27-01-2017

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

thephuketnews thephuketnews1 thephuketnews.com

Friday, January 27, 2017 – Thursday, February 2, 2017

Since 2011 / Volume VII / No. 4

20 Baht

B800MN PARK AT SURIN BEACH CANNED > PAGE 7

AIRPORT ACTION

NEWS

PAGE 3

Cat scratch frees flesheating disease

LIFE

PAGE 20

Frenzied festival of fire and food

Thailand’s Transport Minister Lt Gen Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said he had ordered urgent steps be taken to the notorious queues at Phuket Airport. Photo: PR Dept

TRANSPORT MINISTER ORDERS URGENT ACTION TO END PHUKET AIRPORT QUEUES The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

hailand’s Transport Minister Lt Gen Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has ordered urgent action to be taken to end the long queues of passengers waiting to clear immigration – and hundreds of tourists waiting to clear security to even enter the brand-new International Terminal.

Gen Arkhom, speaking at Phuket

International Airport last Sunday (Jan 22), said he had ordered Airports of Thailand (AoT), which operates six international airports in the Kingdom, including Phuket Airport, to ramp up efforts to have the luggage conveyor x-ray machines inside the brand-new facility up and running.

“Having x-ray machines (scan luggage) at the entrance to the International Terminal is causing long passenger queues, as we have seen in the news reports.

“This is because the conveyor belt x-ray machines inside the airport are being upgraded and will not be available until March 15,” he said.

Until then, passengers will have to wait outside the building to have their luggage scanned by security officers before they can enter the International Terminal, Gen Arkhom admitted.

Regarding the hours-long waits passengers have been forced to endure to clear immigration, Gen Arkhom

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews

said, “I have spoken with the Chief of the Immigration Bureau of Thailand, Lt Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn, and 50 extra immigration officials will be posted at Phuket International Airport.”

However, he noted, “There are only 13 computers for immigration officers to use now.”

The good news, Gen Arkhom said, “The move to purchase more equipment and dedicate more manpower will start on Jan 23.”

SPORT

PAGE 40

ACG welcomes new sport, softball

News 2

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Elephants charge amid blood tests in drive to end trafficking > page 5

Accident, not bomb

Police chief angry over explosion reports Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

Rescue workers recover the motorbike the Italian man was riding, which was pinned under the guardrail.

Italian man dies in solo motorbike crash near cape AN ITALIAN MAN HAS died after the motorbike he was riding struck a roadside barrier near Phromthep Cape on Monday (Jan 23).

Maj Thada Sodarak of the Chalong Police was informed of the accident at 12:30pm.

When police arrived at the scene, the man’s body was by the side of the road, Maj Thada told The Phuket News.

“He had wounds on his head and his ankle. Nearby was the black Yamaha motorbike he was riding and his helmet,” he said.

The man was identified as Angelo Mio Bertolo.

“Mr Angelo was riding with a friend who said they were travelling from Saiyuan (in Rawai) to Phromthep Cape,” Maj Thada explained.

“Mr Angelo lost control of his vehicle on a bend and hit the barrier,” he added.

Mr Bertolo’s body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Dr Francesco Pensato, the Italian Consul in Phuket, confirmed he had been notified of the incident.

Eakkapop Thongtub

P

olice believe that a Phuket boat marina incident last Friday (Jan 20) that injured two workmen, one seriously, was caused by a fire extinguisher releasing its contents within the tight confines of the engine area, overwhelming the two workers.

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen contacted the Thai press last Friday night (Jan 20) to expressly explain that “there was no ระเบิ ด ” (in Thai, ระเบิ ด can mean bomb or explosion) in the incident, despite the initial report by people at the scene.

In the incident, Chakkri Sawekwang, 31, from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, remained unconscious and unresponsive at the scene. Rescue workers performed CPR on Mr Chakkri while he was still on the boat then rushed him to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

The first-responders managed to revive the other workman, who gave his nickname

Police say a nitrogen fire extinguisher pin ‘slipped off’ and released its contents, overpowering the two workmen. as “Got”. Mr Got said that an explosion came from below deck. A red extinguisher was found on the main deck of the boat, where the two workmen were found. However, rescue workers did not report any serious burns or broken bones on either of the two men.

“There was no explosion in the engine room. The cause of injures was lack of oxygen,” Gen Teeraphol said.

“The workers took a fire extinguisher which contained nitrogen gas inside the engine room while they were doing their work,” he said.

“After they finished their work, they put the fire extinguisher back. The pin on the extinguisher slipped off, which released nitrogen gas. The nitrogen replaced oxygen in the air. The engine room had little space, so there was little air flow,” he added.

“The two workers were deprived of oxygen and fell unconscious. There was no explosion in the engine room,” Gen Teeraphol repeated.

Staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital on Monday (Jan 23) confirmed that Mr Chakkri was alive and still recover-

ing in the intensive-care unit (ICU). However, they declined to reveal more details.

Wicky Sundram, Executive Director at Phuket Lagoon, told The Phuket News, “We have inspected the site to make sure it is safe, and we are still looking into what caused the accident.

“Our main concern is safety and that the two workmen are okay. They were both outside contractors brought in to work on the boat. They were not workers from any of the businesses resident here at Boat Lagoon,” he said.

Indian tourists injured as bus slams into barrier A BUS CRASHED INTO A CONcrete barrier on a bend on Kata Hill yesterday morning (Jan 26), leaving all 16 Indian tourists on board with minor injuries.

Capt Somkiet Hwantae of the Chalong Police was informed of an accident at 7:50am.

Police arrived at the scene to find the Bangkok-registered tour

bus leaning on its side against the concrete median barrier.

Capt Somkiet said, “There were 16 Indian tourists on the bus and they had to be rescued by Phuket Ruamjai Kupai rescue workers.

“None of the passengers were seriously injured, however, they were all taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital as a precaution,” he said.

“A forklift truck had to be brought to the scene to put the bus upright and officials from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office from Chalong scattered sand over the road to cover the spilled oil.”

According to Capt Somkiet, the driver of the bus, 33-year-old Jiroj Noochaikaew, said that he was

driving the tourists from a hotel in Patong and was heading to Phuket Town when the brakes failed.

“I could not brake to reduce my speed so I crashed into the concrete barrier instead,” Mr Jiroj said.

“We have to investigate more to see if any charges will be pressed,” added Capt Somkiet.

Eakkapop Thongtub

The driver of the bus said that the brakes failed.

Minister targets airport queues Continued from page 1 ...The revelation that steps will be finally taken to rectify the immigration queues, however, follows Immigration boss Gen Nathathorn staging a public visit to Phuket Airport last week to announce that all the notorious queues were “no more”.

Meanwhile, Gen Arkohm last Sunday said he had ordered AoT to ensure all renovations to the Domestic

Terminal currently underway be completed by the end of this year.

“This is causing some inconvenience to passengers.

So, I have ordered all work to be completed this year,” he said.

“I have also asked AoT to look into the possibility of creating another way for passengers to access the Immigration area so that travellers will not have to

join queues that extend outside the entire Immigration Arrivals Hall,” Gen Arkhom added.

During his inspection, Gen Arkhom also followed up on complaints of the bathrooms being dirty.

“This was because they were using the wrong bathroom cleaning liquid, which made the basins look dirty.

They have resolved this problem already,” he said.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Cat scratch leaves man fighting leg amputation

D

Tuk-tuk driver, 81, rams checkpoint

to amputate his leg because this disease is severely toxic.

It destroys tissue and spreads widely,” he added.

“Doctors administered antibiotics, but the patient had a problem with low blood platelet count and kidney disease, which made the antibiotics less effective,” Dr Chalermpong explained.

Three days later, on Jan 21, doctors found that the infection had spread down

to patient’s feet and up to his thigh.

“The doctor decided to cut off the dead flesh, but not all of it in order to let new flesh grow,” Dr Chalermpong said.

“This patient is in a dangerous phase. We treated the patient as best as we can in order not to amputate his leg,” he added.

“It will take one to two weeks for the wound to start getting better. The patient

Illegal hotels ‘to be demolished’ IN A STUNNING DEVELopment this week, Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan warned operators who illegally rent out properties for periods of less than 30 days that their properties “would be demolished” if they continued to ignore the order to register as hotels.

Speaking at his Meet The Press conference at Provincial Hall on Tuesday (Jan 24), Gov Chockchai confirmed that an investigative provincial committee had identified 860 venues across the island that were currently operating illegally as hotels.

“Officials found 1,367 venues actually operating as hotels in Phuket. Of those, only 507 had registered themselves as hotels,” he said.

Of the 297 hotels officials found in Muang District, which includes in Phuket Town, KataKaron, Wichit, Chalong, Rawai and Nai Harn, only 177 were registered.

Likewise, in Kathu District, which includes Patong, only 236 of the 833 hotels officials found were registered, and in Thalang only 94 of the 237 hotels officials found had registered, Gov Chockchai explained. @thephuketnews

3

The tuk-tuk driven by 81-year-old Fad Yaye e s lamme d into the Kathu Police Checkpoint on Monday. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Vachira Phuket Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sukonthapon explained that the patient, Veera Panthip, was still in a dangerous phase in fighting the flesh-eating bacteria.

Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

octors at Vachira Phuket Hospital have war ned people to seek urgent medical attention if wounds from an animal, including pets, fail to heal after a man nearly had a leg amputated from a cat scratch.

The man, 63-year-old Veera Panthip, contracted the flesh-eating bacteria necrotizing fasciitis, which continued to spread, Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sukonthapon said in a press conference on Monday (Jan 23).

Mr Veera was admitted to the hospital on Jan 18 after a scratch on his right shin and calf from a neighbourhood cat two days earlier had failed to heal.

“O n Ja n 18, do ct or s cleaned the wound but found he was infected necrotizing fasciitis. This infection damages the skin and fat tissue, then it infects muscles,” Dr Chalermpong said.

“Later that night the doctor removed the dead flesh. If we left this we would have had

PHUKET NEWS

Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan warned operators who illegally rent out properties for periods of less than 30 days that their properties ‘would be demolished’ if they continued to ignore the order to register as hotels.

The stern warning today follows Gov Chockchai repeating his warning for all operators providing short-term rentals to register within the Jan 31 amnesty.

“If any of the hotel operators don’t follow the provincial notice within the deadline, they will face legal action,” he repeated again today.

However, he added that after that, official action could take on permanent consequences.

“All illegal hotels will be demolished,” Gov Chockchai said.

The deadline to register properties as hotels follows the

Ministry of Interior on August 19 issuing a new regulation to make it easier for more property owners – especially condo owners – to obtain a hotel license.

The regulation – called the Ministerial Regulation Prescribing Descriptions of Other Types of Building Used for a Hotel Business Operation 2016 under the Building Control Act (1979) – will remain in effect for five years.

However, it applies only to buildings that existed before it came into force and whose owners desire to use the property as “Hotel” as defined by the Hotel Act. Yutthawat Lekmak

may need to stay in hospital for a month before he can go home. We might have to cut off more dead flesh if necessary,” he cautioned.

“Necrotizing fasciitis is rare, but it can especially affect people with low immunity, including those who take steroids. People with normal immunity levels should find that the wounds will heal by themselves,” Dr Chalermpong said.

AN 81-YEAR-OLD TUKtuk driver is in hospital after his vehicle crashed into the Kathu Police Checkpoint on Monday morning (Jan 23), causing serious damage to the structure and causing traffic delays as rush-hour motorists paused to take in the spectacle.

The tuk-tuk driver, Fad Yayee, had just descended Patong Hill and was driving eastward toward Phuket Town at about 8am when he mowed down a police sign warning motorists of the checkpoint ahead, jumped the gutter and slammed into the checkpoint building.

The checkpoint was unmanned at the time, but Kusoldharm rescue workers were soon at the scene to render assistance.

“Mr Fad has been taken to hospital, but we have yet to confirm the extent of his injuries,” Kathu Police Chief Col ML Pattanajak Jakkapan said.

“We have yet to question him, but at this stage we believe he simply fell asleep at the wheel. Mr Fad is very old, and may have been very tired,” he said.

Mr Fad may yet face charges of damaging public property, Col ML Pattanajak said.

‘The checkpoint building suffered some damage,” he added.

Col ML Pattanajak did not clarify whether Mr Fad will have to prove to officials that he remains to fit to drive a commercial passenger vehicle.

The Phuket News

4

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast The Phuket News offers flexible advertising options both online and in print.

FRI JANUARY 27

SAT JANUARY 28

SUN JANUARY 29

MON JANUARY 30

TUE JANUARY 31

WED FEBRUARY 1

THU FEBRUARY 2

High: +30° Low: +25°

High: +30° Low: +25°

High: +31° Low: +26°

High: +31° Low: +25°

High: +30° Low: +26°

High: +30° Low: +26°

High: +30° Low: +26°

Wind 3 km/h

Wind 3 km/h

Wind 6 km/h

gm@classactmedia.co.th

SALES MANAGER Jittiya (Tiya) Rakdej 088 754 1371

salesmgr@classactmedia.co.th

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

Wind 3 km/h

People queue to collect their bags of donated rice.

Natchaya (Nat) Sittiprasert 088 765 5881 pr@classactmedia.co.th

Wind 4 km/h

Wind 3 km/h

Rice where it’s needed the most PHUKET’S KUSOLDHARM Foundation last Friday and Saturday (Jan 20-21) handed out 9,999 bags of rice to the island’s needy to mark 100 days since the passing of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Last Friday, the distribution of the rice followed a ceremony at 9am where Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan, Kusoldharm Foundation Phuket Director Benjawan Tampanuwat, Phuket Chamber of Commerce Director Surachai Chaiyawat, Phuket National Broadcasting Services office Director Aisaya Sinbussayakorn and other officials lit candles in remembrance of the late King.

Those who received the rice were mostly residents within Phuket City and sea gypsy villagers.

Eakkapop Thongtub

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Question

In September 2015, The Phuket News posted a story about buses that were airconditioned and more cosy had started running between Phuket Town and Patong Beach I would much appreciate if it is not too troublesome for you to find out whether the bus is still running.

Happy New Year and I wish you and your staff all the best in 2017.

– Dustin Li

Answer

These buses are actually minivans and they are still operating between Phuket Town to Patong, and they are operated under the Transport Co Ltd, the public company better known in Thailand as BorKorSor, which runs all bus services throughout the country.

The first van leaves Bus

Man, 78, killed in hit-and-run PR MANAGER

Wind 4 km/h

Phuket Town minivans still running to Patong

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Beavan 086 479 7471

www.foreca.com

A 78-Y EA R-OLD T H A I man died upon arrival at Thalang Hospital last Wednesday morning (Jan 18) after he was run down in a hit-and-run in Srisoonthorn.

Thalang Police were notified of the accident, in front of the Srisoonthorn Temple on Thapkrasattri Rd northbound, at 6am.

Capt Chatree Choowichein together with Srisoonthorn and Kusoldharm rescue workers arrived at the scene to find Sangoab Sukkeaw, 78, unresponsive on the road.

Mr Sangoab was taken to Thalang Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Locals who saw the incident told police that Mr Sangoab was crossing the

Rescue workers attended to the man before taking him to Thalang Hospital. road when he was hit by a pickup truck, which then sped off, heading towards Baan Lipon. Witnesses were unable to recall the pickup’s make or colour.

Police are trying to track down the pickup so they can bring the driver in to face legal action.

Eakkapop Thongtub

The vans can be identified by their green strips and the sign through the windscreen saying ‘Phuket Town – Patong’. Photo: Kornkrit Euarwong Terminal 1, the old bus terminal on Phang Nga Rd in Phuket Town, at 7am and the last van leaves the bus terminal to Patong at 6pm.

The vans are scheduled to depart hourly, but will leave early if there are enough passengers to fill the van.

At the old bus terminal, you can identify our vans as they have a sign on the front windscreen saying “Phuket Town – Patong”.

Fares are the same for Thais and foreigners: from the old bus terminal to Samkong or Kathu is only B30 and all

the way to Patong is B50. The fares are the same from Patong to Phuket Town.

The vans stop at many points along the way, such as at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Tesco Lotus on the bypass and in front of the Caltex petrol station in Kathu. They will also stop along the way to pick up any people who wave for it to stop.

If you want to get out of the van anywhere along the way, just ask our driver to pull over.

In Patong, our vans do not go to the beach road, as the

blue Pho Thong buses from Phuket Town already go there.

Instead, our vans drive along Nanai Rd, then turn onto the small street past the Banzaan Market to Jungceylon.

After stopping at Jungceylon, the vans continue south along Rath-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, then turn left onto Prachanukroh Rd. From there, they turn then left again onto Phra Mettha Rd, where they stop in front of the Kaskiornbank (KBank) branch.

– Kornkrit Euarwong, driver, Phuket Town – Patong minivan service.

Recovered from pool, in a coma A 67-YEAR-OLD FEMAle Chinese tourist is in a coma at Vachira Phuket Hospital after being pulled unconscious from the swimming pool of a hotel in Mai Khao on Tuesday evening (Jan 24).

Lt Col Sarit Butnongsang of the Tha Chatchai Police was informed of the incident at 7:17pm Upon arrival at the hotel, which police declined to identify, officers were told by hotel staff that they had found the Chinese woman unconscious in the swimming pool. They recovered her from the pool and later Mai Khao rescue workers preformed CPR before transferring her to Thalang Hospital.

Lt Col Sarit said that

The woman was initially taken to Thalang Hospital but due to her condition was later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Chinese woman, named as 67-year-old Chen Ping, was initially taken to Thalang Hospital but due to her condition was later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

“We believe that Ms Chen may have fallen into the pool. It was raining at the time the incident took place and it was slippery around

the pool,” he said.

“When the woman was discovered in the pool she was still wearing shoes and did not have on a swimming costume,” Lt Col Sarit added.

Police are questioning Ms Chen’s relatives and hotel staffs to find out the true cause of accident.

Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

PHUKET NEWS

5

Elephants bolt amid DNA tests

Two officials hurt, cars crunched as frightened jumbos flee Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

L

ivestock officials carrying out a campaign to identify and register all legal elephants in Phuket got a serious fright last week when a 15-year-old bull elephant reared and bolted while the officers were trying take a blood sample.

Another two off icials were injured three days later when another elephant, called “Lucky”, also bolted.

A team of 30 officials from the Phuket Provincial Livestock Office (PPLO) were taking blood samples and checking microchip implants from the six elephants at the Phrayai Changthai elephant camp in Soi Yodsanae, in Chalong, last Thursday (Jan 19) when the first incident happened.

“When we came to check the 15-year-old male elephant called ‘Kongthong’, the mahout warned us that the elephant would not like this,” explained Thawee Sawadwech, Livestock Office Chief for Phuket’s Muang District.

A mahout recovers ‘Lucky’, who bolted while livestock officials were taking blood samples for a DNA test. Photo: PPLO However, the officers continued with their efforts and inserted the large needle.

“Kongthong reared his head up then ran off. His mahout couldn’t control him, but luckily the elephant stopped about 100 metres away,” Mr Thawee said.

While Kongthong was f leeing, he bumped into a pickup truck belonging to a trainee at the camp, causing minor damage to the vehicle.

“Kongthong did not suffer any serious injuries in the collision, and the elephant camp

owner paid for the damage,” Mr Thawee confirmed.

“Thankfully nobody was injured or killed,” Mr Thawee said.

“Although we didn’t get the full standard volume of blood sample from Kongthong, we did get 6cc, which is enough to carry out our DNA tests,” he added.

However, two livestock officials were injured at the Safari elephant camp in Saiyuan, Rawai, last Saturday (Jan 21) while carrying out the same procedure.

Czech fugitive handed down less than legal minimum for overstay IMMIGRATION OFFICIAls have declined to explain why Czech fugitive Zdenek Pfeifer, arrested in Phuket last week, was handed down less than the legally mandated minimum sentence for illegally staying in the country, known locally as “overstaying his visa”.

Pfeifer, 49, was arrested at his rented apartment in Bang Tao on Jan 17 just hours after a nationwide manhunt for the Czech was ordered by deputy national police chief Pol Gen Wuthi Liptapallop.

Wanted under a red notice by Interpol, Pfeifer was wanted in the Czech Republic for sexual offences with minors, including intentionally passing his HIV infection.

When his sentence was handed down by video conference on Jan 18 while Pfeifer remained in a cell in the below-ground level at Phuket Provincial Court, the judge revealed that Pfeifer had been staying illegally in the country since August 5, 2015.

Khao Phuket, the Thailanguage sister publication to The Phuket News, was present when the sentence was handed down. @thephuketnews

Czech fugitive Zdenek Pfeifer (centre) exits Phuket Provincial Court last week. Photo: Khao Phuket However, despite the severity of his overstay, the judge handed down the sentence of a fine of only B1,000 fine and a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended.

Under the ‘Good Guys In, Bad Guys Out’ campaign by the Thai Immigration Bureau, which came into effect in 2014 and was marked by news headlines around the world, Pfeifer was to be mandatorily fined B20,000 and banned from re-entry for 10 years.

Asked how a judge could hand down a sentence less than the mandatory penalty

by law in this case, Phuket Immigration Chief Col Kantawat Pongsatanbordee on Jan 19 told The Phuket News, “I am busy. I am not available to comment.”

That same day, calls to Phuket Provincial Court went unanswered.

O n ly we ek s ago d id Phuket Immigration have a Frenchwoman living in Phuket deported from the Kingdom of Thailand after she was found to have overstayed her tourist visa by 103 days.

Premkamon Ketsara – Additional reporting

by Tanyaluk Sakoot

Capt Somkiet Sarasit of the Chalong Police was informed of the incident at 11:30am.

Upon arrival at the camp Capt Somkiet and his team witnessed one elephant making a run from the camp. The elephant’s mahout, Sorapong Chalaethaisong, 37, and camp staffer Wanchalearm Siripak, 29, were chasing after it.

After a time, Mr Wanchalearm managed to get the elephant under control and return it to the camp.

During their investigation, police discovered a damaged

pickup truck and minivan in the elephant camp’s car park.

Two livestock officials, who had already been taken to the Chalong Accident & Emergency Centre, had suffered various injuries to their bodies, but nothing serious.

One male official had sustained minor injuries to his left arm and a split eyebrow, while his female counterpart had sustained scratches to her legs caused as she attempted to escape from the bolting animal.

A livestock official told police that as they were taking blood from an elephant named “Lucky”, another elephant walked past which appeared to frighten Lucky, causing him to bolt.

The Safari elephant camp told police that they will take full responsibility for the incident.

The campaign to crack down on elephants trafficked onto the island began on Jan 18, with National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP) and PPLO officers setting themselves a five-day deadline to check

and confirm the identity of all registered elephants in 23 camps across the island.

To get the campaig n rolling, officers tested 67 elephants, including 32 pachyderms that perform at the popular Phuket FantaSea tourist attraction in Kamala.

PPLO officials completed their campaign last Sunday (Jan 22), with no illegal elephants said to have been found during the checks.

PPL O C h ief S u r ajit Witchuwan confirmed to The Phuket News that 219 elephants had been correctly identified and documented, with three elephants previously registered in Phuket since moved and registered in another province.

Elephant owners had until yesterday (Jan 26) to register their pachyderms with the DNP, Supot Praedpring, Director of the DNP regional office in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, warned last week.

“After this day, any elephants not correctly registered with the DNP will be seized and the owner will face legal action,” he said.

6

PHUKET NEWS

A man was arrested in Phuket Town yesterday for impersonating a monk Photo: Ekkapop Thongtub

Fake monk arrested

POLICE HAVE ARRESTED a man in Phuket Town for impersonating a monk to solicit donations from the public.

The Phuket Volunteer Defense Corps (VDC) deputy Jiradet Burarak along with officers from the Phuket Provincial Office of Buddhism and the Phuket police arrested the man, who they did not name, at the Phuket Fresh Market last Friday morning (Jan 20).

The arrest followed a tipoff from Phra Kru Metta Pirom, Abbot of Wat Mongkol Nimit in Phuket Town.

The suspect refused to tell officers his name or show a monk’s certificate and was subsequently arrested and a search of his bag revealed Buddhist amulets and about B1,000 in B20 banknotes.

Officers confirmed that the man was not a monk and had previously been arrested several times for the same offense.

Yutthawat Lekmak

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Four arrested, cash seized in Phuket Town community raid Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

20-strong team of officials carried out a raid on four properties in the Chumchon Sapanruam community in Phuket Town on Jan 19, a raid that led to the seizure of 44 kilograms of kratom and the arrest of four people.

At 3:30pm, Chief of the Phuket Peace Keeping Council Capt Somsak Ratchawakarn, Lt JG Taksin Hooklim of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, and Capt Wetchasak Junadung of the Phuket City Police led 20 officers to raid four houses in the Chumchon Sapanruam community in Phuket Town.

The raid came after local residents complained of continued drug activity being conducted in the area.

Officials first raided house numbers 30 and 33 in Soi Chumchon Sapanr uam 6 where they discovered fresh kratom leaves, packs of dried kratom with cough syrup and bottles of liquid kratom.

Three people were arrested in the raid, however, only one was named by police, 23-yearold Amnart Faijai. The other

Officials carry out a raid on one of the properties. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub. two arrested were Amnart’s girlfriend and mother.

However, officers confirmed that a fourth person was also found in one house, a 74-year-old woman they named only as “Ms Jai”.

Ms Jai was previously arrested on Nov 21 when she was found to be in possession of 58kg of kratom.

At that time, Ms Jai told officials that she was from Khon Kaen and no income. She said that she and the homeowner knew each other and that she looked after the house when the owner was away.

She admitted that she sometimes helps sell kratom for the owner which she sells for B200 per set (two bundles

of leaves and one bottle of cough syrup).

Officers confirmed that on this occasion Ms Jai was not arrested.

As the first raid was going on, a separate team were raiding another two houses in the community, 8/1 Soi Sapanruam 7 and 36 Soi Sapanruam 1.

During the raid on 8/1 Soi Sapanruam 7 police seized 3kg of fresh kratom leaves and arrested 39-year-old Ms Prapaisri Thampikun.

Nobody was found during the raid on 36 Soi Sapanruam 1, however, officers did discover fresh and liquid kratom.

It was later found that this property was also rented by Amnart, who was arrested in the first raid.

From the raids, officials seized a total of 44kg of kratom, four litres of liquid kratom, 65 bottles of cough syrup and B38,320 in cash.

Amnart, his girlfriend and mother and Prapaisri were all taken to Phuket City Police Station to face their charges.

It was also noted that as the raids were being carried out a crowd of local residents told officials that they were unhappy with the ongoing drug problem within the community and that it appeared to be spreading rapidly.

They said that despite officials trying to stop the problem, many outsiders continued to go into the community seeking and using drugs and that they were concerned for the safety of young people in the area.

Urgent call for blood donations Russian mowed down by motorbike THE PHUKET REGIONal Blood Center (PRBC) is asking residents with blood types A and AB to donate blood at Vachira Hospital Phuket to ensure an adequate supply available for hospitals to deal with emergencies.

PRBC Chief Pornthip Ratchak told The Phuket News that Vachira Hospital Phuket welcomed all blood donations, but was urgently seeking blood donations for Group A and AB as stocks were dwindling.

“We need all blood types, but we especially would like those with Group A and AB to ensure an adequate supply is avail-

Those wanting to donate blood can do so at the Vachira Hospital Phuket Outpatient Building. able for hospitals to deal with emergencies,” Chief Pornthip said.

Those interested in donating blood can do so at Vachira Hospital Phuket

on the fourth floor of the Outpatient Building.

For more information, contact the PRBC at 076-251178 (ext 2) or 081-9588854.

Yutthawat Lekmak

A 29-YEAR-OLD RUSSIAN woman died in Vachira Phuket Hospital last week three days after she was hit by a motorbike while crossing a road in Karon.

Col Weerayut Thansirisookworakun of the Karon Police was informed of a road accident in front of the Onn Lee restaurant on Patak Rd at 10pm on Jan 13.

Col Weerayut together with Kusoldham rescue workers arrived at the scene to find an unresponsive woman lying in the road.

The woman, later named as Liudmila Griaznova, 29, from Russia, had suffered serious injuries and was taken to Vachira Hospital Phuket.

“We have learnt that Ms Griaznova passed away on

The woman was struck by a motorbike when crossing Patak Rd in Karon on Jan 13.

Monday (Jan 16) from the injuries she sustained in the accident,” Col Weerayut told The Phuket News last Friday (Jan 20).

“Her relatives have already taken the body back to Russia,” he added.

Locals who witnessed the

Jan 13 accident told police that Ms Griaznova was crossing the road when she was hit by a motorcycle.

The driver, Somsak NomMuang, 41, was charged with reckless driving causing death, Col Weerayut said.

Yutthawat Lekmak

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Royal park canned

PHUKET NEWS

7

Officials ditch plans for B800mn Rajabhakti Park Yutthawat Lekmak reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Governor of Phuket has confirmed that plans to build the B800 million Rajabhakti Park at Surin Beach have now been scrapped and that a lesser costing public park will now replace it.

“We have cancelled all plans to build the Rajabhakti Park at Surin Beach. We have now decided to build a park which will be named Surin Public Park,” Gov Chockchai Dejamornthan told The Phuket News last Thursday (Jan 19) When asked why the plans to build the Rajabhakti Park had been cancelled, Gov Chockchai said, “We believe that it is not worth spending B800mn on this project. We can build a park for a lot less, and the money we save can be used for other projects.

“Surin Public Park will have a big open area and will also have toilets and washrooms where beachgoers can shower after their beach activities,” Gov Chockchai added.

It took seven hours to free the vehicle from the sand.

Plans for Phuket’s Rajabhakti Park at Surin Beach were presented to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on Sept 16. Images: Phuket Town & Country Planning Office Chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) MaAnn Samran added, “Surin Public Park will be built using a budget of B12mn.

“I can confirm that once complete no vendors will be allowed in the park. There will be no shops for people to buy anything,” Mr MaAnn added that a Korean architect has been appointed to design the features of the park.

Work on the Rajabhakti Park was set to begin in October last year.

The project was proposed to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on Sept 16 after

which the proposal was submitted to Cabinet for approval.

The highly touted park was promoted by officials of all levels – except the Prime Minister’s Office – was to be created in honour of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Mother Sirikit as the Royals were Their Majesties at the

Women injured by falling branch T WO T H A I WO M E N were injured last Friday (Jan 20) when a branch from a pine tree fell on them as they relaxed at Nai Yang Beach.

Phuket lifeguard Ekkarat Keawrak, 31, was patrolling Nai Yang Beach at about 3pm when heard two women screaming. He and ran to their assistance and discovered one woman, said to be between 45-50 years old, with blood pouring from her head.

The second woman, said to be first woman’s daughter and aged between 25-30 years old, had sustained minor injuries to her arms.

Close by was a branch about 70 centimetres long lying on the sand.

Rescue workers who attended the scene administered first aid to the woman with the head injury, but as they could not stem the flow of blood she was taken to Thalang Hospital for further treatment.

Mr Ekkarat said that the second victim told him that she and her mother were relaxing under a pine tree when they suddenly heard @thephuketnews

One woman sustained a severe head injury as a result of the falling branch.

Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Services

a branch snap, the branch fell on them causing their injuries.

“There are signs in the area warning people of falling branches. These pine trees are very old and branches are always falling from them,” Mr Ekkarat said.

“We also warn people about the danger of sitting under the trees, but we cannot stop them from sitting

there. We will continue to warn people,” he added.

Two d ays lat e r, on Sunday (Jan 22), 91-yearold Italian man Giacomo Smedile died after being struck by a falling branch at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya.

Mr Smedile died at the scene, in the middle of the footpath on the beach road.

He was a retiree enjoying his retirement in Thailand.

Eakkapop Thongtub

time the park was originally proposed.

The creation of the park was also put forward as one of the major reasons for clearing all the restaurants, bars, clubs and other businesses from the Surin beachfront in the high-profile demolition

by Navy personnel last year.

Pickup party ends bogged on beach IT TOOK MOR E THAN seven hours for the owner of a pickup truck to have his vehicle removed from Bang Tao Beach last Sunday (Jan 22) after it got stuck in the sand due to the rising tide.

The man, 32-year-old Supot Mothina, told police he had parked the pickup truck on the beach in front of the Laguna resort complex so he and his friends could listen to loud music while they got drunk.

But by 8am Sunday, Lt Naraupon Kaewlay of the Cherng Talay Police was informed by Mr Supot that his pickup truck was stuck in the sand.

Mr Supot told police that at 3am Sunday he and three friends were drinking on the

beach, but they thought that the music was too quiet and so they moved the pickup onto the beach so they could blast their music out.

“We didn’t notice the rising tide until it was too late,” he said.

Police arrived with Kusoldharm rescue workers to find the black Isuzu pickup with both rear wheels dug into the sand. Rescue workers tried to remove the vehicle but were unsuccessful.

Mr Supot then called a friend with a four-wheel-drive pickup and asked him for help.

With the help of foreign beachgoers, and after seven hours of trying, the vehicle was removed from the sand.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Opinion 8

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

editor@classactmedia.co.th

CONTACT US

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

CHRIS HUSTED

Executive Editor

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

MATTHEW POND

News & Sports Editor

editor3@classactmedia.co.th Originally from the UK; Has over six years experience as editor and reporter for Phuketindex.com magazine and website, and InPhuket magazine.

MARK KNOWLES

Lifestyle Editor

editor1@classactmedia.co.th From Melbourne, Australia, Mark holds a BA from La Trobe University where he completed a double major in Anthropology and Media Studies.

He has over eight years experience as a journalist, photographer and editor for several magazines and newspapers.

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT

Reporter

091 165 0260 reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

YUTTHAWAT ‘BOY’ LEKMAK

Reporter

091 165 0259 reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

RAPIPAN ‘GOONGNANG’ SUKSAWAT Translator 095 004 0497 translate@classactmedia.co.th

KRITSANAT ‘M’ JANTARATSOPIN NIRAVIT ‘MOS’ VORAVANITCHA NITAD ‘TAE’ MANEE THANAPONG ‘OAK’ KHAO-AMPHAIPHAN Graphic designers

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING

076 612 550-2 ext. 605 Fax: 076 612 553 info@classactmedia.co.th www.thephuketnews.com

99/7 Moo 1 (Billion Plaza), T. Kathu, A. Kathu, Phuket 83120

EDITORIAL

The loophole loop-de-loop

G

overnor Chockchai’s recent announcement, that 860 “illegal hotels” in Phuket – 63% of all hotels on the island – must register as hotels before Jan 31 or face demolition, seems pretty clear cut.

It appears, however, that the current Governor’s “amnesty”, ending on Jan 31, appears to have been in effect for many years – how else could 860 large buildings have been constructed and used as hotels for all these years with few, if any, operators attracting the significant punishments proscribed for those operating illegal hotels? According to Hotel Act of 2008, anyone who operates a “Hotel” without a licence is liable for a fine of B20,000, a B10,000 fine for each day of the illicit operation, and up to one year in prison.

It will be interesting to see what effect the Governor’s

ultimatum will have. According to their own statements the government has identified all of the “illegal hotels” so after the deadline it should be simply matter of checking those who registered off the list and sending the bulldozers out to knock down the rest.

However, there is one significant factor that makes this threat ring hollow. A Ministerial Regulation (MR) announced in August 2016, to make it easier for more property owners to obtain a hotel license, which gives owners of existing buildings five years to complete an application to register the building as a hotel (two years if the building requires structural modification). So even if every “illegal hotel” registers by the deadline, they will still not have to meet any hotel building codes for at least another five years. And that’s just the time

limit for the application to be completed – who knows how much longer it could take the Ministry of Interior to process 860 detailed applications?

So while the Governor talks tough on this issue, it seems highly unlikely that it will have much effect on the current status quo, at least not for another five years when the MR requirement comes into effect. So if the hotels register, the Governor can claim victory while simply kicking the can of real reform down the road for his distant successor to deal with.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how many operators take advantage of the amnesty, because those that don’t should be easily identified by the Governor, and if he sticks to his word, be prosecuted and face significant fines and custodial terms as mandated by the Hotel Act.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Italian man dies in Phuket motorbike crash Phuket women fight, knife pulled, over market trousers Phuket Police hunt down HIV Czech Interpol fugitive Russian woman, 29, dies 3 days after being hit by motorbike when crossing Phuket road Navy torpedoes appeal for Phuket beach sun loungers to return Ex-THAI staff snared in bribe row Immigration chief declares Phuket Airport queues are ‘no more’ Transport office exonerates Phuket visa-run service in fatal crash Dengue vaccine launched in Phuket Barber killed after haircut goes wrong

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Wilful ignorance

Re: Transport office exonerates Phuket visa-run service in fatal crash PLTO Chief Sommai Sudkaow is totally wrong. There is no legal loophole. He claims his office has no evidence that foreigners using the service individually pay “fares” to be transported.” The company website clearly provides such evidence. Evidence can also be obtained by interviewing the passengers and what they say they were paying – then obtaining details of the transaction.

There is also circumstantial evidence of the purpose of the journey. Were they friends of the company and being taken on a picnic? This being the case, the company is operating as public transport operators without permission.

There are also no reports of what further investigations have been carried out – if any at all – to establish whether the driver should be charged under section 291 of the Criminal Code, namely reckless driving causing death.

Jor12 What a pile of complete rubbish. Not a transport service?

Registered as private vehicles?

Nonsense. Just do a full tax audit on the company. That’ll either remove the mystery about the services they provide, or expose their fraud. Either way, that’ll be the end of them.

Even better, look at their website or their brochures.

Who cares what’s written on the sign in front of their office, they don’t get customers just walking into their office.

Everyone books through an agent or the website. It’s quite clear that the prices include transport. I mean it’s explained, explicitly, clearly, indisputably.

The prices include transport!

There’s even pictures of the vans and their drivers.

CaptainJack69 ....................................................

Time for a new approach to drugs Re: Four arrested, kratom and cash seized during raid on Phuket Town community

Can we finally sit down, and discuss how prohibition of any type (drugs, abortion, etc.) has, literally, never worked efficiently and/or in a positive manner? Education. Awareness.

Regulation.

BRW

How much is your head worth?

Re: Italian man dies in Phuket motorbike crash The cheaper helmets here that only cover the top of the head are not much use from a safety perspective. The strap is the weakest part.

PatongPunter000 ......................................................

To err is human, to forgive divine

Re: Phuket tuk-tuk driver, 81, slams into police checkpoint “We believe he simply fell asleep at the wheel. Mr Fad is very old, and may have been very tired.”

If I have a crash I hope it is in Kathu where I expect Kathu Police Chief Col ML Pattanajak Jakkapan would be equally sympathetic to an old farang like me.

Benvenuto ....................................................

It beggars belief

Re: Transport Minister orders urgent action to end to Phuket Airport queues This is so farcical it is hilarious.

They opened a new terminal with just 13 computers for

immigration, no new luggage scanners and no Thai Air lounge, but it’s okay, the duty free shops were open.

Four months later and no progress. What is so special about these computers anyway? If they have 13 why are there only 3 or 4 ever open at departures? Why does it take so long to scan your passport take a photo and check it matches the passport then stamp it?

I watched one immigration lady recently and she was processing almost exactly twice the number that the next guy did. This along with the current shambles of time keeping by Thai Air and how many tourists will ever return? As ever all the lovely hardworking people in hotels, restaurants, etc, are being let down by government employed incompetent idiots.

Andy .....................................................

Navy a light touch

Re: Navy torpedoes appeal for Phuket beach sun loungers to return ...and for the 5th offence tea and biscuits... and for their 6th offence crumpets and toast... and for their 7th offence, a smack on the bottom...

Skip

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

THAILAND NEWS

9

Wanchai on a mission NRSA’s political reform chairman means business on graft BANGKOK Bangkok Post

M

any people might be appalled at first glance by the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) proposal for harsher punishment, including the death penalty, against public figures convicted in corruption cases causing damages exceeding one billion baht.

Yet Wanchai Sornsiri, the NRSA’s political reform chairman, who floated the radical proposal during the assembly’s meeting early this month, stands by the idea, saying the country has been weak on fighting corruption for too long.

Mr Wanchai, also a lawyer, said mechanisms to examine the abuse of state power need to be reformed to stop state officials unlawfully exercising their power and causing damage to the country.

He has proposed a range of tough measures, including

life imprisonment for those found guilty in corruption cases causing damage of between B100 million and B1 billion.

Those convicted in cases causing damage of between B10mn but not exceeding B100mn could face a 20-year jail sentence.

Those involved in causing damage of more than one million baht but less than B10mn would face a 10-year prison sentence; and a maximum five years’ imprisonment would be handed down to those found guilty in cases which cause damage of less than one million baht.

Of the 162 steering committee members, 155 voted in favour of the measures while the rest abstained during the meeting.

Mr Wanchai said mechanisms to keep state officials in check have been in place for several decades, but they are not robust enough to stop corrupt officials. They continue to exploit legal loopholes to commit unlawful practices, he said.

Lawyer Wanchai Sornsiri is the head of the National Reform Steering Assembly. Photo: Post Today More austere punishment was needed to send a warning to state officials that corruption has consequences, he said.

Mr Wanchai said corruption has taken deep root in Thailand because of failures in the system to examine the abuse of state power, adding previous coups also partly resulted from corruption.

“I think it is better to

Senior Thai official caught in Japan for stealing paintings BANGKOK A HIGH-R ANKING OFficial at the Commerce Ministry has been caught stealing three paintings from a hotel in Kyoto.

Japanese media reported on Wednesday (Jan 25) that Tokyo police had arrested a Thai man suspected of stealing three paintings worth 15,000 yen (B4,600) in total from the hotel on Tuesday (Jan 24).

The arrest came after the hotel staff discovered that the three paintings decorating the aisles of the hotel’s 9th and 10th floors were missing.

Footage of closed-circuit television cameras showed the Thai guest taking them, Matichon Online reported on Wednesday.

After being alerted, police searched a bag of the guest when he was about to check out and found the three paintings inside. He was held in custody at a police station in Kyoto pending procedures to send him to the court.

According to the police investigation, the suspect @thephuketnews

The arrested official was said to be Deputy Director-General of the Commerce Ministry.

Photo: Bangkok Post only said he worked at the Commerce Ministry. But local media reports said the man was a Deputy DirectorGeneral of the ministry.

Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Wiboonlasana Ruamraksa on Wednesday ordered the commercial attaché in Japan to launch a factfinding inquiry. The ministry has also coordinated with the Thai embassy in Japan to ask for information while awaiting explanations from the accused official, who could not be contacted for the time being.

“The accused Deputy Director-General has left for Japan to attend a meeting at the Thai consulate in Osaka.

The commerce office in Osaka

is coordinating (with Japanese authorities) and legal procedures are being taken. The facts will be known after his return to Thailand” said the Permanent Secretary.

Deputy Commerce Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong promised justice to all sides, saying the results of the ministry’s investigation was expected to be known in 1-2 days.

Mr Sonthirat assured that the case was an anomaly that should not affect confidence in Thai officials visiting foreign countries, according to Prachachat.net.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said the Thai embassy and consulate in Japan have already learned about the matter from Japanese media and were in the process of coordinating with relevant agencies.

Japanese authorities declined to give personal details of the accused official to protect his rights, said Mr Sek. The Thai embassy and the consulate would provide an interpreter and a lawyer for the accused official.

Bangkok Post

kill one corrupt official than deploying the whole army to stage a coup,” he said.

The strict measures form part of NRSA proposals to impose checks and balances on the use of state power.

They also aim to regulate no-confidence debates and clarify the qualifications of members of independent organisations.

Mr Wanchai stressed the

severe penalty was aimed not just at politicians, but also state officials and civilians who collude in corrupt practices.

He also insisted the measures do not focus on only high-profile cases involving ex-premiers Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra.

Asked how the punishment will be enforced, Mr Wanchai said that would depend on the committee for national administration under the framework of national reform, strategy, and reconciliation, which has Prime Minister’s Office Minister Suvit Maesincee as its secretary.

The committee must set up panels to oversee various issues, he said.

Nevertheless, Mr Wanchai said it would not have a retrospective effect on convicted corrupt politicians or those who are currently in the prosecution process.

Mr Wanchai said the NRSA is now working on an amendment putting the proposal into effect, adding it would

be sent to various agencies for deliberation including the National Council for Peace and Order, the cabinet, the National Legislative Assembly, the Constitution Drafting Committee, the Election Commission and other anti-corruption organisations such as the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission under the Justice Ministry.

Under the proposal, the NRSA also proposed measures to regulate no-confidence debates to prevent politicians from proposing motions or issues for political reasons rather than focusing on the country’s problems.

In the past, information presented in the debates was not solid enough to prosecute politicians suspected of being involved in corrupt practices as most of the information was gathered from the media.

With the new regulations, motions raised by the opposition must be presented along with solid information which must be acceptable by state anti-corruption agencies such as the National AntiCorruption Commission.

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Medical fees to be New bribery scandal waived for those in emergency units hits TOT, MEA and PEA BANGKOK

NATIONWIDE

Three state-owned firms were allegedly receiving kickbacks from the US company in return for buying its electricity and telephone cables.

Main photo: via General Cable Corp

Bangkok Post

HO SPI TA L S W H IC H charge emergency patients will face legal action under the new sanatorium law, according to the Health Service Support Department (HSSD).

Boon r uang Trir uangworawat, Director-General of the HSSD, said on Monday (Jan 23) that the 2016 Sanatorium Act stipulates that hospitals must waive medical fees for patients who are admitted to the emergency unit.

The law is aimed at standardising the quality of state and private hospitals for better patient care.

The act was published in the Royal Gazette on Dec 20 last year and has been in effect since Dec 21.

Under the act, hospitals are also required to disclose to the names of their medical staff, medical and drug fees and other expenses associated with non-emergency cases and they must charge patients in accordance with the rates they announce.

Hospital managers who charge their patients more than the stipulated rates will face a maximum jail term of one year and/or a fine of up to B20,000.

Dr Boonruang said the department has written to hospitals nationwide about the matter, instructing them to comply with the regulations in the new law.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Sanatorium and Arts of Healing Director Arkhom Praditsuwan said that along with the medical fees, the new law would help regulate exaggerated advertisements by sanatoriums as well.

All hospitals in Bangkok are required to get permission

A All hospitals are on official notice: Treat emergency cases without charge, or face legal action under a law that came into effect a month ago. Photo: Bangkok Post from the HSSD before they can release public advertisements, while sanatoriums in other provinces must receive approval from provincial health offices for their advertisements.

Under the act, hospitals that are found guilty of exaggerations in their advertisements would face a harsher penalty than in previous years.

The penalty has been increased from only a fine to a one-year jail term, a maximum fine of B20,000 or both.

Offenders will also face a B10,000 fine every day until they cease the false advertising.

Those who launch ads without permission will also face a B20,000 fine along with a fine of B10,000 a day until they stop advertising.

Backers of advertisements that have been released to the public before the law came into effect are required to ask permission from the HSSD or provincial health offices within 90 days from when the law became active.

Those who run sanatoriums illegally also face tougher punishment now – a maximum jail term of three to five years along with a maximum fine of B100,000, Mr Arkhom added.

The fine was previously capped at B60,000.

Bangkok Post

new bribery scandal has emerged potentially landing three more state enterprise agencies in hot water as investigations get under way.

The fresh scandal involves the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and TOT Plc. The investigations follow the US Department of Justice’s recent announcement of legal action it has taken against Kentucky-based General Cable Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of cable and wire.

The US government is investigating allegations of bribery payments to government officials in Angola, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia and Thailand.

The US company claimed in a Business Wire press release last month that it had agreed to pay $82.3 million (B2.9 billion) to settle the US government’s charges against it and avoid prosecution.

In addition it will report to the government future sales for three years.

General Cable now faces a class-action lawsuit from investors over the bribes.

The scandal is unrelated to the one in which Rolls Royce admits bribing Thai state officials and THAI Airways company executives.

Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda said on Tuesday (Jan 24) that the MEA and the PEA, which are under the ministry’s supervision, will set up panels to establish facts on the matter. Discussions will be held on how to proceed when all information has been

gathered, he said.

Permanent Secretary for Interior Grisada Boonrach, in his capacity as chairman of the MEA board, said he has instructed the MEA governor to set up a panel to look into the case. However, MEA regulations do not specify a time frame for such an inquiry.

Mr Grisada said he has also told Thawil Pliensri, chairman of the PEA board, to set up a panel to probe the scandal.

Sermsakul Klaikaew, PEA Governor, on Tuesday said the PEA Deputy Governor has been assigned to lead the inquiry, with officials from the Justice Ministry joining the probe.

He said the probe is expected to be wrapped up in 15 days before the findings are released to the public.

Mr Sermsakul said the PEA had bought cable and wire from several companies via auctions which were in line with procurement regulations.

The panel will need time to verify from which companies it bought cables, he said.

Chaiyong Puapongsakorn, the MEA Governor, said a panel is being formed to establish facts, along with a panel to investigate the procurement process.

According to the MEA regulations, the inquiry must be completed in 90 days, though the MEA will finish the inquiry as quickly as possible as the issue has received widespread public attention, Mr Chaiyong said.

TOT President Monchai Noosong said he has acknowledged the allegations of bribery concerning his company and the TOT board has ordered its management to look into the case.

Justice Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana on Tuesday said he has instructed Prayong Preeyajit, the Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), to seek information about the TOT and PEA scandals from the anti-graft bodies investigating the Rolls-Royce bribery scandal, in which state enterprises have become similarly embroiled.

They include the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the PACC and the Office of the Auditor-General.

General Cable did business in Angola, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia and Thailand via Phelps Dodge International (Thailand), or PDTL. According to the statement

of facts of the investigation, from 2012 to 2013, PDTL provided more than US$1.5mn (B52.8mn baht) in rebates to a distributor in Thailand with the understanding the distributor would use the money, in part, for corrupt purposes in association with PDTL’s sales to state-owned customers in Thailand. These included sales to the PEA, the MEA, and TOT Plc. In or about 2011, “Executive A”, identified as an official of the PDTL, met a highlevel executive at General Cable who was responsible for overseeing international operations and expressed concerns that payments to the distributor in Thailand were being used for corrupt purposes. Despite this conversation, the corrupt payments did not stop, nor was an investigation conducted.

On Dec 13, 2011, the highlevel executive at General Cable received emails that included the following statement regarding the findings of a tax review in Thailand: “potential applicability of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [‘FCPA’] for commissions paid to Thai governmental authorities”.

Thailand seen as more corrupt than last year BANGKOK THAILAND’S CORRUPTION ranking has plummeted, from 76th in 2015 to 101st place of the 176 countries assessed in 2016 by independent watchdog Transparency International.

The watchdog attributed the drop to government repression, lack of independent oversight, entrenched military rule, deteriorating rights and a banned opposition.

In releasing its Corruption Per-

ceptions Index 2016, the corruption watchdog said on Wednesday (Jan 25) that Thailand’s score dropped from 38 points out of 100 in the previous year to 35/100 points as government repression, lack of independent oversight, and the deterioration of rights eroded public confidence in the country.

Its ranking fell from 76th out of 168 countries assessed in 2015 to 101st out of 176 countries in 2016, equal with Gabon, Niger, Peru, the Philippines, East Timor, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Thailand’s new constitution, while it placed significant focus on addressing corruption, entrenched military power and unaccountable government, undermining eventual return to democratic civilian rule, it said.

Free debate on the constitution was impossible; campaigning in opposition was banned and dozens of people were detained. The military junta also prohibited monitoring of the referendum, Transparency International said, referring to the constitutional referendum in August

last year.

In Asia-Pacific, Thailand and Cambodia both fell in the rankings.

Cambodia, for the second year in a row, was rated the most corrupt Southeast Asian country on the list, with a score of 21 points. As space for civil society continued to be extremely restricted, that was not surprising, Transparency International said.

Over two-thirds of the 176 countries and territories fell below the midpoint of the scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The

The Corruption Perceptions Index 2016 shows that Thailand’s score dropped from 38 points out of 100 in the previous year to 35/100 points in 2016. global average was 43 points. TOP scorers were Denmark and New Zealand and the lowest was Somalia.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

ASIA NEWS 11

Where women seek justice

Pakistani market providing a way to make women ‘economically strong’ PAKISTAN AFP

A

narrow path winds through Kashmir’s Valley of Pearls towards 13 tin-roofed shops hidden in a rickety row, a women-only market that doubles as a space for those seeking help against the violence of Pakistan’s patriarchy.

The market, in a small village outside the main city of Rawalakot in a conservative corner of Pakistani-held Kashmir, began simply as a place run by women for women.

There they could buy and sell sewing supplies, visit clothing boutiques or train as beauticians – a welcome outlet for many struggling with the restraints on women in the deeply traditional Muslim area.

Social worker Nusrat Yousuf, who works with victims of domestic violence through the non-governmental organisation (NGO) she heads, helped persuade a generous landlord to provide the land to set up

The market began simply as a place run by women for women where they could buy and sell sewing supplies, visit clothing boutiques or train as beauticians. Photo AFP

the market in 2011.

Women in the area, she says, are forbidden by their families to work in the main markets in the area’s towns and cities.

“They become frustrated when they can’t get jobs and spend their lives at home,” the 48-year-old widow said.

The market, from which men were at first banned, provided a way around conservative beliefs, making women “economically strong”.

Yousuf describes it as a

place “where they can visit and freely discuss all their issues – such as childbirth, menstruation, cooking, and domestic issues, and we find solutions”.

That increasingly includes how to help divorced women and victims of domestic violence lodge complaints with police and fight their cases in the courts.

Women have battled for their rights for decades in Pakistan. Hundreds are murdered each year – usually by male

Reaping rewards from 3D printing MYANMAR W HIZZI NG ACROSS A blue-lit platform with a whirr and a squeak, liquid plastic emanating from its chrome tip, the 3D printer seems a far cry from the muddy, crop-filled fields that fringe Yangon.

But in an industrial park south of Myanmar’s commercial hub, the advanced technology is now being used to design bespoke parts that are changing the lives of impoverished farmers.

Myanmar’s manufacturing sector was gutted under five decades of isolationist military rule, forcing farmers to cobble together their own tools or use ill-adapted imports.

Poor equipment has only added to the hardships of growing crops in the disasterprone country, where farmers account for nearly half of the economy’s output despite being among the poorest producers in Asia.

But in one corner of Yangon, change is afoot.

Over at social enterprise Proximity Designs, cuttingedge 3D printer technology is being used to design specially adapted tools, in consulta@thephuketnews

A betel leaf farmer holds plastic sprinkler nozzles, made using 3D printer technology, at a betel leaf farm.

Photo: Ye Aung Thu/AFP tion with the farmers who use them.

“We want to create something that farmers find delight in,” product designer Taiei Harimoto said at their workshop, where robotic arms line the walls near benches littered with tools and mechanical parts.

The printer, a small, black, hollow cube with a needle inside attached to a computer, has already been put to use helping design parts for a sprinkler system and the internal mechanics for a solar pump.

Creating prototypes in plastic means the team can perfect designs for complex pieces in the lab, cutting out a lengthy back-and-forth that can cost thousands of dollars.

Once the design has been

perfected, it is then sent off to factories in other countries where the final part is mass produced.

“Before it might have taken weeks and sometimes months” to make the prototypes for each product, said co-founder Debbie Aung Din. Out in the fields, farmers say they are already seeing their profits grow.

On his tiny half-acre plot some 100 kilometres from Yangon, betel leaf farmer Kyaw Win said his life has been changed by the 3D printer-designed sprinkling system he installed over two months ago.

“Using products like this can cut in half the amount of time we have to spend working each day,” the 60-year-old said as he stroked the plants’ wide leaves, which many people in Myanmar chew as a stimulant.

Instead of paying labourers to water the plants using buckets – back-breaking work that often meant the leaves became damp and diseased – now he has a targeted system that he can operate himself.

“We also reduced our costs by more than half compared to what we had to spend before,” he explained.

AFP

relatives – in so-called “honour killings” and disfiguring acid attacks are still common.

Rights groups and politicians have for years called for tougher laws to tackle perpetrators of violence against women in Pakistan.

“Police were not arresting an influential man who cut off the nose of his wife three months ago,” she says, describing just one of the cases she has handled from her office in the market.

“She approached us, and

our NGO staged a protest against police,” Yousuf explains, adding that she then met with police officials and lodged a complaint.

“Now the culprit is in police custody. We have hired a female lawyer to fight the case,” she says.

Razia Bibi, a 35-year-old mother of two whose husband divorced her seven months ago, described how Yousuf is helping her navigate the courts to seek alimony from her children’s father.

“I am hopeful that the verdict will be in my favour,” she says.

Yousuf says her NGO, the Pearl Rural Support Programme, which brings together women’s organisations in seven local villages, is also lobbying the government for a separate desk for women at every police station, where they can speak to a female officer “more comfortably”.

Yousuf says that, originally, men were banned from entering the market. Now they can enter – but only in the company of a woman.

The market has made life

easier, says customer Ayesha Bibi. “We had to travel to the main markets for such things in the past, and we needed the company of a male family member to go there,” she explains.

It is also providing economic opportunity for those such as computer graduate Sara Rasheed, whose family refused her permission to work in any area dominated by men.

She convinced them to allow her to open a beauty parlour and a garment shop in the market, she says. “I am earning a good income and saving lots of money for my future and family,” she adds proudly.

K hu rshid Beg u m, a 42-year-old widow and mother of four, opened a tailor’s shop and teaches sewing to young girls there.

“My business has flourished... My income has increased,” she says.

“We are trying to make more and more women skilful in future,” Yousuf says.

“I am very happy that I am achieving my goal.”

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

A common ground for peace

Coffee shop where Greek and Turkish Cypriots share a dream CYPRUS AFP

B

etween two checkpoints in Europe’s last divided capital a coffee shop provides a venue for Greek and Turkish Cypriots to overcome their differences and dream of a shared future.

To sip coffee at the Home Cafe, visitors must first show their identity papers to border police to enter the UNpatrolled buffer zone that runs across Nicosia and the rest of the island.

The idea was to create a space in the buffer zone that is part of Cypriot civilian life, says Hayriye Ruzgar, communications officer for Home for Cooperation, a community centre where the coffee shop is located.

The venue’s location in no man’s land makes it accessible to Cypriots from both sides, says the 25-year-old Turkish Cypriot.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkish troops invaded in 1974 in response to an Athensinspired coup seeking union with Greece. Thousands of

Hayriye Ruzgar, Director of Communications at the Home for Cooperation cafe which is situated in the buffer zone dividing the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Photo: Amir Makar/AFP Cypriots fled their homes both ways across the dividing line.

Nine years later, Turkish Cypriot leaders declared a breakaway state in the north that is only recognised by Ankara.

As Cypriot leaders press peace talks this week in Geneva towards reunifying the island, Home for Cooperation is a concrete example of both communities coming together, says Home Cafe manager Lefkia Heracleous.

“It’s a good way to show that practically we can work together,” says the 37-year-old Greek Cypriot.

The bicommunal centre – a project inspired by teachers from both sides – opened in 2011 , eight years after the opening of the border allowed residents to cross over.

Jazz plays in the background at the cafe, whose calm interior of wooden tables, large prints of photographs and endless shelves of books provide

an atmosphere conducive to dialogue.

In the rest of the building, students flock to lessons including in Greek language, Turkish, English, salsa and tai chi. In the evenings, the coffee shop hosts concerts and debates organised by local associations.

“We have the same food... the same sun, the same rain here in Cyprus. It’s very important to speak the same language” too, says Marina

Payiatsou, a Greek Cypriot sociologist learning Turkish.

When the centre opened, its teachers only had a few students, says Heracleous, but now they offer five classes of Turkish and three of Greek a week.

Home for Cooperation is just one of several initiatives bringing the two communities together.

Beyond groups organising cycling excursions and tango parties, one association brings youth from both sides together to shoot basketball hoops.

For more than a decade, Peace Players has coached Greek and Turkish Cypriots aged 12 to 20 in the art of dribbling.

“In the beginning we saw a lot of kids who were shy” and “didn’t want to talk together”, says Jessica Walton, a Peace Players member from the United States.

“But then they see that they have more in common than what they thought. It doesn’t take very long” even if they do not speak the same language, she says.

But such initiatives remain limited in Cyprus, where those

born after the 1974 invasion have never known a united island.

Su lt a n Cav u soglu , a 40-year-old Turkish Cypriot, says she enjoys meeting her southern neighbours when she studies English at Home for Cooperation.

“It’s easy to come here and it’s a good way to meet Greek Cypriots,” she says.

But “it’s too late to reconnect people,” she says of the wider political process towards a united island.

In a 2004 referendum, Turkish Cypriots largely approved a UN peace plan but their Greek neighbours rejected it, putting a damper on hopes for reunification.

Ruzgar, however, remains optimistic.

“These communities have become strangers to each other,” she says. But “people ask more questions every day”. They have started “to realise that we cannot go on like this forever”.

Sustainable peace will only come when both communities work together, she says.

“Achieving peace is more than a signature.”

Seeking secrets of their futures with pagan rites RUSSIA “A HORSE’S HEAD – THAT means a man,” says Muscovite Yekaterina Kostrikina as she watches hot wax harden in a glass of cold water.

In a Moscow flat, she and a group of female friends turn to pagan traditions in an attempt to learn about their futures.

By candlelight, they peer at a piece of melted wax whose shape is supposed to provide clues about their love lives or careers for the next year.

They then burn a ball of

paper and closely observe the shadows cast by the flames on the wall, looking for potentially significant images.

Russian women traditionally hold such fortune-telling rituals between Orthodox Christmas on January 7 and the Orthodox Epiphany on January 19, when believers plunge into icy water to commemorate the baptism of Jesus

by John the Baptist.

But their origins date back to pagan customs that endured after Russia adopted Christianity in the 10th century.

“We consider that during

this time we are freed from our obligations towards the Church since Christ was only baptised on January 19, and between Christmas and Epiphany the world was under pagan influence and people could call up spirits,” says Kostrikina, who describes herself as an Orthodox believer.

“That’s why now is the best time to try to find out your future,” adds Kostrikina, an architect and stage designer who has worked for many Moscow theatres.

She gets ready to melt more wax in a silver spoon along

with her friend Lyubov Soldatikova, a financial analyst.

The women are following one of the rules laid down over centuries: those who wish to know the future should not wear any metal objects, such as rings or earrings, for the body to be “absolutely free,” Kostrikina explains.

Another popular custom is to bake cakes containing coins, peppercorns or a ring.

Whoever finds these can expect a year of financial prosperity, exciting adventures or a forthcoming wedding.

“So I’m going to have an interesting year,” says Soldatikova, fishing out pepper grains from her slice of cake.

Russians are often relaxed about mixing up pagan and religious traditions which may be a result of the suppression of religion under the Soviet regime, although the Russian Orthodox Church has seen a revival since the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Russian women, in particular, are keen on visiting psychics, witches and fortunetellers.

A 2013 survey by the Sociology Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences found that 67% of Russian women had gone to sorcerers, fortune-

Architect and scenographer Yekaterina Kostrikina (right) and financial analyst Lyubov Soldatikova hold a fortunetelling seance in Moscow. Photo: Vasily Maximov/AFP tellers or psychics.

Fortune-telling is also widely described in Russian literature studied in school, including Alexander Pushkin’s classic novel in verse “Eugene Onegin”.

Natalia Shpakovskaya, a 39-year-old masseuse in a high-end beauty salon, admits that she and her friends have observed a tradition since their school days in which single women ask the name of the first man they meet on the street on the eve of Epiphany – said to be that of their future husband.

“Once a school friend was really annoyed because the name of the passer-by was the same as the ugliest boy in the class,” she says.

“But some years later, that friend met a man who became her husband and he had that same name!” says Shpakovskaya, who is married and has a teenage daughter.

“People aren’t always happy with what they learn about their future in this way,” admits Kostrikina.

But she thinks that there may be a psychological explanation for some of the signs people see.

“Everything depends on your state of mind,” she says.

“When you’re depressed, you see negative signs everywhere. When your whole being is open to happiness, you won’t have to wait long for positive changes.”

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Making an Italian connection Brand Connect Asia lands renowned Venetian winemaker Zenato FOOD & BEVERAGE Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

L

ocal beverage distributor Brand Connect Phuket, a subsidiary of Brand Connect Asia, has recently inked a deal with premium Italian winemaker Zenato for exclusive distribution rights in Phuket. Managing Director of Brand Connect Phuket, David Ghani, says securing the Zenato account over local wine specialist Wine and Taste was a boon for the young company, established in 2013, which has been steadily growing its portfolio of brands.

“Wine and Taste did an excellent job with Zenato in the Phuket market. We appreciate all the work that they did with the brand previously and we are looking forward to taking the brand to the next level. Zenato is a great addition to our growing portfolio of premium wine brands,” said Mr Ghani.

Mr Ghani said that landing the Zenato account continues the company’s recent string of successful brand acquisitions.

Last year Brand Connect Phuket secured distribution rights for several big spirit makers including the Branca Portfolio (Fernet Branca,

Nadia Zenato of the world-renowned Zenato Winery with David Ghani, Managing Director of Brand Connect Phuket.

Branca Menta, Car pano) and Beluga Vodka. They have also won the rights for several winemakers such as Gaja Ca Marcanda and Bruno Paillard Champagne and have secured contracts with premium hotels Trisara and Outrigger to supply their house-pour spirits.

“Brand Connect Phuket was initially set up to take advantage of the lack of premium, niche spirits brands available on the island. The spirits business globally has moved on from your standard commercial brands to more hand-crafted spirits and small

batch luxury products,” said Mr Ghani.

“As we grew more familiar with the island, it became apparent that the wine market had also become quite stagnant and there was a clear opportunity to innovate and breathe new life into the industry,” he added.

The Zenato deal was announced during a recent visit to Phuket by Nadia Zenato, who heads up the brand’s global sales and marketing efforts. Ms Zenato said she was pleased to be partnering with Brand Connect Phuket and its partner importer GFour

Fine Wines and Spirits, who she said are well positioned to promote both their premium and entry-level wines on the island.

“I think our wines can really grow in this market.

They (Brand Connect Phuket) are people that really know about Italian wines, about our story and our culture,” she said.

During her recent visit to Phuket, Ms Zenato hosted a wine dinner at the Pullman Arcadia to showcase the brand’s range of wines to consumers, media and the local hospitality industry.

“I think events like these are important, I try to transmit our passion, our story, so they can promote the wines with their customers,” she said.

“We are a truly family business, my father started it in 1960, my brother is the head winemaker, and I’m in charge of sales strategy and marketing.”

“My father passed away six years ago, he was a great teacher and we are carrying on the tradition, we have a nephew joining the business, so I am very positive about the future,” she added.

Zenato has 70 hectares of

established vineyards in the Verona region of Northern Italy, just outside of Venice, and according to Ms Zenato, they are planting a further 20 hectares this year to increase their production capacity. The company exports 70% of its production and Ms Zenato said that Thailand in particular and Asia in general are a fast growing market for wine.

“We sell our wine in more than 60 countries and I’m sure that in two or three years Thailand will be an even more important market. Bangkok is changing quickly and so is Hanoi, so I believe there is a lot of possibility to grow here in the Asian market,” she said.

“The style of our wines is very adaptable to Asian food or Thai food, it’s not just for Italian food,” she added.

Mr Ghani said established “old-world” wine brands like Zenato are easier to market at a premium, because, despite their typically higher price tags, they have strong brand identity associated with quality and expertise.

“It’s definitely easier to sell premium old world wine, but a lot of the volume comes from the cheaper new-world wines. Rosé is the perfect wine for this climate so we hope sell a lot of Zenato’s Rosé.”

Hotels association unveils ‘Brand Phuket’ HOSPITALITY TH E R ECENTLY LAUnched Phuket Hotels Association (PHA) on Monday (Jan 23) unveiled “Brand Phuket” at the annual Thailand Tourism Forum event, held at the InterContinental Bangkok, to over 550 travel and tourism leaders from around the region.

The brand identity, set to drive the profile of the destination around the world, was created by global branding agency QUO, focusing on positive stories about the experiences, natural beauty and the people of Phuket.

Phuket Hotels Association, a grouping of over 61 hotel members at its launch representing over 9,000 rooms, is an initiative by a pioneering collection of Thai and expatriate hoteliers on the island, advised by Wichit Na Ranong, former President of the Thailand Tourism Council and owner of The Slate Phuket resort.

“Thailand’s tourism indus@thephuketnews

try has undergone a period of extraordinary growth and it is a time to take a step back, consolidate and position and plan for the future,” said Mr Wichit. “The central and core intention of Phuket Hotels Association is to bring the industry together to develop the destination.

“Tourism has been good to Phuket and we now need to ensure we are reinvesting through environmental and educational programmes to ensure benefits and advantages are spread. Brand Phuket encapsulates all of these areas and will help to position the destination for the future.”

Anthony Lark, General Manager of the renowned Trisara resort, has been appointed to the role of President of Phuket Hotels Association, supported by marketing, education and environmental committees, aimed at spreading advice on best practices and supporting community initiatives.

“We are delighted to be making a positive contribu-

tion,” said Mr Lark. “By standing together and speaking with the same voice we can present Brand Phuket to international markets in a consistent manner, focusing on the experiences, natural beauty and people of the destination as the three greatest assets. We have welcomed numerous Thai and expatriate members since we first started late last year and we are looking forward to 2017 to double our membership and together make a difference to the industry on the island.”

Branding agency QUO drove a vision and strategy to establish a unique positioning and profile for Phuket to bring distinction to the island’s myriad assets.

“Phuket is one of Asia’s, if not the world’s, greatest tropical destinations and it offers a remarkable panoply of attractions,” said QUO CEO David Keen.

“It is critical that the island’s amazing attractions are harnessed under one umbrella.

We have formed a memorable identity that will bring

distinction, a better cultural understanding and we hope stronger desire for the destination.”

The hotel association will also be launching its first fundraising activity at a gala event in Phuket on May 13, which aims to raise B3.5 million for a hospitality-focused educational scholarship programme.

The Phuket News

From left: QUO CEO David Keen; PHA advisor, former Thailand Tourism Council President and The Slate Phuket owner Wichit Na Ranong; Trisara GM Anthony Lark; and Outrigger VP Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific Mark Simmons.

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

MICE matches mean business

Startup MeetinThailand delivers buyer-supplier platform MICE Chris Husted execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

I

t may have been 10 years since its inception, but Phuket startup MeetinThailand came together within months after the right person to lead the team that drives the unique MICE and wedding supplier-buyer platform became available.

“It was more of a matter of good timing,” explains MeetinThailand Business Development Manager & Managing Editor Markus Vogt. “After that it was just a matter of using simple, but critical, management tools to bring it all together,” he said.

Today, MeetinThailand. com, developed under Phuket’s own IMAGE asia, already features more than 160 suppliers – convention venues, caterers, logistics support companies, among others – and the website launched only in November.

“The site was actually built by last July, but the back-end testing and building took a

few months to make sure everything was right,” Mr Vogt recalls.

The trick was keeping the web development team on track, he notes.

“Once you have a good team, they just need to be kept to schedule. Like all enthusiastic I.T. developers, they are not worried about whether a site is live – they are concerned if anything is not right even before the site is launched and still offline,” Mr Vogt says.

“Of all things, a simple project schedule was the most valuable tool of all. Keeping a large project simple so it remains manageable and the individuals each just focus on the next task at hand is what brought it all together,” he adds.

That foundation remains a key factor in MeetinThailand’s rapid growth. Koh Samui will be brought online by early March and other locales lined up include Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. The portal will also feature a host of regional destinations in central,

VERY MICE GUY: Markus Vogt, MeetinThailand Business Development Manager & Managing Editor. northern, northeastern and southern Thailand.

“Many of these lesserknown destinations offer the special experience of an event remote from the beaten track, but without sacrificing the unique appeal of holding your event in Thailand – the welcome, the professionalism and the will to make your event a huge success,” Mr Vogt explains.

The regional aspect is not lost on MeetinThailand’s business plan. The TCEB (Thailand Convention and

Exhibition Bureau) reported that Thailand’s MICE industry last year attracted 1.06 million international MICE travellers pumping B92 billion into the Thai economy, with the top source markets China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, the USA, Laos, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.

“For 2017, the TCEB forecasts 1.2 million international MICE visitors,” Mr Vogt notes, and that is with a predicted revenue generation of B101bn for the country.

Yet, despite the growth of

the Thai MICE industry in recent years, what has remained missing is a bridge to bring a wide range of event service suppliers and buyers together in a single portal “We have a niche market, not millions of users – and this is the big challenge,” Mr Vogt says. “It’s no longer a matter of a buyer (event organiser) contacting a hotel giving the event away (to the hotel) to be organised. I want to go further.

“If the buyer wants a much wider choice for destinations, hotels, transportation right down to attractions and even restaurants in the area where the event is to be held, he can find everything here. That’s our unique selling factor,” he explains.

In short, service suppliers upload their profile and list what they can provide, buyers log in and start shopping.

“Buyers can create a template of everything they want for an event, then select suppliers they are interested in to their wishlist. Then, with one click they can send out

the initial contact form,” Mr Vogt explains.

They can also separate suppliers by groups.

“Say I have six hotels I want to talk to, a couple of transportation companies, and so on – maybe up to 15 suppliers, Mr Vogt adds.

“I can send the contact form to a separate buyer group at the one time so I can include additional information relevant to that group, then send the contact template to another group of suppliers with extra information relevant to that group.

“From there on it is direct contact, and we are out of the negotiations. The form is sent directly to the supplier, and the supplier replies directly to the buyer.”

In all, simplicity is key, Mr Vogt notes.

“With so many aspects to consider, what we bring to the table is a one-stop solution with the greatest range of choice of suppliers, which makes the buyers’ role so much easier – and no-one else is doing that,” he says.

Randone new COO at Thanyapura CORPORATE PAOLO RANDONE HAS been named Chief Operating Officer of Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort. Mr Randone returned to Thailand after living in Singapore for the past six years and joined Thanyapura in December 2016.

With over 25 years of experience in hospitality management in Southeast Asia, the Italian native recently led the development and growth of restaurants for DHM – Singapore as its Group General Manager.

The multi-cultural veteran travelled to Asia in 1992, where he worked in large and boutique hotels in Seoul, Jakarta, Bali and Singapore.

M r Randone is not a stranger to Thailand, having worked as the Executive Assistant Manager at Dusit Thani Bangkok and later as the pre-opening General Manager of Dusit D2 Pattaya from 2007-2010.

In his current role, Mr Randone will work alongside Philipp Graf von Hardenberg, the President and CEO of Thanyapura, on advancing the company’s strategy. He is in charge of facilitating

FUN, FIT & FINANCIAL: Paolo Randone has been named Chief Operating Officer of Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort. coordination between sporting and health complexes, as well as leading the operations of one of the best “Health & Sports Resorts in Asia”.

“I’m delighted to welcome Paolo to our team as we continue Thanyapura’s expansion in becoming the top destination for a world-class venue for lifestyle modifications and global sporting events,” said Mr Graf Von Hardenberg.

“While 2015 marked the start of our new investments into the complex, those plans are taking shape in 2017.

Our reputation as one of the finest sports facilities is

unparalleled – and we seek to replicate those successes in burgeoning markets for health, wellness, nutrition, mind training and sports.”

Among the plans coming to fruition is the recently upgraded “Garden Wing” for Thanyapura’s Health & Wellness guests. The 37-room wing launches a new concept, welcoming guests with holistic offerings designed to welcome a healthy lifestyle and a balanced mind. Guests of the Garden Wing can enjoy exclusive benefits including yoga, meditation, health and wellness consultations, mind training, well-being educational talks and nature walks.

Meanwhile, Mr Radone, having started to enjoy triathlon races only three years ago, competed in 70.3 Ironman - Vietnam in 2016. He believes anything is possible if you put your heart and mind into it, despite one’s age.

“I am excited to work with Philipp on growing Thanyapura’s brand. We change lives through sports and wellness programs. At Thanyapura, we help guests maintain a healthy lifestyle by optimising their potential,” said Mr Randone.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Discover some natural Thai beauty treatments

17

A look inside Myanmar’s worsening wildlife trade

19

LUCKY NEW YEAR!

Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town will be visited by hordes seeking luck and blessings for the New Year.

@thephuketnews

Chinese New Year brings triple festivities to Phuket > P20

16 EDUCATION

Off to a royal start

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presides over Grand Opening of HeadStart The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

L

The Princess signs a tile to mark the opening of the school.

Head Girl Isabel Fruehwirth presents the Princess with flowers.

fered her an alpaca, which is the organisation’s mascot.

The school received numerous compliments from different government departments that were in attendance on how well the ceremony was organised and how well behaved the students were. Although there was slight panic when it was found out that the Princess was arriving earlier than planned, students and staff remained focused and made themselves instantly ready for the visit.

The parents, students and staff of HeadStart were greatly honoured to have had the Princess visit HeadStart International School.

In commemoration of this occasion the school organised purple wristbands (purple is the Princess’ colour) to keep as a memory of this special day.

Some of the students involved in the ceremony spoke of their respect and honour for

ast week, on January 19, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the Grand Opening of HeadStart International School, Phuket.

Over 70 parents and guests attending the ceremony gave donations towards the more than 100 royal projects that the Princess presides over. Each person receiving a royal brooch in appreciation for their contribution.

The HeadStart singers and dancers were honoured to perform a traditional Thai dance, after which the Princess visited presentation booths set up to highlight some of the main events at the school and the accomplishments of HeadStart students. The Princess lit up in a big smile as HeadStart’s World Scholars of-

The Princess poses for a photo with key members of the school’s staff. the Princess and expressed their gratitude for the visit.

“I was honoured to introduce ‘Into the Woods’ to Her Royal Highness the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and then see a huge smile on her face when we were performing,” said Julianna Mester, Year 10.

“To dance in front of the Princess was a once in a life time opportunity and I will never forget the experience,” said Eve Whittaker, Year 10.

“I thank Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for coming to visit our school. We are incredibly proud and honoured to be a part of this event today,” said Brendon Ed-

Students meet with the Princess. ouard, Year 12.

“Just being in the presence of Her Royal Highness makes me feel honoured beyond words,” said Naomi Kochan, Year 10.

“I was inspired by Her Royal Highness’ kindness and determination to raise a tremendous amount of money for charity,” Robert Abdulaev, Year 10.

BISP student makes national public speaking finals

B

ritish International School Phuket (BISP) student Rebecca Preen, 16, was recently selected to compete in the national final of the Thailand Public Speaking Competition 2017 to be held on March 24 in Bangkok. The contest, organised by the Ministry of Education and the English Speaking Union (Thailand), is open to Thai students from high schools and universities across the country.

Rebecca earned one of the 10 places in the final after competing in the semi-final competition against the top 64 students from across Thailand at the Trang Hotel in Bangkok on January 15. At 16, Rebecca was one of the youngest students taking part in the

competition, up against many older students, some of them from respected universities.

“When I went there it was a huge surprise, there were people there from Mahidol and Chulalongkorn [universities] and their English was amazing.

They could speak fluently and they had great ideas,” said Rebecca.

Despite the tough completion, Rebecca impressed the judges with her take on the set topic “Peace is not an absence of war”, giving a five minute rehearsed speech. Following the set topic, competitors were then tasked to give an impromptu speech and given three topics to choose from. Rebecca choose the topic “To control the media

is to control the mind” and again dazzled the judges with her clear thinking and elocution.

Rebecca’s success comes after a month of practice and study after she was selected by her teachers to be the sole BISP student to attend the competition.

“I was selected and I thought it would be a really good experience and opportunity. I didn’t know much about it but when I went to the hotel and the conference, I realised it was really big, Rebecca Preen at the competition in Bangkok. with schools from all over Thailand,” said Rebecca.

Although she has taken part in two “As an audience member, it is so Model United Nations events at BISP, interesting to hear what our young peoRebecca said she wasn’t known for her ple have to say. She presented a very public speaking skills, but welcomed interesting impromptu speech about the chance to improve them. the dangers of media bias on a global “In the past my public speaking scale and said she felt that some of her wasn’t great but now its improved a International Baccalaureate (IB) sublot. I had about a month preparation. jects studied at BISP, especially Global I made sure I had solid points, and bePerspectives, really helped her in this cause it is the same topic for everyone I round as she has researched widely on had to try to make it unique,” she said. current issues and world events,” added “I think schools should encourage Ms Burley. students to do more public speaking,” The next step will be to compete she added. against the 10 Thai finalists in BangEnglish teacher and Debate Society kok on March 24 for her chance to reporganiser Leica Burley said she was resent Thailand at the International very pleased with Rebecca’s achievePublic Speaking Competition in Engment. land.

“Watching her growth in our prepaThe annual competition brings together the best young speakers from ration at school and during the workall over the world for a week of intershops in Bangkok before she presented national cultural exchange and public her speech on the last day is what a speaking contests. competition like this is all about,” she Mark Knowles said. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CULTURE 17

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Papaya and tamarind can both be used clean and exfoliate your skin.

Naturally beautiful Traditional Thai beauty secrets utilise simple and natural ingredients SIRINYA’S WORLD Dr Sirinya Pakditawan pakditawan@googlemail.com

T

hai women have often been admired for their flawless and unique beauty. They have been envied for their long silky hair, radiant glowing skin and perfect nails. The secret to Thai women’s beauty probably lies in their genes.

However, there are also some traditional Thai beauty recipes that can help nature along. In this article I’d like to introduce a few different elements of traditional Thai beauty techniques and the natural ingredients they utilise. I would particularly like to describe some of the special foods and nutrients that can aid good skin and hair and enhance natural beauty.

Coconut oil

Thai food and also traditional Thai beauty products often contain coconut oil, which is one of the best natural oils.

Coconut oil has numerous health benefits. Thus, it is great for all parts of the body. Organic extra virgin coconut oil is the best type to use for beauty routines, it functions as a multi-purpose product for your face, body and hair.

For example, coconut oil can be used as a make up remover, in particular for removing eye make up. It is very gentle to the skin and thus suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. That is to say coconut oil is very nourishing to the gentle eye area and also strengthens the eyelashes – so it can also function as an eye cream.

Coconut oil is also good as a facial

cleanser to be used when doing the popular oil cleansing method. It is also useful as a hair conditioner and mask because it has the ability to fully penetrate the hair shaft and thus moisturise the hair thoroughly. It works best as a pre-shampoo conditioner. Distribute the coconut oil evenly throughout your hair, leave it in for about an hour, then shampoo your hair and you will have the smoothest hair you’ve ever had.

In addition, coconut oil can also perform as a natural deodorant because it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. To make a coconut oil body scrub just mix equal parts of coconut oil and brown organic sugar. Scrub away and this will leave your skin soft and refreshed.

Used as a facial and body moisturiser, it makes your skin amazing and glowing and does not clog up the pores – coconut oil also has a natural sunscreen roughly equivalent to SPF 4.

Tamarind

Tamarind can be considered a staple of Thai life because it is frequently used in all kinds of Thai recipes. Tamarind has great health and beauty benefits as it is very rich in vitamins and minerals.

Since tamarind contains alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), it provides for a glowing and radiant skin. Tamarind is often used by Thai women as it also brightens and lightens the skin. What is more, it diminishes blemishes and dark spots.

In fact, Tamarind is a wonderful beauty product. It’s most effectively used in the form of pure organic paste. It can be used as a facial cleanser and scrub to exfoliate the skin. Here is a very easy recipe for tamarind cleanser: mix honey and tamarind paste in equal parts and add three tablespoons of yoghurt. Then gently apply this mixture all over your face, avoiding the delicate eye area. After 10 minutes wash it off. It’s a perfect treatment for removing dead skin cells and increasing blood circulation.

Papaya

Coconut oil is good for your hair. @thephuketnews

Papaya is an amazing beauty agent and has wonderful benefits since it contains the miracle papain enzyme. It is also used in traditional medicine, where the leaves of the plant are used to treat the symptoms of dengue fever (note: always seek medical help if you suspect you have dengue fever). A facial or body mask made from the papaya fruit pulp gives the skin a healthy and radiant glow. This is because the papain enzyme

works as an exfoliator, removing dead skin cells. Make an easy face and body mask by simply mashing the ripe papaya fruit pulp into a paste. Apply this to your face and body, let it sit for about 1015 minutes and then rinse and shower everything off.

Lemongrass can help remove toxins.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is another very common ingredient in Thai dishes. However, Thai women also appreciate lemongrass for its beauty benefits because it has detoxifying and exfoliating properties. Lemongrass is most commonly used for facial steams and it suits all skin types.

Here is an easy recipe to make a lemongrass face steam: take a pot of boiling water and put in about 40g of fresh finely chopped lemongrass. Let the mixture stand for about half an hour and then strain it. After that, inhale the steam for about one minute and let your skin absorb it too. Repeat it several more times until you have a lovely sauna effect. Thus, the steam cleanses and opens up your pores so that dirt and excess oils are removed.

Maybe you’d like to give these traditional natural Thai beauty secrets a try? I think it’s really worth a go and the ingredients are cheap, natural and plentiful, so you’ve got nothing to lose!

In fact, traditional Thai beauty has also been a great subject in the visual arts and painting. For instance, the Thai National Artist Chakrabhand Posayakrit very often portrayed beautiful and flawlessly complexioned Thai women.

Sirinya Pakditawan is a ‘luk kreung’, or half-Thai, born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. She enjoys writing about Thailand, with a focus is on culture, art, history, tradition and on the people, as well as a mix of topics concerning Thai popular culture, travelogues and articles about Thai food.

Sirinya’s aim is not only to entertain you but to provide you with information and facts about Thailand, its culture and history that may not be generally known, in particular to the Western world. She has a PhD in American Studies from the University of Hamburg.

To read the original story, and many more, be sure to check out Sirinya’s blog: www.sirinyas-thailand.de

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

ENVIRONMENT 19

Chunks of dried elephant skin are sold as a remedy for skin problems. Photo: AFP

Elephant poaching on the rise Hla Hla Htay & Caroline Henshaw

U

nder the shadow of Myanmar’s famed “Golden Rock” punters haggle for the latest traditional medicine cure – slices of skin from the country’s fast disappearing wild elephants, sold for a few dollars a square inch.

A set of stairs winds behind one of the Buddhist country’s most holy sites to a maze of shops openly selling everything from pieces of ivory and tiger’s teeth to vials of bear oil. But there is a new fad luring devotees of traditional medicine.

“Elephant’s skin can cure skin diseases like eczema,” one shop owner, who requested anonymity, told AFP next to a counter brimming with porcupine quills and snake skins.

“You burn pieces of skin by putting them in a clay pot. Then you get the ash and mix it with coconut oil to apply on the eczema.”

He breaks off to talk to a potential buyer, who baulks at the price tag of 5,000 kyat ($3.65) per square inch (6.5 square centimetres) of elephant skin.

Another young man touting his wares nearby promised a paste made from ground up elephant teeth would “cure pimples and remove black spots”.

“Your face will be smooth and white after you use it,” he said grinning.

Animal parts on display. Photo: Dan Bennett @thephuketnews

Elephant poaching in Myanmar has jumped tenfold in recent years, the government said this week, driven by growing demand for ivory, hide and body parts. Increasingly carcasses are being found stripped of their skin, the hide used for traditional medicine or reportedly turned into beads for jewellery. Some of it is sold in local markets, but the vast majority goes to feed neighbouring China’s inexhaustible taste for exotic animals.

Myanmar’s wild elephant population is thought to have almost halved over the past decade to around 2,000-3,000.

The animals are killed or smuggled alive to be used in the tourist industry in neighbouring Thailand.

“We’re in the middle of a crisis,” said Antony Lynam, regional adviser at the Wildlife Conservation Society.

“If we’re losing this number it can’t be too many more years before wild elephants are gone.”

Elephants are one of dozens of endangered species being trafficked through Myanmar, which has become a key hub in the $20 billion (B704.2bn) a year global wildlife trade.

Watchdog TRAFFIC claims the country has “the largest unregulated open markets for tiger parts” in Southeast Asia, which experts say also sell everything from African rhino horn and clouded leopard skins to pangolins.

Much of the trade runs through the country’s lawless eastern periphery, controlled by a sophisticated network of criminals who are thought to be armed and funded by powerful “kingpins” in China.

It is lucrative business: in Mong La, on Myanmar’s eastern border, sales of ivory alone are thought to rake in tens of millions of dollars a year.

Hunting endangered animals is illegal in Myanmar, which is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

But the maximum fine for anyone caught is less than $60, while laws are poorly enforced.

As a result the number of cases that we see in terms of wildlife crimes are really, really low,” said Giovanni Broussard, regional coordinator at the UN’s drug and crime enforcement agency.

Recently the government pledged to strengthen the law on killing elephants and clamp down on the trade in ivory and body parts. At a regional

level, Southeast Asian bloc Asean has set up a wildlife enforcement network to stop trafficking and seizures of endangered animal products have been on the rise. Last month China also said it would ban the ivory trade by the end of 2017.

Still, experts say Myanmar has a long way to go to save its elephants.

“There is a lack of political will and society as a whole is not really interested,” said Vincent Nijman, a professor at Oxford Brookes University who has studied wildlife trafficking in Myanmar for a decade.

AFP

Tiger parts are sold as well. Photo: Dan Bennett

20 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

A feast of festivals

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Sameeroh Mayee

C

hinese New Year is just around the corner, so get ready for noisy firecrackers, colourful processions and all sorts of entertainment as Phuket welcomes the Year of the Rooster.

This year the first day of the Chinese New Year will fall on this Saturday (Jan 28) and there will be three big festivals coinciding with the New Year: Wat Chalong Fair, Chinese New Year Festival and Phuket Old Town Festival.

The celebrations will see lots of colourful lanterns decorate the streets, shops and houses – from the clocktower at the historic Standard Chartered Bank building and all along Phang Nga Rd in Phuket Old Town’s quarters. The entrances of many shops and houses will be festooned with red banners, lanterns and decorations to encourage luck and happiness during the coming year.

During the three-day Chinese New Year festival there will be performances of traditional dragon dances, New Year foods and desserts, as well as music and art. The four main Phuket Old Town streets – Thalang, Krabi, Dibuk and Phang Nga roads – will be closed to motorised traffic for the three evenings of the celebrations.

Following on from the Chinese New Year Celebrations will be the annual Phuket Old Town Festival from Feb 3 to 5. The festival will feature an opening ceremony, local art exhibitions, traditional Thai games, Traditional food stalls, Thai snacks and highlight the town’s Sino-Portuguese architecture.

This year, the four main streets

The Wat Chalong Fair will be toned down.

Chinese New Year will be celebrated in Phuket Old Town. Photo: PN file of the Old Town will have themes: Thalang Road will be “stories of the past”; Krabi Road will tell “stories of the present”; Phang Nga Rd will look at “stories of the future”, and Dibuk Road will have clothes and food for sale made by the Thai Peranakan Association. Activities usually start at around 3pm and run until midnight during the festival.

Phuket City Municipality is also asking local residents to prepare for the festivals and by cleaning up their local area. A campaign entitled “Clean House for Chinese New Year” is currently underway and will run until Jan 28 to help persuade locals to keep their buildings clean and preserve the local environment and historical scenery.

“Chinese New Year is important for local people with Chinese heritage and this year Phuket City Municipality will continue its annual ‘Clean House for Chinese New Year’ project,” said Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupapana.

“We will be assisting people in the Phuket municipal area with cleaning up their houses and disposing of rubbish in front of their houses. We will be operating extra rubbish truck runs between 10am and 9pm from Jan 15 until Jan 28,” she concluded.

The annual Wat Chalong Fair will also returns for 2017 from Jan 27 until Feb 2, but this year’s festivities will be toned down due to the death of King Bhumibol in October last year.

Wat Chalong, or Chalong Temple, is the largest temple in Phuket and its annual fair matches the temple’s size and prominence. Running for seven days and seven nights, this year’s festival will coincide with Chinese New Year celebrations. Many Chinese people also to pray and pay their respects to Buddha to mark the Lunar New Year.

Chalong Temple is the spiritual and cultural centre of local people in the community and the fair is an opportu-

The Phuket Old Town Festival celebrates history. nity for people in the community gather together to have fun and entertainment and honour the Lord Buddha. Talking about the toned-down nature of the fair this year Chalong Mayor Samran Jindaphol said, “We won’t focus on amusements due to the passing away of the late King.

“We will honour [venerated monks] Luang Por Chaem, Luang Por Chuang and Luang Por Gluerm,” he added.

“We don’t know how many stalls will be at the fair yet,” he added.

Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos, who is also involved in organising the fair, added, “This year will not have any entertainment because this is a time to commemorate the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

“The back of Wat Chalong that used to have stages and games machines, will now be the parking area. We will have lots of OTOP products on sale,” he added.

Laguna to hold Food & Music Festival for charity

L

aguna Phuket this March will hold its inaugural Food & Music Festival as part of its year-long celebrations to mark the resort complex’s 30th anniversary this year.

The event will be held by the lagoons at Canal Village from Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 5.

To mark the resort’s 30-year milestone, Laguna Phuket will present a year-long campaign with several keynote events at the resort. In line with its ethos of empowering people, throughout its celebrations a Children First Fund has been set up with the objective of “Nourishing Hearts, Inspiring Dreams”. Part proceeds from the key events throughout the year will be contributed in support of the nutrition of needy children in Phuket orphanages.

“Marking our 30th anniversary with the focus of nurturing the future generation, we have set up the Children First Fund,” said Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket.

“The first-ever Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival, working with popular Celebrity Chef Audra Morrice, and our other key events throughout the year will be unique platforms to raise funds for the needy children,

Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket (2nd from left) and Laguna Phuket’s Executive Chefs ready to whip up a feast for the Food & Music Festival on March 3-5. developing aspiring youths and giving back to where we operate in,” he added.

The festival, beginning on Mar 3, will see various resorts at Laguna Phuket serve up sumptuous “Music & Wine” dinners with the aim of heightening Phuket’s status as a “City of Gastronomy” as conferred by Unesco.

On Mar 4, the festival will feature “live” culinary demonstrations by Australian reality cooking competition

MasterChef Asia Judge Chef Audra Morrice along with other international chefs, pop-up concept food booths serving international and Peranakan (“Baba Nyonya”, or peninsular ethnic Chinese) cuisine, food trucks and a beer garden accompanied by professional musical performances.

There will be the very first Laguna Phuket Chefs Challenge emphasising the use of local ingredients and there will also be performances by bands

made up of aspiring youths.

The festival’s star-studded Charity Gala Dinner with auctions will be held at the resort’s grand Latitude Marquee on Mar 4 with appearances by celebrity stars, while the Laguna Phuket Charity Super Sunday Brunch will take place at Xana Beach Club on Mar 5.

Gala tickets will be available for sale from February 1 at all Laguna Phuket resorts: Angsana Laguna Phuket, Angsana Villas Resort Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket, Cassia Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort and Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort; as well as Laguna Tours Desk and Laguna Tours Office in Canal Village and online at ticket@lagunaphuket.com. Advance booking is recommended.

For more information, visit www.lagu naphuket.com/foodandmusicfestival, call +66 (0) 76 362300 ext. 1404 or email: ticket@lagunaphuket.com and follow us on Facebook/LagunaPhuket Resort.

The Phuket News and Khao Phuket are proud media sponsors of this event. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 21

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Cool Bananas Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

H

ello and welcome to our first Yin yoga pose for the year.

I am super excited to introduce you to a whole year of Yin! We are going to be one cool, calm and relaxed island this year, that’s for sure!

The first Yin posture I have chosen to share with you this month, is also the posture that I usually start with when teaching a Yin yoga class. Bananasana has rather a cute name and as you can see, very fitting for the shape the body makes.

The idea of this posture is to arch the body much like the shape of a banana, in order to gain an amazing stretch down the whole side of the body. The focus is on: • Working the spine for a better side bend (lateral stretch).

• Stretching the IT band.

• Opening the rib cage and inter- costal muscles.

• Stretching the shoulder and armpit • Opening and stretching the gall

bladder meridian Let’s look at how we practice Bananasana, step by step: 1. Lying on your back, feet together and holding both hands to opposite elbows.

2. Focus your mind on the right hip and on an in-breath drag your chest and shoulders towards the left, away from the right hip.

3. Hold firm with the hands on the elbows.

4. Keep the right hip anchored and on an in-breath, take both feet together towards the left, away from the right hip.

5. Hold this position (see photo one) for one minute.

6. After the first minute, cross your right foot over the left ankle, keep both legs straight (see photo two).

7. Hold this position for three minutes.

The total pose time being four minutes.

8. The focus being to keep the right hip and right shoulder sinking towards the mat and creating a nice deep side bend.

Cross your right foot over left your ankle and hold for another three minutes.

Hold this position for one minute.

9. On an in-breath, remove the right foot from the left ankle and bring the chest back to centre on completion of the time held and repeat with the left side of the body.

10. Remember that when practicing Yin yoga, we work with a longer outbreath than your in-breath. Allow the in-breath to be its natural length and breathe out for twice as long, this is called a breath ratio of 1:2.

On another note, it is Chinese New Year this month, so to celebrate the new year I have worn red, even though it is the colour symbolizing fire, (not very Yin), red also symbolizes good fortune and joy and we can all use more of that in our lives. Here is to a happy and prosperous year to you all, happy Chinese New Year.

Happy stretching Metta, Kim, oxo

Weekend exercise may be as good as daily workouts: study

P

eople who exercise mainly on the weekends may reap significant health and survival benefits, on par with people who work out more regularly, researchers say.

Currently, experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. But no consensus has been reached on just how often a person needs to exercise, and whether activities should be done daily or condensed into shorter periods.

The findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine showed that people who pack all of their exercise into one or two days of the week – often referred to as “weekend warriors” – appear to lower their risk of dying about as much as people who exercise three times a week or more.

The study looked at survey responses from nearly 64,000 people, and grouped them in four categories: inactive, insufficiently active, weekend warrior and regularly active.

All three groups of people who got exercise fared better than people who were inactive. Comparing weekend warriors with inactive adults, researchers found that those who exercised just one or two days a week saw about a 30% lower risk of dying. The risk of cardiovascular death for weekend warriors was 40% lower and the risk of cancer death was 18% lower than among inactive adults.

Similar effects were seen among insufficiently active people who got less than the recommended amount, and regularly active people who exercised three or more days per week.

Compared with the inactive participants, the risk of dying of any cause among insufficiently active participants was 31% lower, and 35% lower in regularly active participants.

The risks of dying from heart disease or cancer among insufficient exercisers and regular exercisers were also quite similar – each within a few percentage points – to the weekend warriors’ reduced risk.

“It is very encouraging news that being physically active on just one or two occasions per week is associated with a lower risk of death, even among people who do some activity but don’t quite meet recommended exercise levels,” said senior author Emmanuel Stamatakis, associate professor at the University of Sydney.

“However, for optimal health benefits from physical activity it is always advisable to meet and exceed the physical activity recommendations,” he added.

AFP @thephuketnews

Weekend warriors still reap the benefits of exercise.

Exceeding basic physical activity recommendations is better still.

22 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Kids enjoy their new fireman's hats. Photo: Zion Gallery

THE GIVE OUT CLUB PHUKET CELEBRATES CHILDREN'S DAY

Phuket City Municipality also celebrated Children's Day, giving out prizes to lucky children.

Children enjoyed various activities during the celebrations at the Give Out Club Phuket, a free activity centre run by volunteers of the Zion of God Church. The children were given hats by the Phuket Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and colouring books from Class Act Media.

Children with their new colouring books. Photo: Zion Gallery

RIDE 4 KIDS VISITS BANYA LITERACY CENTRE

Students from the Good Shepherd BanYa Literacy Centre pose with Ride 4 Kids committee members.

Ride 4 Kids Charity committee members recently visited The Good Shepherd BanYa Literacy Centre to donate toys and clothing to the children. Preparations are under way for the Ride 4 Kids charity ride from Hua Hin to Phuket from March 6-11. The event will raise money and awareness for underprivileged children from the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation and Good Shepherd Charity.

CELEBRATING CHILDREN'S DAY AT PHUKET BOAT LAGOON Dozens of families with their young children visited Phuket Boat Lagoon's Boat Arcade shopping centre to celebrate the annual Children's Day. There were lots of entertainment and fun prizes for the kids, who also got a chance to dress up as their favourite characters for the day.

A mother helps her son ride his new bike at Boat Lagoon.

The mermaid theme was a hit with the kids.

From left: Tipaporn Koonphol, PierreAndre Pelletier and Richard Margo.

AMARI CELEBRATES 32 YEARS IN PHUKET'S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY The Amari Phuket management team, led by Pierre-Andre Pelletier – Vice President and Area General Manager, South Thailand (middle), Tipaporn Koonphol – Deputy General Manager (left), and Richard Margo – Hotel Manager (right), recently organised a Buddhist ceremony to celebrate the hotel’s 32nd anniversary.

South Dynasty Restaurant investors at the recent grand opening.

SOUTH DYNASTY RESTAURANT OPENS AT THE SHILLA DUTY FREE PHUKET South Dynasty Restaurant at The Shilla Duty Free in Kathu is now open and serving an international buffet lunch and dinner with a capacity of up to 600 seats. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

HRH PRINCESS MAHA CHAKRI SIRINDHORN PRESIDES OVER GRAND OPENING OF HEADSTART Last Thursday (Jan 19), HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the Grand Opening of HeadStart International School, Phuket. Over 70 parents and guests attending the ceremony. The HeadStart singers and dancers were honoured to perform a traditional Thai dance, after which the Princess visited presentation booths set up to highlight the school and its students.

(For more information see page 16.)

From left: CEO Jazon Edouard, Events Coordinator Collette Edouard, School Licensee Parimon Phaisamran and After School Manager Anisa Van der Laan.

HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn meets with students.

From left: GM Oriol Montal, Executive Pastry Chef Chakapong Masoo, Executive Chef Dietmar Spitzer together with Chef Jean-Marc Bernelin.

A guest learns some chocolate tips from the master.

JW MARRIOTT PHUKET HOSTS WORLD CHOCOLATE EXPERT AND PASTRY CHEF JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa last week hosted the delightful series of High Tea and Callebaut chocolate cooking demonstrations by Head of the Chocolate Academy, Jean Marc Bernelin.

Chef Bernelin flew in from Shanghai to Phuket for an exclusive one-week chocolate cooking demonstration at Siam Deli.

The PIWC ladies dressed for the occasion.

The lucky winners of the Grand Prize Emirates tickets.

PIWC Members and their guest enjoyed a night of fun and food.

PIWC HOSTS ITS ANNUAL GALA CHARITY DINNER Lots of great prizes were up for grabs on the night.

@thephuketnews

Last Saturday (Jan 21), the Phuket International Women’s Club hosted its annual charity dinner with the theme “Fire and Ice”. The event raised funds for the iconic PIWC scholarships that have helped poor students further their education to the highest level, including medical school, for the last 22 of the charity’s 27 years of existence.

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

27 JAN

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

such as whole Suckling Pig, Peking Duck, Fish Maw Soup, Dim Sum and much more will be part of our International Buffet. Dragon Show, Chinese Dances, Fire Crackers and Lucky Draw will be part of the party.

THB 1,388++ per Adult and THB 694++ per Children.

Reservations, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, 076 201 234.

Mediterranean Sunday Brunch at Metzo’s

Saturday Live Music WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong from 12-6pm! Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Cajun Chicken and Sides for ONLY 395 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavorbursting chicken and more! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN at Two Chefs!!!

Every Saturday live music by the Soulcoustics, 9pm til late. Cariocas Bistro & Lounge Phuket Town, near BKK Hospital.

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

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

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

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

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

See map at www.expathotel.com.

Night Run 2017

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

Try the unique experience of running through Phuket’s Old Town at night for charity. Phuket Night Run 2017 on January 28th, 2017, from 22:30-24:00 hrs at Limelight Avenue Phuket. Every 50 Bht from registration fees go to help bed-bound patients in Phuket City. The three running categories are 3.2km night walk, 5.8km fun run and 11.2km mini night marathon. Registration at: www.phuketnightrun.com or follow registration schedule posted in Facebook: Phuket Nightrun, call: 088-7574119. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

SUN

29 JAN

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

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

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

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

SAT

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

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

28 JAN

Phuket Cycling Race The 3rd Thanyapura Phuket Classic Cycling Race is the first major sporting event for the new year! The exciting and competitive race takes riders on two different distances: the 45km and the advanced 106km.

Cycle through Northern Phuket’s lush jungles, mountains, scenic roads, and exotic coastlines. Registration: (1) Purchase tickets online at: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/thanyapura-phuket-classic-cyclingrace-tickets-26478598200 (2) At the reception desk (Thanyapura Club Services). For contact information see: events@thanyapura.com. Proudly sponsored by Live89.5 Radio.

Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY

Chinese New Year 2017 Welcome the Year of the Roaster that will bring prosperity, happiness and good fortune. Authentic dishes

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Beach, Kata Center, Karon and Patong for Only 395 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites from 12-6pm! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavoured with Thyme and Garlic.

Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN! www.twochefs.com. Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

MON

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

30 JAN

SAT

4 FEB

THU

16 FEB

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

White: Water: Gala Enhance the lives of poor Thai kids on Phuket. Put on your best white clothes and join the Gala. Funds raised will pay for 1000 Kohler Clarity clean water filters. Features: The Colin illy Hill Band featuring Luisa Scarpa, numerous top restaurant food stalls, fabulous Nok Air ticket door prize, outstanding silent auction prizes. 7pm, Latitude, Laguna, February 4. Tickets: http://www.rotarypatong.org/product/tickets

PIWC February Luncheon

The monthly lunch price is 600 baht for members and guests are charged 750 baht per person.

Registration begins at 11:30AM with the lunch service starting at 12:15PM. Lunch RSVP is required, send email to info@piwc-phuket.com All monthly lunch proceeds fund PIWC Scholarship Awards and your support is greatly appreciated.

WED

22 FEB

Michael Jackson Tribute Do you love all of the famous King of Pop’s hits? Don’t miss out at Two Chefs Karon on January 30th 2017 for a Michael Jackson Tribute to remember! Our Famous House Band will be performing from 9pm until late.

Enjoy mouthwatering dishes, food and fun all night long! Moonwalk over to Two Chefs Karon on the 30th and don’t forget to book your table now. RESERVE Now: Karon 076 286 479 Website www.twochefs.com

WED

1 FEB

Dine 4 Pay 3 Oriental Buffet Dinner Extravaganza Embark on a journey to the four corners of Asia and enjoy a lavish array of Thai, Chinese, Japanese and other Oriental recipes. Develop your taste buds and experience new flavours; ranging from spicy curries to barbecued meats and local noodle plates, while watching our Chefs work their magic in the lively kitchen every Wednesday from 18:00 – 22:00 for THB 999 per person at Bubbles Restaurant, Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas. Reservations, Bubbles Restaurant, Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas, h8109@accor.com, 076 231 999.

STEVE AOKI Live at Illuzion

Family Coloured Obstacle Challenge An activity filled afternoon for the whole family in support of Phuket Has Been Good To Us! Have fun with all the family completing a course featuring physical obstacles and brain teasers. Participants receive medals and goody bags! Everyone can enjoy the fantastic carnival atmosphere with food and drink stalls and music from DJ Tank! Sat. 4th February, 3 pm Royal Phuket Marina Adults 500 THB; Children (5-16) 300 THB; <5 KidsMania entrance for 250 THB. Book at 076-278146 or info@phukethasbeengoodtous.org

THU

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

@thephuketnews

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

EVERY DAY

9 FEB

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

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

Two Chefs

PIWC Meet & Greet Coffee February

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

Steve Aoki debuts at ILLUZON Phuket The mostpopular EDM DJ will be spinning an EXCLUSIVE LIVE SET and of course throwing his popular CAKES! WEDNESDAY 22nd FEBRUARY -------------------------Standard pre save Ticket 1,000 THB. VIP RESERVATION: +66 98.024.6369 | rsvn@illuzionphuket.com

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

Do you love flavourful, mouthwatering and innovative cuisine? Come try our wide array of international and local cuisine at Two Chefs! Enjoy our weekly specials and exciting daily Chef’s specials. They’re guaranteed to please! Every Monday Receive 50% Off All Desserts, Tuesday enjoy 20% Off All Tex Mex Dishes, Every Friday enjoy All You Can Eat BBQ Ribs & Chicken for 395 Baht from 12-6pm and Every Sunday enjoy All You Can Eat Sunday Roast for 395 Baht from 12-6pm. Don’t miss out! Come enjoy relaxing evening with our Two Chefs House Band nightly from 8pmlate. RESERVE Now: Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076344-914. Website: www.twochefs.com

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

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Anthony Kiedis is the lead singer of which well-known American band?

2. Boxers Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko featured together in which moive?

3. Which country is the world’s largest enclave or country completely surrounded by another country?

4. Which playing card is often known as the ‘Curse of Scotland’?

5. The Blue Grotto is a sea cave on the coast of which island?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Across 61. Glittery stone 1. Antis 65. Imperturbable 9. Becomes limp 69. Sets apart 15. Scene in a Western 70. Taking over 16. Body of work 71. Stone-gray 17. Easily achieved 72. Is tenacious goals .

19. Early stage Down 20. Road ___ 1. Home of Vigeland 21. Moldovan money Park 22. It’s outstanding 2. Unit of loudness 25. Lady’s man 3. Some captives 26. Unproven ability 4. Expressed 27. Your, of yore admiration 30. Preference 5. Indicated by a 33. No Mr. Nice Guy symbol 35. ___ borer 6. Quite a while 36. Observe Yom 7. Prayer ___ Kippur 8. ___ crazy 40. Showing contrition 9. Pooch 44. Gallic goodbye 10. Direction to a 45. Neighbor of a source for help Vietnamese 11. “___ Town” 46. Suburban sight 12. Fertilization site 47. Collapsible canopy 13. Jimmies 51. The Pointer Sisters’ 14. Arrangement “___ So Shy” 18. Car until 1957 52. A Welsh valley 23. Act the blowhard 55. Georgian, for one 24. Rear 56. Unbending 27. “___-Team” 58. “So that’s your 28. Top dog game!”

29. Cycle maker 59. Starting point for 31. Town in riches Greenland

32. Goblet feature 34. Poker diva 37. Moonfish 38. “Blue” or “White” river 39. They’re caught in pots 41. Count 42. ___ liquor 43. Gaucho’s weapon 48. Audacious 49. Music of India 50. Signs 52. Imogene and family 53. “___ Stop the Rain” (Creedence Clearwater Rivival tune) 54. Cabbage 57. Adagio and allegro 60. Atlantic fish 62. Waist circlers 63. Ding 64. Units of work 66. Kit and caboodle 67. World govt. in TV’s “Futurama” 68. Rotter

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) The Red Hot Chili Peppers; 2) Ocean’s 11 (2001); 3) Lesotho (located inside South Africa); 4) Nine of Diamonds; 5) Capri

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history January 27, 1983 The pilot shaft of the Seikan Tunnel, the world’s longest sub-aqueous tunnel (53.85km) between the Japanese islands of Honshū and Hokkaidō, breaks through.

38

per cent of the US population is eligible to donate blood at any given moment – but less than 10% of those people do.

January 28, 1941 Final air battle of the Franco-Thai War. A Japanese-mediated armistice goes into effect later in the day.

3,391

guns were discovered by TSA officials at US airport checkpoints in 2016 – nearly 30% more than in 2015.

January 29, 2005 The first direct commercial flights from mainland China (from Guangzhou) to Taiwan since 1949 arrives in Taipei.

26,171 bombs were dropped by US forces in seven countries in Barack Obama’s last year as president.

500,000

January 30, 1969 The Beatles’ last public performance, on the roof of Apple Records in London. The impromptu concert is broken up by the police.

US dollars were donated by North Korea to Japan after the devastating 2011 earthquake.

8 billion

US dollars have been given away by 85-year-old philanthropist Charles F. Feeney throughout his lifetime. He now has US$2 million to live on.

Source: Uberfacts

January 31, 1747 The first venereal diseases clinic opens at London Lock Hospital.

February 1, 1972 Kuala Lumpur becomes a city by a royal charter granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.

Free to fly at Bang Wad Dam, Kathu. Photo by Micahel Way Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

February 2, 2007 The worst flooding in Indonesia in 300 years begins.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Jobs

@thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

28 CLASSIFIEDS

Jobs

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 29

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Trades & Services

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CABLE TV SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

IMMIGRATION SERVICES

EDUCATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

@thephuketnews

30 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services classifieds@thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LEGAL SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

OTHER

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

TATTOO

FISHING SERVICE

TRAINING

HOME DECORATION

TRAINING

MUSICAL

ADVERTISE HERE

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 31

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Buy&Sell

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

LOST & FOUND Missing Person

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

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Sign up today for a discount code

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

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE 3-engine speedboat for sale

3-engine speedboat, Length 13.5 m., width 3.4 m, capacity 45 pax + 3 crew. Front seats. Good condition. Inc. 3 Honda engines. 1600000, Vladimir, 084 182 8685.

Long Tail Boat For Sale

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

MEMBERSHIPS

Looking for investor / partner Life Time Family Membership Boating deal of the year: Looking for investor / partnership for Patong beach front Blue Canyon: 750,000 THB includes 140,000 transfer fee.

7.5m baht (reduced location to start with Japanese and Indian restaurant. Loch Palms: 425,000 THB includes 72,000 transfer fee. from 10m baht)

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

Steel boat for sale

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

Narin, narinpga@gmail.com, 081 826 9390.

CAR FOR SALE Nissan Juke 2014

Sporty, compact car, one lady owner.

1.6 with 3 drive modes, sport, normal or eco. Keyless push button start, rear view camera, leather interior in red and black. Bluetooth and wifi capable stereo with hands free. Serviced by Nissan. THB600,000 or near offer.

Call 081 270 2180 (ENG).

Convertible

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

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Beauty Salon with Equipment

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

Restaurant set up for sale

Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI

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

Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc

A fully equipped restaurant in the highly rgent Auto sought after Boat Avenue mall in Laguna. U 57,000km.

One owner since new.

Stainless steel kitchen, Wi-Fi, bar counter, Regularly serviced

by Honda. Tax and service area. Ready to go in days. Email: Insurance until the end of June and available now at right jukeboxphuket@gmail.com, 081 090 1608. offer. Reduced by 40,000 bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht o.n.o, Andy +66846909144, andysmalster@gmail.com Price reduced for quick sale

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

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

MEMBERSHIPS

Loch Palm Golf Membership

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

Tanita, 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

MOVING SERVICES Looking for Moving Company?

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

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Phuket real estate tour

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

WEBSITES, IT For Sale: hoteldealsphuket.com

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale

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

32 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy&Sell

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE Penthouse for quick sale

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

Foreign freehold corner unit

76 sqm, sea and mountain view in Patong Tower, Patong. Reduced to 8.8mn.

Special deal with car, info@sunnyproperty.com, 083 105 2707.

Land near By Pass road

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

Condominium for sale

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

House for sale

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

House for sale

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

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

PoolVilla Mission Heights

villa with salt pool, 330qm 3bed 3.5 bath, 900qm chanote, owner finance, near mission hill golf 2km.

6km PIA, 8km airport 087 060 8400.

16.900.000. picharly@gmail.com

Apartment

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Sea View Villa

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

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

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

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

Land for sale in Saku - Phuket

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

X2 Vibe Phuket Bangtao

Welcoming investor with high yield return 21%. X2 is a privately owned chain of design hotel based out of Thailand 4.59 m. Hot deal Pro, Full Fur, Irene, 139 Soi Cherngtalay 16, Srisoonthron Rd., Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket, sales@oceanstone phuket.com, 095 037 8150.

Beautiful Land in Rawai For Sale

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

Kay McDonnell

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

COMMUNITY

Apartment Country Golf Club House

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Buy&Sell

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

Between Kok Loi and Thai Muang, 38 km from the airport, we are selling a beautiful peice of land with 2 new houses. A perfect place for artists or a sport resort. The land is more than 17 Rai, full of old trees, with a big private lake and located directly behind the river. Chanote title. With a canoe it takes 20 min to paddle to the sea. A great opportunity for a fair price. Price 9.5M, Yupin, residler@gmail.com, 081 817 4805 Thai, Eng, Deutsch.

Outstanding Beach Front Pool Villa

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

A “snip” at 22m THB. Contact email aadmo@btinternet. com, Somjit, aadmo@btinternet.com, 081 9791945.

Land For Sale

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

Prime Land near Natai Beach

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

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

Ten Room Villa for sale

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

House for Sale

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

BBQ area under cover/car port. 4 aircons/7 fans. Very private, close to all services, 500 meters from Heroines Monument. 4.9 mil. o.n.o. Contact Randy. Email randyalltime@gmail.com

LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

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

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE House for Sale

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

Sale by owner Apartment ‘The Pearl of Naithon’ Leasehold

Total area 226,66 SQM including terrace 41,25 Sqm, 50 meters from the beach, 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, Owner purchased at THB 22.5 million, now reduced to only THB 11.5 million for quick sales. MP + 66 (0) 89 814 1458.

MAI KHAO LAND

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT Karon Beach House for rent

96 sqm. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 40 sqm. living room. Only long lease.

18,000, Narumon, naruchai@gmx.de, 082 576 6162.

PRIME LAND+BLDG @CHALONG PIER

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

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

House For sale or rent Baan Manik (Cherngtalay)

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

Asking 4.5 Million Negotiable Rent 25K Per Month Fully furnished or 20K per month unfurnished. 081 9686 051.

CHALONG BEACH FRONT LAND

Beach Front 40m. Long and short term. 1 and half rai(600sq.m.) Mr. Narin, narinpga@gmail.com, 081 826 9390.

Family Pool Villa Rawai

4 Bedroom 4 bathroom 5,000 Baht per night/3 bedroom 3 bathroom 4,000 Baht per night. Quality Furnishings. Contact: rawaihillvillasphuket @gmail.com or 091 654 6249.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Vassana Residence. Rawai

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

Kata Western Apartment

1 and 2 115M2 furnished apartments, full kitchen, huge covered terraces, mountain and seaview.

1 month minimum, 1 year lease starting 20,000/month. gordy240@hotmail.com, 084 840 1262.

Office/Shop for Rent

Ground Floor space with excellent positioning on Chalong Pier Road.

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

Two condos for sale/rent

2 condos for sale 48 sqm. - sale price $60,000 (developer’s price $116,000) & 54,5 sqm. - sale price $70,000 (developer’s price $128,000). Fully furnished, near Central, Big C, BIS, Lotus, hospitals, schools. Communal pool and gym. Short & long time rent available 48 sqm. – THB 10000-15000 per month; 54,5 sqm. – THB 15000-20000 per month + electricity&water, Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

ROOM FOR RENT

Room for rent in attractive house Baan Manik (not far from Anthem wakeboard park). Convenient location for access to Laguna, Boat avenue, Airport and PIA. House is equipped with, Air-con, Internet, Expat-TV, foreign kitchen, washing machine, fridge ect ect. 8000 Baht PCM + Share of Bills. Please email bluebeyond@me.com or call 081 968 6051 for a viewing.

Kamala Villa for rent

5 Bedrooms Villa available for long term, normally 10,000 Baht Nightly price Long lease 70,000 Baht monthly for 1 year minimum, Include pool, garden, courtyard maintenance. Suitable for large or two families. Wanphen, kamalagym2@gmail. com, 080 697 7729.

Villas & Apts Rent-Chalong

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

34 PROPERTY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

HIGH QUALITY MOUNTAIN VIEW VILLA, Naithon 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 389 sqm

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 99.9 sqm

Refurbished 2-bedroom apartment in walking distance to the beach. Corner unit maximizing privacy. Good common area facilities with 2 common pools and 2 fitness rooms.

4,900,000 THB

R e Pr duc ic ed e

15,900,000 THB

Nestled in the valley between Naithon and Nai Yang Beach, this high quality pool villa has a private pool on a sizeable land plot. Just a few minutes from Phuket International airport.

FREEHOLD CONDO 800M FROM KAMALA BEACH, Kamala

2 BEDROOM CONDO 500 METERS FROM THE BEACH, Karon 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 112 sqm

common area facilities. Serviced apartments in well managed estate.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 262 sqm

Measuring 162 sqm internally with a wonderful roof terrace with Jacuzzi, BBQ and seating area. Just a short walk from Bang Tao and Surin Beach, the condominium has a proven track-record of netting 1.1m THB through rentals.

11,500,000 THB

B e in st Su Va rin lue

12,500,000 THB

Situated hillside in Karon with beautiful sunset views across the beach. Good

FREEHOLD PENTHOUSE, Surin

FREEHOLD STUDIO WITH SEA VIEW, Patong Studio, 1 bathroom, 38.4 sqm

3,900,000 THB

Located in Patong with it’s a wide array of local and international eateries.

Stunning view over the city and ocean. Excellent common areas facilities.

FREEHOLD CONDO, Surin Studio, 1 bathroom, 27 sqm

Priced nearly 35% lower than other units, a motivated seller has 4 units on offer in this newly completed development. Beautiful communal rooftop with gym and views

2,700,000 THB

over Bang Tao.

AFFORDABLE POOL VILLA, Kamala 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 169 sqm

7,000,000 THB

With stylish interior and large outdoor space, this freehold villa is nestled on a hill surrounded by lush plantations. Less than 5 minutes to the shops and restaurants of Kamala and 15 minutes to Patong.

LEASEHOLD LAKE VIEW CONDO, LAYAN 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 117 sqm

This leasehold 2-bedroom offers a spacious terrace, open and bright. The colonial style development is very well maintained with lots of greenery, swimming pool, kid’s pool and outdoor seating areas. Must-see development.

6,900,000 THB

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

PROPERTY 35

R e Pr duc ic ed e

Call us today to schedule a viewing or visit Thailand’s leading online marketplace to seach 1000’s of properties in Phuket and all other major locations across Thailand - go to FazWaz.com

LUXURY 3 BEDROOM VILLA WITH DIRECT BEACH ACCESS Bang Tao 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 167 sqm

14,000,000 THB

A luxury beach front estate set around a 20-meter private swimming pool and a large patio with garden view. Also conveniently located near international restaurants and a 5 minute drive to Laem Singh and Surin Beach.

SPACIOUS VILLA WITH MOUNTAIN VIEW, Kathu 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 841 sqm

18,500,000 THB

A 2- story villa with spectacular panoramic view that will give you 841 sqm of generous space amongst lush vegetation.

FREEHOLD 3-BED DUPLEX, Bang Tao 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 232.8 sqm

9,800,000 THB

Unique opportunity to own a townhouse style condominium under a freehold title. Great location by between main shopping amenities and Bang Tao Beach with the new Catch Beach Club a few minutes away.

LAKEFRONT VILLA IN GREAT CONDITION, Laguna

4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 490 sqm

35,000,000 THB

@thephuketnews

Situated on a lakefront corner plot of 1200 sqm, this classic Laguna has recently undergone full cosmetic repair. Terrific location near Boat Avenue and the Bang Tao Bay. Must-See property!

WELL MAINTAINED POOL VILLA, Nai Harn 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 210 sqm

Well-appointed villa in a gated community. Ideal location near shops and restaurants and a 5 minute drive from Nai Harn Beach. Good potential for a high rental return.

7,400,000 THB

IMPRESSIVE SEA VIEW APARTMENT, Ao Po 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 110 sqm

Situated in a quiet 32 apartment complex. Large terrace with a spectacular sea view with surrounding islands as a calming backdrop. Well-managed estate.

7,500,000 THB

TOP FLOOR SPACIOUS APARTMENT, Kamala 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 115 sqm

Surrounded by jungle and a waterfall 100 meters away, this apartment features vaulted ceilings with skylight windows. Wonderful of the common area pool and mountains. Reduced from 4.5m THB to facilitate a quick sale.

3,200,000 THB

POOL VILLA OVERLOOKING THE ANDAMAN SEA, Kamala

4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 1,037 sqm

This exquisite ocean front property hangs from a cliff edge boasting iconic views of the Andaman Sea. With large indoor and outdoor living spaces featuring grand halls and several common and dining spaces.

84,000,000 THB

36 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Season opener delayed

Phuket FC’s league start brought back by a week FOOTBALL

Retained Players Wutichai “Bell” Suksan Nattapoom “Fin” Maya Janawat “F” Arreewansuk Nared “Red” Garbgraikaew Samaan “Blue” Sama Tevanuwat “Jack Pot” Bamrungthin Jakkree “King” Longlok Auksaripong “Aoun” Aungsisrisuk

Matt Pond editor3@thephuketnews.com

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1617: Saturday January 28 Run Start Time: 3:30pm Hares: SBJ Location: Ban Ao Kung Directions: From Heroines Monument go East approx 11 kilometres then turn right.

This is about 500 metres past the turn off to Ao Por. Continue for 1.25km then turn left and follow this road for 1km, then turn right down the track. Laager has limited parking for five cars, so park on the left after 200m or on the track that goes off to the right after 250m. HHH truck will be signed posted same as last time.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2pm Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:30pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

A

n official from the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) responsible for overseeing Thai leagues 3 and 4, the latter of which Phuket will play in this season, has confirmed that League 4 will not now start on Feb 11 as previously advised.

Gorrawee “Big Champ” Prissanananthakun, FAT Organising Chairman for leagues 3 and 4, announced this past week that due to the severe floods in the southern provinces, the commencement of League 4 will be delayed by one week and will now kick-off on Feb 18.

“We originally set Feb 11 as the start date for all le ag ue s i nclud i ng T h ai League 4, however, due to the severe floods in the south we have made the decision to postpone the start of that league until Feb 18,” Mr Gorrawee said.

“However, if the f lood

New Thai Signings

What could well be Phuket FC’s new starting 11. Photo: Hari Lee Song Tue situation in the south of Thailand does not get better we will have to look again to see if league can go ahead on Feb 18 or not,” he added.

Meanwhile, Phuket FC have now announced their official line-up for the upcoming 2017 Thai League 4, a squad of 28 that includes eight players from last season.

In addition, the squad also includes nine players from the neighbouring province’s squad of Phang Nga FC who are unable to compete in the 2017 season due to lack of funds.

An unnamed representative of the Andaman Dragon who spoke to Supersubthailand.com ahead of the upcoming season said that everyone involved with the club understands that 2016 did not go as expected, however, they are confident that the 2017 season will be different.

Coach Niwat “Jiew” Nuisanga and Manager Narong “Noi” Ajarayut have been working tirelessly on forming the new squad, and they hope that the players they have chosen will lift the club in the right direction.

Somsak “Lee” Chonlaket Pisek “Ao” Sunthonwat Apichat “Ham-Sa” Denmarn Porncha “Brite” Rodnakares Thawatchai “Max” Suppanam moved Ratchanon “Pat-Bok” Intaravisoot Kritsanaphong “Gun” Buripakdee Tewarit “Aum” Julsom Sutthipong “X” Yaifai Piyawat “Fluk” Peamchareun Akekapan “Aek” Sornsit Tirawut “Pord” Rattanasit Phuwapat “Pang” Netthip Danuphong “Andy” Suttivaja Visanu “Teaw” Pitichoctanan Chinnathan “Pech” Jakthong

from Phang Nga FC from Phang Nga FC from Phang Nga FC from Phang Nga FC from Phang Nga FC from Phang Nga FC from Chumphon FC from Paknampho NSRU FC from Prachinburi United from Hua Hin City FC from Amnat Poly United from Phayao FC from Saraburi TRU FC no previous club no previous club no previous club

New Foreign Signings Tuessong “Yannick” Pactrict Deararratsuba “Hamed” Hamed de Silsy Job Enjuneku “Elvis Job” Multeb Rainny Deroven

from Phang Nga FC from Phang Nga FC from Phang Nga FC from Belgian side Royal Racing Club de Waterloo

Prominent as a surf destination SURFING SU R F HOUSE K ATA Beach opened in 2012 and since then it has been chosen as the “Venue of the Year 2015” and its local surfing team has won various international competitions.

This high-season, the Surf House Boardriders Group launched its latest project at Patong Beach, located just 200 metres North of the famous Bangla Rd. The Governor of Phuket, Chockchai Dejamornthan, gave an opening speech and started the FlowRider surf machine for the first time at the soft opening event on December 28, 2016.

During the ceremonial power-up of the wave machine, Gov Chockchai expressed his delight on how the presence of Surf House Patong will liven up this tourist district with positive, family friendly activities.

“I am especially heartened to see different businesses coming together to create this modern, healthy and family oriented facility

Anissa Flynn, who surfs as part of the Surf House team, takes to the new FlowRider machine in Patong. for the visitors” said Gov Chockchai.

Surf House Patong Beach is the second of its kind after the very successful Surf House Kata Beach, which welcomed her first riders since 2012.

Singapore registered company Sick-X, which introduced this hybrid facility to Phuket, has since being recognised as one of the most successful players in an industry of more than

200 installations around the world.

“We designed Surf House with participation as a keyword in mind. Our customers should be comfortable whether or not they are surfing, so a deliberate alchemy of trendy music and signature culinary experiences were put together to maximize enjoyment at any spot within the venue,” said Chairman of Sick-X Mr Janne Miikkulainen.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Kirins take the first silverware of season FOOTBALL

Muang Thong’s Xisco Jimenez.

Photo: via Bangkok Post

Bangkok Post

C

oa ch Tot cht awa n Sripan was elated by SCG Munag Thong United’s 5-0 rout of Sukhothai in the season-opening Thailand Champions Cup clash last Sunday night (Jan 22) but he refused to draw any conclusions from the romp.

The win at Supachalasai Stadium gave Thai League champions Muang Thong their first title of the year after a dominant show.

For mer national team midfielder Totchtawan said: “Despite the result, I would like to praise Sukhothai.

“They created a lot of problems for our players in the beginning and we were lucky to get the first goal early. It forced them to go on the attack which created openings for us.

“Overall, I am pleased that the players followed the game plan and it worked.”

Xisco Jimenez’s goal in the 20th minute opened the floodgates with Cleiton Silva

@thephuketnews

(40th and 58th minutes), Sarach Yooyen (56th) and Teerasil Dangda (85th) adding to the scoreline.

The Kirins have a busy schedule ahead and Totchtawan said it was too early to start assessing his team’s credentials based on their impressive victory over Sukhothai.

“We have to play a number of games before the Thai League starts [on Feb 11] and I want take things on a matchby-match basis,” he said.

The Kirins played a Laos Premier League All Stars team on Wednesday (Jan 25) then left to take part in the Lunar

New Year Cup in Hong Kong on Jan 28-31.

They close their pre-season stint with the Toyota Premier Cup battle against Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima on Feb 4 before meeting Bangkok Glass in their Thai League opener.

Meanwhile, Sukhothai coach Somchai Makmoon said, “We entered the match as underdogs and played like one as well.

“We did well in the first 20 minutes but Muang Thong played better in the attack.

“We have several things to improve before the new season kicks-off. It is good that

we lost today and our weaknesses have been exposed by a stronger team.”

Both Muang Thong and Sukhothai will be playing in the AFC Champions League.

Sukhothai face Yadanarbon of Myanmar in the second preliminary stage play-off on Jan 31, while the Kirins are in the group stage.

Thai League runners-up Bangkok United will also play in the ACL play-offs.

Formerly the King’s Trophy match, the Thailand Champions Cup game pits the Thai League champions against the FA Cup winners.

SPORT 37

Prayad, I was born to play this game GOLF THAI GOLF VETERAN Prayad Marksaeng intends to keep competing at the highest level after securing his 10th Asian Tour victory last Sunday (Jan 22), a week shy of his 51st birthday.

Twenty-one years after lifting his maiden victory in Asia, the smooth swinging and stocky Thai produced a sparkling one-shot victory at the season-opening SMBC Singapore Open at the Sentosa Golf Club as he became the player with the third-most number of victories at 10 wins on the region’s premier tour.

“I look after myself very well. I eat well, sleep well and stay happy. I will keep playing golf because I was born to be a golfer,” said Prayad.

He revealed previously that regular visits to the hot springs in Japan, where he also competes regularly on both the main and senior tours, have helped keep his body in shape along with a strict stretching regime.

“I still feel like a young

Prayad poses with the Singapore Open winner’s trophy. Photo: Paul Lakatos/Lagardère Sports/AFP player. I practised a lot before coming here. I changed my whole set of irons and putter. I started changing my equipment last year actually but haven’t quite got the form. I am glad to gain some good form this week,” said Prayad, who jumped into 150th position on the latest world rankings.

“My swing is quite natural and I don’t get injured easily. Physically, I feel good, I feel fit. This is my 10th win on the Asian Tour. I am very happy because I feel like I have done my country proud,” added the Thai, who also earned a spot in the British Open at Royal Birkdale in July.

Bangkok Post

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

‘Nothing yet final’ on next fight, Pacquiao BOXING WBO WELTERWEIGHT world champion Manny Pacquiao said on Tuesday (Jan 24) that the details of his next fight have yet to be determined, despite widespread reports he will face Australian Jeff Horn.

Asked in an interview with ABS-CBN television about a Horn fight, Pacquiao, said, “not yet done, the negotiation is not yet done.

“We are still negotiating about that. Nothing is really final, the date, who is the opponent. There are a lot of offers from other countries.”

Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, has been widely quoted in international media as saying that the 38-year-old Filipino dubbed “Pac-Man” will get into the ring with Horn in April, possibly in Australia, but Pacquiao himself has not confirmed this.

The Philippine boxing hero, who parleyed his sporting fame into election to the influential Senate last year, also reiterated his willingness to fight mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor if his potential superfight with Floyd Mayweather fails to materialise.

“It could be possible if there is an intention to negotiate (for) the fight but definitely in boxing, not in an MMA fight,” he said.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

F1 needs fresh start after ‘dictator’ Ecclestone, CEO FORMULA ONE AFP

Pacquiao is willing to fight MMA star Conor McGregor if his fight with Floyd Mayweather fails to materialise.

Photo: Ted Aljibe/AFP But the 1.69 metre-tall Pacquiao also said he was not giving up his position as a playing coach in the Philippines’ highly-competitive professional basketball league, despite criticism of his hardcourt performance and Senate duties.

Pacquiao, who plays for the Mahindra Floodbuster team but who has missed practice because of his other roles, said he was not giving up his place on the squad.

“I just make sure that whatever I do outside does not affect my work in Senate,” he said.

Pacquiao has previously used his fame to earn a fortune as a TV host and has even made forays into singing and acting.

The Filipino southpaw briefly retired from the ring after beating American Tim Bradley in Las Vegas in April but soon made a comeback, saying he still felt like a youngster.

AFP

B

ernie Ecclestone’s four-decade reign as a “dictator” of Formula One had to end if the sport is to get the fresh start it needs, new chairman and chief executive Chase Carey says.

Ecclestone’s time as the colourful ringmaster of the Grand Prix circuit was effectively finished on Monday (Jan 23) when US-based Liberty Media completed its takeover of motorsport’s most prestigious brand in a deal valued at about $8 billion.

While the 86-year-old Ecclestone, a former car salesman, was widely credited with transforming Formula One into a multibillion global business, there have been growing complaints in recent years that the sport has failed to modernise under the Englishman’s nononsense leadership.

There has also been the view inside and outside the sport – and a concern shared

by Carey – that it is wrong for one man to wield as much power as Ecclestone did in Formula One. Despite side-lining Ecclestone to an advisory role as “chairman emeritus” Carey stressed to the BBC that he had “tremendous respect” for Ecclestone and will value his input.

But he said that F1 “needs

Bernie Ecclestone, ousted as Formula One chief by its new American owner, transformed grand prix racing into one of the most profitable sports and made himself a billionaire powerbroker. Photo: Andrej Isakovic/AFP to be run differently than for the last four or five years”.

“He has run this sport for his entire adult life and I respect completely that this is a difficult change,” Carey said.

“We have tried to deal with him with the respect he’s due, which is why we offered him the chairman emeritus title.

‘He calls himself a dictator. He has run it as a oneman dictator for a long time.

I think the sport needs a fresh perspective.”

The American Carey, a vice-chairman of the 21st Century Fox media conglomerate, has a proven record in expansive sport-media growth and expertise in the value and exploitation of sports rights, notably in the US market, where Formula One has struggled to gain a foothold.

But he stressed the new owners would protect historic races, insisting there would still be a British Grand Prix amid speculation the Silverstone course – which has had several run-ins with Ecclestone over staging fees – would be stripped of the event in 2019.

“We needed a sport that while respecting what made it great has a sense of energy and innovation,” Carey said.

“In many ways, in a simplistic sense, the sport said ‘no’ too much and we have to start saying ‘yes’ – not gimmick it up but find ways to do new and exciting things to have the sport continue to grow and interest and excite people.”

As part of the new management structure, Carey will have highly respected former

Mercedes F1 team boss Ross Brawn and Sean Bratches, once a sales executive with North American sports television channel ESPN, running the sporting and commercial sides of F1 respectively under him.

Alex Kelham, head of the sports business group at London law firm Lewis Silkin, said the Liberty takeover could create a “host of new opportunities” for a sport that has struggled to attract a new generation of fans and failed to fully embrace social and digital media.

Critics also say the races have become too predictable.

“Teams are likely to welcome the change as an opportunity to re-negotiate some of the terms Bernie Ecclestone historically refused to move on,” Kelham said.

London Welsh kicked out of pro rugby RUGBY UNION CASH-STRAPPED LONdon Welsh were kicked out of professional rugby union on Tuesday (Jan 24) and removed immediately from England’s second-tier Championship.

England’s governing Rugby Football Union (RFU) said the club’s “untenable” position left it with little alternative given London Welsh’s failure to provide it with sufficient assurances about its finances.

Monday (Jan 23) saw a judge dismiss an attempt by

British tax authorities to have London Welsh, once one of English rugby’s major teams, wound up after the club went into liquidation in December.

An earlier hearing was told the club owed more than £90,000 (B3.97 million) in tax.

London Welsh were grant-

ed a temporary licence that expired on January 21, with a new board asked to provide evidence of funds to pay creditors and a business plan.

But English rugby chiefs were unconvinced and RFU chairman Andy Cosslett said Tuesday: “It is deeply regrettable that we should arrive at this point, but with London Welsh in liquidation and unable to satisfy conditions to compete in The Greene King IPA Championship as a professional club, participation in the competition became untenable.

“We know this will be an extremely disappointing day for everyone connected with London Welsh, including players, staff and supporters, and the sadness at the loss of this club from the professional ranks will be shared throughout the game.”

Founded by a group of Welshmen living in London in 1885, London Welsh’s greatest days came more than 40

Chief Executive Officer of Fitness First and England Rugby 2015 Chairman, Andy Cosslett. Photo: Andrew Cowie/AFP years ago.

They supplied seven players to the victorious 1971 British and Irish Lions squad in New Zealand, a figure that remains a record for the number of players from one club in a Lions squad.

London Welsh greats John Dawes, JPR Williams, Gerald Davies, John Taylor and Mervyn Davies all starred for Wales during their golden era of the 1970s.

But the club, now in English rugby’s second-tier Championship, had two disastrous

one-season stays in the elite Premiership.

These coincided with an ill-fated three-year spell in Oxford where they moved when their long-standing home of Old Deer Park in Richmond, southwest London – to which they have since returned – was deemed unsuitable for topflight rugby.

Tuesday’s decision does not affect the status of London Welsh Amateur RFC, which will continue as a voting member of the RFU. AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

SPORT 39

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Chelsea’s Gary Cahill and Hull City’s midfielder Ryan Mason clash heads during their match at Stamford Bridge. Photo: Adrian Dennis/AFP

MONTHLY SPONSOR

MAIN SPONSOR

The overall competition winner receives a two day/one night private fishing charter to Racha Island on board Wahoo Yacht Charters Phuket’s Reel Blue. Total prize value: B180,000 The monthly competition winner for January 2017 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O'Tools in Karon.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

toptipster 20 carst 18 lufc 18 Sidwell Guduka 18 adamrosindale 17

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Sidwell Guduka 129 carst 128 The Red Card Gang 128 scottkip 126 chook 125

English Premier League 2016 - 2017

Mason clash highlights the head risks in sport FOOTBALL AFP

R

yan Mason’s clash of heads with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill has again set alarm bells ringing over the risk of head injuries across a number of high profile sports.

The 25-year-old Hull City midfielder remained in “stable condition” in hospital after the brutal impact with Cahill, 14 minutes into last Sunday’s (Jan 22) Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, left him with a fractured skull.

Defender Cahill got back to his feet and headed the Premier League leaders second goal in their 2-0 win. But Mason, after eight minutes of treatment on the pitch, was carried off on a stretcher while receiving oxygen before being taken to a London hospital.

He underwent surgery and Hull said Mason had spoken with visitors.

A leading critic of the way football deals with head injuries said Mason’s treatment had been “exemplary”.

Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of brain injury charity Headway, was with other spectators who saw the Stamford Bridge collision.

“I was actually at the match and, while it was upsetting to witness the incident, it was encouraging to see the exemplary reaction of the @thephuketnews

medical teams,” said McCabe.

“Headway has been critical of the way in which head injuries have been treated in many high-profile football incidents in recent years, but it is positive to see that lessons appear to have been learned.”

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte revealed Cahill’s half-time condition “wasn’t really good”.

The England centre-back had, however, received injury assessment during the break in play when Mason was treated.

Hea dway’s prefer red stance is that if there is any doubt, an injured player should be withdrawn from the match.

This is the policy in rugby union but several recent highprofile cases, where the likes of Samoa’s TJ Ioane and Wales’s George North have played on while seemingly still concussed, have led to questions over whether the rules are being applied correctly.

Rugby chiefs recently announced changes on what constitutes a fair tackle in a bid to reduce concussion injuries.

A report released this month by England’s Rugby Football Union revealed the number of concussions suffered in English rugby had risen to a record high.

The RFU’s annual injury

audit for 2015/16 revealed that concussion now accounts for a quarter of all injuries – up from 17% the year before.

Concussion has become a major issue in many sports, amid concern over the impact on players and the risk of potentially huge compensation payments.

Children under 10 are not allowed to head the ball in official leagues in US soccer.

In December, the US Supreme Court upheld the National Football League’s $1 billion concussion settlement which covers more than 20,000 retired American football players based on brain injuries linked to concussions during their careers.

While the dangers of concussion in boxing, where the clearest path to victory is a knock-out, have long been obvious, it appears basic tasks in other sports could also pose

the risk of head injury.

Last year researchers at Scotland’s Stirling University published a report saying heading a football can significantly affect a player’s brain function and memory.

After former England striker Jeff Astle, renowned for his heading ability, died aged 59 in 2002, an inquest ruled he had suffered death by “industrial injury”.

Meanwhile the death of Australia’s Philip Hughes in November 2014 led to calls for cricket to ban the “bouncer”, a delivery aimed at the upper body and head.

The 25-year-old Australia batsman died from bleeding on the brain as a result of being hit on the neck by a rising ball from Sean Abbott while batting in a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, despite wearing a protective helmet.

Team

MP W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Chelsea

22

18

1

3

47

15

32

55

2

Arsenal

22

14

5

3

50

23

27

47

3

Tottenham Hotspur

22

13

7

2

45

16

29

46

4

Liverpool

22

13

6

3

51

27

24

45

5

Manchester City

22

13

4

5

43

28

15

43

6

Manchester United

22

11

8

3

33

21

12

41

7

Everton

22

10

6

6

33

23

10

36

8

West Brom

22

9

5

8

30

28

2

32

9

Stoke City

22

7

7

8

28

34

-6

28

10

West Ham United

22

8

4

10

29

36

-7

28

11

Southampton

22

7

6

9

22

26

-4

27

12

Bournemouth

22

7

5

10

32

39

-7

26

13

Burnley

22

8

2

12

24

33

-9

26

14

Watford

22

6

6

10

25

38

-13

24

15

Leicester City

22

5

6

11

24

37

-13

21

16

Middlesbrough

22

4

8

10

18

25

-7

20

17

Swansea City

22

5

3

14

26

51

-25

18

18

Crystal Palace

22

4

4

14

30

41

-11

16

19

Hull City

22

4

4

14

20

47

-27

16

20

Sunderland

22

4

3

15

20

42

-22

15

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT

START STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO Mixed Doubles Semi-Final

Friday January 27 Tennis

11:00

12:00

Australian Open

12:00

15:00

Australian Open

Women’s Doubles Final

15:30

19:30

Australian Open

Men’s Singles Semi-Finals

Saturday January 28 Tennis

15:00

17:00

Australian Open

Women’s Singles Final

17:00

19:30

Australian Open

Men’s Doubles Final

Rugby Union

11:00

15:30

HSBC Sevens

Wellington, Day 1

Rugby Union

21:00

23:00

France Top 14

Toulon v. La Rochelle

Soccer

19:30

21:30

FA Cup, Rd 4

Liverpool v. Wolves

22:00

00:00

FA Cup, Rd 4

Tottenham v. Wycombe

18:55

21:00

FA Cup, Rd 4

Chelsea v. Brentford

00:25

02:20

FA Cup, Rd 4

Southampton v. Arsenal

Soccer Cricket

15:00

17:30

Oz Big Bash Final

Perth v. Brisbane/Sydney

Cricket

14:50

23:00

ODI1 - Port Elizabeth

South Africa v. Sri Lanka

12:00

14:30

Australian Open

Mixed Doubles Final

15:00

18:00

Australian Open

Men’s Final

11:00

15:30

HSBC Sevens

Wellington, Day 2

Sunday January 29 Tennis Rugby Union Soccer

19:00

21:00

FA Cup, Rd 4

Millwall v. Watford

Soccer

22:55

01:00

FA Cup, Rd 4

Man United v. Wigan

Cricket

17:00

22:00

T202 - Nagpur

India v. England

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017

Phuket FC see change to season start date > page 36

HIT AND RUN

Feel like a kid again playing softball at the ACG A youngster goes for the outfield in the first softball match to be played at the ACG. Photo: Michael Way

SOFTBALL Matt Pond & Jared Spindel editor3@classactmedia.co.th

O

n January 14, the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) – a ground more commonly associated with cricket – played host to its first official softball match.

Over the years, cricket has certainly become a popular sport on the island, much of that down to the sheer presence of the ACG, and now, Jared Spindel, one of the men at the forefront of bringing softball to the ACG, is hoping the game is going to follow in the same direction.

The Phuket News recently caught up with Spindel to find out more about softball itself, and his hopes for the future of the sport on the island.

For readers that are familiar with baseball but not softball, softball is a variation of baseball in which the ball is a little bigger and the bases are a little closer together. The name of the ball is a misnomer; it is about as hard as a baseball.

The biggest difference between the two sports is that unlike in baseball, where the pitcher throws

overhand and the batter must have a high level of skill to be regularly successful, in slow pitch softball – the version of softball played at the ACG – the pitcher lobs the ball underhanded to the batter, making it easy for even a beginner to hit the ball.

For readers that aren’t familiar with baseball or softball, head on out to the ACG and you’ll be helped to learn the game as you play. You’ll have a good time and chances are you won’t be the only beginner out there.

Spindel is a Canadian national who has been living in Phuket for almost two years. Prior to moving to Phuket, he was a commercial lawyer in both Canada and the USA. He has loved playing baseball and softball ever since watching the movie Major League as a highly impressionable 6-year old, and the opportunity to play regularly is something he missed greatly after moving to Phuket.

“For there to be a decent softball game, there ought to be 18 to 24 players, at least 10 baseball gloves, a bunch of softballs, at least one good bat, bases and a suitable field,” Spindel told The Phuket News.

“I believed that Phuket would have enough people to support

regular games, if only everything else were organised. I really wanted to play, so I went out and organised the rest. Now, anyone in Phuket who wants to play softball has a place to play every Saturday, and they don’t need to have any equipment with them,” he added.

Spindel says that just about anyone can play softball. “No age is too high, experience too little or gut too large for one to play softball,” he said.

“So long as one can jog 50 metres every 30 minutes or so without causing cardiac tissue to die, one is in good enough shape to play softball. We have all the equipment one needs to play. Just show up in gym clothes, wear a hat for the sun and, should you have and be extra cautious about the well-being of your testicles, a cup,” he added with a smirk.

When asked why he chose the ACG as the host venue for the sport Spindel said, “There are a limited number of spaces in Phuket suitable for softball. We needed a field that is properly maintained, sufficient in size and available for reservation. The ACG is a beautiful venue that checks off all those boxes, plus there is a bar at the field, which for some is an integral component

of slow pitch softball.”

Spindel said that for now he’s just excited to get the chance to play softball every week, but if interest were to grow to the point where he could start a small league, that would be great.

“However, the current setup where 18-24 people show up and we make teams on the spot, just like we’re kids again, makes for a rejuvenating Saturday,” he commented.

As far as Spindel is aware, there are already softball leagues in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai. He said that the Bangkok International Softball League (BISL) is an institution in Bangkok, having operated for over 30 years.

“For any readers based in Bangkok that want to play, I encou rage you to check out w w w.BangkokSof tball.com.

The website has individual player statistics. Just amazing – I can’t imagine someone not smiling while looking up their batting average online. I don’t know much about the Chiang Mai league, but it looks like a lot of fun based on the pictures and videos on the Softball Chiang Mai League Facebook page,” he said.

“There is also a popular international softball tournament held

in Bangkok every November or thereabout. I played in the 2016 tournament, which featured 15 teams, and was taken aback by the high level of talent and the number of people that had flown in from around the world with the tournament being the centrepiece of their trip.

“The tour nament and the BISL are run by Gary “Stewdog” Stewart, who was instrumental in helping us secure quality softball equipment and is owed a debt of gratitude by softball players in Phuket,” Spindel added.

When asked if he had a message for anyone that might be interested in joining in, Spindel said that if people aren’t planning on doing something very fun on Saturday afternoon, then they should change that and go play softball.

“The next game is at noon on Saturday, January 28. Everyone is welcome. Players are encouraged to show up at around 11:30am to warm up and take some batting practice. If you want to play, please RSVP at the Phuket Softball event page: f b.me/events/192675227868276/.”

“For updates on future games, please like our Facebook page at f b.me/phuketsoftball,” he said.

thephuketnews