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Runaway mother returns for her abandoned infant

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What does the future hold for Romadon and Gig?

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All the shocking photos from the Vegetarian Fest

Thai fighter wins world title in Manilla thriller

Paris in

FIRE AT HARD ROCK, OFFICIALS PRAISE SAFETY MEASURES > P3 Though she didn’t say it at the press conference, the Phuket party Paris announced is expected to be ‘hot’.

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Hilton heiress announces New Year’s party on Surin beach, 50,000 expected ■ Will feature stage floating

out on the Andaman Sea ■ Artists include LMFAO, Basement Jaxx, Ken Ishii ■ To run from midday Dec 30 to sunrise Jan 1 FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Fury over axing

Phuket politicians express anger over the Government’s canning of the ICEC project >4

Alasdair Forbes, Jody Houton & Claire Connell execeditor@thephuketnews.com

Plans move ahead for ‘party of the year’

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merican socialite Paris Hilton flew into Bangkok for one night on Monday (October 22) to announce the massive Sydictive Element New Year’s Eve party planned for Surin Beach. Up to 50,000 people are expected to attend the two-day dance marathon.

Organisers confirmed Ms Hilton will be attending the Phuket event – her first time to the island.

“I believe you should live every day to its fullest, filled with fun and laughter. This time, Sydictive is going to make that so easy and I’m proud to be part of it,” Ms Hilton told the crowd during the launch in Bangkok.

Organisers say the 48-hour party will feature international acts such as LMFAO, Basement Jaxx, Marco V, Tydi, and Ken Ishii, with other acts to be announced in the future.

The DJs will play on a floating pontoon, dubbed “the world’s largest ocean-floating

Sydictive Element CEO Jirat Pethnunthawong, American celebrity Paris Hilton, and Singaporean DJ Nicole Chen. stage”, set up in the sea 10 metres from the shore, with 3D mapping and LED backdrops.

Sydictive Element representatives said Ms Hilton – who was propelled into the public eye after footage of a hotel room dalliance was released on the internet – was chosen to be a spokesperson for the party because she is well known for her “charismatic personality, love of life, and socialite status”.

Dr Warachart Chanchai, Vice President of Sydictive Element, said the company chose Surin Beach instead of Patong because Surin Beach was only 1.5km long, and event security would be better able to monitor the event and control crowds.

Dr Warachart said Jirat Pethnunthawong, CEO of Sydictive Element, had flown down to Phuket on several occasions to visit the site. This

is the company’s first event in Phuket, though Mr Jirat has previously held other events in China and Malaysia, and is responsible for creating the famous nightclub Fabrique in Chiang Mai. Mr Jirat said that the event had been planned for more than six months, with only minor details still needing to be worked out. He confirmed he had approval from local Phuket authorities on the venue, because it would boost tourism in Phuket over the Christmas and New Year period.

Phuket officials, including Chanchai Doungjit, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office; Sommai Preechasilpa, Phuket Vice Governor; MaAnn Samran, President of the Cherng Talay OrBorTor; and other representatives from the OrBorTor will meet next week to discuss matters.

During the meeting the group will discuss promotion, logistics, police presence, se-

curity and other issues relating to the ambitious event.

Phuket governor, Maitree Intusut, said, “I have known about this project for a while and I think it is a good idea.

The next step is to invite all the people involved to meet together, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will take care of this process.”

Mr Chanchai of the TAT also supported the event.

“This will be a huge festival for Phuket, and will be a colourful countdown [to 2013].

The organisers are well known in Asia, and this concert will attract many international acts.”

Mr Ma-Ann, of the OrBorTor, said when he first heard about the event he was surprised because he had not been informed by the organisers.

He would know more about the event after next week’s meeting, he said.

When questioned, Sydictive Element CEO Mr Jirat said that hosting the event in Bangkok would’ve turned it

“into a media frenzy instead of a celebration of the New Year”.

He also wasn’t able to find a suitable venue in the capital that would be able to ensure public safety for the predicted 50,000 strong crowd.

“With the use of fireworks, laser beams, and projectors there were too many restrictions to host the event in Bangkok.”

When Mr Jirat was asked how he would deal with the lack of local public transport to get partygoers to and from Surin Beach, he said he was still negotiating with the Renaissance Hotel in Mai Khao to try and provide a shuttle service that would run throughout the night.

The hotel is listed on the company’s website as an accommodation option for those coming to Phuket for the event.

There is no word what local tuk-tuk operators would make of this arrangement.

Early bird tickets purchased before October 21 are B2,000 and are available from thaiticketmajor.com.

Line-up for New Year’s Eve Basement Jaxx

Basement Jaxx is an English house music duo comprised of Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe that rose to popularity in the late 1990s.

Basement Jaxx started in Brixton, London in 1994, where they held a regular club night called Rooty, which would later become the name of their second album. The duo took their name from the location of the studio where they recorded their first EP.

LMFAO

LMFAO are an American electropop duo consisting of Redfoo and SkyBlu. The duo grew up in the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood Pacific Palisades, where they formed the group LMFAO in 2006. The duo has said its original name was Sexe Dude (read as Sexy Dudes) and the two subsequently changed it at the advice of their grandmother, who wasn’t comfortable with the label.

JFK Mstrkrft

JFK or Jesse Frederick Keeler of the electronic music duo MSTRKRFT (pronounced Master-craft) is also known as the bassist of Canadian dance punk duo Death from Above 1979. The music industry knows MSTRKRFT for its remixes of Katy Perry’s “California Gurls”, Bloc Party’s “Two More Years”, Kylie Minoque’s “Wow”, Usher’s “Love in This Club”, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Zero”.

Ken Ishii

Ken Ishii debuted on legendary Belgian techno label, R & S Records in 1993. In that same year he went straight to No.1 on the UK’s NME magazine’s techno chart. In 1998, he produced the official theme song for the winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, and then in 2000, was interviewed and put on the cover of Newsweek magazine, featured as a symbol of new Japanese culture.

Marco V

Marco V has been around for many years, as an inventive, styleblending deejay and a successful producer. “The audience is always my first concern. If the music is great, but the party isn’t happening, something is definitely going wrong. I try to prove that it is possible to create a happy atmosphere with quality music. It is not the easiest way to play, but it has kept me around.”

Tydi

Signed to the respected Armada label at the tender age of 17, Australia’s Tyson Illingworth is not even close to breaking a decade in the business yet. Better known as DJ tyDi on the EDM circuit, it’s evident there is so much more to come from this musically accomplished phenom. Everyone wants to hear about the DJ’s rock roots, clothing line and his recent release ‘Shooting Stars’.

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For a full DJ line-up, visit thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Expert praises fire safety at Hard Rock Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

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ard Rock Cafe – the second major entertainment venue to experience a fire in recent months – was investigated on Sunday (October 21) by Bangkok-based President of the Safety in Architecture section of the Association of Siamese Architects, Dr Bundit Pradabsook, who also visited the Tiger Disco ruins.

The fire, which started around 8am at the Hard Rock in Patong last Thursday (October 18), caused damage to the building but no-one was injured. The venue opened again on Wednesday (October 24) but the outdoor patio area remains closed temporarily due to damage.

D r Bu nd it v isited to investigate the venue’s safety measures and to speak with the Kathu District police, and the Patong Municipality Fire Station.

Dr Bundit said the fire started at the iconic neon “Hard Rock Cafe” sign above the entrance. He said the fire started from an electric spark behind the sign and spread to the flammable foam material used to clad the ceiling to absorb noise.

“My initial theory is that the cause of the fire was from an electric spark, which combined with the heat of 15,000

The Hard Rock Cafe in Patong reopened on Wednesday following last week’s fire. volts from the Hard Rock sign and the flammable material.”

He said previous fires at entertainment venues, including the deadly Tiger Disco fire in Patong in August which left four dead, plus the catastrophic Santika fire in Bangkok in 2009, where 66 people died and several hundred were injured, also had venues that were “full of flammable material”.

He praised the Hard Rock Cafe for its safety measures, including having installed

fire alarms, water pumps, an electrical generator plus other equipment, and trained staff who were able to use the fire extinguishers effectively and call the fire brigade in time.

(The fire brigade were at the fire just three minutes after being called).

However, Mr Bundit did say Hard Rock Cafe needed to check its electric system daily, and there were still safety measures which needed to be put in place before the new regulations under the Building

Kathu police in ‘drug crackdown’ K ATHU DISTRICT POlice Superintendent Pol Col Jirapat Pochanapant ordered a “continuing crackdown on illegal drug use” on Monday (October 22) in his area, which includes Patong.

The order was issued in a response to central government policy, which focuses on eradication.

On Saturday night (October 20), Kathu police arrested three Burmese nationals on drugs and “drug production” charges.

That same night, deputy drugs squad chief Pol Lt Col Aknit Danpitaksat ordered a sweep of Patong, and Pol Lt Col Somsak Tongkliang, detective inspector at the Patong station, decided to target a Burmese labour camp on Ha Sib Pi Rd. The inspector had been given a tip off that young

people were buying bottles of home-made drug “4x100” from a shop in front of the camp. 4x100, also known as see koon loy, is a favourite teenagers’ cocktail made from cough syrup, cola, kratom leaf and ice.

Arrested inside the shop were Burmese nationals Nai, 45, Sor, 25 and Soyor, 27.

Confiscated by police were 1,620 kratom leaves, 10 bottles of prescription cough syrup, 40 packs of Super Coffee Mix, two litres of Coke, a water boiler, water bottles and ten bottles of 4x100 contained in Red Bull bottles.

Police said the small Red Bull bottles were sold for B50 each, and the larger water bottles with 4x100 drug cost B100 each.

– Source: Manager Online

PAY

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Control Act come into effect in December this year.

According to new regulations for entertainment venues announced in March this year, flammable materials must not cover more than 30 per cent of a building’s surface.

The reg ulations were brought in as a result of the fire at the Santika Club in Bangkok. The regulations also include a maximum occupancy for such venues, with no more than one person per square metre allowed in any

PHUKET NEWS

night club or bar.

After the new regulations were announced, entertainment venues were given until December 25 this year to make the necessary modifications, such as cutting down on the use of f lammable materials, providing sufficient fire exits and limiting maximum occupancy.

More than 10,000 buildings in Thailand are expected to follow the new changes and remodel their buildings to be safer, with stricter regulations regarding smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and exit doors. Dr Bundit suggested fire retardant foam be used in construction of ceilings and walls, or the foam be covered by gypsum board (plasterboard) to stop the fire spreading so fast.

Dr Bundit emphasised that the most important factor when dealing with fire safety measures was to ensure that everyone was aware of everything required.

This included the company owner, the customers (who should be given details of evacuation routes) and officials (including firefighters and police), Dr Bundit said.

The Association of Siamese Architects will be travelling to provinces around Thailand to hold public meetings about the new ministerial regulations. The group is expected to visit Phuket.

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Demo’ teams land in Phuket

THE FIRST GROUP OF the 366 six-man teams to investigate land titles on behalf of Damrong “The Demolisher” Pidech are expected to arrive in Phuket on Monday (October 29).

The first 120 teams are due to spend 10 days investigating 120 of the 366 suspect land plots on the island. The remaining teams will then visit and inspect the rest of the disputed land.

The 366 investigation teams were formed on the orders of Mr Damrong, recently retired director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), who wanted his work of identifying land cheats to be continued. Chief of Sirinart Park, Cheewapap Cheewatham, confirmed with The Phuket News on Tuesday (October 23) that a workshop would be held in Bangkok for all the chiefs and deputy chiefs of the teams.

The workshop, mainly discussing land laws, land titles and land measuring procedures, was due to start on Wednesday (October 24).

After their arrival on Monday, the men will have 10 days to finish gathering their information, and the investigation is expected to be completed in one month’s time.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut pays tribute to the King Rama V statue on Tuesday.

PHUKET GOVERNOR MAItree Intusut, along with other officials, paid tribute to the late King Chulalongkorn, also known as King Rama V, by laying a wreath at his statue at the Phuket Provincial Hall on Tuesday morning (October 23).

Tuesday marked the anniversary of his death in 1910, and was a public holiday in Thailand.

King Rama V was named Phra Piya Maharat, which means the great beloved king.

Provinces across Thailand held special ceremonies to mark the date, including a large ceremony at Chulalongkorn University, which was established by King Rama V.

NO CONVENTION CENTRE Planned ICEC dumped by government Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

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oonsupa Tantai, president of the “We Love Phuket” club, has said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government has ‘robbed’ the island of the chance to benefit from the planned B2.6 billion Phuket International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC), which was axed by the cabinet on October 2.

Mr Boonsupa presented Ms Yingluck with a letter on Monday (October 22) while she was in Koh Samui for a cabinet meeting. When given the letter, Ms Yingluck responded with “ka”, before going to the cabinet meeting at the Samui campus of the Surat Thani Rajabhat University’s International School of Tourism.

“Phuket has been robbed by the Government,” Mr Boonsupa told The Phuket News.

“The budget of B2.6 billion was approved by [former Prime Minster] Abhisit [Vejjajiva]’s cabinet already.”

“During her last visit to Phuket, Ms Yingluck promised to approve this project. This is really unfair for us,” he said.

“Mice (Meeting, Incentive, Travel, Conventions, Exhibitions) tourists have three to four times the spending of normal tourists, and these conferences are held all throughout the year, so it will mean there is hardly a low season in Phuket and other provinces.”

The letter also said the cabinet gave an unclear reason for cancelling the project.

They said they will “move the budget to another economic area”, but did not identify which one, Mr Boonsupa said.

However he told The

Boonsupa Tantai of the “We Love Phuket” Club presents his letter to Yingluck Shinawatra.

Phuket News the move was not altogether surprising because most of Southern Thailand, including Phuket, did not vote in favour of the Pheu Thai government, and instead were largely supportive of the Democrats.

For the island’s two MPs, Anchalee Vanich-Thepabutr and Rewat Areerob – both Democrats – the cancellation comes as a bitter blow, another example of the one-sidedness of the Bangkok-Phuket relationship.

“Phuket contributes a huge amount of revenue to the country – many hundreds of billions of baht a year,” Mr Rewat fumed.

“The convention centre, which would hold 2,000 to 3,000 people, would not be just for Phuket, either. It would also benefit [neighbouring] provinces such as Phang Nga and Krabi.

“One of the most important reasons [we need the ICEC] is the looming Asean Eco-

nomic Community in 2015 when tourists will pour into our country, with many of them heading for the southern provinces.”

Mr Rewat said governments in the past had backed exhibition centres in the north, in Chiang Mai (under a Democrat government) and the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok (under the military rule of Gen Prem Tinsulanonda).

Yet there is still no facility anywhere in southern Thailand to handle large groups of meetings and Mice visitors.

Mr Rewat said Mrs Anchalee would complain to the Senate Tourism Committee and invite Deputy PM and Finance Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong to explain why approval for the Phuket ICEC had been cancelled.

Sarayuth Mallam, VicePresident of the Phuket Tourism Association (PTA), said he firmly believed the decision was politically motivated.

“The project was approved by the government of [Democrat leader] Abhisit [Vejjajiva]. It was a political decision to cancel it.”

He will be writing to the PM stating the PTA’s view that the cancellation will definitely have an effect on Phuket, and may set the island’s tourism industry back “several steps”.

The government, he believes, does not care about the well being of Phuket; only about scoring political points.

Mr Sarayuth also voiced his suspicion that a secondary reason for the cancellation was that the government was “broke” and had therefore decided to cut big-ticket projects such as the ICEC. “I will pass our complaint to the PM. We [the Phuket Tourist Association] are business people,” he grumbled.

“Whoever sits in the Cabinet must take a broad view of Phuket tourism, not just use it for political grandstanding.”

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

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Mother returns for abandoned baby Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

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he mother who abandoned her newborn baby daughter in Thalang Hospital last week returned to the hospital on Tuesday (October 23) after staff found her working in a village in Thalang district.

A press conference was held on Tuesday, chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Preechasilpa, to confirm the mother’s return.

Hospital staff said the mother gave birth to her baby daughter at 10:30am last Thursday (October 18) but around 6pm the next day left the hospital alone.

Ms Sommai said the mother, who would not be identified by hospital staff, was now living with her baby in the hospital, but had yet to make any decision about their future.

“She is mentally traumatised, and should not be shown in public,” she said.

The 32 year-old woman, who was admitted with the fake name “Patcharapon Hawan”, had been living in Phuket before deciding to move to Krabi with her husband, where they had two children.

However, after she had problems with her husband, she returned to Phuket to stay with her sister but was unable to find her.

Parents dead, baby survives in Chalong horror crash BOTH PAR ENTS OF A newborn baby are dead following a truck and motorbike smash near Chalong on Wednesday (October 17).

Police said a six-wheel truck was travelling along Chao Fah East when it tried to overtake a motorbike. It clipped the motorbike, which was carrying 21-year-old Surasak Chaichana and Rungnapa Pikulthong, and their four month old baby.

Both parents were run over by the truck and killed instantly, while the baby son miraculously only suffered minor injuries. The baby boy was taken to Vachira Hospital.

Col. Boonlert On-Klang of Chalong Police Station said, “The truck was following the motorbike and tried to cut in front of the motorbike. The bike was hit and fell down, and the truck ran over the people.”

The crash happened on Chao Fah East, about 100 metres from the entrance to Soi Tamiet. The truck driver was 25-year-old Udom Sea-at, who fled the scene but was eventually caught and arrested.

Left, the baby girl abandoned by her mother, who is captured on CCTV footage above leaving the hospital just one day after giving birth.

She then gave birth to her 2.9kg daughter at Thalang Hospital on Thursday. At 5pm the next day, the woman told another patient she wanted to go wash her clothes, and left the hospital around 6:10pm.

The hospital reported the disappearance to the Thalang Police Station after they were unable to find her.

They searched the name she gave in the civil registration system of the Ministry of Interior but could not find her.

Thalang Hospital director, Dr Anon Kaewbamrung, said this

was the second baby to have been abandoned since January – the first one was a baby boy who was abandoned three months ago and now lives in the Phuket Provincial Foster Home.

Jiranan Jiamjaroen from the Phuket Provincial Foster Home said, “For the first 90 days, the baby can stay in the Baan Songkla foster home in Songkla province.

After that, the mother must make the decision to treat her baby on her own, or give the baby to the foster home to look after.”

The baby would go to Songkla

because it was a larger home.

“The mother is not really ready to look after her baby now because she is poor. She has been working for five months, but has no earnings and lives with her friends,” Ms Jiranan said.

The unidentified woman already has a 10-year-old child staying with grandparents in Chiang Rai, and another child, aged seven, who is living with the woman’s ex-husband and his new wife.

Thalang Hospital nurse Nantiya NinPang-Nga said, “There were

many people calling me, offering to be the new parents.

“If the mother is unable to look after her baby and has to give it to the foster home, I will give the names to the Phuket Social Development and Human Security organisation.”

A fund has been created for the mother and baby, and anyone wishing to donate can deposit money to the Islamic Bank of Thailand, Tesco Lotus Thalang branch, account name “Thalang Hospital for Mother and Child”, account number 094-101-8652.

Gold robber’s amateur mistake leads to arrest JAKKREUT JANTNONT robbed a gold shop of a one-baht weight necklace on Thursday evening (October 18) in Patong, and was caught when he went to a shop in Phuket Town the following day trying to sell it, police said.

Jakkreut, 19, is accused of robbing the Sakuna Patong Gold Shop around 7pm on Thursday, when he entered alone and asked to buy a one-baht weight gold necklace (15 grammes), worth around B25,000. He asked the shop salesperson, 25 year-old Sudaporn Tsaikliang, if he could try on a necklace. When the

necklace was put around his neck, Jakkreut turned and ran to his motorbike, jumped on it, and sped towards Ban Mon and Ha Sib Pi Rd. Before he could completely escape, the salesperson noted down the Phuket licence number of the thief’s black Honda Wave motorcycle.

But possibly Jakkreut’s most silly mistake was when he went to a gold shop in Phuket Town the next day to sell the necklace. Police were tipped off and traced him to his residence, where he was arrested.

– Source: Siang Tai

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

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RUNNING WITH THE GODS A fire walker accomplishes an impressive feat during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival on Saturday, October 20, just across from the Naka Weekend Market. On Tuesday evening (October 23) the streets of Phuket Town were lined with locals and tourists to mark the final night. Firecrackers, fireworks, sparklers and bangers provided the audible accompaniment to the mayhem that is the culmination of the nine-day event, and the coming together of the different shrines in town to form one huge, noisy, procession. Photo: Jenna Rae Ammerman

Vegetarian Fest draws to a blazing hot finish

he Phuket Vegetarian Festival finished in impressive fashion on Tuesday evening (October 23), however the number of spectators taken to hospital with injuries from the Phuket Vegetarian Festival doubled to 81 this year, Orachon Authawelap, Phuket Provincial Public Health Office academic

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expert, said. A street parade was held in Phuket Town on Tuesday night and chaotic fireworks displays, resulting in a large increase in the number of people injured by firecrackers.

Mrs Orachon said during last year’s festival 42 people were injured, but this year that number rose to 81, most of whom suffered eye, mouth

and body injuries from firecrackers, plus burns. None were severely hurt.

“Last night (Tuesday) we had the largest number of people injured from the firecrackers,” she said.

“Some of them were playing with firecrackers at their house, but most were injured from being hit while watching

the street parades. Some people were hurt from firecrackers they lit themselves, and some were injured from others lighting them carelessly.”

“There were also two people who fainted during the parade. I really want to warn everyone about the danger of firecrackers, because there has been a huge increase in

injuries this year.”

Of the 81 injured, Ms Orachon said 27 were maa song who were taken to hospital (compared with 28 last year) with injuries from piercing themselves with objects. No one was hurt severely, most just needed stitches or had burns from participating in the fire walking ceremony.

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A SEVERELY DISFIGURED body was found floating in the sea near Rassada Port on Wednesday morning (October 24).

Phuket Police Station duty officer Pol Lt Jariyawat Taencheun described the unidentified victim as male, of dark complexion, aged 30-35 years old, 160-165cm tall, and with short hair.

The man was found with a 20-centimetre gash running from the left ear to the nose – the result of the victim being slashed with a “sharp instrument”, police said.

In addition, his left eye was missing and the surrounding area slashed. A deep gash was noted in the head, and evidence of being slashed was seen on the right and left shoulders. The left wrist had been broken, and one of the fingers nearly cut off.

Pol Lt Jariyawat speculated, “We believe he was a Burmese living in the area who went to one of the nearby karaoke bars, got drunk, and was either set upon by a group of people he had problems with before or by fellow customers in the bar.

“They beat and stabbed

him till he was almost dead, then threw him in the ocean, where he died.”

Police said they were unable to say who the man was nor where he came from. The corpse was taken to Vachira Hospital in Phuket Town for a second examination.

Pol Lt Jariyawat said police were collecting information regarding the killers – “preliminary to prosecuting them according to law”.

The fishing ports in Phuket Town have been the site of many similar killings.

– Source: Siang Tai

Makro celebrates MAKRO CASH AND CARry on Wichitsongkram Rd held a party on Wednesday (October 24) to celebrate their newly revamped store.

The Phuket branch now has an extra 2,000 square metres of space, plus another 200 car park spaces for customers.

The extra space will be used

to bring more than 8,000 different products from all over Thailand and from overseas.

Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut, centre in pink, was invited to attend the event, and said he was “proud to be able to support a supermarket that is expanding to meet the needs of customers”.

THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Artificial solution to save Surin’s beaches Isaya Thongchua reporter3@thephuketnews.com

proposed new B6 million recreational area on Surin Beach will go a long way to helping beach encroachment on one of the island’s top stretches of sand, says Ma-Ann Samran, the Chief Executive of the Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor).

Mr Ma-An n told The Phuket News that the issue of beach encroachment from local Thai restaurants and hotel beach clubs was a problem to which he believes some government officials “turn a blind eye”.

“The problem is on such a large scale that if they successfully removed one restaurant from the beach, they need to remove them all,” he said, noting that this would take several months, or even years, to go through the Thai legal system.

His solution is to instead develop the 73 rai parcel of unused government land that runs behind the beachfront

A

Above, computer graphic of the Surin recreation park. Below, the completed football field.

into a large recreational area.

It would have a football field (nearly complete), kids playground, jogging track, an

18-hole golf course, benches to relax on, car parking for 200 cars, clean toilets and hygienic restaurants.

The idea is that beach restaurants will move to the area, which will have artificial grass, rather than destroy the beachfront, he said.

“The local shop owners would benefit from this by opening up shops in the recreational area, and be able to sell their food at a higher price.”

This project was approved in March last year by Gov Tri Augkaradacha. The foot-

ball field is nearly complete but construction is now at a standstill while the money to complete the remainder of the plans is found.

Mr Ma-Ann said, “The encroachment on the public beach of Surin can be seen very clearly by just walking along the beachfront.

“Most local restaurants have built small erosion banks with bamboo to stop the sea coming in to destroy their restaurant, ensuring there is enough sand to set their sunbeds and beach umbrellas up for their business.”

Mr Ma-Ann thinks tourists are not impressed when they come down to Surin Beach, and see hundreds of beach umbrellas and restaurants lining the sand, with hardly any room to walk.

“It looks unsightly,” he said.

This new project would lead to a “more structured and organised beach stretch”, allowing tourists to feel at ease and walk along the beach without having to zigzag between beach umbrellas, he said.

7

IN BRIEF Three dead after car hits tree Three family members are dead following a car crash in Phang Nga on Tuesday afternoon.

Duty Officer Eakkaphob Phootong of the Takua Thung Police in Phang Nga said the family of six were travelling back from the Phuket Vegetarian Festival when their car hit a tree in the middle of the median strip.

Mother Somsuda Makaew and her two children, aged two and 10 months, were taken to Surat Thani Hospital and survived, but her husband and two other passengers in the car died at the scene.

Man robs touist of more than B200,000

Police said an unidentified Kuwaiti tourist was assaulted and robbed of more than B200,000 in valuables on Saturday (October 20) in Patong.

Patong police arrested Nakorn Rachasima resident, 25-year-old Pachawee Paengbutrdee, in an apartment building. He was charged with assault and battery, along with robbing the tourist.

– Source: Manager Online

Volunteers pose for a photo and well deserved break after their work. Photo: Dan Miles

US Navy conducts 100th community service project W I T H M O N DAY ’ S (October 22) return of the USS Peleliu to Phuket, the US Navy performed its 100th community service project in the greater Phuket area.

In June of 2006, Brad Kenny, who was then director of the Rotary Club of Patong Beach, approached the US Naval Attaché’s office at the US Embassy in Bangkok to suggest that crew from US ships visiting Phuket for rest and recreation might help with local community service projects.

Unknown to Mr Kenny, the Embassy was looking for just such an opportunity, and a local in Phuket to organise

the US Navy’s community service projects. Since then, Mr Kenny has organised 99 projects involving crew from more than 40 US Navy ships that have visited Phuket.

Crew from the USS Peleliu conducted the 100th community service project on October 23, at the Home & Life Foundation Orphanage, home to 26 tsunami-affected or disadvantaged children.

Volunteers from the Peleliu’s marines and seamen were joined by Royal Thai Navy volunteers in shoring up an eroding river bank to save several buildings. They moved some 12 tons of rock down to the river bank and into wire cages.

On October 24, another group of Peleliu volunteers went to Baan Ao Makham School near Kok Kloy to do some much-needed painting.

thephuketnews.com

8

PHUKET FOCUS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Fame and fortune?

Hit television show Thailand’s Got Talent had an unprecedented two Phuket finalists in this year’s competition – Rawai-based singer ‘Gig’, and Nai Harn-based performance artist Romadon Suriyan.

The Phuket News paid a visit to the island’s two stars last weekend to find out what had changed since they appeared on the final of the show in September, and what they have in store for the future.

ROMADON Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

O

Above: The Silver Statue breaks free and starts the show. Below: Romadon stands next to his work. Photo: Dan Miles toppling to the canvas, which was one large 10 metre sheet of cotton. In breaking himself free, he released a secreted stack of paint, which poured onto the fabric, and the ‘paint-

http://www.facebook.com/indigopearlresort?fref=ts

ne can never really keep up with Romadon, as he always appears to be at least a few steps slightly ahead.

Sometimes though, it’s possible to sit down with him, and attempt to find out how he has been since reaching the grand final of Thailand’s biggest reality TV show.

The performance artist and painter was drinking coffee and looking relaxed and happy when the Phuket News dropped by his studio ahead of last Saturday’s liveart performance at Mom Tri’s VR Gallery.

In a sign of his increased fame, he’s currently working

on a series of four paintings for a local Korean restaurant – a commission he received on the strength of his performances on TV. Speaking ahead of his performance at Mon Tri’s, he said that he felt no nerves and was going to create around ten paintings on the night.

“I’ll be doing a little bit of live performance, but I’ll mostly be painting.”

As it transpired Romadon did do both, yet forwent the traditional method of applying paint.

Romadon’s performance began as the famous silver statue. He was then bound, gagged and cocooned with gaffer tape by a supposed member of the audience (actually one of his friends from the Art Village in Rawai). Romadon swayed and rocked until finally

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mail to: bastien@indigo-pearl.com

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ing’ began...

He created five pieces in all, and separated each into two-metre lengths strips.

The work was abstract, but seemed to touch upon political instabilities; birth, death, light and darkness.

When Romadon had finished splashing, pouring, and rolling on the canvases, he suddenly picked up the final piece, wrapped himself in it and ran to the VR Gallery to personally hang each and every one. Once his work was completed, he literally collapsed on the gallery floor, all the while dripping with paint.

Before his appearance on the Thailand’s Got Talent TV show, Romadon had a small following in Nai Harn, where he lives and works, and could often be seen standing absolutely still in various places around the island as the ‘silver statue’. Nowadays, he says, owing to the effect of appearing on national TV and perhaps more importantly YouTube, he gets recognised and approached a lot more, wherever he is.

“Everybody, including fisherman and manual workers, comes and talks to me about [the live performances] and wished me well.”

Romadon said that ever since his first televised performance in August, people had been very supportive, many of whom he said had never been interested in art before.

“It’s great that it gave them a chance to think about art it in a different way.”

Romadon’s unique, pas-

Above: Romadon relaxes at his Nai Harn-based studio. sionate, and rather odd televised live performances certainly elicited questions from the audience, many of which probably couldn’t be answered.

In his Nai Harn-based studio, Romadon points to a representation of emotion (painting} and says that it was great that so many people were interested in it, but added that whether they understood it or not was not the ‘main’ thing.

“If they don’t understand the concept it is not important.

If they like it, the colour, the shape, the form, then that is what is important.”

He likened it to the simple unconditional appreciation that babies express, “They’re not interested in the concept, just if they like it or not.”

People like Romadon

because he’s just a likeable person; unpretentious, honest and deep. Whereas perhaps before the show people were entertained and intrigued by his ‘art’, now people seem to be genuinely interested.

Romadon says that this is because many people now see him like a ‘friend’, “It’s like I opened up my life for them.”

Now when people see him perform as the ‘silver statue’, they are just as likely to want to come up and have their photograph taken, but the only difference is that people now know who he is.

“Many people come up and say ‘It’s Romadon’, before people just saw the [silver statue] but now people see me like a friend. It’s good,” he says with a warm smile.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

PHUKET FOCUS

9

Gig, left, performs at a party to thank her fans for their support. Above, Gig and her fiancé Soeren Hede.

GIG Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

D

espite coming fourth in season t wo of T h a i l a n d ’s G o t Talent, and now being well known not only in Phuket but across Thailand, Rawai rock singer Warunee ‘Gig’ Suwannurak still finds it hard to believe that she’s not living a dream.

The reality of her now starstruck life now is in stark contrast to her upbringing in Betong in Southern Thailand, near the Malaysian border, when she dropped out of school at age 12 to take care of her younger siblings while her parents worked on a construction site.

She confessed on national television during the competition she once ate rice mixed with cooking oil and salt because she had no money to buy other food, and later started working menial jobs such as cleaning, before perfecting her English and starting to sing in clubs in Yala. Eventually she moved to Phuket and was able to make enough money to support herself.

Gig was first featured by The Phuket News in June when she had reached the competition semi-f inals.

While she was already well known in some music circles on Phuket, the vast majority of people on the island had no idea who she was, and she certainly had no national exposure.

Understandably, life has changed considerably for Gig, 32, since the competition finished.

“Now everyone wants to take a photo with me. I think “wow”, and I really like it. I

feel like I’m a superstar, and it makes me feel really good.

“I just don’t believe it. It was my dream come true.

Even being in the newspaper, that was my dream. I used to see people being written about, and said maybe one day that can be me.”

Since featuring on TV, she is called up far more often to perform in Phuket, and will also sing at an event in Chiang Rai soon. Gig has managed to turn her love of singing into a real career.

Her profile is also rising on the international stage: She recently returned from a trip to Europe where she performed in both Denmark and Austria, one performance of which was fiancé Soeren Hede’s mother’s 90th birthday.

Sadly, deflecting attention from her obvious talent, Gig’s relationship with the older Scandinavian man came under intense scrutiny during the show, and many people were less than convinced of her “poor” upbringing, saying she was now enjoying the good life because she had a

“rich farang husband”.

“It made me really sad, and I got upset. They don’t know about my life. When we first met Soeren, I didn’t know if he was poor or rich.

He was very kind and a real gentleman, and I love him.

He takes very good care of me and my daughter (10-yearold Nuaianna), and I really appreciate that.”

W hen Gig was interviewed for the television show while in Haad Yai, she was asked to talk about her past and how she ended up on the show.

“I talked for about 45 minutes about my whole life, but when I saw it on television I was talking for only 10 minutes, and it didn’t explain the full story. Many people just say I have a farang boyfriend so I must be rich.

It is not true. Everything isn’t mine – it is his, and I just can’t take it.

“We are not married yet – everything is his, and I still work and earn my own money. Of course he helps me a bit and he will buy things for me if he sees me

in trouble. But he teaches me if I want something I have to work hard for it myself.”

“I want to have my own album with original songs, and my new band (Gig and Friends) are writing lyrics at the moment. During Thailand’s Got Talent, everyone knew me for singing English songs, but I want to sing both Thai and English.

“I was so hopeful that I could win the competition.

But the winner this year [aer-

ial acrobatic performer Leng Rachanikorn Keawdee]... he was so talented. Most people cannot do what he did, but many people can sing.”

Gig has plans to audition for The Voice next year, saying she might have a better chance at winning because the competition is about singing only.

“No one wants to know about my life or all about me [on The Voice], and I love that competition.”

However, she’s more than ready to ditch her signature song, the 1993 pop rock song “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes, that wowed judges and audiences alike during Thailand’s Got Talent.

“I don’t want to sing What’s Up, I know that one already.” So what would she like to sing instead?

“I really like ACDC’s Highway to Hell. [During] that song, I think I can really show my power.”

WHEN YOU’RE SICK OF GIRLIE FOOD JOIN US FOR A JUICY STEAK Great steaks, burgers and salads.

Happy hour drinks and live sports in the heart of Patong.

OPEN LUNCH TIME UNTIL LATE

Gig wowed judges with her performance of “What’s Up?” during hit television show Thailand’s Got Talent.

Patong Promenade Rooftop. Corner of Bangla and Rat- U- Tit Rd. Patong.

thephuketnews.com

10 THAILAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Retired Gen declares Pheu Thai ‘puppet government’ Bangkok Post

Immunity for senator who shot ex-wife THAILAND’S SENATE on Monday voted to deny a request by the police to question one of its members who shot his ex-wife at the dinner table with an Uzi 9mm pistol.

Upper house lawmakers voted 94-2 to uphold Boonsong Kowawisarat’s constitutional right to immunity during the parliamentary session.

“After the session ends on November 28 police can take him for questioning,” Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn said.

“A senator should do his job during a parliamentary session.”

Boonsong said the gun went off while he was trying to remove a jammed bullet, fatally wounding Chanakarn Detkard, 46, who was also his secretary.

If convicted, he faces a maximum punishment of 10 years’ imprisonment and a B20,000 ($670) fine. AFP

thephuketnews.com

A

planned rally on Sunday by the Pitak Siam (Protecting Siam) group may become a sustained protest to expel the Pheu Thailed government, core organiser Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit says.

The retired general said he would have staged a coup by now if he was in a position to do so, claiming the country is being run by a “puppet government”.

“I’d love to see a coup because I know this puppet government is here to rob the country. Several sectors of society can’t take it anymore.

If I had the power a coup would have been staged by now,” he said.

However, he said that he has not detected any signs of such a move from the military.

Dubbed “Stop the Crisis and Catastrophe”, the rally hopes to show that the movement opposing ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra retains the momentum it had several years ago.

Gen Boonlert said the rally is expected to draw a diverse

Prime Minister Yingluck at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting earlier this year. group of people, united by ‘love for the country and the monarchy and disgust at the Yingluck Shinawatra administration’s alleged corruption and incompetence’.

Over the past year the government has not only stood by as offensive criticism has been hurled against the monarchy, but it has appeared to encourage it, he said.

The government has showed itself to be Thaksin’s puppet, he said, adding that by installing

his sister Yingluck as prime minister, Thaksin had insulted the entire nation.

Gen Boonlert said evidence on allegations of government corruption will be revealed at the Sunday (October 28) rally.

“If this spark can start a fire, it will become a sustained rally to expel the government. But if it can’t, we will stop,” he said.

The organisers hope to draw about 25,000 people to fill up the Royal Turf Club stadium.

Gen Boonlert said the rally

has no political backing or funding, as has been charged

by Pheu Thai.

The ruling party suspects the group is working in league with the opposition to bring down the government in a five-step plot.

Gen Boonlert is scheduled to meet Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, the prime minister’s deputy secretarygeneral Panupong Singhara and national police chief Adul Saengsingkaew today.

The meeting is expected to focus on security for the rally.

The widely respected general’s involvement is being closely watched. He is a classmate of privy councillor and former premier Surayud Chulanont, who came to power after the Sept 19, 2006 putsch that toppled Thaksin.

Defence Minister ACM Sukumpol Suwanatat yesterday played down speculation that the Sunday rally was part of a plot to unseat the government.

However, he said a campaign is under way to topple the Pheu Thai administration.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit yesterday linked Pitak Siam’s rally to the Democrat Party’s plan to launch a censure debate against the government. “It’s a prelude to the no-confidence debate. It is a joint effort by the opposition and those who want to topple the government,” he said.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday denied having a five-step plan to overthrow the government. He said the government would stumble on its own corruption and meet its demise.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

ASIA NEWS 11

Seoul slum life in the shadow of ‘Gangnam Style’ fortune Lim Chang-Won

S

hadowed by the highrises of Seoul’s wealthiest Gangnam district, Kim Bok-Ja, 75, pulls her trolley of folded cardboard through a shanty town that sits uncomfortably in one of Asia’s most developed cities.

At a local recycling yard, Kim smiles thinly as she counts out the meagre cash return she gets for the load of boxes and packaging she spent all day collecting.

“This is all I can do to survive, probably up until I die, because I live alone with no proper income,” she said.

Kim’s home is Guryong – a squalid, sprawling slum of plywood and tarpaulin shacks settled in 1988 by squatters evicted from other areas in a push to beautify Seoul as it prepared to host the Olympic Games.

Nearly 25 years later, Guryong (which translates as “Nine Dragons”) has more than 2,000 residents scrabbling out a subsistence living with Third World poverty

levels and little or no proper sanitation.

It’s about as far removed as possible from the opulent, glitzy world of neighbouring Gangnam – an upscale district of luxury boutiques and night clubs made famous by South Korean rapper Psy’s global hit, “Gangnam Style”.

Taxi drivers have difficulty locating Guryong, although it is only separated from Gangnam by a six-lane highway and covers an area of 70 acres (30 hectares).

“Our village is Seoul’s biggest slum settlement but it will not appear on any maps,” said Lee In, the 59-year-old deputy head of the Guryong residents’ council.

A significant portion of residents are in their 70s or 80s and live alone, most of them without any sort of state assistance.

“Many are engaged in rough work or odd jobs to earn their daily living,” Lee said. “The fact they don’t starve is largely down to help from volunteers and religious groups.”

This photo taken on October 11, 2012 shows a South Korean school girl walking on a road lined by a cluster of shacks in Guryong Village against the background of high-rise business buildings in Seoul. Photo: AFP Guryong dwellings are all illegal structures, and gas and electricity supplies almost non-existent, leaving smoky coal briquettes as the main heating source during Seoul’s bitter winters.

The only advantage of liv-

ing in such crude housing is that it can easily be replaced.

“What comes down during the day, we can erect again at night,” said 54-year-old resident Kim Mi-Ran. The irony of Guryong’s squalor – and the factor most

likely to lead to its eventual disappearance – is that it sits on an area of prime real estate which developers have long coveted.

The land is pr ivately owned, but the squatters have been there so long that they have acquired a quasi-legal status buttressed by the municipal government’s decision to grant them temporary residency cards last year.

Earlier this year, a private developer came up with a plan to build low-rent accommodation to house Guryong residents and redevelop the land they vacate.

The Seoul authorities have since proposed a similar plan of their own, and the two proposals have split the community down the middle with a heated debate over which would be more beneficial.

“We don’t trust politicians who make promises and never translate their words into action,” said Kim Mi-Ran. Forcible eviction is an obvious alternative, but the authorities are particularly wary of taking extreme action.

An effort to force illegal tenants out of a building slated for redevelopment in another Seoul district in 2009 triggered clashes that left five people and a police officer dead.

Park Won-Soon, a longtime liberal activist who was elected Seoul mayor last October, has made it clear that any solution in Guryong must reflect the opinions and interests of its residents.

“Under the current mayor, there is no question of using coercion,” a municipal government official said.

For Kim Kyo-Seong, a professor at Chung-Ang University’s graduate school of social welfare, Guryong is a concentrated embodiment of everything that is wrong with South Korea’s rapid economic development.

“It’s a powerful symbol of inequality in our society,” Kim said, citing widening income gaps, the lack of support for a rapidly ageing population and the marginalisation of those left behind by the country’s industrial drive. AFP

Singapore opens new cruise Couple’s love bridges Myanmar religious divide terminal, eyes Asian market Amelie Bottollier-Depois

PRAYING WITH A KORAN on his knees in a mud-strewn camp, Rohin Mullah is one of thousands of Muslims uprooted by sectarian bloodshed in Myanmar. But the former monk’s story is far from normal.

Born a Buddhist, he fell in love with a girl on the other side of the religious divide – a member of the Rohingya minority group shunned by Myanmar society at large.

He has since been ostracised by his former neighbours, lost his home and lives in a camp for displaced people in western Rakhine state, which is reeling from an upsurge of Buddhist-Muslim violence since June.

“The Rakhine side hated me when I converted to Islam,” he said Mullah, 37, who changed his name from Kyaw Tun Aung, has had no contact with his parents since he married 10 years ago.

“For three days, my mother asked me why I was going to Islam, and I said that I didn’t like Buddhism, that I thought

Rohingya boat people in Phuket earlier this year. it was not the right religion,” he recalled.

His wife Amina, a roundfaced 30-year-old with her hair tucked under a headscarf, said

that despite the lack of tolerance for their marriage, they had “a very happy life” together.

“But since the violence, our life is hard,” she added. AFP

SINGAPORE HAS OPENED A NEW cruise terminal capable of berthing the world’s biggest luxury liners, in a bid to boost the city-state’s position as a regional travel hub.

The Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore was opened late Monday with company officials saying it will allow the island-state to tap the growing number of people in Asia taking leisure trips on luxury vessels.

Operated by a joint venture between Singapore Airport Terminal Services and Europe’s Creuers del Port de Barcelona, the terminal can dock ships weighing up to 220,000 tonnes and measuring a maximum 360 metres (1,181 feet).

With deep waters, a large turning basin and the absence of any height restrictions,

the terminal can accommodate the newest generation of ocean liners like the Royal Caribbean’s oasis-class ships.

“The official opening of (the terminal) marks a significant development for both the cruise landscape in Singapore and the Asean region,” said Melvin Vu, chief executive of the joint venture that operates the S$500 million (B12.5 billion) facility.

Vu said the terminal would serve “to further anchor Singapore’s position as an attractive homeport for cruise lines” because of its modern facilities and proximity to Changi Airport, itself a regional aviation hub.

Singapore welcomed 13.2 million international visitors last year, with tourism receipts coming in at S$22.3 billion. AFP

thephuketnews.com

12 OPINION

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

OPINION editor@thephuketnews.com

Editor’s Viewpoint

Norachai’s World

Phuket is so ‘hot’ right now

O

MG! This New Year is going to be like totally awesome!

Paris ‘so hot right now’ Hilton had a whistle-stop visit to Bangkok earlier this week.

She just stopped by to announce her seal of approval for a New Year’s party to be held on our little tropical island.

The party itself however is unlikely to be anything but small.

Details released by Bangkokbased event-organiser ‘Syndictive’ are certainly impressive, if not perhaps all that believable.

The shindig is scheduled to be set on Surin beach – a ‘venue’ that will apparently be able to accommodate approximately 50,000 people.

If we suspend belief long enough to accept that Surin beach can actually hold 50,000 party people, how are people actually going to get there? Taxis?

Tuk-tuks? On New Year’s Eve? Envisage the scene of around 10,000 tuk-tuks lined up along Surin beach – the drivers enjoying their own New Year’s Eve before taking home

Abandoned but not forgotten.

revellers in the early hours, and earning a fortune doing so.

It would be chaos. And not in a ‘Like totally crazy night’ kind of good way. The relatively short 1.5km span of Surin beach was one of the main reasons the beach was apparently chosen over Patong beach. This, it is believed, is to ensure that the 50,000 champagne-sipping socialites and bucket-downing hipsters will be safer and much easier looked after.

Next, imagine the prices...

Drinks at these peacock-strutting events are always ridiculously high. Couple that with the high-profile DJs and the possible glimmer of chance that the ‘not as hot as she once was but still big for Phuket’ socialite will be there and the mind boggles at the carnage that may ensue.

Tuk tuks, hipsters, possibly B500 drinks, huge crowds and Paris Hilton. Sound fun? If so, get your ticket now – only B2,500 for the early bird price.

As for us, we’re not feeling so hot right now.

Letters to the editor

People living in glass houses should move out [Re: Demolisher’s men start probing on Monday] According to the law, individuals or companies are responsible for their behaviour; so they must check properly about any flaw in land deeds before signing.

How many foreigners buy lands and houses when all of them know perfectly well that using nominees to own land is illegal?

So I agree that the Land Department should revoke land deeds as these [plots of] land were also acquired in an illegal manner.

Whistle-Blower

Encouraging Thaksin?

[Re: Chalerm lays out priorities for governors] Did I read this correctly?

The Deputy PM orders (okay, “encourages”) all governors to support the goal of bringing back Thaksin?

Matt

Strange location for rehabilitation

Why did it need to be so near the beach? So taxis could charge B1,000 from the massage parlours?

I think it is a good idea to diversify from travelling tourism, but it needs to be sustainable which means limited concrete and real engineers to make it as ecologically responsible as possible.

Put it in Thalang, there’s plenty of unused land there.

CBF

[Re: Chalong to get 150bed hospital]

Out of focus

OMG what a place to put a hospital, it’s already so congested there! There’ll be cars parked on the road, ambulances [coming] in and out causing traffic and disruption and noise...

Ian

[Re: Fury at Phuket expo centre cancellation] Nu mber one pr ior it y i n Phuket is traffic.

There will soon be hundreds of new houses just to the north of BIS. That’s a few hundred more cars on the road. Now is the time to start thinking about how to deal with this.

The Kok Kaew traffic light is already a nightmare.

Why so far?

[Re: Fury at Phuket expo centre cancellation]

What’s going to happen when more cars are added?

Come on team, thin k about what we all need, and not just a handful of people who merely want something that a few people could use.

Be bold, be realistic... for a change.

Dave

Deadline, what deadline?

Hankering for some Wahoo

Heavenly conduct

[Re: It’s whoppers and Wahoos as high season gets close]

[Re: Deadline for Phuket black taxis extended] You’re tearing me apart!

The administration says one thing and the taxis do another and then it switches back again. Awe! James Dean

[Re: Exposing Thailand’s secret shadow trade]

Proud to be American

Deceit and Deet

[Re: US Navy to conduct 100th Community Service Project] We were privileged to go on

their system. Someone is poisoning Westerners and young women are dying disproportionately and it is not being investigated as a criminal act.

HorseDoctor

a tour [of the USS Peleliu], myself an American Army Active/Air Force Reserve Veteran, my Thai wife and her teenage daughter.

The crew were delightful ladies and gentlemen.

It was a great day and made me proud to be American in these difficult times.

Jon Woodward

I love these beautiful people from Soi Dog, you are angels.

I will never visit this country for vacation until the horrible trade has stopped.

Liz T

[Re: Quebec coroner challenges Belanger Deet finding] I imagine anyone eating Thai produce has DEET in

I hope you can help me.

I’ve been living on the island for over four years now in the Laguna area. I have not been able to find Wahoo on the menu anywhere.

Please, please let me know if you know anywhere that serves Wahoo.

It is my favourite fish.

[There’s] nothing like a Wahoo steak.

Thanks and happy fishing.

Rick

Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

LEGAL/AVIATION 13

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

BUSINESS

Raising the bar Luxury hospitality has a bright future in Asia, says Dorchester CEO > 14

Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

Bad Debts – Part II Jerrold Kippen Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

I

Thai ‘transgender airline’ grounded over finance issues Months after taking to the skies with Thailand’s first transsexual air crew, fledgling carrier PC Air has suspended services over financial troubles that left passengers stranded in South Korea.

“The airline informed the Department of Civil Aviation on Friday that they cannot operate their charter flights due to business problems,” Thai Deputy Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said. AFP

n Part I of this two part article we noted the importance for your company to comply with the legal requirements to “write-off ” noncollectable or “bad debts” so that your company would not be required to pay income tax on these uncollected monies.

Now we look at the rest of the requirements under the MR to write-off Bad Debts.

These additional requirements are further outlined in the following clauses of the MR and in doing so the debts are categorised by amount as follows: (i) debt(s) by a debtor exceeding Thai baht 500,000 (Clause 4 MR); (ii) debt(s) by a debtor between Thai baht 100,000 and Thai baht 500,000 (Clause 5 MR); and

(iii) debt(s) by a debtor not exceeding Thai baht 100,000 (Clause 6 MR) Different conditions for a write-off are applicable for the different categories. The strictest requirements are applicable to category (i). MR Clause 4 requires: (1) “[d]emands for payment have been made and the matter has been pursued to the extend suitable to the case of such acts being expressly recorded and yet debts remain unsettled (...)” because “(a) the debtor died, is missing or proved to be missing and has no property to pay the debts or (b) the debtor dissolved his business, and the debt due from him to the other creditors with preceding preferential rights over his entire properties exceed the value thereof”; and either (2)(a) a civil action has been brought against the debtor and after a court order or injunction the debtor does

not have sufficient property to settle the debts; or (2)(b) a bankruptcy action has been brought against the debtor and a compromise has been reached with the debtor with court approval or the debtor has been adjudged bankrupt and the first lot of the debtor's properties have been shared out.

With regard to category (ii) debts, pursuant to MR Clause 5, the conditions for a write-off are the same as those for category (i) debt but that with regard to the requisite civil court proceedings it is sufficient that the court has accepted the plaint.

Whereas with regard to the relevant alternative bankruptcy proceedings, the action against the debtor needs only to have been accepted by the court. However, in this case category (ii) debts, it is also required that the director or managing director of the ju-

ristic company creditor issue an order within 30 days from the last day of the relevant accounting period authorising the write-off of the Bad Debt.

Finally for category (iii) debts the requirement are the least strict. Pursuant to MR Clause 6, it is not necessary to comply with the requirements in MR Clauses 4 and 5.

Court proceedings, for example, are not required.

Rather, it is sufficient that “demands for payment have been made and that the matter has been pursued to the extent suitable to the case, and yet debts remains unsettled” provided that any court action in relation to the debt would entail higher costs in relation to the court proceedings than the amount expected to be recovered.

The final requirement is that once the creditor has complied with all above mentioned rules and regulations

the creditor must write-off the receivable as a Bad Debt expense in the same accounting period. However, in case of a category (ii) debt, the accounting period in which this must be done is the accounting period when the relevant court accepts the civil complaint or the bankruptcy petition.

To manage the risk of unnecessary tax liabilities in connection with Bad Debts you should continually monitor company's accounts receivable in order to keep abreast of its various debts and determine when and what action is appropriate and as needed competent tax counsel should be consulted directly.

Duensing Kippen is a multiservice boutique law firm specialising in property and corporate/commercial matters and dispute resolution proceedings arising therefrom. Contact phuket@duensingkippen.com or visit duensingkippen.com

We believe that the success of a project is essentially based on a serious management liberto@construction-thailand.com

liberto@construction-thailand.com 40 years experience of more than 20 years at your service in Thailand.

Main Contractor:

Study Project Architecture Design Construction & Management

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14 PROPERTY/HOSPITALITY

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Asia offers new potential for super luxury palace hotels Audrey Kauffmann

A

sia is the most dynamic market for luxury products and services and is the next target for palace hotels under the brand of Dorchester Collection, company chief executive Christopher Cowdray recently said in an interview about strategy.

“We have now nine hotels, they are all iconic. We own all of them except the Richemond (in Geneva). The aim is to have 15 hotels by 2015, it’s ambitious but that’s the plan,” Cowdray said.

The Dorchester Collection is owned by the Brunei Investment agency, the sovereign wealth fund of Brunei.

Cowdray ran through a list of cities which the group targets as suitable for its palace hotels, widely regarded in the world of luxury hotels as being in a class of their own.

“We’re looking at key cities in Europe, in the Far East and in America,” Cowdray said.

“To be precise, one in each of these cities, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney. We’re also looking at the Middle East as

well, Dubai, Doha and probably Abu Dhabi, but also in New York or Washington.

“It depends where the opportunities arrive. It’s not a science, it’s all about opportunity.”

Cowdray, a 56-year-old Zimbabwean who ran the Dorchester hotel in London before becoming head of the London-based Dorchester Collection in 2007, said that several projects were under review and it was hoped that an announcement could be made by the end of the year.

The focus was on Asia because that was where the future development of the business lay, and with the Chinese in particular because “the Chinese will be the biggest travel group in the future.

They’re looking for luxury and the very wealthy are discerning, they know what true luxury is.”

In Paris, the Chinese were still hesitant to stay in palace hotels but growth of the world market for luxury products and services was already being driven largely by demand from the Chinese.

In 2015 they would represent the biggest group of customers for luxury industries,

London’s famous Dorchester hotel is owned by the sovereign wealth fund of Brunei. whether they spent their money within China or as tourists abroad, a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group suggests.

The Dorchester Collection might look at building a hotel in Shanghai because “in Shanghai, it’s going to be very difficult to find a hotel that fits our standards,” Cowdray said.

However, the group was not interested in buying two

Phillips Group wins prestigious Asia Pacific and global property awards T H E OPP (OV ERSEAS property Professional) Awards for Excellence 2012 for the real estate industry, now in their 5th year, held their Annual Presentation Award Ceremony in the City of London on October 11.

The awards were judged by a 50 strong panel of industry leaders from around the world and celebrate the best developers, estate agents and associated companies work-

ing in the global cross border residential property industry.

But it was a home-grown, Phuket-based agency that took on the rest of the world and swept the awards in London at the agency level, and in doing so proved that you do not have to be the biggest to be among the best.

The Phillips Group, better known locally as Phillips Property (www.Phillips-Property.

com), took to the podium twice with top place of Gold for Best Estate Agency Asia and then Bronze for Best Global Estate Agency.

This follows on from 2011 when the company also won two spots in the Asia Pacific Property Awards in association with Bloomberg in Shanghai.

The Awards then were for Real Estate Agency and Real Estate Agency Website, Thailand.

Take the plunge!

Daily Trips to Phuket‘s best dive sites Special packages for Residents Holiday programmes for Kids Unique customer service e-mail: info@sea-bees.com tel: +66 (0)76 381 765

thephuketnews.com

palace hotels for sale in Switzerland, the Hotel des Trois Rois in Basel and the Bellevue in the mountain resort of Gstaad because the locations were not “main cities”.

The origins of the Dorchester Collection lie in the purchase of the Dorchester hotel by the Sultan of Brunei in 1986.

Palace by palace, the business was expanded with the

acquisition of the Beverly Hills Hotel in 1995, the Meurice and Plaza Athenee hotels in Paris in 1997, the Principe di Savoia in Milan in 2003, the Bel-Air in Los Angeles in 2008, Coworth Park, Ascot, England in 2010 and with a management contract for the Richemond in Geneva in 2011.

The last addition was the 45 Park Lane in London last year. This is the only hotel

to have been built by the business.

Initially there had not been a strategy to build a group, and additions had been made as opportunities arose, but now the aim was to form a group of up to possibly 20 exclusive hotels, each with its own facet of prestige to stand apart from an ordinary five-star establishment.

Cowdray said that from a financial perspective, the ideal size for palace hotels in the collection was between 200 and 250 rooms.

The nine hotels offer a wider range, from 45 rooms in 45 Park Lane to 301 in Principe di Savoia.

All of the hotels acquired had been refurbished with the exception of Le Richmond where work will begin April and last for a year although the hotel will continue to operate.

However the renovation and extension of the Plaza Athenee might eventually require temporary closure of the hotel, Cowdray said.

“We have to consider what would be the impact on the business and our guests. Beginning next year we’ll be able to make the final decision,” he said. AFP

Online wholesale travel system launched ASIATRAVEL.COM HAS launched what it says is Asia’s first online wholesale system with instant confirmation for destinations worldwide.

According to the company, “Through cumulative experience of over 17 years across Asia, engagement with travel suppliers worldwide, understanding of the supply chain ... TAcentre.com was developed to enable travel agencies further improve their customer service efficiency.”

CEO of Asiatravel.com, Mr Boh Tuang Poh, said “We built this booking engine after extensive research and consultation with customers, travel

CEO of Asiatravel.com, Mr Boh Tuang Poh. agents and travel suppliers.

“We are very encouraged by the initial response during the trial period with customers booking packages even for up to nine persons in just a single

transaction entirely online.

“We hope this product will benefit travel agencies as we believe they will continue to play an important role in a growing travel industry. As a home grown travel agency in Asia, we hope this will help the travel trade industry increase its productivity”.

Thai-Amadeus Southeast Asia Managing Director, Mr Buranut Limjitti, stated “Amadeus itself has advanced technology, while Asiatravel has expertise in travel business.

“When these two are integrated ... I do believe this initiative will be truly beneficial for retail travel agents and the online travel industry as a whole”.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

05

Yoga columnist Kim White shows you the ‘tree’ of life

07

Suchada Sangsuwan shows off her hot wheels: Mazda Miata

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

POWERED BY

Enter the Gods All the gory and amazing photos from this year’s Vegetarian Festival > Island Scene, p14-15

Photo: Claire Connell

thephuketnews.com

2 ART

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 26,2012 2012 FRIDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 26,

Above left: John Underwood’s whole factory and restaurant is one piece of art. Above: John Underwood has big plans for the factory floor of the Underwood Art Factory.

What Underwood has under wraps Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

Now the market has changed quite dramatically and people are returning to handmade furniture and we’re getting more enquiries

thephuketnews.com

T

hings are going quite well for famed Phuket fabricator John Underwood.

Owing to a shift in design and tastes, people are now returning to hand-made, quality furniture and fittings. Exactly the kind of rustic, wooden, well-made pieces that John and his team of 50 at the Underwood Art Factory on the Bypass Road make.

“About ten years ago the market became more and more high tech and mainstream, where people could buy good quality furniture straight off the shelf,” says John.

“Now the market has changed quite dramatically and people are returning to handmade furniture and we’re getting more and more enquiries.”

He admits though, that it is still very much

a boutique industry. For instance, the team is currently finishing off a project for the RitzCarlton hotel group in Puerto Rico, for which they’re making a number of items, including lighting fixtures, furniture and massage beds.

“We use metals and reclaimed wood and also do mechanical work and more intricate stuff like ceiling fans,” says John.

He adds that the Factory tends to use environmentally-sound and recycled materials wherever possible. The artist and entrepreneur becomes noticeably more animated when he speaks of his latest project, which he believes is the most eco-effective one yet and also ‘quite’ different, he says with a smile.

It manages to make use of his many passions – design, art and music. Whilst showing The Phuket News around the busy factory

floor, he points to the far end of the building.

“We are building a mezzanine floor that will become a stage for house bands and entertainers. The factory floor will then turn into a 500 seat arena for the price of just a mezzanine floor.”

With orders sometimes slow during high season, John hit upon the idea of making the venue ‘concert-friendly’.

The front of the Underwood Factory restaurant and seating area is already the venue for regular gigs by Phuket expat band, The Lost Legends, but his intention is for the shop floor to play host to all kinds of different events, including live performances of music and art, comedy nights, plays and readings.

The Factory’s first event is scheduled for December 15.

EDUCATION 3

THE PHUKET NEWS 26,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 26, 2012

Ready, get set, go teach English: A beginner’s guide to teaching ASK THE AJARN Eric Haeg asktheajarn@gmail.com

If anybody has questions about the ‘PKTs’, or any other teachingrelated matters feel free to write in and ‘Ask the Ajarn’. We’ll publish the answers in next month’s installment. Email: ask theajarn@gmail.com

W

elcome to the second edition of Ask the Ajarn. This month we tackle work permits, negotiating salaries, the dreaded ‘Professional Knowledge Tests’ and more.

Mike L: If I want to teach part-time, do I need a normal work permit?

All foreigners need a work permit to work legally and that goes for teachers too. Typically, the work permit is tied to a non-immigrant B visa but other options do exist.

For example, if a work permit is tied to an education visa, foreigners can legally work up to 20 hours per week. These teachers also need to be enrolled in a real education programme of their own, such as learning Thai language or attending university.

Carl: Once I have a job, would the employer help me find, or offer housing?

How many students are too many? What salary should I ask for? What tests do I need to become a licensed teacher in Thailand? Can my employer help find me a house? All these questions and more are answered here.

Phuket-based schools almost never offer housing as part of remuneration; however, employers will often help new teachers find housing.

Many local teachers, Thai or otherwise, will go out of their way to help new teachers find housing.

They will often have a friend who’s renting a house or know of one available. Most of the best options aren’t advertised; unless you have a local connection or can read บ้านให้ เช่า (house for rent), finding these hidden gems will prove a challenge.

Until long-term housing is available, try staying at any one of Phuket’s many serviced apartments. Tenants can rent month-tomonth until they’re ready to move out.

Jess E: Is it possible to negotiate salaries?

Unless a job advert is for a private school listing a range of salaries, and the applicant has an abundance of qualifications coupled with years of experience, negotiating a salary will not typically be worth the risk.

Most employers tend to pay a set salary based upon qualifications and longevity of employment.

On a separate but related note, never sign a contract listing a salary for less than what was advertised or previously agreed upon during discussions. If an employer tries this tactic, be calm but be firm and don’t accept anything lower than the original pay rate.

Elena: What is the best type of class to start with if I don’t have much teaching experience?

If you’re absolutely driven and you know exactly what you’d like to teach, by all means, find a position doing it. Your enthusiasm will show in your work, making for better lessons and happier students.

Although most new teachers aren’t this focused, they should approach all opportunities with an open mind. Many teachers are surprised by what type of teaching, students and classroom settings they enjoy.

Language centres are a great place to explore a variety of learning environments.

New teachers can experience a variety of ages, language levels and class sizes – many times in the same day.

Speaking of class size, new teachers should be wary of large classes. Without

much experience, even the most confident teachers can be reduced to tears trying to control a class of 20-30 toddlers or 45-55 adolescents.

Jeff T: Where can I take the TCT tests that I keep hearing about? Are they necessary?

That’s a great question. Officially called the Professional Knowledge Tests (PKTs), they are administered by the Teacher’s Association of Thailand (TCT) or Khurusapha. Without a degree in Education or a license to teach from abroad, they are necessary for obtaining a teaching license.

A two-year provisional teaching license will suffice for many transient teachers, but under-qualified teachers planning to stay and teach in mainstream education longterm, will eventually have to take these tests.

In addition to exemption details, test dates and locations are normally published on Khuruspha’s website: www.ksp.or.th/ khurusapha/en/.

The tests are held twice a year and to date, the closest testing location has been in Had Yai.

BIS student directs in earnest

I

MIND POWER Thanyapura’s Mind Centre held its first major event “Mindfulness in Education Conference” on October 19. The sold-out event welcomed 130 participants from around the globe. From left: Daisy Pellant, Kevin Hawkins, Daniel Rechtschaffen, James Lawrence.

rish playwright Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ was performed by BIS Phuket IB Theatre Year 12 students to full houses on October 10 and 11.

For the first time, this year’s Theatre class was not directed by Drama teacher Mr Evans, “I demoted myself. This is the measure of the quality of this class,” said Mr Evans.

Instead the director of the play was the actors’ fellow classmate Lily Burr. She had this to say of her directorial debut, “Directing this play meant I needed to be a critical audience member four times a week for eight hectic weeks.

“I am grateful that my teacher had the confidence in me to provide me with the opportunity to direct a phenomenal and classical play, performed by such a talented, supportive and responsive actors.”

thephuketnews.com

4 ENVIRONMENT

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 26,2012 2012 FRIDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 26,

Solving the flooding problem THAI EYE Kanokwan Homcha-aim kanokwan@myseek.org

At present, the general feeling around the island is that we are getting used to floods. We have become familiar with widespread inundation throughout the island, impassable roads, bottleneck detours, soggy feet from dirty water, and the backbreaking work of cleaning the mud out of roads

A

re Thais and foreigners on the same page with regards to Phuket’s environmental issues? In my second article I will run through the environmental news from last month’s Thai-language press.

Over the last month or so, headlines in the local English newspapers have often related to flooding problems.

Often, many areas in Phuket experience flooding following heavy overnight and incessant pouring rain. The areas worst affected, as repeatedly reported by the press, include the areas of Pang Muang Sai Kor Rd. and the Patong Hospital intersection of the Patong Municipality, as well as the Phuket municipality. However, these areas are just the tip of the iceberg.

In fact, information from the Study for the Development of Phuket Water Management Master Plan (Phuket Provincial Office, Feb 2012) indicated that the drainage capacity of natural streams and canals throughout the island has worsened due to the expansion of the urban area in addition to several road constructions narrowing down the waterways.

At present, the general feeling around the island is that we are getting used to floods.

To be fair, some local authorities have tried to solve flooding problems. For example, new larger pumps were installed in front of Patong Hospital earlier this month, while in Phuket Town, as reported by Manager Online on September 19, the municipality allocated B10 million for prevention projects.

However, we cannot keep relying on new and larger pumping stations. Flood manage-

ment in Phuket requires prevention measures covering upstream to downstream.

Construction measures should start simultaneously with non-construction measures. The strict enforcement of law and regulation must be adhered to. For example: Upstream – prevent land encroachment and manage soil and water conservation measures in order to reduce the speed/ amount of surface run-off to lowland areas Midstream – control urban growth and expansion through urban planning laws that facilitate the water drainage capacity of the area Downstream – provide adequate detention basins and more efficient drainage systems as well as control water quality before

Every month, the best pet wins a B500 voucher from:

“Hi, I’m called Snowball because of my white fur, and I live with Pekka Oilinki. Now aged five, I was hit by a motorbike when I was a kitten. Pekka found me and took me to the vet and ended up taking me home. I eat absolutely anything, and love to hunt and sleep. I help keep Pekka’s home clear of snakes, act as a professional leg warmer on cold nights, and enjoy occasional modelling for the Phuket News!”

its diversion to the sea Construction sites – prevent debris, sand and soil from falling into waterways which lead to logging and the disruption of water flow Households, schools, and markets – raise awareness/issue penalties to people who throw rubbish into waterways.

Moreover, is there a way to take advantage of heavy rainfall and runoff?

Ironically, Pornthep Bunyapaluek, an engineer officer at the Phuket Royal Irrigation Project, said that much of the rainfall and overflow had missed the reservoir.

“Phuket’s water supply is not enough for the long, dry high season. In some areas, water rationing sometimes becomes essential,” said Mr Pornthep.

To solve the water shortage problem in the long-term, as the Siangtai Daily Newspaper reported on October 2, the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) has set up the “One Tambon, One Water Supply Project”.

Manop Leelasuthanon, Chief Administrative Officer said that every year the PPAO receives complaints from local administrative organisations regarding water shortages; especially in the dry season.

“Therefore, the PPAO together with the Phuket Royal Irrigation Project established this project which aims to provide funds for small water supply projects in each sub-district throughout the island.

“The idea is not only to ensure water supply in local areas, but also to potentially prevent and solve flood problems” said Mr Manop.

Pets

“Hello, my name is Gangga and I belong to Ayia. I was born on March 16, 2011. I like to eat raisins and I’m so lucky because Ayia looks after me so well – she cleans my cage every morning and grooms me so often! I get fed about four times a day.”

Want to see your pet here? Email your photos to editor1@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com

HEALTH 5

THE PHUKET NEWS 26,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 26, 2012

Surviving Halloween

H

alloween (and Halloween celebrations) will soon be upon us. For folks who are trying to follow a healthy lifestyle plan, the abundance of bitesized sweets and treats can be too tempting to avoid.

As if that weren’t frightening enough, Halloween also marks the unofficial start of the upcoming holiday season. But fear not, Bob Greene, founder of TheBestLife.com, offers a few helpful hints for having a happy and healthy Halloween, and starting the holiday season off on the right foot.

Delay candy shopping: If you have bags of candy lying around your home for weeks before the holiday, you will start to dip into them.

Opt for lower calorie treats: When you do shop, consider getting hard candy, such as small lollipops, which have fewer calories than gooey chocolate and caramel treats.

Buy your least favourite candy. If there’s a type of sweet you can’t stand, make that your candy of choice for trickor-treaters. That way, you won’t be tempted to taste it first.

Don’t neglect your workouts: It’s fine to enjoy a little candy on Halloween, but don’t forget to sneak in a workout. Try to add an extra 15 minutes to your sweat session to help offset the calorie splurge.

Go bobbing for apples: Apples are high in fibre, plus they contain quercetin, which has cancer-fighting properties.

Be the tree of life and grow Kim White editor@thephuketnews.com

The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any given situation.

1

2

H

i, welcome again to another edition of our monthly yoga articles that focuses on the pursuit of a happier and healthier life.

It was also the Phuket Vegetarian Festival this month and so quite appropriate that the posture we are focusing on in this issue is a leafy green flavour, the tree pose (Vrksasana). This is asana number two in our balance series.

The tree pose may look quite familiar to you. It is an asana favourite for magazines and more often than not, you will see a beaming yogi smiling back at you from many a yoga magazine cover in this posture. The aim of this pose is to enable you to be as solid as an oak tree and as graceful as a cherry blossom, all while standing on one leg!

Balancing on one leg can be difficult for some but a tip that I find useful to think about when balancing, is to keep your middle axis point or vertical axis point, in mind.

This is the point that runs from the top of the head through the centre of the body and between the legs. You will find that your balance wobbles will

reduce, if you can keep strong awareness of your centre line.

Another tip is to keep your eyes fixed on one spot; in yoga terminology this is called drishti – a focused gaze. A wondering eye will create a wondering mind, which in turn leads the body to follow.

Here are some benefits that you can experience from casting roots and making like a tree: • Strengthens thighs, calves, ankles and spine • Stretches the groins and inner thighs, chest and shoulders • Gives one a sense of balance and poise • Relieves sciatica and reduces flat feet • Improves stability in the legs • On a metaphysical level, helps one to achieve balance in other aspects of life • Strengthens the ligaments and tendon of the feet • Tones the entire standing leg, up to the buttocks • Assists the body in establishing pelvic stability • Strengthen the bones of the hips and legs due to the weight-bearing nature of the pose • Builds self-confidence and esteem Here are the steps that will guide you into a successful tree pose (see photos, left). For those of you that find one leg balances especially difficult. Find a wall that you can rest your lower back on as seen in photo one and proceed with the following instructions. With more practise and an increase of skill, you will be able to step away from the wall.

1. You have the option of having your arms extended horizontally as seen in picture two. This is an easier arm placement for maintaining balance, or you can raise your arms and press the palms into anjali (prayer) above your head.

2. Next, focus on the right foot as it presses into the ground. Use the entire surface of the sole of the foot evenly, from tips of the toes to the end of the heel and both sides of the foot.

3. Bend your left knee and place your left foot on either the lower part of the right calf as shown in photo two or place your foot at the top of the right thigh as seen in photo three. Toes of the left foot should be pointing downward.

4. I find that if you press back with the left knee slightly it creates a stronger connection of left foot to right thigh and the balance becomes easier.

5. Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

6. Release the arms and hands back to your side and then release the left foot back to the ground.

7. Repeat on the opposite side.

A great sage once said: “Though praise and blame, gain and loss, pleasure and sorrow may come and go like the wind, happiness comes if you can rest and be like a great tree in the midst of them all.”

Enjoy finding the balance in your life.

Metta, Kim

3

thephuketnews.com

6 PEOPLE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 26,2012 2012 FRIDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 26,

Making a point Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

It’s been a busy few months for British-born Leonie Murphy. She’s moved from Amsterdam to Phuket, got married, given birth and set up a mixed media agency, aiming to bring new ideas to the island

I

n January, Leonie Murphy married her longan art director and graphic designer from England term partner Gary in Chiang Mai, then just who’d been working in the business for over 20 four weeks ago gave birth to a baby girl. Ever years. ambitious, she has now launched plans to target “He’d been working freelance in Phuket for a every Phuket business that needs a ‘spike’ in its while and was interested in working on a larger website traffic, or a complete overhaul of their mar- scale and excited by the new approach that Spike keting. was going to take.

However, the latter was not the “AJ suggested a friend of his, also from the UK, couple’s initial intention when they Steve, to come on board, who again has over 20 arrived on the island. years experience in programming and 10 “We were originally just years in web optigoing to work on our other misation. We now A good website has had our core team projects remotely when we arrived in Phuket, but to have usability, and from that set when we were actually about employing and be eye-catchhere, that all changed.” the best programing yet simple to When she talks of remers, developers mote projects, Leonie is use. It needs to be optimised. and copywriters referring to their unique This is important because peofrom here and and hip foray into the Bangkok.” ple need to know how to find city guide market. A Now the Spike sort of FaceBook meets you. There’s no point in having Media Group, as it Lonely Planet meets a great website if people don’t is known, has 12 Vogue online venmembers of staff, know how to find you ture that is proving including graphic incredibly popular, designers, content Lost and Found has writers and app developers. already been launched in Although there are already many web and four major cities with graphic design companies in Phuket, Leonie bemore to follow. lieves that there is a real gap in the market for When Leonie arrived in Phuket four high-end, beautiful and quality websites.

“A good website has to have usability, and be months ago she was eye-catching yet simple to use. It needs to be opintroduced to AJ, timised. This is important because people need to know how to find you. There’s no point in having a great website if people don’t know how to find you,” says Leonie.

As Spike Media Group employs full time content writers, graphic designers and programmers, 100 per cent of the work is done in-house. This is incredibly important she says.

“For somebody building a brand they need complete interaction with the designer, we can offer that interaction even if it’s a quick graphic to go on your emails, to a full brand identity.”

This, she believes is also imperative to not only be more time-efficient but also ensure that the designer and the client are on the ‘same page’.

“AJ or another designer will spend time with a client in the beginning to get to know the business, from there we can work out with the client what the psychology of the brand is, what message you want to send out to customers, what it is you want to say and how you want to say it. This is incredibly important.”

Leonie said the Spike Media Group was open to the majority of markets on the island and believed that most hotels, resorts and restaurants could benefit from an overhaul, revamp or redesign in some way.

The company’s name, Leonie explains, was named after a soi dog they adopted from Thalang Dog Home upon first moving here. “Spike’s been really good luck for us,” Leonie says with a smile.

To find out how the Spike Media Group may be good for you, visit: spikemediagroup.com

thephuketnews.com

MOTORING 7

THE PHUKET NEWS 26,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 26, 2012

Little red riding hood Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

We’ve had a lot of fun together.

When she was new and I was young I used to drive her fast – I would hit 180 kmh.

Now she’s older, and so am I, so I don’t drive her fast

F

or Suchada “Kwan” Sangsuwan, all cars have personalities. “Look at that one,” she says. “See its mouth? It looks rather angry.

And that one over there looks sad.”

Her own car, however, has a happy smile and pop-up headlights. “Her grill is like a smiling mouth. She’s like a cartoon, like a person. When those lights pop up, it’s party

time!”

That car is a bright red Mazda Miata she fell in love with 22 years ago. Ms Kwan’s brothers, both in the auto industry, showed her pictures of the new sports car, just launched by Mazda. “This is what you need,” they said.

But needing and getting were not the same. Mazda was not importing Miatas into Thailand in those days.

Finally, after heavy lobbying from the family, the Miata (known in other markets as the MX-5 or Eunos) was launched at the 1990 Bangkok Motor Show.

“I went early on the first day to buy it,” Ms Kwan recalls. “It was love at first sight.”

The car, she says, is now like a family member.

It even has a name – Noo Daeng, or Little Red Girl.

“We’ve had a lot of fun together. She’s a little bit tingtong.

“When she was new and I was young I used to

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drive her fast – I would hit 180 kmh. We grew up together. Now she’s older, and so am I, so I don’t want to drive her fast.”

She’s always liked sports cars. She also owns a 320SL Mercedes, which she bought a year ago and keeps in Bangkok. She’s going to bring that down to Phuket soon and leave Noo Daeng with her brothers who will make sure the little red car is in tip-top condition.

Despite the car’s age, this is not difficult. The Miata shares many components with other Mazdas, so finding replacement parts is fairly easy, she explains.

She’s not as keen on the Merc. “It’s black, and has a very different feeling. Noo Daeng is more fun, more relaxing. The Mercedes is more formal, more serious.”

And, tellingly, it doesn’t have a name. About the only good thing she has to say about it is that the ragtop is electric, unlike Noo Daeng’s, which has to be raised or lowered by hand.

Noo Daeng apparently doesn’t like the Mercedes much, either. “She’s been a bit sick recently. Maybe she’s jealous,” Ms Kwan says with a smile. The brothers’ loving attention should take care of that.

Noo Daeng is now a classic, turning heads wherever she goes. But, Ms Kwan says, “Many people have made me offers, some close to the original price. But no, I’ll never sell her.”

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Twenty-two years ago, Ms Kwan’s brothers, both in the auto industry, showed her pictures of the new Miata sports car, just launched by Mazda.

However, Mazda was not importing Miatas into Thailand in those days. Finally, after heavy lobbying from the family, the Miata was launched at the 1990 Bangkok Motor Show, where it was love at first sight.

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8 DINING

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 26,2012 2012 FRIDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 26,

Fun times with good friends

O

From above top, the “Squiddy” calamari fries; chicken curry with roti; and below left, the salmon spring rolls.

Top right, Vattanee “Jun” Srikraivin, coowner of Anna’s.

n Ratsada Rd in Phuket Town, close to the fountain, is a long established bar and restaurant that you’ve probably walked past a thousand times and never noticed.

But despite its quiet presence, Anna’s has a strong, loyal local following, with regular patrons who come for the great atmosphere, reasonable food, drinks offers and live music.

The venue is run by friends Leilani Chiaravanond and Vattanee “Jun” Srikraivin. Jun opened Anna’s around six years ago, and it quickly became known as a chilled out cafe and restaurant.

Jun’s aunt had a restaurant in Bangkok with the same name, named after 1956 musical The King and I, one of her aunt’s favourite movies. The film is a fictionalised account of the true story of Anna Leonowens, a widower who worked as governess for King Mongkut in the late 19th century.

When Leilani came on board a few years ago (she used to run a bar in Bangkok) the two decided to turn Anna’s into more of a bar, and create a venue where their friends could hang out. The bar is now particularly well known for its excellent live music, which starts from 8.30pm every night.

“It started just as a place for our friends to have somewhere to go on a night out,” Leilani says.

Fittingly, considering the name, the building the bar and restaurant is in is almost 100 years-old (it used to be a dental clinic). Jun rebuilt the entire building and put in the second floor (ideal for larger groups to dine), making it far safer but still trying to keep what original interior she could.

Leilani says, “It is very different from other places in Phuket. The building, the furniture, the style of drinks and the food... it is very Bangkok influenced.”

Speaking of the food, the restaurant has a ThaiEuropean menu, plus a few Japanese and fusion dishes. Recommended orders include the chicken

curry with roti (B150), the salmon spring rolls (B120), and the popular “Squiddy” calamari fries (B120). For something a little more substantial, try the Japanese Kurobuta pork chop, served with garlic rice and vegetables (B280).

But where Anna’s really comes into its own are the special drinks it offers.

The women say unusual cocktails such as the sparkling jelly (B250) are all the rage in Bangkok, but very few places in Phuket are offering them. The drink is full of small floating, bubbling jellies (either peach or raspberry flavour) and is incredibly popular.

Anna’s also offers “XL” size cocktails – about the equivalent of five large cocktails served in a very large glass.

So if you find yourself wandering around Phuket’s Old Town in the evening looking for a cosmopolitan setting to enjoy a drink and bite to eat, you now know where to go.

Anna’s, 13 Ratsada Rd, Phuket Town (opposite Phuket Brasserie), 076 210 0535. Open daily 6.30pm to midnight, closed Mondays.

From left, Peter Komposch, Dusit Thani GM; Nadia Zenato; Robert Wigman and his wife Maggy; and Francois Aviloff.

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A

Bangkok Beer & Beverages, island's largest wholesaler of 500+ premium beverages from 12 countries.

Ask for our extensive portfolio: bart@bbb.co.th and visit www.bbb.co.th for more info.

Tel: 076-200751-3, Fax: 076-200754

thephuketnews.com

large gathering was in attendance at the Zenato and The Four Magnificent Italian dinner held at the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket on Monday evening (October 22). The menu included duck cannoli with foie gras and braised beef and was served with beverages from Zenato, Italy. Nadia Zenato, from the company, gave a talk about their products.

DINING 9

THE PHUKET NEWS 26,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 26, 2012

Having your cake means eating it too Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

Top right, cafe co-owner Engie and manager Ton, who is co-owner Tor’s brother. Below: Mac-chiato House and Cake Box on a casual weekday afternoon.

Saturday and Sunday are usually the busiest days for the cafe.

I

f you’re a regular visitor to Phuket Town for a coffee stop, you’ll likely already be familiar with the cutesy if oddly named “Mac-chiato House and Cake Box” cafe on Thalang Rd. With free Wi-Fi and a range of speciality coffees, the trendy hangout in Phuket’s Old Town is very popular with young Thais, especially at weekends.

Naovanat “Engie” Ruktaetrakul, 31, is the Phuket local who runs the cafe with her two friends, Waeowaroon “Fon” Santiamorntat and Phark “Tor” Chiewchan.

The business was initially established a year ago as a graphic design and Apple computer repair store. But the trio soon found that customers were getting bored waiting for tech whiz Tor to fix their computer, so they decided to provide them with coffee and cake.

“We started with a very little coffee machine that could only make three or four cups at a time, but later word spread and we got bigger,” Engie says.

Soon the coffees and cakes were in such hot demand Tor had to move his business to a different place in Samkong, allowing the cafe to expand, including adding Engie’s “Cake Box” cakes.

Most days Engie is up at 6am to make the cakes, including her famous banana cake, which goes for B65 per slice. Shaped in a roll, the cake has chocolatecaramel cream and fresh banana inside.

Also popular is the B85 brownie, which comes served with icecream and has chocolate pieces on the top.

Engie doesn’t use cocoa powder for most of her chocolate cakes, preferring to instead use chocolate buttons for flavour, sometimes adding “a little liquor” to make it extra special.

The “honey toast” (B85) is also a favourite, served with icecream and whipped cream.

As far as drinks go, Engie recommends the “Mac-chiato House iced caramel” for B60, or the iced cookies and cream for B60.

Engie’s family have lived in Phuket for almost 100 years; immigrants from the southeast of China. Her parents have rented the Mac-chiato House building on Thalang Rd for the last 10 or so years.

She was born in Phuket but spent four years in Chiang Mai completing a degree in finance, later going on to complete a masters in international finance and banking at the University of Southampton in the UK. “I loved studying finance, but I didn’t want to be working just sitting in an office. I wanted more of a social job. My parents knew when I studied [finance] it

probably wouldn’t be my career.

“Dad encouraged all us kids to own our own businesses. He said to us three, ‘Study whatever you want. But when you graduate, you must come back and do something for your home town.’”

So Engie studied a diploma in patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Bangkok and returned to Phuket. Her business partner Fon also completed her coffee training at the same place (as well as making the coffees, she’s also the accountant for the business).

“I’m very lucky to have such good work partners,” Engie says.

“I’ve heard many people say that if you are friends you shouldn’t go into business together.

“When I first made the decision I asked my father, and he said it was up to me and our success would depend on our attitude. And we work together very well.

“We are not just a cafe that serves drinks, we are your friends.”

Mac-chiato House and Cake Box, 48 Thalang Rd, 076 215 701. Open daily 9am-9pm. facebook.com/MacchiatoHouse

Patong’s Rotary Club hold charity dinner

T

he Rotary Club of Patong Beach is holding a fundraising dinner tomorrow (October 27) at Montes Restaurant in Patong, starting at 6pm.

The event is limited to 70 tickets and is priced at B599 for the barbecue dinner.

Happening on the night will be a raffle, silent auction and special entertainment. All proceeds will go to the Rotary Club of Patong Beach charity account, to be used for community service projects.

For more information visit rotarypatong.org

thephuketnews.com

10 EXPLORE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 26,2012 2012 FRIDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 26,

Sailing the southern seas Iva Agüero editor@thephuketnews.com

It is something else to see Phuket in the midst of heavy rainfall, after a week without blue skies.

The tourists begin to dwindle as they head indoors for entertainment and the island’s true colours can be seen

Clockwise from top: Argentine-born Iva and Frenchmen Philippe are both couple and shipmates; onboard their boat Dali; view of fish farms off Phuket.

thephuketnews.com

I

t came as a surprise that after having lived more than 10 years in Southeast Asia, I have only recently begun to discover the real Phuket.

In February of this year, I joined my boyfriend Philippe on his sailing boat Dali, as we began what we hoped to be a long adventure across the world.

To start off however, we decided to test the waters (quite literally) and visit the renowned islands around the west coast of Thailand.

We set sail from Langkawi, and anchored in many beautiful islands along the way, such as the Butang group, Koh Rok, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. These islands provided us with a variety of stunning anchorages and diverse island landscapes.

We appreciated it all; from empty beaches in Koh Adang, where you feel all alone in the world, to the stunning water and vibrant reefs off Koh Rok. The very relaxed atmosphere in Koh Lanta contrasted with the extremely busy nightlife of Phi Phi Bay, where anchoring is a mess but the party lives up to its name.

From these islands, we continued to make our way north to Phuket. Approaching Phuket by boat, you are offered a wide spectrum of possible anchorages, depending obviously on season and personal preference.

Ao Chalong is the obligatory check-in point, though we would skip anchoring there if we had the choice. Dive boats fill up their tanks all night in preparation for early morning trips and the imminent threat of a nearby boat dragging onto you keeps both Captain and crew half awake all night.

Our preferred stop is the nearby Ao Yon, which provides a shallow and protected anchorage or mooring. It is a local ‘yachtie’ hangout, which means that you will always be met by a friendly face upon reaching shore.

In the past month however, due mostly to the early arrival of the southwest monsoon season, we have traded our usual mooring

for a berth in the north of Phuket.

As we prepared to welcome Philippe’s brother on the boat, we sailed from Ao Yon towards Phang Nga Bay. Despite the daily dose of torrential rain, we were not disappointed with the great spectacle provided by this group of majestic islands.

As vacations can never last forever (in the work and sailing world alike), we bade farewell to Philippe’s brother and prepared for a few weeks of work and repairs on the boat. We chose a marina on the northeastern coast of the island, which provided great protection during this month’s heavy storms. Though the work was delayed considerably by the weather, we took advantage of the opportunity to explore the island further.

It is something else to see Phuket in the midst of heavy rainfall, after a week without blue skies. The tourists begin to dwindle as they head indoors for entertainment and the island’s true colours can be seen.

Phuket Town quickly became one of our favourite places on the island. The small city centre is a rich and complex combination that features beautiful architecture, traditional workshops as well as trendy cafés, bars and restaurants.

Walking through the streets, it is easy to appreciate the mix of Thai, European and Chinese heritage, showcased on the façades of many historical buildings.

Another remarkable bonus of Phuket town is its curious lack of tourists. While it seems the majority of visitors head to the

shopping malls for rainy weather entertainment, we would recommend having a quiet coffee and cake on one of the quaint streetside cafés or visiting one of the many small art galleries.

Both as a tourist destination and as a waypoint on our travels, we have found Phuket to be a dynamic and accommodating island. For those that want to explore, it offers many beaches – each with its own character and clientele.

The island is also a great point of departure for those looking to travel to nearby destinations. Earlier this year, we made the most of Phuket’s ideal location and stopped here on our way up to the Similan and Surin islands.

In preparation for the journey, we made sure to replenish our supplies. Another great advantage of Phuket is that it offers a wide variety of supermarkets, catering to every budget. Between SuperCheap and Villa Market, we happily stocked up before leaving Ao Yon in the direction of Bang Tao. During the three weeks that we sailed, we were stunned by the amazing clarity of turquoise waters, the gorgeous delicate whites of the sand and the lush vegetation and animal life of the different anchorages.

In short, we have come to love Phuket both as a destination in itself and as a useful and welcoming stopover.

In the coming weeks, we will be travelling to the east coast of Thailand in search of new amazing anchorages. You can follow our journey at philandiva.com

TRAVEL 11

THE PHUKET NEWS 26,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 26, 2012

Gastronomy nourishes Spain’s gourmet capital Gabriel Rubio editor@thephuketnews.com

Chefs in San Sebastian include names such as Martin Berasategui, Pedro Subijana and Andoni Luis Aduriz, have 16 Michelin stars between them. The Basque Culinary Center (pictured below) counts among its expert participants Ferran Adria, the Catalan master whose former restaurant El Bulli was hailed as the best in the world.

Clockwise from top right: Pork shop on Loyola Street (photo: Joxemai); the Basque Culinary Center (photo: Mariordo); the city of San Sebastian, as seen from Mount Igeldo (photo: Keta).

H

am with brie, wild mushroom croquettes, cured-meat ravioli: gourmet cooking has put the Basque town of San Sebastian on the gastronomic map, drawing visitors from around the world.

Now its culinary assets – which include more Michelin stars per square metre than anywhere else in the world, and the world’s first university of gastronomy – are nourishing it in the economic crisis.

“Gastronomy is a tourist attraction of growing importance for the region”, said the director of the Basque Culinary Centre gourmet university, Joxe Mari Aizega. “We are looking to become part of the economic attraction.”

In a 2011 survey by the Basque Country regional government, 7 out of 10 visitors said they were drawn there by the food.

More than 1.5 million tourists visited the region this year up to August – its second best year on record – but the number of Spaniards among them fell compared to previous years while the number of foreigners rose.

Many of them come to the bars of San Sebastian’s old town, where Japanese and US tourists sample “pintxos”, the region’s trademark bite-sized canapes.

The foreign visitors are helping keep the restaurants in business while

Spaniards are spending less at a time of high unemployment and budget cuts.

“Visitors from the rest of Spain have got slightly fewer, but at the same time we are making up for it with foreigners,” said Amaiur Martinez, a joint owner of the Ganbara bar.

“A lot of them come from France, as well as from Asia, the United States and Britain,” he said, standing behind a counter piled with mushrooms, seafood and various pintxos.

“The Asians are most interested in the seafood and how it is prepared.

The French are very interested in the mushrooms.”

Chefs in San Sebastian, which include names such as Martin Berasategui, Pedro Subijana and Andoni Luis Aduriz, have 16 Michelin stars between them.

The Basque Culinary Center, launched last year, counts among its expert participants Ferran Adria, the Catalan master whose former restaurant El Bulli was hailed as the best in the world, and the French chef Michel Bras.

“This centre’s basic mission is to act as a reference in advanced knowledge of gastronomy with an international vision,” Aizega said.

Students on the four-year course learn everything from soups to avantgarde dishes as well as studying the

science of cooking with test-tubes, management and business skills, with work placements in top eateries worldwide.

“Every day they teach us tricks and little tips that help us make the dishes much better,” said Esteban Yebes from Colombia, one of the students working at long tables here in their white aprons and hats.

“For example, how to shock beans by adding a bit of cold water while they’re boiling.”

For Spaniards struggling to find work in the recession, the centre’s world-class training offers a strong guarantee of a job on leaving.

“I studied business administration and management, but I could find no work,” said one student, Lolo Roman, 29, from the Canary Islands, cooking beans in the training kitchen.

“I had always liked cooking so I decided to come here.”

“We have no doubt they will find work. There are some who get offered work after studying here for one year,” said Aizega. “Gastronomy will continue to have its place here and keep innovating.” AFP Thai Airways flies direct from Bangkok to Madrid, from where it’s a 1 hour flight north to San Sebastian. Alternatively, you can fly from Phuket to Madrid via Doha on Qatar Airways.

thephuketnews.com

12 WEIRD WORLD

THE PHUKET NEWS

African King named the richest person of all-time

FRIDAY, 26,2012 2012 FRIDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 26,

THE BIG LIST Odd fests

A

ncient west African King Mansa Musa I, who ruled over an empire from his throne in Mali, has been named the richest person that ever lived according to a recent list by Celebrity Net Worth.

With a fortune of US$400 billion (B12.2 trillion), Mansa Musa I was able to control half the world’s salt and gold supply, which was produced in his kingdom, today an area covering parts of Ghana and Mali.

He lived from 1280 to 1331, and inherited the throne after being appointed by the previous king after a pilgrimage to Mecca. He used his immense wealth to build extravagant mosques that still stand to this day.

However, civil war and conquering invaders were too much for the empire to handle and his staggering net worth was gone within two generations.

British PM’s pussy in cat-fight

T

he pet cats of British Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne were caught with their nails out as the pair were getting ready for a fight last week.

English media reported that Larry, Cameron’s cat, escaped to the safety of 10 Downing Street once things got a little hairy. Freya, Osborne’s pet puss, moved into 11 Downing street last year after she went missing three years ago.

“I’m not going to get into the adventures of our feline friends in Downing Street,” said a spokeswoman for the Prime Minister.

Doctors take out dildo from man’s stomach

A

dildo was removed from the belly of a 30-year-old Chinese man, who said his wife inserted it into his body to enhance sexual pleasure.

Doctors at Zhongshan Hospital in Xuihui District removed the dildo, which measured 23 centimetres long and eight centimetres in diameter. The man spent five days with the dildo inside his intestines before going to the hospital after he could not use the bathroom.

“If we did not remove the dildo in time, the man could have gone into critical condition. We had decided to operate if we failed to take it out with the help of an endoscope,” Doctor Yao Liqing told reporters last week.

thephuketnews.com

Australian turns morgue into motel

A

n Australian businessman is hoping to turn a disused morgue that once served unfortunate psychiatric patients into a unique motel.

The morgue in Tasmania state has been idle for more than a decade, after the Willow Court colonial-era mental hospital was closed down.

Antiques dealer Pearce bought seven acres of the historic site several years ago, which contained six buildings that he is gradually restoring – one of which is the 1950s-era morgue that served patients and the wider community.

A previous owner is believed to have had plans to turn it into an

ice-cream parlour and child minding centre, but Pearce thinks visitors might be intrigued enough by features such as the stainless steel bathtub for washing cadavers to want to spend the night there.

“We’ll be looking at putting a double bed in one of the rooms and then we have three slabs and two pull-out fridges which could be used,” he said.

Pearce hopes to have the motel open by early 2013 and expects to be taking bookings online.

He is hopeful the business will be a success, after already converting an on-site asylum into a motel, despite rumours the area is haunted. AFP

With the Vegetarian Festival winding down, we’re still in a celebrating kind of mood. Let’s take a look at some other festivals around the world that catch our eye. No body piercing required.

Konaki Sumo: Better known as the Japanese Baby Crying Festival, the 400 yearold Konaki Sumo brings together tears, infants, sumo wrestlers, and karma. Sumo wrestlers hold babies in front of each other making faces and yelps hoping to make the baby cry. Once the infant does, it is held up so its ‘tears may be closer to heaven.’ An actual sumo judge officiates the entire thing. The first baby to cry wins as it goes with the Japanese proverb that says “crying babies grow fast”. If both babies cry at the same time, the louder one wins.

Testicle Cooking Olympiad: Testicle goulash, testicle pizza, testicle in hollandaise sauce. Since 2005, Ozrem, Serbia has been the home of the World Testicle Cooking Olympiad.

Awards are given out to the most delicious dish as well as the ballsiest person of the year (last year’s winner was Barack Obama). Organised

by Ljubomir Erovic, who wrote a cookbook on testicle recipes, the festival sees international participants. The slogan to the festival: “Scots have their scotch, the Swiss – their cheese, and we, the Serbs, have balls.”

Takanakuay: This festival is held every year on December 25 in the Peruvian Andes and is known as ‘the fighting festival’. A majority of the province of Chumbivilcas, surrounded in the seclusion of the mountains, hold a festival in which men, women, and children are pit against each other in one mass brawl. It harkens back to the days when reputation, family honor, and rebellion against the Spanish judiciary system were held in high esteem as legal disputes are settled between fists of fury. Fighters hug one another before and after the fight in a show of respect and injuries are rarely reported. It’s a three-day festival with tons of dancing and, not entirely unexpectedly, much drinking in between the mass bouts.

El Colacho: When they are not running with bulls or throwing tomatoes at one another, the Spanish like to jump over babies. Since 1620, the feast of Corpus Christi near Burgos, Spain has celebrated El Colacho. Men dress up as the devil in a yellow suit and jump over babies lying on a mattress in the middle of the street. The practice is intended to ward off evil spirits and cleanse the babies’ souls and is a mix of Spanish folklore and religion though Pope Benedict XXVI has asked Spanish priests to stay away. No injuries have ever been reported. The four-day festival ends with a procession through the town as ‘the devil’ spanks villagers with whips and culminates in the baby jump.

Hadaka Matsuri: Japan brings us the ‘naked men festival’, celebrated for centuries and takes place across the country. The morning of the festival, men dressed in sumo attire, run the streets and throw buckets of water and sake at each other. Chants fill the streets as everyone drinks. About 100 sacred stick are then hurled into the crowd. The men clamor on top of each other to retrieve a stick all to acquire good luck.

FILM 13

THE PHUKET NEWS 26,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 26, 2012

FILM BRIEFS New director, screenwriter for Apes’ sequel

Matt Reeves will be stepping in to take over the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes movie, while Mark Bomback will pen the script.

The film, expected to be a sequel to 2011 hit Rise of the Planet of the Apes, is on track for a 2014 release according to reports. Rupert Wyatt, who directed the first film, dropped out of the project in September.

Reeves directed Cloverfield and Let Me In, a remake of a Swedish film. Bomback, who helped write this year’s Total Recall remake, has been tapped to work on the third draft of the script.

The Justice League set for 2015 release

Taken 2

Please, take it all back FILM REVIEW J.P. Mestanza editor2@thephuketnews.com

Approx. 91 minutes Director:

Olivier Megaton

Starring: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace

The chances of this movie living up to the expectations created by the first film were slim at best, but Taken 2 falls into the Speed 2 category of awful sequels with a cheesy script and wafer thin storyline

T

aken 2 is another example of Hollywood cashing in on an already stellar movie and making a quick buck. Case in point – within minutes after the opening credits, the movie already feels worn out.

Granted, the chances of this movie living up to the expectations created by the first film were slim at best, but Taken 2 falls into the Speed 2 category of awful sequels with cheesy lines and a thin storyline.

The plot, as much as there is one, revolves around Brian Mills’ (Liam Neeson) surprise visit from his family while he’s working in Istanbul. At the same time, a funeral is held in Albania for the men Mills killed in the first movie, after which the father one of the men, Murad (Rade Serbedzija) vows revenge.

Whereas in the first movie Mill’s daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) is taken, for the sequel the honour falls to his beloved wife Lenore (Famke Janssen). After the kidnapping, the rest of the entire movie is how Mill and his daughter manage to evade eastern European thugs and track down Lenore.

While producer and screenwriter Luc Besson, who is also responsible for the adrenalinfueled Transporter franchise, has a great eye

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) Alex Cross (E) [15+] Alex Cross (E/F) [15+] Hor Taew Tak 4 (T) [15+] Looper (E) [18+] My Name Is Love (T/E.SUB) [15+] Saranae Osekai (T) [G] Sinister (E) [18+] Yak (T) [G]

13:35, 15:50, 18:05, 20:20, 22:30 12:20, 14:35, 16:50, 19:05, 21:20 13:15, 15:30, 17:45, 20:00, 22:15 11:30, 14:00, 21:20 11:30, 15:35, 18:40 11:50, 13:50, 15:50, 17:50, 19:50, 21:45 13:15, 16:20, 20:20, 22:40 11:15, 14:10, 18:10

for what audiences want, this film falls flat.

The Frenchmen gives up the formalities of plot and any kind of depth for Mills.

Part of Neeson’s character’s intrigue was the relationship between him and his family, which forced the audience to care about this man who would lose everything if he failed.

Sadly, the second film pokes holes into Neeson’s character, making him into a two-dimensional figure.

In sum, audiences fell in love with the first Taken because of its unlikely but realistic hero, and fascinating characters that made it feel like a reinterpretation of action movies.

Taken 2 erases all of that good work, instead leaving us with a poor piece of filmmaking, that sadly leaves us wanting no more.

Looks like it will be a battle of superheros as Warner Brothers is hoping for a 2015 release of The Justice League movie.

The movie, which pits together Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and others, has no director attached to it yet. A script is currently in the works by screenwriter Will Beall, who penned 2013’s Gangster Squad starring Sean Penn.

The Justice League movie is expected to go head-to-head with The Avengers 2, which will also be released in 2015.

Reboots and remakes

Cinema fans can rejoice at the news that several studios have given the green light to remake some modern classics.

RoboCop is currently in production, starring Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, and Samuel L. Jackson. Kinnaman, who plays the title character, said the movie is a retelling of the originals. It is slated for a February 2014 release, though has seen some delays in filming.

Mad Max: Fury Road is a prequel to the popular Mad Max series from the 1980s. Tom Hardy will play a young Max Rockatansky - made famous by Mel Gibson - with Charlize Theron in a supporting role. Scheduled for a 2013 release.

Lastly, Bruce Willis will reprise his role as John McClane in A Good Day to Die Hard. Set in Russia, the movie is set for a February 2013 release.

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film

Gross

$29M

$29M

1

Paranormal Activity 4

2

Argo

$16.4M

$43M

3

Taken 2

$13.3M

$106M

4

Hotel Transylvania

$13M

$119M

5

Alex Cross

$11.4M

$11.4M

6

Sinister

$8.82M

$31.7M

7

Here Comes the Boom

$8.41M

$23.1M

8

Pitch Perfect

$6.76M

$45.5M

9

Frankenweenie

$4.33M

$28.2M

$4.2M

$57.8M

10 Looper

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) Alex Cross (E) [15+] Finding Nemo 3D (E/3D) [G] Hor Taew Tak 4 (T/E.SUB) [15+] Looper (E) [18+] Saranae Osekai (T) [G] Sinister (E) [18+] Taken 2 (E) [15+]

Weekend gross

11:30, 16:00, 18:10, 20:20, 22:30 13:45 11:15, 13:30, 15:45, 18:00, 20:10 11:40, 14:10, 16:40, 19:10, 21:40 11:20, 13:20, 16:40, 19:50, 21:50 12:00, 14:20, 17:30, 21:00 15:20, 18:40, 22:20

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed.

For up -to - date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076 - 600 -555.

thephuketnews.com

14 ISLAND SCENE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 26,2012 2012 FRIDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 26,

SHOCK AND AWE T

he annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival wrapped up on Tuesday night (October 23) with an impressive street procession around the Old Town, marking the end of the nine day event. Locals and tourists alike packed Chinese temples around

thephuketnews.com

the island to watch the maa song (Horses of the Gods) accomplish remarkable feats, including inserting objects through their cheeks and other parts of their face (largely without injury), hot oil bathing, fire walking and bladed ladder climbing.

THE PHUKET NEWS 26,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 26, 2012

ISLAND SCENE 15

thephuketnews.com

16 ISLAND SCENE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 26,2012 2012 FRIDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 26,

Air Chief Marshal Werakoop Srisongkram and Managing Director of Club Tropical Deepak Kaushish.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS Club Tropical celebrated the opening of its latest offices and sales centre on October 6 with a party following the opening ceremony in Kata.

As with the first two centres, one

in Bangtao and the other in Koh Samui, the chief guest at the occasion was Air Chief Marshall Werakoop Srisongkram who attended with members of his staff and friends.

Janpen Bumrung, Laongjit Limsakul, Kanokwan Sangunwong, Deepak Kaushish and Wimonrat Thongsareekul (sitting).

From left, Somyos Wongmeechai, Deepak Kaushish (Managing Director, Club Tropical), Werakoop Srisongkram (Air Chief Marshal, Royal Thai Air Force), and Anirudh Singh ( Senior Vice President, Club Tropical).

From back left, Deepak Kaushish, Sally Bian, Hanson Fan, Melo Xiang, Rattana Mingmuan, and front, sitting, Cindy Gao and Grace Sun.

From left, Dan, Roland, Dao, Jane, Phillip and Thibault.

FIVE GREAT YEARS AND COUNTING

From left, Claude Sauter (GM of Panwa Beach Resort), Holger Schwab (MD of Sea Bees Diving), Daniel Meury (GM of Andara), and Hansruedi Frutiger (GM of Cape Panwa Resort).

A GREAT NIGHT OF MEET AND GREETS

Phuket Tatler magazine celebrated its fifth anniversary with a grand party at The Surin on Friday (October 19).

Nui, Lillian, Na and Bat.

Editor-in-Chief Naphalai Areesorn and Chairman Nigel Oakins.

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Lisa, Laksanawadee and Golf.

On October 18, Sk책l Phuket held their monthly Sk책l Dinner at the Andara Villas in Kamala. Members and guests came together for a great night of networking and friendships. Sk책l International-Phuket and South Thailand is a professional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry, which promotes global tourism and friendship.

Centre, Philipp Frickhinger (GM of Cape Panwa Beach Resort) and, right, Alisara Na Takuatung (Sales and Marketing Manager of Radenska).

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THE PHUKET NEWS 26,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 26, 2012

Phuket Jazz Summit returns

T

he 2012 Phuket City Jazz Summit will be held on November 4 as a tribute to the island’s hard-working musicians, and hopes to embody the best of Phuket music and musicianship.

Events and entertainment company Spotlight Productions will again help stage the event, now in its second

Performers at the 2011 Phuket City Jazz Summit.

Gangnam triggers surge of attention for S. Korea

T

he phenomenal success of hit K-pop song Gangnam Style is just the start of a new surge of attention for Korean entertainment, according to the man responsible for some of South Korea’s biggest films.

“When you look at Korean music or Korean films they are very Hollywood-like in terms of production standards,” said producer Jonathan H. Kim, speaking on the sidelines of last week’s Busan International Film Festival.

“There’s also a degree of people from other countries looking at Korean movies and saying ‘Wow: their values are similar to ours’.”

A 30-year veteran of the Korean film industry, Kim has been behind five of his country’s 50 biggest box office hits. Among them is war epic Silmido (2003), the first film to attract more than 10 million viewers in South Korea.

As well as producing films, Kim is a business advisor to the sprawling CJ Entertainment & Media group, South Korea’s largest in terms of film production,

investment and distribution.

Kim believes the current strength of Korean cinema – and the global appeal of Korean entertainment in general – had its beginnings in 2003, with the emergence of film directors such as Park Chan-Wook (“Oldboy”) and wildly successful TV dramas such as the drama Winter Sonata.

South Korea’s K-pop has in the past 10 years defied language barriers to entice fans around the world, but glossy products such as Super Junior and Girls’ Generation have not won 34-year-old rapper Psy’s level of global recognition.

The rapper has performed his unique horse-riding dance at the MTV awards in Los Angeles, given Britney Spears a TV tutorial, and appeared in a cameo on NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

“The surprise with Psy is that he didn’t try to look Hollywood.

It’s pure Korean,” said Kim. “That is making a lot of people re-evaluate the Korean wave and cinema is at the forefront of that.” AFP

year.

The 2011 Phuket City Jazz Summit was held in October last year at the Lemon Grass Restaurant in Phuket Town, and was graced by many great Thai and foreign jazz musicians and aficionados.

It was a highly successful event that was originally planned as a posthumous tribute for Filipino pianist Romy Navio, one of Phuket’s original jazz musicians.

The musical event was spearheaded by Romy’s Thai-born son, Boy Navio, who is currently acclaimed as one of the best jazz guitarists on the island, and his uncle, jazz bassist and Spotlight Production GM, Francois Bona.

Having been encouraged by the good reception, the pair have organised the second Jazz

Summit, to be held this coming November 4.

The 2012 Phuket City Jazz Summit, in cooperation with the newly-formed Phuket Jazz Society, venue sponsor The Katina Hotel, and other sponsors, brings to the fore a select roster of jazz musicians collectively formed from the best homegrown talents on the island.

Confirmed for this year are the Boy Navio Jazz Group, Bluroom Band from the JW Marriott headed by Francois Bona, Jeffrey Sevilla of Music Matter, Mari Okawa Jazz Chanteuse, Editha Ballesteros, Peter Pollert Saxman, Bong Bello Jazz Project, Lek Hisashi, Arvie Bautista, Prasert Jazz Quartet, Khun Noi Sax, Haru Nabekura, plus more acts from Bangkok and Manila.

The event will be on November 4 at the Katina Hotel (5/61 Sakdidaj Rd, Phuket Town) from 8pm to 2am. It is a free event and open to all.

For more information visit the Facebook event page “Phuket City Jazz Summit 2012” or contact Francois on 080 052 8636.

The Phuket News and Live 89.5 are media sponsors of this event.

Live 89.5’s Got Talent

T

une in on Live 89.5 on Saturday mornings from 9am to 10am with your host Siobhan McGovern as she interviews Phuket’s up and coming talent. Hear them perform on the air and find out why they love the arts.

Name: Jack O’Brien Age: 16 Occupation: Student What instrument do you play and how long have you been studying?

I play the drums and I have been learning for six years, but have had real lessons the last four years.

What is your favourite thing about performing?

Performing with others. One may be able to go solo but that will only get someone a certain distance. Like the Beatles said: “I get by with a little help from my friends.”

Do you get stage fright?

How do you deal with it?

I sometimes get stage fright.

Depends more on the actual song rather than the whole performance. More specifi-

cally fills and rolls in it. In order to overcome this, I do not play the complicated fills in which I have learned in the practices. I play the simple version, which can still sound pretty rocking. If I play the simplified version enough, then I step it up a notch.

Tell us about one of your best performances.

I think one of my best performances was at Battle of the Young bands with Eye Forgot (as well as Screaming Hypocrites). The song was Lady Gaga’s Poker Face.

The song itself was easy, but I knew that the solo was coming. When it came round, I played my best fills

and beats, but in the end, I either hit the sticks together or hit the crash on the way up, but I finished early.

That is when the singers and everyone turned around realising my mistake, but we mouthed to each other, “1-2-3-4” and the song continued on as normal. I queried about the solo and many did not seem to notice the mistake, which I was thankful for.

Which artists inspire you musically?

Me. It is called motivation. Also my various drum teachers.

thephuketnews.com

18 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, 26,2012 2012 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 26,

Asia Center Foundation invites you to celebrate a decade of hope Date Time Venue Dress

: �� October ���� : ��h�� for ��h�� : Phuket Orchid Resort Ballroom, Karon, Phuket : Smart Casual

If you want to support ACF's work, please contact Roelien Muller at ���-������� or roemuthai@gmail.com for a ticket to the event.

Tickets :

B�,���perperson FRIDAY OCT 26

erage. Located at Patong Promenade: www.hogs breath.co.th.

Special Friday at Hogs Breath Live acoustic band. B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade, www.hogsbreath.co.th

friends and family each Sunday at Sails – a Hilton experience. Our jazz band sets the mood for a relaxing afternoon with delicious food, live cooking stations, refreshing drinks, and good company. Balloon artists entertain the little ones with face painting and kids’ activities. Every Sunday at 12pm-3pm. B1,100++ per adult.

B700++ per child (Ages 5-12). Make your reservations at phuket.sales@hilton.com.

Two Chefs Saturday Brunch

Steak Night Buffet at Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong

At Two Chefs Kata Centre. Every Saturday 12pm-3pm. You can enjoy a big delicious buffet with a touch of Scandinavia, and listen to our live music. For example smoked fish or seafood from our smoke house roasted pork tenderloin, pickled Herring, different meat and poultry cold cuts, salads, homemade bread and dessert from our bakery. ONLY B395. www.twochefs.com, 076 330 065, kata center@twochefs.com.

Sunday Roast Pork Sunday Roast Pork or Beef Dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www.expathotel.com.

Char-grilled and delicious. Tender cuts of quality meats cooked to perfection. Tasty side dishes, selection of fine sauces and a deliciously fresh salad bar. Start from 6.30pm-10pm. Contact 076 349 800-7, email chp@chr.co.th.

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

Every first and third Friday a month, allyou-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

Two Chefs Surf Night At Two Chefs Kata Beach. Every Monday from 6pm-12am. You can enjoy our big BBQ Buffet with Blackened red snapper, beef burgers, chicken fajitas, tacos, chimi-churri marinated chicken, desserts from our bakery and much more. One member from our house band will sing pleasant music during the night. Only B495. See www.twochefs. com, 076 284 155, kata@twochefs.com.

TUESDAY OCT 30

University and Higher Education

BBQ at Expat Hotel

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal

MONDAY OCT 29

SUNDAY OCT 28

L a z y Sund ay Ja z z Mor ning at Paresa Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast at Paresa with jazz music and stunning selection of breakfast dishes. Spend the rest of the day at Paresa’s Infinity Pool or Beach Club. B600++ per person. Every Sunday 9am to noon. Call 076 302 000.

25+ colleges/universities (UK, US, Australia, Thailand, Europe) will be showcasing their further education offerings for students and parents. Lots of research is needed to find the right college/university after secondary school - the BIS University and Higher Education Fair is a great place to start or continue your research. Students from neighboring schools are welcome.

Email: bclark@bisphuket.ac.th.

Special Sunday at Hogs Breath

Pool Competition at Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com.

Pool Competition every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.

Come hear the loving words of Jesus

SATURDAY OCT 27

Special Saturday at Hogs Breath

Sunday Brunch at Hilton Phuket

B99 beverages during live sports cov-

Enjoy our lavish international buffet with

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Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse

Kids eat free when adults buy main courses.

B99 beverages during live sports coverage.

Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogs breath.co.th.

At The Seed Church in Cherngtalay. Enjoy a great fellowship, practical preaching, contemporary music and free snacks in one of the fastest growing churches in Thailand! English services every Sunday at 2pm in Cherngtalay. Visit our website for directions or call for more information. See www.seed churchthailand.com. Call 098 764 5353, 084 056 7027, 081 891 2503.

WEDNESDAY OCT 31

THE PHUKET NEWS 26,FRIDAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 26, 2012List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php Wahoo Thailand 2013 Sport Fishing Tournament

EVENTS 19

Ao Chalong Yacht Club Everyone welcome

Offshore The Similan Islands

19th - 21st February 2013 Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.

Cash and prizes totaling over 2,000,000 Baht ($60,000)

“Award winning chef from Airlie Beach, Australia.

Fabulous breakfast, and authentic western Sunday roast from 12 - 4pm - just like home! Home made desserts eg. cheesecake, bread & butter pudding, apple pie made fresh every day.”

There is parking on site, cool breezes and a beautiful view.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8.00am 7 days per week.

Tel: 090 890 8993 email: amandaleehay@bigbond.com info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel:

+66 (0) 862739948

Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright

“Mention The Phuket News or Live 89.5FM and

Rawai Beach Fishing Club is an official Sponsor Club of the International Game Fishing Association. RBFC supports IGFA’s standards of good sportsmanship in recreational fishing

get a 20% discount on food”

SUNDAY NOV 4

EVERY DAY

Kata Beach - Soi Taina 11 Phuket Cricket Group season Meet up with your friends to enjoy good opening day drinks and food at Allstar Restaurant & Pool Competition: Meet The Best Players in Town Designed and built by a Thai-Canadian family in 2011, The Plaza is a very fine sculpture and wall relief garden and entertainment centre. Artist’s pictures can be seen at the plaza walls all year round. The art pieces are donated by “The Unique One,” a rare selection of art by Khun Manop and Mike. Pool competition is sponsored by Komodo Bar at 9pm. Entry fee B100 plus one free beverage. Come on everybody-let’s party. Call 082 280 3282.

10 over Triangular Exhibition Tournament.

Be treated to a fast-paced hard hitting regional derby between teams representing northern/southern hemispheres and central region. Fun-filled family day with heaps of entertainment and activities for all. Starts at 9am. Location: Alan Cooke Ground Baan Lipon, Thalang. For more information please visit the PCG website or the Phuket Cricket Group Facebook page. See phuketcricketgroup.com.

Sports Bar. Burgers, pasta, steaks, ribs, Thai food and much more. Our kitchen is open 12pm untill late. Dagens Husman (Swedish specialty). Every day 12-5pm watch games from all international football, F1, golf and much more or just come for a drink! We also show live sport from Sweden. Call 091 159 01 22.

FRIDAY NOV 16

Traditional Home Cooked Food Special club membership for expats entitling members to discounts on food and drink. Ask Jamie for details. All major sporting events shown live on big screen.

Sugar Reef opposite Tesco Cherngtalay. www.sugarreefbar.com.

THURSDAY NOV 1

Karaoke Night Fever Enjoy Karaoke night every Thursday at Ao Chalong Yacht club. Starting at 7pm. Call 090 809 8993.

Wicked Wednesdays Ladies day. Buy one beverage get one free. Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogsbreath.co.th.

The Need for Altruism by Ven. Matthieu Ricard Time 5.30pm until 7pm. Venue: Thanyapura Retreat Centre – Teaching Hall.

Free admission (Charitable Donations Accepted). For further information, please contact Mind Centre. Contact 076 336 000, email: mcdirector@thanyapura.com. See thanyapura.com.

NOVEMBER 28

Double Happy Hours At the end of the Rawai beach strip, Rawai Plaza is the best entertainment venue for those who seek a bit more fun after a good meal. Listen to good music, enjoy sport on large TV. Play pool or dart games or just enjoy the unique surroundings. Selected beverages. At 4-8pm and midnight till late.

Plus free pool sponsored by Komodo Bar. From 8- 9.30pm. Come on everybody Let’s party. Call 082 280 3282.

Schnitzel Day Kokosnuss Restaurant - Every Thursday, schnitzel, fried potatoes and salad buffet B190 per person. Starts 5.30pm. For more info please visit phuketkokosnuss.com.

Going to Surin Beach?

Loi Krathong Festival

Two Chefs Tex Mex Night At Two Chefs Karon 6pm-1am. Every Wednesday you can enjoy Phuket’s best Mexican food. Chili con carne, Mexican rice, Mexican springrolls, nachos, pork fillet skewers, salmon quesadillas, grilled corn cob, desserts from our bakery and much more. Our house band will be here to play live music. B495 or B795 include free flow selected beverages. Visit: www.twochefs.com, call 076 286 479, karon@twochefs.com.

Manicure Ladies Night Free express manicure for ladies. Free beverage for ladies on arrival, 50% off drink list for everyone all night long. From 6pm to midnight - DJ tunes till late. RE KA TA Beach Club at Boathouse.

Loi Krathong is one of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand. The event occurs on the full-moon night of the 12th lunar month. The festival originates from Sukhothai Province.

Loy means to float and Krathong is a lotusshaped boat made from banana leaves. The festival is of Brahmin origin to honour Mae Khongkha, the Mother Goddess of the Waters. Before people float their krathong, they make a wish. It is believed that the krathongs carry away sins and bad luck.

If you have time this week head to Sea Breeze Surin Beach for a great lunch time offer. We are doing any of our burgers with homecut fries for only B175 between 12pm and 5pm every day. For expats we are also offering B20 off beverages all day, every day - ask a manager when you arrive. Live sport every day including our 100” HD screen. Ask about our new pool club, plus kids and adults parties planned and catered for. Call 076 270 399, www. thebestbeachclub.com, info@theburger barandbeachclub.com.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

20 TIME OUT GOT YOUR NUMBER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

GUESS WHERE THIS IS AND WIN!

GERRY’S VIEW

27,000

THIS WEEK’S HINT: “I have driven this road outside of Phuket Town many times and noticed signs that indicate there are monkeys in the area, but have only seen the five statue monkeys that are seen in the photograph.

“The road crosses a small bridge, which if you look to the right hand side when crossing the bridge, you will see dozens of fishing and other types of boats. Continuing along the road for a short distance you come to a roundabout with a small clock tower in the centre and a police station on the right hand side.”

The amount in kg of food you will eat in your lifetime. Equivalent to around six elephants.

13,092 The number of knives, forks and spoons found in the White House.

80

–Gerry Cummings editor@thephuketnews.com

Percentage of people who sing when driving alone in the car.

13

www.photohutgroup.com

The average number of times a person laughs every day (try it).

thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

GUESS THE CORRECT LOCATION AND WIN A B500 GIFT VOUCHER FROM PHOTO HUT

Congratulations go to aycrew and marcher, who both correctly guessed last week’s photo was of Royal Phuket Marina.

This week in history ■■ October 26, 1958 Pan American Airways makes the first commercial flight of the Boeing 707 from New York City to Paris, France.

■■ October 27, 1988 Ronald Reagan decides to tear down the new U.S. Embassy in Moscow because of Soviet listening devices in the building structure.

■■ October 28, 1835 In the face of British rule, the United Tribes of New Zealand is established with the signature of the Declaration of Independence.

■■ October 29, 1957 Israel’s prime minister David Ben-Gurion and five of his ministers are injured when a hand grenade is tossed into Israel’s parliament.

Across

Down

1. Dromedary swallows sun god. Sweet! (7) 4. Colored, hurt Edward.

(7) 8. To the northeast, a couple of learners and a girl. (4) 9. Pots overturned! Desist!

(4) 10. Intimidated firm and married. (5) 12. Insect earthmover. (11) 14. Squid part takes net and cat back to the French. (8) 17. Vile cardinal shaken up – bad things. (5) 20. Slow beast takes money receiver to hotel. (5) 21. Encourage promises?

Fake! (8) 25. Circe’s hens can rest badly. (11) 28. Imitating an Asdic sound. (5) 29. Strong man loses shirt.

Woe is me! (4) 30. Close-fitting guns revolved. (4) 31. Tom ran south in back end of boat. (7) 32. In her, it may receive from ancestor. (7)

1. Prisoner hackneyed and penitent. (8) 2. Left-over about 51 and 100.

(5) 3. Exactly as stated: “Set on fire, er, Al.” (7) 4. Apple seed and sharp instrument. (6) 5. Writing fluid, we hear, for company. (3) 6. Structure that pulls? (5) 7. Take away and reverse Ted about French blueblood. (6) 11. Network in garret ocean. (8) 13. Lived in anger, returned in uniform. (8) 15. Lin’s back for nothing. (3) 16. Cardinals take nothing from Dawn. (3) 18. Beer sign. (3) 19. Points to vehicle; got snail. (8) 22. Patricia and I got brown skin down south (7) 23. Inclined to take victory sign to eastern Mediterranean. (6) 24. Sala and morning greeting. (6) 25. Heather mixed a rice. (5) 26. Thus, ran back to boat equipment. (5) 27. Sag back and chatter. (3)

1. What does the name Robert mean?

2. How many humps does a Bactrian camel have?

3. What flavour is the liqueur Cointreau?

4. Which canal took 10 years to build and opened in 1869?

5. Name R2D2’s robot companion in the Star Wars films?

Answers at the foot of the page.

■■ October 30, 1974 The Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman takes place in Kinshasa, Zaire.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Bright fame; 2. Two; 3. Orange; 4.The Suez Canal; 1. Eight; 2. Potatoes; 3. Dolly; 4.Two; 5. Flax.

5. C3PO.

thephuketnews.com

■■ October 31, 1517 Martin Luther posts his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg and starts the Protestant Reformation.

SUDOKU

■■ November 1, 1512 The famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, is exhibited to the public for the very first time.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

ARE YOU STILL LOOKING FOR A JOB?

MEET PHUKET’S BEST EMPLOYERS 30+ COMPANIES 600+ AVAILABLE JOBS Phuket's largest Job Fair on the 27 and 28 October at Rajabhat University in Phuket town.

REGISTER NOW:

www.jobphuket.net/en/phuketjobfair/cand-register.php For more information please contact us direct:

Eng: 089 725 6994 Thai: 080 719 8827

info@eventsthailand.net www.phuketjobfair.com Media Sponsors

Some of our exhibitors

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16 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

JOBS

Rawai beachfront pool villa

Available for rent or sale > 20

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, fuel, phone and commission. Call Khun Nam: 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Sala Phuket Jobs Vacancy: -Purchasing Manager: 1 Position -Chief Engineering 1 Position -Spa Therapist 4 Positions -Reservation Officer: 1 Position Contact 076 338 888.

Email: pncphuket@sala phuket.com.

Bartender and Waitress Needed: Lounge Bar opening in November: 2 bartenders, 2 waitresses, 1 maid/ helper English speaking, some experience, good looking and good attitude to service. Better if from hotel industry. Offering: salary according with experience, good tips, one meal, uniform, one day off. Email: laterrazzaphuket@hot mail. com. 084 509 1975.

Tw o G r a p h i c Designers Wanted: SPIKEMEDIA is a creative media agency based in Phuket working for a variety of national and international clients.

We are seeking full-time Graphic Designers, to work on a diverse range of print and web design projec t s. Salar y de pending on experience and talent level. Please send CVs and some s amp l e s of wo r k to: info@spikemediagroup. com.

Plumbers Required: Plumbers/Labourers wanted, Thai or expat (must have work permit). Total Water Solutions are a small p l u m b i n g /c o n s t r u c t i o n company based in Chalong we are urgently seeking workers. Khun Aoy at 086 940 7205.

Air Con/Refrig Tech- Tw o Te c h n i c i a n s nician: Looking for a Wanted: Technical Cer-

technician with experience in electrics, air or refrig (compressors), for servicing, repairing and maintaining equipment. Competitive salary and bonuses. Call 084 915 9507.

tificate, ages 25-50. Two years experience, salary, competency-based pay, full time/part time, be able to work at up-country. Call 076 323 043, email: juicyfx@ yahoo.com.

Sales Staff Wanted: English-speaking female.

Thai with previous selling experience with own car,

Managers Position at Rollerball: Experienced manager required for Rollerball. Applicant must be fluent in Thai and speak/write English and also have experience with dealing with Thai staff. Send CV to: robinson_wells@hotmail. com.

Instructor for a Wake Park: Wanted a wakeboarding/ water ski instructor. Male/female. Native Russian language speaker.

Fluent English. Permanent location at Phuket.

Please send CV to phuket wakepark1@gmail.com.

Claims & Suppor ting Admin: Claims and supporting administration, male/female, age 22- 45 years old. Experience in position will be advantage.

Good command, written and spoken English. Well organised, self-motivated. Email info@lamber t brothers.co.th.

Send resume to: officemanager@techworx.asia or call 081 080 3773.

Russian Guest Relation: Russian Guest Relation is needed at The Imperial Adamas Beach Resort, Phuket.

The position is available now. Please send your CV and actual photo to e l ye s .b @ i m p e r i a l adamas.com.

Administrative Assistant: Thai nationality. Excellent English is a must. Computer literate (Office, Excel, Word, Internet). Please send CV in English. Email: lola2605@ gmail.com.

Executive Chef Wanted: Minimum 4-5 years experience, must have experience in food quality and cost control, developing menus and recipes. Please send CV and references in Thai or English to jazon@ headstartphuket.com.

Piano Instrumental Teacher: PIADS is seek-

ing a qualified piano teacher to join our music department. Qualifications: Able to work 2:30-5pm, strong experience in teaching piano and ability to communicate in English. Contact 076 336 000. Email: tanyaporn.p@ pia.ac.th.

IT/AV Engineer: Thai, Pizza Maker / Cook: AV or IT Engineer, basic Full time! (only Thai applicants) www.phuketadventureminigolf.com, contact Khun Decha 080 548 3345, email: manager@phuket adventureminigolf.com.

English, experience in programming and installation, can drive. Salary based on experience. Send resume to: office-manager@tech worx.asia or call 081 978 2725 for more details.

Administrative As- Office Staff Wanted: sistant: Thai, degree in Female, English-speaking Admin or equivalent, good written and spoken English, basic accounting, experience a must. Salary based on qualifications.

staff to work in nice environment with outgoing personality and basic bookkeeping skills. Call K. Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. We are currently seeking

Full Time Public Relations/ Marketing manager to handle: ● PR and marketing of our products & services ● Identifying sponsorship opportunities & liaising with event organizers ● Building relationships with local organizations, government & private companies The applicant must have:● Thai National ● Excellent personal skills ● Good command of English ● Experience in PR/Marketing in print media or radio would be an advantage but not essential ● Existing relationships/network of contacts in Phuket an advantage ● Own car & ability to work flexible hours and attend events during non-work hours

We offer:● Competitive salary & bonuses depending ● 5 day work week – (Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 6 pm) ● Friendly work environment & excellent progress opportunities ● Time in lieu policy for any overtime hours worked

Interested applicants are invited to apply by sending a full resume in English with a recent photo & expected salar to: info@thephuketnews.com

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

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

www.thephuketnews.com

thephuketnews.com

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. We are currently seeking

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. We are currently seeking

Sales Manager

JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT

Thai or Foreigner (Located in Phuket)

Responsibilities :

● Managing the sales team (including responsibility for recruitment of new sales staff when needed) ● Weekly & monthly sales budget meetings and reporting ● Developing and following up new sales leads ● Reaching own personal sales targets and responsibility for reaching team targets

We offer: ● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses ● Friendly work environment ● Social security (10%) paid by the company ● Excellent career progress opportunity ***The company may offer accommodation plus local transportation costs to successful candidates.***

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or post to below address.

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

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

Experience in accounting system with international company is a plus ● Good command of English ● Knowledge of Taxation/VAT/PND/Social Security ● Service-Minded ●

We offer:Monday-Friday (8.30 am – 6.00 pm.)

Friendly work environment ● Excellent progress opportunity and job security ● ●

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or post to below address.

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

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

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 17

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

JOBS IN PHUKET

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

Phuket Brasserie Jobs Recuitment: -Waitress 5 Positions.

-Bartender 2 Positions.

Salary B9,000. Service sharge B4,000. If you worked in hotels before will be an advantage. Contact 076 210 511.Send CV and photo to linkwanjai@me.com.

Food & Beverage Manager: Experience Resor t F&B Manager proactive and motivated with passion for high qualit y ser vice stan dards. This is a hands on operational role. Send CV to recruit@paresa resorts.com.

We are a newly built boutique hotel which is located in the heart of Patong Beach right next to the Patong Police Station. Blue Sky Patong is surrounded by all the main tourist centres such as the sophisticated shopping centre Junceylon, a colourful nightlife along Bangla Road, or even a short distance to explore many activities along the beachfront area. As a newly built 4 star hotel, we are looking for team members who are service minded and who are willing to act with the organisation’s best interests at all times; if you think you are the one with a strong will to achieve the same goals with us, then please do not hesitate to apply. Arrive as a guest, live as a family.

Operation/Admin Manager: Operat i o n /Adm in M ana g e r for Luxury Yacht Charter Company is needed. Key tasks: yacht provisioning,cleaning controll,staff coordination for the charter,secretarial work and basic accounting. Call 089 558 8811, e m ai l to s al e s @ f i ve starseacruises.com.

We are currently recruiting for the following positions: ► General Manager ► Front Desk Agents ► Accounts Payable Staff/ Account Receivable Staff ► Sales/Marketing Coordinator ► Restaurant Manager ► Sou Chef /Team Leader

► Cafe Service Crew ► Maintainance Technician ► Waiter/Waitress ► Bar Waiter/Waitress ► Bar Bartender ► Executive Housekeeper ► Housekeeping

All potential staff are expected to be fluent in English accordingly to the positions that they have applied. We offer a competitive salary and benefits to the suitable candidates; please send appplication letters with a detailed resume, recent photograph to

Guest Experience Manager: European

with excellent English and computer skills to manage daily guest experience with outgoing personality and strong customer service skills.

Send CV to recruit@ paresaresorts.com.

jayeng89@hotmail.com 084 849 5293, 081 270 7619

Mobile Car Rental is professional level account- R e s e r v a t i o n a n d Classroom Teacher hiring !: Rapidly expand- ing work and is responsible Operation: Able to speak Needed: For nurser y

ing car rental company is hiring new staff members.

Required: good English knowledge, driving license, independent thinking, positive attitude, computer skills.

Call us ! 081 970 5204.

for the preparation of the company’s financial statements and reports. CPA preferred Min. 3 years experience. Email: admin@ patonghemingways.com.

English. Experience in tour operator/reservation would be a benefit but not necessary. Able to work on shift.

Able to use Microsoft Outlook. Contact 076 381 703.

school. Qualified, patient, dedicated teacher needed to teach children aged between 1-5 years. 3 positions available. Email: info@ smiley-kidz.com.

Sales Represent at ive: O ur c ompany

Clothes shop staff sp e c iali se s in p r o duc t DaVinci Restaurant: wanted: Blackbird shop,

development and distribution of high quality beverages. Please send your most recent resume, picture, and cover letter to: hr@ premiumthaibrands.com.

Sales Consultant Required: Club Asia Fitness requires a Sales Consultant. A Thai national with fluent English . Excellent remuneration offered. Please submit your resume to info@clubasiaphuket.com.

Business Coordinator Hotel: Urgently wanted. Responsible for hotel relationship management and optimisation, as well as new account acquisition in order to expand our room supply network. Send CV to jobs@hoteltravel.com.

Web/Graphic Designers Wanted: Degree in Arts Graphic Design. Proven experience in creating, designing and maintaining websites. Photoshop, Dreamweaver, CSS,HTML/ DHTML & Design Principals. Send CV to jobs@ hoteltravel.com.

DaVinci Restaurant in Nai Harn is looking for staff(Thai nationality). 1 Restaurant Manager with good English, 1 bartender, 1 accounting assistant. Good salary and benefits. Email jana@ davinciphuket.com.

6 days per week full time or part time. Must speak at least basic level English.

Contact 084 676 6663 (Thai and English).

Finance Manager: This

position performs high-level

RESORTS & HOTELS Absolute Resorts & Hotels, part of the Absolute World Group, is committed to delivering heavenly resort destinations. We offer a carefully selected portfolio of new and exciting beach and spa resorts featuring tranquil beach retreats as well as stylish boutique resorts.

We are now looking for qualified candidates for the following positions here in Phuket.

Assistant Chief Account ผู้ช่วยสมุห์บัญชี Guest Service Agent พนักงานต้อนรับ Engineer ช่างทั�วไป

Benefits; สิทธิประโยชน์ที�จะได้รับ

� Days-off /month วันหยุด � วัน/เดือน Service Charge เงินเซอร์วิสชาร์จ Public Holiday & Vacation วันหยุดนักขัตฤกษ์และวันหยุดพักผ่อนประจำปี Meal อาหาร Uniform ชุดยูนิฟอร์ม Staff House available หอพักพนักงาน Staff Bus รถพนักงาน Please send your CV to our HR department via email address :

hr@absoluteseapearl.com T + �� (�) ���� ���� -�� website: www.absoluteresorts.com

หากท่านสนใจร่วมงานกับเรา โปรดส่งประวัติ มาได้ที�อีเมล์ hr@absoluteseapearl.com

��/�� Taveewong Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket �����, Thailand

thephuketnews.com

18 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUY&SELL

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Beachfront land for sale 2 rai, just a few minutes boat ride from Phuket > 20

COOKING CLASS

BOATS & YACHTS

Spa At FunStart for Sale: Well established spa for sale B95,000. For more details contact K.Bee call: 081 970 8130 or chalerm siri@gmail.com.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS

BUSINESS SERVICES Natural Mountain Stone: Original from an-

Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@ tile-asia.com.

cient time. Shaped by expert craftsman. Unique with its texture and colours. Harmony with traditional and contemporary. Commit to best and always available to our valued customers. Call +66 (08) 1719 6930. Email: info@maxxnova.com

CARS FOR SALE Suzuki Carry Pick Up for Sale: Year 2009, 1.6 M/T, White, with 1.5 metre roof cover, side lader and roof carrier forsale. B220,000 ONO. Call Marjorie - 0810803773 or email: office-manager@ techworx.asia.

Timber boat for sale: 14m traditional timber boat for sale. Extensive work has already been c om pleted with the hull. Needs further work for installing, engine, fuel / water tanks, decking and upper deck.

The owner has invested B800,000 in construction and is selling due to other more urgent business projects. Genuine enquiries only. The boat is located near Sarasin bridge. For inspection, please contact for an appointment. All reasonable offers will be considered. Contact 084 294 6039, sladepeter@yahoo. com.

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

Choochuay Trading Group: Specialised in designing, sales, installing and repairing large commercial cooling systems and heating systems and small residential air-conditioning systems. Contact 076 319 406-8, see choochuay.com.

Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. Please contact 076 381 895.

Farang Food Paradise: Sell Freelance Company: Sell freelance (Diver.OK) company B40,000.

Call 086 280 9282 Marc.

thephuketnews.com

Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket.

Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus.

Contact: 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.

cooking and baking classes in our top-class professional facilities.

SK A L I nt e r na t i onal Phuket: Skål is a profes-

Ski boat for sale: Glastron Carlson design, Thai registered, 120-ltr fuel tank, 200Hp Yamaha engine in excellent condition. Includes trailer, boat cover, wakeboard pole, ropes and ski equipment. Call 081 894 5822, email: markbreitis@ gmail.com.

Phuket Cooking Academy: Offers many

CHILDCARE Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest bilingual international childcare facility. High-quality, time-proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand new purpose-built school.

Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1.5-8. Monday-Friday. 8am -5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chal ong. Website: www.buds-phuket.com.

CHILDREN’S CLUB FunStart: Family sports and leisure club. Swimming/ golf/playcentre/gaming arcade. Contact 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstart phuket.com.

sional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www.skalphuket.org.

Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all Singaporeans in Phuket to join Singapore Club Phuket. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189.

Club Asia Fitness: Royal Phuket City Hotel.

Of fers Zumba /LesMills classes/ weight training/ s a u n a /s te a m /s w i m m i n g pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout, come along and join the action. Tel 076 35 4 027, 087 275 3614. www.clubasiaphuket.com.

Come to learn how to cook with our professional chefs and discover the art of bakery, and Thai and European cuisines.

Open to all from the age of 12 years old and without any prior cooking experience. For more info visit us at: www.phuket- cookingacademy.com or call 081 821 40 64.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 19

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE H e a l t h Fo o d: O n l i n e health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products.

Please contact 082 276 1675, w w w.g o o dkar mat hailand. com.

smoother ride with DYNA BEADS! Available at West Coast Service Center Phuket, your big bike specialist on the bypass road. Contact 085 785 4440.

PERSONAL SERVICES

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

room audio-video. Call 084 443 9863.

MOVING & STORAGE

Are You Thinking Of Getting A New Dog Or Puppy?: Please consider

Safeway Storage: Self storage from B800/M. Container rental B3,000/M. Sales/ Site of fice A /C B6,000/M. Mobile toilets B2,80 0/M month. Chalong, opposite Wat Chalong. Thalang, main highway. Contact 076 313 235 or 081 125 1873.

Baan Cananga Spa Products: We use traditional organic Thai herbs and make quality homemade spa products, cosmetic and OTOP health and beauty products. Shop: Kata Night Plaza and Raya Beauty Rawai Sai Yuan.

Call 081 979 3504 Khun Wan.

MOTORBIKE SERVICES Dynamic Tyre Balancing: Dynamically balance your motorcycle tyres for a

We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store.

Call 076 292 909.

Phuket Visa: Offers consulting and services on company registration, work permit, visa, accounting, auditor, legal advice. Contact 081 892 9960.

Backgammon: Players Wanted. Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnection@ yahoo.com

Techworx: Custom design & installation. Professional service and support. Premium service: home cinema, home automation, marine AV and IT, lighting control and multi-

Buon A p p et i to: D e li m a r ket an d b i st r o. N um ber one supplier of Italian Deli in Phuket. Call 076 384 273 , e m a i l i nf o @ b u o n a p petitogroup.com, www.buon appetito group.com.

Bon Café Phuket: A producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. Contact: 076 355 600-1.

I sukoshi Massage Chair: Isukoshi IS5000 massage chair for sale. Cost over B60,000. Only B25,000 negotiable. 081 370 8114 or 087 889 3838. Email: davidgem98@hotmail.com

adopting a homeless dog, rather than buying from a pet shop or puppy mill.

Contact: Gone2thedoggies@gmail.com If you’re interested in seeing some of the many dogs looking for a new home.

• Movement • Stillness • Balance M obile:0 81-728 - 9 9 8 0 Email: Serenethai@yahoo.com

of successful business man.

Gambler, playboy, world traveler now living Patong Beach.

E m a i l: p e n t h o u s e 210 2 @ gmail.com.

exper ts in systems and control designs of highest quality Home Automation, AV, Cinema Room, Lighting Control. Professional services certified by CEDIA. English speaking call +66 (08) 1719 6930.

Email: info@max xnova. com, www.maxxnova.com

Atmanjai: World’s best

PET ADOPTION

Haris & Hawr yluck Attorneys at Law: Unit 6D CCM Complex. Call 076 510 111, email: info@hhlegal advisors.com, www.hhlegal advisors.com.

Personal Trainer: Ful-

ly-qualified female personal trainer from the UK. With guaranteed results and over 10 years of experience in men and women’s health and fitness. Pre- and post-natal exercise. Nutrition and weight management. For a free consultation, contact Sarah on 084 985 8161, email: sarah@ one2one-fitness.net.

Ghost Writer: For life story

natural health programmes to improve health, reduce stress, weight loss, detox, rejuvenation, vitality and overcome disease. See atmanjai.com.

Pro t e c t Yo u r H o m e with CCTV: CCTV & alarm Live Music By Colin Hill: Popular expat professional musician (guitar/vocals) with work permit. Can perform solo, duo or band. www.play guitar.net 089 777 3063.

Sound Engineer! AV Home system! : We’re

service. Protect your home with high-quality CCTV camera and GSM alarm. Free sur vey and quote. Please call 086 105 8144 or visit: www.huketechnology.com.

Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 085 574 4258 or email: cindy@ soidog.org.

PET HOSPITAL Chaofah Pet Hospital: 8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. Contact 076 283 365.

thephuketnews.com

20 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

PROPERTY

Rawai half rai for sale

Just 100 metres to Rawai Beach > 21

House in Phuket Town / Samkong 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms: Semi detached house with large 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large open living/dining area and entertainment deck outside. Large western kitchen with all appliances.

Great area very conveniently located 5 minutes from all amenities including both international hospitals, Central Festival, international schools and the centre of town. Selling due to relocation.

in early 2012, first occupant.

Aircon in all rooms. Floor area 120 m2 + back and front yard, furnished. Contact 091 034 0035.

Rawai B eachf ront Pool Villa Sale/Rent:

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Rawai Beach front pool villa for rent/sale.3 bedrooms, furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

Ret ail Spac e O p portunity: Large inter-

per night. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms. Property Type: Condominium. Pets: Not allowed. Contact Ms.Laddawan - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/085 661 0623.

ing beachfront, few min. boat ride from Phuket, facing west to sunset and views of Phuket. B13 million per rai +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy. serenitygroup@gmail.com.

Priced to sell at B4.3M including 4 air cons. and all modern style furniture. Nothing more to spend. Contact (English): 084 768 0536 or (Thai): 085 888 0502.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Maan Tawan - 3A Rental: B6,500 - B15,000

Beachfront land for sale: 2 Rai absolute amaz-

Golf Course Land For Sale: Near British Inter

national resort in Karon seeks retail tenant. Excellent year round occupancy.

Flexible rental terms. Must sell quality merchandise.

Khun Boonchu call 076 396 200–5, fcckr@chr.co.th.

Shop Front for Rent:

School, 17 Rai with public road access. Suitable for resort or housing project. Can be divided. Price: B4 MB per Rai. Contact owner 089 724 7211, email: julien@phuke timmo.com.

Amazing Sea View Penthouse: Panoram-

Commercial Building for sale: Prime location in

i c S e a V i e w, M o u n t a i n View and Big Buddha 310 sq.metre, 2 beds, 2 baths w i t h o p t i o n t o c o nve r t in 3 beds. Contact: Izzy +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy. serenitygroup@gmail.com.

The Billion Plaza and main r o ad to Pato n g. B uil din g 80sqm + 6m of patio behind.

4 storey, 4 bathroom, chanote title. Sale by owner, price B13.8m. Email aew28325@ gmail.com, 081 807 9914.

The Royal Phuket Yacht Club shop front space for rent 4.34 M. x 4.37 M. located on the first floor of a great looking area for retail shop,boutique etc. Call 076 380 200 ext. 601 Khun Naphat.

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED FREE ONLINE: 189 CHARACTERS + 1 PICTURE

Katamanda - E2 Rental: B25,000 - 30,000 Loft Style Flats: Central location with easy access to main roads, near Bang Wat dam Country Park in the middle of the island. The area is quiet, minimal traffic, great walking and running around the dam. Call 086 664 5575.

per night. 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms. Available short and long terms. Contact Ms.Laddawan - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/085 661 0623.

House for Rent-Kathu: Two bedrooms/two bathrooms.

Calm and clean area. Built

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Kata Beach For Rent: 5 star apartment, stunning seaviews with all Mod Cons, pool, gym, restaurant. A must see, call James 090 864 4519. Well worth a viewing.

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189 CHARACTERS

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Online upgrades:

Website link B199

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FOR JUST B1,099 GET AN ADDITIONAL 9 PICTURES

PLUS 1 ISSUE IN THE PRINT COPY OF THE PHUKET NEWS Print upgrades:

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DEADLINE: MONDAY 11.59PM (MIDNIGHT) FOR THAT FRIDAY’S ISSUE Hand this in at agent shops, our office or fax: 076 612 553

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THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 21

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

Phuket Condominium Resale (PKS0842): Kata Ocean Rawai Half Rai for Sale: Land plot 100 metres to Rawai Beach, about 850 sq.metre. Chanote title deed, private road with sewer, 3 phases electricity and wall around the land.

Contact rawai.steen@gmail. com, call 080 530 6880.

View Condominium, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms.

Unit size: 118.10 sq.metre.

Fr e e h o l d . B7, 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 .

Ms.Prakaipeth - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/081 538 6879.

Phuket Cottages

Near British International School, pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000.

www.phuket-cottages.com

Call: 089-724-7211

Opportunity Knocks: Commercial Building For Sale: 5 metre

Condominium At The Point: Condo for sale, The Point opposite Big C, freehold, chanote, studio 36sq metre. Fully furnished include AW fittings and inventory. Nice views from 6th floor, close to Lotus, Big C, Central Festival Etc. Only B2,695,000 negotiable. Call 087 889 3838, Skype: davidpaul49, email: davidgem98@hotmail.com.

x 18.30 metre, three floors, located close by Condo at Saiyuan, two big halls, two bedrooms, four bathrooms, clean and new building.

Negotiable price. For more details please call 087 881 7979, 081 472 0770, email: ss.kijr ungr uang@gmail. com.

Pool Villa in Chalong: 3 0 0sq metre. Three bed rooms, four bathrooms, one western kitchen, one living room, private pool, two car parking, electric gate, fully furnished. Price: B10 million / Rent: B50,000. Call 081 539 7311 Th/Eng.

Office for rent Patong Tower: 3 Offices for rent

on 5th floor of Patong Tower, close to beach, post office, Jungceylon. 69 sq.metre: B34,500 per month. 10 6 s q . m e t r e: B 5 3 , 0 0 0 p e r m o n t h . 12 6 s q . m e t r e: B63,000 per month. 076 341 369-71.

Phuket- Surin Beach Area for Sale: Chan ote title at Manik-township.

20x25 metre in natural surrounding, B2.6 million. Free design+construction permit.

Phone 087 275 9621, email nuttapol_trateng@yahoo.com.

B24,500,000. Deceased Estate - Absolute waterfront.

Occupying a stunning location on the east coast of Phuket this five-level villa has panoramic sea views from every level. Renovation work required. 085 793 2667. See exotiqproperty. com. Ref AB-V453, email: dmuir@exotiq.com.

House on The Corner for Sale: Quiet location and only 500m from the main road. Thepkrasattri, Heroines Monument.

70sqw x 280sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, big living room with open-plan kitchen (9x9m), 1 separated kitchen, carpark for 3 cars and a small storehouse, 2 aircons, cable TV, 1 phone line TT&T. Price: B3.5 million including fur niture.

Excl. furniture B2,995,000.

Must See! Email: jochenschmitz16@gmail. com. Call 081 607 8000.

400sq metre Beautiful Land for Sale: In Soi Suksan, the land has views of the Nai Harn and Rawai mountains, and would be ideal for a family home. Ready to build. Quality western villas on the same soi. Contact 089 973 1180.

Golf View Villa For Sale: Near British International School, state-ofthe-art villa overlooking the Loch Palm Golf Course: 4 bedrooms + maid’s room; 485 m2 built on 1,860 m2 land. B28million. Contact owner 089 724 7211.

3 bedroom house with furniture, close to Kajonkiet School. Secure area, Cul De Sac, nice gardens, two bathrooms. B3,500,000 negotiable. Details 081 370 8114 (Thai) 087 889 3838 (Eng), email:davidgem98@ hotmail.com.

Allamanda (Laguna) Residences/Phuket: One Condo Unit, half of a deluxe twin house, fully furnished and equipped, set direct on the picturesque lagoon with balcony right over it. 3 bedrooms each w i t h s h owe r/ b at h r o o m, roof terrace. Long term rent or sale. 081 737 0365, utaipan@yahoo.com.

Hill Land for Sale: Very nice location hill land by the Bangwat Dam, Total 60 Rai, 96,000 square metre.

Contact: Attapong 081 892 0610 (Thai), Jantiwa 081 890 8268 (Eng). e-mail: jantiwa_ j@hotmail.com.

Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo, one bed, fully-furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.

Three bedroom house for sale: In Land and House Park, Chalong. Gym, swimming pool and nice restaurant on site. Price reduced to sell quickly. Furnished or unfu nished. Call 089 291 7078.

bedroom, 3 bathroom house with 5 x 10 metre pool 10 minutes south of Central Festival, walking distance to Kajonkiet Bilingual School.

To see: 083 301 3470, email: wpdrake@hotmail.com.

Furnished House for Sale Phuket Villa 5:

Condominium in Patong for Sale: Less than 1 Km from the beach, large 2-bedroom apartment with communal swimming pool and balcony. FREEHOLD (can be foreign owned).

7.5MB. Contact owner 089 724 7211 or julien@phuket immo.com.

7.5 M House and Pool Bypass Rd: Very clean 5

Rawai Pool V illa: Land At Kathu For Sale: Only 15 minutes to Patong and only 10 minutes to Phuket Town, located at Kathu, total 141 Square wah or 564 Square metre with ready Public utility. Call 081 892 0610,081 472 0770, tan_ohio@hotmail.com.

Unique three bedroom pool villa “off the plan” in Rawai.

Three easy payments over eight months build time.

Overlooking a peaceful, fish-filled lake. Valued at B12 million on completion.

Save millions. Contact 081 270 4291, email: thailandmls@gmail.com.

6.1 Rai Land for Sale:

6.1 rai (10,0 0 0 sq metre).

B2,500,000 per rai. Total price: B15,600,000. - 5 minutes to Naithon Beach. -10 minutes to Naiyang Beach. -10 minutes to Airport. -7 minutes to New Tesco Lotus. - Roadside land and Chanote title. Call 085 793 2718.

thephuketnews.com

22 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

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thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET SPORT 23

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Phuket FC battle to stay in Division 1 goes to the wire ing it a must-win game.

Star ting well, The Islanders scored two goals early, with Thawin Butsombat adding a third just before the end of the first half.

The Royal Crowns replied with a goal, but Islanders hero Nene Bi scored one more that sealed the game 4-1 and gave Phuket an invaluable three points.

The team will play their final game of the 2012 season on October 27 against the already relegated JW Rangsit FC at Surakul Stadium. The match is set for a 4pm kick off.

There are three teams in the

FOOTBALL Kazira Hans editor2@thephuketnews.com

T

he stakes are high for Phuket FC as they head into their final match of the season on October 27, where a win will keep them in Division 1, with a loss potentially relegating them to Division 2.

Phuket FC entered last week’s match against Rajpracha Thailand FC at Mahidol University Stadium struggling in 14th on the table, mak-

race for survival, with Kohn Kaen (39 points), Phuket (37 points) and Songkhla (36 points) all vying to stay in Division 1.The teams that are already relegated to Division 2 are Chantaburi FC, JW Rangsit FC, Rajpracha FC and Phattalung FC. Teams entering the Thai Division 1 from the Premier League are BBCU FC, Thai Port FC, and TTM Chiang Mai FC. Next season Nakhompathom FC will be back in Division 1 again after a two-year ban stemming from an incident in which a fan brought a gun into their stadium.

Olympic medalist to host swim clinic at Thanyapura OLYMPIC MEDALIST DAVID Davies is set to host a clinic at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club on Saturday (October 27), as part of the complex’s ‘Swim with the Stars’ event.

Davies, who took home silver in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, will join Australian swimmers Grace Loh, Kyle Richardson, and Rachel

Goh – all medal winners at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

The event starts at 9am and ends at 5:30pm with a triathlon swimmer clinic. More clinics will take place on Sunday (October 28) and Monday (October 29) with Loh, Richardson, and Goh. Davies holds the British

records in the 400, 800, and 1,500 metre freestyles, won Commonwealth gold in 2006, and a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

The 27-year-old was also honoured as the first swimmer to be enshrined into the Swim Wales Hall of Fame this month.

For more information contact: aquatics@thanyapura.com

Thai Division 1 D

L

F

A Pts

1

Team Ratchaburi

MP W 33

23

6

4

79

29

75

2

Suphanburi

33

22

6

5

56

17

72

3

Bangkok United

33

22

5

6

53

28

71

4

Sriracha

33

21

4

8

70

39

67

5

PTT Rayong

33

19

4

10

60

31

61

6

Krabi

33

17

6

10

48

26

57

7

Siam Navy

33

13

10

10

52

40

49

8

Nakhon Ratchasima

33

12

11

10

41

43

47

9

Air Force United

33

11

8

14

42

44

41

10

Saraburi

33

11

8

14

48

51

41

11

Bangkok

33

10

9

14

60

56

39

12

Khonkaen

33

11

6

16

34

49

39

13

Phuket

33

9

10

14

36

48

37

14

Songkhla

33

9

9

15

38

51

36

15

Phattalung

33

7

13

13

37

55

34

16

Rangsit JW

33

8

7

18

36

60

31

17

Raj Pracha

33

6

7

20

31

60

25

18

Chanthaburi

33

0

3

30

21

115

3

Southern Phuket Pool 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Team Ranking

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

Shaggy’s Bar Pita Bar Office Bar Walkabout Bar JT’s Bar Australia Bar & Grill Solutions Bar Mick’s Aussie Bar

4 4 4 3 3 3 3 4

3 2 2 1 1 1 0 0

0 2 1 1 0 0 2 2

1 0 1 1 2 2 1 2

31 26 18 15 12 7 16 15

9 14 22 15 16 23 16 25

9 8 7 4 3 3 2 2

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

Legs

Beer Monster Shaggys Bar Office Bar Mick’s Aussie Bar Pita Bar Australia Bar & Grill Walkabout Bar Solution Bar JT’s Bar

4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3

3 2 2 1 1 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 1 2 2 2

8 7 7 5 2 3 2 1

2 3 4 5 4 5 6 6

4 3 3 2 1 1 0 0

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run 1390: Saturday October 27, 4pm

Hares: JC & Paper

Directions: Bang Wat Dam, Kathu phuket-hhh.com

Goalfest shakes up table FOOTBALL

Over 30 goals were scored last week.

SUPER SIX SOCCER Division 1

Team

P

W

D

L Goals GD

1

Morning Star

10

8

1

1

43

14

Pts 25

2

Sweet Lemon FC

10

5

3

2

38

7

18

3

Phuket Condos & Homes

11

5

2

4

55

5

17

4

Shakers FC

10

5

2

3

30

5

17

5

Joy Dive FC

9

4

1

4

40

15

13

6

Nanai Boys

11

3

2

6

40

-4

11

7

The Hulk

11

2

3

6

27

-18

9

8

PSU Alumni FC

10

2

0

8

25

-24

6

Team

P

W

D

L Goals GD

1

Pita Bar Phuketeers

10

10

0

0

68

43

30

2

Puensil FC

11

10

0

1

72

37

30

3

Mr. Moo

10

7

0

3

54

19

21

4

Phuket Serenity Villas

11

5

2

4

44

8

17

5

Shambhala FC

11

5

2

4

58

4

17

6

Seduction

11

4

1

6

55

-5

13

7

Pluto Italian Ice Cream

11

4

0

7

49

-17

12

8

Vanilla FC

11

3

0

8

27

-17

9

9

Atmanjai

11

2

1

8

38

-27

7

10

Thai Nee FC

11

1

0

10

32

-45

3

Division 2

Pts

IN THE LATEST SUPER Six action, Phuket Condo & Homes (PCH) continued their strong form with a win against The Hulk.

A push in the second half by The Hulk pulled them slightly closer on the scoreline, but not enough to stop a 10-6 win by PCH who continue to climb the table.

Sweet Lemon jump to second spot in the league with an impressive 3-1 win against the Nanai Boys.

The other two games in the first division were postponed because of school holidays.

In Division 2, Mr Moo took command early on in the local derby against Atmanjai, staving off a second half comeback with a 9-4 victory that puts them in third spot on the table.

In other scores, Pita Bar Phuketeers beat Thai Nee FC 10-3, Pluto Italian Ice Cream beat PSV 5-3, and Puensil won 9- 4 against Shambhala FC.

thephuketnews.com

24 THAILAND SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Thai fighter wins WBO world title in front of hostile Manila crowd James Goyder / Coconuts Bangkok

P

ungluang Sor Singyu’s added his name to the list of Thai world boxing titleholders last Saturday (October 20), when he beat popular Filipino fighter AJ Banal in Manila for the WBO Bantamweight belt.

There were few, if any, Thai fans inside the brand new SM Mall of Asia Arena last Saturday night for the “Pinoy Pride 17” event. Pungluang had defeated 14 different Filipino fighters before Banal, nicknamed ‘The Bazooka’.

With 20 stoppage wins to his name Banal must have felt he was firing blanks as Pungluang took his best shots and kept coming forward. The Ratchaburi native kept his hands high and head mobile as he constantly crept towards his opponent, controlling the pace of the contest.

Banal tried to use his footwork to circle away and enjoyed some success with a straight left from the southpaw

stance but did little damage.

A cut opened above Banal’s right eye in the third round, which may have been caused by an accidental clash of heads. Pungluang targeted it with his right cross and in round four it was bleeding profusely.

In the ninth round, Pungluang drove Banal back and knocked him through the ropes. The Thai fighter moved in for the kill and a straight right followed by a cuffing left effectively finished the fight.

“I want to thank the Filipino media and the fans. AJ Banal is a very good fighter who is very skillful but I am proud to be taking the belt back to Thailand,” the victorious fighter said.

Pungluang is managed by legendary Thai promoter One Songchai who will be wondering what to do next with his new world champion. It is up to the WBO to nominate a challenger but there is at least the possibility that the first title defense could take place in Thailand.

Pungluang Sor Singyu defeated Filipino AJ Banal in Manila for the WBO Bantamweight title. Photo: James Goyder

Chonburi volleyball tournament brings out Olympic medalists VOLLEYBALL

Thailand’s Tanarattha Udomchavee at last year’s Phuket Thailand Open. Photo: FIVB

THE NETS ARE UP FOR the Bangsaen Thailand Open World Tour powered by PTT at Bangsaen Beach in Chonburi, as 49 women’s teams from 20 different countries vie for top honours The tournament, which takes places from October 23 to 28, was previously staged in Phuket but organisers changed the venue this year in order to attract more locals to the sport.

Teams from Brazil, the US, Russia, Germany, Swit-

zerland, the Netherlands, and Spain have already been seeded. Thailand has entered five teams, three for the main draw and two for qualifying rounds.

Teams will look to gain a share of the US$190,000 (B5.8 million) prize money.

Since the first event in Phuket in 2006, the US has won four titles while China has won twice. Once again, the US will have the most teams with seven while Germany has six.

Bazil’s current World Tour champions Juliana Silva and Larissa Franca, 2012 Olym-

pic bronze medalists, are favourites, though this will be their last event together.

Americans Jennifer Kessy and April Ross, 2012 Olympic silver medalists, are also vying for the title.

Thailand’s own Varapatsorn Radarong and Tnarattha Udomchavee give the country it’s best hopes for a win. The best result ever for a Thai team on the World Tour was Varapatsorn’s 13th place finish in 2011 with a different teammate. This year, the duo have already won gold at the Asian Beach Games and three events of the Asian Tour.

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium to close its doors in 2014 Bangkok Post

THE BELL FOR THE FINAL round is set to be rung on the renowned Lumpinee Boxing Stadium after many decades as the greatest attraction for muay Thai fighters.

Cramped for space on Rama IV Road, the 3-rai stadium sits on prime real estate which its owner, the Crown Property Bureau, is considering for commercial development.

thephuketnews.com

The Army Welfare Department has decided the stadium, which it runs, needs a bigger home. The army granted permission for the use of a facility on Ram Intra Road as the site on which to build a new stadium.

Lumpinee, which will close its doors in early 2014, will leave behind a legacy that was established in 1956. The Lumpinee stadium project came into being as a rival to the older Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium on

Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue in terms of facilities and standards.

Maj Gen Surakai Chuttumart, director of the Army Welfare Department who is also Lumpinee’s caretaker, said the new B380 million stadium will have three buildings, complete with training facilities, an exhibition hall, and Thai boxing museum.

It will include a large outdoor monitor to promote up coming bouts as well.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Buakaw beats Serra, denies Manny rumours B

Buakaw easily defeated Mauro Serra in Bangkok last week

uakaw Por Pramuk easily dispatched Italy’s Mauro Serra in the Thai Fight super-welterweight quarter finals at Bangkok Thonburi University yesterday.

The muay Thai superstar proved much too strong for the challenger, with Buakaw knocking the Italian to the canvas twice in the third round with an impressive flurry of knees and kicks.

Buakaw also dashed millions of fight fans’ hopes yes-

terday when he denied he would be fighting Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao. He stated that his only booked fights are the Thai Fight semifinals on November 25 and, if he wins, the final at Bangkok’s Royal Plaza on December 16.

Prior to this statement, speculation was rife that the muay Thai legend would be meeting the pint-size boxing bruiser in an epic clash of both talent and styles this December in Bangkok.

Vettel confident as Indian GP looms FORMULA 1

WITH SEBASTIAN VETtel riding a hot streak and leading the table, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso will look to make up ground at the Indian Grand Prix on Sunday (October 28).

Vettel’s three straight victories have catapulted him to the top of the Formula One table with four races left.

This is the second year for the Indian event, which earned Vettel his first F1 Grand Slam (starting pole position, earning

fastest lap, and leading every lap of the race).

The Buddh International Circuit has three straights with sweeping and tricky curves, similar to the track at the Korean Grand Prix two weeks ago.

“The course is the second quickest of the year after Monza. There is a lot of elevation change around the lap which adds to the fun... it’s like a roller coaster. It really has emerged as one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar for drivers,” Vettel told reporters last week.

IN BRIEF Thaworn wins Indian Open Winning his third Asian Tour title, Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant took home top honours at the Hero Indian Open last week.

Thaworn took care of Scotland’s Richie Ramsay in the first play-off hole after he birdied the last hole in regulation play. The Scot needed a par putt in the final hole to win but a three-putt

bogey put them back to the par four 18th hole.

The Thai made a twoputt bogey for victory after Ramsay shot into the creek and then two-putted a double bogey. Thaworn finished 14-under-par 270, winning US$198,125 (B6 million) and is now leading the Asian Order of Merit.

PSV Eindhoven to play Thai champs Dutch club PSV Eindhoven announced they will play against newly crowned Thai Premier League champs SCG Muang Thong United in early 2013.

The AIA Super Cup is part of a larger effort to enhance the level of football in Thailand. “The deal will help take Thai football to another level,” said Ron van Oijen, CEO of AIA Thailand

which sponsors 29 football clubs in Thailand.

The AIA Super Cup weekend will include activities such as football clinics and workshops, scheduled to take place in Bangkok this January.

PSV, one of the three European Cup-winning clubs in Holland, are supposed to be sending their main players to Bangkok.

NZ rugby star to fight in Australia

Vettel leads the Formula One table with 215 points.

Tiger arrives ‘home’ for Asian tournament GOLF TIGER WOODS DR EW large crowds and spoke warmly of his affinity with Asia on Wednesday (October 24) as he warmed up for a rare appearance in the region looking to ease his frustrations over the Majors and the Ryder Cup. About 200 people came out to Kuala Lumpur’s Mines Resort and Golf Club to watch the 14-time Major champion finish his pro-am round with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

In the two years since Woods last played in Asia, he has put a damaging sex scandal behind him and is back at world number two after winning three times this year.

WORLD SPORT 25

New Zealand rugby player Sonny Bill Williams’ next boxing bout will take place in Brisbane on November 24.

He squares off against South Africa’s Francois ‘White Buffalo’ Botha (488), who has fought against Lennox Lewis and Mike

Tyson. At a record of 5-0, Williams is expected to defeat the 44-year-old Botha Williamson currently plays for the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan. He has already signed to play for the Sydney Roosters for the 2013 NRL season.

Footballer’s autobiography considered for book prize The best-selling autobiography of 31-year-old Swedish football captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been short-listed for a prestigious literary award in his native country.

“Jag är Zlatan Ibrahimovic” (I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic), written by the Paris Saint-Germain player with Swedish journalist David Lagercrantz, was named

among six titles selected to compete for The August Prize to be awarded on November 26.

Published in November 2011, the autobiography is one of the all-time Swedish bestsellers and follows Ibrahimovic’s life from his tough upbringing in a poor area to his rise to fame playing for big time football clubs. AFP.

German match violence leads to arrests Tiger has won three events this year and is currently ranked number 2 in the world.

The 36-year-old, whose mother is a native of Thailand, said he was ecstatic to return for the US$6.1 million CIMB Classic at the Mines, where he won golf’s World Cup way back in 1999.

“People sometimes forget

that my mom was born here, in Asia, so to me Asia does feel like home. I’m very used to the culture, it’s how I was raised,” he said.

Woods headlines a limited, 48-man field at the CIMB Classic after a year in which

he made progress with technical changes but couldn’t win a Major – or the Ryder Cup, after Europe’s last-day charge at Medinah. Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant leads the Asian contingent and is fresh off his win in India..

Clashes between rival fans and police in Dortmund before Schalke earned a 2-1 win at Borussia last week in the German league left 11 people injured, including eight police officers, and led to 180 arrests.

Dortmund police say the violence was the worst they have seen in recent years hav-

ing had to use pepper spray and a water cannon to break up rioting during several separate incidents with 1200 officers deployed for the match.

Police say the violence had been organised by hooligans, known as “ultras” in Germany, from both clubs and began with a pre-match fight. AFP

36 players suspended during brawl FOOTBALL OFFICIALS SUSPENDED 36 players following a massive brawl during a Paraguay junior league match last week.

A match at Caacupe, Paraguay was within five minutes of the final whistle when referee Nestor Guillen gave two red cards to a player from each team for fighting. Despite the

ejection, the players stayed on the field and continued to fight.

Both benches were cleared within moments as a brawl began on the pitch. The referees left the field as fists flew.

“They didn’t see anything. To more or less wash their hands of the responsibility, they expelled the 36 players,” Teniente Farina club president Hernan Martinez.

thephuketnews.com

26 WORLD SPORT

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: ROUND 9

Chelsea and Man U score four apiece

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

FOOTBALL

C

helsea and Manchester United scored four goals apiece in their respective matches, to continue their stay on top of the English Premier League.

After losing John Terry to a four-game suspension for racially abusing an opponent last year, his replacement Gerry Cahill placed one in the back of the net and Juan Mata scored twice as well, helping Chelsea beat Tottenham 4-2 and giving them a four point lead over second place United.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils had a rough start to their match against Stoke City when Wayne Rooney scored an own goal early when he accidentally headed in a Stoke free kick in the 11th minute.

However, he bounced back just five minutes later with a score of his own and then once again just before halftime with a header, putting United up 2-1

JP’S TIPS ROUND 9 Arsenal v QPR Aston Villa v Norwich Reading v Fulham Stoke Cty v Sunderland Wigan v West Ham Manchester Cty v Swansea Everton v Liverpool Newcastle v West Brom Southampton v Tottenham Chelsea v Manchester Utd

Win Lose Lose Draw Lose Draw Win Lose Lose Win

MONTHLY STANDINGS

Wayne Rooney made up for an early own goal by scoring twice last week. at the break. Both scores were his first goals in the EPL this season. He added a third in the second half, with the final score 4-2.

Manchester City kept pace with United, beating West Brom with a last minute 2-1 victory.

Bosnian international Edin Dzeko came on as a substitute

and scored twice in the final ten minutes to give City the victory and keep pace with the Red Devils as they both stand on 18 points, trailing Chelsea.

The first win of the Premier League season for Norwich came against struggling Arsenal. Grant Holt’s goal was all Norwich needed to finish

the Gunners, and were able to leapfrog Wigan in the standings.

Liverpool finally got their first home win after announcing they would stay at Anfield.

Wunderkind Raheem Sterling became the eighth youngest goalscorer in EPL history, with the 17-year-old’s 29th minute strike giving Liverpool a 1-0

1. Blackrosebar 2. Ping 3. strummerville 4. Cybernok 5. mickyleeds 6. Russell 7. sleazysteve 8. aory 9. apollo131 10. AuPaddy

THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

OVERALL STANDINGS 52 50 49 47 47 47 47 44 44 44

victory against Reading.

In The Phuket News tipping competition, ‘Blackrosebar’ leads October’s standings with 52 points. In the overall standings,‘apollo 131’ has a firm eight point lead and is not far off in the monthly standings. There is one week left

1. apollo131 2. Campanil 3. diggersd 4. Paul614724 5. Blackrosebar 6. mickyleeds 7. scottkip 8. suncat100 9. A1CR 10. alanphuket

167 159 159 159 156 156 156 156 153 153

in this month’s competition.

The winner of the October competition will win a B3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O’Tool’s. The overall winner at the end of the year will win a brand new Honda Scoopy courtesy of AP Honda.

Blend of sports and politics in Ukraine

Vitali Klitschko (right) has entered Ukrainian politics. Photo: MajesticFilm

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway.

SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

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UKRAINE’S BEST KNOWN sports stars, boxing champion Vitali Klitschko and football star Andriy Shevchenko are both vying for power in Sunday’s (October 28) parliamentary elections.

Heavyweight boxer Klitschko, 41, who fought his last bout in September, leads his aptly named UDAR (punch) party which analysts see as a serious challenger to the ruling party of President Viktor Yanukovych.

Meanwhile Shevchenko,

36, hung up his boots after the Euro championships this summer to become a figure in the pro-business Ukraine Forward! party.

Their entry into the election campaign shook up Ukrainian politics, which for the past years has turned into a duel between Yanukovych and his now jailed rival Yulia Tymoshenko.

Klitschko, whose brother Vladimir is also a heavyweight boxing champion, has been building his political base for

years. He started in local Kiev politics in 2006, gaining a seat on the city council and twice unsuccessfully running for mayor. He founded the UDAR party in 2010 and these elections represent its big chance to become a national player.

For Shevchenko, defeat would be a rare setback in a glittering career, which saw him win the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2004. Critics are lining up to say he has made a grave mistake by supporting Korolevska. AFP

Ponting gets ready for South Africa VETERAN AUSTRALIAN bat sma n R ick y Pont i ng smashed an unbeaten 162 on Wednesday (October 24) in the Sheffield Shield as his fine form continued ahead of the first Test against South Africa.

The 37-year-old, who was dumped from the one-day and Twenty20 international squads, has not played a Test since the West Indies last April

but has put himself through a grueling training regimen to be ready for the Proteas.

Ponting hit 20 boundaries and one six in a superb display that lasted eight minutes shy of six hours for Tasmania against Victoria at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, to follow his unbeaten 85 against South Australia.

The first of three Tests

against South Africa gets underway in Brisbane on November 9 before three Tests with Sri Lanka, also at home.

The former skipper, who has played 165 Tests, could break Steve Waugh’s record as Australia’s most-capped cricketer in the first match of a Sri Lanka series, with his eye on making the 2013 team to tour England. AFP

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

WORLD SPORT 27

SPORT

Knock out

Thailand’s Pungluang brings home WBO title after rumble in Manila > 24

J. P. Mestanza editor2@thephuketnews.com

‘Everybody doped’ in Armstrong era mates of Lance Armstrong, one after the other, they said the same thing – that you could not compete unless you were doping.”

In all, 26 people – including 11 former teammates – told USADA that Armstrong and his team used and trafficked in banned drugs and also used blood transfusions, and that Armstrong pressured others to do so.

In a separate interview with Australia’s Fox Sports, Fahey said cycling would only regain credibility when officials on watch during the “debacle” were removed.

Fahey added that anyone involved during the Armstrong years could not justify their place in the sport’s hierarchy at the UCI. UCI president Pat McQuaid, who has held the position since 2006, last week warned against blaming the sport’s authorities for the doping scandal.

His predecessor Hein Verbruggen was at the helm during Armstrong’s reign. AFP

CYCLING

W

Lance Armstrong was stripped of seven Tour de France titles.

Live Sports TV Schedule

CHANNEL GUIDE

1XX- True Vision, 8XX - Astra; 8 - Setanta

*Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL

START

END

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, October 26 29

21:35

00:30

Cricket

Champions T20 – SF2

Sydney Sixers v.

Nashua Titans

Saturday, October 27 813, 109

15:00

17:00 Motor Racing

Formula 1

New Delhi Qualifying

812, 109

09:55

13:00

Motor Bikes

Moto GP

Qualifying Philip Island

107

13:30

15:30

Rugby Union

ITM Cup Final

Canterbury v. Auckland

107

21:55

00:00

Rugby Union

Currie Cup Final

Sharks v.

Western Province

107

00:25

02:25

Rugby Union

Rabo Direct Pro

Leinster v. Cardiff

29

18:30

21:30

Cricket

SA Champions T20 Highveld v Yorkshire

814

21:00

23:00

Soccer

EPL

Arsenal v. QPR

813, 102

21:00

23:00

Soccer

EPL

Wigan v. West Ham

817

21:00

23:00

Soccer

EPL

Stoke v. Sunderland

102

21:00

23:00

Soccer

EPL

Reading v. Fulham

103

21:00

23:00

Soccer

EPL

Newcastle v.

West Bromwich

817, 103

23:30

01:30

Soccer

EPL

Man City v. Swansea

Motor Bikes

MotoGP

Philip Island, Australia

orld Anti-Doping Agency chief John Fahey said Tuesday that “everybody doped” in cycling during the Lance Armstrong era and the sport’s administrators at the time should take some responsibility.

The US rider’s epic fall concluded last Monday (October 22) with the loss of seven Tour de France titles, leaving the sport grasping for a way to move past a drug-tainted past.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) supported the findings of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), which branded Armstrong the central figure in a sophisticated, systematic doping scheme.

Fahey said those in charge at the time must bear responsibility.

Pressed on whether he meant everyone in that era used drugs, Fahey replied: “The evidence that was given by those riders who are team-

Spanish Primera Liga

English Premier League Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

MP

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

1

Chelsea

8

7

1

0

19

6

22

1

Barcelona

8

7

1

0

24

11

22

2

Manchester United

8

6

0

2

21

11

18

2

Atlético Madrid

8

7

1

0

19

8

22

3

Manchester City

8

5

3

0

17

9

18

3

Málaga

8

5

2

1

13

5

17

4

Everton

8

4

3

1

15

9

15

4

Real Madrid

8

4

2

2

16

7

14

5

Tottenham

8

4

2

2

15

12

14

5

Real Betis

8

4

1

3

12

13

13

6

West Brom

8

4

2

2

12

9

14

6

Levante

8

4

1

3

9

13

13

7

West Ham

8

4

2

2

12

9

14

7

Mallorca

7

3

2

2

8

6

11

8

Fulham

8

4

1

3

16

11

13

8

Sevilla

7

3

2

2

8

7

11

9

Arsenal

8

3

3

2

13

6

12

9

Valencia

8

3

2

3

11

11

11

10

Swansea

8

3

2

3

14

12

11

10

Real Valladolid

8

3

1

4

12

9

10

11

Newcastle United

8

2

4

2

9

12

10

11

Getafe

8

3

1

4

8

11

10

12

Liverpool

8

2

3

3

10

12

9

12

Rayo Vallecano

8

3

1

4

11

17

10

13

Stoke City

8

1

5

2

8

9

8

13

Celta de Vigo

8

3

0

5

9

10

9

14

Sunderland

7

1

5

1

6

8

8

14

Real Sociedad

8

3

0

5

8

12

9

15

Norwich City

8

1

3

4

6

17

6

15

Real Zaragoza

8

3

0

5

7

10

9

16

Wigan

8

1

2

5

8

15

5

16

Granada

8

2

2

4

7

12

8

17

Aston Villa

8

1

2

5

6

13

5

17

Athletic Club

8

2

2

4

11

17

8

18

Southampton

8

1

1

6

13

24

4

18

Deportivo

8

1

3

4

13

19

6

19

Reading

7

0

3

4

8

14

3

19

Espanyol

8

1

2

5

11

15

5

20

QPR

8

0

3

5

7

17

3

20

Osasuna

8

1

2

5

7

11

5

RESULTS Tottenham Hotspur Fulham Liverpool Manchester Utd Swansea Cty

2 – 4 1 – 0 1 – 0 4 – 2 2 – 1

Chelsea Aston Villa Reading Stoke City Wigan Athletic

West Brom West Ham Utd Norwich Cty Sunderland QPR

1 – 2 4 – 1 1 – 0 1 – 1 1 – 1

Manchester Cty Southampton Arsenal Newcastle Utd Everton

Team

RESULTS Málaga Real Madrid Valencia Valencia Deportivo

2 – 1 2 – 0 3 – 2 3 – 2 4 – 5

Real Valladolid Celta de Vigo Athletic Club Athletic Club Barcelona

Getafe Granada Osasuna Real Sociedad Sevilla

0 – 1 1 – 2 0 – 0 0 – 1 3 – 2

Levante Real Zaragoza Real Betis Atlético Madrid Mallorca

Sunday, October 28 813, 109

09:00

13:00

813, 109

15:30

16:15 Motor Racing

Formula 1

Raceday, Uttar Pradesh

813, 109

16:15

19:00 Motor Racing

Formula 1

Indian Grand Prix

812, 101

20:30

22:30

Soccer

EPL

817, 101

23:00

01:00

Soccer

EPL

Chelsea v. Man United

EPL

Southampton v.

Tottenham

813, 103

22:00

00:00

Soccer

29

22:35

01:30

Cricket

107

21:10

23:00

Everton v. Liverpool

SA Champions T20 Final

Rugby Union Aviva Premiership

London Irish v.

Harlequins

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THE PHUKET NEWS

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012