23-09-2016 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

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WORK ON B800MN SURIN BEACH PARK TO START > PAGE 3

CLICK AND CATCH AUTOMATIC CAMERA FINES FOR NOT WEARING HELMETS MARKS CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE ROAD DEATHS

raffic Police are already counting down the days to switching on cameras at five locations across the island that will automatically send fines for motorcyclists and their passengers not wearing helmets to the motorcycle’s registered owner. The contract for the installation of the “intelligent-camera system” was signed on Sept 7, Wiwat Seeta-

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen told The Phuket News that the five locales chosen were “the main intersection in Thalang; a major intersection in Kathu; the intersection of Thepkrasattri Rd and Komaraphat Rd in Phuket Town; Kwang Rd in Wichit; and a major intersection in Kamala.” “Signs will be installed at the five locations so that motorists have no excuse that they didn’t know the law

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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manotch, Vice President of the Phuket branch of the Thai Road Safety Network, confirmed on Wednesday (Sept 21) at a meeting of officials to discuss details of the cameras’ deployment. The cameras will take four months to install, with a prospective launch date for the system set for Sunday January 8, 2017, Dr Wiwat explained, “The system costs B16,176,367, with the funds provided by the UKbased Safer Roads Foundation,” Dr Wiwat told The Phuket News.

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Best-dressed gents to ride

A father and daughter wait at traffic lights near Phuket Town with a helmet sitting idle in the basket. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter@classactmedia.co.th

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was being applied there,” he added. “Each location will have three cameras, and the system will be first used for issuing automatic fines for motorbike riders – and passengers – not wearing helmets,” Gen Teeraphol said. The cameras and the combined system have the ability to read license plates of cars and motorbikes, he said. “The system also has face-recognition image capability and can identify motorbike riders regardless whether…

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Morton smashes his way to a free Sunday brunch

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Vendors file complaint against Floating Market operator > page 5

Full steam ahead PM promises budgets for tourism development Suthicha Sirirat editor@classactmedia.co.th

Mr Younger lost control of the bike, causing it to hit the roadside barrier, said police. Photo: Kamala rescue workers

Australian, 37, dies after big bike crash AN AUSTRALIAN MAN who crashed his big bike into a roadside traffic barrier in Kamala last Saturday (Sept 17) has died from his injuries. A staff member from Patong Hospital, who declined to be named, confirmed that the 37-year-old man, later identified as Roger Frederick Younger, succumbed to his injuries whilst in the hospital’s emergency room. Capt Prasert Thongprom of the Kamala Police was called to respond to an accident near Baan Kamala Muslim Cemetery (Kubo Mutsaam) at 12:40pm. It was reported that a big bike rider had lost control of his bike

and crashed into a roadside traffic barrier. At the scene, police found a wrecked big bike leaning against a traffic barrier, scrapes were clearly visible along the barrier. Police said they found no helmet at the scene. Police Capt Prasert said, “Witnesses to the accident said that the big bike was coming from the direction of Patong and heading to Leam Sing at high speed. The rider missed the bend and slammed into the barrier causing him to fly from the bike and land on a path running along the outside of the cemetery wall.” Eakkapop Thongtub

rime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha promised the Governor of Phuket that his government would find the budgets needed for projects that would assists in promoting the island’s tourism industry such as infrastructure projects including road construction, the light rail system and underpasses. Urgent Phuket projects was one of a variety of topics discussed when PM Prayut held a meeting with officials from the Andaman region and local residents at Phuket Rajabhat University last Friday (Sept 16). PM Prayut, who was accompanied by Deputy PMs Gen Narong Pipatanasai and Somkid Jatusripitak as well as Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda, was welcomed to the meeting by Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada, who raised a number of islanddeveloping projects that would need support from the government and requested PM Prayut to allocate the required budgets so that the projects could go ahead.

Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha promised Gov Chamroen that funds for urgent infrastructure projects would be made available. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat Gov Chamroen announced on Sept 7 that he planned to bring a range of urgent projects needed on the island to the attention of PM Prayut during his official visit to the island to preside over the Startup Thailand and Digital Thailand 2016 event held at the Duangjit Resort & Spa in Patong. Projects that needed support from the PM included the light rail system, International Conference and Exhibition

Centre, underpass and expressway projects, and an Andaman railway. After discussing the projects, PM Prayut said that the central government would need several trillion baht to support all projects that each province has proposed, but that all projects that will improve the infrastructure of Phuket and help to promote tourism would be supported. “Projects like road and bridge construction and any-

thing that assists with developing tourism in general are a must for us. The government will fully support these projects and will seek funds for them. These projects will happen,” PM Prayut said. “For those projects that have come to a standstill due to environmental issues, we will provide the necessary budgets so that assessments can be carried out so that the environmental problems can be fixed,” he added.

Bomb-suspect faces hit billboards Cameras to issue ‘no helmet’ fines POLICE ARE SEEKING assistance from the public in helping find the suspects wanted in connection with the Aug 12 bomb blasts across southern provinces and have erected wanted posters featuring pictures of 10 men believed to be responsible for the incidents. The posters are posted at four locations, two of them can be seen on the side of the road as you leave or arrive to the island at Tha Chatchai, the third is located at the Phuket International Airport junction on Thepkrassattri Rd, and the fourth at Kathu junction. Officers from the Phuket Special Branch Bureau of the Royal Thai Police erected four wanted posters on the island on Sept 13 seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspects and asking them to report any information or any known whereabouts of the

The posters are posted at four locations across the island. wanted men to the relevant authorities. The signs say that anyone with any information on the suspects can contact police 24 hours at any police station or by calling 191. A Phuket Special Branch Bureau officer said, “The posters are posted at four locations, two of them can be seen on the side of the road

as you leave or arrive to the island at Tha Chatchai, the third is located at the Phuket International Airport junction on Thepkrasattri Rd, and the fourth at Kathu junction. Local police urge residents and tourists to keep an eye out for these men and contact local authorities if they have any information. Darawan Naknakhon

Continued from page 1 …they are wearing helmets or not, but at the initial stage the cameras will not be linked to the national ID database,” Gen Teeraphol explained. “The cameras can also sense vehicles that cross stop lines at intersections, so if a motorist crosses a stop line while the light facing them is red, we will be able to automatically fine them for running a red light,” he said. The system even has the ability to sense – and take clear images of – people riding or driving the wrong way against the flow of traffic, a habit known locally as “ghostriding” or “ghostdriving”, Gen Teeraphol noted. “In issuing the fines for not wearing helmets, the system will compare the license plate captured in the photo with the database of

registered vehicles kept at the Phuket Land Transport office (PLTO),” he said. “Tests have shown that it takes only about 10 minutes to get a positive match, then the system will print the fine as issued by the police and send it directly by mail. “If the fine is not paid within within seven days, we will request the PLTO to revoke the registered owner’s driver’s licenses. The PLTO has agreed to do this,” he warned. Gen Teeraphol noted that people who objected to the fine – or having their license revoked – can file a formal complaint with the PLTO, as that is the correct department respsonible for enforcing traffic laws. Fines will be issued to companies, including car and motorbike rentals agencies, Gen Teeraphol said, but

added that it had yet to be confirmed what action would be taken against “repeat offender companies”. Dr Wiwat noted that the “intelligent-camera” system was only one of nine projects underway in Phuket by the Safer Roads Foundation. “The main goal of the foundation is to reduce the number of people killed in road accidents in Phuket to less than 50 people per year by the year in 2020,” he said. Dr Wiwat noted that 148 people died in road accidents in Phuket last year alone, the same year Phuket had the worst per capita road-fatality record in the country. The United Nation’s World Health Organisation last year rated Thailand as the second-worst country in the world for road safety. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Work on B800mn park at Surin Beach to start

PHUKET NEWS

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

ork on the new Rajabhakti Park to be built at Surin Beach will start in October, with a total budgeted cost of the project slated to reach B800 million, Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat confirmed on Tuesday (Sept 20). “The total cost of construction of Rajabhakti Park will be more than B800 million,” V/Gov Chokdee told The Phuket News. “The project was proposed to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday (Sept 16). Next, we will submit the proposal to Cabinet for approval,” he said. Meanwhile, parts of the project will go ahead next month, V/Gov Chokdee confirmed. “All the plans were finalised two weeks ago. Three phases will start in October, with the construction of a fence, a parking lot with a small garden and breakwater to begin,” he said. The initial three projects will be carried out by three different local authorities,

The two-week-old baby girl was found abandoned in a bin close to the Patong Municipality Office. Photo: Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation

Abandoned baby found in Patong

This computer-generated image of what the park will look like once completed was just one of dozens in a report released by the Department of Public Works and Phuket Town and Country Planning Office. Photo by: Phuket Town and Country Planning Office V/Gov Chokdee explained. “The fence will be built by the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) with a budget of B8mn, the parking lot with a small garden will be built by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO) with a budget of B17mn, and the breakwater will be built by the Phuket office of the

Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning with a budget of B38mn,” he said. “The entire area that will be turned into a public park covering nearly 200 rai,” V/ Gov Chokdee said. “At least 50 rai will be transformed into a botanical garden and the rest will include a museum, monuments and

Terminal confusion, immigration delays strike at Phuket Airport PASSENGERS HOPI NG to board departing flights at Phuket International Airport on time are strongly advised to arrive early as confusion over which terminal to depart from and long immigration queues have plagued travellers since the opening of the new International Terminal last Friday (Sept 16). The official opening of the new International Terminal, dedicated by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, last Friday has left many travellers confused over which terminal to depart from, one senior Airports of Thailand staffer, who asked not to be named, told The Phuket News. “Since the opening of the new International Terminal, many passengers are not sure where to check-in and most drivers just drop off passengers at the old terminal,” he said. “We have even seen some passengers drag their luggage from one terminal to the other,” he added. The new terminal, as its name indicates, is dedicated to international flights, while the old terminal is now dedicated to serving domestic @thephuketnews

Passengers at Phuket Airport wait patiently to clear Immigration at the new terminal. Photo: Bhuritt Maswongssa flights only, the airport staffer explained. “We are putting up signs to help direct passengers to where they need to be and we now have staff on the concourse to advise them,” he said. “It is quite normal for any new facility to have a rough start. We apologise for any inconvenience, but we assure you that it will get better once everything is in place,” he added. Adding to the delays, however, are long immigration queues taking travellers up to an hour to clear outbound immigration desks. One immigration officer, who also asked not to named,

said that the long lines to clear immigration at Phuket Airport was not unusual. “Most of the delay here is not because our system is slow,” he said. “The process has to be thorough. A photograph of each passenger must be taken and our officers must record the correct information of each passenger passing through.” The officer pointed out that many of the officer stations at the outbound immigration counters have yet to be fitted with computer terminals – and that there are not enough immigration officers to man all the stations anyway. The Phuket News

other attractions,” he said. The monuments are to comprise seven statues honouring past Thai kings from the Sukhothai period to the current royal house of Chakri. The finalised plans were unveiled at a meeting Wednesday last week (Sept 14) in a report by Department of Public Works and Phuket Town and Country Planning Office.

POLICE A R E LOOKing for the mother of a twoweek-old baby girl found abandoned in rubbish bin next to the Patong Municipality Office early last Saturday (Sept 17). Kusold ha r m rescue workers responded to a call from a local resident at 1am when it was reported a baby girl had been found inside a bin near the Patong Municipality Office on Ratpatanusorn Rd. After notifying Patong Police, rescue workers arrived at the scene to find a smiling baby girl wrapped in a white towel lying in a bin. O n e of t h e r e s c u e workers said the baby girl weighed around three ki-

lograms, had dark hair and looked healthy. The baby was taken to Patong Hospital where a health examination was to be carried out. The rescue worker said, “The baby was discovered by a man collecting empty bottles from bins near Patong Municipality. When he went to check one of the bins he saw a smiling baby inside. “We think that the mum must have given birth in one of the island’s hospitals. She may have decided to abandon the child because she had no income to support a baby. Police are looking for the parents so they can be brought in for questioning,” he said. Eakkapop Thongtub

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast

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FRI SEPTEMBER 23

SAT SEPTEMBER 24

SUN SEPTEMBER 25

MON SEPTEMBER 26

TUE SEPTEMBER 27

WED SEPTEMBER 28

THU SEPTEMBER 29

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Wind 5 km/h

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Jellyfish invasion Thousands of tiny stingers wash up along west coast GENERAL MANAGER

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Plenty of pretty colours and lucky numbers, but not lucky.

Thai lottery not worth it

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housands of tiny jellyf ish were fou nd w a s h e d u p a lo n g a 10-kilometre stretch of Phuket’s west coast last Sunday (Sept 18) with some beachgoers complaining of skin irritations after coming into contact with the creatures. An official manning the Cherng Talay emergency hotline received a call from a local resident at 7:45am, when it was reported that thousands of an unknown species of jelly f ish had washed up along a 10km stretch of beach, from Bang Tao to Laguna. It was said that some of the jellyfish were dead, but

Wind 7 km/h

The jellyfish were found along a 10-kilometre stretch of beach, stretching from Bang Tao to Laguna. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub some were still alive. It was also said that some people had suffered rashes and itchiness after coming into contact with the marine creatures. A gardener from the Amora Hotel and Resort, Dang

Einpraton, 29, said, “I have been taking care of the beach in front of the hotel for over three years and have never seen this type of jellyfish. “It looks harmless because its so small, but one of

our security guards touched one and he quickly got a rash so we alerted other people in the area and sent our staff and guards to warn tourists on the beach about the potential threat,” Mr Dang said.

MOR E T H A N 6 0 PE R cent of respondents to an online poll say the Thai government lottery is not worth playing. The Phuket News asked readers, “Is the Thai lottery worth playing?” A neat 40 per cent voted, “No, the chances of winning any of the prizes are too small.” A further 22% voted, “No, the prizes are not big enough and without a ‘jackpot’ it’s not worth entering.” Only 16% voted, “Yes, the tickets are cheap and the main prizes are large enough”, while a 22% voted, “Yes, if you believe in your luck. Luck is all it takes to win any lottery.” The Phuket News

Three deaths in under 12 hours on Phuket’s roads SALES SUPPORT Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas 086 479 7470 sales@classactmedia.co.th

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THREE PEOPLE DIED IN road accidents within just 12 hours last weekend. The first death, that of a Myanmar national, happened at 6:30pm on Saturday (Sept 17) when 31-year-old Mr Kyaw Soe was hit by a pickup truck while crossing Thepkrasattri Rd in Thalang. “The man ran across the road and the vehicle could not stop in time to avoid him,” one witness said. The second and third incidents both happened on Thepkrasattri Rd in Koh Kaew close to where work is being carried out on the Bang Khu Underpass. At 2:30am Sunday (Sept 18), Maj Noojaree Longkeaw, an investigator from Phuket City Police Station, received a report that a motorbike had smashed into the back of a pickup truck on Thepkrasattri Rd northbound in Koh Kaew. Upon arrival at the scene he found the body of an unidentified woman lying on the ground. Maj Noojaree said, “She died instantly after crashing into the back of a pickup truck at high speed. Investigations are ongoing.”

Wire left on the road tangled with the back wheel of one victim’s motorbike. Two hours later, Capt Suchart Meelampong, from Phuket City Police Station, received details of another accident, this time on Thepkrasattri Rd southbound in Koh Kaew. When he arrived at the scene he found a badly damaged motorbike and the body of an unidentified man lying on the road. Wrapped around the motorbike’s back wheel, engine and exhaust were cables believed to have been left in the road while pylons are being moved in the area. Capt Suchart said he believed the cables got caught in the wheel causing the crash. However, CCTV footage from the area will be checked to confirm that exact cause. Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

PHUKET NEWS

Vendors file complaint over Floating Market Yutthawat Lekmak editor@classactmedia.co.th

ngry vendors from the Phuket Floating Market filed a formal complaint with the Kathu District Chief on Tuesday (Sept 20), calling for compensation from the market’s operator after promises of hordes of tourists flooding the market failed to materialise. The group, representing 73 vendors angry over their predicament, all operate stalls at the market, located opposite Loch Palm Golf Club in Kathu. The vendors gathered at the Kathu District Office after their appeals to the Phuket Consumer Protection office and the Damrongdhama Centre (Ombudsman’s Office) were turned down. “I want my money back,” said Parichat Ruenrak, 24, who operates a small food stall at the market. “Then I want to cancel the contract and find somewhere else. We all want our money back,” she said. “Phuket Floating Market is a dream. Anucha Voranetiwong told us that a lot of

The vendors accuse the Floating Market’s operator of failing to fulfill promises of bringing in hordes of tourists, mostly Chinese, as potential customers. Photo: Yutthawat Lekmak tourists, especially Chinese, would be coming to the market, but there have been very few tourists since the market opened – and that has had a direct effect on our incomes,” she added. However, Ms Parichat – and her 72 fellow stall holders – under the rental agreements each face a fine of B3,000 per day if they do not open their stalls. “Many people have filed complaints to the Damrongdhama Centre about the Phuket

Floating Market, that the market is not attracting the number of tourists like we were told – and as promoted before the market opened – but there has not been any response from officials,” Ms Parichat explained. Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiwong promised to review the vendors’ predicament. “I will receive your complaint, then I will call the owner of the Floating Market to come and talk with me and clear this up.”

‘I’ll be back,’ vows Gov Chamroen PHUKET GOVERNOR Chamroen Tipayapongtada, who will leave Phuket to take up the post of Governor of Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province on October 1, has vowed to return. “It is time for me to go to Nakhon Sri Thammarat. I will leave Phuket on September 30 to start work there on October 1. I will miss you all,” Governor Chamroen, a Phuket native who has served as Governor of Phuket since October 1 last year, told the press last week. “I have done the best as I can for people. Thank you for everyone for your support,” Gov Chamroen said. Gov Chamroen identified the clearing of Surin Beach as his prime achievement while in office as Governor. “Surin Beach is at the top of my list of successes, as it has been transformed into a public area for the people,” he said. “The project to transform Surin Beach not finished yet, but Surin Beach has been the most challenging project because of the effect it has had on local people. I understand this, but I do my job,” he said. “Throughout my term @thephuketnews

Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada identified the clearing of Surin Beach as his greatest achievement. Photo: Yutthawat Lekmak as Governor I have received many negative comments, but I don’t mind. I don’t take offence,” he added. “Sometimes I did things that were uncomfortable for others. I am saying I apologise to you all, but I am just doing my job. Some of the projects I have overseen can’t be called a success, mainly because I don’t have absolute power to enforce what is required,” Gov Chamroen explained. Gov Chamroen called on people to support the incoming Governor, Chokchai Detamornthan, who will take office as Governor of Phuket on October 1. “Please don’t worry about

unfinished projects in Phuket. I know the new Governor, “ he said. Gov Chamreon, who forged his reputation on spearheading the policebolstered campaign to take down the Phuket taxi mafia during his years as Phuket Vice Governor, vowed to return. “I will be gone for a couple years, at the least. Then I would prefer to come back Phuket. After that, who knows?” he said. “But Phuket is my hometown, I will return, even if as a volunteer to help the province,” Gov Chamroen said. Tanyaluk Sakoot

However, Chief Sayan added, “Much of this also depends on the contract, what it says and what is stipulated as agreed.” The Phuket News on Tuesday tracked down Anucha Voranetiwong, General Manager of PRA Solution Co, which operates the market. “Whatever they complain about is their problem. We must abide by the contract,” he said. “I will send my representative to cover.” he added.

Storm surf battering erodes the beaches OFFICIALS AT SIRINATH National Park on Wednesday roped off sections of Nai Yang Beach that had been washed away by strong waves during the current onslaught of dangerous heavy weather. The battering began over a week ago, with large tracts of Nai Yang Beach washed away and trees along the shorefront felled. Sarawut Seesakukam, President of the Mai Khao Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), explained to The Phuket News that his office was unable to take action on the drastic beach erosion. “I sent my officials to inspect the damage, but that area belongs to Sirinath National Park. Whatever action is taken must be done with in accordance with their instructions. We can’t do it,” Mr Sarawut said. Sirinath Park Chief Kitipas Tharapibal told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Sept 19), “We have known about the beach erosion for a while. For now, all we can do is seal off the dangerous areas, which I have ordered my officers to do (on Wednesday, Sept 20). “I have infor med the

Large chunks of Bang Tao Beach have been washed away by the strong waves. Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Service Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) about this already. The Phuket DMCR office is in the process of setting up a budget in order to provide a long-term solution to this,” he added. Meanwhile, lifeguards have reported heavy similar beach erosion at Bang Tao Beach. “Bang Tao beach has suffered damage from the weather over the past few days,” The Phuket Lifeguard Club Chief Prathaiyuth Chuayuan told The Phuket News. “Lifeguards are keeping an eye on the situation. We have informed the Cherng Talay OrBorTor, but we have yet to see what action they will take,” he said. Yutthawat Lekmak

PHUKET NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Withdrawal signs

Russians caught with hundreds of fake ATM cards Eakkapop Thongtub reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

PM Prayut told officials that the taxi mafia is to never rise up again. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

PM warns against taxi mafia revival PRIME MINISTER GEN Prayut Chan-o-cha urged officials to tackle local mafia and to uphold their responsibilities in order provide better care for the public. The Prime Minister’s directive came his official opening of the new International Terminal at Phuket International Airport last Friday morning (Sept 16). “The mafia problem must not happen again, and especially with taxis,” he said. PM Prayut blamed the style of thinking for the failure to solve recurring problems. “Thais do not come up with systems as a way to solve problems,” he said. The Prime Minister also highlighted the depth and

extent of problems of failing to deal with such issues, and targeted his comments at officials. “How do others benefit from your work?” he posed. “And how do poor people, small people, get any benefit from you? All the results from our work must be transferred to ordinary people. “Everything must be done from the heart. I am sorry to speak out loud, but if I don’t speak about this, then nobody will talk about it. This must be done, with nothing expected in return,” he said. “Any questions?” he asked. Silence followed. Tanyaluk Sakoot

wo Russian men were arrested in Kamala on fraud charges last week after police discovered the men using fake ATM cards in Patong and Kamala. Police seized more than 400 unused cloned electronic cards in a subsequent search of the men’s hotel room in Patong. Kamala Police Deputy Chief Lt Col Chokdee Mabangyang and Region 8 Police led by Lt Col Prawit Engchuan presented the men – named by police as Russian nationals Evgenii Zavialov, 27, and Pavel Ryzhankov, 33 – at a press conference at Kamala Police Station on Sept 15. Presented as evidence seized in making the arrests was B5,000 cash, six ATM cash withdrawal transaction receipts from Krungsri Bank, 48 fake electronic cards, a notepad containing ATM card numbers with corresponding PIN codes and 427 unused electronic cards with no serial numbers.

Russian nationals Evagenii Zavialov, 27, and Pavel Ryzhankov, 33 – at a press conference at Kamala Police Station last week. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The men were arrested at a police checkpoint in Kamala at 2pm after local police were alerted that the suspects were heading their way. “An investigation team from the Provincial Police received a tip-off that two foreigners, both white males, on a black-and-red Yamaha motorbike with license plate

number “1 KorChor 3288” were travelling around using fake ATM cards at several ATMs in Patong and Kamala,” Col Chokdee explained. “Police were told the two men had just left the Patong area and were heading to Kamala,” he added. “So we set up a checkpoint waiting for them. Officers signalled for the men

to stop when they approached the checkpoint. We found them in possession of 43 fake ATM cards and B5,000 cash,” Col Chokdee said. “Police later searched a room at the Royal Prince Residence in Patong, where officers discovered 427 cloned electronic cards, skimmer machines, a computer tablet and other evidence,” he said.

Bus staff, driver, busted for theft T H R E E E M PL OY E E S, including the driver, of a bus travelling from Surat Thani to Phuket were arrested at a police checkpoint last week for possession of kratom after a Belgian man told police his money was stolen while he was on the bus. The bus driver, Sucha Khaosaard, and the two staff, Somchai Tohmard and Samart Chimplee, were arrested at 4:30pm on Sept 14 by Phang Nga Provincial Police led by Col Chotipong Ketsarin during a routine check at a checkpoint in Takuapa. Col Chotipong explained, “While we conducted a routine check on the bus, a pickup truck pulled up. The driver, Bumrung Chanbumrung and his passenger Peter De Balabander from Belgium, who was one of the passengers on the bus, asked us for help. “Mr De Balabander asked us to question the bus driver and bus staff because he suspected someone had stolen the money out of his bag while he was on board. He said that he realised the money was missing from his bag after he got off the bus at Khao Sok and was about to pay his taxi fare. Col Chotipong continued, “Both driver and two staff

Police found three bundles of kratom above the bus driver’s seat. Photo: Phang Nga Police denied said they seen nothing. We searched the bus and discovered three bundles of kratom leaves, together weighing about about 100 grammes, on the shelf above the driver’s seat.” “Then Samark started acted suspiciously so officers asked him to get off the bus. Upon searching his person,

officers found euro banknotes worth B3,040 and a futher B4,000 in Thai banknotes in his back pocket. Such a , Somch a i a nd Samart were taken to Talad Yai Police Station in Phang Nga to face possession of a Category 5 drug (kratom) and theft. Yutthawat Lekmak thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Sea gypsies plea for PM to stop relocation

PHUKET NEWS

Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

ore than 100 police and military security personnel were deployed at Phuket Rajabhat University ahead of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s visit to the campus last Friday (Sept 16), where more than 500 Phuket sea gypsies turned out in the hope of delivering to the nation’s leader a plea to stave off forced relocation from their village in Rawai. Under instruction from Col Akanit Danpitaksan, Chief Inspector of the Phuket Provincial Police, the security personnel moved the sea gypsies to a site on Ratsadanusorn Rd, about one kilometre to the north of the campus, and ensured they did not block traffic at the busy Wor Kor Intersection. The group, led by spokesmen Sinchai Rueprohchin of the Community Network for Social and Political Reform, were hoping to hand to PM Prayut a letter requesting he take action to resolve issues of land ownership for poor people, including sea gypsies.

The festival will begin with the lantern-pole raising ritual on Sept 30 at all 24 participating Chinese shrines across Phuket. Photo: TAT

Phuket readies for Vegetarian Festival Hundreds of sea gypsies gathered at Phuket Rajabhat University ahead of PM Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s visit to the campus last Friday (Sept 16). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The letter was a joint-request issued by three groups: Community Network for Social and Political Reform; the Chumchonthai Foundation; and the Sea Gypsy Foundation. However, Col Akanit explained to Mr Sinchai that only five representatives would be allowed into the area to hand the letter to the Prime Minister, while the rest had to stay outside. The letter set out three main requests, but buried in the very polite Thai language used was a “request” for the Prime Minister to sack Gen Surin

Pikulthong from his position as chairperson of the special committee established under the Prime Minister’s Office specifically to resolve sea gypsy issues. The letter also called for the deputy chairperson of the committee also to be replaced. The letter was gracious enough to “ask” PM Prayut to allow Gen Surin to continue his work while his replacement was found, which they “asked” to be selected from the 26 Ministers of the Prime Minister’s Office. The letter also asked for the Prime Minister to follow

Resort fights land-grab probe

POLICE ARE LOOKING for a person responsible for paying local land tax on what is said to be encroached land on Koh Maphrao. The land, covering 20 rai, now has 14 units on it making up part of a resort, police said. Deputy Chief of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRE CSD) Col Bancha Panpradab together with Maj Kitwarut Phutnuan, officers from the Forestry Department, 41st Military Circle, Phuket Provincial Police, Tourist Police, a Koh Kaew village headman and local officials inspected the buildings on Koh Maphrao in Koh Kaew on Sept 14 after officials received complaints that investor/s had bought the land without official land documents from local residents and built a resort. Col Bancha explained: “We came to inspect the area because people had sent complaints to our office reporting that investors had bought a lot of land in Moo Baan Koh Maphrao without land titles and no one ever visits the area to investigate. “NRE CSD Commander Maj Gen Suthin Sabpwong @thephuketnews

The resort is set on a forested hill on Koh Maphrao off Phuket. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub and Witoon Chalayonnawin, who is an expert from the Justice Court office who specialises in aerial photography, surveyed the area first by helicopter and confirmed there are structures in a hilly area surrounded by forest. Our patrol officers also discovered several resorts built to accommodate tourists when they visited the island,” he said. Col Bancha pointed out, “When we arrived we were greeted by Mr Adam from Switzerland who claimed he is caretaker of the resort. He showed us several documents, but they were mostly local land tax documents, not land titles. “After carrying out a

survey we discovered that the land, about 20 rai, is already marked with 18 pins, which indicates the area is in the progress of requesting a permit. If the land is legally obtained it would be worth no more than B5 million per rai. There are already 14 villas on the land, and some units already have foreign occupants,” he said. “We will not file any complaint against Mr Adam as he claims that to only takes care of the place and is not the owner, but we will file encroachment and illegal structure charges against the person whose name is on the local tax documents that Mr Adam provided,” he added. The Phuket News

up on the progress made by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the special committee currently headed by Gen Surin. The DSI has already supported the Rawai sea gypsy claims to live on their ancestral land by providing aerial historical photographs, DNA confirmation that bones buried in graves at the village are directly related to sea gypsies still living in the sea community, and even footage of HM The King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Rawai village during his visit in 1959.

THE TOURISM AUTHORity of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office has released its programme of events for the upcoming Vegetarian Festival, to be held for the traditional nine days on October 1-9. The festival will begin with the lantern-pole raising ritual on Sept 30 at all 24 participating Chinese shrines from 3pm-5:45pm, except for Sheng Leng Shrine in Baan Muang Mai, Thalang, which will start early by holding their pole-raising ceremony at 7am. Every year the event attracts large crowds of residents and tourists and this year Phuket can again expect large turnouts for the festival, TAT Phuket office Director Anoma Vongyai told The Phuket News.

“Just like every year, we always expect to see huge crowds at the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. I think the number this year will exceed last year,” she said, though she declined to reveal how many people the TAT estimates took part in the festival last year. The most popular activities, and spectacles for tourists, include firewalking, bladedladder climbing, hot oil bathing and “nail bridge crossing”, performed by devotees at participating shrines across Phuket. These activities start at Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town at 8:09pm on Oct 2, and continue at different times and at different shrines across the island throughout the festival. The Phuket News

Opinion 8

OPINION

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EDITORIAL

Destination: accountability

t is to Phuket’s continuing international shame that we rate as the most dangerous province in Thailand for road deaths, which itself is currently ranked by the UN as the second-most dangerous country in the world. The recent announcement of the helmet detection/face recognition cameras to be installed at five locations in Phuket, at a cost of B16 million, seems like a step in the right direction for improving rates of helmet use on the island. The cameras will reportedly scan number plates and combine them with facerecognition data to automatically issue fines to the vehicle owner’s registered address. (See page 1.) This latest measure comes on top of an increase in the number of speed-detection guns and alcohol breathalysers in use by the Phuket

Provincial Police in the past year. The fact that this recent uptake in road safety technology has been driven by the UK-based non-profit Safer Roads Foundation can be read as a positive sign that local authorities are taking note of international standards and practices for road safety. At first look, it seems that fines issued to the vehicle’s registers owner may not end up punishing the person who was actually operating it, but process is still an important step in creating an accountable system for traffic offences. By automatically issuing fines to the registered owner, it avoids the grey area of on-the-spot fines issued by police, which arguably have little impact on rider behaviour. Once fines are legally issued and recorded, it begins to pave the way for the creation of a demerit-point style system

which takes into account a person’s past driving behaviour and is ultimately able revoke their licence, and even hand down custodial sentences, after a certain number of infractions. Despite the inevitable cries of, “It wasn’t me!”, if the system is maintained and unpaid fines have legal consequences, it could begin to encourage and strengthen the overall culture of road-safety and encourage personal responsibility for who is allowed to drive a vehicle registered under your name. Again, despite the inevitable problems with rolling out such a system, both technological and legal, we should all encourage these efforts and acknowledge them as the initial scaffolding necessary to create a system that will hold people accountable for both the vehicles they own and their own actions on the road.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

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Australian drug fugitive arrested with fake passport in Phuket bar Australian man, 37, dies after big bike crash in Phuket American man found dead at rented room in Phuket Russians arrested in Phuket with fake ATM cards Foreigner hospitalised following Phuket big bike crash Three deaths in under 12 hours on Phuket’s roads PM Prayut talks mafia, tells officials to better care of the people. Britons arrested for passing forged money on Koh Pha Ngan AirAsia launches direct daily Phuket-Siem Reap flights Krabi sex attack victim to leave Thailand tomorrow, case unconcluded

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YOUR SAY The carnage on the roads continues

Re: Three deaths in under 12 hours on Phuket’s roads How is Phuket’s image ever going to improve until someone actually gets their thumb out and sorts the roads out? This does not mean have police on a street corner taking B300 from a tourist for no helmet. It means making the roads safe. Speed cameras, arresting and banning all dangerous drivers. Anyone speeding, gets a B10,000 fine for first offence. Dangerous driving, automatic month ban. Driving with a ban, then two-year ban and B100,000 fine. Positive for drink or drink or drugs, then a B100,000 fine and two-year ban. Accident when banned or on drink or drugs, B500,000 fine and ban for life. Only then will people take driving seriously. simon01 ...................................................

Bigger fish to fry

Re: Phuket Opinion: A nonuniform way to fight corruption Granted there is a high perception of perceived corruption

throughout the country. One only has to look Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index in which Thailand scores 38 out of 100. Perhaps people take for granted that there will be some localised and minor corruption in their day-to-day dealings with government officials. It seems that people’s behaviour is not greatly affected by the existence of “grease money” practices. However, “grand corruption is the abuse of high-level power that benefits the few at the expense of the many, and causes serious and widespread harm to individuals and society” (www. Transparency.org/news). Although petty public corruption cannot be ignored, the ruling elite considers focusing on corruption at the highest level of government, or “grand corruption”, gains more “mileage” and has a greater negative impact on say, payments to evade criminal prosecution, than corruption by minor officials. Joe12 ....................................................

We ignore history at our peril Re: Phuket Opinion: Staking claims in paradise

This ethnic community in Rawai with their very well described long history of existence in Rawai should no longer be denied their place in Thai society. Give them with full respect their place in Thailand society. The sea gypsies will not go away, accept that fact, and solve this problem now, once and forever. They are human beings! They deserve humanity in their treatment. Give them full Thai citizen rights, ID cards, water and electricity connections, good education and they will become loyal citizens of the Kingdom of Thailand. Kurt ................................................... Re: PM Prayut talks mafia, tells officials to better care of the people, at Phuket Airport terminal opening “The mafia problem must not happen again, and especially with taxis,” said the PM. The problems are bigger than ever in Phuket, look at Immigration, some police stations, etc. The biggest maf ia in Phuket are state and municipal employees. So dear PM, you now know where you can start the ending corruption. Nasa12

Re: Australian man, 37, dies after big bike crash in Phuket To all who have lost a friend or loved one. The real idiot is the one driving a big engine bike without wearing proper safety gear. Big bike and no helmet! Come on people. Ignoring the consequences of your own vulnerability, exposing yourself and others to unnecessary danger is a blatant lack of judgement. Respect your life and that of others around you, respect the people who care for you. If you are a friend tell a friend to wear a helmet! What a stupid way to go. Don’t dress for the ride, dress for the slide. This advice saved many lives and mine as well. I am a big bike rider myself and it enrages me to see people acting so carelessly by riding without helmet. No experience, bad roads, deadly traffic and a powerful machine you hardly know = killer cocktail. There is nothing cool about driving without helmet! I wish that Phuket police would enforce it more diligently. But we are all responsible for our own actions. Belgianboy

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10 THAILAND NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Beasts of Bangkok booted from park BANGKOK

Rescue volunteers crowd the bank of the Pasak River after a longtail dragonboat capsized during race practice in Phetchabun. Photo: www.disaster.go.th

Two missing after longtail capsizes PHETCHABUN R ESCUERS COMBED the Pasak River on Wednesday (Sept 21) for two oarsmen missing after their longtail dragonboat capsized during race practice on Tuesday night (Sept 20), dumping all 25 crew into the rain-swollen current. The “Manee Saichon” overturned in front of Wat Traiphum in Muang district around 8pm. More than 100 volunteers began an immediate search and rescue operation, police said. Twenty-three oarsmen, aged 15-20, were rescued and safe. Two others – Atthaphol Promsaeng, 23, and Witthaya Khaithong, 18, – were missing, Thai media reported. The search continued until midnight on Tuesday without sign of the two

missing men, and resumed again on Wednesday morning. The capsized racing canoe was found 4-5 km downstream from the accident scene, behind a riverside house. Oarsman Thanachart Jittrikhan, 17, said they were practising for a race during the carrying of a Buddha statue to the water festival, to be held from Sept 29 to Oct 4. The drill began about 6:30pm on Tuesday, and they accidentally capsized their boat about 8pm in front of the temple. Wisa nt Kot isa nont, chairman of the provincial cultural council, who sponsors the Manee Saichon in the race, confirmed the search would continue. He attributed the incident to the strong current flowing down the Pasak River. Bangkok Post

he hulking, prehistoriclooking monitor lizards that stalk the grounds of Bangkok’s Lumpini Park have long triggered fascination – and fear – from visitors to the city centre’s main green space. But with their population soaring out of control to some 400, city officials are on a mission to bait and bag some of the meaty reptiles known as “hia” – a noun which doubles as the most powerful swear word in Thai. “In the past hia used to steal people’s food, so that’s why people cursed them,” explained 49-year-old Tawee Somnamee, who works in the 142-acre park, a lush oasis for joggers and cyclists in the heart of Bangkok’s concrete jungle. He is one of twelve park staff who set out Tuesday (Sept 19) with makeshift fishing poles, rope and sacks to lure the reptiles from the ponds and canals where they lurk. In recent years the largest of the Lumpini leviathans – measuring up to three metres in length – have taken to romping around the park, damaging plants and frightening passersby. “They walk around and don’t know that people are

Some of the monitor lizards in Lumini Park are said to have been three metres long and lived to 20-years of age. Photo: Jennifer Stahn/Flickr scared of them,” said Suwanna Jungrungrueng, director of the city’s environment department. “It’s time for us to control them.” While the slippery and deceptively fast carnivores don’t attack people – they mostly feast on dead fish, birds and turtles – a handful of cyclists have been injured after accidentally colliding

with lizards on the bike path. The creatures can live up to 20 years. Park officers have already captured nearly 100 hia by luring them out of the water with catfish, before swiftly pouncing on them and tying up their limbs. Officials say they are being relocated to a wildlife sanctuary in neighbouring

Ratchaburi province. While the reptiles are not exactly beloved in Thailand, some say they bring good luck. “If a hia goes into someone’s room, they will become rich,” said Tawee, adding that the park will not be removing all of the lizards. “There should be some left for foreigners to see,” he said. AFP

Britons arrested for passing forged money SURAT THANI FOUR YOUNG BRITONS visiting the famous full moon party venue Koh Pha Ngan were arrested last Friday (Sept 16) for passing forged pound banknotes and having a small amount of marijuana. The police made the arrests at 1am last Friday at a rented house in tambon Ban Tai after an investigation exposed the four men as the people spending the forged currency. The police seized 96 fake £20 notes, which would be worth around B86,000, and 2.11 grams of marijuana. Col Somchai Noppasri, commander of Koh Pha Ngan police, said the four men confessed that they had brought the forged currency with them from the UK to spend during

The passports of the arrested men and forged £20 notes. Photo: Suphapong Chaolan the trip to Koh Pha Ngan. They took turns changing £100 at a time into baht at currency exchanges on the island. They were charged with owning and passing fake foreign currency and illegally possessing drugs. The four men were named as: Adam Carter, 21 and three 23-year-olds; Thomas Moore, Luke Swainston-Thomas and Bradley Turner. Bangkok Post thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

ASIA NEWS 11

2015 haze killed over 100,000 Study reveals official death toll higher than 19 stated by authorities INDONESIA

smog outbreak in Southeast Asia last year may have caused over 100,000 premature deaths, according to a new study released this week that triggered calls for action to tackle the “killer haze”. Researchers from Harvard and Columbia universities in the US estimated there were more than 90,000 early deaths in Indonesia in areas closest to haze-belching fires, and several thousand more in neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia. The new estimate, reached using a complex analytical model, is far higher than the previous official death toll given by authorities of just 19 deaths in Indonesia. “If nothing changes, this killer haze will carry on taking a terrible toll, year after year,” said Greenpeace Indonesia forest campaigner Yuyun Indradi. “Failure to act immediately to stem the loss of life would be a crime.”

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A motorbike travels through haze on Indonesia’s Sumatra island. Photo: Abdul Qodir/AFP A spokesman for Indonesia’s environment ministry did not immediately have any comment. Indonesian authorities have previously insisted that they are stepping up their haze-fighting efforts, through such actions as banning the granting of new land for palm oil plantations and establishing an agency to restore

devastated peatlands. The haze is an annual problem caused by fires set in forests and on carbonrich peatland in Indonesia to quickly and cheaply clear land for palm oil and pulpwood plantations. The blazes occur mainly on Indonesia’s western Sumatra island and the Indonesian part of Borneo, with monsoon

winds typically blowing the haze over Singapore and Malaysia. But last year’s fires were among the worst in memory and cloaked large parts of the region in choking smog for weeks, causing huge numbers to fall ill and sending diplomatic tensions soaring. The new study to be published in journal Environmen-

tal Research Letters, which combined satellite data with models of health impacts from smoke exposure and readings from pollution monitoring stations, estimated that 100,300 had died prematurely due to last year’s fires across the three countries. They estimated there were 91,600 deaths in Indonesia, 6,500 in Malaysia and 2,200 in Singapore. G reenpea ce hailed a “groundbreaking” study they said for the first time gave a detailed breakdown of deaths from last year’s fires, but cautioned that the figure was a “conservative estimate”. It only looked at health impacts on adults and the effect of dangerous fineparticulate matter, known as PM 2.5. It did not examine the effect on youngsters or of the other toxins produced by the blazes. In reality, infants are some of the most at risk from the haze, said Nursyam Ibrahim, from the West Kalimantan province branch of the Indonesian Medical Association on Borneo.

“We are the doctors who care for the vulnerable groups exposed to toxic smoke in every medical centre, and we know how awful it is to see the disease symptoms experienced by babies and children in our care,” said Ibrahim. The study found an increase in the number of fires in peatland and in timber concessions in 2015, compared to the last haze outbreak considered major, in 2006, and that the number of fires in palm oil plantations fell. Shannon Koplitz, a Harvard scientist who worked on the study, said she also hoped the model they had developed could help those involved with tackling the annual blazes make quick decisions “as extreme haze events are unfolding”. Last year’s haze outbreak was the worst since 1997 due to a strong El Nino weather system, which created tinderdry conditions in Indonesia and made peatland and forests more vulnerable to going up in flames. AFP

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Somalia introduces khat ban

Growers, traders and users bemused by government directive SOMALIA

he rattle and honk of trucks carrying bales of the leafy narcotic khat have not been heard in Mogadishu since the government recently announced a surprise import ban. Users, vendors and traders have been left bemused and angry by the unexplained government directive. “You can’t just say khat is banned without giving reasons or offering alternatives for people who depend on the trade,” said Naciimo Abdiweli, a mother of five who sells the herbal stimulant at one of the many stalls dotted around the Somali capital. Khat – also known as miraa – is a red-stemmed, greenleafed plant that has a mildly amphetamine-like effect when chewed, akin to one too many espressos. Among Somalis it has long had social, cultural and religious uses but it is also frequently abused. Traditionally, chewing was an afternoon activity for men,

Khat is a red-stemmed, green-leafed plant that has a mildly amphetamine-like effect when chewed, akin to one too many espressos. Photo: Zacharias Abubeker/AFP but increasingly they are also chewing in the morning, evening and throughout the night. Addicts commonly spend all their money on bunches of leaves and waste hours in a stupor, green drool trickling from between brown-stained teeth. Doctors in Somalia have linked dependency to psychosis and paranoia. Somalia’s government has also banned aeroplanes that are

carrying khat from entering Somali airspace. While it is enjoyed in Somalia, khat is grown in neighbouring Ethiopia and Kenya, both of which have large farming communities relying on its export for their livelihoods. Somalia’s transport minister Ali Ahmed Jama Jangeli recently refused to give any reason for the ban. No explana-

tion has been offered by any other government officials, leaving traders like Abdiweli at a loss. “We’ve been told the government stopped flights bringing khat from Kenya and the market is empty now, but we don’t know the reason,” she said. The Somali decision has upset Kenyan growers too. “This is a big loss to us,”

said Dave Muthuri, chairman of the Kenya Miraa Farmers and Traders Association. “Farmers are crying because of the loss they are incurring. It caught everyone off-guard,” he added. Their crops – which must be transported fresh before the leaves wilt – have languished in sacks in Meru, where it is grown in Kenya’s centre, and at the nation’s Wilson Airport from where it is flown to Somalia. Muthuri said no khat had left Kenya since Sept 7 and that dozens of tonnes of the plant were going to waste. In Mogadishu, at the receiving end of the khat supply chain, business has ground to a halt. “We are sitting on empty tables at markets waiting for news, but it seems the government does not want to talk to us openly about why they’ve stopped this business,” said Ahmed Ugaas, a khat trader. But while some are concerned by the social damage done by khat, others believe it helps keep the volatile city calm. “I believe that khat con-

sumption played an important role in maintaining tranquillity,” said Mohamed Abdisalam, a grocer. “Most of the gunmen go and sit chewing every day from 11 in the morning, can you imagine what they will do when they don’t have khat? They will go onto the streets and cause havoc!” he predicted. Khat is banned in the US, Canada and most of Europe – all places with large diaspora Somali communities. But no government or authority has ever succeeded in banning it in Somalia, not the military dictatorship, the warlords nor the Islamic extremists. “It’s a matter of days and then business will be back to normal”, said Zakariye Mohamed, a regular khat consumer untroubled by the interruption in his supply. “The military regime [of Siad Barre] was mightier than this government but they could not succeed in banning it. Even Al-Shabaab, who kill people, could not stop it,” he said. “This thing is very tricky.” AFP

Red-eyed tree frogs find a safe haven NICARAGUA THOUSANDS OF TINY frogs with bright green skin and big red eyes have found a safe haven from climate change in a Nicaraguan nature reserve. The red-eyed tree frogs (Agalychnis callidryas) are native to the tropical forests of Mexico, Central America and Colombia, but are threatened by drought, deforestation and the use of contaminating pesticides. A severe drought in Central America’s Pacific coastal region over the past two years is especially dangerous for the tiny species, which depends on water to reproduce and find food – crickets, f lies and grubs. Water abounds at the Montibelli nature reserve, in the hills to the south of the Nicaraguan capital Managua. “We put pools of water (amid the vegetation) so they can reproduce” and survive through dry spells, said Carlos Belli, the manager of the reserve. The frogs are known for their bright red eyes, which scientists believe serve to scare away predators.

A red-eyed green frog photographed at the Montibelli private wildlife reserve. Photo: Inti Ocon/AFP They measure just eight centimetres long. The Montibelli reserve, which was set up 16 years ago, gets about 3,000 visitors a year, plus researchers. The 400-acre reserve is part of the Sierras de Managua corridor, which harbours 142 species including boa

constrictors and golden-mantled howling monkeys – which are also threatened by climate change and deforestation. Nicaragua loses an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 hectares of forest per year because of excessive and sometimes illegal logging. AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Run the real estate gauntlet

Learning all the ‘Dos and Don’ts of real estate’ in Thailand PROPERTY Duensing Kippen editor@classactmedia.co.th

s a general matter, real estate in Thailand can be an excellent investment. Unfortunately, however, horror stories are not rare enough. But if you adhere to our “nine points”, such tragedy can be avoided. Here are the first two:

Beware of real estate agents “Real estate agents”, “estate agents”, or (as they are more properly referred to under Thai law) “brokers” are middlemen who make their living by being paid a commission for putting a buyer and seller together. Only when the deal completes, the agent gets paid. Thus, agents have a financial interest in every deal completing. That is why agents are commonly regulated in developed countries such as those in Europe, the US and Singapore. Such regulation generally imposes a “fiduciary” duty on the agent to act in the best interests of their clients with significant penalties applicable if they do not. This makes sense since such agents (like lawyers and accountants) hold your finances in their hands

As development on Phuket continues to grow, avoiding the legal pifalls in purchasing a property have become increasingly important, especially for first-time buyers. during a deal and they should not be allowed to knowingly guide you into making an unwise investment for the sake of their commission. In Thailand, however, agents are not regulated. We have first-hand experience of far too many agents putting their commission above the interest of the buyer. We should emphasise that we are not saying not to use an agent, but rather that you should be aware that it might be the case that your interests might not be the top priority of your agent. Therefore, if you intend to use an agent and you start to feel uncomfortable with too

many statements that do not make sense – such as “this is how it’s done in Thailand” and “it is standard that the agent holds the deposit on the sale” – trust your instincts and walk away, or at the very least get other competent independent/ non-interested advice.

Get competent legal counsel One of the best protections you can find when investing in real estate in Thailand is competent legal counsel. This should be obtained rather sooner than later – but certainly before you sign any agreement with an agent or seller. However, “competent” is

the key. We are often amazed by what people say they were told by law firms in Thailand. Thailand actually does have a well developed set of laws, most mirroring Western law. Thai law for the most part fits together logically, just like in most fully developed countries. Further, almost all the relevant Thai law is available in its English translation. Thus, if what you hear from a law firm in Thailand about Thai law sounds like it does not make any sense, if it sounds illogical, there is a good chance you are right. In such case, ask them to show you the law in question

to read it yourself. If they are unable to explain their point then with the text in front of you both, or if they refuse to do so, you are well advised to find another law firm that will. Furthermore, “competent” counsel doesn’t just know the law – competent counsel is also ethical. By ethical we mean compliance with internationally recognised standards for lawyers. Thus, you should expect that your law firm has a fiduciary duty to you, in other words, that they will put your interests first, even above theirs, including their financial interests. In this regard, you should expect that your law firm does not and will never have any conflict of interest in representing you. They should not have any interest (including any of their own) the advancement of which would be detrimental to yours. For example, your law firm should never accept commissions from others, like real estate agents or developers, to refer you to them. Nor should the law firm represent both you and the other side in a transaction. There is no such a thing as a “non-conflicted transaction”. Every contract is a give and take and your lawyer should

be looking out solely for your interest. An initial evaluation is easy enough. Ask your prospective counsel to show you their formal legal credentials. Then ask them what code of professional legal ethics they are bound by and to show them to you. If they do, verify those credentials and review their professional code. If they cannot, or if you find their response unsatisfactory – for instance, “I have lived in Thailand a long time, I speak Thai, and I know many government workers” – you should find other counsel. Finally, do not assume you are going to get the easy or correct legal advice from Thai government officials. They are very often wrong even about the law they are charged with administering. Stay tuned for more on the “Dos and don’ts of real estate in Thailand” in our next article in this series. DUENSING KIPPEN is an international law firm specialising in business transaction and dispute resolution matters, with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand and affiliated offices in 45 other countries. Visit them at: duensingkippen.com

Phuket International Boat Show expands with market, superyachts MARINE W IT H FOU R MON T HS until the next Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), to be held at Royal Phuket Marina in January, both the Exhibition Hall and in-water locations are starting to fill, reports organiser Andy Dowden. Yet still building on the success of more than 13 years in organising the expo, Andy Dowden this year will introduce two new attractions to the popular event. “For the first time at PIMEX, we are dedicating a section of the Exhibition Hall as a Mariners Market, which will allow marine accessories dealers, fishing tackle suppliers and sports clothing vendors an entry into the show,” Mr Dowden explained. “Plans are still evolving for the superyacht section of the show,” he added. “This unique event will be held on a nearby private island, Koh Rang Noi, located just 10 minutes from the marina by luxury shuttle launch for invited and VIP @thephuketnews

guests only.” Returning as a mainstay exhibitor will be Multihull Solutions. “Asia-Pacific’s leading dealer and distributor of multihull sail and power yachts are back again for the fourth year since opening their Thailand and South East Asia branch,” Mr Dowden explained. “With headquarters in Australia, Multihull Solutions represent all the leading multihull brands, including Fountaine Pajot, Privilege, Neel Trimarans, Corsair and Tag Yachts, while their exclusive sale of five Pulse 600

catamarans into Thailand has created a new one-design class in local regattas,” he said. “Dealing in new and preowned yachts, the centrepiece of their display will be the unique 74ft Freizer power cat Sherkhan,” he added. Early reservation is advised to secure the most favoured locations in the water and in the hall, Mr Dowden noted. “Also recently joining the in-water display are Hanse Yachts with South East Asia Yacht Sales and Services displaying two yachts on D dock,” Mr Dowden said.

“Together with Simpson Marine with six yachts from their Monte Carlo Yachts, Lagoon and Beneteau brands and Azimut with two yachts, the in-water display is shaping up,” he said. “In the hall, Cholamark, our local RB [rigid boat] and inflatable manufacturer, will be displaying their full range of boats,” Mr Dowden said. The Phuket News

The centrepiece of the Multihull Solutions display will be the unique 74ft Freizer power cat ‘Sherkhan’.

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Where SET is just the start

Getting a foothold with the basics of Thailand’s Stock Exchange INVESTMENT

Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

n my previous article, I talked about risks of an inflated Thai stock’s share price plunging overnight, and introduced a few indicators that can help determine if a stock is “overpriced”, and thus vulnerable to such negative catalysts. The article was written presuming readers already had a basic understanding of how a stock exchange operates and any references to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) should have been self-explanatory. However, I realise that there are many potential amateur investors out there who, like me a year ago, don’t have much – if any – stock-trading experience in their home countries let alone here in Thailand. Therefore, in this article, I will downshift a gear and cover some of the bare basics relevant to readers in a simple Q&A format. Here are some basic questions I think most SET newbies might have:

Both set.or.th and settrade.com (pictured) have English versions of their websites.

Can foreigners trade in the SET? The simple answer is yes, but with some limitations. The easiest way for non-Thais around the world to buy and sell stakes in a publicly-listed Thai company – without even needing to step foot in Thailand – is through an international broker, who will happily charge you a hefty commission to buy stocks on your behalf in any one of a number foreign stock

exchanges, including the SET. However, using an international broker doesn’t really make sense for small transactions, as an expensive commission will factor directly into any gains or losses. There are many Thailand-based brokers who will happily do nothing while earning a small cut of your hard-earned cash, and the commissions are generally reasonable for small transactions. For example, my broker (Kasikorn Securities)

charges about 1.7 per cent per transaction (including VAT), meaning any stock I buy has to appreciate at least 3.4% to break even. All the main Thai banks have stockbroker services but their application requirements may vary for foreigners; some might require a minimum deposit or a work permit, but others may be more lax. Lacking a Thai ID, you’ll most likely have to apply in person. As for legalities of “own-

AirAsia launches Siem Reap flights PRESS RELEASE AIRASIA WILL LAUNCH daily direct flights between Phuket and Siem Reap, Cambodia, in November to become the first airline to offer the connection. The airline is confident that international travellers will take up the opportunity to fly between the two popular destinations. Phuket and Siem Reap are both world renowned destinations, especially among Americans, European and

Asian travellers, with each offering its own unique potential, explained Tassapon Bijleveld, Chief Executive Officer of Thai AirAsia. By becoming the first airline to offer a Phuket-Siem Reap route, AirAsia believes it can stimulate tourism at both lo-

cations and bring Asean ever closer together, he noted. “AirAsia’s intention is to create the most extensive flight network and to open up new opportunities in Asean. The Phuket-Siem Reap route perfectly encompasses all of our goals,” Mr Tassapon said. “The latest flight allows everyone in Phuket to travel to the World Heritage City that is Siem Reap to experience the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat and the equally impressive Bayon, not to mention Siem Reap’s oneof-a-kind nightlife,” he added. The Phuket News

ing” Thai stocks, since ownership of Thai companies is generally limited by law of only up to 49%, and shares literally represent ownership of a company, traditionally there has been a quota of how many shares a listed-company is allowed to sell to non-Thai nationals. However, in practice, most Thai brokers enable foreigners to trade real-time and seamlessly irregardless of the share quota, through the designation of Non-Voting Depository Receipt (NVDR) stocks, which are just like normal stocks that can be bought and sold (and taxed) but don’t come with any voting rights in the company itself.

How to find and research Thai stocks? Knowledge is power, and this is ever true in the SET. First and foremost, being able to read Thai language provides obvious advantages in sourcing the most recent news about the Thai economy, sectors and the company themselves. That said, most SET-listed companies have an English version of their website, and

all financial documents are usually published in both Thai and English. When researching SET-listed companies there are two main portals to start from: set.or.th and settrade.com. Both have English-language versions. The two websites are similar but I prefer the latter. As for finding specific stocks, note that there are nearly 600 listed companies on the SET, and dozens more on the SET-run Market for Alternative Investment (MAI). To narrow these down, the companies are all divided into sectors, and further into specific indices, namely: Agro and Food; Consumer Products; Financials; Industrials; Property and Construction; Resources; Services and Technology. You might want to bookmark the indices you are interested in to save time finding them again. Stay tuned for more in my next missive. Disclaimer: This article should not substitute qualified “investment advice”. Serious investors are advised to consult with a qualified financial adviser or fiduciary.

Refurbishments underway at Novotel Phuket Resort

n readiness for the 2016/17 high season, the Novotel Phuket Resort is proud to announce that refurbishments and extensive redecorations to our luxury property are underway and will be completed by November 2016. Aimed at the entire tourist market, the new look Novotel Phuket Resort will continue to offer world class hospitality as it has for the past 20 years, but now with a more modern and unique identity. Located within a lush tropical setting in Kalim Bay on the west coast of Phuket, this exclusive property, with its stunning Thai architecture and extensive grounds, has increased its room types from six to eight, now with the addition of Family Suites and Deluxe Pool Access rooms. All rooms have undergone complete redecoration, feel brighter and airier than ever before, and returning guests will be amazed at how much of a transformation this work has achieved. And of course they will still feature touches including their modern Thai

style, day bed and full range of amenities our guests have become accustomed to. The new look Novotel Phuket Resort still offers the full range of world class facilities; restaurants, bars, three swimming pools and spa are still of the high standard that comes with such a well regarded global brand. Novotel Phuket Resort has invested a vast sum in bringing our property in line with what disconcerting travellers require in today’s day and age, but our high standard of hospitality will remain as it always has and will still offer the best value for money for such a world class hospitality venue, something which Novotel Phuket Resort has prided itself upon since its

inception two decades ago. The main aim of the Novotel Phuket Resort has and will always be to ensure our guest’s stays are memorable, and with such an ideal location, superb views of the Andaman Sea and sunsets which some have only dreamed of, and now with a fresh new look, guests can rest assured that stays will still be amazing and even more comfortable and enjoyable than ever before. The Novotel Phuket Resort, where anyone can enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Novotel Phuket Resort Press Contact: • Pichsinee Pomnoi • h8099-sl1@accor.com • +66 (0) 76 342 777 / +66 (0) 80 522 6222

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Dapperly dressed riders to hit Phuket’s streets

Hanks and Eckhardt play it safe in ‘Sully’

FIESTA FOOD

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Cariocas is serving up something special in Phuket Town > P21

@thephuketnews

Cariocas serves up tacos with fresh house-made tortillas and juicy slow-cooked meats. Photo by JP Mestanza

16 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

KIS Busking Week kicks off Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

ajonkiet International School will soon be holding its annual Busking Week (Sept 2630) featuring performances by students of all ages. The event is co-ordinated by music teacher Michael Davison, who is busy preparing students for their performances with help from the school’s new instrumental teacher Ms Greisy Martin. The busy week of musical performances will kick off with a main assembly, where students of various grades will sing songs around the theme of friendship and community. Year 1 and 2 kids will perform “She’ll be Coming ‘Round the Mountain”. Year 3 kids will sing “It’s a Small World After All” and Year 4 kids will sing Louis Armstrong’s “Its a Wonderful World”. The Year 5 and 6 kids will be doing some classic Beatles numbers, including: “With a Little Help from my Friends”, “Yellow Submarine” and “Imagine”. “This theme of friendship through music is something I really wanted to introduce to the secondary students. And because of this they will be singing ‘Lean On Me’, ‘I’ll Be There For You’, the theme from Friends, and ‘With a Little Help From My Friends’,”

said Mr Davison. “The reason I got into music is because it’s a community thing for me, I used to play in a lot of community bands, jazz bands and so on and I’m still good friends with many of my band-mates to this day. “For me, music isn’t so much about being excellent, it’s about having a good time and learning something. Getting involved and seeing kids just giving it a go is the main thing,” he added. Performances will be taking place all week in the clock area during pickup time between 3:30pm and 4:30pm. There will be a range of instrumental, a capella and karaoke performances by students of all ages. Parents are encouraged to stay a while to enjoy the music, and this being busking week, donate some money. Money raised during the week will go towards supporting the Koh Lone School, which was devastated by the 2004 Tsunami. “If parents want to sit and watch they can, or just have it as background music, that’s the relaxed nature of busking,” said Mr Davison.

Busking Week performances will take place in the KIS lobby area at pickup time. He also said to watch out for some of the school’s talented young musicians, siblings Wawa and Waping Vongpin. “They are award-wining pianists who have travelled all around Thailand. Last year they won the silver medal in the National Yamaha Piano Contest in Bangkok. “They really have to be seen to be believed, they play duet pieces and they are incredible.”

KIS teachers will also be taking part during the week, Head of Secondary Mr Gareth Eyenon will play the guitar and sing. While English Teacher Mr Dave Faugier will play jazz piano, and of course music teachers Greisy Martin and Mr Davison will also be joining in the fun. The week will culminate in a final assembly where the whole primary school will perform an Israeli song called “Zum Gali Gali”.

Satree School year up and running

am very pleased and excited about our International Program – Cambridge. We are one of the first Thai schools in Phuket to offer a full IGCSE program for Years 10 and 11. Additionally, we have Years 8 and 9 leading up to IGCSE. Our commitment to students and parents is to offer and deliver an international-standard of top quality education. It was only about a year ago that we became a Cambridge International Exams registered testing centre and there have been many positive changes since that time. Our programme is now on the international calendar (August to June), we have purchased topquality teaching resources and student textbooks, and all our teachers have

attended IGCSE workshops. Switching to the new calendar meant that we would have a threemonth lapse from the end of the regular calendar, May, to the beginning of our formal academic year in August. This gave us a great opportunity to run an extended summer school with two goals in mind: Prepare students for a new curriculum and familiarise teachers with the new structure. With summer school now completed, it was even better than expected and we started the new year fully prepared and hit the ground running. I am extremely proud of what we in IPC have been able to accomplish over this short period. We are now in the position to confidently say that our

students are on an equal footing with any student also studying at an international standard. The quality of our academic program is on par with anyone! The profile of our teaching staff is excellent. Many of our teachers have Master’s Degrees and are teaching in their subject specialty. All our teachers have extensive teaching experience and are committed to student-centred learning. Further, many of our teachers have solid experience working in the industry before coming into the teaching profession, bringing with them real-world experience that is directly applicable to their

Satree Phuket School’s International Program - Cambridge is off to a roaring start this year. teaching. Our teaching staff bring with them a level of experience, qualifications, and education that is second to none. We are all, students and teachers alike, relishing these early days of our first academic year. All of us have put in a tremendous amount of work over the summer and we can confidently offer our students the best education they could get anywhere. By Christopher Swift, B.S., M.S. International Program Cambridge Satree Phuket School thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 17

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Sugar’s bitter truth Recent study shows Thais are hooked on sugar

t’s a widely accepted fact that Thailand is a nation whose population truly have a sweet tooth. Considering common dietary guidelines for daily sugar intake, which recommends only four to six teaspoons, each Thai consumes 20 on average. “Thai people consume way too much sugar, especially from sweet beverages. Even though it is true that sugar is the body’s main source of energy, it does not mean people are recommended to just eat it,” said Asst Prof Wantanee Kriengsinyos, head of the Human Nutrition Division, Mahidol University Institute of Nutrition. Late last month, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation released its latest study on the consumption of sugar among Thais. According to the study, which was conducted with almost 20,000 people above the age of 15 to those above 60 in 21 provinces, Thailand did see some improvements in some major health areas such as consumption of alcohol and smoking habits. But despite such a positive change, many Thais were still found to be addicted to sugary drinks. The study also found that children between the ages of 10 and 14 drank more sugary beverages. This new finding is not just appalling but also puts an accent on the fact that a very large number of Thais find

@thephuketnews

Dr Prattana Punnakitikashem (3rd from left), Dr Kongkiat Kespechara (2nd left) and Ms Ornjira Kanongchaiyos (5th left)

Amatara seeks medical tourism baht with MoU

Thailand’s addiction to sugary drinks is causing major health problems. sweetness a truly satisfying palate-pleaser. Thais sprinkle sugar on many edibles they put in their mouth – from the usual coffee and tea to even savoury dishes like Pad Thai. Referring to the recently released study, Wantanee said inadequate public awareness on the issue of unbalanced diets is among the factors to blame. “Thai people have better awareness when it comes to food safety such as diarrhoea and other food-borne diseases because consequences of poor food safety standards can be quite acute and consequently receive

lots of attention. But when it comes to nutrition, it takes time to see the impact, meaning if we eat a lot of sugar now, we don’t get fat now.” The change in Thailand’s culinary culture is also another driving force behind excessive sugar consumption, she added. In the old days, desserts would be served only on special occasions, such as religious and celebratory ceremonies. These days, people opt for sweet stuff almost every day, resulting in them being accustomed to the sweet taste and causing a diet imbalance.

Bangkok Post

huket ’s A matara Wellness Resor t, located in Cape Panwa, has entered into collaborative agreement with Bangkok Hospital Phuket to develop an Integrative Wellness Program. The agreement is aimed at capturing the ageing segment of Thailand’s multi-millionbaht medical tourism industry and creating a one-stop shop for medical tourists coming to Phuket.

Amatara also signed an memorandum of understanding with Bangkok Airways to provide privileges for customers and beneficial offerings for clients. Amatara claims this is the first time a

wellness resort has made such an agreement with a hospital and airline in Thailand. Dr Prattana Punnakitikashem, Managing Director of Amatara, a Destination Spa, said the integrated health programme will focus on brain health, well-being and anti-ageing services. “This programme will operate under the highest standards covering various angles: brain checks to world medical standards, health consulting, nutrition planning after medical treatment, relaxation and treatments, preventive health education, and wellness lifestyle programmes,” she said. The Phuket News

18 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a worldwide motorcycling charity event.

Gentlemen start your engines

his Sunday, September 25, the streets of Phuket will be abuzz with finely dressed gentlefolk upon their classic and vintage style motorcycles, united in their support of men’s health. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a worldwide motorcycling charity event that shines a light upon the bikes, fashion and ideals of a bygone era, all for a good cause. The event will start at Chillva market at 2:30pm this Sunday, where snappily dressed participants will mount their vintage and custom motorcycles

and head north for a leisurely ride to Nai Yang Beach. After a pause for refreshments, food and photos at the beach, the riders will head back to Chillva Market to complete their loop. The event is open to bikes of all kinds including café racers, bobbers, classics, retro bikes, flat trackers, scramblers – the only requirement is that riders wear gentlemanly and ladylike attire for the event. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney, Australia, after being inspired by a photo of TV show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a clas-

sic bike, wearing his finest suit. It was decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities together. That first ride brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities, with the success of the event encouraging Mark to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. The rest, as they say, is eloquently attired history. This year, 50,000 riders in over 500 cities across 90 countries will take part in their local event. The events fundraising goal is US$5 million, which

will be invested in both local and global prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programmes by our official charity partner, the Movember Foundation. Triumph Motorcycles, the iconic British motorcycle manufacturer offers its continuing support in making sure The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’s wheels keep spinning. The most outstanding fundraisers globally will be awarded with a modern classic motorcycle as a thank you for their support. For more information visit the website: gentlemansride.com

Over B100,000 raised at ‘Macburger’ fundraiser Matt Pond editor@classactmedia.co.th

retty much the entire Phuket wakeboarding community, plus numerous other locals and expats, turned out at Anthem Wakepark in Cherng Talay last Sunday (Sept 18) in support of a fundraiser for the Phuketborn wakeboarder Mac Rosen who recently lost his leg following an accident sustained in a competition back in May. Sunday’s event raised most of its funds from sales of the aptly named and very tasty Macburger. The money raised will go towards a new prosthetic leg for Mac and also his ongoing rehabilitation and physiotherapy needs. The event also featured live music from the Phuket Drum Jam and Phuket FUZZTones, along with various other activities, which kept the large crowd entertained throughout the day.

Mac with his fiancée Maria Doroshenko. Photo:Matt Pond

Additional funds were also raised from a raffle supported by no less than 40 sponsors, and also the sale of Bake’s fantastic macaroons. Speaking to The Phuket News after the event, Anthem Wakepark’s Director of Sales and Marketing Rebecca Lek said, “In total, 199 Macburgers were sold and eaten at a cost of B300 each, but with money raised from other activities held on the day, we managed to raise a staggering B126,905 to help Mac in his journey to strive harder towards pursuing his dream to wakeboard like a champion again with his soon-to-be-acquired prosthetic leg. “We are very thankful to each and every one of those who stopped by – even for a short while despite the stormy rain – to donate and lend their support to such a great cause,” she said. “We are also excited to have met so many new friendly faces that will now be part of our awesome Anthem Wakepark family. “Furthermore, we would also like to extend our gratitude to Phuket Drum Jam and Phuket FUZZtones who came by to perform and entertain our guests throughout the day,” she added. Mac, who is a humble soul and often overwhelmed by the help and support he is receiving, added, “I feel so happy from all the support I am getting, and also that so many people are helping me get back on my feet.”

The cosplay festival is a chance for fans to dress up as their favourite anime characters. Photo: Yutthawat Lekmak

Phuket’s cosplay fans take over Jungceylon Yutthawat Lekmak reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

he Japan Cosplay Mania Festival was held at Jungceylon in Patong last weekend (Sep 17-18). more than 300 people turned out, to both participate, and to watch the cast of colourful characters who dressed up for the event. Also known as the “End of Year” Cosplay Festival, it is a chance for fans of Japanese animation and popculture to wear the costumes of their favourite characters and have some fun. The hobby of cosplay is gaining popularity on the island and The Phuket Cosplayers Club has more than 170 members. About 40 people, including some club members, dressed

up for the festival, sporting elaborate costumes inspired by their favourite anime personas. Purin Jingit, a 17-year-old Phuket resident is one of the club’s members and for the festival he dressed as his favourite character Midoriya Izuku, from the Hero Academia anime series. “I choose this cartoon character because Midoriya Izuku has a similar character to me, such as he is smart and strong-willed, and has a strong sense of commitment,” Purin said. “I didn’t make the costume myself, I bought it from a cosplay shop, but I made a sword myself,” he explained. “Although this year, I did not win the Japan Cosplay Festival, I was still very happy and enjoyed taking part. I made new friends and had new experiences,” Purin concluded. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ENVIRONMENT 19

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

An ARRESTing effect

USAID campaign shifts behaviour in illegal animal trade

five-year, US-sponsored programme to combat wildlife trafficking in Asia has significantly increased law enforcement collaboration and public awareness while reducing endangered species sales in several hotspots, experts announced at a press conference in Bangkok last Thursday (Sept 15). Working across Southeast Asia and China, the US Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Asia’s Regional Response to Endangered Species Trafficking (ARREST) programme tackles the multi-billion-dollar illegal trade in endangered species amid new signs of positive shifts in consumer behaviour. “Poaching and the illegal trade of wildlife have far-reaching consequences that have the potential to undermine decades of development gains,” said Beth Paige, director of the USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia. “The loss of wildlife and the presence of traffickers affect the safety of rural communities and threatens their livelihoods. Through our support to this project, we were able to raise the alarm about wildlife trafficking and help leaders coordinate for greater action to end this crime.” Training for more than 2,300 officers from 14 countries helped lead to a

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Part of a leaf monkey skull found in the natural boneyard in Trang. (Photo by Methee Muangkaew)

Wild monkey ‘graveyard’ found

The campaign works to protect species threatened with extinction including elephants. ten-fold increase in law enforcement actions, including over 1,300 arrests and the seizure of more than $150 million (B5.22bn) in criminal assets. Developed by the programme in 2013 and led by the Asean Wildlife Enforcement Network, the now annual “Operation Cobra” resulted in a record-breaking number of arrests and seizures. By 2015, the operation included 47 countries cooperating on 247 cases, which led to the arrest of 125 suspects. “With poaching and trafficking still posing a threat to wildlife, there’s

definitely more work to be done,” said Steven Galster, director of USAID’s implementing partner, Freeland. “But ARREST put wildlife crime clearly in view of Asia’s law enforcement community, which means poachers and traffickers are finally on the defensive.” The ARREST programme is an alliance of more than 50 government agencies, non-governmental and civil society organisations working across many parts of Asia to protect species threatened by extinction, including elephants, pangolins, rhinos, tigers and timber.

man claims to have found a natural graveyard filled with bones of wild monkeys in a valley in Trang. The boneyard was found in Khao Lorn Valley, home to several hundred monkeys, by Aroon Iaddej, 16. Mr Aroon said he found hundreds of animal bones on open rocky ground near a cliff nine years ago, when he was aged seven. He had never told anyone in the tambon about the place until Monday (Sept 19). As news spread, Aslamee Nubae, chairman of Li Pung Tambon Administration Organisation, led about 30 villagers to the area where they found piles of bones from what they believe to be leaf monkeys, and other kinds of animals. Mr Aslamee said local people assumed the monkeys came to rest at the spot when they were sick, injured or knew they were going to die. He believed the remains had built up over the decades until the place became a natural cemetery for the wild primates. Bangkok Post

20 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

‘Sully’ lands on the big screen Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

s its title suggests, Sully is squarely focussed on one person, Capt Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger (played by a silver-haired Tom Hanks), the US Airways pilot who famously ditched a commercial airliner on New York’s Hudson River in 2009, saving the lives of all 155 people on board. Because the story the movie is based on is true and received worldwide press coverage, Sully is a sort of disaster movie – but without the disaster. We already know that everyone survives, and so it seems to struggle to find the dramatic tension integral to the genre. In fact, no spoiler alerts are needed in this review because you already know what happens. In contradiction to the audience’s foreknowledge, the opening scene shows the stricken flight losing altitude as it weaves through the New York skyline and crashes into a skyscraper – before Sully wakes, startled, to show us it was a dream. This imagined disaster seems like a cheap trick by Director Clint Eastwood, who tries to ramp up tension by withholding a blow-by-blow account of the actual event until the movie’s finale. Instead, repeatedly teasing us with Sully’s imagined visions of just how badly it could have been. Eastwood is, for the most part, inter-

ested in the investigation Sully and his co-pilot Jeffrey Skiles (played solidly by a moustachioed Aaron Eckhart) endure after the landing. The officious head bureaucrat of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) (played by a smirking Mike O’Malley) seems implausibly hell-bent on taking our hero Sully down, accusing him of errors in judgement and even asking if he is having trouble at home. This contrasts sharply with the reaction of the public we are shown – a cab driver congratulates him, random strangers hug him, and he is lauded on national television. Further attempts to increase dramatic tension come from repeated phone calls to his wife Lorraine (played competently by Laura Linney, who isn’t given much work) that touch on the couple’s financial troubles, which could lead to ruin if Sully is stripped of his wings by the NTSB. Finally, we are given the full sequence of events that led to the landing on the Hudson, and here Eastwood delivers. It is a claustrophobic and genuinely scary portrayal of the event from both the passengers’ and pilots’ views. The special effects are simple and realistic to the point that you feel as though you are experiencing the real thing. The culmination of the film is the public NTSB hearing in which Sully and his co-pilot have to defend their actions in the face of computer simulations that say they could have turned the plane around to land safely at La Guardia Airport.

Aaron Eckhart and Tom Hanks as pilots Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles in ‘Sully’. Photo: Warner Bros Hanks delivers his impassioned speech on how computer simulations can’t account for the “human factor” and demands that more time be given to account for human decision making in the face of an unprecedented set of circumstances. Once re-calculated to account for reaction time, the simulations fail to land safely, and the NTSB board unanimously declare him a hero. Though it’s competently directed – as you would expect from veteran filmmaker Eastwood – it seems he could have picked a story with more mystery about the outcome. Here, Eastwood

(who is known for his support of the small-government championing Republican party) is forced to make a straw man of the NTSB before knocking it over with barely a whimper. Tom Hanks, who specialises in playing the stoic, work-a-day every-man cum hero (think of his recent turns in Captain Phillips and Bridge of Spies) is a safe pair of hands for Eastwood. Although convincing and likeable as ever, Hanks himself seems to be in autopilot mode with this latest role and it would be interesting to see him play a role with a bit more of a dramatic range.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 21

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Cariocas serves up their tacos on homemade tortillas and their pizzas on a crispy fresh base.

Head for a fiesta in Phuket Town With each sip, you nibble, and Cariocas has more than enough to satisfy any palate, especially with their Mexican fare, which goes perfectly with each he colours pop, the food sizzles, drink. and the liquid stuff keeps you All of their tortillas are made fresh coming back. Cariocas Bistro & in-house, and it shows, as the crispiness Lounge is the newest place in of each bite only adds to the flavour of Phuket Town that you haven’t the dish. Of course, we had an array of yet heard about and for good reason – the locals are trying to tasty treats including their tacos, with choices of shredded chicken, ground keep it for themselves! beef or char-grilled prawns. Each is The South American-inspired restopped with the usual fare of fresh totaurant and cocktail lounge sits just a mato, iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese block south of Bangkok Hospital and, and an olive for good measure. despite its funky colourful decor, this For families looking to indoctinrate place is serious about its beverages. their children in the world of cheese, Co-owner Florian Niessing’s deep meat and fiesta, you can’t go wrong knowledge from his time as one of the top bartenders in Shanghai (in addition with Cariocas’ quesadillas. They’re available with chicken, slow-roasted to his food and beverage managerial beef or even vegetarian. It’s the perfect duties) is what makes Cariocas one of snack to share while you’re waiting for Phuket’s top spots for sipping and celmore food, or having a simple toast with ebrating. friends! The unique beverages are perfectly Nachos are always a big hit, and suited for the exotic atmosphere of the here it’s no different, the lashings of place, with Tiki mugs that come in different colours depending on your choice. guacamole and refried beans were a beautiful touch. From the roasted corn Raisins infused with the good stuff sit to the jalapeños and ground beef, this on top of your drink as well. All conwas a dish that stood out, especially coctions are made with only premium, since the portion will last throughout top-shelf choices, which makes all the difference for guests with a taste for the your evening (unless you invite more hungry friends). finer stuff. Surprisingly, the highlight of the Each sip is out of this world and evening was their out-of-this-world pizthat’s by design. As Co-owner Andreas za. Rarely do you go to a Latin restauKorf explains, Cariocas was meant to rant – the blue chairs, the salsa blastbe a place originally meant for sitting ing – and order pizza. But this pizza is and sipping but things took a slight exactly what will bring this reviewer turn. back for more. “The idea in the beginning was to We finished off our dinner with a only do a cocktail bar, to show off the ‘Waffle Loco’, that included chocolate, art of really putting together a great caramel, nuts, cream and – marshmaldrink. But the space was too big, and low! There’s even a breakfast menu to plus, we had the kitchen fully-fitted get you going in the mornings. and up and running, so we thought we But Cariocas is more than just a might as well use it,” said Andreas. restaurant and lounge, as Andreas and Florian are creating a community space for guests to learn and have fun. This is why they’re hosting two-hour mixology workshops, where Florian passes on his vast knowledge, every fortnight on Saturdays. The live music on Fiesta Fridays is also expected to become a big hit with the dancing community of Phuket which is on the rise. The space The quesadillas are perfect to wash down with a drink. at Cariocas is perfectly-

JP Mestanza tv@classactmedia.co.th

@thephuketnews

suited for the sounds of Salsa, Bachata and more. Guests can join either event by checking out their Facebook page. Caracas provides a colourful escape from the usual Phuket offering, it’s where fiesta and fun live! Carioca Vistro & Lounge. 371/22-25 Yaowarat Road, Phuket, 83000. Phone: 076 218 403 For more information visit: Carociaslounge.com or facebook.com/cariocaslounge

The ultimate bar snack: Nachos

22 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

From Left: JC Reuille, Kantaya Reuille, Daniel Meury, Regina Salzmann, Kathy Davies and Anthony Lark.

From left: General Manager of Andara Daniel Meury and Peter Weber of Les Diables.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

From left: Australian Consul-General Craig Ferguson, Tanja Ferguson and Sue Ultmann.

Guests enjoy some pre-dinner drinks before the performance. Photos coutesy of E-media Asia

FIVERA WOW THE CROWD AT THEIR TRISARA FINALE Thailand's only pop-opera band FIVERA performed at Trisara for their final “A Night at the Opera” last Saturday (Sept 17). The gala event was an evening of fine cuisine and live music at Trisara and was proudly presented by The Phuket News, Phuket News TV and Live 89.5 in support of the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation.

REBOOTING AND RE-ENERGIZING AT JW MARIOTT’S MANDARA SPA

Executive Chef Dietmar Spitzer.

From left: Nutrition Coach Craig Burton, Linda Overman of JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Kim White from MindBody Yoga and Hayden Rhodes from RPM Health Club.

The Reboot & Re-energize your Body & Mind workshop was held last week (Sept 15 to 18) at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. The inspirational four-day, three-night program was designed to educate participants about hormonal balancing, the cortisol connection, stress reduction and adrenal burnout. There were also plenty of fun practical sessions and nutritious meals created by Executive Chef Dietmar Spitzer.

From left: Dianne, Jae and Truus.

PIWC LUNCHEON AT LES DIABLES WAS DEVILISHLY GOOD The Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) held their monthly luncheon at Les Diables at Boat Lagoon last Thursday (Sept 15). Owner and Chef Peter Webber served the ladies up some delicious food and coffee to enjoy as they took in views of the luxury motoryachts moored at the marina.

From left: George, Tamara and Laura.

THINGS REV-UP AT LUCA CINI @ BOAT AVENUE WINE TASTING Luca Cini @ Boat Avenue restaurant hosted Dean Lapthore, Ferrari Wines Export Manager last Thursday (Sept 15). Mr Lapthore guided more than 40 guests through the wine tasting event, which was complemented with tasty canapes. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat joined other VIPs on stage to open the run.

German TV star Felix Von Jascheroff (right) pauses for a photo with some fellow runners.

Class Act Media General Manager Jason Beavan took part in the xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx race with his daughter Pinnson.

General managers from 17 Accor hotels across Southern Thailand also took part in the run.

ACCOR HOTELS HEARTBREAK HILL MINI MARATHON HAD A BUMPER TURNOUT The second annual Accor Hotels Heartbreak Hill Mini Marathon, held last Sunday September 18, had an incredible 2,873 competitors turn out to race. Phuket Vice Governor Mr Chockdee Amornwat was on hand to open the event and other VIPs in attendance included TAT Assistant Director Mr Utit Limsakul, Director of Tourism and Sports Phuket Mr Siwaree Walor and Head of PR Department Phuket Mr Bussaya Chaipeum. General managers from 17 Accor hotels across Southern Thailand also took part in the run which raised over B400,000 for the Accor Yim Kids Project, which supports unprivileged school children in Phuket. Accor Hotel guests the Schmid family also made a very generous donation of B75,000.

From left: Past President Micheal Massey, Vice President Dr Peter Harris and President Richard Jones.

From left: Club charter members Larry, David, Arnaud, Sam, Jerome and Wolfgang.

District 3330 Governor Juthatip Thamsiripong (centre) joined other local Rotarians in celebrating the 15 year milestone.

President Richard Jones joined his wife Radoslava on stage to celebrate her birthday.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF PATONG BEACH CELEBRATES 15 YEARS IN STYLE The Rotary Club of Patong Beach celebrated its 15th anniversary last Saturday night at the Holiday Inn Resort. Past President Michael Massey MCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d the night with the help of President Richard Jones. Several awards were presented on the night and Rotarians from as far afield as Japan and The Philippines also came to celebrate the milestone. District 3330 Governor Juthatip Thamsiripong was also in attendance to congratulate the club on its 15 years of service to the local community. @thephuketnews

24 EVENTS

FRI

23 SEP

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM weekend starting this Friday night, remember to like us on Facebook to get a free drink. More info on Facebook - Bellini After Hours.

SUN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

25 SEP All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Beef, Pork & Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

FIESTA FRIDAY LIVE MUSIC

WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY

Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong from 12pm-Late! Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 395 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN at Two Chefs!!! RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents.

You feel this fire burning inside you? You like good atmosphere, excellent food and seductive drinks? Join us for our FIESTA FRIDAY in Phuket Town at CARIOCAS Bistro & Lounge 8PM – LATE. Latin American live music, privileges for all ladies on the most famous Brazilian drink. Reservations recommended: info@cariocaslounge.com.

Rock Night at Two Chefs Karon

All Day Breakfast at Cafe Siam

Aussie bacon & egg rolls NOW at Cafe Siam. All day breakfast, just like mum makes. Lavazza Coffee, healthy snacks & salads. Find us at the Entrance of The Royal Paradise Complex, Patong. Mon - Sat 8.30am - 4.00pm. Facebook: CafeSiamGuesthousePhuket 081 676 9411.

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar

Do you love current and classic rock? Come rock with us at Two Chefs Karon on Friday September 23rd from 8pm-Late for our ROCK NIGHT Event! Our Famous Two Chefs House Bands will be rocking the night away! Do you enjoy mouthwatering Pork Ribs and perfectly seasoned Cajun Chicken? Don’t worry! We’re offering ALL YOU CAN EAT for Only 395 Baht! Are you a singer? Join in on the fun! We’ll have Open Mic All Night Long! Prizes, Music, Food and Fun! What are you waiting for? Don’t Miss Out! BOOK Your Table NOW At bit.ly/ReserveTwoChefs More Info At bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents.

SAT

Relax with your family and friends while enjoying a lavish Sunday Brunch featuring a delectable international seafood buffet complemented by a 12-course degustation menu featuring the finest selection of gourmet plates. Bodega Sunday Brunch from 12pm till 3pm price start from 1950++. Reservations recommend call our F& B Reservation team on 076 324 101 ext 8938.

Sunday Tapas

This is what Sunday lunches are meant to be - fabulous, fresh unlimited and Western and Asian tapas with friends and family crafted by the talented team of chefs at Banyan Tree Phuket. Starting at THB 2,000 net per person.Reservations, Banyan Tree Phuket, 076 372 400 # 5463.

Cricket league every Sunday @ Alan Cooke Ground, Thalang

Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) hosts the T20 Cricket League every Sunday at the Alan Cooke Ground in Thalang. Two games per day, starting at 10am and 2pm. Everyone welcome to come and enjoy cricket at a fantastic venue. Food and beverages available all day at the Boundary Bar. Anyone interested in cricket in Phuket please email phuketcricketgroup@gmail.com. Visit www.phuketcricket. com and www.acgphuket.com for further info and directions. This event is sponsored by Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, The Phuket News and Live 89.5.

24 SEP

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

Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 395 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN! RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit. ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents.

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Live Sports at Expat Hotel

Mussels night @ Shakers

Sunday Gourmet Brunch At Bodega and Grill

NRL, AFL, Soccer, Rugby Union. Any live sport, we will show it. Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com.

Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B350 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See: otools-phuket.com.

1.2kg mussels served with french fries, your choice, your style: nature, marnière, provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

A CASUAL SUNDAY BRUNCH BY THE POOLSIDE

Inaugural Benefit Gala 2016

Bellini After Hours

Chalong nightlife will never be the same with the launch of Bellini After Hours, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday only, dance the night away with the Bellini Band and DJ from 10pm till 2am. Pizza available all night. Join us for our opening

Celebrate Phuket International Academy (PIA) becoming United World College Thailand (UWCT) in an evening filled with good food, free-flow drinks, live music, DJ, raffles and prizes, all in aid of a good cause. All proceeds will go towards a full scholarship for an underprivileged local Thai student to attend UWCT next year. Ticket donation 3,500 THB. Book your tickets now at: uwcthailandgala. org This event is proudly sponsored by The Phuket News.

Relaxing afternoon by the poolside featuring a lavish spread of international delicacies and fresh seafood from the Ocean. Special Promotions: (1) A group of over 10 people receive 20% discount. (2) Birthday celebrations – birthday person receives a complimentary Brunch. The rest of the party, if over 10 people receive 20% discount. All prices are subject to a 7% government tax and a 10% service charge. Children’s prices are applicable to those aged from six to twelve. Children under the age of six dine with our compliments. RSVP, HYATT REGENCY PHUKET RESORT, fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com, 076 231 234.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2016

Welcome to the 2016 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, an international charity event for classic and vintage styled motorcycles that raises awareness and funds for the Movember Foundation’s men’s health programs. More than 50,000 dapper riders in over 500 cities across 90 countries will unite for the world’s largest motorcycling charity event upon their classic & vintage styled motorcycles. Visit our style guide to check out the bikes that make the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride the unique event that it is. www. gentlemansride.com Facebook : Saphanthongmotors Tel: 076-604-335 Proudly supported by The Phuket News and Live 89.5.

thephuketnews

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MON

26 SEP

All you can eat BBQ night

6PM – 11PM: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squids, salad buffet, Choice of potatoes & Sauces, Bread, Buns & garlic bread Reservation recommended 395 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

TUE

27 SEP

Public Speaking made easier

Looking to develop your public speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Invitation only. Contact Jason on 086 479 7471 for more info.

WED

28 SEP

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato Salad & Choice of Sauces Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

THU

29 SEP

OUTTA THE BOX improv, interactive fun for all!

Join us at the Green Man Pub and Restaurant, Thursdays 6:30 to 8pm. Interactive classes and fun in the wonderful art of improvisation! First we train, then we put what we’ve learned into action! First session free, after that only 150 THB. Joel Adams for Theatrix on 093 649 0066 or email: theatrixphuket@gmail.com

@thephuketnews

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

FRI

30 SEP

Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast First Week Friday and the Third Week Friday, in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys / Achars,

SAT

1 OCT

LEOPARD OPEN HOUSE

Join us October 1-2 at our new Thailand Sales office in Phuket to tour the Leopard 40 and Leopard 48 sail catamarans as well as the Leopard 43 Powercat & Leopard 51 Powercat. Come learn about the brand new Leopard 51 Powercat available immediately at a special price during the event! Open to public, Ao Po Grand Marina, 1 till 7pm, 081 766 1799.

Reggae Night at Two Chefs Kata Center

Do you enjoy Live Reggae Music? We do at Two Chefs! Don’t miss out on October 1st from 6pm to late at Two Chefs Kata Center for our Reggae Night Event! Sit back relax and jam to Live Reggae Music performed by our Famous Two Chefs Band! Our band is always taking requests! Come join in on the fun! Feeling hungry? Satisfy your cravings with us! Indulge in an ALL YOU CAN EAT Caribbean Inspired Buffet for only 495 Baht per person! Don’t miss your chance to reserve! BOOK Your Table NOW At bit.ly/ReserveTwoChefs Checkout More Event Info At bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents.

Boost your self-confidence, your speaking and social skills

Learn acting with Joel and Theatrix! Classes held at HeadStart International School: Saturday 1 to 2:30pm: Acting Basics for kids. Saturday 2:30 to 4pm: Acting Basics for teens and adults. Saturday 4 to 5:30pm: Acting Shakespeare for teens and adults. 350 THB per session. Contact: Joel Adams on 093 649 0066 or email: theatrixphuket@gmail.com.

SUN

9 OCT

12th Mai Khao Turtle Fun Run and Mini Marathon 2016

The 12th Turtle Fun Run: Run Across the Sea Mini Marathon and Fun Run will take place on 9 October 2016, at 6:15 am at Phuket Gateway. Proceeds benefit the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. There will be a 10.2 km mini marathon (350 THB), a 5.3 km Fun Run (300 THB), and a 2.5 km Family Run (1000 THB/family). Registration at the JW Marriott Mai Khao concierge from 3-8th October from 10:00-17:00, or the day of at Phuket Gateway 4:30-5:30 am. Contact Kittipan: 0897738830. Sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5.

FRI

21 OCT

The 3rd Bhut Jolokia ‘Ghost Chili’ Challenge

Navrang Mahal Indian Restaurant, Karon invites you to compete in their 3rd Bhut Jolokia “Ghost Chili” Challenge. Take up the challenge to finish a bowl of Ghost Chili Curry. Bhut Jolokia chili is rated as one of the worlds hottest chilies, 401 times hotter than Tabasco sauce. Fantastic Prizes to be won! Contestants are required to pay the buffet dinner charge of 499 baht. Limited contestants. Contact, info@navrangmahal. com or 076 286 464. Proudly supported by The Phuket News. Navrang Mahal Indian Restaurant in Karon: info@navrangmahal.com or call: 076 286 464

TUE

1 NOV

Melbourne Cup 2016

The race that stops a nation!! Starts at 9am ends at 2pm. Ticket costs THB 3,000/person (food and beverage are inclusive). For more information and reservations details, please contact donna_scot@toon.co.nz. Proudly sponsored by Live89.5. Dress code: At the Races. Venue is air-conditioned. Contact: Donna Toon at Hyatt Regency Phuket: donna_scot@toon.co.nz.

WED

23 NOV

Phuket International Sportfishing Tournament (PIST) 2016

Registration is on the 23th November 2016 from

4pm onwards Location Tamarind Bar & Grill in Chalong. The weight station will be at the Tamarind Bar & Grill in Chalong on all 3 fishing days, 24th, 25th & 26th November. The final evening and prize giving party will also be held in the Tamarind Bar & Grill, Chalong More info at www. phuket-international-sportfishing-tournament. com The event is proudly supported by Live 89.5 and The Phuket News.

THU

24 NOV

Ocean Marina

OCEAN MARINA PATTAYA BOATSHOW 2016 24 to 27 November. At the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya. Demonstrating Pattaya’s image as one of Asia’s leading seaside resort hubs with outstanding facilities and the capability to host large scale international events. The show will stimulate tourism, as well as marine industry and related businesses such as boat building, boat sales, boat charter, boat parts and accessories, boat services, water sports and marina based property sales. Tel: 02 661 6800 and ask for Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, info@oceanmarinapattayaboatshow.com

EVERY DAY La Gritta’s New Discovery Menu

Take your taste buds on a culinary tour through some of the finest Italian flavours. Chef Patrizia has created a six-course discovery menu priced at THB 1,590++ per person. Only during the month of September, show the promotion code PMLGPN2016/1 to receive a 10% discount! For reservations, email lagritta@amari.com or call 076 292 697. For more info: www.lagritta.com

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 1. What colour bow does Donald Duck wear? 2. Who wrote the science fiction novel Brave New World? 3. Which city was the imperial capital of Japan before Tokyo? 4. Which two sports were added to the 2016 Olympic Games 5. Harrison Ford, Walt Disney and Hillary Clinton were all born in which city? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

52. Nile reptile 54. Little devil 1. Early pulpit 56. Preserve, in a 5. Group of eight way 10. Eye section 57. Certain captives 14. Wassailer’s song 60. It’s a wrap 15. Humpback, e.g. 62. Home of the 16. Big name in Jaguars mapmaking 66. Long 17. Home of Monument 67. Actor Christopher Circle 68. Headed for 20. High ball? overtime 21. Indian princess 69. Principal 22. Compact 70. Slipped up submachine gun 71. 40’s foe 24. Trophy 26. Sailor’s assent Down 27. Ring bearer, maybe 28. Small amount 1. Seasons 30. Saws with the grain 2. Ruined “City of 32. Jocks’ antitheses 1001 Churches” 34. Entreaty 2. Sun follower? 35. Gaudy scarf 3. Sheets and 36. Fire preceder? pillowcases 37. Home of Coit Tower 4. Assortment 43. Devotee 5. Have 44. Starfleet Academy 6. Winner grad. 7. Spanish snack 45. Real 8. Greetings 46. Put in 9. Filibuster 49. Black-and-white 10. ___ Minor predator 11. More futile 50. International 12. Group of nine money people 51. Author Harper 13. Calculators

18. Epitome of simplicity 19. Conciliatory 22. Ben Franklin’s baby 23. “J’accuse” author 25. Concentrated, in a way 29. Blooper 31. Indiana basketballer 33. Gush 36. State in NE India 38. Police devices 39. Sharp 40. Cross 41. Glow 42. Nicaragua’s second-largest city 46. Biblical miracle worker 47. Threaten 48. “You ___!” 49. First act 53. Zzzz 55. Neighbor of Ger. 58. Barely managed, with “out” 59. Incessantly 61. ___ carotene 63. Had an edge 64. Wreath 65. Infomercials, e.g.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Red; 2) Aldous Huxley; 3) Kyoto; 4) Rugby Sevens and golf; 5) Chicago

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history ■■ Sept 23, 1980 Bob Marley plays what would be his last concert in Pittsburgh.

per cent of the Earth’s wilderness has disappeared since the 1990s.

■■ Sept 24, 1841 The Sultan of Brunei cedes Sarawak to the United Kingdom.

31.4

■■ Sept 25, 1066 The Battle of Stamford Bridge marks the end of the Viking invasions of England.

per cent of the 4,370 speaking characters in the top 100 grossing films of 2015 were women.

250

■■ Sept 26, 1950 United Nations troops recapture Seoul from North Korean forces.

years is how long mankind believed there was only one species of giraffe. There are four.

20,961

microbes are on every square inch of an average office desk.

■■ Sept 27, 1937 Bali tiger declared extinct.

90 million

people tuned in to watch Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Michael Jackson in February, 1993 – the most watched TV interview of all time. Source: Uberfacts

■■ Sept 28, 1066 William the Conqueror invades England beginning the Norman conquest of England.

Sunset at Kamala Beach. Photo by Lauren Jarman Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

■■ Sept 29, 1829 The Metropolitan Police of London, later also known as the Met, is founded. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

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28 CLASSIFIEDS

Jobs

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Russian language newspaper 'Novosti Phuketa', Chinese language newspaper 'Puji Doa Xin Wen', Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, Phuket English TV 'Phuket News TV' and a a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’.

Graphic Designer

We are currently recruiting for a graphic designer to join our team to handle the layout of our publications, including online.

The job: We require Full Time Graphic Designers to handle: ● Designing advertisements for clients ● Layout of The Phuket News and our other publications ● All artwork and graphic design work related to production

Applicants must have:

● Excellent skills with InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and other graphic design software

● Min. 1 year experience in design and layout of newspapers or magazines

● Good English (written and spoken)

We offer:

● Competitive salary ● Friendly work environment ● Excellent progress opportunity and job security Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, expected salary and recent photo to: thephuketnews.com/job.php

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

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Buy&Sell

JOBS TELESALES EXEC O/BND SPECIALST

Perfectly suited for an exp. Ex-Pat ‘Aussie’ or ‘Pom’ ... AUS Online Educ. Co. (Est. 1999) Req. 2 very exp O/Bnd T-Sales Prof. (Wrk@Hme) 25-30HPW. ‘ZERO-COMP’ ALL LeadsSupld. Circa AUD60-120kpa. Suitable for a highly experienced and disciplined, T/Sales professional who’s looking for a long-term, exciting work opportunity with a long-established, highly successful global organisation. THB20-50kpm + 25% Comm., Phill Williams, Phuket: Home-Based Position, Office@ TheComputerSchool.Net, +61 8001-6402 (Anytime)

Full Time Maid

Full time maid required for villa in Kata. Only 2 adult inhabitants. Salary negotiable. More if can speak English and drive Car/Motorbike. Nice bedroom with ensuite. 12000, Nicholas, nicksamson2301@gmail.com,062 772 1212.

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Free Tiya’s Hammocks campaign

Win Free hammock from Tiya’s Hammocks Phuket. Winner will get V Weave hammock, handmade from North of Thailand, weight capacity 250 kgs. Value 5,200 THB. More details visit Facebook: Tiya’s hammocks, Contact: Tiya, tiya@tiyashammocks.com, 089 600 0041.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Steel boat for sale

32 metre steel boat for sale, built 2012 2x cummings engines, 10 hrs work only, International REG. Excellent for live - aboard or ferry, price 6MB. contact call Joe 087 8918912 or joe@similan-divers.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Price reduced for quick sale

No, not a bar or guesthouse, but a manufacturing business for wooden window blinds. All the machinery and inventory of parts to be up and running in a matter of days. A very successful business in Phuket for over eight years. Price reduced to 2 mil Baht. Owner will partially finance. lamsden@phuketemail.com, 081 487 4812.

Restaurant for sale in Rawai

All new equipment, air conditioned, private terrace, unlimited parking. All offers considered. optispa@gmail. com, 088 386 9132, 063 067 4498.

Looking for a Partner Investor

I am looking for a Partner/Investor to expand my Dive business. Anyone interested please email me to discuss the proposal. rwhi690169@bigpond.com @thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 31

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Restaurant set up for sale

A fully equipped restaurant in the highly sought after Boat Avenue mall in Laguna. Stainless steel kitchen, Wi-Fi, bar counter, service area. Ready to go in days. Email: jukeboxphuket@gmail.com, 081 090 1608.

CAR FOR SALE Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI

2013 - 35,000km - Automatic White - CD Radio, Air-con, Alloys Excellent Condition, Only used for school runs. 525,000, Duang, Royal Phuket Marina, gavinmullins@hotmail.com, 083 093 9724. le

t sa n e rg

Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto

57,000kms. One owner since new. Regularly serviced by Honda. Tax and Insurance until the end of June and available now at right offer. Reduced by 40,000 bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht o.n.o, Andy +66846909144, andysmalster@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIPS Loch Palm Golf Membership

Lifetime Loch Palm Golf membership for sale. ฿485,000, the Loch Palm transfer fee of ฿72,000 will be shared equally between the buyer and seller. Contact J. Trenton Early, jtrenton.early@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE New loft trailer

Fully welded steel construction. Proper fenders springs, hitch, lights, toungue jack, alu deck. Fits M/C, ATY, const, landscape. 1700 lb. cap. 65,000 THB, 081 693 8214.

MOVING SERVICES Looking for Moving Company?

With over 15 years of experience Bigmove Phuket is the number 1 provider of moving and shipping in and out of Phuket Thailand. We provide storage in a state of the art clean, secure, storage facility located centrally in Phuket. www.bigmovephuket.com, 081-797-5377.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Phuket real estate tour

PROPERTY FOR SALE Land For Sale

Land for sale. Anuphas Golf Ville, Kathu. 81 sq wah. Golf course view of Phuket CC. Quiet village, convenient location. E-mail for details Contact David, d1jarvis@hotmail.com

Beautiful Land in Rawai For Sale

Beautiful mountain view with option of sea view land of 742m2 for sale in Rawai with chanote title. For more information contact 085 790 2021.

Kay McDonnell

I have a number of FIRE SALE PROPERTIES from 1.5 MTB to 47MTB. Condos/Houses/Villas Please contact me if you are looking for bargains in the south of the island.080 124 1245, kay@pare.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE House for Sale

3 bed, 2 bath, living/dining, Farang & Thai kitchens. Back/both sides under cover. Water fall/ relax area. B.B.Q area under cover/car port. 4 air con/7 fans. Very private, close to all services, 500 meters from Heroine monument. 4.9 mil. o.n.o. Email randyalltime@ gmail.com, Contact Randy.

Prime Land near Natai Beach

13 Rai Prime flat land full chanote 5 mins to beautiful Natai beach 5 mins to Khok Kloi 20 mins from Phuket airport. Close to temples, beach & mountain views perfect for large property or subdivide for development. 13,500,000, Antoine Thai & English, 081 979 9307 , dannyred@hotmail.com

COMMUNITY

Real estate investment tours are specially designed to help you to achieve your investment goals with the right property in the right location. You will get advice on the multitude of lucrative investment opportunities in Phuket. THB1,990. md@tourasian.com, 080 826 4665.

WEBSITES, IT For Sale: hoteldealsphuket.com

PHD has 125,000 pages indexed in Google and an average of 22,000 page views per month! See stats image. Also see the selling points on the link below. Quick sale: 33.000B!, Mark, mr.m.hopkins@gmail.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Buy&Sell

PROPERTY FOR SALE Outstanding Beach Front Pool Villa

A rare opportunity to purchase a 4 bedroom beachfront villa in a 5* resort at The Village Coconut Island. A “snip” at 22m THB. Contact email aadmo@btinternet.com, Somjit, aadmo@btinternet.com, 081 9791945.

Sale by owner Apartment ‘The Pearl of Naithon’ Leasehold

Total area 226,66 SQM including terrace 41,25 Sqm, 50 meters from the beach, 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, Owner purchased at THB 22.5 million, now reduced to only THB 11.5 million for quick sales. MP + 66 (0) 89 814 1458.

LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

Beautiful, gently sloping land for sale near Bang Pae waterfall. Good road, 3-phase power. NS3 paper (upgrade applied for). 7 rai, B4m/rai. 087 884 9964 (En) or 087 272 5594 (Th). alasdair.phuket@gmail.com

Modern home office for sale

Modern home office for sale located 400 m fr Central Intersection. 1 Unit has 1 commercial, 1 living space, 4 bedrooms & built-in bathrooms. Owner, thip_june19@yahoo.com, 087 543 4716.

Waterfront Condominium

The Cleat Condo, residence project in Krabi Boat Lagoon Marina. Price 3-9MB, size 37119 Sq.M., 1 or 2 bedroom, marina view. For rent/sale. marketing@phuketpropertytrip.com

House for Sale

House at Land and House for sale. 2-storey with 3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, balcony, jacuzzi, library, laundry. Near to kid playground, two swimming pools, sauna, gym. Enough land to build a second house on the same plot. Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

MAI KHAO LAND

Beachfront land in Mai Khao. East coast. 3 rai 2 ngan 24sqw. For sale: 45 million baht. 45 million. @thephuketnews

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Sea View Villa

Premium villa 8B in the prestiques Sunrise Ocean Villas developement is now for sale. Being built on the highest point in the estate, only 80 meters from the ocean and located 3 mins away from Grand AoPor Marina, 10 mins from golf course, 20 mins from the airport, shopping centers, schools and hospitals, this villa is a perfect place to live with no traffic, no pollution and no mass tourism... More than 600 Sqm usable building area, 3 bedrooms, guest apartment, maid quarters, games room, 10 meter infinity swimming pool, roof terrace and breathtaking views. Can be ready to move in within 8 weeks and still can be customized to the wishes of new owner. For sale at only 24.9 mill Baht. For viewing or more information please contact our sales director, Khun Montha 081 343 0777 Email : montha_phuket@yahoo.com.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Attractive 3 bed single house

Set in quiet surroundings in Bang Jo. Land area is 240 sq mtrs living area is 106 sq mtrs. Features - Modern Kitchen, Washing Machine, Security System, Auto Gate, Off road Parking, Air-Con, 12V LED Garden Lighting, Fountain water feature and Gardener. 25K per month on 1 year contract. Call 081 968 6051.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Villas & Apts Rent-Chalong

2- and 3-bedroom pool villas, 2-bedroom townhouses & studio apartments. Special prices from 700/night or 8,000/month. Rates include WiFi, maid service, cable TV, furnishings. Great location near Big Buddha. info@chalongapartment.com, 086 282 6221, www.chalongapartment.com

Office/Shop for Rent

Kathu Condo for Sale/Rent

36 Sqm Fully Furnished with Pool & Fitness. Rent start 9,000 monthly. Close to Patong, Central Festival Phuket and Prince of Songkla University. Lily Line ID: 0841094466, flyfreelily@gmail.com, 084 109 4466.

2 BDR Bungalow, Nai Harn Beach

For rent with “Free UBC Platinum cable TV”, security, aircon, fridge, stove, quiet area, at end of cul-de-sac, 12,500 per month. Call 098 017 8818 or 087 884 8972.

Two condos for sale/rent

2 condos for sale 48 sqm. - sale price $60,000 (developer’s price $116,000) & 54,5 sqm. - sale price $70,000 (developer’s price $128,000). Fully furnished, near Central, Big C, BIS, Lotus, hospitals, schools. Communal pool and gym. Short & long time rent available 48 sqm. – THB 10000-15000 per month; 54,5 sqm. – THB 15000-20000 per month + electricity&water, Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

Ground Floor space with excellent positioning on Chalong Pier Road. For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

34 PROPERTY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 23, 23, 2016 2016

e ic e d Pr uc d re

FREEHOLD 1-BEDROOM IN THE MOUNTAINS, Kamala 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 77 SQM

3,500,000 THB

Well-maintained and spacious 1-bedroom apartment. Peaceful jungle surroundings and good communal area with 2 pool, gym and more. Sold fully furnished

LUXURY OCEANFRONT VILLA, Cape Yamu 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 1343 sqm

Exclusive to fazwaz.com this beautiful pool villa is set on a 4000 sqm land plot and located in one of Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exclusive areas. Sold unfurnished enabling a new owner to out their final touch on the finishing.

UNIQUE SEAVIEW POOL VILLA, Patong 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 485 sqm

Standalone villa on 1000 qm plot nestled on a hillside in patong with great views over the city and ocean. High potential to generate a solid rental income. Rare property to enter to market.

19,950,000 THB

4-BED FAMILY HOME, Cherng Talay 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 327 sqm

Good location in a family friendly community. Low running costs and a communal pool right across the street. Upgraded kitchen with marble finishing and large fridge. Sold unfurnished.

5,570,000 THB

re Pr du ice ce d

115,000,000 THB

Te va rri lu fic e

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STUNNING 3-BEDROOM POOL VILLA, Nai Harn

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 207 sqm

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 30 sqm

Beautiful view overlooking the surrounding lake this 1-bedroom is priced to facilitate a quick sale. Conveniently located near main shopping area in Kathu.

1,199,000 THB

U r Sa gen le t

8,900,000 THB

On offer is a promotionally priced off-plan pool villa. Show house available with high quality finishing. Excellent location just a short drive to Nai Harn Beach. Arrange a viewing shortly to achieve to promotion price

AFFORDABLE 1-BED IN CENTRAL LOCATION, Kathu

POOL VILLA WITH ROOFTOP TERRACE, Bang Tao 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 284 sqm

9,700,000 THB

Conveniently located between main shopping area and Bang Tao beach, this pool villa was completed in 2006 and situated within a quiet gated community.

FREEHOLD PENTHOUSE WITH PRIVATE POOL, Kamala In walking distance to Kamala Beach this well-priced penthouse offers 100 sqm internally and 100 sqm rooftop with pool and sauna. Proven track record of generating 600-800k net annual returns.

7,990,000 THB

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PROPERTY 35

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re Pr du ice ce d

Call us today to schedule a viewing or visit Thailand’s leading online marketplace to seach 1000’s of properties in Phuket and all other major locations across Thailand - go to FazWaz.com

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. 87 sqm

8,900,000 THB

Excellent location between Kalim and Patong Beach, the spacious apartment was recently renovated to a high standard. Rents out at a high occupancy rate.

CHARMING 3-BED WITH BIG GARDEN, Chalong 3, bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 200 sqm

13,450,000 THB

Set on an expansive 1900 SQM land plot this standalone house is conveniently located between Wat Chalong and Chalong Pier. Completed in 2004, the garden space has endless opportunities to add additional value to the property.

SPACIOUS STUDIO OVEROOKING POOL, Layan Studio, 1 bathroom. 57 sqm

2,500,000 THB

This leasehold studio offers a spacious terrace, open and bright. The colonial style development is very well maintained with lots of greenery, swimming pool, kid’s pool and outdoor seating areas. Must-see development.

s er h et c m ea 0 b 30 om fr

FREEHOLD 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT, Karon 300 meters from beach 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 156 sqm

10,700,000 THB

@thephuketnews @thephuketnews

On offer is a spacious 2-bedroom apartment. Just a few steps from the sandy Karon Beach, this property is ideal both for residential use and as a holiday home. Terrific location at only 68,000 THB per SQM.

MODERN 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT, Karon 1 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 43sqm

Very competitively priced 1-bedroom at less than 70k per SQM for partial sea view. Two neighbouring units for sale by the same owner. Wonderful sea view lap pool on the roof.

BEACHFRONT HOUSE, Cape Panwa

2,990,000 THB

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 260 sqm

A rare beachfront location in the quiet and beautiful Cape Panwa. Featuring spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Situated within a well-managed estate of 10 villas sharing the beachfront pool. High potential for capital appreciation.

15,500,000 THB

EXCITING NEW SEA VIEW PROJECT, Kata Noi Studios-2 bedrooms, 35-69 SQM

Panoramic views one of Phuket’s scenic beaches, this newly launched project will be constructed by a reputable developer with several completed projects behind them. Get in early while, all the best units are available. Best prices through fazwaz.com.

Starting at

4.7M THB

St th ep e sf be ro ac m h

FREEHOLD APARTMENT NEAR OCEAN, Patong

SEAVIEW 6-BEDROOM POOL VILLA, Layan 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 1003 sqm

A unique 6-bedroom with an ideal location with Layan Beach right across the quiet road. Successful rental property and maintained to a very high standard

45,000,000 THB

36 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

PCC and TCT victorious Weather hampered play, but still action in the T20

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Ru n #1 5 9 9 : S atu r d ay Sept 24 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Black Hole Driller and Two Stroke Location: Chalong-Klong Krata reservoir Directions: Northbound on Chao Fa West, 900 metres after Wat Chalong, turn left at the Family Mart into Soi 73 heading towards Phunaka Golf Course. After 1.1 kilometres turn left and follow the road around the reservoir to the top end. Immediately after the bridges turn right and then 50m further on turn right. Follow the road for 300m and then take the left fork of the Y-junction. Laager is a further 150m on the left. Southbound on Chao Fa West 1.8km south of the Kwang Road traffic light turn right into Soi 73 at the Family Mart towards Phunaka Golf Course and continue as above. Bus pick-up: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:15pm Patong @ E xpat Hotel: 2:45pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

Continued from page 40 ...Laguna got off to a very similar start to Patong and found themselves two wickets down for 10 after the 3rd over. A flurry of runs then followed courtesy of some loose bowling from Patong until Sandarangani (13 off 18) was caught sharply by wicket keeper Hamilton off the bowling of Simmons. The dangerous pair of Jha (47 off 35) and Khan (24 off 24) then rode their luck and started to find the boundary regularly, albeit with the help of some dropped catches. The partnership threatened to derail Patong’s perfect start to the season. Bowling in tandem, Patong’s Jordaan (2-9-3) and Wetherell (3-5-3) applied the brakes. Some excellent and accurate bowling brought an end to Laguna’s free scoring. Laguna were certainly on top when Jordaan dismissed Jha with the score on 101 in the 13th over. When Wetherell claimed the wicket of Khan in the following over it was Patong who found themselves in the ascendancy.

Paddy Morton launches one of his four sixes that help secure Patong’s win against Laguna in last Sunday’s (Sept 18) action in the Outrigger T20. Photo: Michael Way The regular fall of wickets from this point on ensured a 25-run victory for Patong who restricted Laguna to 118 for 9 after 20 overs. Henno Jordaan earned the man-of-the-match award for his crucial contributions with bat and ball. In Sunday’s other game it was Island Cricket Club (ICC) taking on the Thalang Cricket Team (TCT). ICC

won the toss and elected to bat first. TCT saw some really nice pace bowling from Mudi coming in from the northern end with lots of edges and missed opportunities, but it wasn’t long into the 1st over when Mudi trapped Manish in front of the stumps with an LBW. Then some quick thinking from Baxter caught Savesh out of the crease,

running him out. Watson opened at the other end with some more accurate bowling, while Ravi and Balesh tried to move the score along, but after six overs ICC were 2 for 34. T hen ca me a shower which sent everyone back to the clubhouse. After the shower, Roshan was introduced to the attack and a catch was popped up to

Nadeem sending Ravi to the shed. Ali Khan came to the crease to face Watson who bowled a cracking first ball removing both the middle and off stumps. After the big-hitting Ali had gone it was left to Balesh and Dashan to try to build on the score with some nice shots, but eventually wickets to Roshan and Nadeem saw the ICC finish their innings with 79 runs on the board. The rain delay meant TCT were reduced to 17 overs to reach the target of 80 to win the match. Opening batsmen Watson and Nadeem started quite well but an edge through to Khan, who took a wonderful catch in 3rd slip, saw Nadeem heading for an early shower. This brought in hard hitting Jha, and he and Watson had a couple of close calls but eventually settled into some nice shots and quickly reached ICC’s score by the 10th over. Prakesh managed 43 runs off 31 balls and Watson 20 runs off 21 balls. A comfortable win to the TCT team.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

Starwood to host fifth Run to Give charity run CHARITY RUN

ollowing a successful event last year, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket and The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Phuket are once again holding their Run To Give 2016 charity run to be held on Oct 16 at Bang Wad Dam. This will be the 5th year the three host properties hold the event which is aimed at raising funds for the Pun Fun Pun Yim and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Children’s foundations The event will offer runners two race distances; 3 kilometre fun run and 10km run, but there will also a fancy costume contest, limited souvenir T-shirts for sale, photo booth, food and beverage tents and lucky draw for the runners, supporters and audience to enjoy. The 10km run will start at 6am followed by the 3km fun run at 6:15am with runners getting to take in a scenic

As has been the case in previous years, the race will be run around the scenic Bang Wad Dam in Kathu, with runners this year running comfortably on the new track. route and the newly renovated Bang Wad Dam running track. The 3km fun run will be an open category with the winner receiving a special hotel/restaurant voucher, trophy and Run To Give 2016 medal, while the 10km run will have six open categories; 20-29-year-old, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years and 60-year-old and up. The first male and female to cross the finish line will receive special hotel/restaurant

vouchers, a trophy and Run To Give 2016 medals. A total of 103 trophies and 1,200 Run To Give medals will be given to finishers. Registration for the event is available via https://goo.gl/ forms/IqdND61AzJ4IveK63 or on the official Facebook page, Run to Give 2016, Phuket. Registration can also be made from Oct 13-15 at Central Festival Phuket from 11am8:30pm, Oct 15 at Bang Wad Dam Kathu from 9am-8pm

We’re seeing bigger swells SURFING

Tim Campbell info@skylaphuket.com

HEY OCEAN LOVERS, Phuket’s September swells have been typical with plenty of waves both clean and windy. We have seen some larger overhead days which separates the boys from the men, but it was great to see a lot more of you get the courage and paddle out. Even if you don’t catch a wave at first, the experience of battling the swell to get out the back, and just being in the water while you feel the sensation of the waves’ power as they roll through, builds your confidence. That might seem strange, but trust me, the more you can get used to the ocean the easier it will get to bring yourself to that moment of dropping into the face of a bigger wave, not to mention how your fitness improves rapidly. I think we have the best swells of the year still to come, so there will be plenty more @thephuketnews

Nothing beats the feeling on riding that first ever wave. chances to get amongst them, and once you take that first big wave you will realise that it wasn’t that difficult or scary after all. So go on, push yourself and take the drop, it’s only water after all. For all you competitive types, the famous and must attended surf contest at Khao Lak in Phang Nga Province is happening from Oct 1-2.

For more info check out their Facebook page: facebook.com/ khaolaksurfingcontest See you in the water!

Tim’s Tip: When taking

off on a bigger wave you must commit 100 per cent without hesitation. Paddle strong, keep your eyes looking forward and enjoy the ride.

and between 5am-5:45am at Bang Wad Dam Kathu on race day. Registration fee is B250 for the 3km race and B350 for the 10km. For any other inquiries please contact: Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort at 076 370 100, The Westin Siray Bay Resort and Spa at 076 335 600 and the Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Phuket at 076 371 400.

SPORT 37

1Bar inch closer in PPL POOL 1BAR INCHED TO JUST two points off top of the table Wet Dreams Bar in last Thursday’s (Sept 15) round of the Patong Pool League following a big win over Martin Swiss. The game, played at their new home venue 1Bar 1Bite, which is located just around the corner from 1Bar, saw them romp home to a healthy 9-2 win against the fourth from bottom team. In addition, 1Bar still have their 11 point game in hand as they’re not scheduled to play league dropouts Amigo until next month. But Wet Dreams just managed to keep their position as table leaders, for the time being at least, when they managed a narrow 7-4 home win over third from bottom Simon & Oils. Elsewhere, Dirty Nellies suffered a 7-4 loss at home to Sports Bar, Genius also lost at home 6-5 to Champs Bar, while M&M Bar and Ting Tong have yet to provide the score from their game. Slackers! Natalie Bar picked up the

Scott from Sports Bar takes his turn at the table in their game against Dirty Nellies. Photo: Scott Griffin 11 points this weeks as they had no game as they were the team set to play Amigo. Patong Pool League Table Wet Dreams

112

1Bar

110

Ting Tong

Champs

Genius

Natalie

Dirty Nellies

Sports

Martin Swiss

Simon & Oils

M&M

Amigo

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

True brotherly love

Act ‘came from an exceptional person’ TRIATHLON AFP editor3@classactmedia.co.th

USA’s Tyson Gay (right) is making a bid to force his way onto the US bobsleigh team after entering this week’s National Push Championships in Canada. Photo: Franck Fife/AFP

US sprinters Gay, Bailey vie for bobsleigh role ATHLETICS V ET ER A N SPR I N T ER Tyson Gay is making a bid to force his way onto the US bobsleigh team after entering this week’s National Push Championships in Canada. The 34-year-old, a polarising figure in track and field after his 2013 doping conviction, joins Ryan Bailey as another former Olympic sprinter hoping to switch sports. Push championships are compulsory for any athlete aiming to make the US national team during the 2016-17 season, a key part of prepa-

rations for the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang. The championships got under way on Wednesday (Sept 21) in Calgary, Alberta. Both Gay and Bailey were members of the USA 4x100m relay squad which won the silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The team was later stripped of the silver after evidence of Gay’s doping emerged. Gay competed in last month’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics as a member of the USA 4x100m relay squad which was disqualified in the final. AFP

n one selfless act Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee erased the fratricidal image of Cain killing Abel as he helped his stricken brother Jonny over the line in the World Series event in Mexico. However, with praise raining down on him Alistair’s blunt no nonsense retort to all the fuss was to tell the BBC: “First I was just thinking: ‘What an idiot’. He could have won this race so easily and he’s been tactically so ridiculous.” Indeed Jonny himself tweeted none too seriously from his hospital bed over an image of him wobbling on the final stages of the running leg: “Normally when you have had too much to drink. This time it was the opposite #ouch.” Jonny, who took silver behind Alistair in the Rio Olympics, told the BBC that such an act only came from an exceptional person. “Alistair had the chance to

British athlete Alistair Brownlee (left) helps his brother Jonathan Brownlee before crossing the line in second and third place during the ITU World Triathlon Championships 2016 last Sunday (Sept 18). Photo: Elizabeth Ruiz/AFP win but threw that away to help me out,” said the 26-year-old, who led last Sunday’s (Sept 18) race and could have won the World Series crown until the 33º Celsius heat overcame him around 1.5 kilometres from the end. “I’ll be thankful for the rest of my life. “Obviously it takes a very strong and good person to do that.

“Sometimes in sport we talk about winning being the most important thing in the world. “A lot of times it is, but maybe helping a brother out was more important.” Alistair, who also took gold in London in 2012 with Jonny settling for bronze, admitted his gesture had him reflecting about whether he’d done the right thing in helping

his younger brother. “I sat for an hour after the race thinking: ‘Did I do the right thing?’,” the 28-year-old told the BBC. “Would he have received medical attention quicker if I’d just left him? Is it the wrong thing to carry someone over the line? “But the reaction has been nice to reassure me that maybe it was the right thing to do.”

Paris to commit 145mn euros for 2024 bid OLYMPICS PARIS WILL COMMIT 145 million euros (B5.63bn) for the renovation of stadiums and other infrastructure to ensure it hosts the 2024 Summer Olympics, city officials said this week. A meeting of Paris’ City Council next week will vote on a resolution formally giving Mayor Anne Hidalgo the power to sign guarantees required by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to

host the Games. “It’s a formal stage but at the same time extremely important,” Jean-Francois Martins, Deputy Mayor of Paris responsible for Sport said. Paris is in competition with Budapest, Los Angeles and Rome to stage the sporting spectacular in 2024. After the first dossier on the “concept” of the Games on February 17, a second will be prepared for October 7 on the legal side and financing. Some 30m n euros

(B1.16bn) will be used to build a second stadium in Bercy, and 21mn euros (B814mn) on an aquatic centre near the Stade de France in the north of the city. A not her 25m n euros (B969mn) is planned for training sites, 12.5mn (B484mn) for a swimming pool in Seine Saint-Denis and 6.5mn (B252mn) on the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium. Paris will also guarantee 4mn euros (B155mn) to set aside for the future Olympic village.

The overall budget for construction work for the Games is estimated at 3 billion euros including 1.5 billion of public money. “We have gambled on a simple concept, relying on existing sites,” said Martins. “This is the first time in the history of the Olympics that a city has decided that residents will have their say and be able to choose some of the amenities around the Olympic venues,” added Martins. The council will also vote

Paris is in competition with Budapest, Los Angeles and Rome to stage the sporting spectacular in 2024. Photo: Francois Guillot/AFP on a guarantee to extend a line of the RER, an express train connecting Paris city centre and the surrounding suburbs.

The IOC will reveal the 2024 bid winner in Lima on September 13, 2017. AFP

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

SPORT 39

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Four things we learnt in the Premier League FOOTBALL

e’ve now passed week five in the Premier League

and things at both the top and bottom of the table are starting to take shape, leaders Manchester City continue to impress under Pep Guardiola, but Jose Mourinho has problems at

Things are happening at Everton Everton beat Middlesbrough 3-1, giving them their best start to an English top-flight season since 1978 and leaving them two points behind Manchester City in second place. Manager Ronald Koeman has hit the ground running since succeeding Roberto Martinez as manager and new signings Ashley Williams, Idrissa Gueye and Yannick Bolasie are bedding in quickly. “[Koeman] has kept things pretty simple,” said midfielder Gareth Barry, who marked his 600th Premier League appearance

Ronald Koeman has hit the ground running at Everton. Photo: AFP with Everton’s equaliser. “We’ve taken on board the manager’s instructions this season and the team is playing with confidence.”

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Manchester United after a third consecutive defeat in all competitions, and Stoke aren’t what they used to be as they prop up the teams at the bottom of the table. But that doesn’t

necessarily mean that team’s fortunes can’t change around. Here are four things we learnt from last weekend’s action:

The big teams need fear Liverpool Liverpool have wasted no time flexing their muscles this season, beating Arsenal, Leicester City – last season’s top two – and 2015 champions Chelsea in their first five games. Last Friday’s 2-1 win at Chelsea was another lesson in asphyxiating intensity and breathless endeavour. Dejan Lovren’s volley and Jordan Henderson’s superb long-range curler put the visitors in control and although Diego Costa reduced the arrears, the margin of victory was misleading – Liverpool were never in trouble. Jurgen Klopp’s side look a match for any team in the division, but as their 2-0 loss at Burnley demonstrated, they can struggle when op-

NRL Prelim Final 1

Sharks v. Cowboys

Aussie Rules 16:30

19:45

Semi-final 1, MCG

Geelong Cats v. Sydney Swans

Rugby Union 23:55

01:50

Currie Cup

Cavaliers v. Blue Bulls

Cricket

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01:50

Currie Cup

Griquas v. Western Province

10:00