24-03-2017

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FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

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Dive company faces action for coral damage

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LIFE

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Conjuring up a national award

A worker tidies up cables strung up to a power pole. The mess of communications cables hanging along the streets throughout the country have become a national eyesore. Photo: PEA

BANGKOK ORDER LEVELS DEADLINE TO CLEAR CABLE MESS FROM STREETS OF PATONG

Premkamon Ketsara & Rapipan Suksawat thaiassist@classactmedia.co.th

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ommunication companies have been ordered to clean up their act and remove any unnecessary cables from the utility poles that line the streets in Phuket before the national electricity authority does it for them.

The message was delivered to representatives from companies including AIS, DTAC, CAT, True and 3BB at a

meeting in Patong on Monday (Mar 20), when they were told that the order was issued by the Ministry of Interior in Bangkok on March 9.

The order specified that Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) offices, which collectively own all the power poles that the standard ugly mess of communications cables hang from, and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC), which regulates communications companies, ensure the national

eyesore is soon a thing of the past.

The Bangkok order called for the cable clean-up across the country, but identified 12 areas in particular – including Phuket – that need immediate attention. For Phuket alone, the order specified that the first street to be cleared of messy cables be all 1.2 kilometres of Sai Nam Yen Rd in Patong to be done before the end of this year.

“Untidy cables are a national problem,” said Suparp Kasiwong, Director

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews

of Engineering and Service Department at the PEA Area 2 (Southern Thailand) office based in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, who chaired the meeting on Monday.

“All foreigners who have visited Thailand also talk about this mess.

Attempts to solve this problem were launched in 2012, but were unsuccessful,” he added.

But for Patong PEA office chief Watcharin Prapha, the move to clean up the cables is just the beginning...

SPORT

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Transport boss expounds B71bn splurge on traffic woes > page 4

Most wanted Gunman in tuk-tuk boss slaying on ‘hit list’ The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

The driver of the vehicle, Kateryna Mizerniuk, 26, has been charged with reckless driving. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Ukrainian woman faces reckless driving charge THE UKRAINIAN woman involved in a road accident last week that saw the roof of the vehicle she was driving ripped off is to be charged with reckless driving, police have confirmed.

Phuket rescue workers were informed of an accident opposite the Bangchak gasoline station on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd in Kathu last Thursday afternoon (Mar 16) where it was reported an out of control car had crashed into a motorbike and car.

The rescue team arrived at the scene to find a Songkhla-registered black Toyota Vios with its roof totally ripped off and a woman still inside.

Speaking to The Phuket News on Monday (Mar 20), Capt Sawanya Eiattrong of

the Kathu Police said, “The Ukrainian woman involved in last week’s accident, Kateryna Mizerniuk, 26, is now in a safe condition at Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

However, I can confirm that she is to be charged with reckless driving.

“She has told us that she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a motorbike and car which were parked at the side of the road.

“Staff from Vachira Phuket Hospital said there was no alcohol in her blood when they conducted a test,” he said.

“Ms Kater y na will be fined between B400B1,000 or jailed for no more than one month, or both,” Capt Sawanya added.

Rapipan Suksawat

olice in Phuket have added Porjet “Po” Sukwanli, the alleged hitman and the last remaining suspect wanted for the slaying of Patong Tuk-Tuk Club President Sakol Srisompotch last year, to the Royal Thai Police list of most-wanted gunmen.

Mr Sakol, 58, died in a hail of gunfire as he sat in the cab of his tuk-tuk in front of the Phuket Villa housing complex on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd in Kathu on Oct 25 last year. Police reported that his assailants rode up on a motorbike just before 3am and opened fire.

Mr Sakol died at the scene.

Kathu Police Chief Col ML Pattanajak Jakkapan told The Phuket News on Wednesday (Mar 22), “We have very few details about Porjet, but the warrant for his arrest and his photo has been ‘spread around the country’ (sic) and he has been added to the national list of mostwanted gunmen.

“This will make it easier for police to arrest him,” Col ML Pattanajak added.

Police do know that Porjet is from Sikao District in Trang, south of Phuket, and his Thai ID card number.

“If police or any official enters his ID card number into the national database, they will know that we want this man,” Kathu Police Deputy Chief Col Chalermchai Hernsawat said.

MAIN PHOTO: Col Chalermchai Hernsawat, Deputy Chief of the Kathu Police. INSET: The arrest warrant for Porjet Sukwanli.

Under the warrant, Porjet is described as 36 years old, 160cm tall, 55kg in weight.

His skin is dark red. He has a prominent nose and short chin, and colour tattoos on both arms, and he speaks with a Southern Thai accent.

Porjet’s victim, Mr Sakol, was the President of the Patong Tuk-Tuk Club. His rival, Wattana “Dam” Nawakeaw, 38, who heads the “KT Tuk Tuk – Taxi Service” group now faces charges of conspiracy to murder Mr Sakol.

Wattana, along with 20 other drivers in his “group”, were operating in the same area of Patong where Mr Sakol operated. His arrest came quickly, and after police discovered a diary kept by Mr Sakol.

The hunt for Porjet follows a chain of arrests, including a 17-year-old male who police named only as “Thong” who was arrested the same day as Wattana, and by Nov 3 last year police had a third suspect in custody, who they declined to name.

By mid-November police had arrested the alleged driver in the attack, a 28-year-old man they declined to name who was taken into custody in Pai, Northern Thailand, and a month later suspect Ekkarat Ponprasit, 25, surrendered at Kathu Police Station.

With his name added to the list of most-wanted gunmen, Porjet joins the ranks of Samran Seemet and Viriyo Jaunon, both wanted for gun murders in Phuket.

Samran is wanted for shooting dead Canadian Francis Alex Degioanni on Nanai Rd, Patong, in 2009.

He remains the only suspect at large in the contract killing, hired by Singaporean national Go Li Fun, 32, who confessed she had Mr Degioanni killed after he refused to pay back millions of baht in personal loans.

The Singaporean, who used the name “Diana”, after her arrest in 2014 told police she paid four men from Petchaburi B1.5mn to carry out the murder.

At the time of his death, Mr Degioanni, who sold condominiums in Phuket, was involved in a court case, having allegedly been cheated out of B20mn in a real estate scam.

Campaign launched to clear cable tangles from Patong streets Continued from page 1 ...“We will also tidy up the cables along both sides of Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd for 1.2km, including the section that passes in front of the Jungceylon shopping mall, before the end of the year,” he told The Phuket News this week.

“This is now an annual project – and we will tidy up the cables along sections of major roads bit by bit each year,” he added.

However, communications companies will be given time to tidy up the ugly bundles along the

streets, Mr Watcharin explained.

“This will take time as we must give the companies enough time to tidy up their own cables without disrupting service to their customers, and we cannot get the budget to do all of Patong as one project, so we must apply for the budget for each section as we do them,” he said.

Mr Watcharin also clarified that the current push to tidy up the cables was unrelated to the Bill Gates complaint in July last year that instantly spurred a B51-billion

budget to tidy up the streets of Bangkok – with nothing for Phuket.

“This has nothing to do with that. That one is for Bangkok only,” he said.

However, the next big push is to bury all the unsightly cables – including power mains supply – underground along the Patong beachfront, Mr Watcharin revealed.

“We have already received applications from contractors for the B220mn government tender, but the PEA main office in Bangkok has yet to select which contractor

will carry out the work,” he said.

“The date when the project is to begin has also yet to be determined, that also will be decided

by Bangkok PEA because this is a such a major project, but we expect to have the contract signed by the end of June,” Mr Watcharin explained.

When the power cables along the beachfront are buried, the messy tangles of communications cables will also disappear, he assured “Yes, they must go too,” he said.

Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup (left) reviews ugly tangles of cables on the streets of Patong.

Photo: Patong Municipality thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Dive tour company faces prosecution over guide Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Depar tment Of Marine And Coastal Resources (DMCR) have started the ball rolling to prosecute a tour company whose guide was caught on camera last week allegedly breaking off pieces off coral and using it to smash a sea urchin while diving with a group of Chinese tourists.

The DMCR were made aware of the incident from a post on the Facebook page of Asst Prof Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine biology lecturer at Kasetsart University in Bangkok and a marine conservation adviser to the government.

Asst Prof Thon’s Facebook page is currently followed by just under 81,000 users.

A notice published on the DMCR website last Thursday (Mar 16) stated that the tour guide was from Nonthasak Marine and officials were in the process of going to question him about his actions.

Speaking to broadcaster Thai PBS, DMCR Director-

The photos show a tour guide breaking off a piece of coral from a reef and using it to smash a sea urchin. Photo: Maxmillion General Suthilak Rawiwan said, “We are fully aware of this incident and can confirm that it is against the Protected Wildlife Act. Our officials have all the required information and evidence we need to prosecute those involved.

“The area where this incident occurred, Koh Hae (Coral Island ), has already

been badly affected by tourism and it is now getting worse.

“In fact, the problems at Koh Hae are now at a critical level,” she said.

“The DMCR now has a plan to use the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Promotion Act, B.E. 2558 to control tourism in the area and reduce any further

Police hunt ‘back pocket’ gold thief POLICE I N PH U K ET are on the lookout for a woman who has twice entered gold shops on the island on the pretence of buying a necklace, and walking out of each shop with more than B20,000 in stolen gold tucked into her back pocket.

Wanted notices were issued on Monday (Mar 20), said Maj Thanasak Sawangsri of the Wichit Police, after officers were informed that the woman had stolen her second gold booty from the Muang Thong branch of Yongdee Gold Shop on Pattana Thongtin Rd last Saturday.

“CCTV footage shows the woman with a black shirt and denim shorts entering the shop at 9am,” Maj Thanasak explained.

“She told staff that she wanted to buy a necklace.

The staff placed a tray of necklaces in front of her and when the staff weren’t looking she stuffed one necklace (valued at over B20,000) into her back pocket then quickly walked out of the shop,” he said.

Staff learned that the woman had taken the neck@thephuketnews

The woman sneakily stuffed a B20,000 necklace into her back pocket and walked out of the shop, said police. Image: CCTV lace only after reviewing the shop’s CCTV footage that evening, he added.

“The woman is believed to have left in a white-andblack Mazda 3 bearing license plates from Nakhon Sri Thammarat,” said Maj Thanasak.

“I tracked down the owner of the car, but that person isn’t the woman we’re looking for, and the owner of car said they had no idea who the suspect was,” he said.

After alerting other police about the theft, Maj Thanasak said his officers learned that the same woman was wanted for the same style theft of yet another necklace valued at about B20,000 from a gold shop in Phuket Town last Friday (Mar 17).

“We don’t know her name yet, all we have is her photo, but we are looking for her now,” Maj Thanasak assured.

Eakkapop Thongtub

risk of damage to the marine environment,” she added.

Nonthasak Marine Manager Karn Therdmaefaluang told The Phuket News, “I was very surprised when I learned about this incident from other media.

“However, I would like to say that this diver is freelance and he is still young. He has told me that he is very upset by this incident,” he said.

“The truth is that the guide didn’t break the sea urchin at all. He told me that he saw the sea urchin and picked it up but it was already broken. He said that he picked up a small piece of coral to check the urchin and to show the tourists that it is dangerous to touch them.

“As he was showing all this to the tourists someone else took photos of him and this has caused a lot of misunderstanding,” he added.

“Nonthasak Marine holds a seminar every month to remind our guides about marine conservative because it is important for their jobs.

Our guides have no reason to destroy marine animals or the marine environment.”

PHUKET NEWS

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Flash floods cut off roads, fell power lines HEAVY RAIN ACROSS the island Monday afternoon (Mar 20) cut off several roads and downed power lines, causing power outages across large areas of Phuket.

A one hour-long downpour in central Phuket brought down power poles along Srisoonthorn Rd at about 4pm, causing traffic delays and power blackouts to Baan Manik, Cherng Talay and Kamala, on Phuket’s west coast, while workers carried out repairs.

“At least four toppled power poles reached the ground, with many more leaning dangerously over while still carrying live current,” said Boontham Jaroenphong, chief of the Provincial Electricity Authority office in Thalang.

“We shut down the supply to that section as soon as possible, but arranged for a different temporary supply for residents in Baan Manik and nearby areas,” he added.

A team of cranes were called in to raise the leaning power poles while workers repacked the earth around their bases.

Heavy rain across Phuket cut off several roads and downed power lines, causing power outages across northwest Phuket.

“Three new power poles were installed to replace poles that had snapped,” Mr Boontham explained.

The PEA Thalang office reported at about midnight that normal power supply to the area had been restored.

As is now usual with f lash downpours in the area, the section of Thepkrasattri Rd in front of the Thai Watsadu building supplies store in Thalang flooded, this time up to 50 centimetres deep.

Srisoonthorn Disaster Prevention and Mitigation officials arrived to clear the drains, and an hour later after the rain slowed, the water level fell and traffic flow was soon back to normal.

Eakkapop Thongtub

NEED UPDATE 4

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast

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POLICE SAY THEY HAVE yet to ascertain whether or not the driver a “flying” Honda CRV sedan that came crashing down on a three-wheeled motorbike in Koh Kaew last Sunday morning was drunk driving.

The driver, named by police as 37-year-old Prawit Prakanpai, and his two passengers were returning home from a staff party last Saturday night when the car mounted a curb in front of the PTT petrol station north of the Bang Khu Underpass site on Thepkrasattri Rd. The car launched into the air and landed on the motorbike while pining itself between a power pole and a street light.

All three in the car were rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

The Phuket News

B71bn splashed on ‘mega-project’ remedies The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

hailand’s Transport Minister Lt Gen Arkhom Termpittayapaisith this week branded Phuket’s public transport problems as “critical” and promised that B71 billion was being spent on resolving the island’s stifling traffic woes.

“We well know that public transportation issues have left Phuket in a critical situation, and this includes all issues, including those at Phuket International Airport,” Gen Arkhom told a meeting of Phuket officials at Phuket Boat Lagoon, in Koh Kaew, on Monday (Mar 20).

“The NCPO has provided the support needed for the tunnels (underpasses) along on the main road Route 402 (Thepkrasattri Rd). The Darasamuth and Sam Kong underpasses are open, and one lane will be opened through the Bang Khu underpass to resolve traffic jams until the

Amlo scores B200mn in seized assets sell-off THE LAST OF THE ASsets seized by Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) from the now-defunct Phuketbased “zero-baht” Chinese tour operator Tranlee Travel Co Ltd went under the hammer on Monday (Mar 20), bringing the total raised to state coffers to B204 million.

The auction, held at the Phuket City Municipality offices in Phuket Town, was the fourth and final session to see all 151 assets seized in raids last year auctioned off, with Monday’s session raising more than B18mn.

The auction saw 15 buses sold, some with “T L Better Way” emblazoned in Thai script on their sides. Unlike previous sessions, only 16 bidders attended the auction on Monday.

Paworanan Thammanyutanan, chair of the Amlo committee tasked with holding the auctions, hailed the auctions as a success, not-

The auction on Monday saw 15 buses sold, some with ‘T L Better Way’ emblazoned in Thai script on their sides. ing that closing bids were consistently higher than bid start prices. “ T h e a s s e t s s ol d a t this fourth session raised B18,470,000, but the starting bids for the 15 buses totalled B15,055,000,” she said.

“In total, from the 151 assets sold, the return to the government was B204,894,000 from total listed prices of B157,704,000, so, the net gain was more than 29.92%.

“I would say that the auctions achieved their goal,” Ms Paworanan added.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Transport Minister Lt Gen Arkhom branded Phuket’s public transport problems as ‘critical’. Photo: PR Dept Bang Khu underpass opens in August this year,” he added.

Gen Arkhom pointed out that the light-rail project, to provide a mass-transit system connecting Thanoon in Phang Nga with Chalong Circle, will be presented for its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval before the year’s end.

“We will push for this (light-rail) project to move forward by allocating a B31bn budget,” he said.

Regarding the decades-

in-coming Patong Tunnel, connecting Phuket’s busiest tourist town with the east side of the island, Mr Arkom noted, “The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has completed studies on the Kathu–Patong Rd. EXAT is pushing to get more budget to make the Kathu-Patong route an expressway (toll road).

“This project is also in the process of having its environmental effects report compiled, but when complete will resolve many traffic jams,” he said.

Gen Arkhom added that the “new bypass” road, covering 22km from Koh Kaew to near Phuket International Airport in Sakoo, already has a budget of B13bn allocated towards its completion.

“The road will be finished by 2018,” he said.

“Also, B12bn has been allocated for further expansion at Phuket Airport, which will include increasing the parking areas for cars and taxis,” he added.

“All these projects together, to resolve traffic problems in Kathu, Patong, Sakoo and Koh Kaew, and including the light rail, are included a budget totalling B71bn,” Gen Arkhom explained.

“When we compare this cost with the B300 to 400 billion that Phuket generates each year, it’s worth it,” he said.

“Phuket is one of the best international tourism provinces and a main source of income for the country, and we need to pay attention to our investment in its infrastructure.”

Sea fans restored at local reef A TEA M OF VOLU Nteer divers planted 250 sea fans at a reef off Koh Maiton, off the east coast of Phuket, last Saturday (Mar 18) as part of a coral-restoration campaign.

The team of 30 divers were by led Kasem Sukwaree, Director of the DMCR Phuket’s Natural Resources and Environment Office, together with Director of the Phuket DMCR’s Conservation Department, Suchart Rattanareangsri.

Actively planting the sea fans were volunteers from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, Songkhla DMCR, among other agencies.

Lending a hand as part of an underwater conservation educational project at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) were students from Baan Laem Panwa School and Baan Nabon School.

Volunteers divers planted 250 sea fans at an artificial reef off Koh Maithon. Photo: Phuket DMCR “The 250 one-year-old sea fans were collected from the Phuket Deep Sea Port and grown before being planted at the artificial reef off Koh Maithon,” explained Mr Suchart.

“This project has been ongoing for many years and we have good support from many officers, and especially from volunteer divers and students who care for the environment,” he said.

“Natural sea fans have been decreasing in number

because of many factors, but mostly because they are fished. Sea fans sell for anywhere from B100 to B10,000.

“People like to use them for decoration, as a traditional medicine and even to wear as a good luck charm,” Mr Suchart said.

“The sea fan is a protected animal. Phuket DMCR officers have previously arrested smugglers, who are usually local residents that know how to avoid being caught by officials,” he said. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Failed cultural centre highlights island’s ills Premkamon Ketsara thaiassist@classactmedia.co.th

O

fficials have confirmed that B50 million is to be spent on renovating the abandoned sea gypsy “museum” and cultural centre on Koh Siray.

The site of the original museum has slowly turned into a hangout for drug users and has also become a place of choice for a number of the island’s homeless.

“The building which was supposed to be the sea gypsy museum is now ruined. The original project was a waste of money as it was never completed and has never been used,” Rassada Mayor Phudit Raksarat told The Phuket News’ Thai-language sister paper Khao Phuket last week.

“Having now agreed a budget to renovate the site, I can confirm that the new project will be a lot more useful, especially for the sea gypsies themselves,” he said.

“The reason the original building was never used was because it did not match with the sea gypsies’ objectives.

“Furthermore, the original building has got to the state it is in today because the construction materials were not weather durable. The materials used in the construction were never suitable for the project or the area,” he said.

Rassada Municipality

The run-down centre, home to drug users and the homeless. Photo: Benyada Sungyai poured millions into attempting to keep the structures sound, but the efforts were called into question in 2014, and the upkeep stopped.

“This time around we will use materials that are more durable for the island’s weather conditions,” Mayor Phudit said last week.

“In addition, the latest technology will be used within the museum including videos presenting the sea gypsies’ way of life in four different languages; Thai, English, Chinese and Russian.

“There will also be a fish market where people will be able to buy fresh produce caught straight from the sea

by the sea gypsy villagers,” he concluded.

Rassada Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Daechakanee Leelanon added, “Rassada Municipality has already conducted a study into the new sea gypsies museum at a cost of B450,000 and I can confirm that the existing building will be knocked down and a new one built.

“This new building will be the first part of the project and will cost from B8-10mn and the input of the sea gypsy community will help us with how we decide to design this building.

“Phuket Rajabhat Univer-

sity will also have some input into this,” he said.

“A public hearing for the new museum was held at the end of the 2016 and most of those who attended agreed with our plans.

“Once complete, the new museum will focus on the sea gypsies way of life and their traditions, and will help bring tourism to the area and support the sea gypsy community.

“The museum will also use the latest 4D technology in its displays,” he added.

The site of the museum is on a four-rai plot of land close to the entrance of the Tsunami Village on Koh Siray.

PHUKET NEWS

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Slow loris losing its wild habitat A SLOW LORIS FOUND wandering into a resident’s house in central Phuket last week has been handed over to wildlife officials for care and protection.

The resident called Kusoldharm rescue workers after finding the slow loris in his house in Moo 1 Baan Lipon, in Srisoonthorn, last Friday evening (Mar 17).

Rescue workers soon arrived to collect the protected animal, and the next day handed over the wide-eyed mammal to wildlife officials from the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area conservation centre in Thalang, where it was released back into the forest.

Pongchart Chouehorm, Director of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Office, told The Phuket News that concern was growing over the welfare of slow lorises in the ever-diminishing wilds of Phuket.

“We are very worried for the slow loris in Phuket because the forest that is its natural habitat is being cut down to make way for more and more buildings,” Mr Pongchart said.

“We are finding more and more slow lorises that are lost and entering resident’s homes and buildings. The lucky ones are returned to their native habitat, but some are taken and kept in cages

The slow loris safely recovered in Phuket last week was released back into the wild last Saturday (Mar 18). as pets, and others are taken and used by people to charge tourists to have their photos taken with them.

“Other slow lorises are killed by electricity cables or hit by vehicles,” he added.

Mr Pongchart called on anyone who finds a slow loris in an unnatural area to call the Kusoldharm Foundation at 076-246216 or 076-211706.

“People who find a slow loris should not approach them, and certainly not harm them. They must inform officials so the slow loris can be returned to its habitat.

“The slow loris is a protected animal. People caught in possession of a slow loris will face legal action,” he warned.

Any persons who see a slow loris being kept as a pet or used by touts are urged to inform the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area at 076-311998.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Three injured as minivan rear-ends garbage truck THREE MIGRANT WORKER rubbish collectors were injured in the early hours of last Thursday (Mar 16), two seriously, when a minivan rear-ended their rubbish truck on Sakdidet Rd in Wichit.

Lt Sirinate Thairach of the Wichit Police was informed of the accident at 1:45am.

@thephuketnews

Police arrived at the scene with rescue workers to find three injured rubbish collectors, all from Myanmar, lying on the road. Two of the men had sustained serious injuries to their legs.

Lt Sirinate said, “Mr Aou, aged between 21-25, and Mr Nai, aged between 21-25, suffered severe bro-

ken legs and were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

“A doctor from the hospital has since told us that she is unsure if they will be able to walk again,” he said.

“We have since found that the rubbish truck was doing its round along Sakdidet Rd and had its hazard lights flashing to warn other motorists.

“However, the driver of the van came at high speed and crashed into the back of the truck,” he added.

Lt Sirinate told The Phuket News that the driver of the van, who he declined to name, will face charges of reckless driving causing serious injury to others.

Sameeroh Mayee

The crumpled front of the van indicates the force of the impact on the workers. Photo: Wichit Police

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

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Soi Dog ‘People’s Choice’ at Charity Film Awards The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

A soldier stands in remembrance at Anzac Day services at Hellfire Pass. Photo: Australian Embassy Bangkok

Anzac Day services to be held in Phuket T H E AU S T R A L I A N Consulate-General Phuket this year will host the first government-led Anzac Day commemoration service ever to be held in Phuket, on April 25.

“Anzac Day is an important day on the calendar for both Aussies and Kiwis.

Dawn services are traditional in both countries, as they mark the time of the original landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey to fight with the Allied forces in World War I,” said Craig Ferguson, Australian ConsulGeneral for Phuket and the surrounding provinces.

“Over time April 25 has turned into a day that Australians and New Zealanders remember those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served,” he explained.

The Australian Embassy in Bangkok each year holds Anzac Day services in Thailand at Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi, where part of the Thai-Burma Railway was constructed by Prisoners of War during World War II. Those services are traditionally led by the Australian Ambassador to Thailand.

In Phuket, the services will be held at the Phuket Yacht Club.

“We have chosen the Phuket Yacht Club for the

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service this year and we thank the Club’s Commodore Scott Duncanson for his support. Many Phuket residents will be familiar with the beautiful and very private waterfront location of the Yacht Club, which is off Chao Fa East Rd in Chalong,” Mr Ferguson told The Phuket News.

The traditional Dawn Service will commence at 6:30am.

“During the service in Phuket, we hope to see the sun rise over the water. The dawn service will begin with a bagpiper walking in, piping his lament. A uniformed member of the Royal Australian Navy will give a commemorative address, a New Zealand school student will read, the Ode will be said, a bugler will play the Last Post, followed by the traditional one minutes silence and the laying of wreaths,” Mr Ferguson explained.

“The service will be a dignified way to remember the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in service,” he noted.

A light breakfast will be served afterwards by the Yacht Club’s resident New Zealand chef Kim Mitchell.

The Phuket News Those interested in attending the dawn service are urged to register their attendance by emailing RSVP.Phuket@ dfat.gov.au

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oi Dog Foundation, the Phuket-based street dog and cat welfare organisation responsible for fighting the Asian dog meat trade, has won the “People’s Choice” award at the inaugural British Charity Film Awards in London.

The short film entitled Love Will Always Triumph Over Evil tells the true story of a pup called Cola from Bangkok whose front legs were hacked off by a sword by an angry neighbour, because Cola had chewed his shoes.

The pup was saved by Soi Dog who paid for emergency medical treatment and fitting of prosthetic legs, before bringing him to Phuket, where he was adopted by co-founder of Soi Dog, Gill Dalley, herself a double amputee.

The British Charity Film Awards, held last Wednesday (Mar 15), celebrate the charity sector’s use of film, whether for awareness building, changing attitudes and behaviours, or for fundraising.

Over 375 charities entered the awards, with just 36 actually making it through to the finals. Soi Dog’s “People’s Choice” award was voted for by members of the public.

Over 65,000 people voted, with Soi Dog collecting just over 30,000 votes.

John Dalley, co-founder and President of Soi Dog

Soi Dog Foundation lead UK volunteers Donna Freelove and Suzanne Woodhead (centre) were on hand at the ceremony to receive the award from presenters James Sutton and Sally Phillips.

Foundation said, “We are very grateful to all those who voted for us. It helps to bring knowledge of our work to a wider audience, and highlights the plight of many homeless dogs and cats in this part of the world, as well as the cruel and horrific dog meat trade in Asia that we are trying to end.

“It is also more than a fitting tribute to Gill, who passed away last month, with the film demonstrating her pure compassion for animals who otherwise would have no-one else to help them. Gill would have been particularly happy at winning the People’s Choice awards. She was a woman of the people”.

Gill Dalley passed away last month following a brief battle with cancer. As a double leg amputee herself, Gill had formed an instant bond

with Cola, understanding the issues he was going through in adjusting to life with prosthetic legs.

The two became inseparable in the few months following Cola’s adoption by the couple. Cola is now being looked after by John at the family house in Phuket, along with numerous other street dogs and cats that the couple had adopted over the years.

This is the first time a Thai-based organisation has received a charity award in the UK, and highlights the great efforts of all Asian-based not-for-profit organisations in making a sustainable difference to the lives of people, animals and the environment.

“Thailand should be very proud of this award. It demonstrates how far the country has come in terms of improving

the welfare of its animals,” Mr Dalley said.

“We are eternally grateful to the Thai people for all their support and assistance in improving the lives of street dogs and cats, and in ending the dog meat trade here”.

The short film on Cola and Gill was made on a zero budget, in stark contrast to professionally made films entered by other charities that had production budgets in some cases exceeding US$100,000 (about B3.47 million).

“Our supporters don’t want us to spend their money on initiatives that do not directly impact on the welfare of the dogs and cats here. We spend 92% of all donations directly on the animal welfare programs we run on behalf of our supporters,” Mr Dalley explained.

Opinion 8

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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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

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

The clothes do make the man 1 2

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ext time you visit a financial institution, supermarket, shopping complex, or just about anywhere with so much as a parking lot that employs a uniformed security guard, take a moment to observe their manner. Watching some of these tinpot tyrants will give you an idea of how the symbolic power of a uniform can quickly go to someone’s head when they put one on.

The all-to-common assumption in Thailand, that people in uniform can do as they please, gets no shortage of positive re-enforcement from the regular farce that passes for punitive action within the Thai police forces. A case in point (that could have been picked at random from a dozen like it in recent months) is the news last week of two police officers and a state prosecutor being transferred to inactive

posts for their alleged link to rhinoceros horn smuggling.

The two uniformed officers and the state prosecutor were recorded on CCTV footage insisting that customs officials should not X-ray scan a suitcase in the possession of two women the men were escorting through a Suvarnabhumi Airport security checkpoint on March 10.

What is perhaps more unusual about this case of police corruption is that customs officers were not intimidated by the officers, who were relying heavily on the power and authority of their uniforms, and insisted on checking the case.

When it was eventually put through the X-ray scanner, the three “law men” and two women were seen on CCTV beating a hasty exit.

Why? Because the case was found to contain 21 rhino horns weighing almost 50

kilograms and estimated to be worth some B173 million on the black market.

The three “law men” are now believed to be members of a wildlife trafficking gang.

In a more recent case, a uniformed official from the Royal Forest Department was sacked from his position after he posted photos of dead wild animals on Facebook, boasting that he had hunted and killed them.

When caught out, he told investigating officials that he had been helping local villagers, who had eight dogs with them, harvest their rice. Who was it that killed the animals?

The dogs of course, the uniformed official simply took the photos of the animals.

Sadly, it seems that many of the people entrusted to wear uniforms in Thailand enjoy all the power but accept none of the responsibility.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Phuket golf club members outraged by fee hike Phuket ‘Table for Two’: Army wants a date with MaAnn over beach restaurant Three-metre king cobra caught in Phuket village Phuket’s major tourist beach towns face weeklong water outages Ukrainian woman, 26, in serious condition following car crash in Phuket Phuket rain brings slew of accidents on wet roads Phuket flash floods cut off roads, fell power lines DMCR to pr osecute Phuket tour company Reckless driving charges for Ukrainian woman involved in Phuket crash Russian teens out of comas, but fund-raising drive must continue

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY A well deserved acknowledgment

Re: Phuket’s Soi Dog Foundation wins ‘People’s Choice’ at British Charity Film Awards Very well deserved.

Marcher ...................................................

Business as usual

Re: Phuket police dodge drunk-driving probe for flying Honda CRV OK... I’m going to go out on a limb here and say – of course the driver was drunk, it was one in the morning and they were at a party all evening.

But I understand that the police chief needs to conduct a preliminary investigation to figure out the financial status of all those involved to make sure they aren’t “influential” people or relatives of any police.

Then, since they are all Thai, they will dole out minimal fines and go back to the station with hopes that a farang does the same thing so there will be a better pay day.

Ben Pendejo ...................................................

Total power failure Re: Phuket flash floods cut off roads, fell power lines

How vulnerable is Phuket’s ‘Smart City’ due to just an afternoon of rain.

Kurt Yep, all the unnecessary road works weakening foundations and with a little rain they topple like dominos. So very dangerous for the public, lucky no one was killed.

Critical infrastructure put in place and maintained by people with the mentality of a 10-year-old – slap it up, that’ll do.

Pauly 44 Wow there must have been raindrops the size of footballs to bring down power poles. Either that or they were installed very poorly. Driving round the island makes me laugh how nearly all of them are leaning, great QC, probably built to the same standards as the condos haha.

Malczx7r ...................................................

A ray of sunshine

Re: Trang fishing kingpin gets 14 years for trafficking That’s excellent, good to see Thailand is moving forward.

It would be an easy job for

Thailand to catch all the bad guys and keep moving forward. Anyhow, one step at a time. This one is a positive one. Thank you.

Surprised Wolf ...................................................

Taxi war rages on

Re: Phuket Opinion: Avoiding grief in breaking Phuket’s taxi mafia I’m sure this article will bring out all the taxi haters.

The truth is that traditional taxis have invested heavily in the market. Some of this investment includes paying the government for a public transportation license.

The reason Uber etc. are cheap is because they don’t follow the same laws as existing taxis. At the end of the day there is nothing new about Uber. It’s just a way to book a car.

Uber is losing billions every year to try to destroy traditional taxis via predatory pricing. Do the public think Uber will be cheap once they have destroyed all competition?

There is a lot wrong with Uber and in my opinion this article seems to just repeat Uber’s own false rhetoric.

Oz Cab Man

Oz Cab Man... spoken like a cabby. And yes, I know several taxi drivers here in Phuket, as I rent villas and look after guests, and I can tell you that one of the worst aspects of hospitality business has been dealing with Phuket taxi scum.

Like spoiled little children that behave like 10-year-old little boys that skipped their meds. Surly attitudes, impatient to the core, and every one of them carries a makeshift weapon in their car to deal with regular frustrations.

The taxi stands at the airport are as crooked as can be and the last three times I have had to use them I had to take pictures of their license and demand they use the meter.

Which saved me every time when compared to the flat rate they charge. Taxis are the scourge of Phuket... hated by both tourists and local Thais, and they earned that reputation themselves.

The best thing Phuket could do would be establish efficient public transportation so they can eliminate the need for this criminal element that is the taxi mafia.

Ben Pendejo

Have an opinion? Comment on stories at thephuketnews.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

THAILAND NEWS

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‘Red Radio’ assassins Movement said to have been planning murder of PM for months BANGKOK Bangkok Post

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movement known as “Red Radio” has for several months been planning to assassinate Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, deputy National Police Chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said.

The suspected dissident group has also been working to stifle the authorities’ efforts to investigate Wat Phra Dhammakaya by causing unrest there, he said.

Gen Srivara said the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) is now seeking arrest warrants for six people who are suspected of being involved in the group including red-shirt leader Wuthipong Kochathamakun, who goes by the alias Kotee and is believed to have taken refuge in neighbouring Laos.

Despite Wuthipong’s name coming up it is not clear whether the group has ties to the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the police said. The UDD’s

Top junta officials including National Police Chief Chakthip Chaijinda (third from left) showed seized arms at a press conference held last Sunday. Photo: Apichit Jinakul supporters are commonly called red shirts.

The group aims to kill Gen Prayut and Gen Prawit and had been told to attack military, police and other officials during the authorities’ raids on the temple, according to the police investigation.

The temple has come under scrutiny as part of the ongoing search for former abbot Phra Dhammajayo, who is wanted

on charges of money laundering, receiving stolen assets and forest encroachment in several provinces.

The six suspects are wanted by the CSD on several charges including the possession of military hardware, weapons of war and narcotics, and conspiring to commit a crime, said Gen Srivara.

“Our investigation has shown that several of the sus-

Songkran insurance priced B222 NATIONWIDE EIGHTEEN NON-LIFE insurance companies will offer a cheap accident insurance products priced at B222 during this year’s Songkran festival.

The insurance policy will provide compensation claims up to B100,000 in case of death, permanent disability, and loss of body parts, Secretary-General of the Office of Insurance Commission Suthipol Taweechaikarn said.

The insurance company will also pay B5,000 for each funeral arrangement.

Interested persons aged 20-60 can take out up to two policies from March 15 to April 30 and will be eligible to claim both policies in the event of accidents, he said, adding that the insurance is a one-year policy.

The 18 insurance firms include Bangkok Insurance, Krungthai Panich Insurance, Mittare Insurance, Muang Thai Insurance, Dhipaya Insurance, Viriyah Insurance and Syn Mun Kong Insurance.

Those who took out simi@thephuketnews

In 2016, around 104,000 policies of the low-cost insurance product were taken out with a combined premium of B9.23mn. Photo: Bangkok Post file lar policies last year claimed a mere B2.09 million or 22.6% of the insurance product’s total premium, Mr Suthipol said.

In 2016, around 104,000 policies of the low-cost insurance product were taken out with a combined premium of B9.23mn.

The death toll from road accidents during Songkran is always high every year.

Road accidents during Songkran 2016 claimed 442 lives over seven days, 78 more than the previous year,

with drink-driving being the number one cause of crashes.

Mr Suthipol said the insurance policy adheres to the previous law that will not provide accidental coverage to drivers who have a blood-alcohol level of more than 150mg.

According to the newer law, drivers with a bloodalcohol level of more than 150mg are restricted from claiming insurance coverage in the instance of road accidents.

Bangkok Post

pects, detained previously, were spotted at Wat Phra Dhammakaya and nearby Khlong Luang central market, for reasons unknown,” he said.

Last weekend, Thai authorities detained nine suspects during raids on nine spots in seven provinces and seized a huge cache of weapons and military hardware.

As police investigators have found no link between

Wuthipong or Red Radio and the temple, they believe the group’s main goal has been to stir up unrest during the authorities’ operations there, he added.

The temple on Tuesday (Mar 21) denied any involvement with Wuthipong or the group.

It also said there was no substance to media reports claiming it was concealing

weapons at its Boon Raksa Building in the temple compound or the surrounding areas.

Gen Prayut said he was more concerned about the alleged assassination plots and the seizure of weapons of war.

He also expressed concern about the media exaggerating its news coverage on such sensitive issues, as this can undermine foreign investors’ confidence in the country.

Some media outlets have said several dozen weapons were recovered during the raids while others have put the number as low as 10.

“I’m not saying the media should avoid reporting these things, but they should scale down their reports and stick to the facts,” he said.

Justice Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said an M16 rifle seized at the weekend has been confirmed to be among the state weapons stolen during the red-shirt protest against the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration in April 2010.

He added Phra Dhammajayo has probably left the temple by now and could still be in the country.

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Media apologises Hilltribe girls accused of being thieves CHIANG MAI Bangkok Post

All pas sengers must now use their safety belts. Photo: via Bangkok Post

All car passengers now required to buckle up NATIONWIDE A LL PASSE NGER S I N a car are now required to fasten their seat belts under amendments to some sections of the Land Traffic Act made by an order of National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chairman Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha.

T h e N C P O’s O r d e r 14/2560, issued under Section 44 of the interim charter, was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday (Mar 21).

It imposes additional legal measures for the people's safety.

The amendments were made to Sections 55, 123 and 141 of the Land Traffic Act. According to the announcement: Section 55 was amended to empower traffic police officers or persons authorised by them to remove a vehicle which has been parked in violation of the Land Traffic Act or use some devices to lock it up to prevent it from being removed.

The driver or owner of the vehicle is required to pay the removal or lock-up cost, and for the upkeep of it while in the care of the traffic police.

Section 123 was amended to require the drivers of vehicles to fasten their seat belts and make sure all passengers buckle up as well.

The amendment to Section 141 empowers traffic law enforcement officials to notify the driver or owner of a vehicle who has been issued a ticket for violating the law to pay the fine within 15 days.

If the driver or owner of the vehicle does not pay the fine in time, the traffic police must send a letter advising the vehicle registrar to order the violator to pay the fine within 30 days.

If the driver or owner of the vehicle still does not pay the fine, a case will be filed with a court and the vehicle registrar will not extend the vehicle’s annual registration until the payment is made.

Bangkok Post

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wo international media outlets have apologised to two Hmong hilltribe girls for reports wrongly accusing them of being caught on camera stealing a British tourist’s watch at Doi Suthep temple several months ago.

The Sun of Britain and Daily Mail Australia sent letters of apology to the parents of hilltribe sisters, Dokmai, 10, and her younger sister Gaolhee, 7.

Chiang Mai Governor Pawin Chamniprasart, Ben Robert Svasti, the British honorar y consul in Chiang Mai, and Chiang Mai’s Muang District Chief Saranyu Meethongkham handed the letters to the girls’ parents at the provincial hall on Tuesday (Mar 21).

In September last year, four major British media outlets – The Sun, Daily Mail Australia, The Telegraph and Daily Express – ran news stories accusing the two tribal girls of stealing a watch from a British woman.

The story was picked up by Thai media.

The allegation was based on a single photo posted on Reddit.com, which showed the grinning woman tourist holding hands with two children in Hmong dress. The seven-year-old girl pictured

Hilltribe girls Dokmai and Gaolhee with their parents. The two Hmong girls have finally cleared their names after the international media outlets wrongly labelled them 'tiny thieves'. Photo: Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai on the right appeared to be fiddling with the tourist’s watch. The caption said, “Girlfriend in the progress of having her watch stolen”.

The story of the “tiny thieves”, as the girls were later labelled, was picked up and sensationalised by several media outlets.

The girls and their parents were hurt by the reports. As a sad aftermath, the girls were asked not to go back to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where they usually earned their parents extra income by posing with tourists.

In October, the Hmong girls were finally cleared after the woman tourist herself announced she had found her missing watch elsewhere.

The governor said the stories affected the family of the girls and the country’s image. He ordered an inquiry which concluded the allegation was groundless.

International media outlets that ran the stories later sent letters of apology to the family of the girls, said Mr Pawin.

The girls were also allowed to return to the temple and continue as usual.

Mr Svasti said the governor had coordinated with the British embassy as the false allegation had affected the rights of the children. As the Chiang Mai-based honorary consul he had visited the girls’ parents. The parents did not want to file a complaint against those accusing their children, but they did want the media to correct the reports.

Executives of The Sun and Daily Mail Australia edition later sent letters of apology to the girls' parents and the Hmong community, the honorary consul said.

Buffalo soldiers help Thai kids combat autism LOPBURI T H EY M AY NOT BE T H E most advanced pieces of kit in Thailand’s military arsenal, but “buffalo soldiers” are being deployed to help autistic children come out of their shells.

Under sweltering skies in central Lopburi province, last week some two dozen children took rides on the backs of buffaloes.

The gentle bovines are owned by the Thai military, an organisation better known for coups than cuddles.

But this animal therapy is part of the military’s softer side, one of hundreds of projects up and down the country the army is using to build support among civilians.

Recent research has shown that some autistic children – who often struggle with human interactions – respond well to animals, helping

They may not be the most advanced pieces of kit in Thailand’s military arsenal, but ‘buffalo soldiers’ are being deployed to help autistic children come out of their shells. Photo: AFP them learn key skills like being more patient and sharing.

Pimporn Thongmee said she had seen a major improvement since her five-year-old autistic grandson – nicknamed Shogun – enrolled in the military’s three-

month animal therapy course which sees children interact with buffaloes twice a week.

“My grandson never stayed still, never concentrated, and screamed but now he can socialise,” she said.

“He used to be afraid of the

doctor but now he runs to him and leaves his grandma behind instead,” she added.

Those with disabilities or behavioural problems often find themselves stigmatised in Thailand where the concept of karma – that good or bad deeds will be rewarded and punished in the next life – is central.

Karma makes Thailand a famously generous country, with one of the highest charitable donation rates per household in the world.

But many Thais also believe those who suffer are being punished for sins in past lives, a view which can result in a sympathy deficit for the unfortunate and vulnerable.

Manit Kaewmanee said her 11-year-old son Captain was often bullied as he struggled to settle in schools, eventually forcing him to leave education.

“Many people said it was our past karma,” she said. “They said

he was crazy, couldn’t speak, so how could he be in society, that it was shameful for him.”

The buffalo therapy, she said, helped him conquer tasks he once had trouble with.

“Now he can cook instant noodles – and ride a bicycle very well,” she said.

Sergeant Major Kajohnsak Junpeng, the lead trainer, explained that the gentle and slow nature of buffaloes made them ideal animals to work with autistic children.

“If children grab their tails, they won't kick like horses so there won't be an accident,” he said.

Training animals and dealing with autistic children was not a job he imagined a soldier having to do, adding that it was often quite emotionally draining.

“But when I see the children progress I am proud of myself and the tiredness is gone,” he said.

AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

ASIA NEWS 11

Trying to bury the past

China’s ‘comfort women’ history concealed as brothels fall CHINA AFP

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he crumbling mansion is one of 150 sites in the Chinese metropolis formerly used as “comfort stations”, part of the vast system of sexual slavery established by Japan for its invading armed forces before and during World War II. Around 30 are believed left in the city, but these silent witnesses to history are disappearing amid rapid urban development and China’s hesitance to memorialise the painful episode.

“All these historical remains are slowly being demolished.

There are fewer and fewer,” said Bao Xiaqin, an expert on China-Japan relations at the city’s Fudan University.

Mainstream historians agree that around 200,000 so-called “comfort women”, mostly from Korea but also from other Asian nations including China, were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War II.

With its red-painted window frames and sooty facade, the empty twostorey building on Gongping Rd is typical of many of Shanghai’s pre-World War II structures – but this one houses dark memories. Photo: AFP Calls to preserve such sites, and remember their victims’ suffering, have until recently been muzzled by China’s desire to play down one of the most sensitive issues in its stormy relationship with Japan.

There are glimmers of hope.

The Gongping Rd site was to be razed in a redevelopment plan but was saved last year after historian Su Zhiliang highlighted the building’s past and Chinese media amplified it.

But it remains an uphill battle for Su, of Shanghai Normal

University, who has waged a crusade to spotlight “comfort women” suffering.

When he first began delving into the issue in the early 1990s, authorities prevented Su from publishing his research.

“The Chinese government has really not done enough.

This is a wartime human rights issue, but in order to maintain good relations with Japan the government does not give the issue much support,” Su said.

He now raises money for survivors, of whom there are

‘Meteor’ panic in Pakistan’s north PAKISTAN A SUSPECTED METEOR lit up the skies above Pakistan’s mountainous north late last Wednesday (Mar 15), officials said, with panicked residents reporting a mysterious light whizzing past and the sound of multiple, powerful blasts.

The incident occurred around 9pm, when citizens in the city of Gilgit and the surrounding Ghizer and Diamer districts saw the bright object racing through the night sky above the region’s remote, soaring mountains.

“I saw a light flash through the sky and then there were multiple blasts,” Ghizer district resident Javed Iqbal said last Thursday (Mar 16).

“I felt as if something had hit the roof of my house. I rushed outside with my family members and saw everyone getting out of their homes.

The blasts had shaken the whole valley,” he said.

His story was echoed by others, including Shabir Mir of Gilgit, who said he saw the object “disappear into the mountains”, followed seconds later by what sounded like more than one explosion. @thephuketnews

This picture shows a Perseid meteor illuminating the dark sky near Pesquera de Ebro in the province of Burgos, northern Spain. Photo: Cesar Manso/AFP “I thought the object might have hit the mountain,” Mir said.

Social media was also flooded with reports of the incident, with some users posting unverified images they said were of the strange light.

Sibtain Ahmed, a senior administration official in Gilgit, confirmed the object had been seen in all three areas, followed by the sound of loud explosions.

“According to our investigation, the flying object was a meteor flying low,” he said.

The apparent blasts were the sonic boom created as the meteor ripped through the sky faster than the speed of sound, he said.

“It did not hit the ground,” Ahmed said, claiming it had crossed Pakistan’s territory

headed towards Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, which borders the Gilgit-Baltistan region to the north.

Meteors are pieces of comet or asteroid from outer space that create a fireball as they hit the Earth’s atmosphere.

Those that survive the intense heat and friction and reach the surface without breaking up are known as meteorites, and are sought after by scientists for the information they can give about the early solar system.

It was not clear if the meteor crashed or broke up in the sky. The terrain between the city of Gilgit and the Wakhan Corridor is extremely remote and home to some of the highest mountains in the world.

AFP

only 17 known in China, none in Shanghai. Many were stigmatised and ostracised after the war, receiving no special government assistance.

But a rightward shift in Japanese politics under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and a more assertive China under President Xi Jinping, are giving oxygen to the issue, experts say.

A former “comfort station” in Nanjing, 300 kilometres west of Shanghai, was converted into a museum by local authorities, opening in December 2015.

Su, meanwhile, was granted permission to upgrade his display of archives into a museum, which opened in October in a building on his campus.

Just outside, a statue representing two “comfort women” – one Chinese, one Korean – also was unveiled.

China has also recently made available documents on “comfort women” from its official archives, amid an international effort to include them in the Unesco International Memory of The World Register.

The effort proposes to recognise the Japanese system as a tragedy comparable to the Holocaust and Cambodian genocide.

“The Chinese state has latched onto this issue as a means of getting at Japan,” said Edward Vickers, a researcher at Kyushu University in Tokyo.

“For the Chinese Communist Party it serves the purpose of portraying Japan as some kind of international pariah to some extent, now as in the past.”

Japan finally acknowledged

in the early 1990s that the “comfort women” system existed. It has apologised repeatedly and offered compensation.

It now bristles at growing efforts to shine further light on the matter.

In a statement, Japan’s consulate in Shanghai condemned Su’s museum and the statue outside it as “extremely regrettable”.

“We do not consider these actions helpful for improving Japan-China relations,” it said.

Su recently began talks with Shanghai authorities on preserving a building he believes housed the first-ever “comfort station” and converting it to a museum.

Treading its creaky floorboards, an elderly woman said she – like many living in or near former Shanghai “comfort stations” – have heard of the buildings’ histories.

“After the Japanese came they could do whatever they wanted. Who could control them?” she said, peering through thick glasses.

City officials did not respond to requests for comment.

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Rapping from Syria to Paris Music provides safe haven for ‘Refugees of Rap’ brothers FRANCE AFP

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taccato lyrics may be no match for Bashar al-Assad’s militar y firepower, but two brothers, who fled to Paris from Syria and perform as “Refugees of Rap”, find sniping with words a liberating experience.

Having grown up officially stateless in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, Yaser and Mohamed Jamous rap in Arabic about the war they have fled and their new life in France.

“We chose the name because for us, rap represents a country where we can say what we think,” Mohamed, 28, said.

“And we’re seeking asylum there.”

Over a pounding beat the brothers “spit”, or speak, the chorus in unison: “We have to wake up, stop dreaming. The time for silence is long gone, swept away by words.”

The lyrics are from their 2011 song “The Age of Silence”, one of the last they sung before fleeing Syria via Lebanon.

Performing their hip-hop

Brothers Yaser (left) and Mohamed Jamous, who set up Refugees of Rap in 2007, rap in Arabic about the war in Syria that they have fled and their new life in France. Photo: AFP at a Paris community centre, the brothers said the song had been the “first time we dared speak up openly against the (Assad) regime” despite the risk in doing so.

“One word, and you got 20 years (in prison) or death. Here, we wanted to say that the time for silence is over.”

The duo were born and raised in the Yarmuk camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of Damascus, which was once home to 160,000 peo-

ple – including Syrians – but has been ravaged by fighting.

Yaser and Mohamed left Syria in early 2013 as fighting for control of the camp intensified. The rest of their family also fled and is in Sweden.

The brothers created “Refugees of Rap” in 2007 with two friends, an Algerian and a Syrian, and were one of the first such groups to emerge out of Syria.

It now comprises just the two of them – the Syrian mem-

ber refused to leave and the Algerian went to Germany.

Released in 2010, their first album recounts living in the overcrowded camp, as they advocate for the Palestinian cause.

Then, after 2011, the revolt provided inspiration.

They penned “The Age of Silence”, “Haram” (“Forbidden”), which is about the horrors of the war, “Aysheen” meaning “We Live”, and “Corruption in the Country”.

They had completed eight tracks for the second album when they began receiving anonymous threats on social media.

“We received two or three messages on Facebook,” Yaser, 29, said.

“The messages said ‘We know you’re preparing an album and if you don’t stop... it’s over for you. We’re going to destroy your studio, we’re going to stop you. We’re going to kill you.’”

It was not the only hurdle they faced.

During fighting in Yarmuk in 2012, the group’s recording studio was destroyed in bombings. Their younger brother was then jailed for 40 days for an unknown reason.

“When he was released, he was in a horrible state,” recalled Mohamed. “He’d been tortured.”

Shortly afterwards, they decided to leave Syria. They were granted refugee status in France, with the mention “nationality undetermined, Palestinian origin” a few months later.

“When we got here, there

was no housing... no aid,” Yaser said. “You had to wait for months to get set up, so we chose to book some concert dates and get to work.”

They toured in Denmark, Sweden and France, where they completed “The Age of Silence” and released the album in 2014.

“In Syria, people understand (Arabic),” Yaser said.

“That’s what we miss here.”

But on stage, they get around the language barrier by reading translated lyrics and then leading the audience in chants of the Arabic chorus before each track.

But they have not forgotten Syria.

They have little hope of returning but “in exile, the future is never clear,” said Yaser.

“We are exiles everywhere but we’re not from nowhere,” said Mohamed. “We are proud to be Palestinian because it’s our history, and in Syria, we were made to feel like we were Palestinians.

“But we also grew up feeling Syrian because we were raised there. Now, we feel Parisian.”

Shining light on life in time of Christ ISRAEL THE ISRAEL ANTIQUIties Authority last week offered a rare glimpse into its storerooms, where staff said recent archaeological discoveries have cast new light on life at the time of Christ.

The event was organised ahead of the upcoming Christian holiday of Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus following his crucifixion.

Among finds from the first century AD discovered around Jerusalem and the Galilee, where the Bible says Jesus lived and preached, are vases, cooking utensils, a wine press, nails used in crucifixions, jewellery and ossuaries.

“Nowadays we can restore in a very clear way the daily life during that period, from the moment of birth, through the person’s life, his dining customs, where he travelled across the land, and until his day of death including his burial,” Gideon Avni, head of the authority’s archaeology division, said.

“Over the past 20 years we have made a great leap in understanding the way of life of Jesus and his contem-

Prof Gideon Avni of the Israel Antiquities Authority displays the original Magdala Stone. Photo: Menahem Kahana/AFP poraries,” he said.

“Every week new elements are discovered which allow a better understanding of this period.

“The names on the ossuaries were recognisable, with known figures that are mentioned in the Talmud for example, and this is how you create the connection between what you find nowadays and the people who lived here 2,000 years ago.”

Avni said that the authority is custodian of more than one million objects, and each year receives about 40,000 new finds from about 300 archaeological sites.

“The essential thing for us is to be able to understand very precisely the way of life in the time of Jesus, from birth to death,” he said.

The authority also displayed coins from the late Byzantine period, which had been concealed by their owner inside the wall of a building, apparently as he fled an invading Persian army.

“He probably hoped to go back and collect it, but today we know that he was unable to do so,” archaeologist Annette Landes-Nagar told journalists.

“This invasion was one of the factors that culminated in the end of Byzantine rule in the land of Israel.”

She added that the nine pieces from the seventh century AD were discovered in the ruins of a building used by pilgrims on the road to Jerusalem from Jaffa seaport.

Remains of a Byzantine church were excavated nearby.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Rediscovering the continent Delegation to ITB Berlin brings hope of more European tourists TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Phuket delegation has returned from ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel and tourism trade expo, with expectations of more European tourists coming to Phuket and the surrounding Andaman coast.

The ITB, held March 8-12, saw HRH Princess Ubolratana visit the Phuket booth at the show, with Thai Tourism & Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn present for the unveiling of the “Andaman One For All” campaign, unifying the tourism efforts of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

The One For All was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan, Phang Nga Governor Pakapong Thawiwat and Krabi Governor Panit Boonlert.

At least 28 representatives from Phuket’s tourism industry were represented at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel and tourism trade expo. Photo: Phuket Reporters Association “As this is the biggest travel fair in the world, it is a key place to learn the tourism policies of governments for other countries. For example, in Myanmar the private sector is developing island tourism and Phuket is invited to join those efforts. We can learn from how these other places are being developed and adapt

these strategies for us,” said Gov Chockchai.

Anoma Vongyai, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office, noted, “Russian and German tourists are among the top five (nationalities) to visit Phuket, and the TAT’s aim here is to focus on the environment.

“Hotel operators need to

adapt to the changing demands of tourists, and European tourists focus on green tourism, including CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts,” she said.

“Specifically, the TAT is targeting higher-spending tourists, such as those in the wedding, marina and sports markets, and we believe that

the ITB will boost the number of those types of tourists to Phuket.”

Somboon Jirayut, of the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town, added, “More tourists have been coming from Europe recently, so we joined this fair.

“There are now more flights from Europe and the Middle East to Phuket, and especially bringing more tourists from Germany, Scandinavia, Russia and Italy – and we expect more from Eastern Europe now that the TAT has opened an office in Prague, in the Czech Republic.”

Sathirapong Na Takuatoong, President of Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), told The Phuket News that the Phuket delegation to the ITB represented a total of 28 tourism and travel organisations, and hotel and tour operators.

“The ITB is the biggest tourism travel trade market in the world, and we have been coming here for more than 10 years. The PTA, along with operators from hotels and tour agencies, come here every year with the support of the

Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor),” he explained.

“More Europeans are coming to Phuket every year, especially in the high season, and they are branching out to expand their holidays to other places in Krabi and Phang Nga. I believe this year tourism from Europe to Phuket and other areas along the Andaman Coast will increase by 5-10% this coming year,” Mr Sathirapong said.

“The ‘One For All’ MoU is to support development of the tourism sector among these provinces, to unite and co-ordinate efforts to develop and promote tourism among the three key provinces of Phuket Phang Nga and Krabi.

“For example, we can coordinate campaigns at the ITB Berlin in Asia at Singapore or with roadshows in other important source markets, such as China, Russia and Central Eastern Europe.

“Together this will increase the total revenue generated by tourism to the Andaman region,” Mr Sathirapong said.

Vietjet to launch Chiang Rai flights Ukraine lobbies for longer stays TOURISM

AIRLINES V IETJ ET TH A ILA N D will launch daily flights from Phuket to Chiang Rai from Mar 26 as part of its expansion in the Thai domestic travel market.

Nguyen Thi Thuy Binh, Vice President of Commercial of Vietjet Group, said, “Last year marked the official entry of Vietjet into the lowcost domestic travel sector in Thailand. We’ve received very positive feedback from passengers regarding the convenience and value of these services, and we are expecting to augment existing routes with new capacity this year, especially with a direct flight from Phuket to Chiang Rai from March 26, 2017 onwards.

“Other elements of our expansion plan will be to bolster domestic seat availability between Bangkok and other cities around Thailand with new connections to be announced later in the year.

“Our business remains extremely competitive on price and service, we believe we can offer the most affordable flight tickets of any domestic carrier in Thailand,” @thephuketnews

Vietjet Thailand will launch daily flights from Phuket to Chiang Rai from Mar 26. Photo: Vietjet Thailand Ms Binh explained.

The company also aims to increase the number of business passengers using its services.

“The airline is keen to emphasize its services that are highly suited to Thai business travellers, such as the SkyBoss upgrade, which offers priority check-in and boarding, access to the Vietjet SkyBoss Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the ability to pick seats on board including premium seats with more legroom and a choice of in-flight meals,” Ms Binh noted.

With the new flights from Mar 26, Vietjet Thailand will connect Bangkok to Phuket, Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Phuket to Chiang Rai. Viet jet a i rl i ne wa s

named “Best Asian Low Cost Carrier” at the TTG Travel Awards 2015, which compiles votes from travellers, travel agencies and tour operators throughout Asia.

The airline was also rated as one of the top three fastestgrowing airline brands on Facebook in the world by Socialbakers.

The airline currently boasts a fleet of 45 aircraft, including A320s and A321s, and operates 350 flights a day. It has already opened 63 routes in Vietnam and across the region to international destinations including Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, China and Myanmar. It has carried nearly 35 million passengers to date.

The Phuket News

THE FIRST SECRETARY of the Ukrainian Embassy in Thailand, Dr Oleksandr Zub, has called for longer stays for Ukrainian visitors to Thailand as way to help boost income generated from tourism.

Dr Zub met with Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan at last Friday (Mar 17) to discuss ways of improving bilateral relations between Thailand and Ukraine.

“We would like to see the Thai Government extend the length of time that Ukrainian tourists can stay to enjoy their

Gov Chockchai hears the plea for longer tourist stays. holidays. Each year more than 50,000 Ukrainian tourists come to Thailand. They like Thai food and Thai Boxing,” Dr Zub said.

The Ambassador note that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Thai-Ukraine relations. “We have a big celebration ready which we have been preparing since last

year. We have an agreement to facilitate business conducted by men and women from Ukraine who visit Thailand.”

Gov Chockchai noted, “Phuket is ready to support good relations between Ukraine and Thailand. Phuket is an important economic province that generates good revenue from tourism.

“As there are more Ukrainian tourists coming to Thailand, and Phuket, I recommend that a bilateral “letter of intent” be drafted as an initial step to formalising measures that will benefit both Thailand and Ukraine,” he added.

The Phuket News

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Islamic trade comes into focus From tourism to food, Thailand broadens appeal to Muslim markets ECONOMY Jerome Taylor editor@classactmedia.co.th

F

rom hotels with segregated swimming pools to jelly made from seaweed instead of pig bones, Thailand is chasing halal gold as it welcomes Muslim visitors and touts its wares to the Islamic world.

Inside the cavernous dining hall of the five-star Al Meroz hotel in a Muslim suburb of Bangkok, an elderly man with a wispy beard recites verses of the Koran as a nervous-looking groom awaits the arrival of his bride.

The young man bursts into a smile as his soon-to-be wife appears, clad in a brilliant white dress with matching headscarf.

The ceremony is one of dozens of marriages held over the last few months at the Al Meroz – the city’s first entirely halal hotel.

Thailand has long been a draw for the world’s sunseekers and hedonists, drawn to its parties, red-light districts, cheap booze and tropical beaches.

But it has also seen a huge influx of visitors from Muslim countries, part of a quiet but deliberate strategy by the Southeast Asian nation to diversify its visitor profile.

“Considering there are 1.5 billion Muslims around the world, I think this is a very good market,” explains Sanya Saenboon, the general manager of the hotel, one of a growing number of businesses serving a boom in Islamic tourists.

The hotel opened its doors

Guests choose food items during a wedding reception at the Al Meroz hotel in Bangkok. From hotels with segregated swimming pools to jelly made from seaweed instead of pig bones, Thailand is looking to boost tourism and export revenues as it welcomes Muslim visitors and touts its wares to the Islamic world. Photo: Roberto Schmidt/AFP last year, setting itself apart with its attention to all things Islamic.

For a start there is no alcohol on sale, while the top floor swimming pool and gym has specific times for when men and women can use the facilities.

Everything in the building has been ticked off against stringent checklist for practising Muslims, from bed linen washed in a particular way, to ensuring toiletries are free of alcohol or animal fat – making everyday goods “permissible” for the faithful.

Sanya, who is Muslim, says such checks give visitors “peace of mind” so clients never have to ask themselves, “Can I eat this?”

Despite a decade of politi-

cal turbulence, Thailand has seen an explosion in tourist arrivals, from 13.8 million annual visitors in 2006 to a record 32.5mn last year.

Western arrivals have largely remained a constant.

The biggest increase in arrivals comes from China, skyrocketing from just 949,000 arrivals 10 years ago to 8.7mn visitors in 2016.

But Muslim countries are also sending their citizens.

A n A F P a n a ly si s of government figures shows visitors from key majority Muslim nations in the Middle East and Asia have risen from 2.63mn in 2006 to 6.03mn last year.

“Thailand was ahead of the curve,” says Fazal Baharden, founder of the Singapore-based

Crescent Rating, which rates which countries are most welcoming to Muslim travellers.

Thailand routinely places in the top two for non-Muslim majority nations alongside Singapore in Crescent Ratings’ annual survey of halal destinations.

“They’ve really recognised the Muslim consumer market is worth tapping into,” he explains, adding medical tourism, shopping and high quality hotels are the primary draws.

Baharden says the Islamic travel market is one of the world’s fastest growing thanks the growth of cheap flights and booming Muslim middle classes.

He estimates the number of Muslim travellers has surged from around 25mn a year in

2000 to 117mn in 2015.

But it is not just at home that Thailand has gone halal.

From chicken and seafood to rice and canned fruit, the country has long been one of the world’s great food exporters.

Now a growing numbers of food companies are switching to halal to widen their customer base.

Against a backdrop of humming machines churning out butter, Lalana Thiranusornkij, a Buddhist, explains how her family turned their three factories – under the KCG Corporation banner – halal to access markets in Indonesia, Malaysia and in the Gulf.

But going halal sometimes requires some clever workarounds, such as how to avoid animal-based gelatin to make

jelly. “In the past we used gelatin from pork but… we changed our gelatin from the pork source to be from a seaweed source,” she said.

Thailand’s junta has set the goal of turning the country into one of the world’s top five halal exporting nations by 2020.

Some outsiders might be surprised to see an overwhelmingly Buddhist nation embrace halal.

But Dr Winai Dahlan, founder of the Halal Science Centre at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University, says Thailand was well placed to make the change.

Five per cent of Thailand’s population is Muslim and – outside of the insurgency plagued southern border region – is well-integrated within the Buddhist majority.

It was local Thai Muslims who first began asking for the country’s halal testing centre, a business that scours products for any banned substances and has since boomed.

“Fifteen years ago there were only 500 food plants that had halal certification. Now it’s 6,000,” Winai said as female lab technicians in headscarves tested food products for traces of pork DNA. Over the same period the number of halal certified products made in Thailand has gone from 10,000 to 160,000, he added.

It’s paid off. The government estimates the halal food industry is already worth $6 billion a year.

As Thailand has quickly learned, there’s gold at the end of the halal rainbow.

AFP

Banyan Tree and Laguna Golf scoop ‘Travel & Leisure’ Awards HOSPITALITY BA N YA N T R E E PH U K ET and Laguna Golf Phuket were recently recognised for excellence at the Travel & Leisure China Awards 2016. Banyan Tree Phuket was the winner of the ‘Best Spa Resorts’ category, while Laguna Golf Phuket was named one of 2016’s Top 10 Golf Courses.

The Banyan Tree group won in a total of seven categories at the awards ceremony, adding to the growing list of accolades accumulated by the Banyan Tree brand.

Travel & Leisure, the luxury lifestyle magazine who hosts the awards, named Banyan Tree Phuket

as a winner in the “Best Spa Resorts” category, while also recognising Laguna Golf Phuket as one of 2016’s Top 10 Golf Courses.

In China, three other hotels and spas under the Banyan Tree Group were awarded Best Resort Hotels, Best Newly-opened Spa and Best Spa Resorts, further enhancing the group’s reputation for excellence across Asia.

The brand’s dedication to superior quality was highlighted in the overall categories as well, with Travel & Leisure magazine also naming Banyan Tree Spa as the “Best Spa Brand”, while Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts won in the “Best Hotel Group” category.

Travel & Leisure is the only

Banyan Tree Phuket won ‘Best Spa Resorts’, while Laguna Golf Phuket was named one of 2016’s Top 10 Golf Courses. magazine of its type with a bilingual version published in China. It caters to readers with an interest in travel and luxury products.

Travel & Leisure Golf plays a leading role in covering the golf industry, and the two magazines have a combined circulation of 850,000.

This year’s awards ceremony were held on March 2 in Shanghai, with Des Pugson, Managing Director of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, on stage to receive a total of seven awards on behalf of the Banyan Tree group.

The Travel & Leisure Annual Travel awards reflect astounding recommendations from tourism industry executives, business travellers, journalists and editors.

The wins for Banyan Tree Phuket and Laguna Golf Phuket come just months after they were hailed as “Thailand’s Best Golf Hotel in 2016” and “Asia’s Best Golf Course” by the World Golf Awards.

The Phuket News

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

BISP students examine the personal side of war

16

Five fabulous female chefs set to get sassy

19

A TOUCH OF MAGIC Dominic Holbourne is following his parents’ footsteps into the world of magic and illusion > P17

From left: David, Dominic and Praprai Holbourne – Phuket’s own ‘Magic Family’ – ready for the stage in full costume.

@thephuketnews

16 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Uncovering family war stories Students delve into their families’ past to discover amazing accounts of war Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

W

ar is perhaps the single most devastating force that can be brought to bear on human society and its impact can be felt for generations. Many young people these days are fortunate enough to have no direct experience of war. However, it remains vital for them to learn about the devastation and suffering war inflicts, in the hope of preventing history from repeating itself.

Recognising the importance of educating their students about the horrors of war, a group of English teachers at the British International School, Phuket have undertaken a unique project that adds a personal dimension to the subject.

The project, first and foremost, asks students to discover their own families’ stories regarding the impact of war and then retell these stories through a variety of media including the written word, video, graphic art and their own voices.

English teacher Mr Robert Mark, who first struck upon the idea of students interviewing relatives about their war experiences and retelling those stories through video, said in collaboration with his colleagues that the project has expanded over time to incorporate a range of media to allow their classes to creatively express these family stories.

“For the past four years my Year 9 English classes have undertaken a video project in conjunction with our study of various literary representations of war, such as novels, songs, poems, and films,” said Mr Mark.

“For this project they had to research their own family history to find a relative who had experienced war firsthand. This entailed interviewing par-

Year 9 BISP students holding up the graphic-memoirs they created as part of the project. ents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and in some cases, even great-grandparents to get the story of a family member’s personal account of what it was like to experience the horrors and hardships of war, as well as the historical context of the war itself,” he added.

Once the students had compiled these stories through interviews they were tasked with shooting a black and white first person piece to camera recounting their relatives’ stories in their own words. The videos were then uploaded to YouTube and the BISP website in order to share them as widely as possible.

“After writing out the story and learning it by heart, they are asked to find a quiet room in their homes, and film themselves telling the story using the black and white option of iMovie or a similar application to reflect the gravity of the story,” said Mr Mark.

The Phuket News watched several of the student’s videos. It was immediately striking that so many students, especially as international school students coming from such diverse backgrounds, were able to discover harrowing stories about the impact of war among their relatives. The result is a compelling series of videos that tell these true stories

of war, in the students’ own words, from all sides of some of the major conflicts of the last century.

“For these young teens, who were unaware that these family stories even existed, to discover that war doesn’t just impact the lives of strangers or fictional characters, that it impacts the lives of their own families as well, is often quite stunning,” said Mr Mark.

This year the project has evolved to become even more of a group effort, with more Year 9 teachers deciding to have their students investigate their family of war story for the first time.

The format was also changed to direct students to create a two-page graphic memoir of their family’s stories.

This creative aspect was combined with further study of graphic war novels and learning about the technical features such as panels, thought and speech bubbles, captions, framing, colour and symbolism.

“We studied the techniques in making graphic novels, looked at some for exemplification and had the students create their own two-page graphic memoir style accounts of their relative’s war story,” said Mr Mark.

Several students have praised the project and talked about the valuable

A page from one of the student’s graphic memoirs. lessons learned while undertaking it.

“It changed my outlook on war. Before, I hadn’t realised how involved my family had been in the Second World War. Now I do andI look at war differently,” said student Jordan Hayward.

“When my dad sat down and told me the whole story of my great grandfather’s World War I experience as a member of the so called ‘Sportsmen’s Thousand’ I was shocked,” said student Kit Stevens.

“It hit home how real the life and death situation was for soldiers in combat. He was lucky to survive the Gallipoli campaign. For the rest of his life, he remained partially deaf from the sound of the guns,” he added.

For more information about the project and to view the fascinating videos made by the students in this and previous years please visit: bisphuket.ac.th/family-of-war-stories-2017

UWCT students exchange ideas in Ranong

D

uring the February mid-term break, a group of United World College Thailand (UWCT) students from grade 9, 11 and 12 took a trip to the beautiful area of Ranong. They travelled by bus, arranging their own transportation and accommodation along the way.

On the first evening, teacher Jalal, his wife and teacher Amy and her husband joined the students in Khao Lak National Park, where they slept under the stars by the crashing sea before continuing on to Ranong the next day.

The intention of their trip was to explore the possibility of collaborative, reciprocal relationships with students at the Marist Asia Foundation (MAF), which serves Myanmar migrants with a preschool and a secondary school, as well as supporting 16 students with their online university studies. The foundation also provides pastoral support to families affected by HIV/ AIDS. Ranong is situated on the Thai-

UCWT students with their MAF counterparts.

Burmese border and there is plenty to see, including museums, hot springs and national parks. The area has a history cultural intermingling due to the many longterm refugees from Myanmar residing there. UWCT students spent their time conversing in English with other high school and university students in small groups, sharing questions, stories, ideas and experiences.

They also met with the Marist Father and teachers from MAF, some of whom are Burmese migrants themselves, who have been educated through the MAF schools and completed their university cer-

tifications online. They chose to return as teachers so that they could support their community.

UWCT students gained a heightened awareness of the critical need for English language proficiency for personal and community development. Proficiency in English is critical for online courses, writing grants, and working with other NGOs which use both English and Thai in order to function optimally within their host country.

The students are thinking about their upcoming Project Week – a week-long service learning experience that is organised by each student in Grade 11 – and Myanmar students at the MAF schools need to practice conversational English.

Mindfulness and meditation are also integral parts of Myanmar culture and education, and there is wonderful potential for all parties to learn a great deal from one another, and exploring the rich culture of Myanmar.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PEOPLE 17

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

A magical star rising

Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Well, like father like son, and after years of helping his parents and watching closely, Dominic has worked up his own magic performance and taken to the stage in talent contests across Thailand.

Magic certainly seems to run in the Holbourne family.

W

hile many kids his age might think that magic is something you read about in Harry Potter books, Dominic Holbourne has been taking part in his parent’s professional magic stage performances, in front of hundreds of people, since he was just 8 years old.

Dominic, now 14, grew up surrounded by the artistry of magic and illusion, as his dad, David, is a professional magician with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in both stage and close-up magic. Dominic’s mum, Praprai, completes the family trio on stage and brings her own unique style and flair for quick-change artistry and illusions.

Well, like father like son, and after years of helping his parents and watching closely, Dominic has worked up his own magic performance and taken to the stage in talent contests across Thailand.

His 10-minute show as performed for the National School Talent Competition earlier this year, features dove magic, silk magic, flower magic, a floating wine glass and the production of a Macaw as its finale.

Dominic says that his favourite piece to perform is the dove magic, especially the “dove split”, where one dove is split into two doves.

His first step on the way to the national finals was to take part in the local Phuket area competition last November. Because he was the only entrant in the magic category he had to obtain 80% or more to reach the next stage. He breezed through with a score of 93%, landing him the Gold Award, enabling him to enter the southern finals, held in Ranong earlier this year.

At the southern finals, which was Dominic’s first big performance outside of Phuket, he was the youngest competitor in his age group, which ranged up to 18 years. Undaunted, he took home first place with 88% – qualifying him to go to the national finals in Bangkok.

Dominic is a student at Dowroong Wittaya School near Phuket Town and the school has been very supportive of his talents. In fact, Dominic says if it weren’t for his teacher entering him into the contest, he would have never made it to the national finals.

The school has even helped to pay travel expenses for him to attend the competitions and given him a daily allowance of B300.

“For his school to be in the national finals means so much to everyone associated with the school. Also, on the day there were talent scouts and Thai television crews, so we don’t know were it might take him one day,” said Dominic’s father, David.

In the lead-up to the regional and national finals, Dominic was kept busy rehearsing his show several times a week with his dad, who helped by giving advice on the technical side of the show.

“I always asked him which is the most nerve racking – the competitions, or doing the show in front of me? And he says, ‘Me’,” said David.

“As he progressed in the competition he became less nervous. He also stepped his performance up every time, so for the finals he was confident, but not

Dominic is presented with his Gold Award at the National School Talent Competition Finals in Bangkok. @thephuketnews

Dominic uses various birds in his act, including a magnificent blue-and-yellow macaw and several doves. over confident,” he added.

The national finals took place on January 31 in Bangkok and saw an extremely competitive field of 12 teams from the top magic academies in Bangkok. Dominic, representing his school, came ninth and earned a further Gold Award. Strangely, the eventual winners were the same team that placed second behind Dominic in the southern finals.

Nevertheless, it was an excellent effort by him to reach the finals and has no doubt inspired him to continue

with his magic. The Phuket News asked David whether Dominic wanted to be a magician when he was older, to which he replied: “When I put this question to Dominic, he laughed! He said, ‘Tell them I am already a magician.’ But seriously, being as good as he is and the age he is, I think he has every opportunity to make a living as a magician.”

For more about Dominic and his magical family visit “Phuket Magic” on Facebook or PhuketMagic.com

18 EXPLORE

Cashew nuts are literally falling off the trees on the Bang Tao backroads.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Hmmm... which way to go from here?

More Bang Tao for your buck

Q

uiet corners of our increasingly frenetic island are often sought by the gadabout lycra lout for some gentle, meditative pedalling amidst lovely scenery, with the opportunity Baz Daniel for a cold beachside drink at the sunset end of the ride. One area of Phuket that still offers these charms is the hinterland of Bang May this Tao Beach.

The gateway to this cycling idyll is through the never unprepossessing strip development along the Laguna change, approach road through the heart of Cherng Talay. say I, as it is exactly However, once you enter the well-manicured lawns, this confusing array placid lakeside villas and lazy sprinkler-festooned golf links that seem to define this area, it is as though you of contradictions are cycling through an entirely different world. that make Phuket Here, the bicycle, plus sundry other forms of nonpolluting transport such as horses, elephants and such a fascinating even – heaven forbid – walking the dog, all seem to be place to live and a natural part of everyday life. ride.

As indeed they used to be all over the island, except that now in so much of modern Phuket such simple pleasures have been swallowed up by the grinding maw of urbanisation and motor vehicles.

We started our ride on a bright day from the charming grounds of Angsana Villa Resort, where we were staying. We trundled along various lakeside roads under the blessed shade of Casuarina trees, which thankfully grow in abundance in this region.

A few kilometres on we cycled across a little bridge over the canal linking several of the Laguna lakes, then turned right near the road leading to what you might term “Coolness Central” – the uber-hip Xana Beach Club.

An interesting bike tour of this region would feature the various beach clubs (operating and moth-balled), as they come and go; change their branding; or fall into decay and disrepair as yet another “crackdown” or land title scam impacts their tortured destiny.

As you cycle north along the quiet Bang Tao beachside road, I couldn’t help but notice the bizarre schizophrenia of the region. The ever-shifting beach clubs, fashionable resorts and chic residential developments all with grand pretentions to sophistication and globalism, cheek by jowl with a run-down melee of ramshackle beer bars, noodle carts and wooden roadside stands selling bottled petrol. May this never change, say I, as it is exactly this confusing array of contradictions that make Phuket such a fascinating place to live and ride.

Three kilometres north along this beachside road it peters out as you arrive at a small canal full of weather-beaten local fishing boats. Just The peaceful Laguna village makes a pleasant backdrop for riding. offshore lies Koh Krata,

BLAZING SADDLES

The area features numerous waterways, canals, lagoons and lakes that are quite pleasing to the eye. or Frying Pan Island, to which you can walk at low tide, while a broad swathe of beachside Casuarinas provides cover for the evening tents and barbecues set up for overnight guests.

The beachside road then turns inland and meets the main road where you can turn left and continue to head north up some pretty severe hills following the coast past Trisara Resort and then down to the beautiful sands of Nai Thon Beach. This is a great spot for tired lycra louts to enjoy a refreshing dip in the crashing spume, or even a beachside massage, if the pummelling ladies are being allowed to operate when you visit!

Our own trip took us south back down the island and a visit to the charming Cherng Talay Temple with its sinuous finials and fearsome Naga heads then finally back through the heart of busy evening Cherng Talay to the sanctuary of our villa resort.

Most of the Laguna resorts offer bicycles and guided tours, which is a great way for families with kiddies to see the area from a bicycle saddle in safety and without stress.

Back at the Angsana Villa Resort, poolside cold drinks were a sensational way to end the day, while watching the sunset overlooking the darkening lake with its swooping swifts and swallows.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention a fabulous Sunday lunch we subsequently enjoyed before returning home.

In fact, I’d venture that staying at Ang-

Casuarina and palm trees provide ample shade. sana Villas for the weekend, joining a cycling tour on Saturday, then having brunch at Xana Beach Club on Sunday, is just about the perfect way of enjoy the charming Bang Tao area.

“Bicycling” Baz Daniel fell off his first bicycle aged three... a case of love at first slight. Since then he has spent a further 65 years falling on and off bicycles all over the world, but his passion endures.

When not in traction, he found time to become Senior VP of the world’s largest advertising and communications group, finally retiring to Phuket in 2006. He has been penning his Blazing Saddles column, chronicling his cycling adventures in Phuket and beyond, since 2013. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 19

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Sassy chefs cook up a storm Phuket’s top female chefs unite for Good Shepherd dinner at Kata Rocks The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Diners can count on each talented chef to cook up some amazing culinary dishes that reflect their home country with a healthy dose of imagination for good measure.

Chonthicha ‘Mook’ Surajaroenjai.

F

ive of Phuket’s finest female chefs, from the island’s premier luxury resorts and restaurants, are joining forces on Saturday, April 22, for “The Sassy Chef’s Kitchen” charity dinner at Kata Rocks to benefit children at the BanYa Literacy Centre.

Participating chefs include Chonthicha “Mook” Surajaroenjai, pastry chef of Rustic Eatery & Bar; Belinda Tuckwell, executive chef of The Pavilions Phuket; Patrizia Battolu, executive chef of La Gritta at Amari Phuket; Laia Pons, executive chef of Kata Rocks; and Anongrat “Piak” Meklai, executive sous chef of Black Ginger at The Slate Phuket.

Diners can count on each talented chef to cook up some amazing culinary dishes that reflect their home country or restaurant menu, with a healthy dose of imagination for good measure.

Kata Rocks General Manager Scot Toon said, “We are excited to have the top female chefs in Phuket coming together to present an amazing fivecourse dinner to raise much-needed funds for the children at the Good Shepherd Phuket BanYa Literacy Centre.”

Musical entertainment by Phuket’s top female DJ, Fabuloops, will run from 9pm to midnight, with a live auction featuring fabulous holiday prizes to exclusive destinations also on offer.

Chef Belinda of The Pavilions Phuket said, “I am delighted to be cooking as part of the ‘The Sassy Chef’s Kitchen’ at Kata Rocks. There is nothing better than fabulous food mixed with a touch of girl power supporting the cause.”

Tickets to the dinner are priced at B3,800 net per person with all proceeds raised going towards assisting the 150 Myanmar children who attend the BanYa Literacy Centre.

These students recently moved into a dedicated eight-room learning facility last December, funded and built through grants and donations. However, the average cost of supporting each child is about B10,000 per annum.

“Our community is important to all of us here at Kata Rocks, we are regularly assisting and support-

Kata Rocks Executive Chef Laia Pons will be on her home turf for the charity dinner. ing many groups and charities across the island. Giving back where we can and being able to work with these amazing chefs and restaurants on this occasion to raise money for the Good Shepherd is fantastic,” Mr Toon added.

Paul Jordaan, general manager at The Slate, predicted it would be an epic epicurean evening that should not be missed. “I’m delighted to see the top female chefs of Phuket coming together for such an important cause. I want to urge all the residents of Phuket to come and join us to help raise much-needed funds for the BanYa Literacy Centre,” he said.

Good Shepherd Phuket helps women and children on the island who have been abused, are caught up in

human trafficking or the sex industry, as well as those in poverty or suffering from HIV. They are given shelter, counselling, schooling and the opportunity to reeducate themselves and thus earn a decent living. Handicraft items made by the women are also sold at some of the top resorts in Phuket.

This important gastronomic fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, at Kata Rocks, starting from 6pm. For reservations and information email Donna Toon (The Good Shepherd) at: sassychefskitchen@gmail.com The Phuket News & Live 89.5 are proud sponsors of the event.

Phuket street food app to launch soon… we hope

T

The Bangkok Street Food app is up and running.

Thailand was named as a ‘street food paradise’. @thephuketnews

he Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in co-operation with Thailand Foundation, has launched a new mobile application for Thai street food, aimed at assembling information on all of the country’s top roadside eateries.

According to a National News Bureau of Thailand report this week, the three versions of the app – Street Food Phuket, Street Food Chiang MaiChiang Rai and Street Food Bangkok – were to be launched simultaneously to promote Thai food to foreign visitors as well as enhance Thailand’s tourism image.

However, as this paper went to print, only the Bangkok app was available in the iOS and Android app stores. The Bangkok app did appear to be functioning correctly and has both English- and Chinese-language options.

The app had clear information on popular street food dishes such as pad Thai and khao kah moo as well as listing the locations of several popular stalls in Bangkok that serve them. The descriptions of the individual restaurants also included their particular take on the dish as well as listing other popular menu items.

One particularly handy feature of

the app is that it gives the name and directions to each restaurant in Thai so you can show it to your taxi driver. The application is available for free download on both Android and iOS operating systems. We can only hope that the Phuket version is ready for download soon.

The launch follows Prime Minis-

ter’s Office Spokesperson Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd noting that CNN crowned Thailand the world’s “Street Food Paradise” for the second year running and that the World Street Food Congress choose Bangkok’s fried oyster pancakes as one of its top three street dishes.

Mark Knowles

22 ISLAND SCENE

Roman Floesser and Marianne Jongsma.

The de Bruin family fielded quite a team for the run.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Puriya Beavan holds up her commemorative medal at the finish line.

Members of the SGS Security team kept a close eye on things.

RUNNERS OUT IN FORCE FOR THIRD SUPERSPORTS 10-MILE INTERNATIONAL RUN Over 2500 runners woke at the break of dawn last Sunday (March 19) to take part in the Supersports 10-Mile International Run at Thanyapura. Now in its third year, the event continues to entice recreational runners and renowned athletes from around the world to tread its tranquil yet challenging route.

Members of the Boat Lagoon team welcomed visitors at the entrance.

Executive Director of Boat Lagoon Wicky Sundram (centre) with Jason and Toee.

Fresh som tam and grilled chicken was a popular snack at the event.

Vincent (left) and the team from Le Winch.

LIVE 89.5 HITS THE AIRWAVES AT BOAT LAGOON’S ‘BEATS AND BITES’ WEEKEND Boat Lagoon Phuket hosted two evenings of fine food and funky music for its ‘Beats & Bites’ Weekend (March 17-18). The team from Live 89.5 Radio where also in attendance, broadcasting live across Phuket from the Boat Lagoon Quay. Restaurants and shops along the quay hosted outdoor stalls featuring delicious food as well as clothing and accessories. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

From left: Roman Floesser, GM of Go Adventure Asia; Miss Jutarrat Ninlahut, Deputy Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office; Dr Chockchai Dejamornthan, Governor of Phuket; and Mr Ravi Chandran, MD, Laguna Phuket.

Patcharasri ‘Kalamare’ Benjamas, Laguna Phuket Marathon Event Ambassador.

THOUSANDS EXPECTED TO ‘RUN PARADISE’ AT 2017 LAGUNA PHUKET MARATHON The Laguna Phuket Marathon is set to celebrate its 12th year this June. Organisers Go Adventure Asia announced at a recent press conference that they expect a record turnout of more than 7,000 runners from over 40 countries for the event. Sanctioned by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, the Laguna Phuket Marathon is held from sunset to sunrise over two days (June 3-4).

Craig Ferguson and Andrew de Bruin.

Kenny Roger Roasters CEO Mr Raghunath chats with Donna.

Tina Hall from Phuket Has Been Good To Us and Donna.

LIVE 89.5 BROADCASTS LIVE FROM BISP INTERNATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS The BISP community enjoyed a wonderful International Day celebration last Friday, March 17. Students, teachers and parents proudly wore their national costumes and colours as they celebrated the 62 nationalities which make up the BISP family. BISP thanks those who generously gave their time for the cultural stage performances and to the parents for their efforts in baking, cooking and hosting the food stalls. The event was sponsored by Live 89.5, Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Central Festival.

Dan Bollard presented a generous donation at the AGM.

From left: Wipa, Doreen, Helga and Jane.

The 2017 PIWC Committee: Nittaya, Juree, Tasanee, Carole, Dianne, Athena, Wipa, Sue, Lyn, Erna, Marianne, Maggy and Valerie.

From left: Waraporn, Fatima and Nittaya.

PIWC ELECTS NEW COMMITTEE DURING 2017 AGM HELD AT LE MERIDIEN PHUKET The Phuket International Women’s Club on March 16 held its Annual General Meeting at Le Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, south of Patong. The AGM was followed by a relaxed and friendly lunch at Le Meridien’s Wang Warin restaurant. A new committee for 2017 was elected during the meeting – these ladies will spearhead the club’s fundraising, social activities and club organisation for the next year. Congratulations to them all. @thephuketnews

24 EVENTS

FRI

24 MAR

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM cious BBQ at Kata Beach Join us for this culinary extravaganza where ‘Authentic’ Thai dishes (and some western items) are served ‘buffet’ style. Our Chef will arrange truly 100% fresh seafood from our fisherman and also prime meats for this special event… We are very confident you will love this event. Reservations, Nook Dee - Kata Beach 076 688 888.

SAT

their jazz-swing and soulful style. The one-night only show features nine musicians from Netherlands, Thailand, Germany, Australia, USA, Russia and Belgium.

DJ Tank will keep the rhythm going between sets.

Tickets THB 1,500 p.p. which includes light buffet and a drink. Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort 076 370 100. Co-sponsored by Diageo Thailand.

25 MAR

Sunday Roast All Day All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Beach, Kata Center, Karon and Patong! Indulge ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for 395 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes.

Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN! www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

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 395 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs!

Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN at Two Chefs!!! www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286479 Patong 076-344-914.

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

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Magners Comedy Festival - Phuket Three comedians will make you laugh all night. Saturday 25th March at 8pm @ Underwood Art Factory.

We have award-winning DREW MCCREADIE (CAN), Edinburgh Fringe Fest favourite AIDAN KILLIAN (IRE) and the hilarious, multi TV special and Joan Rivers favourite LARS CALLIEOU (CAN). Tickets at Underwood Art Factory. Advance - B600, at the Door B800. comedyclubbangkok.com/micfoutoftown.html

Half Moon Festival at Paradise Beach Phuket

PARADISE BEACH PHUKET presents the Biggest and Coolest Half Moon Festival. RSVP: info@paradisebeachphuket.com. CALL US: +66 (0) 924 856 250; CONTACT US: paradisebeachphuket.com/contact-us FOR FREE ROUNDTRIP SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE PICK UP POINTS VISIT: paradisebeachphuket.com/ reach-us. Come with us and take a great music journey to Paradise together.

SUN

26 MAR

Mediterranean Sunday Brunch at Metzo’s Feast to your heart’s content on our Mediterranean menu of mezze and tapas served family style at your table, live cooking station, kids’ corner and dessert buffet. After brunch, why not relax and take in the view of the Andaman Sea with complimentary access to the resort swimming pool. Starting from THB 990++ per person. Reservations, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, metzos@outrigger.co.th 076 360 600.

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

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Phuket’s Best Burger 3

Friday is Wine & Tapas night at Cape Sienna Hotel Kamala

It is time to crown Phuket’s Best Burger for 2017 at the new location of Boat Avenue Cherng Talay. Join us for an afternoon of fun and burgers. Restaurants, hotels and resorts will battle it out. Who will be the French mushroom in 2017? Will Kata Rocks win two years running? Can Xana Beach Club get their crown back?

This year we have also introduced a public vote. Live music. Burgers. facebook.com/PhuketsBestBurger

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

All you can eat Tapas with one bottle of Regular White or Red: Baht 1,490 net per person. Premium White, Red, Rose and Bubbly: Baht 1,790 net per person.

Tapas starts: 19:00 – 22:00. Located Vanilla Sky Bar, Cape Sienna Hotel, Kamala. 076 337 300.

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

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON Sunday Fun Brunch

Thai Seafood and Meat BBQ THB 999.-++ @Lobby Terrace (Weather permiting) from 19:00 – 22:00 hrs. The most amazing and deli-

International Jazz-Swing Band Take a swinging trip down memory lane as

big band ‘Big to the Future’ performs hits of past in

Phuket’s most popular brunch experience. Seafood, live station, entertainment, kid’s corner and massage corner. From 1,650++ THB. 12.00 - 15.30. Reservation: info@xanabeachclub.com 076 358 500.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

SUN

26 MAR

THU

experience new flavours; ranging from spicy curries to barbecued meats and local noodle plates, while watching our Chefs work their magic in the lively kitchen every Wednesday from 18:00 – 22:00 for THB 999 per person at Bubbles Restaurant, Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas. Reservations, Bubbles Restaurant, Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas, h8109@accor.com 076 231 999.

FRI Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch

MON

13 APR

31 MAR PIWC Meet&Greet Coffee April

The Banyan Tree Seafood Brunch experience returns with a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exception Lobster dished, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asia wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, Live Jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12.00-15.30, price start from 2,800net per person.

Reservations, Banyan Tree Phuket, fb-phuket@banyantree.com 076 372 400.

27 MAR

EVENTS 25

New members are encouraged to join our monthly Meet & Greet Coffee Morning to find out more about our organization. It’s also a great opportunity to chat with a few members in a more casual setting over a cup of coffee. For more information, please contact Joan Watson – imm@loxinfo.co.th or Renate Hirte – hirtefamily@hotmail.com. From 10.30am - 12.00pm @Starbucks Central Festival.

SUN

Reggae Night Come feel alright with us on March 31st 2017 at Two Chefs Kata Beach! Our Famous House Band will be performing all of your favorite Reggae songs from 9pm until late. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes, food and fun all night long! RESERVE Now. www.twochefs.comTwo Chefs Kata Center, 076 333 370.

23 APR

La Gritta’s Discovery Menu

All you can eat BBQ night 6PM – 11PM: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squids, salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. 395 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

WED

29 MAR

Coast to Coast Tour: Musically Yours Featuring ‘Big To The Future’ live music band tour.

THB 1,200++ including BBQ Buffet from 7pm onward.

For further information please check out our website www.coast-beach-club.com For reservations: Coast Beach Club & Bistro at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, email: coastphuket@chr.co.th

SAT

1 APR

Superkidz Triathlon returns to Thanyapura Phuket

On Sunday, April 23, Phuket’s long-running youth multisport event will feature fun and challenging age-appropriate race distances for youth aged 4-15 to compete in a safe environment. The triathlon starts with a swim at Thanyapura’s Olympic-sized 50-meter pool, continues with a bike ride through Khao Phra Thaew National Park and with a run concluding at Thanyapura’s cushioned athletics track and grandstand. Entry fee is 700 THB/individual or 1,800 THB/team. Prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers for each age category and relay teams. Registration deadline is April 16, 2017. More info at: events@ thanyapura.com; call: +66 76 336 000; or visit: thanyapura.com/event/superkidz-triathlon-2017 Proudly sponsored by Live89.5 and Khao Phuket

EVERY DAY

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

Pop Up 3 at Latitude with Angsana

Dine 4 Pay 3 Oriental Buffet Dinner Extravaganza Embark on a journey to the four corners of Asia and enjoy a lavish array of Thai, Chinese, Japanese and other Oriental recipes. Develop your taste buds and

@thephuketnews

On Saturday 1st April, for one night only, 20 of the best restaurants in Phuket will Pop Up at Latitude in Laguna in support of Phuket Has Been Good To Us! For only 2,500 THB try culinary creations from each of the amazing chefs and enjoy all night free flow from our 7 beverage sponsors. The evening will also feature fantastic silent auction prizes, great music, dancing, and more! Don’t miss Phuket’s best foodie event of the year! Book now: info@phukethasbeengoodtous. org or 076-278-146 or online at tickettailor.com/alltickets/26485/38a9/ Proudly sponsored by Live89.5.

7 Nights 7 Themed Dinners at Rim Talay Make each night unique! Enjoy our themed dinners with the cool sea breeze. World of Curries @790 THB++, Thai & International Buffet @790 THB++, Seafood Night @980 THB++, Ribs, Wings & Rings @770 THB++, Butchers Night @market price, Surf & Turf @950 THB++,Thai Seafood Gala @980 THB++.

The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. For reservations, email rimtalay@amari.com or call 076 340106-14 #8027.

Take your taste buds on a culinary tour through some of the finest Italian flavours. Chef Patrizia has created a six-course discovery menu consisting of the appetiser, main course and dessert, priced at 1,590 THB++ per person. The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, lagritta@ amari.com 076 292 697.

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

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Which is the only planet that rotates clockwise?

2. Which was the shortest war in history?

3. How many cards make up a typical tarot card deck?

4. Name Donald Trump’s three sons.

5. At the nearest point, how far apart are Russia and America?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Across 1. Degrees in hist. or social sci.

4. Big ape 9. Uniform shade 14. “Humanum ___ errare” 15. Kind of bear 16. Type of architecture 17. Make the right pairing 20. Japanese native 21. Yellowish-red chalcedony 22. Animal often pictured standing tall 26. Lack of sophistication 31. Overcharge, say 32. Representation of a sort 34. Word with “little” or “major” 35. Pertaining to still water 37. Pats on, as makeup 38. Cheeses 42. Six preceder 43. Broadway lyricist Hart 44. Word over a slot 47. Word before the worse 48. Cage part 51. Element used in CRTs and LEDs 53. Phone playback 55. Champ 57. Unpleasant obligation 58. Breads 65. Peoples of southern Africa

66. Sheep-related 67. One-eighty from WSW 68. Like bar drafts 69. People kick things here 70. Kind of iron

27. Liechtenstein’s capital 28. “Holy moley!”

29. Vaughan Williams wrote a concerto for it 30. Victorious shout 33. Voile used to make Down curtains 1. Looked attractive on 35. Outcast, so to speak 2. More pallid 36. Computer burner 3. Rock hurler output 4. Photo ___ (publicity 38. Classy bloke events) 39. Musical space 5. Delicacy from the 40. Tierney or Tunney sea 41. Column to the left of 6. Words before “king” the decimal point or “carte” 42. Handyman’s letters 7. Unlikely track 45. Hastily puts together winners 46. Melt material 8. Bad pun response 48. Eastern royals 9. Youngster 49. South American 10. Trainee’s question lizard 11. DiFranco with 50. Beat the 2005 album 52. Wayne ___ (Gotham “Knuckle Down” City abode) 12. Thanksgiving 54. Scale note gatherers, often 56. Wordless greeting 13. Britney Spears: 58. Blood letters “Break the ___” 59. Competed at 18. ‘-- Gang’ Belmont 19. Kind of surgeon or 60. Explosive ingredient historian 61. 9:15, say, at J.F.K. 23. Classic chicken 62. Fed. medical recipe research group 24. Bad marks for 63. It could prove teens? paternity 25. Wreck 64. Information trove

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Venus; 2); Zanzibar and England, 1896 (38 mins); 3) 78; 4. “Don Jr”, 39); Eric Trump (33); Barron Trump (11); 5) About 4km

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history March 24, 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill: In Prince William Sound in Alaska, the Exxon Valdez spills 240,000 barrels (38,000m3) of crude oil after running aground.

1

in five women broke up with their boyfriends because they played video games too much, according to a UK poll.

March 25, 1655 Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is discovered by Christiaan Huygens.

20

March 26, 1934 The United Kingdom driving test is introduced.

years is how long it roughly takes for a four-year degree to become profitable.

March 27, 1871 First international rugby match: Scotland (2 tries, 1 goal) defeats England (1 try) at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh.

450

balls are held in the Austrian capital Vienna each year, providing about 2,000 hours of ball dancing annually.

March 28, 37 AD Roman emperor Caligula accepts the titles of the Principate, entitled to him by the Senate.

1770

was the year that the English Parliament declared lipstick illegal because it seduced men into matrimony by cosmetic means.

50 million euros is the fine Germany’s justice minister is calling for against social media sites that fail to swiftly remove illegal content.

Source: Uberfacts

March 29, 845 AD Paris is sacked by Viking raiders, probably under Ragnar Lodbrok, who collects a huge ransom in exchange for leaving.

Kalim Beach. Photo by Michael Spigarolo Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

March 30, 1867 Alaska is bought from Russia for $7.2 million, about 2-cent/acre ($4.19/km²),

by US Secretary of State William H. Seward.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Buy&Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

LOST & FOUND Missing Person

Martin Perter Ingram (son of Roy Percival Ingram). Last known of in Thailand in 2010. Any person with knowledge of the current whereabouts of Mr Ingram is request to contact Title Research in the UK (info@titleresearch. com) or our local agent Spectrum Asia (02 626 0250).

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Sign up today for a discount code

The new website for Tiya’s hammocks is ready! Visit now at: native-habitat.com and subscribe for a discount code to use for online shopping. Tiya: hammockphuket@yahoo.com 076 631 841.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE 3-engine speedboat for sale

3-engine speedboat, Length 13.5m., width 3.4m. Capacity 45 pax + 3 crew. Front seats. Good condition. Incl 3 Honda engines. B1,800,000. Vladimir 084 182 8685.

Long Tail Boat For Sale

Ready to go “Long Tail Boat” with or Without Captain (Thai) Get special price, please call 085 781 9167 (English) Bangtao Beach, Phuket, B275,000, giorgionaef@aol.com 085 781 9167.

Boating deal of the year: 7.5m baht (reduced from 10m baht)

Due to serious health reasons, the owner must part with his beloved 80’ tour boat. New wiring throughout, power outlets, transformer and voltage meters. New upholstery throughout bar and entertainment area. Engines & generator fully reconditioned & serviced. All maintained to European standards. Ideal boat for quality day trip business. beachsando1@gmail.com 080 695 3933.

Steel boat for sale

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Price reduced for quick sale

No, not a bar or guesthouse, but a manufacturing business for wooden window blinds.

All the machinery and inventory of parts to be up and running in a matter of days. A very successful business in Phuket for over eight years. Price reduced to 2 mil Baht. Owner will partially finance. lamsden@phuketemail.com 081 487 4812.

Looking for investor / partner

CAR FOR SALE

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

Convertible

Mercedes CLK 200 Cabriolet W-209 Brabus Package - seat 4. Excellent condition and fun to drive. 37,400km.

1,199,000 Bht. Eng - Thai 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

OUTSOURCE COMPANY FOR SALE

For Sale, Nai Harn Beauty Salon with Equipment & lease, B290,000. Salon Equipment replacement cost is more than B300,000. All equipment shown as new. Must view to see excellent opportunity to purchase Salon for extremely good price in prime location. Call Nok for details 098 017 8818.

Restaurant set up for sale

A fully equipped restaurant in the highly sought after Boat Avenue mall in Laguna.

Stainless steel kitchen, Wi-Fi, bar counter, service area. Ready to go in days. Email: jukeboxphuket@gmail.com 081 090 1608. @thephuketnews

Life Time Family Membership

Blue Canyon: 750,000 THB includes 140,000 transfer fee.

Loch Palms: 425,000 THB includes 72,000 transfer fee.

Tanita, 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

MOVING SERVICES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Beauty Salon with Equipment

Loch Palm Golf Membership

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

Looking for investor / partnership for Patong beach front location to start with Japanese and Indian restaurant.

Narin, narinpga@gmail.com 081 826 9390.

32 metre steel boat for sale. Built 2012, 2 x Cummings engines, 10hrs work only. International REG. Excellent for live-aboard or ferry. Price 6MB. Contact: call Joe 087 8918912 or email joe@similan-divers.com

126 skilled employees, 3 buildings included, with a net profit of 17 million THB per year. Easy to manage, ideal for foreign investment. Contact us for details.

Besa, 081 891 5932.

MEMBERSHIPS

e Urg

n

l t sa

e

Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto

57,000km. One owner since new.

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

Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI

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

MEMBERSHIPS Phuket Country Club Golf Membership

Golf membership for sale, includes transfer fee of 60,000 THB. 450,000, David, dsgrabham@yahoo.co.uk 087 881 7545.

Looking for a Moving Company?

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Phuket real estate tour

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

32 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy&Sell

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

WEBSITES, IT For Sale: hoteldealsphuket.com

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

Prime Kathu land with panoramic views and quiet location. Starts from 400sqm. Perfect for private Villa.

Close waterfall with more land plots and different beach!!!

Start from 2.5 MB, K. Pam, Phuketmyhouse@gmail.com +66 (0) 94 829 3619.

Condominium for sale

Freehold 32.5 Sq.M. Studio type.

Price 3.6MB. Swimming pool on roof. Absolute Bangla Suites. Bruno, brunomeier1945@hotmail.com

Property for sale

Large building near airport and sea view land near Bang Pae Waterfall for sale or lease. Any reasonable offers accepted. Lana, Lana.phuket@gmail.com 080 271 6484.

Land near By Pass road

4 Rai 3 Ngan 45.1 Sq.wah (1,945.10 Sq.wah)near Bypass Rd., easy to go to the downtown or Airport. On the main road, suitable for developments such as Townhome, Hotel ect. Sarinthorn, phuket@plus.co.th 076 681 188 or 084 555 3178.

House for sale

Private pool villa with lovely garden half a rai. Quite and safe area. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom open kitchen. 160 m2 Situated in Ban Pahra. 12 minutes to PIA, Phuket Airport, Nay Yang beach, and Blue Canyon Golf course. 2 min to Mission Hill Golf course. 7.5 million baht, bergsstigen@telia.com 090 701 4204.

Penthouse for quick sale

265 sqm, sea and mountain view in Kamala. Foreign freehold. Reduced to 9.9mn, fully furnished!! info@sunny-property.com 083 105 2707.

Foreign freehold corner unit

76 sqm, sea and mountain view in Patong Tower, Patong. Reduced to 8.8mn. Special deal with car, info@ sunny-property.com 083 105 2707.

Condominium for sale

Foreign Freehold 150 SQM Huge Ground Floor 2 Bed, 2 Bath condo. 150m to Nai Harn Beach. 7.7M THB. Owner, paulover@hotmail.com 089 875 4173.

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Sea View Villa

Premium villa 8B in the prestiques Sunrise Ocean Villas development is now for sale.

Being built on the highest point in the estate, only 80 meter from the ocean and located 3 mins away from Grand Ao Po Marina, 10 mins from golf course, 20 mins from the airport, shopping centers, schools and hospitals, this villa is a perfect place to live with no traffic, no polution and no mass tourism.

Over 600 Sqm usable building area, 3 bedrooms, guest apartment, maid quater, games room, 10 metre infinity swimming pool, roof terrace and breath taking views. Can be ready to move in within 8 weeks and still can be customized to the wishes of new owner. For sale at only 27.9 mill baht.

For viewing or more information please contact our sales director, Khun Montha on: 081 343 0777 or email: montha_phuket@yahoo.com

Pool Villa Mission Heights

Villa with salt pool, 330sqm, 3 bed, 3.5 bath, 900sqm chanote, owner finance, near mission hill golf 2km. 6km PIA, 8km airport. Call 087 060 8400. B16.9 million. Charly, Mission Heights, picharly@gmail.com

Beautiful Land in Rawai For Sale

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

COMMUNITY

House for sale

Rawai Samki 3 with Chonote. 2 Bed, 2 Bath, big living room, 1 storage, 1 laundry. House 160 sqm, land 280 sqm. 3MB. rico9963@hotmail.com 083 640 9041.

House for sale

Good location in Chalong area. 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom, 200 sqm.

House on 800 sqm plot. Including furniture, 084 745 5546.

Apartment

1.65mill. 60qm 2bed 2bath + 30qm balcony, liv-kitchen, 3 a/c, quality doors/wind., Dream Village near mission hill golf, tel: 087 383 8709. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Buy&Sell

PROPERTY FOR SALE HERE IS THE FUTURE. 17 RAI FOR SALE

Between Kok Loi and Thai Muang, 38 km from the airport, we are selling a beautiful peice of land with 2 new houses. A perfect place for artists or a sport resort.

The land is more than 17 Rai, full of old trees, with a big private lake and located directly behind the river. Chanote title. With a canoe it takes 20 min to paddle to the sea.

A great opportunity for a fair price. Price 9.5M, Yupin, residler@gmail.com 081 817 4805 Thai, Eng, Deutsch.

Land for sale in Saku - Phuket

1 to 5 Rai. Chanote. 10 mins south to the airport. Nice quiet location near Naiyang - Naithon Beach. Fixed price only 2.6Mil Baht per Rai. Kanchana, kanchanajit09@gmail.com 087 076 6016.

Outstanding Beach Front Pool Villa

A rare opportunity to purchase a 4 bedroom beachfront villa in a 5* resort at The Village Coconut Island.

A “snip” at 22m THB. Somjit, aadmo@btinternet.com 081 979 1945.

House for Sale

3 bed, 2 bath, living/dining, Farang & Thai kitchens. Back/both sides under cover. Water fall/relax area.

BBQ area under cover/car port. 4 aircons/7 fans. Very private, close to all services, 500 meters from Heroines Monument. B4.9 mil. o.n.o. Contact Randy. randyalltime@gmail.com

LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

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

Ten Room Villa for sale

With 5 Rai land. 5 sleeping rooms, 5 bathrooms, 5 balconies, 2 kitchens, big living room, play room, lobby, car port. Hillside Maikhao Beach sunset seaview. Asking price 24 MB. julius_schuster2001@ yahoo.de 087 267 1192.

Apartment Country Golf Club House

One room with kitchen in main house Country Club. 6th floor with balcony 75sqm. Membership in Country Club included. Price 3.3 Million THB. Contact pzw@gmx.at Per Dompert, 086 043 4315 (English and German)

Prime Land near Natai Beach

13 Rai. Prime flat land, Full Chanote. 5 mins to beautiful Natai Beach, 5 mins to Khok Kloi, 20 mins from Phuket Airport. Close to temples, beach & mountain views, perfect for large property or subdivide for development.

B13,500,000, Antoine (Thai & English), 081 979 9307 dannyred@hotmail.com @thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE House for Sale

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

Land For Sale

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT Mai Khao new 4 bedroom luxury villa for rent

90,000 THB a month, very safe and quiet. Fullly furnished, 15min airport.

20min PIA, 7min beaches, 3min stores and restaurants. Real estates welcome. jyfievet@gmail. com, jassarabee@gmail.com, 089 470 8926, 081 719 7015.

Amazing 5 Bed/Bath Villa Rawai

Stunning 5 Bed Pool Villa quiet and private location. Quality furn and fully equipped. Beautiful lounge/kitchen, very spacious with great pool. 90000 Baht per month, bricothailand@hotmail.com 081 271 7092.

Central Patong Condo for rent

1 bedroom fully furnished ground floor apartment 65 s.q.m. central Patong.

For rent long or short term. For more details email ianscondo21@gmail.com

House for rent.

Nr Wat Chalong

3 Bed/4 baths house in quiet estate.

Available from April 1st to Oct 31st. email me or phone me, Paul, for photos and full details. 25,000 pcm, PAUL WHITTALL, Phuket Private Lagoon, Chao Faa West Road, Chalong, pwhittall@aol.com 093 793 4258.

Karon Beach House for rent

96 sqm. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 40 sqm. living room. Long lease only, B18,000, Narumon, naruchai@gmx.de 082 576 6162.

House For sale or rent Baan Manik (Cherngtalay)

Attractive 3 bed, 2 bathroom detached house for sale or rent. Set in quiet surroundings but with easy access to Laguna, Boat avenue, PIA, airport, Surin, Bangtao and Layan beaches. The property boasts many additional features including, Auto-gate, Western-styled kitchen, security system, natural stone floors, imported ceiling fans, 12volt LED Garden Lighting and air-con throughout.

Asking B4.5 Million Negotiable Rent 25K Per Month Fully furnished or 20K per month unfurnished. 081 9686 051.

PROPERTY FOR RENT PRIME LAND+BLDG @CHALONG PIER

Seaview Building with land 50m to Chalong Pier for Rent/Long Term Lease.

1.5Rai+bldg. Ideal for Hotel, Community Mall, Restaurants. Wirote, 081 931 5189.

Vassana Residence. Rawai

Fully furnished 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom. WiFi and cable TV included in price. 160sqm in size. Jacuzzi in each apartment. BBQ area on the roof. Contact vassana.residence@gmail.com Rawai / NaiHarn, Eng.087 882 9604.

Kata Western Apartment

1 and 2 115sqm furnished apartments, full kitchen, huge covered terraces, mountain and seaview.

1 month minimum, 1 year lease starting B20,000/month. gordy240@hotmail.com 084 840 1262.

Office/Shop for Rent

Ground Floor space with excellent positioning on Chalong Pier Road.

For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

Two condos for sale/rent

2 condos for sale 48 sqm. - sale price $60,000 (developer’s price $116,000) & 54.5 sqm. - sale price $70,000 (developer’s price $128,000). Fully furnished, near Central, Big C, BIS, Lotus, hospitals, schools. Communal pool and gym. Short & long time rent available: 48 sqm – THB 10,000-15,000 per month; 54.5 sqm – THB 15,000-20,000 per month + electricity & water. Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

ROOM FOR RENT

Room for rent in attractive house Baan Manik (not far from Anthem wakeboard park). Convenient location for access to Laguna, Boat avenue, Airport and PIA. House is equipped with, Air-con, Internet, Expat-TV, foreign kitchen, washing machine, fridge etc. 8,000 Baht PCM + Share of Bills. Please email bluebeyond@me.com or call 081 968 6051 for a viewing.

Kamala Villa for rent

5 Bedrooms Villa available for long term, normally 10,000 Baht Nightly price Long lease 70,000 Baht monthly for 1 year minimum, Include pool, garden, courtyard maintenance. Suitable for large or two families.

Wanphen, kamalagym2@gmail.com 080 697 7729.

Villas & Apts Rent-Chalong

2- and 3-bedroom pool villas, 2-bedroom townhouses & studio apartments.

Special prices from 700/night or 8,000/ month. Rates include WiFi, maid service, cable TV, furnishings. Great location near Big Buddha. info@chalongapartment.com, 086 282 6221, www.chalongapartment.com

34 PROPERTY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

SPORT 35

BISP to ‘Run the Hour’ ATHLETICS

Man of the Match, Hico MaDonald (PCC), brings up his 50 with a big 6. Photo: Michael Way

PCC take honours

Win seals Patong’s place at top of T20 CRICKET David Thomas

L

ast Sunday (Mar 19) saw the 7th round of the C&C Marine 2017 T20 tournament at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) with the only game of the day being between Team ACG (ACG) and Patong Cricket Club (PCC), and PCC were looking to cement their place at the top of the league table.

PCC skipper S Raju won the toss and elected for his team to field first.

Batsmen F Mir and R Sadarangani opened the PCC innings looking to start strongly against an in-form Patong side who had dominated their previous matches.

However, they were quickly dealt a blow when Sadarangani (6) was dismissed in the 1st over caught by Wetherell off the bowling of Bhattacharya.

R Jayasuriya was next batsman in and together with Mir, took the score to 25 when Mir (9) was caught by Kohler

off the bowling of Bhattacharya, only for Jayasuriya to follow him to the clubhouse the very next delivery.

A Mushtaq (12) then came to the crease and started off quickly, showing his good form from previous weeks, but he couldn’t push on and was caught behind by keeper Van Blerk off the bowling of Kohler. C Murphy (5) was next in but was soon on his way back after being clean bowled by McDonald bringing S Khan to the crease with plenty of work to do in order to set PCC a competitive total.

Khan, together with Baxter, dug in and took ACG to the drinks break. After a 58 run partnership and with the score on 106, Baxter (20) was trapped LBW by Robertson in the 13th over. A Khan (19) was next batsman in and continued to push the score forward until he was caught

by Hamilton off Wetherell.

M Bilal (0) was trapped LBW first ball by Wetherell and I Malik (0) could only last two deliveries, clean bowled

by McDonald. G Lane (5) was

run out by Van Blerk in the final over pushing for the final runs of the innings.

ACG had set PCC a total of 150 runs to win, with S Khan the not out batsman on 41 runs, which included three 4s and two 6s.

PCC opened with S Hamilton and R Wetherell. Both batsmen started positively taking the score to 39 in the 5th over when Hamilton (32) was clean bowled by Bilal ending a 39 run opening partnership, which brought M Kohler to the crease.

Kholer (22) took up where Hamilton left off scoring freely and looking to reach the target as quickly as possible. However, PCC’s innings lost momentum briefly when Wetherell (31) was dismissed in the 8th over caught and bowled by Bilal.

Next batsman in was the destr uctive H McDonald who lived up to expectations immediately going into attack mode, smashing the ACG bowlers all over the park. McDonald, who went on to be Man of the Match,

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run: #1625: Saturday March 25 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Pole Position, President, Kewpie, Scrubber, Teacher’s Pet, Golden Rivet, Twice Nightly, Creature From The Blue Lagoon Location: Kathu – Opposite Born Loser’s House Directions: From the Central Festival intersection follow route 4020 past the entrance road to PSU. Continue almost past the Phuket Country Club and then turn left into the main entrance of Phuket Country Club golf course. Follow HHH signs around the right side of the golf course heading towards Bang Wad Dam and just before the water department office turn left, then next right, and after 100 metres turn left into Born Loser’s road. Park within the vacant property directly opposite Born Loser’s house. Bring your swimming gear.

From Patong pass through the small town of Thung Thong and turn right into Phuket Country Club and follow same route as above.

Hash Bus Pickup Schedule: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:30pm Patong @ Expat Hotel: 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews

reached his 50 with a huge 6 over midwicket. However, he was a victim of his own destructive batting, falling foul of the newly introduced rule whereby a batsman has to retire after hitting a 6 into that area, an incentive to protect the nearby residents from falling cricket balls.

It was nonetheless a terrific innings of 54 runs from just 23 deliveries and containing some seven 6s!

PCC Skipper Raju (2) joined Kohler (22) to steer Patong to victory in the 18th over, cementing their place at the top of the league table.

This Sunday (Mar 26) sees Island Cricket Club (ICC) vs PCG with start time set for 11am.

For further information about cricket on Phuket, visit the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) web-site at www.phuketcricket.com or e-mail the PCG committee at phuketcricketgroup@gmail.com. New players are always welcome & would be well received by the current teams on the island.

IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR running shoes out and start training as British International School, Phuket is to host a charity run on Sunday May 28 with the start time scheduled for 4pm.

The event is called “BISP Run the Hour” and is open to all ages. There will be two races held on campus over a closed 1 kilometre loop.

Race 1 - 2km Fun Run - 2 laps of the course Race 2 - Run the Hour - runners have one hour to complete as many 1km loops as possible. Runners can do this in their own way – run for the whole hour or stop for some breaks. How far can you go?

The run will be a great cross training opportunity for any team sport players, a real target for beginners to train for and a unique challenge for seasoned runners.

The school has created this as a real school community event – family friendly with food and live music, and they hope spectators who turn out will create a great atmosphere with cheers, banners and placards.

The event is open to all runners. Photo: brett lohmeyer/ Flickr With the 2km option there is a chance for everyone to get involved, but even if you are not tempted to run, keep the date free to come and support the event!

Prices: 2km Fun Run – B200 including medal and food Run the Hour – B350 including T-shirt, medal and food All profits from the run will go to the BISP Project Restart charity which is a student-driven initiative to help children in devastated or impoverished areas, and their first campaign has been to help restart a school in Nepal following the Gorkha earthquake.

You can register online: https://goo.gl/forms/ qud9xz9jLrLz1Zim2 – and pay at the Community Information and Support Office in the Primary foyer (Gate 1).

Amari Phuket wins cup at Thalang mini-marathon: Two representatives of Amari

Phuket’s management team, Thirawan Sichuen – Manager, Housekeeping (left), and Piraphol Hayeechema – Director, Finance, recently participated in the 8th Thalang Chana Suek Mini-Marathon to race for the royal cup of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The marathon was organised at Thalang Victory Monument and Thirawan won the trophy for the 10.5-kilometre mini-marathon for females aged 45 to 49 years old.

36 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

does that mean we fishermen can’t use bait? Sounds crazy, but most baited hooks don’t catch a damn thing, as it gets eaten by smaller fish, around the size of what this ‘orrible “Russian” criminal was feeding.

I can see it now, STOP PRESS: “Mass arrests at Rawai Pier and all around the Phuket coastline, as 1000s get carted off to the brig”.

Or is it when you want to feed fish you must be holding a rod and reel? Is it FFT or TiT? O Arrr! – sometimes when the water is quiet, you can almost hear the fish laughing.

Best advice – always be

extra careful on a Friday, for then a weekend in the “monkey house” awaits the unwary (court etc.) who don’t have the cash or inclination to pay into this universally abused spot fine system.

FFT – Food For Thought and if you don’t know what TiT is, The Phuket News is far too advanced for you.

O Arrr!

Now - have I missed anybody?

Tight lines all.

Jimmy

Marlins aplenty Four fisheros make catches within weeks FISHING

CAST AWAY Young triathletes cross the finish line in last year’s edition of the Superkidz Triathlon at Thanyapura.

Superkidz Triathlon returns to Thanyapura TRIATHLON THE SUPERKIDZ TRIathlon is set to return to Thanyapura Phuket on April 23. Superkidz is Phuket’s long-running youth multisport event and features fun and challenging ageappropriate race distances for youths aged 4-18.

The triathlon starts with a swim in Thanyapura’s Olympic-sized 50-metre pool, continues with a bike ride through Khao Phra Thaew National Park, and a run concluding at Thanyapura’s athletics track and grandstand.

As well as accepting individual entrants, young athletes can also choose to compete as part of a team.

Time: 5:45am–midday Age Categories: • The Tri-Tots category is for ages 4 to 6 years old competing in 25m swim, 500m bike,

200m run.

• The Junior category is for ages 7-9 and is comprised of a 100m swim, 1.5-kilometre bike, and 500m run.

• Youths aged 11 to 12 years (Intermediate category) will swim 250m, ride 3km, and run 1km.

• The Senior category (ages 13-15) involves a 400m swim, 7km bike, and 3km run.

Entry fee is B700 per individual or B1,500 per team. Prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers for each age category and relay teams.

Registration: • Purchase tickets online at Eventbrite • Thanyapura Club Services • Deadline: 16 April 2017 Contact Information: • Email: events@thanyapura. com • Phone: +66 76 336 000 • Website: www.thanyapura. com/event/superkidz-triathlon-2017/

Jimmy Stewart info@fishinginphuket.com

R

ight you ‘orriible lot!

After your comments on my last contribution, all I can say is: “The beatings will continue, until moral is restored.” Nice to be a pirate, sometimes!

Well, now back to fishing.

March started off with what could only be described as mediocre fishing, but fishing being fishing both “Dorado”, “Mena 1”, “Fish Eagle” and Mena 1 again all caught a “Marlin” within a few days of each other, which just goes to prove what a fickle sport big game fishing can be as there can’t be more than 20 people, in the last donkey’s years, who can claim a Marlin in local waters – and there’s four in a couple of weeks.

Well done Andy B, Matthias, Andrew Inman with, I think, Russian Alex? Jay and his American mates.

After a very slow start, the Phuket Fishing & Boating Association (PF&BA) can now boast a membership of 35 with two boats out early in the month and the new Chalong Fishing Park being their latest sponsors. So watch out for special offers from them, as I was talking to Jez who

Matthias’s first Marlin – he was over the moon to be on ‘Mena 1’. intimated he will be looking into “Junior Angler” days when Mum / Dad can teach junior the joys of fishing with the help of his excellent pond staff, as required, while the restaurant / bar staff look after your more mundane needs.

For expats or regular visitors wishing a free “nonprofit” membership or more information on joining the PF&BA contact: Jimmy at Jimmy’s Drift Inn, Saiyuan, Rawai or Jez at Chalong Fishing Park. Come and swap some whoppers!

Now – how about that ludicrous case of the Russian woman who spent two days in jail for feeding fish,

Jimmy’s Drift Inn “Facebook” Sai Yuan, Rawai, Phuket www.fishinginphuket.com

Sir Nick Faldo visits Laguna Golf Academy GOLF SIX-TIME MAJOR WINner and Laguna Golf Ambassador Sir Nick Faldo held a golf clinic for property owners at the Laguna Golf Academy Phuket on March 11.

During the golf clinic, Sir Nick shared his knowledge on a variety of aspects, including technical golfing skills and physical conditioning for golfers.

“I’m delighted to see Laguna Golf Phuket promoting the game with this new teaching facility for keen golfers,” enthused Sir Nick.

Mr Paul Wilson, AVP/ Group Golf Director of Laguna Golf added, “We are excited to expand into the golf instruction market with the Laguna Golf Academy Phuket.

Sir Nick Faldo tees off with a shot at the Laguna Golf Academy Phuket.

“Our objective with this facility is to create a worldclass learning environment for golfers of all abilities.

“Golf can be such a social sport, providing endless networking or team building opportunities, not to mention the health benefits and all round fun!”

Sir Nick added, “Laguna Phuket has everything an avid golfer, or non-golfer, could wish for… I can’t wait to return.” thephuketnews

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

Kenyans dominate

Africans top podium in main 10-mile run ATHLETICS Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

Andaman Dragon K in goalless draw

Phuket FC’s Natthapoom Maya still remains the league’s top-scorer. Photo: Hari Jib

FOOTBALL PHUKET FC WERE HELD to a goalless draw in their 4th match of the 2017 Thai League 4 campaign last Sunday (Mar 19) in a game against Chumphon FC. The Andaman Dragon went into the game sitting in top spot in the league, however, the result dropped them down one place to 2nd as then 2nd placed Satun United, who Phuket take on this weekend, won their game last weekend against Hat Yai FC. Despite last Sunday’s result there are still a number of positives that remain with the team thus far this season; they still remain unbeaten, and perhaps more importantly the team have still yet to concede a goal.

The team also has one game in hand over a number of the league teams, who last weekend played their 5th games of the season, including Satun United.

In addition, Phuket FC’s Thai striker, Natthapoom Maya (7) still remains the Thai League 4 top-scorer on five goals.

Phuket FC will take on Satun United this coming Sunday (Mar 26) at the Satun OrBorJor Stadium with kickoff set for 4pm.

The team then plays another away game against Hat Yai FC on April 2 before returning to their home ground Surakul Stadium on April 9 when they will take on their closest provincial rivals Surat Thani City FC with kick-off slated for 6pm.

Matt Pond

Team

P

W

D

L

GD Pts

1

Satun United

5

3

2

1

3

11

2

Phuket FC

4

3

0

1

8

10

3

Chumphon FC

5

1

4

0

1

7

4

Phatthalung FC

4

1

3

0

2

6

5

Pattani FC

4

1

1

1

0

5

6

Surat Thani City FC

5

1

1

3

-3

4

7

Hat Yai FC

5

0

3

2

-2

3

8

Yala United

4

0

2

2

-3

2

9

Sungaipadee FC

4

0

2

2

-6

2

enyan runners took the top spots at the Supersports 10-Mile International Run 2017 held at Thanyapura last Sunday (Mar 19) with German, Ethiopian and Singaporean runners also getting on the podium.

Some 239 women and 543 men competed in the race which returned for the third successive year.

Kenyan David Kibet, who also won the 2016 race, crossed the line first in the men’s race completing the course in a time of 52 minutes and four seconds. Fellow Kenyan, David Chepkwony took the silver at 54 minutes and 43 seconds, and Andreas Dreitz, six-time German Ironman 70.3 European Champion, finished third with a time of 56 minutes and 42 seconds.

A new women’s champion was crowned with Carolyne Mitei of Kenya finishing in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 5 seconds followed by Ethiopia Gebremeskel of Ethiopia in second at 1 hour, 7 minutes and 6 seconds and Singapore’s “Fastest Female Marathoner”Vivian Tang claimed bronze with a time of 1 hour, 7 minutes and 25 seconds.

“I feel good today because I was here last year and I win again. This year, I’m happy to defend [my title] again.

“The race conditions were good and humid. I’ll also join next year.

“This year, I ran 51 minutes. Last year I ran 50 minutes,” said Kibet.

“I’m very happy to be the winner of 10 Mile this day. This is my first time to

Kenyan David Kibet successfully defended the title he won last year. run the 10-Mile in Thailand.

Thank you all,” said Mitei.

“I took the chance to test myself and my limits here. It’s a great race and so much fun, to run around Thanyapura’s areas.

“I had no chance to follow the fast guys but I’m more than happy to take third place,” said Dreitz of Germany, and a member of the German team Erdinger Alkoholfrei.

“I’m very happy. I’m enjoyed the scenery and nature as I run.

“Everything here was well-prepared. The race was perfect.

“I was here last year and I’ll come back next year,” said Wilaiwan Kumpituk (Thailand), 1st place female Thai finisher.

“Today’s event is a colourful one for Phuket as a province, especially during school holidays.

“It’s considered a successful event as over 2,500 runners showed up.

“It supports sports tourism because athletes come from domestic and global markets.

“We hope Thanyapura and

Carolyne Mitei celebrates her victory last Sunday.

Supersports can continue to build the race’s reputation on a global and professional scale,” said Anoma Wongyai, Director of TAT Phuket.

In addition to the 10-Mile, 820 runners (392 women, 427 men) competed in the 5-Mile race.

Now in its third year, the Supersports 10-Mile International Run 2017 Phuket continues to entice recreational runners and renowned athletes to its tranquil and picturesque route – set amid the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and Northern Phuket’s rubber plantations.

Some 2,500 runners com-

peted in the 10-mile, 5-mile, 2-mile and children’s 500-metre categories.

The event’s success is made possible by these sponsors: Supersports, New Balance, Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort, Gatorade, Johnson Health Tech (Thailand), Krungthai Card Public Co. Ltd (KTC), Thai Health Promotion Foundation, CRG, Mister Donut, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, FamilyMart, Tanita, New) TV 18, Aquafina, Radio Trip 89.75, Khao Phuket, Sports Authority of Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ministry of Tourism & Sports and Anda Focus.

Cruzeiro Soccer School to host Phuket Youth Development Football League FOOTBALL C RU Z E I RO S O C C E R Schools are delighted to present the Phuket Youth Development Football League in association with British International School, HeadStart International School, Kajonkiet International School, QSI and UWC Thailand.

The aim of the league is to bring together the Phuket football community to participate in a league that promotes

player development, respect and friendship.

All participating players will be split into mixed teams with children from other schools. Teams will be named after some of the major footballing nations and coaches will provide equal game playing time to each participant.

A pre-league session will be held on Saturday April 1 to allow coaches to split the teams equally and explain how the league will operate.

All matches will take place at British International School Phuket on Saturday April 1, 29, May 20, 27 and June 10 at the following times: 8:15am-9:15am - U7s 9:30am-10:45am, U9s and U11s 11am-12:15pm, U13s and U16s **Girls will be allowed to play down 1 age group.

Participation Fee The participation fee for the league is B1,500. However, all Cruzeiro Soccer

School members who join the league and are signed up for Saturday training sessions will receive a B1,000 gift voucher which can be used for Term 3 fees, holiday camps or Cruzeiro merchandise such as uniforms, balls and caps. The remaining B500 will be used to cover the cost of uniforms and other extra league expenses.

For more information, email infobisp@cruzeirothailand. com

Cruzeiro Soccer School’s U7s take on Kajonkiet International School last Saturday. Photo: Wolfspaniard/Flickr thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

SPORT 39

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

F1 set for record breaking season BOX OF NEUTRALS

Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

T

here are certain inevitabilities in F1, and European journalist corps crowing of their departure from their winter-ravaged continent for the warmer climes of Australia is perhaps the most predictable.

F1’s northern scribes were to be disappointed in 2017, however; during Grand Prix week a month’s worth of rain fell onto Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit just as they arrived.

But even the typically inclement weather failed to dampen enthusiasm for the opening race of 2017. Instead the change in climactic conditions could be better read as a hopeful metaphor for the season: sudden spectacular change, the promise of thunderous politicking, and an inundation of competition at the front of the field.

These hopes for 2017 are behind the unmistakable buzz around the circuit as sport and city anticipate the first race of a new year.

“We expect the cars to be five to six seconds a lap quicker,” beamed Australian Grand

Lewis Hamilton drives in the second week of tests ahead of the Grand Prix season. Photo: Lluis Gene/AFP Prix CEO Andrew Westacott.

“We expect Schumacher’s race record to be broken.”

The cars that arrived in Melbourne through the storm are almost completely overhauled compared to their 2016 siblings, having been rebuilt from the ground up to comply with rewritten technical regulations.

The tyres are fatter to generate more grip in the corners.

The cars are wider and flatter, hunkering down to the road to produce more downforce, the aerodynamic effect that sucks them onto the track at high speed.

Engine development has been let off the leash, allowing Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, and Honda to completely re-imagine their hybrid V6 turbocharged

engines to maximise power.

The combination of these factors has created a Formula One that is theoretically faster than it has ever been.

As ever, off-track there are unresolved matters aplenty ready to be challenged before the Australian race stewards.

Potentially controversial is the clever suspension design employed chiefly by Red Bull Racing and Mercedes – already queried by rival teams, the stewards could be forced into making a binding ruling this weekend.

There’s ongoing suspicion, too, that some teams are illegally burning oil for fuel, and that’s before considering the new parts being brought to the race that will undoubtedly seek to bend the new rules to

breaking point in the pursuit of maximum performance.

But F1 in 2017 isn’t merely a technical showcase; the drivers are being pushed back to the centre of the frame with cars that are harder to drive and regulations designed to put them back at the centre of the show.

More difficult clutch control mechanisms, standing starts in extreme wet conditions, and higher g-forces will punish mistakes and allow exceptional feats of driving to shine – and enliven what could be a six-way fight for the drivers championship.

If pre-season testing pace proves instructive, Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen from Ferrari, and Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing are poised to do battle for victory as early as this weekend in Melbourne.

Formula One is reinventing itself in 2017, and come Sunday (Mar 26), a billion dollars worth of hopes and dreams will take to the grid, and each of the sport’s 10 teams will be hoping the re-imagining has favoured them.

Who will be proved correct? It won’t be long until we find out.

B300m set aside to bid for MotoGP MOTO GP THE CABINET ON TUESday (Mar 21) allocated B300 million to pay for the right to organise MotoGP, the world’s motorcycle racing championship, for three years.

The budget would be for the annual rights fee of B100mn for the expected organisation of the FIM Road Racing

World Championship Grand Prix (MotoGP) from 2018 to 2020, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said.

For organisational costs, the government planned to later raise a fund with the private sector.

The Tourism and Sports Ministry proposed the project as Dorna Sports Group, the rights owner, planned to increase the number of

Date

Time

Match

Stadium

Sun Mar 26

4pm

Satun United vs Phuket FC

Satun OrBorJor Stadium

Sun Apr 2

5pm

Hat Yai FC Vs Phuket FC

Souuthern Lak Muang Stadium

Sun Apr 9

6pm

Phuket FC vs Surat Thani City FC

Surakul Stadium

Sun Apr 23

6pm

Phatthalung FC vs Phuket FC

Patthalung OrBorJor Stadium

Sun Apr 30

6pm

Phuket FC vs Sungaipadee FC

Surakul Stadium

Sat May 6

4pm

Yala United vs Phuket FC

Yala Municipality Stadium

Sat May 13

6pm

Phuket FC vs Pattani FC

Surakul Stadium

Please note that Phuket FC's home game fixtures have now all been reverted back to 6pm kick-offs. @thephuketnews

host countries of the popular championship to 21 next year from 18.

Finland was already additionally included and the rights owner would choose two more countries.

Thailand, Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Hungary are vying for the right, Lt Gen Sansern said.

Thailand’s victory will boost the country’s image and

A bird's-eye view of Buriram United International Circuit.

Photo: via Bangkok Post it will also boost confidence among tourists and investors, he said.

Bangkok Post

MONTHLY SPONSOR

MAIN SPONSOR

The overall competition winner receives a two day/one night private fishing charter to Racha Island on board Wahoo Yacht Charters Phuket’s Reel Blue. Total prize value: B180,000 The monthly competition winner for March 2017 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Islander Sports Bar and Restaurant in Rawai.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

LateStart bazerb phils64 Sidwell Guduka stafsulaiman

OVERALL STANDINGS 18 17 17 17 17

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

scottkip 163 Sidwell Guduka 163 The Red Card Gang 163 carst 161 phil64 159

English Premier League 2016 - 2017 Team

MP W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Chelsea

28

22

3

3

59

21

38

69

2

Tottenham Hotspur

28

17

8

3

55

21

34

59

3

Manchester City

28

17

6

5

54

30

24

57

4

Liverpool

29

16

8

5

61

36

25

56

5

Manchester United

27

14

10

3

42

23

19

52

6

Arsenal

27

15

5

7

56

34

22

50

7

Everton

29

14

8

7

51

30

21

50

8

West Brom

29

12

7

10

39

38

1

43

9

Stoke City

29

9

9

11

33

42

-9

36

10

Southampton

27

9

6

12

33

36

-3

33

11

Bournemouth

29

9

6

14

42

54

-12

33

12

West Ham United

29

9

6

14

40

52

-12

33

13

Burnley

29

9

5

15

31

42

-11

32

14

Watford

28

8

7

13

33

48

-15

31

15

Leicester City

28

8

6

14

33

47

-14

30

16

Crystal Palace

28

8

4

16

36

46

-10

28

17

Swansea City

29

8

3

18

36

63

-27

27

18

Hull City

29

6

6

17

26

58

-32

24

19

Middlesbrough

28

4

10

14

20

33

-13

22

20

Sunderland

28

5

5

18

24

50

-26

20

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT

START STOP

Friday March 24 Rugby Union 13:30 15:35 15:40 1740 Rugby League 17:40 19:30 19:30 21:30 Saturday March 25 Rugby Union 13:30 15:30 15:40 17:40 17:50 19:45 20:00 00:10 22:10 00:00 Motor Racing 12:45 14:30 Motor Bikes 21:50 01:30 Soccer 21:55 00:00 Cricket 10:30 19:00 Sunday March 26 Motor Bikes 21:30 01:30 Rugby League 12:00 14:00 14:30 16:30 Motor Racing 11:00 11:45 11:45 14:30 Rugby Union 16:30 18:15 18:30 20:15 Cricket 10:00 19:00

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Super Rugby

Crusaders v. Western Force

Super Rugby

Rebels v. Waratahs

NRL

Panthers v. Knights (D)

NRL

Broncos v. Raiders (D)

Super Rugby

Blues v. Bulls

Super Rugby

Brumbies v. Highlanders

Super rugby

Sunwolves v. Stormers

Super Rugby

Kings v. Lions

Super Rugby

Cheetahs v. Sharks

Formula 1

Qualifying, Albert Park, Melbourne

MotoGP

Qualifying, Qatar

Legends - Friendly

Liverpool v. Real Madrid

Test 4 - Dharmasala

India v. Australia - Day 1

MotoGP

Grand Prix of Qatar

NRL

Tigers v. Storm

NRL

Dragons v. Warriors

Formula 1

Raceday, Melbourne

Formula 1

Australian Grand Prix

Aviva Premiership

Northampton v. Leicester

Guinness Pro 12

Leinster v. Cardiff

Test 4 - Dharmasala

India v. Australia - Day 2

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017

There’s plenty of Marlins waiting to be caught > page 36

‘TOY’ STORY

BISP student takes honours at Faldo Series Asia Final

Main photo: Napat “Toy” Paramacharoenroj celebrates at the final hole.

Inset: Sir Nick Faldo presents Toy his trophy.

GOLF Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

B

ISP student and member of the BISP Golf Academy at British International School, Phuket Napat “Toy” Paramacharoenroj walked away as winner of the 11th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final after producing a grandstand finish under the watchful eye of six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo.

Toy made his way to the final, held at Laguna Lăng Cô in Danang, Vietnam, after recovering brilliantly from a nightmare start to claim victory in the inaugural Faldo Series Thailand Championship – South 2016, held in September last year.

Going into September’s event, Toy was already one of the pre-tournament favourites, and the 15-year-old two-handicapper ran up a triple-bogey seven on the opening hole followed by a bogey-four at the short second in the first round at Laguna Golf Phuket, of which Toy is

also a member.

Displaying commendable skill and mental strength, he then proceeded to play the remaining 52 holes in 12-under-par.

Bouncing back from his early disaster, he signed for an even-par 71 in the first round of what was the ninth leg of the record-breaking 2016-17 Faldo Series Asia season.

He followed that with a 68 on day two before closing out the tournament with a stylish 66, the low round of the tournament which attracted entries from all over Thailand, India, Malaysia and Singapore.

But in the Asia Final, Toy managed a 35-foot birdie putt on the final green at the award-winning Faldo Design layout course to close three-under-par 68 in The R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking event.

Toy even gave a rare show of emotion, a clenched fist, as his putt disappeared down the hole.

And this magnificent putt gave him a 54-hole total of eight-under 205 and a one-

stroke win over Indonesian Jonathan Wijono (69), who was left kicking himself after double-bogeying on the 16th hole.

Speaking after his victory, a triumphant Toy, who is only the second Thai winner of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, said, “It has been a memorable week. My thanks to Sir Nick Faldo for providing this opportunity. This is certainly one of the highlights of my golfing career.”

Toy follows in the footsteps of fellow Thai Nakarin Ratanakul, who took victory in the inaugural Faldo Series Asia Grand Final held back in 2017 at Mission Hills, China.

Speaking about Toy’s win, Sir Nick said, “Congratulations to Khun Toy. He showed tremendous skill and composure. To make a birdie to win under such intense pressure at the final hole was commendable. He is a worthy champion.”

When asked about his final putt of the competition, and the one which brought him victory, Toy said, “I was just trying to focus on the moment

and concentrate on each shot.

On 18, I was just trying to two-putt and thought it would be a play-off.”

Speaking to The Phuket News following Toy’s win, Head Coach of the BISP Golf Academy, Oliver Bates, said, “We are so proud of Toy this week, all the hard work and commitment to his golf has paid off. It was a real rollercoaster following him during the final round, with him competing against the best players in Asia (including Australia, NZ) and it was always going to be a close finish.

“He made some great par saves under immense pressure, especially with his pitch on Hole 16 which gave him a one shot lead,” he said.

“He showed even more composure on the 18th, playing his 3rd shot to the par 5, he was lying in a divot and produced a fantastic shot to set up the ‘birdie putt’ for the win.

“It was a great event, the Faldo designed course was magnificent and the Laguna / Banyan tree resorts were

simply stunning. To see Toy come out on top against this level of competition capped off an amazing week for the BISP / Laguna Golf academy and Toy can now push on to higher levels from here,” Bates added.

As well as receiving the Faldo Series Asia trophy, Toy will be granted an exemption into an Asian Tour event.

He has also earned himself a trip to compete in this year’s Faldo Series Europe Grand Final.

Overall 205 – Napat Paramacharoenroj (Thailand) 70-67-68 206 – Jonathan Wijono (Indonesia) 70-67-69 207 – Daniel Gale (Australia) 70-68-69 Boys’ U21 207 – Daniel Gale (Australia) 70-68-69 208 – Mohammad Rasel (Bangladesh) 66-72-70 209 – Liu Yung-hua (Chinese Taipei) 69-68-72 Boys’ U18 211 – Almay Rayhan (Indonesia) 71-71-69 213 – Jordan Woodall (New Zealand) 74-70-69; Yusuke Sakamoto (Japan) 70-70-73 Boys’ U16 205 – Napat Paramacharoenroj (Thailand) 70-67-68 206 – Jonathan Wijono (Indonesia) 70-67-69 212 – Kartik Sharma (India) 71-67-74 Girls’ U21 213 – Hung Jo-hua (Chinese Taipei) 73-68-72 218 – Michela Tjan (Indonesia) 76-71-71 220 – Chen Hsuan (Chinese Taipei) 77-71-72 Girls’ Under-16 216 – Minori Nagano (Japan) 72-71-73; Amelia Garvey (New Zealand) 74-68-74 219 – Geraldine Wong (Malaysia) 70-73-76 thephuketnews