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FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

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The driver brought the vehicle to a stop by ploughing it into the temple wall. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

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runaway tour bus ramming into a temple perimeter wall in Patong on Monday night (Aug 22) has reinvigorated a group of local residents in their push for authorities to take action to prevent buses and large vehicles from crashing into their neighbourhood.

“We have 25 to 30 signatures already. After last night’s accident,

we are heading out to gather more signatures today,” Danish national Per Butler told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Aug 23).

“The driver deserves great credit as only his cool reaction prevented a fatal disaster by driving the bus up against the wall,” said Mr Butler, who has lived in the Baan Mon community at the bottom of Patong Hill for 16 years.

“Those who do not deserve great credit are the politicians that don’t

want to fix this problem,” he added.

More than 30 Chinese tourists, including children, were taken to Patong Hospital after the tour bus they were travelling on sped out of control down Patong Hill and crashed into the perimeter wall at Wat Suwankhiriwong (Wat Patong) just before 8pm on Monday night.

In a video provided to The Phuket News, a motorbike rider narrowly escaped being run over by the bus seconds before the driver brought

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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PAGE 7

Island prepares for return of the Vegetarian Fest

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Hokkien noodles made legend

Residents living at the bottom of Patong Hill have had enough of runaway tour buses and trucks crashing through their neighbourhood, where the children play on the streets.

PATONG RESIDENTS PUSH TO STOP DEADLY RUNAWAY TOUR BUSES, TRUCKS The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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the vehicle to a stop by ploughing it into the temple wall.

Police arrived with Kusoldharm rescue workers to find the blue bus with its side crunched into the wall.

The front of the bus was damaged and broken window glass was strewn across the road.

“Most of them [the tourists] suffered scrapes and bruises, but there’re no serious injuries,” said Maj Patapee Srichai of the Patong Police. “Regardless, all victims were...

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Phuket urged to save electricity as power plant shuts down > page 6

Patong Hill safety hits mark

Residents call to redirect all heavy traffic away from crash site Continued from page 1 ...taken to Patong Hospital,” he added.

Also at the scene were two damaged minivans and a damaged Honda Jazz.

“This road is very steep and the bottom of the hill has a very sharp turn… The bus driver is probably new to this route. He possibly lost control of his vehicle while descending the hill, which meant he could not slow down or maybe the bus’s brakes failed,” Maj Patapee said.

“However, we are still investigating this,” he added.

This latest accident provided the impetus for local residents to rally against the deadly decline, and the sharp curve at the bottom of the hill, and Mr Butler is not alone in the call for authorities to take action – he is just one of many in Baan Mon who are tired of having runaway tour buses wreaking deadly havoc as they continue to crash at the bottom of the hill.

Mr Butler has already presented to Patong Municipality a proposal by local residents for all heavy vehicles to be diverted away from Phisit Koranee Rd, which is where most runaway vehicles end up crashing into houses and

A group of Patong residents are proposing to re-route heavy vehicles away from the area. Images: Napapha Chaiyaprom The residents’ proposal is to have some form of barrier preventing vehicles from entering Phisit Koranee Rd, the usual ‘crash site’ for runaway tour buses and trucks. buildings before stopping.

To highlight the problem, the group has posted a compilation video on YouTube showing a litany of deadly accidents that have plagued the community in just the past handful of years.

The proposal calls for traffic at the Wat Patong end of Phisit Koranee Rd to be made one-way only, exiting onto Phra Baramee Rd, which continues over Patong Hill.

The proposal also calls for some form of barrier to be installed to prevent any vehicles from entering Phisit Koranee Rd after descending the steep hill, either intention-

ally or otherwise.

“The mayor was not available, and the deputy mayor I spoke to almost threw it away immediately,” Mr Butler recalled.

“Another official at the Public Works Division just said, ‘Impossible... Impossible … Impossible ...’,” he added.

However, Mr Butler did note that some of the officials he has spoken with have shown some concern.

“They admitted the corner was dangerous and a few years ago installed the concrete barrier at the bottom of the hill, but that is a danger in itself,” he said.

Drivers behind the wheel of runaway buses and trucks do their best to avoid the barrier, painted red and white, fully aware of the consequences for themselves if they crash headlong into the solid concrete, Mr Butler noted.

“But as the descent falls 2.7 meteres in the last 150m when descending the hill, the vehicles are already travelling too fast to negotiate the 92º corner in front of the temple,” he said.

“That’s why they keep ending up crashing in the small residential street off Phisit Koranee Rd,” Mr Butler explained.

In February, the driver of yet-another runaway tour bus – another victim of brake failure – was killed when the front of the bus was crushed as the juggernaut rammed into a power pole in the small street.

A further 17 Chinese tourists on board that bus were rushed to hospital.

“I give some officials credit for trying to do something.

They did one time install speed reducers on the hill, but that lasted about 10 days and they removed them again,” Mr Butler noted.

“Now everything is back to normal,” he added sourly.

“We have been in contact with the Ombudsman’s Office in Bangkok, which seemed to have inspired the speed reducers. We will present

our idea to the Ombudsman in Phuket when we think we have enough signatures,” Mr Butler explained.

“This is unacceptable. This road is in a residential area.

We have kids playing on the street.” Mr Butler pointed out.

“The road was not built for this kind of traffic. It was never intended for concrete trucks and large tour buses.

Now we have a new bypass road through Patong – the new Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd – which is wide enough and runs the entire length of Patong,” he said.

“All heavy traffic should be directed to go down that road, not come through here,” he added.

Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub.

Bodies found on, near Phi Phi believed to be missing crew THE ROYAL THAI NAVY are hoping to positively identify four bodies found washed ashore or in the sea off Phi Phi Island, Koh Lanta and Nuea Khlong in Krabi last weekend as those of the final four missing crewmen from the fishing boat Bumrungthainawa 1, which capsized in storm conditions off Phuket early last week.

Crew on the local tour boat Hong Fai 29 reported seeing one of the bodies about 10km west of Phi Phi Island at about 9:30am last Sunday (Aug 21), said Capt Pongjak Uraiman, Commanding officer of Naval Air Squadron Third Fleet Area Command.

“Navy rescue boat Tor 993 was sent to recover the body,” Capt Pongjak said.

“Officers on Tor 993 reported there were no wounds on the body. We believe he may

have been one of the crew from the Bumrungthainawa 1,” he said.

The body was handed over to police on Phi Phi Island, Capt Pongjak added.

“We are on our way to recover another body found on Phi Phi today,” he told The Phuket News on Monday (Aug 22).

“Nuea Khlong Hospital in Krabi has informed us that another body was found yesterday (Aug 21) and that the body had been transported to Krabi Hospital,” Capt Pongjak reported later on Monday. Another body was found washed ashore at Koh Lanta on Monday afternoon.

However, Capt Pongjak noted hat positive identification of the bodies had yet to be conducted.

The Bumrungthainawa 1 disappeared in rough weather

Navy rescue officers recovered the body off Phi Phi Island last Sunday (Aug 21). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub about two miles southwest of Phuket at about 8pm on Aug 15 with nine crew, comprising the Thai captain, 58-yearold Prayad Klaewglaharn, and eight Myanmar migrant workers, on board.

Crewmen Aomachu, 26; Jamayu, 30; Mackha, 34, were rescued the next day.

Capt Prayad did not survive.

His body was recovered that same day. A fifth crewman

was rescued later on the Tuesday (Aug 16).

The Navy called off their search for the missing crew after six days of scouring the sea. “We are no longer actively searching for the remaining crew, but we will respond and follow up to all reports of bodies found in the sea or on the shore,” Capt Pongjak said.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Fake cop busted

PHUKET NEWS

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Armed wannabe officer denies extortion The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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olice have f lown in from Bangkok to arrest a man in Patong who impersonated a police officer to get free meals in restaurants and extort cash from small businesses. If the business owners didn’t pay up, he threatened to shut them down.

“I flew down to lead the arrest team as soon as I received the complaint about this,” Pol Col Sipaketh Kruewattanaset, Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Police Crime Suppression Division (CSD) in Bangkok, told The Phuket News on Monday (Aug 22).

CSD officers, working together with Tourist police in Phuket, arrested 24-year-old Chatrin “Stan” Tongteerakul at a home on 50 Pi Rd, on the foothills behind Patong, on August 24.

Chatrin was presented to the press in Bangkok last Saturday (Aug 20).

When police raided the Patong home, they found Chatrin in possession of a .40 calibre

Rescue workers recover the 23-year-old French tourist from rocks near the beach. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub.

Tourist drowns at unpatrolled beach

Chatrin ‘Stam’ Tongteerakul, 24, said he really wanted to be a policeman, but denied extorting money from Patong businesses. Photo: Phuket Tourist Police.

Glock handgun with 76 bullets and a Remington 12-gauge shotgun with four cartridges.

Officers also found a Crime Suppression Police uniform and a fake police identification card recognising Chatrin as a Phuket Provincial Police corporal and presenting him as the head of the Provincial Police investigation division in Phuket.

This was not the first time Chatrin had been caught im-

personating a police officer, Col Sipaketh reported.

“Chatrin had previously been charged with impersonating a police officer in Khon Kaen,” he said.

“He was caught there and charged and punished, but then he went to Phuket about nine months ago and started doing the same thing,” Col Sipaketh added.

Chatrin told the press last Saturday that he had an ac-

Police top brass assure envoys Phuket safe for tourists after Patong bombs ROYAL THAI POLICE DEPuty Commander Gen Wuthi Liptapallop has personally assured 15 consuls in Phuket that the island was safe for tourists after the bombings in Patong on August 12.

Gen Wuthi pledged his assurance at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Police headquarters in Phuket Town on August 19, when many of the consuls aired their grievances about being poorly informed of police action in investigating the bombings.

At the high-powered meeting were Central Investigation Bureau Deputy Commissioner Maj Gen Adis Ngamchitsuksri, Region 8 Police Deputy Commander Maj Gen Chalit Thinthani and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teerapol Thipjaroen.

Also present was Phuket Vice Gover nor Chokdee Amornwat, the superintendents of all police stations across Phuket and a host of other law-enforcement officials.

Maj Gen Teerapol recognised that many people, especially tourists and other visitors, were concerned for their safety after the two @thephuketnews

Royal Thai Police Deputy Commander Gen Wuthi Liptapallop (front, centre) assured 15 consuls in Phuket that the island was safe for tourists after the bombings in Patong. explosions in Patong.

“The Provincial Police has drawn up a four-pronged strategy to improve security here. First, officers will investigate all reports of foreigners becoming victims of crime and ensure that all relevant agencies know of these incidents so better crime-prevention strategies can be developed.

“Second, we will collect as much information about tourists and the areas where they gather in large numbers so we can boost police security in those areas,” Gen Teerapol explained.

“Third, police will use

public relations, including local press and foreign volunteers from each country, to inform tourists of incidents and current issues, and fourth, we will use technology to improve security, such as set up CCTV and creating lists of names of known suspects and suspicious items found.

“All this will help provide maximum security for tourists, both Thai and foreign, and prevent such incidents from happening again,” he said.

“And right now, Phuket is back to normal,” Gen Teerapol said.

Suthicha Sirirat

cident about three years ago ,which prevented him from being accepted as a police cadet.

“I used to help police with using computers and I really want to be a policeman,” Chatrin said.

He also denied extorting cash from businesses.

Col Sipaketh urged people with any related complaints to call the Crime Suppression Division hotline at Tel: 1195 (24 hours).

A 23-YEAR-OLD FRENCH woman drowned at a small beach south of Nai Thon on Saturday (Aug 20). The small beach is one of the few beaches in Phuket where lifeguards are asked not to post patrols.

Lt Thanakan Uchanaratsamee, an inspector at the nearby Sakoo Police Station, was notified at 4:09pm that a woman, later identified as French national Anne Sophie Faisant Torrijos, 23, had drowned at the beach.

“She was swimming with friends when the surf dragged her away about 30 metres away from the beach,” Lt Thanakan said.

“She was caught in the strong waves for about 20 minutes,” he said.

Kusold ha r m rescue workers later recovered Ms Torrijos, unconscious and unresponsive, from the water near rocks beside the beach. Attempts to revive Ms Torrijos were unsuccessful, Lt Thanakan said.

“They tried to revive her, but she did not respond and remained unconscious.

She was rushed to Thalang Hospital, but doctors there pronounced her dead on arrival,” he added.

All five Phuket beaches closed last week due to dangerous waves have been re-opened, but lifeguards urge swimmers to swim only where lifeguards are present and to not swim where red flags are posted.

The Phuket News

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast

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The taxi driver Lerd Sriubol 49, told police the car accelerated into the pylon itself.

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A TAXI DRIVER WHO crashed his vehicle into a roadside pylon while making a U-turn on Thepkrasattri Rd on Monday (Aug 22) told police the accident happened because the car accelerated of its own accord. There were no passengers in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Police arrived at the scene, on Thepkrasattri Rd northbound close to the Ban Muang Mai U-turn, with Kusoldharm rescue workers at about 5pm to find a wrecked yellow-andred Toyota taxi smashed into a pylon with its driver, Lerd Sriubol, 49, standing close by.

Mr Lerd told police that he had come from the direction of Ban Muang Mai and was making a U-turn to go the airport when the car accelerated on its own. This caused him to panic and crash into the pylon.

Police made notes of the incident and took Mr Lerd to the police station for further questioning.

Eakkapop Thongtub

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Hungry Ghost Festival gets moving in town Suthicha Sirirat editor@classactmedia.co.th

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cores of people turned out for the two parades held in Phuket Town last weekend as part of the Por Tor “Hungry Ghost” Festival, which began quietly last Monday (Aug 15).

At the first of the two parades, held last Friday (Aug 19), devotees conducted a ceremony at Queen Sirikit Park to invite the Chinese god Por Tor Gong into a sacred vessel which was then carried to the fresh market on Ranong Rd, in the heart of Phuket Town.

Joining the parade were people dressed in local ThaiChinese garments and children carrying gifts they had created themselves to offer to the gods for appeasement as part of the festival.

“The Por Tor Festival helps to preserve the beautiful cultural traditions of Thai -Chinese local residents and pass on the practice to their younger generations. Event organisers aim to educate tourists both Thais and foreigners about our culture and beliefs and to boost tourism for Phuket Town,” said

Devotees carry a sacred vessel containing the Chinese god Por Tor, the 'King of Hell', during a parade through Phuket Town. The Por Tor festivities will continue until Aug 31.

Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana.

The festival, which is also celebrated as the “Hungry Ghost” festival elsewhere throughout Asia, upholds the age-old practice of Chinese people making merit for their ancestors, as a tradition of gratitude.

The festival commences every year from the waxing moon of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

This year the festival began on August 15 and will conclude on August 31.

It is believed that at this time each year the gates of hell open and ancestral ghosts escape, with the chance to visit their descendants and enjoy a feast.

In Phuket, festival activities are centred around Bang Neow Shrine in Phuket Town, which is dedicated to the god Por Tor, the “King of Hell”. Por Tor is one god not to be trifled with – above the entrance to Seng Tek Bel Shrine, also known as Por Tor Kong Shrine, in Phuket Town are panels depicting

some gruesome punishments handed out by Por Tor to those souls judged to be worthy of such suffering.

Also, those expecting a visit from a hungry ancestor respectfully set up tables full of food, and especially Ang Ku turtle-shaped cakes, in their homes in the hopes of appeasing the gods.

Activities celebrating the Por Tor festival will continue at the Seng Tek Bel Shrine, located next to Baan Bang Neow School in Phuket Town, until August 31.

Pokemon Go barely a curse for Phuket, says online poll PR MANAGER Natchaya (Nat) Sittiprasert 088 765 5881 pr@classactmedia.co.th

J UST OVER HALF OF the respondents to an online poll rated Pokemon Go as a “curse” for Phuket, while nearly a quarter of respondents said they didn’t care if people played Pokemon Go on the island or not.

The worldwide frenzy over the “augmented reality” mobile phone App, where users hunt animated characters with locations set in the real world, landed in Thailand earlier this month, quickly resulting in a flurry of accidents while players were not paying attention to their surroundings.

Top-ranking police have ordered officers to crackdown on people playing the game while driving, while Tourism and Sports Perma-

nent Secretary Phongphanu Sawetrun has announced that his ministry has already engaged in talks with the copyright owner of Pokemon Go in Thailand about adding Thailand’s important tourist sites to the game to attract Gen Y travellers.

To this, The Phuket News asked readers, “Is Pokemon Go a boon or curse for Thailand?”

A total of 51 per cent of all respondents to the poll voted, “Curse, this game will result in more unnecessary accidents and crimes, and people aren’t actually experiencing their surroundings when they play.”

A further 24% voted, “No opinion, I don’t care if people play Pokemon Go or not.”

Only 14% of respondents said that Pokemon Go was a

Pokemon Go is a hit with youngsters around the world. Photo: AFP good thing for Phuket, casting their votes for, “Boon, this game will help promote tourism among locals and foreigners, who will in turn get to explore their surround-

ings more.”

Just 11% of all people who took part in the poll voted, “Both, there are an equal number of benefits and drawbacks of Pokemon Go

for Thailand.”

For the full poll results, visit ThePhuketNews.com and select “Poll” from the “News” menu.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Gem retailers face ire from bus association

PHUKET NEWS

5

Darawan Naknakhon editor@classactmedia.co.th

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our of the island’s gem retailers have come under fire from local bus companies who say the retailers are denying local bus drivers of work by drafting in their own buses to provide transport for the shops’ clients.

Members of the Andaman Tour Bus Association (ATBA) met representatives from the Phuket Tourism and Sport office and four gem retailers on Monday (Aug 22) and submitted a letter stating that because they are using their own buses to transport customers to and from their outlets local drivers are now facing a shortage of work.

ATBA president Chonnawee Ektwensakul said, “Many companies have ordered buses which they use to carry tourists in Phuket. This has caused local tour operators and drivers to lose their jobs during the low season.

“We want local officials to know that drivers belonging to ATBA are facing problems and want them solved fast.

“Small entrepreneurs are causing a price war with operators from other provinces that came to operate in Phuket, and they offer discount prices.

We also have to compete with jewellery shops who provide their own buses for their customers,” he said.

“At present ATBA has

Two staff and the manager at Harem bar in Phuket Town were charged with selling alcohol after permitted hours and providing ‘indecent’ entertainment shows.

Clubs busted for late trading, lurid shows ATBA president Mr Chonnawee Ektwensakul (2nd from left) hands the formal letter of complaint to Ms Walairat Kanthong, a secretary from Royal Gems Co. 500 buses and 130 members. What we want is for the Royal Gems, Gems Gallery Phuket, Wang Thalang and Royal Gems Pavilion to stop bringing buses and drivers from other provinces to serve tourists in Phuket.

“We have already asked for these companies to review their policies, and after submitting our request they say they that do not have such a policy,” he added.

Walairat Kanthong, a secretary from Royal Gems Co, said that she will forward the letter to her superiors, but she also insisted that their company does not have a policy of bringing buses from

Israel Ambassador talks security, tourism in Phuket ISRAELI AMBASSADOR to Thailand Simon Roded held a for mal visit with Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada last week, when several subjects were broached, including assistance with improving Phuket’s wastewater management.

Joining Amb Roded for the visit on August 17 was Yuval Waks, the Israeli Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Political and Public Affairs.

“Israel possesses both experts and technology in water management, and especially in improving wastewatertreatment systems,” Gov Chamroen said.

“We also discussed security issues and that Phuket is part of the Smart City development policy (see page 8),” Gov Chamroen added.

“I told him that security is always our priority, especially @thephuketnews

Amb Roded (left) gave Gov Chamroen a copy of the book ‘Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle’.

Photo: PR Dept for tourists. All departments are working together to keep this place safe, to gain the public’s trust and to maintain a good tourism image,” he said.

Amb Roded also gave Gov Chamroen a copy of the book “Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle”, which details how “smart policies” led Israel to its impressive international economic performance.

The Phuket News

outside of Phuket to serve their customers.

“Most of the time we contact tour agents and have never agreed about bring buses in to serve customers,” she said.

Gems Galler y Phuket Manager Mr Chatchawan Onlaied reiterated Ms Walairat’s statement that his company does not bring outside companies into Phuket.

Monday’s formal protest follows more than 50 people from ATBA gathering at Chai Field, across from Phuket Provincial Hall, on April 19 to urge officials to protect the island’s tour bus industry.

The group called for all factions of the industry to

join the association in order to resolve disputes, specifially to resolve tour companies in Phuket hiring buses and drivers from off-island.

“Local people in Phuket have been working in tour bus businesses for many years Each person in our association owns two to three buses,” Mr Chonnawee said in April.

“The number of tourists has been increasing since Thailand entered AEC (Asean Economic Community), and as a result the island has attracted more independent agencies working with local tour companies and they provide buses and take tourists out of Phuket,” he said.

TWO NIGHT VENUE Managers and two staff were arrested in Phuket Town in the early hours of August 18 after police raided two nightclubs and caught them selling alcohol after hours, with one venue manager charged with providing “indecent” entertainment.

Maj Purimphat Thanaphansiri and Lt Preechaphat Sangnoi of the Phuket City Police led more than 20 officers to raid the Harem night venue on Phang Nga Rd at 1am.

Present for the raid was Dr Prapa Nakara from the Provincial Public Health Office, which is responsible for enforcing alcohol control laws, and Panom Kraiserm from the Excise Department

Phuket office, which issues alcohol and entertainment licenses.

Off icers ar rested 29-year-old Harem manager Sayomphu Sriyotha and two staff – named by police only as “Ms Lin”, 25, and “Ms Tha” 24 (real names withheld by police) – on charges of selling alcohol after permitted hours and providing “indecent” entertainment show.

Next, officials raided the DUZz club on Mae Luang Rd, where they arrested 30-year-old Chaisiri Sekpan for selling alcohol after permitted hours.

All four were taken to Phuket City Police Station to face their charges.

Eakkapop Thongtub

6

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Horror as three girls find father hanged THREE YOUNG GIRLS getting ready to go to school last Friday morning (Aug 19) exited their family home in Srisoonthorn, in central Phuket, to make the horrific discovery of their father hanged from a tree.

Ratsamee Nantaprom, 39, called the police to report that her three daughters had made the horrendous discovery across the road from a seafood restaurant near the family home, on the road behind Wat Tha Reua, at 6:30am.

When police arrived, Ms Ratsamee and her neighbours had already brought down the body of her husband, 43-year old Wirod Jadsang, explained Lt Col Sanit Nookong of the Thalang Police.

Police believe Mr Wirod had died only about two hours earlier.

“There were bruises around his neck, but we found no other injuries,” Lt Col Sanit said.

“The body was taken to Thalang Hospital for doctors to confirm the time and

A screen grab shows the second vehicle careening towards the badly damaged Mazda. Image: YouTube/Got5275 The three daughters found their father, Wirod Jadsang, hanged from a tree near their family home. cause of death,” he added.

“Ms Ratsamee said her husband was a cook at a hotel in Phuket Town. He was quiet and kept things to himself and never mentioned any personal issues he had with her.” Lt Col Sanit explained.

However, the family believes Mr Wirod was suffering depression over an undisclosed issue, he added.

“The family believe this was a case of suicide, and hence we will not be investigating this any further,” he said.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Double whammy spurs warning against speed The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he director of the Phu ket H ig hways Department issued a warning to drivers on the island to strictly adhere to road laws and warnings following two identical road accidents being caught on CCTV and video camera just over an hour apart.

Footage of the accidents, which occurred on the northbound lanes of the notorious Maphrao bends on Thepkrasattri Rd in Mai Khao, went viral

on various websites including YouTube and Facebook after being posted by a Kusoldhram rescue worker based in Thalang.

The recording, which started being taken at around 2:10pm on Monday (Aug 15), first showed the driver of a red Mazda 2 lose control of her vehicle on the first of two Maphrao bends before crashing into an electricity pylon.

Then, just over one hour later, at 3:25pm, and while passers-by and rescue workers were helping the victim of the first accident, a Honda

CRV also lost control on the very same bend, slamming into the back of the already badly damaged Mazda and quickly dispersing the many people who had gathered to help the first victim.

Luckily there were no reports of injuries from either of the accidents. However, Kusoldharm rescue workers had to stay at the scene to warn oncoming motorists to slow down and proceed with caution.

“At the Maphrao bends we have put up a lot of traffic signs to warn drivers about the road. The speed limit is

set for 60 kilometres per hour.

New drivers must follow the traffic laws and pay attention to these traffic signs,” Phuket Highways Office Director Patiwetwuttisak Sukkhee.

“Those who already know this route well often go above the limit and drive through the curves at speeds of up to 80km/h,” Mr Patiwetwuttisak said.

“The two vehicles involved in the accidents on Aug 15 were clearly driving above 80km/h, which caused the drivers to lose control of their vehicles.”

Family on holiday saved from drowning The family were rescued from the rocks at the north end of the beach. Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Service

A FAMILY OF FOUR ON holiday in Phuket were taken to hospital after lifeguards rescued them after they were found struggling in the water

near rocks at Surin Beach on Monday (Aug 22).

“The tourists were rescued at about 7pm after beachgoers saw them struggling in the water,” Vitanya Chuayuan, Deputy Chief of the Phuket Lifeguard Service, told The Phuket News.

The victims – two women, one man and a child – were from Nakhon Ratchasima, Ms Vitanya said.

Of the four, the man, named only as “Mr Ongard” suffered lacerations from being pushed onto the rocks by waves.

“They went for a swim near the rocks after the beach closed and guards were packing their belongings and getting ready to leave the area,” she said.

After being alerted to the family’s plight, lifeguards went into the water and rescued the family, who were then taken to Thalang Hospital, Ms Vitanya explained.

“Last night, two of the victims remained in the hospital, but we were told that they were both discharged from the hospital this morning,” she added.

Chanida Summast thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Ready for brownout

PHUKET NEWS

7

Locals told to save power to prevent outages The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

The Vegetarian Festival will be held on October 1-9 this year.

T

he Energy Ministry is urging Phuket businesses and residents to conserve electricity while the Malaysia-Thailand joint natural gas facility (MTJDA JDA-A 18) power plant in Songkhla is shut down for routine maintenance.

“The JDA-A18 power plant will be shut down for maintenance for 12 days, from August 20-31. During this time the system will lose around 421 cubic metres of natural gas per day,” Dr Twarath Sutabutr, Director of Energy Police and Planning, announced in a statement issued this week.

“We want to confirm that this will not affect the production of electricity in Southern Thailand, even though the power plant has to switch from using natural gas to diesel fuel while the maintenance is carried out,” Dr Twarath said.

“PTT Public Company Limited will supply the natural gas, but we also have NGV gas reserve off-site and ready for delivery at the main gas station. We have amassed our

@thephuketnews

Vegetarian Festival coming up in October

Residents in Phuket have been urged to conserve power during the maintenance. maximum storage of fuel oil before proceeding with the shutdown, which should be enough.

“We have also contacted the Energy Ministry in Malaysia to buy electricity from them in case of emergency,” he added.

Dr Twarath continued, “We have asked every government department, as well as major industrial factories, tourism businesses and residents, to help us save energy during this time and reduce their power usage from 6pm to 9:30pm, which are the peak hours when people use electricity the most.

“To help save energy, several things people can do to help include turning off lights that you don’t need, adjust air conditioning to 26ºC (instead of lower temperatures) or just use fan mode, and people should also unplug all electrical appliances after they have finished using them.”

During the shutdown, the Energy Ministry will monitor the situation closely and report current information to the public via media outlets, Dr Twarath said.

People can also check the daily report of electricity usage

during the shutdown at www. sothailand.com or the EPPO Thailand Facebook page.

“If you have any questions or concerns regarding the electrical distribution issue, call the PEA Call Centre national hotline at 1129 (24 hours),” Dr Twarath said.

The shut down for annual maintenance last year brought no power outages in Phuket.

In 2013, however, was the “worst blackout ever”, as all 14 provinces throughout Southern Thailand suffered complete blackouts as the power grid throughout the South failed.

TH E DATES FOR TH E annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival have been announced, with the world-renowned event this year to be held on October 1-9.

Phuket Vice Governor Prajiad Aksornthammakul announced the dates on August 18, and vowed that security will be a top priority.

V/Gov Prajiad explained “This festival is one of Phuket’s oldest festivals. The festival aims to preserve cultural heritage and pass on traditions down to the next generation,” he said.

“We set up 11 committees headed by the Phuket Governor to organise the festival. The committees will oversee areas such as security, traffic, public health, medical units, fire-cracker control and more to keep things running smoothly during the festival.

“Security will be our top priority and all officials involved in this event have been advised,” V/Gov Prajiad said.

“We will increase security measures, especially on October 2, when we will held a prayer ceremony at Saphan Hin to honour HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej,” he concluded.

The annual festival celebrates the beliefs that abstinence from meat, alcohol, sex and stimulants during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar honours the gods and delivers devotees good health and an elevated state of spirituality.

Among the best-known aspects of the festival are the various ceremonies held to invoke the gods, including firewalking, body piercing and other acts of self-mutilation.

The Phuket News

Opinion 8

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

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

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EDITORIAL

The docile dangers of a Smart City

T

he stated vision of the Phuket Smart City 2020 agenda is to develop our little paradise to be “The tourism island of sustainable growth by enhancing creative economy to provide happiness for all”.

Stakeholders charged with achieving such a broad order look to invest millions of the citizenry’s taxes in high-speed Internet, enhanced surveillance and a multitude of other digital upgrades that aim to streamline dealings in business, government and even the environment.

Charmed by the sweet lure of brand-new MacBook Pros, bureaucrats are diving in head first. After all, what says “Smart” like a brand-new Apple?

When Nick Bilton of The New York Times in 2010 asked iconic founder of Apple Inc Steve Jobs if his kids loved playing on the iPad, the reporter

was dumbfounded by the late visionary’s reply that he hadn’t even allowed his kids to try out the revolutionary device, which had just been launched at the time. The IT prodigy explained that he chose to restrict how much technology his kids use at home, citing various “dangers”, including harmful content, cyber bullying and above all, addiction.

Another digression researchers have begun to study in respect to IT trends is cognitive offloading, and the inverse relationship between an increasing dependency on the Internet and diminishing brain function.

It all begs the question whether we – opinion leaders, educators, parents and society as a whole – should be exercising more caution in moving forward.

The Phuket News is not entertaining any kind of notion of needing to revert back to the

stone age. However, a good look at how IT is currently being used – or misused – en masse should be cause for concern and central to the dialogue.

Likened to Eden’s proverbial apple, the IT revolution promises the world; if used appropriately, the powerful “smart” devices, apps and programs represent a gateway to an infinite universe, a bountiful interconnected world of awe, know-how and knowledge; but let unleashed without proper oversight, the potency of technology may also facilitate a certain hell on earth.

While there is little doubt that the end game of Phuket 2020 sees a smarter city, the progression of intelligence among the citizenry itself remains questionable, and thus should be addressed intimately and openly in our lobbies, offices, classrooms and homes.

But please, don’t bring your smartphone to the conversation.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Phuket Town clubs busted for late trading, lurid shows Cambodia to offer threeyear visas from next month Bali in firing line as Indonesia considers nationwide alcohol ban French woman drowns at unprotected Phuket beach Officials demolish illegal resorts Daughters make horrific discovery, find father, Phuket Town cook, hanged from tree Scheduled blackout plunges Phuket Airport into darkness Police top brass assure envoys Phuket safe for tourists after Patong bombs S l o w d o w n! D o u b l e whammy spurs Phuket speed warning New Phuket airport terminal set for September opening

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Patong Hill driving crash course

Bad bus business

Re: Patong residents rally against runaway Phuket tour buses Well someone has to do something to try to stop the accidents as the people who could and should do something are doing nothing. Until someone does something then the accidents will continue. It seems that in Phuket that the only people that want to stop the road accidents, speed boat accidents and all the other things that give the island a bad name are the expats. The locals don’t seem to care or want to do anything about it.

Concerned observer

Re: Phuket Opinion: Safety doesn’t celebrate The bombs in Patong were a quick flash in the pan as far as Phuket goes – smaller than the fireworks you get for new year. The terrible drivers on public coaches, buses, taxis and tuk-tuks and for sure the speedboats and untrained drivers and guides are far more of a threat to your life than these bombs. By the afternoon the talk in Patong was of yet another coach crash that left several hurt due to the owner putting profit before maintaining his bus and employing a driver who knows how to drive.

Simon Lomas

The solution is not to build a wall so that the buses and trucks go crash anyway. The solution is to prevent them to ever get onto that road. Easy to implement and cheap solution is to put a height limiter at both feet of the hill just before they can even start climbing that hill, a simple steel beam 2.5 metres above the road will do the trick.

Claude Vedovini

Re: Gem retailers’ turn in firing line from Phuket bus association Arrogance, greed and selfishness are just a few words coming to my mind! It’s a free market guys! Guests and businesses don’t want those unsafe, old and smelly transportation using often arrogant, unskilled and dangerous drivers and that’s why businesses invest in their own transportation. Just

look at the accident statistics of those vehicles…

Klaus Rauter Maybe they [the gems dealers] want their customers to arrive uninjured…

KCPhuket Re: Chinese Phuket tourists safe after runaway tour bus slams Patong temple wall Well, the good news is that no tourists were killed, and that at least two minivans were taken out. I guess we’ll need to wait a couple days for the next one of these clap-trap buses and their drivers to provide us with the next contribution to the weekly carnage.

Ed Sanders As I have commented before, modern buses’ brakes do not fail. What fails is the brain of the driver. One sees these tour buses and mini-buses being driven by lunatics every day.

They seem to think they are in race whereas their job is to safely transport their guests from A to B. Until these guys receive jail sentences and lengthy driving bans with

very large fines for the tour company this carnage will continue.

Andy

Common sense takes a holiday

Re: French woman drowns at unprotected Phuket beach Tourists seem to leave common sense behind when they pack their suitcases – it’s the most dangerous time of the year to swim in the sea off Phuket… And how many foreign imbeciles have you seen with their wives and young children packed on a Honda Dream with no crash helmets.

Ron Disbury I was at Nai Harn Beach yesterday evening. Just after the sun disappeared behind the hill, the lifeguards took their flags away and spent a few minutes blowing whistles and calling everyone back to the beach. Many people just ignored them with some people even going into the water after this. The lifeguards eventually gave up and left…

Shaun Fitzgerald

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

THAILAND NEWS

9

Body-under-bed murder

Teenagers charged after transgender’s body found in hotel room PATTAYA

T

wo teenage boys, one 17 and the other 14, were arrested last Sunday (Aug 21) on charges of murdering a transgender woman in a Pattaya hotel and stuffing the body inside a bed frame.

Police apprehended the teens, both from Nakhon Ratchasima, at a bus terminal in Muang Chonburi district around midday and took them for questioning at Muang Pattaya police station.

The body of Amphon Kongsong was found in a room of a five-storey hotel

on Soi Buakhao in tambon Nong Phrue of Bang Lamung district on Saturday morning (Aug 20). The hotel alerted police after a maid noticed blood oozing out from underneath the bed accompanied by a foul stench.

Police officers lifted up the mattress and found Amphon’s body under neath.

Two guests had left the room earlier that morning but apparently were unaware that there was a dead body under their bed.

Col Apichai Kropphet, the Muang Pattaya police chief, said the two boys were questioned by investigators

and admitted to murdering the transgender women.

He alleged the 17-year-old admitted to killing Amphon with the help of the 14-yearold after she asked to have sex with him.

The older teen got to know Amphon through recent Facebook conversations. After their friendship grew, Amphon, who worked at a beer bar in Pattaya, persuaded him to find a job in Pattaya. The teenager, who was looking for work, asked his younger friend to accompany him.

Amphon checked into the hotel room on behalf of the teens on Aug 16. She then

Pattani double tap bombs kills one PATTANI A PAIR OF BOMBS SET off near each other killed a woman and wounded 29 people late on Tuesday night (Aug 23) in the main town of Pattani in the deep South.

Thai-langauge media reports from Pattani said the bombs were detonated 20 minutes apart.

This so-called double tap is an increasingly common tactic by southern insurgents, with the aim of causing maximum casualties with the second bomb among those who respond to the first.

The bloody tactic worked on Tuesday.

Thai media reported that the first blast at 10:40pm near a pub and karaoke caused no casualties. Then, a second blast caused by a huge bomb in a parked pickup truck exploded at 11pm, and wounded 29 security officers and bystanders, 17 of whom were rushed to hospital.

@thephuketnews

Image of the bomb scene as tweeted by Thai News Agency via its account @TNAMCOT. One of the victims died of her wounds overnight.

Authorities identified her as Oraphan Sriuenhat, 35, caught in the second blast from the vehicle bomb. She was working at a food shop in front of the targeted hotel when the second bomb went off.

Both bombs went off and burst into flames in a parking lot behind the pub.

The car bomb shattered windows in a wide circle in the heavily populated area.

Shops, homes and the 100room, eight-story Southern Hotel all suffered damage.

“More than 10” cars and motorcycles parked in the area were also damaged by the blast, authorities told Thai reporters on the scene.

It was unclear whether the bombs were set off by timers or electrical signal.

The Thai News Agency tweeted information and a link.

Bangkok Post

Two boys are questioned by police after being arrested on charges of murdering a transgender woman and hiding the body under the mattress. Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong. spent the first few nights with them and bought them food.

The older boy claimed he thought Amphon sincerely wanted to help without wanting anything from him. That was until she asked if she could have sex with him last Thursday night (Aug 18).

The 17-year-old rejected Amphon’s advances. He said the rejection angered the transgender woman and they had an argument that escalated into a physical fight.

He then strangled her with his hands in a fit of rage while the 14-year-old held Amphon’s legs. The two hid the body under the mattress and fled the hotel.

Last Friday evening (Aug 19), a couple checked into the room and asked the hotel staff to get rid of a bad odour before spending the night there.

Col Apichai said police tracked the suspects from the hotel’s CCTV footage and Amphon’s personal details

during the check-in process.

He said they were still in the Chonburi area because they had no idea where they could go to hide.

The teens had a record of assault-related cases which were still before the court.

Police have initially charged them with premeditated murder and body concealment.

Robbery or theft would be considered if there is evidence, he added.

Bangkok Post

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Police clear ‘Ying Kai’ accused of charges BANGKOK

Traffic police have been instructed to watch specifically for people playing ‘Pokémon Go’ while driving.

Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul.

Pokémon ‘No Go’ purge nabs 12 POLICE HAVE CAUGHT 12 people hunting animated creatures in the popular Pokémon Go game while driving on main roads in Bangkok.

They were nabbed at the start of a police campaign to prevent accidents caused by careless drivers playing the game, acting city police chief Sanit Mahathavorn said on Monday (Aug 22).

Eight of the 12 people stopped for allegedly violating the Land Transport Act which bans the use of a mobile phone while driving were caught on Sukhumvit Rd. Two others were stopped on Rama IV Rd and the other two on Ramkhamhaeng Rd,

Pol Lt Gen Sanit added.

Each driver was fined up to B1,000, he said.

City police launched the “Pokémon Traffic No Go” campaign, which also limits the areas where players can catch the game’s animated creatures, last Sunday (Aug 21).

The move comes after police noticed a rise in the number of road accidents following the game’s release.

A team of 50 officers equipped with mobile phone cameras patrols the city’s main roads looking to catch players violating the driving regulation.

Bangkok Post

P

olice have found a 19-year-old female university student and her mother did not commit theft as accused by alleged con woman Monta “Ying Kai” Yokrattanakan last year.

Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) acting commissioner Sanit Mahathavorn said on Monday (Aug 22) that Pracha Chuen police have reversed themselves and concluded that Praphawan Jaikla, a student at Kasetsart University’s campus in Sakon Nakhon, and her mother, Praphaporn Thongfueng, did not commit theft as claimed

by Ms Monta.

The decision came after Ms Monta was unable to account for assets which she claims were worth several million baht, and which she told police had been stolen

by Ms Praphawan and Ms Praphaporn, who are both Ms Monta’s former housekeepers.

Their cases were sent to prosecutors who recommended indictment.

The duo took the complaint to higher police authorities and have been completely cleared by them of any crime. Photo: Apichit Jinakul.

However, the cases were re-investigated after Ms Monta was suspected to have filed false charges against two women.

The prosecutors ordered police to compile more evidence following a petition by Ms Praphawan and her family seeking justice.

On June 21, Ms Praphawan and her parents submitted the petition with CSD deputy chief

Chakrit Sawasdee.

Ms Praphawan said Ms Monta had filed a false complaint with Pracha Chuen police, accusing her and her mother of stealing valuables worth more than B10 million while they worked at the woman’s home at the National Housing Authority’s Pracha Niwet Building 1 in Chatuchak district on March 18 last year.

Meanwhile, Pracha Chuen

police chief Col Samart Promchart said on Monday that police also have wrapped up nine other cases involving complaints which Ms Monta had made against other former employees and forwarded them to prosecutors. Ms Monta, who is being held in a remand jail, was charged with lodging false complaints, human trafficking, defamation and lèse-majesté.

Bangkok Post

Manhunt for ATM robbers kicks off BANGKOK A MANHUNT IS UNDER way with police investigators suspecting the theft of more than B12 million from the state-run Government Savings Bank (GSB) is the work of Eastern European criminals and may be linked to the multiple attacks on ATMs of a major domestic bank in Taiwan in July.

After covering up the thefts for two weeks, GSB on Tuesday (Aug 23) shut down half of its ATMs after discovering some were infected with malware that forced them to dispense millions of baht in cash in what is the country’s first recorded case of its kind.

Assuring the thefts, which took place during Aug 1-8, have not affected customer accounts, GSB president Chartchai Payuhanaveechai said the gang targeted 21 ATMs in at least six provinces and made off with B12 million.

T he six provinces are Phuket, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi and Bangkok.

He said the bank has reviewed security camera foot-

An employees shuts down the network and posts paper 'out-of-service' notices after cyber-thieves got ATMs to spew B12 million in cash. Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul. age and identified potential suspects as foreign nationals who infected the ATMs with malware that forced the machines to dispense banknotes.

“Their method involves st eal i ng f rom t he ba n k ATMs, not from customers’ accounts,” he said.

According to Mr Chartchai, the gang singled out ATMs manufactured by ATM giant manufacturer, NCR, for the attacks. So, the bank shut down about 3,300 “standalone” ATM machines from this maker indefinitely, until it has improved security measures to avoid further damage.

GSB has about 7,000 ATMs nationwide from three manufacturers.

However, another 600

NCR ATM machines in front of its bank branches are still functional, he said, adding that customers can use the ATMs of other commercial banks in the same area without having to pay intra-bank fees during the shutdown.

Mr Chartchai said the bank has asked the ATM maker to develop a software to counter the malware attacks and is negotiating with the firm to pay for the damages.

Pol Gen Panya Mamen, a senior police adviser, said these are the first reported malware attacks on ATMs in Thailand. Similar attacks have been reported in Malaysia and Taiwan where ATMs were cleaned out.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

ASIA NEWS 11

Diminishing kite-makers Dedicated Malaysians who breathed their lives into an ancient craft MALAYSIA

S

hafie Jusoh loves traditional Malaysian kites so much that he can’t get a good night’s rest unless he’s been working on them daily.

“I need to make kites every day, if not I can’t sleep,” the 69-year-old said. He began making them when he was a young boy, skipping classes to entertain his flights of fancy.

“If you don’t do it every day, you will lose the technique,” he added.

Shafie is among a diminishing group of Malaysian master kite-makers who have dedicated their lives to breathing life into the ancient craft.

A colourful giant twometre kite with extended wings greets visitors at the entrance of Shafie’s dark and dusty studio in a sleepy village in Kelantan state.

“I made this kite 30 years ago. You need 25 men to fly it,” the self-taught kite-maker quipped proudly as he showed a faded photo of it soaring in the air.

A wooden table at his stu-

Kitemaker Shafie Jusoh launches a traditional ‘wau bulan’ kite at Pantai Geting Beach, on the outskirts of Tumpat, peninsular Malaysia’s northeastern Kelantan state. Photo: Mohd Rasfan/AFP dio is lined with several awards from government agencies for his efforts promoting Malaysia’s kites, a national symbol, worldwide.

He recalled one particular visit to Paris many years ago, where he had brought over 30 Malaysian kites to an exhibition and all were sold quickly.

“To the foreigners, the kites are just so unique and they love it,” he said.

The early morning rays

stream through a rickety green window, dancing on the thick veins on his arm as he flips and turns his knife, cutting a spiny bamboo stick to perfection.

After thinning out several bamboo sticks, he bends and ties them with strings to form the main kite frame.

Separately, using a small knife, he cuts out intricate floral designs on an assortment of coloured paper. These are painstakingly pasted onto trac-

Traditions endure for Tibetan nomads CHINA UNDER A TWINKLING starlit sky, the glow of an electric light is the only sign that a Tibetan nomad’s way of life has changed in hundreds of years.

But the number of Tibetans maintaining the pastoral lifestyle is dwindling, with the Chinese government pushing to decrease the Tibetan nomad population and move them into resettlement villages.

Chinese authorities say urbanisation in Tibetan areas will increase industrialisation and economic development, offering former nomads higher living standards and better protecting the environment.

Since 2000, statistics show that urban residents have leaped by more than half in the Tibet region itself, where officials launched a programme five years ago to establish Communist cadre teams in every locality.

In Qinghai province the urbanisation rate has increased from 40 per cent to nearly 50% in the past decade, but one Tibetan member of a Communist party committee in the area said that the process was happening “too fast”.

While some pastoralists @thephuketnews

A Tibetan herder ties up a yak. Photo: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP maintain their traditional way of living, the new urban settlements are increasingly taking up land once used for livestock.

“Because of the villages we can’t get enough grassland for our yaks,” said Jargaringqin, a 31-year-old herder who lives in the mountains of Qinghai, in northwestern China.

He spends the winter in a house while the summer

is spent roaming across the grasslands staying in tents.

Yaks give the family milk, butter and cheese and occasionally meat.

Environmental experts say grazing is essential to maintaining the ecology of the grasslands, and with fewer nomadic families more invasive plants are taking hold.

AFP

ing paper which is then glued to the main bamboo frame.

The kite is then left indoors for a day to let the glue dry.

A ribbon is attached tightly to two ends of the kites and this produces a loud “swoosh” sound when the kite makes sharp turns in the sky.

The entire process can take between two weeks to three months depending on the size and the intricate nature of the kite.

“You need both the passion and the patience to make kites,” Shafie explained.

There are several kinds of Malaysian kites, with various shapes based on stingrays, cats and peacocks. There is also a kite called “wau jala budi” where its curvy shape, some believe, is inspired by the outline of a woman’s body.

But the “wau bulan” or moon kite with its lower tip resembling a crescent, an Islamic symbol, is the most popular in Kelantan.

It takes around a week or two to produce a small moon kite and it is sold for around 400 to 500 ringgit (B3,466 to B4,333), said Shafie. Some moon kites though can be as high as three metres. The bigger models can cost as much as 9,000 ringgit (B77,992).

Many of Shafie’s customers are keen kite flyers but some also purchase his designs as decorative pieces for their homes.

As he has built up such a reputation for his artistic pieces, his studio is also a popular pit-stop for international tour groups from Europe and North

America visiting Kelantan.

He enlists his wife Wan Enbong Wan Deraman to help when there are large orders.

The state’s annual kite festival causes a surge in demand, with many local students buying his pieces.

“My students like these traditional kites because of the historical knowledge and art involved,” one teacher said.

While the people of Kelantan, known for its crafts, still love such Malaysian kites, interest is waning.

There are fears the ancient skills, passed from one generation to the next, will die out.

“It takes many, many years to master the craft and the situation is that there are very few craftsmen who still have the traditional knowledge,” said Pauline Fan, creative director of Pusaka, an organisation that works to document and protect traditional Malay arts.

She warned: “It’s intricate and hard and most young people don’t have the patience to do it… once the masters and the knowledge are gone, it will be difficult to get it back.”

AFP

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Living in a pimped out cell Bomb discovery leads authorities to drug lord’s luxury lifestyle BRAZIL

P

araguayan authorities got a surprise when they raided a Brazilian drug lord’s jail cell... and found a three-room luxury suite complete with library, kitchen, conference room and plasma TV. Jarvis Chimenes Pavao, considered one of South America’s most dangerous drug traffickers, had been serving an eight-year sentence for money laundering at the Tacumbu prison in the Paraguayan capital, Asuncion.

But little did anyone on the outside know what kind of lifestyle that really meant – until a powerful bomb was discovered inside the prison.

Chimenes Pavao, who was due for release next year but facing extradition back to Brazil on drug charges, had allegedly planned to use the plastic explosives to blow a hole in the prison walls and escape.

But his plan backfired when police poured into the prison to investigate and discovered his pimped out cell.

Jarvis Chimenes Pavao’s lawyer says the corruption that enabled her client to turn his prison cell into a luxury suite reached all the way to the top. Photo: Norberto Duarte/AFP The “VIP cell,” as it was known to prisoners, had three rooms with en suite bathroom, a kitchen and conference room, air conditioning, stylishly tiled walls, plush furniture and a library complete with a DVD collection to watch on the bigscreen plasma TV, reporters saw during a visit.

The DVDs included the full collection of “Pablo Escobar,”

a TV series on the feared Colombian kingpin who was killed in 1993, a hero of Chimenes Pavao’s.

The raid, which took place one night at the end of last month, has already shaken up the Paraguayan penal system.

Chimenes Pavao’s lawyer, Laura Acasuso, told reporters the corruption that enabled her client to turn his cell into

a luxury suite reached all the way to the top.

“Six or seven justice ministers and six or seven prison directors” took bribes from Chimenes Pavao, she said.

Justice Minister Carla Bacigalupo was sacked almost as soon as the scandal broke. Her replacement, Ever Martinez, vowed a crackdown.

“We’re going to demolish

Chimenes Pavao’s cell and take measures against the prison directors who allowed this inmate to enjoy these privileges,” he said.

Chimenes Pavao has now been transferred to a cell in a police special operations unit.

Among the 3,500 inmates at Tacumbu – double its capacity – many already say they miss him.

“I don’t know what’s going to become of us without him,” said a fellow prisoner, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He said Chimenes Pavao was a generous benefactor who paid for a football pitch and chapel at the prison, as well as employing bodyguards among the inmates.

“He was the most loved man in this prison,” said another inmate, Antonio Gonzalez.

Like at many prisons across Latin America, most inmates at Tacumbu eat only irregularly and sleep on cardboard boxes or directly on the floor. Riots are common.

“It’s miserable,” said Josieux, another prisoner from Brazil. “Two inmates died

of hunger and cold” in June, he said.

Things were different for Chimenes Pavao, who was arrested on the Brazil-Paraguay border – a hotbed of smuggling – and is accused of ordering the killing of business tycoon Jorge Rafaat in the same region last month.

To be transferred to the pavilion where he was held, inmates had to pay $5,000 (B174,687), plus weekly rent of $600 (B20,962), a former inmate, Osvaldo Arias, said in a TV interview.

In return, they were allowed to use cell phones, the internet and receive visitors anytime, he said.

“He never said he was a saint,” said Chimenes Pavao’s lawyer.

“But he was completing his sentence and helping out with the money he earns legally through his companies,” which employ 1,200 people, she said.

She said her client paid for lodgings for prison directors, toilets for the guards, the renovation of the prison library and the cooks’ salaries.

AFP

The Basque beret, from peasant cap to the ‘emblem of France’ FRANCE THE BERET HAS COME a long way since its humble beginnings as the headgear of choice for pelota players in the Basque country, becoming a must-have accessory as far afield as China.

The jaunty topper preferred

by Che Guevara and Pablo Picasso added a saucy touch to Monica Lewinsky’s look in a famous photo of her getting a hug from then president Bill Clinton at a 1996 White House event.

In Oloron-Sainte-Marie, France’s “Basque Beret Capital”, one company, the House of Laulhere, lays claim to being the oldest producer of the flat cap, turning them out for nearly 200 years.

The beret will never go out of fashion, says commercial director Mark Saunders.

“The image of the Frenchman with a baguette under the arm and a beret on his head is obsolete only in the minds of the French,” says the 47-yearold Irishman.

“Overseas, the beret is the emblem of France, synonymous with luxury and

The House of Laulhere lays claim to being the last ‘historic producer’ of the flat cap. Photo: Iroz Gaizka/AFP fashion,” he says, noting that Monaco’s Princess Charlene donned a Laulhere beret for her first public appearance after the birth of her twin girls two years ago.

Laulhere is now one of the last firms to produce berets that are 100 per cent made in France.

“Just 30 years ago in this region there were 22 beret factories,” Saunders says in fluent French tinged with an Irish brogue.

A few new manufacturers have sprung up recently in nearby Bearn, including some that simply put the finishing touches on berets that they buy wholesale, he notes.

“We are not the last French maker but the last historic

maker of the French beret,” Saunders says with a twinkle in his eye.

Laulhere has a counterpart in the Spanish Basque country just over the border, Boinas Elosegui, in the town of Tolosa in the shadow of the Pyrenees.

Founded in 1858, it is the only Spanish company to make fine quality Basque berets. Like Laulhere, at Boinas Elosegui almost the entire process from weave to finish is carried out by hand using pure virgin merino wool.

Laulhere’s unique knowhow earned the company the coveted national distinctions of Living Heritage Enterprise and Guaranteed Origin France in 2012.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

BUSINESS NEWS 13

New airport terminal to open in September TRANSPORT

Tourists at Suvarnabhumi. Photo: Junpei Abe

Chanida Summast editor@classactmedia.co.th

Russia, China drive up tourist arrivals

O

fficials are adamant the new passenger terminal at Phuket International Airport will open next month. The new terminal cost B151 million and taken the better part of the past two years to create.

The announcement was made by Director of Phuket International Airport Ms Monrudee Gettuphan at a press conference at Central Festival Phuket together with Vice Governor Khajornkiet Rakpanichmanee on Thursday last week (Aug 18).

“No exact date has been set for the opening, but I will have a meeting later today with relevant officials where I am hoping the date will be set.

However, I can confirm that it will open in September,” Ms Monrudee said.

However, of Tuesday (Aug 23), no formal date had been announced.

“The new terminal is fin-

TOURISM

The model of the new terminal at Phuket Airport went on display at Central festival Phuket last Thursday (Aug 18). Photo: Chanida Summast ished and ready to accommodate 12.5 million passengers a year with five million being from international fights and the remainder from domestic fights,” Ms Monrudee explained at the Central Festival Phuket event.

“Tests started being carried out on Tuesday (Aug 16) and will be complete by Sept 7,” she added.

Ms Monrudee apologised for a power outage within the existing terminal on August 17 which was required so

that local electricity authority workers could upgrade high-voltage power lines in the area.

“The new terminal will have its own 1,500-amp backup generator so that it will not encounter blackouts,” she said.

All security aspects of the new terminal are complete and baggage-checking systems like those used at Suvarnabhumi Airport have been installed, Ms Monrudee said.

“The baggage-checking systems at the new terminal

Hotel occupancy holding steady TOURISM THE DIVE IN TOURIST bookings following the bomb attacks throughout Southern Thailand last week has been short-lived with occupancy at hotels across the island holding steady, the President of Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) said last week.

PTA President Sathirapong Na Takuathoong delivered the news on August 19 to a meeting of high-ranking police with 15 envoys in Phuket to discuss the steps taken to bolster security in the Andaman tourism stronghold.

“The bombings in Patong and other provinces has had a small effect on tourism. We have seen some cancellations, but after a week since the incident, business has bounced back to normal. There are no more immediate cancellations and the tourists are back.”

“Overall, tourism is good,” Mr Sathirapong said.

“It is still the tourism low season, but room bookings are holding at about 70-80 per cent. The number one tourist segment is still the Chinese, and Russians are second, which is good news.

The Russians are coming @thephuketnews

PTA President Sathirapong Na Takuathoong said that occupancy was holding steady at around 70-80 per cent . back,” he added.

However, Mr Sathirapong called on authorities to step up their efforts to prevent further such attacks.

“We must find a way to prevent such incidents from happening and to rebuild the trust among tourists,” he said.

“Tourism business operators, hotel operators, restaurant owners and others will assist officials to provide security for tourists. We will train our staff to be vigilant and to monitor our areas, and to report anything suspicious,” Mr Sathirapong explained.

Royal Thai Police Deputy Commander Gen Wuthi Liptapallop, who headed the meeting, noted, “We are concerned about tourists’ safety, so we

held this meeting today with all involved. We want all consuls and honorary consuls in Phuket to trust local officials that they are doing their best to provide maximum security to all.

“According to reports from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the bombings have had no effect on Phuket tourism at all and tour operators have confirmed that the number of tourists (coming to Thailand) has not decreased since the attacks,” Gen Wuthi added.

“However, one thing that needs to improve is communication and providing updated information to all. I have called on Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat to take care of this issue,” he added.

Suthicha Sirirat

will be inside the building and not at the entrance, like at the existing terminal,” she said.

The new complete project for the terminal features 10 check-in counters, parking spaces for 1,000 cars in the new five-story car park, shopping areas and five new airplane bays.

“After the new terminal is open and fully operational, we will renovate the old terminal and turn it into the domestic terminal,” Ms Monrudee explained.

T H E M I N I S T RY O F Tourism and Sports reports international tourist arrivals to Thailand reached more than 19.5 million during January to July, an improvement of 11.87 per cent.

Released earlier this week, the ministry’s data showed 19,538,190 international visits during the first seven months of this year compared with 17,465,861 visits during the same period last year. July alone recorded 2,946,286 international arrivals, compared with 2,657,993 in 2015, up 10.85%.

From January to July China supplied more than 5.765 million visits to Thai-

land, showing a 20.54% improvement over 4,782 million visitors in the first seven months of 2015.

Meanwhile, over 599,140 travellers from Russia visited Thailand in January-July, up 19.39% from 506,071 last year. July alone saw Russian arrivals grow 20.02%, while June recorded 28.41% growth.

Arrivals from Europe (including Russia) grew by 9.23%, USA and Canada showed 9.35% growth, India and South Korea both demonstrated an increase of over 13%. Australian and New Zealand markets are still on decline with only about 519,300 arrivals recorded by Immigration so far, down 1.6% from last year.

Anton Makhrov

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Property Awards excellence

Expert forum to launch prestigious Thailand Property Awards next month SPONSORED The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Thailand Property Awards returns for a successful 11th edition next month to reward the finest developers and current developments in the country’s resilient real estate sector.

Building on the success of last year’s 10th anniversary event, which saw SC Asset Corporation PLC claim the biggest award for Best Developer, the Kingdom’s biggest and most respected industry awards programme will champion the leading industry players in Bangkok and Phuket, which continue to evolve alongside the secondary markets of Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Khao Yai, Samui and the Eastern Seaboard.

Phuke shone brightly in last year’s awards, with Andara Signature Resort and Villas by Andamandara Development Co., Ltd. claiming four trophies, including Best Housing Development (Thailand) and Best Villa Development for its Phuket project in Kamala, plus two design awards.

Anantara Phuket Layan

The illustrious property industry event Thailand Property Awards returns in September.

Resort & Spa by MHG Phuket Limited, Minor International PCL won the award for Best Hotel Development.

Three-time nominee Absolute World Group also emerged victorious last year in the Best Boutique Developer category.

The firm also bagged two Highly Commended honours for developments on Phuket and Samui.

“The tourism sector is playing an increasingly important role in driving the country’s economic growth,” said Suphin Mechuchep, Managing Director of JLL Thailand and

newly elected chairperson of the central panel of judges.

“A decent chunk of tourist spending goes to retailers in various retail formats from street-side retail strips to modern shopping centres,” she added. “Retail markets in key tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai will benefit most from this trend.”

This economic boost, as well as the recently reported strong year-end finish to 2015 following the implementation of the government-led boosting

measures and incentives, will be discussed by the industry’s leading experts, developers and innovators at the highlevel forum that takes place before the awards gala – the Property Report Congress Thailand.

The whole day conference on Thursday, September 22, from 9am to 3pm, will be held at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok, a Royal Meridien hotel, the official venue of the Thailand Property Awards.

Nominations for this year’s Thailand Property Awards closed on July 8, with the

official shortlist due to be announced within the coming week.

All successful entries will be supervised by BDO, one of the world’s largest accounting and auditing firms, and the trusted awards supervisor of the Asia Property Awards, which, in its 11th year, is widely recognised for its fairness and transparency.

This year’s awards programme will be boosted by the support of title sponsor Hansgrohe, a leading global manufacturer of innovative and designer bathroom products, official media partner Property Report, as well as the large network of awards organiser PropertyGuru, Asia’s largest online property portal group.

“We’re excited to be working with PropertyGuru Group as the Asia Property Awards programme continues to expand in Asean in its second decade,” said Terry Blackburn, founder and managing director of the Asia Property Awards.

“In trying times like these, Thailand can always depend on exceptional projects that boost investor confidence and elevate market standards.

We’re delighted to reward their hard work at the Thailand

Property Awards,” he said.

Ms Suphin will be joined on the esteemed judging panel, which is presided by Dr Manop Bongsadadt, renowned professor of architecture at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University, by some of the best-known names in the industry. Aside from the central panel of judges, each region will have its own panel comprising local experts to ensure credibility of the awards.

A total of 31 trophies will be presented this year, with award categories covering the condominium, housing/ villa, hotel, office, and retail segments. A special recognition for Thailand’s Real Estate Personality of Year, whose influence and achievements resonate across the Kingdom, will be named by the editors of Property Report prior to the gala night.

Last year’s winner of the prestigious title went to Minor International’s founder, CEO and chairman, William “Bill” E. Heinecke.

For more information about the Thailand Property Awards, visit the official website: asiapropertyawards.com/ thailandpropertyawards/

offers three-year visas Visa-on arrival fee doubles Cambodia TRAVEL TOURISM

FOR E IG N V I SI T OR S from 19 countries and territories will be required to pay an increased fee for visas on arrival from next month onward.

The fee is to be increased to B2,000, up from B1,000 charged now.

The new requirement will come into effect on

Travellers wait at Phuket International Airport. Photo: Eakkapopo Thongtub Sept 27, the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Consular Affairs announced this week.

The 19 countries and territories are Andorra, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Foreigners from the 19 countries and territories are allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days.

Bangkok Post

THE CAMBODIAN GOVErnment will soon allow foreigners to stay for up to three years on a single visa, in a bid to meet a goal of seven million overseas travellers annually by 2020, reports the Khmer Times.

The three-year multipleentry visa, a new government strategy to encourage foreigners to come to the Kingdom, will allow foreigners to stay

Cambodia aims to attract seven million overseas travellers annually by 2020. Photo: Manfred Werner in the country for up to three years, Minister of Tourism Thong Khon said last Wednesday (Aug 17), the report said.

“The multiple-entry visa

application will be available from September 1 to foreigners from all countries,” Mr Khon said, noting that the visas would be available at different prices according to the length of stay, although pricing details of the new visas were unavailable.

“The new entry visa will allow tourists and businesspeople to enter and exit Cambodia many times during the visa’s validity period,” Mr Khon said.

The Phuket News

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Intl scholars land at UWC Thailand

17

Boating through Phang Nga’s ‘Amazon’

HOLY GANESH

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

One of the lesser known, yet more impressive temples is hidden on the banks of the Bang Pakong > 21

Photo: CIPHOR @thephuketnews

20

16 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Skills, morality, attitude and more International Program students at Satree Phuket School open minds Satree School Phuket editor1@classactmedia.co.th

I

t’s 8pm on a Friday night and Mattayom 1 and Year 8 students from Satree Phuket School’s International Program (IP) and International Program Cambridge (IPC) are scurrying to make final adjustments to their extravagant costumes and hairstyles for the ASEAN SMART Camp fashion show.

M1 and Year 8 students, along with parent volunteers and teachers are moments away from strutting down the runway at Deevana Plaza in Patong adorned with the traditional costumes of Asean member countries.

In the next room, M2 and Year 9 students are preparing just as diligently for “IP’s Got Talent”, a display that will allow them the opportunity to dance, sing, and perform in front of their peers to build confidence and express a creative side that often is not revealed as readily in the classroom.

Just a few floors above, M3 and Year 10 students are hard at work researching technological advancements and honing their public speaking skills, which will be put to the test during their final group presentations.

The faculty of the International Program at Satree Phuket School aims to challenge students both in and out of

IP’s Got Talent in action.

Preparing for the show. the classroom in order to support and develop their potential not only as young learners, but also as young citizens of their community and the world as a whole. With this goal in mind the staff created SMART Camp. The camp is a three-day student support and development project where M1, M2 and M3 students collaborated to create projects on various topics while focusing on developing their teamwork and English-speaking skills. Throughout the camp activities groups of students were expected to research an Asean country and then use this knowledge to educate others. The

SMART Camp name derives from the values IP teachers aim to instill in their students: Study skills, Morality, Attitude, Responsibility and Technology.

“Asean is all about bringing together the cultures and histories of the community for a better future,” said Cassie Carle, teacher and co-coordinator of Asean Camp. “Our Asean camp was extremely successful in educating our youngest students on what it means to work as a team and to learn from others.”

“It was amazing to see different students step up to promote their team.

Students collaborate.

I believe that they gained valuable knowledge and confidence that will help them be successful during their time in the International Program, as well as in their future plans,” said Sarah Breidenich, IP math teacher.

The International Program at Satree Phuket School would like to thank the students, parents and teachers for their dedication, support and involvement in this year’s SMART Camp. The International Program looks forward to many years of future success as SMART Camp continues to evolve into a flagship activity of our school.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 17

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Cooking up a cafeteria storm KIS gets new kitchen head to change up the nutritional value of meals The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

S

tudents of Kajonkiet International School (KIA) returned from their summer holidays on Wednesday (August 24) and to combat the inevitable backto-school blues, new executive chef Kitipong “Paul” Jaramorburapong will be cooking up a storm in the school’s newly renovated cafeteria kitchen.

Chef Paul, previously Executive Chef at the Courtyard by Marriott at Surin Beach (since rebranded as the Novotel Phuket Surin Beach) and before that at Phuket FantaSea, says he is looking forward to the challenge of cooking healthy meals for as many as 500 students a day.

“I was looking for a change and I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to utilise all of the nutritional knowledge I gained during my training,” says Chef Paul.

Although he was born in Bangkok, Chef Paul spent his formative years in America, his family having moved there when he was 12 years old. He attended high-school in Virginia, and after graduating, enrolled in an electrical engineering course at university.

But it was his part-time job as a kitchen hand while at high school that helped spark his true passion. He decided to change his career direction, leaving university to train at the prestigious Culinary Institute of New York.

“It was a big decision at the time to leave university, but I have never regretted it,” he says.

After completing his training, he honed his skills at several restaurants in New York where he mastered a range of cuisines including Italian, Japanese and Mexican.

But six years ago it was an offer to become the Executive Chef of the then newly opened Marriott at Surin Beach that finally drew him back to his homeland. Here in Phuket he met his future wife and they have recently started their own family with the birth of a baby girl.

As a new father, Chef Paul says he found himself thinking about how to

make food that children would love to eat, but that was also healthy and nutritious. These considerations where the inspiration for the school’s new menu, which will feature a variety of six or seven fresh, well-balanced main dishes every day, with an emphasis on utilising locally sourced produce.

These main dishes will be accompanied by a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables to help give students the sustained energy they need throughout the day in order to perform at their best.

“Cooking for kids can be very challenging and I think the new menu will be a big change for them. I want prepare everything fresh each day and avoid having pre-prepared ingredients in my dishes,” he says.

It’s not just about feeding the students though, Chef Paul is also hoping to foster an appreciation of the joy of cooking and pass on his extensive knowledge with after-school cooking classes. He also plans to have a livecooking station during meal times so students can watch and learn as their food is prepared each day. With this in mind, the recently expanded and renovated kitchen has been tailor made to facilitate the cooking classes and Chef Paul says he is looking forward to getting students into the kitchen and sharing his love of food.

“Food is my passion and I get the most satisfaction from my work when I see people’s faces light up with a smile when they taste my cooking,” he says.

Embracing social emotional learning and mindfulness at UWCT

T

his academic year marks the beginning of a new era for Phuket International Academy, as it officially becomes the 16th school to join the United World College movement. UWC schools aim to “unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future”. With this mission in mind, UWC has been a pioneer in the field of international education, selecting scholars from various countries through a rigorous process, and providing them with a transformational educational experience that broadens their minds and prepares them to responsibly and intelligently address the complex problems facing the world today.

On August 10, UWCT students from over 40 different nationalities came together to participate in a five-day induction programme, where they were introduced to the five components that comprise UWCT’s educational programme: academics, social emotional learning and mindfulness, outdoor education, service and activities. They also built strong ties with one another.

Anna, Grade 11 student from Italy, says, “When you arrive at a new place, you don’t know many people. You can talk to them, know their names, know where they are from but you still don’t really know them. Coming here however, and being able to work together to achieve a common goal has made me much closer to understanding people.” @thephuketnews

Students reflect on powerful questions relevant to their time at UWC.

Students planted over 1,000 mangrove trees to help restore the natural habitat.

The students began with an introduction to social emotional learning and mindfulness. Jordanian student Talal, reflects on his experience, “One of the most important things I discovered in the workshops was the idea of mindfulness – which was very new to me.

I found it very helpful in calming me down, and making me feel comfortable in this new place. I now do it everyday, and can see it having a large impact on my daily life.”

During orientation, students also planted 1,000 mangrove trees together.

Over half the world’s mangrove habitats have been cleared, but mangroves play a vital role within the coastal ecosystem.

They provide nurseries for many young marine species, and act as a natural pro-

tector against coastal erosion and storm surges. USA and Russian student Mila, reflects, “I thought the mangrove planting was a good introduction to the educational approach of UWCT, since it was associated very closely with not only the values of the school, but also to its classroom courses like ESS (Environmental Systems and Societies).”

With orientation now finished and school back in session in its second week, UWCT students are already deep into their learning. Grade 11 student Sarah from Germany, reflects, “I’ve always wanted to be somewhere where you can be yourself without being judged for it, and I’ve never experienced it that way until being here. Everyone is so warm here, and everybody has such a kind heart and that’s just incredible.”

18 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Ko Yoon: The legend of the noodle Phuket Old Town’s long-standing favourite is always worth dropping into STREET EATS Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

K

o Yoon Hokkien Noodle is widely known as the best Hokkien noodles on offer in Phuket Town. Located at the fountain circle that connects Yaowarat Rd, Bangkok Rd, Ranong Rg and Ratsada Rd, locals can be relied on to drop in fairly regularly.

The interior décor brings to mind a cluttered home, cozy with the owner’s family photos on the wall. Seating is limited, with only four or five tables available.

Phuket’s traditional noodles combine boiled shrimp, baked “red pork” and fish balls in the bowl. The broth at Ko Yoon has a mild taste of shrimp that makes it stand out from other soups found in Phuket.

If you choose to have your noodles dry (heng), the soup will come in a separate bowl. This is the best way to enjoy the complex flavours in the gravy added to the noodle. If you choose to get your bowl of noodles with soup in it, the combination of flavours are blended out and simpler.

The price for a bowl of noodles starts from B45. The shop is open from 9am to 4 pm. If you drive to ko Yoon’s by car, you may be hard pressed to find parking. Motorbikes are easier to maneuver in this area.

The noodles are topped with shrimp, pork and wontons.

Firing up the barbecue in Phuket

B

arbecuing the world over is a sure sign for a tasty home cooked meal and good times with friends and family. This is also true in Phuket, where people on the island can barbecue year-round and have a great choice of foods, especially seafood.

Most barbecuing involves a few steaks and sausages, some fish and shrimp and maybe some vegetables and potatoes in their jackets. Combined with a healthy salad, what a great meal! A hooded barbecue offers so many more options – roasting, baking, pizza, smoking to add the delicious flavor of hickory, mesquite or alder woods. The only restriction is the creativity of the chef. Fancy honey barbecued pork ribs, beer can chicken, tequila shrimp with lime and herbs, black and blushing Worcestershire fillet? Anything cooked in the kitchen

oven can be barbecued outside on the balcony or by a poolside. It’s easy, clean, casual cooking. And great fun!

Here in Phuket, barbecues have been retailed for the past 20 years and thousands have been sold to residences, restaurants and hotels. Generally these customers prefer a well-built and lasting quality brand. US, European and Australian design award winners – guaranteed for five to 10 years, some carry a lifetime warranty.

Phuket’s largest range of barbecues and smokers, accessories and barbecue cookbooks is available at: The Barbecue Store at Cherng Talay 076 620125, or The Hafele Barbecue Centre at Häfele Design Center Phuket, opposite Big C on Chalermprakiat Ror IX Rd. On site parking at both locations.

Ziegler & Brown barbeque. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ENVIRONMENT 19

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Heart-shaped The fruit of heart-leaved moonseed. Photo: Vinayaraj, Wikimedia.

MEET the natives Wichan Aryusuk editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

hailand is very well-known for unique flavours in traditional foods, made by spices sourced from various herbs. Apart from spicing up delicious cuisine, many Thai herbs also have medicinal and therapeutic value.

Among the potent Thai herbs is one called boraphet (บอระเพด็ ), Scientifically known as Tinospora cordifolia, or more commonly known as heart-leaved moonseed, which is a herbaceous vine that belongs to the family of Menispermaceae and indigenous to the tropical areas of India, Myanmar and Sri

Lanka. Its stems, roots and leaves are often used in Ayurvedic medicine.

The vines are gray and black, they are round, large and gnarled. The smooth, green leaves are shaped as hearts (“heart-leaved moonseed” ) and can be anywhere between eight to 10 centimetres long.

Flowers are commonly in the colour of yellowish green and are roundlyshaped. Flowers that are yellow or red have also been used as a medicinal herb, commonly known as wormwood.

Tinospora cordifolia contains many chemicals which benefit the human body in different ways. The chemicals may have antioxidant effects while others may increase the activity of the human immune system.

Not only that, but it can also be used to treat fever and smallpox. Furthermore, Tinospora cordifolia can also be used to treat urinary tract infec-

moonseed

Cross-section of the stem. Photo: Jayesh. tions as well as some blood diseases.

Some preliminary findings suggest that the herb can be used to help treat

diabetes, although there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence to support this.

Icy summer showering in Russia is a continuous cycle

F

or Russians it is a sure sign that summer has really come – the annual, rolling switch-off of municipal hot water that hits homes across the vast country.

From Vladivostok on the Pacific coast to the European enclave Kaliningrad, millions of residents are forced each year to shiver through icy showers

as authorities say they have to switch off the system carrying hot water underground in order to fix ageing pipes.

The ritual shutdown – which usually lasts several weeks in July or August – dates back to the Soviet era and has become a notorious bugbear for those who cannot afford their own boiler.

And while many stoically accept the authorities’ reasoning, for others the prospect of no warm water still grates – and they scramble to find ways around it.

“It is like this every summer but it always annoys me as if it was the first time,” an irritated Yuliya Galitch, 43, said after water was switched off at her flat in Russia’s second city of Saint Petersburg.

The explanation for exactly why hot water is turned off is often hazy at best and some argue this is a hangover from the Communist period that should have been ditched long ago.

The shutdown creates numerous difficulties. Photo: Olga Maltseva/AFP. Municipalities around @thephuketnews

the country insist it gives them an important window to repair creaking infrastructure after the rigours of Russia’s freezing winters.

“These works allow us to prepare for the new season of heating, to test the drainage system and monitor the ageing of the pipes,” the local state-run utilities company in Saint Petersburg said.

As the hot water runs dry each year, Russians take to Internet forums to discuss experiences and tips on how to get by.

“Ten ways to wash your hair without hot water” reads one advice column.

“How to wash a baby if you’re alone and the hot water has been cut off” says another.

AFP.

20 EXPLORE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

‘Little Amazon’ river tour at Takua Pa Exploring Phang Nga’s jungle by boat

Past the entrance to Little Amazon, you will arrive at this village.

JAMIE’S PHUKET Jamie Monk jjjjmonk@yahoo.co.uk

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hile driving over the bridge heading for Khao Lak, our original plan was to check in to a hotel and relax, but plans changed. First, we detoured for lunch and took a look at Thai Mueang Beach, which is between Phuket and Khao Lak. No hotels there, just a few restaurants and a small turtle sanctuary and several kilometers of beach.

I’d like to stop there again and write something on the blog. Then, rather than check in to a hotel, we decided to drive past Khao Lak another 30 kilometres to Takua Pa. We have explored this area before, notably the old town which has a Sunday market. From our

At the Little Amazon entrance.

house it’s about two hours to Takua Pa. We had checked out the “Little Amazon” location last year, but did not do the tour as the weather was not great. This time, the sky was partly blue and we decided to try something new. On arrival at the car park, we were the only people there and we wondered if it was closed, but a guy appeared to help and my dear wife negotiated a price of B1,000 for two boats (four of us, two per boat). I imagine if you book in advance, they’ll be ready for you. We had to wait a while as the guy called a friend who turned up with small longtail engines for the little boats and after about 15 minutes waiting, we were ready to go.

The sign at the entrance reads “Welcome to Thailand river jungle version of the Amazon. Here you will experience ancient Banyan trees, exotic animals, and other beauties Thai nature has to offer.”

We were not sure what to expect. I was hoping for some big snakes!

The first section of the river took about 45 minutes, sometimes using the engine, sometimes just a wooden paddle.

It was a narrow, jungly tributary of a larger river that leads to the sea at Ban Nam Khem. We moved slowly and after the first few minutes where we followed a road, we were really “in the jungle”.

While being on the lookout for giant pythons, we checked out the jungle scenery.

My daughter and I shared a boat and we loved the aerial roots hanging down

We saw a few snakes lounging in trees. from the trees. We were at low tide and you can see that the roots would dip into the water at high tide. These are banyan trees? I’m not sure!

We enjoyed our little boat ride. Oh, yes and we did see some snakes, and a fleeting glimpse of a few monkeys and some crabs. I should have brought a decent camera with me, because the snakes we saw were all in trees and not easy to photograph with an iPhone! If you want photos, bring something with a good zoom lens.

On checking a map, I can see that this 45 minutes only took us a short distance – less than 1.5 km from the starting point, so we were indeed going slowly! We then hit a much wider river, about 30 or 40 metres wide, and turned left downstream towards the sea. As the boatman said: “Go this way to Phuket!” We turned on our engines and got some nice breeze blowing. It had been a bit hot and sweaty there on that little jungle river!

We had company on this bigger river.

There is a network of rivers in the area.

If we had turned right we could have joined a bigger river, headed further north and ended up at the sea 15 km further north. Takua Pa actually used to be a well known port for traders hundreds of years ago. The wide rivers provided a safe, sheltered place to anchor, just as the sheltered east coast of Phuket did, and Phuket was also an important trading port. We didn’t see any big boats here, only little longtails like the one in the picture.

We passed under a road bridge,

somewhat destroying the illusion of remote jungle. Next to the bridge was a small fishing village, which is actually only a few kilometres from Takua Pa town. Indeed if we carried on the same road from Takua Pa, passing the entrance to Little Amazon, we’d have arrived at this village.

Then we had a little photo stop on a sandbar in the middle of the river. Just around the corner from the bridge and village and probably about 4km from our starting point. Hey this is not actually the Amazon, just a Little Amazon!

The boat guys took some nice family photos for us.

I found out later that this Little Amazon trip can be booked via my friends at Easy Day Thailand, so I do recommend contacting them. This can be combined with other places and attractions in the area like Khao Sok National Park, white water rafting or some waterfalls. It’s easy enough as a day trip from Phuket, though better as an overnight trip and a day trip is even easier from Khao Lak. After the trip, we actually decided to drive home and save money rather than staying in a hotel There’s actually rooms right there (sorry, don’t know the price!) and a restaurant. We had an early dinner there (decent enough Thai food at a decent price) before driving home to Phuket. I think if we get visitors who want a little jungle experience, we’ll come again.

Jamie Monk blogs about all things Phuket.

Visit his website JamiesPhuket.com for more. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TRAVEL 21

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Ganesha’s home Visiting Wat Saman Rattanaram on the outskirts of Bangkok Anton Markhov news@novostiphuketa.com

E

ven those who have never been to Thailand are well aware that local temples are spectacular and definitely worth visiting. TripAdvisor and similar sites put them high on the list of the Kingdom’s most popular attractions, along with nature and cuisine.

Sad to say, a first-time tourist to Thailand hardly ever goes beyond the standard temple programme, and thus, doesn’t learn the most interesting thing about this part of Thai culture. Having visited Wat Chalong in Phuket or Wat Pho in Bangkok, a tourist mistakenly presumes that now he or she has seen them all, while nothing can be further from the truth. All Thai temples are different and each has it’s own unique features.

First, wat architecture in Thailand has seen many changes in the course of history. Second, over the centuries Thai culture has incorporated significant influence from India, China, Cambodia, and the rest of Southeast Asia.

Some temples like Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan have subtle traces of European influence in their architecture. Others, like Wat Pranang San in Phuket surprise with statues of guardian Yaks – mythical Thai giants, armed with assault rifles. Still others have images of Buddha neighbouring deities which are normally associated with other religions.

Located in Chachoengsao province, Wat Saman Rattanaram is exactly the place where you can see Hindu deities highly respected by Thais. This temple sits on an island surrounded by waters of Bang Pakong River from every side, but you will hardly notice it unless you have a flying drone with a camera.

Wat Saman Rattanaram is known

as home to Thailand’s largest image of Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of the Hindu pantheon. He reclines on a pedestal on the river bank, impressing visitors with his size (16 metres tall, 22 metres long) and colour. Ganesha at Wat Saman Rattanaram is bright pink, creating a miraculous visual against a backdrop of a clear blue sky.

In Ganesha’s many hands, he holds a broken tusk in one hand, a lotus flower in another. Another hand rests on his leg and a fourth is poised with his arm draped over a reclining pillow. His pedestal is decorated all around with other images of himself.

There are images of other Hindu deities at Wat Saman Rattanaram and all of them are impressive. Next to Ganesha one can find the four-faced Phra Phrom, which is the Thai representation of the deva Brahma. Not far away is a giant sculpture of Indra sitting on the back of his elephant Erawan and Phra Rahu, the master of eclipses. You can also find two Naga serpents by the river’s bank and among other sculptures.

Wish I had some expertise in Hinduism and Buddhism accompanying me on my visit to Wat Saman Rattanaram for deeper insight. Unfortunately, I can only hope to name a few of the deities correctly and escape divine anger.

As for the sculptures I loved most, these were the rats surrounding Ganesha’s pedestal. Each of them is as tall as a full-grown man and holds a spear and a bag. The rats may be more than just guards; well, I saw Thai worshippers approaching them and whispering something in the rats’ ears after praying. I’m not sure if the rats fulfil wishes but you can give it a try.

Regarding wishes, I cannot help mentioning that the temple is big enough to spend an hour or two exploring and in hot weather this can be challenging. If so, fill free to refresh in the air-conditioned Amazon café or replenish lost calories with some food from the local floating market. Souvenirs and gifts are also available for those wishing to get something for better memories.

The riverbank has many sculptures. @thephuketnews

Wat Saman Rattanaram is located in Tambon Bang Kaeo, Chachoengsao province, approximately 50km east of Bangkok.

The location on Google Maps is accurate, so feel free to Google for directions. The temple is open from 9am-5pm. More information is at www.watsaman56.com.

Ganesha creates a spectacular visual.

22 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION Last Wednesday (Aug 17), 120 students from schools in Phuket and throughout the country attended a presentation ceremony at Satree Phuket School for students who are currently recipients of PIWC scholarships.

From left: Jane, Wendy, Pen and Valerie.

Tutsie (left) and Sally.

PIWC AUGUST LUNCHEON AT CLOUD 19, PANWA CAPE Phuket International Women's Club met last Thursday (Aug 18) for their monthly lunch, this time at Cloud 19 located on Panwa Cape in Wichit where a buffet spread of great food was served by the terrace, a splendid view of the sea. PIWC's members, both new and old got to enjoy each other's company and had a great time drawing raffles for a chance to win a souvenir or a number of other prizes.

From left: Joan, Melle and Debs. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

ISLAND SCENE 23

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL, ‘WE’RE FAMILY’ GRAND OPENING Last Saturday (Aug 20), Phuket International Hospital (PIH) hosted a Grand Opening for the Children’ s Clinic, Phuket International Dermatology Institute and Ayuravadhana Geriatric Clinic. At the event PIH also unveiled the Expat Privilege Card, which provides exclusive privileges for all expatriates in Phuket and nearby provinces.

ANGSANA LAGUNA PHUKET AND BANYAN TREE DONATE TO WOMEN IN NEED To celebrate Thailand’s Mother’s Day, volunteers from each department of Angsana Laguna Phuket and Banyan Tree Phuket proudly represented their properties to deliver all female necessities to incarcerated women at Phuket Prison. Providing sanitary napkins and underwear to incarcerated women is about more than hygiene. While jails often supply menstrual products, such as pads, they are typically doled out in limited numbers. Eighty associates were involved in this outreach project.

BELLINI AFTER HOURS LAUNCH IN CHALONG

Jason (left) and Yada. @thephuketnews

Ernesto, Enrique and friends.

The soft opening of Bellini’s After Hours last Wednesday (Aug 17) saw several people come out to enjoy the tunes of the Double Expression band and the charms of chef/owner Danilo Sangrigoli. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Bellini transforms into a dancing heaven after 10pm, accompanied by specials and a live band.

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SUN

26 AUG

28 AUG

Bellini After Hours

WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY

Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong from 12pm-Late! Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 395 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band!

Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN at Two Chefs!!! RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents.

All Day Breakfast at Cafe Siam

Aussie bacon & egg rolls NOW at Cafe Siam.

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

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

Mussels night @ Shakers

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

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

Pizza available all night. Join us for our opening weekend starting this Friday night, remember to like us on Facebook to get a free drink. More info on Facebook - Bellini After Hours.

SAT

Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY

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 B350 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com.

27 AUG

Live Sports at Expat Hotel

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

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

A CASUAL SUNDAY BRUNCH BY THE POOLSIDE

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

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

Sunday Tapas

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

MON

29 AUG

Light My Fire Discover Firefly, Phuket’s new place to be, serving contemporary grill specialties with a modern Mediterranean touch, best enjoyed in the airy restaurant or on the shaded teak deck, bordering the impressive pool oasis lighting up after dark with countless “fireflies”.

Start you weekend in style with our first LIGHT MY FIRE Saturday BBQ - join us early to enjoy the day around the pool! restaurants.phuket@ thapavilions.global, 076317600.

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

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

All you can eat BBQ night

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

WED

31 AUG

Sunday Gourmet Brunch At Bodega and Grill

Happy Bastards band LIVE

Asialife radio presents Happy Bastards LIVE from 7:30pm at 9D Sea Breeze (RPM). Free Entry.

Longboard Classic & Surfing Expo

Held at Patong Beach, Open and Women divisions. Sign up at facebook.com/surfingthailand.

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

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

THU

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

1 SEP

THU

8 SEP

PIWC Meet & Greet Coffee September

Thursday Pool Parties @ Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket

Thursday Pool Parties Are Here! Every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm at the main Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket Pool – the one beside the beach -- we’re hosting our beloved Pool Parties. Live DJ, Pool and Poolside Activities, Great Food and Happy Time Prices.

Wear your Board Shorts and Bikinis. Check in with us for specific themes – a new one every week. Centarahotelresorts.com/cgwp or call (0) 76 372 000 for details.

FRI

2 SEP

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

And extra dishes on the menu: ONIONBHAJI, BOMBAY ALOO, DAL MAKHINI, VANILLA ICE-CREAM. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks. 076-286464 Ext 4.

SAT

3 SEP

WHERE: Starbucks @Central Festival WHEN: 2nd Thursday of each month from 10:30AM to NOON WHAT: New members are encouraged to join our monthly Meet & Greet Coffee Morning to find out more about our organization. It’s also a great opportunity to chat with a few members in a more casual setting over a cup of coffee.

Starbucks @Central Festival.

Faldo Series – Thailand Championship South 2016 8-11 Sept.

Open to all junior golfers aged 12 – 21 years old holding a USGA or nationally recognized handicap, the championship will consist of 54 holes, with each age-group gross winner of the championship earning themselves places in the 11th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final hosted

by Sir Nick Faldo at Laguna Lang Co in March 2017! Contact golf@lagunaphuket.com to learn more about the event!

THU

15 SEP

The Reboot & Re-energize your Body & Mind Workshop

This inspirational program is designed to educate, motivate and understand hormonal balancing, the cortisol connection, stress reduction and much more. Full program THB 22,000 net p.p. (excludes accommodation). One off classes from THB 900.

15% discount before July 31. Limited numbers.

Reservations and special accommodation rates contact linda.overman@marriotthotel.com or 076 338 000 ext. 3752.

SAT

17 SEP

Aussie Style Surf & Turf at Two Chefs Patong Do You Enjoy An Aussie Style Surf & Turf?

Indulge With Us On Saturday September 3rd From 6pm-Late At Two Chefs Patong! Enjoy ALL YOU CAN EAT Plated Mouthwatering Dishes Including: Grilled Australian Rib Eye Steak, Grilled Prawns And Salmon Served With A Trio Of Sauce, Caesar Salad And Potatoes Of Your Choice. All For ONLY 595 Baht! Relax And Enjoy Live Music Performed By Our Famous Two Chefs Band From 8pm-Late! They’ll Be Playing All Of Your Favorites From Classic To The Current Hits! Don’t Miss Out! BOOK Your Table NOW At bit.ly/ReserveTwoChefs More Info At bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents.

@thephuketnews

SUN

18 SEP

2nd ACCOR HOTELS “Heartbreak” Hill Mini-Marathon’ 2016

To create an annual fundraising event which supports the improving education and well-being of underprivileged children within the community we live and work. Our priority is to raise funds for local schools in Phuket and nearby provinces and support to Accor Yim Kids Project, which is a part of ACCOR HOTELS Corporate Social Responsibility. More info: tel. 089-4751159 or Facebook: facebook.com/groups/heartbreakhillphuket. This event is proudly sponsored by Live89.5.

THU

22 SEP

Property Report Congress Thailand 2016 A high-level forum for real estate professionals&industry leaders, VIPs,experts and Asia Property Awards winners and judges.

The whole-day conference will cover Thailand’s top regional locations,design,retail,office ,hotel segments, an overall market overview,a workshop on content marketing. More info please contact Amy, conference director +66 804 492 525. This event sponsored by The Phuket News. Plaza Athenee Bangkok.

Thailand Property Awards 2016 The 11th Thailand Property Awards 2016 promises to be the most prestigious and competitive to date, with more than 500 of the Kingdom’s biggest and emerging names in real estate gathering on 22 Sept, at Plaza Athenee Bangkok, a Royal Meridien. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate one of the region’s emerging property markets and meet the industry leaders who are redefining it.

SUN

9 OCT

A Night at the Opera 2016

For the third year running our guests will be able to listen to the beautiful pop-opera songs performed by FIVERA. On the evening, they will be performing a blend of popular operatic arias and classical pieces. Make sure to follow this page or our Facebook Event Page to be in the know about this amazing fundraiser for the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation.

12th Mai Khao Turtle Fun Run and Mini Marathon 2016

The 12th Turtle Fun Run: Run Across the Sea Mini Marathon and Fun Run will take place on 9

October 2016, at 6:15 am at Phuket Gateway.

Proceeds benefit the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. There will be a 10.2 km mini marathon (350 THB), a 5.3 km Fun Run (300 THB), and a 2.5 km Family Run (1000 THB/family).

Registration at the JW Marriott Mai Khao concierge from 3-8th October from 10:00-17:00, or the day of at Phuket Gateway 4:30-5:30 am.

Contact Kittipan: 0897738830.Sponsored by The Phuket News and Live89.5.

TUE

23 NOV

Phuket International Sportfishing Tournament (PIST) 2016

Registration is on the 23th November 2016 from 4pm onwards Location Tamarind Bar & Grill in Chalong. The weight station will be at the Tamarind Bar & Grill in Chalong on all 3 fishing days, 24th, 25th & 26th November. The final evening and prize giving party will also be held in the Tamarind Bar & Grill, Chalong More info at www.phuket-international-sportfishing-tournament.com The event is proudly supported by Live 89.5 and The Phuket News.

SUN

27 NOV

Ocean Marina

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

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 1. Which film has the movie tagline: ‘A romantic comedy.

With zombies’?

2. Who released an autobiography titled Voice of an Angel at 14?

3. How many jumps does a horse have to make to win the Grand National?

4. Which family lives at 742 Evergreen Terrace?

5. Near which city do the White and Blue Niles join?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

66. Frequently, in poetry 1. Second in a series 67. Henry Clay, for one 5. Abounding in locks 68. Emanation 11. Build (on) 14. Ancient greetings 69. Play-___ 70. Ease 15. Make fizzy 16. Single-stranded 71. “___ quam videri” (North molecules Carolina’s 17. Leaving quickly motto) 20. Open, in a way 21. Composer Erik Down 22. First-rate 24. Water carrier 1. Hindu Mr. 28. Not wild 2. Flat 31. Bond 3. Blue shade 36. Easter lead-in 37. Treats for Rover 4. Floor 5. Japanese verse 38. Means form 39. Dull 6. Gas station abbr.

40. Makes a war 7. Extended periods maneuver 43. Easily tamed bird 8. Gilbert of “Roseanne” 44. Shoelace tips 9. Proofer’s mark 45. Sleeveless 10. Cycle maker garment 11. Form of “to be” 46. Perfect rating 12. Kind of test 47. Metal ball 13. “Can’t Help 48. First known Lovin’ ___ Man” asteroid 49. Ice cream flavor 18. Frigid 51. Henry VIII’s sixth 19. Like roses 23. Island nation 53. Fighting force north of Fiji 58. “Rock the ___” 62. Take off, in a way 25. Lady killer

26. Body 27. Assignations 28. 1976 uprising site 29. Reaction product of three identical molecules 30. Adjust 32. Certain post 33. Together 34. Sounds of reproof 35. Sonnet ending 38. Mythical craft 41. Apply gently 42. Footwear protector 48. Jam 50. B___ Raton 52. ___ squash 54. Roll call misser 55. Bell the cat 56. Certain weaves 57. New newts 59. Anatomies 60. Famous ___ 61. Epitaph starter 62. Bacillus shape 63. Pie in the sky?

64. Kind of power 65. Seafood delicacy

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Shaun of the Dead; 2) Charlotte Church; 3) 30; 4) The Simpsons; 5) Khartoum

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history ■■ Aug 26, 1498 Michelangelo is commissioned to carve the Pietà.

3

■■ Aug 27, 2003 Mars makes its closest approach to Earth in nearly 60,000 years, passing 55,758,005km distant.

weeks alone saw 80,000 Twitter account holders receive 200,000 abusive tweets.

■■ Aug 28, 1648 Siege of Colchester ended when Royalists Forces surrender to the Parliamentary Forces after eleven weeks, during the English Civil War.

27

per cent of rich people fail in business at least once in life.

75

per cent of couples do not go to bed at the same time.

1,500

■■ Aug 29, 1966 The Beatles perform their last concert before paying fans at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

US dollars is the value of an 18-carat gold Chicken McNugget which is the grand prize in a new McDonald’s contest in Japan.

■■ Aug 30, 1945 Hong Kong is liberated from Japan

by British Armed Forces.

500,000 vegans are currently living in the UK. In 2006, there were 150,000 – a rise of 350%.

Source: Uberfacts

■■ Aug 31, 1987 Thai Airways Flight 365 crashes into the ocean off Phuket, killing all 83 aboard.

Pedals at dawn, at Laem Si Pier in Pa Khlok. Photo by Teddy Ismael Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

■■ Sept 1, 1939 Nazi Germany and Slovakia invade Poland, marking the beginning of World War II in Europe.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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Buy&Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Steel boat for sale

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

Dual banana boat for sale

Dual banana boat for water activities. 4.2 m long, 1.6 m wide. Up to 14 riders. This banana boat is brand new, packaging still intact. Stored in a warehouse in Chalong. 40,000, Vladimir, sales@joydive.asia, 084 182 8685.

Dive boat for sale

Dive boat Asian Adventure, length–18m, width– 4.6m, depth–1.7m, 1 Eng–315 H.P, capacity 40 passengers +3 crew. Located in Chalong, sales@ joydive.asia, 084 182 8685.

1 engine speedboat for sale

Honda 250 H.P. 15 passengers+3 crew, length–8.10m, width–2.40, depth-1.6.

Excellent condition, sound system. Located in Chalong. Vladimir, sales@ joydive.asia, 0841828685.

Boston Whaler Conquest 255

Immaculate condition, Mercury 150hp x 2 very low hours, Thai registered. This boat comes with full inventory. Lying AoPo Marina Phuket. Mike, mikehigh1@gmail.com, 088 768 4701.

Yacht Chartering and Resort

Big A Swan 55 Yacht Chartering and Resort in Phuket Thailand Sailing : Big A Swan 55, Accommodation: Big A Resort 076-383080 Email: bigasail@samart.co.th.

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Roof-top Patong Mini Golf

The best sea view 18 Holes, roof top Mini Golf. Located on the 4th floor of Banana Walk Plaza in Patong, 091 762 2628, http://patongminigolf.com

Free Tiya’s Hammocks campaign

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Business For Sale

No not a bar or guesthouse but a viable business not dependent on tourism or high seasons. All the machinery&inventory of materials to begin manufacturing wooden window blinds. This business has been a proven success in Phuket with over 5 years of profitable operations. Over 3 MB. in inventory included, 2 MB. with financing available. Call +6681 487 4812 or lamsden@phuketemail.com for photos&details.

Restaurant for sale in Rawai

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

Restaurant set up for sale

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

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

Restaurant for take over

Fully equipped restaurant in Rawai for take over in a popular tourist spot. High density crowd. 10,000FT and air condition. June, Rawai, senajune@gmail.com, 081 978 5989.

Looking for a Partner Investor

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

Bangla agogo club for sale

A newly refurbished bar/club with great returns is for sale. Fully fitted out over 2 floors. Very cheap and very low rent. Reliable landlord. Steve, stevepearcergj@hotmail.co.uk, 089 587 0819.

Business for Sale

Non-tourist/bar related business for sale, yearly turnover of 15MB. Call 087 276 0529 or 081 968 6051 for more details.

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PETS

Horse and Dog Vet Hospital

Open from 10am. – 8pm. *Service all types of animals. * Experienced professionals. Contact: 076 620 136 / 084 210 6868 and contact@horsedogvet.com www.horsedogvet.com

Pets Magic Planet

Open from 9am. - 7pm. *The best international brands. *The ultimate choice. *Luxury accessories & jewels. Contact: 076 620 106 / 091 040 4000 and contact@petsmagicplanet.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Newly renovated hotel for rent

Newly renovated hotel/guest house in Patong’s heart for rent from owner. 12 rooms, 2 shops to busy street, many facilities. More details check thephuketnews.com, search Listing ID 55398 or call +66(0)81 538 1399.

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 4mn. hansibakery@gmail.com, Price: 3.5 million, Contact Mr. Stark.

CAR FOR SALE Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI

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

2012 FORD RANGER

Ford Ranger 2.2 Diesel Hi Rider 22 Inch wheels, tonne cover, sheep skin seat, cover, showroom condition, 24,000 kms, by careful expat driver. 660,000, dougwatson@hotmail.com.au, 097 045 2788.

TOYOTA ALTIS 1.6G AT

2008. 62K kms. White. Usual G refinements.

Insurance, FSH, Lady driver 395K baht ono 395K, Clive Roberts, crob58@gmail.com, 081 087 9237 or 086 270 8727.

TOYOTA Fortuner 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.

Nissan Teana 2.5Lt

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

t ge n

s al

e

Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto

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

CARS WANTED Urgent need Toyota hilux vigo

Want to sell your Toyota hilux vigo Champ ? vigo4u is the best palace to sell your Toyota.

Vigo4u now in Phuket, Pataya and Bangkok also. 084 344 3444, 02 810 8117.

MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Membership

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

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE New loft trailer

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE Prime Land near Natai Beach

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

13,500,000, James Thai & English, 091 878 5240, dannyred@hotmail.com

Nai Harn Pool Villa

Brand New 3 bedrooms near the beach, activities and restaurants 8.5 mlb only. Call 095 036 5536 for viewing or more info, contact Jonathan.

MOVING SERVICES Looking for Moving Company?

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

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Phuket real estate tour

Real estate investment tours are specially designed to help you to achieve your investment goals with the right property in the right location. You will get advice on the multitude of lucrative investment opportunities in Phuket. 1990, md@tourasian.com, 080 826 4665.

OTHER 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.

WEBSITES, IT For Sale: hoteldealsphuket.com

PHD has 125,000 pages indexed in Google and an average of 22,000 page views per month!

See stats image. Also see the selling points on the link below. Quick sale: 33.000B!, Mark, mr.m.hopkins@gmail.com

COMMUNITY

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE MAX SYM 400I

Big comfortable 2012 scooter one expat owner. Only 2,600 kms., has had 1st service a great bike, reason to sale leaving Thailand. 150,000, Doug Watson, Phuket, dougwatson@hotmail.com.au, 097 045 2788.

PERSONAL SERVICES De Laguna By Dr.JaQ

International Clinic English Speaking Doctor By Appointment 095 0851188 FB: DrJaq Warnnissorn Providing Anti-Aging (Botox, Filler, Live Cell Therapy, Alternative Cancer Treatment, Chelation Medical, House Call). Integrative and Advancement in Medicine for individualized treatment programs for patients of all ages and with various disorders, Email: tosawcute@gmail.com

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Outstanding Beach Front Pool Villa

2 New Resale Condos 3.9 MB. 7%net ROI

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

1 bed condos on the market 7%net ROI for 14 years!

Rare Pool access modern hilltop unit. Panoramic views of Andaman Bay & city lights of Patong. Also 1 bed city & ocean views, fully furnished & professionally managed. You just collect 7% net/year hassle free. Contact phuketjon@ gmail.com, 084 842 2262.

LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

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

House for sale

Private pool villa with lovely garden half a rai. Quiet and safe area. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom open kitchen.

160 m2 Situated in Ban Pahra. 12 minutes to PIA, Phuket Airport, Nay Yang beach, and Blue Canyon Golf course. 2 min to Mission Hill Golf course. Price 8 million baht, 225 000 euro, bergsstigen@telia.com, 090 701 4204.

Kay McDonnell

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

Nai Harn Pool Villa For Sale

Near the beach, activities and restaurants Brand New 611 Sqm. 16.75 mlb Call 095 036 5536 for viewing or more info, Contact Jonathan.

House for Sale

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

MAI KHAO LAND

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

D Condo Creek, fully furnished

Studio 5th floor, mountains view. Cool & quiet.

24 hrs security, 3 swimming pools, gym. Shops & restaurants around. Rent out good return.

1.85 MB., Tiya, Kathu Phuket, lodchong77th@ yahoo.com, EN & TH 089 600 0041.

Modern home office for sale

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

087 543 4716.

Horst Lakits

Resort for sale/lease long term, in Chalong/Rawai Area own big well 22 rooms 2 Rai land large pool Restaurant parking No Agents. lets talk, Horst Lakits, 67/18 Soi Sermsuk, bigasail@samart.co.th, 086 940 1860, 076 383 080.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE New Sea View Villa

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

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

Two-story house in Phuket City

Land 400 sq. m, living area 344 sq.m, 6 rooms, 3 bathrooms, maid’s room with bath. Fully furnished. Very good for living and business.

15,000,000.-, Pauline Haldemann, haldemwa@hotmail.com, 081 895 0038.

Patong Tower and Andaman Beach suite for sale

Mountains and Sea Views, Call David 080 692 6114, email: patongrealestate@gmail.com

Sea View Land 265 Met. Pub.Rd.

Great investment. 3/5 Rai Plots. NS3G Titles.

Price start 4 M/Rai. Full infra. 265 Met. Pub. Rd. Frontage. Located on Koh Yao Yai resort area, just 25 min. speed boat from Phuket.

We can make easy half day trip 10am-2pm. Call Charlie /more info, charlesaraines@hotmail.com, 062 069 1965.

Laguna - Luxury 1 Bed & Golf Membership For Sale

Totally renovated: new kitchen, wood floors, furnished, sound system. Price includes Laguna Golf Membership and Privilege Card. THB 6.9M. Owner 084 247 1632 - E-Mail: phuket3203@gmail.com

Owner Sales Appartment “ The Pearl of Naithon “ Leasehold

Total area 226,66 SQM including terrace 41,25 Sqm. 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms. Price THB 13.5 million. MP: 089 814 1458.

Villa For Sale / Rent

Located at Naiharn beach Soi Naya 3, Mountain view, Swimming pool, Balcony, 2 floors, 4 bedrooms. Total 92 sqm. Thai 081 958 0542, ENG 081 956 6813.

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classifieds@thephuketnews.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE Karon Beach New House For Sale/Rent

80 Sqm. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, Terrace carport. Nice Sea view.

Sale 5.8 MB. Rent long term 18,000 per month. Gunter Kraus, Phuket, naruchai@gmx.de, 091 040 2471.

Phuket Beach Front Land

14 RAI Beach front Phuket,Phungnga Close 5-7*hote,Chanode title,90 meters of water frontage More than 100 m wide beach&small piece of land close to the beach 25MB/RAI, Ms.Pam, phuketmyhouse@gmail.com, 089 868 8668.

The Base Downtown - Sale/Rent

1 Bed (35sqm) & 2 Bed (60sqm), fully furnished, pool view. Near Central, BIS, Big C, Lotus, Siriroj hospital, Darasamut School, Thai Hua School (Close to new Central Embassy- good investment). Swimming pool, fitness & library. Rent:15,000-25,000 THB/month and 35,000-45,000 THB/month. Panattaporn.c@gmail.com, 093 639 4654.

Chalong Villa for sale

Living area 450 sq.m, Land 800 sq.m. 1st floor: Living room, Master bdr with en-suite bth, Kitchen, Seaview terrace, Pool, Carpark. 2nd floor: 4 bdr with bth, 2nd living room, Office. 19.5M, oliver@ thurmanngroup.com, 087 877 2320.

Alexander Kolesnikov

Land & 4 storey commercial building for sale. Patong. Just 60 m from the beach. Guesthouse with 6 luxury rooms + restaurant 40 seats. 17 MB, Contact Alexander, alexkolinz@gmail.com, 089 651 3250.

SMALL RESORT BY LAGUNA

4 Luxury villas, office, 2 pools, 1 Rai - Chanote. Secure investment, price below replacement cost, money maker. Owner 82 retiring. 30 Mil Baht.

Lets talk. Owner, 089 594 4067.

House For Sale

Located in Rawai soi Samaki 3, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1 Laundry room, 1 storage room, living area 160 sq.m, Chanot title 280 sq.m. 3.2 MB., Rico9963@hotmail.com, 083 640 9041

Brand new 3 bed villa Onyx

Living area 160 sq.m. Land 200 sq.m. Fully luxury furnished. Open plan living room with kitchen, private & peaceful area, security gate estate, gym. 8.9M, oliver@thurmanngroup. com, 087 877 2320.

Villa for sale

Exclusive villa with pool and garden in Phuket, Rawai/Nai Harn, Land size: 1’700 m2, build up area 400m2. Private sale, no agents please.

36 MB, JasminConsulting@gmx.net

Land for sale - Mission Height

NICE LAND FOR SALE AT MISSION HEIGHT, JUST OVER ONE RAI. Phone 093 629 4400 English, 082 421 4842 Thai.

Alexander Kolesnikov

3 Bedroom villa for sale. Building 320 s.m. Land 900 s.m. Nice garden, 2 car garage, study. Just 3 minutes from BIS. 15 MB, Contact Alexander, alexkolinz@gmail.com, 089 651 3250.

Waterfront Condominium

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

Kata Seaview Condo For Sale

New 1 bedroom with great sea and sunset views! 44sqm. Leasehold with foriegn freehold available. Swimming pool, sauna and clubhouse. Flexible furniture options. Great management and rental program, 082 254 0760.

For Sale or Rent

4 bedroom 3 bath room with excellent views of Chalong Bay. 3 storage, fully furnished all new swimming pool in quiet area Rawai beach. All inquires. Tidarat, 087 466 5635.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Anuphas Golfville House- Kathu

Apartment for rent

Land 162 sqwa. Large Pool/Jacuzzi-3 Bed-4 Bath-Office-2 Storage Building-Alarm System and much more. Reduced 22MB to 18 MB for Quick Sale. mrgeoffcurry@yahoo.com, Si +6681 970 8896 TH/ENG, Geoff+6681 854 0061 ENG.

Luxury 1 bedroom ground floor apartment.

65.s.q.m. Central Patong. Short or long term rental. For details email ianscondo21@gmail.com

2 BDR Bungalow, Nai Harn Beach

For rent with “Free UBC Platinum cable TV”, security, air-con, fridge, stove, quiet area, at end of cul-de-sac, 12,500 per month.

Call 098 017 8818 or 087 884 8972.

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.

Rawai Sea View Condominium For Rent

Partner for resort wanted

5 Rai. hillside Maikhao beach. Main buiding finished. Nice sunset seaview, 087 267 1192, Julius_schuster2001@yahoo.de

Short/long-term rental. 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, Stunning sea view, Fully furnished, Large swimming pool, lift. reservation@ almaliresidence.com, 0935742533

Land For Sale 3 Mil Baht

Office/Shop for Rent

In Thalang area 2.5 Rai beautiful, flat land with access road, Chanote title, only 5 minutes from Thanyapura (PIA International school). sk.thanya@gmail.com, 081 737 8624.

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

House in Karon for Sale

Hard to find 3 bed room , 3 bathroom 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.

House For Rent at tennis club

2 bedrooms,1 en-suite bedroom,2 bathroom, living area and big veranda. Ideal for tennis coach.

Prefer long term rent. Viewing by appointment only.

Patra, patbittersweet@gmail.com , 081 607 2805.

Sea view land in Patong

The last piece of seaview land on prime location in Patong, just 500m from Patong beach, 1.3 KM. to Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Contact: Karuna, kpattarawalee@gmail.com, 089 967 5373.

For Sale/Rent (5 Days - 6 Months)

4 Floors, 6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms. Fully furnished. Kuku, Phuket Town. Contact Joy, 093 596 2757, joyfulphuket@gmail.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT

LUXURY POOL VILLA

BY LAGUNA

Kathu Condo for Sale/Rent

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

Villas & Apts Rent-Chalong

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

4BED 4BATH GOOD LOCATION

A secure 4-bed 4-bath with a swimming pool in Baan Suan Loch Palm. 5 mins to BIS, 12 to 15 mins to Central, Patong and Phuket Town.

65000THB, jenjiramountford@gmail.com

2 bed house for rent, Kathu

Furnished 2 bed house for rent in Kathu, quiet area within easy reach of Tesco Lotus, Central, golf courses and fresh market. 15,000, Nok Roper, daveroper@live.com, 095 257 5382.

Two condos for sale/rent

2 condos for sale 48 sqm. - sale price $60,000 (developer’s price $116,000) & 54,5 sqm. - sale price $70,000 (developer’s price $128,000).

Fully furnished, near Central, Big C, BIS, Lotus, hospitals, schools. Communal pool and gym. Short & long time rent available 48 sqm. – THB 10000-15000 per month; 54,5 sqm. – THB 15000-20000 per month + electricity&water, Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

Phuket Office Share @ RPM

Searching for a prime location address as your office on Phuket? We are inviting small companies or individuals to join us in sharing our office space @ ‘Royal Phuket Marina’. Email us or call us on: 076390482 for full details.Phuket Luxury Living, info@phuketluxuryliving.com, 076 390 482.

Has everything, comfort, security, live in a small resort - lush tropical garden. 35,000 Baht per month. Long lease. Owner, 089 594 4067.

Retail space for rent

Retail space available in the Ocean Plaza Patong for massage, beauty, coffee, souvenir shops etc. Low rent contracts for up to 12 yrs. For info call Natty at 086 281 8883 or 076 343 506. 3632, Nattida Thaboondee, g.cummings@hotmail.com, 086 281 8883.

Chalong villa for rent

Living area 450 sq.m, Land: 800 sq.m. 1st floor: Living room, Master bdr with en-suite bth, Kitchen, Sea view terrace, Pool, 2nd floor: 4 bdr with bth, 2nd living room, Office. 90,000/month/ year., oliver@thurmanngroup.com, 087 877 2320.

Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai

FOR RENT Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai.

360 p ํ anoramic breathtaking views of Chalong bay, mountain view and big Buddha. Two bedrooms, 310 sq.m of spacious living area and balconies. Please contact Izzy 086278 8300 or Danai 090 170 0429. propertysales@serenityphuket.com

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.

PATONG: 1 and 2 Bed Apartments

2-Bed/2-Bath & Studio for rent. Balcony. Full A/C. Western Kitchen. Modern furnished. All Extras. Fast WIFI free. Quiet Location & well maintained.

Email : khunrei@gmail.com, 084 185 8536.

CHALONG BEACH FRONT LAND

Direct beach front land for rent. Long and short term. Area 2400 sq meter with beach front of 40 meter, Contact: Mr. Narin, narinpga@ gmail.com, 081 826 9390.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

SPORT 35

Phuket in eight-goal thriller Continued from page 40 ...Phuket’s then Ivorian forward Dosso Mamoudou was clearly taken down inside Suratthani’s penalty box, but some how, and for reasons only he knows, the referee failed to award a penalty.

The Phuket News is happy to report there were no such incidents or controversy in Saturday’s away leg.

However, there was one disappointing factor to Saturday’s game, and that is Phuket took the lead three times and each time quickly lost those leads.

But saying that, this is kudos to the Suratthani players and shows why the team sit where they do in the league table.

It was Phuket’s Thai forward Akkarapol Meesawat (17) who opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, but that lead was taken away just minutes later.

The Dragon then took the lead again with a goal from their 19-year-old Danish striker Marcus Lassen (9), but once again Suratthani soon brought the score level.

But it was Phuket’s Sukree Etae who put Phuket in the lead again just before the half

@thephuketnews

The travelling fanclub celebrates with the team.

AIS SOUTHERN REGION DIVISION 2 Phuket players flock to Marcus Lassen after he scores the team’s second goal.

Photos: Puvadon Kosol Klabpadung way mark. It was 2-3 when the teams went in at the end of the first 45.

There were no changes made by either team in the half-time break, and the game pretty much continued in the same fashion as the first half, but about 20 minutes in the Roosters brought the score level once again.

But around 10 minutes later Suratthani gave themselves the lead for the first time in the game, and this forced Phuket to make some much-needed substitutions, not due to the team’s perfor-

mance, but simply because it was clear that due to the end-to-end action players were starting to tire.

But Phuket didn’t give up, in fact, they tried desperately to at least go home with a point. And with just a minute or two of normal time remaining they were rewarded for their effort when Nattapom Maya (7) brought the score level to 4-4.

Following the game a large number of the fans who had made the four-hour journey down to the Surat Thani Provincial Stadium joined

the players and coaching staff on the pitch to celebrate the result, something a little unusual as sadly Phuket fans often only celebrate in such a manner when the team have taken three points.

The point took Phuket up one place to 7th in the table now on 25 points. Suratthani still sit at the top of the table now on 39 points.

At the time of going to press, Phuket now only had three games remaining in the off icial 2016 season, the first being at home on Wednesday (Aug 24) against

Team

MP W

D

L

GD Pts

1

Suratthani FC

19

11

6

2

11

39

2

Nara United

19

10

5

4

14

35

3

Ranong United

19

9

7

3

3

34

4

Yala United

19

9

3

7

1

30

5

Pattani FC

19

8

3

8

9

27

6

Trang FC

19

7

5

7

1

26

7

Phuket FC

19

5

10

4

1

25

8

Satun FC

19

6

7

6

1

25

9

Phattalung FC

19

6

6

7

-5

24

10

Hatyai FC

19

6

1

12

-12

19

11

Phangnga FC

19

4

5

10

-9

17

12

Nakhorn Si Heritage 19

1

6

12

-16

9

second-placed Nara United.

On Sunday (Aug 28) they travel over the bridge to take on second-from-bottom Phangnga FC. And their final

game will be away to Pattani FC on Sunday, Sept 4.

The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of Phuket FC.

36 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Wet Dreams stay three points clear in league POOL WET DREAMS PLAYED at home to Dirty Nellies in last Thursday’s (Aug 18) round on the Patong Pool League, the halfway mark in the season, and were hoping that their 9-2 win would extend their lead at the top of the table. However, with Ting Tong coming out 10-1 winners at home to Simon & Oils the gap has now closed to only three points.

El s e whe r e , G e n iu s played at home against M&M Bar and secured a 7-4 win, while Natalie Bar played at home to Martin Swiss and also walked away with a 7-4 win.

Sports Bar lost 9-2 at home against 1Bar, they lost all their singles and doubles games but did manage to win the Beer leg.

It was Champs turn to pick up the 11 points gained

Looking like a pro The right board makes all the difference SURFING

Gilles from Champs Bar after being seven-balled. for being drawn against Amigo who have pulled out of the league.

Matt Pond

League Standings Wet Dreams

83

Ting Tong

80

1Bar

76

Genius

73

Champs

69

Sports

67

Dirty Nellies

64

Natalie

62

Martin Swiss

60

Simon & Oils

46

M&M

46

Amigo

0

Tim Campbell info@skylaphuket.com

A

h, the sweet sound of a child who thinks they know what they want, “Mummy mummy, I want to go surfing but I only want to use THAT board.”

A question I often get asked on the beach is “what surfboard is good for me?” Simple, what’s your current surfing ability?

How much do you weigh? How regularly will you go surfing and where will that be?

These four questions will determine what board is good for you. I know the small,

slimline surfboards make you look cool, but will you be able to surf on it?

Trust me, a surfer who can actually ride the waves and uses a bigger board is way cooler than someone with a performance looking board who can’t surf.

I’ve been watching a lot of you surf this season, and yes, fitness and technique still play a huge part in your surfing, BUT a lot of you are surfing on the wrong board.

Here’s an example which will to help: you weigh 75 kilos and surf at best three times a week. You can catch, stand up and go straight along the wave, maybe even do a basic bottom turn. If this is you, I would recommend a 6’2 fish up to a 7’2 mini Malibu style surfboard.

Also you should take into

Phuket surfer Harry hits a wave during a recent session. consideration that Phuket’s waves are generally not powerful which means a board with more volume and length will help you get that much needed speed which is harder to get on a shorter board.

See you in the water!

Tim’s Tip: For fun, try a

surfboard one foot bigger than what you ride now and work on the fundamentals of catching a wave, popping up and turning before you try a smaller board again.

BISP players win medals at All-Schools Tournament TENNIS

Milo Futsal Champions 2016: Congratu-

lations to the Pluk Panya Municipal School A team who last weekend were crowned champions of the MILO Futsal Championship 2016 held in Bangkok from Aug 19-21.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

All five BISP tennis youths received medals for the performances in the 2016 Phuket All-Schools Tennis Tournament.

LAST WEEKEND (AUG 20-21), the 2016 Phuket AllSchools Tennis Tournament was held in Phuket Town.

Several players from the BISP RPT Tennis Academy at British International School (BISP), Phuket took part, with the following taking medals: • Kevin: Winner (Boys U16) • Turquoise: Runner-up (Girls U16) • Hugo: 3rd place (Boys U16)

• Jasmine: 3rd place (Girls U12) • Anzac: Runner-up (Boys U12) Last weekend also saw BISP player Birdy play in the 8 & Under Krasae event in Bangkok, where he got through to the semi-finals before just missing out on a final spot, losing to the No. 1 seed 3-5, 4-1, 6-10.

Learn more about tennis at BISP at: www.bisphuket.ac.th/ tennis

Nicolai (left) seen here in his trials with FC Porto.

BISP footballer trials with leading Portuguese sides FOOTBALL AFTER PUTTING IN AN outstanding performance when British International School, Phuket’s (BISP) Cruizero Football Academy took part in the annual IberCup held last month in Estoril, Protugal, one stand-alone player managed to have trials with two of Portugal’s top clubs.

BISP student Nicolai, who plays for Cruizero’s U13

squad, completed trials with both FC Porto and FC Benfica, performing very well and demonstrating the Cruzeiro way with great skills, good game knowledge and confidence.

Both clubs were so impressed with Nicolai’s performance that they have invited him back for a one month training period at a later date.

Learn more about football at BISP at: www.bisphuket. ac.th/football thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

SPORT 37

Taekwondo coach wants citizenship TAEKWONDO

Thailand coach Kiatisak Senamuang talks to his players in Qatar. Photo: Bangkok Post.

S

outh Korea’s Choi Young Seok may quit as Thailand’s taekwondo coach due to citizenship issues.

Choi and his three Thai fighters arrived from the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro to a warm welcome at Suvarnabhumi airport on Tuesday (Aug 23).

At the Rio Games, Tawin Harnprab took silver and Panipak Wongpattanakit claimed bronze for the country’s best ever Olympic campaign in the Korean martial art.

The Kingdom have won five Olympic medals in taekwondo since Choi became coach of the national team in 2002.

He reiterated on Tuesday that he wanted Thai citizenship. The Taekwondo Association of Thailand (TAT) has helped him in the matter, which is complicated as he has to relinquish his Korean citizenship to become a naturalised Thai.

Thais braced for Saudi heat FOOTBALL

Thailand’s South Korean taekwondo coach Choi Young Seok. Photo: Bangkok Post.

“I love Thailand and want citizenship. I want to be a citizen of both countries so it is a tough decision for me.”

He said with a Thai passport it would be easier for him to work as coach of the Thai team.

“I want to buy a house here but I cannot do it [because he is a foreigner],” Choi said.

He said he had been approached by the World Taekwondo Federation to help

develop the sport worldwide.

“I may join that organisation in the future,” said the 42-year-old coach.

“If I don’t get Thai citizenship, I may not remain as Thailand’s coach. I love Thailand but my stint as Thailand’s coach will end one day. If I get Thai citizenship, I will work and die here.”

It was the first time that Thailand have won more than one medal in taekwondo in a

single Olympics while Tawin became the country’s first ever male medallist in the sport, Pimol said.

“I am proud of my three fighters in Rio. They fought to their best,” he said.

“They are still young and they will be great assets for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.”

Phannapa Harnsujin, the other Thai exponent in Rio, finished empty-handed.

Bangkok Post

THAILAND COACH KIatisak Senamuang is worried about the weather in the Middle East ahead of their clash with Saudi Arabia in a World Cup qualifier.

The team arrived in Qatar on Monday (Aug 22) to train there before meeting Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Sept 1.

Kiatisak complained about humidity in the region which could make his players exhausted fast.

“The players sweat easily. I hope they are able adapt to the weather as soon as possible,” said Kiatisak.

He said it was good for his team to arrive in the region 10 days before the match, giving them a chance to play a warmup game first.

“Every player is looking

forward to the match. Saudi Arabia are a strong team but we are not afraid of anyone. We believe we can surprise many in the World Cup qualifying campaign.”

Thailand played Qatar in a warm-up match before they leave for Saudi Arabia on Monday (Aug 29).

Thailand are in Group B of Asia’s final qualifying round for the 2018 World Cup along with Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia and Iraq.

They will play on a homeand-away basis starting next month and finishing in September 2017.

The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for Russia 2018. The third-place teams face each other with the winners taking on a Concacaf side in a play-off for another berth.

Bangkok Post

Thais look ahead to 2020 Games OLYMPICS AFTER MIXED FORTUNES at the 2016 Olympics, Thailand’s sports associations are looking ahead to the 2020 Tokyo Games.

The 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro came to a spectacular conclusion on Sunday (Aug 21), with the Kingdom finishing tied for 35th in the medal standings.

Thailand had 54 athletes in 17 sports at the Rio Games.

@thephuketnews

The country won two gold, two silver and two bronze medals, all in weightlifting and taekwondo.

The successful weightlifters were champions Sopita Tanasan and Sukanya Srisurat, silver medal winner Pimsiri Sirikaew and bronze medallist Sinhpet Kruaithong, while the medal winning taekwondo fighters were runner-up Tawin Harnprab and third-placed Panipak Wongpattanakit.

With five participants in Rio, the Thailand Boxing

Association (TBA) suffered an embarrassing campaign finishing without their fighters picking up a single medal.

It was the first time that Thailand have failed to win a medal in the sport since boxer Payao Poontarat became the Kingdom’s first ever Olympic medallist when he claimed a bronze at the 1976 Montreal Games.

TBA president Pichai Junhavajira apologised to compatriots for the failure and vowed that his athletes would

make a strong comeback in Tokyo.

“I am sorry that we failed to win a medal,” he said.

“We failed because of many factors and we will work harder to become better in the next Olympics.”

He said he would make changes to the coaching structure and try to encourage young boxers to hone their skills to a higher standard.

“We now have about 50 boxers aged 13-17 years old who could be national fighters

Thailand’s Sopita Tanasan took the country’s first gold in the weightlifting competition. Photo: AFP. in the future,” he said.

Maj Gen Intarat Yodbangtoey, an adviser to the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (Tawa), said the

athletes will return to training after a few week’s break as preparations for the 2020 Olympics will soon begin.

Bangkok Post

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

F1 returns with Belgian GP After mid-season break drivers take to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps FORMULA ONE BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

T

he 2016 Formula One season resumes this weekend at the classic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday (Aug 28).

Fresh from their four-week midyear break, the sport’s 11 teams and 22 drivers will begin a gruelling nine-race campaign to the finish of a championship with plenty still to race for.

Mercedes, the dominant constructors’ leader with a 159-point lead, is bracing for the fight between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

Rosberg surrendered a hefty 43-point lead two rounds before the break, giving reigning champion Hamilton a credible 19-point advantage.

Though the momentum remains firmly on the side of the Briton, early season unreliability means he will have to make an unscheduled engine

Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton now has a credible 19-point advantage over his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg. Photo: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP change, which penalises him with a back-of-grid start in one of the next two races, giving his teammate a window of opportunity to close the gap.

Mercedes has signalled the next round in Italy could be its preferred circuit to take that penalty given the ease of overtaking on Monza’s long straights will offer Hamilton a chance to limit the damage.

Though few pundits are tipping Rosberg to regain the

lead, the German has kept impressively calm in the face of his points catastrophe, and 225 points are still available.

Chasing drivers Daniel Ricciardo, Kimi Räikkönen, Max Verstappen, and Sebastian Vettel remain distant bit-players in the drivers championship, but the race for the lucrative second place in the constructors title remains hot.

Ferrari, billed as being Mercedes’s chief challenger

after almost taking the year’s first victory in Melbourne, has been helplessly moribund as Red Bull Racing, aided by an upgraded Renault engine, has vaulted past in pace and points.

The Italians lost second place in the constructors’ championship for the first time in 2016 at the German Grand Prix, and team personnel and drivers alike cut dejected figures in the paddock afterwards.

Ferrari also bid farewell to

highly rated technical director James Allison amid rumours he and Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne couldn’t see eye to eye, meaning any unlikely resurgence will come against a background of a complex technical team reshuffle.

Just 14 points separate Ferrari from the Red Bull Racing’s second place, and with the pair closely matched, the fight for third place on the track will be fierce.

Off the track the driver market is poised to burst into life – or fizzle out anticlimactically – depending on two key drivers deciding on their futures in the next two months.

Jenson Button is being evaluated against rising star Stoffel Vandoorne for McLaren’s second seat alongside Fernando Alonso.

Button is valued for his experience in building McLarenHonda out of its disastrous partnership, but McLaren knows the 36-year-old world champion has a shorter shelf life than the 24-year-old highly prized Vandoorne.

Sergio Perez holds the other key, with the Mexican’s lucra-

tive sponsors keen to see their charge move up in the F1 pecking order after three seasons with powerful midfield team Force India.

Perez has been linked to seats at Force India’s fourthplace rival Williams and rebuilding works team Renault, though no decision has yet been made.

Force India principal Bob Fernley believes if his team can close the 15-point gap to Williams in fourth, it can keep hold of the skilled 26-year-old by virtue of making a move to any other team either a sideways or backwards one.

The final word goes to Manor, which has dropped Indonesian Rio Haryanto, who ran out of crucial sponsorship money, for Mercedes-backed Esteban Ocon.

The switch means Manor will host the straight fight between Ocon and fellow Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein, with both drivers eyeing a fulltime Mercedes drive post-2018.

Tune in to Live89.5 every Saturday from 9am to hear box of neutrals talk everything F1.

Rio Olympics over – was it worth it?

OLYMPICS THE OLYMPICS ENDED last Sunday (Aug 21) with Brazil having shown twice in two years that it is capable of hosting the world’s biggest sporting events. But was the effort worth the trouble?

The initial excitement of knowing Brazil would host both the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics turned bittersweet, at best.

There were mass protests in 2013 against corruption and white elephant stadiums for the football. Then this year Brazil hit a perfect storm of political crisis, historic recession, runaway unemployment

and a huge corruption scandal in the flagship national company Petrobras.

How did Rio de Janeiro and the country as a whole come out in the end?

“The main legacy of the Games was the party for Rio’s people, who will never forget these days,” said leading Brazilian sports analyst Juca Kfouri. “But the bill to pay will be very high.”

“Hopefully the Games have also provided a bit of a lesson for Brazilian fans, although I doubt it,” Kfouri added, referring to the loud booing at foreign athletes in everything from tennis to pole vaulting, and even during national anthems and

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Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2.45pm Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 3:15pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

medal-giving ceremonies.

The glorious days of 2009 when the Olympics were awarded to Rio are a distant memory.

Back then, thousands of Cariocas – as Rio natives are called – celebrated on Copacabana beach, watching the decision live on a huge television screen.

Then president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cried on screen and hugged football legend Pele at the Copenhagen meeting where Rio had been named as South America’s first ever Olympic host.

He had started as an illiterate boy who shined shoes, became a metal worker and union leader, an opponent of the military dictatorship and finally president after three failed attempts. The Olympics were to be his crowning achievement.

But today it is pessimism that rules. Lula faces a corruption prosecution, his chosen successor Dilma Rousseff faces imminent removal from office in an impeachment trial, and her replacement, Michel Temer, is considered by many Brazilians to be illegitimate.

“For us Brazilians it is an honour to be hosting the Olympics but this is a very

sad moment in history that will always stay with us,” said Fernanda Corezola, a government employee who came from Porto Alegre to watch the Games.

In 2017, some 63 per cent of Rio will be able to use public transport, against only 17% in 2009, thanks to the Olympic projects to extend the metro, build a light railway and set up a cross-city dedicated bus lane network.

“Transport is the biggest legacy of the Games in terms of the amount of investment and the amount of people benefiting,” deputy mayor Rafael Picciani said.

Residents aren’t all happy, saying the buses are too few and too full, and that little has been done to address generalised problems in the poorest areas.

A big let down has been the failure to improve the massive pollution in the Bay of Guanabara, which was used for sailing contests.

The cost of the Games is also controversial in a city with significant economic difficulties and a huge gap between rich and poor.

Although the authorities say that 60% of the bill was accounted for through private

Fireworks rise high into the sky above the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro during the closing ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games last Sundaty (Aug 21).

Photo: Antonin Thuillier/AFP investors, Guilherme Dias, a school teacher in a poor neighbourhood, says: “This party... was not done for the people. The events are far from where poor people live.”

The city centre, which had been badly run down, is one area where big improvements have been made. A modern tramway now runs from the domestic airport and a former dock area has been converted into a pedestrian zone with two new museums.

“The sporting and educational legacies are immense.

The transport infrastructure is a great benefit that will remain for future generations,” said Thomas Bach, head of the International Olympic Committee.

But many Cariocas, including the almost one in three living in favelas, fear little has changed.

Violent crime remains high, with shootings by criminals or by police a daily occurrence. On average, almost five people a day suffer violent death.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

SPORT 39

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Five things we learnt in the Premier League T FOOTBALL

he Premier League saw its second week of action last weekend, and Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and surprise package Hull City all

maintained their 100 per cent records, but title-holders Leicester City and Arsenal still remain winless.

Here are five more things we learnt:

Paul Pogba made his second Manchester United debut in last Friday’s (Aug 19) 2-0 win over Southampton following his return from Juventus, catching the eye with his purposeful running and shooting. With the rangy Pogba, the gangly Marouane Fellaini, the strapping Eric Bailly and towering striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic – who scored twice – also in the starting XI, United look a more physically-imposing team than they have for some time. United no longer instil dread in their opponents as they did under legendary

MONTHLY STANDINGS

OVERALL STANDINGS

MRB scottkip jeltanic LFC444 princess

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Manchester United’s midfielder Paul Pogba.

Photo Oli Scarff/AFP. former manager Alex Ferguson, but they look ready to go toe-to-toe with anyone under Jose Mourinho.

Burnley prove possession isn’t everything

@thephuketnews

EPL PREDICTIONS 13 13 12 12 12

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English Premier League 2016 - 2017

Burnley’s Sam Vokes (2nd right) celebrates after scoring last weekend. Photo: Jon Super/AFP.

An effect of Pep Guardiola’s achievements with Barcelona was a Europe-wide fetishisation of possession, but as Burnley’s 2-0 win over Liverpool proved, it is what you do with the ball that counts. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool saw 80 per cent of the ball at Turf Moor, but

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Pogba gives Manchester United extra heft

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Burnley’s supreme defensive organisation restricted the visitors to long-range potshots. Sean Dyche’s side prevailed courtesy of welltaken first-half strikes by Sam Vokes and Andre Gray to record their first win since securing promotion from the Championship in May.

Chelsea’s Diego Costa celebrates scoring his first goal of the season against West Ham United. Photo: AFP.

Chelsea’s Costa is back to his best/worst Chelsea have won both their opening league games 2-1.

On both occasions, Diego Costa scored a late winner.

On both occasions, he was fortunate to still be on the pitch at the time. Against West Ham United, he netted an 89th-minute winner after avoiding a second booking for a wild lunge on goalkeeper Adrian. At Watford last Saturday (Aug 20), he was booked for dissent – as he had been against West Ham – before escaping punishment for an apparent

dive on the edge of the hosts’ box. With three minutes remaining he raced onto Cesc Fabregas’s through ball and tucked the winner past Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. Costa’s 20 goals inspired Chelsea to the title in 2015. He looked a shadow of himself last season, but if Chelsea are to mount a sustained title challenge in 2016-17, new manager Antonio Conte will hope the troublesome Spain international continues to play on the edge.

Stoke no longer provide England’s acid test Another of Guardiola’s achievements at Barcelona was the weaving their dazzling patterns across the topflight playing fields of Spain in the latter part of the last decade, a common refrain in England was: “Yes, but could they do it on a wet, windy afternoon in Stoke?” Guardiola took his Manchester City team to Stoke City’s newly renamed Bet365 Stadium last

weekend and the weather was appropriately unpleasant. But with Stoke manager Mark Hughes trying to introduce a more expansive playing style, the Potters are no longer the fearsome prospect they were under former manager Tony Pulis. They proved no match for Guardiola’s men as Sergio Aguero and new recruit Nolito each scored twice in a one-sided 4-1 victory.

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Man City Man Utd Hull Chelsea Everton Middlesbrough Tottenham Burnley West Brom West Ham Liverpool Swansea Arsenal Watford Leicester Southampton Stoke Sunderland Crystal Palace Bournemouth

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2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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A GD Pts

0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2

6 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 4 1 3 2 1 1 2 2 0 1

2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 5 2 4 3 2 3 5 4 2 4

4 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -2 -3 -2 -2 -3

6 6 6 6 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

Wenger is running out of time, and patience Arsenal’s supporters could be forgiven for feeling like they have been here before. Just as in 2015, the north London club have made one exciting signing early in the transfer window – Petr Cech last year, Granit Xhaka this – but once again they have failed to strengthen their squad further with any significant signings. Just as in 2015, they were beaten at home in their opening game – by West Ham last year, by Liverpool this – and are already being written off as title contenders. Manager Arsene Wenger angrily hit out at scrutiny of the club’s transfer policy following his side’s 0-0 draw at champi-

Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger reacts on the touchline. Photo: Oli Scarff/AFP. ons Leicester City and said he would not spend money for the sake of it. But with 10 days until the transfer window closes, the clock is ticking.

Sport editor3@classactmedia.co.th

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Hamilton fired up to face off waffle in Belgium > page 38

UP WITH THE BEST FOOTBALL Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

A

game with end-to-end action is probably the best way to describe Phuket FC’s away game to Suratthani FC last Saturday night (Aug 20), a match in which neither team could claim victory.

In our last repor t we pointed out that so far this season Phuket FC had faired equally as good as some of the higher-placed AIS Southern Region Division 2 teams, and coming away with a point

following a 4-4 draw with the top-of-the-table team on Saturday is yet another clear testament to this, irrespective of our mid-table standing.

Going into Saturday’s game, the 19th of the 22-fixture season, the Andaman Dragon sat seven places below the table-topping Roosters at 8th with 24 points in the 12-side table, while Surat were on 38.

In Phuket’s home game to Suratthani FC back in May, a poor referee decision in the final minutes of the game meant that Phuket also had to take a point from that game.

Continued page 35

Phuket’s Sukree Eta (left) was the third team member to get on the score sheet, giving Andaman Dragon the lead again just before half time. Photo: Puvadon Kosol Klabpadung

thephuketnews