The Phuket News 23 November 2018

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

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IMMIGRATION LAUNCHES ‘DRIVE THRU’ SERVICE > PAGE 2

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NEWS

PAGE 3

Safety campaign targets tourists on motorbikes

The ‘Phoenix’ tour boat has been raised and is now on dry land undergoing investigation.

Photo: PR Dept

RESCUE MISSION

LIFE

PAGE 11

Phuket’s first Michelin Star chef revealed

INSPECTION OF PHOENIX WRECK BEGINS UNDER ARMED GUARD AS TOURISM PLUNGES Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

T

he recovery of the Phoenix tour boat this past week from the seabed at a depth of 45 metres south of Koh Hei (Coral Island), where it sank in a storm on July 5, marked the beginning of the investigation into whether any structural or mechanical failures of the boat caused or contributed to the death of 47 Chinese tourists in Thailand’s worst maritime disaster in modern history, and leading to Thailand’s worst impact tourism since the 2004 Asian Tsunami.

Thai-Singaporean shipbuilders Seacrest Marine, brought in after the previous salvage company Spitz Tech Co Ltd failed to recover the boat after four months of foul weather during the southwest monsoon, raised the Phoenix to the surface last Saturday (Nov 17).

T he boat was t a ken to the Ratanachai Shipyard on the east side of Phuket Town, where it is now under armed guard by military personnel in order to prevent any “tampering of evidence” while the investigation continues.

Despite repeated announcements over the past months that investiga-

tors and experts will have 30 days to inspect the wreck, Royal Thai Police Deputy Commander Gen Rungroj Sangkram alongside Immigration Bureau Chief Maj Gen Surachate Hakparn at Ratanachai Shipyard on Wednesday (Nov 21) both said that investigators will have only seven days to gather what evidence they need from the wreck.

However, Gen Rungroj did explain, “We have no deadline for concluding the full investigation.”

Gen Rungroj did confirm his suspicions of the registration documents for the boat, of which Gen Surachate – who was Deputy Chief

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews

of the national Tourist Police at the time – revealed within days after the disaster that it contained “only four to five pages of structural diagrams, instead of the usual 60 to 70 pages”.

“I agree with Gen Surachate that this is important to the case, and Gen Surachate will be working together with us in the investigation,” Gen Rungroj said.

“I know there are only four to five pages of plans (for the boat), which is suspicious because a boat like this is supposed to have more than that, about 70 pages. I have openly shared my thoughts about this and that it looks strange,” he added…

SPORT

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Phuket’s ‘Toy’ makes Faldo Asian Finals

News 2

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Phuket Immigration opens ‘Drive Thru’ lane service PHUKET IMMIGRATION has added a ‘Drive Thru’ lane at its main office in Phuket Town to make it quicker and easier for foreigners to complete simple procedures, including completing the mandatory 90-day reporting required of all foreigners staying on long-term visas.

The ‘Drive Thru’ was given an official grand opening by Immigration Chief Maj Gen Surachate Hakparn on Wednesday (Nov 21).

Phuket Immigration Chief Lt Col Kathatorn Kumthien explained, “Lots of tourists come to the Phuket Immigration Office in the high season for simple procedures, such as visa extensions. Plus we have limited space in our office, which led me to think about a simpler and faster way of dealing with this.”

Col Kathatorn explained that the Drive Thru will be used only for processes that are genuinely targetted to take very little time.

“The main process that the Drive Thru will be used for initially is for simple ‘repeat’ 90-day reporting, but I am considering adding other services, such as re-reporting where the foreigner is staying,”

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Rawai speedboat beach refuelling returns, despite arrest > page 4

Fears of running dry

Drastic water-saving measures considered The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

The Drive Thru at Phuket Immigration was officially opened on Wednesday.

Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot he added.

“Which services may be added later are still under consideration, as there are many factors about what is requi red to complete processes,” Col Kathatorn explained.

Construction of the Drive Thru began last month and has stirred a lot of interest from foreigners visiting the Immigration Office, he noted.

Phuket Immigration Deputy Chief Lt Col Archeep Jaroensuntisuk also explained, “Our system has been changed to make it easier to use, and it should not take a long time (for people) waiting in the queue,” he said.

“The Drive Thru will make our service simpler and faster,” Col Acheep said.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

W

ater levels at Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn, in central Phuket, are so low that officials are calling for residents to use water sparingly and hope that enough rain falls by the end of December to stave off drastic water-saving measures.

Residents and businesses specifically in the nearby areas, including Sri­soonthorn, Baan Manik and Cherng Talay, are urged to use water sparingly amid concerns that rains will not replenish the reservoir sufficiently before the hot season.

Somsawat Chaisinsod, Director of Phuket Provincial Irrigation Office, explained to The Phuket News that the Bang Neow Dum reservoir is currently just less than 45% full.

“The reservoir has a capacity of 7.2 million cubic meters, but it currently contains only about 3.25mn cubic meters.

Of that, we are able to use only 3.14mn cubic meters as 0.11mn cubic meters of that capacity is useless. It’s just mud, which we can’t use,” he said.

“We need about 5mn cubic meters – or about 70% of the reservoir’s capacity – by the end of December to cope with the demand during the dry season (December-April),” he added.

“My advice is for people and

Water levels at Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn are so low that officials are calling for residents to use water sparingly and hope that enough rain falls by the end of December to stave off drastic water-saving measures. businesses in the affected areas to start storing water reserves so they can use it for their own needs in the first few months of 2019.

“If the water (in the reservoir) is not enough by December, I will need to raise this issue with all involved officials so we can come up with a plan of what to do,” Mr Somsawat said.

The high-ranking officials to be called in for action if need would include Phuket Governor Phakkaphong Tavipatana, the Director of Provincial Water Authority Phuket office, the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention

and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket), and others, Mr Somsawat explained.

“Also people must understand that this is about climate change and that we have not had enough rainfall to refill the reservoir. Of the rain that has fallen across Phuket in recent months, little of it has flown into the reservoir,” he said.

“We will do our best to make sure there is enough water for everyone until the dry season ends – about May next year. By that time we should have mains water supply to the area supplemented

by Bang Wad reservoir,” Mr Somsawat added.

Man who stabbed Phuket ex to Phoenix evidence comes into the light death arrested in Ratchaburi THE MAN WANTED FOR STABBING to death his 55-year-old ex-partner in the street in Tha Chatchai in a fit of jealousy earlier this month was arrested in Ratchaburi province this week.

Col Prawit Suttiruangarun, Chief of the Tha Chatchai Police, on Tuesday revealed that Somboon Saelao, 69, was arrested in Damnoen Saduak District of Ratchaburi Somboon Saelao, 69, re-enacts the province last Saturday (Nov 17), for the stabbing for police on Monday (Nov 19). murder of 55-year-old Orathai Fornghoi in Photo: Tha Chatchai Police Phuket on Nov 7.

Police brought Soomboon back to Phuket confirmed that Somboon did not use a knife to face the murder charge against him, Col to stab Ms Orathai to death. Instead, he used Prawit said. one piece of a pair of broken scissors.

“He has confessed to killing Ms Orathai, Col Watcharin also confirmed that and led officers to the scene where he stabbed Somboon confessed that he killed Ms Orathai Orathai and showed us where he dumped in a fit of jealous rage. his shirt that was stained with Ms Orathai’s Witnesses told police on Nov 7 that blood under a tamarind tree near Wat Tha Ms Orathai had been living together with Chatchai.

Somboon for three months, but the couple “He also showed us where he threw the had separated about a week earlier. weapon used under Sarasin Bridge then fled The breakup left Somboon bitter and Phuket, before he was finally arrested by angry, police were told. police in Ratchaburi,” Col Prawit explained.

Eakkapop Thongtub Tha Chatchai Police Deputy Chief of Investigation Lt Col Watcharin Jiratikanwiwat Additional reporting by Tavee Adam

Continued from page 1 ...Wiwat Chitchertwong, currently serving as the Acting Director of the Phuket Marine Office, defied Gen Rungrojand and Gen Surachate in their understanding of the plans submitted, despite their ranks.

“The Phoenix boat blueprints must be more than four to five pages, not as reported in the news (sic),” he told The Phuket News. Of note, Gen Surachate published his own report on the blueprints on the Tourist Police website, where the article remains for public viewing.

“All designs for the Phoenix – and for every boat – are required by regulation as required by the Ship Standard Registration Bureau of the Marine Department. These details for any boat can be searched by anyone there (at that department),” Mr Wiwat said, again without confirming that he had seen the documents for the Phoenix for himself.

“I am conf ident that

The ‘Phoenix’ wreck is now under observation at the Ratanachai Shipyard. Photo: Marine Dept all other boats in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi are approved in accordance with the regulations of the Marine Department,” he added.

“Also, the Phoenix was not registered or approved by the Phuket Marine Office.

This boat was approved by the Ship Standard Registration Bureau in Bangkok,” Mr Wiwat pointed out, again without explaining whether the Phuket Marine Office did or did not physically inspect the boat.

Asked specifically who signed the approval to register the boat, Mr Wiwat said, “I

don’t know.”

However, Mr Wiwat did send to The Phuket News a copy of the main registration document for the Phoenix, showing that it was registered to carry passengers in specified areas on the open water anywhere from Ranong to Satun, and was valued at B11.7 million.

The Phoenix, at 6.5 metres wide, 29.13m long and with a draft of 3.5m, was registered to carry 120 passengers with a crew of six. The boat’s gross weight was given as 287 tonnes, and the net weight as 107 tonnes, and the vessel was registered to be powered by two Hino 272.3kW, sixcylinder diesel engines.

Of note, the registered owner of the boat – on the actual registration document – is not 26-year-old Phuket resident Woralak ‘Yui’ Rerkchaikarn, who remains in custody at Phuket Prison after the court denied her bail on the charge of recklessness causing death. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Rental operators eyed for unlicensed tourists

PHUKET NEWS

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Chutharat Plerin thai@classactmedia.co.th

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ourist Police Division 3 Chief Maj Gen Angkoon Klaiklueng has revealed that his pushing for police and other local authorities to ramp up their campaign targeting vehicle rental operators for renting out motorbikes to tourists who do not have the appropriate licence.

The move is part of a key strategy to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on Phuket’s roads.

Gen Angkoon revealed the news ahead of his meeting with the Phuket Road Safety Committee on Thursday (Nov 15).

“As the past has shown, many road accidents are caused by tourists who are not accustomed to the road, have no motorbike driving experience and no motorbike license,” Gen Angkoon said.

“I believe that cooperation by every department can resolve the problem of tourists having accidents on rental motorbikes.

“Tourists lacking the skills to safely ride a motorbike is one of the key problems, not to dismiss the importance of tourists not wearing helmets. If a tourist is involved in even a small accident, if they are not wearing a helmet, the tourist can die,” he noted.

Gen Angkoon said he was pushing for

The transfers followed a gambling raid by soldiers last Wednesday (Nov 14). Image: Phuket Provincial Police

Kathu Police moved over gambling raid A Phuket Traffic Police officers stops and checks foreigners riding motorbikes. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot the key steps to be taken to help resolve the problem.

“Rental motorbikes should bear a sticker clearly indicating that it is a rental, and the helmets handed out by rental operators should all be the same design and colour. This will make it easier to identify which motorbikes are rentals,” he said.

“But more importantly, once these motorbikes are easier to identify, police can pull them over and check to see if the tourist has a licence that proves he or she is qualified to operate a motorbike (even in their home country),” Gen Angkoon explained.

“If the tourist does not have the appropriate licence, then the police officer

can seize the motorbike and notify the rental operator to come and collect it.

“And before the motorbike is handed back, the rental operator will be fined for renting out a motorbike to a tourist who does not have the correct licence,” he said.

“We are looking at doing this more in Phuket and on Samui for greater safety on the road. However, we will inform the motorbike rental operators again before launching the crackdown to make sure they understand what will happen,” he said.

Of note, the strategy was launched in Phuket earlier this year, but Gen Angkoon said that the impetus to follow up on this has fallen short.

Thai men arrested for charging ‘access fees’ to Freedom Beach TWO THAI MEN HAVE been arrested for charging tourists cash in order to access Freedom Beach, south of Patong. The men are believed to have been raking in an estimated B10,000 a day.

Tourist Police and Immigration officers made the arrests last Wednesday (Nov 14) during a raid led by national Immigration Chief Maj Gen Surachate Hakparn.

Gen Surachate previously served as the national Deputy Chief of the Tourist Police and remains one of the key figures in ‘Thailand’s Action Taskforce for Information technology Crime Suppression’ (‘Tactics’).

The raid followed the ‘Tactics’ taskforce and Tourist Police receiving complaints, Gen Surachate explained in a post on the Immigration Bureau Facebook page.

The raid also came while Gen Surachate was in Phuket to join the media event to highlight the new salvage @thephuketnews

The men were arrested for charging entrance fees to Freedom Beach. Police believe the men were making up to B10,000 a day. Photo: Immigration Bureau team hired to recover the sunken tour boat Phoenix.

Police reported that they had been charging money for people to access Freedom Beach for more than one year.

They charged B200 per person, police noted.

The area the men were charging access to was protected national forest designated under the responsibility of the Department

of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), police explained in their report.

Police noted in their report that during questioning, the suspects – who police have not publicly named – said that they started charging the access fees before the land was designated a national protected forest area.

The Phuket News

FIVE OFFICERS FROM the Kathu Police, including three of the police station’s top-ranking officers, have been transferred immediately to Phuket Provincial Police Station following a raid on a gambling den in Kathu that netted 56 suspects.

Kathu Police and military personnel carried out a raid on a premises in Moo 3, Kathu at 9pm last Tuesday (Nov 13), Phuket Provincial Police announced in a statement last Wednesday (Nov 14).

In carrying out the raid the officers arrested 56 suspects for gambling.

The suspects were charged for illegal gambling and using a property as a venue for gambling without permission, said the statement.

However, the statement

also noted that five officers had been transferred immediately to inactive posts at Phuket Provincial Police Station pending an investigation “in accordance with Royal Thai Police regulations”.

The five officers transferred were named as: Kathu Police Chief Col Jakkawat Boontaveekunsawat Kathu Police Deputy Chief, and Chief of Kathu Police Crime Suppression, Lt Col Chao Phomna Kathu Police Deputy Chief, and Chief of Kathu Police Investigation Division, Lt Col Chalermchai Hernsawat Maj Nopparut Sukpree Maj Jaranathorn Tonyanrat The statement did not give any reason for the transfers or the investigation into the raid.

Eakkapop Thongtub

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PHUKET NEWS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST

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Congestion relief at Chalong Underpass Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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he project team overseeing the construction of the Chalong Underpass have opened a new lane across Chalong Circle to relieve traffic congestion at the busy junction.

The new lane across the circle opened on Monday (Nov 19), Somkiet Yimpong of Phuket office of the Highways Department, and Project Manager of the Chalong Underpass, confirmed to The Phuket News.

Chalong Circle itself, a five-way roundabout, has been closed for months to prevent cave-ins while workers excavate the tunnel underneath the junction.

“We opened a lane for

Despite one man already arrested, operators are now using a traditional Phuket ‘songtaew’ bus to haul drums of fuel to Rawai Beach to continue operations. Photo: Supplied

A new lane across Chalong Circle has opened now that the roof of the tunnel underneath has been completed.

Photo: Chalong Traffic Police traffic on Wiset Rd to drive straight onto Chao Fa East Rd, which will help to reduce traffic inbound to Phuket Town during rush hour,” Mr Somkiet said.

“We were able to open that small section of road because the roof of the tunnel under

that section of road is now complete,” he explained.

“Next month, we will fully re-open the lanes on Chao Fa West Rd in front of Home Pro after the roof of the tunnel at that section is finished,” Mr Somkiet added.

Beachfront speedboat refueller arrested ONE PERSON HAS BEING arrested for illegally refuelling tour speedboats directly from the Rawai beach road, The Phuket News confirmed this week.

However, the news comes as operators turn to using a traditional Phuket ‘songtaew’ bus to haul drums of fuel to the tourist beachfront to continue the practice.

Phuket Energy Ministry office Chief Wirot Damkong confirmed to The Phuket News on Tuesday (Nov 20) that one person had been arrested for illegally refuelling on the Rawai beachfront earlier this month.

That arrest followed the same truck being caught on

camera refuelling speedboats on the public beachfront in May this year.

Mr Wirot confirmed by phone that the driver of the fuel truck photographed carrying out the refuelling on Nov 6 has been arrested by police.

However, he added, “I am not ready to give information out on this right now as I am away (off Phuket) at a conference. I will release the details properly when I get back.”

Regarding the latest refuelling from drums in the back of a songtaew, caught on camera both on Monday and Tuesday this week, Mr Wirot said, “I will have to look into this again after I came back.”

Tavee Adam

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Opinion 6

OPINION

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

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EDITORIAL

Where boys in brown shine

t’s a rare week when this newspaper gives credit to police officers on this island, but this week we shall. In giving praise where it is due, there is no progress without reward.

In two separate cases in just over two weeks Phuket police officers have shown what they can do far better than their counterparts on other main tourist destination islands in the country.

First, Chalong Police tracked down and arrested a man for raping a British tourist after the couple had met in a bar and the man took the woman back to his room – and by his own confession had sex with her while she was not conscious. Silence is not consent, and our police officers quickly – and quietly – had him in custody on the same day the rape was brought to their attention.

T h is week t he T ha Chatchai Police revealed their prowess in police work by tracking down a murder fugitive and having him arrested more than 700 kilometres away nearly two weeks after the manhunt began.

The rape of a tourist and the heinous crime of stabbing a 55-year-old local woman to death in the street were both treated seriously and brought the perpetrators to justice as timely as possible.

If the government is looking to restore tourists’ faith in travelling to Thailand, this type of police work goes a long way toward doing that.

Tourist havens around the world attract more than their fair share of undesirables, and Phuket is no exception.

It’s what we do about them that counts.

Make no mistake, we are not kidding ourselves that

the officers involved in these two specific cases are representative of the greater Phuket police force as a whole. Police anywhere have trouble upholding a good reputation because of a few bad apples. In some places there are more bad apples than others, pretty much working the barrel into cider.

It’s no secret that good police on this island have their fair share of issues to deal with, mainly related to cash and their not-so-clean counterparts, usually involved in petty shakedowns of tourists – an aspect that would be best dealt with seriously in the age of social media, where it doesn’t matter how much top-ranking officers decline to comment on the matter.

But we are giving the officers involved in these two specific cases a gold star for doing what’s right, and doing it well.

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No passport required: Phuket Immigration confirms ‘passport on person’ not required despite ’Operation X-Ray Outlaw Foreigner’ Disaster officials warn of heavy rain in Phuket Swedish national arrested in Phuket, to be deported again Tourist Police target rental operators over unlicensed tourists renting motorbikes Thais arrested for charging ‘access fees’ to Freedom Beach Phuket Immigration to launch ‘Drive Thru’ service Low water levels at Phuket reservoir spur concerns for drastic water-saving measures Woman shot in leg at Phuket market Russian woman attacked, robbed in Kathu Phuket Airport toilets dubbed ’Best in Thailand’

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Dam Busters

Re: Low water levels at Phuket reservoir spur concerns for drastic watersaving measures Been to this dam 2-3 times a week for 10 years. It has rarely overflowed. It has just maintained its level. Even during the prolonged drought about 6 years ago, no problem.

One year ago they installed the blue barge and two giant pumps. The levels have been dropping at least a metre a month. Apparently they need 70% to make it through dry season. Dam is at less than 45%. Do the math. It would have to rain every day to maintain levels with those big pumps running. Great, the level is dropping a metre per month.

I wish they could explain where the water is going? Before the blue barge and pumps, everybody had water and the level was maintained. Where is the water being pumped at such huge volumes? What about the unrelenting development? Why are projects being approved without basic infrastructure? They want trains, shopping malls. How about sewer and water? Reliable electric? Waste manage-

ment? Half the island without water. Soon!

Timothy

Breeding Ground

Re: Proof In Pocket Well, there you have it folks, right from the horse’s mouth. If you ever needed a clearer example of how a perfect breeding ground is created for corruption, there it is. When the police can decide whether to apply the law or not, and it is so subjectively applied to the most vulnerable people (tourists), you will never rid Thailand of corruption. I find it astounding that the NLA have failed to address this years ago. What a glaring shameful anomaly.

Chris Bela

Cry Wolf

Re: Disaster officials warn of heavy rain in Phuket You know, there are very dependable (international) weather sites that are actually accurate, more accurate than the local sites. Other than a heavy rain yesterday afternoon, there has been no severe weather and very light wind. There is a famous story about a boy who cried wolf. It

should be translated into Thai.

Galong

The wrong man

Re: Rawai beach speedboat refueller arrested, but refuelling continues incognito Easy to arrest the “driver”… how about arresting the person who actually paid for the fuel or the owners of the tour boats? That might resolve the problem and corruption.

Vegasbaby

Lure of the Yuan

Re: Phoenix ‘off limits to outsiders’ while police inspect wreck In the aftermath of the sinking disaster, it seems that Thailand’s now desperate to do anything to appease the Chinese. Going to the lengths of offering them 6-month visas is discriminatory and plainly shows this ultimate aim.

SueYu2 This is just moving into the next phase of this fiasco.

The primary motive now is to find a scapegoat, then try to convince the Chinese that Thais had nothing to do with it, that all boats and operators have been checked and are

safe, and try to get Chinese dollars flowing again. The boat sunk because the Thai captain was irresponsible for heading out in storms and poorly trained to handle it.

BenPendejo

Float your boat

Re: Ban on Loy Kratong lanterns near Phuket International Airport Ban them kratongs everywhere! They cause environmental damage both on land and in the sea.

Galong “Ban them kratongs everywhere”. Those floats are the most characteristic items of this traditional festival.

After the veg festival Loy Kratong comes under fire now. Anything some expats don’t want to change here to turn this place into their cloud cuckoo land?

DeKaaskopp

Improvisation

Re: Suspect locks up duty warden, escapes police cell You couldn’t make this stuff up could you!

Discover Thainess

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

THAILAND NEWS

7

Work safety plan slammed

Ministry poised to allow anyone to be hired as safety officers BANGKOK Bangkok Post

W

ith the Labou r Ministry poised to allow companies to hire anyone to work as safety officers rather than being required to recruit only staff who graduated with a degree in occupational health and safety, educational institutions and students have voiced strong opposition to the idea.

This proposed relaxation of the 2011 Occupational Health and Safety Act appears in Section 13(4) of the ministry’s new draft regulations, which allow anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any field of study and five years of work experience to undergo a 222-hour training course to become a safety officer.

Every company with at least 100 employees is currently required under the Act to hire a qualified safety officer.

Assoc Prof Sarawut Suthammasa, dean of the School of Health Sciences at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open

@thephuketnews

Proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2011 have brought heavy criticism from labour and safety advocates. Photo: via Creative Commons University, said he had only learned about this move by the ministry a few months ago and promptly submitted his formal objection to the plan.

He ruled out the possibility that anyone without an educational background in occupational health and safety

could become a qualified safety officer in the claimed 222-hour training period.

An unidentified 32-yearold safety officer with eight years of experience said that in the four-year study program she had completed, she took courses on physiology,

parasitology, epidemiology and many other subjects that could never be completed in less than two months.

“This imminent change in the ministry’s regulations will lead to compromised standards of work safety,” she said.

Many employers tend to be reluctant to invest in improving workplace safety and working conditions as recommended by their qualified safety officer, she said.

Safety officers are required by law to submit a report to the ministry every three months regarding conditions at their place of employment and are held responsible for any damage or injuries caused by substandard occupational health and safety.

Ass Prof Sarawut also wasn’t convinced by the ministry’s reasoning that the proposed relaxation of the 2011 Act will ease the difficulty some companies face in recruiting a graduate with a degree in occupational health and safety.

There currently 35 universities and institutions offering undergraduate program in this field, while three of them also offer a postgraduate course, he said.

A fourth-year student in the Industrial Hygiene and Safety program at the Faculty of Public Health of Burapha University said the

proposed change to the ministry’s regulations regarding the qualifications for safety officer positions will make it more difficult for him to find a job after graduation as employers are likely to send existing staff on the training rather than add to their headcount.

Wisut Ruangrit of the Federation of Thailand Automobile Worker’s Union agreed that the change will be seen as a loophole that many employers will exploit by sending someone they can control, and therefore lacks the independence to report accurately on conditions, to be trained to become their safety officer.

An HR officer who did not wish to be named, however, said a number of small companies, mostly in the provinces, genuinely have problems recruiting someone with a degree in occupational health and safety because most of the qualified safety officers tend to look for a job at a large company in Bangkok or other large cities where they can expect higher pay.

THAILAND NEWS

8

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Actress ‘Boom’ steps in

Panadda Wongphudee urges CSD to take over sexual abuse case BANGKOK Bangkok Post

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ctress Panadda ‘Boom’ Wongphudee, head of the Do Good Things Organisation (Ongkorn Tham Dee) on Tuesday (Nov 20) urged the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to take over a case in which a gynaecologist is accused of sexually abusing a patient during a check-up at his clinic in Nakhon Sawan.

Ms Panadda said the probe by local police was making slow progress and the case should be transferred to the CSD. She was speaking as she led another six women who claimed they were also sexually abused by the gynaecologist to seek justice at the Royal Thai Police.

The six women were initially questioned by Col Kritsana Pattanacharoen, deputy police spokesman. He said he will send their statements to the investigators responsible for handling the case.

The 53-year-old doctor

Actress Panadda ‘Boom’ Wongphudee, head of the Ongkorn Tham Dee (Do Good Things Organisation), leads six women to police headquarters to legally press their claim they were sexually abused by a gynaecologist in Nakhon Sawan. Photo: Apichart Jinakul turned himself in at Muang Police Station in Nakhon Sawan last Friday (Nov 17).

He faces two charges – committing an indecent act

and sexually abusing a patient.

But he denied the accusations.

The scandal came to light when women’s rights lawyer Saranya ‘Nida’ Wangsukchar-

oen posted a message on her Facebook page accusing the doctor of sexually abusing the 29-year-old patient at his clinic.

An excerpt from a conver-

sation between them on the Line messaging app shows the former patient asking the doctor why he inserted a phallicshaped object wrapped in a

condom inside her.

The doctor claimed it was a treatment method that causes the body to release “happiness hormones” that relieve pain.

The woman decided to meet the doctor on Sept 5.

Earlier, she went for treatment at Uthai Thani Hospital twice but did not feel any better.

She had developed a stomach ache and suspected some disorder in her genital area.

Police said the victim claimed she was sexually assaulted during both of her visits. Her last check-up at the clinic was on Sept 21.

Meanwhile, public health authorities in Nakhon Sawan are also investigating the complaint against the accused gynaecologist.

Nattawuth Prasertsiripong, director-general of the Department of Health Service Support, said the probe will centre around whether the clinic meets the requirements of the Health Facility Act while police will handle the criminal aspect of the alleged sexual abuse case against the doctor, Dr Nattawuth said.

Drug suspect Anant Komolwanit, 23, locks up Sen Sgt Maj Ratchada.

Photo: Supplied by Sunthon Pongpao

Drug suspect locks up duty warden AYUTTHAYA A 23-YEAR-OLD DRUG suspect who locked up a duty warden and escaped from the Sena District Police Station cell on Monday (Nov 19) was recaptured after an extensive manhunt involving about 200 police and volunteers.

Anant Komolwanit was apprehended in a nearby forest early Tuesday morning.

He was earlier arrested at his house in Moo 3 village of Tambon Sam Toom after police found 94 methamphetamine pills (ya bah) there on Sunday

evening (Nov 18).

He was taken to Sena Police Station for interrogation.

While in detention he complained he had stomachache and diarrhoea.

Police took him to Sena Hospital, but a doctor found nothing wrong with him and he was returned to his cell.

About 9pm on Monday, he shouted that a snake had bitten him in the cell. Sen Sgt Maj Ratchada Supawong, the duty warden, entered the cell with a wooden stick. He found the detainee was not bitten.

W hen t he policema n moved deeper into the cell

to look for the supposed snake, Anant slipped out through the open door, locked Sen Sgt Maj Ratchada inside and fled.

Residents told searching police they had seen the fugitive in a forest in Sena District.

After his rearrest, Anant admitted he had only pretended to be sick and faked the snake bite, hoping for a chance to escape.

He lamented that he was quickly recaptured because such a large group had been assembled to hunt him down, and local residents had quickly cooperated with the police.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Luxury event set to rock the boat

Phuket’s Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous returns in style SPONSORED

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he Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous (KRSR) returns to Phuket from December 6-9, 2018. Sponsored by Infinite Luxury and in collaboration with luxury Thai Resort Kata Rocks, this unique event will see some of the world’s most iconic superyacht brands come together on Phuket.

The KRSR, now in its third year, welcomed over 16 superyachts and six yachts to last year’s event confirming its status as one of the fastest growing and most impressive superyacht gatherings in Southeast Asia.

By invitation only, the KRSR aims to bring superyacht enthusiasts together with a curated guest list that includes owners, industry professionals and a mix of media from all corners of the globe. The event reflects why many deem Thailand to be a world-class superyachting destination, offering exotic scenery and culture, renowned hospitality and first-rate marinas with excellent infrastructure for larger yachts.

Richard Pope, CEO Infinite Luxury said, “We are thrilled that guests and superyacht owners enjoy the bespoke activities, glamorous parties and social events. The KRSR is

The Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous (KRSR) returns from Dec 6-9, bringing some of the world’s most iconic superyacht brands to Phuket. fast becoming the must-attend event on the Asian Yachting calendar.”

Kata Rocks are delighted to be welcoming back the world’s leading luxury yachting brands, prestigious shipyards and the most respected brokerage houses with support coming from brands including Royal Husiman, Hemisphere Monaco, Burgess, Benetti, Camper & Nicholsons, Lee Marine, Princess Yachts South East Asia, Northrop & Johnson, and Seal Superyachts.

The organisers are also delighted

to welcome Oceanco to the KRSR – a truly world class shipyard and icon of innovation – marking the first time it has officially joined the leading superyacht event in Asia. Oceanco will host an exclusive owner’s dinner in a Kata Rocks Penthouse pool villa. This great partnership comes following a highly successful 2018 Monaco Yacht Show attended by The KRSR team.

Oceanco Group Marketing Manager, Paris Baloumis said, “Oceanco is pleased to be joining the Kata

Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous for the first time. Oceanco yacht owners are known to cruise extensively aboard their yachts and Thailand has become an increasingly popular destination for them. The exotic seascape, fascinating culture, and excellent superyacht facilities make this part of the world extremely appealing.

We are proud to be sponsoring the Oceanco Owner’s Dinner held at Kata Rocks this year.”

Oceanco’s award-winning pedigree features some of the most sophisticated yachts on the water today. It is a world leader in building prestigious custom yachts from 80 to 140 meters, integrating timeless Dutch craftsmanship with sophisticated new world know-how and the technology of tomorrow. Oceanco’s 295ft yacht, DAR, was recently launched and was turning heads at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show 2018 (MYS).

Guests at the KRSR can expect a curated programme of experiences and a jam-packed schedule of events such as the Superyacht Captain’s dinner, hosted by Benetti and Hemisphere Monaco and the Champagne media breakfast presented by Benetti.

Peter Mahony, General Manager of Benetti Asia, said, “Benetti is delighted to return for the third edition of the Kata Rocks Superyacht

Rendezvous. It’s been a very worthwhile experience over the last two years, with the event raising brand awareness for the region. With the amazing scenery of Phuket as the backdrop and the professionalism of the Kata Rocks’ team, we deeply believe this year’s event will be again breathtaking.”

Other Highly anticipated events include the Camper & Nicholsons and Royal Huisman cocktail party, the private beach BBQ at The Surin Phuket, the ‘yacht hop’ and big boys toys experience and the ‘King’s Cup Superyacht Experience’.

This year, Kata Rocks will launch the Rendezvous with an exclusive reception inspired by the unique Peranakan culture and Sino-Portuguese heritage of old Phuket Town.

“Phuket is a magnificent destination for yachting – not just because of the scenery but also because of the amazing Thai people, their hospitality and of course the food. People are often not aware of the unique cultural heritage of old Phuket Town, combining colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture, art galleries, cafes and authentic cuisine. We want to foster this cultural heritage and share this unique legacy with our guests,” said Michael Nurbatlian, Director of Marketing Infinite Luxury.

GoAir launches direct Bangalore flights AIRLINES G OA I R, W H ICH LAST month launched the first direct flights between India and Phuket, will further expand its network with the launch of direct flights between Phuket and Bengaluru (Bangalore) next month.

GoAir will operate three direct flight services between Phuket and Bengaluru each week – Monday, Thursday and Sunday – at all-inclusive return fares of B8,999. The inaugural flight from Phuket to Bengaluru will be on Dec 9.

The new direct flights are being introduced in response to the growing demand from leisure travellers from Phuket and Bengaluru, India’s ‘Silicon Valley’, said a release issued this week.

Bengaluru is the capital of India’s southern Karnataka state. The centre of India’s high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife.

Commenting on the occasion, GoAir CEO Cornelis Vrieswijk said, “Phuket is an integral part of GoAir’s route network and is a key market in India that has a significant base for tourism in the region.

GoAir will operate three direct flights a week between Phuket and Bengaluru (Bangalore) from Dec 9. Photo: GoAir “We are happy to give our passengers the choice to fly with India’s most preferred airline at the most exciting fares and look forward to extending our hospitality to our passengers in this new phase of growth.”

At the landing of the firstever direct flight into Phuket from New Delhi on Oct 11, Arjun Dasgupta, Vice President - International, GoAir said, “As Phuket is a popular destination, we are delighted to be responding to the growing demand for tourist and business travel with the first addition to the international route network. On the other hand, India has a significant base for business and tourism and we look forward to

extending our hospitality to our passengers in this new phase of growth.”

Following the launch of the Phuket direct flights, GoAir’s Managing Director Jeh Wadialate last month revealed that in pursuing its expansion plans, the airline has placed an order for 164 planes and have so far taken delivery of 41.

“By the end of next year we will increase this to 10 cities flying direct to Phuket,” he said.

Owned by Waida Group, one of India’s oldest conglomerates established in 1736, GoAir is a leading LCC in India and was recently reported to be the fastest growing airline in the world by Routes Online.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

The art form of live theatre

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Tableside flames at Sam’s Steaks

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PRU - Phuket’s first Michelin star restaurant.

PRU AWARDED MICHELIN STAR Launch of the 2019 Michelin Guide to Bangkok, Phuket and Phang Nga THE CULINARY DETECTIVE Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

PRU is a restaurant at the leading-edge of sustainable farm to table dining.

@thephuketnews

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t the glitzy Park Hyatt in Bangkok, the culinary cognoscenti gathered for the gastronomic event of the year; the launch of the ‘2019 Michelin Guide to Bangkok, Phuket and Phang-Nga’.

Having launched the inaugural Guide to Bangkok last year, the red book extended its footprint this year to include Phuket and Phang Nga. Whilst many restaurants in Bangkok surprisingly retained their stars, their plates and Bib Gourmands despite several Chef changes, the big news this year was Suhring promoted from one star to two stars, nine new one-stars in Bangkok and of course, for Phuket, the first star restaurant ever, PRU at Trisara, made all the more special by being the only one across Phuket and Phang Nga. Whilst there were no losses within the already awarded one-star and two-star restaurants in Bangkok, there were a few promotions and additions.

Michelin’s almost 100-year-old understated definitions of star meals state a one-star meal is “High quality cooking, worth a stop” and a two-star meal is “Excellent cooking, worth a detour.” Suhring, serving up European contemporary cooking joined the existing highest rated two-star restaurants in Bangkok; Gaggan, Le Normandie and Mezzaluna.

New one-star restaurants consisted of two promotions from last year’s Michelin plates, Le Du and Gaa, newly awarded Canvas and Saawaan in the innovative category and Methavalai Sorndaeng, RHaan, Ruean Panya, Sorn and Suan Thip seemingly

rewarding the more traditional Thai restaurant offering and recognising that fine restaurants can be found as afar as the provinces of Samut Sakhon and Nonthaburi.

But PRU was not the only winner in Phuket and Phang Nga, including one of Trisara’s other restaurants, Seafood, a casual Thai bistro, serving up Mama’s lost recipes which also won a highly sought-after Michelin plate.

There were also a number of other restaurants awarded. The award of a plate in Michelin terminology is “Fresh ingredients, capably prepared: simply a good meal.” Those awarded are: Phuket Plates Acqua – Italian; Bampot – European Contemporary; Black Ginger @ The Slate – Southern Thai; Blue Elephant – Thai; Crust – Italian; Etho’s – Thai; Go La – Street Food; Jadjan – Street Food; Jongjit Kitchen – Street Food; Khao Tom Thanon Di Buk – Street Food; La Gaetana – Italian; La Sala – Thai; Loba Bang Niao – Street Food; Mee Ton Poe (Wong Wian Ho Nalika) – Street Food; Nahmyaa – Thai; O Cha Rot – Street Food; O Tao Bang Niao – Street Food; Pak Nam Seafood – Seafood; Red Sauce @ Rosewood Phuket

– Italian; Ruen Thai – Thai; Seafood @ Trisara – Seafood; Suay (Cherng Talay) – Thai Contemporary; Ta Khai @ Rosewood Phuket – Thai; Talung Thai – Thai; Tu Kab Khao – Southern Thai.

Phang Nga Plates Esenzi @ Iniala – Seafood; Gop Phochana – Street Food; Krua Bai Toey – Thai; Nai Mueng – Southern Thai.

Bib Gourmands are described by Michelin as “Good quality, good value cooking.” Those awarded are: Phuket Bib Gourmands Bang Pae Seafood – Seafood; Chomchan – Southern Thai; Chuan Chim – Street Food; Go Benz – Street Food; Hong Khao Tom Pla – Street Food; Mor Mu Dong – Street Food; One Chun – Southern Thai; Raya – Southern Thai; Roti Taew Nam – Street Food; Surf & Turf by Soul Kitchen – European Contemporary; Ta Tuay – Southern Thai; The Charm – Southern Thai.

Phang Nga Bib Gourmands Khrua Luang Then – Street Food; Khrua Nong – Street Food.

Continued on page 12

12 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Chef Jimmy Ophorst selecting ingredients from the restaurant’s farm, PRU Jampa.

In total, in Phuket and Phang Nga, 44 restaurants received recognition and this is an impressive haul!

Back to PRU; it is a restaurant at the leading edge of sustainable farm to table dining. Operating at the uberdeluxe Trisara hotel, the restaurant name stands for Plant, Raise and Understand. Ingredients are sourced from throughout Thailand; it even has its own farm, PRU Jampa.

Local produce on the menu includes black crab from Phang Nga, river prawns from Surat Thani and a mouthwatering selection of Thai artisan cheeses which can give French

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

PRU presents leading edge of sustainable farm to table dining. cheese a run for their money. The innovative six- and eight-course set menus including a vegetarian option are offered with an impressive wine pairing from a carefully curated world-class wine list.

Signature dishes to whet your appetite are pickled duck egg with a dashi broth of Phuket abalone and local carrots cooked in their soil. For those dessert lovers, a speciality is organic beetroot textures with an ice cream of sour dough bread, Isaan mountain almonds and marinated mulberries.

The Chef and magician behind

these dishes is Jimmy Ophorst, a Dutchman who has made Thailand his home.

Despite only one starred restaurant highlighted in Phuket, it is encouraging that the region is definitely developing as a culinary destination.

It is exciting to see many Southern Thai restaurants awarded and also simple street food recognised.

This is the beginning for Phuket and Phang Nga. I am frantically booking tables in those restaurants I have yet to experience to gain a reservation before they get too busy and urge you to do the same.

I also ponder what the 2020 guide will bring and anticipate perhaps a few more stars in Phuket and Phang Nga next year. My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners! https://guide.michelin.com/th/en/ bangkok/restaurants http://prurestaurant.com/ Chris is a former Michelin Guide Inspector who, following an international career in hospitality spanning 30 years in both the Middle East and Asia, has now settled in Thailand and will contribute a monthly restaurant column.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ART 13

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Staying Alive

The ever-changing performance in live theatre Sir Ian McKellen as King Lear.

THE PLAY’S THE THING! Joel Adams

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elcome to The Play’s The Thing, Take 2. I would be overjoyed if, after reading these articles, you decide you are persuaded to go see live theatre whenever you can and take your kids to age-appropriate live theatre whenever possible. You won’t be sorry. We don’t have a lot of opportunities on the island to see theatre, so let’s grab the live performances we do have.

Of course, I hope you will come to Theatrix productions, but I don’t just mean our performances, I mean any performance. Watch shows at HeadStart, BISP, UWC, KIS, or wherever they’re being put on whenever you can.

Why watch live theatre? On YouTube, Crash Course Theatre’s host, Mike Rugnetta, said, “Theatre is the art form most like life.” And, when you think about it, it’s really true. You are seeing real people in front of you, performing, in real time, a story that you can relate to and be entertained, inspired, and taught by. And the show you see one evening is not the same as the one the night before or the one the next night. It never is.

I had the great privilege when I was in London recently of seeing Sir Ian McKellen perform Shakespeare’s King Lear at the Duke of York theatre in the West End. My daughter and I were seated just above the stage in a box, not three metres away from the action.

From there I was treated to the greatest theatrical performance of my life.

The emotions I told you in the last article that I experienced when I watched Romeo and Juliet on TV when I was 10 years old were multiplied many-fold that evening last August.

King Lear is a long and difficult play, but Ian McKellen and his superb cast held the entire audience enthralled for three and a half hours. This is not the first time he has played Lear, but @thephuketnews

he said in this production he wanted to move away from playing him in the usual highly theatrical way and make him and the other characters speak more conversationally.

The cast succeeded marvelously.

They took the time and made the effort to not only say the beautiful, though sometimes hard-to-understand words of Shakespeare, but to make those words understandable and clear to us, the audience, all the while conveying the deepest of emotions in not only Lear himself but the entire cast of highly complex characters.

We were stunned that this 79-yearold superstar had such tremendous energy. It has been said that by the time an actor is mature enough to play Lear, he is too old to do it. Sir Ian proved that saying wrong.

This performance inspired me to spend a good bit of time watching clips of McKellen’s Lear and interviews with him on YouTube when I came home.

During one of these interviews I heard the following: Jonathan Bate of the University of Warwick said to Sir Ian, “I saw your Lear in preview, even before the press night, and then I saw it again near the end of the run, many, many months later, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a performance that has changed and grown so much and become so much more profound and complete than I did there.”

Sir Ian responded, “Well, as performances go by, you can’t really judge day-by-day how things are changing, but of course it is the great joy of theatre that you’re not stuck; you can advance. In a film, decisions have been made by the editor and the director, and that is the performance.”

In other words, it is finished, not living and changing like live theatre.

In 2014 Jay Greene, Professor of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas, conducted a study of 670 students from school years seven through 12, examining the effect on them of seeing live theatre as opposed to reading the plays or watching movies of the same.

The findings revealed that those

Outta the Box improv team.

who went to live theatre attained significantly higher scores than the control group that only read or watched. The research demonstrated that watching live theatre performances increases students’ literary knowledge, tolerance and empathy much more than just reading or watching a screen. So let’s do our part for ourselves and upcoming generations to keep theatre alive.

Latest News Flash! Theatrix will be performing Outta the Box – an evening of comedy and improvisational theatre, at 7:30pm on the evening of Nov. 24 at

Shanti Lodge, Chalong.

And coming soon!

• Love Bites – an evening of short plays on love and romance.

• The 39 Steps – a rollicking, frenzied, fast-moving, hilarious take on John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s movie of the same name.

Stay tuned and don’t miss these!

Joel Adams is building a vibrant theatre community right here in Phuket. You can contact him at theatrixphuket@ gmail.com or by phone on 093 6490066.

Facebook: Theatrix Group

14 TECHNOLOGY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Brave New World

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Digital assistants hone skills to deliver the news

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Rob Lever

hat’s the news?” has become a familiar refrain for consumers with smart speakers, opening up a new channel for publishers but also raising concerns about the growing influence of tech platforms in media.

Devices such as Amazon’s Alexapowered speakers, Google Home and Apple HomePod are increasingly delivering news flashes and summaries, and giving users the option to get more in-depth news, just by asking.

For beleaguered news organisations, voice could be a new channel to connect with consumers seeking updates or specific information on demand.

News organisations such as the BBC, Washington Post and National Public Radio (NPR) are among those having developed ‘skills’ for digital assistants that enable consumers to listen to updates or other reports.

“Smart speakers are a potentially rich terrain” for news organisations, said Damian Radcliffe, a journalism professor at the University of Oregon.

For consumers, the speakers are be-

ing used instead of radio or television for on-demand news.

For struggling news organisations “these technologies create fresh ways to reach news audiences,” Radcliffe said.

An Adobe Analytics survey found 32% of US households use a smart speaker, with most of them using them daily.

According to an Edison Research report for NPR, 77% of consumers said news was an important reason for owning a smart speaker, and that one in three listened to news briefings.

A separate study by Oxford University’s Reuters Institute of consumers in the US, Britain, Germany and South Korea found 43% used smart speakers to ‘access the latest news’.

Editorial role?

Greg Sterling, a technology analyst and contributing editor to the Search Engine Land blog, said consumers are becoming more comfortable with voice search as the underlying technology improves, and are comfortable with ‘on demand’ services like Netflix or podcasts.

Many news organisations that lost readers in the shift to digital see this as an opportunity, Sterling said.

“A lot of newspapers watched and waited as people took away their audi-

ences, and now they want to get out in front,” he said.

The Washington Post – owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos – offers updates on Alexa-powered devices so users may ask, “Alexa, what are my notifications?” or “Alexa, what did I miss?” to hear breaking news.

Rick Edmonds, a media analyst at the Poynter Institute, said there may not be quick payoff though voice-delivered news but that “news organisations see this as a way to build a bigger audience.”

Ethical questions But giving tech platforms a bigger role in delivering news raises a number of ethical and legal questions, says Tim Hwang, head of the Harvard-MIT sponsored Ethics and Governance of Artificial Intelligence Initiative.

“It really puts the platform in the role of curator in a very clear way,” Hwang said.

Amid growing concerns on misinformation, Hwang said that device makers may be in a more difficult position in signaling credibility of certain news sources of reports.

“It’s an interesting question about where this news comes from,” he said.

“We’re just getting started with this and we don’t have a lot of standards.”

The media rights group Reporters Without Borders questions what it will mean to give tech firms’ proprietary algorithms more power to choose the news being delivered.

Elodie Vialle, who heads the journalism and technology desk for the organisation, said that voice assistants “are liable to reinforce the opaque and often pay-based methods of media content distribution that exist already.”

Your new relationship with the outside world.

Photo: Rahul Chakraborty.

Radcliffe said that “tech companies like Google, Amazon and Apple have already been digital gatekeepers to news for some time,” and this is likely to increase with technologies such as smart speakers.

He said the firms need to be more transparent about how they choose news and sources.

“It’s not enough to say ‘we are not a media company’ if you’re distributing content, and making decisions about how to distribute it,” he added.

Most of the updates are radio-style reports read by humans. But relationships with the news could be transformed if synthetic voices such as those from Alexa and Google are involved.

“A lot of these voices are modeled as being a trusted companion” which is different from the role of a news announcer, says Judith Donath, a researcher and advisor at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center who is writing a book about technology, trust and deception.

Donath said it is conceivable that computer-generated voices can offer some of the same emotion and tonality people expect, but this raises delicate questions.

“Are we comfortable having news delivered in a voice that conveys an emotional response to a tragedy or happy event, when the emotion was programmed in?” she asked.

AFP

And it’s good night from him… the end of the news reader.

Photo: John-Mark Smith.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 15

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Making things right

The #MeToo movement makes its effects felt in Thailand Yvonne Bohwongprasert

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n the age of #MeToo, Thais have become more aware of issues like sexual violence and female empowerment. This is evinced by high-profile cases like that of Nitiwadee ‘Mor Nim’ Pucharoenyos, a victim of domestic violence who was a few months ago spared the death penalty when the appeals court found her not guilty of killing her estranged husband back in 2013, while her mother was sentenced to life imprisonment for plotting the murder out of love for her daughter. It seems like a lot of females have started waking up to the idea of gender justice.

This includes bubbly Chiang Raiborn teens Chaya and Suwannee, who attended the recent International Day of the Girl camp and forum, which was organised as part of Plan International Global Campaign and their Thailand Country Office’s key programme area on Gender Justice and Woman’s Empowerment. The camp saw attendants aged between 14 and 19 years old.

“This experience only served to solidify my belief that as a girl I can choose who I want to be and what my basic

Empowering each other through the sharing of experiences. Photo: Plan International rights are,” said 14-year-old Chaya.

Held Oct 6-9, the event attracted over 30 young ladies from different parts of the country. The objective was also to raise awareness on the issue of Child Early and Forced Marriages, which often result in holding girls back from gaining access to opportunities that would help them reach their full potential.

During the camp, participants reflected on their experiences and were encouraged to share their ideas on the topic “On The Pathway To Gender

TURNING POINTS Expat Mental Wellness Advice

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ex addiction.

Many people find Thailand synonymous with romance and sexual excitement. From the expat who finds their soulmate amongst the local population or the man (or woman) who find themselves being a novelty more intriguing to potential partners, Thailand has more than its share of stories.

As a counselling psychologist I am often approached by clients who initially basked in the availability of companionship, but eventually start to wonder if their new hobby has become dysfunctional. When addressing sex addiction there are actually multiple types or models. A newly emerging pathology is often called “love addiction”, but the description is not as wholesome as the name.

Love addiction may either describe an obsessive and

destructive obsession with one person, or the need for multiple romantic partners that can offer self-esteem and a sense of desirability. In the latter, sex may not even be a primary motivation.

In traditional sex addiction, the pursuit or chase may be a major component, but the eventual physical release is the core motivator. Sex addiction may be virtual, such as found in internet sites, pornography or dating apps, or activities that involve another person.

In sex addiction, the addict uses people or sex the same way an alcoholic uses booze; the use of external stimulation to change internal feelings.

The potential harm from untreated sex addiction may include exposure to disease, financial difficulties, loss of social standing, damage to existing relationships and an

inability to maintain healthy future relationships. People suffering from sex addiction report a higher level of shame and isolation than most people with other addictions.

While a person addicted to drugs or alcohol generally needs a complete abstinence program to recovery, the sex/love addict needs to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy behaviours, based on their individual values, and create a lifestyle that keeps them in the “safe” zone.

By examining the motivation and mechanics of this kind of addiction, the person can reboot their values and behaviours and eventually maintain healthy romantic relationships.

If you are concerned about your sexual behaviours, professionals are available to speak to confidentially.

Craig Gagnon, Clinical Director of Miracles Asia, an Addiction & Mental Wellness Centre in Phuket. www.miraclesasia.com or email info@miraclesasia.com or call 076 529 510. @thephuketnews

Equality”. Here they learned about such issues as power within, power analysis, gender equality, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics, identity and intersectionality.

Sixteen-year-old Suwannee shared her sentiments.

“I was eager to learn about my rights even though I know we have them. However, there are times as young adults when we are discouraged to use them to the fullest by the environment we are in. Attending this

camp has empowered me to further pursue the rights I am entitled to.”

Suwannee lives in a small and remote village in Chiang Rai where most of the people who have power are men.

Women, on the contrary, have no rights to make their own decisions or express opinions. After the camp, Suwannee hopes to share her knowledge she gained so that people in her neighbourhood realise that women also have the power within.

“We have to realise that we have rights so we can than take the next step,” said Suwannee.

Despite efforts by NGOs, the problem regarding gender-based violence still continues to spiral out of control in society. According to Supensri Pungkhoksung, women’s-rights advocate and director at the Social Equality Promotion foundation, violence against women today is at an all-time high, and thanks to social media we know that a significant number of perpetrators are from the middle to upper-middle-class echelons of Thai society.

Thailand has strong laws against gender-based violence, but victims still find it difficult to report such crimes to law enforcement.

Bangkok Post

16 DINING

Super steaks

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

The intimate setting at Sam’s Steaks & Grill.

and slick service Sam’s Steaks & Grill @ Holiday Inn Resort

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am’s Steaks and Grill is located in the Holiday Inn Resort, Phuket. As a former globetrotting corporate employee of Intercontinental Hotels Group, the parent company of the Holiday Inn brand, I have almost certainly stayed in more Holiday Inns than most and I am struggling to recall another that offers a premium steakhouse. Sam’s Steaks and Grill is probably unique.

The hotel itself celebrated its 30-year anniversary last year, having opened its doors on the 23rd July, 1987; a tremendous milestone in this world where the only constant is change. And in the equally evolving restaurant scene, Sam’s has an unparalleled track record, having been launched in 1990.

Leading the kitchen is Chef Chantaporn who, having joined as a cook-helper, has now been cooking at Sam’s for 28 years. His counterpart in the restaurant, Khun Supachai is not far behind with 17 years service. By coincidence, I myself am not that far behind, having been a regular diner at Sam’s for nearly 10 years. This longevity and stability undoubtedly contributes to this landmark in Phuket.

I am warmly welcomed and seated at a table adorned with a personalised reserved sign engraved with cute mini cow horns. Presented with the menu, I have an opportunity to survey the room. Sam’s has a slightly masculine ambience with a hint of the gentlemen’s club, wood paneled walls, slightly large tables to accommodate the platters, chunky leather armchairs and, as a nod to those who are celebrating romantic occasions, semi-circular booths so one may sit side by side; de-rigueur in my opinion when accompanied by one’s loved one.

I also notice a semi-private room, ideal for a family celebration or a corporate dinner.

I am only slightly aware of soft jazz music in the background, which brings me back to the menu. I make my choices from the extensive a la carte which has a mix of both the traditional and the modern; a tempting variety of innovative appetisers, followed by a wide selection of seafood and meats.

Whilst most preferences are catered for, including vegetarians, the Chef Chantaporn and that juicy T-bone cut. range of steaks does not disappoint.

Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

Ms Pladook presents the extravagant tableside service.

I see both Australian and US cuts to suit every budget; from tenderloins and tomahawks to rib-eyes and sirloins and several Wagyu offerings, the pinnacle of the beef pyramid. Once you select your cut, the menu has a clever section named, “your steak, your way”, enabling one to tailor your dish, from a lengthy list of vegetables, sauces and starches.

Having ordered, Chef Chantaporn sends out a complimentary amuse bouche of sushi with a tasty sesame mayo to stimulate my taste-buds. This is accompanied by a basket of warm home-made breads, butters and tapenade. An excellent start.

I begin with one of the signature flambee dishes prepared at table of fresh Andaman prawns and delicate Japanese scallops with accompanying mango, tomato salsa and micro greens.

This mini-show seems to be attracting other diners to order tableside and also other dishes such as the Caesar Salad and the Beef and Reef (a modern take on Surf and Turf).

Tableside preparations do add a certain occasion to the dining experience.

I follow this refreshingly light seafood dish with a pan-fried Foie Gras with apple and balsamic reduction – this served with toasted bread batons to mop up the deliciously fruity, slightly bitter sauce, balancing the richness of the Foie.

Whilst preparing my steak, Chef, maintaining the steakhouse tradition, sends out a rather twee but super refreshing cantaloupe melon sorbet to cleanse my palate for the main event!

Right on time my Australian ribeye arrives, perfectly cooked medium rare, accompanied with smooth mashed potato, a crispy roesti, Chiang Mai mushrooms and the piece de resistance for me, a world-class Béarnaise sauce. Despite this not being their most premium cut, the meat is melt-in-themouth and the rib-eye truly delivers that flavour we steak lovers seek.

The dessert menu is particularly tempting with, again, a tableside offering of classic French style pancakes in a caramelized sauce, however I choose the similarly rich warm chocolate fondant with the added twist of a marshmallow base. A fitting end to my evening.

Having been well taken care of by the incredibly professional and friendly serving staff, the experience has not yet ended; ice cream filled truffles are dramatically brought to the table. I will not however further spoil this surprise!

As I depart and reflect on my evening, Sam’s is clearly not just another steakhouse, it not only offers the traditional with premium produce, but has added dishes that you will never tire of, delivered from the kitchen and at tableside with finesse.

Sam, like a lifelong friend one has not seen for some time, I do so look forward to our next catch up!

Chris is a former Michelin Guide Inspector who, following an international career in hospitality spanning 30 years in both the Middle East and Asia, has now settled in Thailand and will contribute a monthly restaurant column. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 17

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

President of ESU Thailand and Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Udom Kachintorn presented the award Photo: Ministry of Education

Thanadon (Albert) Tantivit with his trophy Photo: Ministry of Education.

Stand up and be counted BISP Head Boy wins coveted ESU International Public Speaking Competition British International School Phuket

O

n Wednesday 7th November, BISP Head Boy Thanadon (Albert) Tantivit was presented his trophy for the English Speaking Union International Public Speaking Competition by the President of ESU Thailand and Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Udom Kachintorn.

This was the culmination of an 11-month journey which has seen the Year 13 student compete at the Thailand Semi-Finals, win the Thailand National Finals and go on to represent Thailand at the International Public Speaking Competition in London.

The competition includes prepared

@thephuketnews

speeches, short preparation speeches and questions from the judging panel.

Thanadon’s coach and BISP KS3 Coordinator Ms Leica Burley commented, “The judges were particularly impressed by his knowledge of global issues and the way he was able to combine factual information and his personal views in response to given topics. His growth, both as a speaker and as a person, throughout the past year has been incredible to witness, and we are very proud of his achievements.”

Thanadon has shared his personal reflection on the experience: “Standing in front of a wide audience fronted by a panel of judges and being asked to present a speech is enough to run chills down most people’s

spines. Yet for me, the International Public Speaking Competition has been one of the best experiences of my life.

“This journey has taken me to another corner of the world and given me the chance to meet with many wonderful individuals from Her Royal Highness Princess Anne to the members of the drama society who work in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. It was a humbling and overwhelming experience to be able to work, meet and enjoy the discussions with former competitors and experts in this field.

“Upon entering the halls where all of the competitors were assembled, 50 national finalists from all around the world, I realised that we all had much in common and were friends as well as

challengers. We all realised that we came in with the same agenda, to talk about the relevant issues that affect the youth of today and our futures.

“Leaving Dartmouth House to return to Phuket felt like an end to a wonderful adventure that has lasted eleven months, yet will remain with me forever. I did not anticipate meeting such wonderful people, having such incredible experiences or this competition being filled with the most memorable moments of my life.”

British International School, Phuket – BISP, is an English medium, coeducational, day and boarding school.

Visit their website www.bisphuket.ac.th for more information.

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Scholarship students receiving their certificates on the special day.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Students thanking PIWC and PHA for providing a better future.

PIWC’S LUNCHEON PARTY CELEBRATES CHARITY SCHOLARSHIPS The Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) and the Phuket Hotels Association (PHA) presented charity scholarships to Phuket Vocational College students at a celebratory luncheon party held on Thursday, Nov 15.

Congratulations to all the team at Utopia.

Now you get a fair idea of how they came up with the resort's name.

QUITE A PARTY AT THE GRAND OPENING OF UTOPIA NAIHARN RESORT Utopia Naiharn Resort opened with quite a fanfare at the fantastic grand opening event put together by the resort team on Saturday, Nov 11. Over 400 guests were entertained by great food, music and dance at this stunning location on the southern tip of the island.

Michael, Chef Stefan, Tobi and Chef Micha.

Guido, Michael, Chef Micha, Chef Stefan and Peter.

CHEF STEFAN LENZ DINNER AT MÖVENPICK RESORT BANGTAO BEACH A sell-out evening on Saturday, Nov 17, where guests enjoyed an outstanding five-course dinner at The Palm Cuisine, Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach, with matching beverages supplied by Global Wines and More Co., Ltd. There is only one more night to enjoy dinner from this Michelin Star chef: on Nov 24. To book contact 076 310 400.

Executive Chef Mark Jones gets to work.

Guests line up for an evening of fine food and paired beverages.

THE NAI HARN HOSTS CASANOVA DI NERI TASTING MENU EVENING On Saturday, Nov 10, The Nai Harn hosted a special winemaker dinner at its Cosmo Restaurant. The Nai Harn served a six-course gourmet menu by Executive Chef Mark Jones with accompany beverages from Casanova di Neri. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

ISLAND SCENE 19

Dr Rawee Yorsaengrat, Mr Gerald Tur, Phuket Governor, Mr Nattawat Phathairatanaseranee and his wife and Mrs Natchanun Tur. Chef Shin presents the culinary exprience to the guests at The Plantation Club.

SYMPHONY OF FLAVOURS IS A GASTRONOMICAL AFFAIR The Pavilions Phuket’s first Symphony of Flavours on Friday, November 16, was a gastronomical affair for all of those in attendance. Chef Shinichi Maeda, a multi-award winning ‘1-hat’ chef from An Dining, Japan, opened the series at The Plantation Club, the famed restaurant in The Pavilions Phuket.

CITYCARE’S MANAGEMENT TEAM CALL ON THE PHUKET GOVERNOR Last Tuesday, Nov 13, the Phuket Governor, Phakaphong Tavipatana, was introduced to the Citycare management team to discuss their leading medical clinic and wellness spa which opened in Kamala.

Mr Samer Alhaj, Mr Keith Massey, Mr Nithee Seeprae and Ms Wimalin Ratanaporn and Mr Chuchart Oncharoen.

Tim Sargeant, Director of Marketing, Shoko Maeda, Chef Shinichi Maeda, and Chef Rey, Culinary Director, The Pavilions Phuket.

Dr B Alan Wallace officially opens the new Mindfullness Centre.

JW MARRIOT KHAOLAK GREET TAT’S NEW REGIONAL DIRECTOR On Tuesday, Nov 6, representing JW Marriot Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Phang Nga, Miss Kornwika Nimitpara and Miss Tanyarat Mahitthises were at the Tourism Authority of Thailand Head Office in Bangkok to congratulate Mr Nithee Seeprae on his recent promotion as TAT’s Executive Director Southern Region.

Le Méridien Phuket Executive Chef Hans Kahrs with visiting chefs from JW Marriott Seoul, Sous Chef Soon Ae Yang, and Jin Su Bang.

KOREAN FOOD FESTIVAL HELD AT LE MÉRIDIEN, PHUKET BEACH Between Nov 15-18 Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort hosted the Korean Food Festival.

The fabulous spread of authentic cuisine across the festival was presented by the two visiting chefs from JW Marriott Seoul, Sous Chef Soon Ae Yang and Jin Su Bang.

Jason McBride (Head of school), Dr B Alan Wallace, the school’s founder Klaus Hebben, and UWC Thailand’s Mindfulness Mentor Lucy Keller.

UWC THAILAND OPENS ON-CAMPUS MINDFULNESS CENTRE On Sunday, Nov 18, world-famous Buddhist Scholar Dr B Alan Wallace took time out of his two-day seminar to officially open UWC Thailand’s on-campus Mindfulness Centre. His visit attracted more than 300 participants, and underpins UWCT’s perspective that mindfulness is integral to a 21 st-century education. @thephuketnews

Le Méridien Phuket associates Panicha Apibullawat (2nd from left), Emilie Sea (3rd from left), and Assistant Food & Beverage Manager Santi Khosakunpaisarn.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM @ The Palm Cuisine. 17th, 22nd and 24th November 2018.

THB 2,500++ Food only and THB 3,300++ with drink paring.

Reservations, The Palm Cuisine at Movenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket, residences.phuket.reservations@movenpick.com, 076 310 400.

23 NOV

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

tion of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-late performed by our famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - RESERVE your table now online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservation, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

BISP Soccer 7s - 2018 Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

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

On Friday 23rd (07:30 to 17:00) & Saturday 24th November (07:00 to 17:00), British International School, Phuket will host the 17th Annual International Soccer 7s tournament featuring 1,500 players, 145 teams from 41 International Schools in 10 countries! With two full days of competitive soccer involving girls and boys teams ranging from Under 9s to Over15s, plus vendor and music areas, this is an event not to be missed!

SAT

24 NOV

KATA ROCKS CELEBRATES 4TH ANNIVERSARY Kata Rocks is preparing for its latest anniversary celebration on Saturday 24 November starting from 12pm until sunset with yet another memorable ‘Fourth Anniversary Pool Party’.

This year’s event is expected to be bigger and better than ever, featuring an enticing combination of excellent entertainment, live music and the island’s best cocktails next to its stunning 35-metre infinity swimming pool. Guests can expect a spectacular feast of a wide selection of international cuisine, the freshest local and imported seafood, Boston lobster, rock lobster, oysters, grilling and carving stations including Australian strip loin and lamb cutlets, delicious desserts and much more. The Kids’ Club next door makes it the perfect family day out. Reservations, Kata Rocks, dining@katarocks.com, 076 370 777.

Sala Sunday Night Steak & Seafood Premium barbecue main course, including imported Australian Rib Eye, full rack of Lamb or whole Phuket Lobster accompanied by buffet of delicious appetizers.

Live music from 6.30pm. Premium BBQ. 1,700*Baht.

Reservations, Sala Phuket, events@salaphuket.com 076 338 888.

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

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

An Italian Evening Healthy Vegan Buffet at DiLite Restaurant Come to Thanyapura’s DiLite Restaurant to enjoy a healthy vegan buffet every Monday to Saturday. Lunch: 12pm to 3pm Dinner: 6pm to 8:30pm. Price: Lunch B350 and Dinner B550.

Information and bookings call 076 336 000 or visit: thanyapura.com/hotel/dining/

Enjoy a selection of Italian antipasti, cold cuts, premium cheese, marinated olives, grill vegetables, homemade pickles, caprese skewers, bruschetta and homemade breads - all complemented by free-flow Italian beverages. B1,999 net per person for antipasti buffet and free-flow Italian beverages.

Enjoy 25% OFF when you dine with four persons or more.

Reservations at Dusit Thani, Laguna, Phuket: dtlpfb@dusit. com or call 076 362 999 ext.7303.

Baba Beach Club Phuket presents Miss Foster November 24th, 2018, we welcome Miss Foster who will bring her signature house sounds to Baba Beach Club Phuket. Escape to our Music Lovers’ oasis on Natai beach for an elevated weekend experience. Line-up: 2-5PM Fishmonger 5-8PM Miss Foster November 24th, 2018 From 2 pm onwards - Daytime Party For more information & bookings, contact us: +66 76 429 388, phuket@bababeachclub.com Facebook: www. facebook.com/BabaBeachClub Instagram: www.instagram. com/bababeachclub Website: www.bababeachclub.com Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/baba-beach-club Reservations.

SUN

25 NOV

Firefly’s New Lazy Sunday Lunch Sharing is caring at Firefly’s new Lazy Sunday Lunch! Highlight include family style “mezzo” platers , “a la minute” dishes, live-stations. chilling seafood and The Dessert Factory, along with resident musician Bryan Repito and access to Firefly’s iconic pool. 12.30 pm - 4 pm. Price at THB 1,000++ Children under 12 priced at THB 500++. Reservations, Firefly Pool & Restaurant, firefly.phuket@pavilionshotels.com, 076 317 600.

CLUB TROPICANA 80’s & 90’s Retro Pool Party!

Charcoal Friday Charcoal BBQ at Bodega, featuring premium beef cuts, cooked live in the dining room on our charcoal broiler with the unique sear and smokiness only charcoal could deliver. Starting from THB 1,200++. Reservations, Bodega & Grill, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana. com, 076 358 500.

Join us for our brand new retro style pool party, every Saturday where we take you back in time with music and fashion of the 80’s, 90’s & beyond. Let us take you back in time as our resident DJs drop iconic tracks and remixes – think Wham, Madonna, Queen, Spice Girls, Duran Duran, Whitney Houston ,Bon Jovi, Kool & The Gang, De La Soul, Run DMC...the list goes on! Have fun in the sun with huge pool inflatables, disco balls, giant rubic cubes and be entertained with our sexy Club Tropicana dancers and live musicians all day. **Selected Dream drinks from THB 80++ **Poolside bites from THB 198++ Get your groove on for some Saturday Pool Party Fun at Dream Beach Club! Reservations, Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

The Sunday Brunch Club

Phuket Sportfishing Tournament 2018 The PST 2018 is the only “Offshore Fishing” tournament in Thailand. Over the years we brought fishermen and women from all over the world to Phuket. The tournament is an “All Billfish Release” event. Junior anglers are free of entry fee and unlimited in numbers. A Lady Angler Trophy will be given to the lady with the most points. The venue for our PST 2018 this year will be “Rosi’s Restaurant and Bar” on the waterfront in Chalong. The “Prize Giving Party” will also be held at “Rosi’s Restaurant and Bar” from 8:00pm onwards.

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Stefan LENZ - Michelin Star Stefan LENZ - Michelin Star | Gault Millau 3 Toques and 17 Points | ANUGA Chef of the year. Exclusive 5-courses Dinner

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

Join us every Sunday from 12pm-4pm for the new season Sunday Brunch Club & Pool Party featuring over 120 items including... Alaskan King Crab, Live Boston Lobster, French Oysters, Seafood On Ice, new features include Live Stations, Imported Meats, Carvery Selection, Japanese Kitchen, Tapas, Brazilian BBQ, Sumptuous Salad Bar, Delicious Desserts, Exotic Fruits, International Cheeses and new weekly selections of featured cuisines from around the world... Dream Member Price THB 1590++ Adult Brunch THB 1890 ++ Reservations, Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

MON

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

26 NOV

THU

29 NOV

favorite movie star. Buy tickets online until 31st Oct @ 2,900 baht. Tickets online until 30th Nov @ 3,600 baht. Tickets available on the door @ 3,900 baht. Music from JAMROXXX.

FRI

SAT

15 DEC

7 DEC

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

WED

28 NOV

Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show 2018 Thailand’s Biggest Boating Lifestyle & Leisure Show. Don’t miss it! Find out what the marine and lifestyle industries have on offer – sail, power, big and small, all are represented. See the latest gadgets and gizmos, revel in the delicious waterfront pop-up eateries, and take some time to relax with friends and family. Free to enter – Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, 29 November – 2 December 2018 at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya.

Opening Cocktail Reception ML. Tri Devakul Art You are cordially invited to the opening Cocktail Reception of ML. Tri Devakul Art Exhibition DISSOLUTION IN STEEL. Saturday 15 December 2018 at 18.30 pm. Reservations, Mom Tri’s WOK gallery kitchen, info@villaroyalephuket.com, 063 077 0994.

RETRO NIGHT – BACK TO THE 70s & 80s Sala Wednesday nights: Ribs, beats, brews Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finish it off with a bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews. Full Rack set B1,600, Half Rack set B1,200, bucket of craft brews B800. Reservations, SALA Phuket Resort and Spa. Email: events@sala phuket.com or call 076 338 888.

Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Flambé 300g Australian grass-fed rib eye steak served with a creamy peppercorn sauce, roasted vegetable medley and potato gratin for ONLY B495. Have a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanilla ice cream for ONLY B95.

Sit back and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen to the famous Two Chefs band performing all your favorite retro hits and more! Live music starts from 8pm and goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations. Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at www.TwoChefs. com or find us on Facebook at Facebook/TwoChefsThailand.

Come for the food, stay for the fun! Reservations: Call us directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076 330 065, Kata Beach 076 333 370, Karon 076 286 479 or Patong 076 344 914.

SAT

1 DEC

Christmas Market 7-8 December 2018 Music & Food & Fun. 7-8 December 2018 from 6.00 pm till 10.00 pm at Lagoon Quay. Phuket Boat Lagoon.

Christmas Market Date: 7th & 8th December 2018 from 6 pm. - 10 pm. events@ phuketboatlagoon.com 076 239 888 ext 318

Daily seafood at Sala Bua beachfront restaurant

The Lounge Rawai - Suckling Pig Our new restaurant with fantastic decor is open in Rawai. We open from 8am every morning, through to Midnight. Serving breakfast, lunch and evening meal. You can check out the website for the menu and pictures www.property-lounge.com Lunch from 99bht Pool tables, and live sports Lots of parking Wednesday this week (14th Nov), we have the suckling pig which is extremely popular (also 28th Nov and 12th Dec). One Baguette, lots of salads and all the trimmings 240B. Hope to see you there this week. 184/2 Moo 2 Soi Wat, Rawai, kay@ pare.com, 080 124 1245.

UWCT Christmas Fair The 3rd Living in Phuket Exhibition UFE Phuket, Trocadelyo Group and Bangkok Hospital are organising the third “Living in Phuket” exhibition on December 1st, 2018, to help Phuket’s expats connect with the services that will make their lives on the island easier. The event takes place in the King Carl Gustaf conference room of the Bangkok International Hospital in Phuket (1st floor), AND IT’S ABSOLUTELY FREE.

EVERY DAY

Spoil yourself with seafood set from noon – 10 pm every day! Come and crack open some crab legs, grilled mussels, peel some prawns, rock lobsters, sip some spicy tom yam soup and toast to your perfect night at this beachfront restaurant in Patong overlooking the sea (sunset) views. Start from THB 450. Reservations, Sala Bua Restaurant at Impia Resort Patong, patong@impiana.com, 076 340 138.

The UWCT 2018 Christmas Fair will have a hint of Elf magic this year following the UWCT Primary School Musical production of Elf Jr. With a Santa’s grotto, craft stalls, traditional (and non-traditional) food and drinks and activities for the whole family. As a vendor, the fair will provide a prime opportunity for pre-Christmas gift sales and great general brand exposure for your products or services. Kindly email rsvp@uwcthailand. ac.th for more information.

Futsal League 2018 18th Architect & Hotelex Construction Materials & Hotel Supplies Exhibition. All types of construction materials from floors to roof tiles. Hotel supplies and home decoration items. See the latest breakthroughs in construction technology, interior design and building maintenance. Learn how to design a smarthome for multi-million-dollar project IPTV, 4G Internet, IP Phone, Mobile phone, CCTV and other high-tech devices. PIC Phuket, 076 217199.

@thephuketnews

SKAL Phuket Annual Charity Dinner The Phuket Academy Awards on Saturday 1st December at Angsana Laguna Phuket. Come as your

Come and join us for some fast-paced and enjoyable Brazilian Futsal at British International School Phuket. Boys and girls aged 7 - 14 can join our sixweek league taking place indoors to ensure play even on rainy days. The cost for the league is 3,500 Baht and includes a Brazilian kit, medals and “player of the match” trophies! There are still a few places available.

To register, contact cruzeirosoccerschools@gmail. com

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. What was Buzz Aldrin’s mother’s maiden name?

2. English musician Anthony Ernest Pratt invented which board game?

3. Which is the longest suspension bridge in the world?

4. What is the state capital of California?

5. What does the online chat acronym ‘WEG’ stand for?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across 1. Bank 5. Italian city 10. Basilica part 14. “___ Brockovich” 15. Grooms partner 16. First light 17. Fishing, perhaps 18. Gofers 19. Loads from lodes 20. Cold cover-ups 23. “The Joy Luck Club” author 24. Add on 25. Ice sheet 26. Certain investment, for short 27. Biblical assent 28. N.L. player 31. Colorado river rider 33. Search for food 36. Between James and Jones 37. Summer runners?

40. Ailment symptom 42. Nocturnal mammals 43. Rocket ship’s supporting structure 46. OK at the OK Corral 47. Health ___ 50. Barley bristle

51. “My bad!”

54. Smidgens 56. Mamie’s man 57. Dry cleaning supports 60. “Blue” or “White” river 62. Recessed shoreline 63. Name in building toys 64. Coaster 65. Work, as dough 66. “... happily ___ after” 67. Apprentice 68. Mails 69. Paving stone

12. Oath taker 13. Tangle up 21. Record holder?

22. Air, land and ___ 29. Cremation vase 30. Can of worms?

32. Charges 33. Pedal pushers 34. Fed. construction overseer 35. Meteorologist James Pollard ___ 37. Subway constructor, perhaps 38. Get a move on 39. Stonecrop family Down plant 1. Ocean road 40. Adverse 2. Chemical war-fare 41. In a clumsly way gas 44. In a ___ 3. Canned sausage 45. Fox hunters cry 4. Related 47. Ship’s cargo spar maternally 5. Skier’s transport 48. Chimney plaster 49. Arrange by class 6. Type of acid 52. Horizontal 7. Free from 53. Evening hour 8. Perfect 9. Trojan War figure 55. Longing looks 58. Goes with 10. Ruckus shoulders 11. 18th century 59. Says more instrumental 61. A Nigerian pieces

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Moon; 2) Cluedo (Clue in the US); 3) Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in Japan (central span 1,991m; total length 3,911m); 4) Sacramento; 5) Wicked Evil Grin

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

1

This week in history Nov 23, 534 BC Thespis of Icaria becomes the first recorded actor to portray a character onstage.

solitary cracker that survived the sinking of the Titanic sold for nearly $23,000 in a 2015 auction.

Nov 24, 1974 Donald Johanson and Tom Gray discover the 40% complete Australopithecus afarensis skeleton, nicknamed “Lucy” (after The Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”), in the Awash Valley of Ethiopia.

18

Nov 25, 1984 Thirty-six top musicians gather in a Notting Hill studio and record Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ in order to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.

percent of drivers fleeing the Los Angeles Police manage to escape arrest.

400

dollars was the littering fine the Western Australian government issued Nasa in 1979 when pieces of Skylab fell on the region.

32,000

Nov 26, 1922 Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon become the first people to enter the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in over 3,000 years.

US dollars is the annual salary for a ‘Panda Nanny’ in China - a real job where you get to spend 365 days a year with panda babies.

Nov 27, 1895 At the Swedish–Norwegian Club in Paris, Alfred Nobel signs his last will and testament, setting aside his estate to establish the Nobel Prize after he dies.

3.7 billion people under age 50 worldwide are infected with the herpes virus.

Source: Uberfacts

Bathing in glory. Photo by Patricio Forci Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Nov 28, 1582 In Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway pay a £40 bond for their marriage licence.

Nov 29, 1972 Atari releases Pong, the first commercially successful video game.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Jobs

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JOBS Website operator

Female website operator capable of building a shopping site and driving traffic to the site via Google, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, blogs and other systems. Will work a flexible 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Fixed salary B20,000 + 5% commission on sales generated by the site. 20,000 + commission. Contact Ron via: Siam.serenity.th@gmail.com, 0874178715. @thephuketnews

SALES EXECUTIVE WANTED

Art House Co., Ltd is looking for Sales Executive for our real estate company. Thai Nationality with good English and communication. Please contact. Email: natcha@arthouse.asia 086 414 4559.

Villas Manager

Looking for villas manager for oceanfront properties in Ao Por * female 25-40 years old * fluent English speaking * outgoing personality * self motivated * Salary 25,000 THB + commission. Email: montha_phuket@yahoo. com Tel: 095 014 7888

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Boat Rinker 290

Rinker 290 with trailer Continental 2017, engine Volvo Penta, Under warranty includes all standard equipment, less then 100 hours used. More information in link: clc.la/07hDmA 3,990,000, +66-97-175-00-96.

Riviera sport fishing boat

Perfectly maintained and cared for, this boat is in excellent condition and will provide great enjoyment for the next owner. Powered by twin 660hp Caterpillar diesel engines and fitted with every conceivable optional extra including True Visions satellite connection through a 42” Smart TV, Raymarine navigation system, Dive Compressor, powerful stereo system and extensive fishing equipment. Selling to upgrade to a larger vessel. 9,000,000, Phuket Yacht Haven, sc@crone.net.au E RG

NT

S

E AL

Boat For Sale

72’(22m) Thai Trawler partially-converted as Tour Boat Business. Rebuilt from top to bottom 3 years ago (spent just over 1MB) including engine as was planned to use for a tour business, owner had to return to the UK unable to return (very ill son). Some weather damage and need some repairs. Engine has only done only 6 hours, has new 12 kua generator. Currently in Hua Hin. Viewing can be arranged. Must sell within the next few months. Offers over THB 500,000. Contact Shayne on 0934 189 529 or shayne.inbox@gmail.com U

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BUSINESS FOR SALE RARE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE UR

G

T EN

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2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

Working Shareholder req. for a unique 78,000km. Six-gear manual transmisPhuket Business Opp. USD$75,000 sion. Looks and feels like a new car, (12.50% Co. Shares). ZERO Debts/ treated like a baby by its single owner. Engine clean Leases/Loans etc. Low Overheads, Hi- as. Full set of new tyres. B500,000. Call 081 427 5168.

Margins, Hi-Vol. Sales (7 Day Sales).

FURNITURE Long est. comp. industry. 4-Us: ZERO COMPETITION …

ROI: Monthly Mngmt Fee. (Job Pymt 20-30hpw) + Monthly LE SA NEW LUXURY 2 unit Royalty Pymt. + Twice-Yrly. Co. Profits Dist. Genuine T EN G LEATHER SOFA + Rare business opp – serious enquiries only please. UR BOUGHT IN SB DESIGN SQUARE 2.5mTHB (USD$75,000), Phillip Frankston, PHUKET, PHUKET. LUXURY KELVIN GIORMANI MvJHKT@Gmail.com, +61 8001-6402 (Anytime).

SOFA. PERFECT, NEVER USED. PAID PRICE B67,500/ UNIT TOTAL B135,000 NOW B50,000/UNIT TOTAL CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE B100,000. W2.30m D1.65m H65-90cm. 0930914502.

Hyundai Veloster TURBO

Hyundai Veloster Turbo 39,000 km, Price from new 1,749,000THB, full service book, 4 original rims with tires, all options. Now just 850,000THB. m.arnskjold@gmail.com, 0836351440 ENG / 0843058363 TH

Amazing Deal!

2016 Toyota Vios Model E with only 35,000 Km on it. Is an automatic, with fog lights, windows are tinted already, has the plastic insert for the trunk, rubber floor mats for all seats, rain shields on all windows. Only driven locally in Phuket. It is kept in great condition and is available to view in Chalong.

Only 465,000 THB. Adam 091 016 1167.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20 year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! Andreas Ruthe, 22/5 Moo1 Kamala Kathu, office@tcm-asia.com, 086-9439834,076-385081.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Ducati Multistrada 2012

2012 Model Multistrada. Perfect condition. Only 23,000 kms. Faithfully maintained. Have panniers and 15 liter tank bag. Steve, ducphuket@gmail.com, 081-734-8309

28 CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE 1 Bed Condo in Laguna

Exquisite Property meets Luxury Area in the Heart of Phuket. Welcome to the Ocean Sands, an upcoming hotel development located close to the Laguna Area, one of Phuket’s most luxury and trending areas. Comprising a total of 213 keys ranging from our signature 1 Bedroom Deluxe Suite up to our well-appointed Family Suite, this exquisite property equipped with large swimming pools around central simulated beach and five-star standard facilities will become a new enjoyment for lifestyle living.

Invest with us and elevate your lifestyle, be a part of the Ocean Sands. phuket@thairesidential.com, 0872699206.

Hot sale! Pool villa Naiharn

SERVICES One to one and family therapy

Young Minds Phuket is now fully set up and is offering one to one therapy, family and parenting support and support to schools. www.youngmindsphuket.com 0992382783.

GE UR

NT

Inked Machine™ Tattoo

PROPERTY FOR SALE Lovely Pool Villa, Nai Harn

Prime location, 4 bedrooms, large garden and pool, 790sqm, Chanote title, double garage. Great family home or investment property. Motivated seller.Dean, dmuir@exotiq.com, 0857932667. Price : 13,500,000

Good morning to all of you. Today I present the “ Machine Tattoo". This tattoo shop is located PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m.

PASAK LAND in Patong. When you are at the roundabout 3.9MB 510 sq.m.

Chanote of Patong Beach, take a right and walk the beach. After Chanote Private location in prestige area.

300 meters, you will find the Inked Machine Tattoo on your Outstanding Value.

Call owner (Alan): 084 0657590. right at the entrance of the self ‘mor watthana’ (Watthana Clinic Soi’). You will be made very welcome and enjoy the Dream Village Phuket house cleanliness of the place (everything is new), but above all 2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living the quality of the tattoos that are made; traditional bamboo + veranda, compl. renovated.: new or machine (Demographer) – all your tattoo ideas will be water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built satisfied. A team of several professional tattoo artists are in kitchen. 0870608400 engl/german picharly@gmail. waiting for you, the atmosphere is very nice and you will com, 66870608400. have a good time getting tattooed while listening to music.

Villa Mission Heights big Pool On Site you can buy T-shirts and other products in the 3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm image of the shop. The prices are very correct so do not land, very quite aera, 2 km mission hill golf, hesitate to visit the site to make a beautiful tattoo during your stay on the island of Phuket. For more information and 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 details, I invite you to contact them and they will answer engl/german picharly@gmail.com, 0870608400.

E AL all your questions. I sincerely recommend it. Facebook : TS House for sale N @InkedMachine.PhuketTattooStudio Instagram : Inked_ RGE Detach single story home, 1 Rai of land, 4 U Machine_Tattoo Soi Mor Watthana Tambon Patong, Amphoe bedrooms 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens 1 living Kathu Chang Wat Phuket 83150. room, 2 cars parking space with garden and swimming pool. Sunny, 25/11 Soi Salika, Moo 2, Viset Road.

Property Phuket Law 082 377 5555.

Properties hot deal for sell & buy, E legal Advisor & Litigation Nationwide, AL TS VILLA OPEN HOUSE Oct 19 Nov 2 N accounting, visa, work permit, 083 599 RGE RE/MAX EP - Luxury Pool Villa - 5BR U 4514, 087 014 9736,095 325 5654.

Spacious Open Design Quiet Secure Large Kitchen Guest Entertainment Land 1.5rai - Call for details!

PROPERTY FOR SALE 27,000,000, Suchana or John, 90/24 Moo 6, Wiset Rd, Rawai, 83130 Promthep Residence, johncampos@ Beach Front Land * 128 meter of white sand beach frontage remax.co.th, 0956415693 or 0634413481. * amazing views * 9 Rai , Secure Nor Sor 3 Kor tittle * located on Koh Yao Yai * 20 minutes boat drive from Phuket * public road with water and electricity * ideal for high-end development * ready to build * sale direct by owner *ONLY 11.9 Mill. Baht / Rai Email : montha_phuket@yahoo.com Tel: 095 014 7888.

Loch Palm Golf Villa

2 bedrooms - full furniture - hole no 17 - Includes 2 golf bags, 2 bicycles, an exercise machine and golf membership until 21/02/2040. 11.2 Million Baht, philippe andre, Loch Palm Golf Club, philippediavel@gmail.com, 098 682 9069

A lovely fully furnished pool villa in a secured estate in Naiharn, 5 minutes drive to Naiharn beach and 10 minutes drive to Kata. Freehold.

455 sqm of land. Sold fully furnished and equipped (solid teak furniture and high quality equipment). phukethomecareservice@gmail.com, 0638394973.

PENTHOUSE

Stunning ocean & sunset views over Patong bay-2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms fully furnished with car park & pool 121sqm+.

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Unique investment opportunity not to be missed: 5 pool villas, big land, large entertaiment areas, parking garages and private gates. More info www.thegardenkptphuket.com www. thegardenkptphuket.com

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT

ENDLESS POTENTIAL

12.5 rai walled w/ auto gate, water pound & transformer.

4200m2 slab, 9 Bed, 11 Bath, swim pool, ideal for school, detox, sport center 300,000 baht per month. lionel01@hotmail.com (66) 081 821 4064.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

SPORT 29

In search of final win Valtteri Bottas hoping to end season with victory in Abu Dhabi BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

T

he Yas Marina Circuit was the scene of the Finn’s third victory last season, his first campaign with Mercedes, but in 2018 he’s the only driver at a top-three team yet to stand atop the podium in a year teammate Lewis Hamilton has romped to his fifth world championship.

Worse still, Bottas languishes fourth in the drivers standings, 14 points behind Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen and just three points ahead of Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, putting him at risk of what would be a demoralising further step backwards in his sophomore season in race-winning machinery.

But the Finn would fairly point to the fact his lowly position on the championship table belies several strong performances. For example, had it not been for a cruel run

Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas. Photo: AFP Combined with Hamilton’s resurgence at the beginning of the European season, it was enough to send the confidence-sensitive driver into a midseason form slump that effectively ended his championship campaign by

of luck in Bahrain, China, and Azerbaijan, where strategy, a safety car and a puncture robbed him of three near certain victories, he would have led the championship after four rounds rather than trail by 30 points.

CRUZEIRO FUTSAL LEAGUE The U9/11 teams played well in their 3rd round and semi-finals. Their semi-finals ended in penalty shoot-outs for Cruzeiro and Corinthians. The final will be held on the December 2.

The U13/15 teams semi-finals and finals also ended with penalties too. It was a very exciting atmosphere with players spurring each other on. The results were very close with Cruzeiro coming in 4th, Flamengo 3rd, Corinthians 2nd and Palmeiras in 1st place.

Please check out our photos on our Facebook page: Cruzeiro Soccer Schools Phuket

U9/11 SCORES Cruzeiro

1–2

Corinthians

Flamengo

4–2

Palmeiras

Team

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W

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GD

Pts

Corinthians

3

3

0

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13

6

6

7

Flamengo

3

2

1

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13

9

2

6

Palmeiras

3

1

2

0

6

10

-4

3

Cruzeiro

3

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3

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5

10

-5

0

SEMI-FINALS Cruzeiro

5–4

Corinthians

Flamengo

4–2

Palmeiras

U13/15 SEMI-FINAL Corinthians

6–5

Cruzeiro

Flamengo

3–7

Palmeiras

FINAL Palmeiras

2–1

Corinthians

3RD / 4TH PLAY-OFF Cruzeiro

3–4

Flamengo

PLAYERS OF THE MATCH

U9/11 WINNERS

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U13/15 WINNERS

PALMEIRAS

the midseason break.

“He had a very strong start of the season,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff acknowledged.

“From then on it kind of went away for him.

“He kept his strength through these difficult days

and he’s going through the pain that is one day going to make him happy.”

Aiming for those happier days, Bottas is focussing on the positives of the season to date as he seeks to close the performance gap to Hamilton.

“I think performancewise every race this season I’ve been able to perform better than last year, and that’s what I try to continue to keep doing with this team all the time,” he said. “My goal is for sure to try and be stronger. One day things will come together.”

But the clock is ticking for the Finn. Even if he has shown improvement across his two seasons with Mercedes, it hasn’t been enough to warrant more than another single-year contract extension for 2019, albeit with the team holding an option for 2020.

It puts Bottas in direct competition with Mercedes protégé Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman will be muscled out of his Mercedes-powered Force India car at the end of the season by Lance

Stroll, and he’s tipped to take up a reserve role with the Mercedes works team after paddock politicking has left him unlikely to secure a seat elsewhere.

The 2019 season is therefore shaping up as a careerdefining one for Bottas, for whom another unspectacular year could spell the end of his Mercedes tenure in favour of the highly rated Ocon.

“The team knows what I’m capable of,” Bottas is quoted

by Autosport as responding.

“They know what I will be capable of in the future if I keep developing at this rate.

“I am very keen to be better next year and hopefully that will bring those results.

“I k now that if I can achieve my goals, then there is not going to be any speculation next year.”

There’s no time to waste for the Finn — his campaign for 2020 contract has already started, and victory at this weekend in Abu Dhabi will be the first step to securing his long-term future at the head of the Formula One field.

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

‘Toy’ reprises winning story

Phuket student secures place in Faldo Series Asia Grand Final GOLF

Faldo Series Thailand Championship – South, leading final scores Boys’ Under-21/Under-18

The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

135 – Napat Paramacharoenroj (67-68)

I

t’s not only in Hollywood where a new Toy Story is in the making. Faldo Series Asia stalwart Napat ‘Toy’ Paramacharoenroj is also embarking on an exciting new adventure.

Faldo Series Asian Grand Final champion in 2017, the 17-year-old British International School, Phuket (BISP) student scored a runaway victory in the third edition of the Faldo Series Thailand Championship – South.

In so doing he guaranteed himself a starting spot in the 13th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Laguna Lăng Cô in the Central Vietnamese city of Danang in March, 2019 – three months before the fourth instalment in the Toy Story movie series hits the big screen.

“Thank you to the Faldo Series for all the opportunities it has given me,” said Napat, who will be bidding to become

149 – Conor Kelly (71-78) 150 – Nathan Tan En Quan (74-76) 157 – Benjamin Yap (79-78)

Faldo South

Boys’ Under-16 143 – Tanakrit Rattandilok (72-71) 146 – Sebastian Sawtell (72-74)

Boys’ 135 – 149 – 150 – 157 –

148 – Min Than Lwin Aung (73-75) 155 – Kaung Myat Kyaw (75-80) 156 – Chutimant Arunmala (78-78)

Boys’ Under-12 158 – Damon Kim Dong-wook (80-78) 161 – Rattanabodin Tassaneettipagorn (80-81) 167 – Yanakorn Thanangpol (88-79)

Girl’s Under-16 143 – Nilubol Panno (72-71) 144 – Panchalika Arpamongkol (71-73)

Napat ‘Toy’ Paramacharoenroj. Photo: Supplied only the third two-time winner in the event’s history.

“I love the course at Laguna Lăng Cô and I’m looking forward to returning,” added Napat, after signing for rounds of 67 and 68 at Laguna Golf Phuket in the eighth leg of the 2018-19 Faldo Series Asia season.

With a 36-hole total of

seven-under-par 135 in the event that was held in conjunction with the Laguna Junior Open and staged in partnership with BISP, Napat finished eight strokes clear of his closest challengers.

Among many highlights was an eagle-three at the long 11th hole in round two, where he struck a five-iron approach to

20 feet and snared the putt.

It was his second success in the Faldo Series Thailand Championship – South, having claimed the inaugural title in 2016. Last year he was edged out by fellow BISP students Vanchai ‘Mark’ Luangnitikul.

While Napat was a runaway winner, there were close contests in other age group categories.

Tanak r it Rat t andilok topped the standings among the Boys’ Under-16. His 143 aggregate was three ahead of Laguna Golf Phuket club champion Sebastian Sawtell and five in front of Min Than Lwin Aung, one of a fivestrong Myanmar contingent in the field.

Meanwhile, Nilubol Panno produced a stirring comeback on the final nine holes to edge out Panchalika Arpamongkol in the Girls’ Under-16 section.

Trailing Panchalika by two strokes after 27 holes, Nilubol covered the final-nine in evenpar 36 while her rival bogeyed 16 and 18 for an inward 39.

There was also late drama

158 – Pernika Arpamongkol (77-81).

in the race for the last spot on offer at the Grand Final, the runner-up in the combined Boys’ Under-21/Under-18 segment.

Bangkok-based Conor Kelly held a three-shot lead from Singapore’s Nathan Tan En Quan after 18 holes but then found himself trailing by two shots with five holes remaining.

Digging deep, Kelly covered the closing stretch in twounder while Tan, runner-up in the Boys’ Under-21 category at the 12th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, was one-over.

Agonisingly, he lipped out with a six-foot par putt at the last that would have secured him runner-up position on a countback.

The tournament was also notable for the introduction of a grassroots category for children under the age of 12, with Damon Kim Dong-wook taking top honours.

The 2018-19 Faldo Series Asia season is supported by The R&A and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia

Pacific Golf Confederation.

The International Junior Golf Academy is a partner of the Faldo Series.

As well as two events in China, India and Thailand, championships are being staged in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, ChineseTaipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.

Recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006.

Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past champions include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, both multiple Major winners, while Thidapa Suwannapura (2010 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final Girls’ champion) and Nasa Hataoka (2016 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final Girls’ champion) have both won on the LPGA Tour this year.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1712: Saturday Nov 24 Run Start Time: 3:30pn Hares: Gorgeous You W****r, Lucky Lek, Fungus Location: Chao Fah West Rd - Klong Krata Reservoir Directions: If coming from Chalong Circle, take Chao Fah West Rd and follow for 3.4 kilometres until the yellow CAPTAIN paint store turn left (HHH) towards the temple and dam. Follow HHH) signs HHH around to the back of the reservoir and up onto the hill to the laager HHH. Some parking is available in the laager area for small cars (mind the gate posts), others must park to one side along the approach road.

From Central Festival, take Chao Fa West RD towards Chalong Circle and after 800 meters passed the TOT traffic lights, turn right HHH at the yellow CAPTAIN paint store. Follow as above.

Bus pick-up: Kamala – 2pm Patong – 2:30pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

thephuketnews

Boys’ 143 – 146 – 148 – 155 – 156 –

Boys’ 158 – 161 – 167 –

Girl’s 143 – 144 – 158 –

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM MAIN SPONSOR

MONTHLY SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a two-bedroom private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 90-minute spa treatment for two persons at Baba Beach Club Phuket. Total prize value: B130,000 The monthly competition winner for November 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to be used on food, beverage and/or fishing at the Chalong Fishing Park.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

Ajax Amsterdam 14 LateStart 14 stafsulaiman 14 Marisa S 13 phils64 13

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Smiley Bar 75 stafsulaiman 75 giggs 73 fazza 72 Pugwash 72

English Premier League 2018 - 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri. Photo: AFP

Ranieri confident of pulling Fulham up PREMIER LEAGE AFP

C

laudio Ranieri said last Friday (Nov 16) that he was confident that he can drag rock bottom Fulham out of relegation danger after taking over at the newly-promoted Premier League side this week.

Ranieri, the manager behind Leicester’s incredible 2016 league title win, took over from sacked Slavisa Jokanovic last Wednesday (Nov 14) after his Serb predecessor only managed one win in 12 matches in his debut season as a coach in England’s top flight.

Fulham have lost nine times on their way to gaining just $114 million (B3.92 billion) of summer signings after

@thephuketnews

winning promotion from the Championship last season.

“When I watched some matches I said this team has enough quality to be safe ...

I need fighting spirit,” said Ranieri to reporters on Friday.

The Italian wants to combine that talent – owner Shahid Khan splashed out on Jean Michael Seri, Andre Schuerrle, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Alfie Mawson – with the grit that saw his Leicester team overcome all the odds two years ago.

“Quality with fighting spirit we can do a good job. If there is only quality, without organisation, defensive tactics, it's difficult to help the players to maintain the clean sheet,” added Ranieri.

“Now for me it’s important to put in the brain of my

players this philosophy. Play football, play well, but when you lose the ball I want to see you with an anchor, like pirates.”

Ranieri returns to England as a coach for the first time since being sacked by Leicester in February 2017 after a disastrous title defence.

He was in Leicester last weekend to pay his respects to Foxes owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and the four others killed in a helicopter crash last month.

However Ranieri played down suggestions of creating another miracle by winning the title with Fulham.

“Forget what happened yesterday, that was a bonus. A fairytale I forget,” the 67-yearold said of his and Leicester’s first-ever league title win.

“Now it’s important, don’t think about the miracle. It’s important there will be a lot of battles and it’s important to be ready together.”

Asked whether he would reward his Fulham players with pizza when they kept clean sheets like he did at Leicester, Ranieri joked: “Pizza is not enough now. Better everybody to McDonald’s.”

He will face two of his former clubs in his first three games, with the December 2 trip to Chelsea followed by what will be an emotional return to Leicester three days later.

He said: “I think only of Southampton. In this moment it’s important. Don’t think about other things, Southampton, Southampton. And then after Southampton, Chelsea.”

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Manchester City Liverpool Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur Arsenal Bournemouth Watford Manchester United Everton Leicester City Wolverhampton Brighton West Ham United Newcastle United Burnley Crystal Palace Southampton Cardiff City Huddersfield Town Fulham

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

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2 3 4 0 3 2 2 2 4 2 4 2 3 3 3 2 5 2 4 2

0 0 0 3 2 4 4 4 3 5 4 6 6 7 7 8 6 8 7 9

36 23 27 20 26 21 17 20 19 17 12 13 14 9 12 8 8 11 6 11

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+31 +18 +19 +10 +11 +5 +3 -1 +4 +1 -1 -5 -4 -6 -13 -9 -13 -14 -16 -20

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Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT

START STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday 23rd Nov Cricket

11:30

19:30 Test Match 3 - Colombo

Sri Lanka v. England, Day 1

Saturday 24th Nov Rugby Union

Soccer Soccer

21:30

23:30

Autumn Internationals

Italy v. New Zealand

21:30

23:30

Autumn Internationals

Scotland v. Argentina

22:00

00:00

Autumn Internationals

England v. Australia

00:00

02:00

Autumn Internationals

Wales v. South Africa

01:30

03:30

Autumn Internationals

Ireland v. USA

22:00

00:00

EPL

Man United v. Crystal Palace

00:30

02:30

EPL

Tottenham v. Chelsea

22:00

00:00

EPL

Watford v. Liverpool

22:00

00:00

EPL

West Ham v. Man City

21:20

Formula 1

Motor Racing 19:45 Cricket

11:30

Qualifying, Abu Dhabi

19:30 Test Match 3 - Colombo

Sri Lanka v. England, Day 2

19:30 Test Match 3 - Colombo

Sri Lanka v. England, Day 3

Sunday 25th Nov Cricket

11:30

Rugby Union 15:00

17:00

Autumn Internationals

France v. Fiji (rpt)

Soccer

20:30

22:30

EPL

Bournemouth v. Arsenal

Soccer

23:00

01:00

EPL

Wolves v. Huddersfield

Motor Racing 19:00

19:45

Formula 1

Raceday, Yas Marina

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018

Claudio confident in pulling Fulham out of mire > p31

SPEEDY SWEDE

Sweden’s Fredrik Croneborg win at 25th Laguna Phuket Triathlon TRIATHLON

The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

L

ast Sunday (Nov 18), Sweden’s Fredrik Croneborg, finished first and gave Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT) the event’s first Swede champion in its 25-year history.

In 02:21:39 hours, Croneborg claimed his title less than two minutes before his toughest contender Bart Aernouts (Belgium), who recently placed second on the podium at the World Championship in Kona.

Following in third was Per Van Vlerken of Germany, timed 02:24:02.

Also racing with bib number 1 to honour his four-time LPT title was Massimo Cigana of Italy who came in fourth at 02:27:00 as the crowd cheered on a field of more than 1,000 triathletes, represented 50 countries in the unique destination distance of 1.km swim, 50km bike and 12km run, with US$20,000 (B659,620) prize purse.

In the women’s field, world champion and LPT first-timer, Annabel Luxford from Australia finished first, in 02:39:50. Following Luxford in second was fellow Australian Dimity Lee-Duke (02:42:08) who then saw her follower, Hungary’s Anna Eberhardt in third, timed 02:46:21.

The race’s transition area was located at Laguna Grove in the heart of destination resort, Laguna Phuket. The race start on the resort’s beachfront was comfortable with mild weather and small waves of

the Andaman Sea. The bike and run courses became challenging when the Phuket heat kicked in.

“I was second on the podium before at LPT, so it feels really good to win today,” said Croneborg who has been training in Phuket for years, “I know every corner of the race course and it really helped to have been familiar with the bike course on which I had to push hard today.

I had a good swim leg and tried to keep the other guys away on the run course,” he said, concluding the day’s performance with his signature big smile.

Wowing the Thai crowd were defending champions in the men’s and women’s fields; Jaray Jearanai was once again the first Thai finisher (in 02:34:26), breaking his own record from last year and claiming his eighth consecutive LPT win (since 2011), and Nichakarn Ruttanaporn, in 03:11:58.

In the ‘25 For 25 Sprint’ category, newly launched this year with the race distance of 25K (swim 0.5km, bike 18.5km and run 6km combined) to celebrate LPT’s 25th anniversary, Phuket-based British; Oliver Trott (in 01:02:21) and Sam Mcinnes (01:12:11) finished first in male and female categories.

The race last Sunday followed LPT Charity Fun Run, hosted last Saturday (Nov 17) and participated by 1,500 runners in the 2km Kids, 5km and 10km categories. LPT Charity Fun Run raised B250,000 for Children First Fund in support of seven orphanages in Phuket, housing more than 400 children.

Fredrik Croneborg (Sweden) celebrated his victory that made LPT history. Photo: Supplied

Results Men

Swim

Bike

Run

Overall

1

Fredrik Croneborg (SWE)

00:24:24

01:08:52

00:46:09

02:21:39

2

Bart Aernouts (BEL)

00:26:45

01:10:36

00:43:36

02:23:28

3

Per van Vlerken (DEU)

00:24:28

01:10:46

00:46:37

02:24:02

4

Massimo Cigana (ITA)

00:28:29

01:11:58

00:44:23

02:27:00

5

Stuart Hayes (GBR)

0:24:22

01:16:09

00:48:24

02:31:04

Swim

Bike

Run

Overall

Women 1

Annabel Luxford (AUS)

00:25:28

01:22:09

00:49:43

02:39:50

2

Dimity Lee-Duke (AUS)

00:29:47

01:19:13

00:50:25

02:42:08

3

Anna Eberhardt (HUN)

00:32:36

01:21:03

00:50:06

02:46:21

4

Sylvia Gehnboeck (AUT)

00:31:05

01:19:44

00:57:38

02:51:07

5

Beate Goertz (DEU)

00:34:09

01:22:03

00:54:39

02:53:59

‘25 For 25 Sprint’

Swim

Bike

Run

Overall

1 (Male)

Oliver Trott (GBR)

00:07:30

00:30:23

00:22:21

01:02:21

1 (Female)

Sam Mcinnes (GBR)

00:25:15

01:19:21

00:47:53

01:12:11

Participants get underway at the start of the LPT pro-event last Sunday. Photo: Supplied LPT Charity Fun Run 1

Chun Kit Tsang (HKG)

00:36:53.7

2

Justin Granger (AUS)

00:38:07.7

3

Nick Bensley (AUS)

00:38:20.2

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