28-07-2017

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Police probe boxer’s death

LIFE Tuk-tuks and taxis continue to dominate street parking spaces in Patong, spaces the authorities are wavering over when and how they should regain control of. Photo: The Phuket News

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Seafood bounty at Banyan Tree

ANOTHER DEADLINE TO MOVE PATONG TUK-TUK, TAXI DRIVERS FROM STREET PARKING SPACES The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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huket Governor Norraphat Plodthong this week would not confirm or deny any imminent action pending against van, taxi and tuk-tuk drivers commandeering parking spaces in Patong, despite a senior Army officer in Phuket last Friday (July 21) revealing that the drivers had until this coming Thursday (Aug 3) to clear the curbs.

Gov Norraphat and all Vice Governors involved also declined to comment on an emergency meeting of the Public Transportation Management Committee (PPTC) held at Phuket Provincial Hall on Wednesday (July 26), starting at 8am.

The silence follows the same influential committee delaying the deadline for the Patong drivers to relinquish their tightly controlled “parking spaces” – aka “taxi stands” or “ranks” – not once, but twice already:

first on May 24, then again on July 3.

The delays followed requests for “kindness” from the drivers, and their refusal to accept the PPTC’s decision to reduce the number of parking spaces for the drivers in Patong from 84 to just 21. They need more, say the drivers. Specifically, they want 28 more, bringing the total number of taxi, tuk-tuk and van ranks to remain in Patong to 49.

“Today was only to report about the parking points in Patong to Phuket

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Governor Norraphat. This report continued from previous requests from Patong van, taxi and tuk-tuk drivers on July 3,” Phuket Vice Governor Siwaporn Chuasawad told The Phuket News on Wednesday (July 26).

Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok, who chairs a PPTC subcommittee specifically tasked with managing public parking, declined to reveal any proactive steps to resolve the issue.

“I attended the meeting, but I didn’t stay long. I have other missions...

SPORT

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All’s swell on the coast as surfers hit the waves

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The underpass will be closed every night from 8pm to midnight until the installation of the barrier is complete.

Photo: Phuket Highways Office

Dangerous drivers spur safety barrier THE PHUKET HIGHWAYS Office has acted on its understanding of dangerous driving in Phuket and started placing concrete barriers to separate traffic flow through the Darasamut Underpass to prevent any serious accidents.

The underpass was closed Wednesday night last week (July 19) and is being closed every night from 8pm to midnight until the installation of the barrier is complete, a Phuket Highways official confirmed last Thursday (July 20).

Phuket Highways Office Director Patiwetwoottisak Sookki in late May ordered traffic cones be placed in the middle lane of the underpass to prevent vehicles from using that lane when overtaking illegally inside the tunnel, a practice that caused a slew of near-collisions.

Previously, the central lane was used to allow different traffic flow, controlled by overhead signs, depending on the time of day.

“We had to put cones in the middle of the lane because we want motorists to reduce speed and to prevent them from overtaking inside the underpass,” Mr Patiwetwoottisak said.

“There will be no works during the day. The underpass will close at 8pm for the works and will re-open again at around midnight,” The Highways official told The Phuket News.

“Per night, we are only able to complete about 40-50 metres of the barrier. The total length of the barrier will be a couple of hundred metres,” he said.

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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Visa inks MoU for Phuket Smart City digital payments role > page 11

Chinese girl, 11, dies in snorkelling incident Eakkapop Thongtub & Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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ourist Police have confirmed that no charges will be held against the tour company or boat company involved in the drowning death of a young 11-year-old Chinese girl who was snorkelling with her family on a day trip off Koh Khai Nok last Sunday (July 23).

“We have not charged the companies involved. We will not charge them, because they had a permit and followed the law,” Maj Ekkachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police told The Phuket News.

The girl, Song Jinghan, on holiday with her family from Shandong Province in China, was pulled from the water unconscious and rushed to Phuket Provincial Hospital last Sunday.

Miss Song and her family were on a tour organised by Joel Thai Co Ltd, with the boat provided by Phuket Absolute Marine Co Ltd, reported the Koh Yao Police.

Jirasak Jareontangchokchai, the 33-year-old captain of the Sasiyanon 9 speedboat used for the trip, told police that

The drowning death of 11-year-old Chinese tourist Song Jinghan has not spurred any action by police or tourism officials to make snorkelling tours safer. all tourists were wearing life jackets.

However, he added, “But there were too many people in the water… No people saw that she (Song) was not moving until the boat crew noticed it about 10 minutes after the tourists were in the water.”

In response to the death, Ratchadaporn Oin, Acting Director of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) Phuket office, told The Phuket News on Wednesday (July

26) that her office will not be taking any action in the hope of making snorkelling tours, which have gained a notorious reputation for being deadly for Chinese tourists in particular, any safer.

“Following the MOTS and embassy protocol, all tourists must already sign a document agreeing how to conduct themselves, and understanding the dangers when participating in these activities,” Ms Ratchadaporn said.

In the case of Miss Song, we cannot confirm whether it (the child’s drowning death) was due to her own recklessness, or the equipment, or if she had an unknown disease, we can’t confirm these details,” she added.

The Chinese consulate in Phuket has confirmed that 41 Chinese tourists have died in Southern Thailand from January 1 through to July 19 this year, 31 of those from drowning, not including Miss Song.

Push for parking spaces in Patong stalls – again Continued from page 1 ...(sic) to cover,” he said.

“Everything must wait for further discussion by the committee,” he added.

Asked whether any action will be taken on August 3, he said, “I do not have an action plan yet. We will inform you when we have an update.”

Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) Chief Banyat Kantha also declined to comment. “All details have yet to be confirmed. I don’t have the right to speak about it,” was all he would say.

Col Santi Sakuntanark, Commander of the 25th Infantr y Regiment and the highest-ranking army officer stationed in Phuket, decided to refrain from any public comment.

Asked what will soldiers actually do on Aug 3, Col

Santi said, “Go to ask the Public Transportation Management Committee.”

That response f lew in the face of Lt Col Surasak Phuengyam, Deputy Commander of the 25th Infantry Regiment, announcing last Friday that the Patong drivers had until Aug 3 to move out or face action from the military.

Patong has a deadly history over where taxis and tuk-tuks park on the streets.

Patong Tuk-Tuk Club President Sakol Srisompoch was slain in a hail of gunfire while sitting in the cab of his tuktuk in Kathu on October 25 last year after what police later discovered was a “personal dispute” when a tuk-tuk driver from Karon started parking in a space reserved for Patong drivers only. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

PHUKET NEWS

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readies for Police chief suspicious Phuket HM King’s birthday of local boxer’s ‘suicide’ The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he Chief of the Patong Police has called for a thorough investigation into the death of 27-year-old Canadian expat Matthew Richardson, a well-respected Muay Thai fighter in Phuket whose body was found in his rented home in Patong on Monday (July 24).

Mr Richardson was found dead from apparent hanging in the bathroom of his rented house on 50 Pi Rd on Monday morning with the strap of a black carry bag still around his neck.

Patong Police Chief Col Tassanai Orarigadech told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Jul 25), “After we received some information about the case, I do not want to sum up that he committed suicide.

“We will send his body to the forensic laboratory at Surat Thani Hospital tomorrow (July 26). We really need this forensic report so that we can know the exact cause of death in this case,” he added.

Col Tassanai confirmed

Patong Police Chief Col Tassanai Orarigadech has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of well-respected Phuket Muay Thai fighter Matthew Richardson (pictured).

Photo: Matthew Richardson / Facebook that bruises were found on Mr Richardson’s neck, but no other evidence of a struggle were found on his body or in the house.

However, he added, “I do not want to jump to any conclusions. We have informed Canadian embassy officials of our investigation and they

have notified his relatives, and they have contacted me back already.”

Col Tassanai declined to reveal any possible motivation for Mr Richardson’s death. “At this stage I cannot reveal any more details about the case,” he concluded.

Mr Richardson, from To-

Police silent on corruption probes MONTHS AFTER INVEStigations have been launched into alleged corrupt practices by police on the island, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen has yet to publicly reveal the results of any of the investigations.

The silence follows Gen Teeraphol on May 29 this year ordering the transfer of three high-ranking Phuket City Police officers pending an investigation into allegations against the three officers for corruption and malfeasance.

The officers – Phuket City Police Chief Col Kamol Osiri and Phuket City Police Deputy Commanders Lt Col Chao Phomna and Lt Col Nat Phromthep – were transferred to Phuket Provincial Police Station while the investigation continued.

Although no formal connection was made, the transfers came 48 hours after more than 30 officers and armed soldiers arrested at least 62 suspects and seized 56 cars and motorbikes – as well as several firearms and nearly B2 million in cash – in a raid on a gambling den north of Phuket Town.

Gen Teeraphol has also yet to reveal the results of an investigation into former Patong Police Chief Chaiwat @thephuketnews

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen. Photo: The Phuket News / file Uikam and his subordinate Capt Thanturong Wutthiwong following a signed petition addressed to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in March calling for Col Chaiwat and Capt Thanturong to be removed from Patong immediately.

The letter accused Col Chaiwat and Capt Thanturong, who is awaiting official promotion to the rank of Police Major, of abusing their positions of power.

“They act like mafia who use law to threaten people and look down on people like we are slaves, who are not afraid of anyone, who use the power for their own benefit,” the letter alleged.

PM Prayut publicly recognised the investigation while speaking to reporters outside Government House in Bang-

kok on Mar 28.

Of note, Col Chaiwat has since been transferred to the post of Deputy Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police following an order by Royal Thai Police CommissionerGeneral Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda on June 7.

However, the silence stems as far back as August last year following Gen Teeraphol announcing a police investigation into allegations that corrupt officials – including police – were extorting of cash payments from employers so that migrant workers could continue working in Phuket.

The allegations included a list made public that specifically named Phuket government offices – and police stations – accused of involvement on the systemic extortion.

“The Phuket Provincial Police Chief Maj Gen Teeraphol has an official meeting in Bangkok for which he left Phuket two days ago,” a source close to Gen Teeraphol told The Phuket News last Friday (July 21).

“He is not available today.

He will come back to Phuket sometime next week. I am unable to confirm the exact date,” the source said.

The Phuket News

ronto, according to his posts online, maintained a positive outlook and had support from many fans and friends around the globe.

As recently as last Thursday (July 20), Mr Richardson posted online his thanks and gratitude – a common theme in his posts – in Thai and in English: “Thank you for everything Ajarn Chaynoi!

Safe travels & see you soon!”

Only two days earlier, he posted, “I am honoured to be the new DBKL Kuda Merah Malaysian International Champion! Looking forward to defending my title later this year in Kuala Lumpur.

“Thank you to the fight fans in Malaysia, and everyone for their support!

“Shout out to my gym Ruthless Fight Center [in Patong] and sponsors at Reflex Nutrition Thailand.”

Mr Richardson had a successful career as a Muay Thai fighter. On his own Facebook profile, he listed his fight card as 33 pro fights with 22 wins – 16 KO, 10 losses, 1 no contest.

Locally he had won two EFL champion titles.

PHUKET GOVERNOR Norraphat Plodthong has instructed officials throughout Phuket to make sure that activities held to commemorate HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun’s 65th birthday today (July 28) are respectful and appropriate.

The order was handed down

by Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Kritsada Boonrach, who held a video conference with provincial governors nationwide on July 17, Gov Norraphat said.

This year is the first that HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s birthday will be publicly celebrated on July 28 following its declaration as a public holiday in April.

“Activities are to be held from July 24-31, and will be in the interest of the public with the emphasis on promoting unity. At present, 1,142 charitable activities have been organised nationwide,” Gov Norraphat said.

“During this period across the nation we will host activities that exhibit our royal history and royal events,” he added.

A merit-making ceremony and multifaith ceremonies will be held at Phuket Provincial

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong told officials to make sure activities were respectful and appropriate.

Photo: PR Dept Hall, and at other appropriate locations in Phuket during the week, Gov Norraphat said.

People will be invited to Provincial Hall and other appropriate locations in Phuket to sign books of blessings for His Majesty, he added.

A mass clean-up around 12 beach areas throughout Phuket will be held from July 27-29 under the “Keep Phuket clean by our hands and our hearts” campaign.

Other activities will be held across the island, including merit-making ceremonies at Wichit Sangkaram Temple in Phuket Town’s old government quarter as well as charitable activities and multifaith ceremonies at Saphan Hin. The Phuket News

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Barking up the right tree Soi Dog Foundation receives show of royal support

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ir Vice-Marshall Thawatchai Srikaew on Monday (July 24) visited the Soi Dog Foundation (SDF) facility in Phuket on behalf of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun in a show of support for the renowned animal-rights organisation and its efforts in the fight against cruelty to animals.

At the SDF’s main facility, located in Thalang in northern Phuket, to welcome AVM Thawatchai were SDF cofounder John Dalley, Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong as well as Vice Governor Siwaporn Chuasawad and officials from Mai Khao Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor).

AVM Thawatchai and his delegation donated 20 large bags of dog food to the foundation in the name

Air Vice-Marshall Thawatchai Srikaew (centre,left) and John Dalley (centre, right) at the event at the SDF’s main facility in Phuket on Monday (July 24). Photo: Shela Riva of His Majesty.

“As a representative of Phuket citizens, we are honoured and pleased to receive this dog food from His Majesty the King and we beholden in royal grace.” said Governor Norraphat.

Mr Dalley also welcomed the officials on behalf of Soi Dog Foundation, giving a brief history of Soi Dog’s founding roots, and outlined the foundation’s objectives over the years.

Mr Dalley co-founded SDF with his wife, Gill, and long-term Phuket expat Margot Homburg in 2003. Ms Dalley, a double amputee from an infection contracted while rescuing a dog from a rice field, sadly passed away from cancer earlier this year.

Mr Dalley described the foundation’s numerous milestone achievements, including becoming one of the first recognised animal welfare foundations in Thailand in

2005, and successfully helping to solve the problem of rabies in not only Phuket but also in neighbouring provinces since Soi Dog was founded.

SDF is now considered on TripAdvisor as one of the best tourist attractions in Phuket, Mr Dalley pointed out.

“So not only are we providing a service, but we are also helping the tourism industry,” he said.

“More important to us… is the fact that His Majesty is

sending a positive message to all of us, to follow his example, and to show compassion to all animals, in this case the stray dogs,” he added.

“In doing so, he’s following the wonderful example of his father, who did the same thing. We hope that this will continue,” said Mr Dalley.

AVM Tawatchai thanked Phuket Governor Norraphat and the foundation for welcoming him, explaining that, “Our King Rama X is attentive about stray dogs, so His Majesty The King has donated this dog food to hearten stray dog and cat keepers to maintain their duty, and continue to take care of our stray dogs and cats.”

AVM Thawatchai, Governor Norraphat, Vice Governor Siwaporn and all officials of the delegation then received a tour of the facilities, including the dog and cat hospital, operating theatre, shelters and animals of the foundation.

Officials open centre to prompt monkey attack register migrant workers Peanuts A LOCA L R ESIDENT THE MIGRANT WORKER registration centre for Phuket opened at Saphan Hin, on the outskirts of Phuket Town, on Monday (July 24).

The centre in Phuket, located at the Indoor Stadium, will remain open for 15 days, from 8:30am to 4:30pm, until Aug 7.

The centre is one of 101 centres nationwide that opened to receive migrant worker registrations.

Phuket Vice Governor Siwaporn Chuasawad chaired a meeting at the Grand Supitcha City Hotel in Phuket Town on Monday to announce the opening of the centre.

Joining the launch was Suthiphong Saisakharet from Phuket Labour Office and Capt Boworn Phromgaewngam Deputy Director of the Phuket branch of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).

“The meeting today is to clarify about migrant workers management to officials, so we will know how we should han-

Phuket V i c e G ove r no r Siwaporn Chuasawad on Monday chaired a meeting to announce the opening of the centre. Photo: PR Dept dle the registration process,” V/Gov Siwaporn said.

“Moreover, we must follow up on workers camps and make sure the migrant workers database is updated.”

Any persons seeking information about the migrant worker registration process were urged to call the Phuket Employment Office at 076219660-1 ext 11-13, 15, 17,18, and 20 or any of the following mobile numbers: 081-6074384, 089-7295709, 084-3069104, 083-6419990, 080-5196932 and 095-0192828.

The Phuket News

is recovering from minor injuries sustained after a troop of monkeys attacked him at on Toh Sae Hill in Phuket Town on Monday morning (July 24).

The man, who Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers said did not give his name, was carrying peanuts up the hill to feed the monkeys, as he had done many times before.

On Monday, however, the monkeys took the feeding ritual into their own hands and scrambled to take the peanuts from the man long before he was ready, one rescue worker told The Phuket News.

Fr i g h t e n e d b y t h e screeching monkeys, the man fell down. Then the troop of monkeys set to letting him know who ruled the hill.

Rescue workers treated the man for a severe bite on his right calf.

Officials have long warned against feeding the monkeys on Toh Sae Hill. Photo: The Phuket News / file Officials have placed signs on the hill warning people to not feed the monkeys, though to little effect as the resident monkeys continue to attract tourists and residents alike.

Of note, even the motifs at the tourist lookout points built by the local municipality are devoted to the resident troop of mankind’s closest relatives.

The attack today follows officials only two months ago scouting likely habitats to which troops of monkeys on Phuket could be moved to in order to reduce the number of “problems between people and monkeys”.

Among the prospective locations scouted by local wildlife officials were small islands off the east coast.

Tanyaluk Sakoot thephuketnews

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OPINION

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EDITORIAL The difference transparency makes

T

he death of Canadian Muay Thai f ighter Matthew Richardson this week has shone a light on how Phuket police handle their relations with the press – compared with their counterparts on Koh Tao. Ironically, both Phuket police and those on Koh Tao operate under Region 8 Police; yes, they have the same bosses, who are actually headquartered on Phuket.

Encouragingly, Phuket police, especially new Patong Police Chief Col Tassanai Orarigadech, are providing increasing access to the press about cases of concern to the international community.

Crucially, if they are not sure about details of the case, they now have started saying so.

Not taking this approach is what has made life hell for police on Koh Tao. Recently, under great pressure from their

bosses in Bangkok, Koh Tao Police were forced to stage a press conference to bring to light details from a slew of cases where a lack of public information had bred suspicion and allowed people the opportunity to accuse them of anything from incompetence to gross cover-ups – true or not.

In contrast, police in Phuket provide far more access, often far beyond that given to the press in Western countries.

This brings problems of its own, sometimes the press are given details of initial reports that are included in the police case file, but yet to substantiated or investigated by police. Other times, the press is informed of details they really shouldn’t know, but could provide valuable insight in how to present the case details to the public.

This can also restrict access, as it is up to the officer who either responded to the

initial report, or is conducting the investigation, to release information to the media. Even police superintendents are often unaware of case details and refer reporters to the investigating officer, who could be asleep if he were on the graveyard shift… or busy investigating the case itself. The Phuket News gives kudos to the many police officers, some who even wake from their daytime sleep, to answer our questions.

With this in mind The Phuket News urges the police to have a spokesperson at each police station to provide clear details to the press on information that is to be made public.

Other details can be rightfully restricted. In this Phuket is leading the way; we do not need to wait for Bangkok’s blessing to move ahead with a better solution, but it should consistent across all police stations, including Koh Tao.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Canadian expat Muay Thai fighter found dead of suspected hanging Russian woman dies after leap from Patong hotel rooftop German Papke reveals details of murder Chinese girl, 11, dies after snorkelling off Phuket Internet drug king said to be worth B10bn August 3 set as final deadline for Patong taxis to return parking spaces to public Lamp post crash leaves big biker dead Samui hospitals deny swindling British actor Nine nations join probe into ‘darknet’ site Kidney problems suspected in death of Danish tourist in Patong

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY A life cut short

Re: Canadian expat Muay Thai fighter found dead of suspected hanging in Patong Matthew Richardson was a gentleman Canadian who lived and breathed Muay Thai, who chose to live and train in a foreign land whose culture and people he loved and deeply respected.

He has legions of fans from all over the world because of the exciting way he fought and his very friendly attitude outside of the cage and ring. He fought in our event at Resorts World Manila in 2013 and since then, we became good friends.

The Thai Government owes it to his family to conduct a very thorough investigation to find the real cause of his death. He had just won an international title in Malaysia and posted in his Facebook that he was looking forward to defending it later this year.

He had a great camp and wonderful friends around him and very supportive family in Canada. At 27 he had everything going for him.

Muay Fanatic xxx

Human carnage

Re: Chinese girl, 11, dies after snorkelling off Phuket Another day, another dead tourist, or two, or three…

Ho hum… let’s get those arrival numbers up! Make sure they all have insurance, so we don’t have to pay for the human carnage! Body bags alone must cost a fortune every year.

Timothy ....................................................

Who exactly is in charge here?

Re: August 3 set as final deadline for Patong taxis to return parking spaces to public There will be a road blockade or two by the taxi drivers as this is their standard response.

But this time no compromises please. The Army needs to take charge here.

Su Yu2 The only way that will stay enforced is the Army to have a Squad permanently based in Patong to keep them in line. As soon as they turn their back, things will revert back to the norm Kangaloo

Good news! Got to love the guy who says he’s been driving a taxi in Patong for 30 years and never seen… blah, blah, blah. 30 years ago Patong was little more than a fishing village. It had two roads and no more than 20 taxi’s in the entire place.

These days there can’t be fewer than 1,000 vehicles operating from public parking spaces throughout the town, and I bet at least half of them will give some version of the “I’ve been doing this for decades” story. So there were three taxi’s for every tourist back then?

These guys need to go.

The sooner the better. I just hope this doesn’t lead to an epidemic of illegal unmarked taxi’s. But then every vehicle operating legally as a taxi now is registered, as such it shouldn’t be hard to monitor.

I hope they try and blockade a public highway or two.

Last time they did that it was the powerless local police who came out to “negotiate” with them. This time it’ll be the army, and they’ll have to be forceful to avoid losing face and appearing weak. They are, after all, trying to convince a very much divided electorate

that they deserve the power they seized from their dulyelected government.

Captain Jack 69 .....................................................

Not too proud

Re: Aussie lifeguards ramp up Phuket lifesaving skills, awareness Well done that guy, they should put him in charge of many posts, he realises that getting help from other countries is the way forward!

Malczx7r .....................................................

Toss the ‘Boss’

Re: Cops get ‘Boss’ extradition docs translated Keep the reports coming please The Phuket News. The only hope of justice ever being served here is for the media to keep bringing it up. The police are clearly waiting for people to forget so they can make the whole thing quietly go away.

Captain Jack 69 .....................................................

Re: German Papke reveals details of Phuket murder I can’t imagine how somebody could live normally day to day knowing what you’d done weeks, months, years before.

British Bulldog

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THAILAND NEWS

7

Yingluck raps regime

Ex-PM accuses government of trying to influence Supreme Court BANGKOK

Yingluck: ‘I remain strong, and ready to prove I did nothing wrong.’ Photo: via Bangkok Post

Bangkok Post

F

ormer prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has accused the government of trying to influence the Supreme Court’s ruling in her rice-pledging trial by enforcing an order for her to pay B35.7 billion in compensation for losses incurred in the scheme.

Ms Yingluck issued the criticism on her Facebook page, saying that despite her July 19 petition to the Administrative Court for an injunction against having her assets seized, the Finance Ministry enforced the administrative order to claim them.

The ex-premier suggested that by seizing her assets the government was attempting to sway the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, which is due to hand down its ruling in her case on Aug 25.

“The government finally chose to do this because it thinks it can wield its power any way it chooses, without

waiting for a decision from the Administrative Court on my request for an injunction,” she wrote.

She said that even if all her bank accounts and assets are seized as she expects, she would continue to fight to prove her innocence uncowed.

“I remain strong, and ready to prove I did nothing wrong when I deliver my closing statement to the Supreme Court on Aug 1. I will do my

best,” she wrote.

On Monday (July 24), Somchai Sujjapongse, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Finance, said the authorities started to identify Ms Yingluck’s assets and gave the details of 12 bank accounts under her name to the Legal Execution Department (LED) so it could enforce the order.

The embattled former premier said she would take strength from the moral sup-

Gender law change proposed BANGKOK A P R O P O S E D L AW change allowing gender certification will increase legal support for the LGBT community in Thailand, says Matalak Orungrote, an associate professor at the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University.

This would allow Thai citizens to choose their gender, affecting their legal obligations, such as conscription, based on the gender they choose to identify with, she said.

The law change was suggested by a joint research program between Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Social Administration.

The program has studied issues relating to sexual orientation from 14 countries, including the US, UK and France.

Ms Matalak said this research would improve the overall quality of the proposed Gender Certification Act, minimising loopholes and the risk of unequal treatment.

The act was discussed at a seminar on Tuesday (July 25) and will require cooperation from several organisations, @thephuketnews

While transexuals are not taken in the military draft, humiliating scenes like this can be eliminated by a simple law allowing change of gender. Photo: Kosol Nakachol she said, adding the change has so far failed to gain their support.

The Thai Gender Equality Act 2015 is not a one-stop solution to provide equal rights for the LGBT community, Ms Matalak said.

“The current act is not a magic potion that will cure everything,” she said. “But if we make a law that will certify a person’s gender, it would support many preexisting laws.”

She said Thailand has “too many acts”, and the Gender Certification Act would make it less necessary to amend a number of them to grant LGBTs more rights in the future.

“If we have to persist

in filing complaints about gender titles, and keep trying to change current acts, we’ll have to try many other laws as well,” she said.

Ms Matalak said many LGBTs have limited knowledge about the Gender Equality Act. Often, they don’t know who to file complaints with when they face discrimination, she said.

The equality act says individuals who are subject to discrimination or abuse related to their gender may file a formal complaint to the Committee on Consideration of Unfair Gender Discrimination, headed by a chairman and featuring 10 committee members at most.

Bangkok Post

port she received from her supporters, about 1,000 of whom gathered outside the court last week.

The message was Ms Yingluck’s first and direct hit at the government after she appeared in court last Friday (July 21) for the final hearing of defence witnesses. In the trial she stands accused of malfeasance and dereliction of duty in handling the rice scheme, resulting in corruption and huge losses.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned Ms Yingluck’s backers they will face legal action if they band together to support her on the day of the judgement. The regime has already banned political gatherings of more than five people.

“People should think about what they will achieve by being there. No matter how many assemble or what happens, the outcome of the case will not change. So why even go? Let the court do its job,” he said on Tuesday (July 25).

Gen Prayut stressed that national reconciliation should be based on respect for the law and the justice system, pointing out that all cases undergo due process and are not decided by the regime.

Justice Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said on Tuesday that the enforcement of the administrative order was not timed to coincide with the Supreme Court’s ruling schedule.

He said every action in enforcing the order was taken in due process and noted that

enforcement would proceed unless the court puts the brakes on it.

Some political observers speculated that Ms Yingluck’s message would trigger an outpouring of support from her acolytes on Aug 25. The Pheu Thai Party, of which she was formerly a leading member, still enjoys incontestable support in the North and Northeast.

A source at the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) said the regime does not see the predicted crowd of her supporters as a political activity, but rather a move to pressure the court.

Her supporters can visit the court to lend their moral support as long as they act in good faith, said Col Pirawat Saengthong in his capacity as Internal Security Operations Command spokesperson.

Somchai Ngamwongchon, a spokesman for the Administrative Court, said the court has given Ms Yingluck 15 days to submit a more detailed explanation backing up her argument before a decision is made on her petition.

THAILAND NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Drug king worth billions

Authorities now expect total worth of assets to reach at least B10bn BANGKOK

Bangkok Post

P

olice believe a Canadian-Thai couple who allegedly ran a website trading in various illicit items, including drugs and firearms, possessed at least B10 billion worth of assets earned from the worldwide network.

Alexandre Cazes, a native of Quebec and the alleged mastermind behind the nowclosed AlphaBay.com market website, was found hanged inside a cell at the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) on July 12, seven days after he and his Thai wife, Sunisa Thapsuwan, were arrested at one of their homes in Bangkok’s Thawi Watthana district.

Deputy police chief Chalermkiat Sriworakhan told a news briefing at the NSB on Monday (July 24) that the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had sought cooperation from several Thai agencies, including the NSB and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), in their efforts to apprehend Cazes, 26.

The local investigation formed a part of what was called Operation Bayonet, jointly carried out by authorities from the United States, Canada, France, Spain, the

Disassembled computers and servers that ran the AlphaBay internet black market site were displayed to the media on Monday (July 24) at the Narcotics Suppression Bureau in Nonthaburi. Photo: Chanat Katanyu Netherlands, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Lithuania and Thailand.

Most of the countries were involved because Cazes and his wife had assets there, including bank accounts and property. For example, Cazes was in the process of purchasing “economic citizenship” in Cyprus by purchase of a home worth more than 3 million euros (B116.76mn).

Cazes was believed to have run the website to trade and distribute illegal items worldwide. He used Thailand as his home and the centre for his online operation, Gen Chalermkiat said.

Cazes was wanted on 16 charges by the US, including the sale of controlled substances.

The US warrants were sent to Thailand to seek his arrest and extradition, he said.

Thai police investigators found out that Cazes had married Ms Sunisa and stayed in a housing estate on Phutthamonthon Sai 3 Rd in tambon Sala Thammasop, he said.

Police found several luxury cars at the house, where the couple enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle but did not appear to have any permanent jobs, Gen Chalermkiat said.

Cazes was allegedly involved in numerous package deliveries and money transactions, paying tens of millions of baht each time online, the officer said, adding the Canadian also gave huge amounts of money to his wife for spending.

For example, of 11 commercial bank accounts held by the couple, four were exclusively in the name of Ms Sunisa. She also was the sole owner of a Bitcoin account.

Police later sought the Criminal Court’s approval for warrants for the arrest of the couple with Cazes wanted for

extradition and his wife for conspiracy in money laundering.

A group of US officials then travelled to Thailand to work with local officials and hatch a plan to apprehend the couple.

Anti-drug agents cleaned out and seized all the cash they could find from the Cazes couple (including wallets and purses) including from their homes. Most came from 11 commercial bank accounts and two Bitcoin accounts – four held exclusively by Ms Sunisa. The Cazes were subsequently arrested at one of their houses on July 5, where several computers were seized.

At the time of the surprise raid, Cazes’ personal laptop was logged onto AlphaBay, allowing agents to seize a large amount of information including names and passwords of Cazes and his site administrators – none of whom are believed to be Thai or in Thailand.

Officials later widened the probe and seized assets, including four houses, three luxury cars – a Lamborghini, a Porsche and Ms Sunisa’s Mini – a BMW motorcycle and money in digital currency, worth B255mn, as well as Lithuanian currency worth B54.6mn.

The digital currency included Bitcoins, Ethereum,

Monero and ZCash. Users of AlphaBay were expected to pay for goods in cryptocurrency, and Cazes, as site owner, took a commission of every sale and trade – similar to eBay but involving only illegal goods.

A rou nd B46m n were seized from Cazes’ Thai bank accounts, bringing the total worth of his seized assets to B726.3mn.

With the efforts to extradite Cazes under way, the suspect allegedly hanged himself with a towel in his NSB holding cell on July 12.

Lt Gen Sommai Kongwisaisuk, chief of the NSB, said Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine had confirmed Cazes hanged himself as there was no trace of physical injury on his body.

He affirmed the probe into the case would not be deterred by the death of the suspect.

Authorities now expect the total worth of his assets and property to reach at least B10bn and were looking for more of his wealth.

Lt Gen Sommai said the suspect, who had an IQ of 140, was computer savvy, and started hacking websites when he was only 14.

Ms Sunisa is so far the only Thai person linked to the illicit network, but the investigation is being widened, he said.

‘Krabi killer’ under 24-hour surveillance KRABI THE DIRECTOR-GENERal of the Corrections Department has ordered the Krabi prison chief to keep a close watch on Surikfat “Bang Fath” Bannopwongsakul, the lead

suspect in the Krabi family massacre, believing him to be highly stressed and a danger to other inmates.

Surikfat, 41, thought to have masterminded the killings which left eight people dead and three injured on July 10, is now being detained along

with seven other suspects at Krabi prison.

The eight suspects were handed over to police by the military last Friday (July 21) before being taken to be detained at the prison. They were to be questioned further by police who took custody of them.

Kobkiat Kasiwiwat said last Saturday (July 22) that he has ordered Krabi prison chief Somsak Tiengtrakulthong to keep an eye on Surikfat, who has been noticeably stressed during the first stage of his detention.

“He committed a serious crime which affected the feelings of many people, so prison wardens should keep a close watch over him as he may be hurt by other inmates,” said Mr Kobkiat.

“We don’t know as of yet whether some inmates are relatives of the deceased or know them. If they are, they may quarrel with [Bang Fath].

Such a situation may lead to chaos inside the prison.”

Mr Somsak said last Saturday that Surikfat was noticeably stressed out. He has been eating less and not been able to urinate regularly.

“When I asked him what the problem is, he told me that he was stressed out, so

Alleged mastermind Surikfat ‘Bang Fath’ Bannopwongsakul (right) and seven other suspects wait for the transfer from the military custody to police at the provincial police office in Maung district, Krabi. Photo: Royal Thai Police I did not ask him any more questions,” Mr Somsak said.

The Krabi prison chief said he has ordered his men to keep an eye on Surikfat all day and night and ordered them to note down his behaviour.

He said the seven other suspects were still behaving normally. They did not show any anxiety while being detained.

The seven other suspects are Khomsan Wiangnon, 41, Abdullo Dolo, 30, Arun Thongkham, 29, Prachak Bu nthoi, 36, T hanachai

Chamnong, 41, Thawatchai Bunkhong, 37, and Chalita Sangkhachot, 41. Mr Somsak said all suspects underwent a medical check-up by a medical team and had their fingerprints taken.

Meanwhile, a photo featuring a man in military camouflage pointing a gun at the head of village head Worayut Sanglang was leaked last Saturday. The photo was taken at 10:49pm on July 10 at the house of Mr Worayut in Krabi’s Ao Luek district.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

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@thephuketnews

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

10 WORLD NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Havaianas: corruption and all Brand-named flip-flops linked with more sombre aspect of Brazil BRAZIL Carola Solé

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ou’d be hard pressed to find an item more representative of Brazil than Havaianas: those brand-name flip-flops adopted by just about every inhabitant, rich or poor, as well as tourists seduced by the beach vibe.

Now the footwear find themselves linked with a more sombre aspect of Brazil that has been grabbing headlines recently – corruption.

Last week, to pay off a mega $3.2 billion (B106.944 billion) fine over 25 years for various graft cases, the Brazilian brothers Joesley et Wesley Batista started selling off assets they controlled through their J&F group, whose main business is being the world’s biggest meat processor.

J&F had a 54% stake in Alpargatas, the parent company of Havaianas. That was purchased by three holding firms: Itausa, Cambuhy Investimentos and Brasil Warrant.

The Havaianas success story started in 1962, rid-

It was a big marketing push in the 1990s that burnished the Havaianas name, along with a colourful range of designs Photo: Nelson Almeida/AFP ing the sudden international popularity of flip-flops in the post-WWII boom.

Inspired by traditional Japanese rice-straw sandals, the origin of the rubber-soled flip-flops is variously claimed

by Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.

But it was Havaianas that emerged as the most recognisable brand of the toe-strap

footwear. The brand name comes from the Portuguese spelling of another tropical playground: Hawaii.

It was a big marketing push in the 1990s that burnished the Havaianas name, along with a colourful range of designs.

The Brazilian firm now sells more than 150 different models, from the basic beach pair for $5 (B167), to ones

with tropical motifs and a tiny Brazilian flag for $9 (B300), right up to custom Swarovski gem-encrusted luxury options for more than $60 (B2,005).

In a Copacabana shop, Solange Brascher, a 55-yearold employee in a telecoms company, bought an averagepriced pair for her daughter.

“Before, there was an idea of them being for poor people,”

she said. “But now all social classes wear them because they’re cool.”

Havaianas sells more than 200 million pairs each year, 16% of them exported.

For sheer Brazilian-ness, they rank up there with soccer and samba.

“They’re the first thing I bought when I arrived, to give to friends,” a young Portuguese tourist, Beatriz Rodrigues, said. “I’ve already bought 10 pairs and I’m going to buy another 10 because they’re much more expensive in Europe.”

Today, Alpargatas, whose headquarters is in Sao Paulo, has more than 700 sales outlets in more than 100 countries.

“Havaianas represent the Brazilian soul, and is an object of desire, synonymous with a Brazil that works,” opined Claudio Goldberg, economic professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation.

Certainly they have attracted star power. Havaianas have adorned the feet of Madonna, David Beckham, and Kim Kardashian, who flaunted ones designed by the jeweller H. Stern with gold settings

worth $18,000 (B601,740).

When Havaianas rolled out their first pairs they were a basic white rubber sole with blue toe straps. Then in 1969 an employee accidentally painted the straps green. To Alpargatas’ surprise, the variation took off, and from then on Havaianas started playing with colours and then designs.

The company asserts that two-thirds of the people in Brazil – total population 200 million – buy on average one pair of Havaianas a year. And that if all the pairs it had sold in its history were laid endto-end they would circle the Earth 62 times.

But how will the whiff of corruption wafting from its former owners affect the brand?

“It’s already a good thing that such a brand is remaining Brazilian,” Goldberg said.

The company “won’t lose its identity.”

As for the new owners, they’ve said they want to expand further into the US market. And the current management of the famous footwear won’t get the boot.

AFP

Surf’s up! North Korea tourism agency tries to woo foreigners NORTH KOREA NORTH KOREA’S TOURism agency has launched a website offering holiday options ranging from surfing to rice planting, despite strong US warnings to avoid travel to a nation where several trips have ended in jail.

Sixteen Americans have been detained in the past decade in North Korea, including 22-year-old student Otto War mbier who was given a long prison term for stealing a hotel propaganda banner. He was sent home in a coma in June but died several days later.

The “DPR Korea Tour” website, run by the North’s National Tourism Administration, depicts the country – which is subject to stiff sanctions over its weapons programmes – as just another tourist destination.

It introduces package trips to various parts of the country including the capital Pyongyang, and offers various “theme tours” for travellers seeking something more unusual.

A tourist takes a selfie during a visit to a subway station in Pyongyang. Photo: Ed Jones/AFP Visitors are invited to check out beaches on the east coast, including the Majon Bathing Beach, where “surfing has come into vogue among tourists” for its favourable conditions and clean water.

The website also provides basic travel information like air and train routes and ways to get around Pyongyang using public transport such as cabs and buses.

However, it does not allow users to book tours directly and does not list the handful of foreign agencies that arrange trips to the isolated state.

The site is available in Korean, English, Chinese, Russian and Japanese and can be found at tourismdprk. gov.kp. The country’s official name is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The US State Department strongly warns Americans against travelling to North Korea, citing “serious risk of arrest and long-term detention”.

Canada, Australia and New Zealand are among other nations giving similar warnings.

AFP thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Visa sights Smart City digital payments role DEVELOPMENT The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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isa has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD) as an official partner of the Phuket Smart City project to develop payment solutions for both residents and tourists on the island.

Present to sign the MoU were Visa Country Manager for Thailand Suripong Tantiyanon and PKCD Co-Founder and Board of Committee Karn Prachumpan.

Phuket is among the first provinces in Thailand to start rolling out the “Smart City” policy as instructed by the national government. It aims to transform Phuket into a fully integrated digital economy, assisting business owners, managers, start-up entrepreneurs and residents in the transition.

Mr Suripong noted, “Globally, Visa is speeding up the implementation of electronic payments by working closely

@thephuketnews

Visa Country Manager for Thailand Suripong Tantiyanon (left) shakes hands with Karn Prachumpan, Co-Founder and Board of Committee, Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD), after signing the MoU. with public and private sectors. Visa is aligning with like-minded partners around the world to help bring this vision to life.

“We are using our position as a global leader in innovation and technology to create solutions for businesses to connect to their consumers. The singing of the MoU agreement with Phuket City Development is

another milestone that helps bring the country closer to a cashless Digital Thailand.”

PKCD was founded in September last year by a consortium of 25 investors, driven by key people from prominent Phuket business families. The launch, with an initial investment of B100 million, came with the announcement of bringing to Phuket a “Singa-

pore-style” network of bus service routes across the island within five years.

The consortium has applied to launch on the Thai Stock Exchange to raise the capital needed to roll out a public mass-transportation system for Phuket. The group have already contracted a feasibility study into the mass-transit system.

Developing the bus network is expected to cost B400mn, said PKCD co-founder Karn Prachumpan who is also the chief executive of The Beach Group of companies which has developed more than B1 billion of properties in its 18 years of operations in Phuket.

“We are working on a 20year master plan with smart urban planning,” he told The Phuket News at the launch.

“Our projects will focus on developments related to the growth of tourism, especially transportation. We are still in our first stage, and the B100mn (used to form PKCD) is being used to hire a project consultant to design public mass transit for five main lines (routes) and other areas,” Mr Karn said.

The Holiday Inn Express Krabi has opened at Ao Nang Beach, the brand’s latest venture in Southern Thailand.

Holiday Inn Express opens at Ao Nang HOSPITALITY HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS Krabi Ao Nang Beach is the international hospitality brand’s latest venture in Southern Thailand.

Touted as a “smart and convenient choice for savvy travellers, offering a relaxed, affordable and hassle-free stay every time”, the new hotel is located adjacent to the Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang.

The hotel is also situated close to the beach and within walking distance to a variety of local restaurants, bars and local food options. There is a shopping area in front of the hotel, which is a 10-minute walk to Ao Nang Centre.

As is the Express format, included in the room price is the “Grab & Go” breakfast.

The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, power showers, balconies and a swimming pool.

“It is the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful destination by land or by sea, and is only steps away from the heart of Ao Nang, which offers a great variety of bars, dining and local shopping,” said a release issued this week.

“Our 218 Sino-Portuguese styled guest rooms provide a relaxed, affordable and hasslefree stay every time. Breakfast, Wi-Fi, our inter-connecting rooms and large open-air swimming pool make it an ideal choice for families,” it added.

The Phuket News

12 BUSINESS NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Hotels wrangled in red tape Tourism growth exposes flaws among legitimate hotel sector properties, the island is being denied much needed revenue that could be reinvested into infrastructure. There remains an imperative to ensure that the 1,295 unlicensed hotels currently operating in Phuket are dealt with swiftly and effectively, to ensure the issue does not do damage to the island’s international reputation,” Mr Barnett explained.

However, not noted by the report is how for decades scores of business folk operating rental properties have refused to pay the tax. One way of avoiding it was to not be legally registered as a hotel.

HOSPITALITY The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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new report by leading hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks has highlighted the growing pressure the government is under to tackle the issue of “illegal hotels” in Phuket.

The report, the “Phuket Hotel Market Update - MidYear Edition July 2017”, notes that less than a quarter of hotels in Phuket (429 out of 1,724) have been issued hotel licences.

Data from Phuket’s Provincial Administration Office shows that of the 1,295 unlicensed hotels identified in Phuket, only six have had their licences approved, the report notes.

A further 1,001 are pending approval, while 288 have not yet applied.

The issue has left millions of travellers who visit Phuket each year potentially staying in unlicensed – and effectively illegal – hotels, said the report.

“Local authorities are under pressure to tackle this issue, as strong demand from emerging economies continues to drive a sharp increase in tourism arrivals to Phuket,” said C9 Hotelworks’ Managing Director, Bill Barnett.

“For example, Russian passenger traffic at Phuket International Airport jumped 17% in the first five months of 2017, while arrivals from Mainland China rose 8%.

With 17 Chinese airlines now flying into Phuket, Mainland China accounts for two-thirds of Asian traffic at the island’s airport,” he added.

Hotel development in Phuket also continues to gather pace; according to C9

‘With so many new hotels due enter the market in the coming months and years, Phuket’s authorities are mandated to ensure regulatory processes are stringent and effective, whilst the reality is not being overly complex or bureaucratic. At the same time private sector investment into the hotel industry is racing ahead of the public sector.’ – Bill Barnett Hotelworks’ pipeline analysis, there are now 33 hotels being developed across the island, which will add 5,738 more rooms to Phuket’s inventory, Mr Barnett pointed out.

“These include major global brands such as Sheraton, JW Marriott, Best Western, InterContinental, Park Hyatt, Kempinski, Ramada and Rosewood,” he said.

“With so many new hotels due to enter the market in the coming months and years, Phuket’s authorities are mandated to ensure regulatory processes are stringent and effective, whilst the reality is

not being overly complex or bureaucratic. At the same time, private sector investment into the hotel industry is racing ahead of the public sector.”

Mr Barnett said that a disconnect in regulation could be hindering the licensing process.

“Phuket’s provincial government has undertaken an admirable large-scale initiative to tackle the proliferation of unlicensed hotels,” he explained.

“Currently the main challenges for the process are the strict regulations associated with the Thailand-wide Build-

ing Control and Hotel Act. As a result of these mandates, the province is considering reviewing the requirements to support the conversation process,” he added.

TAX DODGERS The report also raised the issue of properties not paying the hotel tax, a 1% tax on all hotel room rates charged on the island that was introduced by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or “OrBorJor”) way back in 2000.

“Without the ability to apply hotel tax to unlicensed

SAME SAME, BUT DIFFERENT Mr Barnett was quick to point out that many of Southeast Asia’s surging mass tourism resort markets face a similar issue to Phuket.

“One case in point is Bali where the official registered number of hotels stands at 317, with 33,599 rooms according to the Indonesian government’s Badan Pusat Statistik. In reality inventory stands well above that of Phuket. Government regulating bodies have to understand the close relationship between hotel licensing and tax issues in order to not be left out in the cold,” he said.

This issue of illegal hotels was initially brought to the fore in March 2016 by thenPhuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office Chief Anoma Vongyai.

A HISTORY OF NON-COMPLIANCE The campaign began under concerns of the sheer volume of properties in Phuket being offered online for rental periods of 30 days or less,

including condos, luxury villas and other properties, without being issued a hotel licence. As such, all properties rented out for periods of less than 30 days without a hotel licence were in breach of the Hotel Act. But by May 2016 little action had been taken other than a task-force committee set up to start investigating the problem, leading Gov Chokchai to bring the issue into sharp focus late last year by unleashing a crackdown on unlicensed hotels in Phuket.

At the time, Gov Chokchai urged the travelling public not to stay in unregistered hotels.

Gov Chockchai warned that operating as an “illegal hotel” could incur jail time and could result in the property being demolished.

However, amnesty was offered to those who applied for a hotel licence before January 31 this year, and a second warning saw Gov Chokchai explain that those who registered were allowed to keep trading and begin renovations.

Under a ministerial regulation issued on August 19, 2016 applicants have a fiveyear window to complete renovations.

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

However, it applies only to buildings that existed before it came into force and whose owners desire to use the property as “Hotel” as defined by the Hotel Act. Under that understanding, the crackdown saw 1,000 properties register to operate as hotels.

Turkish Airlines launch direct Phuket-Istanbul flights AIRLINES TURKISH AIRLINES’ FIRST direct flight from Turkey to Phuket landed at Phuket International Airport last Tuesday morning (July 18) with 250 passengers and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the airline on board. CEO Bilal Eksi and the passengers were greeted by Phuket International Airport General Manager Phet Chan-charoen after the nine hour and 30 minute flight.

Also present were representa-

tives from Turkish Airlines, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office and Phuket International Airport, handing out gift flower garlands and souvenirs to the passengers at gate 12 of the International building.

Airport GM Phet Chan-charoen said, “I am happy and it is a great honour to be present at the greeting ceremony for Tukish Airlines’ first direct flight from Istanbul to Phuket.

“As you know, Phuket International Airport is one of six airports under Airports of Thailand (AoT)

Public Company Limited. Phuket International Airport is like a greeting gate to the Andaman area that leads to other destinations in Southeast Asia,” he added.

“Phuket International Airport has the capacity to support over 40,000 passengers per day (approximately 270 flights) and the services follow the standard of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a factor that builds trust in our passengers,” Mr Phet said.

“The launch of these direct flights between Istanbul and Phuket

lets foreigners know about tourist attractions in Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong and Trang.

Moreover, these flights help to develop the aviation business and supports local business in Phuket,” he added.

“I sincerely hope that all of the passengers will have a good experience from the flight and the service of Phuket International Airport,” Mr Phet concluded.

The new flights, announced earlier this year, come amid a f lurry of speculation that the airline is struggling to compete

Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Eksi (left) and Phuket Airport GM Phet Chan-charoen. financially, while Phuket became the 300 th destination the airline now serves.

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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Local organisations join forces to ‘Save the beach’

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

14

Baz Daniel gets a little help with a big move

16

LIVE IS GOOD Lobster Thermidor is just one of the à la carte options available at the ‘Go Live’ Sunday Brunch. Photo: Mark Knowles

Green season is a great time to enjoy Banyan Tree’s ‘Go Live’ brunch without the crowds Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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huket’s green season really is a great time to enjoy some of the island’s best dining options. At this time of year, unlike the rain, the stream of international visitors recedes and local residents can venture out to experience some of the most popular restaurants when they are not packed to the rafters. What’s more, during these leaner months, restaurants are even more eager to please and able to lavish more attention and personal service on their local customers.

This is especially true of the Sunday Brunch scene, which sees the top resorts battle it out to provide incredible buffet offerings to attract the fickle expat crowd who, especially at this time of year, are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options.

A case in point is Banyan Tree’s “Go Live” Sunday Brunch – a fixture on Phuket’s brunch calendar for many years – which combines live jazz, live lobsters and live cooking stations to create a fun and relaxed buffet experience.

Although I have been to Banyan Tree on several other occasions for some of their semi-regular guest chef @thephuketnews

masterclasses, last Sunday (July 23) was my first visit to Watercourt restaurant, which hosts their “Go Live” brunch. Set on the edge of one of the resort’s many placid lagoons, Watercourt has a large air-conditioned indoor section as well as alfresco tables surrounding the waterside bar where you can order drinks while watching a pontoon boat ferry guests to their villas.

With no rain in sight, it was quite a warm day, so we opted to stay inside – which has the upside of keeping you closer to the huge circular bed of ice heaped with seafood at the centre of the buffet. Filled with Alaskan crab legs, mussels, Canadian lobsters, freshly shucked oysters, it’s easy to see why it’s the star attraction of the buffet, but it by no means exhausts the selection.

After we were seated and ordered our drinks, I opted for some sparkling fermented grape juice, while my companion had a fresh coconut.

Executive Sous Chef Kreaton Cutajar came to our table, welcomed us and asked if their was anything we would like to order off the à la carte menu. As it was my first visit, he suggested we try the Lobster Thermidor. And as this month’s special menu item, foie gras, I jumped at his suggestion of foie gras on brioche

with pistachio and mango salsa. As you can probably guess, my theory of restaurants pulling out all the stops to impress in the green season was starting to form at this point – we hadn’t even made it to the buffet yet!

So while we waited for our dishes to arrive, my companion and I headed to the buffet so see what else was in store. Being a sucker for fresh bread and good cheese, I soon had a plate filled with fluffy dinner rolls, Camembert, Gouda, salami and pastrami. My companion is more of a fish fan, so she plated up a bento box worth of tuna and salmon sashimi and a selection of sushi.

Before long our lobster and foie gras had arrived and we dug in. The creamy sauce was delicious and lobster had the firm texture that only the freshest lobster has. The (thankfully) moderate portion of rich panseared foie gras was delightfully cut by the fruity flavour of the mango and pistachio – a perfect balance.

For the sake of brevity, I’m compressing what was in fact a rather long – almost three-hour brunch – we felt in no hurry to leave and we noticed several tables come and go over our very relaxed session. The Banyan Tree staff were the epitome of hospitality, not once did I have to even look for a waitress, they antici-

pated our every move, filling glasses and clearing plates whenever it was needed.

Suffice to say we grazed on the various sections of the buffet, which includes pasta stations, grilled Australian steak and lamb cooked to order, lobster Pad Thai, and of course a bewildering array of desserts – small enough so that you could sample a few different ones without letting any go to waste.

Last but not least, once brunch was over, the team of talented therapists from Banyan Tree Spa were on hand to offer complimentary neck and shoulder massages, which as I found out, are included in every brunch package.

Needless to say, we were very sated and relaxed by the time we glided out to our valet parked car and headed home to enjoy the rest of our blissful Sunday. In fact it was so nice, I think we might brave the crowds and go again this coming high season.

The Banyan Tree’s “Go Live” Sunday Brunch packages start at B2,800 for their Classic Brunch, their Premium Brunch is B3,400 with selected drinks and their Exclusive Brunch is B4,000 with premium drinks. For more information visit: banyantree. com

14 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Joint project to ‘Save the Beach’

PSU and Patong Municipality lead environmental sustainability project The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Faculty of Technology and Environment (FTE) of Prince of Songkla University’s (PSU) Phuket campus, held a press conference on Thursday, June 20, at Loma Park in Patong to launch its “Save Phuket Beach” environmental project.

The project is a collaboration between multiple organisations in Phuket with PSU and Patong Town Municipality as the lead organisations. Speaking at the press conference was Associate Professor Dr Pun Thongchumnum, Dean of the FTE, and Ms Chalermluk Kepsap, Mayor of Patong Municipality.

They announced that the main activities of the project will be held on Saturday, August 19 at Loma Park and the surrounding areas of Patong Beach from 10am-6pm.

Dr Pun emphasised that the project is a part of FTE’s mission to provide quality education to the community as well as to produce research and knowledge supporting sustainable development and responsible uses of natural resources in Phuket.

“Phuket beaches are valuable resources that attract tourists to Phuket and the Andaman region. However, unsustainable utilisation in the past

Local officials and PSU students at the press conference to announce the ‘Save the Beach’ project. has significantly damaged the beaches.

The Faculty of Technology and Environment has been conducting several activities as well as strategic research in order to inform appropriate beach management policies and strengthen the networks for public participation in natural resource conservation and sustainable development. This is the main rationale for the “Save Phuket Beach” project that the faculty is organizing for August 19,” said Assoc Prof Dr Pun. Mayor Chalermluk expressed her support for the project and emphasised the importance of the collaboration, saying, “as the governing body responsible for Patong, we are very excited about the project and our collaboration with the Faculty of Technology and Environment.”

She noted that environmentally sustainable use of Patong Beach was crucial for future development of the area.

“We recognized the importance of natural resource management, which extends far beyond the beach area.

“The importance of this issue led us to give full support for the maintenance and recovery of the environment in the area through the public participation and education, which has always been a part of our overall goals.”

Mayor Chalermluk concluded by stating Patong’s new slogan, which reflects the importance of sustainable practices for the future of the town: “Patong is a world-class tourism destination that is sustainable and livable”.

On August 19, multiple “Save Phuket Beach” activities will be taking place,

including beach cleanups and recycling drives, exhibitions of research related to beach and environmental management, knowledge displays from partner organisations, interactive learning stations – including survival swimming skills, rip current and wave guides, basic first-aid, marine animal rescue, team-building activities, zero waste games and water quality assessment.

Students from PSU will be circulating around Patong Beach to promote the “Save Phuket Beach” messages to tourists and residents. There will be competitions, lucky draws and shows on stage from various organisations.

The event is free of charge and open to residents and tourists alike.

The project is supported by the Coral Restoration Network, Mai Khao Turtle Foundation, Phuket Marine Biological Centre, Regional Environment Office 15 (Phuket), Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, Digital Economy Promotion Agency, Thailand Tourism Authority (Phuket), Kamala Green Club, Sirinat National Park, Rotary Club of Patong Beach, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, Patong Hospital, Marine Office 5 (Phuket), Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Volunteer Network, Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Institute.

Volunteers dive in to help repair damaged coral reefs

O

ver the last few months, officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), volunteer Thai students, local residents and several expat scuba divers and instructors have banded together to help repair damaged coral reefs around Phuket.

For a few days each month the volunteers join forces and head out to repair, clean and build sections of coral reefs that have been destroyed by improperly run snorkelling and scuba diving tours around the island.

“This is a great story about the good things happening at this time of year.

There are too many stories about the destruction of the reefs,” said volunteer and local dive instructor Simon Lomas of Local Dive Thailand’s Patong office.

“But now with the aid of students and other concerned locals and a couple of expat dive instructors we are being taught by DMCR – they are very underfunded, so it’s all volunteers – how we can repair and fix the damaged corals in low season to help recover and preserve them,” Lomas added.

The next dates for the reef repair effort are set for August 1-4 and will cover sections of the Mai Thon and Racha Yai islands. Lomas noted that there are also plans underway for several big projects to create artificial reefs and to make Paradise Beach in Patong Bay a local dive site.

“The main story here is the locals wanting to learn how to preserve the

The reef repair volunteers get ready to dive. natural reefs and protect them from the damage uneducated speedboat drivers, crews and tour guides are doing to Phuket,” said Lomas.

“People involved so far are a couple of staff from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources together with a few Thai student marine biologists, local bar owners, Thai police divers, two English dive instructors, one Danish and one Russian instructor, plus other local Thai novice divers and students.

“Dave Wilson [scuba diving instructor and owner of the Halfway Inn restaurant in Patong] was the person responsible for bring the project to the attention of the farang divers. If any other divers want to get involved they can contact myself or Dave Wilson via Facebook, as this is going to be an ongoing project over many months and years.

“It’s just nice to see people from all nations and backgrounds all pulling in the same direction to make a big difference to Phuket’s environment in the years to come,” he added.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

As tide turns, AIDS claimed 1 million lives in 2016: UN

A

Mariëtte Le Roux

IDS claimed a million lives in 2016, almost half the 2005 toll that marked the peak of the deadly epidemic, said a UN report last Thursday (July 20) proclaiming “the scales have tipped”. Not only are new HIV infections and deaths declining, but more people than ever are on life-saving treatment, according to data published ahead of an AIDS science conference which opened in Paris last Sunday (July 23).

Experts warned, however, that much of the progress can be undone by growing resistance to HIV drugs. Unless something is done, drug-resistant virus strains may infect an extra 105,000 people and kill 135,000 over the next five years, and boost treatment costs by $650 million (B21.7 billion), said the World Health Organisation (WHO).

According to a UNAIDS global roundup, 19.5 million of 36.7mn people living with HIV in 2016 had access to treatment. This marked the first time that more than half of infected people

were receiving anti-retroviral treatment, which rolls back the AIDS virus but does not completely eliminate it.

“We could get 2.4mn new people on treatment” in 2016, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe told journalists in Paris. “We are saving lives.”

The report said AIDS-related deaths have fallen from 1.9mn in 2005 to one million in 2016, adding that “for the first time the scales have tipped”. The year 2016 saw 1.8mn new infections, almost half the record number of some 3.5mn in 1997, said UNAIDS. In total, 76.1mn people have been infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, since the epidemic started in the 1980s. Some 35mn have died.

“Communities and families are thriving as AIDS is being pushed back,” said Sidibe.

“As we bring the epidemic under control, health outcomes are improving and nations are becoming stronger.”

As yet, there is no HIV vaccine or cure, and infected people rely on lifelong anti-retroviral therapy to stop the virus replicating. Without treatment, HIV-infected people go on to develop

When was your last check-up?

SPONSORED

D

id you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide? According to World Cancer Research Fund International nearly 1.7 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2012, making it the second most common cancer overall. This represents about 12% of all new cancer cases and 25% of all cancers in women. It is the fifth most common cause of death from cancer in women.

Breast cancer risk doubles each decade until menopause, after which the increase slows. Advances in screening methods for both breast and surgical cancers means has made a huge difference to survival rates for cancer sufferers.

All sexually active women should have a yearly cervical cancer screening test (often known as a pap test) and women over the age of 40 should also undertake regular breast cancer screening (known as a mammogram).

In cases of those with breast cancer in family medical history, regular mammograms are recommended earlier, starting from the age of 35 or on medical advice.

Finding cancer early is critical to your chances of successful treatment and the Bangkok Hos@thephuketnews

Early detection is critical to combating cancer. pital Phuket Women’s Health Centre offers the latest version of the cervical cancer test, known as ThinPrep. The hospital also offers a Digital Mammogram service to screen for breast cancer.

Early detection can save your life. For more information, please call the Bangkok Hospital Phuket Women’s Health Centre on 1719 ext. 1021, 1022 or visit the website at: phukethospital.com

HEALTH 15

Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibe delivers the organisation’s latest figures on the AIDS epidemic. Photo: AFP AIDS, a syndrome that weakens the immune system and leaves the body exposed to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, and some types of cancer. Treatment carries side effects and is costly, but allows infected people to be healthier for longer.

Most progress has been made in east and southern Africa, the region that was hardest hit by the epidemic and where many interventions were focused.

Since 2010, AIDS-related deaths in the region declined by 42%. The region accounts for half the world’s infected population, with women and girls disproportionately affected at 60%.

Sixty percent of all people who receive anti-retroviral therapy live in east and southern Africa which, along

with west and central Europe and the Americas, is on target to meet the socalled 90-90-90 targets set by the UN, said the report.

By 2020, states the plan, 90% of infected people must know their status, of whom 90% must be on treatment.

In 90% of those, the virus will be “suppressed” by medicine to the extent that it cannot function or replicate.

UNAIDS expressed concern about two regions with worsening AIDS trends: the Middle East-North Africa, and eastern Europe-central Asia. Both are areas marred by conflict and political uncertainty, and where stigma helps to drive HIV infection underground, making it even more difficult to combat.

AFP

16 EXPAT LIFE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

An expat on the move Items are carefully wrapped and packed to avoid any scratches or breakage.

A lot of stress can be taken out of moving house simply by asking experts

A

Baz Daniel

fter eleven years residing in a lovely villa at Fisherman Way near Chalong Bay, the dreaded day arrived. It was threatened for a while, then finally it was decreed that our rented home was to be demolished, with the fearsome word “condos” darkly muttered for the future development of the land. Maybe I should have been more sanguine, shaking my head and accepting that this was the way things were going in Phuket, but I couldn’t help but be emotionally attached to the beautiful oasis of calm and greenery we had found within the mounting tumult of Phuket.

The end of May was our deadline and so with a heavy heart I asked friends who were the best people to organise moving our considerable volume of possessions, not to mention our four dogs and two cats, over to our new abode at Land and Houses near Chalong Temple. Interestingly, everyone I talked to had exactly the same recommendation, to trust

the job on BigMove Phuket who received ringing endorsements and praise from all my friends.

However, it was still with a sense of trepidation that I called them up. Let’s face it, no-one enjoys moving house and my own previous experiences had been upsetting and annoying in equal measure, with several of my beloved possessions having been broken or lost during past moves.

As it turned out, I needn’t have worried, as BigMove Phuket were the very soul of efficiency, caring and organisation, and did everything to put our minds at rest throughout the move.

Twenty years ago the company’s founder Mr Wuth Orannukhroh started working for a freight forwarding company in Phuket. He soon realised there was a market catering to the growing numbers of foreigners who were coming and going to and from Phuket and so he founded his business specialising in communicating with, and meeting the high expectations of, the foreign community. Mr Wuth’s vision was to simply to guide his mainly foreign clients through the whole moving process, while removing their stress and delivering a seamless service, both for relocation and storage.

With a deep understanding of the relocation business and its complexities, his key objective was to take care of customers’ belongings as if they were his own.

As well as becoming the leading moving company for foreigners in the region, BigMove Phuket has now expanded to include a state of the art secure storage facility with 24 hour security and CCTV monitoring, and can efficiently handle local, Thailand-wide, and international moves.

My own first move was to call their Sales Manager Mr Joe Orannukhroh who arrived the next day to make an assessment of what our move would entail and to give us an estimate. Joe is the eldest son of Mr Wuth, the founder, and spent six years of his edu-

One of BigMove Phuket’s modern transport trucks. cation in the US, so speaks English perfectly.

Joe was extremely efficient, taking photos of all the beloved possessions we had acquired over the years, making measurements and then leaving brand new abundant boxes and packing materials for us to make a start on packing our stuff.

BigMove certainly recognise that moving can be an emotional and upsetting time and were at pains to put us at ease with their efficiency and planning.

They clearly realise that a successful move is a team effort, and their own team are well trained in their respective fields, making sure that their customer’s concerns are their main priority. They took care of our possessions as if they were their own and our move was expedited without a single loss or breakage.

All their staff are full time and have mostly worked for BigMove for a many years. They don’t use casual or temporary employees, and all new recruits to their team go through extensive training and are mentored by senior staff for at least three months.

So good were the team at executing our move all in a single day, that we were done by 5pm and I bought all the team food and drinks so we could have an impromptu celebratory party at our new house.

They later returned to hang all our pictures for us and re-position some of our bigger items of furniture.

Even our menagerie of animals made it safely over to our new home, and then all we then had to do was unpack all the boxes and put our feet up.

With over 15 years of experience BigMove Phuket is the number 1 provider of moving and shipping in and out of Phuket Thailand. They also provide storage in a state of the art, clean, secure, storage facility located centrally in Phuket. For more information visit: bigmovephuket.com or call Mr Joe on 081-797-5377. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

GARDENING 17

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Going potty for pretty plants Sun-loving plants in containers can provide colour in unlikely places GREEN THOUGHTS Patrick Campbell

W

hy bother with potted plants if you have a proper garden? After all, container plants are labour-intensive, need frequent watering and may eventually get root-bound and outgrow their pots. True, true and true again. But what if you live in a condominium with a cramped balcony, or rent a shop-house with only a concrete parking space at the front of the property? Why not put plants in pots and create a mini-garden. Hey presto…

Although I do have flower beds, I still enjoy having potted plants around the place. For a start, they are a moveable feast, and both for their benefit and ours, can be relocated at will. Mine are ranged at intervals on the “sailing” (sand-wash) areas that flank the pool where they soften the angular outlines.

Placed strategically at the front of the house by the gate or carport they add a verdant touch to all that concrete.

But “verdant” is not always the right word, for Thais love bright colours and most of their container displays, especially those in direct sunshine, are ablaze with reds, pinks, whites and yellows. Why? Because flowering shrubs generally flourish in sunny conditions and there is one shrub that they covet above all others – the crown of thorns.

For good reason. This plant, a native of Madagascar of all places – where it thrives in arid, rocky habitats – adapts better to life in a pot than any other.

Moreover, Euphorbia milii will endure everything Phuket can throw at it, blooms all year long, and is not fussy about soil conditions.

Most pot plants wilt after a day or two in strong sun. Not this one. Detractors can argue that the crown of thorn’s milky sap is toxic, that it produces its leaves only sparingly, and that its woody stems are so spiny as to be positively dangerous. Indeed, planted as a hedge, it will, in time, form a dense burglar-proof barrier. But it is such a colourful, uncomplicated shrub. And there is one miniature version which I especially covet, on account of its tiny, button sized red flowers, constant flowering and neat, evergreen foliage. Look out for it. It is a treasure.

Another shrub associated primarily with pots and planters is the desert rose (Adenium obesum). Very slowgrowing and consequently expensive to buy, the chuan chom – to provide its Thai moniker – is nonetheless a familiar sight both in nurseries and outside Thai homes, with its swollen, succulent grey stems and deep pink and white, trumpet-shaped blooms. There are also brilliant red varieties now, both with and without a white throat. Like the crown of thorns, it flowers year long and, as befits a plant from arid Arabian regions, will resist drought – if less stoically than the Euphorbia.

The adenium’s origins make it heat tolerant, but, as a member of the oleander family, light watering and feeding @thephuketnews

A pretty Adenium obesum. Photo: Nevit Dilmen

These hybrid coleus plants shows why they are such a popular choice for pot plants. Photo: Pharaoh Hound through the dry season will promote leaf growth and prolong flowering. Deprived of water for extended periods, it will lose most of its leaves. And rotate the plant every week to ensure a neatly symmetrical shape. If it gets leggy, you can prune it. Both these plants are readily propagated from cuttings. Just allow them to dry out for at least a day so the milky latex has formed a hard seal, before inserting them in sandy loam.

Talking of dry soil, there are other drought survivors, for example, most succulents and cacti, and so-called air plants such as orchids – all worth a whole article to themselves – and of course, the bougainvillea. Some Phuketians grow fueng faa exclusively in containers where, provided it inhabits a large enough pot, it will live up to its showy name of Bougainvillea spectabilis. Indeed, in the dry season, spectacular bougainvilleas upstage everything in Phuket’s gardens and nurseries. Witness the huge and venerable specimens which have several varieties grafted on to one root-stock, and which sport four or five colours. They may be worth several thousand baht. Moreover, they can be clipped and shaped without getting distressed – thus providing fine examples of the topiarist’s craft. As with euphorbias and adeniums, do not over water: the result will be an excess of foliage at the expense of flowers.

One more sun-loving plant that accepts restricted life in a pot is the solenostemon, more usually known as coleus. Apart from the fact that this soft-stemmed shrub is a sun-lover, it has nothing in common with the aforementioned woody plants. As a member of the nettle family, it has characteristic but brilliantly coloured foliage. The spikes of purplish flowers are relatively insignificant, but the bicoloured, patterned leaves are spectacular – red , bronze, yellow and emerald green are common hues. Coleus will not tolerate xeric conditions or extreme temperatures. Indeed it will droop if the potting mix gets too hot or too dry. It’s just letting you know….

The trick, as always with tropical gardening, is horses for courses. These shrubs and succulents are not only sun lovers, but have the added advantage, essential for all potted plants, of having relatively compact root structures

and some tolerance both to indifferent and dry soil. So don’t try bamboo in a container.

Patrick has been writing for ten years about gardening in Phuket and allied topics. If you have horticultural or environmental concerns, please contact him at drpaccampbelll@gmail.com. Many of his earlier creative and academic publications can be found at Wordpress; Green Galoshes.

This grafted bougainvillea is bursting with colour.

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

PHUKET LIFEGUARD SERVICE JOIN WITH SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA FOR BEACH SAFETY

Phuket Lifeguard Service Chief Prathaiyuth Chuayuan (left) and Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup at the event.

Capt Borwon Keawpromngam (left), Deputy Chief of the Phuket office for Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), shakes hands with David Field, Life Saving Development Officer from Australian Volunteers for International Development.

Staff from Angsana took part in an intense training session led by Ms Clarke.

On July 18, the Phuket Lifeguard Service and professional lifesavers from Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) launched a joint-project to train Phuket lifeguards and provide training to members of the public as well as those who work in the tourism industry along Phuket’s main tourist beaches. On Saturday (July 22), the lifeguards held Kid’s Water Safety Training sessions on Kamala Beach, in front of the MontAzure Beachfront Sales Gallery and HQ Beach Lounge. The Kid’s Water Safety Training was proudly sponsored by The Phuket News.

Eva Clarke (left) with Kantima ‘Fern’ Kullawit

WORLD RECORD HOLDING FITNESS PRO VISITS ANGSANA FOR STAFF TRAINING Angsana Laguna Phuket recently welcomed Australian multiple Guinness World Record holder and fitness trainer Eva Clarke to conduct exercise activities with the resort’s staff on July 20. A former member from both the Australian Army and Airforce, Eva has achieved 13 world records in fitness and is also a crossfit enthusiast, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor, ultra marathon runner and former body builder.

The Best Western Team, led by GM Jay Penno (6th from left) donating the pillows.

Sous Chef Theerakiat Teatrakul.

BEST WESTERN PATONG BEACH GIVES SURPLUS BEDDING TO LOCAL CHARITIES As part of its yearly replacement of bedding Best Western Patong Beach recently donated all of its surplus clean, quality pillows to the following charities: Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation, 150 pillows donated on July 3; SOS Children’s Village Phuket, 300 pillows donated on July 3; Phuket Shelter for Children and Families, 150 pillows on July 17. “If we give back to the community and the people in need, we will all prosper. We hope that the recipients will have a good night’s sleep and rest well thanks to Best Western Patong Beach,” said Jay Penno, GM of Best Western Patong Beach.

Executive Sous Chef Kreaton Cutajar.

BANYAN TREE PHUKET SERVES UP A SUNDAY BRUNCH SEAFOOD BOUNTY This month foie gras was the monthly menu theme at Banyan Tree Phuket’s regular “Go Live” Sunday Brunch. Their team of talented chefs prepared a mouthwatering array of unique foie gras dishes to complement the usual offering of live imported and local lobsters and a buffet of fresh seafood delights.

The Best Western Team meet with the kids at Phuket Sunshine Village thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Blue Elephant staff donned traditional costumes at the launch.

Blue Elephant founding partner and Director Nooro Somany-Steppe (centre) with staff in traditional dress.

PHUKET’S BLUE ELEPHANT RESTAURANT LAUNCHES SWEET TREAT AFTERNOONS Blue Elephant restaurant in Phuket Town recently launched their new sweet treat afternoons. Instead of having to go for a whole meal, you can now enjoy a simple coffee or tea with a snack selected from a huge range of sumptuous sweets in the regal surrounds of the Blue Elephant restaurant – inside the former governor’s sprawling Sino-Portuguese mansion in the heart of Phuket Town. They have also added a Sunday local lunch with a set menu of authentic local dishes for B350.

From left: Chay Yue Kai, Michael Koth, Chelermluck Kebsup, Bart Callens, Yingyong Nilasena and Snith Sriwihok

From left: Denise, Michael, Carol, Thomas and Jatuporn.

HOLIDAY INN RESORT PHUKET CELEBRATES 30 YEARS WITH HISTORY EXHIBITION The Holiday Inn Resort Phuket celebrated 30 Years of Excellence as both a hospitality leader and community supporter on Sunday, July 22. One of the longest established international hotel operators in Phuket, the Holiday Inn marked this impressive milestone with an exhibition of historic photographs and memorabilia.

Some of the PIWC ladies enjoy a coffee after lunch.

There was an excellent turnout for July’s monthly luncheon.

Several PIWC members celebrated their birthdays.

THE PIWC ENJOYS HIGH TEA LES DIABLES FOR JULY MONTHLY LUNCHEON Members of the Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) gathered at Les Diables restaurant at the Phuket Boat Lagoon on July 20 for their monthly luncheon event. Les Diables’ Peter Webber provided a huge range of sweet and savoury treats for the PIWC ladies and also presented a birthday cake to Sally Tviet, Christina Granow and Evenly Degen, who were celebrating their birthdays at the event. The PIWC August lunch will be at Tawai restaurant in Cherng Talay on August 17.

Jonathan Joseph (3rd from left) is welcomed to the orphanage.

The kids and staff at Barnhem cheer the star rugby player’s visit.

RUGBY CHAMP JONATHAN JOSEPH HOSTS KIDS RUGBY CLINIC AT BARNHEM It was a fun day for the kids at the Barnhem Thai-Swedish Foundation on Sunday, July 23, when pro rugby player and England, British and Irish Lions and Bath Rugby team member Jonathan Joseph led a fun-filled rugby clinic and other sports activities with the children. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

28 JUL

drink and pass around canapé. Register now by email to sales@skyelakeclub.com. Skye Lake Club, Cherng Talay.

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

WED

2 AUG

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

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: nature, marnière, Provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended 295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

SAT

Blues Shouter Jimmy Fame will perform with the Colin Hill Band and guest artists Jeffery Sevilla and Patrick Chua at the New Roadhouse in Karon. The evening will bring together Blues, Jazz and Rock ‘n’ Roll under one roof in a benefit for HELMETS FOR KIDS charity - Rotary Club Of Patong Beach. Doors open 7:30PM. Music from 9:00. Tickets 850 THB (includes BBQ buffet and 2 drinks) Tickets: phuketticketmaster.com Info: www.rotarypatong.org or kareneidsvik@gmail.com or Khun Bier 081-691-3285. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5

SUN

30 JUL

The Phuket Drum Circle 5th Year Anniversary!

The Phuket Drum Circle will celebrate the 5th year anniversary on Sunday, July 30 at Naiharn Beach from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. This event is always free and open to the public. Participants can drum, dance, or enjoy the scenery and good vibes. Join this golden opportunity. For updates and videos visit the Facebook page: Phuket Drum Circle. This event is sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

29 JUL

SURF & TURF NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY @ TWO CHEFS All you can eat! Grilled Australian rib-eye steak, teriyaki marinated chicken and grilled tiger prawns with BBQ sauce, red wine sauce and Bearnaise sauce, Caesar salad and herb-sauteed potatoes.

Only 495 baht. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8 pm until late. www.twochefs.com Karon 076-286479, Patong 076-344-914, Kata Beach 076-333370, Kata Center 076-330-065 COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night AIP Italian Day Out All you can eat - pizza, pasta, risotto and salad - 100 Baht (450 Baht for non-AIP) or off the menu at 30% discount. Come for the entertainment, bring the kids, bring all your friends. You do not have to be an Aussie, just enjoy life and come along. Geoff Tasker, Angsana Laguna, Bodega Restaurant, 095 256 0010.

Steak Night

6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces.

Reservation recommended. 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Sunday Brunch It’s Sunday, Enjoy the most family friendly brunch of the island !! Wide selection of Thai & international dishes - Foam party for the kids – All sports events covered at Champions and more for the parents!

Only 499 THB! Served From 12.00 until 15.00 Booking strongly advised. Tel: (0) 76 303 300. Reservations, Novotel Phuket Surin Beach Resort.

THU

3 AUG

Delicious special cuts of beef are offered especially for meat lovers. Reservations, HYATT REGENCY PHUKET RESORT, fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com, 076 231 234 # 5106.

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B350 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See: otools-phuket.com

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

MON

Kids Summer Bash Kids eat free when order any entree. Face painting and Balloon making. Reservations, Hard Rock Cafe Phuket. sales1@phuket-hrc.com 076 366 381

31 JUL

Chalong Bay Experience by Marriott Resort Phuket Merlin 1,950 THB net price per person. 3 PM - 5 PM leaving at 2 PM. Including transportation, distillery tour, cocktail class and Thai pantry dinner with Chalong Bay. Reservation at 076 335 300.

INSPIRED PHUKETIANS Mr Alan Yip - Master your mind for success and happiness

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

Held monthly, and open to the public, this event gives an opportunity for well-lived people to share their life experiences. Inspired by the famous TED Talks, it’s a great way for people to really connect with authentic ideas that will benefit their well-being and happiness in general. All of the speakers are chosen because of their ability to share an idea that connects with and inspires people. Limited to 55 seats only and priced at B350/pax/net including one

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

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EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

THU

3 AUG

Thursday August 10, 2017 from 6.30-9.00pm. This August’s session will be led by John Christie, CEO of Ek-Chai Distribution System (TESCO LOTUS) to tell the Tesco Lotus story in expanding their footprint across Thailand and how they engage with local partners. Venue: Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort. Cost and Payment: THB 975 including inter-buffet and soft drinks. For tickets and info visit: members.bccthai.com Proundly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

THU

17 AUG The Joint Mexican Food Bar & Lounge

RETRO NIGHT The Two Chefs band will take you back to the ’70s & ’80s with some old goodies and take requests! Every Thursday @ Two Chefs Karon – Patong – Kata Center.

Chef’s Retro Special: Flambeed Rib-eye Steak 300g Only 495 Baht. Banana Flambe - Only 95 Baht. www. twochefs.com Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344914, Kata Center 076-330-065 COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!

PIWC Luncheon August The July Lunch will be at Tawai Restaurant in Chern Talay on the 17th August. Registration starts at 11.30 am followed by Lunch at 12.15 pm. Please send reservations to info@piwc-phuket.com attn. Maggy Wigman.

2 Star Michelin Chef at Banyan Tree Phuket For a limited time in August, join us for a week of culinary delights with German born Chef Stefan of ECCO Restaurant where diners will experience the Michelin-starred cooking mastery of “Brutally Seductive” and “Dishes of the Gods” cooking. Date: 3-8 August 2017. Seats are limited. Email Food and Beverage at: fb-phuket@banyantree.com or call +66 76 372 400 ext. 5463 for more information.

THU

SUN

Welcome to THE JOINT PHUKET! Floor 1: plays the latest in movies & TV shows while providing you with the only authentic Mexican food on the island. Floor 2: provides a full spectrum of music in our bar & night lounge area, bringing a bit of Patong to Chalong. Floor 3: is a rooftop, where you can smoke, mingle, and take in the beautiful sights that is Phuket. Please Follow @thejointphuket & @fallenangel510 on Instagram & Facebook for all updates, parties, events, and weekly specials as we look to unify people through food, fun, and music by providing you what you asked for! 11/64 Moo 5, Chaofah road, Chalong, Phuket, Thailand. 096 858 4848.

3 SEP

La Gritta’s Discovery Menu SEE-FOOD Eat It! Seafood Promotion for THB 250 / dish: Seafood Basket, Fish Fillet “Parmigina”, Fish Kebab, Salmon Croquettes.

Mixed Drinks for THB 150 / drink with any of the dishes *from selected crafty beverages. The Drunken Leprechaun Irish Pub Phuket, Swissôtel Resort Phuket Patong Beach. For reservations: Priyagrn.Suwanphanya@swissotel.com, 076 337 000

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

10 AUG

PIWC Meet & Greet Coffee August New members are encouraged to join our monthly Meet & Greet Coffee Morning to find out more about our organization. It’s also a great opportunity to chat with a few members in a more casual setting over a cup of coffee. For more info, please contact Joan Watson – imm@loxinfo.co.th or Renate Hirte – hirtefamily@hotmail.com. From 10.30 - 12.00 hrs @Starbucks Central Festival.

Phuket Business Dinner BCCT, in collaboration with NTCC and AustCham, cordially invites you to a Phuket Business Dinner on

7 Nights 7 Themed Dinners at Rim Talay

Mountain Bike Classic 2017 A new mountain bike race through Khao Phra Thaeo nature reserve highlighting ecological tourist destinations comes to the island on September 3 2017, following the highly-popular King of the Mountain Trail Run on the same day. The Thanyapura Mountain Bike Classic features a new route through Northern Phuket’s 23 sq km rainforest. Bikers can test their endurance in four distances: the 4km fun race, the 9km, the 18-km (two loops of 9-km laps) or the 27 km (three loops of 9-km laps). Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

Shot Lounge Bar Food Buffet New lounge bar in Rawai where you will spend hours relaxing in our lounge area in the company of classy appetizers expertly prepared by our bartenders. Or if you are a billiard fan we have many professional tables available to help you in challenges or tournaments organized by us and all immersed in a truly exclusive environment. Promotion from July 21 until August 21. Food Buffet at 200 THB from 18.30 to 20:00 (all u can eat) Beverages excluded. Francesco, Shot Lounge Bar Phuket, shotloungebarphuket@gmail. com, 061-718-8781.

Make each night unique! Enjoy our themed dinners with the cool sea breeze. World of Curries @790 THB++, Thai & International Buffet @790 THB++, Seafood Night @980 THB++, Ribs, Wings & Rings @770 THB++, Butchers Night @market price, Surf & Turf @950 THB++, Thai Seafood Gala @980 THB++. The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. For reservations, rimtalay@amari. com or 076 340106-14 #8027.

TWO CHEFS ROCK NIGHT IS BACK!

King of the Mountain Trail Run 2017

@thephuketnews

EVERY DAY

King of the Mountain Phuket Trail Run, one of Thanyapura’s most popular races, returns on September 3 2017. Beginner and experienced trail runners can compete in three distances: the 4-kilometre fun run, the 8 kilometres and the 15 kilometres along steep hilly terrain amid beautiful waterfalls of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

Cooking Classes Every Day Do an afternoon cooking class with Nan and discover why the Halfway Inn has been rated in the Top 10 Thai restaurants in Patong on TripAdvisor for the last 4 years running. Classes can be booked any time between 2pm till 6pm any day of the week. Google Halfway Inn, Patong’ for more details or call Nan to arrange a very fun and unique Thai culinary experience. Line:+66(0)852533278. Khun Nan, Halfway Inn Patong, halfwayinnpatong@hotmail. co.uk, 085-2533278.

Enjoy an amazing night at our Kata Center location with our very own Two Chefs Band playing the best rock hits all night long. We will be doing a very special family style sharing menu. Dig in to a whole spit roasted pig while enjoying a variety of dishes including, Caesar salad, pesto pasta salad with grilled vegetables, prawn ceviche, truffle mashed potatoes, lemon and garlic baby potatoes, roasted vegetable medley and much more! Included in the price of only 795 THB will be a tasting menu for special adult beverages. Reservations are needed, for more information please contact our staff: Email: katacenter@ twochefs.com or give us a call at 076 330 065 reservations can also be made online at Twochefs.com or Facebook.com/twochefsthailand

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. How many Emmy Awards has Game of Thrones won?

2. Is that the most for any television series? If not, which series holds the record, with how many awards?

3. Telugu is a language native to which country?

4. At what temperature is Centigrade equal to Fahrenheit?

5. How many children does Vladimir Putin have?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. Old king in Iran 5. Light throw 9. Worse, as excuses go 14. Rookie 15. ____operative 16. Suggest 17. Valhalla chief 18. “La Vie en Rose” singer 19. Lava 20. Computer animated film starring John C. Reilly 23. Gray 24. Let go 25. Kids game 28. “I’m such a klutz!”

31. Adjust 33. Biblical verb suffix 36. Clan emblem 39. It’s often upped 40. Computer animated film starring Tom Hanks 44. Hindu language 45. Some kind of a nut 46. Catcher in the __ 47. Fido’s ID 50. U.S. Cab. post 52. Lamb ma’am 53. Make bubbles 56. Drone, e.g.

59. Computer animated film starring Steve Carell 63. Grand vizier, e.g.

66. JFK approximations 67. “Crazy” bird 68. Church centerpiece 69. Small field 70. “___ the Fourth Generation” (Asimov story) 71. In a playful manner 72. Carla’s portrayer on “Cheers” 73. Flake off

25. Piano man?

26. Impatient 27. High flying birds 29. Veteran vote seeker 30. Run through 32. Road crew supply 33. Study musical technique 34. Discard 35. Leafy fund?

37. Before for a poet 38. Hand out 41. Wager 42. Marked, as a ballot Down 43. Vertical 1. Pack away 48. Fatigued 2. Many-headed 49. Heating fuel serpent of myth 51. Summon for active 3. Sign after Pisces duty 4. Top dog 54.

Primitive weapon 5. People of Brazil 6. “I’m working ___!” 55. Thumb 57. “The Good, the 7. Winter warmer Bad and the Ugly” 8. As yet director 9. Mollusk with a low 58.

Carry on conical shell 59. Lentil sauce 10. Indian nanny 11. Prius’s advantage 60. TLC part 61. On the Caspian 12. Common street 62. Hydroxyl name compound 13. Hand woven Norse 63. ___ seul (dance carpet solo) 21. Past capital of 64. Aggregate amount Japan 65. Quarters for 22. Flock’s place, perhaps porkers

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) 38 (110 nominations); 2) No, Breaking Bad nominated for 262 awards, won 110; 3) -40 degrees; 4) India; 5) Two (both daughters).

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history July 28, 1896 The city of Miami, Florida is incorporated.

1

July 29, 1987 British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and President of France François Mitterrand sign the agreement to build a tunnel under the English Channel (the “Eurotunnel”).

American on average consumes the same amount of resources as 32 Kenyans in a year.

38

times Mike Tyson had been arrested by the time he turned 13 years old.

90

per cent of all the scientists who have ever lived are alive today.

July 30, 1971 Apollo program: Apollo 15 Mission: David Scott and James Irwin on the Apollo Lunar Module Falcon land on the Moon with the first Lunar Rover.

400 million

July 31, 30 BC Battle of Alexandria: Mark Antony achieves a minor victory over Octavian’s forces, but most of his army subsequently deserts, leading to his suicide.

is India’s estimated population by the year 2050, equal to the populations of the US and China combined.

Aug 1, 1981 MTV begins broadcasting in the United States and airs its first video, “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles.

29 billion

US dollars is how much the Mexican drug cartels combined made in 2010 – about the same as Google.

Source: Uberfacts

It’s a dog’s life. Photo by Matt Pond Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Aug 2, 1870 Tower Subway, the world’s first underground tube railway, opens in London, England, United Kingdom.

Aug 3, 1492 Christopher Columbus sets sail from Palos de la Frontera, Spain.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Jobs

@thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

24 CLASSIFIEDS

Jobs

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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

FISHING CHARTERS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

@thephuketnews

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MOVING SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

TRAINING

HOME DECORATION

ADVERTISE HERE

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CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

JOBS MASSEUR WITH ENGLISH QUALS

Experienced masseur with qualification work/live in Australia. Must pass IELTS English Test for Australia. Interview Patong 20-25July 50-70,000 THB month, George Rimbas, 2 Hospital Avenue Manjimup Western Australia, mysticgeobird@amnet.net.au, +61468326011.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE 20m berth at Royal Phuket Marina

Private owner offers 20m, front line, E dock berth for rent or sale at the Royal Phuket Marina. Berth will accommodate yachts of up to 20m L.O.A. and significant discounts are available for a long term agreement. Contact for further information. james@ shayler.co

For Sale: 1-, 2,- 3-engine speedboats

3-engine speedboat: Length 13.5m; Width 3.4 m; Capacity 45 passengers + 3 crew. Front seats. 2-engine speedboat: Length 11.6 m; Width 2.83 m; Capacity 32 passengers + 3 crew. Front seats. 1-engine speedboat: Length 8.1m; Width 2.40 m; Capacity 15 passengers + 3 crew. All boats are in good condition. Prices start at 600,000 THB. Vladimir, sales@ joydive.asia, 084 182 8685.

Long Tail Boat For Sale

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

CAR FOR SALE Convertible

Boating deal of the year: 7.5m baht (reduced from 10m baht)

Due to serious health reasons, the owner must part with his beloved 80’ tour boat.

New wiring throughout, power outlets, transformer and voltage meters. New upholstery throughout bar and entertainment area. Engines & generator fully reconditioned & serviced. All maintained to European standards. Ideal boat for quality day trip business. beachsando1@gmail.com 080 695 3933.

Steel boat for sale

32 metre steel boat for sale.

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

CABLE TV PULSE TV. ASIA’S No.1 EXPAT TV

140 channels (HD & SD) in English, French, German & Thai. All Premiership & Euro Leagues live plus all your favorite Soaps & Series from back home. ON-Demand Movie/TV Series library with over 700 of the latest titles, more added daily & with our CATCH-UP Facility (Records all Channels for instant Playback) you’ll never miss a show. This is not kodi – Our high quality set-top boxes come pre-loaded with our own in-house developed App backed up by our own high-speed Asia based Servers & Online Support Network. PULSE TV, sales@ pulse-tv.net +66(0) 99 316 6212.

CAR FOR SALE 2006 Toyota Fortuner 2.7VVT

Excellent condition Expat selling 4 X 4, automatic, petrol 138K KM Full service from Toyota New Michelin tires New Front and Rear Brakes 490,000, Boat Lagoon Marina, 083-638-3233. @thephuketnews

Mercedes CLK 200 Cabriolet W-209 Brabus Package - seat 4.

Excellent condition and fun to drive.

37,400km. 1,199,000 Bht. Eng - Thai 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

Car for sale

BMW X5, Gasoline, Year 2003, 195,000 km. Full options. 499,000 Baht only. First to see will buy. Owner: 093 584 1213.

2014 Nissan Juke For Sale

2014 Nissan Juke, one owner, full history, leather interior, rear sensors, climate control. Perfect Phuket runabout, only 82000km. 530,000, soiana56030@gmail. com, 0950 924 729

Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI

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

Ur

t ge n

s al

e

Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto

FINANCIAL, LEGAL Bangkok law firm in Phuket

The Bangkok law firm PUGNATORIUS Ltd. provides its foreignerfocussed legal support and assistance through a trusted partner law firm in Phuket. For a protected corporate structure in full compliance with the law. For a comprehensive due diligence which truly lives up to its name. For a most efficient hotel business licensing process.

For a more competitive design of the property development. The PUGNATORIUS advantage is badly needed at a place where foreign investments are typically built on sand. Protect your investment in paradise.phuket@pugnatorius.com, (00) +66 22 072 647

GARDEN, PATIO ITEMS Tiya’s Hammocks & Swing seats

Native Habitat Phuket - Tiya’s Hammocks’ shop opposite Tesco Lotus Extra Kathu - Samkong, Phuket Town near Fascino Pharmacy. Provides handmade luxury and colorful hammocks and swing seats. Perfect for a gift, souvenir for your own home, or for your guests at villas, resorts and beach clubs. Open Tue-Sun, 10am-7pm. Mention this advertisement to get an extra 5% discount on top of our standard discount table. hammockphuket@yahoo.com 089 600 0041.

HOME IMPROVEMENT TechWorX Projects

CUSTOMER SERVICE

TechWorX Projects now offer a full Electrical Contractor service. This complements our existing offerings of AV, IT, Home Automation, Home Cinema and Security systems. If you are planning a new build or renovation please contact us for a free consultation. Daragh, 393/8 moo 1 Srisoonthorn road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110, daragh@techworx.asia, 084 443 9863.

Sales Support Agent - 50K+ THB per month

MEMBERSHIPS

57,000km. One owner since new.

Regularly serviced by Honda. Tax and Insurance until the end of June and available now at right offer. Reduced by 40,000 bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht o.n.o, Andy +6684 690 9144, andysmalster@gmail.com

Sales Support Agent required in Phuket to join FazWaz Real Estate’s Kamala branch. This role is helping our nationwide real estate business deal with property buyers in both Thai and English who are looking at purchasing a new property across all of the six major locations we cover in Thailand.

You should have great writing and speaking skills and some experience in customer service or sales. Any other languages are a massive benefit but must be fluent in both English and Thai. Aphida, 73/142-143 Moo 3 Tambon Kamala, Amphur Kathu, Phuket. aphida@fazwaz.com, 098 742 6687.

Life Time Family Membership

Blue Canyon: 750,000 THB includes 140,000 transfer fee.

Loch Palms: 425,000 THB includes 72,000 transfer fee.

Tanita, 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

Phuket Country Club Golf Membership

Golf membership for sale, includes transfer fee of 60,000 THB. 450,000, David, dsgrabham@yahoo.co.uk 087 881 7545.

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

MEMBERSHIPS Loch Palm Golf Membership

Lifetime Loch Palm Golf membership for sale. 400,000 baht, the Loch Palm transfer fee of 72,000 baht will be shared equally between the buyer and seller. sales@ joydive.asia

MOVING SERVICES Looking for a Moving Company?

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

PERSONAL SERVICES Rawai Custom Tailor store

Rawai Tailor – Ladies and Gents custom Tailor Store. Serving local and international clients for the past 10 years, get a free shirt for each suit ordered, fully air conditioned, clean environment, friendly staff, parking space, quality materials, good workmanship and money back guarantee. Located within walking distance from major hotels in Rawai, opposite Sea Shell Museum on Viset road in Rawai. Visit us for free consultation, no obligation to buy. www.RawaiTailor.com Thomas Ghimiray, 158/2, Moo 2, Viset Road, Rawai, Phuket. info@ RawaiTailor.com, +6681-415-4883.

PUBLIC NOTICES Relocation of Major Office

Phuket Plus Co.,Ltd, Corporate Registration Number 0105549008784 has relocated its head office, originally located at 580/123, Moo 2, Saimai Sub-district, Saimai District, Bangkok, Thailand. The company’s head office is now located at 45/11, Moo 4, Kamala Sub-district, Kathu District, Phuket, Thailand. This announcement is on behalf of Mr Manusanan of Phuket Plus Co., Ltd. 45/11 Moo 4 Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83120. Contact: rattana65992@ gmail.com, 076-525-848, 076-525-715

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property in Phuket!

Looking to buy property in Phuket?

International Property Advisory (IPA) can help! Give us a call today on 098-064-4408/Email: info@ipa.black/Website: ipaphuket.com K.Pat Nongnut, International Property Advisory, utopia@ipa.black, 076-604-260, 098-064-4480.

Chatta Real Estate

Chatta Real Estate Management and Investment. Specialists in rental property management and guaranteed rental.

Inquire Now! Chanapa, Chatta Real Estate Management and Investment, info@chattha.asia, 076 636 244, 090 179 6635

PROPERTY FOR SALE 4 bedroom house in Chalong

4 king bedrooms (one with ensuite, the others with dedicated bathrooms), 5 bathrooms (1 with a bath, the other showers), Living room, Morning room (lounge/diner), 2 studies, Home cinema, 7 seater, DVD/CD library, 2 carports, 3 separate entrances (+ 5 French windows, a total of 8 exits). Property is at the end of a quiet soi near Big Buddha, no passing traffic. It overlooks a stream and jungle. The garden is 12 years old with bananas, papayas, mulberry bushes, cherry bushes, flowering plants and shrubs and several palm trees. There are frequent bird visitors…2 birdbaths. Just a few minutes drive from Tesco and Villa/Home Pro on Chao Fa West. Only 12 min drive to Central or big Tesco/Big C/Makro. 16.9MB (negotiable). Area of the site: 137.9 square wah (approx 560 square metres). To view, call 081 415 5522 or email m.allen.phuket@gmail.com

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT Rawai Naiharn with spa pool

Unique Thai style home, open plan, close to beach and shops, AC, 3-bedroom 2-bathroom with spa pool, must see! Eng: 090 867 4849 Thai: 081 081 9875.

To rent: 1800 m2

To rent: 1800 m2 of concrete slab with 5m high walls + 500 m2 of parking. Heroines Monument area. Roofing may be arranged, long term and serious interest only. Open to ideas, Leo: 081 821 4064.

Long term luxury Villa

Luxury 2 bed villa available for long term rental 10 minutes from Patong with outstanding sea views from B95,000 per month. We have other villas available for shorter rentals. Contact Justin 084 242 6952 (Eng) or Tan 094 596 2558 (Thai).

WEBSITES, IT For Sale: hoteldealsphuket.com

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

SPORT 29

F1 says hello to ‘halo’ Ahead of Hungarian GP governing body mandates head protection BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

F

ormula One travels to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday (July 30) in a deep state of ambivalence after the sport’s governing body decided to mandate a controversial form of driver head protection for the 2018 season.

The so-called ‘halo’ device is a carbon fibre frame encircling the cockpit and attached to the car at three points: once on either side of the cockpit and once directly in front of the driver on the chassis centreline.

Though it boosts driver safety by deflecting large bits of debris or errant wheels, the halo has proved divisive due to its unappealing aesthetics.

The F1 strategy group, an internal decision-making body, was reportedly deeply conflicted over its implementation in its July 19 meeting, but the governing body, the

@thephuketnews

Sebastian Vettel trials the ‘halo’ during 2016 preseason testing in Spain. Photo: Ferrari Media FIA, is able to guarantee the device’s passage by using its veto over safety regulations.

The drivers, too, are torn in their support for the halo.

Lewis Hamilton memorably described it as “the worst looking mod in Formula One history” when it was first debuted for evaluation during pre-season testing last year.

The official drivers body, the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), has long tapped out of the debate, however,

instead choosing to support only the FIA’s push for greater safety rather than backing any particular method.

“Us drivers respect the FIA’s stand on safety and support their ongoing quest to make racing safer,” GPDA chairman Alex Wurz told Autosport.

“Whilst the halo solution might not be the most aesthetically pleasing for everyone, us drivers will nevertheless race and push as hard as we

can on track, which is the key for F1 to continue its growth and popularity.”

The halo was to be implemented in 2017, but the sport was keen to explore alternative solutions that could appeal to both safety and design.

Red Bull Racing backed its in-house designed ‘aeroscreen’ – a short, flat windscreen – but it encountered problems with glare and grime on the outside surface.

At this year’s British Grand

Prix Ferrari tested a second alternative, termed ‘the shield’.

Shaped like the front half of a jetfighter canopy, Sebastian Vettel, who used it for one lap during Friday practice, immediately panned it, complaining that the distortion in the curved plastic made him dizzy.

With no workable alternatives ready for 2018 implementation, the FIA has chosen to push ahead rather than delay for another 12 months.

“Safety in motorsport is a paramount concern for the FIA,” the governing body said in a statement. “Halo [is] able to withstand 15 times the static load of the full mass of the car and was able to significantly reduce the potential for injuries.”

That the design will be refined further ahead of its racing debut next season will come as little comfort for teams and drivers at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Ferrari, however, will be more concerned about turning around its mid-season slump ahead of the imminent August break.

The Scuderia hasn’t won a race since the Monaco Grand Prix two months ago, and its thorough outclassing at the hands of Mercedes in Silverstone has done little to lighten that burden.

But Budapest’s Hungaroring will suit the Ferrari SF70H, with its slow and twisty turns and warm climes likely to favour its easygoing car over Mercedes’s more temperamental machine.

Aiding Mercedes, however, will be Lewis Hamilton, whose five Hungarian victories make him the most successful driver to race in Budapest.

Mercedes’s three wins from the last four races, illustrating its recent performance gains, have earned the Silver Arrows a 55-point lead in the constructors standings, while Hamilton’s victory at Silverstone closed his gap to drivers title leader Sebastian Vettel to just one point.

Don’t forget to tune in to Live89.5 each and every Saturday from 9am for the Box of Neutrals radio show.

30 SPORT

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Phuket FC drop vital points

Draw with Phatthalung leaves Dragon five points adrift of Satun FOOTBALL Matt Pond editor3@thephuketnews.com

Team

P

huket FC are now five points behind league leaders Satun United following a 1-1 draw with Phatthalung FC at Surakul Stadium last Sunday (July 23).

Satun extended their lead after they picked up a 1-2 win away from home to Pattani FC last Saturday (July 22).

Going into last Sunday’s game, the final game of the second leg of the 2017 Euro Cake Thai League 4 season, Phuket (30) were just three points behind Satun (33) and in joint 2nd with Pattani, but following last weekend’s results, Phuket (31) are now five points behind Satun (36) and sit alone in 2nd while Pattani (30) take up the 3rd spot.

Turning to last Sunday’s game, it was a match that had everything that football fans could have wished for; a super strike goal, an equaliser that left the opening scorers stunned, fisticuffs on the pitch, and a penalty shoot-out to

Nattapoom Maya reacts after missing a shot during the first 45 minutes of play. Photo: Puvadon Kosol Klabpadung round the game off.

The first half of play saw both teams have plenty of possession of the ball, both had shots on target but none found the back of the net.

Hard and physical challenges were flying about, many of which resulted in pretty much the entire teams coming close to blows. But what the ref deemed the worst in the opening 45 came in the 23rd minute and resulted in Pattani’s Kittipong Sommat (23) receiving the first yellow

card of the game, his sixth for the season, and one of six in total in last Sunday’s game.

But neither team managed to break the deadlock in the first 45 and the teams went in at half time at 0-0.

The second half started pretty much as the first had ended, but in the 71st minute Phuket made what they thought to be the much needed breakthrough.

The Andaman Dragon were awarded a free-kick some 10-yards out on the right of

Pattani’s penalty box. Tevarit Junsom’s (26) cross found an unmarked Nattapoom Maya (7) in the centre of the box and he scissor-kicked the ball into the back of the net.

The goal was one that any English Premier League striker would have been proud of and shows why Nattapoom is currently the league’s stand-alone leading scorer on 10 goals.

But Phuket’s celebrations were short-lived, as only seconds after Phatthalung had got the match restarted, and while

P

W

D

L

GD Pts

1

Satun United

16

11

3

2

15

36

2

Phuket FC

16

9

4

3

12

31

3

Pattani FC

16

9

3

4

8

30

4

Chumphon FC

16

7

5

4

4

26

5

Phatthalung FC

16

5

7

4

1

22

6

Yala United

16

6

3

7

-2

21

7

Hat Yai FC

16

4

5

7

-4

17

8

Surat Thani City

16

2

2

12

-17

8

9

Sungaipadee FC

16

1

4

11

-17

7

the Dragon were still taking in the super-strike, Phatthalung made a quick break and from the left of the field an unmarked Cherif Mamy (11) managed to find Phuket’s goal from way outside of Phuket’s box.

Both teams continued to try to find the winner but the game finished at 1-1.

The penalty shoot-out came about as the decider as to who would play at home in the league’s third leg. As both the home and away fixtures finished level at 1-1, and with

both teams also level on away goals, only a shoot-out could decide the fixture. And with Phuket FC only scoring three of their five penalties and Phatthalung scoring all five of theirs, the home leg went to the visitors.

Phuket will now start the third leg of their 2017 campaign tomorrow (July 29) with their match against Sungaipadee FC. Kick-off is set for 6pm and entrance is just B50 for adults and free for kids who present their student ID cards.

Thai spikers celebrate their 3-0 victory over Italy in the FIVB World Grand Prix at Hua Mark Indoor Stadium last Sunday (July 23). Photo: Thanarak Khoonton

Thai coach content with rising stars VOLLEYBALL THAILAND COACH DAnai Sriwacharamaytakul has said that he was pleased with the performances of his young stars in the World Grand Prix preliminary round.

They are likely to continue representing the country at the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship and the SEA Games, he said.

In the third and final week of the World Grand Prix preliminary round in Bangkok which ended on last Sunday (July 23), Thailand recorded straight-set wins against Turkey and Italy but lost to the Dominican Republic.

Having stunned Brazil in

the second week, Thailand finished 10th in the 12-team preliminary tournament with three wins and six losses.

The Thais lost to the Dominican Republic (twice), Japan (twice), the Netherlands and Serbia.

With the top-five teams in the preliminary round plus hosts China qualifying for the World Grand Prix finals, Thailand missed out on a spot in the tournament.

Danai said he was happy with some young players who did well in the World Grand Prix.

The coach did not single anyone out, but among those who impressed at the World Grand Prix were teenagers Chatchu-On Moksri, 17, and

Pimpichaya Kokrom, 19.

“There is a high chance that some of our rising stars will play at the Asian championship and the SEA Games,” Danai said.

“We will use the same squad for the Asian championship and the SEA Games. We have only one option at the SEA Games – win the gold medal.”

Both tournaments will be held next month.

It would be a disaster if the Thai women fail to claim gold at the SEA Games in Malaysia as they have won the title 10 times in a row.

Barring an injury, veterans Pleumjit Thinkaow and Nootsara Tomkam will be selected for the two upcoming events.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SPORT 31

Now’s the time to fish Barras, Long Toms and Dorado aplenty, but where’s the Wahoo?

FISHING

CAST AWAY Jimmy Stewart info@fishinginphuket.com

A

hoy once again shipmates.

Prior to the big mid-month storm, excellent fishing reports came in from Neill C. on Fish Eagle with a good sized Sailfish. Fish Eagle also released a young Black Marlin, while Ali, a pal from Qatar, landed a nice King and Queen with Mena 1.

In addition, all boats seemed to be impressed with the variety of species caught, Barras, big Long Toms, Rainbows, Dorado and of course lots of Tuna which all came in at around 2 kilograms. In fact the only thing not here at present seems to be Wahoo.

Following last month’s article about Jez at Chalong Fishing Park, I was reminded

by Mike of EFT (Exotic Fishing Thailand) that I have not mentioned him since he added first class, lakeside, mountainview and bungalows to his already magnificent and most scenic facilities, even if he did neglect to mention his latest Thai Cooking lessons for the wife / GF that doesn’t fish.

Although both venues are considered “fresh water fishing parks”, that’s where the similarity ends, with neither being at all comparable; it’s a bit like comparing the Cutty Sark to a canal barge (Sorry Jez – “quality” Thames barge.)

While EFT should be on every keen, fresh water angler’s bucket list, for every conceivable reason, including potential records, Jez’s place (Chalong Fishing Park) is “an affordable”, chill out, drop in and get your rod wet sort of watering hole with 20/40kg sized fish, relatively easy and plentiful sporting fish, nothing compared to EFT’s monster cats and Arapaima, but: - “O’ Arrr, but ye gets what ye pays

Exotic Fishing Thailand’s Chao Phraya Catfish are caught almost daily with some monsters reaching 60 kg+.

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Friday July 28 Rugby League 11:00

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

13:00

Rugby League

Eels v. Broncos

00:00

Test Match 3 – Day 2

England v. South Africa, The Oval

Rugby Union 14:30

16:30

Super Rugby – SF2

Crusaders v. Chiefs

19:30

21:30

Super Rugby – SF1

Lions v. Hurricanes

Rugby League 11:30

13:30

NRL

Knights v. Dragons

16:30

18:30

NRL

Roosters v. Cowboys England v. South Africa, The Oval

Cricket

17:00

Saturday July 29

17:00

00:00

Test Match 3 – Day 3

Motor Racing 18:45

Cricket

20:30

Formula 1

Qualifying - Budapest

Aussie Rules 10:30

13:30

AFL

Essendon v. North Melbourne

Sunday July 30 Aussie Rules 10:30

13:30

AFL

N Melbourne v. S Melbourne

13:30

16:30

AFL

Port Adelaide v. St Kilda

16:30

19:30

AFL

Carlton v. Geelong Cats

Rugby League 11:00

13:00

NRL

Storm v. Sea Eagles

13:00

15:00

NRL

Titans v. Tigers

17:00

00:00

Test Match 3 – Day 4

England v. South Africa, The Oval

Motor Racing 18:00

18:45

Formula 1

Raceday - Hungaroring

18:45

21:30

Formula 1

Hungarian Grand Prix

Cricket

@thephuketnews

It’s a breathtaking view from the fishing swim at Exotic Fishing Thailand in Phang Nga province. Photos: exoticfishingthailand.com for”. More details can be found at fishinginphuket.com.

Pirate’s philosophy.

Between bells, speaking to an old Greek shipmate, he posed me the question. “Do you know we are all idiots?”

“You mean, judging by the people we vote for and allow to govern us?” I retorted. “Yea, your half right”. He replied.

“It’s from an old Greek word, which basically means, everyone who is NOT a politician.”

I looked it up – IT’S TRUE – and you wonder why there are pirates who like to run a finger up the mast from time to time.

Remember: September 19th – “Talk like a pirate day” – Admit it, it slipped your mind. – TRUE – newsflash from America.

Since the demise of the Phuket Fishing Club and its associated “Phuket Classic” fishing competition, I was even more saddened to read Uwe was winding up our only other major competition P.I.S.T. after 12 years at the wheel, but fear not me hearties I have been advised by Walter, the latest captain and CEO, a new and

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1643: Saturday July 29 Run Start Time: 4PM Hares: No Hope, Singha Location: Cherngtalay, Soi 1 Directions: From Heroines Monument go West for approximately 6.3 kilometres towards Cherng Talay. Turn left at the temple just after Lady Pie (HHH sign) and follow the track for approximately 300 metres. Laager is on the left (HHH sign).

From Cherng Talay Police Station head East towards Heroines Monument for approximately 1.6km, turn right at the temple (HHH Sign) and follow the track as above. HHH truck will be marked.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2:45pm Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 3:15pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

simplified P.I.S.T. with a new name P.S.T. (Phuket Sportsfishing Tournament) is now on the stocks and ready to launch.

There will be a few cosmetic changes such as “all bill-fish to be released” – “increased points for all other species, except Tuna”, and junior anglers can enter free and in unlimited numbers (when accompanied by an adult I would presume), are among the few rule changes.

Registration will be from 3 -7pm on November 22 with fishing commencing on the 23rd for this three-day event.

The venue will be the same as before and further information, such as “early bird” etc. can be found at Phuket Sportsfishing Tournament on Facebook or e-mail Walter at phuket.tournament@gmail. com.

Staying with competitions, the “Islander – Rawai” and the “Walkabout – Karon” are having the second of their monthly “mini-comps” at Chalong Fishing Park later this month and any PB&FA (Phuket Fishing & Boating Association) members wishing to join the fun can register at

the park or either of the bars, but please be quick as there are a limited number of beats available at the lake.

This month’s side splitter: One day while driving home from his fishing trip with the monsoon rains coming in horizontally, a local fisherman (Fred – name changed to protect the innocent) got a flat on his bike just outside of a monastery. A sympathetic monk seeing his predicament came out and invited Old Fred inside to have dinner and to spend the night. Fred, stranded and knackered after a day’s fishing gladly accepted the monk's kind offer.

That evening, overwhelmed by the most magnificent dinner of fish and chips he had ever tasted, he decided to compliment the chef. Entering the kitchen, he asked the cook, “Are you the “fish friar?”

“No,”the chef replied, "I'm only the chip monk." O Arr!” The wife’s not here, so I’m off to box the compass (how many “old salts” remember that?).

Tight lines Jimmy – fishinginphuket. com

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017

F1 drivers set to see controversial halo protector > p29

SURF’S UP

Thai star hits the waves as word spreads on Phuket’s surfing scene Maxim cover girl Natthaweeranuch ‘Ja’ Thongmee hits some swell during a recent visit to Phuket. Photo: Tim Campbell

SURFING

Tim Campbell info@skylaphuket.com

H

ey su r fe r s, hope you’ve been scoring some fun waves and embracing every chance to paddle out.

Word must be getting around that surfing is the thing to do.

As I mentioned in my last article, surfing has become, in recent times, more of a known sport here in Thailand especially amongst the Thais, and this week, Natthaweeranuch “Ja” Thongmee, a well known

Thai TV and movie celebrity who has also graced the cover of Maxim, flew down to Phuket for a surf session with ‘Surf Thailand’ and ‘Skyla’s Surf & SUP Club’ as she was eager to try it out.

B u t m ov i n g o n , we are now in the middle of Phuket’s surf season and we still haven’t seen any huge swells hit the Andaman coast, especially when compared to last year, but last week after some heavy rain and strong winds the sky cleared up radiating some high season sunshine and turning the ocean glassy clean.

Two of those days in particular we saw head height waves peeling perfectly, and as the tide changed the offshore wind allowed the lip to curl, opening up the wave

and putting the green room on show. From tiredness I couldn’t move my arms by the end of the second day as I surfed till dark with many others. These are the days we long for.

We are now also moving into the time where we see what Phuket surfers are made of, as at least four surf competitions have been announced for this year already on Phuket, in Khok Kloi and Khao Lak. The first of the year is at Kata Beach this weekend (July 29 -30).

Kata Beach hasn’t seen a surf contest in a couple of years, not since it was a competition stop on the Asian Surfing Circuit, but it has consistent waves as it faces directly South West

where most of Phuket’s swell comes from.

As far as atmosphere goes, well, Kata is Thailand’s commercial surfing beach, and on any given day in surf season you can find the water littered with surfers of all abilities as well as their friends and family cheering them on from the shore.

So needless to say, this competition coming to Kata Beach will be one not to be missed. Amazing prizes are on offer for those who are game to enter, but those who just enjoy spectating and soaking up the action won’t be disappointed either.

For more information and how to register contact Facebook: Kata Krew.

There is also a friendly surf event aimed at allowing

beginner surfers to have some fun surfing together tomorrow (July 29) at the Akyra Beach Club on Natai Beach in Khok Kloi.

For more information on this event you can check out Facebook: Phuket Surfer Girls.

As the number of surfers increase in our waters making sure we surf safely is extra important. In some situations you can’t help how you get wiped out by the wave. But most times you can avoid hurting yourself and others by following these steps: 1. Jump away from your board so it won’t hit you, and jump as if you are jumping into shallow water by not fully extending yourself.

2. Try to go bum first, minimising the chance of hitting the bottom. NEVER

go head first!

3. Cover your head as you hit the water and don’t come to the surface too quickly as you might hit your board on the way up.

4. When on the surface, re-gather your board quickly so it’s not flopping around.

You can do this by pulling on your leash, bringing the board close to you.

5. Most importantly, stay calm and relaxed.

Wiping out is a part of surfing, but practising and using these tips will allow you to be a lot safer.

Tim’s Tip: Keep your eyes forward when on the wave, this will help with your balance and keep you standing up longer.

Enjoy your weekend and see you in the water!

New management company appointed to run ACG CRICKET FOLLOWING THE RESIGNAtion of the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) committee at the end of June, the ground’s founder Alan Cooke stepped forward and decided that he would take over full and absolute responsibility for all aspects of the running and management of the ACG. This was to include broadening the range of sporting and other activities

to be held at the ground, and to this end, Cooke has recently appointed the Organisation & Management of Events Co, who will be based in The Courtyard on bypass road.

Furthermore, JAND Group Co Ltd, a relativity new company in town, have been appointed to take over and manage the grounds activities calendar, and will work closely with the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) Chairman to ensure that PCG members are not disadvantaged by these

new arrangements.

Three long standing members have agreed to form an advisory and consultative group with whom Cooke will consult with from time to time.

The group comprises; Mark Ashman, Mark Whetton, and Stuart Reading, of which Mark Ashman has agreed to be Chairman and the public face of the ACG. In a press release issued by Cooke this week he said that he anticipated an increase in ground use fees aug-

mented by a personal contribution to develop the Clubhouse facilities, these will include a shaded drinks garden, children’s play area, bar area furniture, improved access and parking.

He added, “Under advice, I have decided not to proceed with the property development behind the clubhouse, instead I will direct my remaining energies to the development of the ACG. “I will await developments, and when the time is right, exploit the land

The ACG hosted its first cricket game in early November 2011.

Photo: acgphuket.com to the best advantage of the ACG. In this respect, The Boundary Bar must be made to work as a regular afternoon/evening venue, and sports bar, to this end I will further apply my energies.”

Matt Pond thephuketnews