27-03-2015

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

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Since 2011 / Volume V / No. 13

SCOT KILLS HIMSELF AT THALANG SHOOTING RANGE > PAGE 5

3 DEAD IN BUS SMASH

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NEWS

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Surin Beach businesses told, ‘Out you go’

LIFE

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Home building rules clarified

Emergency personnel reach the scene after the smash.

Some passengers were thrown out of the bus as it careered down the hill. Photo: Christian Mouchet Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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tour bus crashed on Kata Hill at midday on Wednesday (March 25), with three of the 18 Chinese tourists on board being killed in the crash and the other 15 being injured, some seriously. The tour guide on board the bus was also injured.

The tourists were on their way to the airport at the end of their holiday when the crash took place.

The bus, chartered by J&T Tours, based in Bangkok, from Thai Morning Sun Co Ltd and driven by Kajonwit Srisongkram, 35, from Trang, smashed through the roadside crash barrier and plunged down the hillside while on its way down the hill towards Chalong.

Mr Kajonwit escaped with scratch-

es and bruises but two women and one man among the passengers were thrown out of the bus and died.

Six ambulances attended the scene of the crash. The injured and dead were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Mr Kajonwit told police he had picked up 18 Chinese tourists and their guide from a hotel in Kata Beach and was taking them to Phuket

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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International Airport for their flight back to China.

When the bus got to the bend on the hill, he stepped on the brakes but lost control.

The bus went through the safety barrier, smashing a power pole, then hurtled down the hillside, crashing finally into a tree.

The Director of Tourism and Sport Department, Santi Pawai, has visited

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3 dead in Kata Hill bus crash

Continued from page 1 the injured in hospital and delivered gift baskets to them.

He also revealed that each of the injured will receive B500,000 for hospital treatment, while the the families of the deceased will receive B100,000 each.

Thirteen of the injured were released from hospital on Wednesday evening but three remain.

Mr Kajonwit has been been charged with reckless driving causing death and injury.

The crash took place on the same bend where 27 Chinese tourists were hurt, one seriously, when their bus rolled over the barrier in October 2011, landing upside-down.

The driver said afterwards that his brakes had failed.

In another accident on the same bend in June last year, an out-ofcontrol cement mixer rolled over a pick-up truck, killing one person.

New mandatory speed limits ‘are not mandatory’ > page 6

Ex-boyfriend kills woman over debt Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he female owner of a restaurant in Kathu was shot dead on Monday (March 23) by her infuriated ex-boyfriend. He then waited until police arrived and arrested him.

Police were called after the shooting and arrived to see the body of Yupin Somrak, 45, lying in the kitchen with bullet holes in her neck and cheek, left shoulder and right temple.

Officers found four 9mm bullet casings in the restaurant and also a note written in Thai which, roughly translated into English, read, “The house I built… the restaurant I built… You are on drugs [and] now I’m broke”.

Phumsak Sriput, 45, a Kathu territorial defence volunteer, was waiting for the police close to the

Rescuers help a distraught relative of the dead woman. restaurant. He handed over his 9mm pistol and told officers that it was he who had shot Ms Yupin.

He explained that Ms Yupin was his ex-girlfriend and that he had lent her the money to set up the restaurant, even though by that time she had a new boyfriend.

On the evening of the shooting, he said, he had come to the restaurant and asked Ms Yupin to repay the money. She refused and an argument ensued. A passing police officer stopped and calmed the pair down.

“Later that evening I returned and again demanded that Ms Yupin pay back my money, but she ignored me.

“I sat down and wrote a message on a piece of paper.

“We then started to argue again, so I pulled the pistol from my waist and shot her three times. I also fired another shot into the restaurant before walking out,” Phumsak said.

“Then I waited for you [police] to arrive.”

Witnesses to the incident told a similar account to Phumsak’s, police said.

Ms Yupin’s body was taken to Vachira hospital and Phumsak was charged with murder.

No lifeguards on beaches from today PHUKET: AS OF TODAY (March 27) lifeguards may not be seen on Phuket’s beaches for a month or more because the contract for their services has yet to be renewed. It is now down to Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong to decide what happens next.

Phuket Life Guard Service Co Ltd consultant Prathaiyut Chuayuan told The Phuket News, “We have not yet received an answer from officials about the renewal of the contract.

“However, we have talked with people who are always at the beach and also to hotels

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

The lifeguards saved 398 people in the past 10 months and local businesses, and have asked them to help look after the tourists until we can return to the beaches.

“There are also the warning signs, in seven languages,

set on 13 of the beaches, which I hope will help.

“I care about the tourists when they come to play on the beach, and I hope they will swim in safe areas be-

cause May until October is a dangerous period, and in April, too, there will be lots of tourists here.”

The lifeguard service is funded by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) whose President, Paiboon Upatising, told The Phuket News last Monday (March 23), “[A new contract] is in the works.

“But we have to put the contract for lifeguard services out to tender and we must have three bidders.

“However, as was the case last year, only one company bid for the contract: Phuket

Life Guard Service Co Ltd. “So we have to hire them on special conditions, as we had to last year. However, this year the deal must also be approved by Governor Nisit.”

When The Phuket News rang Gov Nisit about the lifeguards he appeared not to have heard about the problem.

But he promised, “I’ll make it a top priority.”

Between May 27 last year and March 22 this year Phuket’s lifeguards pulled 82 Thais and 316 foreigners from the water – a total of 398 lives saved. Six people drowned.

Zayn with fan Lauren Rich in one of the photos that caused all the fuss. Photo: Lauren Rich/Instagram

Pop star Zayn quits after naughty night in Patong ZAYN MALIK OF BOY BAND One Direction, which played a sellout concert in Bangkok on March 14, has left the band saying he had to do “what feels right”.

“I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight,” he said in a statement released by the band on its social media networks.

Zayn initially only abandoned the band’s tour and rushed home to make up with his fiancée after being photographed in Patong’s Seduction disco with another woman.

The Daily Mail Online reported that the singer was photographed holding hands with a fan, Lauren Rich, and not his fiancée, Perrie Edwards of the girl group Little Mix. “It is believed Zayn and bandmate Louis Tomlinson were in the club to watch a DJ set by British star Fatboy Slim,” the website reported.

“Fans of Zayn and Perrie quickly went into a meltdown as the photographs of Zayn and Lauren spread on social media.”

Malik was apologetic – sort of.

He tweeted, “I’m 22 years old... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards.

And there’s a lot of jealous f***s in this world I’m sorry for what it looks like x.”

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Surin beach businesses appeal against eviction Nattapat Tuarob reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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ll 39 restaurants, clubs and other businesses still operating along Surin Beach will fight eviction notices served on them last Friday (March 20).

The notices, pinned or taped to the buildings occupied by the businesses – including the internationally known Catch Beach Club and its sister operation Bimi Beach Club, and the nearby Zazada Beach Club – ordered them to close down and quit their premises

by April 18.

Veera Kerdsirimongkol, Thalang District Chief, told The Phuket News after leading the team posting the eviction notices, “The notice gives them 30 days to quit the buildings.

If they disagree and want to appeal, they can do so within 15 days; that’s their right according to the regulations,” Any appeal must be submitted to the OrBorTor, he said, accompanied by proof that the businesses have the legal right to continue operating on public land.

Eviction notice at Surin beach by Veera Kerdsirimongkol Mr Ma’an told The Phuket News on Wednesday (March 25) that his officers had informed him that all of the businesses had already filed appeals against eviction.

“I’ve received a report from my officers that all the beach clubs and shops along the broadway have submitted appeals to the OrBorTor already but I haven’t looked at them yet.

“My next step is to consider the [arguments in the appeals] to see whether they are legitimately allowed to continue their operation there.

However, I have to follow the

law and regulations in this matter.”

So far it has not been decided exactly what will be done with the buildings when or if they are vacated.

“The buildings cannot not be torn down because they are government property, built by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) and the Cherng Talay OrBorTor,” Mr Veera explained.

“After the current business operators leave, we will manage the buildings and allocate them to those who have been affected by the current beach

Eight arrested in drug, gambling raid EIGHT PEOPLE WERE ARrested for drugs and illegal gambling Tuesday (March 24) after officers from the Royal Navy and local administration office carried out a raid on a house in the Tha Jean community in Rassada.

At 6pm, Lt Sompop Kamkana, Deputy Commander of Naval Troop 13 of the Royal Thai Navy Third Fleet Area Command and 20 territory defence volunteers raided a house in soi Tha Jean in Rassada after receiving complaints the house was used for drugs and illegal gambling.

Officers attempted to get into the house via the front door but it was locked from the inside. This gave one person the chance to escape through the back door into a mangrove area behind the house.

However, officers chased the man and in doing so came across a shack in the mangrove area.

Inside the shack they found a small amount of crystal meth (ya ice), three smoking devices, chopped marijuana, one methamphetamine pill (ya bah), a high-low gambling board, B70,962 in cash and eight mobile phones.

A number of people ran from the shack and attempt@thephuketnews

Police nab a suspect. ed to escape via a large underground wastewater pipe leading to the sea. However, officers apprehended them inside the pipe.

They also arrested others that had tried to get away through the mangroves and surrounding residential area.

Six men and two women were arrested including

Anusorn Zhair-ong who admitted to taking drugs and also being the high-low dealer.

Navy officers contacted Phuket City Police to come and check the scene before handing over the eight suspects to them.

Lt Sompop revealed that his office was tipped off by local residents.

reorganisation, such as massage therapists and beverage sellers, or we will turn them into something for public use.”

The Surin Beach sage is a long-running one, starting with beach clubs and restaurants being ordered in June last year to rip down structures they had built next to the beach.

They complied but the buildings on the other side of the walkway along the beach are publicly owned buildings leased to local people. Those people in turn either sublet them to business people or went into business with foreign investors to create up-market restaurants and the famed beach clubs Whether this was legal or not is still a big question.

When asked what steps would be taken by the owner of Zazada Beach Club, famed for its red swimming pool next to the beach, the club’s manager, Ben Richards, told The Phuket News “That’s not my business. It’s the owner’s business.”

Asked whether there was any chance of talking to the owner, he said, “Impossible.”

The four men paraded to the media.

Four arrested in drug raids over weekend FOUR MEN WERE arrested over last weekend (March 21 and 22) when found in possession of drugs and ammunition, during a 24-hour anti-narcotics sweep led by Thalang District Chief, Veera Kerdsirimongkol.

A total of 34.55 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice), were seized, along with 648 meth (ya bah) pills, a homemade pistol, 20 rounds of ammunition for an M16 assault rifle, a mariujuana plant and more.

Narcotic suppression officials initially arrested Phuriwat Najarn, 24, on March 21, in possession of two thirds of a gram of ya ice at Baan Pon apartment in Srisoonthon.

Phuriwat then took them to another home in Koh Kaew, where they seized another 22.94 grams of crystal meth, 120 meth tablets a mobile

phone and an account book.

Next police arrested Suthisak Tortip, 29, in possession of 381 meth pills, 6.26 grams of crystal meth and a homemade 12-gauge handgun.

Suthisak led police to Surat Kamchai, 39, who was found in possession of 147 meth pills and 4.74 grams of ice.

Surat gave up Chithisorn Tanontiem, whose Koh Kaew home was raided for twenty 5.56mm bullets, along with a metre-high marijuana plant in a flowerpot.

Phuriwat, Surat and Suthisak were charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell. Suthisak was also charged with illegal possession of a firearm.

C h it h i s o r n w a s w a s charged with cultivating and possession of a Category 5 drug, and illegal possession of ammunition.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

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

FRI MARCH 27

SAT MARCH 28

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MON MARCH 30

TUE MARCH 31

WED APRIL 1

THU APRIL 2

High: +31° Low: +27°

High: +30° Low: +26°

High: +30° Low: +26°

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hai Navy officers led

by Rear Adm Tiansiri Montraiwate, Third Fleet Deputy Commander, visited two plots of land in Thalang last week after complaints about encroachment.

The team started with 200 rai of mangrove forest in Pa Khlok, which was allegedly encroached on by a businessman from outside Phuket who hired workers to build a hut on the land and cut down and burn large mangrove trees.

“We can see a large cleared area with big dead trees,” Adm Tiansiri noted.

He added that there are no

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Wind 3 km/h

Navy cracks down on encroachment Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

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Wind 5 km/h

registered papers for the land.

Despite that, the villagers reported that a sign had been erected on the land saying, “No entry. Private Land.”

Officers will be posted to keep an eye on the land and arrest anyone who enters it,”.

Adm Tiansiri said.

“The Thalang Land Office,

the Royal Forestry Office and Mangrove Natural Resources Development Office will send officials to measure and clarify the border of the land again before further investigation.”

The second site included two shrimp farms which are alleged to encroach on mangrove forests along Klong Bangnoo

and Klong Topia.

One of the land “owners”, Charoen Chuanaka, went to meet the investigating team and showed them a Local Maintenance Tax paper.

“We have been on this land for generations. My greatgrandparents got this paper to show that we are allowed to use this land. I have tried many times to get a land paper on this basis but the Land Office has always refused to issue one,” Mr Charoen complained.

The officers, however, insisted that the land is in a protected area and the tax paper is no longer valid. They said Mr Charoen’s prawn farm will be removed and the land restored to its original natural state.

Mild earthquake off island's east coast SALES SUPPORT Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas 086 479 7470 sales@classactmedia.co.th

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AN EARTHQUAKE MEAsuring 3.8 on the Richter scale shook the east coast of Phuket at 5:32am on Wednesday (March 25). Residents in both Phuket and Phang Nga felt the quake but there were no

reports of injuries or damage to property.

The Meteorological Department in Phuket announced that the epicentre was 23 kilometres below the Earth’s surface, about 13 kilometres off the

east coast of the island, close to tourist day trip hotspot Koh Khai Nork. Two tour companies contacted by The Phuket News confirmed that no damage had been done to structures on the island.

Wind 3 km/h

24-hour turnaround for UK visas to be launched March 31 THE UK VISAS AND IMmigration Services (VIS) will launch a new 24-hour Super Priority Visa Service in Thailand on March 30.

In an announcement the VIS said, “The Super Priority Visa Service (SPVS) is an optional first-class visa service to facilitate the most urgent travel needs and will be available to all visitor visa applicants and some work visa categories.

“SPVS complements our efficient standard service and the existing five-day Priority Visa Service, an option which will also be made available to even more visitors.”

The Priority Visa Service for all visit and non-settlement customers takes three to five working days and costs £100 (B5,200) on top of the standard visa fee.

The Super Priority Visa Service for all visit customers and some work categories takes 24 hours only and costs £600 (B31,200) on top of the standard visa fee.

According to the announcement, more than 67,500 Thai nationals were granted a visa or travel to the UK in 2014, 13 per cent more than in 2012.

“This strong growth underscores the continued popularity of the UK as a destination for tourism, business and study and the strong ties between both countries.”

Other upcoming changes to visa services include: - Simplification of visit visa categories, from 15 different routes to just four, and visit visa guidance to make it easier for visa customers to understand which visa is best for them.

This will also provide greater f lexibility for visa customers as the new standard visit visa will allow those travelling on business to use the same visa to visit the UK as a tourist. This change will come into effect from April 24.

- The re-launch of the Select Business Scheme in April to include reducing the number of documents business visitors will have to provide with their visa application if they are travelling on business for a company endorsed by UK Trade and Investment. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

PHUKET NEWS

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Scotsman ends life at shooting range Thanks to social media, a man from Pakistan who was wanted in Phuket for burglarly was arrested on March 18.

Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

Pakistani man A wanted for theft caught in Songkhla THANKS TO SOCIAL MEdia, a man from Pakistan who was wanted in Phuket on a theft charge was arrested in last Wednesday (March 18).

Kathu police, led by Lt Col Suthichai Tienpo together with Songkhla police revealed the arrest of Paris Azeem, 21, who had an arrest warrant issued for him by Phuket Provincial Court last Tuesday (March 17) for theft after dark.

The case for which the warrant was issued occurred at the Alfresco Hotel on Phrameita Rd in Patong between 7pm last Sunday (March 15) and 4am last Monday (March 16).

This case had been shared widely online, and police have shared information on the suspect through the Line ap-

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plication.

Police had asked for people to be on the lookout for the suspect and finally the investigation team caught the suspect with the help of Songkhla police.

Police said that after looking at CCTV from the hotel they believed it was Mr Azeem, a guests at the hotel, who had stolen keycards and keys to a number of rooms and safes of the hotel and burgled a total of nine rooms stealing various foreign currencies.

Mr Azeem had flown to Bangkok befere travelling to Songkhla where he was apprehended.

Mr Azeem is currently being held at Kathu police station to face his charges.

t 3:30pm, Thalang police were called to the scene to investigate the incident involving 21-year-old Liam Colven from Portree in Scotland.

According to staff and witnesses, the man hired an 11mm pistol and fired seven shots at the target, before requesting more bullets.

He then turned the gun on himself and fired into his head at point blank range.

Police found the body of the shirtless man lying on the floor of his booth, still holding a gun in his right hand. He was bleeding from the head.

The taxi driver, Prasert Porasaman, 43, who picked up the British tourist from Sunwing Resort and Spa in Cherng Talay, said he heard the man arguing with someone before he got into the taxi.

“I then asked him where he wanted to go and he said, ‘Take me somewhere I can shoot’ so I took him to the

A British man shot himself to death at the Thalang shooting range on March 21, witnesses told police, who confirmed the incident after viewing CCTV footage. shooting range,” said Mr Prasert.

He said that the man showed no sign of stress while he was in the taxi. The driver was waiting outside the range, when he heard the staff shouting about what had happened.

Police have checked the CCTV and have informed the victim’s family and British embassy.

The footage, seen by The Phuket News, appears to show a shooting range employee loading the pistol and handing it to the tourist. He then steps back.

A split second later, apparently realising the tourist’s intent, he makes a futile lunge to stop the shooting, then staggers away holding his head in horror.

The body of the victim was taken to Thalang Hospital.

If you or anyone you know is in need of mental health services, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand on their 24-hour hotline 02-713-6791 (English), 02713-6793 (Thai) or Thai Gov’s Mental Health Hotlines at 1323 or1667 (Thai), or visit http://www.befrienders.org/

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PHUKET NEWS

50kmh signs are ‘advisory’ Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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he Phuket Highways Department has installed hundreds of signs along the bypass road and all the way south to the end of Rawai Beach – a distance of 22km – apparently limiting speed to 50kmh.

But what appear to be mandatory speed limit signs (white background with red circle) are in fact only advisory, the Highways Director, Samak Liedwonghat, told The Phuket News on Tuesday (March 24).

“It was our idea to install 50kmh signs after comments from officials in a variety of government departments about danger on the roads of Phuket.

“This whole road is lined with communities, not like it was five year ago, so safe driving is important for the 70,000 vehicles that drive up or down the road every day.

“The signs are to suggest to driver that they should be careful when they are on the road. [The speed of 50kmh]

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Central Festival underpass set for official opening on April 6 THE CENTRAL FESTIVAL underpass, which opened from August to December before being closed for completion, will be ready for its grand opening on April 6.

All roads, sidewalks and landscaping on the surface around the underpass will be completed by April 15. By the time it opens, the 820-metrelong tunnel and connecting roads will have taken two and a half years to complete.

Somkiet Yimhong, Project

Engineer, said, “We will have grand opening on April 6. I just need to complete the electrical system and install CCTV

cameras and lights.”

The opening comes two weeks before the expiry of the project contract.

HAW fundraiser a great success is not mandatory.

“It is not aimed at Phuket drivers only, but also at foreigners and tourists driving.

We don’t want them be injured or to die.”

Pol Lt Col Teerawat Liamsakun, Chief Superintendent of Phuket City Police Station, who also oversees traffic in Phuket City, agreed that the new signs are advisory. But he added, “If drivers don’t want to comply, they may have an accident.

“Actually, speed is limited

by law on this road to 80kmh and in built-up areas and 90 kmh in other parts. Our speed cameras are set to detect vehicles going faster than 100.

Anyone caught going faster than that risks receiving a speeding ticket in the mail.”

Up to now, police have not bothered to chase speeding motorists for fines. Instead, the amount goes into the Land Transport Dept’s database, and is added to the annual fee for the renewal of the vehicle’s road license.

THE “HANDS ACROSS THE Water’s Night of Celebration”, a creative temple-fair-themed evening to raise funds for Hands Across the Water (HAW) – a charity that supports at-risk Thai children and their communities – was a great success. The event, at the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit, raised B680,000 which was donated to HAW’s new home, PAMA House, located in Chanthaburi.

PAMA House was officially opened on March 7 to provide shelter, education and opportunity for up to 20 girls deemed to be at-risk.

Class Act Media was a sponsor of the event.

From left, at back, Claire Thomas; Peter Baines, founder and chair of the HAW Foundation; Prateep Ungsongtham Hata, founder and secretary of the General Duang Prateep Foundation; and Sheraton Grand GM Richard Chapman. With B680,000 in donations, the Hands Across Water fundraiser was a big success.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

TV chat show host Woody gets one-year

PHUKET NEWS

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he Criminal Court in Bangkok on Monday (March 23) sentenced businessman Anandadvip “Chai” Jayankura na Ayuthaya to three years in jail and TV hosts Wuthithorn “Woody” Milinthajinda and Chalermpol “Jack Fanchan” Thikamporntheerawong to one year each for defamation.

The sentences came in a criminal defamation case revolving around bitter fighting after the controversial Sydictive New Year Party in Patong at the end of 2012.

The defamation case was filed jointly by Jirat “Champ” Petnunthawong and Sydictive Element Co, of which he is an executive.

During the trial, the plaintiffs said Anandadvip, his sister Sirilada, and two others – Jechiya Apichatmanee and Pen Suksomboonwong – in March 2013 invited the media to a press conference at the Crime Suppression Division (CSD).

Anandadvip later gave an interview on the Chao Doo

@thephuketnews

Governor reassures UK consul on tourist safety Anandadvip, now facing three years in jail for defamation, speaks at the press conference in March 2013.

Woody TV show hosted by Wuthithorn and Chalermpol, where he repeated his accusations.

The court found the press conference at the CSD was aimed at damaging Mr Jirat’s reputation.

If there was a contractual violation, Anandadvip could have filed a civil lawsuit and demanded compensation, the court said.

Anandadvip has in fact already lodged a complaint with Prakanong Provincial Court and that case is now going through an appeal process.

The court said that although Wuthithorn and Chalermpol work in the media and have the right of freedom of expression, they must exercise their rights cautiously. As media personalities, they have

a social responsibility not to cause damage to others, the court ruled.

All three will appeal. The court released Anandadvip on bail of B300,000 and the other two on bail of B100,000.

Sirinda, Jeniya and Pen were each fined B100,000 and given two-year suspended sentences for their parts in the press conference.

Bangkok Post

GOVERNOR NISIT JANsomwong on March 19 told a visiting diplomat he is confident that tourists are safe in Phuket.

He was speaking at a meeting with British Consul Michael Hancock, who was down from the embassy in Bangkok.

Also at the meeting were representatives of the Phuket Marine Department, Health Department, Tourist Police and Marine Police, who all explained their responsibilities and the actions they had taken to ensure tourists are

as protected as much as is possible from becoming victims of crime, diseases, natural disasters and road and marine accidents.

Phuket Governor Nisit said, “Phuket has security standards in every way and we are ready to face any emergency. In addition, we have high quality hospitals to care for patients, including cases from Krabi and Phang Nga. “Also, we have CCTV cameras that cover every area so that tourists can feel safe.”

PHUKET NEWS IN DEPTH

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Tour firm and client in battle over spine injury New pier Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

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he victim of a boating injury that happened in December last year has reported to the Phuket Office of the Department of Tourism and Sport that she has been denied compensation by the tour company that arranged the trip during which she was injured.

Jareeporn Toyardmak, 27, a student of nursing at Bangkok̕ s Mahidol University, told Santi Pawai, Director of Department of Tourism and Sports, Phuket branch, that on December 21 last year she went for a trip with her friends from Kuraburi pier in Phang Nga to Tachai Island with the Wow Andaman tour company. Leading the tour was guide Ratchadaporn Ponklin.

She alleges that she suffered a severe back injury on the boat trip that has left her unable to work and likely to spend years bedridden or getting around only when wearing a back brace.

She has told the tour company she wants B7.8 million compensation.

She explained, “On the way to Tachai Island the boat was going very fast against big waves.

“A friend of mine who can also drive a boat went to tell the driver to slow down but he did not listen.

“The boat was full of passengers, boxes of food and beverages so some friends and I decided to sit outside at the front of the boat.

“The boat hit a big wave and I was bounced off the seat. I tried to grab the handrail but I came back down very quickly and jarringly in a sitting position, resulting in severe pain in my back.

“Soon after, I realised that something in my spine was broken. A friend of mine also suffered injuries,” Ms Jareeporn said.

She added that she and her friends tried to tell the tour guide to return the boat to shore as she wanted to go to the hospital. However, her friend came back and told her that the other passengers did not want to go back.

Her friend convinced her to wait until they reached Tachai Island so she

Ms Jareeporn, wearing a back brace, makes her complaint to Mr Santi. could see a medical team there.

As soon as they arrived, she said, the guide told her that she had to take the other customers for trekking and diving.

Ms Jareeporn was taken to rest at the national park accommodation where she was taken care of by her friends and national park’s officers.

She alleged that, contrary to what the guide promised, no medical team or first aid respondents were called.

Ms Jareeporn was left for at least four hours, she said, before the group finally left Tachai Island. They arrived back at Kuraburi pier at around 5pm.

From there she was taken to Bangkok Hospital where she arrived at around 7pm, about eight hours after the injury.

Ms Jareeporn told The Phuket News, “The company only reimbursed me for the medication I took while I was in hospital. All my other hospital fees were paid for by government tourism insurance.

“The doctor told me that I will have to take medication for at least two years, and during this time I will have to spend most of my time lying down in bed.

“I have had to quit my job and I have left university. I will have to wait until my condition improves before I can work or study again.

“I spoke with Wow Andaman about compensation. I asked for B7.8 million but they rejected this and said we had

better meet in court,” she said.

However, Ms Ratchadaporn, who was the guide on the tour and is also Marketing Manager of Wow Andaman, told The Phuket News a different version of the story.

“I tried to convince [Ms Jareeporn and her friends] to sit inside because the waves were big. But they insisted on sitting in the front of the boat. Some of them said they had ‘travelled a lot’ and could take care of themselves.”

She explained, “After the accident, I gave first aid to the woman, trying to make her stay still as much as possible.

She lay down inside and I was next to her all the time.

“I decided not to turn the boat around and go back to the pier because it would be faster to go to Tachai Island to get initial treatment for her.”

“It took longer than expected – about 20 minutes – because I told the driver to slow down as we were worried about her condition. I asked her many times how she was feeling but she kept answering that she was fine, that she was a nurse and she understood her condition well.

“When we arrived, I took her to the national park’s resting space, provided a mattress and told her she must stay still.”

However, she said, Ms Jareeporn’s four friends did not listen and when she wanted to go to a toilet, they moved her without appropriate equipment.

“They held her arms and legs to

move her. I am not sure that is a proper way to move [someone with a damaged back]. It didn’t look safe.”

She said she was with Ms Jareeporn almost all the time and did not, as alleged, take the other tourists trekking.

“During that time, she called her boyfriend who, she said, was a doctor in Bangkok, and asked about her condition. Her boyfriend confirmed with everyone that she was okay. I am just a tour guide but they are doctors and nurses so I had no choice but to believe them.

“She said I left her but actually when it was lunch time, her friends all went for lunch at the same time and asked another tour guide to take care of her. Then they went snorkeling. It seemed like no one was seriously hurt.

“By the time we left the island the company had already called an ambulance from Bangkok Hospital to stand by at the pier.”

“When we arrived, she even admitted to my boss [who was waiting at the quay] that it was her fault because she had decided to sit in the front of the boat [against advice].”

“When she was told [at the hospital] that one of her vertebrae had been partially crushed, she then said the company had to be responsible for [all the costs].”

Ms Ratchdaporn said Ms Jareeporn told the company that she was basing her claim of B7.8 million on a calculation of her salary from her current age of 27 until she is 60.

“She claimed that she cannot do anything but lie down and wear a back brace all the time.

“But we have seen her Facebook account with pictures of her hanging out in a bar drinking with friends and going to a snake show and playing with the snakes – with no back brace on.

“I think she is asking for too much.

That’s why I and the company insist that if she wants B7.8 million, she has to bring her case to the court.”

Mr Santi was due to hold a meeting between the two sides yesterday (March 26) to discuss the case and see if a settlement can be reached without resorting to the courts.

proposed IT HAS BEEN PROPOSED by the Marine Department and Ministry of Transport that a new pier be built in Phuket to support the growing number of tourists in the province.

However, some concerns have been raised about the proposal.

Should the proposal go ahead, the pier will be no more than 100 metres in length and will be able to take boats with less than 500 gross tonnage.

The pier will be used for tourism purposes only and will be designed to enhance the standard of tourist boat piers.

However, Prajiad Aksornthammakul, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Office has raised some concerns over the project.

“I think we need to create zones for building piers or marinas in Phuket. Where is the safest place to build?

There are still many fishermen across Phuket and we have to live with them in harmony. I don’t want to see the disputes in the future.

“I think at the next stage it is essential to involve as many Phuket people in brainstroming as possible so that problems will be reduced.

“I would suggest the Marine Department declare a safe zone in Phuket where a pier or marina can be built. I believe this will increase the confidence of investors too,” he said.

This, the first meeting to be held on the proposal, however, a public hearing on the poposal will be held at a later date.

In the meantime, the Marine Department will try to find a suitable location in Phuket to build a new pier before conducting an IEE (Initial Environmental Examination).

HUGE REDUCTIONS on exclusive properties in Phuket, details on page 17

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

9

New coral reef found A general aerial view of Phuket International Airport taken in May 2012. (Bangkok Post file photo)

AoT shelves commercial centre plan T

he Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) has scrapped its plan to develop a commercial centre at Phuket airport.

The decision came after the emergence of a gigantic luxury mixed-use property development project next door, The Terminal Phuket, which would be a direct competitor to AoT’s planned Phuket International Airport City (PIAC).

Management also opted for the 24,000-square-metre plot slated for PIAC’s development, located in front of the passenger terminal, to continue with its current function as a car park.

The multi-storey PIAC would block the view of the airport terminal from the landside, reducing the airport’s visibility and prominence.

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“Realising our commitment to serving the travelling public, we think we are better off keeping the area’s current role,” the airport’s general manager Monrudee Gettuphan told reporters.

The multi-billion-baht scheme was part of the statecontrolled airport operator’s unprecedented push to transform areas within six airports under its purview into commercial zones to create extra revenue and reduce dependence on income from aeronautical operations.

Phuket airport was chosen as one of the three initial sites, in addition to Suvarnabhumi in Samut Prakan and Don Mueang in Bangkok, because of its heavy passenger traffic.

Phuket is the country’s third busiest airport, with over

11 million passengers passing through it last year, nearly double its capacity.

Senior AoT executives said the construction of The Terminal Phuket, developed

by Phuket Sirinath Property Co on a 72-rai plot of land, would diminish the business proposition of AoT’s scheme.

They said that if PIAC had proceeded, it would create a glut in supply in the neighbourhood.

The Terminal Phuket, a five-minute drive from the airport, will initially offer more than 500 condominium units, with successive phases adding villas, a shopping mall and office buildings.

The project features a large artificial lake and a green area of more than 24,000 sqm.

Bangkok Post

Darawan Naknakhon editor@classactmedia.co.th

SIRINART NATIONAL Park officials have blocked off an area of sea covering about 10 rai after finding a new coral reef. No boats or swimming will be allowed in the area.

On Monday (March 23), park officers set out linked buoys to mark out the area, out to sea from the Sirinart National Park office building at Nai Yang Beach.

The Deputy Chief of the park, Neramit Songsang, said officials had surveyed the area on Sunday (March 22)

and discovered an abundance of young coral. They want to protect and preserve the area to prevent it from being damaged by human activity, he explained.

“The reef we have found covers an area of 10 rai and we want to discourage people from swimming in the area and stop boats anchoring there, especially at low tide.

This will give the coral a chance to develop fully.

“As for long term, Sirinart National Park has requested a budget from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to support of-

ficers who will be working on land and in the water, watching over the reef.

“In the near future we will set out larger buoys where it will be okay for the boats to moor, in order to further protect the reef.

We want to preserve it as a future tourist attraction where tourists can dive to see coral,” he said.

On Sunday (March 22), Sirinart National Park officials put “Do Not Enter” signs around the area and had officers and lifeguards monitor vessel traffic when the tide is low and you can see the reef clearly.

Opinion 10 OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

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

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DALIA HILMI Life Editor

Thais, farangs oppose dual-pricing

I

n the push to make the Kingdom a more appealing destination for “quality” international visitors, policy makers should be careful not to detract the very group they’re trying to attract.

This applies to both quality visitors abroad, and those who are already here.

A point in hand is highlighted in the results of our most recent poll about dualpricing at national parks.

It comes as little shock that 63 per cent of voters strongly oppose the official policy, which mandates that all nonThais pay as much as 10 times more than Thais for entry to any one of the Kingdom’s national parks.

The poll, which ran online from March 6-20, asked readers whether or not they agree with the practice, by choosing one of the following four options (results in brackets):

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

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

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EDITORIAL

I don’t agree with the racist practice at all. Everyone should pay the same rate. (63pc) Tourists should pay more, but expats should pay the same as Thais (21pc) It’s okay, but it shouldn’t be 5-10 times more for foreigners (10pc) It’s fair. Thais should be able to pay less than foreigners, it’s their country (6pc) Across the board, 63pc of all three demographic groups – expats, foreign tourists and Thai nationals – said they don’t agree with the policy at all.

The second most popular vote by expats – who made up the majority, comprising 54pc of all voters – was that tourists should pay more, but not expats (23pc).

This option was also the second most popular choice (19pc) among Thais – who made up a quarter of all voters. A tenth of the Thai vote

is okay with dual-pricing though think it should be less extreme.

Interestingly, foreign tourists were twice as likely (20pc) than Thais to be okay with (less-extreme) dual-pricing.

But the fact that only 6pc of all voters think that the practice is okay as is, indicates that the policy may in fact be counter productive and should at the very least, be re-evaluated by policy makers.

Indeed, we’ve received many comments from both expats and tourists who vow to boycott any individual or organisation that implements discriminatory dual pricing.

And if such feedback is any kind of reliable indicator about international sentiment, Thailand may be losing out on a lot of “quality” favour, and thus income, if it continues to uphold such antiquated nationalistic policies.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Phuket beach clubs told, ‘Get out in 30 days’ (6,244 reads) Maya Bay under threat of massive tourist invasion (4,499) Female Phuket restaurant owner shot to death (4,350) One Direction star caught out in Phuket (4,288) British man, 21, commits suicide at Phuket shooting range, witnesses say (2,398) Phuket tour firm and client in battle over speed boat spine injury (1,730) Central reveals details of new B13bn Phuket complex (1,634) Phuket: Krabi dive company to face charges for ‘starfish ads’ (1,480) Pirate Antarctic trawler seized in Phuket (1,412) Motorcyclist killed in Phuket crash (1,186)

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Meth, guns are society’s menace Re: Man with meth, gun caught near Phuket waterfall Man-oh-man... dangerous drug addicted punks all over this place. Illegal guns are bad, and meth is bad, but put them both in the hands of an irresponsible punk with a bad attitude, and you have a REAL menace to society. Too bad this kid will get a slap on the wrist for the gun, and drug class for the meth... so, I’m guessing he’ll be back on the streets by this weekend...at the latest.

Ed Sanders

Why waste my tax money?

Re: Peace returns after compromise on island off Phuket The ones who need the bridge should pay for it! Why use Taxpayers money? The Klong was there a long long time before the Resort was built,so the owners knew the problem from the start.

Horst Lakits

Budget over logic Re: Central Festival Phuket

significant part of Phuket’s health problems, and cost the government significant amounts of money each year.

Thailand really needs a public awareness campaign to let these uneducated people realise the serious health effects of burning trash.

Ed Sanders

far. When oh when will the corrupt officials who allowed all this to happen in the first place be prosecuted and the millions of baht be stripped from their bank accounts?

CT Resident

Act now to save The real source of paradise Phuket’s haze Re: Maya Bay under threat

Re: Mandatory speed limit on main Phuket road ‘is not mandatory’ This is by far the strangest, most illogical idea I have seen so far, and let’s face it, there have been some real doozies.. To come up with this idea, spend the money purchasing, and installing these signs, then to make them ONLY advisory, even though they are internationally recognised “mandatory” signs. Few people adhere to the speed limit, what numb skull thinks anyone will take any notice of these “advisory” signs. I’m surprised no reporter had the courage to question anyone... oh wait, no I’m not surprised, it never happens. They must be burning something illegal at the rubbish tip, and someone has been breathing it in.

Rorii

underpass to open April 6 I am not a civil engineer but my view is that an overpass would have taken 6 months and cost 80% less. What is the justification for the vast extra cost of an underpass?

In any event it will merely move the traffic jam 800m further south.

Andy

Re: Phuket’s hazy sky ‘nothing to worry about’ Just more spewing of misleading nonsense from Phuket officials. “ … high temperature and falling pressure results in particles of dust and pollutants from traffic rising into the air”. No, it doesn’t [SIC: this effect is known as the Island Heat Effect].

Try the incessant burning of trash simply for recreational purposes. Every evening I get barraged by foul toxic smoke from some idiot burning everything from leaves to plastic to polystyrene, which releases a nasty puff of toxicity into the air for the elderly and their children to inhale deep into their lungs.

Respiratory ailments are a

of massive tourist invasion What about restricting the number of boats and visitors accessing Maya Bay on a daily basis, I was at Phi Phi leh in January diving outside of Maya Bay and I was struck by the large number of boats … I’m urging the authorities to act NOW! The agencies are not capable of handling it.

Coolpapa

Wanted: Beach justice Re: Phuket beach clubs told, ‘Get out in 30 days’ Totally stinks! Open door to yet more corruption and Surin Beach will be ruined. I was fully in favour of clearing the beach but this is going too

Where do they come up with it?

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PHUKET PROPERTY 11

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Nai Harn Beach Condominium nominated as Best Phuket Condo (Phuket) 2015 Sponsored

N

ai Harn Beach Condominium is a condominium project located deep south on the island of Phuket in a green and quiet environment, a few minutes’ walk from renewed Nai Harn beach which has recently been classified as one of the most beautiful beach in Asia according to TripAdvisor reviews.

Nai Harn beach is very close to Rawai village with its large choice of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, and a few minutes’ drive to the famous Promthep Cape known by many visitors to be the most beautiful sunset viewpoint in Southeast Asia. In addition, Nai Harn beach is one of the beaches in Phuket where it is possible to swim all year round.

Nai Harn Beach Condominium is one of the first projects in Phuket offering a true European design and functional accommodations with windows in all rooms including bathrooms. Each

@thephuketnews

seven-storey building comprises only 2-4 units per floor making it one of the most unique projects in Phuket.

You can get to your apartment via a panoramic crystal elevator with 360º views – the only elevator of its kind in Phuket.

The project comprises two buildings with a total of 50 units including spacious 45 sqm studios, 67 sqm two-bedroom accommodations and superb 115 sqm penthouses located on the top floors.

It also has a large swimming pool, a children’s playground, a 24/7 opened coffee shop, a fitness center and laundry service.

From the top floors and fully equipped rooftop terrace you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the south of Phuket.

The idea of the French designers at the first stage was to preserve the internal green courtyard with pool, café and playground without any car access. This provides a quiet, comfortable and safe stay, comparable with living

From Left: Frédéric Perrochon, Igor Protasov with Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong. in a five stars hotel.

Units are ready to move into today, and the management company will ensure a 24/7 security service and daily cleaning of all public spaces including lush gardens

and the big pool.

Guests will be able to book any kind of leisure service at the management office onsite. It will also assist the owners with short- or longterm rental of their apart-

ments while they are away from Phuket.

The main benfits in investing in Nai Harn Beach Condominium are:: 1) Location: near Nai Harn Beach, a lovely beach

which is safe for swimming, even during the low season 2) Condominium was projected by British Engineers and design was made

by French Designer so this project is made according to all-European standards for a comfortable stay.

3) The NBC team emphasised landscaping, including a huge selection of plants in the garden, the big swimming pool made

by French company, private relaxing zones and children’s playground.

4) A separate Thaistyle building opposite the swimming pool that includes services such as the café, Reception, Fitness Health Club and Laundry Room 5) Project is covered 24/7 by security team provided by the well known Swedish company – Securitas The project also has other plusses such as the panoramic glass lifts, and floor plans that restruict the number of units on any floor to two or four, so that all rooms have windows.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WORLD NEWS 13

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Thousands line streets to salute coffin of Richard III

L

EICESTER, UK: Tens of thousands lined the streets on Sunday (March 22) to see the coffin of England’s Richard III taken in procession to his final burial, five centuries after his battlefield death.

The remains of the last English monarch to die in battle were discovered buried under a municipal car park in 2012, almost 530 years after he was killed in 1485.

The medieval king was laid to rest on Thursday (March 26) in Leicester Cathedral in central England, in the presence of royalty, in a service broadcast live on national television.

Five days of events leading up to the burial got under way on Sunday when the king’s descendants and the archaeologists who excavated his remains laid white roses, the symbol of his royal house, on his coffin.

Th coffin was then taken to Bosworth, where he fell in battle. There, many attended in period dress and battle armour, and the dead king was honoured with a 21-gun salute.

The Leicester county council said 35,000 people had lined the streets.

The Bishop of Leicester, Tim Stevens, said Richard’s death marked an “extraordinary moment” in

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King Richard III. Photo: National Portrait Gallery English history.

“It was a change of dynasty, an end of a period of violent civil war, the beginning of the period in which Shakespeare was to write his great [histories], including Richard III, and a different way of governing the country,” he said.

Richard ruled England from 1483 until he was killed near Leicester by soldiers loyal to Henry Tudor, who became King Henry VII. It was the last major battle in the 32 years of dynastic fighting known as the “Wars of the Roses”, and Richard’s defeat saw the crown pass from his House of York (whose symbol was the white rose) to the

House of Tudor (the red rose).

After the battle the slain 32-yearold was buried without fanfare at Greyfriars monastery, which was demolished in the 1530s during the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII, son of Henry VII. Richard’s remains were thought lost. But members of the Richard III Society teamed up with Leicester University archaeologists to excavate the site, rightly predicting where in the old church he would have been buried.

They found a skeleton consistent with contemporary descriptions of the king, notably his curved spine, and battle injuries. Radiocarbon

dating showed the man died between 1455 and 1540.

“Skeleton 1” had eight head wounds, including a brutal slash to the base of skull which cleaved away bone. Another blow had pierced his skull.

The discovery of the bones was confirmed by a DNA match with Richard’s closest living relative – Canadian carpenter Michael Ibsen, who fittingly has now made the monarch’s English oak coffin.

By coincidence, the remains were beneath a letter “R” indicating a reserved space in the car park.

Finding Richard’s remains triggered impassioned wrangling over

what to do next, but following a judicial review his bones are to be reinterred in Leicester rather than York, his northern stronghold.

After visiting the battlefield, the coffin was taken on a horse-drawn cart through the streets before being welcomed with a ceremony at Leicester cathedral.

Queen Elizabeth II’s daughter-inlaw Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, attended the reburial, along with her cousin Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is patron of the “Richard III Society” and a blood relative.

The discovery of his skeleton encouraged scholars to look again at Richard’s record of social reform, rather than relying on Shakespeare’s Tudor-era portrayal of him as a villainous tyrant and murderer.

In a sermon, the leader of England’s Catholics, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, praised Richard for developing the presumption of innocence in the legal system and the practice of granting bail.

“Within the depth of his heart, amidst all his fears and ambitions, there surely lay a strong desire to provide his people with stability and improvement,” he said. AFP

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Anantara Vacation Club boosts management ANANTARA VACATION Club (AVC) has hired a new Vice President of Sales, Manuel Garcia, and has promoted three other managers.

In his new role, Mr Garcia oversees all sales operations for AVC. He has a 15-year track record in sales, marketing, branding, leadership, new business and customer service.

Before joining Anantara he held positions for nearly a decade at the Sheraton Vistana Resort in Orlando, Florida.

David Davis, promoted to Vice President of Call Centers, has taken the reins of call centre operations for the company, while simultaneously handling marketing efforts at AVC Sanya in China.

He joined the Anantara Vacation Club team nearly four years ago as Area Director of Marketing. Before that he worked for both Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotels &

Resorts’ timeshare divisions in the US and Caribbean.

Scott Bender, promoted to Director of Owner Enhancement and Special Projects has the job of organising owner events. He joined AVC a year ago as a sales manager in the Owner Enhancement team.

Gary Lewis has been promoted to Regional Director of Marketing for Voyager, handling all regional marketing initiatives for the Voyager programme, which he has worked on for nearly two years.

Keemala gets resort manager DAVID DE BRITO IS THE newest addition to the executive level management of the new Keemala Resort in Kamala, which is due to open in the latter part of this year.

Malaysian de Brito was most recently F&B director of the Cheval Blanc Randheli by Louis Vuitton in the Maldives.

During his 22 years of hospitality experience, Mr

Lark goes back to running Trisara V

Manuel Garcia.

David de Brito de Brito has also worked in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Doha, Bali and East Malaysia.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

eteran hotelier Anthony Lark has taken a step he describes as “back to the future”, returning to run Phuket’s very-high-end Trisara Resort, which he joined as part of the development and design team in 2000, then ran as GM from the opening in 2004 until just under two years ago.

In 2013, he was moved by the owners, Montara Hospitality, into a corporate role as vice president of operations and development.

Clearly happy to be back in hotel management, he told The Phuket News, “We’ve already achieved our goals in business development. It was crucial to look after the flagship.

“We understand that change is inevitable so, during the ongoing commitment to renovation, we will also embrace the changing guest demographic and technological advancements to ensure that we are always able to exceed the expectations of our guests,” he was quoted as saying in a press release from the company.

Back to the future: Anthony Lark is back at Trisara.

Sydney-born Mr Lark has a 25-year history in high-end hotels, including the Regent Sydney, Amanpuri in Phuket

and several other Aman resort properties.

His latest appointment coincides with the beginning

of a three-year renovation of the resort. Mr Lark will continue to provide hospitality advisory services to clients of the Group, and will develop the next generation of young hoteliers to steer the group’s careful expansion.

“Anthony was the first General Manager of Trisara and he helped us build the foundation, which made us successful. We are pleased to have him back on board to ensure that the resort continues to evolve to serve the changing needs of our clients,” said Montara’s President, Bill Black.

“The past two years were record breaking years for Trisara. Thanks to a new organisation structure with centralised sales and marketing, we were able to achieve the best business results since opening 10 years ago,” Mr Black said.

“With greater focus on service and guest experience, Trisara has secured the top position on TripAdvisor, which we consider a great achievement,” he added.

KResearch reduces Airport fed up economic growth of old aircraft prediction to 2.8pc blocking space KASIKORN RESEARCH Center yesterday cut its economic growth projection for Thailand in the first quarter of 2015 from 4pc to 2.8pc because of the slow economic recovery rate and shrinking exports.

According to the centre, slower-than-expected global economic growth and falling commodity products prices are the main factors behind the sluggish performance in the export sector. The centre said it expects exports to shrink by 3.9pc in the first quarter.

Other reasons cited by the

centre for lower growth include weak consumer spending, and a slowing down of investment from the private sector.

However, Kresearch predicted that tourism, the government’s economic stimulus policies, and low inflation would likely help the economy to recover sooner than expected.

The centre predicted zero growth for exports this year, down from 3.5 pc projected earlier. Imports would also be down by 3.5 to 5pc, and inflation would fall to 0.5pc from 1.5pc predicted earlier. NNT

ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE the aircraft “boneyard” at Don Muang airport to free up parking space for operational planes have been foiled by Thai Airways International (THAI).

Most of the 21 old aircraft retired from service and still sitting in the southern wing of the airport awaiting dismantlement belong to the flag carrier, industry executives said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

While keeping authorities in the dark as to when it would clear jets that have sat collecting dust for years, THAI has added more retired aeroplanes, taking up space left by those already turned into scrap metal and belonging to other owners, the executives said.

THAI has also chosen to park wide-body aircraft at the airport while searching for buyers. The aircraft include four Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets and ultra-long-range Airbus A340-500s that were used for non-stop flights between Bangkok and New York, and that remain airworthy.

THAI has not responded to a request from Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) that it should fly out those jets and park them at other locations in Thailand.

“THAI’s top management has vowed to clear their retired aeroplanes from Don Muang, but somehow we have not seen that translated into action,” a frustrated airport official told the Bangkok Post yesterday.

The official said there were long-term parking spaces at inactive airports in other parts of the country such as the navyoperated U-Tapao airport in Rayong province, where THAI could store jets for sale.

“We don’t know why THAI won’t seriously look at those optional sites, as they are well aware that we need aircraft parking space now that Don Muang is being used beyond its capacity,” the official said.

Moreover, AoT is worried that THAI may also use Don Muang to park aged aeroplanes that it recently approved for sale but for which it is still trying to find buyers. Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

BUSINESS NEWS 15

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

New land and house tax still coming, finance minister vows F Hainan Airlines flew the B737 using a mix of conventional jet fuel and recycled cooking oil.

Chinese plane flies on used cooking oil A CHINESE AIRLINE ON Saturday (March 21) completed the country’s first commercial flight using biofuel, made from waste cooking oil, as the government seeks to promote greater environmental sustainability.

A Hainan Airlines flight from commercial hub Shanghai to Beijing used biofuel supplied by China National Aviation Fuel company and energy giant Sinopec, according to a statement from US aircraft giant Boeing.

The Boeing 737 plane used a 50-50 mix of conventional jet fuel and biofuel made from “waste cooking oil collected from restaurants in China,” it said.

Used cooking oil, called “gutter oil” in Chinese, has been the target of media exposés about how the waste oil is sometimes illegally reused for human consumption.

Sinopec, which was criticised in the Chinese environmental documentary Under the Dome, said waste oil could be put to better use.

@thephuketnews

“This fully represents an earnest commitment from Sinopec to continuously advance scientific and technological innovation, and promote green and low-emission development,” Sinopec said in the statement.

The world’s first f light powered entirely by biofuel took place in 2012 when a plane took off from the Canadian capital Ottawa, but several commercial aircraft have used biofuels mixed with traditional petroleum-based jet fuel.

Australia’s Qantas and Air Canada have both tested biofuel on commercial flights.

Last year, Boeing announced it would co-operate with the Commercial Aircraft Corp of China to develop aviation biofuel. It has a similar project with a research institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

China is a key market for Boeing, which estimates the country will need 6,020 planes worth US$870 billion through 2033.

AFP

inance Minister Sommai Phasee is insisting that tax will be collected on both land and buildings, saying the tax burden has been eased significantly by the most recent rate proposals.

The land and buildings tax will not be a land tax alone, he said on Monday (March 23).

Mr Sommai’s comments came after Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-Ocha last week instructed the Finance Ministry to study the possibility of imposing tax only on land, in order to alleviate the tax burden on homeowners.

Gen Prayut earlier decided to shelve the ministry’s bill on land and buildings tax for further study, citing an economic slowdown and the possible effect on low-income earners.

The tax is among the government’s priorities, seeking to narrow economic disparity, boost the government’s revenue stream and improve land use.

Industry index drops again THE THAI INDUSTRIES sentiment index (TISI) fell for the second month in February from 91.1 in January to 88.9 as businesses of all sizes worried about an economic slowdown.

Supant Mongkolsuthree, chair of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said on Tuesday (March 24) that business people worry about the sluggish economy, delayed spending and weak purchasing power.

He urged the government to disburse budgets quickly, find new export markets and facilitate border trade.

Bangkok Post

Mr Sommai said a home with an appraised value of B4 million would be subject to a mere B1,500 in land and buildings tax per year, less than pay-TV fees.

Based on the ministry’s recent proposals, homeowners would be charged 0.1pc of appraised value. Land for agricultural and commercial use would be taxed at 0.05pc and 0.2pc, respectively.

Houses with an appraised value of up to B2 million would receive a 75pc tax allowance, translating into a B250 tax payment for every 1 million.

Residences with an appraised value of B2-4 million would receive a 50pc tax allowance, with homeowners liable to pay B500 for every B1 million on amounts exceeding B2 million but no more than B4 million.

For houses with an appraised value of more than B4 million, owners will be liable

to pay tax at the full rate of B1,000 for every B1 million of appraised value beyond B4 million.

For land for agricultural use, land with appraised value of less than B1.5 million would be exempt from tax, so farmers with 20-30 rai of land in remote areas would pay nothing at all.

Mr Sommai said landlords of vacant land would be penalised by seeing the tax rate increase every three years.

Separately, he said government revenue could fall slightly short of the B2.325trillion target for this fiscal year, so the government would encourage state enterprises to contribute higher income to offset the lower-than-expected revenue.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-Ocha asserted on Monday (March 23) that a revamp of the tax structure is necessary, while the government will only raise

the VAT rate when the time is right.

Gen Prayut said the revamp of taxation was necessary as it would provide future governments with additional tools for reducing disparity and fostering fairness.

He gave as an example value added tax (VAT), which “allows” every member of the public to contribute to national development. He added that the VAT rate would be raised only under “appropriate circumstances”.

According to Gen Prayut, the lower-than-expected amount of revenue collected by the state has to do partly with the decline in exports.

Exports, which contribute as much as 70pc to the country’s GDP, have contracted in line with the slowing of the global economy, he said, noting also that Thailand’s manufacturing costs are higher than those of her competitors.

Bangkok Post/NNT

16 WEIRD NEWS

THE BIG LIST Fecal Matters What comes out can be reused. Whether it’s watery or solid, a veritable world of fecal functions can help everyone under the sun. Just check these ideas out.

Building blocks: We all know just how beneficial fertiliser from cow pats are to growing crops. But did you know that it can also be used to build? Students at the Prasetiya Mulya Business School in Indonesia have created the EcoFaeBrick – a brick that they say is 20 per cent stronger and lighter than clay bricks. The idea is that, since cow pats are not-quarried it could cut down on environmental destruction created by quarrying.

Vroom vroom: Who knew that t h i ngs t hat go “vroom, vroom” could come from st uff that goes “plop”. Case in point: the Volkswagon-made Bio-Bug car that could drive 10,000 miles a year with a fuel-efficiency of 8.5km per cubic meters of bio-gas. That bio-gas actually comes from solid waste produced by about 70 homes. Though the Bio-Bug can also run on traditional gasoline, the bio-gas from waste actually runs more cleanly with comparable performance.

Clean water: Most people haven’t heard of the Janicki Omniprocessor, but it will one day help deliver clean drinking water to poor countries where it is difficult to come by. That’s because the Janicki Omniprocessor, developed by the Gates Foundation, uses sewer sludge (with human waste in it) to make clean water. It boils out the water, separating it from the solids. That byproduct is then heated to make steam to drive a generator that makes electricity as well. Plans are currently in place to set up the Janicki Omniprocessor in a community outside Dakar, Senegal later this year.

Park Spark: The brilliant minds near the Massachusetts Insitute of Technology (MIT) i n C a m b r id ge , Massachusets came up with an ingenious way to cheaply power the lights of a near-by dog park: use dog poop. Dubbed “Park Spark”, the project asks that dog owners – instead of throwing away their pooch’s poop – dump it into a special digester which then converts the natural methane into energy. As a result, the energy powers the park’s street lamps once. the sun goes down.

Bigger vroom: Dubbed the “poo bus” by local press, the 40-seat “BioBus” that made it’s way around Britain last year ran on biomethane gas that came from both treated sewage and food waste. In fact, the bus is still running as it currently goes between Bath and Bristol airports and can travel up to 300km on just one tank of bio-gas. “Gas-powered vehicles have an important role to play in improving air quality in UK cities, but the Bio-Bus goes further than that and is actually powered by people living in the local area,” said Mohammaed Saddiq of GENeco, the company behind the “Bio-Bus”.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Poop contains gold worth millions: study

H

uman feces contains gold and other precious metals that could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, experts say.

Now the trick is how to retrieve them – a potential windfall that could also help save the planet.

“The gold we found was at the level of a minimal mineral deposit,” said Kathleen Smith, of the US Geological Survey, after her team discovered metals such as platinum, silver and gold in treated waste.

A recent study by another group of experts in the field found that waste from one million Americans could contain as much as US$13

Photo: Wikimedia Commons million worth of metals.

Finding a way to extract the metals could help the environment by cutting down on the need for mining and reducing unwanted release of metals into the environment.

“If you can get rid of some of the nuisance metals that currently limit how much of these biosolids we can use on fields and forests, and at the same time recover valuable metals and other elements,

that’s a win-win,” said Smith.

“There are metals everywhere – in your hair care products, detergents, even nanoparticles that are put in socks to prevent bad odors.”

More than seven million tons of biosolids come out of US wastewater facilities each year: about half is used as fertilizer on fields and in forests and the other half is incinerated or sent to landfills.

The findings were presented at the 249th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific society, which took place in Denver last week.

AFP

Nearly 2,000 people on a single chair

Photo: AFP

SITTING ON THE LAP of the person behind them, about 1,831 people successfully attempted to break a world record in Japan last week.

Though only one chair was used for the attempt, everyone did have to keep stationary for at least one minute in order for it to be

recorded in the Guinnes Book of World records.

The record – the most people sitting on a chair – was previously set in Macau back in 2013 with 1,666 people.

Now, the record has jumped to Yamagata Japan where one man sat at the end of the giant row on a chair.

Lion cubs turn into stars of Gaza family TWO LION CUBS HAVE become star members of a family living in a Gaza refugee camp as a result of the weak economy in the war-battered Palestinian territory.

A cash-starved zoo in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, sold the cubs to Saadi Jamal, a Palestinian Authority security employee who has taken them home – to the delight of his four children and their neighbours.

For the past 10 weeks, “they’ve been living in the house like members of the family,” he said. The children in the three-room apartment and their local friends “play

all day long with the cubs”.

But this extended family comes at a price.

They gobble up half a kilo (one pound) of meat a day, a tall order in Israeli-blockaded Gaza where prices have soared since a devastating war last July-August against the Jewish state.

“Once they t ur n f ive months,” Jamal plans to make some money by leasing the cubs out to lunar parks, seaside resorts and restaurants.

Jamal has even received a US$9,000 (B293,000) offer to buy them, but he won’t say how much he paid the zoo. AFP

Photo: Said Khatib/AFP

Photo: Flickr.Sassa

India police red-faced after raid on brothels finds colleagues POLICE IN EASTERN INDIa were left red-faced when a raid on a sex district discovered four of their own along with a convicted murderer whom they were supposed to be guarding, a report said last Sunday (March 22).

The four constables had been tasked with transporting the murderer from a jail in the underdeveloped state of Jharkhand to hospital for a check-up, the Hindustan Times reported.

But the officers decided to make a 206-km detour to visit the red-light area in the town of Asansol.

West Bengal police rounded up the four as part of the raid although the murderer managed to escape – and then made his own way back to jail in Koderma city in Jharkhand.

“We have ordered a probe and suspended the four policemen until further notice,” Jharkhand director general of police D.K Pandey said. AFP

Photo: AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Santosa’s guide to cracking those cravings

6

Honda’s new SUV takes on Phuket

BACKYARD BLISS

8

The closest you may get to 007 > Page 9

Photo: Carrie Kellenberger

@thephuketnews

2 ENVIRONMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Every hour is Earth Hour THE GLOBAL SCALE

Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

E

arth Hour will take place from 8.30-9.30pm on Saturday, March 28, prompting a handful of local businesses and “environmentally-conscious” individuals around the island to turn off non-essential lights off for an entire hour.

But is being “energy aware” for only one hour out of the year really such a noble cause?

In attempt to answer this, first we will look at how much energy we actually use throughout the year, then look at where this energy comes from.

Who?

According to figures from The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), roughly a quarter of Phuket’s energy is consumed by the residential sector, and approximately two-fifths by the commercial services sector (hotels, shops and offices).

The remaining third of consumption is presumed to be used by the government, industrial and agricultural sectors.

How much?

In one decade, from 2004-2013, Phuket consumed no less than 15.8 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.

To put this into perspective, that’s enough electricity to comfortably power all of New York City’s five Burroughs – skyscrapers lights, homes and factories – for three months uninterrupted.

Keep in mind, New York City’s energy

Earth night lights. A satellite image shows the planet’s energy-hungry population centres. Much of this energy comes from nuclear and coal-fired plants. Photo: NASA is used by its 8.4 million residents in addition to more than 54 million visitors annually – or electricity for approximately 62 million people per year.

Phuket on the other hand has an official population of less than 400,000, with an additional 800,000 to 1 million residents who live on the island, unofficially.

Another several million more “visitors” use electricity here every year too.

An hour at a time

In 2013, the island consumed 2.17 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, and based on the annual consumption growth rate of 8.5pc (10-year mean), we can induce that the island will consume as much as 2.5 billion kWh this year, or 6.8 gigawatt-hours per day.

So even if the entirety of Phuket were to shut down completely for an entire hour, we would save 285,000 kW hours.

While this would be enough to power the Empire State Building for about two days, it remains doubtful whether most islanders can be bothered to shut their lights off come 8.30pm on March 28.

Energy Source

Now, let’s consider where all of Phuket’s electricity is coming from, and how it is produced.

Nearly all of Phuket’s electricity is imported and comes from carbon-emitting combustion processes, namely, the burning of fossil fuels – coal, natural gas, diesel fuel and petroleum – at plants in Krabi’s Khlong Neua district; Surat Thani’s Phun Pin district, Songkhla’s Chana district; as well as Nakhon Sri Thammarat’s Khanom district. Some of the electricity is even sourced from central Thailand and Myanmar via pipeline.

The only significant production of electricity on the island comes from the 14-megawatt-capacity waste to energy plant at Saphan Hin (burning of garbage). There is also an alternative energy station overlooking Nai Harn beach with a few windmills and basic solar array – a nice land mark at best.

According to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), current supply of electricity to Phuket and the rest of the South is not enough!

To keep up with growing demand, EGAT insists we must become more dependent on the energy grid and build more fossil fuel burning power plants.

The most controversial of their plans is a B60 billion coal-fired power plant and seaport for unloading and transporting imported coal, in Krabi’s Khlong Neua district.

Many eco-activists and conservationists have made a strong stand against the projects, and for good reason.

Soon, huge coal freighters will be seen trawling through the rapidly degrading Phang Nga Bay, to deliver shipments of coal from afar as Australia and China.

And while this seems like a potential eco disaster, the truth is EGAT is not really the ones to point your fingers at.

We, the energy consumers in Phuket, are responsible – as an energy-hungry society who demands cheap electricity to power our grid-dependent conveniences – iPhones, air conditioners, ice machines, computers, tablets, swimming pool pumps, power tools, hot water heaters, LCD TVs, sound systems, lights, cameras, fans, all of this and then some.

In conclusion, to really show commitment to the planet, we, Phuket – along with the entire region, country and world – need to do a lot more than shut off some lights for an hour once a year.

Every hour is Earth Hour, and the truth is it is no longer necessary to be a slave to the fossil-fuel order! Like me, you too can be part of the solution, not just the problem.

Start by catching up on my recent Happy Habitat columns, available online, to read about how it is possible and practical to live comfortably off the grid in Phuket, using solar energy, for example. Watch this space!

Giving back to the oceans: Anantara Phuket

Layan Resort & Spa, in conjunction with Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, last week held the Anantara Phuket Layan Annual Turtle Release 2015, inviting staff, guests and other kind-hearted citizens to release turtles back into the ocean from Layan Beach. Proceeds from the event went to the foundation to help in preserving the threatened species.

LOOKING FOR THE BEST

PROPERTY DEALS IN PHUKET *FIND THEM ON PAGE 17 thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

HOUSE & HOME 3

Building my dream home QUESTIONS & ANSWERS The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Question: Dear The Phuket News.

There’s been a lot of confusion on what the actual rules and regulations are for building permanent and non permanent structures in Phuket. I am looking to build my dream home either on a hill, or not too far from the beach, but am unsure what the exact requirements are. What do I need to consider? I’ve got an idea in mind but can’t make any further plans until I know what I am dealing with.

Please could you help me with the following questions? Any help would be appreciated – Graham, Kamala Q: How close to the beach can my dream home be?

A: The distance must be more than 20 metres from the average high tide and the area must be uncovered with 75 per cent of green space, with the building less than six metres in height.

Q: If I wanted to build my house up on a hill overlooking fabulous views of the ocean, what are the restrictions for height?

@thephuketnews

A: It depends on the height of the hill and site. If it’s more than 80 metres above sea level, then it is prohibited. There is also a slope specification too.

Q: What about if I wanted to build a basement in my house?

A: The basement is considered as a part of the building, so you need to check the building code for max height of the overall building.

Q: Would I be able to have a house next to a lake in Phuket?

A: Yes, you can but it must be in the distance specified (30 metres)

Q: When building a new house, what are the specification about managing toilet waste?

A: According to the law, you must have a waste treatment system, a readymade septic tank, for example. The size depends on the number of the residents and amount of waste. However, if your house is close to a lake or near a water resource, the cesspit must have a manhole that is at least 30 metres away from the water area. Please check with your local municipality.

Q: Do non permanent structures (container office or modular home) need to be registered?

A: No, they don’t. Because they can be moved and are considered temporary structures.

Q: Am I able to extend or build for example a shed, in my own garden?

Will I need a building permit?

A: With regards to extending or building on private land, all municipalities from Kathu, Patong City, Karon, Rawai,

Chalong and Cherng Talay require one to obtain a permit for any new construction / extension projects, irregardless of the size. If you are not sure, call your local municipality first for confirmation about specific codes and requirements.”

Information from Office of Natural Resources and Environment. and local municipality offices

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 5

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

International community ASK THE AJARN Eric Haeg info@teflcampus.com

From top: BISP; HeadStart International School; and PIA. A teacher trainer at TEFL Campus and Phuket resident since 2004, Eric welcomes all questions regarding teaching English in Phuket at: info@ teflcampus.com

@thephuketnews

I

n name only, there are roughly a dozen international schools on Phuket. Across school programmes, there is a wide spectrum of quality, accreditation and standards. While not uncommon across developing nations, the reality is that parents have a more difficult time assessing an international school’s validity.

Costs for such schools can be extremely high and the consequences of a poor choice in schools can affect a child’s ability to enter a good university and job prospects for decades. In fact, choosing an international school, if one can be afford such luxury, is one of the most important decisions a parent will make for their child.

At best, “International” is included to reflect the school’s standing as a real international school. At worst, it is included in hopes of reaping high profits.

So as to be fair to all those involved, it should be assumed that “International” is included because of its association with quality education.

Aside from the nominal aspects, identifying a school’s worth should come from a few different factors – none more important that its accreditation.

Recognised international schools need to be accredited and there are a few well-established accreditation organisations. These include, but are not limited to, Council for British Teachers (CfBT), Council of International Schools (CIS), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Another indication of an international school’s standing is its membership within the International Schools Association of Thailand (ISAT). While ISAT doesn’t oversee any school’s curriculum, member schools are required to hold valid accreditation, or at the least, they must be actively applying for it.

A search over ISAT’s website yields results of five schools on Phuket.

Phuket itself has the Phuket Association of International Schools (PAIS) and the group meets periodically to discuss matters related to international schooling in Phuket. Members include British International School (BISP), HeadStart International School (HSIS), Konjonkiet International School (KIS), Quality Schools International (QSI), Rawai Progressive International School (RPIS) and Phuket International Academy Day School (PIADS).

Although the group requires schools to be licensed as an international school with the Thai MoE, which itself requires an inspection of the campus and a review of its curriculum, the group has no legal standing.

Aside from the schools mentioned above, there are no fewer than nine other schools on Phuket that include “International” in the name. Many of

these schools have websites that don’t list accreditation or membership to any association of international schools.

It has also been suggested that some of these schools may be registered as day care centres, which are the responsibility of Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, not the MoE. While it would be unfair to judge the quality of education that these schools provide, it would be wise for parents to look into each school’s accreditation, legal status, official registration, not to mention its entire system of education.

Parents pay out considerable amounts of money for their children’s private education, sometimes making difficult personal sacrifices in order to do so. The least educators can do is offer transparency, honesty and accountability.

6 HEALTH

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

How to stop those cravings HEALTH MATTERS

In the morning, for example, substitute the heavy creamy yogurt

burger, or burrito? At that moment you could ask yourself “Is it my body that

(sometimes a sugar-added one) or the bacon-and-eggs combo, with a bowl full of homemade fresh almond milk with your choice of cut fruit and a tablespoon of chopped nuts; add two tablespoons of chia seeds, put it aside for ten-fifteen minutes and you will have a delicious fruit pudding, with vitamins, proteins and fat.

Or a smoothie with your choice of fresh fruit and one avocado, pitted. Add some lemon juice and one tablespoon of raisins and process it until creamy and fluffy.

Both of these recipes offer a healthy dose of fat, protein and fiber to steady blood sugar and metabolism, without the side effects of animal fat.

needs it or is it my mind/emotions?”

Then listen to the answer.

Once you have the answer it will be very easy to decide what to buy and what to cook for yourself.

For this, our number three suggestion will help you.

Susanna Eduini susanna@santosaphuket.com

T

hese five simple steps are designed to help you with your cravings and make them work for you, with a little help from Neuro-Semantics.

The average person makes more than 200 food and beverage choices everyday, and most of them aren’t the healthiest.

As a coach, and chef, I see this everyday. I have many clients struggling with flagging energy and they want to start eating in a way that gives them fuel and wellness.

So, instead of thinking of cravings as “the enemy”, you can think of them as “feedbacks” and use them to promote healthier eating.

How? By making the food you love work for you.

Here you will find five easy tips anyone can use.

Do you crave fat? Choose between bad fat and good fat

Fat plays a major role in satiety and it is beneficial for us, in keeping our arteries clean and for our brain to work properly.

Make food that is right for your body, not for your mind

How many times do you go to the supermarket and, suddenly, you “feel” that you absolutely want that doughnut, or

have lunch – salad with oil vinaigrette and one piece of cake – after I felt satisfied and a little euphoric, then tired again March 17, 4:30pm: happy – one chocolate truffle and a coffee – ready to go back to work, but then I want more chocolate, sweets, etc..

After three or four days you will start to identify your food habits.

Keep the diary for at least 15 days.

Eat regularly

Waiting too long between meals may set you up to choose sugary, fatty foods that will make you feel satiated and full.

Instead, eating every three to five hours can keep your blood sugar stable and help you avoid irrational eating behaviour.

Keep a food diary

By simply keeping a food journal, where you can register your daily habits, you’d be surprised how quickly eating patterns and cravings emerge.

Be very specific: mention everything you eat (also that half cookie found on the table, or that sip of orange juice your son/daughter left in the glass) and mention the emotion related to that, before and after.

For example: March 17, 10am: very anxious – one donut and a soda – after that I felt relaxed.

March 17, 12pm: tired, needed to

Keep fruit handy

Keep fruit handy when cravings hit.

You will get fibre and nutrients, vitamins and sweetness. Fruit can be fresh, dry, dehydrated, and consumed as a smoothie, sorbet, cut, etc.

Fruit can be very helpful and will keep you nourished and glowing.

Santosa Wellness Center

With views of the Andaman Sea, the Santosa Wellness Center features state-of-the-art facilities, the centre boasts a five-star raw and vegetarian restaurant, a juice and coffee bar, eight colon hydrotherapy rooms, a pavilion with an expansive range of healthy activities, a herbal steam sauna, and a plunge-style ice bath. santosaphuket.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 7

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Delicious Muslim breakfasts Indian influence makes meals special STREET EATS Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

The key to the unique taste is the yellow jasmine rice.

B

ang Tao is home to one of the best known Muslim communities in Phuket. The Islamic dishes that have become well known to other groups of people are usually only sold in the morning. Local breakfast options include Khao Mok Gai (yellow rice with steamed chicken) and Roti-Gaang (Sada roti served usually with goat curry, but also with chicken or beef).

The first dish, Khao Mok Gai, is very famous among Thai people as it can be found easily in normal Thai restaurants and local food vendors.

The key to the unique taste is the yellow jasmine rice, which is combined with fragrant Indian spices. It is served with a cut of moist, flavourful chicken, also steamed with many kinds of spices.

Khao Mok Gai is topped with deep fried shallots that give a sweet and

From top: Khao Mok Gai; the green sour-and-spicy sauce served with the Khao Mok Gai; and the curry for Roti-Gaang.

@thephuketnews

Restaurant manager Raveewish Paladsri with DJ Nemo Cools.

Farewell to Two Chefs Kamala

T

wo Chefs Kamala hosted an exclusive farewell dinner for 30 guests on Thursday night (March 19). Raveewish Paladsri, the restaurant manager, announced to everyone that the branch will be closing. But it wasn’t all sad news; two additional Two Chefs branches will be opening soon, he said. Details to be announced. salty taste with a crispy texture. There is also a cup of green sour-and-spicy sauce served with the dish for those who want to add even more colour and flavour to the meal.

The second dish is not as well known as Khao Mok Gai but is worth tasting. The fresh made roti (already tasty by itself) is enhanced by a side of goat curry for dipping. This ‘Gaang’ contains many spices used in Indianstyle cuisine. The texture is quite thick and enhances the taste of the tender goat meat which is topped with ginger to perfectly balance out the taste.

8 MOTORING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

New SUV takes on Phuket

Honda’s answer to island’s windy, crowded roads WISE WHEELS Richard Jones richard@pixy.asia

Sitting in the driver’s seat you immediately know that this is a driver-oriented vechicle.

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

O

n paper Honda’s brand new compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) - the 2015 Honda HR-V - sounds like the perfect car for Phuket’s crowded roads, small soi’s and hilly peaks, capes and headlands.

Thanks to Honda Anuphas Phuket we had the opportunity to test-drive the top-ofthe-range model (the “EL”) around some of Phuket’s more scenic roads, crossing Phromthep Cape down into Nai Harn Beach and then back through the afternoon traffic into Phuket Town. So, how does the HR-V endure on our growing tropical island metropolis?

The interior of the HR-V is rather luxurious, especially when you compare it with the competition – namely the Nissan Juke and Ford Ecosport – the finishings, design and features of the HR-V are a class above them all. The use of leather is abundant, extending from the seats up the doors and all the way along to the centre console.

Sitting in the driver’s seat you immediately know that this is a driver-oriented vehicle, the centre console design is directed towards the driver with every switch, nob and button in easy reach and intuitively arranged. There are paddle shifters, cruise control, tilt & telescopic steering adjustments and a speedometre that changes colour depending on your driving style.

The driver aids don’t stop there; push-to-start/ stop engine with remote keys and keyless entry, electric parking brake with Auto Brake Hold – a feature especially useful on Patong hill when you’re stuck behind that ageing tour bus, simply press the button

and the vehicle will hold itself until the bus driver finds the right gear, then apply the accelerator and you’re off again. In the scenario when that bus driver doesn’t find the right gear and his brakes aren’t suffice, in the EL model we tested, there’s six airbags available to protect both driver and passenger.

Wait, there’s more; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), economy mode (ECON) and a seven-inch touch screen head unit, Apple’s SIRI and smartphone integration along with two USB and HDMI ports and a massive panoramic sunroof.

We had the luxury of all these features with the top-end ES model we test-drove, though the specifications for the other models on offer in Thailand are still impressive. There’s the entrylevel “S” and the mid-level “E” which share many of the features mentioned, though with the S the head unit screen is only five-inch and not touch-screen and the paddle-shifters and cruise control only come with the E and EL. The sunroof is reserved for the EL only.

One last noteworthy feature of the HR-V’s interior is the highly versatile space-saving seating arrangements, comparable to that of the much-applauded Honda Jazz where you can fit a small elephant in the back when the seats are folded down.

Under the hood all models are pow-

ered by the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that you will also find in the Honda Civic - plenty for the vehicle’s size and if you’ve ever driven the new Civic, the HR-V feels very similar to drive. A standard Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) auto gearbox comes standard across the range which we found very smooth to use.

As for the pricing; the top-ofthe-range EL model we tested costs B1,045,000, the mid-level E B975,000 and the entry-level S B890,000. When you look at the competitors you can see the HR-V is not going to win on pricing with the Nissan Juke priced from B819,000 to B858,000 and the Ford Ecosport starting from as little as B696,000 up to B829,000.

With Honda predicting a domestic annual sales target of 20,000 units, that’s double the 2014 sales of the Nissan Juke and three-times that of the Ford Ecosport, Honda doesn’t seem to think that their pricing will affect sales and we would have to agree with them. Look-out for the new market leader of the SubCompact SUV / Crossover vehicles in Thailand. The Honda HR-V makes the year-old competition look outdated already.

For more information about the HR-V or to book a test-drive, contact Anuphas Vividhkarn located in Chaofa West Road on 076 371 888-9.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Phang Nga Bay revisited

TRAVEL 9

A

JAMIE’S PHUKET Jamie Monk editor@classactmedia.co.th

I

f anyone asks me for a list of “must see” places in the Phuket region, Phang Nga Bay is top of the list. The bay is actually very big covering all the sea and many islands in between Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi and I have seen only small parts of it.

One of these days I want to buy a boat and go exploring. We have done several trips in Phang Nga Bay with friends and family. Our last one was back in September 2010. I had planned that trip as an afternoon excursion, renting a longtail boat and aiming to reach James Bond Island late in the afternoon when all the tours had gone home and hopefully with the bonus of some golden afternoon light – it half worked.

We were the only visitors on this otherwise crowded tourist attraction, but on that day the light was poor, with dark clouds and some light drizzle. So I said “we have to try that again” and time has ticked by, and it’s been more than four years since our last Phang Nga Bay trip.

Well, earlier this month my cousin and his family who live in Singapore came to Phuket for a few days. I had a day off last month and the weather looked good, so we decided that Phang Nga Bay had to be visited again. So, we headed up to Phang Nga in two cars as there were nine of us altogether. We set off late morning and stopped off first at Wat Suwan Kuha temple which is just before Phang Nga Town. Wat Suwan Kuha features lots of monkeys outside and a big reclining Buddha inside along with many other Buddha images and behind the Buddha cave is a larger cave.

After the stop it was time for lunch.

We played it safe and went for lunch at Dairy Hut Seafood which is just past Phang Nga Town. Then we backtracked a few km just before Phang Nga Town if coming from Phuket there is a right turn and a sight saying “Phang Nga

National Park” which leads down to the Phang Nga municipal jetty. Arriving at the jetty, longtail boat drivers leap into the road to flag down cars.

We arranged with the boat boys to take our group to Panyee village first and then James Bond Island (real name Koh Khao Ping Gan). The jetty is up a mangrove river about 7km north of Panyee, about 20 minutes by longtail boat.

Payee is a stilted village built around a large limestone karst. I find this place very interesting, once beyond the row of restaurants and souvenir stalls. It’s what I think of as a micro-society, a place slightly removed from reality, a little isolated from the rest of the world, although these days there are hundreds of tourists visiting every day. Thus even more reason to find some backstreets.

Everything is built around the rocky island called Koh Panyee which towers above the village. Since our last visit there have been a couple of changes ... the mosque has been rebuilt with shiny golden minarets, and the island has a floating football pitch. We walked through narrow streets passing the mosque to the west side of the island.

The back streets of Panyee village are narrow and (to me) full of interest.

At every step I wonder what it’s like to live here. I imagine it’s a very close community where everyone knows everyone and doors are always open. Life will have changed a lot over the last 20 years with tourism generating a lot of income, but it’s still a fishing village at heart.

The mosque when we last visited looked rather sad. It now looks much healthier. Panyee is Muslim, like much of the Phang Nga coastal area. Although the stallholders selling souvenirs look a little bored, I see a lot of smiles here, I think it’s an easy lifestyle. Crossing over from where we landed, past the mosque I found what I wanted to see – the floating football pitch. It wasn’t there when we visited in 2010 although there was a concrete recreation area attached to the school.

We all enjoyed a run around. The kids realised that you’d get quite wet playing here, as you’d need to jump into the sea to retrieve the ball any time it went out of play. We spent about an hour

Koh Panyee from the water. The mosque is just about the only building built on solid land. @thephuketnews

at Koh Panyee and I think I would happily spend half a day there taking photos. It was nearly 4pm when we started heading towards James Bond Island, which is about another 7km south. We went via a small island where several sea kayak companies have their bases and on a busy high season day you can find hundreds of tourists on a little kayak tour (part of a day trip package) – not for serious kayakers. Our longtail picked a path through the kayaks and through a small cave. All of these little islands are beautiful. We got to Koh Khao Phing Gan (the proper name for James Bond Island) about 4:30pm. The tall rock that sticks up from the water is called Koh Tapu, which means “Nail Island”.

I wonder how many years until it falls over? I’m sure the base looked fatter in the movie. In the late afternoon light, this area is gorgeous. Photo A was taken at nearly 5:30pm, by which time we had this “crowded” tourist attraction to ourselves. Even the souvenir stall hold-

Above: inside Wat Suwan Kuha temple ers had gone. I had not noticed before, maybe it was the light, but you can see Koh Panyee from here, 7km to the north – what a view.

We sped back to the Phang Nga pier in about 25 minutes from James Bond Island, passing Koh Panyee with the sun sinking low. Perfect day!

Read the full version at Jamie’s Phuket Blog, jamie-monk.blogspot.com. Jamie works at liveaboard dive specialists Sunrise Divers in Karon, 084 626 4646, sunrise-divers.com

12 TECHNOLOGY IN BRIEF Instagram releases collage-making app

Instagram last Monday (March 23) released a stand-alone application that makes it easy to create collages of iPhone pictures.

Layout features include the ability to automatically find pictures containing faces, and the option to share collages on Facebook. Though the app, which will be released March 30, is tailored for iPhones, an Android version will be available later this year.

T he move by t he Facebook-owned photosharing app was in keeping with a strategy by co-founder Mark Zuckerberd to field separate, specialised apps aimed at ways people like to use mobile devices.

Bangkok Post

NFL to stream a game worldwide

Officials from the National Football League in the United States have announced that they will allow one game to be broadcast online for free this season.

The game will be the annual Wembly Stadium match-up that takes place in London and will pit the Buffalo Bills against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 25.

The game will reportedly be available over-theinternet by a service that is yet to-be-named.

Wembley Stadium has hosted an NFL game every year since 2007 in an effort to bring the game worldwide.

Yahoo gets out of China

Struggling to keep up with user’s transition to mobile devices in lieu of desktop or notebook computers, Yahoo Inc. has announced the closure of their last office in China.

Though Yahoo has not offered services in China since 2013, the company maintained a presence.

In 2005, the company turned over control of its Chinese operations to Alibaba Group.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Primetime launches services in Thailand

I

f you missed Big Hero 6 in cinemas, or any Disney movies or TV series, you can now enjoy them online at home.

More than 1,000 Hollywood blockbusters and over 2,000 TV series episodes are available each year via the online TV-on-demand service provided

by Primetime. Primetime is a premium service provider featuring a range of new movies, blockbusters and popular TV series. All items are licensed content from contributors, including Hollywood’s top players Disney, Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, NBC Universal and Sony Pictures.

Kasidit Kolasastraseni, Primetime Studio CEO, said their service offers choices of Thaidubbed, Thai-subtitled and English-subtitled programming. Pictures are of full high-definition quality, just as audio quality “wows” with DTS Surround 5.1 and HeadphoneX sound. Primetime is the first and only operator in Thailand to have integrated premium

quality to online services. The firm has even set its sights on introducing an Ultra HD option in the near future.

The services are compatible with smartphones, tablets, iPads, personal computers and smart TVs. Viewers can go wireless and watch the content anytime, anywhere. The services are available via the Primetime app, which can be downloaded from App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android.

Offering HD quality, Primetime can also play on TV screens with the help of a device like Apple TV, Chromecast and HDMI cables. Viewers can watch the content directly from www.GoPrimeTime.tv too.

“Primetime service is outstanding as we can bring new movies to customers faster.

As soon as DVDs for movies are made available, Primetime’s customers can watch them online,” said Kasidit, adding that to the latest hits, Primetime’s library also offers a comprehensive range of classic movies and all-time favourites.

TOP MOBILE APPS THIS WEEK 1

Imgur (Photography)

iOS, Android

2

Snapi (Selfie)

Android

3

Wikiwand (Wikipedia)

iOS

4

Zenith (Game)

iOS

5

Clash of Clans (Game)

iOS, Android

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK 1

Final Fantasy Type-0

PS4, Xbox One, PSP

2

Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

3DS

3

Mario Party 10

Wii U

4

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s 3DS Mask 3D

5

Battlefield Hardline

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

6

Evolve

PS4, Xbox One, PC

7

Dying Light – Be the Zombie Edition

PS4, Xbox One, PC

8

Just Dance 2015

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

9

Grand Theft Auto V

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

10

Far Cry 4

PS4

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

For the launch of its services, Primetime has already come up with a special list of movies which includes Big Hero 6, Guardians Of The Galaxy and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Many more movies will be added to Primetime’s library later this year.

Users can subscribe for Primetime’s services via credit cards, PayPal, banks, ATMs, internet banking, counter service and agents such as DNA, iStudio by Comseven, iBeat by Comseven, Banana IT, and Banana Mobile.

A range of packages include: “Movie Buffet Package” at B199 a month, offering an unlimited access to hit movies. The “New Movies plus Movie Buffet Package” costs B299 a month.

The “TV Series Buffet Package” costs B299 a month. The “Combo Package” costs B549 a month, offering access to new movies, unlimited access to older hits, and TV series (or get an annual subscription and the fee will come down to just B399 a month).

Bangkok Post

New partnerships brings Office into Android

M

icrosoft last Monday (March 23) unveiled partnerships with Samsung and other manufacturers to install its services including Word and Skype on devices powered by rival Google Android system.

The move is part of a push by Microsoft, which has been lagging in efforts to get Windowspowered devices in the marketplace, to deliver services to consumers and businesses using Apple and Android hardware.

Microsoft said it was expanding a deal with Samsung – which had already agreed on prei nsta ll i ng M icrosof t services on its high-end smartphones – to include some tablets.

The deal will pro-

vide Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive and Skype on “select Samsung Android tablets,” a statement from the Redmond, Washington, group said.

“Original device manufacturers are important because they extend Microsoft services to the ecosystem,” said Peggy Johnson,

executive vice president of business development at Microsoft.

“More specifically, they help to reach a greater number of other device manufacturers, resulting in even more choice for customers around the world. And for Microsoft, this is part of the company’s mobile-first, cloud-first vision.” AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM 4, 2014 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FRIDAY,APRIL MARCH 27, 2015

Shoot, run, repeat FILM REVIEW J.P. Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

RUN ALL NIGHT

STARRING: Liam Neeson, Joel Kinnaman, Ed Harris, Boyd Holbrook, Bruce McGill, Genesis Rodriguez, Vincent D’Onofrio, Common, Holt McCallany and Nick Nolte DIRECTOR: Jaume Collet-Serra RUNNING TIME: 114 minutes

@thephuketnews

FILM 13

L

iam Neeson is not the best father in Run All Night. In fact, he admits to being a downright scoundrel. Neeson is very much the opposite of his CIAtrained, “good guy” persona in the Taken films, where he lays his life on the line for his daughter.

No, in Run All Night Neeson plays Jimmy Conlon, a drunk, absentee father who has had to lead a life of crime just to survive. But he gets one night to right all of his wrongs as he protects his son Michael from, of all people, his best friend, a crime boss named Shawn Maguire (Ed Harris).

A tangled web of murder, involving Maguire’s son and Jimmy’s trigger finger, is the catalyst for what is essentially being called “Taken 4” by several film bloggers.

But the truth is that Run All Night has more heart, drama and intrigue than the Taken films. There are several reasons for this but particularly because of the chemistry between Neeson, Harris and Joel Kinnaman (Michael Conlon). By the end credits, audiences could be clamouring for a TV series that portrays the lead-up to this film. Such is the powerful momentum that is shared across the screen.

The interactions feel raw yet with a

twinge of emotional depth that make us feel as though there is a lot of interesting history between the characters that simply can’t be shown in 114 minutes. Perhaps one of the best dialogue scenes in the film takes place between Neeson and Harris at a restaurant, when both men confront each other before the action starts. The lead-up is done brilliantly and the dialogue is sharp without being tacky.

Director Jaume Collet-Serra is no stranger to action films, as Run All Night completes a veritable triple-threat of Neeson-led movies in his repertoire (including Unknown and Non-Stop). His fast cuts are very much “new school” that is both hit-and-miss. A perfect example is the choppy car chase scene in this film.

Still, Collet-Serra is a master of maxi-

mising space, getting into all the nooks and crannies of a particular setting to put the audience in a position to observe the difficulty and drama in each scene. This comes to play when a hitman named Mr Price, hired by Maguire and played by Common, goes after our father and son team in a building. It’s done very well with shadows, colours and furniture playing as much of a role in it as our shooters.

As with any Neeson action film of the past five years, the fight scenes are believable and gritty. Kind of makes you scared of the guy if you see him on the street. But Run All Night is still not as fun as Taken.

Great character development and acting chemistry still makes Taken a better bet as an action film, though Run All Night is still a rainy day thriller worth a watch.

14 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

The fight of the century David Brook editor@classactmedia.co.th

Mayweather and Pacquiao are the two greatest boxers of their generation.

T

he fight the boxing world has been waiting for is set. It’s Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao on May 2 in Las Vegas, in a clash variously described as “Fight of the Century” and the “Biggest fight in Boxing History”.

Mayweather and Pacquiao are the two greatest boxers of their generation. Both have incredible boxing predigrees. Undefeated Mayweather has a 47-0 record, 26 knockouts and winner of world championship belts in five weight classes.

Meanwhile, 36-year-old Pacquiao holds a 57-5-2 record with 38 knockouts and world titles in eight different weight classes, the first and only boxer ever to do so.

A superfight it should be. Certainly the most lucrative in boxing history, generating as much as US$250m. MGM Arena will be crammed by those fortunate to obtain tickets at the eye-watering admission prices ranging from US$1,500 to US$7,500. Millions will watch on television. It’s the best fighting the best with Mayweather currently regarded as the favourite and Pacquiao the underdog. But will it be the best ever fight in boxing?

The finest era in boxing was in the 1970s, a golden era for heavyweight boxing with the likes of Ali, Frazier, and George

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

David Brook and Muhammad Ali in 1996 just weeks after the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Atlanta, USA. Foreman on top of a division overloaded with talent.

The first fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in March 1971 at Madison Square Garden was deemed by many “The Fight of the Century”. It was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated, unbeaten champion Smokin’ Joe (26-0, 23 KOs) versus unbeaten challenger Ali (31-0, 25 KOs).

The fight went the distance, with Frazier winning a unanimous decision to deal Ali his first ever professional loss.

The “Rumble in the Jungle”, Ali vs George Foreman in 1974 was another titanic battle. Stronger and seven years younger than his competitor, world champion Foreman had previously demolished the likes of Joe Frazier and Ken Norton. But in a classy display Ali knocked out Foreman in the ninth round, Foreman later admitting “Muhammad outthought me and outfought me”.

But the fight generally hailed as the greatest of all time was the 1975 “Thrilla

in Manila”, the third and final boxing match between Ali and Smokin’ Joe, the culmination of their bitter rivalry. It was brutal, both boxers took a lot of punishment, and after Ali’s domination of the 13th and 14th rounds, Frazier’s trainer threw in the towel. Frazier’s eyes were swollen shut.

Ali, winner by TKO, slumped on his stool, clearly spent.

Without doubt, the toughest fight in Ali’s 21-year career, spanning a remarkable 61-5 record, with 37 knockouts and a total of 552 rounds of boxing.

I had the honour to meet and spend a couple of hours with Ali in August 1996, just a couple of weeks after he lit the flame at the Atlanta Olympics. Some say Sugar Ray Robinson was the best; some say the greatest heavyweight was Joe Louis. But for me Ali is the greatest boxer who won the greatest ever boxing fight. Mayweather and Pacquiao will have to go some to change all that. Let’s get ready to rumble!!!

Petition for ‘Top Gear’ presenter Clarkson hits 1 million

A

n online petition to reinstate Jeremy Clarkson at the hit BBC programme Top Gear reached a million signatures on Friday (March 20) as the controversial presenter hinted that he may be sacked by the corporation.

In a stunt organised by the Guido Fawkes political blog, the petition was delivered to BBC headquarters in central London on a tank hired for the occasion with a banner reading “Bring Back Clarkson”.

Clarkson was suspended by the BBC this month over a “fracas” with one of the show’s producers, which was later reported to be a spat over not being provided with a hot meal after a day’s filming.

The BBC has pulled the last three episodes of the series, which has more than 350 million viewers across the globe and earns around £50 million (US$70 million ,B2.4 billion) each year for the broadcaster’s commercial arm, BBC Worldwide.

“Punish Jeremy Clarkson all you want but don’t pull Top Gear off the

air,” said Harry Cole, a journalist for Guido Fawkes, adding: “We are representing the silent majority of Top Gear viewers.”

A boorish bigot to some and a straight-talking maverick to others, the presenter was already on a final warning from the broadcaster due to frequent scandals over apparently racist remarks.

The petition for Clarkson on the website change.org reads: “We the undersigned petition the BBC to reinstate Jeremy Clarkson. Freedom to fracas.”

One signatory, Charlie Houghton, wrote: “Jeremy is a bastion of light in a dark PC world.”

A petition to sack Clarkson, calling him “a deplorable man” who used offensive language, had around 7,300 signatures last Friday (March 27).

The results of an investigation by the BBC are expected next week.

Even so, Clarkson himself appeared to say it would be a foregone conclusion in an expletive-laden tirade reported by British media.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 15

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

60 NATIONS COME TOGETHER FOR BISP INTERNATIONAL DAY Some 60 different nationalities were represented at the British International School Phuket’s international day on March 20, as students, staff, parents and visitors celebrated the island’s diverse international community. A parade was followed by games, food, drink, music and fun galore.

Tommy (third from left) with friends

Mile and Tommy

SAINT PADDY’S PHUKET PARTY

@thephuketnews

No one can party (or drink) quite like the Irish can. The year’s and island’s most lively parties were had on Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17, with the biggest ones being at Irish Times and O’Tools.

16 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Runners come to collect their bib and chips

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

(Left) Raul Tammesalu (Runner from Estonia), and John Douma (right)

Toon, singer of the famous Thai band Body Slam, participates in the race

SUPER FUN, SUPER RUN Thanyapura was the setting of the first Supersports 10Miles International Run in Phuket on Sunday (March 22). Over 1,000 runners took part in the event, which was spread across several divisions in three different categories: 10 miles (16 km), 5 miles (8 km), 2 miles (3.2 km) and 500 metre kids run.

Kids registered

Fish Darwin team

FISH BEWARE ...

It was a raucous time at KanEang@pier restaurant in Chalong as the Rawai Beach Fishing Club held their awards dinner for the 2015 Sportfishing Classic on Saturday (March 22). John Wilson, a popular angler who hosted the “Go Fishing” TV show for 20 years on Channel 4 in the UK, handed out the prizes to several contestants. In addition, RBFC President Dave “Flob” Roberts announced that the club was changing its name to the “Phuket Game Fishing Club” going forward.

Jim Stewart and Wife

Brendon and Calyssa

Luke, greg, gordon, Branko, and Peter

A FRIENDLY AFFAIR Phuket FC Chairman Pramuk Pisit Achiriyachai (centre) with Mush Peas Supporters club rep Richard Dillon (centre left) present a shirt to famous DJ Goldie at last week’s friendly match between Phuket FC and Muangthong Utd. For more info about the match, see Sports page 47. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 17

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

The winning team from XANA with Attica Beach Club (Angsana Laguna Phuket)

The judging team (from left): Jay Le Shark (Event Organiser); Martin Smester; Phil Brandel; Zoran Lalvarni and Michael Brasier

PHUKET BEST BURGER Saturday March 21 saw the first edition of the Phuket Best Burger event held at Royal Phuket Marina. The competition final followed a fun carnival-like evening.

From left: Tommy Tee, Scot Toon (GM Kata Rocks), Jen Khamsorn

Special guests from out of this world Reigning Thailand Dancercize (To Be Number One) champs from Phuket, “Hero”.

Loyal fans in the stands

Dome Pakorn. Photo: S Layne

PHUKET UNITED CONCERT THRILLS

Phuket United enticed fans for the upcoming 2015 futsal season with a grand event at Saphan Hin Sports Centre on March 17 which featured lots of lovely eye candy for all the boys and girls, and a mini concert by team ambassador and Thai pop superstar, Dome Pakorn. Thailand Dancercize Champion teams from Phuket, Hero and Aha warmed the stage. Phuket United unofficially open their season this Sunday (March 28) against Surat Thani. Photos courtesy: PKS Artfan

Kittima Sethi (Communications Director IPN); Jazon Edouard (CEO Headstart); Katha Watcharapin (GM Dara Hotel), Dr Pansak Sugraroek; Collette Miki Edouard (Headstart); Pichsinee Pomnoi (CAM)

IT’S TEEN TALK TIME On March 17 at the Dara Hotel in Phuket Town, the International Parenting Network (IPN) welcomed special guest Dr Pansak Sugraroek to give parents advice about communicating effectively with their teenagers. @thephuketnews

TWO CHEFS KAMALA SERVES ITS LAST SUPPER Dr Pansak interviewed by CAM’s Tim Newton

Two Chefs in Kamala recently held a farewell dinner to mark the closing of the restaurant. For more details, see Dining page on Life Page 7.

18 EVENTS

FRI

27 MAR

CONSTECH 2015 Thailand International Construction Machinery, Equipment and Technology Exhibition 2015 is an international business platform gathering more than 400 exhibiting companies & brands from around the world spanning a vast range of construction and mining machinery and equipment, and machinery for building material production. More than 5,000 trade buyers, industry player and key decision makers from Thailand and ASEAN construction and mining industries are expected to visit the event. CONSTECH 2015 is organized by Thai Contractors Association under H.M. the King’s Patronage (TCA) and managed by IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. CONSTECH 2015 is a must visit exhibition!, pasinc@impact.co.th, 02 833 5208.

Jazz, Blues & BBQ at Dewa Phuket Fridays from 7pm Enjoy live jazz with a delicious banquet of grilled meats, fresh seafood and more. From THB 800++ per guest Book Now: 076 372 300, Person: RSVP, Address: Dewa phuket, Email: sales2@dewaphuket.com

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

For THB 499/-nett.

All you can eat

Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, butter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks, 076-286464 Ext 4.

SAT

28 MAR

Sip & Shop @ The Pavilions, Phuket Enjoy a healthy dose of retail therapy with the latest collections of Pink Lotus’ resort inspired apparel, eclectic jewellery, one of a kind accessories and hand made arts & crafts. Since shopping inspires good deeds, part of the events proceeds will be devolved in support of The Good Sheperd’s charity projects. The Plantation Bar from 2-5pm.

Only 950 THB net p.p. inclusive of free flow tapas and specialty grape concoction. Contact Simona, rm.phuket@thepavilionsresorts.com, donna_scot@toon.co.nz Class Act media - Live 89.5FM is a proud supporter of this event.

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

FRIDAYS WINE & TAPAS Imagine yourself sitting 50meters above sea level and gazing out over an amazing sunset whilst sipping on a Ginger & Lemongrass Martini and enjoying the unique sophisticated city lifestyle ambiance of Phuket. Every Friday ‘All you can Eat’ Tapas and more with free flow of selected beverages at 1,390 Baht net from 7 – 10pm. Get 30% discount on selected beverages from 5.30-6.30pm everyday. Located at Vanilla Sky Bar, Cape Sienna Hotel-Kamala Call 076-337300.

Essential Recharge Retreats Kata Rocks offers you the gift of wellbeing at its ‘Essential Recharge Retreats’, five or seven-day yoga, meditation, fitness and wellness retreats (22 to 28 March) that will guide you back to health. These amazing retreat packages allow you to customize classes, treatments & healthy cuisine to cleanse, recharge and revitalize. For information and rates: reservations@katarocks. com 076 370 777.

SUN

29 MAR

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

by Class Act Media.

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

Village & Community Development Potential Project (SML) of the “Old Phuket Town Community” in Laad Yai, Phuket Town. The visitors can enjoy the Old Phuket Town atmosphere which benefit to the local economic growth in the Old Phuket Town community. Open every Sunday from 16.00 - 22.00 Hrs. For more info visit facebook.com/phuketwalkingstreet or contact: 089 474 5253.

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

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B320 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com

It’s Cricket at Kata Rocks Join us for the ICC Cricket World Cup Final on Sunday 29 March from 10am to 6pm and we’ll lift your spirits with buckets of brew (500 baht++), homemade pies, gourmet baby burgers and shared platters of traditional cricket culinary favourites. Take in all the live match action in the comfort of our new luxury poolside lounge on our 70” LCD TV. RSVP dining@katarocks.com 076 370 777

Schedule for the Season of Lent-Holy week & Easter Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Friday 27 March 19:00 Station of the Cross.

Sunday 29 March Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday) Holy Week Thursday 2 April 19:00 Holy Thursday Mass.

Friday 3 April 19:00 Good Friday, Fasting and Abstinence.

Saturday 4 April 19:00 Holy Saturday Mass (Easter Vigil) Sunday 5 April Easter Sunday.

Contact MICHELLE REIS, Cherngtalay, michelle.ncreis@gmail.com

Phuket Walking Street Phuket Walking Street, “Laad Yai” is a

Live Seafood & Jazz Sunday Brunch at Banyan Tree Join Banyan Tree’s indulgent LIVE Seafood Sunday brunch featuring lots of LIVE Canadian Lobsters, Tiger prawns, freshly shucked Oysters, Wagyu rump and Foie Gras. Meander from one live cooking station to the next, and don’t forget to leave room for cheese and dessert. With live Jazz music and a kids club, starting at B2,800++ per person including free flow of selected beverages. Advance bookings are highly recommended, Contact 076 372 400. fb-phuket@banyantree.com

MON

30 MAR

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

Aqua Fitness classes are held on Mondays at 17:00 and Wednesdays at 11:00am.

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

MON

30 MAR

SWASDEE SIAM at Dewa Phuket Mondays from 7pm An evening of Thai cultural performance and aromatic flavours from our Thai kitchen. Just THB 650++ per guest, Kids Eat Half. Price Book Now: 076 372 300, sales2@dewaphuket.com

Monthly Pub Quiz 2015 Monthly Pub Quiz by Phuket Has Been Good To Us is back!!! On last Monday of every month from 7pm. till late at Aussie Pub, Kamala. Entry fee 100THB per person (teams of up to 4). Join a special round every month with amazing raffle prizes.

And the winners will get a 1000THB bar tab! Entry fee goes directly towards making a difference to underprivileged local children. 10THB from every drink goes to charity. More info. visit phukethasbeengoodtous.org or call 076 278 146.

TUE

31 MAR

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

076 330 600. Patak Rd, Kata.

@thephuketnews

THU

EVENTS 19 2 APR

Aerial Yoga–Unique to Santosa The fluid, gravity-defying twist on yoga shows how we can learn to fly whilst relieving compressed joints and re-aligning the body. The practice uses graceful, trapezelike movements which sometimes seem like acrobatics. A wonderful way to do inversion poses, aerial yoga really is an innovative fitness trend, and Santosa are extremely proud to be the only center in Phuket offering suspended movement in every direction along with stimulation of the organs, muscles and bones. To book this class, or to find out the other Aerial yoga class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600. Patak Rd, Kata, colleen@santosaphuket.com

SAT

4 APR

Thanyapura Superkidz Triathlon 2015 Participants will be divided into Junior [6-8 years], Intermediate [9-12] and Senior [1318] categories, the triathlon event will give young athletes the chance to experience the world class sports facilities at Thanyapura including its 50m Olympic standard outdoor pool with biking and running routes set within the surrounding nature of Khao Phra Thaew National Park. Register online at www.thanyapura.com, This event is proudly sponsored by Class Act Media.

SUN

5 APR

Laguna Market on First - Sunday 5th April 2015 Come join Laguna Market and shop for the best Phuket has to offer! Laguna Phuket invites you to experience “Laguna Market on First” in the park at Laguna Grove by the beautiful lagoon. Enjoy a variety of goods from food stalls, clothing, home décor, arts and crafts, music and performances, dining area and much much more! Next Market on Sunday 5 April at 5pm with concerts by Lula and Klear!, Contact Ms. Julalak Srijun, Destination Marketing, julalaks@lagunaphuket.com, 076-362300 Ext.1408

Celebrate Easter Sunday at Les Diables Join us for the very special family day. A sumptuous Easter Buffet for all the family with a Very Special Chocolate Easter.

Dessert Buffet, Easter Egg Hunt and other games for the kids with Great Chocolate Prizes. THB 1,250 Per adult includes 1/2 a bottle. Kids THB 595 with free flow soft drinks. Book now - Peter 081 935 0454 or Toon 089 481 7852.

Kata – Karon Beach Race Mini Marathon 2015 by Club Med You all are invited to join this free event : Kata-Karon Beach Race Mini Marathon 2015. The race will take place on Sun-5 April 2015, 4.30 am at Nong Harn Park, Karon. All runners will collect the number and singlet on Sat-4 April 2015 at 3pm7pm. Free running singlet is limited only for the first 500 pre registered runners.

For more info contact Education Division Karon Municipality 076 330 478. Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

SAT

11 APR

Phuket Bike Week 2015 PHUKET BIKE WEEK 2015 - The biggest motorcycle event in Asia. Celebrating the 21st anniversary. This event expects to gather over 10,000 motorcyclists and 50,000 visitors from 30 countries, which will take place in Patong Beach on 11th -13th April 2015 and in Phuket Town on 17th-19th April 2015. Visit our website http://www. phuketbikeweek.com/ or call 076 352 069, sumon@ridethailand.com, 081-6919346, Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

SUN

12 APR

Rainbow Pool & Foam Party Sunday, April 12, 2015. 3-10PM At Air Rooftop swimming pool at Centra Ashlee Patong. For reservation contact 081 171 0143 / 076 349 800-7 https://www.facebook.com/centrabarandrestaurant/photos, saleschp@chr.co.th

MON

13 APR

Thanyapura Songkran Sports Camps Join us for a fun-filled Songkran Camp running for 2 weeks from April 13-17 and April 20-24. Enjoy a variety of skill improving sports sessions led by professional coaches from Swimming, Tennis, Triathlon to Multi-sports for all levels in a safe and friendly environment. Choose your convenient timing by the hour, half day or full day schedules. Rates range from 2,000 – 6,000 THB per week, depending on the sport, skill level and hours. For more information, please contact reservations@thanyapura. com or call 076 336 000.

SUN

19 APR

Phuket Pride Week 2015 Phuket Pride Week 19th-26th April 2015.

This event was started in 1999 and is the only Gay Pride Festival still being held in Thailand. “Freedom To Live” is the theme for the week of FUN & Celebration with over 12 events being held around Phuket. All are welcome: LGBT community, straights & the undecided, to join in celebrating Pride week and raising monies to help fight HIV infections in Phuket. , Contact Phil Crown, Ban Patong, Phuket, Thailand 83150 , phil. thailand@googlemail.com. Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

20 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 1. What is the full name of the musical instrument, the piano? And what does it mean?

2. The Liverpool FC anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone comes from which musical?

3. 1. Neil Jenkins. 2. Stephen Jones. Who is No 3?

4. Who did Bill Clinton beat to become president in 1992?

5. What was the name of Audrey Hepburn’s cat in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s?

Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

49. “Prince ___” (“Aladdin” song) 50. Arctic bird 1. Unable to flee 51. Trip producer 6. Choice 54. 1944 Wilder flick 11. Not clerical 14. Popular wedding gift 60. Go off 61. Fish species 15. Free from 62. Blender button 16. Chemical ending 63. Cyst 17. 1944 romantic 64. Grave marker musical 20. Suffix with auction 65. Eats away at 21. Memory unit, for short Down 22. Cereal grain 23. Biting 1. Climax 25. Most pretentious 2. Quaker’s “you” 29. Pizazz, var.

3. Frame used for burials 32. Ways in 4. Aardvark’s morsel 33. Go over 5. Starchy tuber 34. Island in western Scotland 6. Snooped 35. 50-50, e.g.

7. One year in a trunk 36. 1954 Oscar-winning 8. Driver’s lic. and drama others 40. Axe, in Tokyo 9. Conveyance 41. Group of poems 10. Recently 42. Runs 11. Moldovan moolah 43. Title defenders 12. Cuckoo bird 46. Puddinglike dessert 13. Cry of success 47. Sets up 18. Qatari leader 19. Elevator man 48. Herb in stuffing

23. Asian nurse 24. Endure 25. Large amounts 26. Bars 27. Fishing nets 28. ___ fly 29. Place for a needle 30. “Mind Games” composer 31. Express overtly 32. Common carriers 34. Mocks 37. Most tearful 38. Thrash 39. Profligate 44. Complain 45. Greetings: var.

46. Construct 48. Indian caste 50. Stage of development 51. Italian bread 52. Fret 53. Henna and others 54. Morning moisture 55. Miner’s load 56. Cup filler 57. Coolness 58. Automobile sticker fig.

59. Wimple wearer

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz:

1. Pianoforte – “Quiet-loud”; 2. Carousel; 3. Leigh Halfpenny – Highest scorers in Welsh international rugby union; 4. George HW Bush; 5. Cat.

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

50:50

Likelihood of any man being bald at the age of 50.

17.7

Percentage of American men between the ages of 25 and 34 who still live with their parents (Women, 11.7%).

$30 million

Price paid by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to buy four homes next to his, in order to ensure privacy.

39

Number of Boeing 747 planes that could be filled with the potato chips eaten in the US on Super Bowl Sunday.

60 million

Tons of waste dumped into the ocean by China. Every day.

Source: Uberfacts

Sunday Walking Street in Thalang Rd, Phuket Town. Photo by JP Mestanza Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to editor1@classactmedia.co.th

This week in history ■■ M a r c h 2 7 , 1886

Famous Apache warrior, Geronimo, surrenders to the US Army, ending the main p h a s e of t h e Apache Wars.

■■ M a r c h 2 8 , 1979 The core of a nuclear reactor at the Three Mile Island power station in Pennsylvania overheats and partially melts down, the worst nuclear accident in the US. ■■ March 29, 2004 Ireland becomes the first country in the world to ban smoking in all work places, including bars and restaurants.

■■ March 30, 1867 The US buys Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million for 1.7 square kilomtres – about 20 satang a rai at current exchange rates.

■■ March 31, 1889 The Eiffel Tower is officially opened as the entrance arch to the 1889 World’s Fair.

■■ April 1, 1976 Apple Inc. is formed by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.

■■ April 2, 1992 In New York, Mafia boss Joh n Gotti is convicted of murder and racketeering and is later sentenced to life in prison.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

PROPERTY 17 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/livephuket www.livephuket.com

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18 PROPERTY

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

PROPERTY 19

20 PROPERTY

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

PROPERTY 21

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CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

EDUCATION

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PRODUCTION SERVICE

GUARDIAN SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

ELECTRIC

STORAGE

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PACKAGING

REMOVALS

ADVERTISE HERE

@thephuketnews

24 CLASSIFIEDS

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Jobs

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

Client Liaison Positions Available We are now recruiting experienced Client Liaison Staff for our offices in Phuket. This exciting role involves dealing with our clients on a face to face basis here in Phuket with the potential of travel elsewhere in Thailand.

Web Project Manager Senior DEV

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

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

Data Entry Administrator Data Entry Admin Staff required for Phukets leading property agent, LivePhuket the exclusive property partner to The Phuket News. Must have the following qualification for this position. - High vocational certificate or Bachelor’s degree graduate in any related field - Good command of MS Excel - Hard-working, self-disciplined, and positive working attitude - Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines - Can work from Monday to Saturday (every other Saturday) - Must have excellent English reading and writing skills. Contact Paul Trayman, Kamala, 092 474 6157, Email paul@livephuket.com Animal caregiver WANTED Starting 1st March, full time, caring for sick animals, dog walking, grooming, medicating & running errands, some overnight & weekends expected, experience with animals a must, please send resume to : jellinecastro@ yahoo.com

If you have the following qualities then please apply to set up an interview; ● Good command of written and spoken English OR Chinese ● Great Interpersonal Skills and Personality ● You are Motivated and Confident ● You have experience working in Client Liaison / Customer Service

Full training will be provided and the position is only open to Thai Nationals If you would like more information please contact us using the details below

Interconcierge Co., Ltd. 62, Lagoon Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 E-mail: hr@inter-concierge.com

TELE SALES WORK FROM HOME

Are you looking for a Nanny?

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

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

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

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

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

Vacancies for property sales reps

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

BB PHUKET NEEDS YOU! Come and join us to be a part of our Dream Team. The new unique Pool Bar and Restaurant on Phuket’s stunning East Coast is looking for you.

Position:

- Restaurant Manager/ Assistant Manager (ผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร, ผูช้ ว่ ยผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร) - Bartender/Bartendy (บาร์เทนเดอร์, บาร์เทนดี�) - Host/Hostess (พนักงานต้อนรับในห้องอาหาร) - Banquet Attendant (พนักงานฝ่ายจัดเลี�ยง) - Marketing /PR (การตลาดและประชาสัมพันธ์)

Incentives:

Salary package: ��,���-��,���, competitive compensation and benefit packages and guaranteed service charge. (รายได้รวมอยูร่ ะหว่าง

��,��� – ��,��� บาท ตามตำแหน่ ง , ความสามารถ และประสบการณ์)

- Daily tips - Staff Food - Staff Van - FUN at Work

Requirements:

- “Can Do” attitude (มีทัศนคติดี) - Outgoing personality (บุคลิกภาพดี) - Good English (สามารถสื�อสารภาษาอังกฤษได้ดี) - Great communication skills (มีทักษะการสื�อสารที�ดี) - Passionate (มีความชื�นชอบในสายงาน) - F&B Knowledge (มีความรู้ในด้านอาหารและเครื�องดื�ม) - Hard working (มีความอดทนในการทำงาน) - Reliable (ซื�อสัตย์ม, สุจริต)

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

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Qualifications:

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

Assistant Branch Manager 20 K

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

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

RADIO/TV REPORTER

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

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

We offer:

Qualifications:

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

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

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

Thai& Non Thai nationals

Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

Contact us on Jobs@bbphuket.com Phone number: English: 0848927517, Thai: 0935757770

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

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

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

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

Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

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

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CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Buy&Sell BOATS & YACHTS 33/F Gulf Craft W/A

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

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

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

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

FREEDOM BAR FOR SALE

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

Restaurant & Bar For Rent A long established fully

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

Silver Princess Yacht PC530

A 53 ft Power Catamaran by Silver Princess Yachts.

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

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

oped Nightclub in Patong on Bangla Road.

A turnkey operation with a fully fitted light, sound system and bars. Long renewable contract available. Serious enquiries only. Brokers welcome. Contact Steve, stevepearcergj@hotmail.co.uk, 089 587 0819 (EN)

One of a kind retail space

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

For Sale Navy Bar In Font Of Playschool 1.3M. O.N.O Key money paid until Oct 2015 Info: playschoolphil@yahoo.com, Phil, Tel. 081 083 3231.

Sale Double Shophouse - Kathu

3 storey with six large rooms, large shop/ office on ground floor. Rooms fully furnished with cable TV and internet access.

Car park available. 14.5 MB, Paul, Email: info@expathotel.com, 081-606-5772.

RAWAI RESTAURANT FOR QUICK SALE Rawai Restaurant for quick sale. Big area with parking and Big garden. Rental B200,000 per year with long lease. Price reduced from B1,500,000 To B 980,000 Tel: 089 646 7176 Email:big_redchili@yahoo.com

For Sale Playschool Bar AGOGO Bar

4.5M. O.N.O Key money paid until July 2015 Same Owner since 2004 For Info: playschoolphil@yahoo.com, Phil, 081 083 3231.

CAR FOR SALE Nissan Teana 2.5Lt

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

TOYOTA Fortune 2006

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

2011 Ford Fiesta ‘S’ For Sale Ford Fiesta “S”

2011 model. Auto, 5 door, red, non smoking vehicle, 2 new tyres and belt. Travelled 39,000Kms - no accidents. 10 months registration and 7 months insurance left. Serviced

by Ford, books available. Blue Book available. Excellent condition inside and out. 1 farang owner from new. Located in Karon/Phuket, 375,000 THB, 084 842 0340.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sports

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

TOYOTA Fortune 2009

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

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

Nissan Teana Special 6 cyl

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

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

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE 2012 Kawasaki ER-6n

14,000km including new Diablo Rosso Corsa tires, tail tidy, pegs, turn indicators, Power Commander V and Bags-Connection tail and tang bags. Must sellleaving Thailand, acetrack@me.com, 086 120 0413.

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

COMPANY FOR SALE Company for sale - Owner retiring Well known 12 year established company specializing in sales and rental of containers, site/sales offices, Porta Loos as well as Self Storage. Customer base includes Tesco Lotus, Laguna, Marriot, Boat Lagoon and many more. Enormous potential for expansion and expor t. A conser vative value of company assets exceed 11MB which is included in the sale price of 14MB. Call Gordon 081 892 4804, www.safewayasia.com.

@thephuketnews

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com COMMUNITY

PETS FOR ADOPTION

Inexpensive land plots / commercial property

Neo and Cookie We are 15 weeks

old. We are very sweet with people and can get along easy with other dogs too!

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

Inexpensive land plots on east coast of Phuket for sale, 0.3 - 8 rai, some with a sea view (Bang Pae, Yamu Hills). Direct sale by owner. Price starts from 500 000 THB. Commercial property: two-storey building: 50 rooms, 13 bathrooms, 3 kitchens, 4 rai land plot, 7 min from airport.

Nicely renovated. Can be a hospital/school/ commercial/residential property. 35 mln baht, Lana, lana.phuket@gmail.com, 080 27 16 484, 090 870 7773.

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

Missing Quincy

Missing our dog Quincy, Airdale terrier, male, black and brown coat. He got lost on the 31st of december in Patong,3000 Baht reward, 0870912798.

OTHER Ocean View Land Kamala

Half rai 7947sq.m. cleared and leveled, power connected, sealed road, MUST SELL 6.75million. For ENG 090 492 3101 THA 093 768 6694, Contact Simon, simonbrutonclay@ yahoo.com.au, 090 492 3101.

Beautiful land plot for sale very convenient located in a secure estate with underground electricity less than 10 mins from Phuket International Academy, Airport, Tesco , Naiyang beach, Grand AoPor marina in a peaceful foreigner community, Chanote title,1100sqm, flat land with fences around, mountain view , ready to build, good investment. For quick sale direct from owner only B3.5 mln., Montha, 081 343 0777, montha_phuket@yahoo.com Land for Sale Phang-nga

18 rai Land with Rubber Plantation for sale In Thayu, Phang Nga. 600,000 baht/rai Tel: 086 276 0041 Owner.

CALLING THE DOG LOVERS OF PHUKET

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SPORT

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Phuket FC draw with TPL team in friendly

27

FOOTBALL

JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

A

bout 3,000 people attended the exhibition match between Phuket FC and Thai Premier League team SCG Muangthong United as they played to a 2-2 draw on Sunday night (March 22) at Surakul Stadium.

Muang thong’s Seksit Srisai (No. 15) opened the scoring late in the first half with a beautiful strike that put the ball past Phuket FC goalkeeper Pariyawat Intarapim.

In the second half, Berlang Nlome-Ndebi pounced on an air ball that bounced off the post following a shot from Pipat Tonkhanya. Berlang headed the ball into the net to bring the game level at 1-1 in the 64th minute.

Just five minutes later, Pipat would finally score one of his own with a brilliant shot past Muangthong goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan, who is also the starting keeper’

@thephuketnews

Runners ready for Karon Mini Marathon RUNNING

Pipat Tonkhanya (centre) with fans after match. for the Thai national team.

Muangthong answered back just minutes before the

final whistle as Teerasil Dangda (No. 10) slipped past two Phuket players to shoot one

home to the right side of the net and level the match 2-2.

This was Dangda’s second match at Surakul Stadium in eight months as he suited up for Spanish Club UD Almeria when they held a friendly against Phuket FC last August.

Phuket FC will resume Yamaha League-1 play on April 4 against Pattaya United at Surakul Stadium. Kick-off is set for 7pm.

Class Act Media is a proud media partner of Phuket FC.

THE KATA-KARON MINI Marathon is set to take place next Sunday, April 5, with medals and trophies on the line.

Interested runners can take part in the 11.4 km race or the 5km Fun Run in addition to a 2km Family Fun Run. Entry is free for all who wish to participate and Karon Municipality, the organisers of the event, are giving away a free souvenir for the first 500 participants.

The race will start at

4:30am at Nong Harn Park, near the traffic circle, in Karon. The route takes runners down Karon Beach and Kata Beach before turning onto Khoktanhod Kata Noi Road, Patak Road, Soi Keatkwan and back to Nong Harn Park.

Anyone interested in taking part can call Karon municipality Education division at 076.330.478, visit the website at karoncity. go.th or register in-person on April 4 at Karon Municipality or Nong Harn Park from 3pm to 7pm.

28 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Patong looking strong with win over Thalang CRICKET

Owen Pringle editor2@classactmedia.co

s the semifinals of the ICC World Cup descend upon us, so looms the business end of the Phuket Cricket Group, 40-Over league competition as Sunday (March 22), saw Patong take on Thalang.

Thalang batted first and sent an opening combination of Andrew McMillan and Justin Thomatos, who started strong with an opening stand of 114 before Thomatos was dismissed in the 15th over. McMillan was joined at the crease by Carl Baxter, but was bowled for 1 by Waseem Bhatt. Simon Wetherell made a stand with McMillan of 39 runs before being bowled out after the second break.

One of the two new signings for Thalang joined McMillan in the centre. Jean Matthee played solidly against the spin of Patrick Morton.

Matthee made 11 runs before being run out with an excellent boundary throw by Richard Desmond.

A

Craig Murphy batted with McMillan before the opener was dismissed on 87 (81 balls).

Thalang Captain Bill Stahmer made a brief appearance with Murphy until he was adjudged LBW for 1 off the bowling of Imtiyaz Mustaq.

Gary Lane then joined the 27th over as Murphy was dismissed.

The second new signing for Tha-

lang, Jurgen Jacobs, then strode to the wicket and cut a ball backward for two runs before he was dismissed.

Martin Hill then joined Lane at the wicket but Lane (11) was runout by Bhatt to bring the Thalang innings to a close after the first ball of the 31st over. Hill not out 1.

Thalang were left analysing their innings after starting well, 3/154

after 20 overs, but being all out for 205, 11 overs later.

Patong bowlers, Bhatt, 8 overs, 1 maiden, 3/27, Mustaq, 8 overs, 3/39, Morton, 8 overs, 1/46. Justin Swart claiming the other bowling wicket, 5 overs, 1/43.

Patong took the bat and Justin Swart formed a left/right batting combination with Mustaq resulting

in a 145 run stint for the 2nd wicket.

Mustaq dismissed in the 27th over on 92 from 74 balls faced. Swart was dismissed for 67 runs (83 deliveries) in the 28th over.

Morton was joined by Bhatt before an excellent catch by Matthee ended Bhatt’s innings on 7. Patong now 4/201, five runs shy of 1st innings points. Owen Pringle joined Morton at the crease and watched Morton hit the winning runs before he was by Baxter for 27 (29 balls).

Neil Quail was bowled by Lane for 4, bringing Richard Desmond to the centre. Pringle was bowled off the final delivery for 10 runs

by Simon Wetherell. Desmond not out 1, with Patong 8/247 at the end of the game.

Thalang used 9 bowlers, Matthee, 6 overs, 1 maiden, 1/19, McMillan, 9 overs, 2/41, Baxter, 7 overs 1/31, Murphy, 9 overs, 1/61, Lane, 4 overs, 2/34. .

Next Sunday (March 29), Patong will face Laguna at the Alan Cooke Ground in Thalang at 10am. For more information, visit acgphuket. com or phuketcricketgroup.com.

Phuket Super Six League: Season 9, Round 7 JUST A FEW POINTS SEPArate the TEFL Campus, leaders of Division 2, and the Black Dragon FC in the island’s 24-team, three-division Super Six League. Meanwhile, Pita Bar Phuketeers have drawn level on points with Division 1 leaders Phuket Condos & Homes while Naraya United pulls away from the pack in Division 3.

For more information, visitphuketfootball.com DIVISION 1 Pita Bar Phuketeers 5 – 4 Shakers FC Blue Horizon 5 – 3 Sam Kong FC Two Chefs 4 – 6 TT Boys

DIVISION 2 Talon FC 7 – 8 Vintage FC Black Dragon FC 1 – 1 TEFL Campus Phuket Condos & Homes B 3 – 0 Zaleng FC

DIVISION 3 Phuket Serenity Villas 2 – 1 Shambala United ConF 3 – 4 Naraya United Jugqrue FC 2 – 6 Novotel

In division 01, recently promoted Blue Horizon grab 3rd spot on the table after a 5-3 win against Sam kong FC.

SUPER SIX SOCCER Division 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Team

Phuket Condos & Homes Pita Bar Phuketeers Blue Horizon Daohang TT Boys Shakers FC Sam Kong FC Two Chefs

P

W

D

L 0 1 2 1 2 3 2 5

22 21 16 13 16 13 4 12

F

GD Pts 16 4 0 5 -3 2 -5 -19

12 12 9 6 6 3 0 0

7 7 5 5 5 7 7 7

5 4 3 2 2 2 1 1

2 3 1 1 1 0 2 0

0 0 1 2 2 5 4 6

15 17 21 12 8 20 17 18

6 9 12 1 -2 0 -13 -13

17 15 10 7 7 6 5 3

7 7 7 5 7 7 5 5

6 5 3 3 2 2 0 0

1 1 3 0 1 0 2 0

0 1 1 2 4 5 3 5

41 31 25 14 24 22 14 10

29 11 11 1 -6 -8 -16 -22

19 16 12 9 7 6 2 0

4 5 5 3 4 4 2 5

4 4 3 2 2 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Division 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

TEFL Campus Black Dragon FC Irish Times USSR Phuket Condos & Homes B Zaleng FC Vintage FC Talon FC

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Naraya United ConF Phuket Serenity Villas Thailand Weightloss Shambala United Novotel Jugqrue FC Healthy FC

Division 3

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

SPORT 29

Fore! Kids get in the swing of things on Phunaka links GOLF

JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

W

ith five hours of practice a day, it’s only a matter of time before the trophy case at the Phunaka Dragons Kids Golf Academy becomes too small.

The team hope to add more silverware when the junior golfers take to the links at Nakhon Nayoke in the qualifiers of the Thai Golf Association – Singha Junior Golf Championship this week. On the line is a trip to San Diego, California for the IMG Junior World Golf Championships in July.

But, if you ask Suracha

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“Punk” Singhkajohn, the academy’s head instructor, the most important thing is for the kids to get a great experience in competition.

“Golf is like life, how to plan and think in golf is similar on how to plan for life,” the 43-year-old said.

Pro Punk, as he is known to the kids and parents, began playing golf at the age of five and started to teach just five years ago.

“I started because I want to build new junior golfers, to give them experience, and to teach them how to consider many things, to overcome difficulties,” he said, explaining how he uses golf as a way to teach kids patience and the importance of planning.

The academy teaches

about 27 kids everyday, from 3pm to 8pm, with the help of three other instructors.

The kids range from five to 18-years-old and many of them have seen success on the links rather quickly.

After playing golf for just a year and a half, 6-year-old Louise Landgraff has already won three competitions in her age group. Mark Lunagnitikul, a former student under Pro Punk, started at the Phunaka academy and has since gone on to win the Callaway Junior Golf Championships in the US in addition to being courted by prestigious schools around the world.

The academy has also become a familiar haven for kids who have recently moved

to the island.

“I just came three or four months ago to Phuket,” said 17-year-old Chris Ooi, “I’ve been playing since I was four-years-old. The instructor here is very good. I enjoy

this everyday because I love golf. I come here to stay with the kids, with some friends.

Everyone is excited with the competition coming up also.”

For 12-year-old Bosshy, golf has become a way for

her to spend some extra hours with her friends.

“I saw my friends play and then I wanted to play. I love golf because it’s fun, it makes me have more friends,” she said.

30 SPORT

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Van Gaal beams after Man Utd storm Anfield FOOTBALL

M

anchester United m a n age r L ou is van Gaal hailed his team’s 2-1 victory over Champions League qualification rivals Liverpool at Anfield as “one of the most important in my career”.

Juan Mata scored twice in Sunday’s (March 22) Premier League game, either side of a red card for home captain Steven Gerrard. Despite Daniel Sturridge hitting back, Liverpool fell to a first loss in 14 league matches.

Victory strengthened United’s grip on the fourth and final Champions League qualifying berth, with Liverpool now five points behind and Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur a point further back, leaving Van Gaal to reflect on a potentially decisive afternoon.

“We beat them again with their own weapons and the pressure on the ball,” said the Dutchman, whose side had condemned Liverpool to their last defeat with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford in mid-December.

Mata’s superb performance in United’s 3-0 defeat of Tottenham meant that he held on to his place despite Angel di Maria’s return from suspension.

His 14th-minute opener saw him run on to a pass from Ander Herrera and beat Simon

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Cyan

100

Cyan 100

Magenta

57

Magenta 100

Black

40

Mignolet with his right foot, while his second goal on the hour was sublime – an acrobatic scissors kick from Di Maria’s clipped pass.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho believes Chelsea are firmly on course to win the Premier League after extending their lead at the top to six points with a battling 3-2 victory at Hull.

The Blues, chasing their first English league crown since 2010, re-established their stranglehold on the title race thanks to Loic Remy’s late winner at the KC Stadium on Sunday (March 22).

And with Chelsea holding a game in hand on second-placed Manchester City, Mourinho says they are now firm favourites to lift the trophy.

“The title race should be over,” Mourinho said. “In normal conditions, Chelsea should have eight, 10, 12 points more than we have – title race over.

“But football is unpredictable and the reality is we have a six-point lead which is our best situation for the whole season.”

Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa put Mourinho’s team two goals ahead in the first nine minutes, but struggling Hull showed admirable determination to draw level with two goals in quick succession from Ahmed Elmohamady and Abel Hernandez before half-time.

Substitute Remy scored the winning goal with 13 minutes left after replacing the injured Costa.

In other news, Manchester City benefited from a case of mistaken identity as they beat West Bromwich Albion 3-0 on Saturday (March 21).

Bidding to bounce back from their Champions League elimination by Barcelona in mid-week, City were given a big helping hand when referee Neil Swarbrick sent off West Brom defender Gareth McAuley after only 89 seconds.

But it was Craig Dawson, West Brom’s number 25, who had committed a foul on City’s Wilfried Bony (who then stumbled into number 23 McAuley), and Swarbrick later issued an apology for sending off the wrong player.

“I was too far to see the red card incident. It is the referee’s decision,” City captain

5

MONTHLY STANDINGS

TOTAL STANDINGS

phils64 81 aquamarine 78 cskaza 78 Mang 78 popcorn 78 tdavies14 78 zestrealestate 78 bazerb 75 British International School, Phuket 75 10. chook 75

1. diggersd 591 2. phils64 589 3. popcorn 583 4. stegee 579 5. gamagan 578 6. scottkip 578 7. celticpride 573 8. fazza 573 9. zestrealestate 568 10. thailand express 564

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Manchester United’s Spanish midfielder Juan Mata (R) celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. Photo: AFP/Paul Ellis

Black

Vincent Kompany told BT Sport. “There was nothing to win today for us. We just had to do a good job and we didn’t fail.”

Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray sealed a 2-1 win over Stoke City in an entertaining midtable Premier League clash at the Brittania Stadium on Saturday (March 21).

Ivory Coast-born England winger Zaha showed few signs of the hip injury that troubled him in last week’s 3-1 win against QPR in which he

also scored, as he netted the match winner minutes after a Murray penalty.

All three goals came in the first half with Senegalese striker Mame Biram Diouf putting Stoke ahead on 14 minutes with his ninth goal of the season.

The hosts had looked firmly in control early ,only to concede a penalty minutes before the break. Murray stepped up to convert and was followed closely by Zaha’s winner in the last action of the first half. AFP

English Premier League 2014 - 2015 Team

MP W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Chelsea

29 20

7

2

61 25 36

67

2

Man City

30 18

7

5

62 28 34

61

3

Arsenal

30 18

6

6

58 31 27

60

4

Man Utd

30 17

8

5

52 27 25

59

5

Liverpool

30 16

6

8

44 32 12

54

6

Southampton

30 16

5

9

42 21 21

53

7

Tottenham

30 16

5

9

50 45

5

53

8

Swansea

30 12

7

11 34 38

-4

43

9

West Ham

30 11

9

10 40 37

3

42

10

Stoke

30 12

6

12 34 37

-3

42

11

Crystal Palace

30

9

9

12 36 41

-5

36

12

Newcastle

30

9

8

13 33 48 -15

35

13

Everton

30

8

10 12 38 42

14

West Brom

30

8

9

15

Hull

30

6

10 14 28 40 -12

28

16

Aston Villa

30

7

7

16 19 39 -20

28

17

Sunderland

30

4

14 12 23 44 -21

26

18

Burnley

30

5

10 15 26 49 -23

25

19

QPR

30

6

4

20 31 54 -23

22

20

Leicester

29

4

7

18 27 48 -21

19

-4

34

13 27 39 -12

33

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

SPORT 31

Storms brew for next round in Malaysia FORMULA ONE Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

A

fter almost two weeks of soul-searching, Formula One returns to Malaysia this weekend for the stern test of man and machine that is the Sepang International Circuit.

With the threat of thunderstorms in Sepang, the sport is being clouded by a storm of a different kind after Red Bull threatened to withdraw from F1 should Mercedes’ domination continue unabated by the FIA. Red Bull Racing’s posturing was precipitated by its unravelling relationship with engine supplier Renault, which designed a 2015 engine far worse than its 2014 offering, resulting in two engine failures in just one weekend of racing in Australia.

Renault, on the other hand, blames Red Bull for demanding an unreasonable development pace.

Ferrari team get ready during practice session. Photo: AFP

Fernando Alonso Photo: AFP/Lluis Gene

Battle of the Powertrains While the Australian Grand Prix is an unusual circuit in testing the limits of a car, Sepang allows for a more representative evaluation of the field.

Of concern is that Mercedes, which was 1.5 seconds quicker than anyone else in qualifying at Albert Park, will only stretch its advantage in Malaysia with the aid of

Mercedes during Australian GP. Photo: AFP two long straights in the final sector.

The Mercedes engine dominated Sepang last year, its fastest lap of 1 minute 43.066

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START END

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO Hurricanes v. Rebels

Friday, March 27 834, 669

13:30

15:40

Rugby Union

Super XV

669

15:55

18:00

Rugby Union

Super XV

Reds v. Lions

Plus

13:30

15:30

Rugby League

NRL

Eels v. Rabbitohs

Plus

15:30

17:30

Rugby League

NRL

West Tigers v. Bulldogs

818

13:00

14:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Practice, Sepang, Malaysia

Saturday, March 28 834, 669

10:30

12:30

Rugby Union

Super XV

Chiefs v. Cheetahs

669

13:30

15:30

Rugby Union

Super XV

Highlanders v. Stormers

669

15:40

17:40

Rugby Union

Super XV

Waratahs v. Blues

834, 669

22:05

00:00

Rugby Union

Super XV

Sharks v. Western Force

669

00:10

02:00

Rugby Union

Super XV

Bulls v. Crusaders

Plus

11:00

13:00

Rugby League

NRL

Knights v. Panthers

Plus, 834

13:30

15:30

Rugby League

NRL

Sharks v. Titans

834, 669

15:30

17:30

Rugby League

NRL

Dragons v. Sea Eagles

818, 690

15:30

17:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Qualifying, Sepang, Kuala Lumpur

832

21:50

01:30

Motor Bikes

MotoGP

Qatar Qualifying

Sunday, March 29 834, 669

11:00

13:00

Rugby League

NRL

Roosters v. Raiders

832, 680

13:00

13:45

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Raceday, Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Grand Prix

13:45

16:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

813

16:00

19:00

Rugby Union

Hong Kong Sevens

Finals Day

669

21:00

23:00

Rugby Union

Aviva Premiership

Sale v. Gloucester New Zealand v. TBA

SS1

10:30

18:30

Cricket

ICC World Cup Final

818

20:45

23:00

Motor Bikes

MotoGP

Qatar Main Races

831

23:55

02:00

Soccer

Euro 2106 Qualifier

Scotland v. Gibraltar

@thephuketnews

seconds was a 1.1 seconds faster than the nearest nonMercedes car. All signs point to a comfortable Silver Arrows win, reliability pending.

The fight for scraps will be left to Ferrari and Williams.

The Italians made huge leaps forward with its engine during the off-season and the addition of Sebastian Vettel paired with a reinvigorated Kimi Räikkönen.

Aiding the independent British team is a low-drag chassis package that excels on long straights like those in Malaysia. Sunday will decide whether blistering pace down the front straights counterbalances the necessary surrender of pace in Sepang’s long, fast corners.

Klára Spilková. Photo: Laguna Phuket

Golf Pro Spilková graces Laguna Phuket Golf Club

Alonso returns to woeful McLaren

GOLF

Fernando Alonso is scheduled to return to the McLaren driver seat in Malaysia.

Knocked unconscious by a pre-season testing crash, Alonso’s doctors advised him to miss the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, but a medical check last weekend declared the Spaniard fit to race pending the mandatory FIA safety assessment at the circuit.

It will be a weekend of intense scrutiny for the driver and his team, with rumours continuing to suggest McLaren has avoided telling the whole truth about the circumstances of the crash. His transition back to racing will be made only more difficult by McLaren’s woeful performance in Australia, where it lapped a stunning five seconds off Mercedes’ qualifying pace.

THE NEWLY RENOVATed 18-hole course at Laguna Phuket Golf Club recently saw a visit from 20-yearold Ladies European Tour player Klára Spilková as she preparated for this week’s Lalla Meryem Cup and the Buick Championship in May. “The quality of the golf course is excellent and I love the new design very much. Most impressive of all are the world-class practice facilities, where you can practice all day long,” Spilková said adding that she plans to come back to the facility for winter training.

Spilková, a five-year veteran of the European Tou r, also held a golf

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Run #1518: Saturday, March 28, at 4pm Hares: Singha, Silent Running, Meals On Heels & No Hope Location: Ao Po - Towards Marina Directions: At the Heroines Monument circle turn East [4027] toward Paklok.

Drive approximately 10.4 km and turn RIGHT HHH toward Ao Po marina. Continue east for approx 2.8 km and turn LEFT HHH into the field. Beer Truck will be marked.

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

clinic and demonstration for female members of the Laguna Phuket Golf Club where she showcased many different types of shots and shared tips.

“It was such a terrific eye-opening experience,” said one member, “Klára has shown us many different golf shots this morning, which are very helpful for us as amateur golfers.”

When asked about her key golfing tips as a professional player, Spilková answered, “The most important thing is to be happy and play golf with a positive mindset. Every golfer faces different kinds of pressures once stepping onto the first tee, it is most important to control your breathing and think of the most positive things in your life”.

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor2@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

Phuket junior golfers in the swing of things > page 28

POUNDING THE PAVEMENT RUNNING

JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

E Male winners

Female winners

1. Geoffrey Birgan – 50 minutes

1. Cynthia Chelangat Towett - 1

and 10 seconds

hour, 1 minute and 55 seconds

2. Paul Kimani Wambui – 52

2. Natthaya Thanaronnawat – 1

minutes and 9.7 seconds

hour, 2 minutes and 8 seconds

3. Boonthung Srisun – 54 minutes

3. Jane Vongvorachoti – 1 hour, 2

and 31.8 seconds

minutes and 39 seconds

ven though a good chunk of the 1,000 runners that registered for the Supersports 10Miles International Run 2015 lined up before dawn last Sunday (March 22), there could only be one winner.

Kenyan runner Geoffrey Birgan finished the race in 50 minutes and 10 seconds after a fast start that culminated in a visit to the top of the podium at Thanyapura Phuket.

“Yes I feel good about winning. There were many hills in the course which made it

difficult but luckily I continued my pace which helped me win today,” Birgan told The Phuket News after the competition.

The event saw several runners from both Thailand and countries abroad compete across different categories, including the 10 miles (16km),

5 mile (8km), 2 mile (3.2), and 500 meter fun run for kids. Toon, the lead singer of the popular Thai rock band Bodyslam, also took part in the 10 miles event, in addition to Ironman Chris McCormack and superstar triathlete Jurgen Zack. “I knew if I kept a strong

pace I could remain ahead and I’m happy to finish number one today,” said Cynthia Chelangat Towett, a 26-year-old Kenyan who was the first female to finish the race with a time of one hour, one minute and 55 seconds.

A mix of expats, Thai nationals and international runners competed in the event, which usually takes place in Bangkok. This was the first Supersports 10Miles International Run to take place in Phuket.

At the conclusion of the event, Thanyapura CEO Philip Graff von Hardenburg told the crowd that the competition will become an annual event at Thanyapura Phuket.

Top anglers honoured after RBFC Sport Fishing Classic 2015 competition FISHING JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

A BOUT 140 ANGLERS from around the world took part in three days of hard fishing at the annual Sport Fishing Thailand 2015 “Classic” hosted by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club (RBFC). The top anglers were honoured last Saturday (March 21) at Kan Eang@Pier restaurant in Chalong as renowned UK fishing personality John Wilson presented the awards.

Participants from as far as Canada, England, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States took part in the annual event, which was somewhat of a pleasant surprise for guest of honour Wilson.

“I’m amazed. It’s great, the fact that I didnt expect to see so many int’l anglers here and

Superkidz set for April 4 so many people that I know, it’s been wonderful,” said Wilson, who hosted a fishing TV show on Channel 4 in the UK for 20 years.

Phuket Fishing.ru took the overall award, accumulating 90 points, in addition to garnering the Top Tuna (15.4kg caught

by Matvey Sumatov) and Top Barracuda (11.6kg caught by Viktor Ivanov) prizes. The Russian team also came runner-up in the Trevally (13.kg, caught by Potapov) and Tuna categories (9.1kg caught by Alex Odintsov).

Meanwhile, last year’s top overall team – Fish Darwin – came 4th overall with 40 points although they did take the top prize in the Other Species category with an 11.6kg Grouper caught by Craig Moxley.

Other winners included Peter Goyter of The Extruders team that took the Top Marlin award with a 2.35m beast, Dave Pearc of PGFC with a 1.95m Sailfish, Gordon Little of the Reel Men with the Top Wahoo that weighed 9.6kg.

In addition, Mike Wilder of the Oily Reelers won the Top

Mackerel award with a 10.1kg fish and a Greg Farrant of The Reel Men won the top Dorado that weighed 5.1kg.

“I’ve lived here for a year and a half now and I didnt expect there to be such an organised fishing club in southern Thailand, its a pleasant surprise.. the future of fishing in Thailand looks very good indeed.”

At the end of the event, RBFC President Dave “Flob” Roberts announced that the club would change it’s name to the Phuket Game Fishing Club.

TRIATHLON AS THE HOME OF TRIathlon training in Phuket, Thanyapura has a big interest in developing the next generation of superstar triathletes. This is why, on April 4, they will host their annual Thanyapura Superkidz Triathlon with competitors from all skill levels.

Participants will be divided into several categories, including Junior (ages 6–8), Intermediate (ages 9–12) and Senior (ages 13–18). The event will begin at 8:30am for Juniors followed by 8:50am for Intermediate participants and 9:30am for the Seniors.

These “mini-triathletes” will be surrounded by the Khao Phra Thaew National Park as they bike and run after

swimming in Thanyapura’s 50 meter Olympic standard outdoor pool.

The Junior division will perform a 50m swim, 3km bike ride and 500m run while the Intermediate division has a 150m swim, 6km bike ride and a 1,500m run on tap. Meanwhile, the Senior are expected to complete a 300m swim, 12km bike ride and 3,000m run.

The event is supported by the Thalang Police Authority, Chief of Thalang District, and Thanyapura. Entry fee is B800 for Thanyapura members, B1,000 for non-members, and B2,100 (B700 for three athletes) for the the relay events.

To register for the Thanyapura Superkidz Triathlon 2015, please visit thanyapura.com/ events. thephuketnews