The Phuket News 29 Dec 2017

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

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HAPPY HOUR IS OVER CRACKDOWN HITS ILLEGAL ALCOHOL SALES, PROMOTION OVER NEW YEAR

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Health officials inspect one of the bars at the Chillva Market where public promotion of alcohol, especially through a promotion, were found to be illegal. Photo: The Phuket News

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A

fter a week of warnings issued to vendors of alcohol across the island, the Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO), acting on orders from Bangkok, now say they have no choice but to start legal action against those who continue to break the law involving the illegal sale and promotion of alcohol ahead of the New Year celebrations.

The crackdown this week has already seen one Super Cheap store

south of Phuket Town and the bars at the popular Chillva Market in Samkong stand to have any licences to sell alcohol revoked as they are located too close to schools.

The campaign will now extend across the island, and include the bars and nightlife venues on Bangla Rd, Patong, confirmed Dr Prapa Nakara, who as Director of the PPHO’s Noncommunicable Diseases division directly heads the enforcement of alcohol-related regulations on the island.

The PPHO launched the campaign

softly Wednesday last week (Dec 20) by issuing a four-page “Request for Cooperation” to all businesses involved in the sale of alcohol on the island.

The notices remind operators of the key provisions of the Alcohol Beverages Act 2008, Dr Prapha explained.

The provisions include the ban on “Happy Hours” and “two-for one” deals, and any promotion of alcohol to encourage people to drink. The “Request for Cooperation”, also sent to every police station on the island calling for enforcement of the alcohol laws, will remain as a friendly

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reminder until today (Dec 29), Dr Prapha said. After Dec 29, however, the PPHO has been ordered to take legal action against any offenders caught breaking the law, she added.

“Also, any offenders caught will be reported to the Office of the Alcohol Control Committee in Bangkok,” Dr Prapha said.

However, the actual enforcement will be left to the police, Dr Prapha admitted. “All of these provisions are for the local police to enforce. If the police do nothing, there is nothing the PPHO can do,” she said…

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

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Crackdown hits booze vendors Continued from page 1 ... While the campaign will start to include those found guilty of breaking alcoholpromotion laws after Dec 29, the first to be hit were the Super Cheap store next to Dowroong Wittaya School and the bar operators at the Chillva Market.

The manager of the Super Cheap store was fined B3,000 for selling alcohol outside the permitted hours after officers from the Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) presented themselves as regular customers just after 3pm on Tuesday (Dec 26) and were able to freely purchase alcohol.

“Our officers obtained a receipt that indicated the time of the purchase, which we needed to hand to the police as evidence when we filed a complaint at Phuket City Police Station asking the police to press charges,” explained Natpimon Na Nakorn, one of

the health officials who led the “sting” operation.

Ms Natpimon works out of the Ministry of Health’s Office of Prevention and Control of Disease Region 11 office in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, which also covers Phuket.

The health officials escorted the store manager to Phuket City Police Station, where Capt Ronnapoom Pempoon confirmed, “The manager was fined B3,000 for selling alcohol during the incorrect hours. If they do it again they will be fined up to B6,000.”

By law, alcohol may be sold by stores only between the hours 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to midnight.

However, the store is unlikely to have the opportunity to commit the offence again as the PPHO will ask the Phuket Governor to revoke the store’s licence to sell alcohol entirely, Ms Natpimon told The Phuket News.

The bar operators at Chillva Market were told what was legal, and what was not, on Tuesday night (Dec 26).

The same now applies for the bars operating at the Chillva Market in Samkong, where officers arrived in force at 7:30pm on Tuesday night.

“The Super Cheap store is next to Dowroong School and the bars at Chillva Market are too close to Ban Samkong Municipal School,” Ms Natpimon confirmed.

“These cases will be presented to the Phuket Governor for him to order that any licences to sell alcohol held by these venues be revoked and that any future applications for alcohol permits denied as selling alcohol in these areas is banned,” she added.

Specifically, Ms Natpi-

mon noted that alcohol was not permitted to be sold at the Chillva Market as it was within 300 metres of a school.

Worse, it was also discovered that the operators of the seven bars at the market were selling alcohol under the remit of licences that expired last year.

At the Chillva Market, Ms Natpimon pointed out that the operators were also operating in flagrant disregard of the alcohol promotion laws.

The illuminated signs installed at the front of bars were deemed illegal as they were understood to be “in a public area”. Even an inflated balloon floating above the market was deemed to be in breach of the law, Ms Natpimon noted.

The fact that the whole market was on private land was overshadowed by the fact that the general public had access to the areas where

the signs were posted, she explained.

The damning aspects of promotion were the “buy 3 get 1 free” discount promotion, which is plainly illegal under the law, Ms Natpimon added.

“Even (alcohol brand) logos with a message that promotes a promotion for alcohol is illegal,” she said.

Ms Natpimon noted that staff such as “pretties”, who are hired to attend venues to highlight specific alcohol brands to potential customers, were legal, but they were not to solicit or serve customers.

“They can only wait for the client to ask them. They can explain the price of the alcohol,” Ms Natpimon said.

Regarding the issue of beer gardens, Dr Prapha said the main issue was the level of public access to the area.

“If the promotion extends outside the private area, then it is illegal,” she said.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

PHUKET NEWS

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baby killed Teenage girl shot dead in Mother, as bus runs red light ‘shoot for mate’ slaying Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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olice have arrested a man alleged to be responsible for the shooting death of a 17-year-old girl while she was riding on a motorcycle with her boyfriend in Thalang T he s u s p e c t , Su r iya “Hack” Insatorn, 18, from Phuket, was presented at a press conference at Phuket Provincial Police Station on Monday(Dec 25).

Present at the press conference were Phuket Provincial Police commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Peerayut Karajaedee, Col Sermpan Sirikong and Thalang Police Chief Sompong Thiparpakun.

After the attack last Friday (Dec 22), Phuket Provincial Police and Thalang Police were ordered to quickly search for the suspect, Gen Teerapol told the press conference.

After questioning Roamat Tumwong, the 17-year-old boy who survived being struck in the neck by one of the bullets in the attack, police found that Mr Roamat had a personal

Police announced the arrest of Suriya ‘Hack’ Insatorn, 18, at a press conference at Phuket Provincial Police Station on Monday (Dec 25). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub conflict with Adisorn “Ya” Chansin.

Police went to Adisorn’s house but did not find him, Gen Teeraphol explained.

“Yesterday (Dec 24) police followed Suriya, a friend of Adisorn, and carried on a search at a house in Moo

11 in Thepkrasattri. Suriya was found in possession of a rifle and five bullets,” Gen Teeraphol added.

“Suriya told us that he and Adisorn planed to shoot Roamat and Panilada, because Adisorn has personal conflict with Mr Roamat.

“Adisorn asked Suriya to shoot Roamat. Suriya has known Roamat before. Adisorn took Suriya from Suriya’s house on a motorcycle. Suriya took his father’s rifle and put it in a guitar bag,” Gen Teeraphol explained.

“Adisorn and Suriya were heading to Ms Panilada’s rental house. Panilada is Roamat’s girlfriend. They saw that Roamat went to Panilada’s house. They were waiting in rubber tree field for about 15 minutes. When Suriya saw Ms Panilada and Roamat exit out of a street, Suriya fired two shots at them and sped away.

Suriya put the rifle back where he took it from his father,” Gen Teeraphol noted.

“Police took two days to find Suriya. Suriya was charged with attempted murder and murder. We also found that Suriya had another case of attempted murder in Thalang in the past. He was also found to have two arrest warrants issued against him in two previous cases,” Gen Teeraphol added.

“Police are now searching for Adisorn who has so far managed to escape apprehension,” he concluded.

A MOT H ER A N D H ER one-year-old daughter were killed after a tour bus ran a red light and slammed into the car they were travelling in on Thepkrasattri Rd in Thalang last Saturday night (Dec 23).

The father of the baby girl, who was driving the car, also suffered serious injuries in the crash.

Thalang Police were notified of an accident at Saladang Intersection on Thepkrasattri Rd southbound at 11:15pm.

Capt Eakkasak Kwanwan of Thalang Police arrived at the scene, 50 metres from a U-turn, together with Kusoldharm rescue workers.

At the scene police found a white bus with damage to its front and right side. Nearby was a dark-coloured Chevrolet car with its left side heavily damaged by the impact.

Rescue workers had to use a hydraulic cutter to free driver Pradit Robroo, 24, Kanlaya Meanbut, 18, and her one-year-old daughter Kornkamon Robroo.

Ms Kanlaya and Kornkamon had suffered serious injuries and were unconscious.

Mr Pradit and Ms Kanlaya were taken to Thalang Hospital before being transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town.

Rescue worker s use a hydraulic cutter to free the family from the wreck. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Kor n kamon was pronounced dead at Thalang Hospital and her mother, Ms Kanlaya, was also later pronounced dead at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Capt Eakkasak said, “After we checked CCTV nearby we found that a car was heading from Thepkrasattri Rd northbound. At the intersection the car slowed down at a red light and waited to make a U-turn.

“When the light turned yellow then red, the car immediately made a U-turn while a bus, driven by Boonyong Linla, 42, speed through the red light and collided with the car.

“Mr Boonyong was taken to Thalang Police station and charged with reckless driving causing injury and death,” Capt Eakkasak added.

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Officials launch 10 tourist service centres in Phuket PHUK ET GOVERNOR NORraphat Plodthong on Monday (Dec 25) launched the opening of 10 tourist service centres across the island aimed at increasing the confidence in safety for tourists.

Governor Norraphat along with Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) Director-General Jatuporn Burutpat officially opened the Patong branch of the tourist service centres at “Bangla Park” – on Patong Beach near the police box at the end of Bangla Rd – at 5:30pm.

Joining them at the event were

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Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket Office is responsible for the operation of the tourist centres, Gov Norraphat explained.

“There are five centres in Muang District: at Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Nai Harn Beach, Phromthep Cape and Rawai Pier. There are two centres in Kathu: at Patong Beach and Kamala Beach. There are two centres in Thalang: at Surin Beach and Nai Yang Beach,” he said.

“These centres aim to take care

of tourists who are in trouble. Handbooks including maps and tourism destinations are available to assist tourists. Officials stationed at the centres are Phuket Tourist Police, Phuket Marine Police, Phuket Police, tourist volunteers, rescue workers and other officials who are capable of speaking English and Chinese.

“These centres are open 24 hours a day, with prosecutors also available to provide information to tourists who are in a trouble regarding laws.

“Tourists will feel comfortable when travelling in Phuket. Phuket

will be upgraded to be an international tourism destination for long term development,” Gov Norraphat added.

Mr Jatuporn said, “During this high season the DMCR is providing officials and equipment to support safety on Phuket’s beaches in order to give confidence to tourists and also to set a good image for tourism on the island.

“Phuket has many beautiful natural places and we asked them for their cooperation to take care of these places and keep them clean

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong seen here at the opening of the Patong tourist service centre. Photo: PR Dept and safe.

“We also have a ‘No Smoking on the Beach’ campaign,” he said.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

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A Traffic Police officer fills in one of the new forms.

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Police launch bar-coded traffic tickets PHUKET CITY POLICE started issuing the new barcoded traffic violation tickets last Friday (Dec 22), following a national order to implement the modern-form notices issued on Dec 16.

The new ticketing system is still in its infancy, but will become fully operational after all police officers’ details are entered in the database, explained Phuket City Police Deputy Superintendent Lt Col Teerawat Liamsuwan.

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Services remember victims of tsunami Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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eremonies to remember the victims of the 2004 Asian Tsunami were held on Tuesday (Dec 26), marking 13 years since the disaster claimed more than 220,000 lives, including more than 5,000 lives along Thailand’s Andaman coast.

The services began in the morning with a multi-faith service at the Tsunami Memorial Wall near Mai Khao Beach.

More than 50 people, including local officials, residents and tourists, turned up for the quiet ceremony at 9am.

After Buddhist, Muslim

Candles light up Patong Beach to remember those who lost their lives in the 2004 tsunami.

Photo: Patong Municipality and Christian prayers for those lost to the waves on Dec 26, 2004, the small crowd hung wreaths along the Wall of Remembrance, which was decorated with the flags of the 45 nations who lost citizens.

The site of the ceremony, the Mai Khao Cemetery, has

long served as a place of burial for sea gypsies living at the northern end of the island.

In the aftermath of the 2004 disaster, the area was used to keep victims’ bodies from Phuket and nearby provinces until they could be identified. Afterwards, the

wall was built, with the names of the victims’ countries, as a permanent reminder for the lost.

On Tuesday evening, the annual tsunami memorial candlelight service was held at Loma Park in Patong and on Patong Beach.

Dead one hour after arrival

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A 26-YEAR-OLD CHINESE tourist drowned at Patong Beach last Saturady morning (Dec 23) little more than one hour after landing on the island for his holiday.

An Huifeng, from Shanghai, was pulled from the water at Patong Beach unconscious after 8am. Efforts to revive

him on the beach failed, and Mr An was pronounced dead on arrival at Patong Hospital.

Mr An arrived in Phuket with his girlfriend, landing at about 7am, police confirmed.

He had not even checked in to his hotel, noted Lt Col Patapee Srichai of the Patong Police. Eakkapop Thongtub

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OPINION

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

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News & Sports Editor

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

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

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EDITORIAL

Heading for self-destruction

T

he Airports of Thailand (AoT) recently reported that it expects more than 60,000 passengers a day to pass through Phuket International Airport over the New Year period. These AoT projections are based on an expected 360 flights arriving and disgorging a total 60,760 passengers every day – an increase of between 12-16% on last year’s figures.

Given these numbers, it seems that the islands main industry, tourism, is thriving and growing at a rapid rate.

So what is it that draws this incredible amount of tourists and expats to this little island in the south of Thailand? To paraphrase former US President Bill Clinton’s successful campaign phrase – it’s the environment, stupid.

Whether its the sandy beaches of Phuket’s west coast, or the smaller tropical islands

like Koh Phi Phi, it is clear that people come here for the beaches. The most iconic promotional shots of Phuket infallibly include a clear emerald green sea lapping against a pristine beach with a longtail boat resting on the sand.

But is this postcard image really accurate as we enter 2018? Many residents and tourists would likely say no, it isn’t. As development ploughs ahead at breakneck speed, well outpacing the underlying infrastructure’s ability to cope, it’s become clear that Phuket can no longer claim to have pristine beaches and clear waters.

In fact it seems that Phuket’s natural attractions are endangered on every front: Coastal land encroachment by shady property developers and aided by corrupt officials; mangroves and forests being chopped down for wood and land acquisition; raw sewerage being pumped

directly into the sea from an overworked or nonexistent wastewater treatment system; tourist boats dropping anchors on delicate corals and hordes of scuba divers and snorkellers damaging reefs; endless tons of plastic rubbish strewn about the entire island – the list goes on.

In the relentless drive for growth and wealth, Phuket has forgotten what made it an attractive place to visit in the first place – its natural beauty – and if this reckless development continues unabated we will be left with and island full of condominiums and hotels, sitting cheek by jowl, only to find that the tourists have moved on to greener pastures.

As the famous Cree NativeAmerican saying goes: Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught, and the last stream poisoned, will we realise we cannot eat money.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

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Chinese tourist, 26, drowns at Patong Beach an hour after landing Alcohol promotion crackdown to hit Phuket Phuket girl, 17, shot dead in motorbike attack Norwegian man, 70, dies during Patong mosque prayers Mother and baby daughter dead after horror road smash in Phuket Phuket police to question yacht owner for anchoring on coral Two arrested as illegal Phuket tour guides Strong wind brings down power lines Phuket Opinion: Is there something to hide?

Plan to build B1.2bn Phuket bridge gains momentum

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HAVE YOUR SAY Phuket death knell Drive around Chalong or Rawai at night and it’s not hard to see Western tourists are now staying away in droves.

Read your paper, and it’s obvious why: beer gardens, smoking on beaches, dancing in bars and feeding fish are banned; beer is now more expensive than, say, in the UK; traffic jams caused by incompetently-run road works; no evening police presence outside Patong; and please don’t swim – there are no lifeguards.

Bars and shops are shutting, Phuket is dying, and it’ll take far more than a fancy bridge to Coconut Island to save it.

Andy Phillips ...................................................

Enforce road laws!

Re: Mother and baby daughter dead after horror road smash in Phuket I did the drive of death yesterday, risking life on the roads.

Followed two police officers for about 3km, speeding helmet-less riders going past, ghost riders going past, three school girls on a bike with the driver on the phone riding one

handed with her two friends on the back, guess what the police did… yep, nothing!

Malczx7r I’ve started counting to three after my lights have changed to green. The part of the road between the lights in Kamala I describe as a Grand Prix track. The traffic always jump the lights Opinioated Farange ...................................................

The diplomatic way Re: Chinese tourist, 26, drowns at Patong Beach an hour after landing I really do not understand why the Chinese government does not put pressure on Thailand for safety issues on the beach.

For sure, if China put pressure on Thailand that if they do not have enough lifeguards on duty, then they will stop their people from visiting Thailand. China is surely capable of this. If they did that I am sure that the funds for the lifeguards will be available very quickly.

Mj ...................................................

Who will benefit?

Re: Plan to build B1.2bn

Phuket bridge gains momentum The island’s economy is driven by tourists. Maybe first spend the money to make the island safer by providing a lifeguard service and safer roads?

BosysurfNaiHarn B1.2 billion for 1,000 inhabitants? It looks like spending B1.2 million per person, not forgetting that many own land and will make huge profits selling it to make luxurious privates home or resorts.

Asterix ...................................................

Greedy gripes

Re: Phuket’s Chinese-speaking guides in mass protest These guides don’t give a rats arse about history or quality of the tourists’ experience, it is all about them being unable to rip off tourists themselves like the greedy tour companies.

The insatiable appetite for money has turned all aspects of tourism in Thailand into a money grabbing free-for-all.

These guys are nothing more than greedy and angry minivan drivers, of which there are too many.

BenPendejo

Seriously ethical Re: Sam Fauma: A communityminded man Great bio, thanks for it. Sam Fauma is fabulous and so seriously ethical, he even advised me to NOT start a business.

Sure wish I’d listened. Merriest of Christmases, Sam. Christy Sweet ...................................................

Tip of the iceberg

Re: Illegal Chinese tour guide arrested at Phuket’s Ao Po Pier Illegal foreign guides is just the tip of the iceberg and regular crackdowns on Thai companies owned by Chinese with the help of Thai nominees would limit all those illegal foreign tour guides and provide some clear relief on legally registered Thai companies.

Asterix ...................................................

The thin brown line

Re: Court jails seven for murder of disabled man Police refused to include in their case that it was a premeditated attack. Of course, what would you expect? The murderers are policemens’ sons.

Kurt

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

THAILAND NEWS

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Seven jailed for murder

Disabled bread man’s killers get between 12 and 19 years BANGKOK Bangkok Post

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ix young men and a woman have been convicted for the savage murder of a disabled bread delivery man, sentenced to between 12 and 19 years imprisonment and ordered to pay compensation of B750,000 to the victim’s family.

The Criminal Court on Tuesday (Dec 26) passed judgement on Akkaradet Thatsana, 23; Phiraphon Yotphonganan, 22; Arin Yotphonganan, 20; Mek Phonkraison, 20; Monmanat Saengpho, 22; Jatuporn Chansopha 19; and Natnicha Litlumlert ,19.

They were found guilty of the murder of Somkiat Sichan on May 1, 2016 in Soi Chokechai 4 in Lat Phrao district, out the front of his sister’s bread shop, where he worked, .

Phiraphon, Akkaradet, Monmanat and Arin were each sentenced to 18 years for first-degree murder and must compensate Mr Somkiat’s family a total of B500,000 for parental care.

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Somkiat Sichan’s mother Thongkham Sichan cries in front of court in May 2016. Photo: Bangkok Post / file Jatuporn, Mek and Natnicha, the sole woman in the case, were sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for collusion to murder. Akkaradet and Arin were given an additional year for breaking and entering private property.

The criminal court also fined all seven suspects B1,000

for carrying a weapon in a public area, and added an additional B250,000 payment as reimbursement for the victim’s funeral.

Attorney Anuntchai Chaidech, for the victim’s family, said afterwards that he would advise the family to appeal the sentence, seeking more severe

penalties. It was a premeditated attack but investigators refused to include this in their case, which led to less severe sentences.

Somkiat was attacked outside his sister’s house and bread shop at Soi Chokchai 4/69 in Lat Phrao district. The assailants stabbed him with

three knives – 27 inches, 21 inches and six inches long – and threw bricks at his head, he said.

He attempted unsuccessfully to defend himself with a 32-inch knife of his own, but was killed, and the suspects fled.

“I respect the cour t’s

decision on the sentencing, but I will prepare necessary paperwork to appeal to the court regarding the severity of the crime, which deserves a greater punishment,” Mr Anuntchai said.

Mr Som kiat’s mother Thongkham Sichan, who attended the hearing with Mr Anuntchai and relatives, expressed dissatisfaction that everyone who was involved in the killing of her son continued to deny their involvement.

“It has been over a year since they took away my son, and we have all slowly learned to accept this truth and move on. Although the anger and frustration has started to dissipate, I hope justice will be served,” Ms Thongkham said.

The murder gained a lot of public attention when CCTV camera footage circulated on the internet showing the partially disabled man being savagely attacked.

There were allegations the investigation had been slowed down because Phiraphon, Arin, Mek and Monmanat were reported to be police officers’ sons.

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THAILAND NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Revellers face security blitz 20,000 police officers to be deployed in capital for New Year NATIONWIDE Bangkok Post

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wenty thousand police officers are to be deployed across the capital for the New Year countdown, especially at four major spots where revellers will gather in large numbers.

The four countdown venues are CentralWorld at Ratchaprasong intersection, Khao San Rd off Ratchadamnoen Rd, Asiatique on Charoenkrung Rd and the Crystal Design Centre on Pradit Manutham Rd, according to Maj Gen Montri Yimyaem, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

CentralWorld, where a bomb went off during the 2006 New Year countdown, is expected to be the most crowded venue with at least 125,000 revellers, some 25,000 more than last year.

Maj Gen Montri said the 20,000 security personnel will guard the four countdown venues as well as 144 temples where Buddhist prayers are planned to be held to ring in the New Year.

Despite tight security being put in place, Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat on Monday (Dec 25) asked the public to help look out for any suspicious

20,000 security personnel will guard the four countdown venues as well as 144 temples where Buddhist prayers are planned to be held to ring in the New Year. Photo: DeeMakM / Flickr activities, and report them to the authorities. He asked revellers to capture any such footage on their smartphones for potential use as evidence.

Maj Gen Montri said 115 security checkpoints will also be set up across the capital.

Around the country, 50,000 military personnel, police and civilian volunteers will work together to beef up security and conduct joint patrols, according to deputy national police chief Gen Chalermkiat Sriworakhan.

Police will use infrared cameras provided by King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang during their patrols.

Equipped with an eighthour backup battery, the infrared cameras will allow police to capture images of illegal activities in the dark.

Police stations in Min Buri, Bang Sue, Kannayao and Bang Yai districts will be each given 16 such cameras for use during New Year patrols, said Gen Chalermkiat.

Elsewhere in the country, police have already stepped up security patrols.

Since last Friday (Dec 21) police in Phuket have seized weapons after a series of raids on 20 locations during which 33 suspects were detained, according to Teeraphol

Thipjaroen, chief of Phuket Provincial Police.

Of the detained suspects, three had arrest warrants out for them already and one was suspected to have entered Thailand illegally.

Phuket police said they will continue conducting their raids until Jan 5.

Police across the country also plan to enforce traffic laws strictly. Police checkpoints will target not only drink drivers but also motorcyclists who fail to wear crash helmets.

Five roads in Bangkok have been declared “safety zones” where a crackdown on motorists will be enforced

during the upcoming festivities, said Lt Gen Chanthep Sesawech, chief of the Metropolitan Traffic Police.

These roads are Ratchadaphisek, Rama IX, Pradit Manutham, Prasoet Manukit and Nawamin, he said, adding that stringent checks on drink-driving and possession of illegal items will also be conducted by officers.

In Phetchabun province, Anon Chuealek, chief of Lom Kao district office, warned people planning on visiting Phu Thap Boek, a popular hilltop tourist attraction, to brace for bad traffic on the road leading to the destination.

Each day during the New Year holiday period, at least 15,000 visitors are expected to descend on Phu Thap Boek, which will inevitably result in severe traffic congestion on the small road leading up the mountain, he said. In a bid to provide live traffic updates for motorists, drones will be used to capture images of road congestion, he said.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, more than 500 people on Monday began to campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of reducing the volume of rubbish and consumption of energy, both of which tend to surge during the New Year celebrations.

The Department of Corrections under the Ministry of Justice said it will introduce the use of electronic monitoring devices for people who have been released on probation for drink driving.

The department plans to buy 4,000 electronic monitoring bracelets for B100 million. Use of the bracelets is expected to begin in May next year, according to the department.

The drafting of the terms of reference for the procurement of the monitoring bracelets is now under way, said Pasarn Mahalitrakul, directorgeneral of the department.

Visa wait for tourists could top four hours BANGKOK TOURISTS APPLYING FOR A visa on arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport are likely to face up to a four-hour wait during the New Year period due to a tough screening process to catch undesirables trying to enter the Kingdom.

Col Cherngron Rimpadee, deputy

immigration police spokesman, on Tuesday (Dec 26) asked for understanding saying the procedures are necessary to deal with criminals that take advantage of the hectic period to enter the country by disguising themselves as tourists.

The Immigration Bureau is considering opening more lanes for visa processing to reduce the lengthy queues.

A visa on arrival allows passport holders of 18 nationalities to enter Thailand for the purpose of tourism for a period not exceeding 15 days.

It is being offered at designated immigration checkpoints in airports nationwide.

Popular among Indian and Chinese tourists, it is issued mostly at Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports, with 6-7000 tourists ap-

plying for them each day.

Ideally, the process should take three minutes to complete but sudden influxes of applicants can lead to long queues.

Gen Pruettipong Prayoonsiri, director of Immigration Police Division 2, said the Immigration Bureau is looking for solutions such as boosting staff during busy periods.

Bangkok Post

Immigration police say tourists arriving over the next few days should expect to cool their heels for four hours before they are stamped in.

Photo: Bangkok Post / File

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

ASIA NEWS

9

Raisin houses get a facelift Makeovers for ‘keshmesh khanas’ in hopes of better yields AFGHANISTAN Anne Chaon

A

fghan farmer Abdul Jalil Gulzar sits by a pile of raisins in the squat mud brick shed where generations of his family have dried their grape harvest.

Such traditional huts have long been used to hang and desiccate the fruit, but now the keshmesh khanas – the Dari term for raisin houses – are getting a facelift as Afghanistan looks to improve its yield.

The country once accounted for 10% of the global raisin market, but nearly four decades of conflict have driven its share of the world market down to just 2-3%.

In a bid to boost productivity and earnings, the agriculture ministry and aid groups are financing new modern khanas.

“The new raisin house has much more capacity and they have a single purpose (to dry the grapes),” Gulzar said inside the rustic khana built by his father in Dhi Sabz district near Kabul.

An Afghan farmer and residents enter a newly-built room used to dry grapes in the Deh Sabz district of Kabul. Photo: Wakil Koshar / AFP The Afghan agricultural sector, is the main driver of the economy and biggest employer.

Hajji Malek Zabet shows off his new brick raisin house near the Afghan capital. Inside the cement-floored room are neat rows of metal hanging racks where grapes drape down like vines in a jungle.

Afghanistan boasts nearly 100 varieties of grapes which are grown across the country and celebrated in popular poetry, nursery rhymes and proverbs.

In the absence of a winemaking industry, which is prohibited in the Islamic country, many farmers turn their

Samarth Bangari feeds bread to a langur monkey in a field near his home in Allapu. Photo: Jiji / AFP

The modern-day Indian Mowgli INDIA HE IS STILL TOO YOUNG to talk, but a two-year-old Indian boy has become a modern-day Mowgli and a subject of local intrigue after befriending a gang of langur monkeys.

Samarth Bangari’s unusual friendship was discovered when the youngster was spotted alone in his village in southern India playing with nearly two dozen grey langurs.

The infant’s uncle Barama Reddy said it was “strange” for the monkeys to behave like that, and villagers feared the boy would be attacked @thephuketnews

while his parents worked in a nearby field.

But it soon became clear they were more than comfortable in his presence, with the youngster happy to share some of his food with the visiting troupe.

The monkeys kept returning, day after day, to visit their young friend in Allapur, his uncle said.

“Since that day, the monkeys haven’t missed a day. They come to the house around the same time,” Reddy said.

“Even if he is sleeping, they first wake him up, and then sit with him for an hour or two.”

The unusual relationship piqued local interest, and soon

people began visiting the house to catch a glimpse of young Samarth tottering around the farm with 20 langurs in tow.

Thinking the monkeys must enjoy the company of children, another youngster was plonked next to Samarth but the langur pack became aggressive, Reddy said.

He said Samarth was now a local legend due to his “special bond” with the monkeys, whose sounds he mimics even though he cannot speak yet.

“Everyone thinks that he is special and they are communicating with each other, and can understand what is being said,” Reddy said.

AFP

grapes into raisins which are easier to conserve and bring a higher price.

Fresh grapes sell for an average of 300 afghanis (about B141) for seven kilograms, while just one kilogram of raisins fetches more than 1,000 afghanis (B472).

Though the profits are noth-

ing compared to the amount farmers can reap from what is now Afghanistan’s biggest export: opium, the lifeblood of the Taliban insurgency and an economic lynchpin for many Afghans.

A recent UN report showed that the area under poppy cultivation has hit a record high, underscoring the importance of providing farmers with successful alternatives.

Afghanistan produced nearly 900,000 tons of grapes last year. However, it only exported a fraction – 111,000 tons of fresh grapes and 15,000 tons of raisins, according to government data.

A lack of cold storage facilities and strict import requirements in many overseas markets means the bulk of Afghanistan’s grape crop ends up being sold in local bazaars at harvest time, causing a glut and driving down prices.

“Basically these new keshmesh khanas have three effects: they remove fresh grapes from the market and improve the quality of the process and product, and support prices,” said Abdul Samad Kamawi,

national horticulture coordinator at the agriculture ministry.

But even with the improvements, Afghanistan’s rudimentary growing and processing methods means accessing export markets beyond Pakistan, India, the UAE and Russia is difficult.

“Despite their know-how Afghans are still struggling to meet European criteria which are increasingly stringent,” a Western importer said.

Some companies are going hi-tech to lift the quality of their raisins.

Tabasom, a major exporter, has two production lines in Kabul equipped with X-ray machines and metal detectors to ensure only the best raisins are packed and sent abroad.

The drying process in the new brick and cement khanas is quicker and cleaner, but Gulzar is stubbornly keeping his earthen raisin house where his family often seeks shelter during the hot summer months.

“They are cooler,” he said, sitting happily on the dirt floor surrounded by hay and bunches of garlic.

AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

It’s all bangers and cash German sausage makers in court to fight against ‘cartel’ fine GERMANY Michelle Fitzpatrick

G

erman sausage makers went to court last week to fight back against a record anti-trust fine for years of alleged price fixing in a sizzling scandal involving the nation’s favourite food.

The Federal Cartel Office (FCO) slapped a 338 million euro (B13.09 billion) fine on a string of German sausage producers in 2014, accusing them of colluding for decades to squeeze higher prices out of meat lovers.

But the powerful industry hit back with many of the accused exploiting a legal loophole to escape the penalty, leaving just a small group of companies on the hook for a fraction of the bill.

Of the 22 firms and 33 individuals initially fined – including big name brands Herta and Boeklunder – just four sausage producers appeared in the Duesseldorf regional court to contest their share of the punishment – some 22.6mn euros (B878.73mn).

This photo shows a reveller holding a sausage with mustard and ketchup in a piece of bread at a street party organised by the German government to mark the 25th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall in front of Brandenburg gate. Photo: Odd Andersen / AFP T hey a re Heidema rk Maesterkreis, Wiesenhof, Franz Wiltmann and Ruegenwalder Muehle as well as five company officials.

They deny accusations of belonging to a so-called “sausage cartel” and refuse to pay up.

Eleven other firms have

accepted penalties to the tune of some 70mn euros (B2.72bn).

But the remaining companies made use of a legal sleight of hand and simply restructured to make nearly 240mn euros (B9.33bn) of the total bill disappear.

Under the loophole –

dubbed the “sausage gap” – parent companies could not be held liable for the anti-trust fines of a subsidiary if that subsidiary ceased to exist.

The legal trickery ended earlier this year with a change in German competition law.

Wolfgang Ingold, the chief executive of Franz Wiltmann,

told industry publication Lebensmittel Zeitung he had been advised to employ the same tactic.

“But we have nothing to hide and we want to see that confirmed by a court,” he was quoted as saying.

The legal action is not without risks.

In a worst-case scenario, the court could impose an even heftier fine if it believes the accused have been telling porkies.

The Duesseldorf court has scheduled hearings in the case until May. The “sausage gap” loophole is expected to loom large over the proceedings, according to Rene Grafunder, a Berlin-based expert in competition law at Dentons law firm.

“It seems odd that small and medium-sized companies have to pay millions in fines, while their larger competitors get away without any punishment at all,” he told DPA news agency.

The “Wurstkartell” claims stunned Germans when they first came to light in a country known for its fondness of

bratwurst.

Although consumption has fallen slightly in recent years, Germans still eat on average 60 kilograms of meat annually, with sausages and processed meats making up around half that figure – equivalent to a hot dog a day.

The cartel was nicknamed the “Atlantic group” after the Hamburg hotel where the first meeting was held to discuss pricing in the early 1980s, according to the FCO anti-trust watchdog.

Acting on an anonymous tip-off, the FCO found that the companies kept in regular touch and colluded to force German food retailers to pay higher prices for their pork and poultry products.

The “wurst” scandal capped a record year for the FCO, coming hot on the heels of 280mn-euro fine (B10.88bn) imposed on three large sugar producers for anti-competitive behaviour.

Also in 2014, more than 10 breweries were fined over 300mn euros (B11.66bn) for fixing beer prices.

AFP

Doll hospital’s toys get new lives PORTUGAL IN THE HEART OF OLD Lisbon, there’s a “hospital” that treats patients who are small and fragile, often mangled and battered, and sometimes more than 100 years old.

This rare facility mends the cracked head, broken limb or missing eye of many a child’s favourite toy – their doll.

The loving care given at Lisbon’s doll hospital has been going on for five generations.

“We have clients from all over the world and all ages.

There are museums which ask us to restore pieces, also private collectors, but the vast majority of our clients are individuals – people who are sentimentally attached” to their dolls, says Manuela Cutileiro, 72, the hospital’s owner.

The dolls all have a patient file and are painstakingly restored by the skilled hands of three women “surgeons”, who give them a new body part or hair, chosen from drawers full of pieces of dolls, a macabre collection of heads, limbs and eyes.

The establishment, known as Hospital de Bonecas, was founded in 1830 and is de-

The macabre image of doll parts fills drawers at the doll hospital in Lisbon. Photo: AFP scribed in the tourist guides to Portugal’s capital as one of the oldest doll hospitals still in operation.

“They say we are among the last in the world to do this work,” says Cutileiro, a former school teacher.

But she shrugs off accolades. “We do our work in our little corner, without worrying about records or statistics.”

Some 4,000 dolls can be found inside. There are 100-year-old dolls with porcelain heads, along with dolls dressed in costumes from different regions of Portugal, as well as some modern Barbies.

“For us a contemporary doll is 20 or 30 years old. The old ones are those which are already centenarians,” says Cutileiro, carrying on the

family enterprise.

Its origins go back to the 19th century when “a little old lady”, Carlota da Silva Luz, would make rag dolls, sitting in front of her herb shop in Praca da Figueira, where there was a large outdoor market.

Over time, the aromatic and medicinal herbs gave way to shelves of dolls, which today fill a window display at the entrance to the hospital, with a museum dedicated to them on the first floor.

And it seems as if the pace of times past continues at the doll surgery. No rush procedures here.

“We make sure that time passes less quickly here than it does outside,” says Cutileiro.

“People have to wait.”

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Arrivals surge to 34mn, B1.8trn revenues in sight TOURISM

Central Pattana Plc (CPN) Chief Operating Officer Pakorn Partanapat (centre) gives the thumbs-up at Kenny Rogers Roasters at Public House at Central Festival Phuket.

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Thai tourism industry is poised to hit yet another new record after the arrival of Thailand’s 34 millionth visitor, with revenues on target to reach B1.81 trillion (US$50 billion) for the calendar year 2017.

The news comes as YuChen Wang, the 34 millionth arrival to the Kingdom in 2017, was named “Thailand’s Luckiest Visitor” upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, last Thursday (Dec 21), welcomed by tourism industry representatives and senior executives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Tanes Petsuwan, the TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said 2017 has been an exceptionally good year for Thailand, which is ready to welcome the New Year with a range of exciting tourism events and activities under the “action-packed” Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018.

@thephuketnews

Central dishes out B100mn on foodies RETAIL Nathaniel Alexander Way, a pharmaceutical scientist from Santa Babara, California, on a 10-day honeymoon with his wife, is welcomed as the one-millionth American visitor to Thailand this year. Photo: TAT “We are grateful to Ms Wang as well as millions of other visitors for making Thailand their preferred destination. The TAT is committed to ensuring their visits are always memorable, and offer them the chance to ‘Open to the New Shades’ of tourism experiences each time they visit the Kingdom,” Mr Tanes said.

That same day, the number of Americans visiting Thailand annually hit the one-million mark, setting a new record for Thailand’s No 1 source market

from the Americas Region, where the TAT operates two offices in New York and Los Angeles.

“This latest Thai tourism news is beyond reporting statistical numbers, but is a reflection of TAT’s commitment and ongoing tireless effort to lift the ‘Amazing Thailand’ brand awareness in the USA market,” Mr Tanes said.

“The US has been among Thailand’s most important markets since the Kingdom began its tourism promotion.

The welcoming of the one

millionth American tourist for 2017, the first time ever for Thailand, marks a step forward for the Thai tourism industry in expanding the Americas market and in addition, the offering of endless Thai local experiences.”

For 2018, TAT will continue its effort to spotlight Thailand as a honeymoon and luxury travel destination for American travellers, promoting luxury products, culture, beaches, Thai cuisine, soft adventures, local experience tours and Muay Thai lessons.

CENTRAL PATTANA PLC (CPN) made a major move to welcome the opening of Central Phuket – the B20billion megaproject still under construction at the Darasamut Intersection – with the opening of Public House across the road at Central Festival Phuket on Dec 19.

Open House is part of a project to spend B100 million targeting the food market with international fare. Located on the first floor at CentralFestival Phuket and open daily from 10am to midnight, Public House’s design takes inspiration from a beach hut style. It features live music and exciting performances every night, making Phuket

come alive and stay true to its designation as a world-class beach holiday destination just in time for the high season for Phuket tourism and the yearend festive season.

“Phuket is a city with excellent potential as a worldclass tourist destination.

T h i s m ajo r ch a nge fo r C e nt r a l Fe st iva l Phu ke t will make customers find the shopping centre more accessible,” said CPN Chief Operating Officer Pakorn Partanapat.

“It is also in line with global dining trends. Public House will be like a kitchen of the world offering a combination of foods from different countries and in different styles, in a casual dining environment,” he said.

The Phuket News

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Chasing your retirement the end of this period when your children have flown the nest, earning levels are high, and commitments are back to a low?

However, we all know that this is undoubtedly the wrong time as saving is always easiest over the long-term. Don’t let life’s natural barriers put you off. If you haven’t started planning already then now is probably the best time!

FINANCIAL THAIMES

Wiliam Frisby

F

ollowing my initial column “Personal Finance: Beyond the banking barrier”, it is time to focus on the things that specifically affect expats in Phuket, and elsewhere in Thailand, and those looking to move to the Land of Smiles. Hence, welcome to the new column “Financial Thaimes”.

The first cab off the rank is planning for your retirement.

If you plan for your retirement early, your retired life may be as long as your working life.

A lack of planning may result in your retirement being as short as half your working life.

Retirement is the time in life when we break free from the constraints that employment has held upon us.

Retirement is the time to do all the things in life that we were unable to do while we were working and raising up our family. But unfortunately for many, retirement does not provide the lifestyle they desire and more often than not this is down to poor planning.

Chasing your retirement dream can be easier than you think.

A lot of people find the whole notion of planning for their retirement an ordeal that they do not want to face and continually delay. This procrastination can have a significant financial impact when the situation is finally addressed, as it inevitably has to be. If you are one of those people who has been hesitating for no good reason then you don’t have to do everything all at once, you just have to do something. Your next decision might be the most important decision of your life.

When we decided to move overseas and take up the expat life, we entered a whole new world and left the old one

behind. Our former life had a government that cared for our well-being by forcing us to save for our retirement through social taxes, or offering us tax relief on savings so that we would be able to support ourselves in our later years.

Governments know how important it is to secure your future because they know the cost of footing the bill for the people who do not adequately save for their retirement. Now that we are overseas many services such as health care, social security and state retirement planning cease to exist.

It is down to us to look after ourselves as nobody else is doing it for us!

Where do I start?

First of all, set an age when you would like to retire and an income that you would like to retire on. If you have difficulty imagining what income you would like, then ask yourself, would you like to live on more or less than your current salary? Imagine a lifestyle you would like to live.

Try and visualise the things in life that are important to you, the holidays you wish to take, the second home you always wanted. And always remember, if you don’t plan for these goals, then no one else will do it for you.

When is right to time to start planning?

It is never the best time to start retirement planning.

Throughout life, there are always barriers that tell us now is not the right time. From leaving university, planning the purchase of your first home, getting married, having children, to bringing up your family, when is the right time in these years? Maybe at

Putting the wheels in motion Retirement plans are built on the foundation of saving money on a regular basis.

There is no better way to accumulate and grow wealth than being disciplined and living below one’s means.

The first place that everyone starts saving is in their bank, but this only really helps with short-term goals, and before long you will need to invest your money. To achieve long-term growth, you need to access a vehicle that creates a return and increases your wealth year after year. What we should all be aiming for is very similar to the proverbial grain of rice on a chess board.

You cannot double your money every year, but your goal is to use each year’s growth to fuel the following year’s return.

The first step will be to find an investment platform or advisor who can help get you started.

Finding an investment platform can be a difficult task to undertake, especially while living overseas. Many consider sending their money back home and investing it

there, but domestic pension providers are suited to consumers living in their native country. Many companies will not even open accounts for non-residents. Also, no matter how large the investment company may be, unless they are an expatriate focused company, you may find continued international calls, across time zones, speaking with the first person to pick up your call or talking to a faceless website an unnecessary and tiresome undertaking. These problems lead many people to use a professional advisor for their investment and planning needs.

Find a Trusted Advisor An advisor does a lot more than helping you find a suitable investment platform. It is their job to understand what their clients want to achieve and to help them put in place a plan that will get them there.

When done properly this is an ongoing process that requires constant review. Your life changes all the time, and these alterations could affect your planning. You need to know if you are on track to meet your goals and this should be reviewed in detail at least once a year. Professional advisors dedicate their lives to guiding clients through this process.

Advisors possess knowledge and experience about investing beyond most of their clients. Your retirement plan might be the most important investment decision of your life. Is it something you should do yourself? Does your busy life even allow you the time to focus on your financial planning properly? Most people do not represent themselves in court or perform surgery on themselves. They seek professional help from lawyers and doctors, and your retirement is no different.

Having someone who works on a face-to-face basis with you and understands your unique set of needs has value. An advisory relationship should be lifelong, following you no matter where you live in the world and whatever changes in your life. When choosing your advisor, you should be judging whether they have the commitment to go on this journey with you and do they have the global presence to support you.

William Frisby of Hampton Bridge, is a British expat who has been advising clients in the Far East for the past 10 years. To contact him write to wfrisby@hampton-bridge.com and quote The Phuket News. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

A historical look at the power of Thai women

14

Kick off the new year with a yoga retreat!

17

FROM ITALY WITH LOVE

Get your 2018 culinary calendar going with a meal from Italian Chef Andrea Cannalire

Main: ‘Gamberi, Anguria, Yogurt Creco, Cetriolo e Aneto’– Prawn with watermelon, Greek yogurt, cucumber and dill. Inset: Chef Andrea Cannalire from the Michelinstarred restaurant Cielo will be guest chef at JW Marriot Resort & Spa Phuket.

The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket’s culinary calendar for 2018 is already starting to fill up and it looks like its going to be a great year for the island’s foodies. While Bangkok recently made headlines with the launch of the city’s Michelin Guide, you certainly don’t have to fly up there to enjoy a Michelin-starred meal.

The great thing about having so many big international hotels on the island is that they draw in big name chefs from around the world and bring best cuisine right here to our doorstep. A case in point is JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, who want to get your fine-dining year off to a roaring start with a dining experience from Michelin-starred Italian Chef Andrea Cannalire.

Chef Andrea has taken some time out from the kitchen in his acclaimed restaurant Cielo, located in the town of Ostuni on the heel of the boot in southern Italy and straddling the coast of the Adriatic Sea. His four-day guest chef

@thephuketnews

tour will take place over January 12-15 at Ginja Cook and Cucina Italian Kitchen at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. Chef Andrea will present a series of specially-designed menus inspired by seasonal cooking that reflects his philosophy of cooking with a passion for precision. His signature dishes are very distinctive as he takes influences from different parts of the Italy to come up with creations that surprise the palate.

He embraces his Italian roots and heritage and is a devotee of la cucina povera the traditional “poor man’s cooking” of the Italian peasants. Chef Andrea takes an inventive approach to craft sensory journeys between tradition and experimentation, through dishes that play with shapes and colours and use simple and fresh ingredients.

Chef Andrea was classically trained under some of the most highly revered and respected Italian chefs at Michelinstarred restaurants; including Villa D’ Amelia; La Strega; Già Sotto l’Arco and Villa Crespi. Chef Andrea continued to develop his skills and unique style as Chef de partie with numerous world re-

nowned one-and two-Michelin-starred restaurants around Italy, among them Parizzi; Schuman; Magnolia; Bracali; Unico and Al Pont de Ferr. This enviable pedigree helped him acquire the knowledge, techniques and principles that laid the foundation for the culinary philosophy of Cielo restaurant today.

The guest chef program at JW Marriott will feature several opportunities to experience Chef Andrea’s delectable cuisine. The first night will commence on January 12, from 4pm onwards with a live cooking demonstration at Ginja Cook and followed by a five-course Italian set menu. Limited to 20 seats, it will be an intimate dining experience accompanied by selected beverage pairings and priced at B3,800++ per person.

On January 13, from 6:30pm onwards: A delectable eight-course set menu at Cucina Italian Kitchen. The 10 hands dinner, a culinary collaboration between International Michelin Star Chef Andrea Cannalire and experienced JW Marriott Phuket Chefs led by Executive Sous Chef David Morell, Chef Andrea Genio, Chef Suwat Eimpradab

and Pastry Chef Chakapong Massoo. At B2,900++ per person and B4,599++ with selected beverages pairing.

Then on January 14, from 6:30pm to 10pm: The Italian Job Buffet Dinner at Cucina Italian Kitchen. A bespoke menu created by Chef Andrea, offering a spread of delectable Italian cold cuts, soups, appetizers, salads, cheeses and desserts, and the option to add either Pizza or Pasta. Plus a main course with choice from seafood to meat selection.

Price is B1,600++ pp and B2,388++ with free flow selected beverages.

Finally, on January 15, from 6:30pm onwards: A lavish six-course gala dinner at Cucina Italian Kitchen. A divine menu including Liquid Bruschetta with squid, artichoke, clams and clams foam; Beef Tartare with Parmesan cheese, lemon and basil Pesto sauce; Caciocavallo cheese risotto with capers and rock melon, just to name a few. The price is B3,200++ per person with selected beverage pairing.

Information and bookings: +66 (0)76 338 000 or jwmarriottphuketresort.com

14 HISTORY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

The influential position of women HISTORY OF PHUKET

Colin Mackay

O

ver the centuries, the comparatively small population in the central Asian peninsula region that encompasses Phuket meant women were more highly valued than in more populous India and China and therefore had more rights, autonomy and economic independence. One 19 th century French visitor, Henri Mouhot, wrote that in Siam, “women enjoy greater liberty than in almost any other oriental land… in the bazaars and markets nearly all the buying and selling is done by them.”

Antonio Galvão, a Portuguese visiting the region in 1544, noted, “the more daughters a man has the richer he is.”

Family lines were often matrilineal. At weddings, as is still the case today, the bridegroom paid money to the bride’s parents, the reverse of the custom in most other parts of the world. Tome Pires, the Portuguese commentator, explained in 1515, “the man must give the women ten tahil and six mas of gold as dowry, which must always be actually in her power.”

Divorce was easy, as the 16th century commentator Antonia de Morga noted, “Husband and wife may part

again at pleasure, dealing their goods and children without further circumstance and may remarry if they think good without fear of shame or punishment.”

In 1462 the rather shocked Arab navigator, Ahmad Ibn Majid, noted that Malays “do not treat divorce as a religious act.” Even under the later influences of male-dominated Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, this indigenous trait still remains strong in the peninsula. In Muslim Malaysia for example, divorce rates are still well above the norm for Islamic societies.

Siamese and Malay women traditionally ran the household and the financial affairs. Ma Huan, the scribe to Admiral Cheng Ho, wrote in the 15th century, “It is the Siamese custom that all affairs are managed by their wives.

Both of the lords and the common people, if they have matters which require thought and deliberation – punishments light and heavy, all trading transactions great and small – they follow the decisions of their wives, for the mental capacity of their wives certainly exceeds that of the men.”

George Earl, the British military officer who visited Siam in the early 19 th century, concurs with Cheng Ho’s earlier statement, “The women indeed may be said to compose the most important portion of the community.

They transact the greater part of the mercantile business and are the prin-

Women wearing traditional Baba dresses at an event celebrating the rich cultural history of Phuket. cipal cultivators of the soil, cheerfully undertaking the most laborious employments in the support of their families… The males affect to consider the women in the light of an inferior order of beings, but these lordly personages seldom enter upon any undertaking without first consulting their wives.”

The Scottish trader Alexander Hamilton, who visited Phuket in 1727, also agreed, “The women of Siam are the only merchants in buying goods and some of them trade very considerably”. The famous English buccaneer William Dampier in 1699 noted that in Siam all the moneychangers were women. In 1699 one Chinese visitor to peninsular Siam recorded that, “The women are very good at trade so the traders who come here all tend to marry a woman to help them trade.”

Chou Ta Kuan (Zhou Daguan), another Chinese visitor to the region as early as the 13th century, said the very same, “It is the women who are skilful in commerce. Thus a Chinese who arrives down there and takes a wife profits in addition by her commercial aptitude.”

This is all rather remarkable, given that women were never educated formally. Jeremias Van Vliet, the 17th century Dutch East India Company’s Ayutthaya station chief, tells us that Siamese boys were sent to the wat (Buddhist temple) at about seven years of age to learn basic literacy and numeracy, but “girls seldom learn to read or write.” Nevertheless, women often held high positions in the peninsula.

Kings in Ayutthaya, for example, kept a female guard in their palace, as they were trusted more than men not to murder their ruler in the night. Sultan Al Mukammil, the 17th century ruler

Actors dressed as the famous Phuket Heroines. of Aceh, put a woman in charge of his large navy “for he would trust no other”.

Women were often sent out as negotiators in wars and political affairs. The Portuguese Fernao Mendes Pinto in the 16th century tells us, “The reason they give us is that… God has given more gentleness and inclination to courtesie, yea and more authority, to women than men, who are more severe.”

The kingdom of Patani, through its most powerful period in the 16th and 17th centuries, was led by powerful queens and in Phuket it was the two heroine sisters, Chan and Mook, who famously led the defence of the island in 1785. Still today in Phuket, over half of all registered businesses are owned and run by women and Thailand also has the highest percentage of female CEOs running public companies in the world.

Adapted with kind permission from the book ‘A History of Phuket and the Surrounding Region’ by Colin Mackay.

Available at bookshops and Amazon.com.

You can order the softcover 2nd edition directly at: www.historyofphuket.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 15

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Put in ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ with the PIWC Annual gala fundraiser set to Rock ’n’ Roll all night long

Y

es, Abba’s music will be front and centre at Phuket’s “Hard Day’s Night” (The Beatles) when the “Good Vibrations” (Beach Boys) turn into a “Crocodile Rock” (Elton John) and you may just have trouble “Stayin’ Alive” (Bee Gees) at a wild night of grooving to the best of music from the swinging ’60s and the disco ’70s.

The Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) is going hard core on rock ’n’ roll, blues rock, folk rock, psychedelic rock of the ’60s and the glam rock, funk, heavy metal, reggae, rock and anything in between from the ’60s and ’70s at its 2018 mega fundraiser –Everything’s Groovy – at the Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort on Saturday, Feb 10.

The night will feature non-stop hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”

@thephuketnews

(Rolling Stones), “Cracklin’ Rosie” (Neil Diamond), “Maggie May” (Rod Stewart), “I Am Woman” (Helen Reddy), “Good Vibrations” (Beach Boys), “Pretty Woman” (Roy Orbison) plus heaps of Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Birds and of course Abba as well as much, much more from these defining decades in music.

While it is not compulsory, the ladies at PIWC who are promoting the gig hope everyone will get into the swing of things and break out their mini-skirts, bell-bottom pants, jax pants, multicoloured tights, jumper dresses, stripes and polka dots and, yikes… PVC Vinyl boots and shoes! Not to mention tiedyed shirts, Mexican peasant blouses, ponchos, capes, military surplus gear, frayed jeans, maxi dresses, bright colours, chokers, dog collars, feathers, Indian beads, leather and flowers… heaps

Get on the bus for the PIWC’s rockin’ gala fundraiser!

Inset: PIWC members with a scholarship recipient. of flowers. Oh, yes, paisley shirts, psychedelic headbands, Zodiac love charm jewellery and flowers, “Ban the Bomb” earrings, psychedelic head scarfs, tights, slacks and knee-high boots.

It’s not compulsory but you may be the odd one out if you don’t turn up in some semblance of a ’60s or ’70s flower child and hippie. At least have some Guiche curls kissing your cheeks, affect the “Graveyard” face look of pale white skin (“Whiter Shade of Pale” Procol Harum), white lips, bold black eyeliner and give your hair a horrendous mega-tease. Anything to match the beat of the eclectic music from these two decades!

Le Meridien will pulsate to the sounds of those crazy, swinging ’60s and disco beat ’70s sounds. There will be a silent auction and raffles plus Phuket’s

grooviest DJ and MC, Garry Holden, from The Thaiger radio 102.75 FM. Doors open at 6:30pm. The “Ticket to Ride” (Beatles) is priced at B2,500 and includes a grand buffet and one drink.

PIWC started in 1989 and is Phuket’s oldest charity. Since 1990 more than 700 scholarships have been awarded to school girls and boys at various levels.

Currently more than 200 children, from kindergarten to university level, are receiving financial assistance. All of the money raised has gone to help young people gain qualification and employment as graphic artists, communications experts, teachers, nurses, engineers, doctors, scientists and more.

For information and tickets contact PIWC President Lyn Carthew by email at: lyncarthew@hotmail.com

16 EVENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

New Year’s revolutions

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

How to make some solid cycling resolutions for 2018 BLAZING SADDLES

M Baz Daniel

aking, and often immediately breaking, New Year’s resolutions is an age-old tradition all over the world as we pass from one year into the next.

Hope and its close cousin selfdelusion are abundant at this time of year as we promise to be better, brighter versions of ourselves in the coming year.

This approaching January 1, as we enter 2018, is a propitious time for the island’s cyclists to take stock and set goals for their future. Here are some suggestions for New Year’s cycling resolutions for the continuing happy revolution of wheels and pedals in 2018.

First and foremost, is for national and local governments to continue developing and funding a well-planned program of cycling infrastructure, particularly a network of cycle-ways separated from other traffic. I had the pleasure of cycling in New Zealand earlier in 2017 and both main islands have a huge network of separated cycle paths and trails crisscrossing the country, which make it an absolute delight to experience New Zealand’s abundant natural bounty on two wheels and in complete safety. Thailand and Phuket need the same!

Seize the day and the whole year!

For we Lycra Louts in Phuket our resolutions should be highly specific, reasonably attainable and fun, or quite frankly, they aren’t going to last even until the end of January. “Lose weight and cycle more” just doesn’t cut it! That’s far too vague to have any real meaning.

Here are five simple resolutions to help increase your cycling enjoyment.

1 – Cycle on at least three occasions and for a total of 75-plus kilometres each week. Keep a written record of your rides’ duration and distance and post it on social media, so that all your friends and family know you are making this commitment.

2 – Cycle with a group of other enthusiasts, some of whom are better and

stronger cyclists than you. Research shows that athletic performance improves through association with, and imitation of, those who are better than ourselves. In addition, cycling in a group is motivating, fun, and you get to share coffee and gossip after your ride.

3 – Cycle before breakfast at least twice each week. This is safer, cooler and gets you out of bed and on the road with just a piece of fruit in your stomach. You go to bed earlier the night before and soon you’ll find you want to be outside enjoying Phuket’s gorgeous sunrise and experiencing the best part of the day.

4 – Set a specific cycling objective for the future and publish it to all your friends and family. “I will cycle my age

in kilometres in two hours on my next birthday” is a good example. A bit of a challenge if you happen to be nearly 70 like me, so tailor your own personal commitment to be a challenging, but attainable goal, that can be met with perseverance.

5 – Book a challenging future cycling holiday or event such as cycling from Bangkok to Phuket with Martin Brot’s Siam Bike Tours (www.siambiketours. com) with some of your friends and give yourself plenty of time to train so you can not only complete it, but enjoy it.

Resolutions like these will make your 2018 pedaling revolutions not only abundant, but fun.

Happy New Year and stay safe!

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 17

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Start the New Year right!

Revive and thrive at a fun and friendly yoga retreat here in Phuket

Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

Have you put your physical and mental health high enough on your priority list for 2018?

@thephuketnews

H

i and welcome to our last yoga moment together for 2017! As you cast your mind back over the year that has been, ask yourself, ‘Did I look after myself enough this year?’ Have you put your physical and mental health high enough on your priority list for 2018?

If you would like to start your new year off on the right foot, with a group of like-minded, supportive, healthy and happy people, then I would love for you to join me for a week of amazing yoga, delicious healthy food and awesome connections and growth. I am the co-founder of Mudita Yoga Retreats and we will be holding our first “REVIVE to THRIVE” Phuket retreat from Jan 29 to Feb 4, 2018.

The word “Mudita” when translated means the quality of finding joy in the happiness and success of others. This is the goal and the driving force behind Mudita Yoga Retreats.

I have partnered with Nicole Herft, a renowned UK food stylist, author and chef to ensure that this retreat is more than you would ever have expected from a yoga and wellness holiday. We will offer interactive cooking and DIY health workshops, beach yoga, SUP boarding, nature hikes, waterfall visits, as well as our regular daily yoga classes and optional daily relaxation and meditation sessions. All delivered in a way that will help you to retain the information and go on to lay some great foundations for continuing 2018 in a positive and healthy way.

As some of you have been my regular readers and have come to know me over the past five years, you will know that I am very passionate about making yoga accessible to everybody’s different bodies. I aim

Join Kim for a week of amazing yoga, delicious healthy food and awesome connections and growth. to demystify yoga and allow my guests to see how yoga works for them on a daily basis.

We have all-inclusive accommodation packages available starting from $1,710 if you would like to stay in our beautiful villa during the retreat. However, I have also created a few spaces in each class for my local community and friends who wish to attend individual classes (B1,300 per class) or perhaps you would like to purchase a day pass that would include meals and all classes for the day (regular price B7,200; expat price B6,000 – please bring your

ID). I do like to keep my classes small at a maximum of 20, so please book in advance to ensure a space.

To show my love to my local community, I will be giving away a day pass for our yoga retreat to the winning Instagram post. Just make an Instagram post explaining why you want to win our Mudita yoga retreat yoga day pass.

Hashtag #MuditaYogaRetreatsWin to be eligible to win, the winner will be announced on Jan 16.

Visit muditayogaretreats.com for more information and booking enquiries.

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

LIVE 89.5 CELEBRATES WITH CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY Class Act Media’s Live 89.5, the island’s leading radio station, got into the Christmas spirit this month by giving away more than B150,000 in prizes donated by generous partners from across Phuket. The Live 89.5 Christmas Giveaway got underway on Monday (Dec 18) with great prizes on offer from Thanyapura, Xana Beach Club, Hard Rock Cafe Phuket, Centara Grand, Irish Times, Hyatt Regency, Two Chefs, Amari Phuket, Rosewood Phuket, Marriott Resort and Spa, Banyan Tree, The Nai Harn, Best Western Patong, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Sea Bees, C and C Marine, Mr Tint and Sun, My Physio by Kanitta and Cafe Del Mar.

Class Act GM Jason Beavan presents Ms Escobar with a B5,000 Breeze Spa voucher from Amari.

Emma and her kids won a voucher for Two Chefs worth B5,000.

Some BCIS students take a ride on Santa’s sleigh.

Live 89.5 DJ Jason Wilder (right) presents Adam Rosindale with a voucher for two people at the Hyatt Regency’s Christmas Day buffet dinner.

The Phuket News reporter Shela Riva (left) presents Ben and Viktoriya with a B5,000 voucher for Hard Rock Cafe Phuket.

Even the youngest students took to the stage to sing some Christmas carols.

CLAUDE BERDA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL’S STUDENT CHRISTMAS SHOW Parents, students and teachers from Claude Berda International School (BCIS) Phuket hosted a number of events to celebrate the holiday season, including a bake sale and Christmas market, as well as their very first Student Christmas Show. The market, held at the BCIS campus on December 12, saw the selling of handmade cards, trinkets and treats which raised B30,000 for charity. The Student Christmas Show was held on December 15 at the Novotel Phuket Phokeethra Resort in Phuket Town.

More than 400 parents and students attended the dazzling display of song, dance and drama performances by students of all ages. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Jason presents Paul Watkins-Baker with a voucher for Rosewood’s Ta Khai restaurant.

Jason presents Kim with a B7,000 voucher for My Physio by Kanitta Clinic.

Jason presents Mellissa and her kids with a B5,600 voucher for Banyan Tree‘s Sunday Brunch.

Jason presents Suzanne with a B6,000 accommodation voucher for a stay at the Best Western Patong.

Wan (right) picks up a voucher from Shela on behalf of James.

Jason presents Christy with a three-month ‘Get Fit’ gym membership at Thanyapura worth B8,000.

Oily picks up her B7,800 voucher for New Year’s Day Buffet Brunch for two persons at Hyatt Regency Phuket.

Jason gives Stuart a B5,000 Coast Beach Club voucher.

It was a big night in Patong, with scores of supporters coming out for the fundraising BBQ.

Over B40,000 was raised from the event.

KANGAROO BAR HOSTS BBQ TO RAISE FUNDS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE The “Fundraiser for Upkeep” for maintenance of mobility scooters previously donated to immobile Patong locals was a great success and managed to raise B40,650, bringing the balance of the fund to B109,580. This excellent result was thanks to the fantastic suppor of The Kangaroo Bar, Don’s BBQ, Southern Big Bike, The Aussie Bar, and all the motorcycle clubs from Phuket and surrounding provinces, and the Chief of Police, and The Phuket News. Another big supporter is Pride Mobility from Melbourne, Australia, Don’s Bar B Q did an absolutely tremendous job of supplying and feeding everyone on the night with a superb selection of BBQ meat and salads and Thai food. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

29 DEC

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SUN

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

31 DEC

Sunday Roast All Day All Night Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar Competition starts at 9pm - Expat Sports Bar at the Expat Hotel Soi Taipan Patong. See map at www.expathotel.com

New Year’s Eve Tropical style Enjoy a compelling beginning to the New Year with extraordinary indulgences at Phuket’s finest address.

Dine and dance your way into 2018 with panoramic views over stunning Nai Harn Bay. To make your Reservation please email: fbreservation@thenaiharn.com The Nai Harn Phuket: +66 (0) 76 380 200.

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

Hard Rock New Year’s Eve 2018

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

SAT

Xana Wonderland New Year’s Eve. Xana Wonderland New Year’s Eve Dinner Celebrations. The 2017 Festival Season at Angsana Laguna Phuket. Reservations, XANA Beach Club, info@xanabeachclub.com, 076 358 500.

White Shimmers New Year’s Eve Party 2018 Begin your celebration with bubbles and canapes before wandering into a sublime culinary world of international delights. Live music and DJ. Reservations at: fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, pattarawadee.sukolrat@hyatt.com, 076 231 234.

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Live Sports at Expat Hotel NRL, AFL, Soccer, Rugby Union. Any live sport, we will show it. Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com

Come and Celebrate the New Year at Two Chefs Bar & Grill – served in all four locations on Phuket.

Don’t miss this amazing experience and hurry up to get your table booked. Please make your reservation by email: reservation@twochefs.com Read more at www.twochefs.com or www.facebook.com/twochefsthailand Reservations, TWO CHEFS KARON – PATONG – KATA CENTER, Kata Beach 076 333 370 Kata Center 076 330 065 Karon 076 286 479 Patong 076 344 9145.

Traditional Sunday Roast

Curry Cravings In Karon

30 DEC

Spend quality time with friends and family, enjoying a one of a kind Sunday brunch on a perfect day of sunshine by the ocean of XANA Beach Club. Every Sunday from 12.00 to 15.30 hrs. From 1,850++THB. Reservations, XANA Beach Club, info@xanabeachclub.com, 076 358 500.

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

Served from 2pm. Your Choice of either Roast Beef, Chicken, Loin of Pork or Leg of Lamb Served with Roast & Boiled Potatoes, 3 Fresh Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy. Only 320 Baht. Includes a Free Glass of House Red or White. See: www.otoolsphuket.com

Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday (starting Dec 1, 2017), in Karon Beach. Try out some of our delicious appetizers and mains such as: Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys / Achars, Gulab Jamun, Fruits, Onion Bhaji, Bomay Potatoes, Dal Makhini, Ice-cream etc etc. (Menus subject to change and variety). For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks. Booking: 076 286 464 Ext 4.

XANA’s Sunday Brunch

New Years Eve Set Menu at Two Chefs

Hard Rock Cafe’s New Year’s Eve party with the theme “A Night at the Circus in Black and Red”. Live music and cabaret dance show. VIP dinner package B3,499pp with welcome drink, 4-course set menu and fancy hat. sales1@phuket-hrc.com or 076 366 381.

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS

Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 445 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs!

Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD -www.twochefs.com

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites!

Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken.

Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band!

Come for the FOOD - RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344914

Dress to impress and welcome the New Year in style at Dusit Thani’s elegant gala dinner, where gourmet cuisine and vibrant entertainment will make for a truly memorable occasion. B9,900++ per person, Dress code: Creative Black Tie. For reservations email: dtlpfb@dusit.com or call Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket on +66 (0) 7636 2999 ext 7650,7303.

Café Del Mar is celebrating its 1st year anniversary Café Del Mar is celebrating its 1st year anniversary on New Year’s Eve. This is set to be the biggest event the island has to offer. The New Year’s Eve buffet is prepared by celebrity Chef Ronnie Macuja. This will be followed by an amazing late-night party with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. Only the best international DJ’s on the island will be spinning amazing tracks for you to dance the night away. There are various packages available and it’s highly recommended to pre-book.

Please email: info@cafedelmarphuket.com for bookings and more details. The most stylish way to enter into 2018 is at Café Del Mar in Kamala beach. Don’t miss out on this epic event as bookings are limited.

80’s Disco at Crowne Plaza

Broadway Night @ The Boathouse

An unforgettable back to the 80’s disco, with spectacular ocean views of Panwa beach. Enjoy a sumptuous array of seafood at our NYE buffet with assorted drinks packages, shows and entertainment.

Reserve your table, please contact us by email at: dine.cppanwa@ihg.com or fb@crowneplazaphuket. com. Reserve by telephone – Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach – on +66 (0)76 302 900 ext. 6191.

Bid adieu to 2017 and join us for an evening of Broadway musical numbers as we await the arrival of 2018!

Indulge in a special 6-course dinner and be enthralled by our entertainment extravaganza that will keep you going all evening, complete with firework as the clock counts down to midnight. Contact: ratiporn.t@ boathouse-phuket.com, boathouse-phuket.com or call The Boathouse Phuket on (+66) 76 330 015-7

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

SUN

31 DEC

sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. 395 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

FRI

12 JAN

SALA New Year’s Day Family BBQ It’s a casual affair this New Year’s Day at SALA Phuket on Mai Khao Beach. Enjoy a delicious pool side BBQ with live DJ and drink specials. Contract : fbphuket@ salaphuket.com and visit www.salaphuket.com.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Impiana Resort Patong Celebrate the festive season in style with memorable gourmet dining and vibrant entertainment. Our New Year’s Eve buffet dinners (Dec 31) will include international dishes, Thai specialties and fabulous drinks created for the occasion at Sala Bua Restaurant. For more information and bookings, please email: fb.patong@impiana.com or call Impiana Resort Patong Phuket on: +66 (0) 76 340 138.

WED

3 JAN

Boat Lagoon Weekend Beats and Bites Music and Food and Fun. January 12-13, 2018 from 6pm till 10pm at Lagoon Quay. Phuket Boat Lagoon: 095 012 2442 / 076 239 888 ext. 618.

EVERY DAY

has created a six-course discovery menu consisting of the appetiser, main course and dessert, priced at 1,590 THB++ per person. The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, lagritta@amari.com 076 292 697.

SURF & TURF NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY @ TWO CHEFS

New Years Eve Party & Buffet Dinner @ Friendship Beach Friendship Beach Waterfront Resort New Years Eve. Dinner Buffet and Party. Featuring: Fireworks Display, Live DJ, Cabaret Show, Fire Show, Welcome Drink. International Buffet with Imported Beef Fillet, Grilled Salmon Filet, BBQ Pork Ribs (award winning) Roast Duck Curry, Prawn Cocktails, Smoked Salmon, Meat and Cheese Platters, and a large selection of Desserts, Sides and Salads (Vegetarian options available. Adults B2,000++ Kids under 12 years B700++ Reservations call 66 (0) 89 728 5304 or email chef@friendshipbeach.com Kuhn Jao, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap Rawai Phuket, chef@friendshipbeach.com, +66 (0) 89 728 5304.

ALL YOU CAN EAT! GRILLED AUSTRALIAN RIB EYE STEAK, TERIYAKI MARINATED CHICKEN AND GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS WITH BBQ SAUCE, RED WINE SAUCE AND BEARNAISE SAUCE CEASAR SALAD AND HERB SAUTEED POTATOES. ONLY 495 BAHT. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8 pm until late. WWW.twochefs.com Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914, Kata Beach 076-333-370, Kata Center 076-330-065 COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!! Reservations, TWO CHEFS KARON – PATONG – KATA CENTER.

Phuket French well-known chain restaurant La Boucherie at Chalong, Phuket French well-known chain restaurant. Finest beef steaks, burgers, French traditional cuisine, lamb chops and lamb shank, duck breast and half cockerel, dishes with fish, chicken, pork and much more always at La Boucherie. Visit our place every day. Location: https://goo.gl/t8kHDU Web-site: www.laboucherie-chalong.com

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

Discover Amari Phuket’s magical festive celebrations Let’s enjoy this remarkable time of the year with a fabulous dining experience by the water and surrounded by the cool breeze of the Andaman Sea. Delectable traditional Christmas buffet. Email: phuket@amari. com or visit www.amari.com/phuket. Amari Phuket reservations by phone on: (+66) 76 340 106-14.

MON

THU

4 JAN

CHEF PABLO’S DEGUSTATION MENU Celebrating our Thailand Tatler’s BEST Restaurants Award: Come and indulge in a succulent 5 course tasting menu including Foie Gras, pumpkin soup, Alaska Scallop, slow cooked Duck breast & Baba au Rhum. “Grape juice” pairing available! THB 1,390++ Reservations and full menu: dedos-restaurant.com 076 325 182 - 8 Lagoon Rd., Laguna, Cherng Talay.

1 JAN THE PHUKET RENDEZVOUS

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and

@thephuketnews

For four days, Royal Phuket Marina will be transformed into a bustling hub for all things luxury – highlighting Phuket as one of Asia’s premier destinations and guaranteeing maritime heaven for leisure boating enthusiasts. As well as showcasing premium yachts in the marina, the PHUKET RENDEZVOUS will also feature properties, exotic cars and luxury brands with live music, events and parties for everyone to enjoy!

For more infomation visit: thephuketrendezvous.com

La Gritta’s Discovery Menu Take your taste buds on a culinary tour through some of the finest Italian flavours. Chef Patrizia

7 Nights 7 Themed Dinners at Rim Talay Make each night unique! Enjoy our themed dinners with the cool sea breeze. Phuket Night Market @690 THB++, Thai & International buffet @790 THB++, Seafood Night @980 THB++, Ribs, Wings & Rings @770 THB++, Butcher’s Night @market price, Surf & Turf @950 THB++, Thai Seafood Gala @980 THB++ The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, rimtalay@amari.com, 076 340106-14 #8027.

daily event updates on

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. What is the Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2017?

2. In Japanese history, what were Onna-Bugeisha?

3. Which toy was invented by George Lerner in 1949 and was the first toy advertised on television?

4. How many men were usually needed to form a Roman cohort?

5. Which country uses juries of 15 people in criminal trials?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

51. High school Across student’s item 1. Quality of it is vital 5. Hindu social division 59. Soccer score 62. Hearings in open 10. Blow court 14. Computer system 63. Fit as a fiddle trademark 64. Halftime lead, 15. Understudy e.g.

16. A shot 17. Mexican restaurant 65. Hold the floor 66. “What a shame” menu item 67. Get together 18. Discover 68. Desert tabletops 19. French novelist 69. Carnival sight Pierre ___ 20. Running backs, Down often 23. Thorax protector 1. Asinine 24. Mythical maiden of 2. Smallest wild cattle in the world the woods 3. Cash register part 28. Unchanged 32. “Carmen” highlight 4. Jump on the ice 5. Strait of Dover port 35. Scrap 6. Bitter 36. C-worthy?

7. Top-billed 37. Boisterousness performer 38. Entertainment 8. Spelling’s going round and daughter round?

42. Cousin of an ostrich 9. White-tailed eagle 10. Electrical 43. Tarzan’s home transformer 44. State flower of New 11. ____-Tzu Mexico 45. Clarifies, perhaps 12. Part of a play 48. More like a certain 13. Upsilon preceder 21. Town ____ tree 49. Prowler’s prowess 22. Messenger follower 50. Past

25. Art patron 26. King’s son 27. Plane locale 28. Orange-yellow gemstones 29. Tars 30. To treat badly 31. Business-card abbr.

32. Harness part 33. Capitol Hill worker 34. It’s under a top 36. “Watch out!”

39. “Master Melvin” 40. Stocking 41. Diploma word 46. Gelcap alternative 47. In other words 48. Sponsorships (Var.) 50. Way to the heart?

52. Weaving apparatus 53. Harp cousin 54. Stew ingredients 55. The one over there 56. Chalky 57. Vitality 58. Egg container 59. Masterpiece 60. Poem 61. Bio stat

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Youthquake; 2) Female Samurai; 3) Mr Potato Head; 4) 480; 5) Scotland

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history Dec 29, 1997 Hong Kong begins to kill all the nation’s 1.25 million chickens to stop the spread of a potentially deadly influenza strain.

-0.2

magnitude earthquakes release the energy equivalent to 30 matches being lit.

Dec 30, 2006 Former President of Iraq Saddam Hussein is executed.

10

hours on average is how long people slept every night before the invention of the lightbulb.

39

Dec 31, 1759 Arthur Guinness signs a 9,000-year lease at £45 per annum and starts brewing Guinness.

per cent of people in their twenties achieve their New Year resolutions each year, while 14% of people over 50 achieve theirs, according to a study.

Jan 1, 2009 Sixty-six people die in a fire at the Santika Pub nightclub in Bangkok.

Citizens of 13 countries were among the 222 people injured.

2,617

Jan 2, 1981 Serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, the “Yorkshire Ripper”, is arrested in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

times a day is how often the average smartphone user touches their phone.

Jan 3, 2009 The first block of the blockchain of the decentralised payment system Bitcoin, called the Genesis block, is established by the creator of the system, Satoshi Nakamoto.

42,249 people in the US died of drug use in 2016 alone.

Source: Uberfacts

The end of day is nigh. Photo by Fernando Eloy Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Jan 4, 1948 Burma gains its independence from the United Kingdom.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

JOBS Reservations Manageress

The Expat Hotel group are seeking a female with a high standard of English language fluency, good computer and inter-personal skills and experience of working with online travel agents. Knowledge of Cloudbeds would be an advantage. Negotiable, pauljames@expathotel.com.

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Profitable business for sale

Located on main road in Karon, motorbike rental business, with 30 bikes and helmets, office equipment all included for 2.5MB call 0837774766 or Line - namaqua.j.

New cat café for sale

Brand new 3 floor building in Samkong. Thai & foreigners are loving my café, been doing really good since the opening in September. Unfortunately I have to go back to my country cause of family problems. I invested 1.4MB in this café. We have 12 cats from Bengal (B36,000), Maine Coon (B25,000) Persian, Siamese and Thai cats. They all have the vaccine and they all 6 months. Upstairs, bedroom fully furnished, 4 new air con in the building. Kitchen and bar fully furnished with new equipment. Music speaker and phone. License, work permit company. Lease 3 years can extend when finish. Rent 30.000 per month. Sales - 600,000B negotiable. No deposit if take over. 600,000 negotiable, thephuketcatcafe@ hotmail.com, 0994321733.

nt

Business for Sale

e s al

R ESTAU R A N T B U S I N ES S I N CHALONG For rent/sale. Fully equipped & operational, 50 seats Chaofa East road, 400m from Haiyek Traffic Circle.

Contact: shchalong@gmail.com

e Urg

New Salon for SALE

Stylish brand new salon with all equipment and stock for sale at Bang Tao Tinlay Market with all furniture and fixtures. Contact through email at: naveenmarapana@gmail.com or call 080 370 6131 – Kunal, 081 899 0919 –Chin.

SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

Totally renovated, Italian design & furniture, all-new imported kitchen & bar equipment, ready to operate. Large Bar, DJ booth, garden lounge, rooftop. Seats 50 indoors, 50 in garden, 40 rooftop. 080 143 5541 Pablo.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Diving boat for sale.

Asia Adventure: length (m) 18.00, width (m) 4.60, depth (m) 1.70, gross tonnage 35, maximum capacity is 40 passengers + 3 crew. 1 million bht, K. Vladimir, Joy Dive Adventures Co.,Ltd., Sales@JoyDive.

Asia, +66 84 182 8685.

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

Due to serious health reasons, the owner must part with his beloved 80’ tour boat. New wiring throughout, power outlets, transformer and voltage meters.

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

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Long Tail Boat For Sale

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

2-engine speed boats for sale

Length 11.6 m, width 2.83 m, capacity 32 passengers + 3 crew. Front seats. Very good condition. Start 600,000 thb, Joy Dive Adventures Co.,Ltd., Sales@JoyDive.Asia, +66 84 182 8685.

6.2m Hypalon Stingray RIB

"Ready to go" w 175hp 4str Suzuki w 130hrs, 8hp aux, dble axle trailer, Garmin 521S, 160L fuel and full set of gear. Top condition. Call Harry: 081 273 1740.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Tenancy of Clubhouse for sale

Tenant required for already established bar and Clubhouse in the Thalang area of Phuket. The prospective tenant should have previous chef/catering experience and want to establish their own style of management and expertise in building up their business. The Owner of the venue is extending and refurbishing the current building to include a new kitchen space and secondary bar with an extra seating area. The Tenancy will require a 1.5 million Thai Baht security deposit, subject to agreed terms and conditions, to include a new fitted commercial kitchen plus new and existing furniture. Flexible lease terms based on a 3+3 year agreement are available. Existing catering needs of the venue will have to be considered when reviewing the business options. Expressions of interest along with current resume and contact details should be sent to info@jandgroup.com

CAR FOR SALE 2014 Nissan Juke For Sale

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20 year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! office@tcm-asia.com, 086-9439834, 076385081.

TechWorX Projects

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

MARKETING, PUBLIC RELATIONS Restaurant Tester (expat)

Review and rate restaurants in general and the taste of their dishes in the following locations Surin, Kamala, Patong, Kata, Karon. Candidates must have excellent knowledge of different cuisines as well as communication skills. ​For more information please send email with the subject “Restaurants” to sh@vetliner.com

MEMBERSHIPS Golf Membership

Golf membership. Loch Palm 350,000 Baht, P.c.c. 310,000 Baht, buy both 630,000 Baht. Buyer pays all fees. Borst, borst.jg@gmail.com, 083-388-5566

Phuket Country Club Golf Membership

Phuket Country Club Family Golf Lifetime membership for Sale. 2 courses, 9 & 18 hole course, Seller will pay 60,000 baht transfer fee, the buyer pays 380,000 Thai baht. Contact Chris - 087-884-8972

Loch Palm Golf Membership

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

28 CLASSIFIEDS

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Z300 ABS for Sale

Kawasaki Z300 ABS for sale. Good condition, from owner. Year: 2015.

Colour: yellow & black. Price: 150,000 baht. Bo in Cherngtalay/Pasak: cherngtalay@gmail. com. Call 076 615 810 or 076 615 811.

MOVING SERVICES Looking for a Moving Company?

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

OTHER CONTAINER SHOP READY TO MOVE

AIRCON, SHELVES & OPEN DOOR SYSTEM INCLUDED. CAN BE MOVED TO ANY LOCATION. B225,000. koy@urbanoutfitters.co.th 095 274 2463,

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property in Phuket!

Looking to buy property in Phuket?

International Property Advisory (IPA) can help! Give us a call today on 076 604 260/ 098 064 4408/ 080 886 9660 Email : info@ipa. black , utopia@ipa.black Website : www.ipaphuket.com.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Chatta Real Estate

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Chattha Real Estate and Professional Rental Management in Phuket. SELL-BUY-RENT-MANAGEMENT-MAINTENACE-GAURANTEED RENTAL. Inquire NOW! www.chattha.asia, 076-636-244, 090-179-6635.

Chanapa, Chattha Real Estate Co., Ltd., info@chattha.asia

PROPERTY FOR SALE KOH MAK ISLAND

3 rai with 50 metres of beach,2 floor bungalow with 4 bedroom and living room.Very good/ nice view from bungalow. About 2 km from James Bond Island. Contact email: jospeder@live.no only 4,7 million baht, Jostein Pedersen, KOH MAK ISLAND, jospeder@ live.no, 089 872 6895.

t sa n e rg

le

Large Pool Villa For Sale

Large house for sale with private swimming U pool, 3 floors, walled garden with private parking and 656sqm of land. 5 bedroom 4 bathroom with maid's room. Home office and nice outdoor living space by the pool. Located in Soi Kokyang - Saiyuan (Rawai/Naiharn area). Just 5 mins from Naiharn Beach. Freehold by owner.

12M, Leena, ldewis77@gmail.com, 0950612868.

For sale by owner – income property super value.

For sale by owner – income property. 2 furnished villas, 4 and 3 bedrooms, 1/2 Rai, big pool, by Laguna, no more rent to pay, have a monthly income. Expat can buy. Only 9.0 Million. Contact Mr Tan: Tanrockresort@yahoo.com, 089 594 4067.

Property for Sale

Ocean View Kata.Fully furnished 1 bedroom condo 44.2.s.q.m."sea and sunset views over kata bay". For details e-mail ianscondo21@gmail.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Royal Place Condo For Sell

Royal Place Condo is located at the center of Phuket Town, opposite the Tesco Lotus, close to international school, 3 minutes to Big C and Phuket International Hospital, 4 Minutes to Central Festival. 45SQM, 5th floor, Corner Room, 2 balconies, 1 bedroom, 1 living room. Before price 2,800,000 Now Available for 2,250,000. Harry: h.jabary@gmail.com, 084 249 0526.

COMMUNITY

5-bed pool villa, 1.2 Rai

3 detached buildings, L-shaped open plan living, Western kitchen, guest suite, pool 11mx5m, quiet residential area. 1.2 rai plot. THB19,750,000, Mrs Simpson, thaivillaonline@gmail.com, 0844477248. thaivillaonline.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT Apartments for Rent in Phuket

Apartments in Phuket with fully furnished, cable TV, WiFi, swimming pool and gym. 12,000 baht/month. The Royal Place, Kathu, Phuket and Phuket Town. 087 633 1472, 063 413 3557.

Property for rent YAMU

Very big house. 400sqm, Land 4400sqm. Available 1st May. 4-bedrooms and 4-bathrooms, swimming pool. Close to BIS, UWCT. Must see. Long-term lease 130,000 baht/month including pool and garden service. Khun DIDIER: aouichedidier@hotmail.com or 093 717 9343.

Phuket Dream Home

“The Dream” 5 mins to Laguna Phuket Ocean. Very big house, 300 square meters, land 500 square meters. Rent or buy, or both. Available from November 3, 2017 to January 15, 2018. Paul, Cherng Talay, Phuket: 085 795 5159.

Great Business Opportunity

Canal Village is a newly-renovated, stylish shopping centre located in the heart of Laguna Phuket Resort. Shops for rent start at 50 sq/m. Preferable Tenants: Sport bar,miniature golf and F&B outlets.Nichchaa Tubkaeo, Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited: Tubkaeo@banyantree.com 076 362 330. thephuketnews

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

The pick of the bunch

SAT chooses WBC champion Srisaket as pro athlete of the year BOXING Bangkok Post

B

oxer Sr isaket Sor Rungvisai is widely regarded as Thailand’s most outstanding athlete of the year for his stunning wins over previously unbeaten Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez of Nicaragua.

At least twice, Srisaket has been judged Thailand’s best athlete of the year ahead of Ariya Jutanugarn, the first Thai golfer to claim the top ranking in the sport.

Following his win against Gonzalez at Madison Square Garden, he was named the athlete of the year (from March to March) by the Sport Writers Association of Thailand, although Ariya won five titles on the LPGA Tour in 2016.

“Ariya could win more titles but Srisaket’s win was a once-in-a-life-time success,” observed a member of the selection panel.

The Si Sa Ket-born boxer,

Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua is knocked down for the first time against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand at StubHub Center on September 9. Photo: Jeff Gross / AFP whose real name is Wisaksil Wangek, was picked as the best professional athlete of the year by the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) earlier this month with Ariya claiming second place.

Considered the best pound-

What’s on at the ACG Date

Activity

Sun Dec 24

ACG Ground Closed

Tue Jan 2, 2018

ACG Ground Re-opens

Recent Asian Lacrosse Tournament at the ACG

for-pound boxer of this generation, WBC super-flyweight champion Gonzalez was the heavy favourite going into his fight against Srisaket at New York’s Madison Square Garden in March.

Many critics and fans be-

lieved Gonzalez’s handlers picked the Thai as the Nicaraguan’s challenger only to extend his flawless record to 47 wins.

But the Thai, known locally as Srisaket Nakornloung, pulled off one of the biggest

upsets in boxing history.

He dethroned Gonzalez with a majority decision following a bloody 12-round slug-fest.

Two judges scored it 114112 for Srisaket, while the other judged it 113-113.

Srisaket’s victory was the lead story on the front page of all newspapers in Thailand.

Not surprisingly, Gonzalez believed he had won the fight and called for a rematch.

“I’m a little dinged up.

I thought I won the fight. I want an immediate rematch,” Gonzalez said.

He did get a rematch at StubHub Center in Carson, California in September.

This time, Srisaket proved the previous win was no fluke, registering a fourth-round knockout victory over Gonzalez.

“I fought for Thailand, for the pride of Thailand,” said the 30-year-old champion (44-4-1, 40KOs).

“I have shown that I am the best 115-pound boxer in the world. I am ready to fight

anyone. I am not scared of anyone.”

Promoter Tom Loeffler said: “He [Srisaket] beat the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in New York, and then he beat him more convincingly the second time.

“Now he has to be considered one of the best in the world. You saw Roman really packed the house, and Srisaket came into a hostile environment and proved he is a true champion. He has tremendous punching power.”

Srisaket will next defend his title against formidable Francisco Estrada, the topranked challenger, in February.

The Thai boxer has been lucky both in the ring and in love.

After returning from his second win against Gonzelez, he proposed to his long-time girlfriend at Suvarnabhumi airport.

They initially planned to tie the knot this year but have postponed their marriage to next year after Srisaket’s fight with Estrada.

Hole in One strikes back in Patong Pool League POOL T H E SECON D ROU N D of the Patong Pool League, sponsored by Thailand Pool Tables, was played last Thursday (Dec 21), with all teams facing fierce competition and some games finishing with very high scores.

Despite not recording the highest victory of round two, Hole in One bar had the best win of the night defeating Happy End Bar 8-3 with the losers being “7-balled” in the beer leg.

However, the biggest win

Members of teams Caddy Shack and Wombat bars. of last Thursday’s action came in the game between Natalie Bar and Simon & Oils, a game in which Natalie cruised to a comfortable 9-2 in over their competitors, and a win that left them lone leaders in the league table.

Elsewhere, Martin Swiss

Guesthouse played a very strong match against Wet Dreams and managed to walk away with a good 8-3 win.

Caddy Shack and Wombat bars were of equal strength in their game, but Caddy Shack managed to walk away with a narrow 6-5 win.

The last match to be recorded on last Thursday’s score sheet was one between Red Light and Ting Tong bars, and one which ended up being won by Ting Tong 7-4.

There was to be no Patong Pool League action yesterday (Dec 28) as bars prepared for their big New Year’s nights, but

play will resume with the third round of action on Thursday Jan 4, 2018. Happy New Year to all The Phuket News readers from all bar owners and players of the Patong Pool League.

League Standings Natalie Martin Swiss Caddy Shack Hole in One Ting Tong Wombat Red Light Happy End Wet Dreams Simon & Oils

15 13 12 12 12 12 11 9 8 6

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Tottenham’s Harry Kane heads the ball to score the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton on Tuesday (Dec 26) Photo: Adrian Dennis / AFP

MONTHLY SPONSOR

MAIN SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri Panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for December 2017 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at the Islander Bar & Restaurant in Rawai.

EPL PREDICTIONS OVERALL STANDINGS

MONTHLY STANDINGS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

thailand express 41 AOR 36 aquamarine 34 stafsulaiman 34 Red Dragon 33

thailand express 113 TC 111 adamrosindale 110 scottkip 110 Red Dragon 109

English Premier League 2017 - 2018

Record-breaker

Kane aims to get better FOOTBALL AFP

H

ar r y Kane insists he still has room for improvement after the Tottenham striker’s treble set a Premier League record and took him above Lionel Messi to finish as Europe’s leading scorer.

Kane’s 22nd-minute header in Boxing Day (Dec 26) 5-2 win over Southampton at Wembley was his 37th goal of the year, moving him past Alan Shearer’s previous Premier League record, which was set when he played for Blackburn in 1995.

But Kane wasn’t happy to settle for that milestone and he scored twice more to claim his eighth treble of the year.

His second goal took him to 55 for club and country in 2017 – lifting him above Barcelona great Messi to become Europe’s top-scorer

over the last 12 months in the five major countries (England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France).

Messi, who has 54 goals this year, can’t catch Kane as Barcelona don’t play again until 2018.

To sum up the magnitude of the achievement, it’s the first time either Messi or Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo have not led the way in nine years.

“I’m very proud. Messi and Ronaldo have dominated football for so long and they’re two of the greatest players ever so it’s an honour to even be compared to them,” said Kane.

“I’ll keep working harder, it’s about finding little percents to get better and doing things on the training ground to make you better.

“There’s great staff here and a great manager here who will keep pushing me, don’t you worry about that!”

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino paid tribute to Kane, who is now one of the most sought-after players in world football and put him the same bracket and Ronaldo and Messi.

“It’s a massive achievement and we feel it’s our achievement, something we share with his team-mates and the club,” he said.

“At 24 to score these goals.

Not only a massive talent, how he is as a person and a professional it’s amazing to work with him.

“For me, he’s world class.

Of course Messi and Cristiano are different. He’s one of the best.

“It’s difficult to say he’s the best but he’s shown to everyone he's one of the best.

“The secret is work hard every day. That is the big secret of the big players like Harry, Ronaldo and Messi and company. You cannot afford not to work everyday.”

Live Sports TV Schedule

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1665: Saturday Dec 30 Run Start Time: 3:30pm Hares: Fungus, The Mighty Quim Location: Kathu - Bang Wat Dam Directions: On Route 2020 between Central Festival and Kathu, just west of the Phuket Country Club, turn south into the entry road leading to Bang Wad Dam (HHH). Drive for approximately 1 kilometre and then enter the reservoir property via the western main gate. At the top of the first rise turn right (HHH) up and into the irrigation property office area. Park in the upper lot on the right and along the road. Please note there is no permission to use any of the buildings, only the grounds. Absolutely no littering or cigarette butts.

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

@thephuketnews

Kane might have been the game’s hot topic, but Dele Alli showed signs of rediscovering his best form, scoring one and creating two for Kane and another for Son Heung-Min. “I'm happy he scored and helped the team, but we expect more and we will push him to be better,” added Pochettino.

Pellegrino is resigned to losing defender Virgil van Dijk next month, with Manchester City favourites for his signature, as he once again left him the Dutchman out in a move which backfired.

“I decided it’s best for the team as there is a lot of speculation around,” he added.

“We win, draw and lose, with and without Virgil. In this squad I have a lot of players that can play. We are used to changes.

“We can’t use this as an excuse. We have to wait until January. I can’t control the market and we’ll see what happens.”

*Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Friday December 29 Soccer

19:30

21:30

Saturday December 30 01:00 Rugby Union 22:00 00:00 Soccer 22:00 00:00 00:30 02:30 Soccer 22:00 00:00 22:00 00:00 Rugby Union 23:00

Sunday December 31 00:00 Soccer 19:00 21:00 23:30 01:30

Rugby Union 22:00

Monday January 1 Soccer 19:30 22:00 00:30 Soccer 22:00 22:00 Soccer 22:00 Rugby Union 22:10

EVENT

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Team

Crystal Palace v. Arsenal (rpt)

Aviva Premiership

Harlequins v. Northampton

Guinness Pro 14

Glasgow v. Edinburgh

EPL

Liverpool v. Leicester

EPL

Man United v. Southampton

EPL

Chelsea v. Stoke

EPL

Newcastle v. Brighton

Aviva Premiership

Exeter v. Leicester

EPL

Crystal Palace v. Man City

EPL

West Bromwich v. Arsenal Brighton v. Bournemouth

21:30

EPL

00:00

EPL

Burnley v. Liverpool

02:30

EPL

Everton v. Man United

00:00

EPL

Leicester v. Huddersfield

00:00

EPL

Stoke v. Newcastle

00:00

Championship

Leeds v. Notts Forest

00:00

Guinness Pro 14

Leinster v. Connacht

19 20 20 20 20 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 19 19 20 20 20 20

W

18 13 13 10 11 10 9 7 7 7 6 5 5 4 5 4 4 4 2 3

D 1 4 3 8 4 4 6 6 6 4 5 6 5 7 3 6 6 5 9 4

L

0 3 4 2 5 5 5 7 7 9 9 9 10 9 11 9 10 11 9 13

F

60 43 34 46 39 34 18 30 24 29 18 15 23 20 19 16 22 18 14 11

A

GD

12 16 14 23 20 23 17 30 30 35 32 25 41 30 29 29 38 31 27 31

+48 +27 +20 +23 +19 +11 +1 0 -6 -6 -14 -10 -18 -10 -10 -13 -16 -13 -13 -20

Pts 55 43 42 38 37 34 33 27 27 25 23 21 20 19 18 18 18 17 15 13

Premier League table and prediction competition scores correct at time of going to press.

Premier League fixtures

Saturday December 30 Match Time in Thailand

Bournemouth

vs

Everton

10pm

Chelsea

vs

Stoke

10pm

Huddersfield

vs

Burnley

10pm

Liverpool

vs

Leicester

10pm

Newcastle

vs

Brighton

10pm

Watford

vs

Swansea

10pm

Sunday December 31 Man Utd

vs

Southampton

Crystal Palace

vs

Man City

7pm

West Brom

vs

Arsenal

11:30pm

12:30am

Monday January 1 Brighton

vs

Bournemouth

7:30pm

Burnley

vs

Liverpool

10pm

Leicester

vs

Huddersfield

10pm

Stoke

vs

Newcastle

10pm

Tuesday January 2 Everton

vs

Man Utd

12:30am

Wednesday January 3 Southampton

vs

Crystal Palace

2:45am

Swansea

vs

Spurs

2:45am

West Ham

vs

West Brom

2:45am

Man City

vs

Watford

3am

Thursday January 4 Arsenal

vs

Spurs

vs

TEAMS / INFO

EPL

MP

Manchester City Manchester United Chelsea Liverpool Tottenham Hotspur Arsenal Burnley Leicester City Everton Watford Huddersfield Town Brighton Stoke City Southampton Newcastle United Crystal Palace West Ham United Bournemouth West Brom Swansea City

Chelsea

2:45am

Friday January 5 West Ham

3am

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2017

Boxer Srisaket is Thailand sport’s chosen one > p30

INT’L SPIKERS HIT THE SAND

Phuket Beach Open shines with entries from around the globe Eliza from Russia dives for the ball in her game against May from Hong Kong. Photo: Rick Nuffer

BEACH VOLLEYBALL The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

M

ore than 50 volleyballers turned out for the Phuket Beach Open III tournament held on Karon Beach over last weekend, all vying for their share of the B22,000 prize purse.

The tournament got underway with the men’s pool matches last Saturday (Dec 23), with the women’s joining the program last Sunday (Dec 24), culminating in the men’s and women’s finals late last Sunday afternoon.

In all there were 20 teams competing in the men’s com-

petition and eight teams competing in the women’s.

Denis Phridovsky of Russia and his teammate and Kostya of the Ukraine (full names not required for entry into the competition) secured their title as men’s champions, claiming their B10,000 in prize money.

Runners-up were “Beer” Khamkeah of Thailand and “Ivan” of Russia, winning B5,000 for the second-place prize. Third were Donny Sumalee (Thai) and Big Dima (Rus), winning B3,000.

In the Women’s competition, Eliza of Russia and May Mei Wong of Hong Kong secured their place as champions, winning B2,000 in prize money.

Just some of the players who took part in last weekend’s Phuket Beach Open III. Photo: Yupa Phukrongploy Nata and Elena of Russia won B1,200 for their place as runners-up, while Thai duo Sirinya and Bee won B800 for placing third.

Although it is early days, Phuket Beach Open Tournament Director Yupa Phukrongploy, a former Thailand

National Team player now retired after 12 years of professional tournament play, is continuing her drive to put Phuket on the map for quality beach volleyball competitions.

“I just set up the Phuket Beach Volleyball Club after I retired from the Thailand

national team and moved to Phuket. I also do some coaching for tourists and some pros who come to Phuket for training,” Ms Yupa explained to The Phuket News.

“Currently our Facebook page has only 775 Likes, which is not that much, but lots of people come to Phuket, and many are looking for a place to play beach volleyball – and the best place to play is Karon Beach,” she said.

“We set up the net every day and all players are welcome to join us. Karon Beach is a very popular place for volleyball,” Ms Yupa added.

However, Ms Yupa is hoping for the international spotlight to shine on Phuket once again for beach volleyball, as

it did when the FIVB competitions were held on the island.

“We hope that they (the FIVB tournaments) will return to Phuket soon,” Ms Yupa said.

Yet organising sanctioned events seems to be some distance in the future, especially as financial support has yet to arrive – as exemplified by the Phuket Beach Open, for which all entry fees were used to provide the prize money and the medals presented.

All other contributions were voluntary.

“At this stage we are not sure when we will be able to hold another major tournament as we have no sponsors. We really need sponsors to help us get major tournaments going,” Ms Yupa concluded.

FAT to give VAR system a try at Champions Cup FOOTBALL THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIAtion of Thailand (FAT) will be experimenting with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in a bid to tackle growing concerns over substandard officiating.

FAT President Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmuang last week confirmed that the first trial for the VAR use will be held at the Thailand Champions Cup game between Thai League

1 champions Buriram United and FA Cup winners Chiang Rai United early next year.

Somyot last Thursday (Dec 21) attended a presentation of the technology at the FAT head office in Bangkok.

The FAT is expected to introduce the technology in next year’s Thai League 1, which will kick off on Feb 9.

The plan to implement the system will be reviewed by the FAT at the Thailand Champions Cup clash

on Jan 19 at Supachalasai Stadium before a final decision is taken.

Somyot said the national governing body needs to study the effectiveness of using the technology in depth first.

It will also take into consideration readiness of each Thai League 1 team’s home ground and the costs to be incurred by its implementation, he said.

The system has been in use in some big leagues including Germany’s Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A.

Fifa has been testing the technology, which allows doubtful decisions to be reviewed by a video referee, for some time with mixed results.

It has not yet decided whether to use the system at next year’s World Cup. The FAT has faced increasing calls to improve the standard of its referees.

Somyot has admitted to the gravity of the problem and recently said: “There are people who try to

FAT President Pol Gen Somyot.

Photo: Bangkok Post influence them [referees] in different ways to manipulate match results.”

The FAT recently accused 12 people – including five players, two referees and a club director – of their involvement in match-fixing.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews