26-06-2015

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FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

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CHINESE SKIMMERS HELD FOR FAKE ATM CARDS > PAGE 7

POWER PLAY

Egat steams ahead with critical power upgrade despite villagers’ concerns Power pylons surge above a village in northern Phuket. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

P

LA NS to u rgently boost Phuket’s electricity supply have set villagers in the north of the island abuzz with fears of radiation from high-voltage cables affecting their health, and huge power towers sending land prices plunging.

Yet the move to upgrade Phuket’s

power supply is critical, say officials from the Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand (Egat), with the island consuming more electricity with each passing year.

Phuket’s demand this year requires 391MW of electrical supply, Wichai Simadhamnand, Assistant Governor of Egat’s Transmission System Construction division, told a meeting in Phuket last week (June 18).

Egat predicts that Phuket will

need 432MW of supply by next year. That number is expected to grow to 462MW in 2017, 494MW in 2018, 529MW in 2019, he said However, currently supply to the island is delivered through a sole 115kV cable, and demand will outstrip supply by next year.

To stave off blackouts and brownouts across the island before demand outpaces supply, Egat is rolling out 230kV cable supply from Krabi via

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Phang Nga to Phuket under a project slated to cost B1.6 billion.

The “band-aid” boost in supply is to come ahead of a much grander plan to install a 500kV supply cable direct all the way from Jombung in Ratchaburi via Bang Sapan and Surat Thani direct to Phuket.

That plan was announced on Januar y 21, when Egat Deputy Director Phol Khawnnui arrived in Phuket to personally petition…

NEWS

PAGE 3

Girl, 10, survives electric shock at hill viewpoint

LIFE

PAGE 16

Gecko community gives back

SPORT

PAGE 39

Young golfers show off skills at first local comp

News 2

PHUKET NEWS

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The two officials were among the 26 suspects arrested at the jungle gambling den.

Gambling den raid in jungle nets officials TWO LOCAL OFFICIALS were among the 26 arrested at a gambling camp set up in the hills of Vichit last Sunday night (June 21).

Among the suspects were Sommai Kritson, 51, of the Kamala Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), and Pradit Ongsantipap, 43, village headman of Moo 1 in Chalong.

Officers seized B168,150 in cash and gambling equipment, including 60 betting chips marked B1,000-B5,020 and 17 chips marked B5,200B10,400.

Eakkapop Thongtub

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Mers outbreak not having any effect on Phuket’s tourism industry > page 5

500kV power lines meet residential resistance Continued from page 1 …Governor Nisit Jansomwong for permission to start installing the pylons while waiting for the necessary construction permits.

That became a sticking point, as the project had not yet passed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) audits necessary in order to be granted permission to go ahead with the project.

Gov Nisit stuck to his guns, and gave the short message that he supported the project to cater to Phuket’s growing needs, but told the power officials to stick to the rules and get the permits required by law.

Since then, villagers have staged several protests at Phuket Provincial Hall, citing surveyors in their neighbourhoods scouting for appropriate places to install the monstrous

Main: Wichai Siamadhamn. Inset: Power supply route map power cables in the coming months.

More than 20 police, territorial defence volunteers and navy officers were called to Provincial Hall on June 11 to keep peace and order during one protest, where former Baan Para village headman, Samran Pandin, said that installing the 500kV power lines in a residential area had sparked many safety concerns among

Pa Khlok and Para residents.

“The residents have no objection over the installation of new electricity power lines into Phuket Town, but installing the pylons in the area of Pa Khlok will limit residents’ safe access to land,” he said.

The pylons will be at least 60 metres high and this, residents believe, will cause land prices to drop.

Residents also believe that

the pylons will send out cancer causing radiation and that it is possible some locals could even be electrocuted.

All quiet on whether or not the project has passed its EIAs, Mr Wichai in Phuket last week said, “Trees will be cut down where need be, and the land required to install the pylons will be expropriated at fair prices, in accordance with the law.”

The “fair prices”, however, will be sourced from the table of land values maintained by the local Land Office, which may not match the prices villagers might expect to gain if they sold their properties.

Back in January, Gov Nisit was under the impression that the new power supply cables will be installed alongside the current supply route, using many of the same pylons

that deliver electricity to the island today.

But only since the villagers’ protests has it become clear that is not the case.

A 230kV will follow the current route only part way, then deviate along a “detour line” through Pa Khlok then rejoin the existing route just north of Phuket Town.

“This is only temporary,” Mr Wichai explained. “The 500kV cables will follow the existing route. Once the 500kV cables are installed, we can dismantle the pylons supporting the 230kV supply.

“But we must have the cables up and running, and delivering the electricity needed before we shut down the cables no longer needed.”

See Editorial ‘An insatiable thirst’ on page 8.

French film sets in motion beach encroachment scare FEARS THAT ILLEGAL structures were being erected on a popular beach off Phuket have been quashed after it has been confirmed that they are part of a film set.

The structures, under construction in front of The Racha resort on Racha Yai Island, about 25km south of Phuket, will be demolished after filming is complete, the Mayor of Rawai has assured.

T h e b u i l d i n g s we r e brought to the attention of The Phuket News by an anonymous source who was concerned that the construction was illegal as the buildings plainly encroached on public land.

Phuket has seen the demolition of many illegal structures over the past year as the Navy rolled out its support in the beach-clearing campaign ordered by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Under the campaign, all buildings along Phuket beachfronts were razed if they were deemed to be encroaching on public land.

However, Rawai Mayor Arun Soros explained to The Phuket News that the struc-

The buildings will be removed after filming has concluded. tures at Racha Yai island are a temporary setting for a production being made by a French film company.

“The structures will be there for at least two weeks and will then be demolished once filming is complete,” said Mr Arun.

The film company requested approval to erect the temporary structures from the Department of Tourism Thailand, who in turn contacted officials at Phuket Provincial Hall, the Marine Office and Tourism Authority of Thailand before giving the go ahead for them to be built, he said.

Santi Pawai, the director of the Phuket office of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, visited the site on Tuesday (June 23).

He confirmed that the buildings were part of the set for the French film Les Naufrages (“The Shipwrecks”).

“The film company has permission from Rawai Municipality and The Racha resort to set up the temporary structures on the beach – but they must demolish them after they have finished filming,” he said.

“The filming on location will help generate income for local residents and boost tourism business in the area,” Mr Santi added.

Filming in Thailand began on May 11 and will continue through July 8, and take in onlocation shooting in Bangkok, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Trang.

Matt Pond thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Girl, 10, survives shock at popular viewpoint

PHUKET NEWS

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Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

W

orkers scoured the viewpoint at Khao Rang (Rang Hill) overlooking Phuket Town this week to make sure the tourist hotspot was safe after a 10-year-old girl was hospitalised for an electric shock last Sunday (June 21).

Phuket resident “Mr Somrit”, who asked to withhold his surname, said that he took his wife and two children, aged 10 and 6, to the hilltop to enjoy the view of the city and take pictures.

“I was taking a picture of my family when my daughter placed her hand on the safety rail. She went into a convulsion and collapsed,” he said.

“We had no idea what had happened. We couldn’t find a pulse and rushed her to Vachira Phuket Hospital.”

His daughter is now fine, but still under observation,

The three suspects were caught on video.

Colombians caught in Krabi after Tesco car park break-ins

The reportedly girl suffered the electric shock while posing for a photo at the popular view point

The girl reportedly suffered the electric shock while posing for a photo with her family at the popular viewpoint overlooking Phuket Town. he added.

City workers were notified and quickly went to the scene, where they soon identified the source of the electric shock as a loose power supply connection at the base of a lamp beside the safety rail. The power wires were encased

in an electrical box that had recently been damaged.

“Maybe someone kicked the base and damaged the electrical box at the base of the lamp post,” one official said.

The workers returned Monday (June 22) to check all other power connections at

the site, and to fully seal the lamp connector box.

Santi Pawai, the director of the Phuket office of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, visited the girl in hospital on Monday, before joining the officials inspecting the viewpoint.

Patong death bungy jump demolished for good WORLD BU NGY JUMP in Patong, where 25-yearold Kuwaiti Abdullah Adel Kadhbahman was seriously injured and later died after a jump there last month, has been demolished and will not re-open.

Following the fatal plunge from which Mr Kadhbahman died from his injuries, Patong Municipality ordered the facility to close until safety standards had been reached and a permit to operate had been issued.

The venue was previously operating without a permit.

However, contrary to other media reports which state that Patong Municipality ordered the owner of the site to demolish the jump, it was actually the owner’s decision to do so, confirmed Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup.

“I had only ordered the owner to close until safety standards had been met and the business was legally registered.

However, the owner took it upon himself to completely close down the business and de-

Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiyawong (left) inspects the site after the fatal accident that killed Kuwaiti tourist Abdullah Adel Kadhbahman. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Meanwhile, The Phuket Janwibolkul. molish it,” she told The Phuket “I have not yet received News contacted Pol Maj News on Tuesday (June 23).

“I can confirm that the Teerasak Boonsaeng who is the forensic report from the jump was completely demol- in charge of the investigation Office of Forensic Science in ished on Monday (June 22) as into Mr Kadhmbadman’s death Bangkok, so I am unable to I can actually see the site from for an update on the charges comment any further on this the window of my office,” she to be pressed against World issue at this time,” he said.

Nattha Thepbamrung Bungy Jump owner, Weenas added.

POLICE ARE HUNTING two men, a Colombian and Mexican, who are accused of being involved in the theft of items from a car at the Tesco Lotus car park last Sunday (June 21).

The hunt comes after two Colombian men were arrested in Krabi on Monday (June 22) in connection with the same crime.

At 11:30am on Monday, Krabi police arrested 21-year-old Colombian, Jean Ortega Duarte, one of the three foreigners police believe broke into a vehicle parked at Tesco Lotus in Thalang on Sunday and stole an iPhone, iPad mini and rucksacks.

Duarte was arrested in Krabi when returning a grey Chevrolet rental car believed to have been used in the theft to a rental shop in Ao Nang.

Police seized the grey Chevrolet from the rental company and also gloves, a shirt, cap, chisel and scribber from the suspect.

Having viewed many images of the suspects and their vehicle, with the help of immigration police the investigation was passed to Krabi police.

Krabi police reported that the suspects rented a car from Ao Nang using a fake Italian passport on Sunday.

After learning that the suspects were to return the vehicle at midday on Monday police waited for them to arrive.

When Duarte returned the vehicle he was ap-

proached by police who showed him a video clip of the car and of the three suspects walking around the Tesco car park. They also searched the vehicle where they found the seized items.

With Duarte was a second Colombian, 28-year-old Daniel Guerrero Ariza, who tourist police say made the fake passport for Jean.

Duarte and Ariza denied they had anything to do with the theft in Thalang. Duarte told police he rented the car from Ao Nang and went shopping at Tesco Lotus in Thalang with two friends, one Colombian and one Mexican.

Police are now looking for the other two men involved and are awaiting for an arrest warrant to be issued by Phuket Provincial Court.

Duarte is being held at Phuket Provincial Police Station where a press conference has been held to announce the arrest.

He will later be transferred to Thalang Police Station where he will be charged with theft using a getaway vehicle.

Ariza is being held at Krabi Police Station on forgery charges.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Jean Ortega Duarte was arrested in Krabi.

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

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Phuket votes for bus network A majority of votes – more than a fifth (21 per cent) – in the latest Phuket News poll said that the reformation of Phuket’s outdated bus network/system should be prioritised.

In the poll about infrastructure-development projects, The Phuket News asked voters: “Which traffic-infrastructure improvement projects should receive priority in Phuket?”

Readers could choose up to three options from nine available.

By far, reforming the bus system was the most popular of the nine choices, with the second-most-popular option selected being a tie between Chalong Circle (underpass/ overpass) and the AirportChalong rail link project, which each garnered 13pc of all votes.

Following are the remaining options and their respective results: Patong Tunnel (10pc) Koh Kaew traffic lights (6pc) Heroine’s Monument

circle (5pc) The new airport-bypass route (4pc) Naka Junction (2pc) Bangkoo junction (1pc) Readers were also asked to identify how long they spent in Phuket traffic every day. A majority (31pc) said they spent more than an hour commuting daily in Phuket. This was followed by 29pc who said they spent between 31 minutes to an hour.

Only 15pc said they spent more than 15 minutes but less

than 30, while a quarter of voters said they spent less than 15

minutes in traffic.

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THREE PEOPLE WERE taken to hospital when the driver of a Toyota missed the curve near the PTT petrol station in Muang Mai and collided with a pickup truck and a motorbike before crashing into an electricity pylon at about 10:25am last Sunday (June 21).

At the scene, officers found a Toyota smashed into an power pole. The driver, Sarawut Sam- The driver of the Toyota was lucky not to have injured lee, 25, was still inside but himself and others involved in the collision.

Teerasawat, 40, had also es- Yamaha Fino lying on the suffered only minor injuries. road. The driver, Phurida Nearby was an Isuzu pick- caped without injury.

About 100m down the Kitmoh, and her passenger, up truck with a damaged rear-end. Its driver, Kritsana road was a slightly damaged Nadia Kitmoh, 15, had both

suffered only minor injuries.

After questioning those involved, police learned that Mr Sarawut was driving at high speed when he lost control of his vehicle and and crashed into the back of the Isuzu pickup. The Toyota then spun out of control and hit the motorbike before crashing into the pylon.

The road was wet at the time of the accident, said Lt Wichoti Meepop of the Thalang police. Mr Sarawut and Mr Kritsada will be questioned further before any charges are pressed. Eakkapop Thongtub

Rescue workers bring the body back to shore.

Fisherman’s body found THE BODY OF A FISHERman who was reported missing last Friday (June 19) when he fell overboard while fishing with his wife was found floating off Phuket’s east coast on Tuesday (June 23).

At 11am Kusoldharm rescue workers took a longtail boat and speedboat to an area three kilometres off Ao Yamu in Pa Khlok to retrieve the decomposed body of a male found floating in the sea.

A rescue worker said, “The victim, who was about 165170cm tall had been dead for at least five days.”

The body of the man was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where it was identified by family members and the local village headman as Manop Polpirom, 34, from Talad Yai in Phuket Town.

A family member stated that Mr Manop was fishing near Koh Khai with his wife on June 19 when their boat was hit by a wave causing Mr Manop to fall overboard.

A search and rescue team had been looking for him since last Friday after his wife went to the local district office asking for help.

The victim’s family is now awaiting autopsy results before they can perform burial rites.

Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Twisters hover off Racha THREE WATERSPOUTS, technically mini-tornadoes on water, threatened to make landfall at Racha Yai island, about 25km south of Phuket, on Tuesday (June 23).

Marcus Åkesson, PADI Instructor at Sea Fun Divers, was leading a dive tour at Racha Yai when he spotted the vortexes at about 11am.

Despite never witnessing firsthand what damage a waterspout can inflict, Mr Åkesson told The Phuket News that he did not feel that he was in danger.

“I was not worried at all.

It felt so distant and slow moving,” he said. “When it came closer, it started dissolving.

“I didn’t see any damage from it. Never have.

Today was the first time I have ever seen this weather phenomena.”

The Phuket News

PHUKET NEWS

Sea gypsies under fire V/Gov assures police, military protection against investor threats Darawan Naknakhon editor@classactmedia.co.th

V

ice Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak this week pledged to provide police protection and to request military support for Rawai sea gypsies who claim an investor has threatened to have them shot if they interfered with his claim to their land.

The assurance of sea gypsies’ safety came after more than 200 villagers from the community in Rawai arrived at Provincial Hall on Monday June 22 to plea for help.

Sanit Shairshoa, representing the community, said that the villagers had already come to Provincial Hall to file a complaint over the issue.

“We came to Provincial Hall on May 15 and filed a complaint after a businessman and a group of men (on May 12) fenced off an area within the village that sea gypsies use to worship their ancestors,” he said.

“The men returned on Saturday (June 20) and blocked the entrance to the area with

Phuket Vice Governor Somkiet Sankhaosutthirak (right) pledged to provide police protection and to request military support to protect the sea gypsies. a cement wall and threatened residents with guns if they intervened.

“We are frightened of these man and we returned today to urge officials to hear our plea and help us. Please check the land boundaries again to make it clear to them and to us who has rights to which plots.”

Mr Sanit said the villagers will return on June 30 to hear the provincial office’s findings.

V/Gov Somkiet told the

High praise for python rescue THE THAI SOCIAL MEDIA world has praised Phuket rescue volunteers for their brave work after photos of a huge python being rescued from the fate of a Phuket underground pipe went viral on Facebook.

The photos, posted on the “Kusoldharm Joot Thung Thong” (Thai language) page last Sat urday (June 20), showed Kusoldharm rescue workers freeing the snake, about 2.5m long and estimated to weigh about 3kg.

Thai social media consumers shared the photos, along with comments such as

@thephuketnews

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Rescue workers were praised for saving the snake.

“Kusoldharm does a lot more than collect dead bodies!”

The reticulated python – ngoo luam in Thai – was stuck inside a pipe under the road near Khao Khad viewpoint

in Vichit, and took rescue workers 15 minutes to free it before taking it to the Khao Prathaew National Reserve in Thalang for release.

Eakkapop Thongtub

villagers that Muang District Chief Supoj Chanakit will send civil defense volunteers and the Chalong police chief will also send officers to safeguard residents while the land claims are investigated.

“We will contact the Royal Thai Navy and request them to sent additional troops to the area,” he said.

V/Gov Somkiet urged the villagers to be patient while officials confirm land boundaries

and ownership of plots within the village.

“This process take times because it needs attention to detail,” he said. “We will meet with relevant officials and form a task force to resolve this problem.”

The sea gypsies have received much support for their right to remain at the village in Rawai.

Former Prime Minister and current member of HM the

King’s Privy Council, Gen Surayud Chulanont, on December 18 paid a visit “to express concern” about their plight.

Gen Surayud’s visit coincided with the news that progress has been made in the battle between the Rawai sea gypsy village and local businessmen who claimed to own the land the village sits on – and had Chanote titles to prove it.

Pol Lt Col Prawut Wongsinil, chief of the consumer and environmental protection division of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), announced, “The investigation is finalised and we believed the Sea Gypsy people will win their case… We have sent the result [of the investigation] to the Land Department, recommending that they set up a committee to revoke the land papers. We are waiting for this to happen.”

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch launched its new report “Stateless at Sea: The Moken of Burma and Thailand” at the Foreign Correspondent’s Club in Bangkok on Thursday (June 25).

PHUKET NEWS

6

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

No more trespassers

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Lawyer fires warning in violent land dispute Darawan Naknakhon

A

lawyer representing wealthy land owners in Chalong’s Moo 3 has affirmed that his clients will no longer negotiate with villagers illegally occupying their land, and will continue to press charges against villagers who refuse to vacate.

For years villagers of the Sa Ton Poe community – located in the area of Soi Palai in the southern part of the island – have been embattled in a dispute with wealthy investors who in 2008 acquired the disputed 83-rai plot of land where their community is located.

Despite intervention from the provincial and military levels, the dispute has continued to escalate with aggression reported by both sides.

Notably, in June last year, an arson attack on a work site was suspected to have been committed by disgruntled villagers.

And despite the navy intervening last September on behalf of the investors, who

From left: V/Gov Suthee, lawyer Mr Suthon; land owner Mr Samran; associate Mr Sulak and Praphan Kunprasaeng, chief of the Damrongtham Centre (ombudsman’s office). had produced legitimate land papers, the dispute continues, as many villagers refuse to leave.

Most recently, on June 16 30 villagers visited the provincial ombudsman, to follow up on a previous request for protection, as the villagers claim they have been harassed by henchmen representing the investors, and that they still had strong suspicions

about the legitamacy of the land papers.

In response, one of the land owner investors, Mr Samran Saengyanuprab, accompanied by an associate Mr Sulak Kunarak, and their lawyer Mr Suthon Thaweesuwan, visited the provincial ombudsman last Friday (June 19) to submit their own formal complaint.

The men and their lawyer were received by Phuket Vice

Governor Suthee Thongyaem and Phuket Damrongtham Centre Chief Praphan Kunprasaeng, who accepted the men’s formal request for swift justice, not only to remove the encroaching villagers, but to prosecute them for smearing the land owners’ reputations.

Along with a letter, the men also submitted supporting documents, including copies of the land title (Chanote) in

question and various court records.

“My clients have never hired any henchmen to intimidate the villagers,” insisted the lawyer Mr Suthon.

“Furthermore, the land’s Chanote is clearly legit, and has already been proven. The claims that it [the title] was for another unrelated piece of land, or that it was based on a tin mining concession, are just false. This has already been determined by the court,” he said.

The lawyer revealed that a court has ruled in favour of the investors in 10 cases so far, out of 50 cases previously filed, including that against community chief, Mr Ron Maesungkhao, who, along with several convicted associates, are currently pending appeals.

“We’ve dropped charges in about 40 cases with villagers who agreed to leave, but we’ve also filed about 40-50 new cases,” the lawyer noted.

“My clients are done negotiating, and from now on, we’re only going to go by the rule of law,” he added.

Beach club faces deadline for Navy demolition THE NUI BAY MEMBERS Club, the beach club that has already had one building demolished for being built illegally on the sand at Nui Beach, has been ordered to remove its seven other buildings by July 7.

The notices were posted at the site on Tuesday (June 23) by Lt Somphop Kamkana of the Royal Thai Navy and Karon Municipality Engineer Norasak Puripattarapan.

“On June 8, we sent them written notice to remove the seven buildings within 30 days,” said Mr Norasak.

“If they fail to do so, Karon Municipality along with officials from the Phuket branch of the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) and the Navy will demolish the buildings for them.”

One building was already demolished by official order earlier this year.

In the initial raid in February, the police and navy personnel arrested a member of the club’s staff who tried to flee with a gun and drug taking paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, Lt Sompop

Navy officers visit the site on Tuesday. Photo: Royal Thai Navy said on Tuesday that the nearby Heaven Restaurant, owned by Boonlert Tamsua, also faced demolition.

“The building was

proved to have been illegally built on SorPorKor land and was ordered to be demolished in 2010,” he said.

But ALRO and Karon

Municipality have yet to agree on who should demolish it, he said.

“The municipality says they are not permitted to touch any structures on land that belongs to ALRO, while ALRO says they have no legal authority to demolish buildings,” Lt Sompop explained.

“I have asked the municipality and ALRO to hurry up with this issue, and they are now looking into how the building can be removed legally.”

Eakkapop Thongtub

Vice President of the Phuket Tourist Association, Bhuritt Maswongssa.

Tourism not affected by Mers: official THE OUTBREAK OF MIDdle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) in South Korea is having no negative impact on the island’s tourism industry, according to the Vice President of the Phuket Tourist Association, Bhuritt Maswongssa.

Speaking to The Phuket News on Monday (June 22), Mr Bhuritt said that the Mers outbreak is not having any affect on the countries tourism and that hotels and tourism businesses have reported that reservation rates are normal with zero cancellation.

“Although Thailand has reported one case of Mers this is not affecting our tourism industry because the patient is being monitored and is under the supervision of a doctor.

“In fact, I think the Mers outbreak in Korea will actually increase the number of tourists coming to Thailand and Phuket,” he said.

“However, I want to advise residents and tourists not to panic that the Mers virus will spread because our health officials have it under control.

“We have had previous experience with Sars and other viruses that we have managed to get under control.

“Controlling and preventing a Mers outbreak in Thailand won’t be a problem.

Don’t worry,” he concluded.

Suthicha Sirirat

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

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

7

Skim gang nabbed with 300 fake cards Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

olice arrested four Chinese nationals on June 19 and seized 300 fake electronic cards – both for savings and credit card accounts – plane tickets and B20,000 in cash the men are said to have stolen in Phuket and Bangkok.

The four Chinese nationals charged were named as Xie Haiping, 34, Yang Changbin, 27, Min Zhong, 35 and Su Chanfeng, 35.

Police photographed the suspects and reported the following seized evidence: 37 fake electronic cash cards seized from a bag allegedly belonging to Haiping; 111 cards from a bag of Changbin; 140 from a bag of Zhong and 22 cards and B20,000 in cash from Chuanfeng.

In addition, police also presented three Dragon Air plane tickets that were in the names of Haiping, Changbin and Chuanfeng; along with

Italian Hon Consul for Phuket, Dr Francesco Pensato (2nd from right), now also heads new consul’s office on Samui..

Italian consul spreads his wings to Koh Samui

The four suspects were reportedly ‘brought back’ to Phuket to face charges. a booking confirmation document; one inbound immigration document (Form TorMor 6) and two sheets of paper containing electronic card PIN numbers.

Police said that one of the four suspects – of whom they did not identify – had used a fake credit card to withdraw an undisclosed amount of cash from an ATM at the Thai Military Bank on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi

Rd in Patong.

In the ensuing investigation, police were able to expand their crime net and track down four suspects to an undisclosed hotel room in Patong.

Police said that the men were thought to be part of a skimming gang that had previously been working in Bangkok, just a few days prior to their arrests in Phuket.

In a statement to the press, police revealed that “Part of the gang had fled overseas, but [we were] able to apprehend them and bring them back [to Phuket] to be booked for their crime.”

Police have been particularly selective about information released to the press about this case to avoid leaking sensitive information that could hinder further investigations.

Adisorn Laemka was already facing charges of premeditated murder and accessory to murder when he was arrested for carrying the ‘pump action’ zip gun.

Teen facing murder charges arrested again with zip gun A PHUKET TEENAGER already facing charges related to the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old on New Year’s Eve was arrested for carrying a live firearm on the streets of Phuket Town last week.

Officers arrested Adisorn Laemka in a side street off Yaowarat Rd in Samkong at 8pm on June 17 after undercover police reported a young man carrying a weapon in a public place, confirmed Lt Somsak Thongkleang of the Phuket City police.

Adisorn is already facing charges of premeditated mur@thephuketnews

der and accessory to murder for the deadly shooting of Sakorn Nitipoj in Phuket Town on New Year’s Eve. In carrying out the slaying, Adisorn and fellow-charged conspirators hunted down Sakorn from in front of the governor’s house and gunned him down in the street in front of the Finance Ministry office on Naresorn Rd. The high-profile case saw police launch a manhunt for the suspects, resulting in Adisorn surrendering to police five days later.

“Ad i s o r n wa s u n d e r

surveillance because of the charges already against him,” explained Lt Somsak Thongkleang of the Phuket City police.

“Undercover off icers stopped and searched him while he was walking down the street, and found that he was carrying a zip gun and two shotgun cartridges.”

Adisor n was taken to Phuket City police station and charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a weapon in a public place without permission. Eakkapop Thongtub

THE ITALIAN HONORARY Consul for Phuket, Dr Francesco Pensato, now also heads a new consul’s office on Koh Samui that was recently inaugurated by Italian Ambassador in Thailand Francesco Saverio Nisio.

The new office is to give assistance to the Italian community living on Koh Samui as well as to the Italian tourists that visit the island.

Koh Samui is Italian tourists’ second most-visited island destination in Thailand, second only to Phuket.

Dr Pensato, as the Italian honorary consul for Phuket, is also responsible for the Southern Thailand provinces of Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang and Satun, as well as Surat Thani,

Patthalung, Songkhla, Nakorn Sri Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala.

Joining Ambassador Nisio and Consul Pensato at the inauguration of the Koh Samui consul’s office was Gen Chalit Thinthanee, Commander of Police Region 8, which includes Surat Thani Province and Phuket. Also present were Surat Thani police chief Col Chinarat Rittakananon; Samui district police chief Col Paitoon Krajajang; and Naddapen “Nokie” Dummananda, president of the Koh Samui tourism association.

The office is at 1714-9 T. Maret Lamai, A. Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310. Open: Mon-Wed. Tel: 085-2654231; 089-224893.

Opinion 8

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

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EDITORIAL An insatiable thirst

D

espite reports of the tourism industry taking hit after hit, it appears that commerce in Phuket is thriving, as indicated by the influx of capital pouring onto the island from both the private and public sectors.

The government has affirmed its commitment to develop Phuket as a tourism, marine and land transport hub, ensuring that construction contractors will remain busy for years to come.

In addition to the B1.5 billion earmarked for “short term” infrastructure projects, the government is looking to have the B20 billion monorail project break ground within two years.

Private capital injection is also heralding the launch of a hoard of new retail projects, including The Mall Group’s B20 billion BluPearl shopping mall; Central Group’s B13 billion Central West; the B2 billion King Power Phuket

Complex, B500 million GMS Duty Free Department Store, and not to mention the B800 million Phuket Aquapark, slated to open soon in Kathu.

Meanwhile, necesarry infrastructure lags.

Even though Phuket’s official population is shy of 400,000, we can extrapolate from waste data that about a million people “live” on the island at any given time, with conservative estimates putting the annual growth rate at about 7 per cent.

Headlines constantly remind us of the undesirable side effects of this growth. Land encroachment and wastewater problems just won’t go away; the landfills are overflowing, incinerators run at maximum capacity while public transportation and water supply are inadequate.

But of all the issues, one that deserves more attention is energy. According to figures

from the Provincial Electricity Authority, Phuket’s electricity consumption doubled in five years, from just over 1,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2008 to more than 2,000GWh in 2013.

To put this into perspective, Phuket currently uses enough energy in one year to charge 100 billion iPhones.

And the meter is spinning faster with each new project green light. According to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), electricity supply is not sufficient, with demand slated to jump 35 per cent by 2019, to 529 megawatts to power the island, up from 391MW currently.

Considering that most of our electricity is imported, and derives from the combustion of fossil fuels (think Krabi coal plant) the price of our growth may be a lot higher than anticipated. Right now, it’s looking more like an insatiable thirst.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PM issues monsoon storm alert for 21 provinces including Phuket for June 17-21 Aussie tourist found dead in Patong hotel Phuket police hunt three foreigners for car break-in Thai Boyfriend shoots his British lover in South Pattaya Storms lash Phuket, prompt flash flood, landslide and no swimming warnings History: The French invade Phuket Disaster experts stomp on Phuket tsunami prediction ICAO red flag clips Thailand’s wings (2,755) Phuket big bike rider dies after smashing into red light runners Man bleeds to death after yanking own tooth

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Qualifications in question Re: Tourism Ministry pushes to bring Phuket’s illegal tour guides into the fold Asterix, Why would a “guide” or “Tourism Coordinators” need a bachelors degree? I certainly hope you have one. @ Rorii - Do not worry, decision-makers in Bangkok will find a way to limit the number of candidates to be coordinators by one way or another. Many well-educated Thais do not want to work as guides, boat crews, dive instructors for low-paid salaries as they can find wellpaid jobs in other tourism-related industries. Anyway, with the opening of ASEAN, Asian people from the ten countries of ASEAN will fill up most of the jobs in the tourism industry taken by westerners for the moment, the same way we saw the change in offshore companies and international businesses for the past two decades – to recruit Asian people first.

Asterix

A few hurdles to be considered Re: Royal Phuket Marina reveals B5bn mega-investment project

Good luck to RPM but there are two problems: 1) Getting in or out of the marina by car takes 30 minutes in the rush hour morning or evening if you need to do a U turn. 2) Boat access in and out is only possible 2 or 3 hours either side of high tide so the dry dock is not much use to people who want to use their boat for a day trip and then you have to cope with the lunatic tour boat drivers using the marina.

Andy

Those predominantly expat whiners should go home. Also, Cesar Milan will be in Bangkok.

His Foundation has a ‘No Kill’ policy - no euthanasia, citing that in Germany, for instance, dog shelters are open to dogs from neighbouring countries as the German government’s sterilization program has been such a success. So keep up the good work John Daley and Soi Dogs. tamsyn

Solution could use Chuck the feather some more thought gloves with these Re: Dog rules to be enforced unruly kids on popular Phuket beach I think the problem is another one, because here in the south you find no places where you can walk your dog – safely and freely, that’s why the people walk the dogs on the beaches.

But that’s not only interesting for the dog lovers, it’s also interesting for everybody who loves hiking, jogging or mountain biking. Many of our friends, which visit Phuket, were very disappointed about that.

Nice Nai Harn

What a dull place this would be without the ‘community pets’ that are the street/beach dogs.

Re: Phuket teen facing murder charges arrested again with zip gun I assume he has been released again. Carrying a firearm and charging someone for murder (Thai on Thai) does not usually result in long jail terms.

Hotgem Outrageous! Being out of jail after being arrested for the murder of a 15 year old kid?? What in the h*#% is wrong with this place. And, this piece of crap is carrying around another gun, no doubt ready to use it to take another life for any reason he can find. This life-time criminal

deserves the same treatment reserved for dealing with rabid dogs.

Richard Vickers Re: Unlicenced Phuket driver wrecks mother’s car in early morning crash Am I missing something? One would anticipate the driver being charged with unlicensed driving, and negligent driving as a matter of course. AND as the insurance may not be paid due to these charges, the electrical repairs would be refused too. I love Thailand!!! aussiebob

Same old story Re: No more negotiating with ‘trespassers’, warns lawyer in Chalong land dispute Looks like a battle of the greedy, wealthy and heartless developer VS the self-entitled illegal squatters that do know anything about following rules or laws. Regardless, I think the end result will be another crappy jam packed development replete with ugly buildings with no character, and no infrastructure to accommodate the huge increase in trash and sewage. Another step in the great race to the bottom.

Richard Vickers

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

THAILAND NEWS

9

Huge fishing losses predicted F

ishing operators from all 22 coastal provinces said more than 3,000 middle-sized fishing boats will have to stop fishing from July 1, causing B15 billion in monthly damages, unless the government eases anti-IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing enforcement measures.

On Monday (June 22), fishing operators submitted a petition to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who oversees the illegal fishing issue, via a representative of the Department of Fisheries, asking to postpone the fishing vessel registration deadline to September.

“We do not want to stop fishing or break the law but we can’t carry out our business due to severe legal curbs,” Mongkol Sukcharoenkana, vice-president of the National Fisheries Association of Thailand (NFAT) said after a meeting of fishing boat operator representatives from coastal provinces in Samut Songkhram on Monday.

They include those from Samut Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Trat, Phuket, Ranong and Prachuap Kiri Khan.

According to the Command Centre for Combating Illegal Fishing (CCCIF), the registration period ended yesterday (June 24) and from July 1, those fishing boats which have not been properly registered,

Enforcing the EU “yellow card” on illegal and unregulated fishing will beach 20,000 boats like these and cost B15 billion a month in lost revenue. (Photos by Hechlok) have not acquired legal fishing licences, do not have fishing gear matching the type they registered with, and lack the required monitoring equipment such as the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) will face legal action.

Under the new fishing law, those who break the regulations could face a maximum of three years imprisonment and a B300,000 fine.

The CCCIF was set up under an order by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha in an effort to tackle the IUU fishing industry in Thailand and to respond to the yellow card issued to Thailand by the European

Union (EU).

The EU has given Thailand, a major seafood exporter, six months to tackle IUU fishing or face a possible trade ban on seafood imports into the EU. “Do not rush to solve a problem we have had for over 30 years. The problem is complicated and needs time to be solved,” Mr Mongkol said.

According to the latest survey, as of the end of March, 3, 199 fishing vessels with sizes exceeding 30 gross tonnage, and 16,000 smaller traditional fishing boats were operating illegally based on the new

Banged up for gun possession POL LT GEN KAMRONWIT Thoopkrachang, a former Metropolitan Police chief, has been detained by Japanese authorities for having a gun and ammunition in his possession.

The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday (June 23) by police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thawornsiri.

Pol Lt Gen Prawut said police in Thailand were examining reports about Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit’s arrest to find out why he had the gun with him, whether the weapon had gone through security procedures in Thailand and how.

@thephuketnews

Pol Lt Gen Khamronwit Thoopkrachang. Photo: Bangkok Post Initial reports said Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit went to Japan last Thursday (June 18) on a f light from Suvarnabhumi airport.

He was found with a gun in his possession at Narita airport as he was about to board a 5pm flight to return to Thailand on

Monday (June 22).

The type of gun was not reported, nor how it was found.

Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit admitted to owning the gun and showed his identity card and documents for the weapon.

Air por ts of Thailand Plc deputy director Kanputt Mungklusiri said officials have examined footage from a CCTV camera at a gate at Suvarnabhumi which the former city police chief passed through.

The weapon seemed not to be detected by screening procedures, he added.

Bangkok Post

law, he said.

Those vessels and boats found to be working illegally would have to stop operating to avoid legal action.

The industry halt would affect at least 30,000 families involved in fishing and 6,400 boat crew, Mr Mongkol said.

The eventual impact would hit marine food processing businesses which will face a shortage of 6,400 tonnes of raw materials a day and could lead to the shutdown of 640 fishery processing factories, he claimed.

“The halt of fishing operations could cause B15 billion of losses

a month if the CCCIF does not change its stance and does not extend the registration period,” said Mr Mongkol.

Meanwhile, Meesak Pakdeekong, deputy director-general of the Department of Fisheries, said the government is seeking the best means to rebalance fishing activities and take preventive action to preserve the environment.

“Marine resources are gradually decreasing and the government is trying to stop that decline,” Mr Meesak said.

Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the CCCIF should be able to build an understanding with the fishermen over the government’s measures and policies.

He said the fishing boat operators need to adapt themselves to comply with the new regulations which the government devised to bring them up to international standards.

The situation would worsen if Thailand’s seafood exports, worth B200 billion a year, were banned by the EU, in which case operators would suffer more.

Panitan Wattanayagorn, an adviser to Gen Prawit, said the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is considering measures to give assistance to affected fishing operators.

Bangkok Post

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Airport expansion set to take-off T

he long-overdue expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport is about to get off the ground.

Deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the environmental impact assessment for the second phase of the expansion was due to go before the National Environmental Board this month. Once approved, the bidding process will be called immediately.

The project, expected to be completed by 2019, will take the airport’s capacity to 60 million passengers a year, up from 40 million now.

The cabinet on Tuesday (June 23) also acknowledged a cut in the investment budget for the expansion by B5-6 billion from 62 billion.

However, Airports of Thailand Plc will later resubmit the exact investment cost.

In a separate development, the cabinet on Tuesday con-

The expansion will increase the airport’s capacity from 40 million passengers a year to 60 million. Photo: David McKelvey sidered nanofinance service providers.

As of April, the Bank of Thailand had approved nanofinance operating licences to five companies. Two of

the five licensed providers have already launched their services.

The central bank projected there would be a total of 18 licensed companies to operate

nanofinance services, offering credit lines worth a combined B80.24 billion to customers.

The scheme is one of the government’s efforts to address the problem of loan

sharks used by low-income earners who cannot access formal lenders.

Operators with registered capital of at least B50 million are eligible to become

nanofinance institutions under central bank criteria, with a debt-to-equity ratio not exceeding seven times their registered capital.

If an operator’s ratio exceeds the stipulated threshold, it has until January 23 next year to reach the specified ratio.

Commercial banks and registered institutions can operate nanofinance schemes immediately without seeking permission from the finance minister, but non-bank lenders have to gain the minister’s approval following their application.

Interest rates for nanofinance will be capped at 3 per cent per month or 36 per cent a year, with the principal not exceeding B100,000 in each case.

Nanofinance lenders are permitted to extend loans only for occupational purposes.

Bangkok Post

Police send OAG trafficking report

A police officer checks 19 boxes containing evidence on the human-trafficking case handed over to the Office of the Attorney General at the Human Trafficking Suppression Division on Tuesday (June 23). (Photo: Tawatchai Kemgumnerd)

THE ROYAL THAI POLICE Office on Tuesday (June 23) handed over its investigative report into the southern human-trafficking scandal to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.

Speaking at the Human Trafficking Suppression Division at the government offices complex, national police chief Pol Gen Somyot Pumpunmuang said the completed report covers the smuggling of Rohingya Muslim and Bangladeshi migrants into Thailand by a human-trafficking network.

Pol Gen Aek Angsananont, the deputy police chief in charge of the investigation, said the case was complicated and the crimes occurred in many areas and involved many people. With help from the OAG and Anti-Money Laundering Office, police initially issued warrants for the arrest of 89 suspects, 56 of whom have been arrested.

Police on Monday (June 22) said a court has approved warrants for the arrest of 30 more suspects after more evidence was found, bringing the total

number of suspects to 119.

Concer ning Nathapat Saengthong, a suspect who was arrested in Myanmar, Pol Gen Aek said he had not yet been extradited, as he still had to undergo legal proceedings in that country.

Pol Col Sihanart Prayoonrat, the Amlo secretary-general, said his office had seized assets worth more than B100 million from some of the suspects.

The assets are believed to have been acquired through people smuggling.

But rights groups, including

the New York-based Human Rights Watch, said the investigation would not put an end to networks operating in the region.

“It is highly likely that if this investigation turns out to just be window dressing to defuse international pressure, then it will have no impact,” Sunai Phasuk, Thailand researcher at Human Rights Watch, told Reuters.

“It will just put them under ground for the time being and then resurface again.”

Bangkok Post

Man bleeds to death after yanking own tooth A KAMPHAENG PHET MAN bled to death after having a neighbour extract his tooth with a rock tied to a piece of string, police said last week.

Pree Namthip, 64, was found dead at the door of his

house in Muang district having bled from the mouth, said Pol Lt Col Khamron Chanthip, a duty officer at Muang police station.

Several packs of pain relievers were found at the scene.

H i s n ie c e , M ay u r e e Namthip, 29, told police that her uncle had complained of a toothache the day before, so he hired his neighbour, Tee, a butcher, to pull the tooth for B20 by using traditional methods.

One end of a string was tied to his rotting molar and the other to a stone. Tee then threw the stone and the tooth was yanked out. However, Pree suffered excessive bleeding.

He complained of severe pain and took several packs of pain killers, but nothing improved, said Ms Mayuree. Pain relievers containing aspirin can thin blood and slow clotting.

On Wednesday night, her uncle died, prompting her to alert police. Police interrogated his relatives and found that the man was also a heavy drinker and had several chronic illnesses. His relatives told police Mr Pree did not like to see doctors when ill.

His body was sent to Kamphaeng Phet Hospital to determine the official cause of death.

Police, meanwhile, planned to summons Tee for questioning.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

ASIA NEWS 11

Protesters muzzled Activists dispersed from dog meat festival

C

ampaigners protesting at China’s annual dog meat festival, which sees thousands of canines butchered and eaten, were forcibly dispersed by unidentified men on Monday (June 22) as they tried to rally outside a government office.

About 10 animal rights activists unfurled banners outside the Yulin government headquarters before a group of 20 men came and chased them off, according to an AFP photographer at the scene.

The city in the southeastern region of Guangxi holds an annual festival on the summer solstice devoted to the consumption of dog meat, in defiance of an increasing backlash from animal rights activists.

The campaigners held signs reading “Crack Down on Illegal Dog Meat Trade” and “Punish Illegal Dog Transport”, but the banners were quickly torn out of their hands by the unidentified group.

The slogans are an attempt

Animal right activists scuffle with unidentified people as they protest against a dog meat festival, in front on the government building in Yulin, in southern China’s Guangxi province on Monday (June 22). Photo: Johannes Eisele/AFP to appeal to local government officials to enforce existing laws on health and administrative grounds, since there are no rules banning the consumption of dog meat.

“Many of these animals are stolen pets, and most of

the dog meat trucks coming in are in total breach of China’s very clear laws on animals for human consumption,” Adam Parascandola, director of animal cruelty issues at the Washington DC-based Humane Society, said in a statement.

Malaysia’s sombre farewell to nameless Rohingya dead MALAYSIAN AUTHORITies on Monday (June 22) held a sombre mass funeral for 21 suspected ethnic Rohingya found in human-trafficking graves last month, with fellow Muslims praying for the unidentified victims to find a place in heaven.

The remains were what police said were the first of 106 exhumed so far from pits at trafficking camps found in late May in jungles in northern Malaysia along the Thai border, a discovery that laid bare the brutal extent of the region’s migrant crisis.

About 100 local villagers offered quiet Muslim prayers as 21 wooden coffins – containing 19 men and two women – were lowered into deep graves cleared by earthmovers at an Islamic graveyard in the northern state of Kedah.

“These are innocent Muslims, like brothers and sisters to us. We are really sad that they had to undergo misery and pain. I am sure they will take their rightful place in the heavens above,” said Mohamad Yusuf Ali, 57, a local carpenter of Rohingya origin.

Despite not knowing the @thephuketnews

A Malaysian Muslim man looks on as he stands near a pit during the re-burial of remains believed to be those of ethnic Rohingya found at human-trafficking camps.

Photo: AFP unidentified victims, scores of Malaysians and Rohingya turned out for the ceremony in the sleepy village of Kampung Tualang despite fasting for the month of Ramadan.

“I hope Allah will punish the criminals who were responsible for their deaths.

The Rohingya people did not

do anything wrong. They were only looking for a better life,” Mr Yusuf said.

A Malaysian police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the remains of 106 people had been exhumed so far and that authorities were still conducting post-mortems on the majority of them. AFP

“How much longer can China simply allow the Yulin authorities to flout the law like this?”

As many as 10 million dogs are killed for food annually in China, with up to 10,000 killed for the Yulin festival, accord-

ing to the Humane Society.

Shortly after the protest in another part of Yulin, traders openly sold dogs off the backs of scooters as hundreds gathered at a market. Many dogs were kept in tightly packed cages.

Activists, who say the festival is cruel, have in the past travelled to the city to hold demonstrations, sometimes buying dogs to save them from the cooking pots.

One animal lover, Yang Xiaoyun, reportedly paid about 7,000 yuan (B36,914.90) to save around 100 dogs in Yulin last Saturday (June 20).

This year the festival has also been targeted by British comedian Ricky Gervais, who posted a series of messages on Twitter with the hashtag “StopYuLin2015”, writing on Sunday (June 21): “It should be called a Dog Torture Festival.

Because that’s what it is.”

But many comments on Sina Weibo, a Chinese Twitter equivalent, had no problem with the concept of eating dog.

“Of course it’s alright to eat dog, just don’t steal other peoples pets and eat them,” wrote one commentator.

The city’s government has tried to distance itself from the event.

“Some residents of Yulin have the habit of coming together to eat lychees and dog meat during the summer solstice,” its news office wrote on Sina Weibo.

“The ‘summer solstice lychee and dog meat festival’ is a commercial term, the city has never (officially) organised a ‘dog meat festival’,” it added.

Around 30 million households in the country are estimated to keep dogs as pets, helping to fuel the growing local animal rights movement.

A petition on Change.org calling for the end to the festival -- illustrated with a photo of a dog weeping tears of blood in front of a Chinese flag -had garnered more than 3.8 million signatures by Monday afternoon.

AFP

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Lions at risk of dying out: IUCN T

he mighty lion, reclusive cave crabs and the world’s rarest sea lion are among nearly 23,000 species at risk of dying out, a top conservation body warned Tuesday (June 22).

In an update to its “Red List” of threatened species, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the lion remains listed as vulnerable at a global level, with its western African subpopulation listed as “critically endangered” due to over-hunting and dwindling prey.

Rapid decline has also been recorded in eastern Africa, which historically has been a stronghold for lions, IUCN said, warning that trade in bones and other body parts for traditional medicine in Africa and in Asia was a new and emerging threat to the species.

The organisation also highlighted the decline in the extremely reclusive African Golden Cat, a cinnamon-coloured feline about twice the size of a house cat living in central Africa, which is now listed as “vulnerable”.

And it pointed to the New Zealand Sea Lion – one of the rarest sea lion species in the world – which is now listed as “endangered”, due mainly to disease and changes to its habitat caused by fishing.

IUCN also warned that two species of crab, Karstama balicum and Karstama emdi, found only in a single cave on the island of Bali, are now considered “critically endangered”, as they have been increasingly threatened by growing tourism and numerous religious ceremonies held in the cave.

However, the IUCN hailed some clear advances in saving endangered species like the Iberian Lynx.

But, it warned, those successes have been overshadowed by declines in a range of species, with 22,784 species of animals and plants threatened with extinction.

“Our natural world is becoming increasingly vulnerable,” warned IUCN chief Inger Andersen, urging increased efforts to save species teetering on the edge.

Pointing to successes in increas-

The western African subpopulation of lion is listed as “critically endangered” due to over-hunting and dwindling prey. Photo: elPadawan ing the populations of the long critically endangered Iberian Lynx and Guadalupe Fur Seal, she insisted “effective conservation can yield outstanding results.”

Following six decades of decline, the population of the Iberian Lynx, considered the world’s most endangered feline, has seen its numbers swell from only 52 adult cats in 2002 to 156 a decade later, IUCN said.

Intensive work to restore the rabbit populations the large spotted cats prey on, along with monitoring for illegal trapping and conservation breeding has allowed the species to move from the Red List’s “critically endangered” to the “endangered” category, it said.

Reintroduction programmes in Spain and Portugal and compensation paid to landowners who made their

properties compatible with habitat requirements had also played a role, IUCN said.

The Guadalupe Fur Seal, which was twice thought to be extinct due to overhunting in the late 1800s and early 1900s has also seen its numbers increase, IUCN said.

The silky sea mammal native to the west coast of California and off the Guadalupe islands of Mexico has now moved from the “near threatened” to the “least concern” category, largely thanks to the enforcement of laws like the USA Marine Mammal Protections Act, it said.

The species has seen its population balloon from 200-500 individuals in the 1950s to around 20,000 in 2010.

That, however, is still 10 times fewer than before humans started hunting the seal for its dense, luxurious underfur, IUCN said.

A range of other mammals have meanwhile fared far worse, due to hunting and the destruction of their natural habitats.

AFP

Millions of smokers Germany, world champion in car-sharing may unknowingly suffer lung disease MOR E TH A N H A LF of cur rent and for mer smokers who can pass basic lung function tests may suffer from lung diseases that have gone undiagnosed according to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

The study included nearly 9,000 people, aged 45-80, who had smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day for 10 years.

About half of those in the study “were considered disease-free based on their lung-function tests,” said the JAMA article.

But when researchers looked at other criteria, including respiratory symptoms, CT scans, medications use and quality of life issues, they found that “55 per cent of the ‘diseasefree’ study participants had some form of respiratory related impairment.”

Many were in the early

stages of chronic pulmonary obstruction disease, or COPD, which is the third-leading killer in the United States.

Forty-two per cent had emphysema or air way thickening, while 23pc had significant shortness of breath.

“Smokers who have ‘normal’ lung-function tests often have significant respiratory disease.

Many of those smokers likely have the early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” said Elizabeth Regan, lead author and assistant professor of medicine at National Jewish Health.

“We hope these findings will help debunk the myth of the healthy smoker and highlight the importance of smoking prevention and cessation to prevent lung disease and other long-term effects of smoking.”

AFP

CA R- S H A R I N G , PI O neered in Switzerland in the 1970s, is gaining popularity across the globe as people shy away from the cost of owning and maintaining an automobile in big cities.

And it is proving particularly successful in Germany, where carmakers themselves are keen to get a slice of the action.

In addition to concerns about greenhouse gases and pollution, there are many reasons why a growing number of urban dwellers are opting not to buy their own car: a chronic shortage of parking space, soaring insurance and upkeep costs, and high fuel prices.

Many prefer to use the well developed and efficient public transport systems found in Germany and other countries.

“In towns and cities, young people don’t necessarily want to have a car,” said Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center for Automotive Management (CAM) in Bergisch-Gladbach.

They still want the convenience of a car, without the financial burden of owning one. Yet they do not want to have to use traditional car-

Citroen C-zero electric cars parked up next to a Bentley during the launch of a car sharing scheme in Berlin on Sept 5, 2012. (AFP photo) rental firms every time they decide to go for a spontaneous jaunt into the countryside.

For those reasons, carsharing – which enables renting a car even for very short periods of time, at any hour of the day or night – appeals to such people.

The scheme has also become handy for businesses which do not want to maintain a costly fleet of company cars for their employees.

The first car-sharing firm in Germany, Stattauto, was set up in Berlin in 1988, starting out with a single car.

By last year, there were as many as 140 operators in Europe’s biggest economy, with 1.04 million registered

users and a total combined pool of 15,400 cars at their disposal, according to figures compiled by the car-sharing industry federation BCS. “That represents approximately half of the total offer in Europe,” said Franck Leveque of British consulting firm, Frost & Sullivan.

Car sharing has been slower to catch on in other European countries. In Italy, there are around 250,000 customers, and in France and Britain around 200,000 each.

Further afield, there are around 700,000 users in Japan, which started car-sharing schemes in 2007, and 1.3 million in the United States, according to recent data pub-

lished by the University of California in Berkeley.

Gunnar Nehrke of BCS said that Germany stands out because of the sheer size and extent of its network.

“In many countries, there is car-sharing in the capital, or two or three of the biggest cities. Here, car-sharing is available in 490 towns and municipalities,” he told AFP. BCS predicts the number of users in Germany will rise to 2 million in the next five years.

German companies active in the sector include Cambio, Stadtmobil, Book-n-drive, TeilAuto or CiteeCar, all of which have been active for a long time investing not only in major cities, but smaller towns as well.

The south-western city of Karlsruhe has the highest density of shared cars at 2.15 cars for every 1,000 inhabitants.

Leveque at Frost & Sullivan said that another important factor in the success of car-sharing in Germany was the role of the automakers themselves: BMW has its own scheme, called Drivenow, and Daimler launched its Car2go in 2008.

AFP

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FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Hotels fight for Myanmar foothold M yanmar wants to boost its food and hospitality standards to serve growing demand from international tourists, who are expected to number 5 million this year.

Hotels and Tourism Minister Htay Aung called tourism one of Myanmar’s fastest-growing industries, with the growth rate tripling since the country opened its doors to foreign investors in 2011.

Myanmar tourism saw 51 per cent growth to three million foreign arrivals last year and expects five million this year, an increase of about 67pc.

The Golden Land welcomed one million foreign travellers in the first four months of 2015, up 7pc year-on-year. It aims to have 10 million foreign tourists by 2020.

Many international hotel chains are entering the country – Accor Group, Hilton, Kempinski, Dusit, Best Western and Royal Park recently opened hotels in Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach and Bagan, with many more planned.

The Yangon skyline at night. Photo: Sky89 “This is just the beginning for Myanmar, and we hope to embrace more investors and tourists in the future,” Htay Aung said.

The Myanmar government is tearing down barriers to attract more foreign direct investment.

As of May 30, there were 46,000 rooms in 1,186 hotels nationwide managed by both international and local chains.

Myanmar Tourism Federation president Khin Aung Htum said the country had positioned itself as an affordable destination, while its room rates have nearly halved with the influx of new hotels.

In addition to historical and cultural sites, Myanmar intends to promote more hidden and diverse destinations. For example, Ngapali Beach on the western coast has a

reputation as the country’s premier beach getaway, and Myanmar’s aviation regulator has given a green light for Nok Air and Thai AirAsia to fly there from Bangkok.

With Myanmar tourism booming, the country would like to see the quality of support sectors such as food and hospitality improve for international visitors.

“We want to modernise our tourism industry, require a higher standard of human resources and education to enhance our workforce skills,” Khin Aung Htum said.

Apart from supporting tourism, locals also want a higher service benchmark, particularly the middle-class.

International food brands now in Myanmar include Singaporebased Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Minor Food Group’s The Pizza Company and Swensen’s, Taiwanese tea cafe Chatime, a barbecue cafe from South Korea. KFC is due soon, while the number of Japanese restaurants has risen to 100 from only 10 three years ago.

“Fast service is the key to sur-

vival for food operators in Myanmar,” Khin Aung Htum said.

However, high land prices and rents in good locations are a major barrier for restaurant operators.

Regardless, Justin Pau, general manager of Britain-based exhibition organiser Bangkok Exhibition Services Ltd (BES), said Myanmar had good potential to grow in many regards thanks to economic reform and infrastructure development.

BES is organising six trade shows there this year to cash in on a widespread economic expansion covering tourism, manufacturing, energy exploration, communications, technology, power and mining.

Its six events last year drew exhibitors from 26 nations and 6,000 visitors with trade value estimated at US$20 million.

Mr Pau said BES expected a 10% rise in visitor numbers this year, with 150 exhibitors from 21 countries including Australia, Denmark, Germany, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Bangkok Post

Thai AirAsia X suspends services to Sapporo

Thai AirAsia X will suspend its Bangkok-Sapporo service in August due to concerns of the ICAO. Photo: Thai AirAsia X

@thephuketnews

THAI AIRASIA X THIS WEEK announced the temporary suspension of its service to Sapporo, Japan, from August 1, due to the unresolved safety issues Thai aviation has the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Nadda Buranasiri, CEO of Thai AirAsia X, said that the turn of events was regrettable due to Sapporo being a high potential destination with year-round travel attractions.

He apologized to all passengers who previously booked flights to travel

from Bangkok to Sapporo from July 31 and from Sapporo to Bangkok from August 1, and welcomed them to access the airline’s available options.

The CEO added that once the situation returns to normal, the Sapporo route will once again be made available.

“We will continue to fly to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan and Seoul in South Korea as scheduled as they are routes Thai AirAsia X was approved to serve before the current circumstances.

Everyone can feel assured that we will

continue to offer promotional fares to stimulate travel and we hope that you will continue to enjoy the routes we serve,” he said.

At present, Thai AirAsia X secured temporary permission from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) to fly from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to New Chitose Airport (CTS) of Sapporo, Japan one time daily to offset effects to its passengers.

AirAsia X (Malaysia) has been assisting by supplementing flights since May 1.

14 BUSINESS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Taking the long run Investment visa opens door to long-term stays in Thailand Jerrold Kippen Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

B

efore the summer of last year, many foreigners in Thailand who did not qualify for a long-term visa would hop in and out of the country on short-term tourist visas.

An immigration clampdown put an end to that practice.

However, the good news is that there are other options, one of which is the Investment Visa, which allows eligible foreigners under the age of 50 to stay in Thailand long-term, without the need to leave at regular intervals.

Of note, this visa does not involve the annual proof of funds required to renew a “retirement visa” for retirees over 50 who meet the other requirements for that visa.

A foreigner is eligible for a renewable Investment Visa if he or she has invested in Thailand and: Holds a non-immigrant visa (not a tourist visa); and

Put one-year stays behind you.

Has evidence of transferring at least B10 million into Thailand; and Has evidence – obtained from a relevant authority – showing investment in a legally defined condominium unit (either freehold or a leasehold of at least three years duration) at a purchase or lease price of at least B10 million; or Has at least B10 million in a fixed deposit account with a Thai bank whose share capi-

tal is majority Thai-owned; or Has bought and owns Thai government or Thai state enterprise bonds worth at least B10 million.

Interestingly, the different investment options outlined above can be combined. It is, for example, possible to qualify for the Investment Visa by buying a condominium for, say, B6 million, and in addition depositing B4 million in a fixed-deposit account at a qualified Thai bank.

The main criterion for eligibility for an Investment Visa is that the total combined investment in Thailand is at least B10 million.

Once all the eligibility criteria are satisfied, the visa can be renewed annually as long as it can be shown that the qualifying investment of B10 million is maintained.

Another significant benefit is that the visa provides not only the investing party’s long-term stay in Thailand

but also long stays for family members, such as parents, spouse, children, adopted children or spouse’s children.

The family members must be granted a non-immigrant visa and have proof of the family relationship. In the case of a spouse, the couple must be legally married and living together. In the case of a child, he or she must not be married, must live with the visa holder as family and must not be older than 20, unless he or she is ill or disabled and cannot live without the support of a father or mother.

Note that an Investment Visa does not absolve its holder nor the family members of the 90-day reporting rule, and does not entitle the holder or members of the family to work in Thailand.

Jerrold Kippen is a partners in Duensing Kippen, an international law firm specialising in business transaction and dispute resolution matters, with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand and affiliated offices in 45 other countries. Visit them at: duensingkippen.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

David Arul Pragasam.

Angsana welcomes sales chief ANGSANA Laguna Phuket this week announced the appointment of David Arul Pragasam to the position of Director of Sales and Marketing, Angsana Laguna Phuket, Thailand, the flagship Angsana property of the Banyan Tree group.

In his new role, David will manage all Sales and Marketing activities for Angsana Laguna Phuket, including yearly budgets, business plans and strategies to generate revenue for both room and Food & Beverage sales.

David has more than 20 years of experience in Sales and Marketing in various Asean countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Before joining Angsana Laguna Phuket, he was part of the Shangri-La group as Director of Sales & Marketing for their Surabaya, Indonesia and Penang, Malaysia properties.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

LOPBURI

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Students to exhibit art and music on Saturday

17

It’s not what it looks like, or maybe it is...

21

Timeless insights on a trip to the ancient, modern heart of the Chao Phraya river basin > Page 18

LOOKING FOR THE BEST

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

16 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Thalang school gives back

Gecko Community prides itself in being just that, a community!

G

ecko (Green, Education, Community, Kids, Outdoors) opened in August 2013 and is proud of its involvement in the community and connections it has made.

By day Gecko is a school and in the late afternoon it opens it doors to the local Thai children in the area to come and learn English and Maths for free and to utilise their playground.

Every Friday is community day at Gecko and this takes on many forms.

The first Friday of every month children carry out their own community passion project. The teachers at Gecko believe the children should follow their own passions; therefore, the kids decide themselves what volunteer work or project they would like to do.

There is quite a variation of activities and volunteer work ranging from working in a local restaurant, assisting at a goat farm, taking care and walking dogs at Soi Dogs, helping set up the Phuket Toy Library, working with the Dolphin Project, learning about organic farming and making Tow Skim available to local Thai groups.

Gecko wants the children to realise that they belong to a wider community and that it is important to make positive contributions and learn from the local people. The second Friday of each

Gecko kids get hard to work at a local goat farm as part of their chosen volunteer work. month the children and families hit Nai Yang Beach and in partnership with Dewa Hotel clean the beaches.

Other activities take place on these days such as environmental awareness, sports, team building skills and of course swimming, kayaking, tow skimming and lots of fun. Clubs run by parents fill the third Friday each month.

Gecko recognises that the parents are a huge resource and offer a wealth

of talent. Children sign up for two activities that run for four months. Club activities include the 3 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), recycled art, survival club, surf life saving skills (sponsored by SGS Training Centre), mosaics, cooking, school newspaper, bike maintenance and riding, blogging and drones. There is always something for everyone!

Last but not least, is “discover Phuket and its surroundings” – on the

fourth Friday of each month.

Gecko endeavours to show the children the other side of Phuket, some times they may visit a new tourist attraction, other times they might go off the beaten track into the wilderness or go to spot dolphins in the wild.

Owners, Celi Harper and Huw Roberts, want the children to realise that they are never to small to make a difference and when you are an expat it is important to give back to the local community.

Their proudest moment to date was the 100km bike ride the children took part in from Thalang to Kao Lak to raise awareness and funds to go to Taiji, Japan to monitor the dolphin slaughter.

“On the last couple of kilometers riding down into the Marriott Hotel in Kao Lak we were so proud and overwhelmed by the support of the community, Gecko families and the Marriott Hotel.

“At that moment, it made us realise all the blood, sweat and tears of running your own school is worth it,” they said as they reflected on the event.

Gecko would like to thank all the local people and businesses who have supported their community days to date.

If anyone would like to be a part of their community days or help out in our Community centre for the local Thai children please email at info@geckoschool.org

Urban photography competition announced

R

eal estate firm CBRE has launched its global Urban Photographer of the Year competition with the theme, Cities at Work. Now in its ninth year, the competition continues to attract photographers from around the world.

This year the contest challenges photographers to capture what urban means to them in an ever changing global landscape.

The competition is free to enter and open to both professional and amateur photographers. A unique element to the competition allows each entrant to submit up to 24 images; one to represent each hour of the day. The overall global winner of the competition will be able to choose a luxury photo safari from a

range of exotic locations sponsored by CBRE. Prizes will also be awarded to regional winners in Europe, Asia and the Americas and for the 24 standout images representing each hour of the day. The competition is open from now until July 31, 2015.

Over the past eight years the competition has built up a unique and unrivalled insight into urban life. Previous winners have captured life in the souks of Marrakech, early morning commutes in Hong Kong and a jeweler lost in her work in Düsseldorf.

Paul Suchman, CBRE’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, adds, “the creativity this initiative fuels inside CBRE is simply outstanding. The Urban Photographer of the Year initiative also provides

a unique opportunity to extend the reach and relevance of our brand to more consumers outside the commercial real estate space.”

Maximum entries: Each individual may submit one image for each hour of the competition (a maximum of 24 images). All images entered and subsequently shortlisted as finalists will be considered for the ultimate prize of Urban Photographer of the Year, regardless of the hour that they are entered for.

Copyright/Usage: At no stage of this competition shall CBRElay any claim whatsoever to the ownership of copyright or other intellectual property rights in the images entered into the competition.

Enter at www.cbreupoty.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

ART 17

Under the sea art exhibition at KIS

K

ajonkiet International School held its second annual art exhibition on June 15. It was facilitated

by Art, Design and Technology teacher Ms Lisa Ledwick and Thai teacher, Khun Kik. The theme of the exhibition was “under the sea”. The children, years 4 to 9 all worked hard on creating beautiful artworks. KIS holds the art exhibition to help develop and support

children at the school who are artistically gifted. It is also to encourage creative thinking and showcase to the rest of the school each child’s talent. The exhibition also serves as an excellent simulation of what a real exhibition would be like, thus opening a window to a possible career. All the artworks are currently displayed around the school. It was a lot of fun for both teachers and children and KIS looks forward to the next exhibition.

HeadStart gets ready for Music & Arts Celebration

S

tudents, teachers and parent volunteers are getting ready for HeadStart’s annual Music and Arts Celebration to be held this tomorrow (June 27) from 10:00am-3:00pm at Simon Star in Phuket Town. This year they will feature dances, stories and performances with the theme of ‘Once Upon a Time’. There will also be a fashion show from the Secondary students featuring fabrics of extreme colour and beauty that they have made themselves. This promises to be the best HeadStart production to date as each one takes great pride in their part in the preparation and production phase.

@thephuketnews

18 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Oceanfront origins in the heart of the Chao Phraya basin

Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

What caught my eye this time around were the “exhibits of ancient jewellery made from giant seashells, which I thought peculiar considering how far away the ocean actually is, at least 200km.

Lopburi has real and fake monkies.

M

y son’s passport needed to be renewed – a good excuse for a long weekend away with the family. I booked our tickets to Bangkok through AirAsia, which still seems to have the best deals these days. With two weeks of forethought, it worked out to a little over B2,300 per person, round trip.

It must have been three years since I visited the Thai capital last, but I intended to spend as little time as possible in the “grand city of angels”, for my real destination was the fertile Chao Phraya River basin – to visit relatives, first in the ancient, modern city of Lopburi, and then to the origin of the “Mighty River of Kings”, Nakhon Sawan.

We landed at Don Muang airport on the capital’s north flank at 8am. The airport isn’t as charming as it was as an international hub a decade ago. The overcast sky outside complemented the dull, concrete jungle on either side of the “express way”. According to our taxi driver many parts of the capital had just been hit with a new stream of floods... everything was just as I remembered – chaotic order. Some 40 minutes and B250 later, we had arrived to our destination on Witayu Rd. Deed done, we jumped on an air-conditioned yellow bus. Talk about memory lane! I spent my 20s traversing this city – by bus, boat, car, taxi, motorbike, subway, skytrain and foot – and it felt kind of good to be back in the mix, even if it was only for a few hours. For the three of us the bus fare was less than B50, slightly cheaper than a taxi and worth the ride for my 9-year-old. We debarked at Pratunam market, opting on some noodles for lunch. Daylight burning, we jumped in a taxi back to Don Muang to pick up our car. On such short notice, I was content to book a new

car at B3,600 for three days.

The rental was neat and clean, a brand new Nissan Teana with a lot of auto sensors and features, most noteably the keyless auto ignition, which would automatically shut off in traffic and restart as soon as any gas or steering wheel action was detected.

We drove north through Rangsit and Pathum Thani, passing by Bangkok and Thamasat Universities. Concrete was gradually replaced by yellow and green rice fields; industrial park communities could still be spotted all along the route through Ayuthaya, but they all faded as we entered Ang Thong, where we took the off-ramp, east and north bound toward Lopburi.

Here the countryside is ever peaceful, a lush, flat expanse stretching endlessly to the mountains on the eastern horizon. Depending on the season, farmers grow rice, sunflower, and now increasingly (unfortunately) corn and soya. Parts did seem a little drier than I remember though, which would make sense considering the drought conditions affecting most of the country for the past few years.

Finally, three hours out of Bangkok, we made it to Lopburi, a bustling modern Thai city dotted with ancient Dvaravati and Khmer temple ruins, and a whole lot of unruly monkeys, who occupy much of the Old Town sector – Yaan Muang Gao. The ancient town of Lopburi was called Lavo, or Lavapura, and every time I come here, I feel the presence of fallen Khmer speaking warriors and elegantly adjourned Davaravti princesses from a millennia ago...

My aunt booked us a room at the Lopburi Inn, which is a great place for photo opps with monkeys – the huge, cute concrete kind that don’t steel your wallet or bite! The real monkeys in Lopburi are hungry, stingy and pretty mean compared to their cousins in Phuket or Phetchaburi, so my wife

and son were content to observe them from the car.

We spent much of the next day exploring the ruins of the late King Narai the Great’s palace – Somdet Phra Narai National Museum.

If history is your thing, I highly recommend this palace and museum, even though the foreigner admission price is B150, five times that for locals. Having scaled the 17th and 18th century ruins of the open air palace, we continued to the air-conditioned museum. My cousin, wife and son zoomed through the exhibits, leaving me behind as I read as much as I could, absorbing the wealth of history and knowledge.

What caught my eye this time around were the exhibits of ancient jewellery made from giant seashells, which I thought peculiar considering how far away the ocean actually is, at least 200km. And then I learned that in recent history – as little as 800 to 6,000 years ago, Lopburi had its own oceanfront! One exhibit explained how not too long ago the Gulf of Thailand stretched much further north than it does today, and the Bangkok and vicinity were completely under water.

And now experts warn that the Thai capital is rapidly sinking, a phenomena coinciding with rising sea levels. Perhaps I should invest in some prime, future oceanfront property in Lopburi.

Stay tuned for the rest of the journey to be published in a fortnight.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TRAVEL 19

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Off the beaten track in Laos Hansruedi Frutiger editor@classactmedia.co.th

Just a 40 minute ride from Lauang Prabang, there is a little paradise.

@thephuketnews

L

ast week we followed Hans on his journey through Luang Prabang in Laos, read on to find out what he did next.

TAK BAT - The Monks call to Alms If you’re interested in seeing this, then ensure you’re up by 6am. Saffron clad monks of all ages, parade barefoot through the streets while tourists and locals place tiny balls of sticky rice and other items in their bowls. I know it happens all over in Laos and Thailand but not with so many monks. Maintain the silence and keep photographing from a distance. I recommend arriving by a bicycle, and make sure you don’t chatter! A must see when in Luang Prabang.

Tat Kuang Si, Waterfalls Just a 40 minute ride from Luang Prabang, there is a little paradise. A tuk tuk from Luang Prabang charges around Kip 200,000 (aprox B830). I paid for a private air conditioned van, which costed around USD 35 (aprox B1180).

Upon entering the park, one of the first attractions is the black bear rescue centre. The residences here have been confiscated from poachers and are kept in a large-fenced, well-kept cage. The waterfalls are stunning, especially during the dry season. A 10-minute walk brings you to the first of several cascades. No bikinis are permitted in the Azure blue pools. The best view is from a footbridge, which you can climb up to the top – but be aware it is slippery.

By the way, ensure to check if you need a visa before entering Laos. Being Swiss, I didn’t need to buy a visa on entrance.

Money: The Lao Kip can only be used in Laos. 1 THB= Kit 240.37. Money changers are readily available as are ATM machines. Tip: Ensure you bring along any medicines with you if your immune system can sometimes lag.

Laos cuisines are not really celebrated or recognised outside the country, like how Thai food is recognised all around the world, but be that as it may, there are still some superb offerings available for everyone’s taste.

I visited the Amantika Hotel, a former hospital located in the midst of the city with 21 suites and 120 employees. It wasn’t exactly a cheap deal either. I also noticed in most

of the hotels that televisions are only available on request.

I had dinner at the Rest l’ephante, which is a lovely restored colonial house in the heart of the city. Not the cheapest treat, but a good ambiance and great food and wine. They also have a coffee house in town called Le café ban vat sane, or try the Coconut Garden Restaurant, which is another great choice.

I went with Jacques Mury – GM of Satri House, the hotel I stayed at the day I first arrived – to see the old / newly renovated Sofitel, formerly called Hotel del Le Paix or in the old days the prison of Luang Prabang.

Don’t forget to change any left over

Kip before leaving Laos, as the currency is not traded abroad.

Many visitors from China, South Korea and Thailand can be seen in all of the tourist areas. Many backpackers from Europe and the States enjoy eating at the road side stalls and can be found occupying many of the less expensive accommodation.

For short stay visitors, Luang Prabang is impressive, particularly due to its World Heritage status. It’s not just a place of temples and monks. Beyond the city, one can also find ventures in elephant camps, mountain bikes, trails and more.

Have fun and a relaxing time.

20 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Thai superstar rocks the house at Krabi music fest

G

uests, walk-in party-goers and the media from Bangkok and Phuket recently enjoyed the fabulous Krabi Music Festival with a mini concert

by J Jetrin Wattanasin at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.

The concert was held as part of the annual Fête de la Musique, a global music event launched in 1982 by the French Ministry of Culture and now held on June 21

in more than 700 cities in 100 countries.

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort was delighted to be part of such an inspiring musical event. At the luxurious resort, J Jetrin Wattanasin gave a dazzling performance to a packed audience of music lovers. The fantastic night also included music from three popular DJs, YUI, Miss D, and Octo, all spinning top tracks to keep the crowd dancing into the early hours at the white-themed party.

Bangkok enthralled at ultra concert

T

he world’s most renowned EDM event was all that it promised to be and more in its second year in Thailand, as Samsung brought back the EDM phenomenon “Samsung GALAXY Road To Ultra Thailand 2015”on June 12 June, at BitecBangna in Bangkok.

With special supporters such as Singha Corporation, Bacardi (Thailand) and Toyota Yaris, the concert was attended by EDM fans such as Son ‘Yuke’ Songpaisan, and celebrities such as Charkrit Jatuporwatanaphon, Ployvarin Songpakorn, Kearika Chotivichit, Parva Nakasai, and Jongbae Park, at ONYX, RCA.

DJ Miriam Nervo & Olivia Nervo T he world- class D J lineup included Alesso, Knife Party, Adventure

Club, Galantis, Ner vo, Laidback Luke, Quintino, Oatawa&Kolor One, Skinny Mark VS Zuper L. Contango, AG Production, and Retox Sessions.

The co-organisers of the event, had increased capacity from 10,000 seats last year to 20,000 seats this year. Moreover, EDM fans aged 18 years old could enjoy the music for the first time in the nonalcohol zone!

For news and information, visit roadtoultra.com/thailand and facebook.com/ Ultrathailand thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT 21

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Boy or girl?

Nobody knows AMIGOVIA

Whitney Mitha whitneymitha@yahoo.com

This seems to be only a natural reaction or development to their pop culture history/ upbringing in the 1990s.

H

igh profile, British actress and model, Cara DeLevingne has confirmed she in fact has a girlfriend. As she often blurs gender lines in her expressions and clothing choices, I find it not surprising and also quite interesting how young starlets are so androgynous and edgy. She and Miley Cyrus are at the forefront of what they are calling “fluid sexuality”.

This seems to be only a natural reaction or development to their pop culture history/upbringing in the 1990s. I am all for this new self expression and love the style. To see more of what I am talking about look up Zoe Kravitz, FKA Twigs, even Alexa Chung to an extent.

Madonna is still at it. She has a new star studded video for new single titled “Bitch I am Madonna.” The video has cameos from comedian Chris Rock, Rita Ora, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, and even Kanye West. Honestly I have not heard the song yet but the title is a bit too reminiscent of Britney Spears’ “Work Bitch” and seems kind of desperate for attention with having so much star power in one video.

British actress Carey Mulligan and musician husband Marcus Mumford of Mumford and Sons are expecting their first child together! Congratulations to this darling young couple.

Whitney is an American living in Phuket, writing about the latest gossip and trends in pop culture. Read more from Whitney onWordpress and Facebook (search: “amigovia”) and follow her on Instagram @Amigovia.

HeadStart gets ready for Prom!

H

eadStart will be hosting its annual Prom for Secondary students on the Friday, June 16 between 6-11pm at the Dara Hotel in Phuket Town.

@thephuketnews

Students will dress to impress and enjoy a great variety of games and activities to enjoy each other’s company before they go on their holidays.

Outta the Box presents

T

he Theatrix Group improv comedy show “Outta the box Presents” opened the curtain for its first ever show last Saturday June 20 at the Book Cafe in Rawai and it was amazing.

The insanely creative show offered a fantastic evening of unexpected fun where suggestions from audience were used to create a whirlwind of characters, scenes and scenarios for the actors to perform on the spot.

You don’t have to be a performing art lover to enjoy this witty improv, and the fun takes place twice a week.

Don’t miss it! Come see the show at one of our two locations weekly.

Mondays – from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Skipper’s Bar in the Royal Phuket Marina Thursdays – also from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Book Café in Rawai

22 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KARON SEA SANDS Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa celebrated its 12th anniversary with partners and friends from all over Phuket. Guests enjoyed fine Thai and Indian food, exquisite drinks and lots of fun.

ART OF PAIRING CLASS Conducted by Sanpellegrino team and Giulio Saverino, expert sommelier, the workshop on June 15 focused on Water, Wine and Food Pairing and Service.

(Left to right) Mr. Tony Bates (Managing Director - Global Food Products Co., Ltd.); Mr. Damrong Chotivanich (Bar Captain – Amanpuri); Mr. Anurak Taksin (Food and Beverage Manager – Amanpuri); Mr. Ismael Aytas (Market Development Manager Thailand - Sanpellegrino Asia); Mr. Filippo Cassabgi (Area Manager Asia - Sanpellegrino Asia); Mr. Giulio Saverino (Founder and Director of Wine - Wine n’ About); Ms. Jira Kitiruangsang (Operations Manager - Wine n’ About); Mr. Richard Margo (Hotel Manager - Amari Phuket)

IMPROV COMEDY NIGHT

(Second from right) actress Mieka and young surfers

The Theatrix Group improv comedy show “Outta the box Presents” opened the curtain for its first ever show last Saturday June 20 at the Book Cafe in Rawai and it was amazing!

See page 21 for more pics, details.

Joe, Richard and Nola

A NIGHT OF FINE WINE AND FOOD The International Wine and Food Society (IWFS) Phuket Chapter held its 3rd dinner of on June 18. Wolfgang Meusburger, the Holiday Inn Phuket General Manager and long time Phuket resident planned a wonderful menu with excellent pairings that were enjoyed by all who attended.

Kiranee Baba and Kerati Chai Baba wedding. Photo: Ael Sirima

BABA YAYA PHUKET WEDDING The Phuket News would like to congratulate Phuket bride Kiranee Narabal and groom Kerati Charoenwattanachai who tied the knot in traditional Baba Yaya (Peranakan) style last weekend, with several other couples.

Luca Cini - A Wine Story, Axel Jehangir - Double Tree

by Hilton, and Lukas Gerber - Burasari Resort Patong thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Pied Piper of Phuket performers

Showgirls, Bugsy Malone

SEALED WITH A KIS

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Kajonkiet International School (KIS) Phuket held its End of Year show last Saturday (June 20) at the Simon Star Theatre in Phuket Town, with three fantastic performances, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream by its Key Stage 3 students; Bugsy Malone by its Key Stage 2 students and The Pied Piper of Phuket by its Key Stage 1 students. See you next academic year!

MUSICAL FESTIVITIES Ms Meeporn “Nancy” Oeawpanich, Director of Marketing & Communications and Mr. Christian Schlegel, General Manager of Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort at the recent Krabi Music Festival held at their hotel last weekend. See Entertainment, page 21 for more details.

IRISH CRAIC ON FRIDAY NIGHT (Left) David Brook

All of the competition’s trophy winners

LAGUNA JUNIOR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP A total of 67 children took part in the first Laguna Junior Golf Championship on Sunday (June 21). The girls title went to Thitapa Pakdeesetthakul while the boys title went to Napat Paramacharoenroj. For more photos, information about the event, see sports pages. @thephuketnews

Irish Times Pub in Patong invited friends for a birthday party. The pub is now eight years old and looking forward to even further growth.

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

26 JUNE FRIDAYS WINE & TAPAS

2 Hours of LIVE hip hop With our Guests and the best R&B Music of the moment! // FREE ENTRY from 10PM // AND IF YOU DON’T KNOW, NOW YOU KNOW https://www.facebook. com/illuzionphuket

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.

SAT

27 JUNE

Traditional Muay Thai Training at Sumalee Boxing Gym

Kata Rocks Collective Series: ‘Soaked in Gin Revival’

Join Team Sumalee in Thalang for group Muay Thai training twice a day, six days a week. Whether you want to start your journey to fitness, prepare for a fight, or simply want to try something new, our team can help you achieve your goals. The camp features a fully equipped outdoor Muay Thai gym, air-conditioned fitness studio, 14 luxurious rooms, swimming pool, Ringside restaurant, all on-site. info@sumaleeboxinggym.com, 088-017-3020.

Kata Rocks, the luxury oceanfront resort and residence proudly launches this first in its series of social gatherings, ‘Soaked in Gin Revival’, to elevate Phuket’s spirit appreciation and dining culture. This fashionable event will highlight modern gin trends and the spirit’s rich history. Join us on 27 June from [5pm to 8pm] for an evening of five exceptional tastes, music and a creative menu of Mediterranean inspired tapas for 2,000 baht per person. Call (076) 370-777 for reservations and menu, www.katarocks.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

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

SUN

28 JUNE

Amazing Sunday Brunch

Nikki Beach Phuket’s world famous Amazing Sunday Brunch is simply a must, showcasing the talents of the culinary team by offering guests more than 50 favorites from around the world. Come for a day of nonstop entertainment with international Dj, acrobats, energy dancers and Nikki Beach signature Sunset Sessions Fire Show at 7pm. Brunch buffet is available from 12am till 4pm with celebration until sunset. The price is 1,700 THB for adults and 850 THB net for children, Reservations, eservations. phuket@nikkibeach.com, 076-681-161.

Ultimate Sporting Showdown Cricket versus Rugby Charity Challenge at ACG Cricket Ground, Thalang.The Phuket Cricket Group World XI will challenge the Phuket Vagabonds rugby team to a double-header of cricket and rugby matches on the same day. Fantastic entertainment guaranteed! Ladies rugby challenge also scheduled. Raffles, prizes, food and drink for all the family. Entrance 100 baht for adults, children free. Contact davethomas01@hotmail.com Proudly supported by Live 89.5

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork & Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, Fried mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – Roasted Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes – Gravey, Mushroom sauce, Mint Sauce. Reservation Recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

Sunday Roast at Gallery Cafe by Pinky

Phuket FC vs Police Utd At Surakul Stadium., Starts at 7 pm., Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

Every Sunday. Follow and #pinkygallerycafe on instagram to get 10% off. More info contact Pinky at 089 103 700.

Mussels night @ Shaker 1.2 Kg mussels served with French Fries Your choice, Your style: Nature, mariniere, provencale, garlic & cream or Thai style Reservation recommended 295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar

Bollywood Phuket’s Weekend Special - Lunch Set

Come and enjoy the authentic flavors of India by indulging in our weekend’s special lunch set for only 399+ ThB per person between 11am-3pm. Menu includes 3 starters, 1 Roti/Naan, 1 Rice dish, 1 portion Lentils, 2 Curries, and a Dessert served with Indian tea (of your choice)!

All for just 399+ THB per person For more info please call 076 304 034.

The competition at 9pm Expat Sports Bar at the Expat Hotel Soi Taipan Patong.

See map at www.expathotel.com

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 mouth-watering dishes. For only B499 and special reduced prices on drinks, 076-286464 Ext 4.

Thai Sunday Brunch at DoubleTree Phuket Every Sunday enjoy a wide selection of Thai delicacies during the Thai Sunday Brunch at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket - Surin Beach. Various action stations, extensive salad bar, tropical fresh fruits, plenty of desserts and unlimited soft drinks, coffee and tea for only THB 350 net per person.

Children aged 7-12 at THB 175 net. This includes free access to our swimming facilities! 076 303 300.

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.

CASUAL BBQ SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE POOL BAR AT HYATT REGENCY 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

MON

29 JUNE

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach 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

All you can eat BBQ night 6PM – 11PM: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squids, salad buffet, Choice of potatoes & Sauces, Bread, Buns & garlic bread Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

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MON

29 JUNE

Monthly Pub Quiz 2015 Monthly Pub Quiz by Phuket Has Been Good To Us is back!!! On last Monday of every month from 7pm. till late at Aussie Pub, Kamala. Entry fee 100THB per person (teams of up to 4). Join a special round every month with amazing raffle prizes. And the winners will get a 1000THB bar tab! Entry fee goes directly towards making a difference to underprivileged local children. 10THB from every drink goes to charity. More info. visit phukethasbeengoodtous.org or call 076278146, tina@phukethasbeengoodtous.org

TUE

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

30 JUNE

movie theatre on its poolside terrace how cool is that? On every first Friday of every month 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.

mation visit: http://www.multihullsolutions. com.au/events/multihull-solutions-regattaphuket-2015/

SUN

12 JULY

2015/2016 PGFC Sunday Freshwater Fishing Trips White & Wet Foam Party at Centra Ashlee Patong From 6pm to midnight. White Attire Encouraged. 500THB include 2 drinks. Buy 1 bottle of selected beverages @2500THB net + free entrance tickets, saleschp@ chr.co.th, 081 171 0143

SAT

4 JULY

2015/2016 PGFC Sunday Freshwater Fishing Trips at Exotic Fishing Thailand, Phang Nga. This event is on the second Sunday of every month. You can join us for a great fishing, great fun, and great food with good friends. Contact: Mr. Mike Bailey, Phuket Game Fishing Club, 088 379 9377, www. exoticfishingthailand.com, exoticfishingthailand@gmail.com

EVERYDAY

Description: Refresh your culinary skills and discover an authentic Thai local experience by learning how to cook the local dishes, exploring a unique Fisherman’s market and enjoying lots of delightful recipes and cooking tips along the way. There are 2 packages to choose from, haft-day & full-day, start from THB 2,000/person. Please call or 076 231 999 or h8109@accor.com

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

WED

1 JULY

Canal Village Summer Fair A wide array of family events that we would like to invite you to join. Start with an exciting “Dragon Boat Race” at 3pm while various boutique shops will have their collections on offer at whopping 20-50% discount. Also on offer are Summer Family Packages by Phuket’s leading tour operator, Trio band, a variety of stage entertainment and “Kids Fun Zone”. Food and drinks available. Free entry!, Canal Shopping Village, Laguna Phuket. Contact: Ms. Nantanee Chuaychu, Destination Marketing Department, +6676362300 ext 1417, Fax : 6676324061, nantaneec@lagunaphuket.com

FRI

3 JULY

Friday Night Movie On The Terrace Kata Rocks is setting up a giant outdoor

@thephuketnews

Independence Day(July 4TH) Party@Friendship Beach Resort Celebrate Independence Day(July 4TH)@ Friendship Beach Resort Rawai. Traditional B.B.Q. Buffet Featuring Award Winning Ribs, Salmon Filet, Southern Fried Chicken, Hot Dogs, Thai Dishes, Salads, Desserts and Sides. Welcome Drink Included.

Party and Dance with D.J. BobbyD. Watch the Fireworks from our Waterfront Restuarant and Bar. Adults 790++ Kids (under 12) 350++. For Bookings call 089 728 5304, chef@friendshipbeach.com , Phone : 089 728 5304, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap, Rawai Phuket 83130, Thailand

THU

9 JULY

Early Bird Special @ El Gaucho Brazilian Grill The all-you-can-eat churrasco extravaganza at El Gaucho begins with a sumptuous salad buffet. The treat doesn’t end until you wave the white flag to say ‘‘No more!’’ In between, a squadron of skewer-wielding chefs will dazzle you with a procession of succulent barbecue cuts delivered straight to your plate. With a special offer to early birds, start your dinner between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm, and pay only THB 900++* for the unlimited churrasco grill with salad buffet, Karon Beach Square, Karon Beach, 076 396 139, Saranya.Buntem@moevenpick.com

Adventure Golf Summer Package 299/499 Baht Multihull Solutions Regatta Phuket 2015 2015 is the second year that Multihull Solutions is naming rights and major sponsor of the Multihull Solutions Regatta in Phuket.

This regatta is an Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) event. You too can join this “multihull only” event for three days of exciting racing and serious fun on and off the water.

The fees to enter are modest, the scenery spectacular and the camaraderie is like no other! For registration and more infor-

Thai Cooking Class at Bubbles Restaurant

Day pass, all you can play! One main dish from our menu/kid menu. A drink from our selected drink menu. Cold towel after the game/s. Child 299 Baht (up to 11 years old) Adult 499 Baht. Book now and save 40-50% (by phone or directly on our website). Happy time 17:00-19:00; Brews 50 baht, a glass from our selected beverages and pour-updrinks 99 baht. Our 18-hole course is fully floodlit, for twilight and night golfing. Welcome! Bangtao Beach Road, Soi 2 (Next to Arinara Beach Resort), 076 314 345, 080 147 2468, phuketadventureminigolf.com, mrk@phuketadventureminigolf.com

KATA HOT YOGA FOR EVERYBODY Open every day, 3 classes daily: 9 a.m in the morning, then 5.15 p.m afternoon and 7.15 p.m evening. Men and women all ages, Just come, you will love it. work out and stretch. Tone your muscles, lose fat, get in shape, and feel good.See you in yoga class soon, Address : 217 khoktanod road kata beach phuket 83100, 076 605 950, www.katahotyoga.com

KATA HOT YOGA Now 3 classes daily. 9 A.M then 5.15 PM and 7.15 P.M classes are 90 minutes. Kata Yoga the most popular yoga in Phuket for Men and Women. It is the best work out ever, getting strong and flexible, full of vitality, It will make you very happy, and it shows, you will walk with a big smile on your face, feeling good. Open everyday, right at the beach, Kata Beach, You got to try, warning: very addictive, once you start you keep coming, you never want to stop, 217 khoktanod road kata beach phuket 83100, 076 605 950, www.katahotyoga.com

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across

1. How many teeth should an adult person normally have?

2. What is the capital of the State of California?

3. Who invented the pneumatic tyre?

4. Name the two NASA Mars rovers that are still operational and sending data back to Earth?

5. How many cards are needed to play a game of Canasta?

Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

58. Latitude 59. Paul McCartney, for one 1. Austronesian 60. Shares a set of language circumstances 7. Assist, in a way 64. Make lace 11. Grinder 65. Temper 14. City in northern 66. Bivalve mollusk Syria 67. Spots 15. Actor Green of “Buffy the Vampire 68. Encumbrance Slayer” 69. Three czars 16. Collector’s suffix 17. Will be obedient Down 19. Pkg. deliverer 20. Doesn’t go on 1. Woodcutter 21. Female hare 2. Companionless 22. Rock bottom 3. Darns 24. Court matter 4. Prefers, with “for” 25. The long way 5. Natl. Humor 28. Satisfy Month 29. Compass 6. Noggin 30. Pool problem 7. Crooked 33. ___ de Triomphe 8. Track action 34. French vineyard 9. Numerical suffix 37. Fails to please 10. From there 42. Stain 11. Meccan, e.g.

43. Ground breaker 12. Remove a brooch 44. Painting holder 13. Iraqi port 45. Bass 18. Codger 47. Con 23. Revelation 49. Travels on the response Mississippi, perhaps 25. Caught in the act 53. Latin I 26. Poi source 27. Marine menace 56. “Wellaway!”

28. Bell and Barker 57. Listener

30. Append 31. Actress Myrna 32. “Holy cow!”

33. Sierra Nevada, e.g.

34. Businesses: Abbr.

35. Bewail 36. Website address 38. “___-Team” 39. Fancy dressers 40. Santa’s reindeer, e.g.

41. Sweet potato 45. Datebook abbr.

46. Alaska native 47. Accommodate 48. Drive-in employee 49. Haile Selassie disciple 50. Homeric epic 51. Dashes 52. Ministers 53. Buoy 54. Player 55. Bond hearings 58. “Hey, buddy!”

61. George W., to George 62. Letters on a chit 63. Pupil’s place

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. 32; 2. Sacramento; 3. John Dunlop; 4. Curiosity and Opportunity; 5. 108.

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

■■ June 26, 1963

U.S. President John F. Kennedy gave his “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech, underlining the support of the United States for a democratic West Germany shortly after Soviet-supported East Germany erected the Berlin Wall.

12

The number of letters in the Hawaiian alphabet (a,e,i,o,u,h,k,l,m,n,p,w).

2,000

■■ June 27, 1899

The number of offspring a pair of brown rats can produce in a single year.

AEJ Collins scores 628 runs not out, the highest-ever recorded score in cricket.

70

■■ June 28, 1880

The Australian bushranger Ned Kelly is captured at Glenrowan.

The percentage of children in the US juvenile justice system with mental disabilities or disorders such as dyslexia.

■■ June 29, 2007

Apple Inc. releases its first mobile phone, the iPhone.

17

The number of countries in which Holocaust denial is either implicitly or explicitly a crime.

■ ■ June 30, 1937

The world’s first emergency telephone number, 999, is introduced in London.

$164 trillion

Nearly half of the world’s private wealth, which millionaires are on track to control by 2016.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

■■ July 1, 1979

Sony introduces the Walkman.

■■ July 2, 1976

Goat loving on Monkey Hill in Phuket Town. Photo by J.P. Mestanza Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Fall of the Republic of Vietnam; Communist North Vietnam declares their union to form the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

PROPERTY 27 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/livephuket www.livephuket.com

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C TI AS E NT LU FA VA

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PROPERTY 31

CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

MEDIA

MARINE SERVICES

HOME DECORATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

GUARDIAN SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SECURITY

STORAGE

DIGITAL & ONLINE +66 76 226 464

www.LIME.asia

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

RESTAURANT

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMOVALS

PRODUCTION SERVICE

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34 CLASSIFIEDS

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Jobs

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

Junior Web Programmer (Thai)

Worldwide Dive and Sail

We offer diving safaris across South East Asia and the Pacific and more destinations to come. To support our fast and dynamic expansion, we are recruiting for the following positions: - Reservations consultant - Local Operations Manager for Siren Fleet Please refer to our website for further details about the positions. Interested candidates can send a résumé and a cover letter at:employment@wwdas.com, Contact HR.

Sedna system is the worldwide leader in management & reservation software dedicated in the yachting industry.

Our main office is based in France and we exist since 12 years. Check more info here: www.sednasystem.com We are opening an office in Phuket and we are looking to hire 2 to 4 web developers to start with. Sedna system has over 300 companies under contract license worldwide and we need to enforce our development capacities.

Job keys are the following; Profiles required: Junior & confirmed Web Developers Salary: 22.000 THB to 30.000 THB + Performance bonus, depending on profiles 5 days’ work week Startup ambiance, pool table, Table Football, swimming pool during the breaks Flexible working hours. Office located at Chalong.

Career level: Not important, we match someone efficient, junior/beginners +++ can be accepted. Our leitmotiv is: In the best we trust and never do tomorrow what you can do today!

Requirements Classic ASP (or php)/Vbscript/XML/JSON/Javascript/Jquery/html5/ASP MVC Database: SQL Server Server: IIS / Windows Responsibilities: To be in contact with an international clientele Interested candidates are invited to send their résumé along with their salary requirements to Eric Ahuir @ eric@sednasystem.com, Address : 32/16 Soi Phon Chalong Moo 9, Chaofa Rd East T.Chalong, A.Muang, Phuket, Phuket 83130. Tel: 098 671 84 66.

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’.

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’.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

THAI REPORTER

Qualifications:

The Phuket News is looking for a Thai reporter to join

● Thai or Expat.

the news desk. This is an exciting position that offers

● Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English.

great career prospects for the right candidate

The successful candidate must:

● Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude.

● Be a Thai national

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

● Have a hunger for the news

We offer:

● Be a proficient photographer

● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses.

● Have a willingness to learn

● A friendly work environment.

● Have good English writing skills

● Social security paid by the company.

● Be willing to work to deadlines

● Excellent career progress opportunities.

● Be a strong communicator

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

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, and expected salary with recent photo to send your resume to: http://www.thephuketnews.com/job.php

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

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

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FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

Buy&Sell

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

BOATS & YACHTS Marine Surveyors Andaman Maritime Services (AMS) conduct Pre-purchase, Insurance & Flag State Surveys. Buying a boat?

Boat owner? AMS has the services you need. Anthony , 81/18 Moo. 6, T.Kathu, A.Kathu, Phuket, Thailand 83120 , anthony@ams-sea.com, 081 893 9985, www. ams-sea.com

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! BOUGHT IN SEPT. 2014,14HRS ONLY! SUZUKI 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.

Restaurant & Bar For Rent 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.

CAR FOR SALE Toyota Fortuner Turbo Diesel FORTUNER AUTO Turbo Diesel 105000Km. Metal. Grey One Farang Owner Toyota Service History. Bar Front and Back, Excellent condition Blue Book Rego and insurance to May 2016 Going Oversea, Price : 695,000 THB, Andre Acca, andre.acca@hotmail.fr, 0819794547.

U

n r ge

t sa

le

Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto 57,000kms. One owner since new. Regularly serviced

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

Everest 4WD Quick Sale 10+yrs but mechanically drives and looks great. Manual.

Only B450,000 or offers above 400k considered for fast sale, B450,000 THB, peterh@asianwind.biz, 081- 8926710.

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.

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.

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 086-2806526.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

@thephuketnews

36 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com CAR FOR SALE 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.

CAR FOR RENT long term car rental

have a good car rental, Toyota Vios, Mazda 2 or similar with true full professional insurance and 24/7 support Monthly rates B14000, Soi Sukee 40/19 moo 9 Chao fa east rd 39 chalong muang, ninascars@gmail.com, 089 648 0499.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS 2012 Showroom condition, new from Kawasaki Phuket May 2012, 2,000km, Hepco & Becker Engine Bars & Rear-rack, Kawasaki Handguards and Pyramid Hugger., 220,000 THB, Paul, 084 1 303 234, Plongmore@ hotmail.com

CATERING EQUIPMENT Tommy’s 2 Tuk Tuk’s for sale!

Excellent condition, well maintained. Standard 200,000 / food truck 250,000. Call 081 908 9724 or Tom.somsanuk@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIPS

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

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

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

PROPERTY 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.

Office Space Laguna

Office Space Laguna - Plaza del Mar Fully Furnished offices 4 Office Suite plus boardroom Rent entire unit or individual office 080 045 4474.

Beachfront House

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.

COMMUNITY

4-Bedroom house on semiprivate beach available for sale and rent. Can easily be divided into two separate and identical properties. The rental/ sale can also include a self-contained 1-bedroom bungalow, Price: 18.2 MB, Rent 110,000 THB, Alex Seago, home@ thaivillaboutique.com, 087-8923876

Pool Villa Patong 8.9MB

Beautiful Freehold German built detached home.

3 bed, 3 bath, Euro Kitchen, open plan,+ garage.

Full furn. Close beach & shopping centre, Oscar, ozoskr@hotmail.com, 087-8931753.

RESORT FOR SALE/LEASE

Resort for sale lease any offer consider! I want go sailing again!! bigasail@samart.co.th, +66 (0)86 9401860.

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.

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.

Kata Beach House for Sale

Great Location, Spa,7 Bedroom/ 7 Bathroom, with Canode, 5 Min walk to the Beach, All rooms have Kitchens, Price: 10 MB, Khun Arreerat, nalumana2000@yahoo.com, 081-9704638, 086-5958512.

House in Karon for Sale.

Hard to find 3 bed room , 3 bath room house for sale in the perfect location near Kata & Karon beach, well maintained with a salt water pool, Price : 16,000,000, Narrisara (Tic), 7/8 Patak Soi 10, Karon, g-a-coates@hotmail.com, 0991642991

RESORT FOR SALE/LEASE

Resort for sale lease any offer consider! I want go sailing again!!, Address : 67/18 Soi Sermsuk Rawai Phuket, bigasail@samart.co.th, Contact +66 (0)86 9401860.

PROPERTY FOR RENT 2 Luxury Condo,Fully-Furnished

“The Base Downtown” 35 sqm. near Central Festival 16,000 THB/Month, “Patong Loft” 56 sqm. 5 Min. to Patong beach 25,000 THB/ Month, Price : 16,000- 25,000 THB, Mr. Aoody, aood16@hotmail.com, 099-5169959, 095-9799356 ( English & Thai)

House for rent - Near Pah-klok

Long term, quality furnishings, near Heroines Monument, 3 bed, 2 baths plus office. Good garden. THB35,000 per month. Call 087 878 5804.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

SPORT 37

conquered by Phuket United settle the Ronins lowly Ancient Warriors score with Khon Kaen FOOTBALL

FTPL after Week 14 of 26

FUTSAL Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket United resumed the start of the second half of the Futsal Thailand Premier League (FTPL) 2015 season in good form, settling the score at home with Khon Kaen 6-4 last Saturday (June 20).

The rematch follows a 4-4 draw in Khon Kaen last week.

And for much of the match, it was looking like the two sides would play out to another stale mate with back and forth play seeing plenty of opportunities on both sides of the pitch.

Phuket broke the ice with a signature bicycle kick goal from “Action” Jackson Santos (#5), but Khon Kaen answered with goals from Nopadon Kokpermsup (#13) and Apiwat Jonkoh (#8), to put the visitors ahead 2-1 at half time.

In the opening minute of the second half, new signing Sutiporn Kludcharoen (#19) from Nonthaburi found the equaliser, which was followed

Team

GD

Pts

1

Chonburi

53

40

2

Siam Navy

12

30

3

Bangkok FC

19

27

4

Phuket Utd Thai Port

12

26

11

23

Samut Sakhon

0

23

N. Ratchasima

6

21

Sisaket

0

19

Ayutthaya

-5

19

Khon Kaen

-11

14 14

5 6 7

COFFIN’S NAIL: Thanakorn “Max” Piyaprichayut scored the final goal on Saturday.

Photo: Steven Layne by two fantastic goals by Kittipong Sonswuwan to put the home team up 4-2.

Led by former Phuket Coach, Mor Pak (Northeastern University) Khon Kaen Futsal club didn’t give in that easily though, and answered with two goals from Prapat Pensawat (#20) and Wacharapon Pitak (#21).

But it was Phuket to get the final hoorah, with Sutiporn scoring his double, topped off with a goal by Thanakorn Piyaprichayut (#10). Final score: 6-4 to Phuket.

With 26 points, Phuket are

8 9 10

Samut Prakarn

-19

12

Nonthaburi

-27

10

13

Surat Thani

-17

8

14

CAT FC

-34

5

11

still in 4th place of the FTPL, but trail third placed Bangkok by only one point, and second placed Siam Navy by four.

The Andaman Pearl now hit the road for a Sunday (June 28) match up with 12th placed Nonthaburi, the old team of Phuket’s newest leading scorer, Sutiporn, who is joint 3rd in the race for golden boot with 13 goals.

Surf season’s back SURF SPOT

Tim Campbell info@skylaphuket.com

WELCOME BACK TO SURF season Phuket. The season started slow with only minimal swell but this week every beach has been lit up with consistent waves both on low and high tides. Throw in next to no wind and we have been treated with big, clean and smooth lumps rolling in all day long.

@thephuketnews

Sayan Bureerak catches a wave. Photo: Daren Jenner If you were an onlooker you would ask yourself why are all these people able to be in the water all day, don’t they have jobs to go to. The answer is yes but work comes second to a swell like this for a surfer. When there are

waves like this in Phuket, it’s a matter of drop everything & surf till it hurts.

I write this with red eyes, sunburnt face, tired shoulders and one huge salty smile across my face.

Lets hope the rest of the season follows suit. I’m excited to join you and see what this year’s surf season has in store for us all.

See You In The Water!

Tim Campbell, the director of Skyla’s Surf Camp, call 082 193 282, www.surfsup.asia

Phuket’s second leading scorer, Jackson Santos is in 4th for the race with 12 goals.

The Andaman Pearl’s next home match will be a midweek fixture next Wednesday (July 1) against Si Pathum Si Saket.

Kick off is set for 7pm.

Class Act Media are proud media sponsors of Phuket United.

Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

THE RONINS RESUMED their 2015 campaign last Saturday (June 20), succumbing 1-0 to lowly Ayutthaya.

The match’s only goal came early on, from an Ayutthaya corner kick in the sixth minute.

The Ronins deflected the initial ball, but Ayutthaya defender Sittichai Trisin capitalised on the second ball, heading it in.

Despite a handful of chances from both sides, the 1-0 scoreline remained unchanged through to the final whistle.

As a result, Ayutthaya moved up one from 20th to 19th in the league table, while Phuket dropped from 5th to 9th place.

Even though only 2 points separate the Ronins from 2nd placed Ang Thong, getting three points this Sunday (June 28) against top-of-the-table Police United (33 points) will not be an easy feat for Phuket FC. Kick off for the match at Surakul Stadium is 7pm.

Class Act Media are proud media partners with Phuket FC.

YL1 Week 14/38 Team

GD

Pts

1

Police Utd

18

33

2

Angthong

7

22

3

Airforce

5

22

4

Prachuab

3

22

5

BBCU

3

22

6

Pattaya Utd 14

21

Thai Honda 7

21

7 8

Nakhon Pathom

5

21

9

Phuket

-6

20

10

Sukhothai

4

19

11

Bangkok

-2

18

12

Pichit

-4

18

13

Songkhla

1

17

14

PTT Rayong -1

17

Krabi

-2

17

16

Chiangmai

-6

17

17

Samut Songkhram

-2

15

18

TTM

-9

14

19

Ayuthaya

-14

12

20

Trat FC

-21

10

15

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

votes in its Heading to Brazil PCG new Chairman FOOTBALL

T

wo years after plans were first set in motion for the football academy collaboration between British International School, Phuket (BISP) and Brazilian champions Cruzeiro Esporte Club, seven student-athletes will travel to Brazil to flaunt their skills in front of the country’s top youth coaches.

“It’s a big opportunity to showcase what we’ve got over here to the biggest clubs in Brazil. It doesn’t come everyday,” says 16-year-old Jordan Ollerenshaw, who will travel with six other footballers to Cruzeiro’s Youth Academy headquarters in Belo Horizonte, Brazil for one month at the end of June.

The trip is a milestone for the Phuket-based BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy, as it will mark the first time they have sent representatives to train amongst and compete with Brazil’s best young footballers.

Over four weeks, the BISP students will attend daily training sessions, compete in friendly matches, attend a Cruzeiro match, and rub elbows

The seven students heading to brazil for a once in a lifetime opportunity. with some of the sport’s best up-and-coming players – not to mention have the chance of acquiring a youth contract with the club if they make a great impression.

“It would be a dream come true if some of them sign a contract,” says BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy Head Coach Jonathas Candido. “Is it a realistic dream after just two years of the academy? I say yes, but ultimately it depends on the Cruzeiro youth coaches if they give them the opportunity.

“This is a unique opportunity for the students, because the level is really good and the team selects players from all

around Brazil. We just started the BISP programme recently, but we have good talent here.

My expectations is that our kids will play at the same level as it exists in Cruzeiro,” says Candido.

The seven students are George Yusuff (age 17) and George Green (16) from England, Jordan Ollerenshaw (16) from Malaysia, Gabriel Berg (16) from Brazil, Sachin Samuel (15) from Malaysia, and Rohan Sriram (15) from Australia, and Akom ‘Got’ Khongphatcharask (17) from Thailand.

“The football in Brazil is pretty quick, but we’re going

to do well. Coach Jonathas has helped prepare us with a lot of quality training which helps us improve every time we play,” says Berg, a midfielder.

Before the launch of the BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy, there was very little football at the school, with practice sessions usually limited to just a few times per week, according to the students.

Now, with almost a full year of training together under their belts competing under the BISP Cruzeiro banner, the student footballers say they are more excited than nervous as the date of departure approaches.

“This trip is going to add a lot to their development, both personally and on the pitch.

I hope they come back here different players, because it’s not about the trip – it’s about the level of football. I expect them to come back here more mature. This experience is going to be massive for them,” says Candido.

For more information on the BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy, visit bisphuket.ac.th/ bisp-cruzeiro-football-academy or email Jonathas Candido: jcandido@bisphuket.ac.th

CRICKET

M R A N T HON Y VA N Blerk was voted in as the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) Chairman for the forthcoming year at the PCG Annual General Meeting held at the Alan Cooke Ground on June 9.

Upon the announcemnet of his election victory, Mr Van Blerk applauded all outgoing committee members including his predecessor, Mark Ashman, for their long standing commitment and dedication to the PCG. With regard to the future, Mr Van Blerk indicated that he and the new committee will strive to take Phuket cricket forward, with hopes

that more members will assist in this progression.

Meanwhile, Michael Way addressed the meeting in affirming that Youth Development by the PCG needs greater attention. Mr Way also presented hard copy evidence of previous efforts covered by local media.

In conclusion, Mr Way offered his involvement and advice for the future development of the PCG Youth Section.

Mr Van Blerk gratefully acknowledged Mr Way’s history with PCG Youth Development, and advised that the new committee would direct energies to improving the PCG Youth section.

PCG elected committee members for year 2015/2016 Chairman (Anthony Van Blerk) Secretary (Neil Quail) Treasurer (Anthony Du Pont) Member’s Rep (Ambar Mazumdar) Communications (Dave Thomas)

Reaching the goal! Next year where will you be? Asleep, in bed or at the finish line? “This year I didn’t train for the Laguna Marathon because I was designing the HeadStart Yearbook. This was my second marathon and I was a bit slow but just finishing the race is the goal right? At least I got to say ‘hi’ to one of my fellow runners, Toon, a famous Thai singer! (pictured left),” TJ (Grittapohn Chattreesagoon Graphics/ IT Technician, right in photo).

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

SPORT 39

Juniors tee off to success GOLF

L

ast Sunday (21 June), a total of 67 junior golfers participated in the very first Laguna Phuket Junior Golf Tournament – partnered with British International School, Phuket (BISP).

Competing in an 18-holes individual format, young players from 6 – 18 years old enjoyed the challenge of the magnificent new Laguna Phuket Golf Club.

The exciting golf tournament welcomed many talented junior

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

golfers from around the Phuket region, enjoying a full day of golf course action, followed by the fantastic lunch buffet and prize presentation at Angsana Laguna Phuket.

In an effort to promote junior golf, Laguna Phuket Golf Club awarded individual memberships until the end of 2015 to both Overall Champions. In the Girls section, 17 year old Thitapa Pakdeesetthakul, won the award with a gross 76. In the Boys section, 15 year old BISP student Napat Paramacharoenroj achieved a remarkable level par

Run: #1531: Saturday June 27, 2015, at 4pm Hares: Murkury, Jungle Balls & Manneken Pis Location: Chaofa West - TOT Directions: Coming from the north or the west, make your way to the Honda Garage on Chao Fah West. Drive south for 2.4 km and opposite the TOT offices turn right at the Family Mart toward Villa Zolitude.

Coming from the south past Wat Chalong 1.2 km turn left at the Family Mart toward Villa Zolitude.

Once on the side road, carry on straight up the hill for 2.9 km until you run out of tarmac. Laager is overlooking Bang Wad dam. Park carefully and mind the ditch.

Bus pickup: Kamala (Baan Rim Klong) 2:30pm; Patong (Expat Hotel) 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Motor Bikes

MotoGP

Rugby League Sydney Swans v.

Richmond Golf

NRL

Friday, June 26 832 834, 669

835

22:0001:30 16:3018:30 16:30 20:3023:00

Super XV

Qualifying, Assen, Netherlands Rabbitohs v. Manly Sea Eagles Sharks v. Rebels

PGA Tour, Munich

BMW International , Day 2

Rugby Union

Super XV Semi Final 1

Hurricanes v. Brumbies

Saturday, June 27 834, 669

834, 669

521

814, 521 832 835

14:3016:30 22:0000:00 11:5514:00 16:3018:25 10:3013:30 13:3016:30 16:3019:30 23:3002:30 20:3023:00

Rugby Union

Super XV Semi Final 2

Waratahs v. Highlanders

Rugby League

NRL

Warriors v. Raiders

Rugby League

NRL

Eels v. Dragons

Aussie Rules

AFL

Aussie Rules

AFL

Hawthorn v. Essendon Brisbane Lions v. Adelaide Crows St Kilda v. Western Bulldogs

Aussie Rules

AFL

Motor Bikes

MotoGP. Assen

Main Races

Golf

PGA Tour, Munich

BMW International , Day 3

Rugby League

NRL

Roosters v. Titans

Rugby League

NRL

Tigers v. Panthers

Aussie Rules

AFL

Carlton v. Gold Coast Suns

Sunday, June 28 834, 669

521 813 835

11:0013:00 13:0015:00 12:0015:00 19:0021:00 20:3023:00

Motor Racing

Goodwood

Festival of Speed

Golf

PGA Tour, Munich

BMW International , Day 4

@thephuketnews

gross 71 to win by just one shot.

Director of Golf, Paul Wilson commented, “Laguna Phuket Resort has a rich history in organising first class sporting events, with highlights such as the Laguna Phuket International Marathon and Triathlon. With our newly upgraded golf facility, we are delighted to begin adding golf events to the Laguna Phuket sporting calendar.”

Wilson went on to say, “We are fortunate to have several dedicated junior golf coaches in Phuket, with BISP Head Golf Coach Oliver Bates at

the forefront. Today’s event has been about creating a fun packed environment for our young people to enjoy the game of golf together.”

Neil Richards, Headmaster at BISP also attended the event.

He added, “The tournament was a great success, and in the years to come I fully expect to see it grow and attract the region’s best young golfers.

“Credit must go to Laguna Phuket Golf Club for their professionalism and generosity, and BISP looks forward to a long and A young golfer tees off at the 1st Laguna Junior mutually beneficial relationship.” Golf Championship.

Coming together for good causes PCG and Phuket Vagabonds join hands for fundraiser CRICKET/RUGBY THIS SUNDAY (JUNE 28) an extraordinary sports and social event is being held at the island’s Alan Cooke Ground (ACG).

The Island’s cricket and rugby fraternities will come together in order to compete in a challenge whereby they will compete against each other in both sports on the same day.

I n ot he r word s, t he Phuket Vagabonds rugby team will face the Phuket Cricket Group cricket team in a fast and furious game of 20 over cricket, and then later both will take to the arena to face each other in a rugby match.

Such an event has already gathered a great degree of interest, and they are expecting a large number of spectators on the day of the event. Furthermore, they are very proud to present The Phuket News as the official media sponsor for the event, with coverage leading up to and after the event.

Due to this interest, they have decided to use this opportunity to raise funds for two causes; one local and one international.

The Asia Center Foun-

PCG captain Andrew McMillan (left) with Vagabonds captain Darryn Mathee (right) at the ACG dation (ACF) – a local charity – provides education and care for disadvantaged Thai and Burmese children, and they are hoping to generate monies to assist with daily management of the facility.

The other beneficiary is cricket in Nepal. Subsequent to the recent devastation there, their cricket section has been approached by the sport’s international governing body requesting financial assistance with cr icket re-development projects in the country.

They feel that this drive should be supported by a

safe, sanctioned place for these kids to exercise, socialise, and develop skills that will be useful throughout their lives.

Their event is dedicated to the process of making that happen, but they need your help.

Sport plays a major part in building bridges between countries and communities, while contributing towards the psychological and physical health of their populations. Moreover, this challenge, between two sporting codes that consistently outshine many

other disciplines as pursuits held in high regard for their attention to conduct and fair play, is the ideal premise to involve more of the Phuket community in bringing Thais and expats together to assist others less fortunate. And to enjoy a unique sporting experience!

Many business and community leaders, as well as hundreds of individuals have pledged their financial support for their event and in turn the causes that will benefit.

The local community is clearly excited and keen to see this event succeed.

You can be a part of this enthusiasm by pledging a donation.

They are happy to acknowledge your donation at the event, unless you prefer to remain anonymous.

They would like to thank you for considering this opportunity to support their venture in raising funds.

If you have any queries regarding their organisation, their fund management policy, or the event itself, please feel free to contact davethomas01@ hotmail.com They look forward to you suppor t seeing you at the ACG on Sunday.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2015

thephuketnews