29-05-2015 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

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THREE ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF LAND OWNER > PAGE 2

SURIN CLOUDS

DARKEN

NEWS

PAGE 5

Rohingya crisis: Gen Paween’s biggest job yet

LIFE

PAGE 19

Visakha Bucha: A major day for Buddhists

PRESSURED BY THE NAVY, LOCAL MAYOR SAYS BEACH CLUBS ‘WILL MOVE OUT DURING LOW SEASON’ Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

herng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) Chief Executive Ma’ann Samran has told The Phuket News he expects to demolish all illegal buildings on Surin Beach by the end of this low season. Businesses occupying local authority buildings will also buckle

under the pressure of law enforcement and comply with eviction orders, he said on Wednesday (May 27). Behind his statement is growing pressure from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), which has threatened to have Mr Ma’ann charged with criminal dereliction of duty, if he does not work on the demolition of the Zazada Beach Club and the expulsion of “illegal” business operators in the area. “I have heard that they [the

businesses along Surin Beach] are weary of the unpredictability caused by getting summonses and eviction notices, and that they will move out soon,” Mr Ma’ann said. “I expect to demolish everything [illegal] by the end of the low season (November). Everything has to be cleaned up. “However, we will consult with the governor and if he recommends that we keep the buildings [owned

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Some businesses, such as the one on the left, have bowed to pressure and moved out. Others remain.

by local authorities] we will manage them directly. The buildings can remain. Only the business operators must move out. “There are three types of buildings in the area. There were around eight buildings built by OrBorJor [Provincial Administration Organisation] in 2005, after the Asian Tsunami. Some others were built by the OrBorTor later, for local people to make a living.

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Scrum down! Phuket Rugby 10s kick off

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OrBorJor vows to ensure no more gaps in beach lifeguard service > page 6

Land owner hit team arrested Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

olice have arrested three men who they say are the assassin, getaway driver and the man who ordered the hit of an elderly Muslim businessman who was slain over a land dispute in Kalim, near Patong, late last month. Eed Chaisit, 72, was reportedly followed by two suspects on a motorbike before he was gunned down – shot four times with a .38 calibre gun – on April 24. On May 17, police announced they were close to making arrests in connection with the murder following a series of raids across Phuket. Then, on May 22, reporters called to a press conference at Phuket Provincial Police Station waited for hours for police to finally come out and reveal details about the latest arrests. In the end, none of the three suspects was presented to the press, as police said they had refused. Regardless, police named Sutin “A-seesan” Minpan, who

The alleged procurer of the hit, Tieb Nunueng is brought to the Phuket Provincial Police HQ. was arrested on Koh Chang in Trat province on May 18, as a driver in the murder. According to police, he provided details about the other two suspects. Police named Athit “Yees” Sanlee, arrested in Thalang on May 21, as the gunman. He was initially charged with possessing a gun in public without a permit. Mr Athit had a reputation as a “tough” bodyguard of a politician, who he worked for

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

about eight years, police said. Mr Athit was also previously arrested for the murder of Jakkrit Nuthat in Kathu in 2012 but charges were not pursued due to insufficient evidence. The third suspect, named as Tieb Nunueng, was arrested in Trang on May 21. Police have charged him as the main conspirator in the murder, which was allegedly ordered after a dispute between the suspect and the victim over

a land lease contract dispute. According to police, Mr Tieb became enraged when the victim refused to renew the B2,000 a month contract, which had been rolling for 15 years. Police added that they believe that the money used to pay for the hit was raised by selling kratom grown on the disputed land, near Kalim beach. Though police had presented to the press numerous weapons seized in previous weeks, they did not present the actual murder weapon nor other critical evidence, much of which they said had been destroyed by Mr Tieb. Police Maj Gen Phatchara Bunyasit, commander of Phuket Provincial Police, told the press, “All three suspects declined to appear in public… Many guns are connected to the suspect [Mr Athit]. Some guns can be traced [to Mr Tieb] by registration, but others can’t be... “Thanks to the Kathu Police, who did a great job. I am sure the suspects will be prosecuted in this case. I will see to it.”

Surin Beach ‘to be cleared during rains’ Continued from front page “Two or three buildings at the end of the beach [where Zazada is located] were built by a local person who got a ‘quota’ to build, but voluntarily invested his own money in the construction. “My goal is to demolish them all together at the same time. I have written to the OrBorJor to have a conference about this because when we do it we should do it together, on the same day,” he said. Thirty nine business operators along Surin Beach received eviction notices in March, telling them they must move out by April 18. Five bowed to the order but 34 appealed to the OrBorTor and the provincial committee. Their appeals were turned down. However, Mr Ma’ann noted, despite the denial of appeals, all 34 are still occupying the buildings and still doing business. As for Zazada Beach Club, the prime target of the RTN, Mr Ma’ann said he cannot comply with the Navy’s wishes right now. “We have removed the additional part of many beachfront buildings a long time ago [such as Diamond Beach Club and the beachside parts of Catch and Bimi] but the RTN is asking us to remove Zazada Beach club on the grounds that it was not built by the OrBorTor or OrBorJor. “We cannot do it because otherwise there will be a lot of questions about why [Zazada has to be demolished but] others remain.” Lt Sompop Khamkana of RTN Area 3 told The Phuket News that Zazada is the top priority for Mr Ma’ann but all parts of the remaining

restaurants, clubs and other businesses that were added on to the original buildings must be removed and the businesses must move out. If there is no progress, Lt Sompop warned, the OrBorTor Director will face charges under Section 157 of the Thai Penal Code, which covers dereliction of duty. “We will send a warning letter to Mr Ma’ann to urge him to do his job. “We are not going to tell him how to do his job but we will tell him to do what he is supposed to do. “Only the initial buildings built by OrBorTor [and OrBorJor] may remain in the area, with no businesses [occupying them] while all the additions to the buildings must be removed.” The owner of Pradab Seafood Restaurant (where Diamond Beach Club used to be), told The Phuket News that he and others like himwill never move from the buildings unless other people occupying municipal land around the island also move. “We are preparing to file a case with the administrative court in Nakorn Sri Thammarat, citing the OrBorJor director. “The OrBorTor initially allowed us to move in here. If you say the contract expired long time ago, why didn’t they kick us out right after that?” But, he added, “If they give us a proper place to do business, we will move out.” The owner of a high-end restaurant on the strip, speaking to The Phuket News on condition of anonymity, said, “We’ve heard nothing about this. We won’t be moving out during the low season. Now don’t call us again.”

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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Swiss tourist dies in bizarre hotel accident Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

The truck driver suffered serious burns, but escaped alive.

Petrol tanker explodes after smashing into Phang Nga electric pole POWER SUPPLY in most of Phang Nga’s Muang district was abruptly shut down last Sunday (May 24) after a petrol tanker smashed into an electrical pole and burst into flames just outside of Phang Nga Town. Police were notified of the accident at about 6.30am. They arrived at the Ban Fai Tha intersection in Tham Nam Phut, where firefighters were already attempting to douse the flames. The driver of the petrol tanker, 42-year-old Mr Pirapong Numwongto, narrowly escaped death, but suffered burns to his face, neck and chest as he escaped the blazing vehicle. He was taken to Phang

Nga Hospital for treatment. On the opposite side of the road from the burning tanker truck was a smashed-up Chevrolet saloon car that had rolled off the side of the road. The driver of the car, 39-year-old Ms Wiwatanee Ouilui, who owns an elephanttrekking company in Noppring, suffered only minor injuries. From the initial investigation, police believe that Ms Wiwatanee had cut in front of the petrol tanker, which then smashed into her car before swerving off the road and crashing into the power pole. However, police will study available CCTV footage before apportioning blame. Ekkapop Thongtub

54-year-old Swiss man died early on May 22 after he was trapped in the shaft of a malfunctioning elevator at the five-storey Baan Paradise Hotel in Patong. The alarm was raised at about 2:30am by a receptionist, who told police later she had heard a loud thud from the lift and a voice calling for help. She called other hotel staff who found that a flashing light indicated the lift was stuck at the third floor, but were unable to open the lift doors. The Kusoldharm Rescue Service were called. They too could hear a voice calling faintly for help but the lift doors still resisted attempts to open them, so the rescuers called a lift mechanic. When the doors were finally opened the Swiss man was found jammed, headdown, between the lift car and the wall of the lift shaft. He was already dead. The body of the man, later identified as Swiss national Peter Altorfer, was taken to

Police have yet to determine how Mr Altorfer came to be stuck between the elevator car and the wall of the lift shaft. In the meantime, the elevator is back in service. Patong hospital. Hotel staff told police, “It was very hard to get the man’s body out because his head and body were tightly jammed [in the space between the car and the shaft wall]. He had almost no space to breathe.” Police have come up with two theories as to what happened. The first is that the victim,

who was staying on the fourth floor, had taken the elevator down but it became stuck at the third floor. Possibly he managed to open the car doors but then fell into the gap between the car and the shaft wall. The other possibility is that when the man called the elevator up to fourth floor, the car was already stuck on

the third floor. But the doors opened anyway, he walked in and fell, becoming trapped. They said that, whatever the reason, the gap the man became jammed in was so tight that he was unable to breathe. They are currently gathering more information to establish just what happened. The Swiss embassy has been notified of the death.

Teacher charged for AirAsia plane bomb scare A LANGUAGE TEACHER in Phuket faces up to five years in jail and a fine of up to B200,000 for making a false bomb threat on an AirAsia aircraft about to take off from Phuket International Airport last Friday (May22). Ms Phanarat Nopphakhun, 38, was taken into custody after she reportedly told a flight attendant on AirAsia Flight FD3002 that she had two water bottles stowed in her luggage in the undercarriage. “Water can be a bomb, you know,” she reportedly told the attendant. Flight FD3002 was scheduled to take off at 8:40am, bound for Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. However, after being told of the threat the pilot decided to have the passengers evacuated from the aircraft, which was then moved a safe distance from the main terminal.

The pilot on board AirAsia Flight FD3002 aborted takeoff after he was told of the risk of a bomb being on board the plane. Photo: Ekkapop Thongtub The bomb squad was called in to search the plane. Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers also had all the luggage hauled off the aircraft and searched, and they searched the passengers’ carry-on bags. No explosives were found. Ms Phanarat told police that she had told the flight

attendant there was a bomb on the plane because she felt that the luggage inspectors at the airport were rude to her when they inspected her bag. Ms Phanarat and her companion Swiss national Walter Jurn Leisinger, 60, were taken to the nearby Tha Chat Chai Police Station for questioning.

Police confirmed that she has been charged over the incident. If found guilty, she may face years of jail time and a fine of up to B200,000. Once cleared for takeoff, the passengers re-boarded Flight FD3002, which left Phuket at 10:47am. Ekkapop Thongtub

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ice-Admiral Sayan Prasongsamrej, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) Third Naval Area, explained on Tuesday (May 26) how the Thai Navy will be used to find Rohingya refugee ships in Thai waters and help them. Seven ships will be deployed, he said, naming them as HTMS Angthong, a landing platform dock ship, which will act as a floating hospital; HTMS Saiburi, a guided missile frigate; HTMS Thayan Chon, an anti-submarine frigate; a large landing craft and three patrol boats. The Saiburi arrived in Phuket’s deep sea port on Tuesday (May 26) and the Angthong was expected yesterday (May 28) after taking part in Guardian Sea, an antisubmarine warfare exercise in the Andaman Sea that involved Thai and US naval vessels. In addition to the seven

The HTMS Saiburi, a guided missile frigate, arrived in Phuket on Tuesday. boats, four naval aircraft will be deployed; a Cessna Skymaster T-337 reconnaissance plane, a Dornier DO-228 maritime patrol aircraft and two Bell 214ST helicopters. “The Saiburi is not a ship for rescuing large numbers of people,” the admiral said. But it will carry food and water, and its crew can fix broken engines. If seriously ill people are found on the refugees’ boats, they will be sent to

the Angthong to be treated by Navy doctors and nurses. None will be sent ashore, the admiral added. “We will do everything we can to supply them with humanitarian assistance but we have no place for them to stay in Thailand. He added, “In any case, it is well known that it is not their purpose to come to Thailand.” He added that the Thai Navy will patrol an area out to 24 nautical miles west of

the Similan Islands, where international waters begin. “If they pass through Thai waters we will help them.” He said that no Rohingyas have been found in Thai waters since May 14, when a desperate group were found on a small island in the Surins group. “We believe we can take care of things by ourselves,” Adm Sayan said, an apparent allusion to Thailand’s reluctance to accede to an Ameri-

can request to base military aircraft on Phuket for search and rescue purposes. On Tuesday Foreign Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn told media in Bangkok that Thailand was still considering whether to allow US military search and rescue to be based temporarily in Thailand. Gen Tanasak told The Nation newspaper, “I wish to emphasise that Thailand has not yet rejected the request. It’s a good request but we have to take national security into consideration.” He added that the US has been asked to send ships to support the Third Naval Area flotilla operating out of the Tab Lamu navy base in Phang Nga. Told of this, Adm Sayan told The Phuket News on Wednesday, “It is up to the government to decide about that. They might decide to [let the Americans] use U-Tapao or Surat Thani. But [the RTN area at Phuket Airport] just doesn’t have space for any US aircraft.”

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POLICE HAVE YET TO establish the identity or cause of death of a man whose body was found near Naiharn Beach last Saturday night (May 23). The man, believed to be of Arab extraction, was found near rocks in front of a nearby resort. He was shirtless, his shorts were pulled down to around his ankles and he was wearing red tennis shoes. Police found no identification or passport near the victim or in his bag. The man appeared to have been bitten on his left knee, said police, who found traces of vomit and faeces at the scene. The body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further examination. Police are checking resorts in the area in the hope of identifying the victim. Ekkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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THE GENERAL’S BIGGEST CASE Pol Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin talks about his investigation into trafficking of Rohingyas

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ol Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin headed up the investigation into taxi mafia and corruption in Phuket in April to August last year and then was sent in to straighten out the Koh Tao murders investigation in September. He is now in charge of the investigation into human trafficking in southern Thailand. Gen Paween’s latest case came under orders from Pol Gen Aek Angasananont, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, who ordered him to Padang Basar police station on May 6. This week Gen Paween spoke with The Phuket News about progress in his biggest case yet, a case that involves 77 people alleged to have been involved in trafficking Rohingyas, a case that the whole world is watching. So far, 36 bodies have been found. These have been sent to the Prince of Songkhla University in Songkhla for identification and to establish cause of death. The investigation may go further up the chain of power. That is part of Gen Paween’s job, to spare no one in the government-mandated effort to eradicate human trafficking in Thailand. He explained, “I was ordered to do this important work even though I work in Region 8. [Much of the investigation is in Songkhla and Satun Provinces, which are in Region 9.] “The case is very complex because it involves cooperation

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Possible Rohingya remains are exhumed from a disused camp in Phang Nga. Photo Jakkapan Rattanaarporn with many official organisations, such as the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Immigration Police, prosecutors and AntiMoney Laundering officials.” Sounding tired during the telephone interview, he said, “We have been working very hard. We are making arrests, questioning suspects – including local officials – and getting statements from Rohingyas. He explained that his investigation is into the trafficking of Rohingyas alone; it does not involve other smuggled or trafficked Burmese or Bangladeshis. It is still a huge investigation. “We have interviewed 114 boat people so far, of whom 55 were definitely Rohingya victims of trafficking. Nine more Rohingyas have yet to be interviewed. Of the total of 64, 60 are men.” He explained that Rohingyas are questioned to determine whether they are genuinely victims of trafficking or can be regarded simply as economic migrants. If the latter, they are

handed over to Immigration Police. From there on, they are no longer part of Gen Paween’s investigation. “My job is to manage things in a way that results in all the human-trafficking suspects being arrested.” As of Monday (May 25), 46 people had been arrested or surrendered to police, including the former president of the Satun Provincial Administration Organisation, Pajjuban “Ko Tong” Angchotiphan, who initially fled to Langkawi in Malaysia but later crossed back into Thailand and surrendered. They also include a cousin of Ko Tong, and a member of the Provincial Council. Another 31 suspects were still being sought. Among the 77 suspects are at least seven foreign nationals. “Lots of business people in Songkhla province and Padang Besar in Satun province are involved in human trafficking. “This is work that involves a great deal of detail and many processes. All witnesses and evidence have to be checked

out. We have police officers questioning witnesses and victims, finding the suspects and arresting them, and seizing assets. “The investigators must collect evidence in many provinces in the South of Thailand, and all of this must be carefully documented and cross-checked.” Asked how long the trafficking had been going on, Gen Paween said, “Four or five years. It is all very well organised. They have recruiters to source migrants, they have guards, ships’ crews and investors who put up the money. “The victims can be worth B10,000-plus, so that means the organisation can make a lot of money. “The price of each person differs depending on their physical condition. Traffickers go through them while they are still on the boat and price them by tying ribbons of

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Pol Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin. various colours around their wrists. The prices for women and children are negligible. “The traffickers sell them in Malaysia – we have found the connections in Malaysia.” While waiting for buyers, the Rohingyas were held in the notorious camps in Thailand, along the Thailand-Malaysia border, where mass graves were found last month. Others were held in camps on islands along the Andaman coast, such as the two discovered close to the tourist hotspot of Khao Lak. “They were treated very badly, like slaves. They are beaten by the traffickers.” They were also on starvation rations. “They received just rice and boiled or ground peanuts and water – like animals. “We found that not all the boat people, Burmese, Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, were forced to get aboard the boats,

though some were.” But if they boarded the boats willingly, they soon realised that they were in the hands of evil people. “Some of them tried to run away from [the detention camps in Thailand]. But they were caught, handed back and beaten or otherwise ill-treated. Some died.” Asked whether his investigation is likely to pull in Thai figures more powerful than Ko Tong, Gen Paween revealed that “investors” from Ranong, Satun and possibly other places in Thailand are suspected of underwriting the modification of fishing vessels for use in trafficking. Some of the boats were built in Thailand but were later registered in Myanmar. But, he added, “I can’t tell you any more right now. Let us do our job and we’ll see where it leads.”

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Lifeguard patrol gaps no more, says official Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Unharmed and freed from the fishing net, the turtle was released to the sea. Photo: PLGS

Lifeguards rescue turtle from Maikhao fishing net LIFEGUARDS AT MAI KHAO BEACH rescued a turtle entangled in a section of potentially lethal fishing net on Monday (May 25). A lifeguard patrolling the sands spotted the turtle at about 12:45pm and called for fellow lifeguards to help cut it free, said Phuket Life Guard Service Co Ltd (PLGS) consultant Prathaiyut Chuayuan. “The turtle was very lucky. It was not hurt or injured,” he told The Phuket News. “The lifeguards rescued it before the net could damage a flipper or any other part of the turtle – or worse, it could have died.” The rescue was particularly timely, as Phuket lifeguards underwent special training in rendering assistance to endangered local marine life in distress only last week, Mr Prathaiyut explained. “The training is good for us,” he said. “Lifeguards are often the first to find marine animals that need help, such as dolphins that try to beach themselves.”

deputy president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) has promised that, next year, the beach lifeguard contract will be renewed much earlier in order to avoid Phuket’s beaches being unguarded for as long as two months just before the annual southwest monsoon surf arrives. This year lifesavers from the Phuket Life Guard Service Co Ltd, under contract to the OrBorJor, stopped manning the beaches when the company’s contract ran out on March 27. It was not until May 20 that they returned. Deputy president Soratham Jinda told The Phuket News on Monday (May 25), “I admit that previous lifeguard contracts for a couple of years were signed late. We recognise that we should not have been late again this year. We plan to start the process earlier next year.” He said that this year the signing was complicated by the National Council for Peace and Order being in charge of the country, which

THERE WHEN YOU NEED THEM: Contracts will be renewed earlier this year to make sure lifeguards are on Phuket’s beaches to protect tourists from drowning. required the OrBorJor to have the governor approve the project. “It will not happen again. For next year, we will work faster and send all the documents to the Provincial Council four months earlier than we did for this year’s contract. That way the budget can be submitted in September this

year and approved by November. “We will also have our staff complete the preparation of the contract faster than last year. We can then sign the new contract the day after the old one expires. “The OrBorJor President, Paiboon Upatising, cares for Phuket people and tourists.

“We have a plan to cooperate with hotels located on beaches. We will ask them to support our lifeguards with their own. That will make things safer. “The Kata Thani Resort [at Kata Noi] has already joined our project. I hope many others will work with us for tourists’ safety.”

Speeding airport passenger van drivers escape serious injuries in highway crash A VAN DRIVER ESCAPED with minor injuries after the van he was driving scraped two other airport taxi vehicles and then rolled on the busy highway to Phuket International Airport on May 23. Mr Wichet Singkul, 48, reportedly lost control of his white passenger van about one kilometre west of Thalang Technical College after suddenly braking when another passenger van ahead of him lost control and smashed into a roadside power pole. Both van drivers were re-

portedly on their way to the airport to pick up tourists, as were the other two passenger vehicles – a green-plate taxi of a black-Chevrolet make, and a yellow-plate passenger van – that sustained minor scrapes in the incident.

Mr Chalermpon Intharit, the 29-year-old driver of the van that hit the power pole, did not suffer any injuries in the crash. He was, however, summoned to answer to a charge of reckless driving, police said. Eakkapop Thongtub

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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

number plate Beach club branded Lucky auction raises B20m illegal, faces crush Nattha Thepbamrung reportor3@classactmedia.co.th

Tanyaluk Sakoot reportor2@classactmedia.co.th

he Royal Thai Navy launched a raid on Nui Beach on May 21, after it was established that the paper issued for the land at the beach was illegally issued, and that a beach club built on it was therefore illegal, too. This is the second time that the Nui Bay Member Club has been raided – the first was in February. On that occasion a bar on the beach was ordered demolished and a staff member found with a gun was arrested. Local people had complained that if they tried to get to the beach without paying the B500 entry fee demanded by club staff, they were threatened. After that raid the NorSor3 paper for the land – in the name of Chalothorn “Boy” Chotpanang – was checked and was found to be based illegally on a “Flying SorKor1”, a basic land occupation paper that had been issued for an entirely different piece of land.

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Navy personnel will question why the OrBorJor was improving the road to the club. The land next to Nui Beach, it was discovered, was actually government land with a SorPorKor paper, which is issued on degraded forest. The holder of a SorPorKor paper may farm the land only, and may not sell or lease it out. It may not be built upon. The raiders were also surprised to find a Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) excavator

higher up, apparently being used to build a road down to the beach. Questions will be asked about that. Two OrBorJor employees were found at the road site. The illegal NorSor3 on which the Haad Nui Member Club is located will be cancelled and the club buildings on it must be knocked down by the owner in 45 days. If he does not knock them down,

the Karon Municipality will do so and send him the bill. Vice-Admiral Sayan Prasongsamrej, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Naval Area said, “The buildings are illegal. This is wrong. They must come down. “The ALRO will compile a full report for me and we will follow Government policy [to reclaim encroached-on public land].”

BIDDERS IN THE LUCKY car number plate auction last weekend (May 23 and 24) paid out B20,552,000 for plates they hope will bring them luck, wealth or simply a good life. But the amounts bid were much lower this year than last. The largest winning bid was B700,000, for the number Korkai Yoryak 9999, a lot less than last year’s bid of B1,199,999 for a 9999 plate. Other high bids, all for Korkai-Yoryak plates, were B500,000 for 8888, B420,000 for 1111, B255,000 for 8899, B220,000 for 2222 and B200,000 for 3333. The totals raised have been falling year by year, from B30.5 million in 2012, to B26 million in 2013, and B23.7 million last year. The winning 9999 bid came from Thanat LeelaAnantawong. He was bidding on behalf of his father, Kittichai, who told The Phuket News, “The number 9999 has been my favourite for a long time. I have been attending the auction for seven years

This plate fetched B420,000. and so far this is the fourth 9999 plate I have successfully bid for. “I also won 1111 this time, for B420,000.” Asked why he is willing to spend so much for a couple of pieces of tin, he said, “It is about feeling good with your plate. The number 9 is the best number, the luckiest number. You can see that 9999 is always the most expensive in the auctions. “Also, it makes me happy to know that my money will be helping traffic victims,” Mr Kittichai added. Money raised from the annual auction goes to the Department of Land Transport’s Traffic Safety Foundation, which provides support for road accident victims .

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

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

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

UNFAIR ACCUSATIONS

hailand has come in for a deal of criticism in recent days after it declined to join Malaysia and Indonesia is setting up camps for Rohingya refugees. The morally indignant huffed and puffed that it was Thailand’s humanitarian duty to take the refugees. But Thailand has stuck to its guns, arguing that first, it has no room to take the refugees (debatable) and that, second, the Rohingya don’t want to come to Thailand. They want to go to Malaysia or Indonesia, Muslim countries. Critics should look at Thailand’s track record on refugees to see that the country cannot possibly be accused of being uncharitable. In the 1970s and 1980s, Thailand played host to hundreds of thousands of Cambodian refugees fleeing the murderous terror of the Khmer

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Rouge regime. It was decades before people in those camps were found homes in other countries or decided that, with the final defeat of the Khmer Rouge, they felt safe going home again. Not all of the history of those camps was happy – Thailand did push many refugees back across the border to very uncertain futures. But the sheer number of refugees put a huge strain on Thailand. So much so that in 1980 the ongoing refugee crisis at the time was perceived as one of the reasons that Gen Kriangsak Chamanand resigned as prime minister. The last camp f inally closed in 1999, 24 years after the first opened. In the early 1980s, Thailand also experienced a flood of more than 32,000 Laotians across the border. Some were

fleeing persecution, but others were economic migrants or draft dodgers. Again, Thailand had to look after them. In the northwest of the country decades-long fighting has resulted in thousands fleeing over the border into Thailand. A whole generation of Karens has been born and grown up in Thailand. In 2013, the UNHCR reported that Thailand was still housing nearly 82,000 of them. Thailand has done its part in looking after refugees from neighbouring countries – more so than Indonesia or Malaysia have ever had to. If those countries are now willing to take the Rohingyas, and the Rohingyas themselves would rather go to those countries, and Thailand is willing to help them on their way, this seems like an equitable sharing of the burden caused by Myanmar’s still odious regime.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

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Swiss tourist dies in bizarre Phuket hotel accident Mauled tiger temple abbot to remain in hospital AirAsia plane shudders to a halt in Phuket bomb scare Phuket condo developer ordered to plug ‘wall of fear’ American forces told to leave Phuket Phuket beach club ‘built illegally and must be demolished’ China, Thailand ink MOU for Kra Canal Indonesia blows up 41 fishing boats: SLIDESHOW Speeding drivers of smashed passenger vans escape serious injury Two dead as Phuket bus smashes motorbike

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HAVE YOUR SAY

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

EDITORIAL

Phuket needs billboard regulation too! Re: Krabi to regulate placement of billboards for better landscape It would be great if they could get rid of all the billboards here in Phuket as well. We still have faded and broken billboards all along the road to Layan placed there by Niki Beach Club over a year ago to promote their White Party. They should not be erected in the first place but it is appalling that Nikki Beach expect someone else to clean their own mess up and this does demonstrate further their disregard for the environment. Andy I agree with you Andy. Don’t even talk to me about that eyesore concrete monstrosity they allowed to be built next to Sirinath National Park, on gorgeous, pristine beach front. An absolute abomination. Have them take their stupid billboards down and then while they’re at it, just bring in the bulldozers to right the wrong that was made on this previously beautiful and natural parcel of land. Paradise

Just another day in ‘Paradise’ Re: Ford: Thais among Asia-Pacific’s least attentive drivers Oh and driving with no consideration for other road users: driving way too fast for the road conditions and in general, tailgating (to close to the vehicle in front) overtaking, (which would result in a court appearance in the UK), driving with no lights on or in most cases the rear light works but the front one s don’t (mainly bikes, driving the wrong way down a road, riding under age (school kids) no helmets, not sticking to lanes at bends/roundabouts, not giving way to the incoming traffic in a roundabout! Should I go on? And then they wonder why so many deaths Wasn’t it the roads minister who said he couldn’t stop people killing themselves on the roads? Here is a list of things he could crack down on to help improve road safety by a huge amount! Malczx7r Re: Speeding drivers of smashed passenger vans escape serious injury

When are the authorities & the Police going to crack down on these morons who are driving what the UK call PSV: Public Service Vehicles. The require special training & need to have a restricted Speed Limit. They could have just as easily have been full of passengers? Bjay Speed, speed, speed! I moved from Phuket because of the vans, taxis and buses speeding all the time. I now live in a nicer place in Thailand away from this and I am a lot more happy! Stupid people who don’t know how to drive! Nodeal Re: OPINION: Another day in ‘Paradise’ as Phuket traffic accident tally continues to surge The amount of times I have commented on road deaths – I give up, no policing, the worst driving attitude I’ve ever seen in the world, no consideration for other road users, helmets that are so poorly made I doubt wearing one would save you, speeding, no enforcement, no helmets, tailgating. Where’re the police to deal with this? Bad driving

by overtaking, drink driving … and because taxis are too expensive. Police in other countries actually enforce the law, here in Phuket, the police do nothing, the General needs to come to Phuket and drive around and see for himself the inept police here. malczx7r Until the cars, vans, lorries and 4x4s are maintained to a better standard, the drivers better trained and the police stop and drug and drink test the drivers of cars, 4x4s, minibuses, coaches and lorries rather than just worry about tourists and the quick fine. The roads need to be better maintained as well. The roads are not built for the big coaches and they must be banned from the roads as they are destroying them as making them a danger to everyone else. Simon01 At the end of the day this all comes to lack of traffic law enforcement. The police have a lot of blood on their hands and nothing will change until the police are reformed. I won’t be holding my breath. Mike999

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Bangkok’s first electric bus route launched A SLEEK NEW FULLY rechargeable bus is rolling out on Bangkok’s first electric bus route. Developed by King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, the route runs between the university’s campus and Airport Link Lat Krabang. The route is a pilot programme the authority one day hopes to see replace buses throughout the capital. The bus can travel 250 kilometres on a single charge with a top speed of 70kmph. It needs four to five hours to fully charge and is equipped with ramps for wheelchair users. It’s also GPS-enabled for commuters to track its location, according to a state media report. There are over 3,000 buses operating in Bangkok. Replacing them with electric buses would reduce diesel fuel consumption by 120 million liters per year and reduce carbon emissions by 0.32 million tons per year. Last week the university and authority inked a deal to expand the program, share research and coordinate future plans to replace the more than 3,000 Bangkok buses, which they say would reduce diesel fuel consumption by 120 million litres and carbon emissions by 320,000 tons per year. Coconuts Bangkok

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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

THAILAND NEWS

Police crack down on tuk-tuk, gems swindlers T

wenty-two suspected swindlers, including tuk-tuk drivers, accused of luring foreign tourists to jewellery shops and restaurants in return for high commissions have been arrested in Bangkok as part of a police crackdown on gangs preying on holidaymakers. National police chief Somyot Pumpanmuang announced the arrests of the 22 members of a gang last Thursday (May 21). Police have charged them with creating a nuisance to others in public areas, colluding in swindling and parking vehicles in prohibited areas. The gang was accused of targeting tourists wanting to visit popular tourist attractions in Bangkok such as Wat Pho and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew. They used misinformation about the historic places opening hours and used persuasive

Two tourists stroll past a row of tuktuks waiting for passengers on Rama I Road. (Photo by Somchai Poomlard) tactics to get the tourists to go shopping at places that offered them commission fees, said Pol Gen Somyot. The distorted information about the operating hours

of tourist venues caused a misunderstanding among tourists and the action of the swindlers tarnished the image of tourism. “Tourist police drew up a

plan to arrest swindling gang members who prey on tourists and this has led to the arrest of 22 members,” the national police chief said. “The gang’s activities have ruined the image of the country and the tourism industry.” The gang was made up of tuk-tuk drivers and their associates. They hung out at the entrance gates of places like the Grand Palace. They approach tourists, particularly those travelling alone, and give false information about the historic temples in the areas being closed because of religious activities, Pol Gen Somyot said. They would then use pressure tactics to persuade tourists to visit other venues such as jewellery shops, restaurants and tailor shops that offer them special fees for bringing in customers. Tourists who had fallen victim to the gang had posted

their stories online. Foreign media had reported the stories in newspapers and television broadcasts and this had caused damage to Thailand, the police chief said. Police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thawornsiri said the gang received high commission fees of up to 30 per cent of sales from some jewellery shops, restaurants and tailor shops. He warned operators of those enterprises to stop their conduct or face charges of colluding in swindling. He cited the case of Chinese tourists who were recently lured to a seafood restaurant and had to pay an exhorbitant food bill. Pol Maj Gen Apichai Thiamart, chief of the Tourist Police Division, urged people to alert tourist police via the 1155 hotline around the clock if they spot swindlers preying on tourists. Bangkok Post

Suvarnabhumi expansion pegged back to master plan THE BOARD OF AIRPORTS OF Thailand Plc (AoT) has cancelled plans to accelerate the expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport after the government ordered it to adhere to a Bangkok airport master plan and prepare a proper impact assessment. AoT president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn said the AoT board last week resolved to return to the old expansion plan approved by the cabinet on Aug 24, 2010. That complies with Transport Minister Prajin Juntong’s letter to the AoT on April 9. The letter referred to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha’s order on March 31 that the airport expansion comply with the old cabinet resolution in 2010. Consequently, the AoT board has cancelled its plan to build a second passenger terminal at a cost of B27.68 billion and a 2,900 metre stretch of

Airports of Thailand Plc has been ordered to adhere to its original expansion plan for Suvarnabhumi airport. (Photo by Somporn Thapanachai) a third runway designed to be 3,700 metres long. The government wants the second passenger terminal adjusted to comply with the master plan for the development of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, and the third

runway to undergo an environmental and health impact assessment before construction. The incorporation of the second passenger terminal into the Bangkok airport master plan would take 3-6 months and the project could then

be proposed to the cabinet for approval, probably early next year, Mr Nitinai said. The AoT had previously planned to start construction early next year, but this will now be delayed until 2018 with completion in 2020. The AoT board had wanted the partial third runway to usher in the planned complete overhaul of existing runways at Suvarnabhumi airport, which have been in use for 10 years. Without the third runway, estimated to cost B20.24 billion, small but frequent maintenance would continue on the existing two runways and this might inconvenience some travellers, Mr Nitinai said. He gave an assurance that safety would not be compromised. The change will put off the construction of the third runway from this year until 2017. Bangkok Post

10 ASIA NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Bones and barbed wire B

arbed wire and a human jawbone hinted at the brutality in suspected people-smuggling camps in Malaysia as police on Tuesday (May 26) began the grisly task of exhuming dozens of graves along the Thai border. Police escorted journalists on a gruelling hike into a thickly jungled state park in northern Malaysia where authorities have found 28 such camps in the latest grim turn in Southeast Asia’s migrant crisis. Fearing possible attack from armed traffickers lurking in the woods, police advised reporters to hit the ground if they heard any gunshots during the four-hour round-trip slog up a remote mountain. Via a jungle path that was clearly well-trodden, reporters were led to a single small camp in a forest clearing, where barbed wire surrounded two rickety structures made of jungle saplings and bamboo, with tarpaulins lying on the ground. Nearby, police carrying shovels and white body bags dug up a grave, pulling out a corpse apparently wrapped in a Muslim shroud. “We have found 37 graves [at the camp] but we have only recovered one body so far,” said local police official Muhammad Bahar Alias. Malaysian police have said a total of 139 gravesites had been found near abandoned camps spread out along

An abandoned migrant camp used by people-smugglers are seen in a jungle at Bukit Wang Burma in the Malaysian northern state of Perlis, which borders Thailand, on Tuesday (May 26). Photo/ Mohd Rasfan/AFP the border and capable of housing hundreds of people. Malaysian police said it remained unclear how many bodies were buried in the inaccessible corner of mountainous jungle just a few hundred metres from Thailand. But the Malaysian findings appeared to indicate a system of camps and graves larger than those over the border.

The camp visited on Tuesday seemed largely to have been picked clean of most evidence indicating what went on there. But on the ground lay a human lower jaw with several teeth still in it. A low cage-like pen also could be seen, but it was unknown whether it was used for livestock or people. - Sandals and a teddy bear Photos from some of the other

camps, provided by police, indicated the presence of small children, including a pair of sandals fit for a toddler, and a pink teddy bear. Several Malaysian villagers had told AFP on Monday (May 25) that bedraggled Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants had become a common sight in the area weeks before the current crisis erupted. Some bore ugly scars or had

bloodied feet from trekking across the frontier, and would beg locals for food and water. Many were later picked up in private cars and driven away by unknown people, residents said. Along with Thailand, Malaysia’s government has long been accused of not doing enough to stop illegal migration and human-trafficking that puts poor and vulnerable migrants at risk of exploitation, extortion and death. The US State Department’s annual human-trafficking report lists both countries on the lowest-possible tier, for nations that are failing to stop the trade. Activists say the trade thrives likely with the help of corrupt Malaysian and Thai officials. Before the discovery of the graves, government officials had dismissed the suggestion that such sites existed on Malaysian soil. But Home Minister Zahid Hamidi said on Tuesday that the government now suspects human-traffickers and enforcement officers could be in cahoots. “Our investigations showed that they are collaborating with each other, not only [locally] but they have international links including Thai, Bangladesh and Myanmar,” the Malaysian Insider news portal quoted him saying. AFP

India heatwave kills 800 as capital’s roads melt

An Indian resident walks across a dried-up pond on the outskirts of eastern Bhubaneswar on May 22 as soaring temperatures lead to water shortages (AFP Photo/Asit Kumar)

AT LEAST 800 PEOPLE have died in a major heatwave that has swept across India, melting roads in New Delhi as temperatures neared 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). Hospitals were on alert to treat victims of heatstroke and authorities advised people to stay indoors with no end in sight to the searing conditions. In the worst-hit state of Andhra Pradesh, in the south, 551 people have died in the last week as temperatures hit 47 degrees Celsius on Monday (May 25). “The state government has taken up education pro-

grammes through television and other media to tell people not to venture into the outside without a cap, to drink water and other measures,” said P Tulsi Rani, special commissioner for disaster management in the state. “We have also requested NGOs and government organisations to open up drinking water camps so that water will be readily available for all the people in the towns.” Large par ts of India, including the capital New Delhi, have endured days of sweltering heat, prompting fears of power cuts as energy-

guzzling air conditioners work overtime. The Hindustan Times daily said the maximum temperature in the capital hit a two-year high of 45.5 degrees Celsius on Monday – five degrees higher than the seasonal average. The paper carried a frontpage photo of a main road in the city melting in the heat, its zebra pedestrian crossing stripes curling and spreading into the asphalt. In Telangana state, which borders Andhra Pradesh in the south, 231 people have died in the last week as temperatures hit 48 degrees Celsius over

the weekend. In the western state of Orissa 11 people were confirmed to have died from the heat. India’s Meteorological Department issued a “Red Box” warning for the state Tuesday (May 26) and Wednesday (May 27) – meaning the maximum temperatures would remain above 45 degrees Celsius. Another 13 people have died in the eastern state of West Bengal, where unions urged drivers in the city of Kolkata to stay off the roads during the day. AFP

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WORLD NEWS 11

King death to be Woman, 65, gives BB probed as homicide birth to quads

65-year-old German woman, who already has 13 children, has given birth to quadruplets after undergoing an artificial insemination procedure in the Ukraine, RTL television reported on Saturday (May 23). The three boys and one girl were born premature at 26 weeks in a Berlin hospital but have “good chances of surviving,” the report said. The mother, Berlin resident Annegret Raunigk, is an English and Russian teacher close to retirement and in addition to her 13 children is grandmother to seven. RTL said the new arrivals make her the world’s oldest mother of quadruplets. She became pregnant after undergoing several artificial insemination procedures in the Ukraine, said RTL, which has obtained exclusive rights to the story of the births. Ms Raunigk made headlines in April when the German press first reported that her latest artificial insemination attempt had resulted in a quadruple pregnancy. At the time, she said she decided to try to have another child because her youngest daughter, who is nine, wanted a little brother or sister, ac-

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Annegret Raunigk is now the oldest mother of quadruplets. cording to RTL. The Bild am Sonntag tabloid quoted Ms Raunigk, whose oldest daughter is reportedly 44, recalling that it was “a shock” when the doctors first broke the news to her of a quadruplet pregnancy. “After the doctor discovered there were four, I had to give it some thought to begin with.” But she did not consider reducing the number of embryos and said she had no reservations about the challenge facing her. “I’m not actually afraid. I simply assume I’ll remain healthy and fit. In matters of organisation I have enough experience, that’s not new

for me,” she was quoted as saying in Bild. Asked about moral doubts, RTL quoted her as asking: “How does one have to be at 65? One must apparently always fit some clichés, which I find rather tiring. “I think, one must decide that for oneself.” Ms Raunigk also made headlines 10 years ago, when she gave birth to her 13th child, Lelia, at the age of 55. “At first, I only wanted one child,” Bild quoted her as saying at the time. “Not all were planned. But then things happen. I’m not a planner but rather spontaneous. And children keep me young.” AFP

POLICE IN LAS VEGAS HAVE launched a homicide investigation into the death of B.B. King, a Nevada coroner’s office said Monday (May 25), after the blues guitar legend’s daughters reportedly accused his aides of poisoning him. King died at age 89 on May 14 in Las Vegas, where he kept his residence while keeping up a gruelling schedule of tours that ended only last year. Two of King's daughters – Karen Williams and Patty King – have alleged he was poisoned by his business manager Laverne Toney and his personal assistant, E! Online reported. “I believe my father was poisoned and that he was administrated foreign substances to induce his premature death,” the daughters wrote in separate but identical affidavits, the entertainment site said. “(I) request a formal investigation into this matter,” the court documents reportedly said. Toney, who is the executor of King’s estate, shrugged off the daughters’ charge. “They’ve been making allegations all along. What’s new?” Toney said, according to E! Online. An attorney for King’s estate also dismissed the daughters’ accusations as “ridiculous”.

BB King performs at the Crossroads Festival in Chicago in 2010. Photo: aaronHwarren “I hope they have a factual basis that they can demonstrate for their defamatory and libelous allegations,” Brent Bryson said in a statement, according to the entertainment site. Earlier, the local coroner confirmed the homicide investigation and said that King’s remains would undergo an autopsy. “Our coroner takes jurisdctn over #BBKing body, performs autopsy. Results:6-8wks min. Homicide investgtn w/ @LVMPD,” the Clark County, Nevada coroner’s office announced on Twitter, referring to the Las Vegas police department. Given the timeframe for the autopsy, King’s funeral in his beloved Memphis has been postponed, local media reported. AFP

12 BUSINESS NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

30+30+30: A better way New structure offers more security for foreign property buyers Olaf Duensing Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

ecent Thai court rulings that have held the so-called “collective leasehold” or “secured leasehold” to be void, have created quite a stir among Thai real estate developers and investors. This is because many developers who sell to foreign investors have been marketing and selling the Collective Lease for several years now in Thailand. Under current Thai law, the maximum lease term is a mere 30 years. Thus, it has become common for developers, who are marketing to foreigners, to offer a long-term lease of 30 years with two additional successive 30-year term renewals. Under Thai law, however, any such additional term is not an “extension” of the lease; it is a “renewal” of the lease. This means that the new term is essentially a new contract. The result is that if the owner of the property changes during the first lease term, the new owner is not obliged to honor the renewal of the lease, even if the lessee has already pre-paid the original owner for the renewal term. In an effort to address this insecurity, many developers offer the Collective Lease. They promise not only a lease but also shares in a Thai limited company that owns the land leased to buyers. The idea is that eventually all of the buyers in the development “collectively” control the Thai land-owning and -leasing company (TLOC). Purportedly, this in turn ensures that the TLOC will renew all of the buyers’ leases for the two successive 30-year terms – “guaranteeing” or “securing” the buyers’ full 90 years. But to widespread shock two Thai Trial Court judges and three Thai Appellate Court judges have held that the Collective Lease is legally “void” or invalid. Given that the Collective Lease fails to provide any real security, it is not surprising

that real estate developers and investors in Thailand are looking for an alternative to truly secure real leasehold investments. Any alternative must avoid the issues that might be created, and that are not dealt with by the Collective Lease. It must address three matters: The risk that the lease may not be renewed for a second or third 30-year term; The tax issues created by a lease renewal in light of the pre-payment for the commonly marketed 30+30+30 years lease; and Issues relating to the use of illegal Thai-national shareholding “nominees”. The only structure that does all of this is the “LeaseMortgage”. As mentioned above, 30+30+30 lease agreements are almost always “pre-paid” in full. However, the two additional 30-year renewal terms can only be granted and effected at the end of each previous 30-year term. So the current landowner has merely promised he will give these additional terms to the lessees in the future, but he has already received money for them. This is, legally speaking, a “loan”. Until money is paid for something that is actually provided, under the law it is a loan. Thus, in all of these common structures where a single lease payment covers all 90 years, two-thirds of the payment is, from a legal standpoint, a loan. And what is the simplest and best way to secure loaned money? Do exactly what banks do – subject the loan to interest and register a mortgage against the land to secure the loan and applicable interest. The simple and elegant Lease-Mortgage does exactly this and provides an accurate legal structure for what is already happening in practical terms (the lease for the first 30 years plus a loan for the next two 30-year terms) It does this by adding what should happen in such cases

A ray of light for those worried about their collective leases. Photo Gradders 52. (interest on the loan and a mortgage securing the loan for the next two 30-year terms) through the combination of the 30+30+30-year lease agreement with a loan and mortgage agreement. Once the agreements are finalised, the first 30-year lease term is registered on the land and a mortgage securing the loan of the rent for the two 30-year renewal terms is also registered on the same land. If the lease is renewed for the second 30 years, that portion of the loan is “forgiven”, because the parties agree that it then becomes rent for the second 30-year term. In other words, since the second term is actually provided, it is no longer a loan but a rent payment – and the mortgage covering that part of the loan is also then automatically removed from the land. The same would hold true for the loan of the rent for the third 30-year term and the mortgage securing it. However, if at the end of the first or second 30 years, the lease is not renewed for

any reason, then the investors will be able to foreclose on the property, have it sold, and recoup their investment. Let’s return to our three points above. Does the Lease-Mortgage address the risk that the lease may not be renewed for a second or third 30-year term? Yes. As outlined above, the buyer’s prepaid investment and interest is secured by a registered mortgage on the land deed. Thus, the investor’s security, the mortgage, “remains with the title deed” regardless of who owns the land. If the lease is not renewed as required, the buyer may have the land sold and receive from the sale price an amount to cover the original investment, with interest. However, the more likely scenario would be that the new land owner would be willing to honor the renewal term and await its end, rather than lose the land through a forced sale. Does the Lease-Mortgage address the tax issues created by a lease renewal

in light of the pre-payment for the commonly marketed 30+30+30 year lease? Yes. The Lease-Mortgage reflects what is actually agreed upon between the parties: a total pre-payment for 90 years of lease, which shall be payment for three successive 30-year terms. Under the Collective Lease, this is a major problem for the TLOC. The Thai tax regimen interprets full payment only for something actually provided, not something promised. And, as we explained, only the first 30-year lease term can actually be provided. Failing any other legal explanation for the payment, all of it will be considered income for the TLOC for the first 30 years and it will all be taxed accordingly, in the first 30 years. Thus, the TLOC will have all of its lease income taxed 30 to 60 years before it should have been. Furthermore, the TLOC will not be able to account for income from the lease in the second and third 30-year terms, but the Revenue Department will expect income for those later terms and may assess factious rental income, and tax it; if not paid, the land will be seized and sold to a new owner. Lease renewal terms will then be unenforceable. But none of this horror applies with the Lease-Mortgage. The TLOC is not financially affected at all. It still receives the same amount as under the common pre-paid lease with two renewals. But under the Lease-Mortgage, the payment will be booked to accurately reflect the 1/3 rental income for the first 30-year term and the remaining 2/3 balance, as a loan. Loans are not taxed and, therefore, the TLOC also benefits under the Lease-Mortgage structure by having the rental income properly taxed over the correct 90-year period and having the liquidity of the as-yet-untaxed loan cash available during the first and second 30-year terms. Does the Lease-Mortgage address the issues relating

to the use of illegal nominees? Yes. A Thai limited-liability company may not own land and lease it if there are not at least two individual Thais owning shares in the company. It is illegal for Thais to hold shares in a Thai company as “nominees” to benefit a foreigner. Unlike the Collective Lease, however, the LeaseMortgage does not require a buyer to risk using Thai nominees because he does not need to become part-owner of any company in order to secure his lease. The Lease-Mortgage investor is, therefore, at no risk of losing his lease investment due to the use of Thai nominees. Existing developments and their buyers may also benefit from the use of a mortgage as a security for the renewal of a lease. We will refer to this as a “Security-Mortgage”. A Security-Mortgage can be implemented in an existing development to provide buyers with an additional layer of security. It is quite easy to implement. The lessor and the lessee simply enter into a Security Agreement, which states that the lessor will be subject to a significant financial penalty in the event that the lease is not renewed as agreed. That penalty is then secured with a registered mortgage on the leased land. As with the Loan-Mortgage, the security provided to the investor by the SecurityMortgage also “travels with” the land title deed. Regardless of whether the land is ever transferred to a new owner or not, if the lease is not renewed as required, the investor can have the land sold and recover his investment, with interest. DUENSING KIPPEN is an international law firm specialising in business transaction and dispute resolution matters, with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand and affiliated offices in 45 other countries. Visit them at: duensingkippen.com

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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Tourism numbers start singing – ATTA THAILAND’S INBOUND tour operators enjoyed a 45 per cent increase in business over the first four months of the year, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). From January to April, 1,479,256 tourists arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport on ATTA member company tours – an increase of 45.87pc on the same period last year, the group reported. Further, ATTA president Charoen Wangananont claims that 2015 is becoming a record year for the tour business. He predicts inbound tour companies will handle 6 million foreign visitors, up from 3.24 million last year. This translates into a massive inf low of revenue for tour operators after almost 10 years of see-saw trends caused mainly by ongoing domestic political turmoil. “Arrivals have rebounded in all main markets except Russia, which is due to an economy crisis and ruble weakness… even in that market we forecast the situation will gradually

improve, particularly by the fourth quarter this year,” said Mr Charoen. ATTA is now implementing its “Big Move” policies to reorganise the association to become more efficient and also to revitalise tourism in the country. In addition to attending major international tourism trade shows, the association has said it will work with experts and a group of academics to set up a national tourism research and development centre. This would leverage the association’s access to credible data through its membership, which could offer the country realistic indicators on spending as well as market segmentation. But it is also talking about the need to improve workers’ competencies; organise a campaign for AEC and AEC+6; providing E-visa for ASEAN and China; and organising roadshows to main markets such as to China. Asia Travel Tips

Record Mice groups head for Thailand THAILAND HAS PROBABly gained entry to the record books by hosting some of the largest ever incentive groups from China. Infinitus China’s recent mega incentive programme in Bangkok and Pattaya covered almost three weeks. The programme ended on Tuesday (May 26) with 12,700 staff and sales representatives enjoying a six-night holiday package. The mega incentive comprised three nights in Bangkok and three nights in Pattaya. According to a Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) news briefing, the participants travelled in groups of 2,000 to 3,000 and stayed at four- to

five-star hotels, altogether totting up about 38,000 room nights. The incentive holiday involved 110 scheduled flights from China, 400 tour bus trips and 36 cruise tours on the Chao Phraya River. “Thailand is a very popular destination for Chinese as well as a top-of-mind venue for China’s incentive programmes in recent years, thanks to our geographical proximity, easy accessibility, high standards of service as well as a wide variety of tourism products and the memorable ‘Thainess’ experience,” said TAT acting governor Juthaporn Rerngronasa. TTR Weekly

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Phuket property ‘is still fine investment’ K

night Frank Thailand has released its highlights on investing in property in Thai resort areas, including Phuket, Hua Hin and Pattaya. “Investment in property in Thailand’s popular resort areas continues to attract interest from local and foreign buyers,” says Ms Risinee Sarikaputra, research and consultancy director of Knight Frank Thailand. “While such activity has slowed, each of these markets retains specific attributes that continue to drive sales and new project developments.” The report has this to say of Phuket: “The Phuket condominium market has transformed itself to accommodate the change in buyers’ preferences, as well as reflect the scarcity of land. “Before 2008, the condominium supply in Phuket tended to include larger sized units of over 100 square metres – 84 per cent of supply were units larger than 70sqm and only 16pc of the supply were units smaller than that. “From 2008 to 2014, 82pc of the total supply included units smaller than 70sqm, with 18pc of units being larger than 70sqm. Units smaller than 40sqm could be sold only when they were priced below B5 million. This represented the shift in buyers’ intention from selfoccupancy to pure investment purposes. Ms Risinee explained, predictably, “For investing in Phuket condominiums, a good area would be the west coast of Phuket, from Mai Khao to Rawai beach. “The compact one-bedroom unit has investment potential; however, the two-bedroom seaview units, from 71 to 99 sqm, would be even better due to the scarcity of such units.”

Due to their location in Bang Tao the Banyan Tree villas are still selling well. From 2007 to 2014, the report noted, the compound annual growth rate in value of a seaview unit in Phuket was 5.2pc. As for stand-alone homes, Ms Risinee said, “Phuket continues to attract its fair share of extremely wealthy foreigners and property investors, but the number of foreigners willing to spend B100 million or more for a luxury villa has been dwindling.” “This year, Phuket has been attracting more massmarket travellers, notably Asian and Chinese nationals whose numbers help offset the drop in jetsetters. “Villas were still selling, but the number was more modest, though still priced beyond the means of most buyers. “Previously, the demand on the island was for large lifestyle villas, with usable areas of at

least 1,600sqm and a price point of B100 million or more. “But lately, demand was highest for villas priced below B20 million, with 690 out of 950 available units, or 72.6pc, sold in this price range. “Most villas in this range have two to three bedrooms, with usable area of 200 to 300sqm, located on small plots of 50 to 70 square wah. The small one-bedroom performed reasonably well, the report said, but less well than the more sizeable homes. The overall take-up rate for the entire market continued to improve – with 78.7pc for the first three quarters of 2014. The report zoomed in on Patong and Bang Tao as the most interesting locations for investing along the western coast. “The Bang Tao area was first developed with the Laguna

project. Since the inception of Laguna, several high-end projects came on the market, followed recently by more middle-market developments and economy villa projects. “The Laguna area remains a very sought-after part of the island due to the range of facilities in the area and its proximity to the airport. There are also international hotel-branded villa projects, including Banyan Tree and Dusit,” said Ms Risinee. The selling price of villas managed by Banyan Tree ranged from B59 to B125 million a unit, whereas the villas managed by Dusit were priced lower, at around B34 million. She added, “Ideally, though the villas do not have seaviews, the distance to the beach should be short. The surrounding environment of the villa project should be tranquil.”

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FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Golden advice for new teachers in Phuket

All about Tim Shaw’s news hour

ASIA’S OTHER PEARL SHINES

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Exploring the bustling city of Hong Kong from new , old heights > Page 20

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16 EDUCATION

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School tips for the newbies ASK THE AJARN

Eric Haeg eric@teflcampus.com

The way to a Thai co-worker’s heart is through their stomach.

nother new school year has arrived; there are loads of new teachers in the classroom and many are new to Thailand. We were all there once, so why not help them out with a few words of advice? Here are our six tips for surviving your first year of teaching in Thailand.

Dress for success

Your school probably has a dress code. Don’t just meet it, exceed it. Your average Thai administrator places a lot of importance on a teacher’s appearance so you might as well keep them happy. This is probably the easiest way to stay clear of your boss’ scrutiny.

Say ‘Yes’

A TEFL trainer since 2007, Eric Haeg welcomes all questions and comments: eric@teflcampus.com

It’s Friday morning and the boss wants you to come in on Saturday–say ‘Yes’. Your HoD needs you to submit two weeks’ worth of lesson plans tomorrow? Can do! Extra gate duty while standing on your head twirling a baton? No problem! It’s common for seemingly ridiculous, last-second directives to come across your desk. Often, they’re put down as quickly as they come up so why make a fuss if you don’t have to? Just don’t go the Western route and try to argue that it’s not possible or that it’s not in your contract. You may be right but saying so in the wrong manner will make your boss lose face and that’s the last thing you want. If need be, have a quiet word with a long-term employee to find out how to deal with the issue.

Expect the unexpected

Inside or outside the classroom, on or off campus, this is the only way to keep your sanity. If the gardener feels like the best time to mow the garden outside your class is during your listening lesson, switch things up and play a fun game. If your class gets cancelled and no one told you about it, sit back and enjoy the downtime.

All eyes on you

Your Thai counterparts may not tell you if you’ve done something wrong but the staff are observing you and they are talking about you. If you’re meant to be on campus all day, stay there. If you’re meant to be on gate duty, be there. Obviously, you have to do your job in the classroom. Students talk to parents; parents talk to teachers and teachers talk to their superiors. Just don’t expect your supervisor to talk to you about it. If it’s bad enough, don’t be surprised if you do something seemingly innocuous and you’re fired as a result. It’s not

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

within the local culture to address a problem head on. If it seems as if you’re not wanted after a while, you probably aren’t and it’s time to look for a new job.

Make friends through food

The way to a Thai co-worker’s heart is through their stomach. Buy some fruit on the way into work and share it with your office mates. Buy some snacks at lunch and spread them around generously before the last hour of the day. Thais routinely do this between themselves so join the party and never turn down the chance to try something new– even the stinky stuff.

Learn Thai

Learning the local language is a good idea anywhere and Thailand is no exception. In fact, there are few countries in the world where you’ll find people who are happier to hear a foreigner speak their language. It helps lessen language barrier frustrations and you’ll earn office cred amongst the staff.

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ENVIRONMENT 17

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

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Verdant vistas vision Chef Barry Anderson editor@classactmedia.co.th

The regional hospitality industry will benefit from the influx of more organic edibles and eventually increased supply would see food prices drop.

hese days there’s a lot of talk in Phuket and tourism circles about going green and eating organic, but let’s face it, organic gardening and agriculture are hard to come by in Thailand, never mind Phuket, where most of the food cultivation and farming heavily relies on nasty chemicals produced in factories. But as an enthusiastic, holistic organic chef in Phuket, I have a dream and vision that I want to share – to help Phuket to become green and organic again like she once was 30 years ago, when the whole island was 100 per cent organic in agriculture. Together, we can make this dream come true.

How to make your own compost

The first step is simple – just save your biodegradable kitchen scraps in a waterproof bin with a lid on it. Tip: you can gently sprinkle some “Mai Pang” baking soda or sodium bicarbonate over each layer of kitchen scrap, which is a good deodoriser. Next, transfer the organic material to a larger waterproof container outside. This can be open air with no lid. Be sure to lightly spray the dry leaves and kitchen scraps with water from your garden hose. Make sure that the sides of the bucket have numerous holes for air circulation and for a faster breakdown of the compost into humus or dark carbon earth. An “escape” larger hole positioned on two opposite sides of the trash can plastic or metal will allow more drainage and break down. All dead dry leaves scattered across your lawn goes into a second compost bin and same treatment for this as well. The third stage is to combine the two biodegradable elements – the kitchen scraps and dry leaves and mix together into a much larger holding, shallow cement round coil about one meter high. With a pitch fork, every two to three days, turn the dark loamy compost over, topped with a light water sprinkling. Or what chef Barry has – a metal tumbler hand crank machine that turns the compost over several times manually. Within 15 days to 30 days you

About the author

Holistic Chef Barry aka Barry Anderson has worked in the Cartoon Animation Industry professionally for 20 years all around the world and found himself becoming obese. Chef Barry learned the culinary arts of working with foods from nature and managed to drop more than 100 pounds of excess weight from his 5’ 4’’ inch body frame. The next 20 years Barry conducted intensive research of the weight loss industry, our current food supply system, the environment, social Issues and natural health with fitness and longevity living. Barry has lived with his Thai family at the Garden Villa Phuket Good Earth Health Residence for the last 20 years. For more information, visit gardenvillaphuket.com

@thephuketnews

HANDS ON: You can make your own orgnanic compost in less than a month. Photo: normanack

will have useable compost to amend the food forest on Phuket island.

On a grander scale

Want to be part of my vision to bring back Phuket’s organic forests? We need more large scale composting operations on large open land space, with a wood chipper or some kind of milling wood machine, some heavy equipment to turn over the accumulated biodegradable waste, and, a clean water source. These locations can be near the heavy equipment sponsored operators and fruit garden trees can be planted near by to receive the compost amendments for whole sale and retail and to the public direct.

Transform the nurseries

Currently all the garden nurseries are cultivating mostly ornamental trees and plants that may look nice but you cannot eat them as they’re not edible fruits. But why not change that? Bangkok nursery suppliers can join the upcoming “Phuket

Introducing Rocky Raccoon: Our furry friend of the earth is a Phuket Thailand long stay expat and good friend of Smokey the bear and he has something to say about all this. “Every day, try and eat vegetables organic and compost your kitchen scraps back into your garden to add more essential carbon to the good earth and Phuket.” Yes Organic Tour” sponsorship programme with select Phuket sponsor nurseries and start to order in more organic fruit and Thai herbs from Bangkok and less inedible ornamentals to feed the growing population of Phuket. The regional hospitality industry will benefit from the influx of more organic edibles and eventually increased supply would see food prices drop. Today much of our disposable garden waste is either being buried or incinerated in Phuket Town. This is costly and creates atmospheric air pollution on the island so a better solution to the problem would be to return and to keep this biodegradable garden waste into the ground turned into compost amendment for growing more food organically on the island.

18 CULTURE

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Inspiring tattoo masters

n a cramped Bangkok room filled with statues of deities and plumes of incense smoke, a master is at work. With expert precision Ajarn Neng repeatedly plunges a razor sharp needle dipped in black ink into the back of a disciple, each stab producing a perfectly placed pixel that forms a traditional Thai tattoo. It is an ancient art carried out by ajarns (masters), steeped in superstition that Thais have prized for centuries. But increasingly it is foreigners beating a path to this Buddhist tattooist’s door. “I’ve been dreaming of getting a tattoo like this for years,” says Silvia Falbo, from Rome, proudly showing five lines of Khmer script Neng recently inked onto her shoulder blade. “I’m attracted to Buddhism and all the spirituality that goes with it. And the design is really beautiful and original,” she

adds. Ever since American GIs passed through Bangkok for their R&R during the Vietnam War foreigners have returned home sporting traditional Thai tattoos – known as ‘sak yant’. While tattoos in the west are largely an aesthetic decision, in Thailand they are imbued with both spirituality and superstition. Those who wear sak yant often believe their tattoos genuinely lend them magical powers, bringing good luck or protection from evil spirits. Some are even convinced that their inking will make them bullet proof. The designs – lines of script, geometric patterns and animal shapes – are also deeply interwoven with Buddhist and animist imagery that some Thais fear westerners fail to appreciate. When a follower of an ajarn receives a

Thai Tattoo Photo AFP

n many cultures, superstitions have solid practical origins. It’s unlucky to walk under a ladder, for example. That’s an obvious one. Or breaking a mirror will bring seven years’ bad luck – that goes back to the days when mirrors, made with silver, gold or mercury, were very expensive.

The Tang Sam Prang mystery Nattha Thepbamrung

T tattoo, they are often told by their master to follow a certain set of rules to improve their life, with the warning added that failure to do so invalidates the power of the tattoo. Among the rules are the first five Buddhist precepts – do not harm living beings, do not steal, do not have inappropriate sexual behaviour, do not lie and do not consume drugs or intoxicating liquor. AFP

Whatever you do, don’t respond at night Nattha Thepbamrung

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

In Thailand, too, some beliefs probably have practical strategies behind them. One Thai belief is that if you hear someone calling in the middle of the night, you should never reply, because it is a ghost calling. If you respond, you let the ghost into your home. In the old days, people would usually go to bed at nightfall or soon after, so anyone walking around at night was quite possibly a criminal. If they called out and you opened the door to them, you were inviting trouble. Labelling them as ghosts, rather than as bad people, was considerably more scary and more likely to keep people as quiet as mice when someone called to them from the street. Piyatharin Ruengrong, 26, who was a mah song – a spirit medium – in the Vegetarian Festival for 11 years, says that she can see ghosts, though she has never heard them speak. She says, “I used to follow this belief when I was a lot younger but now I don’t believe it has anything to do with the supernatural. It’s more like a strategy by our elders to keep youngsters quiet at night.”

his famous belief has been passed on through generations, with only the frightful memories as proof that Tang Sam Prang has taken many lives for decades. The Tang Sam Prang is a junction where three roads connect and has a deadly reputation. Thai people believe that the three-way junction is the place where spirits use (live), and also a place where invisible powers (ghosts perhaps) can gather and reflect bad effects into the house. As you can imagine, not many people are thrilled about the idea of building their house in the middle of a junction. Many three-way junctions in Thailand, especially in the countryside, come alongside a spirit house with a small doll (people believe it is an offering for the spirit), dressed in colourful clothes. Most of the stories about Y-shaped junctions involve accidents that always happen at the same spot in front of the same house or the family inhabiting within that haunted house may face unfortunate luck, bad health or even death. Even nowadays, there continues to be mysterious stories, told by teenagers. This is a story from Som and her friends in January, recorded on the radio programme The Shock in Bangkok. “It happened in Tha Phra (in Bangkok) two years ago. My friends and I were exploring the Sapan Put (night market). Later, one friend forgot her house key at another friend’s house. When we got in the alley, there was an intersection like a Tang Sam Prang. She told us to wait outside. We waited for around two hours and she still did not show up. We noticed a house just in front of the intersection that had all the lights on, there was a Chineselooking old lady waving at us in front of the house. It wasn’t until the next day, that the group of friends discovered that the house they thought they saw had actually been demolished years ago, after the old lady had passed away. Some people believe in methods such as Feng Shui, putting mystic symbols, or a Buddha image, or a mirror on the roof, may prevent bad spirits from materialising. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Diminishing desires Buddhists prepare to observe Holy Trinity of Visakha Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

his coming Monday (June 1) is a special day for many Buddhists in Thailand, and elsewhere in the world, who will celebrate Visakha Bucha Day. Also referred to as Wan Phra Yai in Thai – literally a “Major Holy Day” – Visakha Bucha Day is a day for Buddhists to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Gautama Buddha, whose teachings became the foundation of Buddhism. The trinity of events is believed to have occurred on the same date on the lunar calendar – albeit in different years According to the Thai lunar calendar, the date is observed on the full moon of the sixth month, which tends to fall in May and sometimes June, like this year. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in 1999 to have the occasion internationally recognised as an event for Buddhists worldwide to celebrate altogether. In Phuket, ceremonies will be held at every temple on the island. Key services will be held at Wat Mongkol Nimit (Wat Klang) in Phuket Town. As the temple is designated as the provincial royal temple, many of the

ALMS CALL: Dhammayut Buddhist monks hit the streets of Patong on a previous Visakha Bucha Day. island’s leading officials and dignitaries often attend services there. The ceremonies will start after 5pm, when temple goers will gather in the main hall to pray and listen to sermons. After 7pm, monks will lead the traditional “Wien Tien” procession, circling the bodh, or main ordination hall, carrying candles, incense and lotus flowers. The monks and their followers will each hold three joss sticks and circle the main hall three times to honour the Buddhist trinity. Services at different temples in Phuket will differ slightly, depending on which of the two principle Thai Buddhist sects the temple is asso-

ciated with. Namely, there are Mahanikai (Mahanikaya) and the Dhammayut (Dhammayukti) temples. Mahanikai temples, such as Wat Mongkol Nimit and the famous Wat Chalong (Wat Chaiyathararam) observe the ceremonies described above. Dhammayut temples, however, differentiate themselves by focusing more on the teachings of the Buddha, with less emphasis on rituals. Dhammayut temples in Phuket include Wat Langsan (Charoen Samanakij temple), Wat Pitak Samanakit and Wat Pa Aram Rattanaram, all in Phuket Town, and Wat

Buongiorno from the Italian Ambassador

epublic Day in Italy, also known as Festa della Repubblica in Italian, is a national holiday in Italy on June 2 each year. It commemorates the day when Italians voted to abolish the monarchy in 1946 so their country could become a republic. It is usually a day off work for many people in Italy. Events include official ceremonies; military parades; and laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, inside the Altare della Patria in Rome. Outside of Italy, many Italian diplomats in embassies worldwide celebrate this day. This year, H.E. Francesco Save-

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rio Nisio, the Ambassador of Italy in Bangkok, has written a special message dedicated to all Italian expats and tourists across Thailand. “EXPO Milan 2015 started last May 1 under the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” and it is scheduled to attract more than 20 million visitors by its closing day on October 31. “EXPO Milan 2015 is one of the most important international events of the year: 150 Countries and International Institutions represented; 53 national self-built Pavilions; 8 Cluster Pavilions dedicated to specific themes: rice, cocoa and chocolate, fruits and legumes, spices, cereals

and tubers, bio-mediterraneum, islands and arid zones; 8 corporate Pavilions; about 150 restaurants; open air activities; shows, concerts and cultural events. “EXPO Milan 2015 runs through spring and summertime in Italy. In Milan and all over Italy there will be special features and opportunities for tourists and business people. “I seize the occasion of the National Day of Italy to remind Thai Friends that Thailand is represented with its national self-built magnificent Pavilion.” H.E. Francesco Saverio Nisio

COMMUNITY 19 ENLIGHTENMENT FOR ALL

The Buddha Guatama was a prince-turned holy man who lived in the area of Nepal and India about the same time as the famous Greek philosophers (Plato and Socrates), or about 2,500odd years ago. Like his Greek counterparts, he was not an immortal God or spirit with special superhuman powers, but was a mortal, albeit intelligent human being who sought to optimise the use of his cranium muscle with the greater aim of understanding and embodying the “true” meaning of existence. And through strict mental and physical discipline, meditating under a holy Bodhi tree, the Buddha discovered the answers he was seeking and went on to embrace and teach the not-so-secret secrets of his “enlightenment” to others. In a nutshell, life is a never-ending cycle of suffering, a relentlessly rotating wheel fuelled by desire – for pleasure, lust, vanity, joy and happiness. Once one is able to “let go” of such desires, then and only then, does this wheel cease to turn anymore. But the Buddha certainly was not the first to “see the light”, nor shall he be the last. In fact, anyone of us has the potential to be a Buddha. –Steven Layne Mai Khao at the northern end of the island. These temples will observe only a few ceremonies, including merit making in the morning (at about 6:30am to 7am). In the evening, followers will gather in the main hall to listen to the sermon. As Visakha Bucha is a holy day, shops, bars and restaurants are barred from selling alcohol for 24 hours from midnight on Sunday night. To find out what’s open and what’s not, visit tinyurl.com/visakha-phuket

20 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Mile high in the Orient

Three sides of one coin called Hong Kong Anton Makhrov news@novostiphuketa.com

estless. That was what my Hong Kong-raised friend Simon Ostheimer said when asked to stamp his home city with one word. Indeed, located on the southern coast of China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is one of the world’s financial centres and one of the busiest places in the world. HK has one of the highest per capita earnings, income inequality and density of population. But don’t let this reputation mislead you. Hong Kong is more than just a city of skyscrapers. Exhausting and energising, bustling and tranquil, oriental and western. Hong Kong is a place where Victorian classics

meet cyberpunk to create a unique blend that cannot help touch one’s feelings. You either love it, or hate it, or both. “And once you’ve been, it never leaves you.” Simon also said. Often referred to as a vertical city, Hong Kong boasts one of the world’s most expansive skylines. Therefore, I decided that having a glance from above would be a perfect start to my trip and headed to the ICC, Hong Kong’s tallest building with a 360-degree indoor observation deck at 393 metres above sea level. Located on the 100th floor (and thus called Sky 100) it offers an overwhelming view of both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Taking a high-speed elevator, which reaches the 100th floor in 60 seconds, was an adventure on its own. The Sun & Stars double entry ticket is a highly recommended option, letting

one enjoy the beauty of the view by day and night for HKD 198 (some B850) if pre-booked online in advance. Sky 100 also offers lunch, dinner and afternoon tea (all at a height of 393 metres) but being short on time, I had to postpone this experience till my second visit. While at the ICC, I spied an observation wheel on the other bank of Victoria Harbour, right next to the Central Piers. It is easily accessible from Kowloon by MTR and Star Ferry, Hong Kong’s iconic boat service which has operated since 1888. Priced at HKD 100 per adult (B430), the Hong Kong Observation Wheel offers a chance to enjoy the views of the harbour from another angle, and I must admit, I liked this one a lot. The cabins run smoothly and silently so you nearly float over the city reaching the height of 60 metres. Private and VIP cabins are available for those wishing to enjoy the scenery alone or with closest friends only. The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is quite a new attraction, while the Peak Tram is something Hong Kong’s nobility and rich men have been enjoying for over a century. Some even claim it to be the only way to experience the city’s skyline. I boarded the carriage at the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on Garden Road, some 15 minutes walk from the observa-

Hong Kong Observation Wheel tion wheel visiting the Hong Kong Park and climbing the 105-steps park tower on my way. But there is always an option to have an extended tour on one of the Big Bus Tours, the open-top red buses operating on hop-on, hop-off principle. One of the stops is exactly by the Tram’s Lower Terminus. Having tried various funicular trains, I did not expect anything special from the one in HK. My deepest apologies to the city and the 120-year-old tram route – I’ve never been so wrong in my life. The track is around 1,300 metres long and it takes approximately seven minutes for the tram to climb uphill. The slope is really steep and while going up you even experience a peculiar visual illusion of the city’s skyscrapers falling towards The Peak. If you find the Leaning Tower of Pisa to be impressive, just try experiencing the Leaning City of Hong Kong. When at the top, you can get the most impressive view of the whole Victoria Harbour from Sky Terrace 428, the highest 360° viewing platform in Hong Kong (where 428 stands for the elevation of the place above sea level). Stay tuned for the next part of Anton’s exciting trip, to be published next week. For more information on direct flights from Phuket to Hong Kong, please visit hkexperess.com thephuketnews

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PEOPLE 21

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Exciting times in low season The man behind Phuket’s newest radio show Dalia Hilmi editor1@classactmedia.co.th

It provides our expat and local Thai listeners, with local, national, and world news.

Tim Shaw live in action.

@thephuketnews

ive 89.5 continues to grow and now includes one of the most exciting radio shows on the island: The Phuket News Hour. Presented by one of the most talented and experienced broadcasters, Tim Shaw, the radio programme runs weekdays from 11am – midday, repeated at 6am the following day and highlights via podcast. Tim has over 20 years of experience and his charismatic and warm personality are what makes him and his new show a hit. Having only just started up a couple weeks ago, Tim describes the show as a chance for radio listeners to catch up on “things that may affect you”. “It provides our expat and local Thai listeners, with local, national, and world news. Podcasts are also available on the website as well,” Tim explains. “It gives you a snapshot of what you need to know and tires to bitesize information so the listener can understand and find out more.” “Using the resources from The Phuket News Centre, we can bring world news to the people of Phuket.” It acts as a complimentary service to the BBC news hour and the content already broadcast on the radio. Tim, originally from Australia, is the Thailand Correspondent for the Seven Network Australia. He produces and files news & current affairs content for Australian TV and Radio Networks. He also has extensive career experience in direct and channel sales, marketing and media. His training skills and the development of training programmes are now recognised and highly sought after in Australia and throughout Southeast Asia. Tim’s ability to draw the audience in and communicate important news in an efficient manner is a testament to the key skills he has gained over the years. His exceptional past experience can be demonstrated through the various high-profile interviews that he has carried out, including Julie Bishop, foreign ministry of Australia, former High Court Judge Michael Kirby on Tim’s Legal Matters programme on 2UE Radio, as well as a captivating interview with Julian Assange in 2012, also on his programme. He has previously spoken with the Australian ambassador, broken numerous pieces of news live on the radio, and aims to provide law into a context that people can actually understand. In addition to the impressive experience that he has lined up, Tim’s power to sell and experience at leading national sales teams in Australia ultimately led him to become the focus of a book named “Best Seller”. Released in 1995, the book is all about Tim’s

secrets to becoming the best, with advice, and entertaining anecdotes. Tune in with Tim Shaw on Live 89.5 weekdays from 11am and get involved in the island’s most thrilling radio programme. In addition to the above, you can also tune into Phuket Xtra, a programme of the top six stories each

morning, plus local weather/tides/sunset/waves for the day. The show will be presented in the same relaxed, conversational style as the radio news, so it will indeed be very familiar for existing listeners. For more information, visit http:// www.thephuketnews.com/radio

22 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

BANGKOK HOSPITAL 20TH ANNIVERSARY Bangkok Hospital Phuket celebrated their 20th anniversary with the Be Healthy Fair 2015 event on May 22. The “Bike Ride Project” also aims to encourage a healthy, environmentally friendly way of life.

A JOLLY GOOD IRISH TIME! The grand opening of The Drunken Leprechaun Irish pub took place on Thursday (May 21) in Patong! The night featured live entertainment as well as a scrumptious selection of Irish snacks and draft beer.

YOUTH FOOTY FRIENDLIES Young footballers from Kajonkietsuksa International School Khakhu and Phuket International Academy Day School had a ball of a time last Friday (May 22) as their U7, U9, U11 and U13 squads took to the field for friendly play. Looking forward to more friendly competition between all the island’s international schools in the near future!

BANGKOK HILARIOUS PERFORM IN PHUKET Bangkok Hilarious, Bangkok’s newest and spunkiest comedy club, took over the stage at the Royal Phuket Marina last Friday (May 22). thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Peter Moro, Simone Paquet, Mrs Schatzmann and Peter Schatzmann

SOI DOG GIVES BACK TO CHARITY

Kristel, Lisa, Lillian, Rina and Neil

Kati Remo and Tiina Tiitinen

On Saturday night (May 23), Soi Dog Foundation Phuket held a charity event at Centara Grand Beach Resort in Karon to raise money for its ongoing work on helping animals. The Cubana Havana Soi Dog Fundraiser kicked off with refreshments followed by a savouring dinner buffet, raffle, auction for priceless art objects and fancy vacation vouchers. The evening ended with lots of winners, music and dancing!

Sue Arnulphy, Dianne Buerger, Carole Dux, Wipa Tanmanatragul and Nampetch Tipaxsorn

AMARI TO OPEN GRAND OCEAN WING LADIES WINING AND The management team of ONYX Hospitality Group and Amari Phuket led by Debrah Pascoe – Senior DINING AT EL GAUCHO Vice President, Sales & Marketing of ONYX Hospitality Group (front row, centre) and Pierre-Andre Pelletier – Vice President and Area General Manager, South Thailand (front row, fifth from right) together with Amari sales team, recently organised a Sales Blitz to showcase the new Ocean Wing of Amari Phuket to travel agencies in Bangkok. Amari Phuket Ocean Wing will start operations on June 1, 2015.

LOVE CONQUERS ALL AT THE PEARL Ms Saiwan Choutong and Mr George Casey celebrated their love and married at The Pearl Hotel on May 24. @thephuketnews

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach welcomed members of Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) for their monthly luncheon at El Gaucho restaurant on May 21.

FOOTY FANS GIVE SUPPORT

Local fans travelled to Bangkok to cheer for Thailand in their World Cup qualifier against Veitnam. See Sports pages for full report.

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SAT

29 MAY

30 MAY

Traditional Muay Thai Training at Sumalee Boxing Gym Phuket International Rugby 10 - 2015 The Thanyapura Sports Club will once again be the venue for the 17th edition of the annual Phuket International Rugby 10s. The tournament will kick off with the Athena Siam Coffin Dodgers Vets tournament. 16 teams will compete throughout the day for the chance to play in the finals on Sunday. Teams from Abu Dhabi,Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand will compete for the prestigious trophy. In the Open Tournament which will kick off on Saturday 30th May previous champions the Moorabbin Rams from Australia & the Emirates Airlines Flying Muppets will look to add to their tally. Al Ain Amblers current UAE champions will field a strong side and will look to go a step further after being knocked out at the semi final stage last year. The Phuket Vagabonds led by inspirational captain Darryn Mathee will field a strong side and will look to win for the first time in what is the clubs 21st anniversary year. Come down and support International rugby on the island.Email : phuketrugby@ gmail.com Proudly supported by Class Act Media & Live 89.5FM.

Join Team Sumalee in Thalang for group Muay Thai training twice a day, six days a week. Whether you want to start your journey to fitness, prepare for a fight, or simply want to try something new, our team can help you achieve your goals. The camp features a fully equipped outdoor Muay Thai gym, air-conditioned fitness studio, 14 luxurious rooms, swimming pool, Ringside restaurant, all on-site. info@sumaleeboxinggym.com, 088-017-3020.

For THB 499/- nett. All you can eat

Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, butter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only B499 and special reduced prices on drinks, 076-286464 Ext 4.

Tom Rhodes - Comedy Central, Jay Leno, The New York Times, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, MTV’s Comedy Half Hour, opened for Ray Charles, Hudson Theater, NYC, now on a world tour. LIVE in Phuket @ SpiceBox. The New York Times-“A mostly natural intellect with a knack for reporting the harsh realities of life with a dark and absurdly optimistic cynicism.” Tickets 700B, includes a drink free! 0913260276.

Every Sunday enjoy a wide selection of Thai delicacies during the Thai Sunday Brunch at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket - Surin Beach. Various action stations, extensive salad bar, tropical fresh fruits, plenty of desserts and unlimited soft drinks, coffee and tea for only THB 350 net per person. Children aged 7-12 at THB 175 net. This includes free access to our swimming facilities! 076 303 300.

Sunday Roast at Gallery Cafe by Pinky Every Sunday. Follow and #pinkygallerycafe on instagram to get 10% off. More info contact Pinky at 089 103 700.

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi

Sexy Foam Party at Centra Ashlee

Mussels night @ Shaker

Stand Up Comedy Night

Contact Jay Address : The Boardwalk Royal Phuket Marina, 076 360 811.

The competition at 9pm Expat Sports Bar at the Expat Hotel Soi Taipan Patong. See map at www.expathotel.com

1.2 Kg mussels served with French Fries Your choice, Your style: Nature, mariniere, provencale, garlic & cream or Thai style Reservation recommended 295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

Thai Sunday Brunch at DoubleTree Phuket

Happy Fridays on the Boardwalk at RPM

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar

18.00 - midnight. 500THB include 2 drinks. Book now at saleschp@chr.co.th or call 076 349 800 / 081 171 0143.

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Stereo BBQ at White Orchid Kamala White Orchid Restaurant is located just steps away from the Kamala beach on Kamala’s “Millionaires Mile” Road. Authentic Thai taste since 1989, White Orchid would like to welcome everyone to join “Stereo BBQ” which happens every Friday for B350. Here you can enjoy the little things in life with great food, good music & a fashion market from 5 pm - 10 pm. For table reservations please call 081- 8929757 And visit our Facebook page: White Orchid Kamala.

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

CASUAL BBQ SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE POOL BAR AT HYATT REGENCY Enjoy our sumptuous brunch featuring a lavish spread of international delicacies with a variety of live stations, roasts, a casual seafood BBQ, freshly shucked Fin de Claire oysters, a pasta station, wood-fired pizzas and a children’s food corner plus our free flow selected beverage stations. With pool access and a Camp Hyatt kids club, starting at 1,500++ THB per person. For more details and reservations, call 076 231 516 fnb. phuhp@hyatt.com

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

SUN

31 MAY

FRIDAYS WINE & TAPAS

Bollywood Phuket’s Summer Fest

Imagine yourself sitting 50 metres above sea level and gazing out over an amazing sunset while sipping on a Ginger & Lemongrass Martini and enjoying the unique sophisticated city lifestyle ambiance of Phuket. Every Friday ‘All you can Eat’ Tapas, with free flow of selected beverages at B1,390 net from 7 – 10pm. Get 30 per cent discount on selected beverages from 5.30-6.30pm everyday. Located at Vanilla Sky Bar, Cape Sienna Hotel, Kamala 076-337300.

Bollywood Phuket Restaurant & Bar would like to invite you to our end of season Summer Fest event on Sunday 31st May starting at 5:30pm - 11pm. Enjoy an evening full of Indian charm and entertainment with delicious food & drinks, our buffet @ only 499 ThB net, dancers, beverages, Indian clothing & Souvenir stalls, market games, raffles prizes & more, info@bollywoodphuket. com, 076 304 034.

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

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork & Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, Fried mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – Roasted Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes – Gravey, Mushroom sauce, Mint Sauce. Reservation Recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

MON

1 JUNE

All you can eat BBQ night 6PM – 11PM: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squids, salad buffet, Choice of potatoes & Sauces, Bread, Buns & garlic bread Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

TUE

2 JUNE

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato Salad & Choice of Sauces Reservation recommended 295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@ gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

WED

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

3 JUNE

cinema popcorns, gourmet hot dogs, nachos, ice cream and refreshing drinks. Kata Rocks ‘Movies on the Terrace’ will become a Phuket favourite that features classic cult films on the first Friday of every month. Contact dining@katarocks.com or 076 370 777 for complete details.

SUN

7 JUNE

Laguna Phuket International Marathon Welcome to the 10th Laguna Phuket International Marathon™ that will take place on Sunday, 7 June 2015. The ninth event was another great success with more than 6,000 participants from over 50 countries. In 2015, over 7,000 runners and walkers are expected to join the race with start and finish at Laguna Phuket. The Laguna Phuket International Marathon is the largest destination marathon in South East Asia. For more information about the race visit www.phuketmarathon.com Sign up online here: www.goadventureasia.com/PIM/pim.htm This event is proudly sponsored by Class Act Media.

SAT

20 JUNE

ments, prize giving presentation following golf, with a fantastic lunch buffet and pool party at Angsana Phuket! Entry is just THB 1,950. Open to juniors aged 6 – 18. For more information please contact 076 270 991, Proudly supported by Live 89.5.

TUE

30 JUNE

Season Ending Party The ultimate finale to this season’s ‘Saturday Sunset Sessions’ this Saturday, 30th June from 3-6PM only at Kata Rocks. Accompanied by the beats of resident international DJs, our special drinks promotions will set the tone for a truly chic event. Join us for on the oceanfront terrace to experience Kata Rocks’ unique energised vibe as the day moves into night. Phuket’s hippest and most fashionable venue offers incredible sweeping views of the Andaman Sea and the perfect place to enjoy some sundowners. Call 076 370 777 or email dining@katarocks.com for complete details.

THU

9 JULY

The Good Shepherd Craft Shop Opens every Wednesday from 10am to NOON and every Saturday from 9am to NOON. We have a wide and wonderful selection of handicrafts such as educational toys, dolls, puppets, paper art, greeting cards for all occasions, Novelties like tooth fairy pillow, and many more. All proceeds go directly to The Good Shepherd mission. More info visit www.thegoodshepherd.info/shop/ reginatudor@ gmail.com, 083 104 0788. Proundly supported by Class Act Media.

FRI

5 JUNE

Krabi Music Festival Enjoy Krabi Music Festival on 20th June 2015 at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Highlight will be a mini concert by J Jetrin and hot DJs spinning the latest tracks, and fun entertainment. Make the most of your party weekend with special rates at just THB 3,990 for 1-night stay and THB 6,980 for 2-night stay including breakfast, party entrance fee and a complimentary drink for 2 persons. For reservation place contact 075 627 800 or h6184-re@sofitel.com

SAT

21 JUNE

Friday Night Movie On The Terrace

Laguna Phuket Junior Golf 2015

Kata Rocks is setting up a giant outdoor movie theatre on its poolside terrace - how cool is that? On every first Friday of every month at 7:00pm.There’s comfy seating under the stars from 250 baht (depending on seating tier, F&B not included), homemade

Laguna Phuket Golf Club is proud to present the first Laguna Phuket Junior Golf Tournament – partnered with BISP.The event will include 18 holes golf competition around the magnificent new Laguna Phuket golf course, goodie bags, refresh-

@thephuketnews

morning, then 5.15 p.m afternoon and 7.15 p.m evening. Men and women all ages, Just come, you will love it. work out and stretch. Tone your muscles, lose fat, get in shape, and feel good.See you in yoga class soon, Address : 217 khoktanod road kata beach phuket 83100, 076 605 950.

Multihull Solutions Regatta Phuket 2015 2015 is the second year that Multihull Solutions is naming rights and major sponsor of the Multihull Solutions Regatta in Phuket. This regatta is an Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) event. You too can join this “multihull only” event for three days of exciting racing and serious fun on and off the water. The fees to enter are modest, the scenery spectacular and the camaraderie is like no other! For registration and more information visit: http://www.multihullsolutions.com.au/events/multihull-solutions-regatta-phuket-2015/ This event is proudly sponsored by Class Act Media.

EVERYDAY KATA HOT YOGA FOR EVERYBODY Open every day, 3 classes daily: 9 a.m in the

KATA HOT YOGA Now 3 classes daily. 9 A.M then 5.15 PM and 7.15 P.M classes are 90 minutes. Kata Yoga the most popular yoga in Phuket for Men and Women. It is the best work out ever, getting strong and flexible, full of vitality, It will make you very happy, and it shows, you will walk with a big smile on your face, feeling good. Open everyday, right at the beach, Kata Beach, You got to try, warning: very addictive, once you start you keep coming, you never want to stop, 217 khoktanod road kata beach phuket 83100, 076 605 950.

Adventure Golf Summer Package 299/499 Baht Day pass, all you can play! One main dish from our menu/kid menu. A drink from our selected drink menu. Cold towel after the game/s. Child 299 Baht (up to 11 years old) Adult 499 Baht. Book now and save 40-50% (by phone or directly on our website). Happy time 17:00-19:00; Brews 50 baht, a glass from our selected beverages and pour-updrinks 99 baht. Our 18-hole course is fully floodlit, for twilight and night golfing. Welcome! Bangtao Beach Road, Soi 2 (Next to Arinara Beach Resort), 076 314 345, 080 147 2468, phuketadventureminigolf.com, mrk@phuketadventureminigolf.com

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 1. The Khyber Pass links which two countries? 2. Which ancient Syrian city fell to Islamic State last week? 3. What number is 00101111 in binary? 4. What is comedian John Cleese’s real name? 5. In alphabetical order, which is the last of the Seven Dwarves? Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

1. Bird-to-be 4. Supports, in a way 9. Bluenose 14. Grazing ground 15. Being deficient in moisture 16. Moves like honey 17. Not getting it 20. Refine, as metal 21. Coffee choice 22. Burn 23. Skirt sound 26. Kind of fingerprint 29. Possesses a perspective 33. “Don’t ___!” 34. Certain apartment 35. Mike holder 36. Don Juan 39. Very, in music 42. Crowd sound 43. Health resort 46. Place where turning back is impossible 50. Drop 51. “It ___ All Velvet” (Mel Tormé autobiography) 52. Got gray 53. Traveler 55. Scintillas 57. Blames 63. Depth charge

target 64. Defiant one 65. “I” problem 66. It’s spotted in westerns 67. Affirm 68. Morning moisture Down

1. “Slippery” tree 2. Japanese entertainers 3. Respirator 4. Angle 5. Shaped furniture material 6. A little bit of work 7. Small bird 8. Metamorphic rock 9. Bishop of Rome 10. Cross 11. Arm of Israel 12. Cubby hole? 13. Best guess: Abbr. 18. Word repeated after “Que” 19. Close imitation 22. When doubled, a dance 24. Old 45 player 25. “ER” extras 26. Decline 27. Known formerly as

28. Carpentry tool 30. Braid 31. Danger signal 32. Delivery vehicle 36. PC linkup 37. Sometime today, say 38. Strict disciplinarian 39. King Kong, e.g. 40. Cry loudly 41. Bro, for one 43. Sweetened 44. Foreshadow 45. “Go on” 47. Has a tab 48. Electrical units 49. “Soap” family name 53. Buzzing pest 54. “How to Make an American Quilt” author Whitney ___ 56. Cruel person 57. Part of a litter 58. Japanese sash 59. Charge carrier 60. Lucrative 61. Bank offering, for short 62. Kind of truck

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Pakistan and Afghanistan; 2. Palmyra; 3. 47; 4. John Cheese; 5. Sneezy.

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history ■■ May 29, 1942

Bing Crosby, the Ken Darby Singers and the John Scott Trotter Orchestra record Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, the best-selling Christmas single in history.

Percentage of Americans who say they don’t know any Muslims.

■■ May 30, 1431

1 billion

■■ May 31, 1858

Joan of Arc is burned at the stake by an English-dominated tribunal. The Clock Tower on London’s Houses of Parliament, housing the great bell k now n a s Big Ben (named after politician and civil engineer Sir Benjamin Hall), is completed and starts keeping time.

Estimate of the number of people addicted to tobacco – that’s about one in seven of the world’s population.

Percentage of pet rabbits that have tooth decay due to owners feeding them too many carrots.

■■ June 1, 1967

The Beatles’ seminal album, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, is released.

■■ June 2, 1946

In a referendum, Italians vote to turn Italy from a monarchy into a Republic. After the referendum, King Umberto II of Italy is exiled.

Estimated percentage of all consumer goods sold in China that are counterfeit.

■■ June 3, 2013

The trial begins of US Army Pvt Bradley (Chelsea) Manning for leaking classified material to WikiLeaks.

8,782,571

■■ June 4, 1896

Dollars raised on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter for a card game called Exploding Kittens.

The “Lard Yai” walking street market on Thalang Rd. Photo by Tanyaluk Sakoot

Source: Uberfacts

Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Henry Ford complet es t he Ford Quadricycle, his first gasoline-powered automobile, and gives it a successful test run. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

@thephuketnews

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

PROPERTY 27

28 PROPERTY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

@thephuketnews

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

PROPERTY 29

30 PROPERTY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

@thephuketnews

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

PROPERTY 31

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

HEALTH

MARINE SERVICES

HOME DECORATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

GUARDIAN SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME DECORATION

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

ELECTRIC

STORAGE

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMOVALS

PRODUCTION SERVICE

@thephuketnews

34 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Jobs

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

Junior Web Programmer (Thai) Sedna system is the worldwide leader in management & reservation software dedicated in the yachting industry. Our main office is based in France and we exist since 12 years. Check more info here: www.sednasystem. com We are opening an office in Phuket and we are looking to hire 2 to 4 web developers to start with. Sedna system has over 300 companies under contract license worldwide and we need to enforce our development capacities. Job keys are the following; Profiles required: Junior & confirmed Web Developers Salary: 22.000 THB to 30.000 THB + Performance bonus, depending on profiles 5 days’ work week Start-up ambiance, pool table, Table Football, swimming pool during the breaks Flexible working hours. Office located at Chalong. Career level: Not important, we match someone efficient, junior/beginners +++ can be accepted. Our leitmotiv is: In the best we trust and never do tomorrow what you can do today! Requirements Classic ASP (or php)/Vbscript/XML/JSON/Javascript/Jquery/html5/ASP MVC Database: SQL Server Server: IIS / Windows Responsibilities: To be in contact with an international clientele Interested candidates are invited to send their résumé along with their salary requirements to Eric Ahuir @ eric@sednasystem.com, Address : 32/16 Soi Phon Chalong Moo 9, Chaofa Rd East T.Chalong, A.Muang, Phuket, Phuket 83130. Tel: 098 671 84 66.

Worldwide Dive and Sail We offer

diving safaris across South East Asia and the Pacific and more destinations to come. To support our fast and dynamic expansion, we are recruiting for the following positions: - Reservations consultant - Local Operations Manager for Siren Fleet Please refer to our website for further details about the positions. Interested candidates can send a résumé and a cover letter at:employment@wwdas.com, Contact HR.

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

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Qualifications: ● Thai or Expat. ● Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English. ● Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude. ● Works well under pressure and has a will to succeed.

We offer: ● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses. ● A friendly work environment. ● Social security paid by the company. ● Excellent career progress opportunities. Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume, in English, indicating qualifications, experience, recent photo and expected salary.

Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

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

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CLASSIFIEDS 35

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Buy&Sell

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

BOATS & YACHTS 3.1 RIB Yacht tender dinghy

3.1m Stingray RIB with 9.9hp 4 stroke Suzuki outboard, storage cover, fuel tank etc. Great size yacht tender dinghy, as new 140,000b, Price : 140,000, sc@acronautic. com, 0898734044.

33/F Gulf Craft W/A

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

4.1M/40HP RIB, 09/2014 AS NEW! BOUGHT IN SEPT. 2014,14HRS ONLY! SUZUKI ENGINE+BOAT UNDER WARRANTY (SUZUKI PHUKET). BIMINI+TRAILER+TUBE COVERS. 0935840565 (RUS/ENG) 0987086632 (FR/ENG, 350,000 THB,)

Silver Princess Yacht PC530

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Polynesian Beauty from NZ

CELESTE - Outcalls only. Polynesian Beauty from NZ. Limited time Book now. http://polynesiansceleste.com (computer/laptop only), Contact Celeste, polynesianceleste@gmail.com, 062 404 3273.

German bakery & deli & snack

Main road, 8 years clientele, take over + incl. training complete equipment, staff room, 3 or 5 years leasing contract. Yearly volume 4 mio. hansibakery@ gmail.com, Price: 3.5 million, Contact Mr. Stark, ansibakery@gmail.com

Bar For Sale O Top Markets

Bar For Sale with full trading history showing increasing growth. Includes 4Mil Bht Thai company & 1 Work Permit. Great Location, good customer base, Price : 2,000,000, Person : charlie kenyon, charlie@paddymalones.com.au, 0841858719.

Bar Bangla Road for sale

Bangla Soi Crocodile - Good situation (n3) Fully furnished (alcohols,TV,fridge,Cash register...) Contract until 01-01-2016 Key money : 185 000 Baths 09 87 26 82 84 or arnaud270@hotmail.fr

Restaurant Khao Lak for Sale

Large profitable restaurant. 1.6 mio THB, ONO Central location, high turnover, includes all furnishings, website. Extra income from shops on premises, good TripAdvisor reviews, Price 1.6 mio THB, anders@siamthaihouses.com, 0848470577. A long established fully equipped Restaurant with Bar for Rent in an excellent location on Nanai Rd, Patong. The 105 M2 premises includes a fully equipped Kitchen, Restaurant and Bar with ample seating for 50 customers and excellent parking facilities., Peter Wesche, info@phuket-besthomes.com, 081 892 8526.

Restaurant & Bar For Rent

Bangla bar for sale

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

CAR FOR SALE

Patong Nightclub for Sale

2012 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

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

FREEDOM BAR FOR SALE

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

CAR FOR SALE

Powerful 380HP, Full Option: Bose Sound, Pano roof, Navigator Map. etc. Immaculate condition, no accident, low mileage, one owner, Price : 4,500,000 THB, Phone 086-2806526.

Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto

57,000kms. One owner since new. Regularly serviced by Honda. Tax and Insurance until the end of June and available now at right offer.Price: 370,000bht, Andy: +66846909144, andysmalster@gmail.com

Car For Sale

1996 Toyota Corolla Sedan, Silver Gray. Automatic power steering, good aircon, goo tyres. 173,00kms. New Stereo, tinted windows. Bargain at 145,000 Baht. Kamala. Call Norm 083 182 2797.

TOYOTA Fortune 2009

7 seats, Silver, GPS video, Family car Diesel 2,694cc, Blue book Service history Toyota Pearl 78,000kms. AUTOMATIC transmission, golfguru2005@yahoo.co.uk, 076 615 827.

One of a kind retail space

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

Subaru Forester XT Turbo for sale

For sale Subaru Forester 2.0 XT AWD CVT. 240 hp, auto light control and wiper control (rainy). crossover. Push start, xenon, rain sensor, ABS, air bags, electro seats, reversing camera, TV / CD / MP3 / USB / AUĐĽ/ HDD/ DVD- VIDEO, ESP, separate climate control, cruise control, regulation steering, EBD, hatch, X-mode, acceleration to 100 km\h until 7 seconds, electric trunk, number plate for present)), kamila.sema@icloud.com, 0824133707.

TOYOTA Fortune 2006

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

Nissan Teana Special 6 cyl

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

Nissan Teana 2.5Lt

Mitsubishi Pajero Sports

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

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

LOOKING FOR THE BEST

PROPERTY DEALS IN PHUKET *FIND THEM ON PAGE 27 @thephuketnews

2013 Price MauThai:

36 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com CAR FOR SALE

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

COMMUNITY

2012 Toyota Fortuna 24,000km

2012 Pearl white Toyota Fortuna For Sale. 3.0 D4D VN Turbo Great condition- Baht Black leather interior. Tax / insurance till 2016, 900,000, Loch Palm, Kathu, Phuket, glawre123@gmail.com, 0898668825.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS 2012

Showroom condition, new from Kawasaki Phuket May 2012, 2,000km, Hepco & Becker Engine Bars & Rear-rack, Kawasaki Handguards and Pyramid Hugger., 220,000 THB, Paul, 084 1 303 234, Plongmore@ hotmail.com

MEMBERSHIPS CALLING THE DOG LOVERS OF PHUKET

Blue Canyon Membership

Soi Dog are looking for dog lovers in Phuket to come and spend time with our 300+ street dogs in residence at our shelter in Mai Khao, North Phuket. We need volunteers to help socialise and walk our dogs - as this is fundamental in preparing our lovely dogs for adoption in Phuket and around the world. Whether you can spare one day a week or can come every day, we would love to have you help our dogs. Volunteering at Soi Dog is an amazing experience and may well change your life. For more details, please email Diana at volunteering@soidog-foundation.org

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

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

PERSONAL SERVICES Polynesian Beauty from NZ

CELESTE - Outcalls only. Polynesian Beauty from NZ. Limited time Book now. http://polynesiansceleste.com (computer/laptop only), Contact Celeste, Email : polynesianceleste@gmail.com, 062 404 3273.

OTHER Best Deal

Rawai business for sale. Area approx 2Rai, can do restaurant or other business.Five mins from beach. Long term lease, yearly rent B200,000. 4 bedrooms house included. Reduce from B980,000 to B520,000. Contact Khun Asoke at 089 646 7176 / big_redchili@yahoo.com

COMPANY FOR SALE

For Sale

Industrial over locker. Whitehouse Brand. 3 Thread. Brand new never used. Full tool kit. Bargain at 12,000 Baht. Call Sandi 087 264 0778.

FOR QUICK SALE

PETS FOR ADOPTION Neo and Cookie We are 15

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

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

Ocean View Land Kamala

Half rai 797sq.m. cleared and leveled, power connected, sealed road, MUST SELL 6.75million. For ENG 090 492 3101 THA 093 768 6694.

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

OTHER RESORT FOR SALE/LEASE

Resort for sale lease any offer consider! I want go sailing again!!, Address : 67/18 Soi Sermsuk Rawai Phuket, bigasail@samart.co.th, Contact +66 (0)86 9401860.

House for rent - Near Pah-klok

Long term, quality furnishings, near Heroines Monument, 3 bed, 2 baths plus office. Good garden. THB35,000 per month. Call 087 878 5804.

RESORT FOR SALE/LEASE

Resort for sale lease any offer consider! I want go sailing again!! bigasail@ samart.co.th, +66 (0)86 9401860.

Office Space Laguna

Office Space Laguna - Plaza del Mar Fully Furnished offices 4 Office Suite plus boardroom Rent entire unit or individual office 080 045 4474.

Sea view land in Patong

The Last Piece of Sea View Land on Prime Location in Patong, just 500 m. from Patong beach, 1.3 KM. to Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Contact: Karuna, kpattarawalee@gmail.com,089-967-5373.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

‘Cheerful Mudskippers’ make Phuket Utd frown FUTSAL

Following are all FTPL results from the weekend: Nonthaburi Mor Pak Khon Kaen Surat Thani Samut Sakhon Ayuthaya City Si Pathum Si Saket Bangkok

Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

huket United dropped into into 7th place of the 14-team Futsal Thailand Premier League (FTPL) following their 3-2 loss on Saturday (May 23) to Samut Sakhon Futsal Club. Playe d at t he Sa mut Sakhon Wuthichai School, about 20 minutes west of the Thai capital, Phuket were in 5th placed going into the match against the league’s 4th placed team. To the delight of the home crowd it was the ‘Cheerful Mudskippers’ who drew first blood in the 7th minute through a goal by Latthaphon Runleuang. The equalizer came 9 minutes laters when the Andaman Pearl’s Anuwat Pannopha stole the ball and on the ensuing counter attack, played a brilliant combination through

2-5 Chonburi Blue Wave 3-6 Samut Prakarn 4-3 Nakhon Ratchasima 3-2 Phuket Utd 3-3 CAT FC 3-0 Thai Port 4-5 Siam Navy

And upcoming fixtures this weekend May 30, 2015 Phuket (7) vs Bangkok (4) Thai Port (8) v Nonthaburi (13)

ON THE COUNTER: Phuket’s Edson “Gugu” Silva with possession. Photo: SMM Sport / FutsalTPL Thanakorn Piyaprichatut, which was completed with a goal by Thanakorn Penpakul. Despite a close Phuket shot that was questionably denied by the referee, the score remained at a 1-1 deadlock at the half time whistle. The travelling “Power Blue” contingent were sent

in a frenzy four minutes into the half on a set play when Phuket’s Piyaprichayut laid off the ball to Brazilian sensation, Edson “Gugu” Silva finding space the box, where he drove the ball home to give his side the lead, 2-1. But the home side kept their heads up and made good

Nakhon Ratchasima (3) v Ayuthaya City (9) Chonburi (1) vs Khon Kaen (10) CAT FC (14) vs Samut Sakhon (2)

May 31, 2015 Samut Prakan (11) v Surat Thani (12) Siam Navy (6) vs Si Saket (5)

of a free kick on the 29th minute in front of the a walled-off Phuket goal, by opting on an evasive pass to Latthaphon

who’d skirted around Phuket’s wall to beat the keeper from the left side and score his second of the match, levelling the score. Only a minute later, the Mudskippers lived up to their ‘Cheerful’ nickname when their Ekarsit Kaeokongmueang narrowly beat Phuket’s keeper for what would be the winning goal. The score remained 3-2 through to the final whistle in the favour of Samut Sakhon, who with 19 points after 9 matches, were elevated to 2nd of the league, inferior only to the league’s only unbeaten side, Chonburi who have 25 points.

Thanyapura Phuket stars eyeing medals at SEA Games SWIMMING THANYAPURA’S TOP SWIMMING stars are hoping to bring home a bounty of medals from the Southeast Asian Games next week. Swimming sensations Peerapat “Garfield” Loessathapornsuk, 18, Patarawadee “Ploy” Kittiya , 21, Kornkanjana “Golf” Sapianchai, 17, and Tanakrit “Nok” Kittiya, 19, will come up against the best in the region at Southeast Asian (SEA) Games swimming competition from June 6-11. The four athletes will compete in ten races over a seven-day period, while representing both Thailand and Thanyapura on the international stage. More than 4,700 athletes from 11

From left: Tanakrit Kittiya, Patarawadee Kittiya, Swim Coach Miguel Lopez, Peerapat Loessathapornsuk and Kornkanjana Sapianchai. countries will travel to compete in 35 different sports at the 28th edition of the SEA Games, which are held every two years. Garfield will be competing in the 1500 freestyle at the swimming Asian Games; while Ploy will race in the

100m, 200m butterfly and 4x 200m freestyle relay. During the week, Ploy can also qualify to compete in an additional race – the 4 x 100m independent medley. Golf will come up against some of the best in the 4 x 100m freestyle,

the 50m butterfly and 4 x 200m freestyle. Nok, who has already gained a qualifying time for the 2016 Rio Olympics, will swim in the 400m and 1500m freestyle. The swimmers also have their eye on Olympic glory and are hoping to gain qualifying times at the swimming Asian Games. Garfield has received a wildcard to the Olympics from FINA – the aquatics governing international body – but Ploy and Golf will both have to fight for their places. Thanyapura Phuket has teamed up with FINA to award 38 scholarships to talented Southeast Asian swimmers. As part of the scholarship, the swimmers will train and live at Thanyapura for the year while preparing for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

BISP students triumph at junior Thai golf championships GOLF

From left to right: BISP Headmaster Neil Richards, BISP Golf Academy Head Coach Oliver Bates, Napat “Toy” Paramacharoeroj, Vanchai “Mark” Luangnitikul, Secondary Principal Simon Meredith, Athletics & Activities Director Jeff LaMantia @thephuketnews

IT’S ONLY BEEN A FEW months since British International School, Phuket (BISP) established their BISP Golf Academy, but already a pair of 13-year-old golfers have earned some treasures for the school’s trophy case. Napat “Toy” Paramacharoeroj and recent addition Vanchai “Mark” Luangnitikul came in 2nd and 1st respectively at the recent 2015 Southern Thailand Golf Championships held on 16-17 May

at the Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket. Though Toy has been at the school for eight years, it’s not the first time he has played with Mark. Both boys grew up playing in the same youth program at Phunaka Golf Course in Chalong. The competition only gets tougher from here, especially for Mark who is expected to be the anchor of the squad after he rebuffed scholarship offers to prestigious academies in the United States and Australia to stay in his native Phuket and study and

improve his game at British International School, Phuket. In July, Mark will defend his title as one of the world’s top young golfers when he travels to Torrey Pines in San Diego, California to compete in the Callaway Junior Golf Championships 2015. Last year, Mark came in 4th in the under-12 category, in addition to finishing 5th in 2011 when he was nine. For more information on the BISP Golf Academy, contact Head Coach Oliver Bates: obates@bisphuket.ac.th

SPORT 37

ACYC Race 5 winner, Niña, at the Royal Langkawi International Regatta, which she also won this year. Photo: RLIR

Clever call gives Nina ACYC victory SAILING Chris Husted execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

A PLUCKY TACTICAL call by Grenville Fordham and Bob Mott on Niña saw them recover from a dwindling start to rejoin the fleet and then claim victory on corrected time in the Multihull class of the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) race series regatta on Sunday (May 24). After a morning storm blew through, the winds disappeared just in time for the midday start of Race 5 of the series, leaving the fleet bobbing on Chalong Bay and praying for a lone gust of wind to get them over the start line. Niña and Adrenaline, skippered by Mark Horwood, were both caught on the wrong side of the start as the fleet inched their way into the main race area, but a gutsy call to sidle along the west coast of Koh Lone saw Niña rejoin the fleet at the southern turn around the island. Niña’s tactical difference was huge and it eventually placed first on corrected time. The new Stealth cat Wow, built in Phuket and launched only weeks ago, placed second in the class. After scoring outright victory in Race 4, Wow now sits in fourth place overall in the series. Tim Milner’s Seekronghuk, with Mark Pescott on board, placed third on the day. Horwood’s crew on Adrenaline can take some consolation from their poor performance. They finished last overall on corrected time on the day – their worst performance this season – but remain in first place overall in the series. In the Monohull class, Brent McInnes on the First 53 Overdrive was the sole entry, as many local racers are in the Gulf of Thailand taking part in the Samui Regatta, which got underway on Monday (May 25). Race 6 in the ACYC race series will be on June 7. All are welcome to join, regardless of sailing experience. For more information, visit ACYC.asia

38 SPORT

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: FOR FINAL STANDINGS VISIT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Chelsea close season in style FOOTBALL

ose Mourin ho’s side wrapped up their Premier League title-winning campaign with a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (May 24). Diego Costa confirmed his status as the club’s number one striker with his 20th league goal of the season, a 36th minute penalty to cancel out Steven Fletcher’s opening goal before Loic Remy completed the win with two second-half goals. Didier Drogba, meanwhile, was carried from the field by his team-mates when he was replaced after a brief, 28-minute appearance that had all the signs of a final farewell. Mourinho and his staff lined up on the touchline to applaud the 37-year-old as he left the field saluting to the crowd. The forward is out of con-

MONTHLY SPONSOR

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The overall competition winner receives 2 round-trip business class tickets Phuket-Kuala Lumpur AND 2 round-trip business class tickets Krabi-Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia Airlines, overall value THB71,100. The monthly competion winner for May will receive a THB3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O’Tool’s irish Pub and Restaurant. 100

Cyan 100

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MONTHLY STANDINGS

OVERALL STANDINGS

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Gracie 86 MRB 86 toptipster 86 AAY 83 giggs 83 pickledliverbar 83 zestrealestate 83 bazerb 80 British International School, Phuket 80 10. celticpride 80

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English Premier League 2014 - 2015

Chelsea’s John Terry (centre) holds the Premier League Trophy after Chelsea defeated Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (May 24). tract this summer and it was clear from his reaction that his second spell at the club is now coming to a close. Meanwhile, Hull City were relegated after drawing 0-0 at home to Manchester United.

Hull needed to defeat United to stand any chance of staying up, but their failure to do so left them three points adrift of safety. The visitors, missing injured goalkeeper David de Gea

and on-loan striker Radamel Falcao, lost Angel di Maria to injury and saw substitute Marouane Fellaini sent off for an ugly foul on McShane in the second half. But Steve Br uce was unable to engineer a first managerial win over his old employers as Hull sank into the Championship and Louis van Gaal’s United finished the campaign in fourth place. Newcastle United were the only other team at risk of relegation, but they secured their top-flight status with a 2-0 victory at home to West Ham United. Jonas Gutierrez, who returned to action last month after a 17-month battle with testicular cancer, was Newcastle’s saviour, teeing up Moussa Sissoko for a 54thminute header and scoring with a deflected effort. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, criticised by fans for a perceived lack of investment, had vowed prior to the game not to leave until the club win a trophy or qualify for the Champions League. West Ham, meanwhile, announced after the match that manager Sam Allardyce’s contract will not be renewed and he will leave the club with immediate effect. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard scored in vain on a wretched 710th and final appearance for the club as Brendan Rodgers’s side capitulated in a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Stoke City. With Raheem Sterling benched over his contract stand-off, Liverpool conceded five first-half goals, with Mame

Team

MP W

A GD Pts

Chelsea

38 26

73 32 41

Man City

38 24

83 38 45

Arsenal

38 22

71 36 35

Man Utd

38 20 10

62 37 25

Tottenham

38 19

12 58 53

Liverpool

38 18

12 52 48

Southampton

38 18

14 54 33 21

Swansea

38 16

14 46 49

-3

Stoke

38 15

14 48 45

Crystal Palace

38 13

16 47 51

-4

Everton

38 12 11 15 48 50

-2

West Ham

38 12 11 15 44 47

-3

West Brom

38 11 11 16 38 51 -13

Leicester

38 11

Newcastle

Sunderland

Aston Villa

38 10

Hull

Burnley

QPR

19 46 55

-9

38 10

19 40 63 -23

17 14 31 53 -22

20 31 57 -26

11 19 33 51 -18

12 19 28 53 -25

Biram Diouf scoring twice and Jonathan Walters, Charlie Adam and Steven Nzonzi also on target. Gerrard replied in the second half, to give the visiting fans one last goal before his departure for the Los Angeles Galaxy, but ex-Liverpool striker Peter Crouch restored Stoke’s five-goal cushion late on. Liverpool’s sixth-place finish nevertheless takes them into the Europa League, alongside Tottenham Hotspur, who won 1-0 at Everton courtesy of Harry Kane’s 21st goal of the league campaign and 31st in all competitions. Gerrard’s former England team-mate Frank Lampard also found the net in his final game before departing England for the United States, but he scored in a winning cause as runners-up Manchester City beat Southampton 2-0. The 36 -year-old midfielder converted a cross from James Milner in the first half at the Etihad Stadium, with Golden Boot-winner Sergio Aguero scoring his 26th goal

24 42 73 -31

of the campaign late on. Arsenal rubber-stamped third place, and automatic Champions League qualification, by demolishing West Bromwich Albion 4-1 as Theo Walcott staked a claim for a cup final starting place with a first-half hat-trick. Jack Wilshere was also on target, with Gareth McAuley replying for West Brom. Aston Villa will go into the FA Cup final on the back of a defeat after a first-half Danny Ings header saw them beaten 1-0 at relegated Burnley. Leicester City celebrated their stunning escape from relegation with a 5-1 romp at home to relegated Queens Park Rangers. In the day’s other game, Crystal Palace beat Swansea City 1-0 courtesy of a 57thminute goal by Marouane Chamakh. Palace, who picked up their ninth victor y since former Newcastle handler Alan Pardew took over in January, took their points tally to 48 and a 10 th-place finish. AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

Runners get ready for 10th Laguna Marathon MARATHON T H E 10 T H L AG U N A Phuket International Marathon will take place on Sunday, June 7 2015. The ninth event was another great success with more than 6,000 participants from over 50 countries. In 2015, more than 7,000 runners and walkers are expected to join the race with start and finish at Laguna Phuket. The course is very scenic and runners can appreciate the lush vegetation Phuket has to offer. The Laguna Phuket International Marathon is the largest destination marathon in South East Asia. The focus of the event is not on breaking world records but on establishing a respected competition that exposes the true beauty of Phuket. Despite this, the Laguna Phuket International Marathon has established itself as a major running event on the Southeast Asian market and confirms its strong reputation

Not everyone takes the event seriously... amongst runners from year to year. The event is considered world class in the running scene and one of the most prestigious annual events taking place in Thailand. It is also a showcase of Laguna Phuket’s hospitality and makes the athlete’s journey special, which is a unique selling point on the running market. The Laguna Phuket International marathon is cosponsored by Class Act Media. For more information visitphuketmarathon.com, or sign up online at goadventureasia. com/PIM/pim.htm

*Times may be subject to change SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Rugby Union

Super XV

Crusaders v. Hurricanes

Friday, May 29 834, 669

812, 813, 680 403, SS2

14:30 16:30

Rugby Union

Super XV

Brumbies v. Bulls

0:00

Rugby Union

Super XV

Sharks v. Rebels

16:00

Tennis

French Open

16:30

Cricket

Test Match 2, Headingley

Roland Garros, Day 6 England v. New Zealand, Day 1 Titans v. Rabbitohs

Saturday, May 30 834, 669 834, 669

833

669