24-04-2015

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

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SURIN BEACH CLUB EVICTIONS – NOT JUST YET... > PAGE 3

MULE UNDER ARREST

COKE COURIER CAUGHT CARRYING B16M HAUL Indonesian Jemani Ikhsan, 63, claimed he did not know what was in the luggage which he carried from Colombia via Singapore. “I did this because I had financial problems,” he said.

Eakapop Thongtub and Nattapat Tuarob

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n Indonesian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport on Monday evening (April 20) trying to smuggle 5.2 kilos of cocaine onto the island.

Jemani Ikhsan, 63, was caught at the airport after he stepped off a flight from Singapore.

He had flown through Singapore from Bogota, Colombia, the world capital of cocaine production and sales, and home to some of the world’s most powerful drug cartels.

The drugs, with a street value of B15.6 million, were in plastic packets covered with tinfoil and concealed in three books with the centres cut out, and also in rolls wrapped in foil.

The drugs were detected during an

X-ray scan of his luggage by Phuket Customs.

At a press conference the following day, Ikhsan gave The Phuket News the standard drug mule story: “It was my first time doing this. I didn’t know what was inside the luggage, all I knew was that I was asked to carry the luggage and wait in a hotel in Khao Lak, where somebody would contact me.

“I did this because I had financial

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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problems and I thought the guy who told me to carry the luggage could help.

I got to know him from the Internet.”

Montira Cherdchoo, Chief of Customs at Phuket International Airport, said, “This is the second arrest for cocaine in days.

“The last was two days ago (April 18), when we arrested a Thai woman coming in from Singapore carrying 3.9 kilos of cocaine.

NEWS

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Woman held with B3.2m in meth pills, ice

LIFE

PAGE 18

Remembering Anzac Day

SPORT

PAGE 37

Phuket FC say ‘bye bye’ to League Cup

News 2

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FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

B10,000 reward offered for info on alleged tour firm embezzler > page 6

MISSING AT SEA

Cocaine courier caught Search continues for American who went overboard Continued from page 1 “On that occasion we received a tip-off via the Narcotics Control Board. The woman admitted that she had done it a couple of times but had not used the Phuket route before.”

Ms Montira added that bust was not announced because the authorities anted to see if they could learn more about the smuggling network.

“In the case [of Ikhsan] we received no tip-off, but officers noticed from his passport that he had been in three countries in three days, which was unusual, so we decided to to check his luggage.

“Immigration have told me that he previously entered Thailand through Samui but that nothing seemed suspicious at that time.

“Customs is keeping an eye out for drug smugglers; we take this very seriously.

Last year, we caught six people carrying drugs – crystal meth and marijuana resin.”

merican diver Joshua Devine is still missing following his mysterious disappearance from a liveabord dive boat off Bang Tao Bay, on the way to the Similan Islands.

The Chontara I, with 14 divers and seven crew on board, left Phuket at around midnight on April 10 and was due to spend five days at sea.

Early the following morning it was discovered that Mr Devine was no longer on the boat. The Chontara I eventually began a grid search and the authorities were alerted.

Before his disappearance, those on the boat said, Mr Devine had been drinking with others. At about 4am, he left the group, who believed he had gone to the bathroom.

However, when Mr Devine did not return, his wife Tadsana and others went looking for him. They could not find him anywhere on the boat, and raised the alarm.

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Marine Police, Sirinart Marine National Park officers and the Royal Thai Navy have been searching for Mr Devine since then, though so far without success.

On Sunday (April 19) Mr Devine’s mother, Marie Gallant, and sister, Jennifer Bakowski, arrived in Phuket where they were met by Governor Nisit Jansomwong who explained what was being done to find Mr Devine.

After the meeting at the Royal Thai Navy Base in Cape Panwa, the family said that they were satisfied with everything that had been done so far to find the missing diver.

But before leaving for Thailand Ms Bakowski expressed doubts to Fox CT TV, a local station, saying that she was taking the trip because “when you want something done right, I guess you have to just do it yourself.”

She added that the family hoped to hire a private inves-

Joshua Devine has been missing since early on April 11. tigator in Thailand to look into her brother’s disappearance.

On April 16, as the family were on their way to Phuket, Mermaids Dive Center issued a statement on its Facebook page.

It read, in part, “Mermaids Dive Center regrets to announce a passenger went

missing on 11 April 2015 at approximately 5am...

“Search and rescue operations remain underway, and Mermaids Dive Center sincerely hopes that the missing passenger will soon be reunited with friends and family.

“Upon learning that the

passenger was missing, members of the dive trip immediately searched the vessel, and failing to locate the missing passenger, the vessel backtracked to the area the missing passenger was last seen.

“The dive boat then conducted an ocean search for the missing passenger in a logical, planned manner using large spotlights while many members of the dive trip assisted with torches. At the same time the boat captain started initiating radio contact with the Royal Thai Navy, Royal Thai Police, rescue services, as well as other vessels in the area. The location was not within cellular coverage.

“As the incident is currently under investigation, Mermaids Dive Center will be unable to offer further comments at this time.

On Wednesday (April 22) as The Phuket News went to press Mr Devine had still not been found.

Beware the big hole at Bangkoo Bridge A LARGE SINKHOLE NEXT to a bridge on Pracha U-Thit 5 Rd close to the Escape de Phuket residential property in Rassada, which reportedly happened five weeks ago, has yet to be repaired, leaving local residents worried that the bridge may collapse.

Although Rassada Municipality have made efforts to shutter the landslide to prevent the damage extending further, it is clear from photos that a more permanent solution is required.

Speaking with The Phuket News, Rassada Mayor Phudit Raksaraj said, “After I found

Logs have been used to shore up the sides of the hole. out about the landslide at the bridge I went to have a look.

“We have now had a meeting with the Department of Rural Roads and they are wait-

ing for funds to be allocated for them to fix the problem.

“As a temporary measure we have placed wooden sticks in the soil so that [the hole]

will not get bigger. We have also put a warning light and sign at the approach to the bridge.

“However, I am worried about the bridge when it rains and I advise people to drive carefully.” The collapse has ominous echoes of a similar problem in Bang Jo where immediate repairs were not made to a huge washed-out section of road.

An eight-year-old girl, Molly Anne Bailey died when her mother drove into that hole, which at the time was not marked by warning lights. The hole was repaired soon after.

Mark Pendlebury in hospital after the fight. File photo.

June date for police to file murder case against Australian POLICE HAVE UNTIL June 3 to submit to prosecutors the results of their investigation into the fatal stabbing by Australian Mark Pendlebury of a security guard during a fight outside the Tai Pan disco on Rat-U-Thit Rd, Patong on March 11.

Pendlebury, 59, denies a charge of murder, arguing that he was acting in self-defence when he used a pocket knife to stab Sanya Khlueawaengmon, 25, a Tai

Pan security guard.

Prosecutors will examine the evidence provided by police, including CCTV footage of Pendlebury running away before the fight in an effort to avoid a confrontation, and of the fight itself.

They may ask for more evidence from the police before deciding whether the case is solid enough to take to court.

Meanwhile, Pendlebury remains on bail. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

D-day for Surin Beach businesses passes

PHUKET NEWS

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Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

S

aturday (April 18) was supposedly the deadline for 39 beach businesses to quit their premises along Surin Beach.

But it appears the 39 may have a reprieve of at least a week, or possibly years.

All 39 were sent notice to quit by registered mail and the notices were also posted on each of the premises they occupy on March 19.

Each business was informed that it could appeal within 15 days of receiving the order to quit. All 39 did.

A lawyer for Cherng Talay OrBorTor, asking not to be named, explained to The Phuket News, “We sent the letters and put notices on their buildings telling them to move within 30 days. However, each place may be different.

“If they are recorded as receiving the letter earlier than March 19, we will count the 30 days only from March 19.

“But if they [are recorded as] receiving the letter later than March 19 we will calculate [the

Super Cheap stores to be checked for fire safety

39 businesses on Surin Beach were due to have quit their premises on April 18. quit date] from the day they received the letter – though not more than seven days after March 19,” the lawyer said.

In other words, the deadline for some may be stretched until tomorrow (April 25).

“The chief executive [of the OrBorTor, Ma’an Samran] gave them a chance to file an appeal to him within 15 days of receiving the notice.

“However, rejected them all. Now, the appeals have been sent to the Governor for a final decision.”

Governor Nisit Jansomwong told The Phuket News that the matter was in fact being handled by the Provincial

Appeals Committee, chaired

by Vice-Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosuthirak.

But V/Gov Somkiet said the committee had not considered any of the cases because “I have not yet received the appeals.”

“Normally, the Chief of the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, Phuket branch (DPT), who is also the secretary of the committee, would have received the appeal letters if the OrBorTor had sent them to us.

“It will take around a week to finish considering the appeals once the DPT has filed them with the committee,” he added.

The Phuket News next got

34 items seized from Bang Tao Beach P OLIC E A N D L O CA L district officials on Tuesday (April 21) siezed 34 items including chairs, tables and umbrellas from Bang Tao Beach. The owner of the items is currently being sought by officials.

At 11am, under the command of Thalang District Chief, Veera Kerdsirimongkol, and Cherng Talay OrBorTor Chief, Ma’an Samran, 20 volunteers and police swept Bang Tao Beach for any remaining signs of beach encroachment.

@thephuketnews

During the swoop, officials found six tables, 18 chairs and 10 umbrellas placed in a prohibited zone.

Officials questioned people nearby in hope of catching the owner and prosecuting him or

her for encroaching of public land. The locals shook their heads and said they had no idea who the owner was.

All of the items were confiscated and taken to the OrBorTor offices.

hold of the assistant to the DPT Chief, who said that the appeal papers had not yet been received from the OrBorTor. However, the Secretary of the OrBorTor said the papers had been sent to the Local Administration Office at Provincial Hall, where a staffer said the papers had been received but the person who would know about all of this was on holiday.

All of this does mean the 39 businesses have a small breathing space to continue making money.

There is now also the possibility that things may end up in court, giving the 39 businesses a much longer reprieve.

GOVERNOR NISIT JANsomwong has ordered checks on all Super Cheap stores after a second store went up in flames.

Fire fighters took around half an hour to extinguish the latest fire, in the company’s store in Kokkloi in Phang Nga at 9:30pm on April 10.

The blaze also destroyed a beauty salon next door. Staff fled after they heard explosions upstairs and saw smoke coming from the store room on the upper floor of the shop.

No one was hurt.

Police hypothesised that the fire started after power blacked out the area and the store’s generator kicked in. An electrical short started a fire that leapt to boxes full of whisky bottles, which exploded, adding fuel to the flames.

Investigators are working to see whether this hypothesis

is correct – suspicions have also been voiced that it was set deliberately because it broke out at roughly the same time as the bombing in Central Festival on Koh Samui and the major fire at the Surat Thani Cooperative.

Total losses at the Super Cheap store expected to be in the millions of baht.

Gov Nisit urged all departments to be prepared for fires.

“The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation must prepare enough fire trucks and water trucks because the weather is very hot during these days.”

He ordered all Super Cheap branch storage rooms to be checked, “because the Super Cheap convenience stores seem to have a lot of fires”.

Another Super Cheap store in Wichit was destroyed by fire early on April 9.

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast

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FRI APRIL 24

SAT APRIL 25

SUN APRIL 26

MON APRIL 27

TUE APRIL 28

WED APRIL 29

THU APRIL 30

High: +34° Low: +27°

High: +34° Low: +27°

High: +34° Low: +27°

High: +34° Low: +27°

High: +34° Low: +28°

High: +35° Low: +27°

High: +32° Low: +27°

Wind 11 km/h

Wind 17 km/h

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Wind 9 km/h

Wind 10 km/h

Boat clash seems headed for court

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Beavan 086 479 7471

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Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Anupong faces charges when he gets out of hospital.

SALES MANAGER Jittiya (Tiya) Rakdej 088 754 1371

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SALES SUPPORT SALES SUPPORT Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas 086 479 7470 sales@classactmedia.co.th

PR MANAGER Pichsinee (Oil) Pomnoi 088 765 5881 pr@classactmedia.co.th

18-year-old shoots self with home made pistol AN 18-YEAR-OLD WAS taken to hospital on Saturday (April 18) after he accidentally shot himself in the leg while assembling a homemade handgun.

At 6pm, Tah Chat Chai police were called to the home of Anupong Pwongjan after he shot himself.

Police arrived at the same time as Kusoldharm rescue workers and found the victim lying on the floor calling for help.

He was given first aid and then taken to Thalang hospital.

On the floor, police discovered two homemade handguns as well as tools for assembling a gun, 30 bullet casings and three unused bullets. They seized all of these.

At the hospital, Anupong admitted that he was converting a BB gun into a “Thai pradit” gun but while putting the parts together he accidentally shot himself.

He faces a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as soon as he is released from the hospital.

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n incident which saw two boats collide close to Mai Ton Island on April 11 seems to have reached a stalemate with the only solution appearing to be the Civil Court.

The collision between the North Star dive boat, owned by the Rawai-based Aqua Center Thailand, and which had 60 divers on board, and the yacht Starship left the latter slightly damaged and saw two of its passengers allegedly thrown overboard.

The wife of the owner of Starship, and a witness to the incident, Paiwan Sridan Gilbert, told The Phuket News, “We travelled from Langkawi to go to Koh Phi Phi on April 5 and reached Koh Phi Phi on April 10 where we stopped for a night.

“We left Koh Phi Phi for Chalong Pier at 5:30am on Saturday. We reached Mai Ton Island at about 9am and noticed the North Star coming towards us. We had in fact already seen North Star departing from Chalong far away in the distance.

“North Star didn̕ t stop and continued towards us.

It crashed into us very hard.

“We thought our boat would sink.

“The crash caused one of our passengers to fall overboard into the sea, and another

to fall onto North Star, it was that close.

“After crashing into us North Star did not stop to see what had happened. They drove away still with our passenger on board.

“He was shouting for help so the North Star turned back.

It hit us again.

“I shouted for our passenger to jump back to our boat, but a man from North Star pushed him into the water with his foot.

“The owners of North Star have yet to contact me, but our boat is being checked for damage and I have left it to my lawyer to deal with everything,” said Ms Gilbert.

Her husband, Gary Gilbert, added, “When I realised he was on collision course I blew my horn five times [the international collision warn-

ing signal]. He replied with three blasts which I now know means ‘I am going eastern’.”

But Mr Gilbert says that North Star neither turned, slowed, nor tried in any way to avoid a collision.

He himself was steering the boat and could not turn to starboard without gybing the boat and endangering his crew, so he tried turning port.

“North Star is a powerful vessel and he could have easily have avoided us,” said Mr Gilbert.

In fact, Mr Gilbert said if Starship had not been in the way, North Star would probably have hit Mai Thon Island.

“He was on a collision course with the island. If he hadn’t hit us he would have hit the island. It was only about 300 metres away.”

Mr Gilbert, too, claimed that his passenger, Jens Ole Vibild, 21, fell onto North Star as a result of the collision, and that once it had detangled itself from Starship, North Star motored away, going in a circle and then coming back.

When it drew close a member of the North Star crew put his foot on Mr Vibild’s back and pushed him overboard.

But a representative of Aqua Center Thailand who declined to give her name, told The Phuket News that North Star did not in fact smash into Starship.

She said, “Starship was in North Star's way. We warned them and they should have got out of the way.

“We did not smash into them. If we smashed into them they would not be alive because our boat is bigger than their boat. It was just a bump.

“Before the boats collided North Star turned back but Starship still came towards us until the boats collided.

“We believe it is not our fault. If they want money for damages then we will go to court,” she said.

She also stated that the company have not yet checked if any members of the crew from North Star pushed Mr Vibild into the water, but added that the company will look into it.

Dave McGuire – in charge of the North Star at the time of the incident – posted on his Facebook page: “Story so far... the sail boat hit North Star.

We have two vids, one from instructor and one from guest, the sail boat captain says he was on (auto) pilot and the video agrees everyone was fishing at the stern, so nobody was sailing the SAIL boat?

“North Star had put all gears in reverse and had stopped when the sailboat hit North Star!!! Come on, the local papers should check both sides of the story before you go to print. Two vids folks watch this space.”

On April 22, as The Phuket News went to press, McGuire had not yet posted the videos.

Police decided not to proceed with criminal charges, leaving the two sides to fight it out in court. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

PHUKET NEWS

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in hot spring 2 tons of ivory Dip ends in coma registered as deadline nears Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

Ex-con arrested for breaking into cars in Phuket Town POLICE ON T U ESDAY (April 21) arrested a 25-yearold man who had smashed the windows of a number of cars in Phuket Town last Friday and Saturday (April 17 and 18) so that he could steal belongings from inside.

Phuket City police arrested Pongpon Boondetpiti, 25, at his home on Anupas Phuketkarn Rd in Talad Yai and took away evidence including a pair of damaged scissors and a mobile phone. The scissors, they said, had been used to break into five vehicles parked in either Yaoworat, Dibuk or Phang Nga Rd. One of the victims was well-known Italian restaurateur Salvatore Cossu, 65, owner of Salvatore restaurant on Rassada Rd, who told police that someone had smashed the window of his car and gone through his belongings but had left empty handed.

“I had nothing valuable in the car for them to steal,” said Mr Cossu.

Police found a piece of metal, identified as coming from a pair of scissors, embedded in the door of one of the damaged cars.

The arrest of Pongpon came after police checked CCTV coverage from the area and recognised him as a known offender who had been arrested in 2009 and again in 2011 for breaking into vehicles.

He had been released from prison just a week before he went back to work with his scissors, they said.

Pongpon admitted to police that he broke into a Honda Jazz and a pickup truck parked on Yaowarat Rd in Talad Yai last Friday and stole a purse and other items.

The following day he broke into a Nissan parked on Dibuk Rd and two Toyota Fortuners on Phang Nga Rd. He stole wallets and bank cards from each.

He was charged with theft after dark. @thephuketnews

T

uesday (April 21) was the deadline for people to declare possession of elephant tusks or ivory, whether they are collectors or traders, as part of a national drive to clamp down on the illegal trade in ivory so that Thailand can avoid possible embargoes on exports of other animal products.

In Phuket, 122 businesses and individuals have registered ivory valued at around B100 million to B140 million.

Nipon Chotiban, DirectorGeneral of the Department of National Parks (DNP) explained on the department’s website that the registrations are aimed primarily at suppression of the illegal trade in African ivory and bringing Thailand into line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

He warned that if Thailand failed to take effective measures, it risked a boycott on trade in other exotic species that can be legally traded.

“The government is taking effective steps to control ivory possession and trading in Thailand, in line with suggestions from Cites.

“If we cannot succeed in enforcing these measures soon, exports [from Thailand] such as crocodile leather, orchids,

chameleons, snakeskin and parrots will probably be boycotted by Cites.”

Such a boycott, he said, could result in annual trade losses of at least B47 billion.

He explained that the rules for possession and trade in ivory differ depending on the species.

With one exception, possession or trading in ivory from African elephants is forbidden.

The same applies to ivory from wild Asian elephants.

The exception is carvings or other artifacts using such ivory, which may be owned – but not traded – provided that the owner can supply convincing provenance for the artifact.

Possession of Asian elephant ivory, or trading in it, is still allowed – provided that the ivory can be shown to come from domesticated or owned animals. Possession and trade are, however, strictly controlled.

Awat Nitikul, Chief of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-

Hunting Area Office at Tonsai Waterfall, Thalang, told The Phuket News, “So far, we have received no reports of illegal ivory possession or trading in Phuket.”

Anyone found in possession of unregistered ivory, of whatever kind, faces a maximum fine of B3 million.

For trading in unregistered ivory without a permit, the maximum fine is double that amount or up to three years in jail, or both.

On the legitimate market, ivory can fetch between B50,000 and B70,000 a kilo.

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR of Training and Development at the Office of the Attorney General in Bangkok is currently in a coma at Vachira Hospital after passing out in a hot spring in Krabi on Songkran Day (April 13).

The Director of Vachira Hospital, Dr Jessada Jongpaiboon revealed on Monday (April 20) that Somkiet Phatkhun was in a coma after passing out from the effects of heat stroke at the hot water spring at Klong Thom in Krabi.

Mr Somkiet was initially taken to Krabi Hospital, but when his condition worsened he was transferred to Bangkok Hospital Phuket. He was later moved to the ICU at Vachira Hospital.

Dr Jessada said, “Mr Somkiet̕ s body failed to adapt to the hot temperature of the spring when he entered it, this caused his blood vessels to expand and his internal organs to start to shut down.

“It is likely that this also caused his kidneys and liver to fail and his blood to coagulate.

“Doctors and nurses are monitoring him closely 24 hours a day.”Local residents

reported that Mr Somkiet was on vacation with his wife in Krabi during Songkran and went to the hot spring.

A witness said, “The man passed out as soon as he stepped into the hot spring.

People around him tried to massage him but he did not respond. He was then taken to Krabi Hospital.”

Dr Jessada added, “The patient’s body temperature did not adapt to the heat of the spring like everyone else and that’s why he passed out.

“I want to advise everybody who considers going into the hot spring to please be aware that the water temperature is higher than the temperature of our body (30-40C). You have to go in slowly to allow your body to adapt to the heat.”

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Deputy PM ‘satisfied’ with work of Southern governors D eputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula convened a meeting last Friday (April 17) at Provincial Hall to discuss the progress of government projects across five Southern provinces: Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga and Ranong.

MR Pridiyathorn said that he was satisfied with the overall work of each governor. He said that the governors have done a good job, especially in boosting the economy, so much so that they could make proposals for more funding in the coming financial year, which starts October 1.

The Deputy PM said the issue of child labour seems to be under control and that Thailand is unlikely to hear from foreign countries on this issue.

Deputy PM MR Pridiyathorn appeared to be happy with work done in the Southern provinces.

The ongoing problem of foreigners working illegally is being tackled daily by immigration and police.

He was also happy with the work of Damrongtham Centres, which had helped with or solved many problems before they reached the office

of the respective governor.

He noted that the main economic problem in the five provinces is the steep fall in rubber prices following recent cuts in crude oil prices on world markets.

He explained that, in order to help with this, farmers have

been urged to grow vegetables and other cash crops in their rubber plantations, and sell them at local markets or to restaurants and hotels.

MR Pridiyathorn told the meeting that he would like to see the proposed Phuket lightrail project serving popular

beaches on the island.

The original plan was to build one rail, carrying passengers between Tha Noon in Phang Nga and Phuket Old Town, continuing on to Chalong.

However, he said after reviewing the remaining budget, there may be enough to add an additional rail line between the west coast of Phuket and Phuket Town.

MR Pridiyathorn also stressed the importance of pushing through the plan to expand the quay at the Deep Sea Port in Ao Makham. “We have to keep up with international standards of marine tourism and build a better and more modern [port].

“If we have a more modern port, it will encourage more tourists to come to our city on cruise liners.”

B10,000 reward offered for alleged embezzler Nattapat Tuarob reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

THE OWNER OF PHUKET DIAmond Tours, Arinrada Sirilak, who last month filed an embezzlement complaint with police accusing a Phuket man of syphoning over B1 million in tour fees from her company, is now offering a B10,000 reward for anyone who can give information leading to his arrest.

On March 30, police issued a summons for Peerapat ‘Deer’ Singhon to come in for questioning about the alleged embezzlement. When he failed to show by the deadline of April 7, an arrest warrant was issued.

Ms Sirilak told The Phuket News, “I have filed papers with the court to sue Peerapat for criminal charges already. The first hearing will be on June 6.

“I have contacted Peerapat’s mother about the case and she told me that she has contacted the police and told them that her son will definitely show up.

“Now I have evidence from many [clients] affected by this fraud, and we will wait for the court̕ s decision.

“If anyone has any clue where Peerapat is, please let me or the police know, and I will give you B10,000 as a reward.”

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

Khwanjit Singjanteig had been wanted since 2007.

Woman arrested for 8-yearold theft A 34-YEAR-OLD WOMAN wanted on a theft charge dating back eight years was arrested on April 15.

Police arrested Khwanjit Singjanteig, also known as Rungsiri Cameron, from Nakorn Sri Thammarat, on an arrest warrant issued on June 5, 2007.

Lt Col Torsak Panklinphut said that on May 5, 2007, a European man filed a theft complaint against Khwanjit at Kathu police station.

He said she had spent the night with him at a hotel in Patong and had stolen several valuable items when she left the next morning.

Khwanjit left Phuket and hid from the police in a rented house on Prachasongkrow Road, in Huai Khwang, Bangkok, where she told everyone her name was Rungsiri Cameron.

She is now at Kathu police station awaiting her turn in court.

Homeowner catches ‘bleeding’ burglar AN ALLEGED BURGLAR ended up in a bloody mess in the early hours of Monday morning (April 20) after the smashed a window of a home in Phuket, and managed to slash himself on the broken glass.

But Charnnarong Uoonong, 25, from Ratchaburi was not deterred after his botched entry into the house at 2am.

Police allege that he continued with his burglary plan, dripping blood all over the f loors, leaving doorknobs covered with it, and bright red hand-prints on the walls of the home in Permsap Villa, in Baan Manik.

The sound of him rummaging through drawers and closets, woke the owner, Rachaporn Teeparatana, 65.

Caught in the act, the bleeding burglar sur ren-

Charnnarong Uoon-ong, 25, changed his story many times. dered immediately to Mr Rachaporn, who escorted him downstairs onto the street, sat him down and then called the police, asking also for medical assistance.

When police arrived Mr

Rachaporn told them he had heard noises coming from the second floor, like someone going through his belongings.

“I went upstairs and found the man injured, from the broken glass, I presume. So

I took him downstairs and called the police.”

Police noted the damaged window with bits of broken glass strewn across the floor.

They also noted blood all over the upper floor.

Pol ic e t o o k M r R a chaporn’s statement and then went to Thalang Hospital, where Charnnarong had been sent to be stiched up.

Charnnarong told them he had broken into the house after running away from a group of teenagers who wanted to hurt him.

“I came inside the house to ask someone for help,” he told officers.

But police noticed that, under questioning, his story changed rather frequently, so they put him under arrest. He was expected to be charged with trespass at night. thephuketnews

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Pakistani woman dies after wrist-slash incident at Marriott A HOLIDAYMAKER FROM Pakistan died at Thalang Hospital in the early hours of Monday (Apil 20) after slashing her left wrist and falling into the swimming pool of the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Mai Khao.

At 4:20am, Thalang police received a call from Thalang Hospital telling them that a Pakistani woman who had fallen into the swiiming pool of a resort in Mai Khao had died in the emergency room.

Police found that the 27-year-old woman had a slash wound on her left wrist.

They said that there were no signs of foul play.

Police learned that Kusoldharm rescue workers had taken the woman from the resort after a lifeguard found her lying at the bottom of the pool.

When she was recovered from the pool the woman was still conscious but was having difficulty breathing. Rescue workers carried out CPR and took her to hospital, but she

PHUKET’S LIFEGUARDS should be back on the island’s beaches within two weeks, the Tourism and Sports Department of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation told The Phuket News on Wednesady (April 22).

The announcement came after Governor Nisit Jansomwong finally approved on April 16 the contract for Phuket Lifeguard Club Co Ltd to take its lifesavers back to the beaches.

There have been no lifeguards on duty since March 27.

An officer who asked not to be named also confirmed that the contract arrived back at the offices of the Phuket

7

Woman arrested in B3.2m meth bust

A The woman’s body is now awaiting repatriation. died shortly after arrival.

After gathering information from staff at the hotel, police learned that the woman had travelled to Phuket with her boyfriend and arrived at the hotel several days ago.

Before the incident, the woman and her boyfriend had a fight in their room. As the boyfriend left the room the woman was throwing various items at him.

Hotel staff believe that the woman used a piece of broken glass to slash her wrist before going out to look for her boyfriend. It was then that she fell into the pool..

Lifeguard back on beaches ‘in 2 weeks’

@thephuketnews

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) last Friday (April 17).

The officer explained, “We received authorisation from the Phuket Governor. But we still need to manage all the budgets next week.” Paiboon Upatising Chief of OrBorJor, together with the rest of the committee, will then work together to finalise the contracts.

“The contracts will be valid for 10 months. We hope that the lifeguards will return to their duties by next month (May),” said the officer.

A further two weeks are now required to finalise all the paperwork.

27-yea r- old T hai woman was arrested last Friday (April 17) in possession of methamphetamines worth B3.2 million.

The arrest came after police nabbed a small dealer named Thammarat Muddtey on Narisorn Rd with four grams of crystal meth a few days earlier.

Thammarat gave up the name of his dealer to police after being questioned. Police then went to the home of the dealer, Amporn “Mam” Kaisorn, also in Narisorn Rd, searched it and found 20 grams of crystal meth.

After being interrogated by police for five hours, Amporn finally told police where she kept the rest of the drugs.

She led them to another house on the same road and showed them her big stash – 36,000 meth pills and 850 grams of crystal meth.

Amporn told police the drugs belonged to a man named Art. She told police she was paid to store the drugs and deliver them bit by bit. She would receive a call from Art telling her where and when to drop off a delivery.

Police said she told them that, had all the drugs been s uc c e s sf u l ly del ive re d , she would have been paid B320,000.

Police records showed that Amporn was arrested for drugs possession in 2007 by the Crime Suppression Division. At that time they seized assets from her valued at more than B3 million.

She is currently being held at the Phuket Provincial Police Station on a charge of possession of a Category 1 narcotic with intent to sell.

On a smaller scale, on April 14 police arrested an-

Phuket police chief Maj Gen Pachara Boonyasit with the dealer and her stash of meth. other dealer holding 90 meth pills.

Athiwat Glankamnerd, 22 , wa s nabbed af t er a plainclothes officer bought a number of pills from him in Patong. A subsequent body search uncovered the 90 pills.

Four days earlier, almost

2,400 meth pills were seized from nine dealers during a pre-Songkran crackdown.

Police chief Maj Gen Pachara Boonyasit held a press conference at which the nine were introduced to the press and their wares – 2,328 pills – put on display.

The dealers – eight men and a woman – were named as Pongsakorn Suknuan, Nattapong Srikaew, Nattanon Chaitan, Wisat Paosri, Niroj Jirapan, Sarawut Sudmadam, Wittaya Apai, Sittichai Sales and Rungfah Kalapat.

Eakkapop

Opinion 8

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

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editor@classactmedia.co.th

EDITORIAL Which traffic projects need priority?

CONTACT US

Email: editor@classactmedia.co.th Phone: 076 612 550

KODCHANAT THINSEPON Editor

STEVEN LAYNE Managing Editor editor@classactmedia.co.th From the USA; BA in Communication Arts from Bangkok University International College; six years’ experience at Nation Junior Magazine, Bangkok Recorder, Phuket. net, Farangs.com and Phuket Gazette.

ALASDAIR FORBES Executive Editor 087 884 9964 execeditor@classactmedia.co.th From the UK; 40 years as a journalist and editor on magazines and newspapers in the UK, Middle East, Hong Kong and Thailand: Cheshire Observer, Chester Chronicle, Saudi Gazette, Gulf Mirror, Gulf Construction, Gulf News, Hongkong Standard, Asian Business (Editor) and Phuket Gazette (Managing Editor for seven years).

J.P. MESTANZA Sport Editor editor2@classactmedia.co.th From USA; Degree in Journalism and Media Studies, from Rutgers University. Three years experience at The Jersey Journal, Sports Page Magazine, and My9 News.

DALIA HILMI Life Editor

A

las, the Darasamut Underpass was recently opened, formally, to the delight of officials and commuters alike, many of whom had endured through hundreds of hours of additional traffic during the two-plus years it took to complete. But only weeks after the grand opening, it soon became clear that traffic at and near the intersection has not necessarily improved all around as hoped, especially southbound during peak hours, when you can get stuck in stand-still traffic inside the tunnel for 10 minutes or more. If you’re claustrophobic, it’s advised to avoid using the tunnel (southbound) during these times, when the jam begins just as you descend into the tunnel, and carries on all the way down to the Naka junction, and beyond.

Some argue that no matter how much money is thrown at any particular problem junction

MATTHEW POND News Editor editor3@classactmedia.co.th Originally from the UK; Has four years experience as editor and reporter for Phuketindex.com magazine and website, and InPhuket magazine.

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Bringing us to The Phuket News’ latest poll, which asks: “Which traffic-infrastructure improvement projects should receive priority in Phuket?

Respondents can choose up to three options from the following eight choices: The Bang Ku junction (north end of the bypass); Koh Kaew traffic lights; The new airportbypass route; Chalong Circle; Naka junction; Patong Tunnel; Heroine’s Monument circle; The airport-Chalong monorail and reformation of the outdated bus network/system.

Respondents are also asked to denote how much time they spend in Phuket traffic every day, whether it’s less than 15 minutes; more than 15 minutes, but less than 30; 31 minutes to an hour, or more than an hour.

Have your say now, log on to thephuketnews.com and click the “poll” option at the top of the page.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Fugitive Russian billionaire’s superyacht washed ashore in Cambodia Phuket police arrest woman with million baht’s worth of drugs Pakistani woman dies after early morning incident at five-star Phuket resort Thailand is among countries with world’s most beautiful girls Tsunami warning after 6.8 magnitude quake hits Okinawa: NHK D-day for Phuket beach businesses doubtful for tomorrow Update on American diver missing off Phuket Passenger who lost wallet at Phuket Airport given the runaround (1,293) Indonesian caught at Phuket airport with B15.6m in cocaine (1,132) Temple must give up tigers (1,132)

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY

editor1@classactmedia.co.th Originally from Canada; BA in Sociology from the University of Birmingham in the UK and an MA in Online/Print Journalism from the University of the Arts in London. Three years experience for Britain’s third-biggest publisher, Immediate Media, as well as Bauer Media and InStyle magazine.

in Phuket, with the continued increase in population and number of motor vehicles, traffic will not go away, but only be relocated to other problematic junctions that beefy government budgets have yet to address.

In favour of pursuing a mass-transit route, this lot are divided into two schools: one who insists that we go full steam ahead with the multi-billion-baht monorail project, which ironically, would likely result in a decade more of traffic jams as it gets built.

And the other who think that a proper, reformed bus network system is all that is needed.

Indeed, there are a number of major traffic and transport infrastructure projects on the burner, but with only a finite amount of funds available at any given time, much discussion and debate is needed to determine which of these projects deserves most priority.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Threat that poses a good opportunity Re: EU issues final fishing warning With the strong warning from EU to ban all seafood products from Thailand, the Department of National Parks Wildlife and Conservation has a good excuse to reinforce the law by cracking down on illegal fishing by poachers inside Marine National Parks in Thailand, especially on the Andaman Sea. By protecting fish and coral reefs, Thailand will get more friendly eco-tourist divers from around the world. Time for NCPO to use Section 44 to ban trawlers and arrest poachers fishing illegally as well to limit to a minimum size for all fish, crabs, squids, shrimps, lobsters, shellfish and ban shark fishing at any cost.

Charlie

Sticks and stones to break bones Re: Landslide at Phuket bridge unrepaired after five weeks Yeah, those wood sticks are going to do a lot! It seems Thailand desperately needs outside help in all their infra-

structure and capital improvement projects. The stuff that public officials come up with is comical.

Ed Sanders

Show me the money, operators Re: Phuket ferry passengers receiving help I was on this boat when it caught fire. Me and my friend were travelling from south Africa. We have definitely not received B3000. And we are not the only ones.

Annekeb B3,000 compensation? £60!

Thats one night in a hotel in Phuket! Ridiculous. Riding this ferry is not cheap, and the boat is packed, so this company is making lots of money, but they can’t be bothered to spend it on maintenance or even compensation. And this is great “This incident was beyond our control” - must be April Fools again!

Jhunt I was also on this boat with my wife travelling from England.

We were left with nothing, no passports, credit cards, clothes etc. B3000 from the travel

company!!! We didn’t even have contact from them despite them knowing we had lost everything, plus that wouldn’t even have covered the calls we had to make to try and make arrangements to get home. We took out travel insurance for this trip but it will not cover anywhere near what we lost and the costs to get home.

Yes they are lying and my fear is we will hear nothing from them now we are back home.

I marshall

Lessons that weren’t learned Re: Phuket Gov orders Super Cheap stores checked after second fire in two days I went into the main one next to the wooden one that burnt down and the fire exits were blocked by huge fridges! [They are] not prepared and have no idea about fire safety!

Malczx7r

Seven minus eleven equals...?

Re: We are not facing a drought’ Gov “This is sufficient to last until the end of this year even without rainfall.” Do these people

EVER do the maths, before commenting. Total requirements, his figures, 11,624,200 cubic metres, total capacity (currently), once again, his figures 7,790,000. As we can see it doesn’t “add” up, even now he mentions trucking water in, so one must assume, Phuket is in serious water shortage.

Rorii

Licensing is not, has never been the main problem Re: Police mull special driver licence for big bikes Instead of changing what people can ride, why not actually enforce laws against drunk and reckless driving, speeding, and tailgating. Oops! I forgot that enforcement would actually require the police to do something. It’s much easier to just have a new law that won’t be enforced, either Sorry.

Foot How about start with ANYONE who rides needs a licence?? we all see 8-17 year-olds riding with 2 sisters on the back, it’s a joke! And when they crash into you, a licenced driver its the Farangs fault?? Really?

Eriksen

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

Chiang Mai University to probe violent hazing rituals A PROMI NENT STATE university in Chiang Mai province has pledged to take disciplinary action against senior students who forced first years to engage in abusive hazing rituals.

The announcement came after a series of photos on social media showed two Chang Mai University freshmen with with bruises on their bodies. The caption said the two women were beaten by senior students in a hazing camp in Nan province.

Thanarak Suwanprapit, deputy dean of Chiang Mai University, said the incident took place between 17 - 19 April, when seniors told the university administration they were organising a community service trip to paint schools and build a small dam in Nan province. In reality, he said, the senior students were holding an initiation ceremony, known as rub nong in Thai, for freshmen students.

“We are investigating the incident,” Thanarak said. “We will consider punishments for the senior students.”

Thanarak said the students violated a university regulation that requires all initiation ceremonies be observed by school officials in order to prevent any violence or harassment.

“Punishments for organising rub nong without approval from the university range from verbal caution, class suspension, and expulsion from the university, in accordance with the disciplinary regulations,” said Thanarak.

He added that the university has informed parents of the victims that the initiation ceremonies were not endorsed in any way by the university.

Rub nong was initially adopted from Western military academies by a handful of Thai colleges in the early 20th century, but the practice is now common in many universities and schools across the Kingdom.

While some universities opt for friendly initiation ceremonies, other schools are known for violent and abusive activities that involve assaulting students, forcing them to drink alcohol, and sexual harassment.

Khaosod @thephuketnews

THAILAND NEWS

9

Grave robber trail ends at temple door P

olice in Udon Thani are busy investigating a strange case in which no one has been murdered and no valuables have been stolen.

In fact, the two victims in this case are already dead.

It is alleged a monk robbed the victims’ bodies from the grave to use in occult rituals.

The monk and his disciples were arrested and are currently in police custody after officers pressed charges of “colluding to steal assets at night” against them. The monk was disrobed before being arrested.

The grave robbery became public during the Songkran festival when villagers in Ban Non Sa in Prachak Silapakhom district went to their village cemetery to make merit for the dead.

On April 12, Buali Chuwiang and Anong Hipkaew filed complaints with the police that the corpses of their daughter and son respectively, which were buried pending cremation, were missing.

The families of the deceased were shocked by the

Phra Eun Aphiyo is accused of stealing corpses and using them for black magic rituals. macabre theft and appealed to officers to quickly find the corpses so they could perform traditional northeastern burial ceremonies, said Pol Lt Col Chamlong Panchana, investigation inspector at Prachak Silapakhom police station.

One of the stolen corpses belongs to Sirirat Akkharat, 26, Ms Buali’s daughter. She died while she was five months’ pregnant and was buried with her baby at the cemetery in May last year.

Sirirat’s corpse was found

Schoolchildren cool off in a small pond at their school in Chai Nat province. Photo: Chudate Seehawong

Power usage sets new record as temperatures soar THE ELECTRICITY GENerating Authority of Thailand (Egat) said demand for electricity hit a record high as temperatures soared across the country Tuesday (April 21).

Surpassing a record hit only two weeks ago, Egat recorded usage of 27,139 megawatts.

On April 7, 27,056 MW were consumed.

Tuesday̕s demand also surpassed last year’s peak of 26,942 MW, and it is expected to rise further. The Meteorological Department reported the average temperature today at 38.3 degrees Celsius.

Deputy energy permanent secretary Twarath Sutabutr said the ministry expected electricity demand during this year’s hot season would hit new

highs several times as seasonal temperatures continue to rise, according to the Meteorological Department.

Power demand usually reaches its peak in April or May each year.

The highest temperature recorded in Thailand came on April 27, 1960 in Uttaradit province at 44.5C. The Meteorological Department warned in March that temperatures during this dry season could match the record of 55 years ago.

Mr Twarath urged the public to use power effectively even with sufficient supplies of power available. Ways to save power include cleaning air-conditioner filters and turning off unused lights.

Bangkok Post

beheaded. The robber made off with her head, leaving behind her body and the baby. It is believed the head was to be used for a black magic ritual.

The other corpse belongs to Noppharat Hipkaew, 32, Ms Anong’s son. The man was shot dead at a shrine in Kumphawapi district and his body was buried at the cemetery late last year.

Pol Lt Col Chamlong’s investigation team began a search for the robber. Villagers reported seeing strangers in

their neighbourhood, including a monk who came to the village last month.

The monk immediately drew officers’ suspicion because he is well-known for black magic and claiming to predict winning lottery ticket numbers, Pol Lt Col Chamlong said.

He allegedly uses corpses in his rituals, especially of those who died from unnatural causes.

Police searched the area for the suspect and eventually found him. Phra Eun Aphiyo, 65, is originally from Buri Ram. He entered the monkhood on May 12, 2013, at Wat Pha Thamma Charoen in Ban Muang Kao in Udon Thani’s Kumphawapi district, according to investigators.

During the police’s initial questioning, Phra Eun admitted locals asked him to give them winning lottery numbers while he stayed at Ban Phasuk Buddhist monastery in Kumphawapi district.

But as pressure from investigators mounted, police

on Sunday (April 19) said the monk admitted he had colluded with two disciples to steal corpses at Ban Non Sa for use in black magic rituals.

He used the corpses to divine lucky lottery numbers.

One of his disciples, Woraphong Senaphon, 20, reportedly confessed to police that he and Khunthong Khetnu, 32, helped Phra Eun dig up four corpses.

Mr Khunthong told police that he and Phra Eun discarded Sirirat’s skull at Bua Daeng swamp in Kumphawapi district.

Pol Lt Col Chamlong believes the suspects are also behind the theft of another two corpses from a cemetery in Kumphawapi district in March. The corpses belong to two siblings, aged nine and eight, who died of drowning.

During the search of Phra Eun’s sleeping quarters at Wat Pha Thamma Charoen, police seized items including a mahout’s hook and a hammer.

Police are still searching for the missing corpses.

Bangkok Post

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EU issues Thailand its final fishing warning T

hailand has expressed deep disappointment after the European Union (EU) issued a final warning, a so-called “yellow card” to the country, and gave Thailand six months to drastically improve measures against illegal fishing or face an import ban.

“Although the yellow card does not introduce trade sanctions on European imports of Thai fishery products, it has been a source of grave discouragement that the EU chose to ignore the very earnest efforts of the past six months by the Royal Thai Government in addressing all issues which were once deemed the causes of illegal, unreported and unregulated [IUU] fishing,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued Tuesday (April 21) following the EU’s decision.

The ministry said Thailand takes allegations of IUU fishing very seriously. The measures which were implemented by the government include structural changes, legal amendments and passage of new laws, prosecution, and preventive measures as major instruments.

“Thailand is deeply disappointed at the EU’s decision,” the statement said.

More importantly, the EU’s decision reflects its failure to recognise the longstanding cooperation between Thailand and EU authorities, the statement added.

“Thailand calls on the EU to take into account the country’s substantial and tangible

Workers in Benjina, Indonesia, load fish onto a cargo ship bound for Thailand. (AP photo) progress in combating IUU fishing. The EU’s assessment must be transparent, fair, nondiscriminatory, and based on accurate facts and latest developments.”

However, the government vowed to cooperate with the EU to combat IUU activity and urged the EU to rescind the yellow card as soon as progress has been made.

According to the European Commission’s announcement Tuesday, the country has failed in its fisheries monitoring, control and sanctioning systems and it concluded that Thailand is not doing enough, based on analysis and a series of discussions with Thai authorities since 2011.

“Our rigorous EU policy on a harmful practice such as illegal fishing, together with

our genuine capacity to act, is paying off. I urge Thailand to join the EU in the fight for sustainable fisheries. Failure to take strong action against illegal fishing will carry consequences,” European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, said in the statement.

The decision starts a formal procedure of dialogue with Thai authorities to make them take the necessary corrective measures.

“They will be given six months to implement a corrective tailor-made action plan. Should the situation not improve, the EU could resort to banning fisheries imports from Thailand,” Mr Vella said.

Government deputy spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd

said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha had acknowledged the EU’s latest decision and ordered related authorities to speed up resolving the problems systemically. He said the prime minister, who has left the country for a summit between Asian and African leaders in Indonesia, admitted the fishing problem has been ongoing and needed to be resolved.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said the government was handed the yellow card after it became apparent that the EU was dissatisfied with punishments for those who violated fishing regulations.

“Among several issues, the EU was not happy with the punishments, saying they were too light. As for other measures, we thought they were enough,

but they might not be [for the EU],” Gen Prawit said.

Meanwhile, Rittirong Boonmechote, president of the global shrimp business unit of Thai Union Frozen Products, a giant fishery business operator which is among those criticised over fishing activities, said the EU decision will inevitably affect the company’s business.

“Our customers in Europe and the US have given us a signal that they will not buy our products if the country cannot solve the problem in six months,” he said.

He said the Thai government had done many things to deal with the problems including registering 1.6 million migrant workers but these have not yet satisfied the demands of foreign countries due to a lack of public relations.

Mr Rittirong said the private sector would propose the government appoint a “project leader” who has the authority to lead the operation to solve the problem.

“It needs to be clear who has the final say and that we don’t have five ministers with equal power over decisions [as happens now],” he said.

The president of the Thai Frozen Foods Association, Poj Aramwattananont, however, said the latest EU warning might only affect Thai fishing products slightly. More significant impacts would be seen from the termination of EU tax privileges early this year and the baht’s appreciation.

Bangkok Post

Thailand drops from tenth to fourteenth in toursist arrivals chart THAILAND’S POSITION IN THE world’s international tourist arrival chart slipped from 10th in 2103 to 14th last year.

In addition, the 2014 tourism earnings chart also saw Thailand

drop to ninth from seventh, according to figures from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Thailand's 2014 international arrivals fell 6.7 per cent from 2013 to 24.8 million.

Its 2014 tourism receipts contracted 8.1pc to US$38.4 billion from $41.8 billion in 2013.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand said the political stand-off in the early part of last year coupled

with the May 22 coup and the sluggish economies of Thailand's main tourism markets such as Russia, Japan and Europe caused tourists to delay their trips here.

Bangkok Post

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

Bangkok restaurant fined for beer displayed in menu THE AUTHORITIES IN the capital have fired a hefty shot across the bows of restaurants, fining a Japanese eatery a total of B460,000 for including photos of beer bottles with the labels of the brands in their menu.

The target of the fines imposed by the court in a case brought by the Office of the Alcohol Control Committee was Kacha Kacha restaurant in the Asiatique complex, next to the Chaophraya River in Bang Koh Laem.

The ThaiVisa message board reports that the restaurant and its owner, with fines of B230,000 each for contravening Article 32 and Article 43 of the Alcohol Control Act of 2014 and Article 83 of the Criminal Code.

Article 32 of the Alcohol Control Act states, “No person shall advertise or display, directly or indirectly, the name or trademark of an alcoholic beverage in a manner that shows the properties thereof or induces other persons to drink.”

Article 43 defines the penalty: “Whoever violates section 32 shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding B500,000 or both.

“In addition … the violator shall be liable to a daily fine not exceeding B50,000 a day through the period of violation or until acting correctly.”

Article 83 of the Criminal Code states, “In case of any offence accrued by commission of the person as from two persons upwards, such accomplices deemed to be principals shall be punished as provided by the law for such offence.”

HUGE REDUCTIONS on exclusive properties in Phuket, details on page 27

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FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

ASIA NEWS 11

Jakarta still faces 10 more years of gridlock M Asean neighbours illions of Jakarta commuters will have to struggle through the world’s most congested traffic for almost another decade, authorities believe, and they may have to wait even longer if US$4 billion worth of new railway projects don’t work out as planned.

Jakarta’s gridlocked streets are the biggest headache for the Indonesian capital’s 10 million residents and a major hindrance to economic growth, with workers stranded for hours in buses, cars and motorcycles each day.

Jakarta ranked top among 78 cities for traffic stops and starts in a study published this year by motor oil firm Castrol, with the average driver having to stop 33,240 times a year.

Making matters worse, at least a thousand new cars and motorbikes are added to Jakarta’s roads each day, government figures show.

“Congestion in Jakarta is already at an alarming level.

In the not-too-distant future, the city will be paralysed by traffic,” said Budi Edi Praitno, a Jakarta commuter who traded

Post Today photo

bookend Thailand’s Songkran death toll

Rush hour in Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Central Jakarta. Photo by Charles Wiriawan his motorcycle for a bicycle to trim a few minutes from his 30km commute.

There are hopes that a mass rapid transit system, under construction and slated to open in 2018, will provide relief.

However, the MRT’s President Director Dono Boestami said its impact would be limited initially. Instead, it will take a long checklist of initiatives, including the government’s new plan to build a light-rail train, to see any real change.

If all goes to plan, traffic could be reduced by 30 per

cent, but not until 2024 at the earliest, Mr Boestami said, and a second MRT line and inner city toll roads would also be needed.

Work on the MRT began in 2013 after decades of delays, and the Indonesian and Jakarta city governments say they are urgently seeking more solutions to the traffic scourge.

“Based on instructions from the president, all plans to develop public transportation in greater Jakarta must be conducted this year and this cannot be delayed,” Transport

Pretties banned by Shanghai auto show THE SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW BANNED scantily clad female models and automakers responded with dancers and fresh-faced young women holding tablet computers.

Organisers of China’s biggest auto show announced in February that models in slinky dresses who usually adorn the stands of some auto brands would be banned. It said it wanted visitors to focus on cars.

The use of female models at Chinese auto shows had already dwindled as automakers tried to set themselves apart. But the show's decision comes as China's government under President Xi Jinping increases efforts to crack down on prostitution, online pornography and what it considers racy or improper programming on TV. On Monday (April 20), Luxgen, a joint venture between state-owned Dongfeng Motor

@thephuketnews

A woman poses next to a Porsche 911 Carrera Style Edition. (AFP photo) Co and Yulon, a Taiwanese partner, opened its display with a performance by a chorus line of dancers.

At other stands, young women in sleeveless but more business-like dresses carried tablet computers to show visitors the details of cars. Bangkok Post

Minister Ignasius Jonan told reporters this month.

A consortium of Indonesian and Japanese companies, including Obayashi Corp, Shimizu Corp, and Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co, is building the MRT, which is expected to cost $3 billion.

The LRT, which is expected to stretch 30 kilometres and cost around $720 million, will be built by a group of around seven state-owned firms, including construction companies Adhi Karya and Wijaya Karya. Bangkok Post

WHILE THE OVERALL number of people killed on the roads during Buddhist new year festivals in Laos and Cambodia paled in comparison with carnage in Thailand, neither country was able to reduce fatalities and deaths.

Laos actually outpaced Thailand on a per-capita basis.

Authorities in Phnom Penh and Vientiane reported over that 39 and 45 people were killed, respectively, during the Khmer and Lao new year period. The Phnom Penh Post reported statistics covering April 13-19, while the Lao News Agency said that country’s numbers covered April 12-18.

Thailand tallies accidents, injuries and fatalities for seven days, from April 9-15. This year 364 people were killed

and 3,559 hurt in 3,373 accidents, all substantial increases over last year.

Cambodia has a population of around 15 million while Laos has just 6.8 million people. On a per-capita basis, Cambodia had about half as many road deaths as Thailand, but Laos recorded 24 per cent more people killed during the period.

The Post said the Khmer New Year saw 248 injuries with 200 vehicles, including 157 motorbikes and 40 cars, damaged.

Driving proved far deadlier, on a per capita basis, in Laos.

There, 45 people were killed and 528 hurt in 325 accidents. A total of 592 cars and motorbikes were wrecked.

Bangkok Post

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

Migrant shipwreck survivors arrested as UN says 800 dead I

talian police have arrested two suspected people traffickers among the survivors of the migrant boat that capsized off Libya on Sunday (April 19), as the UN said 800 people were killed in the Mediterranean’s worst migrant disaster.

They said they had detained a Tunisian man believed to be the captain of the vessel and a Syrian allegedly a member of the ship’s crew, taken from a group of 27 haggard survivors who arrived in the Sicilian port of Catania on Monday evening (April 20). Both face charges of people trafficking.

Under-fire EU ministers meanwhile agreed on a 10-point plan to double the resources available to the current EU border surveillance mission Triton, as the UN’s refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration recounted what those onboard had witnessed.

“We can say that 800 are dead,” said Carlotta Sami, spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Italy on Tuesday (April 21), citing the survivors’ accounts of the deadly crossing.

Those who escaped with their lives described to officials the moment the 20-metre (70-foot) trawler carrying them capsized after a Portuguese merchant ship approached the vessel, causing a stampede.

“There were a little over 800 people on board, including children aged between 10 and 12. There were Syrians, about 150 Eritreans, Somalians... They had left Tripoli at about 8am on Saturday,” Sami said.

The survivors hailed from Mali, Gambia, Senegal, Somalia, Eritrea and Bangladesh, she added, and all had

persons in need of protection”, a key but small step forward in spreading the problem.

Up to now, countries relatively untouched by the problem had objected to this form of burden sharing, however small.

Diplomats said there could be 5,000 places available but the commission gave no figure.

- Focus on people smugglers -

Rescued migrants off the Libyan coast arrive at the harbor in Catania, Italy on April 20, 2015. More than 700 people are feared dead following the capsize off Libya of a fishing boat that had been crammed with migrants trying to reach Europe. AFP photo by Alberto Pizzoli been taken to nearby holding centres.

One other survivor was taken to hospital in Catania, on Sicily’s east coast.

- ‘No more excuses’ EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini had unveiled plans earlier Monday to tackle the growing migrant crisis after telling member states they had “no more excuses” not to act.

Even as EU foreign and interior ministers met in Luxembourg to discuss ways to stem the flood of people trying to reach Europe, the International Organization for Migration said it had received a distress call from another boat – but cautioned against concluding this was another disaster in the making.

Italian Premier Matteo Renzi said separately that Italy’s coast guard had asked merchant shipping to come to

the aid of two boats off the Libyan coast with up to 450 migrants on board after they sought help.

Police in Greece meanwhile reported three people killed, including a child, after a boat coming from Turkey sank off the island of Rhodes.

Dramatic footage showed people trying to reach survivors huddled on a piece of wreckage as they were being swept towards rocks.

Ninety-three people were rescued alive, police said.

Europe’s southern shores have been swamped over the past two weeks with migrants fleeing war and hardship, mostly via conflict-wracked Libya.

More than 11,000 migrants have been rescued by Italian authorities since the middle of last week alone and current trends suggest last year’s total of 170,000 landing in Italy is likely to be exceeded in 2015.

Unveiling the 10-point action plan, Mogherini said the EU had to live up to its humanitarian values and commitments towards migrants, she said, adding: “To send them back is another way of killing them.”

First on the list, ministers agreed the current EU border surveillance mission Triton should be increased to extend its range and capabilities on the bloc’s southern flank.

Triton replaced Italy’s own Mare Nostrum mission, which Rome scrapped late last year in protest that its EU partners would not share the burden.

The EU will also try to capture or destroy people-smuggling boats and increase cooperation across the board, the European Commission said.

The bloc will also offer a “voluntary pilot project on resettlement, providing a number of places to

Elsewhere EU president Donald Tusk announced an emergency leaders summit for Thursday (April 23) to discuss the plan, saying: “We cannot continue like this, we can’t accept that hundreds of people die.”

Italy’s Renzi, whose country bears the brunt of the problem, said Rome was studying the possibility of mounting “targeted interventions” against Libya-based people smugglers.

“Attacks on death rackets, attacks against slave traders (traffickers) are in our thinking,” Renzi told a press conference with his Maltese counterpart Joseph Muscat.

Italian and Maltese navy boats meanwhile continued to search for the victims of Sunday’s disaster, which brings to an estimated 1,600 the number of migrants who have drowned in the Mediterranean this year.

Only 28 survivors have been found so far, along with 24 bodies, which were taken to Malta.

The deadliest incident prior to Sunday occurred off Malta in September 2014, when an estimated 500 migrants drowned after traffickers deliberately rammed their boat in an attempt to force the passengers onto a smaller vessel.

AFP

AC/DC drummer Rudd pleads guilty to kill threat AC/DC DRUMMER PHIL Rudd made a surprise guilty plea on charges of threatening to kill and drug possession at the opening of his trial in New Zealand on Tuesday (April 21).

The veteran rocker had previously denied all allegations against him, but changed his plea on the first day of the trial at Tauranga District Court.

As a result, judge Robert Woolff adjourned the matter after just 10 minutes and extended Rudd's bail until a sentencing hearing on June 26.

Threatening to kill carries a potential jail term of seven years, but Rudd's solicitor Craig Tuck said the 60-year-old would apply for a discharge without conviction at the sentencing hearing.

Rudd was arrested in September at his mansion in Tauranga, with court documents

Phil Rudd plays with AC/ DC in 2008. Photo by Matt Becker revealing he was accused of threatening to kill a contractor and his daughter.

Police also found 0.71 grammes of methamphetamine and 130 grammes of cannabis when they raided the property, the documents said.

Rudd initially faced another charge of "attempting to procure murder", but it was dropped after prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

Poor image, lack of rules ‘holding back timeshare’ T

he vacation ownership industry, formerly known as timeshare, has big – and as yet unexploited – opportunities for expansion in Southeast Asia, says property consultant Bill Barnett.

But it is being held back by a poor public image and a lack of expertise and understanding, he argues in a report, Status of the Vacation Ownership Market in Southeast Asia, released by his company, C9 Hotelworks this week.

Mr Barnett reports that he contacted a number of “experts” in the industry, and that their responses “indicate that now is a good time to be selling vacation ownership in Southeast Asia.

“Many cite the size of the market opportunity and a growing middle class in many Asian countries.” He

quotes one respondent as saying, “In many parts of the world vacation ownership has experienced the best growth when real estate and hospitality markets start to dip.

“Southeast Asia is experiencing softening of real estate markets in some areas and/or overbuilding in other areas.”

The responses, Mr Barnett said, show that the best markets for vacation ownership in the region are Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, though one respondent identified Myanmar as having potential “in the not too distant future”.

He notes that more than half of the vacation ownership resorts in the region are in Thailand (35pc) and Indonesia (23pc), followed

by Malaysia (21pc) and the Philippines (17pc).

The industry is by no

means fully grown, Mr Barnett writes.

“It is estimated that there are well under 500,000 members and owners of vacation ownership in resorts located in Southeast Asia.

This equates to a penetration rate of vacation ownership in the region of far less than 1.0 per cent.

“By way of comparison, 7.9 per cent of all United States households are reported to own vacation ownership.

“There is clearly a massive growth opportunity in vacation ownership in this region.”

He argues that a lack of legislation and regulation is a hurdle.

“The biggest problem facing the success of the vacation ownership industry in Asia today is the public image of the product.

“This is typical for a de-

AWG ditches Sea Pearl as part of ‘refinement’ RESORT DEVELOPMENT, fractional and vacation ownership company Absolute World Group (AWG) has announced that it is “refining” its Phuket operations.

Following changes to sales operations and the introduction of new marketing strategies last year, AWG has opted not to extend its lease on the Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort in Patong because the resort “no longer fits the standards” found within AWG’s own mixed-use resort portfolio.

“We have managed and operated Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort for 11 years and its prime location in Patong has made it a popular resort with our members.

“However, this is the only resort in our portfolio in Phuket that we do not own and manage ourselves and, without a major overhaul, the resort is no longer up to the standard we wish to offer our guests.

“We have decided not to continue our lease,” said AWG Chairman and CEO Bryan Lunt.

“As of May 1, 2015, this resort will no longer be branded @thephuketnews

AWG’s Twin Sands Phase 1. It is now working on two more phases. or operated by AWG and it will no longer be offered to our members around the world.”

All other resorts on Phuket, as well as The Beach Samui boutique resort, soon to open on Koh Samui, are owned by the Group.

“We are looking to the future and our strategy of developing and operating our own resorts allows us complete control over the standards and service levels our owners, members and guests are used to.

“Ou r com mit ment to [Phuket and Koh Samui] has seen us invest over B2.1 billion

into the development of four unique resorts for our guests across Phuket and Koh Samui in the past five years, welcoming over 24,000 vacationers to our resorts each year,” Lunt added.

AWG’s Phuket resort portfolio includes Absolute Bangla Suites (54 keys), Absolute Nakalay Boutique Resort (33 keys) and Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa Phase I (45 keys).

Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa Phase II (52 keys) comes online end of 2015 and Phase III (78 keys) is scheduled to open in 2016.

veloping region with limited or no consumer protection regulation. Asian timeshare legislation and regulation is lacking or non-existent and varies widely between countries.”

“There is also a lack of local expertise and understanding of vacation ownership in this region. Most developers don’t fully understand the product and often do not wish to bring in foreign expertise.

“Going forward, the sector has missed a substantial opportunity over the past seven years during a massive ramp up of leisure real estate sales in Southeast Asia.

“International hotel groups have embraced the trend and benefited but the vacation ownership sector has yet to put forward a convincing case to developers and buyers about the benefits of the product.”

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Passengers clog Don Muang departures over the Lunar New Year holidays in February. Photo Bangkok Post

Don Muang flies high BANGKOK’S DON MUANG has again recorded the highest growth rate among airports in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East, figures for February, Airports Council International (ACI) says.

The air por t posted a 57.5-per-cent rise in passenger throughput in the month as fast-growing low-cost carrier traffic continued to spur passenger volumes thanks to the recovery of Thailand’s tourism from a downturn caused by political unrest a year ago before the military coup on May 22.

The airport’s owner, Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT), has released statistics showing the airport handled 2.27 mil-

lion passengers (both arriving and departing) in the month.

This followed on the heels of January’s figures that showed the airport posted a robust 46.7pc year-on-year growth in passenger traffic to 2.32 million.

According to AoT, Don Muang processed 1.62 million domestic passengers in February, up by 53.2pc, and 649,578 international passengers, a 69.3pc rise.

For the whole of last year, Don Muang led Asia-Pacific in passenger growth with a 30.8pc rise, ahead of Chiang Mai and Abu Dhabi, which saw growth of 21.4pc and 20.2pc respectively, ACI tracking showed. Bangkok Post

14 WEIRD NEWS

THE BIG LIST Itty Bitty Nation Give us your tired, your poor, your huddles. Masses yearning to breathe without taxes and anything from Texas. Micronations have some interesting ideas. Here’s but a few ...

Hutt River: The Principality of Hutt River, which sits on 75 sq km of farmland in western Australia, first began in 1970. Leonard George Casley wanted to sell a lot more than the 99 acres the government would allow him, so he took advantage of an obscure tort law that allowed British colonies to secede in similar circumstances. His Royal Highness Prince Leonard presides over a standing army (consisting of his children and grandchildren) and issues stamps, passports and coins. He even claims that about 18,000 citizens “live abroad”, owing to the fact that anyone can apply for citizenships for a small fee on their website. Despite all of this, neither the Aussie government nor any other nation recognises them.

Pitcairn Island: Officially the smallest democracy in the world, Pitcairn Island (in the South Pacific) was founded by mutineers who wished to return to Tahiti instead of England in 1789 (overpowering Captain William Bligh).

Several descendants of those mutineers still live on the small island near Tahiti. Though not considered a nation – as it has a population of roughly 50 people – they are considered an unincorporated territory. They also elect their very own mayor every four years.

Republic of Minerva: In 1971, tons of sand was poured on top of the shallow Minerva reef, which sits between Tonga and New Zealand, to create the Republic of Minerva.

Started by real-estate millionaire Michael Oliver, who wished to create a libertarian utopia with no taxes or welfare, the residents of the tiny island had hoped that tourism would drive the local economy. They even elected a president – Morris C. Davis. Unfortunately, Tonga had other ideas and issued a proclamation that the island was inside their territorial waters and sent soldiers to forcibly evict the residents and lower the flag.

Molossia: Started as a school project in 1977, the Republic of Mollosia is located in the northern Nevada desert and considers itself an “enclave nation” since it is surrounded by the United States. Kevin Baugh, the founder of Molossia, claims martial law because of the “ever present foreign threat” of the US despite the fact that they have a constitution and a national assembly.

Molossia also has territorial claims in California, Pennsylvania, Neptune and Venus. This micronation also has national bans on firearms, smoking, incandescent light bulbs, catfish, onions and anything from Texas.

Nation of Celestial Space: Thomas Mangan wrote to his local board of deeds and titles back in January 1949 in order to acquire unclaimed territory: the entire universe (minus earth).

Mangan called it the Nation of Celestial Space and even had coins, bills and postage stamps printed for his new “country”. He even went so far as to send a letter of complaints to both the US and Russia when they began flying high-altitude aircraft, claiming that their flights were infringing on his territorial claim without his permission.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

Welcome to Liberland, the world’s newest tax haven

T

he world’s latest contender for statehood, Liberland, is a tiny new, self-proclaimed country sandwiched between Croatia and Serbia that lives up to its “live and let live” motto by offering optional taxes.

“The key idea is voluntary taxes, creating a state so small that there’s almost no state,” said Vit Jedlicka, a 31-yearold Czech politician from the liberal right-wing Free Citizens Party.

To make his dream come true, Jedlicka used seven square kilometres of no-man’s land by the Danube river between Serbia and Croatia to create Liberland on April 13.

While Croatia is an EU member, Serbia is not.

“Croatia claims that the territory is Serbian but Serbia doesn’t want it and this situation has lasted for 24 years,” Jedlicka said about the new country, located some 160 kilometres northwest of the Serbian capital Belgrade.

“The land is now ours,” he said.

All Jedlicka had to do to claim possession of the land was make a declaration, which has now become part of a package Liberland is sending out to foreign ministries worldwide.

Interest in the novel project is huge with its website (http:// liberland.org/en/main/) registering 1.3 million visits in the

first three days since April 13.

Liberland’s website sets high standards for citizenship.

Anyone wanting to acquire it must respect other people and their views, respect private property, have no criminal record and have no record as Communists, Nazis or other extremists. AFP

Cheeky Ink – A man

in the US state of Texas decided to memorialise the birth of his son by getting a new tattoo – on his face.

The baby tattoo covers the man’s entire left cheek and even part of his ear lobe. The picture, which was posted in December, has gone viral online in the last two weeks.

According to the online forum website Reddit, the man and his girlfriend are currently expecting their second child.

Baggage handler falls asleep in airplane cargo as it takes off AN ALASKA AIRLINES jetliner had to be stopped after it took off last week because a baggage handler was stuck inside the cargo hold of the plane. The worker had fallen asleep inside the cargo hold of the Los Angeles-bound airplane and called emergency services to tell them to stop the plane.

“I’m inside the plane, and I feel like it’s moving in the air. Flight 448. Can you please have somebody stop it?” said the man in a recording of the phone call.

The dispatcher had to ask

the baggage handler three times to clarify their location within the plane. Shortly after the call, the worker banged on the roof of the cargo hold which was heard by pilots and first-class passengers.

The plane was in the air for 14 minutes before pilots quickly

returned to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Officials from Menzies Aviation, which contracts with airlines to handle baggage, said the man was fortunate to have gotten stuck on a part of the aircraft that was both pressurized and temperature-controlled.

Apple, Android debate gets violent IN THE HEAT OF ONE OF the most stirring debates of our times – the battle of which smartphones is better, Android or Apple – things could get a bit out of hand.

This happened in Tulsa, Oklahoma last week when a 21-year-old man was arrested after he allegedly struck his roommate in the head with a beer bottle.

Police said both men were drinking in the parking lot of their apartment complex when the

two began arguing over which phone was better. Acevedo then struck Jiaro Mendez and left him bleeding on the ground. Neighbours called police, stating that a man was stumbling around covered in blood. Police found Acevedo inside the apartment. Both men were taken to a hospital and treated for their injuries.

Acevedo was charged with assault and battery with a deadly weapon.

Singapore high school maths problem stumps the internet A MATHS PROBLEM THAT first appeared in a test for Singapore’s elite high school students has baffled Internet users around the world after it went viral, prompting a rush of attempts to solve it.

The question, involving a girl asking two boys to guess her birthday after giving them scant clues, first appeared in an April 8 test organised by the Singapore and Asian School Math Olympiads (SASMO).

It was meant for 15 and 16-year-old elite secondary school students, but swiftly went global after a local television news presenter posted it on his Facebook page.

In the question, Cheryl gives her friends Albert and Bernard 10 possible dates when they enquired about her birthday, before separately giving each of them further clues. Test-takers are then asked to use logic to deduce Cheryl’s birthday using a short conversation between the two boys about the information given to them.

By April 13 Internet users around the world were posting answers to the puzzle on social media.

“Cheryl obviously didn’t want Albert and Bernard at her party. Should have taken the hint when Cheryl decided to play this little game,” wrote David Leong on Facebook. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Island’s Aussies and Kiwis remember

18

Rock stars to your battle stations

19

CRUISE CONTROL Pattaya to Phuket in a golf cart > Page 21

LOOKING FOR THE BEST

PROPERTY DEALS IN PHUKET *FIND THEM ON PAGE 27 @thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

MOTORING 17

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Rise of the Big Bike WISE WHEELS Richard Jones richard@pixy.asia

With a little a fudging of the engine and chassis numbers, suddenly an illegally imported Big Bike will have the legal paperwork and number plates to pass through any police checkpoint.

@thephuketnews

B

ig Bikes – love ‘em or loath ‘em, they have a strong connection with Thailand and if you live in Phuket chances are you’re aware of the annual Phuket Bike Week – claimed to be Asia’s biggest – which has just taken place on our sunny shores.

I don’t think anyone would deny that Thailand exudes natural beauty and coupled with its varied topography and warm climate, there are a host of other qualities that make the kingdom a top tourist destination to place it firmly on the map as a top riding destination.

Throughout the Kingdom the popularity of Big Bikes amongst Thais and foreigners alike is on the rise. There are hundreds of motorcycle clubs which, unlike their US or European counterparts, share a good reputation and are generally far more laidback and less serious affairs.

Up until a few years ago owning a Big Bike in Thailand was reserved for those with the disposable income to afford an imported motorbike, the cost of which includes hefty import taxes that effectively double the price of new motorbikes.

This has been a contributing factor in many Big Bikes being smuggled into the country, either across the borders or by importing the bikes in parts and re-assembling them here. These bikes of course do not have any legal paperwork or registration plates, creating an underground market for “Green Books”; the official Department of Land Transport (DLT) motorbike registration record.

A Green Book from a crashed or written-off Big Bike is worth around B50,000 and with a little a fudging of the engine and chassis numbers, suddenly an illegally imported Big Bike will have the legal paperwork and number plates to pass through any police checkpoint.

This practice is becoming less commonplace however as Thailand develops into a Big Bike manufacturing hub, similar to the car industry that’s been evolving over the years through the massive industrial parks near Bangkok.

The size of motorbike engines

being manufactured in Thailand has been increasing incrementally, with Kawasaki now producing 800cc engines here and Honda following hot on their heels. Other big names such as Ducati and BMW have also invested in Thailand for both assembly and manufacturing. BMW has started to assemble some of their range of Big Bikes and Ducati both manufactures and assembles bikes here.

This recent boom in Big Bike manufacturing in Thailand has provided a much broader range of bikes being available at far more affordable prices, with the results being seen clearly on our roads everyday – more new Big Bikes.

The Thai government has recently raised concern over the rise of the Big Bike, especially amongst younger,

less experienced riders. A separate license has been suggested for Big Bikes as well as a new minimum age restriction. It’s not just in Thailand, a recent crash between two Big Bikes in Malaysia has started a similar debate about too many super-bikes and too few skills.

There’s no doubt that the number of Big Bikes on our roads will continue to rise, but in a country which shamefully has the second highest road traffic fatality rate in the world (after Namibia), it’s desperately clear that road laws need to be enforced and driving/ riding standards need to be improved.

Richard Jones is the Managing Director of BuyCar24 and can be contacted through www.buycar24.com.

18 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Phuket remembers the sacrifices of Anzac Day

A

dusk memorial service will be held at Lady Pie on April 25 to mark Anzac Day, a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand.

Anzac Day is commemorated by both countries on April 25 every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during WWI.

It was on 25 April 1915 that the armies of Australia and New Zealand entered into their premier battle of the First World War, at Gallipoli, Turkey. At the time, Australia had only been recognised as a federal commonwealth for 13 years. Many Australians were sympathetic to the United Kingdom, which they regarded as the motherland. So the volunteer armies of Australia and New Zealand, eager to fight the good fight in the war, bravely landed on the shore of

the Gallipoli Peninsula with the intent to capture and secure a safe passage for Allied navies.

Each year Anzac Day in Thailand is commemorated by a Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast at Hellfire Pass and a Memorial Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony at Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery.

For more information, visit aussiesinphuket.com

From Left; Assistant Director Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office; Utit Limsakul , JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s General Manager and Chairman of Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, Oriol Montal; Vice Phuket Governor, Dr. Pallop Singhasenee and his son.

6th Turtle Release Event of 2015

S

ongkran at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is also about giving back to nature. This past April 13 was an extra special day, as the Songkran celebrations coincided with the 6th Mai Khao Turtle Release of 65 green turtles and the welcoming of “Tommy” the Turtle - who was born in March 2013 without any eyes – to the new Marine Turtle Shelter & Education Center opening in July 2015.

The annual turtle release was held on beautiful Mai Khao Beach in front of JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, in close cooperation with Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and its partners. This year as always, everyone was invited to participate in this inspirational event in which sea turtles are

Tommy the Turtle – who was born in March 2013 without any eyes – at his new home in the Marine Turtle Shelter & Education Center, which will open to the public in July 2015. released into the turquoise waters of Mai Khao Beach. Every B3,500 donated pays for the rehabilitation and release of one turtle. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT 19

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Battle of the Bands returns

L

egend Music’s annual Battle of the Young Bands competition rolls around again on Sunday May 2. The competition takes place at the Hard Rock Café, and weather permitting, will be on the main stage outside.

The bands start competing at 3pm, and each band will be limited to play two songs in their allotted 15 minutes.

The competition is open to school bands with members between the ages of eight and 17 years old. Bands are required to have three members or more, and students are only permitted to play in one band. The bands can comprise of vocal groups performing to backtracks, as well and the more traditional format with members playing instruments.

The competition will be limited to 10 bands on a 1st come basis. The winning band will again walk away with a massive B25,000 in cash sponsored by the Phuket International Academy. The 2nd placed band will leave with B15,000 in cash rounding out PIA’s B40,000 cash sponsorship. The 3rd placed band will take home B10,000 sponsored by the Hard Rock Café Phuket.

Last year’s winners Legends of Siam are not eligible to defend their title this year since they have a band member outside of the age rules. The same goes for last year’s 2nd placed band LeePree who also have members over the age limit, and 3rd placed Eye Forgot dissolved after the majority of their

@thephuketnews

Award-winning chefs from Bliss Beach Club, Aziamendi, Higher, Breeze, SALA Phuket, Metzos, Hana Phuket, Paresa Phuket, Anantara Phuket Layan, Kata Rocks, Sushi Paradise and Champions Bar

Last year’s winners Legends of Siam members graduated and headed off to further their studies abroad.

Phuket International Academy have again pledged to sponsor a total cash prize of B40,000, and the Hard Rock Café Phuket have committed to a B10,000 cash prize, along with hosting the event. They will also afford all local supporters of the competition a 20 per cent discount on all food and beverages.

Class Act Media are the event’s media partners providing coverage leading up to the event in their English and Russian newspapers, on their radio station and via their TV Channel and online sites. Legend Music is the event organiser and will provide the winning band with studio time for recording a track.

To enter the competition contact Legend Music via email on studio@legendmusic. net.

Get ready for Pop Up craze at Bliss

T

he ‘Pop Up’ craze is making its way around the world and the next stop is in Phuket on May 8 at Bliss Beach Club. 12 of the island’s hottest restaurants will be popping up together in support of The Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation.

Pop by and taste a wide range of delicacies from the award-winning chefs of Bliss Beach Club, Aziamendi at Iniala, Higher, Breeze at Cape Yamu, SALA Phuket, Metzos at Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, Hana Phuket, Paresa Phuket, Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa, Kata Rocks, Sushi Paradise and Champions Bar at Surin Beach.

Andaman Wine Club, BB&B and

Wine Gallery will be providing the free flowing beverages to pair up with the culinary creations, joined by Two Tales Beers and Chalong Bay Rum to round out the liquid libations.

There will be surprise pop up entertainment, with live music, some magic and of course, a lot of dancing!

Entry is by donation of B2,500 and you must book beforehand. Please call 076 278 146 or email info@phukethasbeengoodtous.org to book your tickets.

For more information on the work Phuket Has Been Good To Us does and how to get involved it please visit www. phukethasbeengoodtous.org or like the Foundations Facebook page at www. facebook.com/phukethasbeengoodtous.

20 EXPLORE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Road hop with the tots Questions of the month:

What islands should I visit with the kids?

April is a great time to visit Phuket!

The rains have not yet come and prices are competitive. For locals it is a great excuse to take a mini break before the monsoon sets in. There are many smaller islands surrounding Phuket.

They may be only hours away, yet you will travel back to another time. A time when there was no traffic, shopping malls, beach clubs and bars. In addition the prices are from yester-year too!

So, where to go?

One nearby island is Koh Yao Yai, known as “Big Long Island”. It has been described as the last paradise of the Andaman Sea. Koh Yao Yai is a beautiful island and not very developed. There are numerous boutique bungalows that are of a very high quality. The surrounding roads on the island are flat and in good condition, so if you do want to cycle or go for a quick bike ride this is a scenic and uncongested route.

Nearby Koh Yao Noi, known as ‘Small Long Island’, is smaller but

slightly more populated. It also has more upmarket hotels.

Both islands are stunning, and since they are nestled between Phuket and Krabi they make a long tail ride to Phang Nga Bay an easy option. Ferry boats to both islands depart Phuket from Bang Rong Pier and Chianwanich Pier. Or ask your hotel or bungalow to arrange a transfer.

Another lesser known island is Koh Kho Khao. Here you won’t find mass tourism, but you will discover great deals on accommodations. I have stayed at a beach pool villa for less than B4,000. The great thing about this island for families is that you can get a car ferry across to it and drive directly to your hotel! No need to unpack kids, bags, prams and toys. You just drive aboard and straight to your hotel. My children thought the car ferry was one of the best parts of the trip! The beaches here are truly lovely and it is a great island to explore.

To get there: head north from Khao Lak towards Takuapa and turn left after the 82 kilometer stone. Follow the main road to the ferry area at Nam Khem Village Pier. Take the sand and pool toys, snorkeling gear and get ready to do very little but relax!

This might sound silly but do young children need to travel in car seats like here in Australia?

We will be arriving in Phuket in August and our youngest will be 11 months old.

A good question; if a child seat in not required by Thai law, then is it okay to have an unrestrained child in the car?

It is wonderful to adhere to the customs and ways of a country when travelling. However, a parent must consider their own standards. Unfortunately here in Thailand the law does not state the need for a child restraint but in many other countries the law is now changing to reflect knowledge that injuries to children can be significantly reduced by using a suitable child restraint. The World Health Organisation states that children under 11 years old should have an appropriate car restraint.

It is amazing to see how many children are not wearing seatbelts or in any sort of child restraint. It is common place to see children sitting in the front seat, on passenger’s knees, standing up in the back seat or playing between the seats – even in the back of a pickup truck. When people go on holiday, they tend to relax a lot and forget the precautions they would use at home. Local expatriates often relax into local ways.

Regardless, traffic on Phuket has intensified and fatalities do occur.

Children should not sit in the front seat of a car, nor the back of a pickup, and they should wear the correct safety restraint. Car seats can be expensive to purchase on Phuket so if on holiday bring your own. Many countries prohibit the resale of child restraints, however, there is quite a large ‘pre-loved’ market on Phuket due to the transient nature of expatriates.

Check out Phuket’s local buy and sell sites hosted on social media.

Check out www.phuketforkids.com And buy the book!

TAT promotes tour packages on workdays

T

he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and 400 tour agencies are preparing to offer nonweekend tour packages, which cost only half of the normal prices during holidays or high season.

According to TAT Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing Anuphab Theerarat, a campaign boosting normal-day tours will be held from May 14 – 17 at the TAT headquarters in Bangkok. The event aims to attract potential local tourists, especially SME business owners, to travel more during the off-season period.

Mr Anuphab explains that those in SMEs can take leave without affecting their employment. He expects tour promotions among them would generate no less than B200 million.

At the event, the TAT will collect data and information about buyers’ details and preferences in order to draw up tourism packages that will

cater to particular groups.

Statistics show a majority of Thais travel more during long holidays and weekends, and usually make travelling decision not long before their trips.

Mr. Anuphab expressed his confidence that with the the potential tour packages and discounts on offer at the campaign event, more Thais would be enticed to travel more on workdays. NNT thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TRAVEL 21

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

A rowdy record ride Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

The most impressive moment in my view was when we [accidentally] set the cart on fire and burnt a set of batteries.

Top right: Phuket expats Mark Cameron (left) and Graham Haslam (right) receiving a cheque, which was donated to the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation.

@thephuketnews

T

wo men who arrived in Phuket by golf-cart on April 8 did so with a new Guinness World Record to their names.

Phuket expats Graham Haslam and Mark Cameron set a new Guinness World Record for “The Longest Drive in a Golf-Cart” after travelling about 1,400km from Hard Rock Cafe in Pattaya to Hard Rock Cafe in Phuket.

The journey took them one month and one day, and was done to raise funds for the local children's education charity, the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation (PHBGTUF).

Graham explained, “We were driving to Bangkok one day and he [Mark] said that he was going to do the longest drive on a golfcart.

“I said, ‘what if we talk to Hard Rock Cafe about driving from Hard Rock Cafe in Pattaya to Hard Rock Cafe in Phuket’.

“After 25 emails, 16 meetings, and a lot of my time, I got Hard Rock Cafe to agree,” Graham explained.

“I work full-time raising funds for PHBGTUF. The Director of the foundation is my wife, so she’s my boss.

“Mark does a charity golf tournament in Phuket every year called the Phuket Oilfield Classic. And he uses this event to raise funds for the PHBGTUF.” Mark added that this year is the 7th year of the golf tournament. In th previous six years the tournament has raised $2-300,000 for children’s charities in Phuket and also the Yim Kids Foundation in Bangkok.

Mark told The Phuket News, “In the beginning driving a golf-cart from either Bangkok or Pattaya to Phuket was just an idea. It was a thought, but it snowballed into an activity that has raised B1.5m for charity.”

“My most memorable moments – not moment, but moments – were the hospitality of

the Thai people.

“When we needed to stop and charge our cart they were fantastic... they were so hospitable... and as they say in Thailand, you smile... and the smile will get you a lot more than being a grumpy old driver like me.

“And thankfully, Graham managed to – well Graham and my wife and the rest of the support team, like Tina and the guys in back office – they managed to get everyone on board whenever we stopped somewhere.

“It has been a fantastic journey. And for Thailand to allow us to do it was fantastic,” said Mark Meanwhile, Graham shared his most memorable part of the long journey. He said, “The most impressive moment in my view was when we [accidentally] set the cart on fire and burnt a set of batteries.

“Mark and I were both emotional, but the minute we realised the mistake we had made, we immediately changed into repair mode.

“How do we fix this problem? What do we do now? How do we get to the next point?

How do we move on?

“It got to the point where we were both either angry with ourselves or each other.

But we never lost focus on how we would get the golf-cart to Phuket.

“For me that was the highlight of the trip,” Graham recalled.

He added, “It was an amazing experience. I have been blessed to have had a very fortunate life, but this is one of the coolest things I have ever done.

“Coming up with the idea, planning it, arranging it, succeeding in it and raising B1.5m for charity. What more could I have asked for?

“We always had our eyes set on the final goal, and now we have archived the final goal. And I’ll tell you now, no one will ever break our record,” Graham concluded.

Mark replied, “He says that because in 2017 we will do another journey, and it will break our record. We will drive our cart from Singapore to Phuket. But this is only at an early stage and we we still need to speak about it and plan ahead.”

22 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

ANGSANA LAGUNA CELEBRATE TRADITIONAL SONGKRAN Angsana Laguna Phuket in collaboration with Xana Beach Club With Attica celebrated the traditional Thai New Year, Songkran, on Monday 13 April.

SONGKRAN FUN AT KARON’S CENTARA GRAND Centara Grand in Karon celebrated Sonkran on April 13, where many gathered together to enjoy the traditional way of celebrating. There was a Thai buffet, dinnner as well as many other festivities.

CENTRA ASHLEE PATONG GET WET AND WILD Many attended the popular rainbow pool and foam party at Centra Ashlee Patong’s rooftop pool on Sunday April 12.

THE KEE ENJOY SONGKRAN IN STYLE The KEE prepared an original Thai buffet dinner, Thai shows and some traditional activities for guests to enjoy and learn Songkran in a native way, from April 13 –15 . thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Phuket Governor, Nisit Jansomwong

BIKE WEEK SHENANIGANS Sean Panton, of the JW Marriott, and Kanokwan Homcha-aim

WHITE ROOM GRAND OPENING The grand opening of The White Room nightclub on Bangla Road in Patong, took place last Thursday (April 16), with an audacious, yet glamorous theme of white.

Phuket Bike Week 2015 was the 21st in the series and the biggest gathering of big bike riders in Asean. It officially kicked off on April 11 and concluded on April 19.

TAPAS TREATS AT CAPE SIENNA Many people headed to the Vanilla Sky Bar last Friday (April 17) at Cape Sienna Hotel in Kamala, where they enjoyed the “All you can eat” tapas deal while relishing the Phuket sunset. The event takes place every Friday at 5:30pm.

WELCOMING THE PRINCE On March 30, Mr Rudolf Borgesius, General Manager of Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort (left), was on-hand to warmly welcome His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Ibni Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah of Malaysia.

K. Ott, owner of Kangaroo Bar (second left), K. Wan on her new scooter, Phuket Vice Governor Sutee thongyam (centre) and the Chief of Phuket Provincial Administration (third from right).

FRIDAY FUN AT DOCK BAR It was another fun Friday with Live 89.5’s Jason Wilder’s Drive on Live show, broadcasted live from The Dock Bar at Royal Phuket Marina. See you again tonight from 3pm to 7pm! @thephuketnews

KANGAROO BAR GIVES BACK

Kangaroo Bar Patong presented a new mobility scooter to Khun Wan on April 17. Class Act Media was a proud sponsor of this event.

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SUN

24 APR

FRIDAYS WINE & TAPAS

Phuket Pride Week 2015 Phuket Pride Week April 19 –26.This event was started in 1999 and is the only Gay Pride Festival still being held in Thailand. “Freedom To Live” is the theme for the week of FUN & Celebration with over 12 events being held around Phuket. All are welcome: LGBT community, straights & the undecided, to join in celebrating Pride week and raising monies to help fight HIV infections in Phuket, phuket-pride.org, Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Imagine yourself sitting 50 metres above sea level and gazing out over an amazing sunset while sipping on a Ginger & Lemongrass Martini and enjoying the unique sophisticated city lifestyle ambiance of Phuket.

Every Friday ‘All you can Eat’ Tapas, with free flow of selected beverages at B1,390 net from 7 – 10pm. Get 30 per cent discount on selected beverages from 5.30-6.30pm everyday. Located at Vanilla Sky Bar, Cape Sienna Hotel, Kamala 076-337300.

For THB 499/-nett.

All you can eat

Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, butter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouthwatering dishes. For only B499 and special reduced prices on drinks, 076-286464 Ext 4.

SAT

26 APR

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Every Saturday night, Num Noi Singpatong, the head trainer and owner of Singpatong + Sitnumnoi gym in Patong Beach, hosts an elite fight series “Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Saturday fight night” at Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen Road), where top international and Thai fighters compete. Visit pattongboxingstadium.com for more info. Contact 087 628 2719. Proudly supported by Class Act Media. Remark: Free transportation in Patong, Karon, Kata areas when requested in advance. Proudly supported

by Class Act Media.

25 APR

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 B320 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com

Phuket Walking Street Phuket Walking Street, “Laad Yai” is a Village & Community Development Potential Project (SML) of the “Old Phuket Town Community” in Laad Yai, Phuket Town.

The visitors can enjoy the Old Phuket Town atmosphere which benefit to the local economic growth in the Old Phuket Town community. Open every Sunday from 4pm - 10om. For more info visit facebook.com/phuketwalkingstreet or contact: 089 474 5253. Proudly supported

by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

SATURDAY CHILL OUT BRUNCH Every Saturday enjoy a selection of oysters and other treats in the bar before sitting down to a long lazy shared family style brunch. Chef Steve will be serving up an ever changing brunch menu followed by live chill out beats poolside to take you through to sunset. THB 1600++ per person for brunch only and THB 2,600++ including free flow selected beverages. 12.30 pm to 3.30pm every Saturday, Reservations, dining@katarocks.com, 076 370 777

Happy Fridays on the Boardwalk at RPM Contact Jay Address : The Boardwalk Royal Phuket Marina Phone : 076 360 811.

CASUAL BBQ SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE POOL BAR AT HYATT REGENCY

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

Remember ANZAC - Aussies in Phuket All welcome. Lady Pie - Cherng Talay. 5:308:30pm. Members - B100. Non-members B200. Includes an Aussie Pie and 2 drinks.

Discounted Aussie food and beverages.

Contact Nadine on 090 869 5735.

BBQ at Expat Hotel Time 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com

Enjoy our sumptuous brunch featuring a lavish spread of international delicacies with a variety of live stations, roasts, a casual seafood BBQ, freshly shucked Fin de Claire oysters, a pasta station, wood-fired pizzas and a children’s food corner plus our free flow selected beverage stations. With pool access and a Camp Hyatt kids club, starting at 1,500++ THB per person. For more details and reservations, call 076 231 516 fnb.phuhp@hyatt.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

MON

27 APR

WED

29 APR

Phuket Unesco International Jazz Day 4th Edition 2015

Aqua Fitness Aqua Fitness classes offer you something different to “high impact” sport but the results, however, will amaze you! Aqua fitness can increase muscle tone and improve your breathing, circulation and heart rate as well as help you to reshape your body: slimming your waist, toning your chest, firming your buttocks and strengthening your back. It’s also an excellent weapon against cellulite!

Aqua Fitness classes are held on Mondays at 5:00pm and Wednesdays at 11:00am.

Please go to www.santosaphuket.com ot find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center, 076 330 600.

TUE

28 APR

Zumba in the Jungle We do not consider Zumba a class, it is a fitness party! Making exercising fun, the dynamic Latin-based dance workout has taken the fitness world by storm. Vibrant and energetic, an hour of serious cardio passes by in such a flurry of colourful smiles, that it doesn’t feel like exercise at all! Join us at Santosa, where the formidable Geti Pici transforms our fitness pavilion into a fit-party! To book this class, or to find out the other Zumba class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600. Patak Rd, Kata.

On behalf of Phuket City Municipality. MMC presents Phuket UNESCO International Jazz Day Celebration at Music Matter. Open to the public at 8pm at Chanacharoen Road near Ocean Mall Phuket City. Main events featuring Music Matter Collective, Phuket local, Intl jazz, blues group & artists. For more info please call 089 588 2347.

The Good Shepherd Craft Shop Opens every Wednesday from 10am to NOON and every Saturday from 9am to NOON. We have a wide and wonderful selection of handicrafts such as educational toys, dolls, puppets, paper art, greeting cards for all occasions, Novelties like tooth fairy pillow, and many more. All proceeds go directly to The Good Shepherd mission.

More info visit www.thegoodshepherd.info/ shop/ reginatudor@gmail.com, 083 104 0788. Proundly supported by Class Act Media.

THU

30 APR

FRI

1 MAY

Friday Night Movie On The Terrace Kata Rocks is setting up a giant outdoor movie theatre on its poolside terrace - how cool is that? The American surf crime movie, Point Break (1991) starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves will launch the series on Friday 1 May at 7:00pm.There’s comfy seating under the stars from 250 baht (depending on seating tier, F&B not included), homemade cinema popcorns, gourmet hot dogs, nachos, ice cream and refreshing drinks. Kata Rocks ‘Movies on the Terrace’ will become a Phuket favourite that features classic cult films on the first Friday of every month. Contact dining@katarocks.com or 076 370 777 for complete details.

SAT

2 MAY

Aerial Yoga–Unique to Santosa

Toastmasters Phuket Looking to develop speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Invitation only. Contact joannetoastmasters@gmail.com for more info, facebook.com/ToastmastersPhuket

@thephuketnews

The fluid, gravity-defying twist on yoga shows how we can learn to fly whilst relieving compressed joints and re-aligning the body. The practice uses graceful, trapeze-like movements which sometimes seem like acrobatics. A wonderful way to do inversion poses, aerial yoga really is an innovative fitness trend, and Santosa are extremely proud to be the only center in Phuket offering suspended movement in every direction along with stimulation of the organs, muscles and bones. To book this class, or to find out the other Aerial yoga class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center.

076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.

Battle of The Young Bands 2015 at Hard Rock Cafe’ Legend Music host’s their annual Battle of the Young Bands at the Hard Rock Café in Phuket on May 2 at 3pm. Young bands with members aged between 8 and 17 years old can enter. Winners walk off with B25,000

in cash, 2nd place takes B15,000 and 3rd place snags B10,000. Cash prizes sponsored by Phuket International Academy.

Venue hosts are Hard Rock Café Phuket.

More information, Please contact at +66 (0) 84 304 2587 or e-mail : studio@legendmusic.net. Proundly supported by Class Act Media.

FRI

8 MAY

POP UP AT BLISS - 8 MAY 2015 The ‘Pop Up’ craze is making its way around the world and the next stop is in Phuket. Help build the buzz ‘Thai-Style’ at Bliss Beach Club. 12 of the island’s hottest restaurants will Pop Up at Bliss Beach Club on 8th May in support of Phuket Has Been Good To Us! Pop by and taste delicacies from the awardwinning chefs of Bliss, Aziamendi at Iniala, Higher, Breeze at Cape Yamu, SALA, Metzos at Outrigger, Hana, Paresa, Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa, Kata Rocks, Sushi Paradise and Double Tree by Hilton.

Andaman Wine Club, BB&B, Two Tales, Chalong Bay and Wine Gallery will be providing the free flowing beverages!, info@ phukethasbeengoodtous.org, 076 278 146.

Media sponsorship proudly provided by Class Act Media.

daily event updates on

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across

1. What does the 00 in James Bond’s 007 mean?

2. What sort of creature is a serval?

3. Dakar or Dacca – which is in Bangladesh?

4. What is the name of president’s mansion in South Korea?

5. The character Bill Sikes appears in which book by Charles Dickens?

Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

1. Deer sir?

5. Short musical piece 10. Small amphibians 14. Designer Chanel 15. Pondered 16. Seed covering 17. Caspian Sea feeder 18. Stigmatize 19. Fix up 20. Get some shuteye 23. Bounders 24. Fool 25. Prayer beads 28. Medicinal balsam 31. Mas’ mates 34. ___ and anon 35. Dogma 36. Hostile 37. Call it a night at 9 p.m.

41. “Gimme ___!” (start of an Iowa State cheer) 42. Pronouncement 43. Six-stringed instrument 44. Big ___ 45. Plain and simple 46. Talkative

48. Bit of a draft 50. Go parasailing 51. Take a nap 59. Natural emollient 60. Accustom 61. Meticulousness 62. Computer list 63. Recuperation 64. Large-scale 65. Chick’s sound 66. College leave 67. Guff Down

1. Soviet ballistic missile 2. Unit of pressure 3. Berry 4. Links sight 5. Personify 6. Racetracks 7. One of seven: abbr.

8. Nick’s cousin 9. Taro variety 10. Noblemen 11. Nonconformist 12. Ocean motion 13. Refuse

21. La Brea goo 22. Brown 25. Kind of center 26. Like Bo-Peep’s charges 27. Unchangeable 28. Coquette 29. Grimm beginning 30. 100 qintars 32. Assign 33. In a playful manner 35. Leader opposed by the Bolsheviks 38. Exclamation of displeasure 39. Stretch (out) 40. Greeds 46. Most demure 47. Turn left 49. Freeze 50. Narrow groove 51. Summer place 52. On the calm side 53. Smooth 54. Cameo stone 55. Diversion 56. California county or its seat 57. TV angel Munroe 58. Parts of a min.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. That Bond is ‘licensed to kill’; 2. A wild cat; 3. Dacca; 4. The Blue House; 5. Oliver Twist.

GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW NUMBER

80

This week in history ■■ A p r i l 2 4 , 1184BC

Achaean forces led by Odysseus, emerge from their wooden horse and begin the sack of Troy.

■■ April 25, 1644 The Chongzhen Emperor, the last Emperor of Ming Dynasty China, commits suicide during a peasant rebellion led by Li Zicheng.

■■ April 26, 1986 A nuclear reactor accident occurs at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union (now Ukraine), creating the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

Species of bacteria living on the bottom of your heel.

713

Dollars’ worth of gasoline the average American car commuter wastes every year while sitting in traffic.

97

Percentage of dieters who put back on the weight they lost – and more – within three years.

1913

■■ April 27, 1521

The last year in which children in America could legally be sent by parcel post.

2,000

Years it took to complete the Great Wall of China.

Bangtao Bay, next to the Angsana Resort, shot from a helicopter. Photo by Tanyaluk Sakoot Source: Uberfacts

Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Explorer Ferdinand Magellan is killed by natives in the Philippines led by chief Lapu-Lapu.

■■ April 28, 1996 Port Arthur Massacre in Tasmania: Gunman Martin Bryant opens fire at the Broad Arrow Cafe, killing 35 people and wounding 23 others.

■■ April 29, 1770 James Cook arrives at and names Botany Bay, Australia.

■■ April 30, 1945 In the Führerbunker in Berlin, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun commit suicide after being married for one day.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

HEALTH

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PRODUCTION SERVICE

GUARDIAN SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

 Sizes to Suit all Budgets  Personal & Business Storage  Motorcycle Storage  Left Luggage Service  We Sell Boxes  Storage Insurance Inclusive

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket

ELECTRIC

STORAGE

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMOVALS

ADVERTISE HERE

@thephuketnews

34 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Jobs

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

Vacancies for property sales reps

Housekeeper wanted- live in

1.Sale English,Chinese,Russia (Good commission)Have experience in line of Sale 2.staff at booth for Property(17,000 + Lunch + Commission) Can communicate Good English, Kaew, kaew@agtropical.com, 094 807 3434.

Housekeeper wanted to live in Kata. Must love dogs and have some knowledge of english. Ideal position for couple. Call on 080 690 5248 or email lil@ladolcevitare.com.au, Lillian Dinic , Address : 31/3 Soi Plakjae Kata Phuket.

The Terminal Phuket Phuket Sirinath Property & The Terminal Phuket Sales Staff 2 (2 years Experience) Marketing 1 (3 years Experience) Accounting 1 (5 years Experience) A & S Supervisor 1 (10 years Experience) M & E Engineer 1 (10 years Experience) HR, Naiyang Beach, k.taksakorn@gmail.com, 076 327 590.

Data Entry Administrator Data Entry Admin Staff required for Phukets leading property agent, LivePhuket the exclusive property partner to The Phuket News. Must have the following qualification for this position. - High vocational certificate or Bachelor’s degree graduate in any related field - Good command of MS Excel - Hard-working, self-disciplined, and positive working attitude - Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines - Can work from Monday to Saturday (every other Saturday) - Must have excellent English reading and writing skills.

Contact Paul Trayman, Kamala, 092 474 6157, Email paul@livephuket.com

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

Excellent THAI CHEF Looking for an excellent Thai Chef to work abroad. I am looking for an excellent Thai Chef to work overseas in Sri Lanka at a new Thai Restaurant. Would require to speak little bit of english but what I am looking for is a really good chef who can make Authentic Thai food. Will provide great salary and accomodation. Please contact me on suranga.sd@ gmail.com to discuss further.

TELE SALES WORK FROM HOME Earn up to 3,000 - 5,000 baht/day. International organization specialized in holiday rentals listing is expanding to new areas of interest. The ideal candidate is a responsible and diligent person with experience as a telemarketer or in sales. Good English and excel skills are essential.

Thai or foreigners can both apply. We offer: full training, telephone and email support, high commissions, Email: recruitment@holiplanet.com

Animal caregiver WANTED Starting 1st March, full time, caring for sick animals, dog walking, grooming, medicating & running errands, some overnight & weekends expected, experience with animals a must, please send resume to : jellinecastro@ yahoo.com

Web Project Manager Senior DEV

Bitsiren is looking for a talented senior web developer with a positive and “can do” attitude to join us and work in a fun and creative working environment!

BitSiren offers a competitive compensation package including: 5 day work week, work permit, paid vacation, health insurance and social insurance contribution. For more information please visit http://www.bitsiren.com/ about-bitsiren/career/senior-web-developer.html

Assistant Branch Manager 20 K

We are hiring!!!!! Both positions for our new branch in Phuket and to be part of our energetic team. Excellent commission & benefits. Email info@thailandpooltables. com, 20,000 THB per month, Ying.

Join an International Team, Princess Yachts Phuket is hiring 1 Position Urgently: Marketing Assistant; good English, good knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, basic Photo and Video production and Website, Thai national Please call Rico Stapel at: 086 690 0444 and send resume to rico@princessyachtssea.com

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

Full Time Public Relations/ Marketing manager Responsibilities :

● PR and marketing of our products & services ● Identifying sponsorship opportunities & liaising with event organizers ● Building relationships with local organizations, government & private companies

Qualifications:

● Thai National ● Excellent personal skills ● Good command of English ● Experience in PR/Marketing in print media or radio would be an advantage but not essential ● Existing relationships/network of contacts in Phuket an advantage ● Own car & ability to work flexible hours and attend events during non-work hours

We offer:

● Competitive salary & bonuses depending ● 5 day work week – (Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 6 pm) ● Friendly work environment & excellent progress opportunities ● Time in lieu policy for any overtime hours worked Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to hr@classactmedia.co.th or fax your resume to 076-612-553

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553 www.thephuketnews.com

Are you looking for a Nanny?

Job Wanted!!! If you are looking for someone who can look after your child, pets or house when you plan to get away at night or during the weekend, Pls contact Email : jj_icu@hotmail.com, 081 476 7570.

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

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Qualifications:

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

RADIO/TV REPORTER

● Works well under pressure and has a will to succeed.

Class Act Media is looking for a writer/reporter for our radio and TV teams. They would need to have good English-speaking skills and will be writing and reporting news and information on Live 89.5 FM and Phuket News TV. We have a small team of local and international staff.

We offer:

Qualifications:

● Thai or Expat. ● Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English. ● Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude.

● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses. ● A friendly work environment. ● Social security paid by the company. ● Excellent career progress opportunities.

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume, in English, indicating qualifications, experience, recent photo and expected salary.

Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

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

● Good english writing and speaking skills ● Full time position with flexible working hours ● Presenting radio news and information ● Some TV news reporting

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume, in English, indicating qualifications, experience, recent photo and expected salary.

Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

Class Act Media Co., Ltd. 99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 35

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

Buy&Sell

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BOATS & YACHTS 3.1 RIB Yacht tender dinghy

3.1m Stingray RIB with 9.9hp 4 stroke Suzuki outboard, storage cover, fuel tank etc. Great size yacht tender dinghy, as new 140,000b, Price : 140,000, sc@ acronautic.com, 0898734044.

33/F Gulf Craft W/A

Two suzuki 225 HP outboards - only 300 hours, custom made RIB-dinghy with small outboard, engine electronics and hydraulics, ray marine GPS/radar/depth sounder, many extras. 3,850,000. THB, 089 873 3713.

4.1M/40HP RIB, 09/2014 AS NEW! BOUG HT IN SEPT. 2014,14HRS ON LY! SUZU KI ENGINE+BOAT UNDER WARRANTY (SUZUKI PHUKET).

BIMINI+TRAILER+TUBE COVERS. 0935840565 (RUS/ ENG) 0987086632 (FR/ENG, 350,000 THB,)

Silver Princess Yacht PC530

A 53 ft Power Catamaran by Silver Princess Yachts.

Beautiful design, compact yacht with space & modern interior. Dimensions: 53 ft length, 21 ft beam, 4 ft draft, 50 passengers, 22,000,000 THB, Sonny, 669 8810 5024, www.silver-princess.com, sonny@silver-princess.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES German bakery & deli & snack

Main road, 8 years clientele, take over + incl. training complete equipment, staff room, 3 or 5 years leasing contract. Yearly volume 4 mio. hansibakery@ gmail.com, Price: 3.5 million, Contact Mr. Stark, ansibakery@gmail.com

Bar For Sale O Top Markets

Bar For Sale with full trading history showing increasing growth. Includes 4Mil Bht Thai company & 1 Work Permit. Great Location, good customer base, Price : 2,000,000, Person : charlie kenyon, charlie@paddymalones.com. au, 0841858719.

Bar Bangla Road for sale

Bangla Soi Crocodile - Good situation (n3) Fully furnished (alcohols,TV,fridge,Cash register...) Contract until 01-01-2016 Key money : 185 000 Baths 09 87 26 82 84 or arnaud270@ hotmail.fr

Restaurant Khao Lak for Sale

Large profitable restaurant. 1.6 mio THB, ONO Central location, high turnover, includes all furnishings, website.

Extra income from shops on premises, good TripAdvisor reviews, Price 1.6 mio THB, anders@siamthaihouses. com, 0848470577.

Bangla bar for sale Newly refurbished and fully fitted out sports bar. Cheapest rent in Bangla road area. 3 year renewable contract. Great business opportunity, Contact Steve, stevepearcergj@ hotmail.co.uk, 089 587 0819 (EN) Patong Nightclub for Sale Newly developed

Nightclub in Patong on Bangla Road. A turnkey operation with a fully fitted light, sound system and bars. Long renewable contract available.

Serious enquiries only. Brokers welcome. Contact Steve, stevepearcergj@hotmail.co.uk, 089 587 0819 (EN)

One of a kind retail space

One of a kind retail space for rent!! Road front building, 36-50 SQM price from 12 to 16,000 THB per month. Call now 085 797 0005.

A long established fully equipped Restaurant with Bar for Rent in an excellent location on Nanai Rd, Patong.

The 105 M2 premises includes a fully equipped Kitchen, Restaurant and Bar with ample seating for 50 customers and excellent parking facilities., Peter Wesche, info@phuket-besthomes.com, 081 892 8526.

Restaurant & Bar For Rent

FREEDOM BAR FOR SALE

Good situation (Middle Line 4) Fully Equiped chairs fridges TV alcohols 1 YEAR Contract (End February 2016) 1,4MB [Value 1,8MB] 093-575-1969 afternoon, 1400000 THB, thai-pascal@hotmail.com, 093 575 1969.

CAR FOR SALE Car For Sale

1996 Toyota Corolla Sedan, Silver Gray.

Automatic power steering, good aircon, goo tyres. 173,00kms. New Stereo, tinted windows.

Bargain at 145,000 Baht. Kamala. Call Norm 083 182 2797.

TOYOTA Fortune 2009

7 seats, Silver, GPS video, Family car Diesel 2,694cc, Blue book Service history Toyota Pearl 78,000kms.

AUTOMATIC transmission, golfguru2005@yahoo. co.uk, 076 615 827.

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36 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com CAR FOR SALE

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

COMMUNITY

2012 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

Powerful 380HP, Full Option: Bose Sound, Pano roof, Navigator Map. etc. Immaculate condition, no accident, low mileage, one owner, Price : 4,500,000 THB, Phone 0862806526.

Subaru Forester XT Turbo for sale

For sale Subaru Forester 2.0 XT AWD CVT. 240 hp, auto light control and wiper control (rainy). crossover. Push start, xenon, rain sensor, ABS, air bags, electro seats, reversing camera, TV / CD / MP3 / USB / AUĐĽ/ HDD/ DVD- VIDEO, ESP, separate climate control, cruise control, regulation steering, EBD, hatch, X-mode, acceleration to 100 km\h until 7 seconds, electric trunk, number plate for present)), kamila.sema@icloud. com, 0824133707.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sports

CALLING THE DOG LOVERS OF PHUKET

Mitsubishi Pajero Sports 2012, A1 condition, 14,000 KM, Silver Colour. 950,000THB Eng: Ph. 0993614582 Thai: Ph. 080 383 3060.

TOYOTA Fortune 2006

7 seats, Black, Family car, Petrol 2,982cc Blue book, Service history Toyota Pearl, 160,000kms. AUTOMATIC transmission, golfguru2005@yahoo.co.uk, 076 615 827.

Nissan Teana Special 6 cyl

Nissan Teana Special 6 cyl November 2013 17000 Km New price 1.700.000.THB Price NOW 1,100,000.THB, Maurice, Email: Maurice.phuket@gmail.com, 099 302 7071, Thai: 090 163 2140.

Nissan Teana 2.5Lt

Model 2014 17,000km. New price 1.7Mln NOW 1,050,000Baht Eng: 081 788 8280 Thai: 090 163 2140, Contact Maurice, maurice.phuket@gmail.com , 090 163 2140.

2012 Toyota Fortuna 24,000km

2012 Pearl white Toyota Fortuna For Sale. 3.0 D4D VN Turbo Great condition- Baht Black leather interior. Tax / insurance till 2016, 900,000, Loch Palm, Kathu, Phuket, glawre123@gmail.com, 0898668825.

MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Membership Blue Canyon Membership for sale. 1 corporate nominee for sale THB 630,000 inc transfer fee. grahamhaslam@hotmail.com

OTHER Sea view land in Patong

The Last Piece of Sea View Land on Prime Location in Patong, just 500 m. from Patong beach, 1.3 KM. to Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Contact: Karuna, kpattarawalee@gmail. com,089-967-5373.

Soi Dog are looking for dog lovers in Phuket to come and spend time with our 300+ street dogs in residence at our shelter in Mai Khao, North Phuket. We need volunteers to help socialise and walk our dogs - as this is fundamental in preparing our lovely dogs for adoption in Phuket and around the world. Whether you can spare one day a week or can come every day, we would love to have you help our dogs. Volunteering at Soi Dog is an amazing experience and may well change your life. For more details, please email Diana at volunteering@soidog-foundation.org

COMPANY FOR SALE

For Sale

Industrial over locker. Whitehouse Brand. 3 Thread.

Brand new never used. Full tool kit. Bargain at 12,000 Baht. Call Sandi 087 264 0778.

FOR QUICK SALE Sea-View Land & Luxury Villa project in Kamala including architect plans & building permit for 9 villas, 4000m2 sale only THB 30 MB, MIO, pupillopascal@gmail.com Call:088 768 0942.

Ocean View Land Kamala

Half rai 797sq.m. cleared and leveled, power connected, sealed road, MUST SELL 6.75million. For ENG 090 492 3101 THA 093 768 6694, Contact Simon, simonbrutonclay@ yahoo.com.au, 090 492 3101.

Company for sale - Owner retiring Well known 12 year established company specializing in sales and rental of containers, site/sales offices, Porta Loos as well as Self Storage. Customer base includes Tesco Lotus, Laguna, Marriot, Boat Lagoon and many more.

Enormous potential for expansion and export. A conservative value of company assets exceed 11MB which is included in the sale price of 14MB. Call Gordon 081 892 4804, www.safewayasia.com.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE CAMERA baby car seats for sale BAKLONG Car Seat - Very good condition, suitable for newborn to 25KG. Prices are THB 4,000 per seat, buy both for only THB 7,000. Call 086 479 7471.

PETS FOR ADOPTION Neo and Cookie We are 15 weeks

old. We are very sweet with people and can get along easy with other dogs too! We hope you are the one who can give us a home. We will protect your house and love to cuddle. We already got some basic training. If you are interested in us you will get 2 dog training lessons for free.A dog is often happier when they have a friend around. These are best friends, so it would be best if they can stay together, Diana Koster, info@phuket-dog-resort.com, 083 599 6017.

OTHER Best Deal

Rawai business for sale. Area approx 2Rai, can do restaurant or other business.Five mins from beach. Long term lease, yearly rent B200,000. 4 bedrooms house included. Reduce from B980,000 to B520,000. Contact Khun Asoke at 089 646 7176 / big_redchili@yahoo.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

SPORT 37

Phuket knocked-out of Toyota League Phuket still tops after historic Cup, ready for more draw with Chonburi Bluewave FUTSAL Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

N E A R LY 2 , 50 0 FA NS were enthralled by indoor footy action last Saturday (April 18) at Saphan Hin Sports Centre, where the kingdom’s top two five-a-side clubs – Phuket United and Chonburi Blue Wave – clashed in a six-goal thriller.

It was the visitors who ran in front with two opening goals on 5 and 6 minutes by Apiwat Chamcharoen.

A minute later, the Andaman Pearl were back in contention when Edson “Gugu” Silva (No. 4) stole the ball and led a counter attack before putting Phuket on the board.

Things heated up in the second half as Phuket came out of the locker room guns blazing with several close shots. But it was “Action” Jackson Santos (No. 5) that helped fellow Brazilian Gugu put Phuket level four minutes into the half.

Moments later, the defending Thai champions scored in similar fashion when national hero, Kritsada Wongkaeo (No. 7) from mid-pitch, sent the

ball flying into the Phuket box, where his pivot, Jirawat Sonwichien, would score.

Having never defeated or drawn with Chonburi in its three seasons in the Kingdom’s elite five-a-side league, Phuket were ever determined to make history. Things were looking dreary, however, when Phuket’s keeper (Thailand national squad starter who won the 2014 Asean championship), Chalermsi Puangsi, was carried off on a stretcher. He would later return.

With five minutes to go, Phuket’s Thanakorn Penpakul (No. 9) finished a slick pass by Gugu to equalize and ignite the home crowd into a frenzy.

Phuket earned one point for the 3-3 draw which ensures that the Andaman Pearl remain in first place of the 14-team Futsal Thailand Premier League with seven points after three matches.

Phuket next hit the capital to take on powerhouse Thai Port FC (7th place, four points) on April 25, before returning home to host another strong side, Siam Navy, on May 3.

Class Act Media are proud media partners with Phuket United.

Tennis phenom –

Min Buri was the site of the 2015 Chang Junior Championships on April 16 and Phuket’s very own James Herzeele, of Headstart International School, won the competition’s U12 Boys Singles title. The half-Thai, half-Belgian tennis star won five straight matches and only lost two games in that span. He received his trophy from Pasavorn Peetarangsie, Sports Manager of Thai Bev.

@thephuketnews

FOOTBALL

A

n upsetting 2- 0 first-round loss was enough to k nock Phuket FC out of the Toyota League Cup last Saturday (April 18) as they fell to Lampang in Northern Thailand.

“The Emerald Chariots” of Lampang, a team that plays in the Regional League AIS Division 2 North Zone, played tough football with standout players Sanya Pwongjan, Arsal Pengbaanrai and Akkaradet Sathanthung, Lampang ran full-speed right after the kickoff and almost scored when Janenarong Wongnoy passed to a wide open Worayut Klomnak, who put his shot wide. But the Emerald Chariots would strike two minutes later as Janenarong broke away and put Lampang up 1-0 in the first fifteen minutes.

In the second half, Phuket FC displayed better skills but were unable to find the back of the net. Then, in the 88th minutes, Lampang would score once again for a 2-0 final score.

Phuket FC fielded their usual first-team squad for the first half but played several younger players later in

Photo: Phuket FC the match including Saharat Pongsuwan (No. 34), Tawawat Bumrungthin (No. 35) and Chayakorn Nokkaew (No. 13).

The loss means Phuket FC are eliminated from the 2015 Toyota League Cup while Lampang moves one to the second round.

Despite the elmination, the Ronins remain in the hunt for the Thai FA Cup, the second round of which is set to be played on June 24

against Assumption United from Nonthaburi at Surakul Stadium. The Thai FA Cup is open to teams from all levels of Thai football. The second round slate of matches includes 18 teams from the Thai Premier League, 13 from Yamaha League-1 (Division 1) and 21 from Regional League Division 2 and 3.

Last year, Phuket FC lost in the second round of the Thai FA Cup in a 4-3 goal-

fest against an Ayutthaya FC team that played most of the match with 10-men at Surakul Stadium.

The next Phuket FC match, a Yamaha League-1 clash, takes place this Sunday (April 26), at 7pm in Surakul Stadium against Chiang Mai FC. The Phuket News went to print before the April 22 clash between Phuket FC and Samut Songkhram took place.

38 SPORT

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Spurs’ Kane grabs 30 goal of season as Man City bounce back th

FOOTBALL

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The overall competition winner receives 2 round-trip business class tickets Phuket-Kuala Lumpur AND 2 round-trip business class tickets Krabi-Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia Airlines, overall value THB71,100.

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arry Kane scored his 30th goal of a stunning breakthrough season and 20th in the Premier League as Tottenham Hotspur won 3-1 away to Newcastle United on Sunday (April 19).

Victory saw Spurs maintain their push for European football next season against a Newcastle side who are now looking nervously over their shoulders at the relegation zone following a sixth straight league loss.

Earlier, Manchester City strengthened their grip on fourth place with a 2-0 win at home to West Ham, but at the cost of seeing David Silva carried off on a stretcher.

Influential Spanish playmaker Silva was on the receiv-

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English Premier League 2014 - 2015 Team

MP W

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Chelsea

32 23 7

2 65 26 39

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Arsenal

32 20 6

6 63 32 31

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Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (L) beats Newcastle United’s Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul (R) to score their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at the St. James’ Park stadium. Photo: AFP/Lindsey Parnaby

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Man Utd

33 19 8

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Man City

33 19 7

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Liverpool

32 17

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ment on the field before being taken off amid fears he could miss the rest of the season.

Kane and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero were

6

Tottenham

33 17

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Southampton

33 17

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Swansea

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Stoke

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West Ham

33 11 10 12 42 42 0

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Crystal Palace

33 11 9 13 42 45 -3

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Everton

33 10 11 12 41 43 -2

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West Brom

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Newcastle

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ing end of what appeared an accidental elbow from West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyate midway through the second half and needed lengthy treat-

both on target on Sunday (April 19), with the pair the joint top-scorers in England’s top-flight this season.

Reigning champions City’s hopes of a successful title defence were all but over before last week’s 4-2 derby defeat by Manchester United.

But this win saw them move to within a point of United and, significantly, go seven clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday (April 19).

Only the top four clubs at the end of the season enter the Champions League, with the Premier League’s fourthplaced side having to first take part in a qualifying round.

“We deserved it today,” Kane told Sky Sports. “We’ve had some disappointing performances in the last couple of weeks and we wanted to put that right.

Asked about being the first Spurs player to reach the 30-goal mark since Gary Lineker back in 1991/92, the 21-year-old England forward added: “I’m very proud but there are five games left and, hopefully, I’ll get a few more goals.”

North London club Spurs’ win saw them climb into sixth position, level on points with Liverpool.

“It is important because we are in a position where we can fight for something until the end of the season,” said Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The effect of a boycott by

Newcastle fans protesting at owner Mike Ashley’s running of the north-east side was reflected in rows of empty seats at a normally sold-out St James’ Park.

The mood of those Magpies supporters who did turn up wasn’t improved when Nacer Chadli gave Spurs a 30th-minute lead with a 25yard shot. But just 18 seconds after half-time, Newcastle equalised when Jack Colback followed up after Ayoze Perez’s shot was blocked.

However, Newcastle were level for a mere seven minutes before Christian Eriksen’s free-kick into the box beat everyone, including home goalkeeper Tim Krul, on its way into the net.

Kane’s stoppage-time goal sealed Spurs’ victory, with Newcastle now just seven points above the bottom three.

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Meanwhile, City’s win was timely for their underpressure manager Manuel Pellegrini.

City went ahead in the 18th minute when West Ham defender James Collins sliced Jesus Navas’s cross over the head of goalkeeper Adrian for a spectacular own-goal before Aguero finished a slick counter-attack nine minutes before half-time to make it 2-0.

Defeat meant mid-table West Ham had won just two of their last 16 league matches, with this reverse doing little to calm the speculation surrounding the future of manager Sam Allardyce at the London club.

“We gif ted them t wo goals,” Allardyce said. “You can’t make the mistakes we made and expect to get anything out of the game.” AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, ARRIL 24, 2015

SPORT 39

Thanyapura, FINA to fund next crop of Olympic swimmers SWIMMING

W

ith an eye towards building the next crop of Olympic swimmers, Thanyapura Phuket has teamed up with swimming’s governing international body FINA to award 38 scholarships to Southeast Asian swimmers (16 years old and up).

The scholarship programme, tentatively named “Targeting Rio 2016”, will allow these youth athletes to live and train at Thanyapura’s Phuket-based world class facility for a year. In addition, the swimmers will also receive a wildcard entry into the 2015 FINA World Championships and the 2016 Rio Olympics.

All 38 swimmers come from all over Asia, with female and male

Thanyapura Phuket President and Chief Executive Officer Philipp Graf von Hardenberg and Pere Miro, FINA Development sign an agreement to offer scholarships at Thanyapura for a year. Photo: Thanyapura competitors from each of the 19 different countries. The athletes are expected to arrive in May to train under Thanyapura head swim coach Miguel Angel Lopez Alvarado.

All scholarship winners were chosen by their respective national

swimming federations and do not have access to an alternative means of paying for their preparation for the elite competitions.

In addition, Thanyapura was named as the first officials FINA training centre in Southeast Asia

and the scholarship programme will become a long-term endeavour between boths parties.

Pere Miró of FINA Development said: “FINA, in our intention to globally support the development of the aquatic disciplines, is working on the

development of a high performance training centre network to assist our national federations. We believe that Thanyapura follows this spirit and provides an amazing environment for the athletes and the national teams in their trainingand preparation.”

“Thanyapura offers a large variety of services and facilities to ensure that the athletes optimise their stay there. Moreover, Phuket, with its easy flight connections around Asia, makes the centre a perfect option for us.”

The FINA World Championships will be held in Kazan, Russia in July and August, meaning the swimmers will have less than three months to prepare for the event after arriving in Phuket.

“Targeting Rio 2016” is funded

by Olympic Solidarity, the Olympic Council of Asia and FINA.

Patong in cricket final with Village win 4th Kata Group Int’l Cricket 7s ends today CRICKET

CRICKET Owen Pringle editor2@classactmedia.co.th

WITH ONLY A FEW WEEKS remaining in the Phuket 40Over Cricket League, Patong had already secured the minor premiership with a dominant win over the Village last Sunday (April 19) at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG).

The Village started with a strong performance as they posted the highest score during 1st innings this season by any team, 350/8 after 40 overs. The Village ended their bowling with: Paan 8 overs 2/65, Pao,

Young Aussie, Mitchell Barrington, taking 2 wickets and scoring 68 runs. Photo: Michael Way 8 overs 2/54, T. Donovan 5 overs 0/41, Andy Ghadge, 4 overs, 0/46, M. Rehman, 8 overs 2/58.

Tony Donovan and Mike Khan opened the batting for Village after the break, though Patong’s bowling was enough to stem off an upset.

Bowling for Patong, I. Mustaq, 7.2 overs, 1 maiden, 3/27.

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Rugby Union

Super XV

Chiefs v. Western Force

Friday, April 24 834, 669

14:30 16:30

Rugby Union

Super XV

Brumbies v. Highlanders

669+

16:45

Rugby League

NRL

Bulldogs v. Tigers

403

21:00

Cricket

Test Match No. 2, Day 4

West Indies v. England, Grenada

Saturday, April 25 834, 669

14:30

Rugby Union

Super XV

Crusaders v. Blues

16:30

Rugby Union

Super XV

Waratahs v. Rebels

22:00

Rugby Union

Super XV

Lions v. Cheetahs

00:05

Rugby Union

Super XV

Stormers v. Bulls

669

10:55

Rugby League

NRL

Knights v. Cowboys

669+

13:00

Rugby League

NRL

Roosters v. Dragons

15:00

Rugby League

NRL

Storm v. Manly

17:00

Rugby League

NRL

Broncos v. Eels

403

21:00

Cricket

Test Match No. 2, Day 5

West Indies v. England, Grenada

831

18:45

Soccer

EPL

Southampton v. Tottenham

20:55

Soccer

EPL

QPR v. West Ham

23:30

Soccer

EPL

Man City v. Aston Villa West Bromwich v. Liverpool

832

20:55

Soccer

EPL

833

20:55

Soccer

EPL

Burnley v. Leicester

834

20:55

Soccer

EPL

Newcastle v. Swansea

Sunday, April 26 834, 669

13:00

Rugby Union

Super XV

Reds v. Hurricanes

669

11:00

Rugby League

NRL

Panthers v. Sharks

669+

13:00

Rugby League

NRL

Rabbitohs v. Raiders

669

19:55

Rugby Union

Aviva Premiership

Wasps v. Exeter

832

19:25

Soccer

EPL

Everton v. Man United

831

22:00

Soccer

EPL

Arsenal v. Chelsea

@thephuketnews

R. Desmond, 3 overs 0/12.

Tyson Barrington, 4 overs, 1/19, Mitchell Barrington, 3 overs 2/19, S Raju, 2 overs 0/10, N. Quail, 1 over, 0/4.

Thalang play Village on April 26, and Island play Laguna on May 3. The semifinal will be on May 10, with the winner set to play Patong in the final on May 17.

THE ISLAND HAS GONE cricket crazy the last few weeks, especially with the 4th Kata Group International Crickets 7s event taking place at the Republic Phuket facilities in Chalong this week .

The competition is part of Phuket International Cricket Week 2015, an event organised by the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour. Cricket Week began on April 16 with the three-day event – the 12th Phuket International Cricket Sixes Tournament, which was won by the visiting Kuwait Eagles team.

The 4th Kata Group International Cricket 7s, meanwhile, pits six teams from Thailand and Australia against one another in fast-pace and highscroring action. This year’s Cricket 7s event will see a team of PCG Juniors – the youth arm of the local Phuket

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1522: Saturday, April 25, at 4pm Hares: Disparu & Miss Apparru Location: Rawai - Christiane’s Blue Residence Directions: From Chalong circle travel southwards and make a U-TURN at the traffic lights at Soi Sayuan. Continue back northwards past the Green Lemon fuel station. Between Family Market and

7-Eleven turn LEFT HHH into Soi Suksan 2. Follow along approximately 1 km until reaching Christian’s Blue HHH. Laager as we have before. After the hash there is a possibility for showering & swimming. Please bring proper swimsuits, no nudism please.

Bus pick-up: Kamala (Baan Rim Klong) 2:15pm; Patong (Expat Hotel) 2:45pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

Cricket Group organisation, a team made up of Thai kids.

A total of 24 teams from all over the world have taken part in the Phuket International Cricket Week 2015 with an estimated 1,000 people in attendance over the two competitions during that span.

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor2@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Fans win in historic Phuket, Chonburi match > page 37

Bahrain GP brings 2015 Formula 1 season to life BOX OF NEUTRALS

Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

he first act of the 2015 Formula One season, has closed with a cliffhanger, and Bahrain offered a tantalising glimpse of what is to come.

Our protagonists, Mercedes and Ferrari, are locked in a fierce battle as the sport goes into a two week break, and while Mercedes is defending its early lead, Ferrari carries with it the momentum of the enthusiastic challenger.

Lewis Hamilton, despite his third win of 2015, was chased by a reinvigorated

T

Kimi Räikkönen, who fell a few laps short of victory.

Nico Rosberg could only manage third, but were it not for a mistake-riddled race by Sebastian Vettel it could have been two Ferrari drivers on the podium.

As strange it is to say, Ferrari have recovered well from years of pseudo-competitiveness. It turned heads with its stunning victory in Malaysia, but Bahrain confirmed its challenge is real.

If the Bahrain GP was intriguing because of Ferrari and Mercedes, it was doubly so for the resurgence of the two teams’ second drivers, with Räikkönen and Rosberg recording their best races of the season.

For Räikkönen the result

Mercedes AMG Petronas British driver Lewis Hamilton (C), his teammate German driver Nico Rosberg (R) and Scuderia Ferrari Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen (L) spray sparkling rose water, known as Warrd, towards each other on the podium as they celebrate after taking the top three places in the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit.

Photo: AFP/Marwan Naamani was vindication for the three opening rounds in which mistakes in qualifying prevented his solid race day perfor-

mances from mixing him in with the podium contenders. In the second Mercedes garage, Nico Rosberg was in dire

need of the sort of aggressive performance he put on around the desert circuit.

Moving into a crucial part

of the season, the title contest has been blown wide open.

Hamilton has the lead, but his days of unfettered dominance may be numbered.

The 2015 narrative has side stories, too. Still to be resolved is Red Bull Racing and Renault’s desperate slide into unreliable ignominy.

Daniel Ricciardo’s third engine of his allocation of four blew up spectacularly as he crossed the finish line, making penalties for additional power units a certainty as the season progresses.

The 2015 Formula One season is hotting up. Game on, I say.

Formula One continues with the 2015 Spanish Grand Prix on May 8–10.

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