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VOTE VOTE VOTEFOR FOR FOR

GIG GIG

Can she win Thailand’s Got Talent?

Can she win Thailand’s Got Talent?

■ Warunee “Gig” Suwannurak, Phuket singer and mother of 100 100 40 50one,0is 100chasing 100 0 0 35 100 0 her dream to win Thailand’s Got Talent, the country’s biggest talent show ■ Phuket singer dropped out of school at age 12 to take care of her younger siblings

■ Once ate rice mixed with oil and ■ Warunee ‘Gig’ Suwannurak, Phuket salt because she had no money to singer and mother of one, is chasing her buy other food dream to win Thailand’s Got Talent ■ On Sunday she will perform live on ■ Now has chance to win Channel 3 TV in the show’s semi-finals recording contract with Sony along with B5 million in cash ■ Vote for Gig by sending an SMS ■ On Sunday will perform British supporting her - all details inside singer Adele’s song Rolling in the FULL STORY ONON PAGE 2 2 DeepFULL onSTORY live TV FULL STORY PAGE ON PAGE 2

info@tile-asia.com | www.tile-asia.com | Phuket Showroom : Wana Park, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110 | Tel 076 620 168 | Fax 076 620 169.

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NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

The first to be cured of HIV?

American Timothy Ray Brown has been declared free of HIV after bone marrow transplants > 12

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

SUNDAY: Gig’s biggest gig Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

S

Warunee ‘Gig’ Suwannurak in full cry: Winning Thailand’s Got Talent ‘is my dream’.

he dropped out of school at age 12 to take care of her younger siblings while her parents worked in construction, and confessed she once ate rice mixed with cooking oil and salt because she had no money to buy other food.

Now, Warunee “Gig” Suwannurak, Phuket singer and mother of one, is chasing her dream to win Thailand’s Got Talent, the country’s biggest talent show.

Gig, 32, left on Wednesday (July 25) for Bangkok to take part in one of the competition’s six semi finals, to be aired on Sunday at 5.30pm. Two of Sunday’s 16-act semi-final will go through to the grand final – for which a date has yet to be confirmed – with the winner taking home a contract with recording label Sony, along with B5 million in cash, a condo and a car.

After her standing ovation performance of the 4 Non Blondes song What’s Up during the competition heats, Thailand’s Got Talent judge, actress and singer Pornchita “Benz” Na Songkhla,

told Gig she had the talent to win the grand final.

But Gig needs the support of Phuket people to get her through, as a large part of the scoring to determine who will be in the final depends on SMS voting.

But if she’s lucky enough to make it through to the final, and then go on to win the competition, don’t think Gig will be spending her winnings on a lavish holiday or spoiling herself.

She says she will use the prize money to buy a house for her family, who still live in Betong, in Yala province near the Malaysian border. Gig dropped out of school at 12 and later started working menial jobs such as cleaning, before perfecting her English and starting to sing in clubs in Yala.

But there were limited opportunities because English was not widely spoken in Yala, so she moved to Phuket where she honed her singing ability and English skills, and began to get regular gigs, using the money to support herself and her family.

On Sunday she will perform British singer Adele’s song Rolling in the Deep for the judges.

“Usually I sing rock songs but Adele has such an amazing voice, I just love her music. She’s very famous in Thailand, and I want to perform something that people will know.

“This is my dream and I really want it to come true, I really hope people vote for me. I’m not sure how I will get on because there are so many talented people in the competition.”

She works full time as a singer, mostly around Patong, and performs in bars, hotels, clubs and other venues, and knows around 200 songs she can sing on request.

As well as singing, she is also studying part time to be a singing teacher.

Around 20,000 people auditioned from around Thailand with the hope of making it on to the television show.

Those who have made it into the semi-finals will eventually be narrowed down to 12 acts for the final.

To vote for Gig, watch Thailand’s Got Talent on Sunday (July 29), at 5.30pm on Channel 3, and SMS “TGT16” to the number 4838999.

Copyright scam sparks seminar on music rights

THE DEPARTMENT OF Intellectual Property is to hold a seminar on avoiding international music copyright infringement on August 6 at the Blue Ocean Resort, Patong, from 2pm to 6pm.

The conference was called after a spate of raids on bars and restaurants, particularly in Patong, by “officials” claiming to represent copyright holders, and extorting money from owners. Sums between B20,000 and B50,000 have been extorted, The Phuket News was told. In return owners have received “certificates”

that turn out to be worthless.

The Phuket News understands that in some cases, the “officials” were backed in their raids by police officers, though whether the police were recruited as unwitting accomplices is not known.

A restaurant owner who has the correct licenses told the newspaper that the normal fee to cover just about all Western music varies depending on the size of the venue.

In her case it was just B3,500.

Speakers at the August 6 seminar will include Pisat Chiyasak of Music Completes

Your Business (MPC), which manages copyright licenses in Thailand for most of the major international recording companies; Pol Col Chainarong Charoenchai-now of the Economic Crime and Trade Suppression Division; and Mala Tangprasert of the prevention and suppression division of the Intellectual Property Infringement Committee (Private Sector).

The seminar is open to all. To book a seat email: piyachai_2004@hotmail. com or call 02-547-4633 by Sunday (July 29).

April 11 earthquake was ‘record-breaker’ THE INDONESIAN EARTHQUAKE on April 11, which caused widespread alarm in Phuket on fears of a possible tsunami, broke two records, researchers reported in the American journal Science.

The magnitude-8.6 undersea earthquake that occurred far west of Sumatra caused no damage and triggered no tsunami, but researchers announced on July 19 it was the largest quake ever measured that far from the boundary of a tectonic plate.

In addition, the so-called ‘intraplate’ quake is the largest ever measured for a

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‘transform’ fault zone, where the two sides of the fault slide past each other, rather than a ‘subduction’ zone, where one side of the fault is shoved beneath its neighbour. The epicentre of the quake was located about 400 kilometres southwest of the magnitude-9.1, Boxing Day tsunami that occurred off the northwestern coast of Sumatra in 2004.

A lot of that stress was shifted to the area by the December 2004 quake, the researchers suggest.

Much of the slippage along the faults took place more than 25 kilometres below the seafloor – a depth that helped contribute to the quake’s great magnitude.

– Source: Science Now

THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Australian expatriate commits suicide PHUKET-BASED BUSINESSman Daniel Kevin Cruwys, 38, originally from Australia, was found dead in his home on Monday (July 23) after committing suicide, police said.

Thalang police were notified of the incident, which occurred at his Thai-style mansion in Pa Khlok, estimated to be worth around B10 million.

When they arrived they found the body of Mr Cruwys, who had hanged himself from a ceiling rafter. Police found a suicide note nearby.

They said Mr Cruwys was working as a construction consultant to “foreign millionaires entering Phuket”.

He had a Thai wife and a six-year-old daughter.

No marks of violence or other evidence of foul play were found by police, leading them to rule it was suicide.

Police said they would question the man’s wife regarding motivation for his suicide.

The Australian Embassy have been notified of the incident. – Source: Siang Tai

SOLD!

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Outrigger signs to buy Laguna Beach Resort

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fter four months of secrecy, the new owner of the Laguna Beach Resort (LBR) has been announced: Outrigger Hotels and Resorts.

Outrigger announced on Tuesday (July 24) that it had entered into an agreement with Laguna Phuket Club Co (LPC), a Thai company controlled by Singapore-based Real Estate Capital Asia Partners (Recap), an Asia-focused real estate private equity fund.

The agreement will see the 254-key resort, located in the Laguna Phuket complex, handed over to Outrigger in the first quarter of next year.

LPC/Recap bought Laguna Resorts & Hotels’ share in LBR in February last year for B723.6 million. Contacted by The Phuket News, Outrigger declined to say how much it will eventually pay for the renovated resort.

Recap, headed by Suchad Chiaranussati, has a highprofile presence in Thailand’s real estate market. It acquired Patong’s Jungceylon shopping complex in 2006 and also invested in Bangkok’s prestigious four-tower Millennium

The Laguna Beach Resort will reopen under new ownership and management early in the second quarter of 2013.

Residence development.

“The Laguna Beach Resort will be one of the brightest jewels in the Outrigger portfolio,” said Darren Edmonstone, managing director of Outrigger Enterprises Group – Asia-Pacific, “and we look forward to completing the renovations and reopening it early next year.

“The addition of this iconic

resort positions Outrigger extremely well in the growing Asia-Pacific region.

“The combination of the Laguna Beach Resort with our existing management of the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas and the Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa [due to be officially renamed in November this year], creates exciting oppor-

tunities for guests who desire a luxury experience in premier leisure destinations in Asia.”

Originally opened in 1991, the Laguna Beach Resort has a spa, tennis courts, meeting and conference rooms, a wedding chapel, extensive water features, a resort pool and a children’s club.

The property closed in March this year for renovation,

and some 350 staff were laid off. It is not currently known how many will be rehired, or how many were kept on

by Recap on a retainer basis.

The resort is currently undergoing a major renovation of all of its rooms and public areas and is expected to reopen under the Outrigger banner early in the second quarter of 2013.

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SIMON OSTHEIMER Managing Editor 083 922 9265 managingeditor@thephuketnews.com From Hong Kong; a decade’s experience as editor of magazines and newspapers in Shanghai (City Weekend, that’s Shanghai), Beijing (tbjhome, Urbane), Hong Kong (Time Out Hong Kong), Kuala Lumpur (Vision KL), Bangkok (Bangkok 101) and Phuket. Journalist for Esquire, Fah Thai, Vacations & Travel, Travel & Leisure, CNNGo, Surface and Dwell.

ALASDAIR FORBES Executive Editor 087 884 9964 execeditor@thephuketnews.com From the UK; 40 years as a journalist and editor on magazines and newspapers in the UK, Middle East, Hong Kong and Thailand: Cheshire Observer, Chester Chronicle, Saudi Gazette, Gulf Mirror, Gulf Construction, Gulf News, Hongkong Standard, Asian Business (Editor) and Phuket Gazette (Managing Editor for seven years).

DANE HALPIN Sub Editor editor2@thephuketnews.com From Australia; Degree in Journalism, Charles Sturt University. Four years’ experience at: The Australian, The Central Western Daily, The Leader, The Canberra Times, and The Vientiane Times.

CLAIRE CONNELL Sub Editor editor1@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; BA (English) from University of Otago; Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Five years’ experience at Gisborne Herald and Marlborough Express.

JODY HOUTON Sub Editor editor3@thephuketnews.com From the UK; Masters Degree in Journalism, Kingston University. Five years’ experience at Groove Magazine, Metropolis, The Western Telegraph, The Mirror and Phuket Post.

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FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Mayor’s son urges special status for Patong Kornkarnokphan Suwan reporter2@thephuketnews.com

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reechawut “Prap” Keesin, the son of Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, met with government officials and tourist industry representatives last Friday (July 20) to throw his weight behind a proposal for Patong to become a self-governing municipal area (SGMA), like Pattaya.

Mr Preechawut – who is also MD of the Pisona company which owns five hotels, along with restaurants and car rental businesses, and president of the Patong Taxi Federation and also the president of the committee that oversees the quality of police work in Patong – said this would protect the town against the potentially harmful effects of the Asean Economy Community (AEC), which comes into being three years from now.

It would also allow the town to bypass approval from other Phuket authorities, give it complete autonomy over its actions and make it answerable only to the Prime Minister.

He believed that if Patong were to become an SGMA, this would eventually solve many of the town’s problems, as people would be answerable

Regulatory bodies have ties to local mafia: Prap Keesin. to just one governing body, as opposed to many different regulatory bodies – which he believes have ties with local mafia.

He said, “If we are still involved with the local mafia, and not an SGMA, when the AEC comes into being, Pa-

tong’s [wellbeing] will be in other people’s hands.”

Also speaking during the meeting was Inspector-General of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Pridee Chotchuang, who warned about the potential risks faced by the tourist industry once the AEC

is introduced.

He said, “There may be various environmental concerns, such as the spread of diseases, for example.” He also mentioned that, because many Asian countries were more technologically advanced, Thailand would be at a disadvantage.

“Therefore, we must be strong at working together. We won’t go so far if local people are still under the control of the local mafia.”

The general consensus was that Patong and its citizens must improve services, especially with regard to tourist accommodation, transportation and reduction of the influence of local mafia. People should also be able to speak at least three languages (Thai, English and one other such as Russian, or one of the Chinese languages).

The Secretary of the Tambon Association of Southern Thailand, Jinda Boonchan, said that Patong was also at risk from an oversupply of hotels and restaurants, and that demand for accommodation was currently not high enough.

The final inspirational word came from Mr Pridee who said, “We must stand up for what we believe in.” See page 13.

Top cop Phuket must improve its dies in facilities: AirAsia boss hotel A SENIOR POLICE OFFICER was found dead on July 18 in a hotel in Phuket Town.

The dead man was identified as Pol Lt Col Chokchai Jarujaree, 59, former deputy superintendent of police at Tambon Sooksamran in Ranong province.

No marks or evidence of foul play were found on the corpse.

Officers estimated the time of death as about five days before, and said it had probably resulted either “from heart attack or a chronic disease”.

Investigators were told by hotel staff that Lt Col Chokchai checked into the hotel “two or three times per month”.

The hotel’s CCTV system showed no one had entered or left the dead man’s room until the 18th when the room maid, finding the door locked, called in other staff. Together they pried open the lock and found Col Chokchai dead beside the bed.

– Source: Siang Tai

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE Officer of Thai AirAsia, Tassapon Bijleveld, has called for the improvement of Phuket’s infrastructure to support tourism growth when the Asean Economic Community (AEC) starts in 2015.

Spea k i ng du r i ng t he Phuket Creative Tourism Forum at Rajabhat University last Friday (July 20), Mr Bijleveld said Phuket had high potential to be a regional hub of southern Thailand.

However, improvements to infrastructure, such as expansion of the Phuket International Airport (PIA), were required, he said.

Mr Bijleveld said that about 120 million people in the Asian-Pacific region travel on a plane each year.

Fifty three per cent of those are nationals of the Asean countries, which means Asean is a large market for tourism.

(Asean member-states are Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore,

Tassapon Bijleveld: Island’s airport needs expansion.

Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam).

In addition, 47 per cent of the total number of tourists who visited Thailand were from Asean countries, he said.

“To support the growth of tourism, the PIA will need to be upgraded and expanded,”

said Mr Bijleveld.

Mr Bijleveld believed the limitation of PIA’s capacity also prevents the establishment of new charter flights, which would expand Phuket’s tourism market.

For example, one Indian wedding recently brought more than 200 Indian guests to Phuket, with about B150 million to spend on their trip.

This market is expected to expand in Phuket, but there are still no direct flights from India to Phuket.

In addition, Mr Bijleveld said Phuket needed good public transportation to improve tourism, and a bigger deep sea port to support high-end tourists who came on cruise ships.

“About 1,000 to 1,500 passengers can come on a cruise ship, which is 10 times more than the passengers coming on one flight,” he said.

“If we can improve the deep sea port, it will help boost the tourism industry.”

THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

5

SHARKS BITTEN

Disease prompts school Police smash vicious loan sharking gang closures TWO PHUKET SCHOOLS were closed last week following the discovery of cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). They have since been reopened.

Dr Wiwat Srisamanode, Phuket’s deputy director of Public Health, told The Phuket News last Friday (July 20) that two schools, which he declined to name, had been closed temporarily to control the spread of the illness, and for the schools to be disinfected and cleaned.

The disease is most prevalent among children under the age of five. Dr Wiwat stressed that there were typically about 100 cases a year in Phuket, and the strain of the disease detected in Phuket so far is not dangerous.

Symptoms usually include red spots or a rash similar to chicken pox, which breaks out in at least two areas on the body (on the hands, the feet or around the mouth) and can be painful or itchy.

The victim may also have a fever, vomiting, and general lassitude.

HFMD is contagious, spreading through direct contact with the bodily fluids or faeces of an infected person. Experts stress that good hygiene is the best form of protection against catching HFMD.

11 caught in raid on ‘casino’ POLICE MAY NOT HAVE been able to find the huge casino that Thai MP Chuwit Kamolvisit alleged exists in Phuket, and Mr Chuwit seems to have lost interest in the topic anyway, but police did manage to nab 11 people in a makeshift “casino” on Monday (July 23).

After receiving information, Phuket Town police superintendent Pol Col Sermpant Sirikong on Monday ordered a team of police to shut down the operation of the illegal goong-pla (‘shrimp-fish’, a Thai game of chance) casino.

The 11 people – including three women aged over 60 – were arrested in the raid on an illegal casino in Wichit, but not before they went “running in all directions”, trying to evade capture.

Police also seized various gambling-related equipment as evidence.

Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

fficials from Crime Suppression Division 5 (CSD) of the Royal Thai Police in Bangkok raided a house on Chaofa East Rd in Chalong on the morning of July 19 and arrested eight members of one of the biggest loan shark gangs in Phuket.

The gang was reportedly charging more than 20 per cent a month interest on loans and used terror tactics, violence and possibly even rape to ensure payment of interest.

The Superintendent of CSD 5, Pol Col Watcharapon Tongluan, said the raid was the result of investigation after a brother of a member of Rassada Counsel, Sutthi Pongpinwas, 44, received 15 stitches in his head and another 40 stitches in his chest after being beaten up by the gang on July 12.

Mr Sutthi, who is the owner of a shipyard in Rassada, was beaten when the gang’s enforcers became furious after he told them that one of their debtors, who had worked for

O

CSD 5 officers go through evidence seized including, in the foreground, a pile of weapons. him, had quit his job.

During the raid, officers seized more than 10 knives along with lists naming more than 100 debtors, loan contracts, ID cards taken from debtors as guarantees on loans, and more than 30 bank books.

The gang’s business involved millions of baht, Col Watcharapon said, with the

money for loans coming from investors in Chantaburi Province.

The gang targeted mostly night workers, vendors, labourers and day-wage workers, who were offered loans of B30,000 to B50,000 without collateral.

Interest was collected from debtors every day. Whenever

a debtor could not pay he or she would be threatened or beaten up.

Officers said they had also been told that female relatives of debtors had on some occasions been raped as a way of applying pressure to pay.

They were also told that the gang were being protected by senior government officials,

but this has yet to be verified.

Further investigations will be conducted to discover whether it is true or not.

The CSD 5 team later raided a house in Thalang and another in Saphan Hin, and arrested three more people involved in smaller loan sharking operations.

Polls bring booze bans T WO U PCOM I NG elections will result in 30hour alcohol sales bans, one across the island and the other in Patong.

The island-wide ban will apply from 6pm on August 25 to midnight at the end of the following day, as voters go to the polls to elect a total of 24 members of the Phuket Provincial Council – 15 in Muang District, six in Thalang District and three in Kathu district.

On September 2, voters

in Patong will make their mark to elect a successor to Mayor Pian Keesin, who has been in the mayoral seat for the maximum two terms.

Booze sales will be banned in the island’s capital of fun from 6pm on September 1 to midnight the following night.

Thai law mandates a penalty of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of not more than B10,000 for anyone caught selling alcohol during an election period.

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FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

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Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast FRI JULY 27

SAT JULY 28

SUN JULY 29

MON JULY 30

TUE JULY 31

WED AUGUST 1

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High: +31° Low: +26°

Wind 10.8 kmh

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Prof demands bus decency Marque Rome editor@thephuketnews.com

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professor at the Phuket Vocational College h a s u nw i t t i n g l y become the figurehead for decency on inter-provincial public buses after making a complaint over what she felt were ‘inappropriate’ movies been screened on the buses.

Outraged passenger Pawini Poomipongs, professor of Tourism Business Administration, made the official complaint to the Transport Company Ltd. (generally known by their Thai initials ‘BorKorSor’) on Sunday (July 22).

Mrs Pawini said that her experience of the long-distance, air-conditioned buses that run between Phuket and Bangkok was that they typically showed extremely violent movies.

“When I was on the bus

Movies have been shown on buses since, in some cases, before there was air-conditioning.

I felt the film’s content was inappropriate for children and teenagers,” she said.

“People of all ages, genders and occupations use that bus.

Consideration must be shown as to whether the content of the films and programmes

are appropriate for general audiences.”

Mrs Panwini’s opinion is that movies on buses should not be “immoral, erotic or tending to incite violence in society.”

Kriengkrai Pengbangkae,

Amcham to push green practices for tourism

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Kanyarat Teawsakul with fake and real notes.

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a steward for a bus company, said that whether videos are played during a trip is largely a matter for the staff on the bus.

“Our DVD player has been broken for more than a month,” he explained, “and I haven’t been free to take it for repair,

so we are not showing movies as we usually do.

“But for myself, I like Hollywood action and war movies, so I shell out my own money to buy such films for use in the bus. The company doesn’t pay for it at all.

“We have also some old Thai movies and concert videos.”

Kriengkrai said that typically only one film is shown per journey: “I don’t see that it hurts anybody. Most passengers like that we show movies.”

Officials at the new bus station on Thepkrassattri Rd released a comment that the station director would probably issue an order that the associated companies operating the 110 trips daily from the facility should “proceed according to the rules.”

What those rules are was not reported.

Money changer scammed with fake British money A MONEY CHANGER AT Kata Beach was scammed out of B12,389 last Friday (July 20) when she changed 100 British pounds for baht, only to discover afterwards that the money she had been given was counterfeit.

A European couple, possibly British, handed Kanyarat Teawsakul, 49, owner

of a massage and exchange booth service opposite the Boathouse hotel, five £20 notes. She exchanged them for baht, not realising they were fake.

Worse yet, she discovered that one of her staff had also exchanged fake pound notes two days earlier. In that case there were eight bad notes,

also for £20 each.

This afternoon she reported the scam to police at Karon. Pol Lt Col Boonlert Onklang, who is investigating the scam, said that as of Wednesday this week (July 25) he had received no more reports of counter feit Br it ish cu r rency being passed.

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER of Commerce Greater Phuket Chapter (Amcham) and local green NGO Seek are to hold a forum addressing tourism as the leading industry in Phuket and the need for it to work towards a better environment.

To be held on Friday, August 24, at the Holiday Inn Resort in Patong, the seminar will discuss ecologically sustainable programs ranging from recycling and energy to water savings and more.

There will also be information about initiatives such as EarthCheck and Green Leaf, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and basic sustainable programmes.

Convener Bill Barnett says “The seminar applies for all sectors of the tourism industry, whether hotel, tour company

or property development.”

Seminar experts will be Arnfinn Oines, Social & Environmental Conscience, Soneva Resorts; Anthony Lark, General Manager of Trisara, Ty Collins, General Manager of the JW Marriott and Morgan Layberry, Executive Assistant Manager of the Holiday Inn Patong.

Registration begins at 4pm with the session running from 4.30-6pm. Networking drinks will follow. The session is open not only to Amcham members but also to members of the public. The entry fee, which includes drinks, is B100.

To register for the event, visit the website at www.am chamthailand.com or contact Sheree Tanpensuk by email to sheree@amchamthailand. com or telephone 02-254-1041 ext 212.

Talks aim to change world T H E F I F T H A N N UA L Phuket ‘Transform Our World Conference’ will be held from August 3 to 5 at the Royal Phuket City Hotel.

The event will feature prominent members of the Christian community in Phuket and Asia, including Brian Burton, the senior pas-

tor of the Phuket Christian Centre and director of Harvest Evangelism.

The Christian speakers will address such issues as corruption and systemic poverty.

The conference is open to all. For more information, call 086-270-6877 or email ondararat@hotmail.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

7

Mystery over death of Thai language Phang Nga jail-breaker skills have to Marque Rome editor@thephuketnews.com

A

man who escaped from Phang Nga prison early this month, then four days later decided to surrender, died on Sunday (July 22) in official custody – reportedly after vomiting blood.

Police and prison officials deny wrong-doing. Family members say they are awaiting results of an autopsy.

Kamneung “Kiao” Polprick of Tai Meuang was imprisoned while awaiting trial on an attempted murder charge.

On July 7 he escaped from Phang Nga prison and remained at large for four days. Having changed his mind about his chances after escaping, he surrendered to police on the July 11 and was returned to the prison.

But on the night of July 21, some time after midnight, police said he became ill and began vomiting blood. He was transferred to Phang Nga Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead at 1.30 am the following morning.

Relatives who viewed the

corpse said no marks of violence were evident but that considerable bleeding from mouth and nose were apparent.

Kamneung’s remains were sent to Prince of Songkhla Medical Centre in Haad Yai for autopsy – a response to relatives who openly questioned the official version of events.

“I visited my son on Monday, when he went to court,” said Klong Polprick, Kamneung’s father. “He appeared to be in perfect health – strong.

I think something quite strange must have happened for him to have died this way.”

Kam neu ng’s brother, Weera “Hero” Polprick, is a member of the Tai Meuang Tambon Administration Organisation.

At 2.30 pm on Sunday, Phang Nga Prison commandant Maj Ratakrit Jaijring, accompanied by members of the Phang Nga Town police, Weera, other relatives of the dead man, and two local village chiefs took a tour of the prison then talked to the press.

Said Maj Ratakrit, “After the suspect surrendered to police I gave orders – and the governor of Phang Nga

ordered the same – that absolutely no physical violence be done to him.

“I ordered that he sleep in the hospital, to ensure no harm came to him, I ordered officials to take particular care of him and I assigned a trustee to attend him closely.

“I can say for sure that Kamneung’s death did not come about because of mistreatment. But just to keep things transparent, the prison has arranged that the body be sent to Prince of Songkhla Medical Centre Forensics Science Lab for examination as to the cause of death.

“We have also invited relatives, local officials and the press to view inside our prison operations so they can decide for themselves whether he was treated correctly.”

Jatuporn Benjalertyanont, senior nurse and prison medical officer, said: “He was brought by officials to the hospital in a feverish state. A look at his records and at his temperature led me to suspect he was suffering from dengue fever or a bacterial disease, especially as, after escaping, he hid in the jungle.

“Thereafter he experienced high fever, was weak and lacked appetite. The doctor advised he should have a blood check. Then he complained of tightness in his chest and general malaise: his temperature was high, his pulse unusually fast and he began vomiting blood.

“So we sent him to Phang Nga Hospital, but he was dead on arrival. A preliminary blood test indicated the cause of death was blood loss, or perhaps leptospirosis.”

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease common in the tropics, and is contracted in humans by contact with the urine of infected animals – usually rats.

“After looking around the medical facilities where my brother was treated,” said Montri Polprick, “and talking to other prisoners, I have no doubt at all about what happened. We’re just waiting for the results of the autopsy. If they show that he died of fever, the matter ends there and we’ll arrange for his funeral.”

It was not reported what arrangements the family is making in case autopsy results do not show Kamneung died of fever.

improve – MP

THAILAND MUST MAKE significant improvements to its people’s English- and Chineselanguage skills in order to prepare for a successful Asean Economic Community (AEC) transition in 2015, says Phuket MP Rewat Arirob.

Speaking at an education seminar at Srinagarindra The Princess Mother School Phuket school in Saphan Hin on July 19, Mr Rewat said, “We need to give more knowledge to students in Phuket. Thailand is falling behind in terms of its preparation for the AEC, and we need to improve the English- and Chinese-language skills of our people.”

He said Thai people needed to improve their skills in English because, when the AEC comes into being and citizens from Asean countries are able to live and work freely in other member-countries, there will be much more competition for jobs. People from neighbouring countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam had far greater English skills, Mr Rewat said.

In relation to the Chineselanguage skills, Mr Rewat

New Stoc k

‘Thailand is falling behind’: Phuket MP Rewat Areerob. said it was important because China is such a large country with a huge population, and is a strong tourism market.

“I want to make this school [Srinagarindra] the first to be alerted to the need to improve language skills. All Thais need to improve their language skills, but if we start with young people then it makes a good base.”

“I hope language preparation and improvements will be added to every school in Phuket, which will help the transition to the AEC.”

has

arriv ed!!

SANTA ARRIVES EARLY Hong Kong businessman Victor (black T-shirt) and his family

visited Baan Bangkoo School Toy Library on Monday (July 23) to top the library up with more toys. The toy library, which has both toys and books, is one of five that the Phuket Community Foundation (PCF) has set up around the island. A sixth will open at Rajabhat Phuket University soon. For more information on the PCF, visit phuketcharity.org

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8

PHUKET FOCUS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Defenders of the peace Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

M

ost people tend to think of the police as the first line of defence against disaster, crime and other threats to their security.

But in every community is an important group of volunteers quietly helping: the Civil Emergency Relief Division (CERD), known to Thais as the OrPorPorLor. The CERD volunteers are ready to help, whatever the threat, whether it be another tsunami, or a bag snatcher lurking in the area, flooding from a monsoon downpour or a nasty road accident.

The island’s growing population and proliferation of construction sites means more and more people and structures are at risk in one way or another.

In many cases the first to provide assistance are the CERD volunteers. They live locally, and are usually on the scene before the police or any other authorities.

For this, they need to be highly trained to handle any situation.

Gunapon “Mieal” Pope, 53, from Rawai, was one of 50-odd volunteers from around Phuket who went to Khao Chon Gai, in Kanchanaburi

Above: Gunapon ‘Mieal’ Pope (left) with some of her colleagues and fellow CERD volunteers.

Province, at the beginning of June for a week of intensive training by the Royal Thai Army.

She explains that this particular course included everything from marksmanship and crowd control to parachuting.

It also included basic criminal

investigation techniques. and ways to collaborate with police to arrest criminals.

“The training was the same as soldiers get, because they have to make sure that the volunteers can handle any dreadful situation or emergency.”

Making a difference

The rewards for being a CERD volunteer are definitely not financial – they get a stipend of just B59 a day.

But the CERD is convinced that there are many people who would be happy to do this work for the good of the community – and that includes foreign volunteers.

As Thawatchai Thongmung, Deputy Mayor of Phuket City, points out, the community and environment are constantly changing, in ways that often increase hazards.

“Terrible things can happen, damage to lives and property. Government officials

and police alone are not enough to take care of everyone living in Phuket,” he says.

“Maybe someday, you will be in an accident, and this group [the CERD volunteers] will be the first people to help you.

They never do this for themselves; they do it for the good of others.”

For anyone interested in volunteering, the next initial training course is to be held from August 6 to 10. Volunteers (who may be Thai or foreign residents) should apply by next Monday (July 30) to the CERD office at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation on Kra Rd in Phuket Town.

Ms Gunapon has been a CERD volunteer for six years, though she had already spent much of her life before that helping people in her community.

“I love to help people, including poor children and women in trouble. I also like to help preserve the environment,” she said.

Since joining the CERD, she has been on a variety of courses every year. These have been aimed at preparing her and her fellow volunteers to handle just about any situation as it arises.

In addition to guns and parachutes, Ms Gunapon is now trained in disaster prevention; in disseminating information to the press and public; in coordinating with government agencies; and in recording criticism of the civil defence system and ensuring that it is passed on

to the right quarters for action and improvement.

She has also been trained in more mundane aspects, such as keeping records, budgeting, accounting and management of inventories.

Major responsibilities of the CERD include drawing up plans for any emergency in their area, and organising training for their members on disaster prevention.

Volunteers also gather statistics about the local community and make them available in a form that can be used by the government or the public.

Being the first responder for disasters in its area, the CERD coordinates with government agencies and the private sector, and is also equipped and trained to be a clearing house for reports and other information in the case of disasters.

This allows them to de-

termine which government agency should manage which issue, and how to handle media enquiries and get information out to the public.

Ms Gunapon’s main duty in Rawai is administration – but she says she is always ready to jump in and help with anything else that needs doing.

For example, she says, Rawai is a high-risk area for criminal activities. To help combat this, the training in Kanchanaburi included signs to watch for that may indicate a crime is about to take place.

In such a situation, team members can be reached by walkie-talkie and called in to keep an eye on a suspected thief or troublemaker. The radios are, of course, also essential in the case of accidents, and for coordinating with police.

The Rawai team has about 30 volunteers, but you probably won’t see them during the day; they normally work in shifts from 10pm to 2am, though if they are involved in handling a situation they will stay until it is resolved. They are also on standby 24/7 in case of major disasters.

Volunteers get a uniform from the CERD – if they want more than one, then they have to pay for it themselves.

Ms Gunapon says it is important that they wear uniforms, partly because it is easier to get cooperation from the public, but also so that the police, in a confused or possibly violent situation, can tell the volunteers from the bad guys.

There’s little glory in the job, very little money, much lost sleep, and quite a bit of risk. But for the volunteers the compensation is the immense satisfaction they get from doing something good, not just for themselves, but because it’s the right thing to do.

CERD volunteers pose in front of the firing range in Kanchanaburi Province.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

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10 THAILAND NEWS

IN BRIEF France says bonjour to Yingluck Yingluck Shinawatra became the first Thai Prime Minister in seven years to visit France when she arrived in Paris on July 20.

Central to PM Yingluck’s visit to France was to underscore the importance of the ‘Thai-French strategic partnership’ under the ThaiFrench joint action plan.

Mrs Yingluck said that she hoped to gather first hand information on the eurozone economic crisis and also encourage French investment in Thailand as a regional hub once the Asean Economic Community is established in 2015.

Bangkok’s City Hall turns the page

Bangkok’s old City Hall complex in Phra Nakhon district will be turned into a museum and library once the new city hall in Din Daeng district is opened.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has already hired a consulting firm for the design of the museum and library and plans are estimated to be finished by the first quarter of 2013.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Sex, drugs and stigma put Thai transsexuals at HIV risk

Agence France-Presse

F

rom a cafe near the gogo bars of a Bangkok red light district where she campaigns for safe sex, Gigi gives an unvarnished view of how she joined Thailand’s growing ranks of transgender people with HIV. Sex work and injecting drugs left the 40-year-old vulnerable to the disease, which she was diagnosed with six years ago.

“Some men used condoms... some didn’t. Sometimes the condom broke,” she says without rancour of her time turning tricks in Pattaya – one of the centres of Thailand’s flourishing sex industry and home to 3,000 transgenders in tourist season.

Soft spoken and slight with a dusting of make-up over her wan face, Gigi cuts an image far from the caricature of the bawdy ‘Katoey’, as Thailand’s estimated 180,000 transgenders – or ladyboys – are known.

But her recollection of life after her diagnosis is still shocking.

“I had sex with lots of

partners,” she says. “I thought I was going to die soon... so I wanted to be happy.”

Antiretroviral drugs have so far spared Gigi the worst of the sickness, allowing her to leave prostitution to work as an activist, dispensing condoms and safe sex advice to young transgenders in the Thai capital.

It is, health campaigners say, an increasingly important job.

Gigi’s work often takes her to red light districts such as Patpong, an area notorious for its raunchy nightlife, where dozens of transgender prostitutes flit among the sprawl of sex shows, pick-up bars and massage parlours.

Infection rates among transgenders are thought to be on the up, as high-risk lifestyles, including prostitution and drug use, and a lack of targeted healthcare take their toll on one of the kingdom’s most marginalised groups.

Truvada, a breakthrough HIV prevention pill approved

by US regulators this month, is likely to prove too expensive for most Thais at risk of infection when it eventually

Thai ladyboys hard at work in an industry rife with disease. hits the market.

Around 530,000 Thais overall are estimated to be living with HIV, according to a United Nations AIDS study from 2010.

Pushed to the margins There are no nationwide HIV statistics specific to the ‘third sex’, reflecting what activists say is their position on the fringes of society, but local surveys indicate the illness is rife.

Eleven per cent of transgenders surveyed in Chonburi – the province containing Pat-

taya – had HIV, soaring to 20 per cent among those aged 29 or over, local government figures released this year found.

It chimes with a stark regional view given by a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report published in May. That study said HIV prevalence rates among transgenders across the Asia-Pacific could be as high as 49 per cent – albeit from scattered and often small-scale research – a frequency that ‘far exceeds the general population’.

Sex work, d r ugs and

stigma collude with a lack of healthcare to push many of the region’s third sex population to the ‘social, economic and legal’ margins, the study added.

Thailand-based activists say things are getting worse as young transgenders edge into sex work and fail to undergo regular testing – a quarter of 300 transgenders questioned in Pattaya in 2009 had never taken an HIV test.

“It’s not a passing trend... if things go on unaddressed the problem is going to become a lot more severe,” says Alex Duke of PSI, a global health organisation which led that survey and also runs clinics tailored to transgenders.

“HIV is also just one of a whole range of risks transgender people encounter every day,” he adds, referring in particular to the threat of violence against sex workers.

As she prizes open a tin box and heaps her daily prescription of pills into a palm, Gigi says her community is ready to address the problem as long as services recognise their unique gender identity.

“There are a lot of young people in trouble like I was,” she says. “But we can help them. Just treat us like people.”

Lithuanian pair arrested for card fraud in Pattaya Pattaya One

THE TRANSNATIONAL Crime Suppression Police arrested two Lithuanian nationals accused of using fake bank cards to withdraw cash from ATMs around the province of Pattaya on July 20.

On one occasion, one suspect is believed to have used a mask to conceal his face from the ATM camera.

University students Marius Giedriunas, aged 22, and Dan-

gis Valkauskas, aged 20, were arrested at a bus station in Jomtien as they prepared to board a bus to Suvarnabhumi Airport for their return flight.

A total of 30 blank bank cards were seized along with two baseball caps, one mask and US $460.

Banks had been tracking the pair for some time and records show that 145 withdrawal attempts in the Sattahip District had been tried without success.

More than 100 withdrawal attempts were then apparently made in Pattaya and Sriracha where some money was successfully withdrawn. The men have said that 40 per cent of the proceeds were to be kept by themselves, and the remaining 60 per cent due to be sent to a ‘friend’ in Lithuania.

The duo have been charged with credit card fraud and other charges relating to the case, and are being held on remand pending court appearances.

Man arrested for sharing pic of ‘alleged police gambling’ Pattaya One

A BA IL BON DSM A N H AS BEEN arrested by Pattaya Police, accused of sharing a picture on Facebook that showed police officers allegedly gambling inside the station.

The picture had already been explained by police and it was determined that no gambling was in fact taking place. They were merely checking confiscated evidence.

thephuketnews.com

Police Major General Jamnong, the Provincial Police Commander confirmed the arrest of Permsuk aged 35, who also works at the station and confessed to sharing the picture on Facebook and claimed the officers were gambling.

Although the officers involved in the incident do not wish to pursue the case any further, the General decided to prosecute Permsuk who then apologised for his actions.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Asia fuels record rhino and elephant killings, says WWF C Agence France-Presse

hina, Vietnam and Thailand are among the worst offenders in fuelling a global black market that is seeing record numbers of elephants and rhinos killed in Africa, environment group WWF said on Monday.

Releasing a report rating countries’ efforts at stopping the trade in endangered species, WWF said elephant poaching was at crisis levels in central Africa while the survival of rhinos was under grave threat in South Africa.

In parts of Asia, rhino horns are highly prized for their use in traditional medicines – some believe they can cure cancer – while elephants’ ivory has for centuries been regarded as a precious decoration.

Global efforts to stem the trade have been under way for years, but China, Thailand and Vietnam are allowing black markets in various endangered species to flourish by failing to adequately police key areas, according to WWF. It said Vietnam was one of the countries of most concern, giving it a worst-possible “red”

China and Thaliand are top destinations for illegal African elephant ivory, the WWF says. score for failing to stem the trade in rhino horns as well as tiger parts.

“It is time for Vietnam to face the fact that its illegal consumption of rhino horn is driving the widespread poaching of endangered rhinos in Africa,” said WWF’s global species programme manager, Elizabeth McLellan.

WWF said Vietnam was the top destination for rhino horns illegally imported from South Africa.

It described South Africa as the “epicentre” in an African rhino poaching crisis, despite strong government efforts there that began in 2009 to stop the killings.

A record 448 rhinos were poached in South Africa in 2011, and this year could be even worse with 262 already lost from January to June.

The wildlife group accused the Vietnamese government of doing very little to stop rhino horns from being imported,

describing penalties in Vietnam for buying them as not nearly strong enough to act as a deterrent.

WWF said Chinese authorities should be recognised for their strong and effective efforts to stop the rhino horn trade within their borders.

But it accused China and Thailand of being among the worst culprits in allowing the illegal trade of elephant tusks.

“Tens of thousands of African elephants are being killed

by poachers each year for their tusks, and China and Thailand are top destinations for illegal African ivory,” WWF said.

In Thailand, WWF said the main problem was a unique law that allowed the legal trade in ivory from domesticated elephants.

In reality, this was a “legal loophole” that allowed indistinguishable illegal African ivory to be sold openly in upscale boutiques, it said.

The conservation group said there were some bright spots around the world, with India and Nepal receiving a best-possible “green” score for their efforts to stem the trade in elephants, rhinos and tigers.

WWF said significant efforts had been made globally to save tigers following a summit in Russia two years ago that attracted leaders from the 13 countries with wild populations of the endangered animal.

Still, it warned more than 200 tiger carcasses were being detected each year on the global black market.

“With as few as 3,200 tigers remaining in the wild, every tiger poaching death is a major concern,” it said.

ASIA NEWS 11

IN BRIEF 80 homes burned in India clashes Rioters clashing over land rights have burned down dozens of homes in northeast India, while some 50,000 villagers are sheltering in camps for protection, police said.

Assam Police Chief JN Choudhury said 21 bodies hacked with machetes and left in the jungle or by the road or riverside have been found since violence erupted between the region’s ethnic Bodo community and Muslim settlers in the state’s western district of Kokrajha.

Roaming bull closes airport An airport in one of Vietnam’s tourist cities has been closed because of a roaming bull. The animal was first spotted Monday morning in a wooded area that borders the airport’s runway in the central city of Hue. Nearly 100 police officers, soldiers and rangers were mobilised to stop the bull from crossing onto the runway.

Airport director Do Chi Thanh says bulls haven’t been spotted in the area before and it’s unclear where the bull came from.

Beijing’s floods over the weekend killed at least 37 people.

China censors coverage of deadly Beijing floods Agence France-Presse

BEIJING AUTHORITIES have reportedly ordered Chinese media to stick to positive news about record weekend floods, after the death of at least 37 people sparked fierce criticism of the government.

Censors also deleted microblog posts criticising the official response to the disaster in China’s rapidly modernising capital, which came at a time of heightened political sensitivity ahead of a 10-yearly handover of power.

City propaganda chief

Lu Wei told media outlets to stick to stories of “achievements worthy of praise and tears”, the Beijing Times daily reported, as authorities tried to stem a tide of accusations that they failed to do enough.

Many Beijing residents took to the country’s popular microblogs, or weibos, to complain that some of the deaths could have been prevented if better warnings had been issued and the city’s ancient drainage systems modernised.

A call by the Beijing government for donations to an emergency flood relief fund was also criticised by

microbloggers, with many ridiculing the authorities for asking ordinary people to pay for the damage.

On Tuesday, over 72,000 postings on a microblog thread focused on the call for donations were deleted.

Most of China’s state-run media – minus the China Daily – steered away from critical stories, focusing on human interest angles.

This year’s Congress will see President Hu Jintao step down from his position as head of China’s ruling Communist party in a leadership change that will usher in a new generation of leaders.

thephuketnews.com

12 WORLD NEWS

IN BRIEF 248 embryos ‘found stashed in Russian forest’ Almost 250 embryos have been found stashed in four huge vats in woods in Russia’s Urals after apparently being illegally dumped by local hospitals that carried out abortions, police said Tuesday.

Four huge 50-litre vats of formaldehyde with dozens of embryos stashed in were found by local residents while taking a Sunday stroll through woods 75 kilometres north of Yekaterinburg, the capital of the Sverdlovsk region.

Arriving Monday morning, police found 248 embryos aged 12-16 weeks with tags containing surnames and numbers, said a statement by the regional police force.

A spokesperson of the local police said that the embryos appear to have been illegally dumped after abortions by local hospitals which treated them as “biological waste”.

Russian law allows abortions up to the 12th week of pregnancy.

The Russian health ministry has organised a special commission to look into the case.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

US man cured of HIV Agence France-Presse

T

he only person believed to have been cured of HIV infection through a bone marrow transplant said Tuesday he feels wonderful and is launching a new foundation to boost research toward a cure.

Timothy Ray Brown, 47, an American from Seattle, Washington, rose to fame as the so-called “Berlin patient” after doctors tried a novel technique to use an HIV-resistant donor for a stem cell transplant to treat Brown’s leukaemia.

Since 2007, he has had two high-risk bone marrow transplants and continues to test negative for HIV, stunning researchers and offering new pathways for research into how gene therapy may lead to a more widely acceptable approach.

“I am living proof that there could be a cure for AIDS,” Brown told AFP in an interview. “It’s very wonderful, being cured of HIV.” The bone marrow transplant he received carried significant risks and may be fatal to one in five patients who undergo it. But he said his only complaint these days is the occasional headache.

Timothy Ray Brown, believed to be the only person cured of HIV. He also said he was aware that his condition has generated some controversy, but disputed the claims of some scientists who believe he may still have traces of HIV in his body and may remain infectious to others.

“Yes, I am cured,” he said.

“I am HIV negative.”

He noted that Europe and China spend far more on cure research than the United States.

“There are thousands of

very able researchers who cannot get funded for research, so I want to change that. And there are a lot of researchers who are willing to work to find a cure for HIV.” Brown was a student in Berlin, Germany, when he tested positive for HIV in 1995 and was told he probably had about two years to live.

But combination antiretroviral therapy emerged on the global market a year later, and

Photo: AFP

eventually transformed HIV from a death sentence into a manageable condition for millions of people worldwide.

Brown tolerated the medications well but due to persistent fatigue he visited a doctor in 2006 and was diagnosed with leukaemia. He underwent chemotherapy, which led to pneumonia and sepsis, nearly killing him.

His doctor, Gero Huetter, had the idea of trying a bone

marrow transplant using a donor who had a CCR5 receptor mutation.

People without that receptor appear to be resistant to HIV because they lack the gateway through which the virus can enter the cells. But such people are rare, and are believed to consist of one percent of the northern European population.

It would be an attempt to cure cancer and HIV at the same time. Brown’s leukemia returned in 2007, and he underwent a bone marrow transplant using stem cells from a CCR5 mutation donor, whom he has never met in person. He stopped taking antiretrovirals at the same time.

He soon had no HIV detectable in his system. His leukaemia returned though, and he underwent a second bone marrow transplant in 2008, using stem cells from the same donor.

Asked if he feels like his cure was a miracle, Brown was hesitant to answer.

“It’s hard to say. It depends on your religious belief, if you want to believe it’s just medical science or it was a divine intervention,” he told AFP. “I would say it’s a little bit of both.”

Missing US fugitive resurfaces in Sweden three decades later Agence France-Presse

AN AMERICAN FUGITIVE who has been missing and “wanted” since he deserted the US Air Force in 1984 has turned up in Sweden, where he has been living under a new identity for nearly three decades.

“Sorry that I have been in hiding so long... I owe you all an explanation,” David Hemler, now 49, married and the father of two daughters and a son, wrote to his American and Swedish families in a letter, which he later sent to AFP. On May 11, Hemler showed up out of the blue at the law offices of Borgstroem and Bodstroem. He came forward because his secret “was too difficult to carry alone, and to not be able to have contact with his family in the United States for 28 years,” said his lawyer Emma Persson.

“The time feels right,” Hemler told AFP in an email.

Now, “we keep in touch regularly through telephone calls, email and Skype,” he said of his US relatives. “Visits are planned.”

But what happens next is unclear. The airman remains

thephuketnews.com

listed as a “fugitive” by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, whose web page shows a photo of the young Hemler as well as an “age progression photo” of the same man projected into his 40s.

US Air Force representatives have met in Sweden with his lawyer and requested a DNA test to confirm his identity, but Hemler’s father in Pennsylvania and brother in New Jersey have told US media that there is no doubt the man who contacted them is indeed their long-lost son and sibling.

In Washington, the Air Force told AFP this week the matter is under investigation and “while the investigation continues, it is inappropriate for the Air Force to discuss the specifics of SrA Hemler’s case,” using his last rank of senior airman.

The US embassy in Stockholm has also refused comment, but lawyer Persson told AFP that “based on the little information ... obtained from the United States,” her client “cannot be extradited according to Swedish law.”

His letter gave a detailed account of why he went AWOL

after enlisting in the Air Force during his last year of high school in Pennsylvania.But a week after signing up for a sixyear stint, he fell in love with a young pacifist who upended his conservative, traditional views.

He began looking at how he could end his military contract early but found there was no way out.

When he requested to be discharged, “I lost my top secret job that I had trained for (and) was placed on janitor duty.”

He was soon told he would be transferred away from the German city he loved.

“I was so confused and felt ill. I just had to get away,” he wrote.

In August, 1984, he hitchhiked to Sweden. The airman took a new name, settled in the city of Uppsala, north of Stockholm, started studying statistics and worked at odd jobs to get by.

To obtain a residence permit, he told authorities he was stateless. Sweden contacted Interpol and despite Hemler’s “wanted” status, no connection was ever made. Since the Scandinavian country did not know where to deport him, it finally let him stay.

THE PHUKET NEWS

LETTERS/VIEWPOINT 13

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

OPINION

Editor’s Viewpoint

Norachai’s World

For the good of the few

L

Is that a gun in your pocket, sir, or are you just pleased to see me?

Letters to the editor Tried but denied [Re. Scientist warns of poor health of Chalong Bay] Several years ago, yachties and tour boat operators had requested from OrBorJor to have a marina in Chalong Bay. Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had all objected to have one.

Now you have hundreds of speedboats along the beach refuelling benzine and oil directly on the beach.

Tour boats which are changing oil and using bilge pumps at night to flush used oil directly into the sea, without forgetting all the day-trip garbage thrown away at night to avoid bringing it back to shore.

A real mess and only a wellmanaged marina will help to save Chalong Bay. Whistle Blower

Turtles over meetings

[Re: Where is our convention centre?]

Build a turtle sanctuary instead!

Another Steve

Old plans should be incinerated [Re: Plans for a third incinerator] Incineration is old technology and the Phuket authorities are fully aware of this.

There are several carbon credit technologies that will generate power and carbon credits for the island.

Based on Phuket’s daily waste volumes this facility should be making USD 1012 million per year profit, enabling the island to have the best waste recycling system in Thailand.

An audit of the process and selection of incineration

will go the same way as land allocation on the island.

It’s not just the rubbish that stinks, but those behind the selection of this old technology.

Another Phuket cover-up.

Don’t be fooled, people.

Blindeye II

Publicise schools [Re: Child disease prompts school closures] How does it help by not naming the schools involved?

They should be well publicised, not hidden under the carpet.

Agogohome

Noses in the air [Re: Is cancer in Phuket’s air?]

If the authorities would bother to measure the air quality during rush hour, it would certainly be a different result – one they wouldn’t publish.

I frequently ride my bicycle in Phuket Town, and what I cough up after a ride could fire a coal oven.

Mike

Schools don’t ever learn [Re: Child disease prompts school closures] Despite visits from the Phuket Health Department to address the students at my school, there is still no soap in any of the toilets for the children to use.

Mr X

Place a tax on crime [Re: Mayor’s son urges autonomy for Patong] The best way to eliminate cartels and mafia-like people is to bring tax control on all businesses for tax evasion.

It is the way the FBI was able to get Al Capone.

Whistle Blower

ess than two months ago, Thai tycoon Dr Boon Wanasin expressed his desire for Phuket to become a Special Economic Zone, which would in effect give the island complete autonomy over its decisions.

We wrote an editor’s viewpoint in that same week, both extolling the virtues of such a system and raising specific areas of concern. We stated that theoretically the elimination of time-consuming bureaucratic filters in favour of a more localised leadership could be a positive thing.

Dr Boon argued that Phu­ ket people knew Phuket and if decision-making, budget-setting and enforcement of regulations could be done by Phuket authorities – who actually know the specific needs and requirements of the island – then a lot more could be done, a lot faster. Theoretically...

We also said in June 15th’s viewpoint that the breaking off of Phuket from the rest of Thailand could also have many negatives; it could create

ruthless competition between neighbouring provinces and an unhealthy focus in Phuket on the making and spending of money.

This week Preechawut Kee­ sin (the son of Patong’s outgoing Mayor, Pian Keesin), who is also president of the Patong Taxi Federation and president of the committee that oversees the quality of police work in Patong, revealed his belief that Patong should become a self-governing municipal area (SGMA), much like Pattaya.

Those in favour want Patong to be run by people with an investment in Patong.

People who know Patong, blah, blah, blah...

Some would argue that it already is. Some would argue that this is the problem.

Would giving absolute power to those in charge of the area improve things for the people of Patong and for all those who visit and take holidays there?

Or would it merely improve things for those in charge of the autonomous town? Do we want to risk finding out?

This week in history Just say no [Re: Crocodile tears] I fully agree that each and everyone should refuse, and that the proper authority should take action.

Ron

Boo to the booze ban [Re: Elections to bring booze bans] This only affects the big brand stores, who are forced to conform. You can buy booze anywhere at anytime, just not in the majority of bars.

Swerv

Go Gig go [Gig aims to win Thailand’s Got Talent] You got my vote and all the best Gig!

Looi Thunder

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

■■ July 27, 1890 – Vincent van Gogh shoots himself and dies two days later.

■■ July 28, 1935 – First flight of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.

■■ Ju l y 29, 19 81 – A wo rld w id e t ele v i sio n audience of over 700 million people watch the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

■■ July 30, 1930 – At home in Montevideo, Uruguay wins the f irst football World Cup. ■■ July 31, 1790 – The very f irst US patent is issued to inventor Samuel Hopkins for a potash process.

■■ August 1, 1498 – Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to visit what is now Venezuela.

■■ August 2, 1377 – Russian troops are defeated in the Battle of Pyana River because of drunkenness.

thephuketnews.com

14 BUSINESS

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Selling like hot cakes

Tri Property celebrates super-fast sales of units at its Zcape condo project > 16

Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

WRECKING TOURISM Visitors flee after car bomb in deep south MCOT Online

A

car bomb that exploded in Su-ngai Kolok district, southern Thailand, last Friday (July 20) has heavily impacted the local economy, causing 50 per cent of foreign tourists to check out from their hotels immediately, said Su-ngai Kolok Hotel Association chairman Saengtong Preechawutidet.

The car bomb injured eight people and set ablaze a commercial building housing a computer company.

Authorities believed the first target was a local bank, but as bombers could not park their car they changed their target to the computer company.

Mr Saengtong said that before the incident, the local economy including trade and tourism had been improving.

As security measures had been tightened since September of last year, he did not want to blame authorities. Nonetheless, he asked the government for an adjustment of plans for further protection in the area.

Meanwhile, Narathiwat Chamber of Commerce chairman Kukiat Burapapong also commented that the car

Chris Adams

New GM for Outrigger at Laguna

Bomb disposal experts examine the site of the bombing that injured eight people in Narathiwat. bomb has heavily affected the local economy, as during the Ramadan fasting period, Muslim Malaysians usually visited Thailand to buy food.

The incident could affect their travels to the area, he said. However, he believed the impact would last for about two months before the situa-

We believe that the success of a project is essentially based on a serious management

tion would return to normal.

Mr Kukiat added that local entrepreneurs and the public were still confident in the government’s security

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thephuketnews.com

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measures. He noted there had been less untoward incidents in Su-ngai Kolok than in other areas in the three southernmost provinces.

Heineken bids to control Tiger DU TCH BEER GROU P Heineken on Friday (July 20) announced a S$5.1 billion bid for Singapore’s Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) to boost its presence in the region’s booming alcohol market.

It says its takeover would give it access to important markets – including Thailand.

Heineken offered to pay S$50 a share, a premium of S$8 over its Thursday closing price.

OU T R IG GER HOT ELS and Resorts Asia Pacific has appointed Chris Adams as General Manager of the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas, effective immediately.

Before joining Outrigger, Adams, a New Zealander, was General Manager of the Anantara Golden Triangle in northern Thailand. Prior to that, he held senior managerial positions at international brand hotels in Koh Samui, Thailand, the Philippines and China.

Adams also has strong food and beverage experience. He has been an award-winning executive chef and food and beverage manager at hotels in Vietnam, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia.

“With wide international experience and five-star hotelier skills, Chris will find himself at home at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas,” said Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger’s Managing Director, Asia Pacific.

“Our aim at Outrigger in Phuket is to exceed the expectations of our international guests. Chris will play a key role in delivering that vision,” he said.

In his spare time Outrigger’s new General Manager enjoys dining out and travelling.

He is a keen rugby supporter and stays fit through regular gym and cardio sessions.

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUSINESS/TOURISM 15

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Foreigners’ shares in Thai firms spotlighted NNT

THE COMMERCE MINISTRY is set to launch a nationwide inspection of foreign shareholdings in Thai-registered companies within the coming month.

The Department of Business Development Director-General Banyong Limprayoonwong said that the Commerce Ministry has been drafting a set of regulations on the management and the inspection of foreign shareholding in Thai companies, in a bid to more strongly enforce the Alien Business Law of Thailand.

Mr Banyong conceded that the Ministry’s previous investigations into suspicious foreign shareholdings had been limited and lacked depth.

This has made it less effective in taking legal action against those who have broken the laws, he said.

He added that the Department will define more clearly the meaning of “Nominee shareholders”, while looking more thoroughly at the amount of shares held by nominees, the influence of foreign shareholders and other policies of individual companies.

According to Mr Banyong, there are more than 27,000 companies in Thailand with foreign shareholdings, all of which will be scrutinised by the Department of Business Development.

He said that any company found to be in violation of the laws will receive further attention from the Department of Special Investigations.

Wikipedia ‘mulling new travel guide’ E-Travel Blackboard

THE FOLK BEHIND THE world’s fifth most popular web property, Wikipedia, are said to be pondering the creation of a Wikipedia-inspired travel guide, likely to compete with TripAdvisor and guidebook publishers across the globe.

A Wikimedia spokesperson told e-Travel Blackboard that while the project has been “in discussion over the last month”, the Wikimedia Foundation’s Board of Directors has yet to sign off on full implementation of the project.

“The conversation is still unfolding,” they said, adding

that the board will likely make a decision in six weeks.

The as-yet-unnamed travel guide is likely to be free of advertisements – as opposed to supposed travel wiki leader, Wikitravel, whose ads and lack of development is said to have deterred contributors and travelers alike, Skift.com reported.

Wikipedia’s goal is at once simple and complicated: “Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all knowledge. That’s our commitment.”

How this will play in the world of travel is yet to be seen.

Bophut Beach, Koh Samui. The island is being targeted by the TAT as a green tourism destination for Thais.

TAT begins southern drive TTR Weekly

T

hailand’s southern beaches will be positioned as green or ecotourism destinations, while secondary southern destinations will gain more attention in the TAT’s marketing plan for the 2013 fiscal year.

Last week, TAT southern region executive director, Poramet Amatyakul, outlined the region’s objectives in the TAT marketing plan 2012/13.

Domestic tourism should generate B453 billion in south Thailand.

The slogan to drive business is “Pah Suay Talay Sai Laklai Wattanatham” (Beautiful forests, crystal clear, ocean water and various traditions).

It will focus on boosting green tourism on southern islands such as Koh Lanta and Koh Samui.

Secondary tourist destinations will also be in the limelight, particularly Ranong and Chumphon. Another factor is religious tourism that can be developed in the deep south to attract Muslim travellers.

Provinces such as Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala are at a

disadvantage due to security risks that deter international tourists, but they could still attract Muslim travellers from neighbouring countries, who have more confidence that they will be safe visiting the area.

TAT campaign highlights for the southern region: • Chuan Gan Tiew Tai Nueng Buak Nueng Tao Gab Sam (Come travel to the south with one plus one equal three) Packages will be sold through travel fairs; • Nakhon Si Dee Dee Tee Diew Tiew Krob Kruang (Travel to Nakhon Si Tham-

marat, one place get all) – tap religion and culture; • Phang Nga Non Tid Daw Raka Tid Din (luxury stay in Phang Nga with value price).

The campaign uses value pricing to attract Thai tourists to visit Phuket and Phang Nga during the rainy season; According to the TAT Marketing Database, the average length of stay in southern Thailand is 2.72 days for Thai tourists and 4.22 for international tourists, with average spending of B1,894.89 per person per day (Thai) and B4,167.47 per person per day (foreigners).

Thailand tourism income climbs 31pc THAILAND RECORDED A 31 PER cent increase in tourism receipts in 2011 over 2010, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures. The total earnings of B776 billion (US$25.45 billion) were also well above the original target of B716 billion (US$ 23 billion).

The figures show that Thailand recorded increases in both quality and quantity of visitor arrivals. The growth in

total number of visitors is being matched by increased average length of stay and average daily expenditure, further underscoring the role of tourism as one of the most important economic sectors and contributor to job creation and nationwide income distribution.

According to the Ministry, Thailand had 19.23 million international visitors in 2011, up by 20.67 per cent over 2010. With

an average length of stay of 9.64 days, and an average daily spend of B4,187.12 (US$137) per person, the tourism industry generated B776 billion in earnings.

By regions, East Asia (+39.40 per cent) recorded the largest increase in receipts in 2011 In terms of expenditure, the top five nationalities were Russians, Chinese, Australians, Malaysians, and Britons.

thephuketnews.com

16 PROPERTY/AVIATION

Hot cakes THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Zcape sees 70pc bookings in a week

P

huket-based marcom organisation Prodigy One Co and developers Tri Property Co threw a joint thank you party at the newly-opened Room Zociety at Central Festival Phuket on Saturday night (July 21).

More than 70 per cent of the compact units have already been reserved since the opening of the Zcape Condominium Sales Gallery near Laguna Somsakul Limsuttaphan of Sansiri subsidiary Plus Prop- Phuket last week, with sales erty Co (centre) with entertainers Rawiwan ‘Aui’ Jinda and booths at Central Festival and Golf Benjapol.

Tesco Lotus in Cherng Talay.

Among those present were Zcape Condominium developers Tri Property MD Adisorn Viwakonde, Tri Property CFO Chaiwat Tuntiwiwat SOMSAKUL LIMSUTTAPHAN, ety of activities and entertain- and Prodigy One Managing Assistant Managing Direc- ment, including a mini-concert Director Pakhin Aunggulsant.

Speaking at the Room tor of Plus Property Co, a by Be My Guest, led by Golfsubsidiary of property giant Benjapol, Joom-Nareekrajang, Zociety event, Tri Property Sansiri and sole agent for Aui-Rawiwan Jinda and Aon- CEO Adisorn Vivakanonde said Phuket’s residential marHabitia Koh Kaew and Habi- Sriphan. town Koh Kaew in Phuket, Through the ‘H Club So- ket has huge potential for the recently welcomed customers ciety’ event, Sansiri aims kind of affordable urban livand celebrities to the ‘H Club for Phuket customers “to ing concept the company has Society’ event – the Grand experience the Sansiri Family pioneered in Bangkok over the Opening of Habitia-Habitown Privilege programme”. They past few years, namely Proud Koh Kaew Phuket. plan to organise more events and ProudX2 condominiums The event included a vari- during the year. in Cheang Wattana.

Sansiri Koh Kaew projects launched

From left, Adisorn Vivakanond and Chaiwat Tuntiwiwat, respectively MD and CFO of Tri Property, with Pakhin Aunggulsant of Prodigy One. Tri Property CFO, Chaiwat Tuntiwiwat, a native of Phuket, said the aim of Zcape Condominium was to offer very affordable options for Phuket property seekers with suitably-sized and priced accommodation in a prime area.

Prodigy One’s Pakhin Aunggulsant said the island still has huge potential for all involved in the construction, sale and promotion of strategic property development, high-

lighting a B120 billion share for Phuket of the country’s property development market to date with approximately B2.4 billion expected to be channelled into marketing and communications.

Construction of Zcape Condominium is expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2014, alongside a brand new community mall also underway with boutiques and an international supermarket.

Comprising 198 singlebedroom and studio units on seven floors laid out in a horizontal Z-shape formation, most of Zcape Condo’s onebedroom and studio units have an unobstructed pool, garden or hill view.

Prices for the condos start at B1.19 million and sizes range from 21 square metres to 46.68 sqm.

For more information, visit z-phuket.com

Qatar Airways is world’s best – again Bangkok Airways slashes its fares QATAR AIRWAYS, WHICH LINKS Phuket with Doha and from there on to Europe twice a week, has been named world’s best airline for the second year in a row.

It joins nine other Asian and Middle

East airlines that occupy the top 10 slots in the annual Skytrax Awards, announced at the Farnborough airshow in the UK this week.

Qatar also won awards for best premium economy cabin. In second place was Asiana

Airlines of South Korea, then Singapore Airlines. Thai Airways International came in ninth place.

AirAsia was awarded best low-cost carrier in the world, while MAS won the best cabin staff award.

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BANGKOK AIRWAYS HAS launched a ‘Wow’ promotion quoting deals that undercut low-cost carriers for early bookings on routes from Bangkok to Samui, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

The booking period will start from August 1 and end September 14, while the travel period runs from September 17 until November 30.

The Wow fares are B2,890 to Chiang Mai; B3,390 to Phuket and B5,900 (September 17 to October 31) and B4,900 (November) to Samui.

Compared to Thai Airways International, the PG fares are considerably cheaper.

THAI’s Thailand Plus, good

for departures ex-Bangkok until September 30, sells at B4,570 to Chiang Mai and B5,460 to Phuket. There are no promotions for its two daily flights to Samui that is fixed at B9,340.

Compared to budget carriers who operate flights to Chiang Mai and Phuket, PG’s deals are close or even lower than the competitors.

Nok Air quotes Chiang Mai fares from B3,980 (five daily flights) and Phuket, B3,580 (two daily). Orient Thai Airlines sells both cities from B3,100 (two daily each).

Meanwhile, Thai AirAsia has regular fares starting at B3,300 to Chiang Mai (seven daily) and B3,400 to Phuket (eight flights daily).

Car exports hit record MCOT Online/NNT

THAILAND’S EXPORTS of automobiles in June soared to over 94,000 units, marking its highest record in 25 years, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

FTI Automotive Industry Club spokesman Surapong

Paisitpattanapong announced last Thursday (July 19) that automobile exports in June significantly increased by 25.22 per cent year-on-year to 94,727 units.

Automobile exports in the first half of 2012 totalled 456,869 units, valued at approximately B323 billion.

THE PHUKET NEWS

ARTS 17

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

LIFE&STYLE

H2 woah

Jamie Monk makes a trip north to watery Khao Sok > 28

Jody Houton & Claire Connell editor@thephuketnews.com

GERRY’S

editor@thephuketnews.com

KNOW WHERE THIS IS? GUESS RIGHT AND WIN!

thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

view

THIS WEEK’S HINT: “This statue represents Admiral R.H. Prince Abhakara Kiartiwanges who became known as the ‘Father of the Navy’ and served under HRH King Chulalongkorn.

“Most appropriately the statue is located on a very high position facing out towards the Andaman Sea over which he was responsible.

“The statue is located at the southern end of Phuket island and is often overlooked because of its more predominant neighbour a few metres away.”

–Gerry Cummings

EMAIL US ENTER ONLINE

www.photohutgroup.com

editor@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

GUESS THE CORRECT LOCATION AND WIN A B500 GIFT VOUCHER FROM PHOTO HUT

Congratulations go to Khanittha Jeensrikong and Michael Archer, who both correctly guessed that last week’s photo was of Nai Harn beach.

Planting the seed

This field at the At Panta resort now resembles a compass-like shape of pho leaves.

Fields of love F

ields in Phuket have become ‘Land Art for the King’ as part of a project to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol.

The site in the Cherngtalaybased At Panta resort is the eighth place in Thailand to benefit from the incredible pieces created by renowned Thai artist, Tawee Rajaneekorn.

The Phuket Land Art was

inspired by Mr Tawee’s belief that the King’s prestige spreads throughout Thailand.

To reflect Mr Tawee’s vision, he has created an art piece in a compass-like shape consisting of pho leaves that point outwards in many directions The pho leaf is also a heartshaped leaf which represents Dharma teachings and the virtues of the King.

It also somewhat reflects

His Majesty’s royal speech, “We shall reign with righteousness for the welfare of the Siamese.”

The ninth and final piece will be installed in Bangkok, in time for the king’s birthday on December 5.

The Phuket Land Art is open to the public daily 8am5pm, until December 31.

For more information, visit atpanta.com

T H E N EW NOVOT EL Phuket Vintage Park in Patong hosted the opening of the inaugural art exhibition at The 9 Gallery last Friday (July 20).

French-born artist Eric Stocker has the honour of being the gallery’s first resident artist, and will be treating crowds and attendees to his unique ‘vegetal’ imprint pieces.

Eric has been immersed in the world of lacquer since he was 16-years-old.

As a teen, he was trained

by French lacquer masters Pierre Bobot and Ferdi Ferrone in Japanese and Chinese lacquerware and gilding techniques.

Japanese lacquerware (historically referred to as ‘Japan’ similar to Chinese ceramics) covers a broad spectrum of fine and decorative arts. Lacquer has been, and still is, regularly used in Japanese paintings, prints, and on a wide variety of objects from Buddha statues to bento boxes for food.

Over the years, Eric has developed and created his own unique style based on vegetal imprints which are engraved in gold, silver and

Above: A vegetal print. Below: The 9 Gallery interior.

copper lacquer leaves. The ‘Vegetal Imprints’ exhibition is characterised by three strong elements: foliage, colour and imprints.

In 1998 Eric was commissioned to train young people in Cambodia to revive gilding and lacquer techniques in Asia, and, along with his

brother, founded Angkor Artwork in Siem Reap in 2008.

Nowadays, Eric spends his time in Bangkok training Thai artisans.

The exhibition runs until August 5.

For more information, visit the9gallery.com

thephuketnews.com

18 PEOPLE

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

Reading Phuket’s signs 10 Questions Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

J

ody Houton interviews Mumbai-born Australian Zarir Bamji, former regional marketing director for one of the world’s biggest shipping companies, frequent traveller, and sign-fixer.

1 What originally brought

you to Phuket?

Unlike many tourists who come to Phuket for the night life and bars, I have always been fascinated by Phuket’s history and scenic beauty.

Most tourists who visit Phuket are unaware of its rich and colourful history, as the island used to be on one of the major trading routes between India and China.

It would be good if TAT could identify and signpost the location at Phuket port where, in olden days, Portuguese, Dutch, French and English ships came to trade.

Another reason is that I loved the scenery in the James Bond movie ‘Man with the Golden Gun’, and wanted to see Khao Phing Kan (now commonly referred to as James Bond Island), so I spent quite a bit of time at that spot 2 You fix the English grammar and spelling of signs from around the world...

Why? I used to work for the shipping company American Export Lines, which took me all around the world.

Many years ago, when I was travelling through Vietnam, Cambodia and China, I noticed a group of Western tourists gathered around a sign-board in a tourist spot laughing and joking about the poor quality of English on the signs.

As they were taking photographs of these signs, I walked up to them and asked if they could speak the local language of the country they were in.

W hen they replied in the negative, I asked if they would please wait while I got together a group of local citizens to laugh at them and take photographs of them as they could not speak the local dialect.

This, of course, did not go down too well with the group but ever since then, I have always tried to assist the local people in various countries to write their signs in perfect English, as I can

thephuketnews.com

well understand the importance of this.

3 What do you think of

the state of Phuket signs?

Well, if you compare Phuket signs with those in other countries, all I can say is that I have seen much worse.

However, the signage at some of the major hotels in Phuket could still be improved.

4 As an experienced mar-

keting professional, what are your thoughts on Phuket?

Thailand is at a very interesting stage of its socioeconomic development, and I feel that Phuket is the ideal tourism destination for individuals and families alike.

It has everything going for it and can satisfy every tourist requirement: adventure, eco-tours, leisure, religious, historical and so on.

Unfortunately, the local transport facilities need to be improved so that visitors can enjoy the same cheap and plentiful transportation as they do in Bangkok.

In my opinion the relevant authorities should now focus on ‘quality’ rather than ‘quantity’of tourists.

5 Do you think Myanmar might emerge as a rival for tourists?

During my time I have seen many countries come out of their shell and evolve into booming economies – including the likes of China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam – but I have never come across any country that has displayed the same rapid pace in their tourists in-flows as in Myanmar.

Their consulates all over the world have been inundated by requests for tourist and business visas as people flock there in their thousands to see something different and also take advantage of the many business opportunities springing up there for expats and locals alike.

Hotels in Myanmar are enjoying an unprecedented boom and have increased their daily rates more than 300 per cent over the past few months.

I feel that this is rather shortsighted and in the long term such opportunistic behaviour may damage the reputations of not only the hotels, but the country as a whole.

Myanmar is the largest country in Southeast Asia and has been richly endowed with scenic beauty as well as vast mineral wealth. Although the number of tourists visiting there is just a fraction of Thailand’s numbers, over time, I fear that some

Zarir Bamji with ex Australian politician Kristina Keneally.

Thailand destinations may be overlooked by tourists, in favour of Myanmar 6 What are your thoughts on the introduction of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015?

The proposed single market and production base will lead to a highly competitive economic region, but one where I feel that some countries may benefit more than others.

Myanmar, for instance has the most to gain in my opinion if they decide to fully integrate into the region’s and global economy.

After 2015 we will see a much stronger and better integrated region where there will be a freer movement of goods and services, investment and skilled labour that will benefit the entire Asean region as a whole.

7

How ha s Tha i land changed since you f irst came here?

Well, I have been coming to Thailand since the early 1970s, so you can appreciate that the changes that I have noticed are quite dramatic.

The old world charm of many of the previous houses all over Bangkok have given way to huge high-rise towers and there are only a few pockets of the old buildings left scattered all over the city.

Over the past 40 years I have seen it make major advances in several industries, including hotels and tourism, manufacturing facilities for

domestic and international markets, agricultural produce, and processed food.

The quality of manufactured products has improved considerably, although some of their product brochures and publicity material could be improved.

Even car manufacturers like Honda have established a major production line in Thailand and I feel that this trend could continue with other big overseas companies establishing their base here.

8 We talked with Myan-

mese when you were here last.

What did they say to you?

I am glad you accompanied me during some of the conversations I had with the local Myanmese shop-keepers around Jungceylon.

Many of them told me that they had come to Phuket (and also other parts of Thailand) to improve their lot as there were not many opportunities for them back in Myanmar.

I explained to them how things had dramatically improved in their home country and urged them to check things out for themselves either by going back or by asking their relations who remain there.

I would start my conversation with them in Hindi and surprisingly most of them understood me and answered in the same language. Many of them have their origins in Nepal even though their families have been living in Myanmar for many generations.

As you know many of these Myanmese migrants work in menial but much-needed jobs like the construction industry and there may be a problem filling the vacuum if they did choose to return home.

Many of the migrants that we spoke to said that they were aware of these dramatic improvements back home and nearly all of them were planning a trip back to Myanmar in the near future to learn first-hand about the scope for their eventual return.

leviate its heavy reliance on tourism.

I feel there is good scope for the development of seafood exports, and organic fruits and vegetables. Tourism will continue to be the mainstay and although the number of visitors to your island annually is already quite impressive, this can get a further boost if the authorities implement some of the suggestions I have made above.

You may recollect that during our discussions a couple of years ago, I had told you that the pattern of overseas visitors to Thailand was set to change quite dramatically, because of the new affluence of people in China and India, who would travel globally in large numbers.

This has now come to pass and it is quite common to see many tourists here from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as well as visitors from China, South Korea and Russia.

Thailand has made rapid and impressive economic progress over the years and Thai people can rightfully be proud of this achievement. However Patong presently appears to get most of the business in Phuket, to the detriment of the other suburbs.

Once the local transport problem is resolved, it will be more conducive for tourists to visit all Phuket.

9 What are your predictions

10 Last, but certainly not

for the future of Phuket?s I see continued prosperity for Phuket and hope that over time your island will develop some other industries to al-

least, will the quality of Phuket signs improve?

I am sure this will occur through natural attrition – as in other countries.

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

The hotel cleaner Kornkarnokphan Suwan reporter2@thephuketnews.com

J I N YODKU M, FROM Isarn, has lived and worked in Phuket for more than five years.

When she first arrived she didn’t quite know what she wanted to do, and found herself working as a cleaner for a resort in Patong, where she fell in love with her job.

Jin says, “Working as a cleaner you must be very dedicated and personal. You need to make sure every corner of the guest’s room is clean and has a nice smell and most importantly do not

ever think about the guests’ belongings – that’s not your business at all.”

She decided to leave her original job at the Patong

resort, despite it being good pay, as it was far away from home and she found it difficult to co-ordinate picking up her children after work.

Jin is currently working as a cleaner at Jira apartment in Rawai. There are 44 rooms to clean, which she does twice a week. She draws a B9,000 salary which she says she is really happy with, as it gives her time to take care of her kids and enjoy her job at the same time.

Jin said with a smile, “Even though my salary is little, I’ll keep doing this job because I love to see everything around me so clean.”

20 EDUCATION

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

IN BRIEF EU grants scholarships to Thai students On Friday (July 20), the European Union granted 55 scholarships to promising Thai students to enable them to study at European universities.

The different fields of study includes engineering, natural sciences, interna-

tional relations, public policy, forestry, architecture, arts and humanities.

More than 400 Thai students have benefited since the EU’s Erasmus Mundus programme was launched in 2004.

School’s out for summer in Cambodia Cambodia has closed all kindergarten and primary schools in a bid to stem the spreading of a potentially deadly hand, foot and mouth disease.

Just a week before the official summer holidays

begin, almost 10,000 schools in the country have closed.

Cases have been reported in neighbouring Vietnam and China, and in the last week three schools in Bangkok and two schools in Phuket closed.

British kids just need to be woken up Jobless British teens just need to be woken up, according to Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister of the U.K. A Youth Contract Government Scheme aims to help a generation of ‘Neets’, 16-17 year-olds not in training, apprenticeships, work

The Phuket International Academy School building, where students gain an International Baccalaureate education.

PIA gains IB status T

he Phuket International Academy Day School (PIADS) has gained International Baccalaureate (IB) status and can now offer students the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) as a fully recognised IB World School.

Dennison MacKinnon, who will officially assume the role of PIADS Head of School from August 6, said that this made the school one step closer to becoming a full three-programme IB World School.

“Our commitment to an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning, promoting the development of critical-thinking skills, has always been the school’s priority.

“We have also always been fully committed to staff training in IB pedagogy and are pleased that all staff members have embraced it wholeheartedly.”

or education.

Clegg has urged companies to be more ‘creative’ in finding jobs. Perhaps by getting into the habit of employing two people when one would suffice, an initiative that Clegg himself has benefited from.

Pakistani kids to be cared for by UK The U.K has allocated £1.4 billion (B69 billion) to assist Pakistan’s education sector in order to fund the safeguarding of Pakistani youth.

These funds have been

set aside because the U.K apparently sees Pakistan’s education system in crisis. It will support more than 4 million children and build 20,000 classrooms from 2011-2015.

US students given cheat sheet on costs The Department of Education and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau unveiled a one page “shopping sheet” that provides each student with information on the costs of tuition, housing and fees, written in an easy to read style.

The U.S. Education Secretary has urged colleges and universities to adopt an easy-to-understand financial aid form to help students make smarter decisions on where to study, how to pay and determine what they’ll owe at the end.

The recently awarded IB status means that PIADS’ resources, teachers and educational philosophy are of a high enough standard to ensure the efficient and successful implementation of all IB programmes.

“Strategies such as visible thinking tools, pre-assessments, student reflections and diverse articulations of the learner profile and attitudes were in evidence throughout the learning spaces,” the IB stated in a letter to the school.

PIA DS offers its 210 students, from 25 different nations, five-star facilities, including spacious classrooms and access to the Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club and the Thanyapura Mind Centre.

“We are also developing an across-school social and emotional learning and mindfulness programme to be integrated with the IB Learner Profile, which will add tremen-

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dous scope to the teaching and learning programmes,” said Mr MacKinnon.

“It follows the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) programme, one which enhances social

Students excelling at new tourism school

Children’s Enrichment Club

Crafts

In addition to its facilities and resources, PIADS’ ‘virtual’ learning environments were also commended.

and emotional literacy and capacity, and builds selfesteem. PATHS has also been shown to improve academic performance, particularly in developing attention and thinking skills,” he said.

The IB PYP is from Kindergarten to Grade 5. The academy currently has IB candidate status for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6 to 9. This will be extended to Grade 10 in due course.

“We aspire to be a threeprogramme IB World School, culminating with the IB Diploma (DP) studies in Grades 11-12. The IB Diploma is a highly regarded university entrance qualification, which is globally recognised as the ‘gold standard’ of university entrance qualifications,” added Mr MacKinnon.

“We will then have in place a ‘best practice’ continuum across the three Programmes (PYP, MYP, and DP).”

Bouncing Castle English 084442367

STUDENTS AT THE NEW Phuket Hospitality and Tourism College, based at the JW Marriott Mai Khao until funds are secured to transform the existing Thalang Technical College, are on their way to securing a Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality (English Programme).

Fifty students sat an entrance test in May, with only 15 being accepted for the college’s new courses.

These students are expected to graduate within three years, with the option of further study to gain a diploma or degree.

Sidaporn Sae-eiaw, a student on the English progamme course said, “English language is so important for us because Phuket attracts so many tourists every year. I love English and I am really enjoying learning it.”

Deputy Director Somporn Thaweekan told The Phuket News other students were also enjoying the course and doing well.

“The English programme is taught by native speaking English teachers, to give the Thai students a better education. They will be able to learn English properly and speak it with confidence. And all these courses are free, too,” he said.

“We have high hopes for our students and extend a big thank you to JW Marriott for helping us teach the students, and providing a venue for them,” Somsak Chaisodam, the other Deputy Director of the college said.

The school is the first of its kind in Phuket, with both diploma and higher diploma courses. Higher diploma students will be taught exclusively in English.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Phuket’s SEEK members visit Bangkok to discuss projects Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

M

e m b e r s of t h e Phuket-based environmental organisation SEEK paid a visit to the Thai Environment Institute (TEI) in Bangkok on July 9 to catch up, share developments and exchange ideas for its ‘Sustainable future Phuket’.

The Vice President of the TEI Dr Chaiyod Bunyakitand welcomed the collection of concerned Phuket and Bangkok-based residents, environmental activists and experts in the field and showed the visitors around their facilities.

Present at the meeting were CSR Asia Representative Nicharat, John ‘Caveman’ Gray, Dr Paul Chamniern, Lister Hannah (senior partner Atkisson group), Dr Robert Mather from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Robert Steele (Director Sustainability Asia), and Nick Anthony and Sean Panton from SEEK Phuket.

Nick Anthony said, “We wanted to have a look at operations there and were pleased by what we saw. They’ve been environmental consultants for Thailand and Phuket for

Dr Chaiyod Bunyakitand at a Crisis Management seminar. more than 20 years now, some projects have been successful, while others not so.”

Mr Anthony added that it was also an opportunity for the different community groups and stakeholders to look at each other’s ongoing projects in order to determine what was going well and what wasn’t.

Sean Panton said, “It was primarily to consolidate the environmental indicator workshops, like our recently introduced eco-workshops, evaluate the findings and discuss action plans in order to create a sustainability plan for Phuket.”

Pets

The meeting was for many attendees the first chance they had got to meet since a Crisis Management seminar held on the island in May. Mr Anthony said that although it was important to keep up the pace with regards to ensuring targets and aims are met, it was also important to remain patient and realistic about what, as representatives from the civil sector, they could do.

“When bringing about environmental change, we must be aware that the process of change in Thailand comes about slowly. Even with the best ideas, it cannot change

without policy change which tends to occur slowly.”

He added that although Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor)������� representatives had become more active in helping with NGOintroduced initiatives like beach clean up events for example (see story to right), it was still very much a new, yet burgeoning relationship.

“We have to be rather realistic in what we can hope to achieve,” Mr Anthony said, “and find a balance between our ideals and what is manageable.”

How to actually achieve the manageable is also up for debate and careful consideration.

“In Phuket, we are currently wondering as to whether to carry on with the softly softly approach or try to stress that we are at crisis point.

“Sometimes in Phuket, that’s the best way changes are brought about, like the recent killing of Michelle Smith for example. This helped at least initiate talks on improved security on the island.”

Mr Anthony admitted that although things were far from at crisis point, they soon would be if Phuket carried on the track it is set for.

ENVIRONMENT 21 THEENVIRONMENT

Phuket Minister Sare Lammak, left, and Kamala Orbortor representative Somsak Chaochang (pink shirt, second left) took part in the Kamala Green project on July 17.

Volunteers help keep Kamala Beach clean KAMALA GREEN IS AN environmental organisation founded earlier this year with the purpose of keeping Kamala beach clean during the low season. The group is mainly comprised of hotels and tourist organisations in and around the area.

On Tuesday, July 17, Kamala Green took to the beach to pick up trash, including discarded bottles, plastic bags and soda cans. This was the fifth time the group had performed the clean-up in July.

They are planning on do-

ing it four times in August, three times in September and four times in October, in preparation for the coming high season.

Such clean-ups are considered extremely important during monsoon seasons as this is the time that ocean trash invariably drifts in with the westerly winds.

A representative from Kamala Orbortor Somsak Chaochang and Minister Sare Lammak were also in attendance on July 17, helping during the clean up.

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

“ I’ m B o beautiful w ie , a and I’m so white cat, different c special I have k n ow n a s oloured eyes. I’m cat! I’m so th e diam o n d eye I always li cute and very kind. k owners Pime to play with my to help the and Olli and try m sometime do things, but s I’ of a hindram more nce!”

“Woof, woof, I’m Molly and I’m a beautiful five month old shih-tzu puppy.

I belong to Orsolya ‘Orsi’ Farkas and Paul, who love me so much.”

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

DANE’S WORLD

22 WEIRD NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

Dancing in the street T

he city fathers and mothers of South Auckland, New Zealand, have finally tracked down the cause of a weird local phenomenon – bent or snapped street sign poles.

In the past 18 months, more than 40 poles have been bent, buckled or broken and it has cost local taxpayers thousands of dollars to replace.

The reason: the signs, according to local councillors, are popular with local ladies of the night who have been using them as props to advertise their athleticism in the hope of attracting punters.

Local councillor Donna Lee says the culprits use them like stripper poles in a dance club.

“The poles are part of their soliciting equipment and they often snap them,”

Her comments have, however, been slammed by Wendy Traskos, founder of the US Pole Dancing Federation, who

says the Kiwis are jumping to conclusions about the pole dancers when describing them as prostitutes.

Ms Traskos says they are more likely practitioners of the fine art of “urban pole dancing” in which people take what they have learned in clubs or gyms and take their techniques out onto the street, using street signs, wooden poles or scaffolding.

The problem, she reckons, is not the dancers but the poles.

“What exactly do they make their signs out of anyway in New Zealand? Tissue paper?” she asked The Huffington Post. “Maybe the city needs to rethink what they make signs out of, if a 60-plus kilo woman is going to destroy them by doing acrobatics.”

A big win for skin

Carrying the troch

AFTER SIX YEARS IN THE CLINK, Stephen Gough seems to have won his battle for his right to wander about Britain naked.

Gough, 53, who is a bit of a celebrity in the UK because of his dislike of clothing, was allowed to leave prison and walk home this week – in the buff.

It’s not the first time he’s done porridge for being in the buff. The first time, when he was let out of Perth Prison, he was promptly rearrested right outside the jail – for being naked.

But this time police seem to have thrown in the towel.

“My opinion is that the police have thought, ‘The guy’s not going to give up so let’s have a think about it,’” Gough told the BBC. “What they were doing before was pre-empting complaints and now they are not.”

Gough got his nickname when he was first locked up in 2003 for walking off his job as a truck driver, without clothing.

The Telegraph quoted him as saying he was delighted to be out in the fresh air again. “I haven’t been outside a building in six years and it is nice to smell the flowers and see the greenery.

“I was kept in solitary all the time.

I wasn’t given association with other prisoners. I got half an hour in the evening to have a shower and walk up and down the hall when they had been locked away.” The six years locked away has done nothing to change his stance on public nudity.

“To conform with everyone else is the easiest way but when you conform, you compromise your principles,” Gough told The Sun. “Stay naked is the word.”

THERE ARE STACKS OF pictures on the internet of tattoos gone wrong, or just plain stupid. That’s the problem with tattoos – they’re for life. So if you have a stupid tattoo, it’s going to stay stupid until they put you in the ground.

But Terri Peterson of Atlanta, Georgia, in the US, has a stupid tattoo that’s a bit more public than most.

Peterson was selected as a torch bearer for the 2012 Olympics, carrying the torch through Derby in England.

To celebrate her selection, she decided to get her very first tattoo. Not a good idea, as it turns out.

She went to a “really good” tattoo parlor in Georgia and had her chosen design, a torch logo, the Olympic rings and the words “Olympic Torch Bearer”, stitched forever on her arm.

The really good tattoo artist, however, seems to have been somewhat dyslexic. He carefully inked, “Oylmpic Torch Bearer”.

Where others might have gone into absolute hysterics, or possibly grabbed a gun and gone after the tattooer, Peterson took it all in stride. She even declined the artist’s offer to fix it after she pointed it out.

“He felt so bad when he found out,” she said. “He wanted to fix it but I decided I want to keep it. It’s fine. It’s the Oy-limpics. It’s as unique as I am.”

thephuketnews.com

she told the local paper, The Telegraph. “Some of the prostitutes are big, strong people.”

Photo: AFP

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

with Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

THE BIG LIST

Olympic ‘Games’

Between the rabid excitement over Olympic badminton, dressage, archery and table tennis competitions, most of us won’t be getting much sleep for the next three weeks.

But it wasn’t always like this...

■ Steepleswim: When the Paris Olympics came around at the turn of the century, the modern Games were still in their infancy, and several new ‘events’ managed to sneak in the back door and make fools of themselves on the international dance floor. The ‘obstacle swimming race’ was one such event. It was almost like an ordinary swimming race – only slightly more ‘interesting’, thanks to three bizarre obstacles placed randomly around the course. First, participants showed off their stripping prowess by climbing a pole and sliding back down. Then they swam out to a flotilla of boats, which they had to climb up on, and then jump off. Then they swam under some boats to the finish line.

Of course, no swimming pools at the time were big enough to play a good game of miscellaneous aquatic douchebaggery, so they had to hold the event in the River Seine, which was also the outlet for the Paris sewer system overflow. Nice ■ Dive bomber: Remember when you were a kid and you’d get so excited at the mere thought of a swimming pool you’d just run and jump in as hard as you could? Well, back in 1904 at the St Louis Games, you’d have a shiny medal waiting for you when you came up for air. The ‘plunge for distance dive’ had two simple rules. 1) Jump in the water; and 2) glide under the water as far as possible without moving your arms or legs. So basically long jump, but with more drowning potential, and with less being able to see the athletes competing. Participant’s leaps were measured after either 60 seconds had passed, or once their bodies had broken the surface. No wonder the world plunged into war a decade later if this is what passed as entertainment.

■ Catch 22: Pelota is a game played by people standing facing each other, separated by a wall, throwing a ball back and forth until one competitor finally drops it, making it the only time the childhood game of catch has ever been an Olympic sport. As well as being generally tedious to play unless you’re six years old or have consumed so much LSD that you’ve got the brain function of a six-year-old, the game was also rather region-specific: Pelota is played only in Spain and France. In 1900, only two teams showed up to the games. The countries? Spain and France, naturally. A single game was played. The score?

No one knows: The officials didn’t even bother to show up.

■ Torpedoed: When looking at the list of events, it’s pretty clear the 1900 Olympics were little more than a prank played by the French on the rest of the world. As evidence of that claim: Underwater swimming. Pretty self explanatory, really: competitors swam underwater for a set distance, whoever got there first without breathing wins. And it’s even more boring than what you’re imagining. After all, with no waterproof cameras in those days, watching the event consisted of staring at a murky river for a few minutes, counting your blessings that you weren’t stuck watching a pelota match.

■ Flying solo: Solo synchronised swimming. It’s actually hard to make any more jokes about this sport, considering the title itself is probably the most spectacularly selfcontained joke ever devised. The sport amazingly continued in two more Olympic games after its debut in 1984, before being dropped after the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Listed reasons for the cut: low spectator appeal, confusing scoring system and the distracting, raucous laughter of the judges as they watched someone put on their serious face and then dance alone in a pool for two minutes.

THE PHUKET NEWS

TIME OUT 23

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

BOOK

MUSIC

FILM The Dark Knight Rises

164 minutes Rating: General Director: Chris Nolan Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

Zero Day

Lulu

ZERO DAY IS THE LATEST offering from best-selling novelist David Baldacci.

Protagonist John Puller is a former war hero and now the best military investigator in the U.S. Army. He is a loner with few possessions by preference, but has an indomitable spirit and an unstoppable determination for finding the truth. And find the truth he must.

Puller is called out to a remote, rural area to investigate the brutal murder of a family in their home. As Puller digs through deception after red herring, he realises that absolutely nothing, and nobody, he’s so far seen in this small town, are what they seem.

In the end, Zero Day sees one man take on an overwhelming force.

THE ALBUM’S TITLE DOES not refer to the little British one hit wonder, but in fact the rather puzzling collaboration of 1980s rock gods Metallica and perennial rock oddity Lou Reed.

The odd pairing came about when both parties were inducted into the 2009 Hall of Fame at the same party and the five wrinkly rockers decided to get together to make an album.

Yet it is not as odd as it initially seems. Metallica’s thoughtful and heavy, chordcentric music goes surprisingly well with Lou Reed’s atonal and monochromatic vocals.

Full of claustrophobic grooves, disturbing melodies and perplexing scores. It’s all rather interesting.

David Baldacci

Metallica & Lou Reed

L

ike its two predecessors, The Dark Knight Rises is dark, moody, and very much a post 9/11 ‘be wary of terrorists’ type movie. But it’s also, for the first time in Christopher Nolan’s otherwise impressive Batman trilogy, rather corny.

The storyline picks up eight years after the last installment, following the killing of District Attorney Harvey Dent. To protect Dent’s / ‘2 Face’s’ image as

a beacon of hope for the city, Batman convinces Commissioner Gordon to cover up 2 Face’s recent atrocities and murders and allow the caped crusader to take responsibility.

The crucifixion forces Batman into hiding and Bruce Wayne into leading a reclusive lifestyle. He grows a beard, his joints get achy and he no

longer feels so super any more.

In short, Batman gets old.

Enter Bane, the winged one’s nemesis this time round, who suffice to say is none-too happy with the running of Gotham and seeks to change order by force.

But who’s to stop him?

Certainly not Batman, because he’s in retirement.

Well, actually, of course Batman because it wouldn’t be much a movie if he didn’t, would it?

However all kinds of shenanigans take place in the interim include the unneeded introduction of Catwoman and the subsequent will they, won’t they dilemma? Will anyone care anyway?

That all said, the film’s star-studded cast is impressive, and the conversations between Michael Caine’s Alfred and Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne are rich in emotion and pathos.

Rather ironically though, it is these scenes rather than the car chases, gadgets and special effects that rescue this super hero movie from mediocrity.

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up-to-date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or phone the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209-000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.

SFX COLISEUM PHUKET (CENTRAL FESTIVAL) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (E) 13:40 18:10 The Amazing Spider-Man (E) 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00 The Dark Knight Rises (E) 11:50 15:05 18:20 21:35 The Dark Knight Rises (E/F) 13:30 16:45 20:00 The Dark Knight Rises (T) 11:15 12:40 14:15 15:55 17:30 19:10 20:45 22:25 Ice Age 4 : Continental Drift (E/3D) 11:30 13:35 15:40 17:45 19:50 21:55 Wong Jon Pidd (T) 11:25 16:00 20:20 22:30

SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET (PATONG) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (E)

12:00 16:30 21:00

The Amazing Spider-Man (E)

12:20 18:20 21:20

The Dark Knight Rises (E) Ice Age 4 : Continental Drift (E)

11:30 13:00 14:45 16:15 18:00 19:30 21:15 11:25 13:30 15:35 17:40 19:45

Snow White and the Huntsman (E)

15:20 21:50

Wong Jon Pidd (T)

14:15 18:45

BRAIN TEASERS Down

1. Travel to reduce sentence. (7) 5. Fall for each medical device. (7) 8. Launders, so badly defamatory. (10) 9. To leave the country. (4) 11. Decorated commercial, or Edward. (7) 12. To pay, it’s said, for rug.

(6) 15. Vera takes direction to vice partner. (5) 16. Insults about British gong – sleeps. (8) 18. Confused, I slam sin in the islands. (8) 20. Pampers? Sleep quietly, yes. (5) 23. Chaps get older in household. (6) 24. Each rear end direction.

(7) 28. Small chap’s average.

(4) 29. Seen mice, or weird formalities. (10) 30. Great passion in garden, Cyrus. (7) 31. Arrange Diana’s attitude.

(7)

1. Are the actors plastered?

(4) 2. Wander with me and Cockney woman. (7) 3. Funeral director’s promises? (12) 4. Spooky point to lake. (5) 5. Beat 500 to difficulty. (4) 6. In favor of cardinal, for each to get wealthy. (7) 7. Ump goes back to marsupial and high worker.

(6) 10. Results of putting together safe numbers. (12) 13. No Virginia eggs. (3) 14. Young scouts and bears.

(4) 16. Fake Cardinal, bad actor.

(4) 17. General Manager? Yes, in exercise room. (3) 19. Paid no attention, I speared around direction. (7) 21. I and company chase drink in entranceway. (7) 22. Confuses man and woman. (6) 25. Fix? So be it, note. (5) 26. Burrow, yes? Say it isn’t so! (4) 27. I’ll say land offshore. (4)

1. Who said, “I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn’t it.”?

2. Which actress links Peter Sellers, Lou Adler and Rod Stewart?

3. ‘Black’, ‘Hooper’ and ‘Bewick’ are all types of what?

4. Which is the largest state in the US (by land area)?

5. Before 1979, what was the name of Zimbabwe?

Answers at the bottom of the page.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Groucho Marx; 2. Britt Ekland; 3. Swan; 4. Alaska; 5. Rhodesia.

SUDOKU

Across

thephuketnews.com

24 MOTORING

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Blazing Phuket’s trails Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

A

ccording to Kriengsak “Ken” Jarunowiwat, this is the SUV everyone wants right now: the new Chevrolet Trailblazer.

He may be right. The first Trailblazers rolled off the line in Rayong in mid-June, and the first arrived in Phuket about 10 days ago. Already the Chevy showroom on the bypass road has taken 50 orders.

Order the top-of-the-line LTZ1 AT and it will be September before you get your driving gloves on the steering wheel.

The waiting list may be shorter for the other four models: the two versions with two-wheel drive and a 2.5-litre motor, and the two 2.8 4WD variants.

For The Phuket News test, Ken handed over the keys to the LTZ1 AT and said, “I’m going to a meeting. Just drop off the keys when you get back.” That’ll do nicely, thank you.

Like many of the SUVs available in Thailand (or PPVs – Pickup Passenger Vehicles – as they are referred to by the industry here), it’s based on a pick-up, in this case the new Chevy Colorado.

This is not, at first glance the most beautiful SUV on the market. It has more character than its cousin, the Isuzu Mu7, but is less muscular than its number one rival, the Toyota Fortuna.

Part of this is down to the nose-job the designers have done on the Chevy. To comply with regulations in some markets, the Trailblazer has a double-skin bonnet, which

The Trailblazer's chunky looks hide a great deal of technology aimed at making the ride smoother and safer. looks rather as though it’s been dumped on top as an afterthought.

But beautiful or not, this is a car one could easily come to love.

For a start, it’s quick off the mark. Ken admits that the Fortuna will pull ahead up to 40 kmh, but after that expect to leave your local property agent puffing in your wake. The turbo-charged 2.8 diesel pumps out 180 bhp and has stacks of torque, peaking at 470 Nm. The six-speed auto box keeps the

revs in the power zone.

It’s also very comfortable.

Electric seats in the front slide back and forth, tilt and lay back at the touch of a button.

The steering wheel has controls for the sound system (excellent) on the left and for cruise control on the right, so no need to take one’s eyes off the road changing radio channels or cranking up the volume. The LTZ1 AT also has satellite navigation.

(A thought – like so many cars, the Trailblazer has a radio/

Controls are well organised. The speedo and tach cowlings are based on the layout devised for the Chevrolet Camaro muscle car.

thephuketnews.com

CD set. When, oh when, are MP3 players going to become standard?)

For the rest of the interior, there’s a split rear seat for three people, which folds completely forward to provide more luggage space, or to give easy access to the two extra seats that fold up from the cargo section, making this a sevenseater when required.

Granted, lots of people will buy this car and never take it off-road, but it’s well equipped to do so if needed.

For starting up steep hills, the Hill Start Assist will hold the vehicle stationary for three seconds between releasing the brakes and accelerating,

so no embarrassing rolling backwards.

It also comes with Hill Descent Control, originally pioneered by Land-Rover, which ensures there is no loss of traction when heading down a steep muddy track.

The braking system (discs all round) is electronically controlled, with no fewer than seven controls. These are anti-lock braking and panic brake assist; electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control (anti roll-over) and cornering brake control; traction control and brake fade assist.

Finally, the suspension deserves a mention. Coil springs

all round ensure a smoother ride than the more common rear leaf springs, and the arms in five-link rear suspension are massive – you’d have to be trying really hard to bend any of them.

With the Chevrolet-Isuzu connection through General Motors, Ken hints that it won’t be long before an Isuzu comes out with a new Mu 7 with many, if not all of these features.

The Trailblazer ranges in price from just over B1 million to just under B1.5 million. The prices are generally pitched at B10,000 less than the Fortuna equivalent, so it’s easy to tell who Chevy regards as its main competitor.

The Chevy 4WD rides high off the ground. Coil springs all round make the ride a lot smoother than more common rear leaf spring setups.

SHOPPING 25

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

FASHION FILE

THE PHUKET NEWS

Have an outfit to show off? Send a photo to: editor1@thephuketnews.com

Sunglasses / Super, online shopping website / B7,900

COOL DUDE James Aherne

TV presenter age 23

T-shirt / Esprit, Siam Center, Thailand / B590

NORTHERN BEAUTY Nantanee Chuaychu

Events & PR Coordinator

“Love Thailand” Wristband / 7/11 / B200

Colourful dress / Export Shop, Central Ladprao / B250

Jeans / Marks & Spencer, UK / B1,750

Silver flats / Naka Market / B150

Shoes / Clarks, UK / B3,600

Yellow shorts / Tawanna Market, Bangkok / B100

ACCESSORIES 1

2

3 4

1. One piece black bikini 2. Snake pattern necklace 3. Green earrings 4. Kajood bag

B3,300 B680 B580 B1,000

BARU FASHION Accessories from Baru Fashion, Kata Beach, opposite Marina Phuket Beach Resort, 076-333-237; barufashion.com. Open daily 9.30am-10.30pm.

thephuketnews.com

Using her noodle 26 DINING

STREET EATS Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

I

n the bustling Banzaan Market in Patong, on Pang Muang Sai Gor Road behind Jungceylon, lies a very popular rice vermicelli noodle shop.

Waranya Boonyang has run the Khanom Jeen Phang Nga noodle shop for four years, selling her original rice flour noodles from Phang Nga province.

“The shop began because of my love for these noodles,” she says.

“Before I had the shop, I would always eat khanom jeen for lunch and dinner, so I finally decided to open a shop. I asked my mother for her own recipe, and I went from there.”

Ms Waranya serves several different types of khanom jeen, but the most basic dish – the

THE PHUKET NEWS

noodles plus a soup – is B30.

The food is all made daily using fresh vegetables.

Khanom jeen noodles are a popular Thai staple often served with curry or other dishes, instead of rice.

Ms Waranya explains the different food, “Thais like to order spicy soup with noodles, such as gaeng paa (clear spicy soup); nam ya kathi (spicy coconut milk soup) or gaeng tai pla (a Thai fish maw curry).”

She says that foreigners like to order her gaeng kiao wan gai (green curry with chicken), but her customers are mainly locals and officials – including policemen.

“I sell around 30 kilograms of khanom jeen noodles every day. But in high season I’m only open for three hours every day, and I still manage to make a lot of money.”

The shop is open every day from 5.30pm to 11pm, so if you’re around Patong and after a cheap meal, go for a visit.

Khanom jeen with curry made from chicken legs.

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Waranya Boonyang has run the Khanom Jeen Phang Nga noodle shop for four years.

Steaking out Surin

Chef Daniel Isberg with the pulled pork burgers.

Dishes available include home made nacho chips.

thephuketnews.com

Falida from the Texas Steak House.

PHUKET CHEF DANIEL Isberg opened up his new restaurant, Texas Steak House, on Friday evening (July 20), serving up an abundance of free margaritas and Tex-Mex cuisine for guests.

Daniel is Swedish but has been based in Phuket since 2009, and runs his own event catering company. Texas Steak House is his latest venture.

“I think it’s a great concept for Phuket, and I think it’s something the island needs. The food is very good and affordable, we make all the food fresh – we even make the nacho chips ourselves.”

Most food on the menu is in the B200-400 price range, with items like chilli cheese fries, pulled pork sliders, pork ribs, nachos, burgers, sandwiches,

quesadillas, tacos and fajitas – plus imported steak.

Daniel’s opened up the restaurant because he loves the food and spent a lot of time working with Mexican chefs when he lived and worked in California.

Texas Steak House, Soi Ao Bang Tao (Surin Beach road) near Twinpalms, 085-215-8660.

Open daily except Monday, 5pm till late. Happy hour (discounts on both food and drink) 5pm-7pm.

THE PHUKET NEWS

DINING 27

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Phuket wine guru scoops top award A

nantara Phuket Villas ‘wine guru’ Chalong Songkroh has been crowned the 2012 winner of Thailand’s Best Sommelier Competition.

Mr Chalong was born in Thailand and has been Anantara Phuket Villas resident Wine Guru for a year, following his win at the Southern Wine Butler Competition in August 2010.

“My interest in wine was inspired by a hotel school professor when he asked me to name the highest rated and most expensive wine in the world.

“I became curious about why wines are regarded so highly, and from this point on I devoted myself to exploring the world of vines and wines,” said Mr Chalong.

“Now, as Wine Guru for Anantara Phuket Villas resort, I provide guests with exceptional wines matched by an elite quality of service.

“Whether a guest calls upon me to enhance the flavours of their meal, or to suggest the perfect vintage for a special occasion, every bottle I open

Or Tor Kor market number 4 in world

Left to right: Andrew Turner, General Manager Anantara Phuket Villas; Chalong Songkroh, Resident Wine Guru; and Jintana Mahattanapak, Director of Human Resources. is a celebration of my journey and defines who I am – a truly passionate appreciator of fine wines.”

Thailand’s Best Sommelier Competition aims to discover the nation’s most knowledgeable and competent wine sommelier.

Now in its fifth year, the 2012 contest attracted over 100 participants from Thailand’s finest hotels and restaurants, who battled it out through three

rounds. The final round was held at Dusit Thani Bangkok on June 29, and was attending by 1,000 hoteliers, restaurateurs, food and beverage professionals and high profile wine lovers.

The two runners-up in the competition were Suvit Chanphen, from The Okura Prestige Bangkok, and Yongyuth Sripintha, from The Peninsula Bangkok.

The Anantara Wine Guru programme ensures that all

properties have at least one highly qualified in-house Wine Guru. To become certified, each candidate must complete basic and advanced course training, pass both exams with a minimum 85 per cent accuracy, and be interviewed by the Group Wine Guru.

The best performers are then selected and certified, followed by an annual re-certification class to maintain the highest international standards.

BANGKOK’S OR TOR Kor market has been ranked the fourth best fresh market in the world by travel website CNNGo. One of the largest fresh markets in Thailand, it offers a wide range of highquality agricultural products including meat, eggs, fruits and fresh vegetables; processed foods like curry paste and salted fish; and ready-to-eat Thai delicacies such as deep-fried pork belly, pandan custard bread, and Thai curries.

The Or Tor Kor market, which translates as the “Marketing Organisation for Farmers,” operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives.

It functions as a fair distribution channel for Thai farmers to sell their products. Agricultural workers account for a large majority of the Thai population.

Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Suraphon Svetasreni, said, “Thailand offers a wide

variety of fruit and fresh foods that people from all over the world can enjoy, and Or Tor Kor market reflects just that.

“In addition to being a source of fresh, highquality products, it’s a great way for visitors to Thailand to experience how markets play a major role in Thai community life while highlighting the close relationship Thai people have with the Kingdom’s agricultural heritage,” he said.

The Or Tor Kor market is located immediately south of the Jatujak Weekend Market, on the opposite side of Kamphaeng Phet Road, and is open daily from 6.30am to 6pm.

On the CNNGo list, La Boqueria Market in Barcelona ranked first, followed

by Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, with the Union Square Farmer’s Market in New York City third.

View the full list at CNNGo.com.

TWO CHEFS EXTRAVAGANZA Two Chefs Bar and

Grill in Kata Center was bustling last Thursday night (July 19) when the restaurant held its Seafood Extravaganza evening. On the menu were oysters, mussels, smoked salmon, prawns, roast pork and a selection of salads, breads and desserts. More info: twochefs-phuket.com

thephuketnews.com

Water great time 28 EXPLORE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Enjoying a relaxing holiday in Khao Sok JAMIE’S PHUKET Jamie Monk editor@thephuketnews.com

I

f you live in a city and have a stressful job, it’s nice to have a ‘getaway’, a favourite place to relax and recharge your batteries for a couple of days, somewhere quiet and beautiful.

It may seem odd, but even living in Phuket it’s nice to have a place nearby that suits us as a getaway. Sure, Phuket is beautiful, but we’re very lucky to have Khao Sok National Park on our doorstep.

Over the years, we have enjoyed a number of short trips to Khao Sok, not for the hiking, kayaking, rafting and other adventure activities that are offered, but just to relax.

My family and I have stayed at the same resort many times, and until our last trip we ignored all tours and just relaxed by the amazing pool with the cliff towering overhead, enjoyed the good food in the restaurant and enjoyed listening to nature.

However, the latest trip was different. We had planned to stop in Khao Sok on the way back to Phuket from Chumphon, but the weather was wet and windy, so we headed straight home. No point checking in with the rain hammering down.

Just two days later the weather cleared up, and it just so happened that some friends were heading to Khao Sok on the same day. We had plans for relaxation, but also wanted to stay a night at some floating bungalows on the Chiew Lan reservoir.

Chiew Lan is a huge manmade lake created by the building of the Rajaprapha Dam, which was completed in 1982.

The plan was to cruise the lake for an hour or so, check out some of the floating bungalows and splash about in the water.

The scenery in the lake is quite similar to Phang Nga

thephuketnews.com

Chiew Lan is a huge man-made lake created by the building of the Rajaprapha Dam, which was completed in 1982.

Bay, only at the dam you have fresh water. It’s also nice to have your ‘own boat’ rather than be on a big group tour which dashes around on a fixed schedule.

I don’t like to rush. The day was hot and sunny, and Khao Sok was looking great...

We stopped at some of the floating bungalows where a late breakfast was being prepared for our group (eggs and toast).

We weren’t planning to stay that night, but this quick stop gave us a chance to check out the accommodation.

It’s basic – bare rooms with a mattress on the floor and a cold shower. It was late morning and sunny, and the rooms were already hot inside.

I wondered how they’d be for sleeping.

After a bite to eat, the kids were soon having fun in the water. Once you jump in, you can see the attraction of these bungalows. They had some kayaks too. As it turned out, we never did stay at the floating bungalows as the weather only stayed good for two days.

The kids weren’t the only ones jumping in the water. It was a hot day, so I jumped in too. Lovely. We splashed about in the sun with these great views so long that the bungalow staff suggested we had lunch there too, cooking

up curry and fried fish and rice.

The boat then took us back to the jetty, it was about a 30 minute ride back and then about a 45 minute drive from the reservoir to reach the resort we were staying at.

I like to wake up early in Khao Sok. The air is fresh and cool, the mist hangs over the hills, the insects chirp, the birds are not angry, and the gibbons call through the jungle.

After a hearty breakfast, we drove to the Khao Sok river and climbed aboard our canoes.

After an hour or so, my wife and I had the hang of canoeing and had stopped blaming each other for heading in the wrong direction or drifting sideways into overhanging trees.

After stopping for a ‘jungle lunch’, it was time to tube downstream. Tubing is fun, though next time I think I need a dry bag and a waterproof camera.

I’m a pretty large person, so my tube seemed to be slower than some other people as most of it was under water! But there was no rush, no rush at all.

Read the full version at jamie-monk.blogspot.com.

Jamie works at liveaboard dive specialists Sunrise Divers in Karon, 084-626-4646, sunrise-divers.com

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Laguna’s Summer Family Festival

Two month’s of fun and games for kids, together with entertainment for mums and dads.

Date: Until August 25.

Location: Canal Shopping Village, Laguna Phuket.

Phuket Halal Food Festival

Introduces Muslim culture in Phuket, with fashion show, live music and singing.

Date: Late July.

Location: Various.

Seafood Fiesta

Celebrates the sea, with a wide range of freshly cooked local seafood, including lobsters, crabs, octopus, squid, clams and all kinds of fish, together with vegetables, fruit and a variety of interetsing juice drinks.

Date: August Location: Rawai Beach.

Por Tor Festival Fair

Also known as the Hungr y Ghost Festival, ethnic Chinese worldwide believe that during the 7th lunar month, the ghosts of their ancestors visit their home. To make sure their visit is a happy one, offerings of food are made.

Date: Seven days in late August.

Location: Phuket Road.

Patong Carnival

Marks the start of high season.

The highlight is the colourful parade held on the first day.

Date: December 15-20.

Location: Patong Beach Road.

Red Cross Fair

Charitable occasion to mark the arrival of the New Year, with vendors and a popular raffle.

Date: Late December.

Location: Centre Stage, Sapan Hin Public Park.

PHUKET MUSEUMS Chinpracha House

Seashell Museum

This elegant colonial-style mansion was completed in 1907 by wealthy Chinese immigrant Tan Ma Siang. Chinpracha House is one of the most integral ancient remains on the island.

Old photographs, Italian floor tiles, imported furniture from China and old utensils are wellmaintained in the house’s interior.

Over 2,000 species of sea shells that were collected by the Patamakanthin family are now displayed in the museum.

98 Kr abi Rd, Phuket Town, 076 211 281. Open daily 8am4pm. B100.

Thai Hua School Museum

Kathu Mining Museum

Built according to colonial architecture, imitating a mansion of a tin miner, the museum shows the origins of Phuket’s culture and history especially from the mining era.

Several indoor exhibition rooms display different themes such as Phuket architecture, mining , Thai - Chinese way of life, Chinese immigrants’ life, the Baba’s marriage and the solar system.

The outdoor exhibition displays equipment including a dredge and hydraulic mining gear.

Muang Tor Sung Rd (behind Loch Palm Golf Club), Kathu, 088 766 0962. Open daily 9am4pm. B50 for Thais, B100 for foreigners, children half-price.

Philatelic Museum

The museum is in the old preserved Post Office, housing old equipment such as telegraph tickers, telephones, parcel-weighing machines and collections of Thai stamps issued since 1951.

There are also a small library and a souvenir room.

Phuket Post Office, Montri Rd, Phuket Town, 076 224 883. Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm. Sat 9am-12pm. Free entrance.

2/2 Moo 2, Viset Rd, Rawai, 076 613 666; www.phuketsea shell.com. Open daily 8.30am5.30pm. B100 for Thais, B200 for foreigners, children half-price.

The museum is in what used to be the main Chinese-language school, built in 1934. Classrooms inside were renovated as exhibition rooms, displaying Phuket Thai-Chinese culture and tradition.

28 Kr abi Rd, Phuket Town, 076 211 224; www.thaihua museum.com. Open daily 9am-5pm.

B50 for Thai, B200 for foreigners, add extra fee for photograph.

Thalang National Museum

The museum focuses on the history and archaeology of Phuket and nearby provinces. Has archaeological finds such as ancient statues, pre-historic beads and tools.

On 4027 Road (eas t of the Heroines monument), Thalang, 076 379 895. Open daily except public holiday 9am-4pm. B20 for Thai, B100 for foreigners.

Thavorn Hotel Lobby Museum

Located in the walkway from the lobby to the dining room of the Thavorn Hotel, this small museum corner shows old photographs, posters, ornaments, utensils and mining tools from the Phuket’s mining era and World War II, collected by the owner of the hotel.

74 Rassada Road, Phuket Town, 076 211 333. Open daily 8am5pm. B30.

THE PHUKET NEWS

TRAVEL 29

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

TRAVEL NEWS Summer sojourn at YTL Hotels’ idyllic seaside retreats

Luxe City Guides & Lightfoot Travel create the perfect weekend get-away Imagine a weekend break to the perfect destination, no lengthy planning, no internet researching- no time wasted, just the best of the best all curated especially for you by Luxe City Guides and Lightfoot Travel.

No stranger to sniffing out the hippest adventures, Lightfoot Travel has teamed up with Luxe City Guides to create unique itineraries and packages for the perfect weekends away. Some of Asia’s favourite destinations, Bali and Phuket are the first destinations to be offered. Tokyo, Singapore and Shanghai will follow.

YTL Hotels has unveiled two Summer Sojourns to their idyllic, award-winning seaside retreats: Tanjong Jara Resort and Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.

Encompassing accommodation, meals, spa treatments and a selection of complimentary activities, these experiences are available for a minimum of two nights stay for customers booking online via the YTL Hotels website from now until August 10, 2012.

Steeped in authentic Balinese culture, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is located on the volcanic black sand beaches of the relatively unexplored northeast coastline. Here, one has the unique opportunity to experience true Bali, far from the densely populated areas of Kuta and Seminyak. This Summer Sojourn

Bali – A Romantic Getaway The basics: three nights at a superior room at Alila Ubud or a private one-bedroom Villa at Samaya, inclusive of transfers, breakfast and many perks.

The game changers: complimentary sunset cocktails at the new Tapping Shoes restaurant, dinner for two at Sari Organik, plus rafting and surf lessons available upon request.

Prices start from USD390 per person exclusive of international flights. Valid through to October 15, 2012.

For more information, visit lightfoottravel. com/experience/luxe-city-guides

starts from B6,600++ per room, per night from two nights’ accommodation.

Escape to Tanjong Jara Resort, a sanctuary of well-being anchored in Sucimurni, the traditional Malay way of life. Fringed by coconut palms and turquoise seas, this luxurious getaway is ideal to leave one feeling relaxed and refreshed. In additional to accommodation and breakfasts, the package includes one 50-minute spa treatment per person, per stay, so guests can indulge in a pampering spa

treatment at the award-winning Spa Village Tanjong Jara, which offers authentic Malay treatments passed down from generation to generation.This Summer Sojourn starts from B7,500++ per room, per night, from two nights’ accommodation.

For more information, visit ytlhotels.com/ summer_sojourn.html

beautiful of Korea’s temple located in the ancient Shilla capital of Gyeongju.

Gyeongju is a wonderful area to visit for a few days with several World Heritage sites including the must-see Seokguram Buddha in the mountains nearby.

If you are interested in martial arts then

Discover South Korea with a templestay experience Visitors to South Korea are being encouraged to take time out from their hectic city lives and enjoy a peaceful and rejuvenating templestay experience.

Templestay has become so popular with foreign visitors to Korea there are now 16 temples offering English templestay programs across the country.

Many of the temples are situated in the most scenic areas of Korea with beautiful mountain scenery, streams and spectacular natural beauty.

The templestay program offers two day/one night experiences where you are immersed in Korean Buddhist culture and can enjoy many aspects – meditation with the temple monks, dharma talks, temple food, making lotus lanterns, calligraphy, helping out in the temple garden and much more.

Two day/one night programs are relatively cheap ranging in price from B1,400 up to B2,800. Many temples also offer a ‘temple life’ program for day trippers for around B500.

You can even enjoy the templestay programs at UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temples such as Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju and Haeinsa Temple.

Bulguksa is the largest and perhaps most

Golgulsa Temple may appeal with its ‘sunmudo’, which literally means the ‘way of doing meditative martial arts’.

It is a traditional Korean Buddhist martial arts which traces its origins back over a thousand years. Golgulsa Temple is built into a massive rock area in the mountains nearby Gyeongju.

There are also Buddhist temples offering the program in the suburbs of Seoul like Bongeunsa Temple located in the southern suburbs of Seoul. Bongeunsa Temple offers the overnight experience as well as daily programs.

For visitors looking for a more in-depth travel experience in Korea where you can reach out and touch the heart of the country, the templestay experience is just the answer.

For more information, visit templestay.com

SIGHTINGS

Roughly 50 km west of Nakorn Ratchassima, motorists on the Friendship Highway are presented with an extraordinary confection – the glittering spires and soaring roofs of the main building of the Somdet Phutthachan Foundation’s shrine to the famed monk of the same name, better known as Luang Pu To. –Alasdair Forbes

French Gastronomy with an Asian touch

www.dedos-restaurant.com tel.: 076 325 182

At Laguna entry Free pick up in Laguna area NEW: Open for Lunch, 11:00 – 23:00 Chill out Bar, HHour 2-6 pm Summer Discount Prices

thephuketnews.com

30 ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

THE TICKET

Leshark’s attack with Claire Connell

J

ay Leshark is back rocking the island’s airwaves as the newest member of the Live 89.5 team – DJ for the Weekend Brunch show.

Originally from Essex in England, Jay has lived in Phuket for the last five and a half years, making a strong name for himself. He’s been involved in the entertainment industry since 1994, when he first began work as a water sports instructor at kids camps in France, Spain, Greece and Turkey.

Already well known around the island in the entertainment scene, Jay’s Weekend Brunch show has a food and beverage theme, something the native Englishman says he’s extremely passionate about.

His show runs from 10am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday, and features interviews with people in the local F&B industry, restaurant owners, food and wine experts, chef recipes,

and a whole lot of cooking.

“I’d like to take my show to as many venues as possible and meet people – I want to be outside the office and inside people’s kitchens. I think it should be fun, I don’t want it to be too serious.”

Those who know Jay realise it’s almost impossible for him to be serious, so listeners are guaranteed a lot of laughs as he deciphers local street food and works out where the best stalls are around the island.

One of his main segments will be ‘Shark Fin Truths’, a daily food quiz based around the more stranger food in the world. Jay will also be discussing taboo foods, plus bringing in foodie guests.

On top of his radio gig, Jay also has taken on the role of events coordinator for Events Thailand, part of Class Act Media (the company which also owns The Phuket News

editor1@thephuketnews.com

Essex boy and Live 89.5 DJ Jay Leshark with daughter Zahara, 11 months. and Live 89.5). His job is to promote, market and sell Events Thailand events, such as the upcoming IBAP Fair in

September.

He’s also the main organiser for the Class Act Media yearly party, which will be

a large family event held for the community within the next 12 months. His role at Events Thailand is aimed to

be a ‘buffer’ type role between the events company and Live 89.5, helping create synergy between the two.

Partying for freedom PHUKET TOWN CAME alive on Saturday night (July 21) for “The Freedom Party: Freedom is Slavery” party at Ghetto Childs bar.

The star of the night was local DJ Mong Jichet, also known as D[r]eadmongey, who got everyone on the dance

floor with his great tunes, ably assisted by Ghetto Childs owner Kai Sasithorn.

Mong was raised in Phuket but his passion for house music began when he was working at a music shop in Bangkok.

He began learning how to be a DJ in 2004, and in 2006

moved back to the island and began working for Real Sound Thailand, a record store.

Before long he was a well known DJ in Phuket, and joined with DJ Eddy to form the Sarkastik Boys, playing their own style of electro and tech house.

At the start of 2007, Mong

joined up with three friends, DJ Taz, DJ Q and DJ Jin, and formed the Phuket House Mafia, a brand they have been building ever since.

For more information visit myspace.com/dreadmongey or facebook.com/GhettoChilds

WEEKDAYS Breakfast

Sam & Natasha

7am-11am

The Power Hour with Live 89.5 Radenska Natural Water

11am-12pm

Lifestyle

Steve Johnston

12pm-3pm

Drive

Jason Wilder

3pm-7pm

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

7pm-7am

SATURDAY

Natt Suttichada, left, pictured Friends Milky Soiyana, Maso Chist and DJ D[r]eadmongey got everyone up on the dance floor. with DJ D[r]eadmongey.

Kedsrapon Onyen.

Weekend Brunch

Jay Le Shark

10am - 1pm

Phuket News Radio

Live 89.5

1pm - 2pm

Saturday Sport

Sam Clarke

2pm - 5pm

Going Green

Nick Anthony

5pm – 7pm

Saturday Night Fever

Live 89.5

7pm – 11pm

SUNDAY Weekend Brunch

Jay Le Shark

10am – 1pm

The Spin

Tim Newton

1pm - 4pm

Jason Wilder

4pm - 7pm

Live 89.5

7pm - 8pm

Live 89.5

8pm – 11pm

Lazy Sunday Afternoon Phuket News Radio (repeat) Sunday Night Chill

Kaew Tongsan, Kaew Kancharos, Tk Rider and Jennifer Diaz and Shelly Avila Ghetto Childs owner Kai Sasithorn, Kedsrapon Onyen. got into the polka dot theme. left, and fellow party guest.

thephuketnews.com

www.phuketliveradio.com Tel: 076-612-895, 090-490-7895

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND SCENE 31

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Claire Mossop and Heath ‘Harpo’ Norris.

Kae Wattana, ACYC Commodore and birthday boy Mick Kealy, with crew member.

FINISH LINE After four days of hard competition on the waters of Chalong Bay, yachties taking part in the Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek regatta were able to let their hair down on Sunday (July 22) at the final awards party.

Galileo Yachting School bosses Brian Murray (left) and Alex Wheeler (right) with friend Mot. Grenville Fordham of Raceweek organisers Image Asia and wife Supaporn.

BEST OF LUCK Sareepab ‘Pai’ Meekaewnoi married his beautiful bride Wandi ‘Bee’ Pattrawee at the Blue Elephant restaurant in Bangkok on June 22. The couple own Phuket Best Group.

Principal Race Officer Simon James and Mandy Kealy.

HOT WHEELS Eddie Keng from the Porsche Club Singapore arrives at the Crowne Plaza Resort, Cape Panwa, for the club’s annual trip around Phuket.

thephuketnews.com

32 ISLAND SCENE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Bella Thirapan Narongkool rocks the runway.

GLITZ AND GLAMOUR It was a great night out at the Glamour

Escape Cocktail Fashion Show event, held at Opus One in Surin Plaza on Saturday (July 21). The fashion show featured the Glamour Escape collection by D&J fashion shop, with jewellery by Bon.

Opus One owner Angkana Jamsrikaew.

From left, Yui, Amy, Milk, Bua and Baimon enjoy the night out.

From left, Mam, Tor, Nuch, D&J fashion shop owner Nicky, and Amm.

BIG SMILES AT UNCLE PITAK’S Indigo Pearl Phuket, led by General Manager Kelly Lewis (pictured below), returned to Uncle Pitak’s House near Phuket Prison for the second time to donate educational materials, daily essentials and spend quality time with the children on July 17.

thephuketnews.com

A TOUCH OF ROYALTY Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort rolled out

the red carpet to welcome Malaysia’s royal family on June 29. The Sultan of Negeri Sembilan state of Malaysia, HRH Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir (below right) and his Royal Consort, HRH Tuanku Aishah Rohani Binti Almarhum Tengku Besar Mahmud were greeted by GM Dominik Stamm, below left.

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND SCENE 33

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Kids get into the dancing competition, organised by Live 89.5

FAMILY FUN Families rocked the night away on Saturday (July 21) at the Laguna Summer Family Festival. With free entry for everyone, parents

celebrated German Grand Priz weekend with authentic German beer and music by the Colin “Illy” Hill Band, kids enjoyed the Palazzo circus performance, face painting, Kidzole trapeze, bouncy castle, Kids Fun Zone, and a lively dancing competition run by Live 59.5’s very own Steve Johnston.

Young and old (not pictured) joined in the musical fun under the big tent.

Break dancing was optional, but encouraged.

CELEBRATING BELGIUM Belgians and non-Belgians alike celebrated Belgium’s National Day on July 21 at the Brasserie bar and restaurant, owned by Alain Tabruyn, in Phuket Town.

thephuketnews.com

34 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php WAHOO THAILAND 2013 SPORT FISHING TOURNAMENT Offshore The Similan Islands

19th - 21st February 2013

Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.

57 hours of non - Stop fishing!

Huge media coverage!

CASH AND PRIZES TOTALING OVER APPROX. 3,000,000 BAHT ($100,000) For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel: +66 (0) 862739948 Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com RAWAI BEACH FISHING CLUB IS AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR CLUB OF THE INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION. RBFC SUPPORTS IGFA’S STANDARDS OF GOOD SPORTMANSHIP IN RECREATIONAL FISHING

JULY 27- AUGUST 25

Charity Cup 2012, on July 28, 2012 at CS Bowl, Big C Supercentre Phuket. The winning team will be awarded the Governor’s Cup trophy inscribed by Phuket Governor Tri Augaradacha. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the ongoing “Dusit Smiles – Operation Smile Thailand” programme.

Please contact Mom Tri’s VR Gallery, 076 333 568. See www.momtriphuket.com.

For the Dusit Charity Cup 2012, a registration fee of B1,500 per team covers the rental of bowling shoes and refreshments.

Contact Ms. Sirintra Chatnoe, 076 362 999 ext 7413, www.dusit.com.

JULY 27

JULY 29

individuals at all levels on a wide spectrum of topics that come under the umbrella of Crisis Management.

Summer Family Festival Laguna Phuket’s Summer Family Festival runs until August 25. Canal Shopping Village is transformed into a carnival playground, with a Beer Tent for parents to socialise and relax while their youngsters enjoy the Kidzsole Flying Trapeze, bouncy castle, trampoline and games in the Kidz Lounge.

Festival attractions during the two months include art classes with an Artistin-Residence, free Zumba fitness sessions twice a week in Canal Village, entertainment by a strolling troupe of international performers from the famous Palazzo dinner theatre, and theme parties.

The Beer Tent offers a feast of televised big screen summer sporting events with coverage London Olympic Games, F1 grand prix races and AFL games, as well as a variety of entertainment, weekly quiz night and happy hour drinks.

And a popular return attraction for the youngsters at this year’s festival will be the Kidz Fun Zone, serving up daily afternoons of sports skills, cooking lessons, adventure and educational activities, golf excursions and outings to local amusement parks, for just B200 per session.

For more information, a schedule of events and details on promotions, please visit http://www.lagunaphuket.com/events/ family-festival.

Location A2 Resort, By Pass Road.

All welcome. Doors open 6:15pm. http:// ibap-phuket.org.

AUGUST 12 HM the Queen’s Birthday Commemorates the birthday of Queen Sirikit, also observed as National Mother’s Day (Wan Mae Haeng Chart). It is a public holiday.

BBQ Lovers at DiVine Restaurant at 6pm 9pm. Sizzling BBQ with organic salad bar, pasta, side dishes, and Monsoon Valley Wine. B550 per person for food only. B700 per person BBQ with one glass of Monsoon Valley Wine. B900 per person BBQ with free flow of Monsoon Valley Wine. Contact DiVine Restaurant at 076 336 000 ext.

5070, email: dining@thanyapura.com.

JULY 28

Asalaha Bucha Day It celebrates the first sermon given by the Lord Buddha on the full moon day of the Asalaha (the eighth lunar month). On that day, all Three of the Triple Gem, The Buddha, The Dhamma and The Sangha, had established. It became the day that honoured the Sangha, or the community of the monks.

IBAP programme: Crisis Management

Robin Gillow @ VR Gallery

thephuketnews.com

AUGUST 2

AUGUST 10

JULY 27 - AUGUST 17 Divided by an ocean, yet linked through art and friendship, Phuket based artist Robin Gillow and South African artist, Libby Harrison will be showing their newest work in this joint exhibit. The exhibition’s ocean related theme perfectly suits the art duo’s subject matter.

OCTOBER 15-23

BBQ Lovers

Dusit Smiles Bowling Cup 2012 Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket will hold its second bowling tournament, the Dusit

Richard Hancock, a professional crisis management specialist based in Singapore, who will discuss the parameters of this subject in relation to Phuket and take your questions. Richard has 24-years professional experience working across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. He has been at the forefront of the increase in Risk Management Planning needed in today’s global market. Richard has worked with countries, governments, companies, and

Phuket Vegetarian Festival The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making.

Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as “Ma Song”.

THE PHUKET NEWS

EVENTS 35

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Buy and sell tickets to your event at phuketticketmaster.com

ONGOING EVENTS

Summer Promotions!

Best mini golf in Phuket! Phuket Adventure Mini Golf – fun for everyone! A challenging 18 holes miniature classic championship golf course surrounded by palm trees, stones, water, bamboo and bushes. Designed and built together with Scandinavian Adventure Golf. Whether living close by or here on a fabulous holiday, this is the place for the whole family, friends and couples to enjoy at all times. Contact 076 314 345, 080 147 2468, www.phuketadventuremi nigolf.com.

FRIDAYS

Swedish meatballs, roasted porkloin, home-made bread, delicious desserts and much more. B395 or B695 include free flow of Chang draught, wine, Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, 076 330 065, katacenter@ twochefs.com.

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

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Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal

Every first and third Friday a month, allyou-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. Draught beer B50.

7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

Sunday Roast Pork

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

BBQ at Expat Hotel

.

MONDAYS

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

live music. B495 or B795 include free flow Chang draught and Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, call 076 286 479, karon@ twochefs.com.

THURSDAYS AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM

SUNDAYS

All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

SATURDAYS

EVERY DAY Two Chefs Surf Night

Come Hear the Loving Words of Jesus

Salsa Night at RPM July 28 at 8.30pm onwards. Dance the Chacha, Bachata, Samba and Rumba with the soud of Dj Miscaro. Venue RPM Yacht Club, free entrance. Dress: colourful. For all reservation and enquiries please contact Ann and Didier on 084 306 2016 or Mr. Murat (Events and group manager) 081 797 3364.

At The Seed Church in Cherngtalay. Enjoy a great fellowship, practical preaching, contemporary music and free snacks in one of the fastest growing churches in Thailand!

English services every Sunday at 2pm in Cherngtalay. Visit our website for directions or call for more information. See www.seedchurchthailand.com. Call 098 764 5353, 084 056 7027, 081 891 2503.

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

TUESDAYS

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

Surin Beach Just Got Better Sea Breeze has joined forces with The Burger Bar and Beach Club to bring you not only superb Thai cuisine in a beach front setting but also an excellent range of gourmet 100% Australian beef burgers.

To celebrate we are offering up to two free kids meals with any two full paying adults.

Look for the voucher inside this paper.

Live sport every day including our 100” HD screen. Ask about our new Pool Club, plus kids and adults parties planned and catered for. Contact 076 270 399, info@ seabreezesurin.com, www.thebestbeach club.com.

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WEDNESDAYS Lazy Sunday Jazz Morning at Paresa Two Chefs Saturday Brunch At Two Chefs Kata Centre. Every Saturday 12pm-3pm, you can enjoy a big delicious buffet with a touch of Scandinavia, and listen to our live music. For example: Our home-smoked salmon, smoked prawns,

Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast at Paresa with jazz music, free flow sparkling wine and stunning selection of breakfast dishes. Spend the rest of the day at Paresa’s Infinity Pool or Beach Club.

B600++ per person. Every Sunday 9am to noon. Call 076 302 000.

Two Chefs Tex Mex Night At Two Chefs Karon 6pm-1am. Every Wednesday you can enjoy Phuket’s best Mexican food. Chili con carne, Mexican rice, Mexican springrolls, nachos, pork fillet skewers, salmon quesadillas, grilled corn cob, desserts from our bakery and much more. Our house band will be here to play

Traditional Home Cooked Traditional home cooked food, also special club membership for expats entitling members to discounts on food and drink.

Ask Jamie for details. All live sports shown on two giant screens. Sugar Reef opposite Tescos Cherngtalay.

thephuketnews.com

36 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

JOBS

Toyota pick up for sale

Year 2008, diesel, 3,000cc engine > 38

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

phuket.com, email buds. span@yahoo.com.

Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News, Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui.

Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position

Sales Representatives Qualifications: - Thai or Expat.

- Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English.

- Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude.

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

We offer:  Competitive

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

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

Assistant to Car Hire Company: Thai male A HOTEL GROUP IN PHUKET HAS 2 FOUR STAR RESORTS, PATONG AND KARON HAS THE FOLLOWING VACANCIES :

Horizon Patong ● FB Mgr., ● FOM, Asst. FOM Horizon Karon ● Rest. Supervisor, Hostess, Waiter ● Purchasing Officer ● Asst. HK ● Night Mgr., Asst.Night Mgr., Guest Relation Mgr., GRO ● Asst. HRM EMPOYEE BENEFIT SALARY, BONUS, SVC, LIFE INSURANCE, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORTATION, UNIFORM, DUTY MEAL, SOCIAL SECURITY, ETC. ***If you are eligible, please send your full details with recent photograph on E-Mail : apply@horizonbeach. com or call : 076 292 526 -30 , 076 284 555 Exotiq Property. Please call 076 527 568.

Construction consul- Sales And Marketing P/T English Teacher tant: Looking for construc- Executive: Thai, self mo- Wanted: English Teacher tion consultant overlooking renovation of a large property, weekly visits and reports. Please send resume and expected salary to info@phuketlp.com.

tivated, fluent in speaking and writing English, driving license, preferably experience in ad sales or property field, competitive salary plus commission. See

Wanted 1 - 1.5 hours per day, 5 days per week for 3 months. Teaching English to staff at our 5* resort. Job to start early/mid August.

Please contact us for more

to help with daily routine work. Driving license and English skills are required.

Fixed salary B15,000 plus social security. Send resume with recent photo to info@phuketdrive.com.

team with tasks including: develop/budget catering and event packages, market research, and working with the F&B service staff.

Call 081 893 4122.

Female Driver Wanted: Semi-retired UK/Canadian businessman seeks English speaking female driver. High end separate accommodation available.

Call 089 054 4354.

details. Please contact 087 627 6115.

Semi-retired UK/Canadian businessman Kindergarten Teach- seeks Companion: er: Female c auc asian English speaking female native English speaking teacher with experience to teach class of 10-12 children ages 2- 6, Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm, Chalong. Call 080 624 7060. www.buds-

Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position

Sales Manager Thai or Foreigner (Located in Phuket) Responsibilities : - Managing the sales team (including responsibility for recruitment of new sales staff when needed) - Weekly & monthly sales budget meetings and reporting - Developing and following up new sales leads - Reaching own personal sales targets and responsibility for reaching team targets We offer: - Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses - Friendly work environment - Social security (10%) paid by the company - Excellent career progress opportunity ***The company may offer accommodation plus local transportation costs to successful candidates.***

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@the phuketnews.com

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

thephuketnews.com

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper (The Phuket News), Phuket’s leading English radio station (Live 89.5 Radio), a host of print publications such as The Phuket Colouring book as well as Phuket’s leading Events company (Events Thailand).

We are currently expanding into TV and will be setting up a new English TV production company/ station. The station will start airing in October/November 2012 and will offer English news as well as a host of travel, topical programs and features.

TV Presenter/ Producer (Thai or Foreigner)

We are currently recruiting for a TV Presenter/producer to join our team to present/produce our news and other feature programmes.

TV Cameraman (Thai only)

We are currently recruiting for a TV Cameraman to join our

team to film external and internal (in studio) features.

TV Editor (Thai only)

We are currently recruiting for a TV Editor to join our team to edit our news and other feature programmes.

We offer:

- Competitive salary - Friendly work environment and being part of Phuket’s fastest growing media company - Excellent progress opportunity and job security Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

info@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

ary and conditions contact us. Email boutiqueflowers phuket@gmail.com

Wanted Admin Assistant Part Time: One or two days plus one evening per week to start. Must be fluent in English and Thai. For details call Larry on 081 487 4812 or e-mail lams den@phuket.ksc.co.th.

Catering and Events Intern: Intern is required Operations Manager / to work closely with our Sales: Club Asia Fitness

only. Free high end separate accommodation. All expenses paid. Call 089 054 4354.

Urgent! Florist and Shop Staff: If you love flowers and want to work in a new flower shop in Central Festival with great sal-

Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News , Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui.

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

- Phuket’s leading fitness centre requires an Operations Manager and a Sales Consultant. Requirements Thai National, degree and must be able to communicate in English. info@cluba siaphuket.com.

Office/Admin Manager: Boat service company in Yacht Haven Marina for secretarial, accounting and administration. Accurate and organised team member with the ability to manage multiple tasks. English essential rogerg@seamari neservices.com.

Thai Freelance Photographer: Phuket Photo Tours is looking for a Thai Freelance Photographer to perk up tourist activities in Phuket. Excellent knowledge of English is required.

CV and photo at info@ phuketphototours.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 37

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

JOBS IN PHUKET

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php Marketing Director: CC’s located in the lush hills of Kata is your home away from home. Currently under renovation but when open, our hotel will have gone through many major upgrades. We are currently looking for a Marketing Director who will be responsible to direct and oversee the hotel’s marketing plans.

Experience in understanding tourism trends in Phuket and able to adjust marketing plan as required is a must. At least two years of experience in the tourism industry and is familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices and procedures. Self-motivated and able to meet stated goals and objectives.

At tractive c ompensation package of fered.

Position available now. Contact Ken Miller: sales@ ccbloomshotel.com, 086 604 1333.

Car-rental Company Office Staff Wanted: is hiring - Drivers: Thai Female, English-speaking nationality, deliver, collect and clean our cars, be chauffeur if necessary. Requirements: basic English knowledge, driving licence, flexible in working hours, multitasking and reliable.

Email info@mobilecarrent. com.

Car-rental Company is hiring - Receptionists: to handle bookings and walk-in clients’ requirements: basic English knowledge, driving license, good computer skills, flexible in working hours, motivated, ability to multitask. info@ mobilecar rent.com.

staff to work in nice environment with outgoing personality and basic book keeping skills. Please call K. Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Woman Wanted: For cooking European food, or to be trained. “Weissbier & Wine” Restaurant, Patong.

Evening working hours.

Nice atmosphere. Contact 087 273 6427.

How would you like to join a young dynamic radio organisation?: We are looking for an EXPERIENCED ENGLISH speaking FEMALE Thai radio presenter to be part of our expanding team.

This position is based in Phuket and could be either full time or part time depending on salary and experience. If this interests you then please send am mp3 demo of three minutes (no demo no reply) to manager@ phuketliveradio.com. outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, fuel, phone and commission. Call Khun Nam: 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

team, send your CV with recent photo and references. info@katagardens.net.

Restaurant Manager Wanted: Restaurant manager wanted for new Patong

Chef de Partie Need- bakery, must have comput- Free Security Train- Please contact 086 272 ed: Phuket Adventure Mini er knowledge, stock order- ing Course: Free secu- 3320.

Golf is currently looking for a Chef de partie. Salary B12,000-B17,000. Minimum two years experience required. Email: manager@ phuketadventureminigolf. com.

ing and hiring plus training of staff. Excellent conditions plus pay forward. Send CV to: bazens ir@gmail.com.

Sales & Marketing Manager: Condominium

rity training course open to all Thai nationals over the age of 24. You must have a basic command of English, be physically fit.

Please email info@securi tysafestop.com for details.

Contact 076 620 010.

Electrican Plus: Swimming pool company re quires an electrican with an electronics and motor repair background. English skills an advantage. 076 620 193.

Receptionist wanted Project Sales & Marketing Wanted Seller: Wanted Rawai Area: English Good command of English. Office Administrator seller. Women, Thai nationspeaking helpful, outgoing At least one year’s experi- Wanted: For general of- ality, good English, good

Sales Staff Wanted: personality. Well groomed, ence required. Must be an fice duties, book keeping looking, friendly, tidy. Six English-speaking female.

Thai with previous selling experience with own car,

height /weight in proportion. Thai or Indo/Filipina/ Burma. Join our dynamic

enthusiastic and self-motivated professional. Email: sales.admin2@ap.jll.com.

and some visa application processing. Two positions available for shared duties.

days a week, 3pm to 7pm, B300 per day plus comissons. Call 083 649 6169.

We are a newly built boutique hotel which is located in the heart of Patong Beach right next to the Patong Police Station. Blue Sky Patong is surrounded by all the main tourist centres such as the sophisticated shopping centre Junceylon, a colourful nightlife along Bangla Road, or even a short distance to explore many activities along the beachfront area. As a newly built 4 star hotel, we are looking for team members who are service minded and who are willing to act with the organisation's best interests at all times; if you think you are the one with a strong will to achieve the same goals with us, then please do not hesitate to apply. Arrive as a guest, live as a family.

We are currently recruiting for the following positions: General Manager-Qualification: •A degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management or higher with at least five years experience within the hotel industry in Hotel Management.

•Speak, read and write English fluently (it would be an advantage if he/she can speak a second language like Chinese or any other languages) •Good communication and listening skills with a sense of humor •Good accounting & budgeting, administrative & organisational skills •Hard-working, self-motivating, professionalism and a flexible work ethic •Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Human Resource Manager-Qualification: •Minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business and Organisation Development.

•Ten plus years of progressive leadership experience in Human Resources positions •Active affiliation with appropriate Human Resources networks •Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills •General knowledge of various employment laws and practices •Administering compensation, benefits, performance management systems, safety and recreation programs Front Office Manager-Qualification: •A degree in hotel or hospitality management will be preferred •Responsible for all duties of the front desk operation which includes: staff training, inter-department communications, and staff scheduling •FOM usually works a regularly scheduled front desk shift and must be available to work any shift as needed •Possess strong communications and demonstrate leadership abilities •Conduct the functions efficiently with a problem-solving minded •Must have extensive hotel experience, ability and mature judgment

Front Desk Agents-Qualification: •A degree in hotel or hospitality management will be preferred •Involve greeting, providing guests with necessary information •Responsible for promoting various offers and services of the organisation they are working with •Have some basic conflict resolution skills.

•Must be alert and sharp when it comes to their client's details.

•Have excellent communication skills, pleasant personality and should interacting with people

Financial Controller-Qualification: •A degree in accounting, financial discipline with the knowledge of tax laws and regulations would be advantage •Integrity and initiative •Require advanced knowledge of hospitality accounting skills, spreadsheets and financial management software •Previous experience in supervising employees is preferred •Plans, organises, directs and controls the accounting functions of a hotel and reports operational results to the general manager •Ensure timely and accurate report of financial information, handling yearly audits, and long-term financial forecasting

Purchasing Staff-Qualification: •A degree in business, economics or related field is preferred •Experience in purchasing, merchandising and associated fields would be preferred •Check invoices against purchasing department records and purchase orders, and verify the quality and quantity of all goods received •Monitors and controls the purchases of goods and services at the correct prices, in economics quantities and with acceptable quality

Accounts Payable Staff/Account Receivable Staff-Qualification: •A Diploma in accounting or business is preferred •Familiarity with word processing, spreadsheets, database, and accounting software and the internet •Perform account and month-end payable and receivable reconciliation •Input all approved journal entries into the accounting system

Payroll Staff-Qualification: •A Diploma in principles of accounting, computerised accounting and payroll accounting would be advantage •Experience in accounting field is required •Knowledge of payroll software is preferred •Need to stay updated on payroll tax laws and adjust a system as necessary Sales and Marketing Coordinator-Qualification: •A degree in business, sales administrative, marketing, organisational development or marketing related field •Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver, Front Page skills required •Ability to operate under solid pressure and meet tight deadlines •Sound understanding of latest technologies and should identify how to apply them in marketing •Good team player and should meet or exceed team goals Food & Beverage Manager-Qualification: •A degree in service-related field •Significant food and beverage experience at least for five years •Experience of working in positions of high responsibility in the hotel or food and beverage sectors and managing teams of at least 20 staff •To ensure that the customer promise is delivered and that customers are satisfied within the framework of financial targets set •Team management, leadership & team player •Financial awareness Restaurant Manager-Qualification: •A Diploma in service-related field •Significant experience of restaurant management •Dynamism/good relationship skills: maintaining the image of the restaurant •Staff management:recruitment, training, evaaluation and promotion •Monitoring customer service levels •Maximise restaurant occupancy to increase restaurant sales Sou Chef /Team Leader-Qualification: •A degree in Hotel and Food & Beverage studies with at least 3-5 years of culinary management experiences

All potential staff are expected to be fluent in English accordingly to the positions that they have applied. We offer a competitive salary and benefits to the suitable candidates; please send appplication letters with a detailed resume, recent photograph to jayeng89@hotmail.com 081 270 7619

•Manage daily operations of the kitchen and provides professional leadership and direction to kitchen personnel (including staff training) •Ensure that all recipes, food preparations, and presenta tions meet specifications and have a commitment to quality •Maintain a safe, orderly and sanitized kitchen, for instance: using proper food-handling techniques and hygiene control •Manage cost and stock controls, calculations and ordering •Possess the creative flair in menu design •Hands-on, motivational leadership style based in mutual respect Cafe Service Crew-Qualification:

•At least 1-2 years of experience in customer service (Fresh keen learners/graduates are welcome to apply) •Well groomed with a warm and cheerful personality and a professional appearance •Able to work shift, including weekends and public holidays •Maintain set standard of quality, service, product and cleanliness Waiter/Waitress-Qualification: •A Diploma in Hotel studies would be preferred •Good personal presentation •Multi-skilled with good time-keeping •To ensure the guests receive high quality services and service provision Bar Waiter/Waitress-Qualification: •A Diploma in Hotel/Food & Beverage studies would be preferred •Knowledge of drinks and cocktails •Good personal presentation •To ensure the guests receive high quality services and service provision Bar Bartender-Qualification: •A Diploma in Hotel/Food & Beverage studies would be preferred •Knowledge of alcoholics drinks and cocktail recipes •Complete knowledge of health and safety rules •To ensure service and product quality •To look after customer billing and stock of cash Housekeeping-Qualification: •A diploma or the highest level of a high school education •Ensure rooms are stocked and up to industry standards •Positive attitude with customer-service minded and friendly •Should have a neat, clean appearance with a strong attention to detail

thephuketnews.com

38 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUY&SELL

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

The White House now for sale

Free transfer of Chanote title > 40

CARS FOR SALE

Toyota Pick Up for Sale: Date of register : 28 October 2008 Plate No: Korkor869

BOATS & YACHTS

Phuket Year: 2008 Color: black Engine: 3,000 CC Diesel Mileage : 124,455km fishing yacht. Plus website and all past customers. www. phuketfishboat.com, email martin@phuketfishboat.com.

Fi shin g Yac h t fo r S a l e: F o r s a l e 19 91 Custom build Speedboat: 49 foot fiberglass Speedboat. build 2011,3 Honda Engines a 225 Hp, custom build for diving and day trips, international survey, excellent condition, side entry and exit, seats for 35 people, sundeck, bathroom, big cooler, two outside showers, places for 50 scuba tanks, VHF Radio, storeroom, lighting for night diving, good for business best design on the island.

Call 084 188 4544, email: michahildner@hotmail.com.

Tairia sport fishing yacht USD275,000. Email martin@phuketfishboat.com.

BUSINESSES FOR SALE G u e st hou se Bac kpacker Hostel: Strong bookings and online ratings, 41 beds in 18 guest rooms (Five with jacuzzis) three retail shops paying 50 percent building rent, two staff rooms, office, in-house laundry, tour counter, #19 tripadvisor. 087 173 1773.

Restaurant for sale: Es-

L u x u r y Ya c h t f o r Sale: For sale 2002 Bertram 510 Flybridge luxury yacht. USD825,000. Email mar tin@phuket fishboat. com.

tablished restaurant located in the heart of the island. New kitchen, toilets, private roof top terrace etc. Two connected shop houses on main road.

40+ seat dining area with room for expansion. Huge owner’s apartment could be converted into rooms for rent or otherwise. Must-see, ready to move in. Owners relocating. Contact us for details and pictures. 081 956 3166.

Price: B690,000 (negotiable)

Ventury Van for Sale: Year: July 2008 (4 years) Color: White/brown. Mileage: 218,039 km. Price: B1.2 million. Contact 081 803 7189.

Restaurant Thai and Noodles: Located on Kata’s Cement Production Plant: Ready mixed concrete company’s factor y.

446.92 horse power. Output of workers in the production of 22 people per day at an average yield of about 100 Q/ Day (B1,800 per Q). Average revenue per day for about B180,000.

Manufacture of readymixed concrete. Can continue immediately. Just bought a cement truck delivery only.

Ready water source to be used for production. Address: Moo. 4, T. Maikhao, Thalang Dist. Phuket 83110.

Land Size: 20 rai 2 Ngan and 56 talang wah. Price: B130 Million. Contact: Mr. Lee, mobile: 081 803 7189.

Charter Fishing Business: Owner is changing business disciplines and wants to exit the charter fishing business. For sale ‘02 Bertram 510 Flybridge and ‘91 Tairia sport

main road, busy restaurant, fully furnished kitchen, 10 tables, 38 seats, Thai food and Champ noodle soup restaurant, low rental, already with farang and Thai customers.

Call 086 940 4801.

ONLY 170,000 BAHT CASH!: October 2011, 8,000km. Proton Exora 7/8seat family car. Many options, including GPS, DVD. Price new: B940,000. Now B740,000, or on finance: B570,000 + B170,000 cash.

Call 081 788 8280. Email: maurice.phuket@gmail.com.

BUSINESS SERVICES Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tile-asia.com.

Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. 076 381 895.

Farang Food Paradise: Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact: 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.

CHILDCARE Buds Nursery: Phuket’s

Three Toyota Camry for Sale: Year: 2009, engine capacity: 2,362 cc, Color: two white and one metallic silver, Navigator.

Price B1.3 million (Negotiable) Contact Mr. Lee, mobile: 081 803 7189.

oldest bilingual international childcare facility. High-quality, time-proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand new purpose-built school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/2-8. Mon-Fri 8am -5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong.

Website: www.buds-phuket. com.

CHILDREN’S CLUB Funstart: Family sports and leisure club. Swimming/golf/ playcentre/gaming arcade.

Call 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstar tphuket. com.

CARS FOR RENT A1 Car Rentals: Fullyinsured. Starts at B12,000 to B18,000 per month. Please call 089 831 4703. Email for more info: a1carrent@gmail. com.

Car for rent: Car in good condition, short and long-term rental with first-class insurance and delivery service. Please contact 086 690 6007, email: k.niwatt@hotmail.com.

thephuketnews.com

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS Suzuki/Carr y PickUp 1.6M/T: Suzuki/Carry Pick-up 1.6 M/T 2009, FOR SALE. B300,000. 1.5 metre cover, roof carrier, side ladder and comprehensive Insurance. Contact Daragh 084 443 9863.

B l u e C a nyo n G o l f Membership for Sale: Family lifetime membership, including golf pr ivileges B800,000. Buyer pays transfer fee. 081 487 4812, e-mail lamsden@phuket.ksc.co.th.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 39

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS

Contact 082 276 1675, www. goodkarmathailand.com.

Meet Mam and Ling at Zee Zee Interior Building. Call 076 620 201.

MOTORBIKE SERVICES

only. Free high-end separate accommodation. All expenses paid. Call 089 054 4354.

Dynamic Tyre Balancing: Dynamically balance

PERSONAL SERVICES

your motorcycle tyres for a smoother ride with DYNA BEADS! Available at West Coast Service Center Phuket, your big bike specialist on the bypass road. 085 785 4440.

Baby and Maternity Items for Sale: Gen-

Club Asia Fitness: Royal Phuket City Hotel.

Of fers Zumba /LesMills classes/ weight training/ s au n a /s te a m /s w i m m i n g pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout, come along and join the action. Tel 076 35 4 027, 087 275 3614. www.clubasiaphuket.com.

Clearance Sale: Techworx clearance sale: amplifiers, speakers, network kit, printers, media players and servers. Please email daragh@techworx.asia for detail list.

tly used Maternity clothes and baby items including a Graco Playard, bottle sterilizers, Avent bottles, pop-up tent, Met Tai carrier. Located in Chalong. Email for photos and prices at kiriheald@ gmail.com.

MOBILE PHONES FOR SALE

SK A L I nt er nat ional Phuket: Skål is a profes-

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised.

Please contact 085 574 4258 or email cindy@soidog.org.

PET BOARDING

MOTORBIKE FOR SALE Repossessed Motorbikes: Home Stay & Day Care For Dogs: Opening Soon

-2011 Finos from 26,000B. -2011 Scoopys from 29,000B. -2011 Clicks from 29,000B. Safeway Asia main Highway Thalang (next to Shell Gas Station). Contact 076 313 235, 081 125 1873.

PET ADOPTION

in August 2012! Dog-A-holics Thailand is ideal for small to medium size dogs. Owner Rose Nattanicha who is a dog lover. Email dogaholicsthai land@gmail.com.

PET FOR SALE

MOVING & STORAGE

sional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www.skalphuket.org.

Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all SinWe Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY

gaporeans in Phuket to join Singapore Club Phuket. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.

COOKING CLASS

Second Hand Goods for Sale: Executive Ta-

bles and More. Contact 081 978 2725 for details. Prices are negotiable.

Summer Sale French Collection: French Collection 50% discount. Summer Sale. Stock Clearance 2012.

Samsung SII / Galaxy Note: Samsung SII, four normal batteries, two double batteries with special back covers, two charging docks, plug in wall charger B15,000. And Samsung Galaxy Note, white B15,000.

Call 084 443 9863.

cooking and baking classes in our top-class professional facilities. Come to learn how to cook with our professional chefs and discover the art of bakery, and Thai and European cuisines.

Persian kitten looking for a good home. Born May 28 - available to take home in August. Call 084 676 6663 (Thai + English) or email miko_blackbird@hotmail. co.th (Thai + English) for more info.

PET HOSPITAL

Safeway Storage: Self storage from B800/M. Container rental B3,000/M. Sales/Site office A/C B6,000/M. Mobile toilets B2,800/M month. Chalong, opposite Wat Chalong. Thalang, main highway. 076 313 235 or 081 125 1873.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT Phuket Cooking Academy: Offers many

Persian Kit ten for Sale: Purebred female

STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store.

Call 076 292 909.

Semi- retired UK /Canadian businessman seeks Companion: En g li s h s p e ak i n g fe m a l e

Would You Like to Adopt a Homeless Dog?: Adult dogs, puppies and some pedigrees are sadly locked in dirty cages and don’t have much to eat, just dying to find a loving get free. If you’d like to meet some of these dogs located in Thalang or see photos of some. Please call 084 877 3566 or email: gone2thedoggies@gmail.com

Chaofah Pet Hospital:

8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. Contact 076 283 365.

POOL TABLES Phuket Pool Tables: www. phuketpooltables.com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales, rent and profit-sharing. All accessories and services. Call 081 823 4627.

Open to all from the age of 12 years old and without any prior cooking experience. For more info visit us at: www.phuket-cookingacademy.com or call 081 821 40 64.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE Health Food : Online health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products.

thephuketnews.com

40 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

PROPERTY PROPERTY CONCIERGE

Selling or Renting Your Property?: We have buyers for foreign freehold, sea view properties and land. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket. net.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Sur in Beach Apartments[LOFTS]:

Discount Rentals

One and two bedroom apartments now available for long term rentals,[minimum period 6 months]. Short term will be considered depending on availablity. FREE Hi-Speed WIFI Cable TV The LOFTS apar tments are situated on the beach road in Surin which is fast developing into one of the trendiest areas of Phuket. 086 120 0298, info@ rentalpropertyphuket.com.

See rentalpropertyphuket. com.

Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA

Luxury Pool Villa: Laguna, quality furnishings spa, bar, security, BBQ. B22,000 lease. Call 089 594 4067.

Seaside cottages for sale

Start from B2.2m, only 12 left > 41

Now for sale

Info: 089 594 4067

The White House (Baan Khao) Kata In the safest and best residential area in Phuket This stand alone villa has 3 bedrooms+office room Pool /Tropical Garden/Inside Parking include Peogeot Cabrio/Coupe

Transfer Chanote title or Company FREE!!

Price 16 MB (or any interesting BID)

Tel: 084-8438720 E-mail: thewhitehousekata@gmail.com

House for Rent-Kathu: Two b e dr o o ms / t wo bat h rooms. Calm and clean area.

Built in early 2012, first occupant. Aircon in all rooms.

Floor area 120m2 + back and front yard, furnished. Contact 091 034 0035.

Big Luxury Villa: Pool, Laguna, designed for comfort.

Has everything+spa, B32,000 lease. Call 089 594 4067.

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Three Bedroom Furnished for Rent: B11,000 per month, one bathroom, lock up garage and carport on 800 sq metre lot. Close to PIA school, golf, beach and airport. For more info email gordon_asia@hotmail.com.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Friday 21st (Room For Rent) Good cond i t i o n: H i g h S e as o n B800.- per day, B18,000.per month. Low Season B500.- per day, B13,000.per month.

Please contact 076 344 133, TUM 081 171 7993, BAS 080 523 5371, e-mail: friday_21st@hotmail.com.

Facebook : Friday Twentyone.

Rawai B eachf ront Pool Villa: Rawai Beach front pool villa for rent/sale.3 bed rooms,furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

Luxury Private Pool Villas: Brand new Bali Villa for Sale at Kathu:

Stylish House Rental / Rawai: Separate located

nice 2-floor-house (furnished) close to Rawai and Nai-Harn.

2-bedrooms (air-cond.). TV and phone/internet provided.

With kitchen, dinning area, terrace and garden. Call 076 388 639, 083 106 2680.

Overlooking golf course.

Fully furnished. Land size 800sq metre. Living area 487sq metre. Large pool. four beds, four baths. Fully-fitted Western kitchen.

Lifetime membership. B20 million. Call 087 222 4770.

style three and four bed villas, one km to Nai Harn Beach. High rental guaranteed investment. Prices from B12.9 million (include full furniture pkg). Enquiries sakt27@gmail.com, call +66 (0)87 897 4421.

Kamala Two Brand New Villas: Two bedrooms, two

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED

bathrooms, Western kitchen, 130 sq metre. Nice garden with large pool in quiet area.

Price: B5.5 million or minimum three- month rental. Call 081 496 9070 (Eng/Swedish) or 081 719 1175 (Thai).

FREE ONLINE: 189 CHARACTERS + 1 PICTURE Headline: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

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189 CHARACTERS

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1-3 air-con bedroom rental homes.Quiet area near Ao Yon beach,Cape Panwa.1bdr start from 9,000/m,2-3 bdr from 20,000 free wifi,Tel.081 892 4311, http://panwagreen. weebly.com.

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Online upgrades:

Website link B199

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FOR JUST B1,099 GET AN ADDITIONAL 9 PICTURES

PLUS 1 ISSUE IN THE PRINT COPY OF THE PHUKET NEWS Print upgrades:

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DEADLINE: MONDAY 11.59PM (MIDNIGHT) FOR THAT FRIDAY’S ISSUE Hand this in at agent shops, our office or fax: 076 612 553

thephuketnews.com

S e avi ew L a n d Fo r Sale: Near Chalong pier,

Fully Furnished Homes for Rent: Fully furnished

House Villa for Rent: Villa for rent in Rawai Beach, 3 bed 4 bath Jacuzzi bath, private pool. The striking twostorey homes feature a grand living room and dining area, kitchen. TV, DVD/CD player, Internet Wifi. 089 727 7477, www.baanmari mar.com.

Loft Style Flat: Secure, quiet, spacious, new decoration. Great location for exercise. Long-term rental. 086 664 5575.

150 metres from the sea.

Three rai and one ngan plot.

Chanote title. Price: B25 million per rai. No agent. Call 087 278 7206

Land for sale: 6 rai beautiful hilltop land near Mission Hills golf club, was 4.2million baht per rai now drastically reduced to *B3.2 million per rai* for very quick sale. Full chanote, water/electric, office, sea/mountain views.

Call 087 978 5804(Eng), stanjsmith25@yahoo.com

Thai Style House for Sale: Teak wood f loors, stairs, walls, 2 bedrooms.

Land 330 sq metre, peaceful location, five minutes to Patong, Chanote title. B5.5 million. 086 268 8701, email: f430spiderf1@hotmail.com.

Kathu : Ser viced Land for Sale: Near the British International School, 500 sq. m. including road, water, electricity and security. B3,000,000. Call 089 724 7211. E-mail julien@ phuketimmo.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 41

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

Phuket Cottages

Near British International School, luxury pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000. www.phuket-cottages.com

Call: 089-724-7211 maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.

ments over seven months.

Situated in a well established housing complex in Rawai over looking a peaceful, fish filled lake. Email for plans. Call 081 270 4291.

tains, and would be ideal for a family home. Ready to build.

Quality western villas on the same soi. Call 089 973 1180.

Allamanda (Laguna) Residences/Phuket: One Condo Unit, half of a de-

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT. Petchabun Land for Sale: 8 Rai+448sq metre.

Chanote title and close to main road. One year teak plant on the land. Call 087 284 6142 or email bluegirl83150@ yahoo.com.

Renovated Condo for Sale: Patong near Simon Cabaret, 50sq metre huge pool and garden area. Everything new, fully furnished plus kitchen, free hold. Sale B3 mil-

lion, no stupid offers. Thai 087 621 3405/ English. Contact 085 471 9246.

Phuket- Surin Beach Area for Sale: Chan ote title at Manik-township.

20x25 metre in natural surrounding, B2.6 million. Free design+construction permit.

Phone 087 275 9621, email nuttapol_trateng@yahoo.com.

Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo, one bed, fully-furnished, WiFi,

Mission Heights Residence

Land for Sale at Loch Palm Kathu: 20 Rai overlooking golf course with concrete access road and electric. Ready for building project. Call 087 888 4770.

Rawai Pool Villa: Unique three bedroom pool villa “off the plan�. Three easy pay-

Beach Front Plots: Located opposite of Yacht Haven Marina in a very peaceful, natural environment. Ready to build, electricity and water on site, road and boat access. 2 Rai plots each with 60 metre of ocean frontage, perfect for living as well as investment. For sale direct from owner, price only B12 million. Call 081 343 0777.

Land for sale in Kathu: Near the British International School, 2 Rai with public road access. B 6,000,000 per Rai. Call 089 724 7211, email: julien@phuketimmo.com.

6.1 Rai Land for Sale: 6.1 rai (10,000sq metre).

B2,500,000 per rai. Total price: B15,600,000. - 5 minutes to Naithon Beach. -10 minutes to Naiyang Beach.

-10 minutes to Airport. -7 minutes to New Tesco Lotus.

- Roadside land and Chanote title. Call 085 793 2718.

Villa Resort Style: Villa resort style six bedroom, Located in peaceful area South of Phuket, Rawai. This villa has been designed and furnished to the highest standards. Contact 088 178 1845, email min tra99@gmail.com.

400sq metre Beatuiful Land for Sale: In Soi Suksan, the land has views of the Nai Harn and Rawai moun-

Designed specially for families, the Mission Heights Residence offer very spacious 540 sqm houses, all with 12 metre long swimming pool, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, guest bungalow, maid quarter and a nice garden in a very secure, children friendly environment only couple of minutes from Phuket International Academy.

Located only 10 minutes from airport, Grand Ao Por Marina, new Tesco Shopping center, 2 golf courses, Naiyang Beach, Thanyapura Sport & Leisure Center and international school, the Mission Heights Residence is a perfect place to live for families without traffic in a very peaceful, secure and natural surrounding.

The Villas currently under construction being built to highest western standard and are launched at only 13.9 million Baht for the first 3 houses. For appointment or more details contact project director, Khun Montha at 088 751 1750 or email mission_ heights@yahoo.com.

luxe twin house, fully furnished and equipped, set direct on the picturesque lagoon with balcony right over it. 3 Bedrooms each with shower/bathroom, roof terrace. Longterm rent or sale. 081 737 0365, utai pan@ yahoo.com.

THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS

After a great success of the first phase, the Sunrise Ocean Villas is now starting to build the 8 other villas of "Phase2". The price of 17.9 million baht makes the project one of the most competitive on the island for being only 60m from the beach.

Each villa has a living area of over 300 sqm, has 3 spacious bedrooms, all sea views, 5 bathrooms, a 10x4m infinity pool, maid's quar ter and a covered 2-car parking. The houses are specially designed to guarantee complete privacy, with an open panoramic view of the sea.

Come visit the villas and you will be wonder fully surprised by the quality of the project as well as the quality of life you can find here.

For appointment or more details, contact the project director Khun Montha at 081 343 0777 (Thai, English & German) Email: thesunrisevillas@yahoo. com.

www.thesunrisevillas.com

thephuketnews.com

42 CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT SALES & RENTAL

THE PHUKET NEWS HOME IMPROVEMENT

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

PERSONAL SERVICES

Pro Waxing Care

by Nattaya

The best waxing in Phuket Eyelash-Eyebrow Tinting Facial & Body Skin Treatment

Tel : 081 859 3061 www.phuketdir.com/prowaxingcare (Please call for and appointment)

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMOVALS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

MARINE SERVICES

STORAGE

Wana Park, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel 076 620168 info@tile-asia.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

SWIMMING POOLS

w w w. e m

p ir e p o o ls p h u k e t . c o m

1,800 baht pool service

for the first 20 customers (standard size pool)

19/43, 19/45 Moo 7, Srisoontorn Rd, T. Srisoontorn, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110.

Tel: 076-620113 or 084-8506140 Fax: 076-620015

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

PHUKET SPORT 43

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Duo works out to save tigers Raising awareness on the overhunting of tigers seemed like the logical choice as both participants are animal lovers that wanted to help restore the endangered Indochinese and Malayan tigers, of which there are only 500 left in the world.

During the early part of the challenge, Jones was feeling ecstatic – he had just finished his seventh straight workout and riding an endorphin high.

By midnight, the feeling began to fade as fatigue settled in, the duo were creeping to their breaking point.

Exercising through the night, Teppo and Jones had their music blasting, electrolytes flowing, and friends

Jean-Pierre Mestanza editor@thephuketnews.com

P

ast the halfway point of their 24-hour workout marathon, Ryan Jones and Kitty Teppo are trying to catch some sleep with little success.

In Phuket, Saturday nights are reserved for nightlife but Jones and Teppo are working out – a lot.

Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Training Camp (TMT) was the site of the island’s first ever “24-Hour CrossFit for Tigers Challenge” recently.

The event, which helped raise awareness on the plight of endangered tigers, challenged the participants to perform one workout, every hour, for 24-straight hours starting at 3pm and ending the same time a day later.

About B30,000 was raised for charities dedicated to rescuing tigers that were orphaned as a result of over hunting in north Thailand.

“A friend of mine came up with the idea and Jones and I thought it would be really cool to do it for charity, to push ourselves,” Teppo, who grew up in Finland, said.

The duo gathered support

stopping by to give words of encouragement.

“It was motivating to see people watching us and then donate into the collection box afterwards. It helped our confidence a lot,” Jones said.

Still, the duo were tired and by 4.25am, they had just finished their 13th-straight workout – a series of 500 metre rows with 400 metre runs.

Teppo looked at Jones and asked, “Do you remember why we put ourselves through this?

I just want my bed.”

“It’s for the tigers” Jones mumbled to himself as he closed his eyes.

Only 11 workouts left, the duo pressed on, for the tigers.

Friday Night Darts

Results from July 20

Matches are played in the Patong area. Information: 085 796 1002

Top: Ryan Jones prepares for the workout. Below: Kitty Teppo and Ryan Jones in action. from local businesses willing to donate funds and supplies, including Phuket Pro-Nutrition, InkAsia Thailand, and Powerhouse Fitness.

TMT’s own Chef, Miles Norris, fuelled up the participants throughout the challenge, which included everything from burpees to

Olympic lifts to backward runs and sit-ups, all done at an intense level.

“I realised I can push my body way beyond what I expected,” Jones, 26, from England, said afterwards. “It was more mentally tough than physically.”

Jones and Teppo planned

each workout about a month in advance, deliberately adding exercises that were a point of weakness for them.

The duo prepared their bodies with training at TMT and a proper nutrition plan.

Each workout lasted anywhere between five to 30-minutes, all done at high intensity.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Beach House Mangmoom Mickeys Ting Tong Standings Hilltop Ryans Presleys Ting Tong Beach House Players Mickeys Mangmoom

4-4 3-5 1-7 2-6

Hilltop Players Ryans Presleys

51 51 49 40 35 27 22 21

(1 game in hand) (1 game in hand) (2 games in hand) (1 game in hand) (1 game in hand)

Phuket FC’s hardcore fans had little to cheer about following a goalless draw.

Islanders draw with Songkhla FOOTBALL Kazira Hans editor@thephuketnews.com

PLAYING UNDER THEIR new coach for the first time, The Islanders could only manage a 0-0 draw against Songkhla FC in their latest Yamaha League 1 match.

Last Saturday (July 22), ex-Phuket coach Sompong Wattana returned in charge of Songkhla FC, determined to win against his former employers.

Songkhla FC also had Phuket’s former goalie Jonathan Matijas between the sticks, who had performed impeccably last season at Surakul stadium.

Adding to the rivalry, Phu ket FC’s new coach Narong Ajarayutr and Songkhla coach Sompong both

used to play in the same Thai national side.

To local fans’ surprise, Phuket didn’t have Suphat Ontthong in the side – this was due to be the captain’s last game before he joined up with Ratchaburi.

The home side were the first to attack. With fan favourite Kittithach Kraitong on corner kick duties, the ball was whipped in towards goal from the left corner.

T he ball bou nced of a Songkhla defender into Phuket’s Poramut, who fired a scorching 25-yard shot that scraped the goal post and went agonisingly wide.

Phuket’s next golden opportunity arrived close to halftime when Phuket FC’s new captain, Watcharapong Jan-gnam put Thawin Butrasombat through on goal.

Left in a one-on-one situation

with former teammate Matijas, Thawin disappointingly ended up shooting tamely into Jonathan’s gloves.

Phuket continued to attack the Songkhla goal, with Kornprom Charoonpong’s 30-yard shot the best of their chances before the referee blew for halftime.

After the break, it was Songk hla who came out attacking. The visitors almost took the lead from a header, but Phuket goalkeeper Alonso tipped the effort over the bar.

Phuket came close to taking all three points when Thawin’s 30-yard free kick went inches wide. Then, just before the final whistle, Nene Bi had a golden opportunity to win it when the Songkhla defense left him unmarked, but his header floated just over the crossbar.

Final score 0-0.

thephuketnews.com

44 PHUKET SPORT

T20 league is launched CRICKET T H E ACG SAW T H E Outrigger T20 league kick off on Sunday (July 22) with a doubleheader of cricketing action.

In the first match, current T20 champions, Laguna, took on arch rivals and prior season runners up, Patong, followed by the second match between ICC and the Village.

Despite this being the monsoon period, the introduction of a T20 league during the off season is possible through the ACG facility which has an allweather wicket.

Laguna ran out winners in the first match reaching their target of 126 runs in the 16th over thanks to an unbeaten half-century by Neill Culpan.

After 20 overs, Patong reached 125 runs for the loss of 5 wickets which was certainly a defendable total.

Despite an early set back in the Laguna innings when opener Ian Henry (4) fell in the 3rd over, Neil Culpan (57 not out) guided the team to victory. He was ably supported by Roshan Jayasuriya (20), Raj (11) and Sami Ullah (9 not out).

Laguna reached their target in the 16th over amassing 127 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. Pick of the bowlers for Patong was Seemant Raju (1 for 12).

ICC ran out comfortable winners in the second match, as the Village struggled to set a solid total after loosing early wickets and being bowled out for only 79 runs in the 14th over.

This Sunday (July 29) at the ACG sees ICC take on Patong, from 9am.

For more i n for mat ion and the f ull T20 leag ue schedule, visit phuketcricketgroup.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

Raceweek sails into fitting finale SAILING MarineScene.asia

T

he best was saved for last as the final day of the 2012 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek saw 10-12 knots of breeze gusting to 15, and some spectacular competition around the southern islands of Phuket, which brought to an end an exciting and successful week.

Two races – a windward/ leeward and an islands course – for all except the Classics was the decision by Race Officer Simon James for the Cape Panwa Hotel Race Day, and the fresh breeze delivered some great sailing, and surprises to the results table.

Jing Jing (Rick Pointon) went into the last day with a clear lead in IRC Racing I and IRC Overall classes, and looked unlikely to give it up. In the stronger winds, the all-new Aquila Reichel Pugh 45 Katsu (Ben Copley) performed well and put in a solid last day performance

Jing Jing (right) wins IRC Racing I at 2012 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek.

Photo: Mia Gillow/Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek scoring two firsts, pulling them up the leader-board into second overall in IRC Racing I. Despite a 2,3 on the day, Jing Jing won both IRC Racing I and IRC Overall comfortably.

Wan Marang (Kevin Whitcraft) finished third overall in IRC Racing I. In the Sportsboats class, racing went down to the wire,

the winner being decided on the final race. A first in Race 1 left the Phuket 8 Surf Patrol (Ray Waldron) in a strong position, however, on the longer course Race 2 they were beaten by the Welbourn 25 Brace! Brace!! Brace!!! (Paul Murphy), with its Dynamic Stability System. But that was not enough to knock them off

the top spot and Surf Patrol won the series by two points with Brace! Brace!! Brace!!! in second and Longitude (Rolf Heemskerk) third.

Skandia Endeavour of Whitby (Stuart Williamson) and Phoenix (Niels Degenkolw) started the day tied on points with all to play for in IRC Racing II. However,

surprises were yet to come.

Skandia Endeavour of Whitby won the first race but placed fifth in the last race, letting Ruby Tuesday (John Vause) in with two second places on Sunday, enough to take the title by a single point. Phoenix were third overall.

Two points separated the top three in IRC Cruising going into the last two races on Sunday and all was set for a climatic encounter. A collision at the pin-end of the startline between Jenzminc VI (Andy Brennan) and Dreamtime (Rob Azzopardi) added to the intensity. Sail in Asia (Mike Downard) won line honours and the win on corrected time in Race 1, and held on to beat Remington (Jim Ellis) by one minute on corrected time in Race 2 to win the series by two points.

Thirty-four entries and over 500 participants from around the world took part in the 2012 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek.

For full series results, visit phuketraceweek.com

Fast times at Toyota Motor Sports day MOTOR RACING Kornkarnokphan Suwan reporter2@thephuketnews.com

Pit girls were on hand to show their support.

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway.

SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

It was all thrills at the third annual Toyota Motor Sports race day held last weekend (July 21-22) in Saphan Hin. There were three races over two days, featuring teams of local students chosen by Toyota and teams of celebrities, including the likes of Pai Patis, Ta Varit, Natalee David and Airin Siriporn.

In Saturday’s Yaris One-Make Class B race, the winner was Supong Chamtonwong from Toyota Racing School, followed by Sunit Srisuchat and Atid Reaungsomboon,

both from the Srisuchat team.

The Vios One-Make Ladies’ Cup, also held on Saturday, was won by Thikumporn Reungrongwattana from the Singa-AIT team, who crossed the finish line ahead of Sommai Leianthong from Toyota Racing School , and Tippawan Phurayap of Nitto Racing.

The second day featured the Vios OneMake Class C race, won by Niwat Klinjampa from the Zorus Energy team, followed by Chayaphol Yotha from Toyota Racing School, and Kanthong Hongpan.

The entertainment then kicked off with a drift performance show from Thailand’s top drift racer, Sak “Kiki” Nana, and a rock concert by Bank Clash in the Saphan Hin stadium.

THE PHUKET NEWS

WORLD SPORT

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

45

GAMES START TODAY

Australians caught in racism row Agence France-Presse

THE HEAD OF AUSTRALIA’S team at the London Olympics has urged his athletes to maintain focus and not become sidetracked by the racism row involving John Steffensen.

The 400 metre runner has claimed he was racially abused by an Australia Olympic Committee staff member in Beijing four years ago, an allegation supported by Australia athletics team captain and reigning Olympic pole vault champion Steve Hooker.

“I won’t single John out,” Australia’s chef de mission Nick Green said Tuesday.

“For athletes this week, they need to focus and be ready to compete.

“Any other distraction can have adverse affects on their performance. Athletes need to focus, but saying that, I have an open-door policy to all athletes, and if an athlete wants to talk to me about a matter they’ve got an issue with then, absolutely, come and see me.”

Aussies unleash Missile, Rocket... and Dr Pepper Agence France-Presse

A

ustralia’s James Magnussen admits he was transfixed by the United States’ come-from-behind 4x100m relay win at the last Olympics – and he’s determined not to let it happen again in London.

The sprinter describes the race, when Jason Lezak overhauled leaders France in the final leg, as one of his favourite Olympic moments. But he said Australia were confident of adding the Olympic title to their world crown.

“I love that race – one of my favourite Olympic moments,” he said.

“That anchor leg by Jason Lezak was something I could only ever dream to emulate. It was such an exciting moment in Olympic sport. It’s definitely a moment I will remember forever and something that if we as a team could emulate, then that would be amazing.

“But I feel like this team is in a position to forge their own path. But obviously we are aware of the Americans’ ability to come from behind and cause an upset like that.”

Magnussen led Australia to an upset victory over the United States at last year’s world championships, halting the Americans’ run of three world titles and the Olympic win in Beijing.

And the 21-year-old, who also won the individual 100m freestyle at his first world championships, said a growing bond between Australia’s team could maintain their edge in London.

“There are a couple of nicknames going around, obviously people call James Roberts ‘The Rocket’, young Cameron McEvoy has been nicknamed this trip ‘Dr Pepper’ – long story,” he said.

“But we’ve bonded really well this week. I feel like as a group we’re tighter than we have been over the past years

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Swimmers Stephanie Rice and James Magnussen of the Australian Olympic team at a press conference. Photo: AFP and it’s going to be a really positive experience to be there with what I think has become a bunch of mates and show the rest of the world what we can do.

“I think we’ve gelled as well as any other team that I’ve seen over the past years and I think that will definitely help us be successful and stay relaxed on the day.”

Australia famously beat the United States at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, and cel-

ebrated by playing air guitar after Gary Hall Jnr had pledged to “smash them like guitars.”

Magnussen said the London relay, held on the first day in the pool on Saturday, was the ideal preparation for the individual 100m next week, where he is expected to challenge Brazilian rival Cesar Cielo’s world record.

He said he had worked hard on technical areas such as starts and turns since the world championships in Shanghai,

which he called “by no means the perfect race”.

Magnussen added his training also focused on building the mental strength to keep him at his best in the high-pressure atmosphere of the Olympics.

“I think something my coach and I have trained as much as my physical abilities is my mental abilities to cope with these situations,” he said.

“My main goal for this week throughout the swimming, regardless of the results, is to stay positive and enjoy the week. I feel whenever I have a positive mindset things seem to fall into place.”

Magnussen shot to fame at the Shanghai world championships, when he became the first Australian man to win the 100m since the competition was established in 1973.

He is now bidding to break a 44-year Olympic drought for Australia’s men in the 100m freestyle since Michael Wenden’s 1968 victory in Mexico.

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46 WORLD SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

GAMES START TODAY

IN BRIEF Coe to run for top athletics job: report London Olympics organiser Sebastian Coe will run to become the next president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the Times reported on Wednesday.

The double gold medalist, now chairman of the London Olympic Organising Committee, told the paper he wanted to take over the presidency after elections in 2015.

“I’d be happy to run my sport and that is the first time I’ve given that answer,” he said. “I’m ready. I know how to do this. But we have a great president in the post, so it would be when he stands down.”

He faces competition from Ukraine pole-vault legend Sergei Bubka, who is also expected to run when current president Lamine

Agence France-Presse

A Photo: London 2012 Diack steps down in threeyears time.

Both men are IAAF vicepresidents and victory in the presidential race would hand the winner coveted membership of the International Olympic Committee.

Coe earlier told AFP he was experiencing a mixture of pride and expectation as the clock ticks down to today’s opening ceremony.

London boasts most expensive medals The eight tons of gold, silver and copper unearthed from mines in Mongolia and Utah and now under guard at the Tower of London is the largest ever haul used to make Olympic medals.

“The medals arrived at the tower on July 2, and we will keep them under tight security”, Tracey Sands, spokeswoman for Historic Royal Palaces, told AFP. The 4,700 Olympic and Paralympic medals will be guarded alongside Britain’s crown jewels until they are presented on the podium.

“For centuries the Tower of London has protected some of this country’s greatest treasures so there can be no better sanctuary for the 2012 medals – the most precious possession any athlete could hope to possess,” said London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The winners’ medals are certainly precious, even though gold only makes up a tiny portion of their alloy.

A gold medal weighing about 410 grams contains

thephuketnews.com

Olympics mascots are made in ‘China sweatshops’: watchdog

Photo: London 2012 only six grams of gold – 1.34 per cent of its weight – the remainder being silver compound (92.5 per cent) and copper.

However, the recent gold and silver booms that have seen prices double since the 2008 Games in Beijing ensure that the medals are the most expensive in Olympic history.

British artist David Watkins designed the medals, which depict Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

The reverse bears the London Games logo in front of a radiating star motif, representing the spirit and tradition of the Olympics, and the River Thames, for the city of London.

labour watchdog on Wednesday slammed the London Olympics organisers over alleged human rights abuses at Chinese “sweatshops” producing Games merchandise.

The group said labourers at two Chinese factories producing merchandise including Olympics mascots Wenlock and Mandeville worked up to 120 hours of overtime a month, or nearly three times the legal limit.

The workers were exposed to hazardous chemicals without sufficient protective gear, leading to illnesses, and some had to buy their own face masks to guard against paint mist.

“We are disappointed as these practices are unacceptable,” Hong Kong-based Students and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehaviour (Sacom) spokeswoman Debby Chan told AFP. Sacom said it based its findings on interviews with 90 workers at two factories in southern Guangdong province between May and June.

The factories were run by Hong Kong companies Key

Mascots Wenlock (left) and Mandeville.

Pine and Zindart Manufacturing.

Some of the workers reported inhaling paint, being docked half a day’s wages if they were five minutes late, and being required to start shifts at 8am after finishing at midnight the previous day.

Sacom said the conditions breached the London Organising Committee’s (Locog) ethical and sustainable procurement codes.

“The rampant rights violations reveal that the Locog codes are really no more than lip service with no commit-

ment to the enforcement of labour rights standards,” the group said in a report.

Sacom, which has previously highlighted conditions of workers producing Apple products in China, urged Logoc to investigate the Chinese factories.

It also demanded the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prevent such labour abuses in the future.

Key Pine and Zindart representatives were not immediately available for comment.

Foreign firms have increasingly turned to China

Photo: London 2012 for its cheap labour, but rights workers say labour abuses are widespread despite the government’s pledges to improve conditions.

New York-based China Labor Watch last month said an investigation of 10 suppliers to Apple in southern and eastern China uncovered violations of workers’ rights, including excessive overtime and dangerous conditions.

In March the Fair Labor Association also reported forced overtime and other problems at three of Apple’s Chinese suppliers.

Ramadan brings fasting dilemma Mostafa El Menjaoui / AFP

FOR JORDANIAN MARAthon runner Methkal Abu Drais, the timing could not be worse.

Not only is he preparing for one of the races of his life, he’s doing it during Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month.

“I tried after I arrived in London to train while I was fasting but I realised it is very, very difficult because I’m taking part in a race that needs a lot of energy,” he told AFP. “I think I will reverse my decision to fast.”

It’s a dilemma faced by about 3,500 Muslim athletes at London 2012, which coincides with a

time of year when they would normally forgo food, drink and sex between dawn and dusk.

Most Muslim countries have given their athletes special dispensation to postpone Ramadan during the Games, to help them maintain their strength, and fast when they return home.

But many competitors are still insisting on observing Ramadan, one of the most spiritual periods in the Islamic calendar when fasting is usually seen as compulsory.

Morocco’s men's football team have pledged to fast during the Olympics despite a request from their Dutch coach Pim Verbeek.

“We must fast because this is an obligation and I think that God will help us on the day of the games,” said Morocco’s Atletico Madrid-bound goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou.

“We’re used to playing in Ramadan and it won’t negatively impact us.”

In judo, the UAE’s Hamid Alderei is training only after breaking his fast, but among Niger’s six-strong team, Zakari Gourouza is the sole athlete not observing Ramadan.

“The other five will fast because they’re here just to take part. They’re not likely to win any medals and fasting is a priority for us,” explained Niger rower Hamadou Djibo Issaka.

Moroccan boxing coach Abdel Haq Achic said he found it difficult to persuade his athletes not to fast despite the significant impact on their strength, energy and weight.

“So we didn’t look like dictators, we gave them two or three days to try training with fasting but after that they realised they couldn’t do it, so they accepted the decision,” he said.

“Boxing is very tough and as we need to train twice a day the athletes can’t do it. They lose a lot of their energy so they must eat to have good preparation for competition. We spoke to all the athletes and we told them they need to eat to be fit for the competition.”

THE PHUKET NEWS

Crusaders charge in to set up semi-final with Chiefs ited our mistakes and our discipline was good and because of that we applied pressure,” McCaw said.

As the Bulls struggled to defend their line the Crusaders cashed in on the high penalty count that went their way, with Dan Carter slotting the goals to finish with 23 of the Crusaders’ 28 points.

He also set up the Crusaders’ lone try when he sucked Morne Steyn into moving off his line opening a gap for Zac Guildford to race through to the tryline.

In Brisbane, the Sharks repelled everything the Reds threw at them to win comfortably despite having only 31 per cent of the possession.

Sharks captain Keegan Daniel praised his side’s defensive effort as making the difference.

“That’s what wins games and the boys put their bodies on the line,” he said.

The Reds’ cause wasn’t helped when they lost flyhalf Ben Lucas to injury after 20 minutes.

Will Genia moved to the number 10 position and put Scott Higginbotham in for a try just before half-time and a Reds revival seemed possible.

However, he went from hero to villain soon after the break when he fired a flat cut-out pass that was intercepted by Sharks scrumhalf Charl McLeod, who raced 70 metres to score.

RUGBY Agence France-Presse

he Super 15 final is destined to be a New Zealand-South Africa showdown after the Canterbury Crusaders and Coastal Sharks steam-rolled their way into the semi-finals at the weekend.

A clinical performance by the perennial favourite Crusaders put paid to the Northern Bulls 28-13 and set them up for a New Zealand derby semi-final tonight (July 27) against the Waikato Chiefs.

The Sharks disposed of defending champions Queensland Reds 30-17 in Brisbane to end Australia’s presence in the competition and establish an all-South Africa semi-final against the table-topping Western Stormers tomorrow (July 28).

Both the Crusaders and Sharks established their superiority with explosive starts – the Crusaders racing to a 16-0 lead before the Bulls were on the board and the Sharks were up 17-0 before the Reds scored.

The start was crucial, Crusaders skipper Richie McCaw said of the grudge match against the Bulls with the red-and-blacks making a clear statement early that they would not be beaten.

There is little love between the two most successful Super rugby

T

The Crusaders mascots pre-match ride around the field. Photo: AFP sides, with the Crusaders still smarting over unfounded eye-gouging allegations levelled against them when the two teams last met earlier this year.

They also wanted payback for the last three times they have met in play-off matches, all played in South

Live Sports TV Schedule

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CHANNEL START END

SPORT

EVENT

1

816, 107

14:30

16:30

Rugby Union

Super XV – Semi-Final 1

816, 107

16:30

18:30

Rugby League

NRL

Dragons v. Storm

521

16:30

19:30

Aussie Rules

AFL

Essendon v. Hawthorn

817

14:30

16:30

Soccer

21:00

03:00

Cricket

Chiefs v. Crusaders

Friendly, Beijing Man City v. Arsenal Test Match Day 3

West Indies v.

New Zealand

Saturday, July 28 812, 813,

02:55

06:00

All

Olympics, London

Opening Ceremony

Africa and all won by the Bulls.

Such was the intensity of the Crusaders start that the Bulls were forced to make 74 tackles in the first half to the Crusaders’ 24.

“In the first 40 minutes we played at the right end of the field. We didn’t give them any momentum. We lim-

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FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Wallaby Beale in court facing assault charge RUGBY Agence France-Presse

WA LL A BI ES F U LLBAC K Kurtley Beale was granted bail to attend mediation after appearing in court on Tuesday charged with common assault.

The Melbourne Rebels star was allegedly involved in an altercation with a security guard after he and Wallabies team-mate Quade Cooper were refused entry to a pub ahead of Australia’s first Test with Wales last month.

During a brief mention of the matter in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, Beale’s lawyer Angelo Venardos told the judge his client and the alleged victim were attempting to resolve the matter out of court.

The hearing was adjourned for eight weeks to allow this to happen.

While Beale missed the first two Tests against Wales through injury, he was recalled for the third, and the Australian Rugby Union said Tuesday it had yet to start disciplinary proceedings against him over the alleged assault.

“As stated previously an ARU disciplinary review procedure will not begin until the court process has been completed,” the governing body said.

NRL

Team

P W D

L

F

A

Stormers

16

2

350

254

14

0

Team

P

W

D

L

B

F

A

Pts

66

1

Bulldogs

18

13

0

5

2

417

261

30

Storm

18

12

0

6

2

426

271

28

BP Pts 2

2

Chiefs

16

12

0

4

444

358

8

64

2

3

Reds

16

11

0

5

359

347

6

58

3

Rabbitohs

18

12

0

6

2

436

359

28

4

Cowboys

18

11

0

7

2

431

335

26

5

Broncos

18

11

0

7

2

390

308

26

6

Sharks

18

10

1

7

2

316

327

25

7

Sea Eagles

18

10

0

8

2

360

327

24

8

Wests Tigers

18

9

0

9

2

379

388

22

4

Crusaders

16

11

0

5

485

343

9

61

5

Bulls

16

10

0

6

472

369

11

59

6

Sharks

16

10

0

6

436

348

11

59

7

Brumbies

16

10

0

6

404

331

10

58

8

Hurricanes

16

10

0

6

489

429

9

57

9

Highlanders

16

9

0

7

359

385

6

50

10

Cheetahs

16

5

0

11

391

458

10

38

9

Warriors

18

8

0

10

2

415

390

20

10

Titans

18

8

0

10

2

317

339

20

107

14:30

16:30

Rugby League

NRL

Bulldogs v. Cowboys

816, 107

16:30

18:30

Rugby League

NRL

Sea Eagles v. Warriors

11

Knights

18

8

0

10

2

336

370

20

11

Waratahs

16

4

0

12

346

407

11

35

12

Raiders

18

8

0

10

2

391

430

20

816, 107

22:00

00:00

Rugby Union

Stormers v. Sharks

12

Blues

16

4

0

12

359

430

8

32

13

Dragons

18

8

0

10

2

268

326

20

812, 108

14:00

18:30

All

Day 1

13

Rebels

16

4

0

12

362

520

7

32

14

Roosters

18

6

1

11

2

324

458

17

813, 109

15:00

18:55

All

Day 1

14

W. Force

16

3

0

13

306

440

7

27

15

Panthers

18

5

0

13

2

306

432

14

521

10:30

13:30

Aussie Rules

AFL

Geelong v. Adelaide

25

16

Eels

18

4

0

14

2

297

488

12

521

16:30

19:30

Aussie Rules

AFL

Gold Coast Suns v.

Sydney Swans

Conference leader

521

21:00

00:00

Aussie Rules

AFL

Carlton v. Richmond

Wild card team

813, 109

18:55

20:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Budapest Qualifying

815

02:00

06:00

Golf

32

16:00

23:45

Cricket

32

00:15

03:00

Cricket

Super XV – Semi-Final 2 Olympics, London Olympics, London

The Canadian Open Micromax ODI 3 Test Match Day 4

15

Lions

16

3

0

13

317

460

RESULTS Crusaders 28 – 13 Reds 17 – 30 Bye Stormers , Chiefs

5

Bulls Sharks

RESULTS Cowboys Panthers Sharks Rabbitohs

29 – 16 28 – 16 4 – 36 36 – 14

Tigers Roosters Raiders Dragons

Eels Warriors Sea Eagles Titans

16 – 10 19 – 24 12 – 20 14 – 10

Storm Knights Bulldogs Broncos

Day 2, Hamilton, Ontario Sri Lanka v. India West Indies v.

New Zealand

Sunday, July 29 The Canadian Day 3, Hamilton, Ontario Open

815

02:00

06:00

Golf

813, 109

18:45

21:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

521

10:00

13:00

Aussie Rules

AFL

107

12:00

13:50

Rugby League

NRL

812, 108

14:00

02:00

All

Olympics

London 2012

813, 109

14:55

18:45

All

Olympics

London 2012

813, 109

21:30

02:00

All

Olympics

London 2012

32

21:00

03:00

Cricket

Test Match Day 5

West Indies v.

New Zealand

Hungarian Grand Prix Port Adelaide v.

Fremantle Rabbitohs v.

Wests Tigers

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SPORT

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2012

Mascot madness

Were new icons made in Chinese sweatshops? > 46

Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

Thai sailor’s bid for Olympic glory OLYMPICS MarineScene.asia

T

Keerati is one of the youngest competitors in the Laser class. Photo: AFP

thephuketnews.com

hai sailor Keerati B u a l o n g i s n ow t rai n i ng i n Weymouth, England, preparing for the London 2012 Olympics, which start today (July 27).

Relatively new to the Olympic men’s one person dinghy Laser Standard class, Keerati secured a spot in the 2012 Olympics at the Audi Laser World Championships in Germany back in May 2012.

He qualified for the regatta’s elite Gold Fleet in 25th position out of 168 sailors, ahead of all other

contenders for the last 12 spots available for the 2012 Olympics.

When qualifying for the 2012 Olympics, Keerati said “I am proud of my achievement for Thailand,” also thanking the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT) and the Laser Association of Thailand (LAT) for suppor ting him dur ing his preparations.

Keerati, originally from Nakhon Pathom province, was introduced to the sport of sailing during school holidays at the age of nine, when his father took him to the naval base of Sattahip, home to a respected

junior sailing school, to visit relatives.

He recently won the gold medal in the 15th Asian Sailing Championships held in Langkawi, Malaysia, in February 2012. This added to his already impressive collection of gold medals, and at only age 19, he has already caught the attention of the international sailing community.

National sailing coach Veerasit said that Keerati is one of the youngest competitors in the Laser at London.

“His first task is to reach the finals and anything can happen then,” the coach said.

For more information about Keerati, visit keera tithaisailing.com