eagles side who go into the match thankful for an extra week break away from the action following a first round finals win.

The Manly club finished level on points with the Broncos during the regular season, but finished in second place as a result of having better points difference.

Head to head this season, the two teams shared a win apiece; the Sea Eagles won the first match but, perhaps, more crucially, the Broncos won the most recent clash at the beginning of September.

for prelim finals AFL

Defending champions and minor premiers Collingwood, Geelong, Hawthorn and the West Coast Eagles are all just two games away from AFL glory after the preliminary finals match-ups were confirmed after last weekend’s matches.

Having been beaten by second seeds Geelong in the first round of playoff matches, the Hawks of Hawthorn rebounded in style to see off the challenge of 2005 champions Sydney Swans 122-86 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last Friday (September 16).

The Swans have a poor recent record at the giant stadium, and Friday’s loss was their 12th in the last 14 matches.

At one stage the Hawks led by as many as 46 points in the third quarter with forward Lance Franklin in inspired form. The Swans did rally to reduce the lead to just 18, but another burst from the Victoria club saw them home by a margin of 36.

The Hawks will now line

Collingwood are the defending AFL champions and favourites for the 2011 crown after finishing top during the regular season.

–Photo by Hugh Macdonald up against Collingwood, the number one seeds and favourites for the 2011 AFL title.

The two teams met each other just once in the regular season in round 15, when the Magpies ran out comfortable winners by 41 points.

The defending champions will go into the match as heavy favourites to progress to a second straight Grand Final, especially having had an extra week to prepare for the match.

The ’Pies will welcome back Ben Reid and Dale Thomas into their lineup with coach Mick Malthouse having to decide who will make way for the star pair.

Reid will be called upon to pay close attention to the Hawks’ Franklin who has scored 26 goals in his past five matches against Collingwood.

The second preliminary final sees Geelong take on the West Coast Eagles after the Perth side overcame Carlton 101-98 in an incredibly close match at Patersons Stadium last Saturday (September 17).

First-year forward Jack Darling was the star in the closing stages as he claimed a towering contested mark and kicked two goals as the Eagles sealed their first finals win since lifting the Premiership in 2006.

The Cats of Geelong will begin the match as the fancied side on the back of their superior record in the regular season where they won 19 and lost just three matches.

One of those losses, however, came against the Eagles where the Cats fell short by eight points.

Like Collingwood, the Cats have benefited from the week off afforded to them as the number two-ranked team.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT 43

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Coming up this week

English Premier Team Man United Man City Chelsea Newcastle United Stoke City Everton Aston Villa Liverpool QPR Wolves Tottenham Sunderland Norwich City Swansea City Wigan Athletic Blackburn Arsenal Fulham Bolton West Brom

P 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

W 5 4 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1

D 0 1 1 3 2 1 4 1 1 1 0 2 2 2 2 1 1 3 0 0

L 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 4 4

F 21 17 8 4 3 6 6 6 4 4 7 6 5 3 4 7 6 4 8 3

A 4 5 6 2 5 4 4 7 6 6 8 4 7 5 7 10 14 7 13 8

Pts 15 13 10 9 8 7 7 7 7 7 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 3 3 3

Bundesliga, Germany Team Munich Bremen Bor M’gladbach Hoffenheim Hannover Stuttgart Leverkusen Nuremberg Schalke Hertha Dortmund Köln Mainz Wolfsburg K’lautern Freiburg Augsburg Hamburg

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

5 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0

0 1 1 0 2 1 1 1 0 3 1 1 1 0 2 1 3 1

1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 3 1 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 5

18 12 8 12 8 9 7 6 11 8 7 11 8 7 5 10 6 6

1 6 3 5 8 4 7 6 10 7 6 15 13 12 9 18 12 17

15 13 13 12 11 10 10 10 9 9 7 7 7 6 5 4 3 1

Serie A, Italy Team Napoli Juventus Udinese Cagliari Novara Genoa Catania Palermo Fiorentina Lecce Parma Chievo Lazio Roma Siena Milan Inter Cesena Bologna Atalanta

P 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2

W 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Bundesliga Fixtures

English Premier League Fixtures

(Times in Thailand)

(Times in Thailand) Saturday September 24 Man City v Everton 18:45 Arsenal v Bolton 21:00 Chelsea v Swansea 21:00 Liverpool v Wolves 21:00 Newcastle v Blackburn 21:00 West Brom v Fulham 21:00 Wigan v Tottenham 21:00 Stoke v Man Utd 23:30

Saturday September 24 Stuttgart v Hamburg 00:30 Augsburg v Hannover 19:30 M’gladbach v N’berg 19:30 Mainz v Dortmund 19:30 Schalke v Freiburg 19:30 Wolfsburg v K’lautern 19:30 Bayern v Leverkusen 22:30 Sunday September 25 Cologne v Hoffenheim 19:30 Bremen v Hertha 21:30

Sunday September 25 QPR v Aston Villa 22:00

Sport on TV: Times in Thailand Friday, September 23 EVENT

AFL: Collingwood v Hawthorn RWC: Australia v USA NRL: Sea Eagles v Broncos

TIME

CHANNEL

16:30 15:30 16:30

Australia Network Astro Supersport 2 Astro Supersport

Saturday, September 24

AFL: Geelong v WC Eagles RWC: England v Romania RWC: New Zealand v France NRL: Storm v Warriors EPL: Man City v Everton EPL: Chelsea v Swansea EPL: Newcastle v Blackburn EPL: Liverpool v Wolves EPL: Stoke v Man Utd F1: Singapore GP Qlf

11:00 12:45 15:15 16:30 18:45 21:00 21:00 21:00 23:30 20:50

Australia Network.

Astro Supersport 2 Astro Supersport 2 Astro Supersport TrueSport 1 TrueSport 1 TrueSport 2 TrueSport 3 TrueSport 3 STAR Sports

Sunday, September 25 RWC: Fiji v Samoa RWC: Ireland v Russia RWC: Argentina v Scotland F1: Singapore GP EPL: QPR v Aston Villa Serie A: Catania v Juventus BDL: Cologne v Hoffenheim

10:15 12:45 15:30 18:45 22:00 19:55 20:25

Astro Supersport 2 Astro Supersport 2 Astro Supersport 2 STAR Sports TrueSport 1 Astro Supersport 2 Astro Supersport

AFL

NRL

(Times in Thailand)

(Times in Thailand)

Friday September 23 C’wood v Hawthorn 16:45

Friday September 23 Sea Eagles v Broncos 16:45

Saturday September 24 Geelong v WC Eagles 11:20

Saturday September 24 Storm v Warriors 16:45

Ligue 1, France D 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1

L 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 0

F 6 5 4 4 6 4 1 4 2 2 3 3 3 1 0 3 4 1 0 3

A 2 1 0 2 5 3 0 4 2 2 5 4 4 2 1 5 7 4 4 2

Pts 6 6 6 6 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 -2

Team Montpellier Lyon Lille PSG Toulouse Rennes Sochaux Lorient Saint-Étienne Auxerre Bordeaux Evian Caen Dijon Ajaccio Brest Marseille Nancy Nice Valenciennes

P 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

W 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0

D 0 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 3 3 3 0 0 2 4 3 2 2 1

L 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 3 2 1 2 3 3 4

F 10 9 9 7 7 10 8 5 5 8 5 4 6 5 6 3 6 3 2 3

A 3 5 6 4 4 8 7 5 6 7 5 4 7 9 9 4 8 6 6 8

Pts 12 11 10 10 10 10 8 8 7 6 6 6 6 6 5 4 3 2 2 1

Hooker Steve Thompson: ‘The last thing you want is for things to get comfortable.’

–Photo AFP

England need ‘boot up backside’ England hooker Steve Thompson believes the full and frank debrief the squad have had since their error-strewn win over Georgia will stand them in good stead for the rest of the World Cup. Martin Johnson’s men beat Georgia 41-10 in Dunedin on Sunday (September 18) but, for the second straight match, they conceded a raft of penalties.

However, as happened in England’s opening 13-9 win over Argentina, poor opposition goal-kicking helped the Six Nations champions on the way to victory.

Johnson, in a rare public outburst, warned England after the Georgia match they’d be going home early if they didn’t raise their game and players such as James Haskell and Toby Flood have been openly critical of a below-par display.

“We’ve been together a long time and the last thing you want is for things to get comfortable,” Thompson, a member of the winning 2003 England side told reporters.

“Sometimes everyone needs to give each other a little pat on the back or a little boot up the backside and that’s what’s happening. It’s perfect for us.

“That’s what this group of players is all about. Honesty is the best policy; that’s what we

RUGBY UNION need,” Thompson, England’s most-capped hooker, explained.

“In 2003, we had exactly the same thing after the Samoa game when we came close to losing [England won 35-22].

We had to move on.”

However, Thompson said England, who have a playedtwo, won-two record at this World Cup, were better placed than sides such as Australia, who suffered a shock 15-6 loss to Ireland last Saturday.

“If you are winning ugly and being harsh on yourself, sometimes it’s a good place to be.

“We’re two from two and we’re moving forwards.”

England face Romania tomorrow (September 24) and Thompson, who came across some of the Eastern Europeans’ pack during his time in French club rugby, expects a brutal scrum battle against the Pool B outsiders at Otago Stadium.

“I know a bit about them, especially the hooker [Marius Tincu].

“He’s been one of the outstanding players of the tournament so far.

“I thought the Georgians were good and they’re big, but I’d say the Romanians are a tougher scrummage.”

Formula 1 Driver Standings after Monza 1. S. Vettel 284; 2. F. Alonso 172; 3. J. Button 167; M. Webber 167; L. Hamilton 158; F. Massa 82; N. Rosberg 56; M. Schumacher 52; V. Petrov 34; N. Heidfeld 34; K. Kobayashi 27; A. Sutil 24; J. Alguesuari 16; S. Buemi 13; P. di Resta 12; S. Perez 8; R. Barichello 4; B. Senna 2; P. Maldonado 1. All others 0.

Hash House Harriers Run 1333: Saturday, Sep 24 at 4pm.

Hares: Gorgeous and Lucky Lek Directions: Take the road to Aow Makham/Cape Panwa and turn right just before school corner; this is the road to the Kow Khat View Point car park and the laager site is in View Point Car Park.

The right-hand turn before the school corner will be signposted.

Bus leaves the Expat Hotel, Patong at 14:30 and Baan Rim Klong, Kamala at 15:00. www.thephuketnews.com

44 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

All Blacks face a stern French test

New Zealand’s star fly-half Dan Carter shows quick feet.

New Zealand’s All Blacks revisited the nightmare that was the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-final this week as they prepared for tomorrow’s crunch showdown with France.

The focus was on targeting the French strengths and shutting down surprise selection at fly-half Morgan Parra, who replaces Francois Trinh-Duc who has had a disappointing tournament so far.

Training in secret at a field surrounded by a high fence and with security guards posted outside, the All Blacks ran through the moves they believe France will use and practised how to counter them.

Graham Henry’s side were the overwhelming favourites in Cardiff four years ago but slumped to a 20-18 defeat which prompted despair back home that the nation would never add to their 1987 title.

Hooker Keven Mealamu, who like Ellis did not take the field for the 2007 World Cup loss to France, said memories of the defeat had been put out of mind until now.

“A lot of us pretty much haven’t spoken about it since.

RUGBY UNION

But for us to move forward it’s good to see where we went wrong and how we can improve,” he said.

“To actually go through it and say this is exactly what happened and this is how we could have approached it better and could have fixed it means we’ll be better for the experience.”

France have been scratchy in their two opening wins against Japan and Canada, but the All Blacks still spent the week bracing themselves for an intense clash, particularly in the forwards.

“We know we’re going into a big battle,” said New Zealand scrum-half Andy Ellis.

“It’s going to be physical, [with] a lot of intensity. A team like France play with a lot of passion and emotion.

“Their style of play maybe slightly different to what we’re used to and we’re adapting to that. We ran some of what we think they are going to bring to us.

“Part of the training was expect the unexpected. They’re very skilful players; jinky steps,

a lot of offloads, and that’s the stuff we practised in training.”

There was also a concentration on the skills Parra would bring to the pivotal number 10 slot, a position he has not played in for nearly three years.

Before returning to Auckland on Wednesday the All Blacks trained in Christchurch on a goodwill tour to the earthquake-stricken city, which had to give up hosting seven World Cup matches due to the destruction to infrastructure caused by the natural diasaster.

Kevin Read, the New Zealand number eight, was ruled out of the game on Tuesday but skipper Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Mils Muiliana and Israel Dagg are all expected to feature.

The French named their team as early as Tuesday with Parra, a surprise selection by coach Marc Lievremond, forming a half-back pairing with Dimitri Yashvilli.

Parra said that he used to play the position for former club Bourgoin, but had not started at number 10 for his current team Clermont for

the last two and a half years.

“This will be one of the biggest challenges of my career so far,” he said. “But it is also a source of great pride to be playing against the All Blacks in front of their own public,” he said.

Thierry Dusautoir returns as captain in a back row which also has Louis Picamoles and Julien Bonnaire with Imanol Harinordoquy on the bench.

Damien Traille continues at full-back with Aurelien Rougerie returning to the centre to make way for Maxime Medard on the wing.

In the pack Dimitri Szarzewski gets his first start of the competition replacing William Servat at hooker, Lionel Nallet takes over at lock from Romain Millo-Chluski alongside Pascal Pape, while Dusautoir returns to the back row in place of Fulgence Ouedraogo.

In the backs, Medard and Yachvili both step up from the bench to the starting line-up.

Both sides have a maximum 10 points after winning their first two games, with the winner on Saturday virtually assured of topping Pool A.

urged Tennis stars’ strike threat Wallabies to defy history Leading men’s tennis players could go on strike if the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) schedule is not reformed, said world number four Andy Murray this week.

The 24-year-old Scot told the BBC that he had held several talks with other players at the US Open, and they would be discussing the matter further at the Shanghai Masters early next month.

Matters came to a head at the US Open when rain forced some players such as Spanish star Rafael Nadal to play matches on three successive days before immediately travelling to Europe to play in the Davis Cup with just one day’s rest time.

The players were also incensed by the announcement last year by ATP chief executive Adam Helfant, who has since decided to leave the governing body, that the Paris Masters and the World Tour Finals would be played back-to-back.

However, Murray made clear the players’ patience was wearing thin.

“It’s a possibility. I know from speaking to some players they’re not afraid of doing that [striking],” said Murray. www.thephuketnews.com

TENNIS

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that but I’m sure the players will consider it.”

Murray, who is still without a Grand Slam title but this year reached the Australian Open final and the last four of the other three, was adamant that their voices had to be heard and that a strike or boycott will be discussed in Shanghai.

“If we come up with a list of things we want changed – and everyone is in agreement but they don’t happen – then we need to have some say in what goes on in our sport,” said Murray.

“We’ll sit down, talk about it with the ATP and International Tennis Federation (ITF), see if they will come to a compromise and, if not, we’ll go from there.”

However, the spor t’s administrators have also claimed that the players have themselves to blame for the heavy schedule.

ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti said last week that complaints by Nadal and others over the Davis Cup scheduling were “inconsistent”, saying players voted for

Britain’s Andy Murray is one of a number of leading male tennis players who want the packed scheduling changed. the current dates, against the ITF’s wishes, back in 2009.

The ATP hit back too, saying they have taken into account the increased stress on the players by reducing

most finals to the best of three sets (instead of five), allowing the top eight seeds byes into the second rounds of tournaments, and increasing the overall prize money.

The denigrated Wallabies must defy World Cup history and become the first team to win the tournament after losing a pool game, winger Drew Mitchell said this week.

The Wallabies are taking a battering from critics in the wake of their stunning 15-6 defeat to Ireland in Auckland on Saturday (September 17).

Australia must now do what no team has done before and come back from a pool game loss to lift their third Webb Ellis Cup. Mitchell, who is in line for a start in the now increasingly important next Pool C match against the United States in Wellington this afternoon, said the challenge was there for the Wallabies to succeed.

Mitchell said coach Robbie Deans made it pretty clear in the team’s sombre dressing room on Saturday that the Wallabies had made the coming month much more difficult than it needed to be.

“He’s a pretty measured type of guy,” Mitchell said.

“There was no sort of blowing up or anything, but he certainly made the boys aware of the opportunity that

RUGBY UNION we had and the opportunity now that stands in front of us.

“That’s the way we have to approach it. That’s the challenge we’ve got ahead.”

Deans has reminded his team that they got the job done last month, winning the Tri Nations series with home and away wins over South Africa before beating New Zealand after opening the tournament with a dispiriting loss to the All Blacks in Auckland.

To lift the Webb Ellis Cup, the Wallabies must string together five consecutive wins – a feat only a few players in Australia’s current squad have achieved under Deans.

Centre Rob Horne, another Wallaby hoping to get a first run in the tournament, said Ireland’s stirring victory had given the USA encouragement.

“No doubt. I think every team in the competition would have seen that and felt pretty good about themselves,” Horne said.

“It’s up to us. There are a lot of doubters out there at the moment and only we can rectify that.”

–AFP