30-11-2012 by The Phuket News

NEW LOGO THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Your Island - Your Paper

Friday November 30 – Thursday December 6, 2012

20 Baht

► Your Island - Your Station

www.phuketliveradio.com

NEWS

Nepal’s ex-Crown Prince arrested on dope charges

OLD LOGO

page 3

LIFE&STYLE 100 72 0 32 Claude de Crissey on the French community

L&S page 6

thephuketnews thephuketnews.com thephuketnewspaper1

SPORT 0 100 100 0 0 35 100 0 Soccer 7s end in exciting fashion

page 23

HotelTravel HUSBAND AND WIFE IN HI-SO BATTLE OVER ISLAND LAND > P5

targets Phuket 100 100 40 50

0 100 100 0

0 35 100 0

■ Following the recent sale of

Blair Speers, right, with MakeMyTrip Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Keyur Joshi. Photo: Dan Miles

HotelTravel.com to Indian travel giant MakeMyTrip, the local company finally focuses on the Phuket market. ■ Of the buyout, CEO Blair Speers says, ‘We have the opportunity to do what we want.’ ■ ‘We didn’t need money from just anybody. We needed it from someone we could partner with and who really understood the business.’ EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ON PAGE 12

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

News

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Meet the new boss of China

59-year-old Xi Jinping is now helmsman of the world’s most populous country > 9

execeditor@thephuketnews.com

Two baby elephants ‘illegal’ Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

he Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECS), Pol Col Watcharin Pusit, will return to Phuket next month to follow up on the “illegal elephant” raids that he led in February this year. The NRECS has revealed that two of the youngest elephants seized in the raids, Popeye and Joey, have been found through DNA testing to be the offspring of an illegal elephant seized from a camp in Sai Yoke in Kanchanaburi Province, next to the border with Myanmar. Popeye and Joey were seized in February from, respectively, ATV Seaview Elephant Trekking Camp in the Nakkerd Hills, near the Big Buddha, and Laguna Excursions in Cherng Talay, and are now living with their mother in the government-run Thai

This Phuket News photo of baby elephant Popeye – apparently weeping after being dragged into a truck on official orders, and taken away from his pals in the ATV Seaview camp in Chalong – broke hearts around the world. Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC) in Lampang. However, this is not yet

the end of the story for them. Although the DNA results indicate a link between the

three elephants, the case still has to be resolved in court. Until then, the elephants will stay in Lampang. The DNA tests have shown, however, that another young elephant, Somchoke, which was seized at the Phu Thai Review Souvenir Market in Chalong, is legal. He will be “released” soon to the Souvenir Market operators. A fourth elephant, Nampetch, seized and sequestered at AT Hill Adventure Tour in the Nakkerd Hills awaits paperwork. The papers for this animal show that it was brought from Surin province. Col Watcharin said that the investigators are still waiting for confirmation from the governor of Surin that the papers are genuine. In Thailand, elephants are often rented out. Provided

that the elephant comes from captive-bred stock, this is legal, but the NRECS suspects that some are smuggled in from Myanmar or are captured from the wild in Thailand, with papers being forged to show that they are legal. These animals and their offspring may not legally be sold or rented out. After being told by The Phuket News of the decision that Joey had been declared “illegal”, Laguna Phuket issued a statement welcoming the final resolution of the legality of the baby elephant after a nine-month wait for DNA test results. Ziya Birkan, Deputy Managing Director and Laguna Resorts & Hotels, said, “We’re very pleased the authorities have resolved the question of Joey’s parentage through DNA testing. “Obviously [we are] disappointed he won’t be able to return here to his former role as a popular and much-loved member of our Laguna Phuket family. “Joey was acquired by us in good faith after we carried out exhaustive due diligence, receiving written confirmations [that] he was legally registered and obtained through necessary regulations. “Now that has been proven not to be the case, we hope the authorities will continue to use DNA testing to thoroughly investigate the legality of elephants. “The wellbeing and welfare of our elephants at Laguna Phuket’s Elephant Camp is paramount to us. The Camp has been inspected and approved by Richard Lair, chief adviser to the TECC.”

French Gastronomy with an Asian touch

www.dedos-restaurant.com tel.: 076 325 182

IN BRIEF Seven teenage robbers caught A gang of around 10 teenagers surrounded and robbed a Russian tourist, Andrey Zhdanov, 32, in Kamala on Tuesday (November 27). Threatening him with a knife, they stole his camera and B2,000 in cash. Three were arrested in a police raid at around 3am the following day (November 28) in the place where the gang hung out in Patong. One is 16 years old and the other two are 14. Police also seized six motorcycles and a knife, but the other members of the gang escaped. Four more boys were later brought to the police by their parents.

Dope-growing grandpa busted A 63-year-old farmer in Phang Nga province has been arrested for growing 100 marijuana plants in among his corn crops. Border Patrol police and Forest Reserve officers arrested elderly Sommai Tadkaew at his four-rai farm in Tap Phut district on Monday morning (November 26)..

American crashes into Burmese Two Burmese on a motorbike were hurt when their bike was in a crash with a Toyota Fortuner driven by 68-year-old American, Francis Charles Gunn, in Chalong on Tuesday morning (November 27). The Burmese were sent to Vachira Hospital where emergency department staff said Ceetu, aged 20, and So, 40, were released after treatment for cuts and bruises.

At Laguna entry Free pick up in Laguna area NEW: Open for Lunch, 11:00 – 23:00 Chill out Bar, HHour 2-6 pm Summer Discount Prices

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

PHUKET NEWS

Nepalese prince held on marijuana charge Bangkok Post & The Phuket News

In October, Tiger CEO Piya Isaramalai hands a cheque for B1 million to the father of one of the victims.

Tiger lawyer in plea for fairness in court case Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

WITH POLICE AND THE public prosecutor getting close to starting the court case against the owners of the Tiger Discotheque, which burned down on August 17, the company’s Legal Counsel, Thamrongsak Boonrak, has pleaded for “fairness” in the handling of the case. Four people died in the fire, including two tourists. “We acted responsibly after the fire by giving support and money to the families of the victims,” he said. On August 24 the Managing Director of the Tiger Group, Piya Isaramalai, handed a million baht each to the families of the two Thai victims. But it is understood that the families of the two foreign victims, though they also accepted B1 million each, said they do not consider this enough compensation. Mr Thamrongsak said, “Staff of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) took away the electricity transformer the morning after the fire. I don’t understand why they did that. “After a couple of days, the PEA said the transformer was not the cause of the fire. But I think the police should investigate this more deeply. “The power was cut before

the Tiger Disco was set on fire by a short-circuit. Lightning hit the transformer many times before the power went down all along Bangla Rd. It is impossible that the fire started inside Tiger Disco.” He also complained about criticism of the structure of the building. “The building was approved every year after the Asian Tsunami [in 2004], by Patong Municipality. If the structure was incorrect, why did they approve it? “I always follow the rules, but whenever there is a problem, [the authorities] give me a hard time. “Up to now we have received no money from the insurance company. And without the money we can’t do anything [to repair the building]. “The New Year is coming, and we plan to do a shopping centre at the Tiger Disco. I can’t stand to look at the place – it looks so bad. “Further into the future, this place may become a beer hall. “Twenty days ago I sent all the evidence we have to all the relevant offices. I hope I will see something more correct and fair from officials.” No date has yet been set for the start of the trial. Pol Col Chiraphat Pochanaphan, Patong Police Superintendent said, “We still have some more investigation to do in this case.”

he former crown prince of Nepal has been arrested in Phuket and charged with possession of marijuana. The Bangkok Post reported that police had confirmed a story in the Himalayan Times newspaper on Tuesday (November 27) that Prince Paras Shah had spent a night in jail in Phuket on October 23 on a charge of possessing 3.5 grams of marijuana. The prince was later released on bail of B10,000, it added. A senior police officer in Phuket told the Bangkok Post the report was true, adding that the former crown prince, the son of ex-King Gyanendra Shah was arrested with an unidentified woman at a hotel. The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Phuket police had been called by the hotel to break up a quarrel between a man and a woman and they found the drugs while mediating the dispute. The man turned out to be a former crown prince from Nepal, he added. The woman confessed to the police but the former crown prince denied the charge, the officer said. His passport was taken by police and he has since appeared before the court twice to renew bail. The Himalayan Times said the Nepalese embassy

Former Crown Prince Paras Shah, photographed in 2010 after he was arrested for firing a gun in a 5-star resort in Nepal in response to ‘insults to his family’. Photo: AFP in Bangkok was informed about the case on October 27. The Nepalese embassy and Thai embassy in Nepal “have remained mum over this matter,” it added. It also said that Prince Paras Shah had bought an apartment on Phuket “and is living with his Thai girlfriend in Bangkok”. It is not the first time the prince has been trouble with police. Earlier in 2010, he was arrested by the Nepalese police for attempted murder after allegedly opening fire at the Tiger Tops Resort in the Chitwan National Park after an altercation with the son-in-law of then-Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala. Prince Paras is no stranger to tangles with the law. He has a reputation in his homeland

of Nepal as a hard-drinking playboy with an inclination toward dangerous driving and discharging handguns. He became the heir to Nepal’s throne in 2001 after a shooting massacre of nine members of the royal family – said to have been carried out by the previous crown prince, Dipendra, after an argument during a family dinner. Prince Paras was injured in the massacre, which killed the former king, queen and Dipendra himself –and left Paras’ father, the former king Gyanendra, back on the Nepalese throne. Well before becoming the heir apparent, Prince Paras was an sometimes scandalous figure who was unpopular with many Nepalis for his alleged

heavy drinking and playboy lifestyle. He was accused more than once of firing a handgun in public – once at a top Kathmandu hotel and once in the city’s Everest Casino. A few months before the 2001 massacre, Prince Paras was accused of driving his car while drunk in Kathmandu and killing a popular Nepalese musician, Praveen Gurung, in a road accident. The prince never faced charges, and a Nepalese army officer later admitted that he had killed Gurung. But the accusations caused a national outcry and angry demonstrations: more than half a million people signed a petition to the late King Birendra demanding action against his nephew. The monarchy was abolished in 2008 by a government dominated by former Maoist insurgents but reports of reckless conduct by Prince Paras have continued since he became a common Nepali citizen. In 2010, he was arrested by police at a resort in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, for firing a pistol during an argument in a hotel restaurant. The exprince said he fired the weapon in the air after hearing insults against his family. If convicted on the dope charge, the former crown prince could face up to a year in jail, and/or a fine of up to B20,000. He was due to appear in court in Phuket again yesterday (November 29).

NOW OPEN ALSO DINNER!! Open from 9.00am to 10.30pm. Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Chef Massimo Pettinau. Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, fine extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products. Enjoy our Illy coffee at the coffee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Three held for burgling house of prosecutor

0/35/100/0 Email: editor@thephuketnews.com Phone: 076 612 550 100/100/40/50

KODCHANAT THINSEPON Editor

0/100/100/0

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

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

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

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

J. P. MESTANZA Sub Editor editor2@thephuketnews.com From USA; Degree in Journalism and Media Studies, from Rutgers University. Three years experience at The Jersey Journal, Sports Page Magazine, and My9 News.

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT Reporter 091 034 2291 reporter4@thephuketnews.com

NATTHA ‘KAMIN’ THEPBAMRUNG Reporter 087 353 9382 reporter2@thephuketnews.com

PITAKPONG ‘PAE’ JAI-INANG NISAKORN ‘SAI’ KITTIPRAPANANT Graphic Designers

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ThePhuketNewspaper1

ADVERTISING

076 612 550-2 ext. 600 Fax: 076 612 553 info@thephuketnews.com www.thephuketnews.com 99/7 Moo 1 (Billion Plaza), T. Kathu, A. Kathu, Phuket 83120

The child’s mother, Ratkapat Tonnam, hands her complaint to the Damrongtham Centre.

Teacher ‘hit 4-year-old’

he mother of a four-yearold boy attending the Koh Kaew Pre-School Centre has lodged a complaint with the Damrongtham Centre, alleging that one of the centre’s teachers slapped her son. Ratkapat Tonnam, 41, said her son, who attends the centre, which is run by Koh Kaew Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), was slapped so hard that he fell off his seat. She said that on the afternoon of that day, when her son went back home, she noticed “a lesion” on his face. She said she asked him what had happened, and eventually he told her that he was sitting with his friends when the teacher came up to him and slapped him so hard that he

fell off his seat. The teacher then threatened him, he said, telling him not to say a word to his parents. Mrs Ratkapat said she rushed to report the assault to OrBorTor Koh Kaew and the police, while the boy’s grandmother went to the centre to talk to the teacher. The teacher said she had “patted” the boy’s cheek and the lesion was just a mosquito bite. However, when the grandmother returned to the centre with the boy, he told her that he did not want to go back because he was scared of the teacher. Mrs Ratkapat waited but when, after many days, she received no response from either the OrBorTor or the police – and aware, she said, that the teacher

was related to a senior official at the Pre-School Centre she decided to complain to the Damrongtham Centre. At the Damrongtham Centre she denied rumours that she was looking for compensation. She said all she wanted was an apology from the teacher and a guarantee that her son would be safe at the centre. Kuakiat Jitkua, President of Koh Kaew OrBorTor, denied the OrBorTor had done nothing. He said that a committee has been set up to investigate the incident and the teacher had been suspended. “She is on a short-term contract. If we find her culpable her contract will not be renewed and she will be fired immediately,” he said.

1,900 fake items seized CUSTOMS OFFICERS HAVE SEIZED 1,900 items of counterfeit goods left at the Phuket bus terminal last Tuesday (November 20), it was revealed at a press conference on Monday (November 26). Acting on a tip-off from Bangkok, officers led by Chamreu Chamniklang, the head of Phuket Customs Investigation, on Tuesday went to the bus terminal, where they found

“strange” packages wrapped in green plastic. Inside were sport shoes, women’s shoes, clothes, belts, shorts and caps, all copied from famous brands including Yves St Laurent, Nike and Prada. The retail value of the items was estimated at around B1.5 million. Mr Chamreu said, “The owner of the packages did not come to pick them up.” The items were taken away to be destroyed.

POLICE ON MON DAY (November 26) arrested two men who burgled three houses in Phuket Town – including the home of the Krabi Public Prosecutor. They also arrested a third man on a charge of receiving stolen goods. Phuket Deputy Police Commander Col Peerayut Karajedee and Phuket Town Police Superintendent Pol Lt Col Prawit Angchun held a press conference to talk about the robberies and the capture of the three men. Investigations pointed to Santi “Ex” Sukchamlong, 25, who was arrested at a restaurant in Phuket Town. Next was Adisorn “Sorn” Hinkeaw, 30, who was arrested at a minimart in Chalong. Questioning of the two resulted in the arrest of the third man, Boonpruek Boonjitmongkon, 27. Adisorn and Santi admitted robbing the prosecutor’s house on November 15. The busy duo then broke into another house in Phuket City Home. The following day they hit a third home, in Natkamon Village, also in Phuket Town. After their arrests, investigators searched their homes and found cameras, notebook computers and other items stolen from the three homes. In Boonpruek’s house they found a stolen notebook computer, for which Boonpruek admitted he had paid just B5,000. All three admitted the charges against them.

HI-SO BATTLE THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

PHUKET NEWS

Husband and wife fight over Six Senses land

n a tale that has great potential as the basis of a Thai soap opera, a member of the wealthy Osathanugrah family from Bangkok is embroiled in a legal battle over three pieces of land totalling 17 rai on Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga, worth an estimated B300 million. The family owns Osotspa, which produces hundreds of consumer products, including M150 and Shark energy drinks, Baby Mild body powder and lotion, Boton candy and 12+ products for girls. The company was founded in 1891, and the current owners are the fourth generation. The head of the family, Niti Osathanugrah, is ranked by Forbes magazine as the 34th richest person in Thailand, with an estimated worth of US$280 million (B8.4 billion). On Sunday (November 23) Mr Niti’s 54-year-old relative, Sawanee, went with her lawyer, Suwat Apaipak, to Koh Yao Noi to lodge a complaint with Pol Lt Col Sinchai Srikamclib at the police station there, demanding that he prosecute her estranged

The Six Senses Yao Noi Resort sits on the disputed land. Inset: Mrs Sawanee. husband, Chinnawate Sarasart. She alleged that Mr Chinnawate forged her signature in order to transfer ownership of the three parcels of land to Pa Koh Hotel Co, of which Mr Chinnawate is an owner. The land is that on which the Six Senses Yao Noi Resort stands. The resort is owned by Pa Koh. To back up her allegation

she produced various documents: the Nor Sor 3 Kor land papers that show her husband as the owner, a letter of consent allowing him to dispose of the land in any way he sees fit, copies of a residence book (tabien baan) and her ID card, and the Pa Koh Hotel Co’s registration papers. She alleged that her signatures on the letter of consent,

Corpse fished from sea POLICE IN PHUKET HAVE called for help in identifying the body of a man found floating in the sea near Racha Yai island. The floating corpse was reported to Chalong police station last Friday (November 23). Police officers on a speedboat located the body the same day between the islands of Racha Noi and Racha Yai, about 25 km south of Phuket. It was badly decayed; fish had eaten away skin from parts of the body, and of the head only the skull remained. The police think the corpse had probably been in the water

no longer than 10 days. “We are still unsure how long he has been dead because the body has been floating in the sea,” Pol Lt Col Jamroon Plaiduang of Chalong Police told The Phuket News. The dead man was between 170 and 175 cm tall, and had a tattoo on the right forearm. He seemed to have light skin, although the state of the body made it hard to be sure. “Although he is whiteskinned and quite tall, we don’t know if he is a foreigner or a Thai,” Col Jamroon said. The body was clothed only

in blue underwear with the brand name “Adder” when it was found. Col Jamroon said the body was now in the morgue at Vachira Hospital while the police try to match it with reports of missing people. Each police station in Phuket was checking with local hotels, but so far without success, he said. Anyone who may know about the dead man should contact Pol Lt Wuttiwat Liangboonjinda at Chalong Police Station on 076 381 247 or 089 172 0305.

the residence book and her ID card were all forged. Mrs Sawanee told police that she and Mr Chinnawate married in 1977 and that although they are not together, they have not yet divorced. In 1995 and 1996 they bought the three parcels of land together and put Mr Chinnawate’s name in the land papers. But, she pointed out, the

land is common property of the marriage. Mr Chinnawate must have her permission if he wants to transfer ownership. She alleged that nine years ago, almost to the day, her husband falsified the letter of consent and her signature, and also forged her signature on the tabien baan and ID card copies to allow Mr Chinnawate to do whatever he wished with the land. After that the ownership of the land was transferred to Pa Koh. The lawyer, Mr Suwat, said that this case stemmed from an earlier one when, Mrs Sawanee alleges, she discovered that forged signatures had been used to transfer the title to land the couple owned in Udon Thani. At that point she decided to check all the other land acquired since she married Mr Chinnawate and discovered the problem with the Koh Yao Noi land. Mrs Suwanee filed a suit for divorce in the court in Prachuab Kiri Khan two years ago but the divorce is still going through the court process.

AirAsia announces Shanghai service AFTER UNCEREMOniously dumping its services from Phuket to Ubon Rachathani and Bali in order to redeploy aircraft on routes between Thailand and China, AirAsia has announced it is to launch a new service from Phuket to Shanghai in February. The airline is now taking bookings from the service, which will go via Kuala Lumpur, beginning on February 19 of next year. Flights will be every day except Monday, taking off from Phuket at 13:30 and landing in Shanghai the following day at 00:45. The return flights, every day except Tuesday, will take off from Shanghai at 01:45, landing back in Phuket at 13:00 the same day. The airline will also be launching, on the same date, f lights to Shanghai from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, also via Kuala Lumpur.

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast

www.foreca.com

FRI NOVEMBER 30

SAT DECEMBER 1

SUN DECEMBER 2

MON DECEMBER 3

TUE DECEMBER 4

WED DECEMBER 5

THU DECEMBER 6

High: +32° Low: +24°

High: +30° Low: +24°

High: +31° Low: +23°

High: +31° Low: +24°

High: +32° Low: +25°

High: +32° Low: +24°

Wind 18 km/h

Wind 7.2 km/h

Wind 10.8 km/h

Wind 14.4 km/h

Wind 14.4 kmh

Wind 21.6 kmh

Wind 21.6 km/h

The Phuket News offers 0/35/100/0 flexible advertising options 100/100/40/50 both online and 0/100/100/0 in print.

Helmet giveaway a great success GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Beavan 086 479 7471

gm@thephuketnews.com

PR & MARKETING MANAGER

Tamakorn (Boo) Khowpon 088 766 1615

pr@thephuketnews.com

CLASSIFIED MANAGER Jarunee Phetchmanee 088 754 1372

classified@thephuketnews.com

ore than 400 helmets were handed out on Wednesday at Billion Plaza in Kathu, as part of a joint initiative between Class Act Media Co Ltd, owners of The Phuket News and Phuket Live 89.5 radio, the Thung Thong Police and Kathu Municipality. As part of this campaign to encourage motorcyclists to ride safely, Class Act Media gave away the helmets, each carrying logos for the newspaper and the radio station. The safety day began at 9:30am with a speech by Class Act Media Managing Director Simon Samaan. In addition to the helmet hand-out, there was an exhibition on how to ride safely, and fun with DJs from Phuket Live 89.5 FM radio.

These students were so happy with their new helmets they wore them in the car on the way back to school.

Sea Gypsies air problems Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Marine (Jiffy) Nuisin 088 765 5881

saleswest@thephuketnews.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Jantiwa (Tangmo) Jantarattanawong 088 765 5883

salessouth@thephuketnews.com

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Kirsty Meyer 088 754 1371

sales2@thephuketnews.com

SALES SUPPORT Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas 086 479 7470

sales@thephuketnews.com

H U N DR EDS OF SEA Gypsies from the three main tribes along the Andaman Sea coast – the Moken, the Moklen and the Urak Lawoi – gathered last week at the Rawai Sea Gypsy village to discuss common problems and solutions. Also attending part of the day-long Andaman Sea Gypsy Reunification III gathering were Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut and Vice-Governor Somkiat Sangkhaosutthirak, who came to hear their grievances. The three main ones, they heard, were problems over land ownership, fishing rights and citizenship. In Phuket, as reported in The Phuket News, two communities – on Koh Sireh and and Rawai – are in dispute with individuals who claim they own the land under the villages, and want the villagers off. Shockingly, another 23 of the 41 Sea Gypsy communities in the five Andaman provinces face similar threats involving ownership claims for either the villages themselves or the nearby graveyards, or both. “Our ancestors have lived along the Andaman coast for more than 300 years, in five provinces – Phuket, Phang Nga, Satoon, Ranong and Krabi,” said Niran Yangpan,

One of the Sea Gypsy fishermen arrested for fishing in the Similans finds Gov Maitree Intusut (right) and V/Gov Somkiat Sangkhaosutthirak attentive. a Sea Gypsy representative. “Now, there are 25 sea gypsy communities that may be forced to move by private businesses or by the government. Here in Rawai today, a man who claims to own the land tried to stop us holding this event. “Our relatives on Phi Phi and in Krabi still live uncertainly. They do not know how long they can go on living in their houses.” As to fishing rights, the assembly heard that Sea Gypsies continue to be arrested for fishing in national parks.

Preeda Kongpan of the Committee for Sea Gypsy Problem Integrating Solution, pointed out that this is despite the fact that a Cabinet meeting in 2010 resolved to allow indigenous fishermen to fish in national parks using traditional methods. Nongporn Rungpetchwong, director of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department (RLPD) of the Ministry of Justice, promised to help villagers who are prosecuted. She said the RLPD would help the families of nine Sea Gypsy fishermen, arrested for

fishing in the Similans Marine National Park on October 12, by reimbursing the B45,000 the families had to pay in bail insurance in order to get the nine out of the police cells. The third main problem is that of citizenship. Some 600 Sea Gypsies out of 17,500 in the five provinces still have no Thai ID card, which means they have no access to health services or education (with the result that some speak very little Thai). This problem is also damaging to the Sea Gypsy culture, it was explained, because the new generation, trying to fit in with the Thais around them, reject the traditional culture. Though Sea Gypsies form some of the oldest communities in the Andaman coastal region, and there was a Cabinet resolution two years ago to preserve their way of living, many are still not regarded as Thai. Gov Maitree told the assembly on November 22, “I will call the departments concerned with each problem and see if they can understand the problems and come up with solutions. “For the land issues, the SorPorTor [Provincial Land Centre] and district-level equivalents will soon be formed, which will work on these issues in an integrated way,” he added.

Icon of St Nikola.

Russian religious relics head for Phuket THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX Church, just north of Thalang, will be showcasing a famous icon and bones of the revered St Nikola from December 6 to 10. The “Sacred Wonder-working Icon of Saint Nikola the Wonderworker” and some of the saint’s bones are currently on loan from Russia and are being displayed, in turn, in the four Russian Orthodox churches in Thailand. Father Aleksey Golovin, who has been a priest in Phuket since September said, “St Nikolai’s holy body parts will be transferred in a box from the Pattaya Orthodox Church and the Phuket Church will be open from 6 am till midnight.” In Russia St Nikolai is the most revered of saints. There is a Russian saying, “If anything happens to God, we’ve always got St Nikola.”.

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Samui police tried to blame boyfriend for woman’s death: report

PEACE AND PROTEST A Buddhist monk sits in front of riot policemen as he

takes part in an anti-government protest in Bangkok on Saturday, November 24. Thai police fired tear gas and detained demonstrators as clashes erupted at the first major street protests against PM Yingluck Shinawatra’s government. Photo: AFP

‘Crazed’ woman found on roof Pattaya One

E A R LY ON MON DAY morning (November 26) police were called to the roof area of a 16-storey condominium in Jomtien, Pattaya to assist a woman who was naked and appeared suicidal. Officers made their way to the top floor of View Talay 1 Condominium Building B and watched as security guards

attempted to negotiate with the woman who appeared to be in an incoherent state. After one hour police and rescue services were able to approach the woman who was given a towel to place over her body. Her real name and age are not known but she is thought to reside in a 14th floor apartment and is known by other residents as “Lana”.

The security guards, who first spotted her on the roof during their routine patrol, attempted to approach the woman but she kept shouting out that someone in heaven had ordered her to kill someone in hell. Eventually she was restrained and taken to Banglamung Hospital where she is currently undergoing a full psychiatric assessment.

Sydney man says he was forced to wait for six days in Thailand after local police allegedly tried to blame him for a motorcycle accident that killed his girlfriend, despite CCTV video proving he was not to blame, Australian television network ninemsn has reported. Australian couple Jamie Keith and Nicole Fitzsimons were holidaying in Koh Samui last month when the accident unfolded. CCTV cameras captured the moment a local driver, allegedly travelling at 80km/h, careered straight into the couple as they waited to turn into their resort on a motorcycle, A Current Affair reported. “We came to a standstill waiting for an on-coming scooter to go past,” Mr Keith was quoted as saying by ninemsn. “This almighty bang hit us from behind and I just remembered flying across the road and sort of blanked out for a second. “I yelled and screamed for help. I was telling her it was all going to be okay.”

Nicole Fitzsimons died while on holiday. Photo: Facebook Ms Fitzsimons, who was part of Channel Nine’s Footy Show team, died three hours after the accident. But Mr Keith said the trauma continued when local authorities took him to a police station about six hours after the accident and asked him to sign a statement written in Thai that said the crash was his fault. “I was vulnerable and they were obviously after one thing and one thing only, it was my money. It was a way to bribe my way out of it,” he said. “They threw that report in front of me asking me to sign otherwise they would take my

passport. “As much as I was hurting… to have evidence there and still blame it on me – I didn’t care if they were going to lock me up, there was no way [I was signing].” Six days after the death of Ms Fitzsimons, the Thai police decided to return Mr Keith’s passport, but on the condition that no one would be charged over the crash. “To sign a blank piece of paper to say it was an accident and that bloke is over there walking free, it burns inside of me,” he said. For more information: nicolefitzsimons.com

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

ASIA NEWS

Xi Jinping: China’s new leader W

ith a revolutionary hero for a father and a pop star for a wife, China’s new leader Xi Jinping has impeccable political pedigree but has given few clues about how he will govern the country. Xi, 59, walked into the Great Hall of the People in Beijing last week as generalsecretary of the Chinese Communist Party, the most powerful position in the world’s most populous country and secondbiggest economy. With an air of confidence and a relaxed demeanour rarely seen among China's top politicians, he gave an unexpectedly long and charismatic speech to the nation. “Our party is dedicated to serving the people,” Xi said. “We will never rest on our laurels... our party faces many severe challenges, and there are also many pressing problems within the party that need to be resolved, particularly corruption (and) being divorced from the people.” But whether Xi has the conviction or political weight needed to force through policy after he is elevated to the position of national president in March is uncertain. Xi has risen to the top of the

secretive party by presenting himself as a compromise candidate – acceptable to outgoing leader Hu Jintao, still-influential former president Jiang Zemin, and other power-brokers. But since he has largely kept his policy leanings to himself, how he will address China’s challenges remains unclear – even though he takes over at an uncertain time, with growth slowing as public expectations and scrutiny rise. Xi has avoided revealing any leanings that might threaten his status as a consensus candidate, backing non-controversial policies and positions during his rise up the party ranks, said China political analyst Willy Lam. Whatever his beliefs, few expect Xi to stray far from the communist template of gradually opening the economy while maintaining tight political controls, especially as he will need to first consolidate power, a slow process faced by all incoming Chinese leaders. Nonetheless he is seen as a cautious and skillful politician, able to navigate the factional divides of the party hierarchy. Xi, a slightly plump figure typically seen on state television with a deadpan expression, rose up the party ranks mainly

Xi Jinping has impeccable political pedigree. Photo: AFP on China’s fast-growing east coast. As the son of the late Xi Zhongxun, a respected Communist elder, he is part of the “princeling” generation – the privileged offspring of hallowed figures who played key roles in the revolution that brought the party to power in 1949. Despite this pedigree, Xi Jinping was “sent down” to the Chinese countryside to live and work alongside peasants, as were many young educated Chinese during Mao Zedong’s

Kim Jong-Un: ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ NORTH KOREAN LEADer Kim Jong-Un has been named 2012’s “Sexiest Man Alive”, China’s Communist Party newspaper proclaimed Tuesday after treating a spoof award by satirical US website The Onion as genuine. The People’s Daily website published two paragraphs lifted word-for-word from The Onion, along with a photo gallery of 55 images of Kim, who took over as the North’s leader after his father Kim Jong-Il died last December.

The newspaper, known for keeping to the Communist Party line, described the organisation awarding the title as “US website The Onion”, but made no mention of satire and published the report in both English and Chinese as world news. “With his devastatingly handsome, round face, his boyish charm, and his strong, sturdy frame, this Pyongyang-bred heartthrob is every woman’s dream come true,” The Onion said in its original report, quoted by the People’s Daily.

1966-76 Cultural Revolution. His father fought alongside Mao and served as vice-premier until he fell in one of Mao’s political purges, then was rehabilitated under pragmatic former top leader Deng Xiaoping. While labouring in the poor northern province of Shaanxi, Xi joined the Communist Party and in 1975 moved to Beijing to study at the prestigious Tsinghua University. He oversaw some of China’s most economically dynamic

and reform-minded areas, the eastern provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang, before briefly taking the top post in the commercial hub of Shanghai in 2007 – earning a reputation as a supporter of economic reforms and an effective manager. He created a stir during a 2009 speech in Mexico by scoffing at “foreigners with full bellies and nothing to do but criticise our affairs” – many Chinese harbour resentment against the West – but he has unusually deep US links for a Chinese leader. As part of a research trip in 1985 he spent time in Muscatine, Iowa, deep in the Midwest, and paid his host family a return visit in February while on an official visit to the United States, where his daughter is a student at Harvard. A reputed basketball fan, Xi also took in an NBA game, while a diplomatic cable released on whistle-blower site WikiLeaks recounted a 2007 conversation between Clark Randt, the then US ambassador to China, and Xi that revealed the future president as a big fan of US World War II films. The cables described Xi as pragmatic yet ambitious, willing to tilt with the political winds to get ahead.

New Stoc k

“Blessed with an air of power that masks an unmistakable cute, cuddly side, Kim made this newspaper’s editorial board swoon with his impeccable fashion sense, chic short hairstyle, and, of course, that famous smile.” The People’s Daily cited The Onion’s supposed style and entertainment editor “Marissa Blake-Zweiber” as saying of Kim: “He has that rare ability to somehow be completely adorable and completely macho at the same time.” AFP

Building C1-C2 Premium Outlet-Gallery Zone, Bypass Rd., Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel: (076) 350-465 Fax: (076) 350-465 Email: abfabsales@gmail.com www.abfabphuket.com Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5.30 pm Closed: Sunday

They said he was uncorrupted by money yet with a sense of political entitlement, feeling that fellow “princelings” like him “deserve to rule China”. His extended family have business interests worth hundreds of millions of dollars, according to an investigation by the Bloomberg news agency earlier this year, which said there was no indication of wrongdoing on his or their part. Xi’s public persona is given a sprinkle of glamour by his wife Peng Liyuan, who holds the rank of army general and sings songs praising the party. Some analysts suggest Xi’s status as a consensus figure could mean less paralysis between factions than under Hu, who heads a group of leaders who moved up through the Communist Youth League. But the curtain drawn across the party and its leaders makes that impossible to predict, said Patrick Chovanec, a Tsinghua University professor. “It would have been counterproductive for (Xi) when he was still relatively junior to show himself. The reason he has got ahead is because he is a follower and has not struck out and done something that is radically different.” AFP

has

arriv ed!!

10 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

US needs rethink of Mideast peace plan: experts advise T

he US administration must radically rethink ways to achieve a sustainable Israeli-Arab peace deal or risk seeing the goal of a two-state solution slip away, experts warned Monday. New realities in the Middle East, including the changes wrought by the Arab Spring and the rise of the militant Palestinian group Hamas, meant the old ways of doing business had to be shelved, they told a Washington symposium. “If we don’t seize whatever opportunity there is in the present, the prospects for negotiating a solution any time in the near future are really very slim,” said William Quandt, who as a member of the National Security Council was deeply involved in reaching the historic 1978 Camp David accords. “Maybe it’s already too late, I don’t think we will ever know unless we give it a serious try,” he added, arguing it was ultimately in the US security interest to secure a peace deal. Direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, initiated by President Barack

Palestinian boys play in the rubble of a house in Gaza City on November 27. Photo: AFP Obama, have stalled since late 2010, and there has been a perceived lack of appetite for a renewed US engagement in the region. But the recent war in Gaza was “a microcosm of the tectonic shifts that President Obama is going to have to confront,” warned Robert Malley from the International Crisis Group.

The three traditional pillars for peacemaking – strong Israeli-Palestinian entities, Arab nations ready to help the US and pressure the Palestinians, and a credible United States – “have all eroded,” Malley said. Therefore, America’s way of looking at the decades-old conflict had to change, argued Malley, program director at

the ICG. “Just as you can’t wage yesterday’s war, you can’t wage yesterday’s peace... We have to rethink the solution that we all thought we knew,” he said, speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to mark the launch of a new book Pathways to Peace. A series of top experts writ-

ing in the book have suggested ways for Obama to embark on a serious effort in his second term to bring together the Israelis and Palestinians. Former Jordanian foreign minister Marwan Muasher agreed Obama’s task lay between the “difficult and the impossible,” concerned that both a two-state solution and the Arab peace initiative, which he helped launch, were dying. Obama must engage the Middle East region almost immediately after being inaugurated in January, he argued. Behind-the-scenes talks should seek to secure what Muasher called “endgame deposits” – a clear idea of each side’s final position on some of the core issues still to be resolved, including the return of Palestinian refugees. The US administration should also discuss with Saudi Arabia what it would take “for them to supervise the process”. It was also vital to start setting the contours of the two states, said Daniel Kurtzer, former US ambassador to both Israel and Egypt, and now

Princeton professor, who edited the book. “Until we know where the state of Israel is and isn’t, until we know where the state of Palestine is or isn’t, everything else becomes commentary,” he said, adding that extensive work had already been done on the issue. Obama had “got it right,” Kurtzer noted, when he said that discussions should start at the point of the 1967 borders, knowing that as the negotiations proceed these will change with mutually-agreed upon land swaps. America must also be prepared to engage with Hamas, currently considered a terrorist group by the United States, which maintains ties with the Fatah group of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. Quandt looked back to the days when the United States had to negotiate with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). “Now everybody looks at Fatah and the PLO as model citizens... We had to start talking to them when they were anything but model citizens.” AFP

Seas rising 60 per cent faster than UN forecast, study shows SEA LEVELS ARE RISING 60 PER CENT faster than the UN’s climate panel forecast in its most recent assessment, scientists reported on Wednesday. At present, sea levels are increasing at an average 3.2 millimetres per year, a trio of specialists reported in the journal Environmental Research Letters. This compares with a “best estimate” by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007, which projected that by today, the rise would be 2 mm per year. The new figure converges with a widely-shared opinion that the world is heading for sea-level rise of around a metre by century’s end, co-author Grant Foster of US firm Tempo Analytics said. “I would say that a metre of sea level rise by

the end of the century is probably close to what you would find if you polled the people who know best,” Foster said. “In low-lying areas where you have massive numbers of people living within a metre of sea level, like Bangladesh, it means that the land that sustains their lives disappears, and you have hundreds of millions of climate refugees, and that can lead to resource wars and all kinds of conflicts. “For major coastal cities like New York, probably the principal effect would be what we saw in Hurricane Sandy. Every time you get a major storm, you get a storm surge, and that causes a major risk of flooding. For New York and New Jersey, three more feet of water would be even more devastating, as you can imagine.” AFP

The most active club in Phuket with monthly events. Retail outlet at Wana Park, Cherng Talay (Manik). To join the club or see our products visit andaman-wine-club.com

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Golden year for Thai carmakers as output tops 2m vehicles THAILAND’S AUTO MAKers are celebrating a golden year after producing more than two million cars and trucks in a single year – for the first time in the 50-year history of the auto industry in Thailand. Industry ministry secretary Vitoon Simachokedee said Thailand’s automobile production would reach 2.3 million units by the end of this year. Around one million of those cars and trucks are for export. Mr Vitoon said the leading Thai-built autos were pickup trucks and hybrid “eco-cars” such as the Toyota Prius. Thailand now ranks sixth worldwide for automotive exports, he said, and Thai vehicle exports are forecast to reach 2.5 million units next year and 3 million units by 2017. The sector now includes more than 2,500 spare parts and other auto-related factories, and employs a skilled workforce of more than 800,000 people.

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Laos on show for ATF AsiaTravelTips.com

ver 1,000 tourism operators from across the Asean region have snapped up booths for the next ATF Travex trade show, to be held in Vientiane in Laos in January. That’s a 40-per-cent increase in the number of exhibitors compared with the Travex show in Indonesia earlier this year, say event organisers from the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF). New exhibitors have taken up 35 per cent of the 460 booths booked so far, and there is also strong demand from returning exhibitors. Participants say the strong response shows that ATF Travex is consolidating its position as one of the region’s leading travel trade events. “When we were at ATF last year we had about 30 hotels. This year we have close to 50 hotels in Indonesia alone” said Hera Adiwikarta, the director of sales at Santika Indonesia Hotels & Resorts. “We want to generate business from potential wholesalers or travel agents for our rapidly expanding business, and look forward to meeting

The Laotian capital Vientiane will host more than 1,000 tourism operators from across the Asean region. buyers from Asean, Eastern Europe, China and the US.” The Travex show’s Hosted Buyer programme has attracted close to 1,100 registrations, but just 380 “quality buyers” will be selected for hosting at the event. More than 50 buyers will attend as non-hosted buyers. This year the organisers have attracted buyers from several new countries, including Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh, Ireland, Israel,

Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka and Taiwan. “Nowadays, our clients are looking more towards experiential travel and ATF Laos is a good opportunity to extend our portfolio of suppliers,” said Eva Klejmova, a director for Czech buyer J&T Concierge. “We are eager to promote new places, find exclusive properties and deliver new and unique experiences.”

Exhibitors from the host country Laos will make up the country’s largest-ever contingent at an ATF Travex show. Saly Phimpinith, who heads tourism marketing for the Laos tourism ministry, says the country is constantly improving its tourism service standards. “We have begun to classify hotels and guesthouses and are actively promoting Community-Based Tourism in order to improve standards of living in remote areas,” he said.

His department has organised pre-show and post-show tours of Vientiane for delegates, “to give delegates a glimpse into the beauty of Laos.” ATF Travex 2013 runs from January 22 to 24 at the International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (ITECC) in Vientiane. The trade show will run alongside meetings by Asean government tourism ministers, and the annual Asean Travel Conference (ATC).

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

HotelTravel comes home Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

fter 13 years, HotelTravel.Com (HT) is finally coming home to Phuket. That may seem an odd thing to say about the online travel agent (OTA) that was started in Phuket 13 years ago and which employs a couple of hundred people in its offices off Chao Fa East Rd, near Wat Tai. The three principals in HH, CEO Blair Speers, Chief Technical Officer Graham Johnson and investor Stephen Baxter, recently received a payout of US$15 million in cash and US$10 million in shares in a buyout by Indian online travel giant MakeMyTrip (MMT). Blair and Graham will stay on for three years, running the company and, depending on performance, garner as much as a further US$35 million in cash and stock, for a grand total of US$60 million (B1.8 billion). In magnanimous mood after the buyout, Blair, originally from Canada, explained to The Phuket News how the company’s focus will change 180 degrees from the way it has operated so far. “I guess it was selfish of me,” says Blair, “but I didn’t want to do business in the local market. I didn’t want hotel GMs calling me to complain while I was eating dinner. “So instead of starting with a base here in Phuket and growing from there, we started out there – the whole world.” It wasn’t a bad way to start. The company grew from tiny beginnings, with Blair sometimes “not knowing whether I could afford a new shirt”, to the point where it now has more than 200 employees, and had attracted four other buyout approaches before MMT – India’s biggest and most successful OTA – came along with a match that worked. “We didn’t really need the money,” Blair says. “But now [with the MMT buyout] we

Blair Speers: Phuket will be a ‘cookie cutter’ for the way HotelTravel.Com approaches other markets. Photo: Dan Miles have the opportunity to do what we want. All the ideas and innovation that we have, we’re ready to go after in the next three years. We didn’t need money from just anybody. We needed it from someone we could partner with and who really understood the business.” Blair now admits that HT made a couple of mistakes along the way. Not companykillers, but big enough. And the buyout by MMT allows him to rectify them. A major mistake, he says, was HT’s almost exclusive focus on the consumer. “The companies that have been more successful than us really got to know the industry and what the industry wanted. “We were always focused on ‘consumer, consumer, consumer’. That’s all I cared about – giving the consumer the best information, the best technology we could.

“Our OTA competitors began to bring in travel professionals, people who really knew what was going on and when they did that, that connectivity in the industry gave them a lot more options. “It took them from being the “black sheep” – the geeks that the traditional industry didn’t really want to know – to being facilitators and to being a massive part of the hotels’ revenue streams. “We didn’t jump as fast as our competitors. It was a mistake. We believed that the destination marketing companies (DMCs) and major wholesalers and large travel companies would maintain the power to be able to guard the best rates for large groups of people. “But as the hotels got more savvy in the online marketing capability, and as some of the other OTAs understood

the trends – Phuket.com was one of the earlier ones – they started working direct with the hoteliers, and that really changed the face of things.” By the time this sank in, it was 2008 and the global financial crisis had hit. The company went through a rough patch over the past four years because of this, and making the change of focus to the hotels and customers instead of customers alone would have been too expensive to make, he explains. With the sale of HT finally agreed after 18 months of intense negotiations, Blair is looking forward to an exciting three years – that’s how long it is agreed he will continue to run the company, though if MMT are happy with the results he expects to stay longer. He has already plunged into the new focus: making connections with hotels in

Phuket. He and his team of half a dozen people are not hanging about. They have visited 100 hotels this week, and plan to hit another 1,000 in the next month. Phuket will be the “cookie cutter”, the laboratory in which ideas will be tested and either used again in other markets or – if they don’t work so well – adjusted or simply thrown out. MMT and HT are going to be watched very carefully by Agoda/Booking.com, Wotif and other big OTAs, he says. “If anything will make competitors shake in their boots it’s us, the top guys in the company, going into hotels to talk with the management.” So far, he says, it’s going well. It’s high season, and the hotels are flat-out, but no one is turning down appointments with him and his crew. In fact, he says, “so far, everyone is jumping on board. These people

45x90 |

are excited.” Blair Speers may have gone from a salary of B35,000 a month 13 years ago to millions of dollars today, but he’s really only just getting started. Meanwhile, the deal with MMT will not, he says, make a huge difference to his own life. “Money’s always meant security to me. I never thought about it any other way. I haven’t been looking at the prices of supercars, but it’s nice to go into a shop and not check the price of a shirt.” “I used to be a price checker. Anytime I hit a city I’d check all the prices to see what it cost people to live there.” He also shops carefully for himself, and says he still gets the urge to check price tags. “But now I resist it.” He’s made one acquisition since the deal with MMT – he bought a new suit in London. The past four years have been intense and have been tough on his family, though luckily, he says, his two sons, James, 14, and Austin, 11, are “both very laid-back”. “The moment I sit down with them it seems like the whole world slows right down.” He is forced to slow down with it. He doesn’t think he will be working shorter hours than before, “but I’ll be much more upbeat now”. Perhaps his golf game will improve, too. It got to the point where he did not know until a couple of hours beforehand if he’d be able to play, so could never commit to a team or a tournament. When he did get out to play, “I’d rush over to the course, grab a club and just hack away. I’ve gone from a 1-handicap to maybe a 10 or 11. I’m a terrible golfer right now. I have to apologise to my golfing buddies.” He seems to hope this will change soon. And HT itself, under new ownership, also looks like upping its game considerably. This story’s far from over.

75x75 | 80x80 |

90x90 | 120x120

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PROPERTY NEWS 13

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Labour shortage ‘is pushing up’ prices of condos Bangkok Post

rices for Bangkok condominiums are rising as a shortage of construction workers puts a brake on development, says property consultant Colliers International Thailand. Associate director Surachet Kongcheep said the labour shortage is the main obstacle for condo projects in Bangkok, and many are unlikely to finish on schedule. “Despite that, 2012 remains on track to see more condominium launches than last year,” he said. The average take-up rate in Bangkok for newly launched units in the third quarter was 64 per cent, up from the second quarter. Several developers are turning to smaller, low-rise condo projects on smaller sois as land in the city becomes more expensive. Some listed developers are expanding in the provinces, especially to cities like Phuket

where locals have welcomed them. Big developers are also looking for new markets outside Thailand, especially in other Asean countries. Some 8,600 units were launched in the third quarter, down by 13 per cent quarteron-quarter. About 20 per cent, or 1,760 units, were in and around central Bangkok, including 880 along Sukhumvit Rd. Nearly 1,200 units were launched in Bangkok’s northern fringe area. As of the third quarter, Bangkok had 343,100 condo units. More than 213,600 units, or 62 per cent, are located in Greater Bangkok. Within urban Bangkok, the northern fringe contains the largest number of units because of its proximity to the central business district, mass transit connections and relatively low land prices. The outer city areas are seeing increased activity due

to the extension of the Skytrain across the Chao Phraya River and further along Sukhumvit Rd towards Samut Prakan province. About 26,000 units are due for completion in urban Bangkok in the fourth quarter, with 10,100 in the northern fringe and 4,580 units in the central area. A total of 27,900 units will have been completed in Greater Bangkok for all of this year. The average take-up rate in the central area is 84 per cent. Some condominiums in the central area have sold out quickly due to their proximity to Skytrain stations and high quality, despite an average price of more than B110,000 a square metre. Prices of newly launched units in the third quarter reached B130,000/sqm at some high-end projects in the central area, followed by the eastern fringe area at B106,500/sqm on Sukhumvit Rd. At B45,000/sqm, Greater Bangkok outside the central urban area had the lowest prices.

Computer-generated image of the new Tune Hotel in Patong on U-Thit 200 Pi Rd.

Tune to open in Patong T U N E HOTELS, T H E hotel arm of AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes’ empire, will open its latest property on RatU-Thit 200 Pi Rd in Patong, in January next year. This will be the hotel chain’s first property in Phuket but its fourth in Thailand – the others having opened in Haad Yai, Pattaya and Bangkok. Tune Hotel Patong will welcome guests into the new

year with special rates from B400, valid for bookings made before December 2 for stays from January 3 to September 30, 2013. Terms and conditions apply. Tune Hotel Patong will have 144 rooms, comprising 96 doubles, 46 twin rooms and two wheel-chair-friendly rooms. Mark Lankester, Tune Hotels Group CEO, said the

new hotel “is going to rock Phuket”. He added, “As part of our intention to be a part of the local environment, Tune Hotels is the official Hotel partner for the Sydictive Element World Class DJ Festival Thailand [scheduled to be] held on New Years Eve.” Tune now has 27 hotels in Malaysia, the UK, the Philippines and Thailand.

Thailand ‘must drop cheap labour mindset’ Bangkok Post

WITH LABOUR SHORT ages continually in the spotlight, and the government’s firm commitment to the B300 day wage, Thailand has been warned that it cannot continue to rely on cheap labour to attract investment and make low-cost goods for export. The warning came from Willy Lin, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s logistics advisory committee, who told a seminar entitled “CEO Forum: Perspectives on the AEC and Thailand’s Competitiveness” that automation may be Thailand’s only way to relieve its labour shortage. “You need the best machin-

ery to support the less-welltrained labourers,” he said. Mr Lin said Thailand should promote ser vices that are among the country’s strengths, such as architecture, accounting, auditing and legal financial services. “Don’t count on cheap labour. You will never survive that way, because there will always be someone cheaper than you,” he said. The government had to ensure that educational standards, skills and knowledge could support industry in replacing the labour-intensive manufacturing moving to neighbouring countries, said Mr Lin. Another speaker, Srirat Rastapana, director-general of the Thai International Trade

Promotion Department, said Thailand must reform obsolete laws and regulations to ensure its competitiveness ahead of deepening regional integration in Asean and beyond.

She said economic reform in terms of rules, regulations and enforcement of laws are vital ahead of the creation of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) at the end of

2015, and the government needs to act faster than it is at present. “We need to get rid of obsolete laws and introduce new laws that will help to increase

private sector competitiveness,” she said. “What the government is doing is following trends in business, so the private sector needs to push the government to act faster,” she said.

FROM ONLY THB

995

PER MONTH!

Safe Smart Simple

Storage Solutions

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

Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09 or visit mystorageasia.com

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage

Mon to Sat 9am-6pm, Sun & Holidays 10am-4pm

Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket

14 OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Opinion

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ThePhuketNewspaper1

editor@thephuketnews.com

Gerry’s View

Editorial

Safety first

“This man is proudly holding a wahoo he had just caught off Racha Island where the 8th Annual Phuket International Sportfishing Tournament was being held over a four day period last week. There were 18 teams of four people competing in the tournament which sees competitors from around the world descend upon Phuket each year to catch the most, biggest, heaviest of different species of fish. I don’t think the wahoo in the picture will win the biggest of species but I’m sure it will taste good when grilled.” Photo: Gerry Cummings

If you have a Phuket photo to share, email it with a caption to: editor@thephuketnews.com

ednesday’s helmet giveaway by The Phuket News sends the community a strong message of how important wearing a helmet is on the island’s roads – it can save your life. The event, held outside the Phuket News’ office in Billion Plaza in conjunction with the Phuket authorities and local police, was a great success. More than 200 helmets were given away to members of the public who were without a helmet for their motorbike, making these people far less at risk on the roads than they otherwise would be. The helmet giveaway also raised awareness about the importance of wearing a helmet, with an informative road safety exhibition. To o of t e n p e o ple i n Phuket – tourists and locals are equally as guilty – don’t bother to wear a helmet, especially if they are “just ducking out to the 7-Eleven” two minutes down the road.

Have your say Thanks for the news It was a nice surprise to receive The Phuket News.

I have been on board our ship for five months every winter around Phuket, and it became like a second home for me. Presently due to the piracy situation in Somalia we are now in the Caribbean. I miss Phuket very much and hope that we can come again soon. If possible please can you send me every week The Phuket News by mail. It would allow me to stay in touch with my beloved Thailand. Peter Kissner

Hating on Gangnam [Re. ‘Gangnam Style’ becomes YouTube’s most watched video]

One would think that a J-Lo video would be a new low for entertainment heights, but looks like this video is even lower and more popular with less skill talent or ability than any other free video in the world.

Mej313

No Thaksin lover

[Re. Tensions flare as protesters urge Thai PM to quit] “[Thaksin] reviled by many in elite, military and palace circles.” What is this, Fox News? There are plenty of everyday people who detest Thaksin. He [allegedly] bought his way into power. That doesn’t sit well with Thais who care about this wonderful country. Dave Williams

Law and order

[Re. Phuket underpass work postponed by two days] This idea has baffled me from

the start.

An overpass makes a lot more sense. I wonder who stands to profit from making it an underpass? It would also help in the short term to have some police handing out tickets to the many who run red lights and who create new lanes in the interest of cheating their way to the front. A bit of law and order, in other words, would be greatly appreciated. DW

Sad about it all

[Re. Authorities prepare to ‘manage’ Phuket beaches] I will believe this when I see it. More than likely the beaches will be worse than ever. I have observed the ‘marine authorities’ in action. They couldn’t enforce a law, clean a beach, or save a life even if their own life depended on it.

A sick and corrupt group – they will only stop when the beaches are complete rubbish dumps (very close to that now), and there are no more two bit beach chair vendors left because all the tourists have moved on. Just take a look at the condition of the beaches now – filthy with rubbish, sewage and dirty water pumped into the sea right in the open. I don’t know why anyone would want to swim in the ocean in Phuket – not to mention the speedboats and jet skis which terrorise swimmers daily, run them over and kill them. What a sad situation and a sad group of people. Bill

Blowing the whistle

[Re. Singapore cabbie returns B27.6m to Thai couple] Whistle-Blower, do you ever post a positive comment? You deserve the ‘grumpiest, most

It takes just one second to be clipped by another motorbike or a car, and death can be the result. Often foreigners adopt a very blaze attitude toward motorbike road safety due to an often lack of enforcement by officials in Thailand compared to their home country. This does not make the issue any less important – it perhaps makes it even more important because people must make their own safety decisions, rather than relying on authorities to remind them. The Phuket News strongly advises motorcyclists driving on roads in Phuket to wear a helmet, and we hope our helmet giveaway has made the island’s roads just that little bit safer for those on them. Thanks to everyone who came along to support this important event, and even more thanks to those who came along to pick up a helmet because they didn’t have one. You made a good decision.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com miserable commenter’ award, – not just here but everywhere else you use this pseudonym.

There really are good people in the world as well, ya know. A local

Evil ownership [Re. Two Phuket baby elephants ‘are illegal’] It doesn’t matter whether they are ‘legal’ by Thai law or not, it is highly unethical to have a baby elephant and anyone who has one is an evil person. Baby elephants belong by their mother’s side, not walking around generating money for someone who isn’t smart enough to figure out a more compassionate way to earn a living. I wish all elephant ‘owners’ the worst of luck and horrible business. There, I said exactly how I feel. DW

Comment on the latest stories now at thephuketnews.com or email your thoughts to managingeditor@thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5

‘Pitbull’ to be sent back to Phuket

6 7 8 9 10

Snorkelling tourist dies

Brit slash attack couple return to UK Movie about tsunami shuns ‘disaster’ label Longfellow family hails Pitbull return AirAsia announces new Phuket-Shanghai service

Russian dies in Kalim car crash Sea Gypsies hold major assembly Teacher ‘slapped fouryear-old’ Underpass work postponed by two days

Visit thephuketnews.com today for all the latest news

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Meet long-term French resident Claude de Chrissey

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Jakarta on foot A walking tour through the heart of the Indonesian capital > p10

www.shadesasia.com

076 367 566

info@shadesasia.com

The quirky Italian couple behind the first pizza in Rawai

2 ARTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Aree Kongpol and his symbolic Buddhist statue, with a fish hook in it.

FRIDAY, 30,2012 2012 FRIDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 30,

The artist admiring a painting on opening night with Phuket Democrat MP Anchalee Vanich.

Finding the truth in Dharma Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

After his return to Phuket, he began painting ‘reproductions’ of famous artworks from all around the world, before finding his ‘way’ with Buddhist art

amed for his Buddhist oil paintings, a selection of Aree Kongpol’s finest artworks can be seen in an ongoing exhibition at Gallery 111 on Phang Nga Rd. Many local artists were in attendance at the November 17 opening, as well as Anchalee Vanich Theppabutra, Phuket MP for the Democrat Party. The exhibition contains 23 works. The oldest one in the exhibition was painted in 1998, with the newest one completed earlier this year. Aree is a Phuket native, graduating

from Prince of Songkhla University in Pattani in the School of Visual Arts. Following the end of his studies, Aree travelled around the kingdom for several years. During this time, and after his return to Phuket, he began painting ‘reproductions’ of famous artworks from artists all around the world, before finally finding his ‘way’ with Buddhist art. “My concept is [the Buddhist doctrine of Dharma and nature]. If we work while practising the doctrines of Dharma as Buddhadasa Bhikkhu said, we will be happy, whatever kind of job it is.

“The Buddha’s doctrine is all about nature” Aree explained, “It is all about the simple truth of life. Dharma is in everything and everywhere, just like nature. “The difference from other Buddhist artworks is not the story I tend to tell but the technique I use to explain it,” he said. Apart from oil paintings, Aree also does Buddhist art sculptures, with his first piece – Buddha’s face with a fish hook in it – explaining that Buddhism and nature can stay together. Gallery 111, Phang Nga Rd. 081 326 2084. Open daily 9am-7pm.

EDUCATION 3

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Left: Kajonkiet students read the latest issue of The Phuket News. Above: Live 89.5 station manager Steve Johnston is interviewed by the kids.

Kajonkiet kids meet the media Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

Two groups of plucky youngsters took turns investigating and interrogating the teams of the newspaper and radio respectively

hildren from Year 5 and 6 at the Kajonkiet International School, Phuket paid a visit to the offices of The Phuket News and Live 89.5 on November 22, to learn more about the island’s leading newspaper and radio station. Two groups of plucky youngsters took turns investigating and interrogating the teams of the newspaper and radio respectively. One of the teachers who accompanied the children was Suzy Carter who said that it was extremely important for them to make such a visit, “Today is about learning about various types of media and also in particular learning about interview techniques.”

As such the shoe was very much on the other foot for reporter Mango and sub editor Jody Houton who were subjected to a series of tricky questions including whether The Phuket News had ever been in trouble with the police and if they had ever had any arguments with other news outlets on the island. Great questions indeed. Although to be fair most of the youngsters seemed as much interested in the answers and the nuances of the island’s media as they did in Head Graphic Designer Khun Sai’s ipod watch. One youngster however, Marley, did say he wanted to be “half journalist, half paparazzi so [he] could chase famous people.”

After Jody and Mango’s brows were well and truly beaten, the school group headed onwards and upwards to the top floor of the joint offices of The Phuket News and Live 89.5 to where the station makes and broadcasts the daily shows. Their fun-packed afternoon was split between learning about the finer points of production from station producer Sara Schloemer and recording sound bites with Drive Time presenter Jason Wilder. Some of the more star-gazing kids even got to go live on 89.5 with station manager Steve Johnston. Steve said, “Many of the kids were so confident, one called Angelina even sang a Nicki Minaj song. Who knows maybe there’s a future 89.5 radio presenter in our midst.”

US teens find expression in school lockers

n the outside, there’s nothing special about the steel lockers that line the corridors of American schools. Inside, it’s another matter. With a helping hand from savvy retailers, junior high school girls eager to stay in step with fashion are personalising their lockers like never before, embracing them as blank canvases on which to express themselves. No longer are lockers just a place to stash dog-eared textbooks, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch, and maybe a pop idol’s photo. Now they can become a thing of beauty – at least in a teenager’s eyes – adorned with everything from mini chandeliers to wallpaper.

“It started to emerge in the last couple of years,” Deborah Kasak, executive director of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, an education think-tank and advocacy group said. “Middle grades is a time of personal-

ity formation so young adolescents try out things as they begin to carve out who they are and who they will become,” she said. “This might be an extension of that need.” Inei Duenas, 12, who attends North Bethesda Middle School outside Washington, has lined her locker with blue paper, then added pictures, “a whiteboard to jot down stuff I need to do and a mirror to fix my hair.” Her friend Johanna Chatelain, who is French, has equally embraced this very American trend: “I have a mirror, a carpet, a blackboard, too. Everything is in green. I really love my locker, it makes me think of a little house.”

Both online and mainstream retailers have been quick to jump on the locker bandwagon in a country where, according to the National Retail Federation, families spend an average of US$690 (B21,000) for back-to-school clothes and supplies. Magnacard, which specialises in magnet-backed business cards, has meanwhile established a separate line of locker products. “Many girls make a big deal out of their first locker,” said its president Paul Buckel. “These girls get so excited about their lockers that they actually have a locker decorating day to get ready for school.” AFP

4 PETS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 30,2012 2012 FRIDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 30,

A wonderful family pet YOUR BREED Jackie Perry editor@thephuketnews.com

One of the most impressive features of the German Shepherd is its gait, which should be outreaching, elastic and seemingly effortless with good drive from the rear. There is nothing quite as breathtaking as watching a well moving German Shepherd on the move.

he German Shepherd dog was developed from herding and farm dogs and was eventually established as a breed in 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz. The German Shepherd is primarily a working and companion dog and has, through selective breeding in the past, been developed into one of the world’s most popular breeds. Stability of temperament and soundness of body is of utmost importance, as in order to do the jobs for which it was evolved it must been sound in body and also in mind otherwise it would not be receptive to fulfilling its original herding obligations. During WWII, the name of the German Shepherd was changed in Britain to the Alsatian, but reverted some 30 years ago back

Pet

to its original title. It is used by the police and armed forces throughout the world as a guard dog but is known to be a most loyal and trustworthy dog with families. Highly trainable, the German Shepherd can be used for a variety of specialised services. They shine as guide dogs for the blind, in narcotics work, and in search and rescue. In looks the German Shepherd is a rugged dog combined with nobility and power with agility. Its outline should be smooth and flowing with correctly angulated front and rear. The topline from the tip of the ears to the root of the tail should be one long smooth, succession of unbroken curves. The head shows nobility – it is chiselled and strong without coarseness. It should be in balance with the body. The head of the male should be definitely masculine and that of the female, feminine. The eyes are almond in shape and show a keen expression, with as dark a colour as possible. The ears are carried erect and facing to the front. They should not be too large. There should always be the correct number of teeth i.e. 20 in the upper jaw and 22 in the lower. They should be strongly developed and form a scissor bite. This means the upper tooth should close closely

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

This cute puppy, Poppy, belongs to Orsi Farkas. She’s a six month old shih tzu and is very loving. Orsi says she loves to cuddle, play and look after Orsi when she’s ill. Every morning when Orsi wakes up she finds Poppy wagging her tail and jumping up on the bed to kiss her good morning.

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

over the lower teeth. The neck should be strong and clean cut and blend into the shoulders. The withers should be higher than and sloping into the level back. The chest should be deep and the ribs well sprung. Front pasterns should be strong and springy and angulated at about a 25 degree angle from the vertical. The feet are short, compact and well arched. The hindquarters should be broad with well muscled upper and lower thighs. Hocks – also known as heels – should be vertical to the ground and should be parallel to each other. The coat is ideally double and of medium length. The outer coat should be as dense as possible and lie flat and close to the body. Most colours are permissible but strong colouring is preferred. White dogs are a disqualification in the show ring. One of the most impressive features of the German Shepherd is its gait, which should be outreaching, elastic and seemingly effortless with good drive from the rear. There is nothing quite as breathtaking as watching a well moving German Shepherd on the move. As previously mentioned the German Shepherd makes a wonderful family pet as it is an excellent natural guard but is gentle, loyal and easy to maintain. It does however require a good walk every day so not for the lazy! Jackie Perry is based in Phuket but travels to judge dog shows all over the world. She is happy to answer any questions from dog lovers.

Adopt a dog

Nattee lives at the Soi Dog Shelter and we’d love to find him a loving home here in Phuket. He was found roaming the streets with a terrible neck wound in February 2011. He’d obviously been tied up for a long time and was in dreadful pain. Nattee is just three years old and needs someone special to love and care for him. He walks well on a lead and enjoys daily exercise. With the right owner Nattee would make a loving, loyal companion. Nattee is sterilised & vaccinated. If you are interested in adopting a dog please do not buy from the markets. Soi Dog Foundation has over 200 dogs and puppies available for adoption at any time. For more information on how to adopt visit soidog.org. All animals are fully vaccinated and desexed. Young puppies will be desexed free of charge as soon as old enough.

HEALTH 5

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

What is a kettle bell? Warren Ellis info@keepfitphuket.com

Above: A kettle bell. Right, Warren Ellis trains a client using a series of exercises with the equipment.

kettle bell (pictured, right) is a bowling-ball-shaped weight with a handle, and is the newest fitness trend for full-body workout exercises. It is increasingly used by fitness enthusiasts, athletes and pro sports teams alike as more and more people are becoming curious about kettle bells. Kettle bells originated in Russia and continue to be popular in Eastern Europe as well as other places around the world. Kettle bells are used to perform a mixture of cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. Kettle bell workouts are often mistaken for weightlifting and this puts many people, especially women, off using them. The use of a kettle bell is actually a form of high intensity interval training and does not create huge bulky muscles, similar to those gained from weightlifting. The benefits of kettle bells are that they appeal to people of all fitness levels and ages, and regardless of gender. Very high up on the list of benefits is the fact you can burn major calories by using kettle bells. In a recent study conducted by the highly respected American Council on Exercise, participants burned approximately 20 calories per minute - an astonishing 1,200 calories per hour. Working out with kettle bells is also very good for: • Improving mobility and range of motion; • Increasing strength; • Enhancing performance athletically, as

well as in everyday functioning; It is also designed to make the body lean and toned, but not bulky, making it equally as appealing for women and men. All these points make kettle bell workouts a must for getting into shape physically and mentally, giving you the ability to work aerobically and anaerobically simultaneously; which has great benefits for strengthening the heart and lungs. Kettle bells are suitable for all fitness levels and I recommend that beginners start with exercises such as the “two-handed swing” which involves swinging the kettle bell between slightly bent legs then snapping the hips forward and bringing the kettle bell back to chest level; or the “kettle bell squat” which involves holding the kettle bell with

Bacteria on shopping trolleys

Perhaps just kick it along...

ust be warned and be more than a little careful as tests show the shopping trolley (grocery cart to North Americans) you’re putting your food, handbag and toddler into is full of germs. Consider the handle. It’s been touched by untold numbers of hands that have changed diapers, mopped up runny noses, picked up packages of raw chicken and meat, and been coughed on, sneezed in and drooled on. Bacteria and viruses such as E. coli, staphylococcus, salmonella and influenza can live on grocery carts, scientists say. Though they caution not to get too panicked about the thought, experts say it is possible to catch something from the carts if the conditions are right. Before using them especially with children or if you are pregnant wipe them down with an alcohol gel. These food safety tips are provided by Stuart Baker from Food Hygiene Asia. Based in Phuket, the company works with resorts, restaurants and businesses delivering training and support to improve food handlers safety awareness. Foodhygieneasia.com

two hands in front of the chest and squatting. For the more advanced kettle bell user, exercises including the “kettle bell windmill” or “kettle bell clean and press” can be executed to work wonders on arms, shoulders, chest, back, abs and legs. An all-body work out! Like any resistance training, kettle bells should not be done every day, to give your body the time it needs to rest and heal. Beginners should do kettle bells at the most every other day, with more advanced users exercising two days on and one day off. Kettle bell workouts are a must for getting into shape physically and mentally giving you the ability to work both aerobically and anaerobically. Warren Ellis is a personal trainer at www. keepfitphuket.com

6 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Bonjour to one and all PHUKET COMMUNITY

Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

Claude de Crissey is a busy man, with many different hats but if all goes according to plan, he may very well be responsible for opening a French Quarter in Phuket next year

laude de Crissey is the President of the Foreign Group of the Tourist Police, the ViceCharge de Mission of the Chaine des Rotisseurs and the first President of the French Lions Club of Patong Beach. And if Claude wasn’t busy enough, he was recently nominated by the French Embassy for the position of Honorary Consul in Phuket. It would be fitting if he is installed as France’s next Honorary Consul here: the Royal Phawadee Hotel, where Claude now spends much of his time, as this was the residence of the first French Honorary Consul on the island, famous French explorer and environmentalist Jean Boulbet. Mr Boulbet was also the founder of the first Phuket branch of the Alliance Française in 1980. If the appointment goes ahead, Claude plans to open a new consular office at the Billion Plaza and he

dreams of creating a “French Quarter” in that area, with restaurants, cafés and buildings in a traditionally French style. Claude will also be at Phuket’s first ever French Fair, being held this weekend (November 30 to December 2) at Central Festival Phuket East (formerly Homeworks). “It will be much like a replica of the French Fair in Bangkok,” says Claude. “We will promote French produce and help the French entrepreneurs based in Phuket.” It will also be a rare opportunity for some of the 2,600 or so French people in Phuket to meet one another – according to Claude, the French are not the most sociable of people. “French people don’t really have the spirit of mixing like the Australian and British do. They are very individualistic. They have groups, but it’s complicated...” Claude mentioned that as a nation, the French didn’t really tend to get together to drink or watch football like other expatriate nationalities. “The Aussies go to the Aussie bar, the English used to go to the Green Man, but French people don’t really have anywhere like that,” he says. Claude reasons that this is partly down to their chosen Phuket professions. “Many French people who come here open their own restaurant, bar or café, and so they naturally want people to come to them, as opposed to them going elsewhere.” This curious and rather French dilemma means that many French residents of the island are playing host to relatively few people, despite there being over 500,000 French visitors to the island per year. That’s a sizeable number, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that every member of the French community will be at ease socialising with one another. “In Phuket there tends to be three distinct and separate groups that don’t really mix or identify with each other. “There’s the younger kids from Marseille and Paris who come to party, then there’s the older guys who come to retire in paradise, and then there’s the

FRIDAY, 30,2012 2012 FRIDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 30,

FACT BOX 2,600 French residents in Phuket 50,000 French tourists visit the island per year Famous Frenchman Jean Boulbet was first French Honorary Consul in 1990 First French branch of the Phuket Lions Club will start in December First Phuket French Fair this weekend younger families. They all want different things,” explains Claude. It is probably for this reason, among the ‘desire to host’ dilemma, that the French community has more than its fair share of clubs and organisations that help them stay in touch. “We have a Phuket branch of the Union des Francais a l’Etranger (Union of French People Abroad). This organisation is very important, we have a big support from the French and this is a way for many French residents to do activities.” Activities for the time being are currently reserved to having monthly dinners – not necessarily at French restaurants – but more activities are likely to be added in the future. “We also opened a new Lions Club of ‘Patong Plage’ (beach) for French people recently – I will be the first president of that when it opens in December,” says Claude. Despite there already being a Lions Club of Patong, Claude explained why he thought it was necessary to open a French branch, “It was too difficult to be part of the Lions Club before as language was a big barrier and French people can be a little fussy...” Claude has been in Phuket for 15 years now, and says that – despite being the chairman and member of so many French organisations, clubs and communities – his mother tongue fails him at times. “Actually I don’t really speak so much French any more, and my English isn’t great and I can’t speak Thai. So I hope I can finish my life with communications.”

WEIRD WORLD 7

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

THE BIG LIST Sports collectibles

By helping out his grandaughter, 72-year-old Liu Xianping may have found a second career as a fashion model.

False teeth, jock straps, and Agassi’s hair. Let’s face it, sports makes people a little crazy. Let’s celebrate the nuttiest of them all. Some things are priceless, other things are worthless. Put the two together? Ty Cobb’s teeth : Ty Cobb was an American baseball player in the 1910s, known not only as one of the best hitters in the game’s history, with records that still stand today, but also as as a racist and overall hateful human being. Cobb once beat up a a disabled fan who was heckling him from the stands – the man had no hands. He also stabbed an elevator operator, choked the wife of a stadium groundskeeper, and had several fistfights with teammates. So it came as a surprise that in 1999, 38 years after his death, a woman paid over US$8,000 (B245,000) for his false teeth. Even after death, he can still bite. Andre Agassi’s hair: Tennis legend Andre Agassi was good – I mean real good. He was only a teenager when he reached the semifinals of the French, US, and Australian Open in the late 1980s. Agassi was also known for his hair style: a mullet made of luscious blonde hair. Or so we thought. Years after he retired, the tennis star revealed that he wore a wig and even claimed he lost his first Gland Slam final because he thought it would fall off. Still, a sports bar in New York bought the wig in the 1990s, paying thousands of dollars to showcase it on the wall. Nolan Ryan’s jock strap: Baseball fans are nuts about Nolan Ryan. He holds the record for most no-hitters in baseball history. The rare feat occurs when the pitcher does not allow any player from the opposing team to get a hit in nine innings of play. It’s so rare that it has only occurred 238 times since professional baseball started in 1875. Ryan got his record seventh and final no-hitter on May 1, 1991. Just days later, someone paid US$25,000 (B766,000) for the jock strap he wore during that game. Easily the grossest piece of sports memorabilia. That is, until the following happened. Luis Gonzalez’s chewing gum: There’s must be something about the sport of baseball that makes their fans a little ‘out there’. Luis Gonzalez batted a home run and got the winning score that put the underdog Arizona Diamondbacks over the highly touted New York Yankees in the 2001 World Series. Gonzalez instantly became a legend in Arizona. This might explain why a fan paid US$10,000 (B306,000) for two pieces of the man’s chewed gum. We imagine a dream scenario in which Cobb’s false teeth can re-chew Gonzalez’s old gum – an US$18,000 dream. Joe Montana Ziggy card: American quarterback Joe Montana, known as Joe Cool for his calm under pressure, is considered to be one of the best players of his generation. After winning so many Super Bowl titles in the 1980s, he became a target for sports collectors who would do anything to get their hands on his property. So it was a surprise to see a love letter written by Montana to his ex-wife while the two were in college. The three love notes included one written on a Ziggy cartoon card – sold for US$3,300 (B101,000).

The model grandfather

odelling can be for anyone, age and gender be damned. That’s what Chinese grandfather Liu Xianping is proving, by becoming the enigmatic face of his granddaughter’s fashion company in modelling her outfit designs for a fashion shoot. The 72-year-old thought he was just doing his granddaughter another favor, but the photos of him wearing women’s clothes from the Yuekou label quickly went viral.

Fans’ teeth is used to make bra for Ke$ha

op artist Ke$ha told a reporter last week that she has made a bra out of her fans’ teeth. The ‘Tik Tok’ singer said she asked her followers on Twitter to send her a tooth each and got back over 1,000. She used the teeth to not only create a bra, but also a headdress and earrings. The singer said she wants to feel connected with her fans and has worn the items. “I love them! I call them my family, my animals,” Ke$ha said, “A lot of people have said my music helps them through something.”

“Modelling for the store is helping my granddaughter and I have nothing to lose. We were very happy on the day of the shooting. I’m very old and all that I care about is to be happy,” Xianping said. The 50kg man wears everything from miniskirts to tights to lace and spandex. “He picked up one piece and tried to give some advice on how to mix and match,” Liu’s granddaughter, Lv Xianping, told reporters last week. The company’s website is full of the man modelling designs.

Balloon house puts man in the air before epic journey

38-year-old American cluster balloonist strapped 365 helium balloons onto a house, and floated the structure into the sky last week. Jonathan Trappe of North Carolina debuted the floating house at the Leon International Balloon Festival in Mexico in preparation for a 2,500 mile transatlantic balloon flight he plans to do in mid2013.

“Every attempt before this was geared towards this flight. I’ve been training for a long time,” said Trappe, who in 2010 flew the house across the English Channel. Trappe’s dream is reminiscent of the Pixar animation film Up, in which a 78-year-old man fulfills his dream of going to South America via a floating house carried by hundreds of balloons full of helium.

8 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Mmmm, pizzeria Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

Mario Ferremi is the main chef but has a strong Thai team. Indeed, many of the couple’s staff have been there for a long time, and one even speaks fluent Italian

&M’s pizza and pasta joint is so highly regarded that you’ll often have to wait to be seated. The restaurant is run by quirky Italian couple Meghi and Mario Ferremi, who have lived in Phuket for 12 years, and was the first pizza place in Rawai. Both Meghi and Mario are from the north of Italy and have been in the food business for most of their lives. They ran a very successful restaurant for 14 years in Italy, and first came on holiday to Phuket in 1997. After they returned to Italy, a friend in Phuket suggested they form a partnership and open a restaurant in the Rawai and Naiharn area. The Ferremis agreed and moved back here, and after three months took on sole ownership of the place. They have remained as owners ever since, turning the venue into an iconic restaurant. They initially opened on Rawai Beach road, and spent nine and a half years there before moving to their current premises. Mario is the main chef, but has a strong Thai team. Indeed, many of the couple’s staff have been there for a long time, and one even speaks fluent Italian. On the menu are a large range of wood-fired pizza and pasta dishes, including make your own pizza

FRIDAY, 30,2012 2012 FRIDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 30,

options which basically means the couple can make almost any topping combination you want – provided they have the ingredients. Meghi, who runs the service team, says one of the most popular dishes is the mixed sauté seafood, which is mussels or clams in tomato sauce or white wine sauce, and chilli, for B220. Seafood spaghetti is B300 and also popular, while the Napoli (tomato, mozzarella and anchovies) and Diavola pizzas (tomato, mozzarella, and hot salami) are Meghi’s pick. A true connoisseur, she cringes as I insist on my pizza having parma ham, rocket, pineapple, cheese and tomato toppings, but in keeping with their ethos that the customer is always right, follows the order to the letter (it was delicious, by the way). Desserts are between B130 and B150, with the recommended home-made panacotta just B130. M&M’s Pizzeria and Spaghetteria, 98/16, Moo 1, Viset Road, Rawai. (Coming from Viset Road, turn into Sai Yuan. When you reach the end of Sai Yuan, turn left and keep going straight past Da Vinci restaurant. Follow the road right at the slight bend, and M&M’s is on the corner on the right. If you reach Los Amigos Mexican restaurant you’ve gone too far.) Tel: 081 569 0244. Email: mmfcossi@hotmail.com. Open 6pm to 12pm daily, closed Mondays.

Clocksise from top: an unorthodox pizza (parma ham, rocket, pineapple, cheese, tomato); a waiter with a huge calzone pizza; Italian couple Meghi and Mario Ferremi.

Sweet treat that’s hard to beat STREET EATS

hile wondering through the Saphan Hin Night Market, the crackling sound of a hollowed out piece of bamboo stuffed with sticky rice and taro or black bean makes most Thais go weak at the knees. This is khao larm dut. Khun Dang, the owner of the stall, says that he spends at least four hours everyday splitting the bamboo in half, hollowing them out to make sure all the edges are smooth. As for the sticky rice, he sits the black rice in water for at least 24 hours. this is done to prevent the sticky rice from crumbling and drying before the

rest of the dessert is done cooking. Khun Dang grills his desserts on an open flame, flipping each side over every 15 minutes to ensure they are cooked evenly. Khun Dang’s stall is open everyday from 5pm until 10pm. The sweet treat khao larm dut costs 30 baht per piece. His shop is located on the left hand side 500 metres from the main entrance to the Saphan Hin Night Market.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 for FREE at thephuketnews.com/directory.php List your restaurant FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 EUROPEAN

Tre by DoublePool Villas

Bodega & Grill

Bodega & Grill is situated on a picturesque patio by the lagoon. The restaurant serves premium char-grilled steaks and seafood from a wood-fired oven, as well as authentic homemade pastas, risottos and paellas. Bodega’s generous steaks are available in portions of up to 1.2 kilogram. Angsana Laguna Phuket, Cherngtalay; 076 324 101

An array of culinary experiences is offered to tempt and intrigue in Tre - the exclusive contemporary French Vietnamese restaurant set among the superb surroundings of the DoublePool Villas. Tre’s signatures dishes include scallops and green apples and tartar with pan-fried foie gras. Banyan Tree Phuket, Cherngtalay

INTERNATIONAL

DINING GUIDE 9

ITALIAN

SEAFOOD

Acqua

RE KÁ TA Beach Club

Connoisseurs of fine cuisine can revel in Acqua’s experiential concept. The Acqua restaurant experience promises to deliver only the freshest of ingredients, sourced from only the best producers both local and international. Taste explosions from the portfolio of Chef Alessandro Frau, of both traditional & contemporary are offered. Kalim Bay-Patong 076 618 127

The beachfront restaurant offers modern innovative cuisine with a strong focus on seafood. In the evening RE KÁ TA transforms with Kata’s magical sunsets and cool sounds along with the delicious drinks and tapas, right on the beach. Open daily 6.30am-11pm; 184, Koktanode Road, Kata Beach (next to Boathouse); 076 330 421; info@rekataphuket.com, rekataphuket.com

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Bistro Restaurant

Art Caffè

Baan Kalim Restaurant & Seafood

Enjoy fine dining with panoramic sea views in sensually indulgent setting. Delicious Thai and European creations are served on the open-air terrace. Mom Tri’s Villa Royale is the winner of the Wine Spectators Award of Excellence. Situated on the only road into to Kata Noi Beach. Reservations recommended. 076 333 568; momtriphuket.com

All-day dining restaurant right in the heart of Patong. Located on the ground floor of the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket’s Lakeside Wing, this restaurant offers a great selection of items for lunch and dinner. Millennium Resort Patong Phuket, Lakeside Wing Ground Floor, Patong; 076 601 999; millenniumpatong.com

The idea of Art Caffè comes from the need to have a place to stop and enjoy something different. Meet friends, exchange ideas, propose initiatives, organizing events or reflect only reading, watching and perhaps enjoying a good cup of coffee. The exhibition space is an affront to the repetitiveness of the artistic culture of the island. Naiharn, 076 388 546

Start your evening with delicious food and fine wine. Pick the perfect spot to take in stunning views of Patong bay, as the evening breeze surrounds you. Relax and enjoy live music to make your evening into that truly wonderful and unforgettable dining experience. Open daily 11am-Midnight. Patong; 076 618 125; baan kalim.com; baankalimrestaurant@hotmail.com

Boathouse Wine and Grill

DaVinci

THAI

Tablespoon Salad & Grill

Baan Vijitt Restaurant

Discover newest stylish restaurant in modern vintage setting. Creative and unique salad and grill menus are served while you experience a delectable dining in romantic and intimate atmosphere with a reasonable price tag. Open 11am-10pm. 2nd Floor, HomePro Village, Chalong; 076 383 244

The legendary Boathouse Wine and Grill is a celebration of great French and Thai cuisine right on Kata beach, simply the best oceanfront dining on Phuket. The wine cellar houses over 800 bottles and has been awarded Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator since 2006. Open daily 11am-11pm; Kata Beach; 076 330 015; fb@boathousephuket.com; boathousephuket. com; facebook.com/boathousephuket

The Caddy Shack

Great food and people you know! Authentic Italian cuisine in Nai Harn area. Three different dining areas, cocktail lounge, children’s play area, Delicatessen, live music....DaVinci is not just a meal, it is an experience of taste, atmosphere and more. Restaurant open daily 5pm-11.30pm; Deli open 11am-6pm; Sunday close; Naiharn 076 289 574. davinciphuket.com

Diavolo

Irish Times

Come in to experience our famous Sunday roasts, we also serve full English breakfasts from 9:30am, lunch & dinner til late & daily specials, with 3 big screens, come in & watch your favourite sports. You’ll find us next to the entrance of Loch Palm Golf Course in Kathu. Great food, great banter and great music. Don’t miss this hidden treasure. Kathu; 087 993 8737

FRENCH Breeze Restaurant

Phuket’s most exciting new restaurant is situated on the waterfront at Cape Yamu. Chef Cheryl Johnson is providing diners with her innovative modern French interpretations of local ingredients. Open from Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, and from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch. Our menus change frequently. Cape Yamu, Paklok; 081 271 2320

The only Irish owned and managed Irish Pub in Phuket. A real Irish Pub at the heart of Phuket’s world famous nightlife. In this traditionally styled Irish pub you will find a very warm welcome from the Management and their fantastic staff. All your favourite Irish food and beverages. Jungceylon, Patong Beach; irishtimespub-phuket.com

A half-century old Sino-Portuguese style house at The Vijitt Resort Phuket offers a unique authentic experience of Thai cuisine with a focus on regional specialties. Thai Select Premium Award certifies the quality and standard of product and service here. The Vijitt Resort Phuket, Rawai; 076 363 600; fb@vijittresort.com

Baan Talay

A menu of modern Mediterranean influences created by Chef Ryan to tantalize the senses in a modern ambience. Offering everything from fresh seafood pastas to simple good pizzas. An impressive selection of well priced beverages and stunning sea views complete the experience. Open daily for lunch or dinner. Paresa Resort, Kamala Beach; 076 302 000

JAPANESE

Super Natural

Tamarind Restaurant

Super Food deserves a Super Location. SuperNatural and more. The only waterfront restaurant in Phuket serving exciting raw vegetarian cuisine in addition to our delicious seafood, Thai and International menu. Great selection of fresh to order juices & smoothies, as well as great wines and chilled beers. Open 365 days a year. Facebook SupernaturalPhuket, 2.5km south of Chalong Circle.

To complement an already distinctive cuisine, Tamarind is bringing to the island high quality authentic Japanese cuisine, courtesy of Master Chef Shiraishi. Gracing our Japanese menu will be fresh sushi, sashimi, healthy salads, yakitori and tempura and much more. Tamarind is your ultimate destination to savour the best Japanese cuisine in Phuket. Banyan Tree Phuket, Cherngtalay

Set right at the beach of Bang Tao Bay, Baan Talay offers fresh Thai seafood and local delights. Featuring large outdoor fish-tanks and an open show kitchen, guests are spoilt for choice. Offers indoor seating as well as a large terrace, complemented by a breeze and views of the sea. Angsana Laguna Phuket, Cherngtalay; 076 324 101

Talung Thai

The restaurant has a stunning sunset location, offering views of the Andaman Sea. The menu of southern Thai specialties and true local dishes, are not seen on many other restaurant menus in Phuket. Chill with a cocktail from our award wining mixologist at sunset and then relax with authentic Thai cuisine. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Paresa Resort, Kamala; 076 302 000

10 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 30,2012 2012 FRIDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 30,

Jakarta on foot

A walking tour of the Indonesian capital dozen students may be cute, but after that it can get old. Feel free to say no, but stay pleasant about it.

Walking tour

Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Square) was named after the commander of the Cirebon forces who, in 1526, surrounded Sunda Kelapa, as Jakarta was then known, and burned it down. He is considered the founder of Jakarta since he then rebuilt the city, naming it Jayakarta. The Portuguese during this time steered clear of Fatahillah, who had developed a deep hatred for them after they took over his hometown in north Sumatra. Fatahillah so disliked the Portuguese that when 30 of them swam to the shore of Jayakarta after their boat was shipwrecked, he had his soldiers beat and kill them all. In the centre of the square sits a replica of an octagonal fountain that was first built in 1743. Water from this fountain once flowed from the Ciliwung River in Glodok via an underground brick pipe. Until around 1650, the water was fairly drinkable, but soon after it became intolerable: polluted by trash, human waste

and hospital offal. Unfortunately, a peek inside will afford a similar view even today. Historically, the square was a joyous location, as it was the sight of public markets and all-night feasts and festivals up through the 18th century. It had a dark side, too, as a place where countless tortures and punishments were meted out. On the eastern side of the square sat a sawhorse with a sharpened back. Prisoners would be forced to sit there for days with weights dangling from their feet, until the device slowly sliced them in two. Executions by guillotine, gallows or sword were held on certain days each month, and were overseen from the second floor of the courthouse by the judges who ordered the sentences. Slaves hated bearing witness to the killings, since they made up the highest number of victims. Other types of torture included branding, whipping or impalement, with the accused left to die slow, terrible deaths while straddling sharpened metal stakes. Chaining a person to the ground before dropping a heavy wheel on him was not uncommon, nor was stretching a prisoner

Â&#x2026; Â?

Â?

Â&#x2026; Â?

Â?

Â? Â? Â&#x201E;

Â&#x20AC; Â Â?

Â Â? Â?

Â&#x2026; Â&#x2020; Â&#x2021;

Â?

Â&#x2026;

Â?Â? Â?

Â Â?

Â&#x2026;

Â? Â?

Â?

Â&#x2C6; Â? Â&#x2026;

Â? Â? Â? Â?

Â?

Â? Â?

Â?

Â? Â

Â?

Â&#x192;

Â?

Â&#x192;

Â? ÂÂ&#x20AC; Â&#x201A; Â? Â?

Â?

Â?Â?

Â?

Â? Â&#x201A;

Â?

Â&#x192;

Â&#x201E; Â? Â?

Â&#x192; Â?

Â?

Jakarta: 25 Excursions In and Around the Indonesian Capital is published by Tuttle Publishing and cowritten by Andrew Whitmarsh and Melanie Wood. Priced at B695, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available from all leading bookstores in Thailand.

t can be hard to imagine a time when Kota (the old walled city) was nearly the entire city of Jakarta. That is the very reason, though, that the area is considered such a historical goldmine. Go back a few hundred years to when Kota was surrounded by a defensive wall and moat to keep the ruling government safe inside while the riff-raff and would-be plunderers were held at bay on the outside. Imagine the energy and excitement the Europeans felt as they explored and exploited a new land, their wealth rolling in and power growing. For the Asian community as well, there was plenty of money to be made if one was in the right position to do it. Others found themselves slaving away for a pittance. The heart of Kota, which means â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fortified placeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Sanskrit, is Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Square). A number of historically vital buildings surround it, including the City Hall of Batavia. Many are now museums. While the square itself is plain, it is driven by the energy it draws from the crowds of local and foreign tourists, the special events, the cultural performances and the throngs of young, cool kids who come to hang out and be seen. While the area has massive potential to become the pride and joy of the city, at the moment it is still fairly grungy. The leaders with the ability to transform it into something truly special still lack the communication and coordination to do so. That being said, there is something special about pedaling around on a forest green Dutch-era bicycle wearing a woven explorerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hat and posing in front of the cannons once used to repel would-be invaders. Once itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for a break, stepping into the cool confines of CafĂŠ Batavia for a cocktail will do wonders for the soul. Be aware that it can become extremely hot during the day and there is little shade, so come well prepared and start early. Sundays are very busy: swarms of young school children armed with English â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;surveysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; look to practice their English and snap pictures with visitors. The first half

Andrew Whitmarsh & Melanie Wood editor@thephuketnews.com

Â?

TRAVEL 11

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 The Chinese and Dutch used to drink from the same polluted river, but the Chinese got sick much less. The Dutch wanted to know why. They decided it was all the tea the Chinese drank, so they began chewing tea leaves for their supposed medicinal properties. Little did they know it was the boiled water the Chinese used for tea, rather than the leaves, that was saving the day until he confessed, cutting off his ears, putting him in a cage to face ridicule or forcing him to wear an iron necklace.

Cycling tour

The square boasts a plethora of bicycles for rent, most of which are ancient, all-steel, Dutch-era cruisers. Rent one to tool around Fatahillah Square or go big and hire a guide to take you round the sites. Some guides will also provide twoseater bicycles for those who don’t feel confident pedaling on their own. Each bike comes with an explorer’s sun hat and a ring-ting-tinging bell. The usual route includes the Maritime Museum, the Watchtower, the Fish Market, Sunda Kelapa Port and the Chicken Market Bridge, all of which are just north of Kota. At each spot the guide will extol his knowledge of the historical facts and figures, although generally this will be in Indonesian as most don’t speak English. For additional sites, check out the guide’s brochure. A highly recommended route – though it involves a jaunt up narrow, traffic-clogged lanes – is the one past the temples in Chinatown and the old St Maria de Fatima Catholic church.

Settle on a price before pushing off, but don’t bargain too hard as these guys are living a fairly tough life, with many spending the night sleeping rough in the square. Guides may not provide much assistance while cycling across busy roads. Most will make a token wave at the traffic, leaving you to follow quickly behind or fend for yourself.

Who? This tour is for everyone. It’s short enough that a whole family can do it and it doesn’t require you to step too far out of your comfort zone.

How long? If this tour is done strictly as a walk, without stopping along the way, it will take less than an hour. If a number of the museums are explored, a leisurely lunch is eaten and the opportunity to wheel around on a rented bicycle is taken, it could take all day.

How far? 3.5km to the VOC Building and back.

Getting there Take Busway #1 to its terminus at Kota. Those driving can come via Jln Gajah Mada or the Harbor toll road. Both traf-

fic and parking can be challenging in the Kota area, so taxis or the Busway are recommended. From the Busway, exit on the Bank Mandiri side – watch for the signs. If coming by taxi, ask to be dropped off at the Bank Mandiri Museum.

Getting started Upon exiting the Busway, follow the direction of traffic toward the Bank Mandiri Museum just ahead on the left. Continue along to enter the Bank of Indonesia Museum, which is just past the Bank Mandiri Museum.

Both bank museums are good escapes from the heat and traffic, but they are still ultimately museums about banks, so don’t plan your whole day around them. They do provide interesting insights into the past, however, and are certainly worth a stroll around. The Bank of Indonesia Museum has gone the extra step of presenting some of its information via multimedia, and is therefore a bit more interesting for kids. Next, carefully cross the busy road on the right and proceed straight, passing between the large concrete balls installed to keep the traffic out. Continue on to Taman Fatahillah.

12 GAMING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 30,2012 2012 FRIDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 30,

IN BRIEF

Blast from the Past: Wolfenstein 3D

Game developers in jail in Greece

Two Czech game developers remain in Greek jail after they were arrested on espionage charges when they were found near a military compound on the island of Lemnos. Police found videos and photos of other military compounds in the possession of Ivan Buchta and Martin Pezlar, who both worked at Bohemia Interactive. The duo insist they were doing research for their upcoming game Arma III – which takes place on a Greek island. If convicted, the men face up to 20 years in prison.

Thai man dies while playing video game A 24-year-old Thai man was found dead in his room in Samut Songkhram province last week. It is believed the man was in the middle of an all-night gaming session as he was found in front of his computer slumped over on a chair. The cause of death is unknown. “He was addicted to games. [We were told] he hardly went to bed but always played computer games from night until morning,” local police told reporters.

Cheat of the Week Resident Evil 6 “Infinite Wing Shooter bullets” While playing as Leon, if you run out of extra ammunition for the Wing Shooter, but still have a few bullets remaining in the magazine, aim down the sights with L2, then press Triangle to switch to Leon’s duel-wielding mode. Press Triangle to switch back again, and you should now have a full magazine

Coming soon to Asia, the Wii U has sold more than 400,000 copies in the first week of its North America release.

Will you buy the Wii U?

intendo heralded a new generation of console gaming with the release of the Wii U in North America on November 18. The machine brings the fresh tech specs expected from the company and raises the bar in terms of hardware. It’s also a reminder that it’s been too long since we’ve had a new system.

Graphics Though the Wii U is a big step up from its predecessor in terms of graphics, it doesn’t surpass the PS3 or Xbox 360 but merely catches up to their quality visuals. However it’s refreshing to see that Nintendo have stepped it up to allow the Wii U to take advantage of HD systems. Software The console is packed with apps and features that allow users to watch TV shows and movies for free on both Netflix and Hulu. Your social networks can be easily accessed and the video chat capabilities are a welcome addition. Still, the systems fails in media playback, especially with the amount of USB ports available. It is difficult to listen to your own music while playing games, something the Xbox did in its very first version. Controller This is where the Wii U shines. The controller has a 6.2 inch touch screen that acts as a supplement to the game on the TV screen. It’s by far the bulkiest and heaviest gaming controller of all time, but also the most innovative. It is 10 inches long in total with a short battery life of about four hours, making the charger that comes with the US$350 (B10,700) Deluxe Edition essential. Built into the controller are a microphone, speakers, and motion-

control sensor that can be used as in the original Wiimote. The most innovative part of the controller is that gamers can play using the small screen while the TV is turned off. Similarly, it can be used to watch movies and TV shows. Though the configuration makes it a little uneasy, since the joystick is above the buttons instead of under them, it’s a slight adjustment that doesn’t take long to get used to. The gamepad also allows for what Nintendo dubs “asymmetrical gaming,” meaning gamers in multi-player mode will have different experiences on their touchscreen. Games Currently, there are only 24 titles available for the system. Most do not take full advantage of showing off the Wii U’s improved graphics, but that will come with time. So far, the best reviewed games have been New Super Mario Bros, Zombie U, Nintendo Land, and Scribblenauts Unlimited. Nintendo Land in particular, takes advantage of the built-in camera by showing your face as your onscreen player. Summary If you are stepping up from the Wii, this is an essential buy. The same cannot be said if you already have a PS3 or Xbox 360, but that could change with better game titles coming out next year. Considering the PS3 bombed when it first came out and Xbox’s many glitches in its initial release, the Wii U’s launch has been extremely successful, with over 400,000 consoles sold in just one week. The Basic Edition (8gb memory, motion sensor) costs US$300, while the Deluxe Edition (32gb memory, Nintendo Land, and charging stand for controller) is priced at US$350. Asia release date: December 8.

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK

TOP MOBILE GAMES

Call Of Duty: Black Ops II (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Lego The Lord Of The Rings

Xbox 360, PS3, 3DS, DS

Angry Birds Star Wars

Hitman Absolution (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3

Just Dance 4

Wii, Xbox 360, PS3

Lili

Fifa 13

Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, VITA

Skylanders Giants

Wii, Xbox 360, PS3

Bingo Blitz

Assassin’s Creed III (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Need For Speed Most Wanted

Xbox 360, PS3, VITA, PC

Labyrinth 2

Halo 4 (16+)

Xbox 360

Dishonored (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Recess Riot

nown as the game that established the first-person shooter genre, Wolfenstein 3D was released in 1992 for the PC. Without it there would be no Doom, Call of Duty or Halo. It subsequently won a ton of awards and was most recently included in G4’s list of the Top 100 Video Games of All Time in 2012. It was also one of the first games to have 3D graphics and high quality sound (the best available at the time). With its unique game play that allowed gamers to see from the point of view of the character, it was the best game of its time. Gamers play as BJ Blazkowicz, an American prisoner of war, trying to escape the Nazi prison, Castle Wolfenstein. The story eventually takes you to the discovery of Operation Eisenfaust in which Nazi scientists are creating an army of mutants. The final clash is against Adolf Hitler (known as the ‘Staat meister’ in the US version of the game), dressed in a robotic suit. With knife, pistol, machine gun and Gatling gun, gamers were expected to complete the three missions with rampant violence. Opening doors and embracing the runand-gun strategy was what set Wolfenstein 3D apart from other games at the time – that and the unforgiving carnage. Got a Blast from the Past? Let us know by email to editor2@ thephuketnews.com

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

IN BRIEF Susan Boyle biopic in works A movie about the life of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ sensation Susan Boyle is in development after Fox Searchlight bought the rights to her life story. A musical on Boyle’s life, I Dreamed a Dream, has been touring the UK since its debut at the Theatre Royal in March. The show chronicles her life from infancy to her rise to fame on the show Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and the rigours of dealing with her new-found celebrity.

Biopic of INXS frontman Hutchence planned

Red Dawn

Nothing to fear from Pyongyang FILM REVIEW J.P. Mestanza editor2@thephuketnews.com

Approx. 114 mins Director: Dan Bradley Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Jeffrey Dean Morgan

he North Koreans are coming! It’s a naive and absurd notion, but belief needs to be suspended for the two hours you sit in bafflement and watch Red Dawn. A remake of the 1984 film of the same name, which featured a Soviet Union-led invasion of America, Red Dawn is a film about high schoolers and military veterans banding together to defeat an invading North Korean army in Spokane, Washington state, northwestern US. Jed (Chris Hemsworth), an American military veteran of the Iraq war, comes back to his hometown and within just a few minutes of the film starting, North Korean paratroopers swoop in to take over Spokane. Anyong America! With his younger brother Matt (Josh Peck) and his high school friends, the group decide to fight back by attacking military checkpoints setup by the invaders and attempt to save fellow Americans. They get betrayed by one of their own and lose other group members in the process, all the while befriending US Marines who provide much needed help. The film was made over two years ago with

actors who, at the time, were relatively unknown. However, now that Hemsworth (Thor; The Avengers), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Resident; Peace, Love & Misunderstanding) and Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games; The Kids are All Right) are known commodities, the film’s claim as a showcase for the next generation of Alisters has been ruined. The original film had amazing action and helped launch the careers of Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, and Jennifer Grey. They also had a much more believable enemy in the invading Russian army, smack in the middle of real world Cold War tension. This new version fell short on action, relying on choppy sequences that substitute for choreography. But the biggest flaw was it’s use of North Korea as the invading force. Audiences believe that James Bond can fight on top of a train, Tony Stark can build an arc reactor to become Ironman, and that Bella chose the vampire instead of the werewolf. But backwards North Korea invading the US? With high schoolers as their only chance at survival? Give us a break.

Spielberg in talks to direct six foot rabbit

amed director Steven Spielberg has announced that he is currently working on a remake of the film Harvey while reports of him to direct a Moses biopic has the film world abuzz. Harvey, a 1950 film starring Jimmy Stewart as a man whose best friend is a six-foot tall rabbit that is

only shown through shadows, already has a screenwriter attached. Novelist Jonathan Tropper is reworking the script in the Fox 2000 and DreamWorks coproduction. No word yet on who Spielberg may cast in the lead role. Meanwhile, Warner Brothers studios have ap-

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) Skyfall (E) [13+] 16:25, 21:45 Premium Rush (E) [13+] 11:55, 14:00, 16:05, 18:15, 20:20, 22:25 Red Dawn (E) [15+] 11:45, 13:50, 15:55, 18:00, 20:05, 22:10 Tee Sam (T.ES/D3D) [15+] 10:50, 13:00, 15:10, 17:20, 19:30, 21:40 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (E) [15+] 11:00, 13:30, 16:00, 18:30, 21:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (E/F) [15+] 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:35, 22:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (T) [15+] 11:30, 12:30, 14:00, 15:00, 17:30, 19:20, 20:00, 22:30

proached the director to make the Moses biopic God’s and Kings. A script has already been penned by Michael Green and Stuart Hazeldine, with Dan Lim and Matti Leshem signed on to produce. The film would tell the story of Moses from his birth until death.

The story of INXS frontman Michael Hutchence could be headed to the big screen after former Hollywood screenwriter Bobby Galinsky announced the proposed project on a Sydney radio station. Casting for Two Worlds Colliding, based on the book Just a Man: The Real Michael Hutchence by the late singer’s sister and mother, is scheduled for next year. Galinsky previously penned the film Flatliners starring Kiefer Sutherland in 1990. Hutchence committed su icide in 1997 while still with the band, which had severa l No. 1 h its in Austra lia a nd around the world i n c lu d i n g ‘ Ne e d Yo u To n i g ht ’.

Lenny Kravtiz may play Marvin Gaye Director Julien Temple, who has been developing a Marvin Gaye biopic for some time, says he wa nts rock musician Lenny Kravitz to play the legendary soul singer. Kravitz, who has appeared in The Hunger Games and Precious, is set to appear in the upcoming Lee Daniels film The Butler. The film is set near the end of Gaye’s life around the time his first post-Motown album, Midnight Love, is released. The album includes the iconic single ‘Sexual Healing’.

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film

Weekend gross

Gross

$43.1M

$227M

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2

Skyfall

$36M

$222M

Lincoln

$25M

$62.2M

Rise of the Guardians

$24M

$32.6M

Life of Pi

$22M

$30.1M

Wreck-It Ralph

$16.8M

$150M

Red Dawn

$14.6M

$22M

Flight

$8.6M

$74.9M

Silver Linings Playbook

$4.62M

$6.45M

$3.88M

$98.1M

10 Argo

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) Skyfall (E) [13+] 12:30, 15:30, 18:30, 21:30 Argo (E) [13+] 18:30 Lawless (E) [18+] 13:50, 21:00 Red Dawn (E) [15+] 11:35, 13:40, 15:45, 17:50, 20:00, 22:00 Tee Sam (T/E.SUB) [15+] 11:40, 13:50, 16:00, 18:10, 20:20, 22:25 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (E) [15+] 12:40, 15:10, 16:10, 17:40, 20:10, 22:35 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (E) [15+] 11:20, 12:40, 15:10, 16:10, 17:40, 20:10, 22:35

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up -to - date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076 - 600 -555.

14 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 30,2012 2012 FRIDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 30,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bliss Beach Club on Bang Tao Beach celebrated its first anniversary with a great party on Saturday (November 24). The rain stopped mostly in time for the fantastic celebrations. Photos: Dan Miles Media

SUNSET DRINKS On November 26 guests enjoyed a beverage tasting at the Boathouse, to meet William Hardy, a fifth generation winemaker of the great Hardy family, and Travis Brown, Regional Director of Asia from Accolade Wines. Photos: Phuket Best Group

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

ISLAND SCENE 15

GOOD TIMES, GREAT FUN Kitchen Plus restaurant in Home Pro, Chalong, celebrated its third anniversary on November 24. The restaurant has now been renamed Tablespoon.

Owner Kim celebrates the anniversary.

HARD ROCK GIVES THANKS Hard Rock Cafe Phuket celebrated Thanksgiving on Thursday (November 22) by inviting the 20 firemen from the Fire Department of Patong Municipality, who assisted with the Hard Rock Cafe Phuket fire on October 18, for a thanksgiving lunch at Hard Rock Cafe Phuket. The fireman team was led by Visit Mathasoontornpoj, General Administration Officer of Patong Municipality.

DINNER WAS A DREAM A special dinner was held at Maikhao Dream Resort on November 17. Pictured left to right are Robert Wigman, owner of Wine and Taste; Eric Leruste, Export Manager Asia Club Ceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;pages France; Robert, Chef Maikhao Dream Villa; Pierre Bolis-Moueix, winemaker; and Margot Wigman.

16 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 30,2012 2012 FRIDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 30,

Alain Tabruyn with Redhouse GM Tobias Lauinger.

LADY IN RED Last Friday (November 23), saw the soft opening of The Redhouse, a new beverage shop and bistro in the heart of Kathu. Located just opposite the Phuket Country Club Golf Course – the second floor lounge offers views of the green fairways. The venue is a welcome addition to the area.

Chef Charlie Maurer created a traditional Thanksgiving meal for guests. Thailand’s Got Talent finalist Gig with Jose, Axel and Brigitte enjoy the grand opening party. partner Soren and daughter Nuaianna.

GLITZ AND GLAMOUR The theme for the grand opening of La Terrazza Sunset Lounge and Bar was “glitz and glamour”. The new venue in Naiharn was officially opened on Saturday (November 24).

A TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING Guests enjoyed an impressive traditional Thanksgiving spread at the Friendship Beach Resort on Thursday (November 22) thanks to chef Charlie Maurer who hails from New York, America.

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Tony’s rapid rise to the top David Brook editor@thephuketnews.com

Tony Blair was arrested, being mistaken for a burglar as climbed into his dormitory, played guitar, sang in a rock band called Ugly Rumours, and spent a year in London attempting to find fame as a rock music promoter before reading jurisprudence at Oxford

t’s 1999, evening time in a bar in a small village in County Durham. The phone rings, a barmaid answers and shouts “Where’s Tony? It’s a bloke named Clinton.” Customers were taken aback. The call was indeed from 42nd US President Bill Clinton wanting to speak with UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. The bar was in Trimdon Labour Club, a long way from the White House, Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament. But Trimdon Labour Club has a remarkable place in history. It was here that Blair announced his decision in 1994 to stand for party leader, and in 2007 his resignation as Labour Party Leader and Prime Minister. Truly it was the birthplace of Tony Blair’s “New Labour”, and perhaps its last resting place. Although born in Edinburgh, Anthony Charles Lynton Blair spent most of his childhood in County Durham. He attended Durham’s Chorister School (as did Rowan Atkinson, the famed Mr Bean), then went on to Fettes College, Edinburgh where politics was a long way from his mind. He was arrested – being mistaken for a burglar as he climbed into his dormitory – played guitar, sang in a rock band called Ugly Rumours, and spent a year in London attempting to find fame as a rock music promoter, before reading jurisprudence at Oxford. Graduating in 1975, he joined the Labour Party and in 1982 fought but lost the Beaconsfield byelection. But his profile was in

David Brook (second from left) with Neil Kinnock (third from left) and Tony Blair (far right). the ascendancy and his roller coaster ride in politics had begun. In 1983, with the crucial support of influential councillor John Burton, Blair was selected for the newly-created constituency of Sedgefield, near where he had grown up in Durham. Coronation Street actress Pat Phoenix supported his campaign and Blair was elected as MP for Sedgefield. The rise to power had begun. Elected leader of the Labour Party in 1994, he led “New Labour” to a landslide victory in the 1997 general election and aged just 43 became the youngest Prime Minister since Lord Liverpool in 1812. Blair was the Labour Party’s longestserving prime minister, and led the party to three consecutive general election victories(1997, 2001 and 2005). But his popular-

Christmas time at BIS

s Christmas is not too far around the corner, the British International School Phuket (BISP) Christmas Fair is a great place to start the Christmas festivities. Entrance is free and there are many exciting activities happening during the afternoon, such as the live song and dance performances by BISP students, trapeze shows by resident mid-air circus arts performers, magic shows and of course, the opportunity to meet Santa in ‘Santa’s Grotto’. Children will have fun on the bouncy castle and take part in the many game stalls, including the lucky dip and face painting. In addition, there will be plenty of craft and food stalls and delicious homemade cakes and cookies to sample. The biggest raiser of funds from last year, and one of the Fair’s highlights is the silent Skills Auction.

BISP parents, teachers and Phuket companies have donated all sorts of weird and wonderful skills where people interested in learning a new skill will place bids. Language lessons and courses (Korean, Finnish, Spanish, French, Indonesian, Thai, Italian), basketball, football and swimming clinics; surfing, pilates, yoga and scuba diving lessons, trapeze and sailing lessons; also a yacht cruise and kayaking. Performing arts are also on offer such as lessons on the drums, guitar, harmonica, and drama for everyday life. There are also photography lessons, a speech writing course, cooking classes and much more…. The Phuket News and Live 89.5 are media sponsors of this event. If you wish to be a vendor or to donate a skill to the Skills Auction, please email the BIS PTA Christmas Fair 2012 Representatives via pta@ bisphuket.ac.th

ity was on the wane. As his handling of the Iraq War led to accusations of misleading Parliament, internal rifts with colleagues increased and his popularity dropped dramatically. Pressure built for his resignation which came in June 2007. The rise and fall of Blair in UK politics was complete, although he has comfortably survived. Speculation places his personal wealth at £60 million, mostly earned since his tenure as Prime Minister. History will judge his legacy, as biographer John Rentoul once commented: “All the teachers I spoke to when researching the book said he was a complete pain in the backside and they were very glad to see the back of him.” Seems the Labour Party and electorate came to the same conclusion, but I wonder what Mr Bean would make of it all.

18 EVENTS

FRI NOV 30 - THU JAN 3

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, 30,2012 2012 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY,NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 30,

Gaze of Hope your heart under the night sky at Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga and release the endangered leatherback turtles with us on the pristine sands of Natai Beach, at our annual fundraising event. Tickets are B2,222 net Curry Fridays at per person including all food and drink. The Navrang Mahal Indigo Pearl cordially invites you to evening starts at 7pm. Please book now as Every first and third Friday a month, all- seats are limited. Email: help@pureblue “GAZE OFbuffet, HOPE GALLERY RECEPTION” you-can-eat authentic Indian curry Presented by Adriano Trapanifoundation.com. & The Good Shepherd B449 net per person. 7pm-11.30pm. Call SaturdayI 1st December 18:30 until 21:30 at Rebar 076 286 464.

Gaze of Hope

ndigo Pearl cordially invites you to

“GAZE OF HOPE GALLERY RECEPTION”

Presented by

Marilyn Band Opening Reception Well-known Phuket artist Marilyn Band presents her latest artwork, oil paintings and water colours, inspired by scenes from her recent travels in exotic locations. She has had numerous exhibitions in Thailand and internationally, most recently in France. Artwork on display until January 3, 2013. 076 333 568, http://momtriphuket.com/ artgallery/index.html.

FRI NOV 30

Adriano Trapani & The Good Shepherd

Come and join us for an opportunity to buy wonderful artistic works by veteran, Saturday 1st December Phuketian photographer, Adriano Trapani, in a limited edition collection. 18:30 until 21:30 at Rebar Photographs will be available for early bidding in the Indigo Pearl lobby from the 15th November. All proceeds go to the Good Shepherd Charity Migrant Worker Come and join us for an opportunity to buy wonderful artistic works by veteran, Adriano Trapani, in a limited edition collection. Outreach Project, in Phuketian Phuket photographer, and Thailand.

Gaze of Hope

Photographs will be available for early bidding in the Indigo Pearl lobby from the 15th November. All proceeds go to the Good Shepherd Charity Migrant Worker 790THB net per ticket inclusive of drinks, canapes and 20% discount Outreach Project, in Phuketon andall Thailand.

Indigo Pearl food outlets on the event date per ticket inclusive of drinks, canapes and 20% discount on all Dress Code: 790THB Black &netWhite Indigo Pearl food outlets on the event date Dress Code: Black & White

For more information or booking, please contact: For more information or booking, please contact: Bastien Giannetti Bastien Giannetti www.indigo-pearl.com email: bastien @indigo-pearl.com email: bastien @indigo-pearl.com Tel: 076 327 006 Tel: 076 327 006

www.indigo-pearl.com

Our jazz band sets the mood for a relaxing afternoon with delicious food, live cooking stations, refreshing drinks and good company. Balloon artists entertain the little ones with face painting and kids’ activities. Every Sunday at 12pm-3pm. B1,100++ per adult. B700++ per child (Ages 5-12). Make your reservations at phuket. sales@hilton.com.

Radio

Indigo Pearl cordially invites you to

Gaze of Hope Gallery reception Steak Night Buffet at Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong Char-grilled and delicious. Tender cuts of quality meats cooked to perfection. Tasty side dishes, selection of fine sauces and a deliciously fresh salad bar. Start from 6.30-10pm. Contact 076 349 800-7, email chp@chr.co.th.

SAT DEC 1 - SUN DEC 30

“GAZE OF HOPE Come and join us GALLERY for anRECEPTION” opportunity to Presented by Adriano Trapaniworks & The Good by Shepherd buy wonderful artistic veteran Saturday 1st December Phuketian photographer Adriano Trapani, 18:30 until 21:30 at Rebar in a limited edition collection. All proceeds Come and join us for an opportunity to buy wonderful artistic works by veteran, go to Phuketian the Good Charity Migrant photographer,Shepherd Adriano Trapani, in a limited edition collection. Photographs will be available for early bidding in the Indigo Pearl lobby from the Worker Outreach Phuket 15th November. All proceeds go toProject, the Good Shepherdin Charity Migrant Workerand Outreach Project, in Phuket and Thailand. Thailand. B790 net per ticket inclusive 790THB net per ticket inclusive of drinks, canapes and 20% discount on all of drinks, canapes and 20% discount on Indigo Pearl food outlets on the event date Code: Black & White all Indigo PearlDressfood outlets on the event For more information or booking, please contact: date. Dress code: Black & White. 6.30pm Bastien Giannetti www.indigo-pearl.com bastien @indigo-pearl.com untilemail: at Rebar, Indigo Pearl Resort. Tel: 9.30pm 076 327 006 Contact: 076 327 006, email: bastien@ indigo-pearl.com.

Sunday Carvery B399 per person all you can eat. Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork, fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a glass of selected beverage. At Irish Times Pub, Junceylon Patong.

Radio

Fish and Chips Friday Night B250 per person. At Irish Times Pub, Jungceylon Patong.

Special Sunday at Hogs Breath Robin Gillow’s Contemplative Oils Pool Competition at Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.

From December 1 until 30. An exhibitionof recent oil paintings by Robin Gillow. The launch reception on Saturday December 1 from 7-9pm. Open to the public. Contact Boathouse on Kata Beach. Call 076 330 015, email: info@boathousephuket.com, www.boathousephuket.com.

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

Kids eat free when adults buy main courses. B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogs breath.co.th.

MONDAY DEC 3

SATURDAY DEC 1 Special Saturday at Hogs Breath B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade: www.hogsbreath.co.th.

SUNDAY DEC 2

Special Friday at Hogs Breath Live acoustic band. B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade, www.hogsbreath.co.th.

Sunday Brunch at Hilton Phuket Chocolate Decadence Put a spring in your step and a twinkle in

Enjoy our lavish international buffet with friends and family each Sunday at Sails – a Hilton experience.

RE KÁ TA King’s Cup party Join us at RE KÁ TA after Regatta King’s Cup Party at Boathouse. Grand mocktails and more and resident DJ spinning party sound from 9-12pm. B450 net per person including party entrance and free flow 9-10pm of selected beverages. Special prices for other drinks. pr@boathousephuket.com.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, List2012 your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

pta@bisphuket.ac.th www.bisphuket.ac.th

play, dance &

MAKE

at the

Phuket Art Village monthly, N0. 5 where: Soi Naya 2, Rawai

(just past Da Vinci’s Restaurant) tix only 50 bht (kids free) For more info contact Yen: 0878903722 Jo: 0883863440 Pui: 0894715653

Relax, enjoy the atmosphere and support local artists at this family friendly event.

Ao Chalong Yacht Club Everyone welcome

BIS Christmas Fair

animals when: Sat, Dec 1st, 4pm – late

EVENTS 19

Friday 7 December 2012 2.30pm - 5.30pm Free entry, Santa‛s Grotto, kids‛ games, magic shows, BISP student music/dance entertainment, trapeze performances, eating & shopping, lucky draw, skills auction and much more………

“Award winning chef from Airlie Beach, Australia. Fabulous breakfast, and authentic western Sunday roast from 12 - 4pm - just like home! Home made desserts eg. cheesecake, bread & butter pudding, apple pie made fresh every day.”

There is parking on site, cool breezes and a beautiful view. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8.00am 7 days per week. Tel: 090 890 8993 email: amandaleehay@bigbond.com

Radio



free. Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogsbreath.co.th.

THURSDAY DEC 6 Schnitzel Day Kokosnuss Restaurant - Every Monday, Schnitzel, fried potatoes and salad buffet B190 per person. Starts 5.30pm. For more info please visit phuketkokosnuss.com.

Pork Roast and Roast Chicken

TUESDAY DEC 4 Patrick Michael Esate Dinner Mountain Vineyards, Limited Production Exquisite, Artisan from Sonoma, California B2,100. We will have very limited seating for this event. Our wine director and executive chef Darren are working on the menu and pairing now and we will announce the details soon. Contact us for more info or to get on our mailing list. 076 333 568, http://www. momtriphuket.com/peter-michael.html.

Every Thursday. Buffett include salads, soups, mashed potatoes, bread dumplings. ALL YOU CAN EAT B190. www.phuketko kosnuss.com.

enjoy loads of activities, games and sweets to fill them with holiday cheer! Find local artists, crafts, jewelers, exquisite decorations and visit Santa’s Grotto. December 8 at Laguna latitude, Laguna 12pm to 5 pm. And December 15 DaVinci restaurant, Naiharn. 3pm to 8pm. Vendors can reserve a table (B500) for this event. Contact Mei 090 708 6351.

FRIDAY DEC 14

Pool Competition: Meet The Best Players in Town Designed and built by a Thai-Canadian family in 2011, The Plaza is a very fine sculpture and wall relief garden and entertainment centre. Artist’s pictures can be seen at the plaza walls all year round. The art pieces are donated by “The Unique One,” a rare selection of art by Khun Manop and Mike. Pool competition is sponsored by Komodo Bar at 9pm. Entry fee B100 plus one free beverage. Come on everybody-let’s party. Call 087 280 3282.

Phuket’s Best Indian Buffet Karaoke Night Fever Enjoy Karaoke night every Thursday at Ao Chalong Yacht club. Starting at 7pm. Call 090 809 8993.

FRIDAY DEC 7 Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse

Phuket’s best Indian buffet is back with a new chef and new menu. Homemade authentic Indian. Special promotion at B449 per person. Open buffet from 7pm10pm. Happy hour drinks from 7pm-8pm buy one get one free. For all information and enquiries, please call Les Anges on 076 360 803 or K. Mai 084 306 6729. See lesangesphuket.com.

EVERY DAY

Pool Competition every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.

Double Happy Hours At the end of the Rawai beach strip, Rawai Plaza is the best entertainment venue for those who seek a bit more fun after a good meal. Listen to good music, enjoy sport on large TV. Play pool or dart games or just enjoy the unique surroundings. Selected beverages. At 4-8pm and midnight till late. Plus free pool sponsored by Komodo Bar. From 8- 9.30pm. Come on everybody Let’s party. Call 087 280 3282.

WEDNESDAY DEC 5 Marco Westmaas “Guru of Flavour”

Phuket First Audio Video Interactive Pub Quiz B99 per drinks and selected beverages buy 1 get 1 free. Quiz master Dj Doris, from 91.5FM. Bar Tabs: 1 Prize B1,500. 2 Prize B1,000. Every Wednesday Night From 8 pm. Free entry. Maximum 4 people per team. At Irish Times Pub, Junceylon Patong.

Phuket: A sumptuous evening dedicated to the amazingly innovative cuisine of Dutch Celebrity Chef Marco Westmaas paired with fabulous drinks from the RE KÁ TA 800 plus label cellar. Cocktails at 7pm Dinner from 8pm onwards. Baht 3900++ per person inclusive of drinks. pr@boathousephuket.com.

SATURDAY DEC 8

Christmas Market Wicked Wednesdays Ladies day. Buy one beverage get one

It’s a Christmas fair full of fun and festivities for the whole family. Come get your Christmas shopping done while children

The Unique One Rare Selection of Art - By Khun Manop & Mike December 1, 2012 untill January. 31, 2013. Tel: 087 280 3282. Born in 1982, Nakonsitumarat, Thailand. Monap (Boy) Srisawang has graguated with Bachelor of fine art degree in 2004 from Rajamangala University, Chaing Mai, Thailand. He has worked in Chaing Mai 2 years after graduation. He moved to Phuket Island in 2006. During this time, Khun Boy has proven himself as a very fine relief sculptures and created many relief sculptures that could be seen all over the Phuket island. His work will be on display at Home-Pro Shoping cetre, Chalong from 9am - 9pm daily and at Rawai Plaza, Rawai Beach all year around.

Monday Party, Tue. Party, Wed, Party, Thur. Party, Fri. Party What the Puck Saturday Party, Sunday Party Come on Everybody, Let’s Party At Rawai Plaza, Cool atmosphere, Unique setting. Happy People. WILL PERFORM JUST FOR ASKING!!! POLL DANCE BY EMMY THAI DANCE BY NANCY & HIS FRIENDS SO, DON’T BE SHY!! Shows sponsered by Emmy & Joey Bar Nancy Ni Nancy Bar Rawai Plaza, Rawai Beach, Phuket 087 280 3282

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

20 TIME OUT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

This week in history

GOT YOUR NUMBER

■■ November 30, 1982 Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, is released. ■■ December 1, 1913 The Buenos Aires Subway, the first underground railway system in the southern hemisphere and in Latin America, begins operation. ■■ December 2, 1804 At Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Napoleon Bonaparte crowns himself Emperor of the French, the first French Emperor in a thousand years. ■■ December 3, 1976 An assassination attempt is made on Bob Marley. He is shot twice, but plays a concert two days later. ■■ December 4, 1791 The first edition of The Observer, the world’s first Sunday newspaper, is published. ■■ December 5, 771 Charlemagne becomes the sole King of the Franks after the death of his brother Carloman. ■■ December 6, 1917 Halifax Explosion: In Canada, a munitions explosion kills more than 1,900 people and destroys part of the City of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

6,588

sextillion (add 21 zeroes): the estimated mass of the earth in tons.

672

International dialling code for Antarctica. Now try finding a phone number to call.

Percentage of Americans who say that God has spoken to them. Personally.

Percentage of people – mostly men – who have spent a night in jail. Just jamming. Legendary reggae singer Bob Marley survived an assassination attempt in 1976.

1. What creatures gather in groups called “murders”? 2. Who created the Russian alphabet? 3. What word do we get from the Roman practice of executing one man in 10 from regiments that lost in battle? 4. Who is currently the highest-earning female golf player in the world? 5. If loathe means to detest, what does loath mean? Answers at the foot of the page.

SUDOKU

Across 1. Luggage appropriate for police investigations. (9) 5. Demand I’m in shellfish. (5) 8. Terrible experience or agreement. (6) 9. To the south, quiet missiles and birds. (8) 11. Chinese favorite from Noah’s boat loud in leg part. (5,3) 12. A thousand and a thousand and a fifty and a town. (6) 14. Very small salutation to kitchen equipment. (9) 16. Coffin carrier’s ale to the ear. (4) 19. Heedless of skin problem. (4) 20. Rotting source of children. (9) 22. Simon, golfer, holds Khan. (6) 24. Scoundrel with direction gets worse. (8) 26. Tara’s red woman? (8) 28. Encountered Little Richard, it’s said, in measuring system. (6) 29. Cardinal shed tears and cleaned floor. (5) 30. Drop evens. Odd to exceed budget. (9)

Down 1. Partner is drunk, but quiet inside. (6) 2. In Diana, a country. (5) 3. Biscuits for nuts? (8) 4. Heats up partly to eat. (3) 5. Dog I take to a medieval court. (5) 6. Fuss over allocation of love. (9) 7. Slaughter of mob on large area. (8) 10. If we dim concoction, she’ll assist at arrival. (7) 13. Dodge! I go into former Rawai resort. (7) 15. They say, “In sin, you ate hint.” (9) 17. Legal explanations of land and buildings. (8) 18. Worries about right sibling. (8) 21. Put a value on rice in police department. (6) 23. Cry of pain rent small bird. (5) 25. Never destroy courage. (5) 27. Pair of 23 down lacking the French back. (3)

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz:

1.Crows; 2. St Cyril and St Methodius; 3. Decimate; 4. Inbee Park of South Korea; 5. Reluctant or unwilling (an adjective).

WEEKDAYS Breakfast The Power Hour Lifestyle Drive Non Stop Music

Sam & Natasha Live 89.5

SATURDAYS 7am - 11am 11am - 12pm

Live 89.5 Got Talent Weekend Brunch

Siobhan MaGovern Kirsty Meyer

9am - 10am

Best Of Breakfast

10am - 1pm

Live 89.5 Dance Anthems

SUNDAYS Sam & Natasha

5pm - 7pm

Weekend Brunch

Kirsty Meyer

10am – 1pm

Steve & Sara

7pm - 10pm

The Spin

Tim Newton

1pm - 4pm

Jason Wilder

4pm - 7pm

Steve Johnston

12pm - 3pm

Phuket News Radio

Live 89.5

1pm - 2pm

Saturday Night Fever

Live 89.5

10pm – 12am

International Chart Show Top 40

Jason Wilder

3pm - 7pm

Box Of Neutrals

Live 89.5

2pm – 3pm

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

12am – 10am

Sunday Night Chill

Live 89.5

7pm - 10pm

Live 89.5

7pm - 7am

Going Green

Nick Anthony

3pm – 5pm

Tel: 076 612 895 SMS: 090 490 7895

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

10pm – 7am

16 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Jobs

Trek road bike for sale Trek Madone 4.5 road bike > 19

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

Office Assistant Needed: Small dynamic and friendly real estate agency company based in Chalong, Phuket working for national and international clients. We are seeking a full-time assistant with administrative skills and outgoing personality. Experienced in selling real estate is an advantage. Thai National, excellent English spoken and written is a must. Computer literate (Office, Excel, Word, Internet). Salary based on qualifications. Send resume, photo and expected salary to: sales@18excelsior-property.com, welcome walk-in candidates. www.18excelsior-property.com.

requires an Admin Officer urgently. Good salary and benefits. Candidates must have good English communication skills. Email clubasiaphuket@hotmail.com.

Food & Beverage Manager: Experience Resor t F&B manager proactive and motivated with passion for high qualit y ser vice stan dards. This is a hands on operational role. Send CV to recruit@paresa resorts.com.

Per sonal Assistant Required: PA required to help CEO of charter boat company. Duties would include marketing, hospitality and some book keeping. Suit attractive Thai lady w it h ve r y g o o d English. Contact Mike: blueworldsafaris@ gmail.com.

Redfrog Gift Shop Staff Wanted: Six days per week. Must speak English. Email: elliehardy@hotmail.com or call 080 781 8162.

Admin O f f icer re quired: Club Asia Fitness

Villa Manager: Experienced Villa Manager required to manage an 8 bedroom private residence in Kamala. The Villa Manager is responsible for managing an in-house team for maintenance, housekeeping and F&B. Operate the villa in a 5 star manner for both owners and guests. Applicants need to have strong leadership skills, Excellent command of English and Hotel experience. Applicants will be required to have their own car and driving licence and to be able to live-in when required. Please send CVs to: hr@phuketvillasandhomes.com, www. luxuryvillasandhomes.com, 076 527 633, 087 881 0003. with driver’s license. Email: kritsanaphat@lepepgroup. com.

(compressors), for servicing, repairing and maintaining equipment. Competitive salary and bonuses. Call 084 915 9507.

Thai Cook-Sous Chef Wanted: Thai/Western restaurant is looking for a experienced Thai cook. Must work under pressure, team player and with good organisation skills. Working hours 11.00-22.00. Good tips. Please contact 086 940 4801.

Phuket Brasserie Jobs Recuitment: -Waitress 5 Positions.

Restaurant Manager Wa nt e d: Re st au r a nt

-Bartender 2 Positions. Salary B9,000. Service sharge B4,000. If you worked in hotels before will be an advantage. Contact 076 210 511. Send CV and photo to linkwanjai@me.com.

manager / accounting with experience managing restaurant, accounting, managing staf f and ser ving customers. 087 471 1351.

Air Con/Refrig Technician: Looking for a technician with experience in electrics, air or refrig

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING

We are looking for key members: Res-

IT SUPPORT

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS We are currently recruiting for a graphic designer to join our team to handle the layout of our publications, including online.

● Programming for our website www.thephuketnews.com ● Maintain our software license ● Maintain our Dell server ● General IT support & maintenance for 30 users

The job: We require Full Time Graphic Designers to handle:

The applicants must have:

Applicants must have:

● Excellent knowledge of PHP, MySql and Java Script ● Good knowledge of Network system ● Good knowledge of Window server 2008 ● Knowledge of Photoshop or other design software ● Good knowledge of English (spoken and written) ● Work experience for minimum 1 year in a similar job

We offer:

● Good salary ● Monday – Friday (8.30am – 6pm) ● Friendly work environment ● Excellent progress opportunity and job security Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, expected salary and recent photo to: itmgr@thephuketnews.com or simon@thephuketnews.com

taurant manager, executive chef, waiter / waitress, guest service agent (English speaking and writing, male preferred) room maid, room boy, cleaner, technical engineer. Care@ bydlofts.com.

Sala Phuket Jobs Vacancy: -Purchasing Manager: 1 Position

Sales Staff Wanted: English-speaking female. Thai with previous selling experience with own car, outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, f u e l, p h o n e a n d c o m mission. Call Khun Nam: 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

-Spa Therapist 4 Positions -Reservation Officer: 1 Position Contact 076 338 888. Email: pncphuket@sala phuket.com.

or magazines ● Good English (written and spoken)

We offer: ● Competitive salary ● Friendly work environment ● Excellent progress opportunity and job security Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, expected salary and recent photo to: Simon Ostheimer: managingeditor@thephuketnews.com or K.Nisakorn: graphic2@thephuketnews.com

Knowledge: Illustrator, Photoshop, Thai nationality and speak basic English and good interpersonal skills. Create professional website design, flyers, banner, business cards. kritsanaphat@ lepepgroup.com.

Radio Producer/ Admin Responsibilities:-

● Communicate with advertisers during the ads. production process-

● Excellent skills with InDesign, Photoshop, In Copy and other graphic design software

Graphic Designer:

● Designing advertisements for clients ● Layout of our The Phuket News and other publications ● All artwork and graphic design work related to production

● Min. 1 year experience in designing and layout of newspapers

ing car rental company is hiring new staff members. Required: good English knowledge, driving license, independent thinking, positive attitude, computer skills. Call us ! 081 970 5204.

-Chief Engineering 1 Position

We currently require an IT manager/web programmer in our Phuket office.

The Job:

organise own residency status. * Must speak fluent Thai and English. * Must have experience selling food/ alcohol to executive chefs and purchasing managers. Experienced food service. * Must have own car. Only people meeting all above criteria please send resume to george_d@jagota.com.

Mobile Car Rental is hiring !: Rapidly expand-

Content Management /Marketing: Qualifications: - Thai Nationality and speak basic English and good interpersonal skills. Preference given to those

Experienced Foodservice Salesperson Wanted: *Must live permanently in Thailand and

● ● ● ●

Ensure ads are scheduled into playlist- Assist in ensuring promos ads & sweepers are in correct places- Liasing with content makers- Ensuring content are scheduled- Schedules with CD & MD direction that IDs, sweepers and ads.- Email guest list to company & posting on Intranet- Helping with weekend showsHelping music director/station manager when required-Inserting ads on a daily basis; insert sydicated shows on weekdays Providing the Overnight playlist Researching and writing the Newsletter for the radio Updating the website Overall production duties

You need to be :-

● Young & Energetic-Have an interest/love for music & radio-Excellent communication in English-A very outgoing personality & be able to approach & talk to people from all backgrounds

Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, expected salary and recent photo to: adminmgr@thephuketnews.com

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 17

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

JOBS IN PHUKET

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

A 5 Star International Chain Hotel Brand in Phuket is seeking for a highly-driven and energetic

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

SCOPE: The successful candidate will be responsible for all Team Member related activities including recruitment, learning & development, performance management, retention, compensation & benefits, team member relations, health & safety, enhancing team member engagement and others.

DaVinci Restaurant in Nai Harn: Thai na-

JOB KNOWLEDGE / SKILL:  Thai nationality

tionality only. Waitresses 2 positions, Bartender 1 position. Experience and good English will be an advantage. Good salary and benefits. Contact Khun Jana 086 947 5197, jana@davinciphuket. com.

 Fluent in written and spoken English.  Good communication skills, both verbal and written.  Good relationship with the local labor bureau and government agencies.  Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws.  Thorough knowledge of salary, employment and benefits administration

and payroll  Must possess good computational ability.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required preferably in Human Resources.

EXPERIENCE: 3 to 5 years of extensive human resources experience, preferably from Hospitality industry holding director or manager position. Line operations management and labor related experience preferred.

S a l e s / M a r ke t i n g People: 4 Full time and 2 Part time sales/marketing people required. English essential. Good commission and incentives. New Australian te r m i te m a n a g e m e nt product. Call Jody 087 266 2252.

Webdeveloper: Knowledge: HTML, CSS, JQuery, Javascript, Photoshop, Thai nationality and speak basic English and good in-

terpersonal skills. Develop and modify websites on detailed design specifications. Email: kritsanaphat@ lepepgroup.com

Animal Caregiver Wanted: Looking for an English-speaking, animal lover who can work full time in the Thalang area on an animal farm, tending mainly to sick dogs, who are recovering. Non smoker who can live on site. Basic vet skills and Thai language a plus. Contact: gone2thedog gies@gmail.com.

Home Help Wanted:

Waitress Required Urgently: Waitress, full or part-time. Ton Hom restaurant behind Big C and Phuket International Hospital. Serving Thai and Western food to mostly farangs. Be part of a friendly and busy team. 087 273 3455.

The applicant must have: ● Thai National ● Excellent interpersonal skills ● Very good command of English ● Experience in finance, accounting & admin is essential

We offer: ● Competitive salary & bonuses depending on company profits ● 5 day work week – (Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 6 pm) ● Friendly work environment & excellent progress opportunities

Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, expected salary and recent photo to: adminmgr@thephuketnews.com Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 101

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

 13th Month Guaranteed wage supplement  5 days work per week  Group Insurance (Life & Medical Ins.), Provident Fund, Social Security

Fund, Annual Leave 10 days & Public Holidays 15 days, Meals, Uniform, Hotels transportation etc. All CVs will be treated in strict confidence. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

E-mail address: recruitment.phuket@hotmail.com

maid to work in Chalong. English speaking welcome. Call 082 806 1695.

Admin Office: Diploma

experience in hospitality & service industry. Customer service skill. Good operation and communication. Email: lek@headstart phuket.com.

or higher education - Good

House maid Wanted: c ommand of spoken & Seeking Horse Care Looking for a Thai national written English. One year Helper: E xper ienc ed Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING

Sales Manager

FULL TIME FINANCE & ADMIN. MANAGER ● Perform day to day processing of financial, accounting & administrative transactions ● Coordinate with suppliers for purchasing ● Prepare company’s payroll including monthly social security ● Coordinate with revenue department/social security office as required ● Liaise with external audit firm for yearly ending and ensure that all tax reports are accurate and submitted in a timely manner ● Assist in the visa/work permit application process for expat staff members ● Maintain filing system for all financial, legal & admin. documents ● Communicate with the bank and manage all bank documents ● Supervise the team of minimum 5 staff ● Other financial, accounting & admin. duties as assigned and required

 Competitive Salary plus Average Monthly Service Charge at Baht 10,000

English Speaking Housekeeper, immediate start, live out. Phone Brian 084 877 5001.

Responsibilities :

REMUNERATION:

Thai or Foreigner (Located in Phuket)

Responsibilities : ● Managing the sales team (including responsibility for recruitment of new sales staff when needed) ● Weekly & monthly sales budget meetings and reporting ● Developing and following up new sales leads ● Reaching own personal sales targets and responsibility for reaching team targets

We offer: ● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses ● Friendly work environment ● Social security (10%) paid by the company ● Excellent career progress opportunity ***The company may offer accommodation plus local transportation costs to successful candidates.***

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or post to below address.

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553 adminmgr@thephuketnews.com

only w Horses for small horse center. Also need house-sitter over Christmas, one- two weeks for cats, birds, one dog and a bull. Supervise horse care, fill in if needed. Please contact 084 842 4581. Email: andaman HorseCenter@ gmail.com.

18 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Buy&Sell

Adopting a dog or cat? Animals available for a good home > 20

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS

COOKING CLASS

Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all Singaporeans in Phuket to join Singapore Club Phuket. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189.

Phuket Cooking Academy: Cooking and

BOATS & YACHTS

Ski Boat for Sale:

Speed boat for sale!: 6 metre body Bayliner, 200 HP (EFI) Mercury engine, Yamaha 5 HP back up engine. Blue book. Including: trailer, 2 anchors, and cover, Garmin deep sounder and fish finder brand new. Call 081 477 5637 THAI; 086 283 0082 ENG, RUS.

Glastron Carlson design, Thai registered, 120ltr fuel tank, 200hp Yamaha engine in excellent condition. Includes trailer, boat cover, wakeboard pole, ropes and ski equipment. Call 081 894 5822, email: markbreitis@ gmail.com.

project. Situated by Laguna, develop a 44 or 60 room resort on a 2 Rai plot. Sought after area, 25 year lease. Realistic ROI within3 years. Lucrative & secure investment in idea location. Offers may be considered for sale of lease. Contact 087 884 0644.

dition, 12.18m Fiberglass Bowrider, 12mm thick hull, 600ltr fuel tank, 150ltr water tank, licensed for 25 passengers, storage area, manual head, 5 years old, B1.4 million o.n.o, please contact 076 362 300 Ext.1801.

14m traditional timber boat for sale. Extensive work has already been c om pleted with the hull. Needs further work for installing, engine, fuel / water tanks, decking and upper deck. The owner has invested B800,000 in construction and is selling due to other more urgent business projects. Genuine enquiries only. The boat is located near Sarasin bridge. For inspection, please contact for an appointment. All reasonable offers will be considered. Contact 084 294 6039, sladepeter@yahoo. com.

BUSINESS SERVICES Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. Please contact 076 381 895.

Tile It: Thalang. Wana New Karnic 2052: 140hp Moonsoon for sale: 28Ft, registered for 15 passengers. 200Hp/ V6 Mercury motor, only 240 hours, totally restored 40 hours ago, perfect for snorkeling, diving trips, island hopping, water taxi navigation system + fishfinder, 5hp spare motor. Boat and motor in very good condition. Located at Boat Lagoon. Priced for quick sale at B330,000. Contact at : 086 747 9292 or claudstrey@gmail.com.

4-stroke Suzuki O/B. Bimini, trailer & marine heads. Now in stock. For details contact Alan Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. Email: boats@andamanboatsales.com 084 842 6146.

New Karnic 1851: 90hp lean-burn 4 -stroke Suzuki O / B . B i m i n i a n d t r a i l e r. B999,950. Now in stock. For details contact Alan Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. Email: boats@andamanboatsales. com 084 842 6146.

CHILDCARE

Ad ve r t i s e t o E x p a t Women: Are you looking to I nve s t o r s Wa n t e d 20/30Million: Resor t

Timber Boat for Sale:

Speedboat for sale Hull Only: Excellent con-

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@ tile-asia.com.

Farang Food Paradise: Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact: 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.

Buds Nursery:Phuket’s oldest international childcare facility. High-quality, time proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brandnew purpose-built school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/2-8. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Bus ser vice available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Tel: 076 384 638, 080 624 7060. Website: www.budsphuket.com.

CHILDREN’S CLUB FunStart: Family sports and leisure club. Swimming/ golf/ playcentre/ gaming arcade. Contact 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstart phuket.com.

promote your business to expat women in Thailand? Have a look at Chicky Net, the online social network for (expat) women living in Thailand with over 2,400 members. info@ chickynet.com.

baking classes have never been more fun using our top-class professional facilities. With complimentary transport from around the island, head to the best Masterchef kitchen on the island. Learn the tricks of the trade from international award winning Chef, Lionel Raiffort. Learn how to cook, from Thai & European cuisines, to the art of baking. Get involved and make a day of it, groups are welcome. For more information, visit www.phuketcooking-academy.com or call 081 821 4064.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE Health Food: Online health food in Thailand. Good karma, all natural, healthy, and organic products. Please contact 082 276 1675, www.good karmathailand.com.

Club Asia Fitness: Royal Phuket City Hotel. O f fers Zumba / LesMills classes/ weight training/ sauna/ steam/ swimming pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout, come along and join the action. Tel 076 35 4 027, 087 275 3614. www.clubasiaphuket.com.

MOTORBIKE SERVICES Dynamic Tyre Balancing: Dynamically balance your motorcycle tires for a smoother ride with DYNA BEADS! Available at West Coast Service Center Phuket, your big bike specialist on the bypass road. Contact 085 785 4440.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 19

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php in Phuket. Contact 076 384 273 , e m a i l i nf o @ b u o n a p petitogroup.com, www.buon appetitogroup.com.

MOVING & STORAGE

We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store. Call 076 292 909.

Safeway Storage: Self storage from B800/M. Container rental B3,000/M. Sales/ site office A/C B6,000/M. Mobile toilets B2,800/M month. Chalong, opposite Wat Chalong. Thalang, main highway. Call 076 313 235 or 081 125 1873.

PERSONAL SERVICES

Phuket Wake Park:

Ghost Writer: For life story

Come wake board at Asia’s BEST & newest wake park located in Kathu. Full morning just 550 and evening sessions from 500 baht! Wake in the day or wake up your night! See www. phuketwakepark.com

of successful business man. Gambler, playboy, world traveller now living in Patong Beach. Email: penthouse2102@gmail. com.

Baan Cananga Spa Products: We use traditional organic Thai herbs and make quality homemade spa products, cosmetic and OTOP health and beauty products. Shop: Kata Night Plaza and Raya Beauty Rawai Sai Yuan. Call 081 979 3504 Khun Wan.

Backgammon: Players Wanted. Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnection@ yahoo.com • Movement • Stillness • Balance M obile:0 81-728 - 9 9 8 0 Email: Serenethai@yahoo.com

Bon Café Phuket: A producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. Contact: 076 355 600-1.

Phuket Visa: Offers consulting and services on company registration, work permit, visa, accounting, auditor, legal advice. Contact 081 892 9960.

Techworx: Custom design & installation. Professional service and support. Premium service: home cinema, home automation, marine AV and IT, lighting control and multiroom audio-video. Call 084 443 9863.

Atmanjai: World’s best natural health programmes to improve health, reduce stress, weight loss, detox, rejuvenation, vitality and overcome disease. See atmanjai.com.

Buon A p p et i to: D e li market and bistro. Number one supplier of Italian deli

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET service. Protect your home with high-quality CCTV camera and GSM alarm. Free sur vey and quote. Please call 086 105 8144 or visit: www.huketechnology.com.

PET ADOPTION

Fr e e R o t t w e i l e r s Need Home: I have to relocate, and I have two beautiful Rottweilers that desperately need a home. Max will be one year old on the (27/11/2012), and Zaia is 5 months old, I would hate to separate them. Call 084 858 1917.

Haris & Hawr yluck Attorneys at Law: Unit 6D CCM Complex. Call 076 510 111, email: info@hhlegal advisors.com, www.hhlegal advisors.com.

PET HOSPITAL Sound Engineer! AV Home system: We’re experts in systems and control designs of highest quality: Home automation, AV, cinema room, lighting control. Professional services certified by CEDIA. English speaking call +66 (08) 1719 6930. Email: info@maxxnova.com, www. maxxnova.com.

FriendsBandMusic Entertainment: Our services: Live band, music system rental, Thai classical dance, Thai folk band, MC and DJ. Call Khun Sathit on 080 524 1698, email sathit@friendsband music.com. www.friendsband music.com.

English-Russian Translations: Professional translator specialized in translation of contracts and agreements in real estate field, web sites and tourist information. Email: malaikaya@yahoo.com.

Prot e c t Yo u r H o m e with CCTV: CCTV & alarm

Chaofah Pet Hospital: 8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. Contact 076 283 365.

SPORTING GOODS & EXERCISE Are You Looking to get a New Dog or Cat?: Why not adopt a homeless dog? Many lovely pups- free to a good home, also full grown adult do gs t hat woul d make great guard dogs and a best friend. Contact: gone2thedoggies@gmail.com.

Why buy a pet?: Soi D o g Fo un dat i o n h ave over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 085 574 4258 or email: cindy@soidog.org.

Trek Road Bike: Trek M adone 4. 5 road bike. Ashima wheels. Carbon aero-bars. Profile design water bottle. Great condition plus travel case worth B20,0 0 0. Call 0 87 8 87 1292, email drewjoy27@ yahoo.com. Life fitness walking machine: Brand new retail B150,000. Sell for B70,000. Call 0872760529.

20 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Property

Land for sale One rai property, quiet and private > 21

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Bar, Pi z zer ia , Ho t el, Rawai Beach: B800,000 yearly rent, longterm lease. Negotiable, 9 bedrooms, full guest. No key money, 60m to beach. Call 084 242 8914, email: rawai4@yahoo.com.

Phuket Condominium for Rent (THP): B

Kathu-Pool Villa for sale: Hillside setting. Luxu-

8,250 – 16,500 per night. 2 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Facilities: Fitness centre and swimming pool. Pets: Not allowed. Ms.Laddawan - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/085 661 0623.

rious 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom pool villa for sale or rent.Sale 20M Baht. Rent minimum 6 months. High season 9 0K per month. Twelve months or more 70K PM. 087 078 6379.

Kata Ocean View Apartment: New, delux, fully furnished, 2 bedroom, quiet. Phone 086 281 9311. Email: bao200@gmail.com.

Shop Front for Rent: The Royal Phuket Yacht Club shop front space for rent 4.34 M. x 4.37 M. Located on the first floor of a great looking area for retail shop, boutique etc. Call 076 380 200 ext. 601 Khun Naphat.

Sea-View ChalongResidence: Dream-PoolVilla with 5 bedrooms all with ensuite on 1 Rai of land. Big Hall, office, maidroom. Brand- new construction opposite “ Wat Chalong” on the way up to the hill. A huge 685 sq.m of living area, fully furnished. Modern European designed kitchen. Big Sea-View-Pool-Terraces incl. “Sala” and attractive bar area. Security alarm system. Selling price on request. By owner directly. Call 085 654 4011 or 089 404 0737. Email: schulz.th@ gmx.de.

fully renovated sales office/ shop with initial lease of 6 years. Internal area 144 m2, walled back garden 60 m2, 4 parking spots, 3 phase, kitchen, internet, phone/ fax, TV, 5 AC. Contact 085 060 0033.

Retail Space Opportunity: Large international resort in Karon seeks retail tenant. Excellent year round occupancy. Flexible rental terms. Must sell quality merchandise. Khun Boonchu call 076 396 200–5, fcckr@ chr.co.th.

Rawai Condo Sale/ Rent: Sell 1.1MB, Full ownership forever-beyond the financing plan of 10 years. Rent 9.000B/Month. Studio Room Renovated With Furniture. A/C,WiFi, Kitchen, 200m to Beach.084 242 8914.Rawai4@yahoo.com.

Luxury Villa in Chalong: Perfect con-

in a very good location in the heart of Patong. The house has 3 floors 3 sleeping rooms, 1 living room, 3 bathrooms and a roof terrace with Jacuzzi, garage. Good rental return. Price on request. 084 188 4544.

dition, 660 sqm on 3 levels, 1.6 0 0 sqm land, 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, swimming pool 12.5m x 6m with Jacuzzi, large sala, double garage. Top quality construction. Reduced price: 25.5 MB www.tamataphuket.com crishausb@ hotmail.com Tel. 086 271 3260 or 086 273 4149.

Phuket Villa for Sale (PKS0562): B29,000,000.

on 5th floor of Patong Tower, close to beach, post office, Jungceylon. 69 sq.metre: B34,500 per month. 106 sq.metre: B53,000 per month. 126 sq.metre: B63,000 per month. 076 341 369-71.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

205/34 Soi Thamdee Nanai 6: House for Sale

Ready to move in, single storey pool villa with 3 bedroom situated in the impressive Park Residence sector of Boat Lagoon Marina. Impressively constructed along a modern Asian theme. 076 238 948, email: marketing@phuketproper tytrip.com.

House on The Corner for Sale: Quiet loca-

Office for rent Patong Tower: 3 Offices for rent Surin Beach Office For Rent: Prime location

Pool Villa in Marina:

3 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Address: Laguna. Unit size: 604 sq.m. Land area: 1,140 sq.m. Ms.Prakaipeth - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/081 538 6879.

Townhouse Chalong Bargain!!: Town house on 3 levels with mezanine, 112 sq m, fully furnished, 3 BR 3 BthR, 2 kitchens, 3 air con. Tasteful western decoration, MUST see, HP English 0854415115. Thai 081 555 1230.

One + Two Homes for Sale with AC, Rawai: Main home: two bed, extended bungalow with outside kitchen, shower and seating salas set in mature, walled, private gardens. Own well, tanks and pumps. Sold, furnished. Will sleep 8+ can be sold with a 30-year land lease for non Thai. Price B5.5 nego: Mobile: Eng 082 416 0150. 3BB WiFi internet also.

Rawai Beachfront Pool Villa Sale/Rent: Rawai Beach front pool villa for rent/ sale. 3 bedrooms, furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

Opportunity Knocks: B24,500,000. Deceased Estate - Absolute waterfront. Occupying a stunning location on the east coast of Phuket this five-level villa has panoramic sea views from every level. Renovation work required. 085 793 2667. See exotiqproperty.com. Ref ABV453, email: dmuir@exotiq. com.

tion and only 500m from the main road. Thepkrasattri, Heroines Monument. 70sqw x 280sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, big living room with open-plan kitchen (9x9m), 1 separated kitchen, carpark for 3 cars and a small storehouse, 2 aircons, cable TV, 1 phone line TT&T. Price: B3.5 million including furniture. Excl. furniture B2,995,000. Must see! Email: jochenschmitz16@gmail. com. Call 081 607 8000.

Furnished House for Sale Phuket Villa 5: 3 bedroom house with furniture, close to Kajonkiet School. Secure area, Cul De Sac, nice gardens, two bathrooms. B3,500,000 negotiable. Details 081 370 8114 (Thai) 087 889 3838 (Eng), email:davidgem98@ hotmail.com.

Freehold Home / Mini Resor t: 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, swimming pool, 20 minutes north of Phuket Airport. Peaceful country setting, flood and tsunami free. Minutes from beach. B10.9 million. Email: info@ mythaihouseforsale.com.

CLASSIFIEDS 21

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

House in Phuket Town / Samkong 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms: Semi detached house with large 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large open living/ dining area and entertainment deck outside. Large western kitchen with all appliances. Great area very conveniently located 5 minutes from all amenities including both international hospitals, Central Festival, international schools and the centre of town. Selling due to relocation. Priced to sell at B4.3M including 4 air cons. and all modern style furniture. Nothing more to spend. Contact (English): 084 768 0536 or (Thai): 085 888 0502.

Phuket Cottages

Near British International School, pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000.

www.phuket-cottages.com

Call: 089-724-7211

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

7.5 M House and Pool Bypass Rd: Very clean 5

Mission Heights: Land area 500m2, House area 164m2. 3 bed, 4 bath, fully furnished, aircon in all rooms, fans, Internet, satellite TV, swimming pool, independent water supply wells. Finish work Dec.2012. B10 million. Call 088 838 3242.

bedroom, 3 bathroom house with 5 x 10 metre pool 10 minutes south of Central Festival, walking distance to Kajonkiet Bilingual School. To see: 083 301 3470, email: wpdrake@hotmail.com.

Apartment for sale in Patong: Apar tment for Golf View Villa For Sale: Near British International School, state-ofthe-art villa overlooking the Loch Palm Golf Course: 4 bedrooms + maidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room; 485 m2 built on 1,860 m2 land. B28million. Contact owner 089 724 7211.

SALE in Patong; 50 sqm of the living area, sea-view / mountain view, furnished, Pool, 24hr. security, price for SALE B2.8M - B3.3M. Contact +66(0)83 103 3801.

Patong Condo for Sale: My condo is ready for immediate sale located at Lotus Residence, a small 3-storey boutique condo of only 12 apartments total. It is located on a southern hillside above Patong Bay. Call 084 436 2540.

Absolute beach front land: Songkla district near new deep sea port. 4.5 Rai divided into 7 Chanote plots. Reluctant sale. B4.9M the lot. mail samos1941@gmail. com or call 087 276 0529.

Condominium At The Point: Condo for sale,

Land For Sale: 3/4 of Rai in small community, very quiet and private, close to all services, 10 min to school, airport, beach, golf, Tesco B2.5M. 087 276 0529 for info.

The Point opposite Big C, freehold, chanote, studio 36sq metre. Fully furnished include AW fittings and inventory. Nice views from 6th floor, close to Lotus, Big C, Central Festival Etc. Only B2,695,0 0 0 nego tiable. Call 087 889 3838, Skype: davidpaul49, email: davidgem98@hotmail.com. Opposite Wat Chalong on the way up to the hill, Chanote, ca. 36 m x 45 m, sophisticated hillside project, proratable, 8,5 mill. THB direct by owner 085 65 44 0 11 or 089 40 40 737.

Amazing Sea View Penthouse: Panoramic

Single House Special Price B9.5million: Nice house fully furnished with teakwood furniture, ready to move in. 240 sqm. 4 bed 4 bath, closed to Kathu waterfall and market. Near Loch Palm, major stores, BIS and KIS. Call Oranwan 086 883 3169.

BanYan Villa: 2 yearold 3-storey townhome 31.5 s.qwah or about 126 s.q.m at bann yan villa 3 bed rooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen, 1 aircon,fully furnished located near by land and houses park, Chalong. Price 3.2 m. Contact owner tel 081 535 1252 Mr. Krich.

Patong/Kalim sea view condo: Freehold,

2nd floor, corner unit, stunning sea view, pool, car park, security, best location, ca.110sqm, 2 bed room,bed room, German kitchen, all new, terrace, only a few metres to beach, B10.6 M 081 824 1385.

Land for Sale - in Marina: Design and build Condominium in Patong for Sale: Less than 1 Km from the beach, large 2-bedroom apartment with communal swimming pool and balcony. FREEHOLD (can be foreign owned). B7.5M. Contact owner 089 724 7211 or julien@phuket immo.com.

rai, chanode title.10m/rai.Call Siri 089 649 9939, email:siri_ phuket@changrunner.com.

Rawai Half Rai for Sale: Land plot 100 metres to Rawai Beach, about 850 sq.metre. Chanote title deed, private road with sewer, 3 phases electricity and wall around the land. Email: rawai.steen@gmail.com, call 080 530 6880.

Golf Course Land For Sale: Near British Inter

1 Rai Sea-View Land:

sea view, mountain view and Big Buddha. 310 sq.metre, 2 beds, 2 baths with option to convert in 3 beds. Contact: Izzy +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy.serenitygroup@gmail. com.

Sea View Land for Sale: Phuke Ao-Yon, 13.5

Land for Sale: One Rai.

Very quiet and private, close to all services, 10 min to school, airport, beach, golf, Tesco. B3.4M. 087 276 0529 for info.

your own home with good location and gated community. All the infrastructure you need is available such as water, underground cabling for power, telephone, ADSL internet etc. Contact 076 238 948, email: marketing@phuketproperty trip.com.

School, 17 Rai with public road access. Suitable for resort or housing project. C a n b e d i v i d e d . P r i c e: B4.5 M per Rai. Contact owner 089 724 7211, email: julien@phuketimmo.com.

Beachfront land for sale: 2 Rai absolute amazing beachfront, few min. boat ride from Phuket, facing west to sunset and views of Phuket. B13 million per rai +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy. serenitygroup@gmail.com.

Prime Location 35M Lake Front: Fantastic

WANTED: Phuket Hotel - Resort: Pattaya Jom-

views over the Lake and Loch Palm. Very quiet, secluded plot but with all facilities ready to go. 1551 sqm plot, freehold leasehold with full Chanote Title. 081 273 6959.

tien Property have a serious client looking to purchase a 40 - 100 room hotel - resort in Phuket. Confidentiality assured. kevin@pattaya-jomtien-property.com.

22 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

EQUIPMENT SALES & RENTAL

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Now offering vertical custom printed shades

www.shadesasia.com Tel: (076) 367 566

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMOVALS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

STORAGE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

SWIMMING POOLS

We believe that the success of a project is essentially based on a serious management liberto@construction-thailand.com

liberto@construction-thailand.com 40 years experience of more than 20 years at your service in Thailand.

Main Contractor:

Study Project Architecture Design Construction & Management

Office 3.L.H & I.C.P. Manufactory 3.L.H & I.C.P.

Specialized in large commercial and small residential cooling & heating systems.

076 319406-8 086 4702026-7 www.choochuay.com

w w w. e m

p ir e p o o ls p h u k e t . c o m

1,800 baht pool service

for the first 20 customers (standard size pool)

19/43, 19/45 Moo 7,Srisoontorn Rd, T. Srisoontorn, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110.

Tel: 076-620113 or 084-8506140 Fax: 076-620015

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PHUKET SPORT 23

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

PCG continues winning streak CRICKET

Shanghai Azzuri won the Open Cup division for the second year. Photo: JP Mestanza

With the Jones Lang LaSalle Phuket Cricket League starting on December 1, a team made up of all-stars from the league defeated a visiting side from Singapore in a final tune-up. ANZA Cricket team from Singapore, made up of expatriates from the island nation, played PCG in a 30-over match on Saturday, November 24. Sharing the bowling attack with Neil Culpan, PCG’s Sami Ullah went 2 for 18 guiding the team to victory with 9

Tenth Phuket Hash Soccer Sevens House Harriers great success

Run: 1395: 3.30pm on

Saturday, December 1 Hares: No Hope, Singha, and Toad Directions: Headed north from Thalang traffic lights turn left at the old Airport Road (#4301) traffic lights (No sign Barbara Woodhouse). Continue West for about 3.2km and turn left at the HHH sign. Follow the road for about 200m and turn right into the rubber plantation at the HHH sign. Park to one side of the road.

FOOTBALL

he Phuket Soccer Sevens football event has become a tradition on the island, with teams coming from all over Asia, as well as Europe and Australia. In ten years, the event has grown from a handful of teams playing on a dusty pitch, to over 90 teams from 23 different countries playing on a professional-level surface. The seven-a-side tournament was held at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club for the second straight year. Over two weekends, the teams played in several different age divisions and produced some surprise winners and not some not-so-surprising. For the second year in a row, Shanghai Azzuri won the Open Cup division. The game was a close battle but in the end they squeaked out a 3-2 victory over a group of Phuket-based expats, Joy Dive FC. The China-based group of Europeans were propelled by one of the tournament’s top players in Ivan Aliaga,

Team Bondi, of Australia, took home the Masters Cup Over 40 title for the second time. Photo: JP Mestanza who scored six goals in six matches. The winners of the Masters Over 40 Cup division were Team Bondi of Australia, who thoroughly took care of PJ Wildest of Malaysia 3-0. The win gave Team Bondi their second Masters Cup title in three years and third overall after coming in second several times in the past. The rest of the winners

in the Open category include INSEAD (Singapore) who won the Open Plate title and Southern FC (Singapore) taking home the Open Bowl title. In the Masters Over 40 category, UP2YU FC (Phuket) won the Masters Plate title while Paradise FC (India) won the Masters Bowl title. For more information on this year’s Sevens, visit thai7s.com

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway. SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

PCG defeated the Singapore side with nine overs to spare. overs to spare. The victory continued PCG’s winning streak against visiting sides, having recently defeated British Club Bangkok and Singapore CC earlier this month. The six-team Jones Lang Lasalle Cricket League

opening match will see the defending champions Laguna CC take on The Village CC at 9 am at the Alan Cooke Ground in Thalang. For more information on the league, visit phuket cricketgroup.com

SUPER SIX SOCCER Division 1

Team

L Goals GD

Morning Star*

Pts 34

Joy Dive FC

Shakers FC

Phuket Condos & Homes

Sweet Lemon FC

The Hulk

-19

Nanai Boys

-15

PSU Alumni FC

-28

Division 2

Team

L Goals GD

Puensil FC

107

Pts

Pita Bar Phuketeers

Phuket Serenity Villas

Mr. Moo

Shambhala FC

Bat Fire

-12

Pluto Italian Ice Cream

-26

Seduction

-23

Atmanjai

-40

Thai Nee FC

-52

24 PHUKET SPORT

Laguna half-Ironman triathletes raise funds for fallen competitor TRIATHLON Tom Metcalfe editor2@thephuketnews.com

group of triathletes competing in this weekend’s Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket race have an extra incentive to finish well – they’re competing in honour of a friend badly injured in a traffic accident as he trained for the event. Dubai-based triathlete Rich Holland, aged 29, was struck by a car in the early hours of October 11, as he rode his bicycle from his home to the city’s new cycling track. His injuries include multiple broken bones, two punctured lungs and severe brain stem damage that has left him in a “semi-coma” in Dubai’s Rashid hospital. Mr Holland’s doctors say it could be many months or even years before his condition will improve significantly. The young triathlete had set his sights on racing in the Ironman 70.3 race in Phuket this year after completing the Laguna Triathlon in 2010. He competed regularly in triathlons and duathlons around the world, and represented South Africa in the 2007 World Duathlon Championships in Hungary. His love of the sport has taken him

Triathlete Rich Holland at the 2010 Laguna Phuket Triathlon. He is now in a coma after being struck by a car. everhwere from Singapore to Canada and everywhere in between. This weekend’s half-Iron-

man race in Phuket would have formed part of the celebrations for his 30th birthday, on November 30.

But now, with Mr Holland unable to race – and facing a very long and difficult recovery – a group of his friends from Dubai have embarked on a fund-raising mission for their mate. Andrew MacRae, Edward Hawkins, Brett Smyth and other competitors will don “Back On Your Bike” wristbands as they “race for Rich” in Phuket on Sunday. The three athletes aim to raise money for the “Back on Your Bike” trust, set up Mr Holland’s family to raise money for his treatment and recovery. Accomplished triathletes in their own right, the three athletes hope to offset the cost incurred by the expensive recovery that Holland will now face. Mr Holland’s family estimate it will cost up to US$1.7 million (B52 million) to pay for his hospital treatment in Dubai and later rehabilitation in his family home in Cape Town, South Africa. Their initial fund-raising target is US$150,000 (B4.6 million) to cover his immediate medical costs and next few months of rehabilitation. The family have set up a website the fund-raising effort at www.backonyourbike. com, and a Facebook page at facebook.com/BackOnYourBikeDonateForRichHolland

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Young placed 15th and 12th in the last two races at the MRF Challenge Series in October. Photo: Kunal Khadse

Dylan Young heads to race with support MOTORSPORTS PH U K ET- BA SE D AUS tralian driver Dylan Young is gearing up for this weekend’s race events in the MRF Challenge Formula 2000 Championship Series with an extra boost to his chances – he’s added Indigo Pearl Resort Phuket as a sponsor. The 22-year-old veteran of Formula BMW Pacific and JK Racing Asia Series is competing in only his second event this year after being sidelined by financial issues. In the last month, Young has secured sponsorship from Singapore lifestyle brand Ku De Ta which allowed him to compete in the first two races

in the series on October 26 at the Buddh International Circuit in New Delhi, India. He placed a very respectable 15th and 12th out of a field of 18 racers, many of whom have previously competed in F2, GP2, and GP3. By the end of the weekend, Dylan will have raced four out of the ten races that make up the series, played out over four weekends, which conclude in Chennai in early February. The races will take place on November 30 to December 2 in New Delhi and will be broadcast live on ESPN Star Sports. For more information and sponsorship enquiries, visit dylanyoungracing.com

Olympians victorious at Laguna Phuket Triathlon, look ahead IN HIS DEBUT AT THE Laguna Phuket Triathlon, Olympian Ruedi Wild finished on top beating out a world-class field of pros while fellow Olympian Radka Vodickova won her third title in the women’s division. Wild’s 2:29:22 time saw him finish just 11 seconds better than second-place finisher Tim Meyer, and several minutes ahead of Italian veteran Massimo Cigana and two-time World Ironman Champion Chris McCormack. The Swiss beat out almost 700 other athletes

in the race, which consisted of a 1.8 km swim, 55 km bike ride, and 12 km run. Vodickova, of the Czech Republic, led the women’s field from the very start and finished over seven minutes ahead of second-place Belinda Granger. Her 2:50:41 finish was also better than current double Ironman and Ironman 70.3 World Champion Leanda Cave. Now, t h e r e ig n i n g champs will look to acquire more titles at the Laguna Phuket Ironman 70.3, taking place on December 2 at the Laguna Phuket Resort.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

WORLD SPORT 25 UEFA consider eliminating the Europa League

Olympians dominate BBC list

S TA R S F RO M T H E London Olympics dominated the list of nominees for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, which was revealed on Monday (November 26). Of the 12 names on the list, golfer Rory McIlroy was the only person not to have competed at the Games during the British summer. Cyclist Bradley Wiggins is the odds-on favourite to win following a historic victory in the Tour de France and a gold medal in the Olympic time-trial. Other strong contenders include Mo Farah, gold medallist in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres, and tennis player Andy Murray, who won Olympic singles gold and became the first British man to win a Grand Slam in 76 years at the US Open. The nominees were picked by a panel of experts, with the winner to be decided by a public vote and announced during a ceremony in London’s ExCel centre on December 16. AFP

Buakaw Banchamek will take on Belarus’ Vitaly Hurkou in the ThaiFight event on December 16.

Buakaw takes berth in final Bangkok Post

eigning muay Thai champion Buakaw Banchamek booked a final place against Vitaly Hurkou of Belarus in the ThaiFight next month.

In the semi-final of the 70kg event last week at the fully-packed stadium in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, Buakaw took an easy win over Japan’s Nishikawa Tomoyuki. The f inal, which will

Springboks end season on high note after unbeaten Euro tour RUGBY SOU T H A F R ICA R E turned unbeaten from their European tour for a climactic end to coach Heyneke Meyer’s first season at the helm that saw the side jump from fourth to second in the world. The Springboks finished the year with 12 games, seven wins, three losses and two draws. They bowed twice against world champions New Zealand and once to Australia. Last week’s win against England clinched the Boks’ victorious tour of Europe following wins over Ireland (16-12) and Scotland (21-10). Meyer had traveled with an inexperienced team after injuries forced him to leave many senior players home. The likes of wing Bryan Habana, the country’s rugby player of the year, centre Pierre Spies, and hooker Bismarck du Plessis were not considered. The team still drew criticism, notably from respected commentator Naas Botha, who likened their playing style to “watching paint dry”. But Meyer, a self-con-

South Africa have been on a recent winning streak. fessed “slow starter”, said he was proud of the team’s progress and played down the season’s 58 per cent win ratio. With the season now over the Boks can look forward to

a carefree Christmas, and next year start preparing for the 2015 World Cup in England with Northern Hemisphere experience gleaned during their last tour. AFP

take place in Bangkok on December 16, will pit the Surin native against Vitaly Hurkou of Belarus who also defeated Antero Hyny-nen of Finland in another semi-final. In the 67kg division, Bangkok hopeful Singma-

nee Kaewsamrit also cruised into the final following his victory over Mehdi Zatout of France. The Thai will fight Andrei Kulebin of Belarus who beat Adaylton Pareira De Freitas of Brazil.

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL’S governing body are considering scrapping the Europa League in favour of extending the Champions League, UEFA president Michel Platini told a French newspaper last week. Asked about possible plans to extend the elite Champions League at the expense of the second-tier Europa League, Platini said: “There is an ongoing debate to determine what form the European competitions will have between 2015 and 2018. We’re discussing it, we will make a decision in 2014. Nothing is decided yet.” One of the options being looked at is the possibility of extending the final phase of the Champions League from 32 to 64 teams. The Europa League generates far lower revenue for clubs than the Champions League. Meanwhile, the UEFA president said that he was not worried by talk of the creation by Europe’s rich clubs of a competition to rival the Champions League. “I can’t see how it could work outside the UEFA framework. Who will referee them? In what stadiums will they play? A lot of people want them? I don’t think so.” AFP

26 WORLD SPORT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: ROUND 15

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

No joy for new Chelsea boss Benitez, Man U take top spot FOOTBALL

ew Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez endured a rolling barrage of hostility from Blues fans when he presided over a goalless draw against reigning champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, including deafening chorus of boos with banners reading “Rafa Out” and “In Rafa we will never trust.” Benitez riled Chelsea fans with his comments about their team during his time at Anfield and his appointment to succeed Roberto Di Matteo, sacked as Chelsea’s manager last week, angered many fans. The lackluster match, which left Manchester City unbeaten in the league, didn’t help. although it was the first time in 11 matches that Chelsea have finished with a clean sheet. Manchester United tookover the top spot with a

Home fans showed their displeasure at Rafael Benitez taking over Chelsea in their game against Man City. 3-1 win over Queen’s Park Rangers. The game remained close with QPR’s Jonny Evans 64th minute equalizing header. But four minutes later Darren Fletcher scored

his own header while Javier Hernandez added a second goal in 72nd minute to kill the game off. The win lifted Man U two points above Manchester

City at the summit. Tottenham Hotspur beat West Ham United 3-1, thanks to a virtuoso performance by Gareth Bale and a brace of goals from Jermain Defoe. Defoe opened the scoring on the cusp of half-time with and tapped home his second goal just before the final whistle. The victory took Andre Villas-Boas’ side above West Ham and Swansea City into seventh place, level on points with north London rivals Arsenal. Everton were prevented from closing to within a point of Chelsea as Sebastien Bassong netted a last-minute equaliser to earn Norwich a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. West Bromwich Albion continued their superb start to the season with a 4-2 win at Sunderland that took them up to third place. With mid-week games taking place, we have provided our predictions for Round 15 in lieu of 14.

JP’S TIPS ROUND 16 West Ham Utd v Chelsea Arsenal v Swansea City Fulham v Tottenham Liverpool v Southampton Man City v Everton QPR v Aston Villa West Brom v Stoke Reading v Man Utd Norwich v Sunderland Newcastle v Wigan

Lose Win Draw Win Lose Lose Win Lose Win Win

MONTHLY STANDINGS 1. Suncat100 81 2. Scottkip 67 3. apollo131 64 4. canarywill 64 5. mickyleeds 64 6. pickledliverbar 64 7. bazerb 61 8. MRB 61 9. Tempestuous Strike 61 10. toptipster 61

In The Phuket News tipping competition, ‘suncat100’ seems to be running away with the monthly st andi ngs. T he overall has both ‘suncat100’ and ‘apollo131’ in a 257-point tie, exciting as we go into December.

THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

OVERALL STANDINGS 1. apollo131 2. suncat100 3. mickyleeds 4. scottkip 5. toptipster 6. bazerb 7. alanphuket 8. tim at acorn 9. zestrealestate 10. diggersd

257 257 246 243 237 231 229 228 228 226

The winner of the november competition will win a B3,000 voucher to spend at Australian Bar & grill in Kata. The overall winner at the end of the year will win a brand new Honda Scoopy courtesy of AP Honda.

Stramaccioni ‘angry’ as Inter Milan drop to 4th FOOTBALL INTER MILAN COACH Andrea Stramaccioni has hit out after a 1-0 defeat to Parma ended the Nerazzurri’s hopes of closing the gap on Juventus to just one point. AC Milan gave city rivals Inter a huge incentive when they beat Juventus 1-0 at the San Siro on Sunday (November 25). However Inter failed to capitalise, suffering their fourth

Andrea Stramaccioni. league defeat of the season to collect just one point from their last three games in all competitions to drop to fourth place. Stramaccioni, at 36 the

youngest coach in Serie A, said: “Our biggest regret is the goal we conceded. It was a bad mistake and we paid a heavy price for it. We were caught napping.” Inter are also involved in the Europa League but a second string side lost 3-0 to Rubin Kazan last week. “I can’t deny we’ve been lucky with injuries recently but I don’t want to make excuses. We’ve faded, we weren’t able to produce enough intensity in our game,” he said. AFP

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2012

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WORLD SPORT 27

Sport

Race for Rich

Triathletes band together to help competitor who remains in coma > 24

editor2@thephuketnews.com

Australia and S. Africa fight for No. 1 ranking CRICKET

outh Africa and Australia will both be forced to call on fringe players when the number one ranking in Test cricket goes on the line in the final Test starting today in Perth. After a tame draw in the series opener in Brisbane, South Africa’s batting heroics in Adelaide, led by a defiant unbeaten century from debutant Faf du Plessis, ensured the second Test also ended all-square despite a tense and dramatic last day. And it means both sides will tread the WACA ground with the chance to end the series as the top team in Test cricket. A win for South Africa, or a draw, would see the Proteas retain their position atop the rankings, while an Australian

Both teams will meet November 30 at the WACA ground in Perth. Photo: Trent Haines

Live Sports TV Schedule

CHANNEL GUIDE

*Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START

END

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, November 30 816

20:00

22:00

Rugby Union

Autumn International

France v. Samoa

Saturday, December 1 816, 107

816, 107

19:25

21:25

23:30

Rugby Union Aviva Premiership

Rugby Union

Autumn International

Leicester v. Bath

England v. New Zealand

816, 107

23:30

01:15

Rugby Union

Autumn International

Wales v. Australia

812, 101

19:45

21:45

Soccer

EPL

West Ham v. Chelsea

817, 101

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Man City v. Everton

812

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Arsenal v. Swansea

813

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Liverpool v. Southampton

816, 107

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Fulham v. Tottenham

161

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

West Bromwich v. Stoke

814

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

QPR v. Aston Villa

817

00:30

02:30

Soccer

EPL

Reading v. Man United

Sunday, December 2 816, 107

21:55

23:45

817, 101

23:00

01:00

Rugby Union Aviva Premiership

Soccer

EPL

Saracens v. Gloucester

Norwich v. Sunderland

Spanish Primera Liga

English Premier League

1XX- True Vision, 8XX - Astra; 8 - Setanta

Team

victory would put them back in the number one spot they last held more than three years ago. South Africa are likely to be without all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who played a crucial role in saving the Adelaide Test with the bat and exacerbated a hamstring injury. But skipper Graeme Smith is leaving the door open. Australia go into the Test without young quick James Pattinson, ruled out for the rest of the summer with a side injury. Former captain Ricky Ponting, 37, will play his 168th Test in Perth and tie Steve Waugh as the most capped Australian player. Coach Mickey Arthur doused speculation it would be Ponting’s final Test, declaring the veteran part of next year’s plans. AFP

Pts

Manchester United

Barcelona

Manchester City

Atlético Madrid

West Brom

Real Madrid

Chelsea

Málaga

Everton

Real Betis

Arsenal

Levante

Tottenham

Getafe

West Ham

Rayo Vallecano

Swansea

Real Valladolid

Fulham

Valencia

Liverpool

Sevilla

Stoke City

Real Sociedad

Norwich

Real Zaragoza

Newcastle

Athletic Club

Wigan Athletic

Celta de Vigo

Sunderland

Mallorca

Southampton

Granada

Aston Villa

Deportivo

Reading

Osasuna

Queens Park Rangers

Espanyol

RESULTS Sunderland Everton Manchester United Stoke City Wigan

2–4 1–1 3–1 1–0 3–2

West Brom Norwich City QPR Fulham Reading

Aston Villa Swansea City Southampton Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur

0–0 0–0 2–0 0–0 3–1

Arsenal Liverpool Newcastle United Manchester City West Ham United

Team

RESULTS Real Sociedad Rayo Vallecano Real Valladolid Málaga Real Betis

0–0 2–0 1–0 4–0 1–0

Osasuna Mallorca Granada Valencia Real Madrid

Espanyol Athletic Club Atlético Madrid Levante Real Zaragoza

0–2 1–1 4–0 0–4 0–1

Pts

Getafe Deportivo Sevilla Barcelona Celta de Vigo

Outrigger Laguna Resort and Villas, Phuket

Enjoy a valued connection. Reward yourself and experience two of Thailand’s best resorts before Christmas. For bookings call 07 633 6900 (Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas), 07 562 8900 (Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa) or email laguna@outrigger.co.th OUTRIGGER LAGUNA PHUKET RESORT AND VILLAS

OUTRIGGER PHI PHI ISLAND RESORT AND SPA

THREE BEDROOM POOL VILLA

DELUXE GARDEN BUNGALOW

THB

9,000*NET PER NIGHT

* Includes full breakfast for up to six people

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas

THB

5,500*NET PER NIGHT

* Includes full breakfast for two people

Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa

H AWA I I • F I J I • A U S T R A L I A • T H A I L A N D • B A L I • G U A M * Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas offer valid 26 Nov – 21 Dec 2012. Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort and Spa offer valid 6 Dec – 23 Dec 2012. Offers are for Thai residents only.