31-03-2017

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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

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Patong Police face corruption allegations

CORAL KILLERS

LIFE

Spreading the love for surfing

Tourists pose during a dive tour, one of the many reasons for huge coral loss. Photos: maxmillionx

OFFICIALS SCRAMBLE TO SAVE CORAL ISLAND AFTER TOURISM KILLS 75% OF REEFS

Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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he Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) will seek Cabinet approval to urgently implement coral-protection measures at Coral Island, off Phuket’s southeast coast, as early as next month.

If approved, the move will empower the DMCR to seal off reefs to prevent tourists and tour operators from causing further damage.

The news comes after researchers confirmed that over-tourism has reduced the number of corals to just 25% of what was at the busy day-trip destination 10 years ago.

DMCR Director-General Suthilak Rawiwan confirmed to The Phuket News last Friday (Mar 24) that she will appeal to Cabinet within weeks to invoke Section 22 of the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Promotion Act B.E. 2558.

A Section 22 appeal will empower

the DMCR to take drastic measures to preserve what remains of the reefs at Coral Island, known in Thai as Koh Hae. Any persons found guilty of breach of Section 22 will face up to two years in jail, a fine of up to B200,000, or both.

“Koh Hae has already been badly affected by tourism and it is now getting worse. In fact, the problems at Koh Hae are now at a critical level,” Ms Suthilak said.

“The DMCR now has a plan to

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use the Marine and Coastal Resources Management Promotion Act to control tourism in the area and reduce any further risk of damage to the marine environment,” she added.

Watcharin Thintalang, Director of the DMCR Phuket office, said the move to protect the corals at Koh Hae has been a long time coming.

“I initially wanted to use Section 17 to protect the reefs around Koh Hae, and held a public meeting in December to explain this to local...

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Tourism coral killers to be held at bay

Continued from page 1 ...residents as well as tour companies, tour guides, local vendors and longtail boatmen,” he said.

Mr Watcharin compared the move to protect reefs at Koh Hae with the measures taken at Koh Maithon, just a handful of kilometres away.

“I don’t want Coral Island to be like Koh Maithon, which was very popular for the tourism industry – until the corals there suffered damage. Those reefs are now closed to visitors to allow the marine life in the area to regenerate,” he explained.

To be included in the appeal to Cabinet will be reports from Dr Nalinee Thantham, the lead researcher at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre division dedicated to studying corals along the Andaman coast.

“The reefs at Coral Island have suffered damage from the tourism industry since at least 2007,” Dr Nalinee said.

“We keep records of coral environments along the entire Andaman coast, and Coral Island has suffered a lot of damage, especially the reefs in Kluay Nay and Yai Bay, which are popular tourist sites.

Human activities there cause damage through anchors being dropped on the reefs, ‘try

dives’ (with tourists walking on corals) and waste dumped into the sea.

“Last year our research confirmed that only 25% of the original 0.44 square kilometres of reefs measured about 10 years ago are still alive,” Dr Nalinee explained.

“Coral Island used to be the centre of marine life in the area with 20 to 30 types of corals, but now there are only four types of corals left.

The reefs at Coral Island need to be protected,” she insisted.

Mr Watcharin noted that several bureaucratic hurdles had yet to be cleared, but still expected the reef-protection measures to begin in April.

“After Cabinet approves the move, we need to send detailed maps and descriptions of the protection measures to the Phuket Provincial Committee,” he said.

“The restrictions to be discussed will include limiting the number of visitors to Coral Island as well as zones where try dives and ‘sea walk’ tours are banned,” he said.

“After the Phuket Provincial Committee process has been completed, the proposal must be supported with an official order from Bangkok, then we can start deploying buoys to protect the area,” he added.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Phuket Bike Week rolling back into town, bigger than ever > page 7

In the line of fire PM orders Patong Police corruption probe Khao Phuket thai@classactmedia.co.th

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Patong Police investigator has been moved out Phuket’s busiest resort town pending an investigation into allegations of corruption, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chano-cha confirmed this week.

Speaking to the press outside Government House on Tuesday afternoon (Mar 28), PM Gen Prayut said, “One Phuket police inspector has been moved out as there has been a complaint, and it must be investigated.

“For now we do not know the facts yet. The officer must be investigated and must be moved out from the area first.

“I know there is a fight between police and reporters in the area, but when there is a clear complaint with names, addresses, offices and details of the complaint, we must be fair to everyone,” he added.

The move follows a signed petition addressed to PM Prayut calling for Patong Police Chief Col Chaiwat Uikam and Capt Thanturong Wutthiwong to be removed from Patong immediately.

The letter accuses Col Chaiwat and Capt Thanturong,

Patong Police Chief Col Chaiwat Uikam (above) remains on active duty, but Capt Thanturong Wutthiwong has been moved out of Patong pending an investigation into allegations of corruption. Photo: The Phuket News / file who is awaiting official promotion to the rank of Police Major, of abusing their positions of power.

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

“These police refer to Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, that they know him well and are not afraid of anyone in Phuket, even the Phuket Governor or higher-ranking Phuket police.

“We have reported this to the Damrongdharma Centre (Ombudsman’s Office), the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the 41st Military Circle, but have had no reaction,” the letter added.

In addition to PM Prayut, the letter was also addressed to the Commander of Royal Thai Police, the Commander of the Royal Thai Army Region 4 (covering Southern Thailand), and the Commander of Region 8 Police (for upper Southern Thailand).

Phuket Provincial Police Chief Maj Gen Teerapol Thipjaroen confirmed to The Phuket News Thai-language sister newspaper Khao Phuket on Wednesday (Mar 29) that Capt Thanturong had been removed from active duty.

However, Gen Teerapol did not mention Col Chaiwat at all.

“For now the officer (Capt Thanturong) still holds his official position at Patong Police Station. He has not yet been ordered to vacate his position, but he is no longer on active duty in the area that people complained,” Gen Teerapol said.

“He was ordered to report to Phuket Provincial Police Station this morning. Now I do not know where he is,” he added.

Gen Teerapol noted that Capt Thanturong will face due process.

“We cannot say that the officer is guilty or not because he has yet to be investigated or proof of the allegations provided. I do not mean to protect him, but we cannot make any judgements until the investigation is finished,” he said.

Gen Teerapol cast doubt on the veracity of the allegations against the Patong officer.

MaAnn U-turns on Bang Tao beach plan THE COMMANDER OF the 25th Infantry Regiment Royal Thai Army, Col Santi Sakuntanark, has confirmed that he has now met with Chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) MaAnn Samran to discuss arrangements for beaches under Mr MaAnn’s jurisdiction.

At the meeting, held on Monday (Mar 27), Mr MaAnn argued that he wanted Bang Tao Beach to have a 10% zone, with vendors on the sand. Only last week Mr MaAnn argued that he wanted to preserve it as a protected “virgin” beach.

Meanwhile, both Mr MaAnn and Col Santi assured that Surin Beach will remain “virgin”.

Soldiers inspect Bang Tao Beach on Monday (Mar 27) Photo: Royal Thai Army Col Santi revealed on March 14 that he wanted to meet Mr MaAnn to hear why a beach club restaurant has been allowed to place dining chairs and tables on the sand at Bang Tao Beach.

At that time Col Santi told The Phuket News he was seeking an audience with Mr MaAnn after he led an inspection of Bang Tao Beach on March 13.

However, last Tuesday (Mar 21) Mr MaAnn told the Royal Thai Army in Phuket that he planned to clear Bang Tao Beach of all vendors.

During that meeting Mr MaAnn failed to explain why the beach club restaurant was on the sand.

Speaking to The Phuket News on Wednesday (Mar 29), Col Santi said, “When I talked with Mr MaAnn and inspected both Bang Tao and Surin beaches on Monday I requested to know what his proposal was for Bang Tao Beach.

“Initially Mr MaAnn wanted Bang Tao Beach to be a protected beach with no 10% zone. However, he now tells me that he wants to try a 10% zone at the beach.

“If this is the case, then

I want to see a draft plan for the 10% zone from Cherng Talay OrBorTor this week,” he said.

“If things don’t work out according to the plans then Bang Tao Beach will lose its 10% zone,” he added.

Asked if sun loungers would be allowed on Bang Tao Beach prior to the draft plan being agreed, Col Santi replied, “Yes, I want them here now.”

About the dining chairs and tables already set up on Bang Tao Beach, Col Santi said the restaurants must not cross the tree line, which officials have been tasked to inspect and confirm.

“When this is done the report must be sent directly to me,” Col Santi said.

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Silence shrouds resort electric shock deaths

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The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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halong Police have refused the identify at which resort in Rawai two Myanmar nationals were killed by an electric shock from a shower water-heater in a guestroom bathroom.

Capt Somkiet Sarasit of the Chalong Police told The Phuket News on Wednesday (Mar 29), “The resort has had every electric shower in guestrooms checked and they are safe.

“The exact cause of the electric shocks was a broken electrical wire inside the wall,” he added.

Myanmar national Khin Aye New, 31, was found dead on the floor of a guestroom bathroom at the resort last Thursday night (Mar 23).

Her hand, which showed burn marks, was still holding the shower head of an electric water heater mounted to the wall. Her body was lying in water that covered the shower room floor.

Her boyfriend, Min Thaik Non, 30, who worked at the

Lifeguards have issued a warning of high waves at the west coast beaches. Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Services

Lifeguards warn of high waves Police question staff at the resort in Rawai. Photo: Supplied resort, lay dead beside her.

He also suffered an apparent electrical shock as he tried to help her.

Capt Somkiet continued to refuse to name the resort where the couple died. Asked again on Wednesday why the name of the resort was not public information, Capt Somkiet was silent.

Also of a conflicting nature, Capt Somkiet confirmed that

so far no charges had been pressed against anyone over the deaths, but added, “It is an accident. This case is not concluded yet.”

Yet he added, “We have not pressed charges against the resort yet as we have to be very sure they are wrong. The resort might face legal action for negligence. The current owners took over the resort from a previous owner, so they

One killed as tour minivan slides ONE PERSON WAS KILLed and at least 10 more injured when a minivan driver lost control of his vehicle causing him to collide with two other vehicles in Phang Nga province, north of Phuket, last Saturday (Mar 25).

T h e m i n i v a n d r i ve r blamed the weather for the accident.

Lt Col Sanae Aukot of Muang Phang Nga Police was informed of the accident, on the Thap Put-Muang Phang Nga Rd, at 4pm.

Phang Nga City Police Chief Col Suwat Kaewprom, Capt Pairat Makephamorn, rescue teams, and a medical team from Phang Nga Hospital arrived at the scene to find a Bangkok-registered Toyota minivan belonging to Pegas Touristik with its front badly damaged.

Nearby were a Phuketregistered Isuzu pickup truck with damage along its right side and a Phuket-registered Toyota Fortuner with damage to its left side.

Capt Pairat said, “The minivan driver, Arun Yotharak, 30, from Phuket, was taking two female Russians from Krabi to Phuket when the accident occurred. The two women were taken to @thephuketnews

It is not yet known if charges are to be brought against the driver of the minivan. Photo: Phang Nga Reporters Club Phang Nga Hospital.

“Mr Arun told us that because it was as raining he lost control of his vehicle causing him to hit two other vehicles,” he said.

“Phakphoom Plearngsaeree, 60, from Phang Nga, was on the back seat of the Fortuner. He was transferred to hospital but was later pronounced dead.

“The driver of the Fortuner, Theerayut Kungit, 31, and his passengers, which included a one-and-a-half-year-old girl all sustained minor injuries and were taken to Phang Nga Hospital for treatment,” Capt Pairat added.

Ms Aucharaphan Plearng-

sri, 33, the daughter of Fortuner driver Mr Phakphoom said, “We were driving from Natoei in Phang Nga and heading to Uthairatbamrung temple when we were hit by the minivan.”

Capt Pairat said, “There were four people in the Isuzu pickup; driver Mr Nirot Kaewrot, 46, Ms Uthai Kaewrot, 43, Supphanimit Kaewrot, 8, and Sasiwimon Janhorm, 50. They all sustained serious injuries and were taken to Phang Nga and Thap Put hospitals.”

It is not reported whether any charges were to be brought against Mr Arun.

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are now developing the resort.”

Asked what had happened to the remains of Mr Min and Ms Khin, Capt Somkiet said, “They were cremated in Rawai on Monday (Mar 27). The resort owner explained what had happened to the families.

I was there too.”

The resort owner paid B270,000 baht per family for the deaths, Capt Somkiet added.

LIFEGUARDS ON PHuket beaches are warning beachgoers to take care when entering the sea along the island’s west coast due to high waves caused by the current weather conditions, which are expected to continue for another week.

“The waves started to get bigger and stronger yesterday (Mar 27),” Phuket Lifeguard Chief Prathaiyuth Chuayuan told The Phuket News this week.

“The waves at Nai Harn Beach have been particularly

high due to the weather conditions and I am concerned for beachgoers safety when conditions are like this.

“There have been a couple of minor incidents at Patong and Nai Thon beaches today (Mar 28) which have resulted in lifeguards being needed to provide first aid,” he said.

“Please be careful going to Patong, Bang Tao, Nai Thon and Nai Harn beaches,” Mr Prathaiyuth added.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast

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All 15 arrested were charged with gambling. Photo: Phuket Provincial Police

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POLICE AR R ESTED 15 gamblers in a raid in Wichit early last Sunday morning (Mar 26), including the village headman of Moo 1 in Chalong.

Officers led by Col Akanit Danpitaksarn, a Deputy Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police together with Wichit Police Deputy Superintendent Lt Col Pisit Chuernpet raided the Eat n Sleep restaurant on Wirat Hongyok Rd at 1:30am.

“There were 15 gamblers with gambling items and B45,470 cash,” said Col Akanit.

Also seized were items used in playing the classic Thai gambling game “Shrimp and Fish”, as well as a notebook of bets placed and winnings and betting chips.

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Who to be punished for causing coral damage? corals at Koh Racha.

To this, The Phuket News asks readers in our latest online poll, “Who should be held responsible environmental damage – the tourists who break the rules, or the tour guides and the companies that hire them?”

PHUKET POLL

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he past few months have seen coral preservation efforts at key tourist dive sites and coral reef attractions for day-trippers in and around Phuket ramped up to the ridiculous and shift target from the tourists themselves to the tour guides and tour companies that lead them.

The drive began in earnest in late January, when officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) posted signs at Koh Racha Yai, warning of the consequences of breaking marine conservation rules.

After a couple of “misunderstandings”, Chinese tourist Huang Yongjia, 35, was caught with two baby Parrotfish in a plastic bottle and was charged and fined a B100,000 for his infraction.

Should tourists or their guides and tour companies be held responsible for damage to Phuket's coral reefs? Photo: The Phuket News / file Officials tried the same with 53-year-old Russian tourist Olga Smirnova, but as she did not have the B100,000, she spent two nights in police lockup while awaiting trial for feeding bread to fish at Racha Yai. However, after Ms Smirnova’s dire situation, held hostage in Thailand while awaiting trial and sentencing of a token fine

College ejects violent students PHUKET TECHNOLOGY College on Tuesday (Mar 28) dismissed comments associated with a video going viral on Thai social media websites of students in a gang attack at the campus in Phuket Town by clarifying that the attack was a year ago and that the students involved had been expelled.

The video, posted with photos on Facebook on Monday by “Patthama Sawangrot”, includes a mobile phone video showing a male student punched and kicked by at least six other male students.

A student in a blue shirt comes to help, but not before the victim is beaten to the ground.

While the student lay defenceless, one of the taller attackers takes his time and kicks the student in the head.

“The incident takes place in a college in Phuket. Is this the nation’s future? This evidence has been clear to

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The video shows at least six students attacking a lone student, even after he is on the ground. everyone for a long time.

The truth is the truth. Any family who had their children attacked like this will understand how our family feels,” Ms Pattama posted with the video.

A teacher at Phuket Technology College, who declined to be named, on Tuesday confirmed, “The incident took place at our college. This happened in June last year.”

Two first-year students had a fight, and later that afternoon one of the students returned with friends to continue the fight, but this time

in a gang attack with friends, the teacher explained.

“I do not know who recorded the video,” the teacher said.

However, the battle did not end with the video.

“The student who was beaten in the gang attack got some older friends of his own – and weapons – and attacked the students in the gang that attacked him,” the teacher said.

“One of the students injured in the retaliation attack filed a report to Phuket City Police as one of his attackers cut another student with a knife.

“The students involved in either side of these attacks were kicked out from the college after the incident happened. Now today we see this video being posted on shared,” the teacher added.

“Our job is done. The rest is up to the police,” he added.

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for her misdemeanour, officials changed tack and started focusing on tour guides and tour operators.

Nonthasak Marine and one of their guides came into question for allegedly breaking off a piece of coral to kill a sea urchin in front of tourists, a claim the company strongly denies, and an illegal guide now stands accused of standing on

Responses available are: 1. Tourists should be held responsible for their own behaviour. If a tourist breaks the rules, he or she is the only one to be held responsible, not the guide.

2. Guides should be held fully responsible, not tourists, as it’s the guide’s job to ensure tourists are safe and do not break environmentalprotection laws.

3. Both tourists and their guides should be held responsible, and both should be charged.

To vote in the poll visit ThePhuketNews.com and select “Poll” from the “News” menu.

One dead while fleeing city police traffic patrol ON E M A N DI ED A N D another was injured while fleeing police near Rassada Pier outside Phuket Town last Friday (Mar 24).

Police attempted to stop the two men, who were riding a motorbike, but sped off in an attempt to escape instead.

Soon after the pair crashed into a utility pole at the entrance to Rassada Pier.

Rescue workers were unable to save one of the men at the scene, while the second man received an injury to his foot and was arrested by police at the scene of the crash.

The deceased man was identified by police as Sitthisak Keurkert, 28.

Lt Col Chao Pomna of the Phuket City Police said, “The two men tried to escape from police who were on a regular motorbike patrol.”

Police said the injured man was found in possession of kratom leaves, but declined to specify the amount or identify the man.

Rescue workers treat the man who survived the highimpact crash. Photo: Phuket City Police “I found some kratom leaves on the [injured] man.

He will be taken and tested for drugs at Vachira Hospital and will be questioned further about the incident,” added Col Chao.

Krarat Kraikeaw, 31, a driver who witnessed the accident told police that the motorbike cut in front of him before smashing into the electricity pole.

“I saw the police go to where the accident was, but I don’t know why they arrested him,” Mr Krarat said.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

That’s my elephant!

Fight for safari camp jumbo turns fishy Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he two parties claiming they own a female elephant at a tour camp in Phuket have until Friday (Mar 31) to present freshly produced copies of their original elephant registration documents to police in the hope of resolving who – if anyone – legally owns the pachyderm, which is claimed to have been stolen in Krabi 14 years ago.

The deadline was levelled at a meeting held on Friday (Mar 24) at the Amazing Bukit Safari camp in Chalong, where the disputed elephant is kept.

Present at the meeting were brothers Wan and Somsak Reangngern – both siblings who claim the elephant, which they call “Yo”, belongs to their brother Mr Chorp. Assisting the brothers in their claim was Cdr Surasak Inphrom from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command base in Tab Lamu, Phang Nga. Officials present at the meeting included Nanthasak Boonnark, who is the Chief of the Damrongdharma Centre (Ombudsman’s office) at Phuket Provincial Hall, as well as officers from the Chalong Police and the Phuket Livestock Office.

Somsak Reangngern (left), 35, and his brother file their complaint at the Damrongdhamma Centre last Friday (Mar 24). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The call for the brothers Reangngern and the owner of the Amazing Bukit Safari camp, which calls the elephant “Nampetch”, to present fresh copies of their registration documents follows Raewat Chernkaew, 54, from Trang province, south of Phuket, arriving to tell officers in person that he sold the elephant to the camp for B1.4 million in February this year.

Mr Raewat said he bought “this elephant” from a man he called “Mr Norkam” for B500,000 more than 10 years

ago, but said he could not remember Mr Norkam’s last name. However, he could recall that Mr Norkam was from Tak. Mr Raewat did not refer to “the elephant” by name.

“I have not been in contact with Mr Norkam since,” Mr Raewat said.

Also, he added, “I did not bring the (registration) documents with me. I need to go back and get them from my house.”

The Reangngern brothers will also have to travel back to the Surin province in

Northeast Thailand to source freshly issued official copies of the registration documents they have presented to claim the elephant.

Both parties must present all documents to Chalong Police, where the brothers filed a complaint earlier that day last Friday (Mar 24), the meeting was told.

Chalong Police are to send all evidence to the police station in Krabi where Mr Wan and Mr Somsak initially filed their missing elephant report 14 years ago.

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German caught for jumping red light A G E R M A N WO M A N taken into custody on Tuesday (Mar 28) for jumping a red light in Chalong proceeded to throw a hissy fit at the officers who stopped her and tossed her car keys onto the roof of an adjacent building.

Chalong Police were informed at 9:55am that a car heading towards Chalong had jumped a red light at the junction for Sun Palm Village on Chao Fa East Rd. Lt Thanakrit Eiamchonlakam of the Chalong Police together with four other officers promptly went to Chalong Circle and waited for the subject vehicle.

After a short while the vehicle arrived and was stopped by the officers.

Lt Thanakrit said, “The vehicle was a black Bangkokregistered BMW X1 and the driver was a German woman named Sandra Christiane Grunewald, 55. She was speaking on the telephone when we stopped her.

“We asked Ms Grunewald to step out of the vehicle but she wouldn’t and continued to talk on the phone,” he said.

“After 15 minutes she finally came out of the car and I asked to see her driving licence and passport. She was not happy with his and shouted out loud. She then grabbed her handbag, walked

Ms Grunewald was caught jumping the red light at the junction for Sun Palm Village on Choa Fa East Rd. to a nearby plant pot and proceeded to empty her handbag into the pot.

“She then threw her car keys on to the roof of a nearby building which an officer had to retrieve,” he added.

Ms Grunewald was taken to Chalong Police Station and charged with driving through a red light and endangering public safety.

Lt Chanat Hongsitthichaikul also of the Chalong Police added, “Ms Grunewald has already been taken to Phuket Provincial Court where she is awaiting trial for breaking the Land Transport Act. For this she could be jailed for no longer than three months or fined between B2,000 and B10,000, or both.

W hen asked if Ms Grunewald would be given bail, Lt Chanat replied, “I don’t know, that is for the court to decide.”

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Van driver slapped with B500 fine for ‘reckless traffic ram’ A PH U K ET COM M ERCI A L passenger van driver has been fined B500 for crossing the centre line in traffic and ploughing into the side of a pickup truck and then slamming into the side of a car, causing a four-vehicle pile-up in Cherng Talay last Sunday afternoon (Mar 26).

The accident occurred on the Baan Don – Cherng Talay Rd near the traffic lights at the intersection to enter the Laguna resort complex at 2pm, confirmed Lt Col Rassada

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Kleungwong of the Cherng Talay Police.

CCTV footage of the accident made available showed that the force of the impact from the van spun the pickup truck sideways and sent the canopy cover from the pickup’s bed onto the road.

The van narrowly missed a motorbike that was following close behind the pickup truck, but the van then slammed into the side of a car immediately after passing the motorbike.

The motorbike driver could not avoid hitting the now-stopped pickup truck.

Somehow, there were no serious injuries in the accident.

“Only the pickup truck diver and the motorbike driver sustained minor injures,” said Col Rasssada.

There were no passengers in the van at the time of the accident, he added.

“All drivers were taken to Cherng Talay Police Station for for the statements, and the diver of

the van, Rutsalan Jitlang, 25, was charged with reckless driving,” Col Rassada said.

“Mr Rutsalan said he was overtaking a car when he lost control of the vehicle,” he explained.

Rutsalan tested negative for alcohol and has a valid commercial driver’s licence, confirmed Col Rassada.

Mr Rutsalan was fined B500, Col Rassada said. “He is now free to continue driving,” he added.

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The van slammed into the side of the pickup truck while it driver, Rutsalan Jitlang, 25, was trying to overtake a car. Screengrab: CCTV footage courtesy of Tan Promedic Phuket

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Given the extent of the damage it appears that the vehicle was travelling at high speed when the accident occurred. Photo: Phuket City Police

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Laem Singh deadline

Vendors told no more access after April 7 Suthicha Sirirat editor@classactmedia.co.th

Teen killed as taxi slams motorbike

AN 18-YEAR-OLD MALE motorcyclist died after he was struck at high speed by a taxi on the bypass road in the early hours of last Saturday (Mar 25).

Maj Natthaya Suwanpong of the Phuket City Police said she was informed of the accident, in front of the Ikea store, at about 1:15am.

Police at the scene found Kitsada Chanmanee, 18, covered in blood and lying on the road.

Near Mr Kitsada’s motorbike was a metered taxi with extensive damage to its front end and its windscreen smashed from the impact.

Given the extent of the damage it appears that the vehicle was travelling at high

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speed when the accident occurred.

Rescue workers transported Mr Kitsada to hospital but he died en route.

Taxi driver Athitwarat Samanthong, 37, told police at the scene that he was taking two foreign tourists from the airport to Patong when Mr Kitsada, apparently attempting a U-turn, cut in front of him and he was unable avoid hitting him.

Maj Natthaya said she would seek to obtain CCTV camera footage of the accident to confirm Mr Athitwarat’s statement.

Mr Athitwarat was taken to Phuket City Police Station to be charged with reckless driving causing death.

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endors at Laem Singh Beach in Kamala have been given until April 7 to access the beach – after that date they will no longer be permitted to cross the privately owned land to operate their businesses on the sand.

The news came at a meeting last Thursday (Mar 23) headed by Col Dusadee Arawuit, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, and Lt Col Prawut Wongseenin, Director of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Bureau of Consumer Protection and Environmental Crime.

The meeting was held after Col Duasdee and Col Prawut inspected Laem Singh Beach earlier that day in response to local vendors filing a complaint about being forced to pay to cross private land to access the beach.

Bangkok Broadcasting & TV Co Ltd (BBTV), the company that broadcasts Thai TV Channel 7, privatised

Col Dusadee speaks with one of the vendors at Laem Singh Beach. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat access to Laem Singh Beach in July last year and started charging B100 per person to cross beachfront land that the company claims to own. Access across the land is open only from 7am to 7pm, the company announced with a large sign posted at the site.

Further aggravating the local beach vendors in their repeated complaints about their restricted access to the beach was a blockade set up earlier this month preventing them from accessing the beach, spurring the vendors

to stage another protest last Monday (Mar 13).

To this, Col Santi Sakuntanark, Commander of the 25th Infantry Regiment and the highest-ranking army officer stationed in Phuket, told The Phuket News last week, “I know. We told the Phuket Highways Office to block the upper entrance. I don’t want people and tourists to park and go down there.

“Sun loungers are not allowed on Laem Singh Beach, as it was named one of the ‘virgin beaches’ under the

original beach management policy… We know people are being charged to cross land to access the beach, and we began investigating this at the beginning of March.”

Pairote Thanakunwinij, a legal representative from BBTV, told the meeting, “The land deeds the company has for this land are genuine. The company bought the 55 rai of land in 1986. There are no mentions on the land deeds of any public thoroughfare across the land. We will allow anyone to check this, not just officials,” Mr Pairote said.

“The company allowed residents to cross the land to access the beach for 31 years (sic) and never charged for it, that changed when the government started its beach management policy.

“Laem Singh was ordered to be a virgin beach – so the company planned to develop the area, but residents asked for extra time to keep working on the beach. The company agreed to allow access for another year and eight months, but that period will expire on April 7,” he said.

Pickup ploughs into four vehicles Artificial reef corals growing well THE DRIVER OF A MOtorbike and her passenger were seriously injured when an out-of-control pickup truck ploughed into their and other vehicles off Thepkrasattri Rd Wednesday night last week (Mar 22).

The driver of the pickup has been charged with reckless driving.

Lt Pacharathorn Janeiat of the Thalang Police was informed of the accident, in front of the Kammakwai Restaurant in Moo 5, Srisoonthorn, off the southbound side of Thepkrasattri Rd, at 10:30pm.

Police and rescue workers

Rescue workers attend to Ms Vassana at the scene of the wipeout. arrived at the scene to find a 16-year-old boy and 25-yearold woman who had sustained serious injuries after being hit by the pickup.

The woman, Vassana Kaewsathorn, had sustained two broken legs. The boy,

Eakkalak Kaewsathorn and Ms Vassana’s brother, had sustained injuries to his head.

Both were taken to Thalang Hospital, however, Ms Vassana was later taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital due to the severity of her injuries.

Lt Pacharathorn said, “The driver of pickup truck, Amorn Decharun, 29, told us that he made a U-turn and drove at high speed along the road which was being relaid. He lost control of the vehicle and hit two parked cars and motorbike and the Yamaha Fino that was travelling on the road.”

Eakkapop Thongtub

DEPARTMENT OF MArine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) officials have announced they are impressed with coral growth at the artificial reef near Koh Maithon.

The announcement comes after Pitul Panchaiyaphum, Director of the DMCR’s Conservation and Restoration of Marine and Coastal Resource Division in Bangkok, led an official DMCR and volunteer joint inspection at Koh Maithon, last Saturday (Mar 25). A team of volunteer divers also planted 250 sea

DMCR officials and volunteers held a joint inspection of the coral restoration at Koh Maithon. fans at the artificial reef near Koh Maithon, off the east coast of Phuket, on March 18 as part of the ongoing coral-restoration campaign.

Mr Pitul said, “The coral has established itself on concrete blocks scattered over five rai that were dropped here about one year ago.”

“There are over 300 colonies of coral growing on the blocks. I think over the next five years the coral will have grown considerably and established a new reef to help attract marine life.

If nothing disturbs them, the coral will cover all of the concrete blocks within 10 years,” Mr Pitul added.

Eakkapop Thongtub

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Big turnout expected for Bike Week 2017

PHUKET NEWS

7

Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

M

ore than 50,000 participants from over 30 countries together with more than 5,000 vehicles are expected to take part in Phuket Bike Week 2017, to be held from April 14-22, this year with the theme ‘World Ride Together’.

This year’s edition, marking the annual event’s 23rd anniversary, will see three days of events at Loma Park in Patong, on April 14-16, and the final day to be celebrated in Saphan Hin, Phuket Town, on April 22.

As is now tradition, over the course of the week the event will host a variety of activities and entertainment performances, including car contests, classic motorbike exhibitions, exhibitions of the latest bike models, Miss and Mr Phuket Bike Week pageants and many sales booths offering bike accessories.

In the evenings will be concerts and performances by international artists and leading Thai artists.

The new Chao Fa Bridge is now complete and slated to open after Songkran. Image: Google Maps

B55mn bridge set to open after Songkran

Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan arrives in style at the Phuket Bike Week 2017 press launch last Friday (Mar 24). Photo: Shela Riva “This event brings me a lot of happiness,” said Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthanat at the press launch last Friday (Mar 24).

“A lot of my close friends are big bike lovers. The big bike community is very intimate and encourages love for one another here in Phuket.”

With this year’s event theme “World Ride Together”, Phuket

Bike Week organiser Wittaya “Sumon” Singkalah noted, “I would like to promote this event and make it a world class activity, as well as attract more tourists to visit Thailand.”

In driving its social responsibility themes, Bike Week will also include an activity to help restock sea animals as well as its “Safe Riding – Helmets on heads; lights on

Expat praised for fixing holey road while local officials pass the buck A FOR EIGN MAN HAS gained high praise on Facebook for fixing huge potholes in a road in Nai Yang, on Phuket’s west coast, instead of waiting for local authorities, who local residents have blamed for the road falling into such poor condition.

The post, which includes photos and a video, posted by “FF Porkar Lukchin Ping” last Friday (Mar 24), said, “He mixed cement and sand to fix the road himself. No government offices responded to the small road surface problem.

“This road is three km away from Phuket International Airport. I am very ashamed. There are more than 10 holes in the road. I was driving past him while he was fixing the road. He is around 50 years old. Thank you to the foreigner, speechless for the government offices.”

An outpouring of comments from Thais thanked the foreign man and complained about government offices.

Some comments said how shameful the road was for Thai people.

One resident confirmed, “This road is Soi Bangmalauw @thephuketnews

A Phuket expat was praised for fixing several large potholes in the road. Photo: FF Porkar Lukchin Ping 11 Moo 1 in Thalang.” The soi extends west from the main road through Nai Yang, which leads to Phuket airport, and heads east in the Bang Khanoon protected forest area.

“This dusty road is tarred but now it is damaged and has holes. The man in the photo lives on that road,” said the resident.

“Lots of tr ucks car r y soil along that road from a well-known housing estate in the area. The road has been repaired twice before by Phuket OrBorJor (Provincial Administration Organisation, or “PPAO”).

“The way to solve this problem is that the Sakoo OrBorTor (Tambon Administration Organisation) must restrict the trucks that use this

road. Residents in the area are going to (file a) complaint,” the resident added.

Sakoo OrBorTor Chief Kittikorn Pratheep na Thalang was not available when The Phuket News called, but his secretary, who asked not to be named, said, “We have checked with our lawyer and this road is not under our jurisdiction. It is ‘near’ (sic) the Bang Khanoon protected forest area – the last time this road was fixed it was fixed by the OrBorJor – it would be best to ask them.”

However, an officer at the Phuket OrBorJor Division of Public Works, who also asked not to be named, told The Phuket News, “Technically, we are not responsible for this road either.”

Regarding the two times the OrBorJor carried out repairs to the road, he noted, “Those instances could have been the result of special requests for assistance.

“Once the complaint about the state of the road has been filed, we’ll see what we can – or cannot – do to help,” he added.

Eakkapop Thongtub

bikes” campaign.

Bike Week participants will also be donating to underprivileged schools and a day-care facility for mothers in prison.

Regarding the event’s promotion of road safety, Gov Chockchai said, “I have never seen a big bike rider without a helmet on. They help us to promote road safety within the community.”

A N EW BR I D GE A N D road located behind the King Power duty-free mega-store on Chao Fa West Rd that has cost B55 million and taken just over two years to build are expected to open after Songkran.

The Chao Fa Bridge, as it is called, and the road that traverses it will connect Chao Fa West Rd to Muang Chaofah Rd. Ratchintin Co Ltd began construction in 2015 and was given 720 days to complete the project, explained the company’s project manager Pirapong Pongpradit.

The bridge, now complete, spans 80 metres over a lake, leaving only 175m of road to be laid.

The Department of Rural

Roads is responsible for this project. The bridge features four lanes of concrete road over two spans, each 8.8m wide.

Footpaths flank the outside lanes, giving pedestrians a total of three meters width to themselves.

“The project deadline was extended by 32 days as the contractor was ordered to halt work during New Year and Songkran holidays over the past three years,” Mr Pirapong said.

“The government didn’t want construction vehicles on the roads (during the holidays) because they would cause traffic jams or accidents,” he explained.

“Now it is set to be complete by April 17 this year,” Mr Pirapong said.

Shela Riva

Opinion 8

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

editor@classactmedia.co.th

CONTACT US

editor@classactmedia.co.th 076 612 550 KODCHANAT THINSEPON Editor

CHRIS HUSTED

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

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

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EDITORIAL

Jumping the gun

arely a day passes without the police, for good or ill, gracing the news and their actions, or lack of action, regularly drawing harsh criticism from our readers.

Police deserve such comments when they fail to carry out even the most basic steps of standard police practice – such as testing a driver for alcohol immediately after a fatal road accident.

Worse, the recent refusal by police to identify the resort where two people were killed by an electric shock from a bathroom water heater is beyond excuse. That information is important to public safety and under an actual government, with a constitution actually in force, that information would and should be a matter of public record.

However, despite the regular negative examples,

sometimes Phuket police do good work – like the long slog to reel in the killers of Patong tuk-tuk boss Sakol Srisompotch – for which they deserve praise. Of note, rarely is such good work acknowledged by regular commenters on our website.

When police fail to take action, The Phuket News calls them out for it, and on this point we stand by our record. However, we also call on readers not to jump to negative conclusions about the police’s actions until the facts are known. Conversely, police can do a lot more to help themselves by replacing speculation with fact.

A case in point is the stalled criminal prosecution against the developers of the failed Ace Condo project in Patong. The Phuket News recently learned that negotiations were underway between the

developers and investors – and if the negotiations were successful, the criminal complaint would be withdrawn. That information came via one of the disgruntled buyers, not the police.

By simply explaining this to the press police could have ended any speculation that they were paid to stall the investigation. By not saying anything they have allowed spectators to fill the void with negative assumptions and cynicism.

This example serves as a reminder that readers are better off basing their opinions on what is known, rather than what is not. As the saying goes, it’s better to light a candle than curse the dark. The Phuket News is trying to light as many candles as possible and we hope our readers can appreciate that light and take pause before they curse the darkness that remains.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Two killed in Phuket resort shower electric shock One killed, several injured when minivan driver loses control off Phuket Phuket Opinion: The uniform maketh the man Phuket court hands suspended sentence for jetski death Lifeguards issue warning of high waves at Phuket beaches One man dead, another injured after fleeing police traffic stop in Phuket Town Phuket expat praised for fixing holey road Phuket van driver slapped with B500 fine for ‘reckless traffic ram’ German woman awaits trial in Phuket for jumping red light Campaign launched to clear cable tangles from Patong streets

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Rage on the roads

Re: German woman awaits trial in Phuket for jumping red light And while still in court, a hefty fine for using the phone while driving would also be appropriate. And another one for not following the orders of the police. What a moron.

Fritz Pinguin Finally someone has been stopped for running a red light. Completely right for stopping her but very convenient it was a foreigner in a BMW. I see countless Thais r unning red lights everyday, in front of police at busy junctions, and nothing is ever done.

They simply turn a blind eye. It makes me sick. I’ve nearly been hit numerous times by idiots doing this.

And just because Thais do it at every light it doesn’t mean foreigners should copy them.

Alex R ...................................................

Who’s responsible?

Re: Phuket Poll: Should tour guides or tourists be charged for coral damage?

We all know by now that es-

pecially Chinese tourists don’t listen to advice. It would take one tour guide for one tourist to make sure everything runs smooth.

Eagle Thais are so focused/fascinated by only having Thai tour guides. Ok, I respect that thinking/setting. But that doubles the Thai tour guide’s responsibility of what his foreign tourist group is doing.

T he T hai tou r g u ide knows everything that is ok or not ok about what his foreign tourist group is doing.

When a tourist in his tour group is doing something wrong the Thai tour guide should be held responsible.

After all, it is the Thai officials who say: Only Thai people can be tour guides, because only the Thai tour guides know about the Thai laws. So? Kurt ...................................................

Do it yourself

Re: Phuket expat praised for fixing holey road, local administrations panned He’ll probably be kicked out of the country for working

without a permit... Oh, and making the useless OBorJor look... well, useless.

Timothy Well done for your efforts sir.

The local residents appreciate your DIY efforts! Yes, in Thailand I have noticed if you polish one shoe, the other polishes itself, hopefully this will be enough media exposure to get a “crackdown” on potholes to be initiated.

The loss of face by the authorities for not doing their job may also incite a humbled manager to pull out the “work permit” card on this helpful expat. Shame on the manager if he tries that gutless stunt.

Skip ...................................................

Hidden killers

Re: Two killed in Phuket resort shower electric shock Who installed it? Where were they educated to do these installations? How many did they install? Where did they, and others, who were trained like them, install them? Like snakes ready to strike, Anyone could be next.

Rich 44

Sporting star rises Re: ‘Toy’ Story: BISP student takes title honours at Faldo Series Final

Congratulations Toy! One of the nicest, most polite, humble, hardworking, and above all, talented young men I ever met. Hope we get to team up again in next years interclub tournament. Well done!

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

Same old story

Re: Phuket court hands suspended sentence to Aussie tourist Keating for jet-ski death So, after this tragedy and farcical display by Thai authorities, the end result is that families are devastated, lives are shattered, some palms are likely well greased and pockets well lined, and the jet-ski mafia continues as if nothing ever happened.

Sad state of affairs in this place. Best to put your head in the sand and try not to get caught up in the third world goings on here... just try to enjoy the natural beauty of the place while there is still some left.

BenPendejo

Have an opinion? Comment on stories at thephuketnews.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

THAILAND NEWS

9

Police hunt Tinder conmen Two sought for setting up fake accounts to swindle other men BANGKOK Bangkok Post

P

olice are looking for two men suspected of using pictures of at least three Thai Airways International (THAI) air hostesses to cheat men via a dating application.

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) said it was investigating a complaint filed by two of the air hostesses, who were not named, employed by THAI, and who claimed their pictures had been posted online without their knowledge to swindle money from at least 30 men.

A CSD source said one of the men who says he fell victim to the scam told police he had wired B15,000 to one of the three air hostesses’ accounts after she claimed to be in need of cash overseas.

The man, who was not identified, told police he registered to use the Tinder dating application and came across a good-looking woman who claimed to be working for the national carrier.

As they began chatting,

Currently the world’s most popular online-hookup app, Tinder claims to have made 10 billion matches, but some recent Bangkok matches have been downright scams and have cost some people a small fortune. Photo: via Bangkok Post he did not suspect anything was amiss as the woman kept sending him updated pictures of her online.

They kept in contact regularly and he was under the impression they were in a relationship. The woman, however, avoided meeting

him in person saying she was busy with flight duties overseas.

One day, she told him she had lost her credit card while in another country and asked him for a loan of B15,000, which he transferred to her.

After that, she became distant,

Smuggling suspect surrenders SAMUT PRAKAN ONE OF THE TWO WOMen suspected of attempting to smuggle 21 rhino horns into the country in a suitcase that arrived on a flight from Africa surrendered to Suvarnabhumi Airport police on Monday (Mar 27).

Thitirat Ara-i, 56, and Kansinee Anutranusat, 41, were wanted under arrest warrants approved by the Samut Prakan Provincial Court on charges of smuggling untaxed materials into the country in violation of the Customs Act and Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act. Mrs Thitirat surrendered to Suvarnabhumi Police on Monday afternoon.

She said she knew Ms Kansinee, the other suspect, because they ran a garment export business together.

Mrs Thitirat said that on arriving back at Suvarnabhumi Airport on March 10 from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, she received a phone call from Ms Kansinee, who was also at the airport, asking her to help pick up a suitcase @thephuketnews

The two women (circled) are seen here being escorted through customs by airport officials when they saw the suitcase being x-rayed. Photo: screengrab containing clothes for sale.

She went to conveyor belt No.9, picked up the suitcase, put it on a trolley and walked on to meet Ms Kansinee, not knowing that it contained rhinoceros horns.

According to police, Ms Kansinee had arrived from Vietnam about the same time as the suitcase containing the horns arrived from Nairobi on Kenya Airlines flight KQ 886. The bag was conveyed into the airport luggage collection area on belt No.9.

The two women were being escorted through customs by airport officials

when they saw the suitcase being x-rayed. They quickly walked away.

Gen Chalermkiat Srivorakhan, a Deputy Police Chief who went to the airport to question Mrs Thitirat, said police were convinced they had sufficient evidence against the suspects.

As for a public prosecutor and two police officers who were seen accompanying the suitcase, Gen Chalermkiat said they were being investigated by their respective offices, to find out how they were involved.

Bangkok Post

prompting the man to tell his friends who agreed he might have been duped.

The man went to the Bang Yi Khan Police to lodge a complaint in Bangkok last month.

Earlier, the two air hostesses filed a complaint with

the CSD alleging their pictures had been taken from their Facebook pages and used to cheat men on the dating application.

They said they had received phone calls from different men who insisted the air hostesses had received money from them but refused to meet them.

The two women maintained they had no idea what was going on as the airline set up an inquiry to investigate them. They suspected their photos were being used in a scam.

One air hostess said she had now been charged with fraud and was informed of the charge against her at a local police station in Bangkok.

She said the criminal action has tarnished her reputation and put her career at risk as she faces the prospect of disciplinary action.

Meanwh ile, the CSD sou rce said police have launched an investigation into the case. According to the police, pictures of attractive air hostesses were taken from their Facebook pages by the

culprits who uploaded them on the dating application to dupe mostly single men as well as married men looking to hook up with women.

The source said police fou nd victims had been tricked into transferring millions of baht to the suspects between 2014 and last year.

THAI has also sought help from the CSD police to look into the matter. The police believe at least three THAI air hostesses’ photos were used in the scam.

The police said their investigation has narrowed down the culprits to two men, one of whom is wanted under nine arrest warrants on charges of swindling and fraud. The investigators were also checking the criminal background of the other man.

The police believe the two suspects live together on the outskirts of Bangkok.

The suspects, according to the source, took the three air hostesses’ pictures and changed their names, obviously intending to complicate the police investigation and mislead them.

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Traffic fines database System to facilitate motorists failing to comply with traffic rules NATIONWIDE Bangkok Post

P

olice, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) and Krungthai Bank have been rushing to jointly develop a database system to facilitate punishments for motorists who fail to comply with new traffic rules within a month.

The new database system that will connect the Royal Thai Police’s (RTP) traffic ticket database with the DLT’s vehicle registration database system and the state enterprise bank’s transaction system is expected to be ready for use in one month, Assistant National Police Chief Witthaya Prayongphan said.

Speaking after a meeting last week with the DLT and Krungthai Bank, he said this cooperation is aimed at facilitating the strict enforcement of laws on vehicles and land transport required under orders from National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Chief Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Gen Prayut has exercised his special power allowed under Section 44 of the interim charter to order police and land transport authorities to strictly enforce the traffic laws, in an attempt to improve road safety ahead of the upcoming

While the new plan has been sold as ‘traffic enforcement’, in truth it is all about fine collections, with emphasis on enforcing seat-belt laws. Photo: Bangkok Post Songkran holiday.

The order was published on March 21 and took effect immediately.

Although the RTP has its database system connected with that of the DLT already, information shared via the linked computer system at this point is only some basic information, not the traffic ticket fine payment system, he said.

More than 80% of traffic tickets issued and sent by post to offenders last year remain unpaid, he said. A large portion of these tickets were issued for speeding

which has been found to be a leading cause of heavy road casualties, especially during the New Year and Songkran holidays, he said.

Before last Tuesday’s (Mar 21) Section 44 order, the DLT did not have the authority to monitor unpaid traffic tickets and handle the fine payments, he said.

The order basically allows for stricter enforcement of two laws, one for vehicles and the other for land transport, DLT Deputy Director-General Kamol Buranaphong said.

Under this order, the stringent seat belt fastening

regulation now applies to only the driver and frontseat passenger’s seats in personal cars – seven-seater and smaller-sized ones – registered between Jan 1, 1988 and Jan 31, 2012, he said.

All people, drivers and passengers alike, travelling in taxis registered from Jan 1, 2011 are required to fasten seat belts under the same order, he said.

All people travelling in passenger vans registered on April 1, 2012 or later, are required to fasten seat belts, he said, adding that the same seat belt-fastening rule applies

to only the driver’s seat and the front passenger’s seat when it comes to songtaew, pickup trucks with an extended cab, and motorised tricycles.

The reason is these types of vehicles are not suitable for installing seat belts for all seats, he said.

All people travelling on inter-provincial passenger buses with a maximum of 20 seats are also required to fasten their seat belts, he said.

Taxi d r ivers who are caught allowing more than five people to travel in the same taxi at the same time will face punishment, while each of the passengers who fail to fasten their seat belts will face a maximum fine of B500, he said.

The RTP is also considering adopting a new format of traffic ticket to improve clarity and also incorporate the driver’s balance of points demonstrating his or her obedience to traffic rules in the ticket as well, Lt Gen Witthaya said.

For instance, motorists will be punished by having their points cut by 30 for an incidence of speeding, while taxi drivers may face a 60-point cut punishment for refusing to take a passenger, he said.

The measures will be strictly enforced within 30 days, he said.

Seat belts have been proven to help save the lives of 34% involved in severe accidents, particularly the lives of passengers sitting in back seats, said Dr Thanapong Jinvong, program manager of the Road Safety Group Thailand.

He said that he supports the move to strictly enforce the law on the maximum number of people allowed to travel in the same car.

In one accident that occurred during last year’s Songkran festival, four out of 10 people travelling in a Honda Jazz car were killed, although a maximum of five people are permitted to travel in this type of vehicle, he said.

The NCPO’s order has received both positive and negative reactions from some motorists.

Businessman Boonchai Chueachanwong, 49, said tougher traffic law enforcement could present a chance for unscrupulous traffic police to make money out of collecting bribes in exchange for not giving offenders a traffic ticket.

“Honestly, many buckle up only when the police are in sight and unfasten the belt as soon as the police are gone,” said Mr Boonchai. He does, however, agree with strict legal measures against those failing to pay their traffic ticket fines.

Thai tiger cub footage sparks Doctor awaits punishment molesting female nurse hope for endangered species forLAMPANG UTHAI THANI

CONSERVATION ISTS Tuesday (Mar 28) hailed the discovery of a new breeding population of tigers in Thailand as a “miraculous” victory for a sub-species nearly wiped out by poaching.

Images of tigers, including six cubs, captured by camera traps in an eastern Thai jungle throughout 2016, confirm the presence of what is only the world’s second known breeding population of the endangered Indochinese tiger.

The only other growing population – the largest in the world with about three dozen tigers – is based in a western forest corridor in Thailand near the border with Myanmar.

“The extraordinary re-

First evidence of breeding tigers and cubs in eastern Thailand in over 15 years. Photo: DNP/Freeland bound of eastern Thailand's tigers is nothing short of miraculous,” said John Goodrich, the tiger program director at Panthera, a wild cat preservation group that backed the survey.

The camera trap footage, which shows female tigers and their cubs traipsing through the leafy jungle, was captured with help from the anti-trafficking group Freeland and Thai park au-

thorities.

Indochinese tigers once roamed across much of Asia.

But today only an estimated 221 remain, with the vast majority in Thailand and a handful in neighbouring Myanmar.

Aggressive poaching, weak law enforcement and habitat loss has rendered the animals all but extinct in other countries.

AFP

AUTHORITIES ARE CONsidering punishment including disciplinary action against a male doctor who recently molested a female nurse at a hospital in Lampang province while on duty.

The Public Health Ministry already launched an investigation into the report on the molestation at Muang Pan Hospital in Muang Pan district on Feb 18 after the incident was posted and criticised in social media.

Such posts included what appeared to be a blurred picture captured from surveillance camera footage showing a tall person trying to push a smaller person wearing a nurse-like uniform.

Local police said that the nurse first complained about lewd behaviour. She later pressed detention charges as

The CCTV picture was widespread posted along with reports of nurse molestation by a doctor. Photo: via Bangkok Post well since the incident allegedly happened in a room of the doctor on duty. Police noted that the nurse had scratches on her left elbow and left wrist and her upper lip was also injured.

The nurse was quoted as saying that her colleague captured her wrists, kissed her on the lips, grabbed her breasts and squeezed her nipple. The doctor confessed to the offence, police said.

Reports said the nurse managed to escape when someone called the doctor for his service.

After the incident, public health authorities transferred the nurse to a hospital in Chiang Mai province as she requested because her family was there.

The concerned doctor was moved to another hospital in Lampang.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

ASIA NEWS 11

Myanmar wizardry flourishes

Since the 2011 handover of power, magic is back in the open MYANMAR AFP

F

rom spells to win back an errant lover to help communing with the spirits, Myanmar’s mediums, soothsayers and wizards dabbling in the occult, are in high demand.

Most people here believe in a brand of Buddhism laced with animism and magic, but since the end of military rule such practices have burst into the open.

Win Win Aye is a parttime medium, who claims she has cured dozens of people of illnesses and curses – with the assistance of benevolent Buddhist spirits.

“I know when they have possessed me,” the 42-yearold said from her house in Thalyin, near Yangon, shortly after a session, which she conducts for free as a hobby.

“When I want to say something my mouth can’t form the words, the person who possesses me says what he or she wants,” she explains.

During the British colonial era and the half-century of military rule that followed many people used “weikza” – semi-divine Buddhist wizard-saints – to fight their oppressors.

Most of these sects were disbanded or pushed underground by the generals who seized power in 1962, deeply

Part-time medium Win Win Aye is possessed in her house on the outskirts of Yangon. Photo: Jiji/AFP superstitious themselves they lived in fear of a supernatural strike back.

General Ne Win, who was prime minister in the 1950s and 1960s, was said to be particularly obsessed with the occult: he reportedly bathed in dolphins’ blood believing it would help him regain his youth.

In the 1980s he almost ruined Myanmar’s economy by changing bank notes to denominations of his lucky number – nine.

But since the 2011 hando-

Drunk pals cause flood with prank VIETNAM A BOOZY PRANK THAT saw three men open the floodgates of a reservoir in central Vietnam resulted in crops being destroyed and may lead to hot season water shortages, officials said last week.

The men were detained after their drunken high jinks in south-central Phu Yen province unleashed two million cubic metres of water, equivalent to about 800 Olympic-size swimming pools.

Officials said several hectares of sugarcane fields were washed away and thousands of tonnes of crops destroyed in two nearby hamlets on account of the men’s antics.

Local police also said the March 15 incident could cause water shortages and drought @thephuketnews

Thousands of tonnes of crops were destroyed by the men’s antics. Photo: Hoang Dinh Nam/AFP as the hot season approaches.

“Police are investigating the incident to estimate the total amount of damage, so we could find a way to help affected residents,” Pham Dinh Phung, vice president of Son Hoa district government office, said.

The reservoir has been in operation since 2015, designed to prevent flooding, store excess water and provide irrigation for farmers.

AFP

ver of power by the junta, magic is back in the open for ordinary people.

Sorcery courses are popping up across the country, and many so-called experts are sharing their knowledge of witchcraft in journals and online.

“Ever since the Burmese censor board was dissolved [in 2012] there has been an explosion in these kinds of magical manuals,” says Thomas Patton, an expert on Southeast Asian magical practices at Hong Kong’s City University.

“I would argue they are one of, if not the most, widelyread genres in Myanmar,” he adds.

In an unassuming apartment in northwest Yangon, Linn Nhyo Taryar wraps a straw figurine with black tape and places it in the centre of a circle adorned with magical symbols.

The skinny 21-year-old closes his eyes and mutters incantations to “activate” the doll in readiness for his first class as a magic teacher.

The soft-spoken sorcerer

started studying magic aged five, beginning by reading tarot cards then gradually building up an online following on Facebook.

“Magic is the art of receiving the power of nature.

Without the power of nature, we can’t do anything,” he explains.

“In magic, it depends if you want to do good things or bad things: if you do a bad thing, it will be black magic.

If you do a good thing, then it will be white magic.”

Minutes later more than a dozen students start crowding into the room, eager to learn arts they hope will safeguard their loved ones – and their wallets.

Linn Nhyo Taryar shows them how to create voodoo dolls, draw magical charts and cast spells using rituals involving bananas and incense.

“I want to be able to help and protect my family with magic if something [bad] happens to us,” says student Paing Soe Naung, 25.

M a y S a n d a r Ky i , a 49-year-old merchant, adds, “I am very interested in it because others treat me unfairly, like when they don’t give me back [money] they take from me.”

But while magical practices are increasingly tolerated in Myanmar, some still fear the power of the supernatural.

A week after attending his

lesson, Linn Nhyo Taryar was arrested after scared social media users told police he was teaching people how to use black magic.

Belief in sorcery can also have tragic consequences.

In October, a self-proclaimed exorcist beat two toddlers and an eight-monthold baby to death in a village outside Yangon after telling their families they were possessed.

Appearing at court the following month the alleged killer, Tun Naing, told reporters he had been taken over by a “dark spirit” at the time.

Zaw Min, a master from the popular sect of Shwe Yin Kyaw, says only people of “good virtue” should carry out exorcisms.

“We have no right to attack others,” the 50-year-old said.

“If we break this rule, we will be in trouble.”

Still, Patton says many people believe magic was behind the biggest change in Myanmar for a generation: the end of military rule and the election of Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD party in 2015.

“People always looked to these magical saints or wizards or sorcerers to help them bring peace and democracy,” he says.

“Now that has happened a lot of these people believe that ‘wow, this magic really does work.’”

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

It’s all gone to the dogs London greyhound racing a victim of cultural shifts, housing crisis UNITED KINGDOM AFP

O

nce a hugely popular working man’s sport, last Saturday (Mar 25) marked the final demise of greyhound racing in London, closing a chapter of British social culture in the capital.

More than 20 dog tracks have been dotted around London since modern greyhound racing was introduced to Britain in the 1920s, drawing in punters for a cheap evening’s entertainment.

Wimbledon Stadium is the last one standing, but it, too, now faces the bulldozers – a victim of cultural shifts and the city’s housing crisis.

The time-worn ground, built in 1928, is set to be replaced by around 600 flats to service the soaring London property market, and a new 11,000-seater home for third-tier football team AFC Wimbledon.

At the penultimate racing event, followers of the competitive sport lamented the closure.

Dressed in a flat cap, a beige overcoat, a blue spotted silk scarf and a yellow tie with greyhounds on, trackside bookmaker John Henwood, 68, has taken bets at almost every Wimbledon race meeting for

Once a hugely popular working man’s sport, last Saturday marked the final demise of greyhound racing in London, closing a chapter of British social culture in the capital. Photo: AFP

the past 34 years.

“It will be a really, really sad loss,” he said.

“In days of yore, it was perceived as a cloth-cap sport enjoyed by the working man,” he said.

“But now we have a cosmopolitan clientele right across the age and social spectrum.

And a big proportion of female attendees, which you didn’t get before.”

Once the mechanised hare was introduced from the United States in 1926, greyhound racing in Britain boomed in now-demolished, giant London stadiums like White City and the original Wembley.

Catford closed in 2003 and Walthamstow in 2008, leaving

Wimbledon – home of the English Derby, the most prestigious horse race – as the last venue with a London address.

An all-round cheaper alternative to horse racing, dog race meetings traditionally drew the working class as they took place in the city after work.

Elsewhere in Britain, around 30 grounds are still going, although the sport has been in decline since betting shops were legalised in 1961, meaning greyhound tracks were no longer one of the few places to bet legally.

“None of the tracks closed because they weren’t popular anymore; they all closed because of the value of the land,” Henwood said.

London land is at a premium. The average property price in the wider Wimbledon area surpassed £500,000 (B21.62 million) in December.

Around 1,500 people filled the stadium’s only remaining open stand to watch the penultimate set of 12 races, run every 15 minutes, for the entry price of £7 (B302).

The racegoers are a mixture of old-timers, newcomers, hipsters, groups on a tipsy night out and families, some with babies. Many dressed up for the occasion, with men wearing blazers and shiny shoes and women in evening dresses.

“It’s the whole vibe. It’s cheap, sweet and fun. You have your £2 (B86) bet and have a

laugh and you’re so close up,” said Theresa Ajid, who was trackside with her husband and young children.

A fanfare announces each race and the six greyhounds are then paraded along the finishing straight.

Punters size them up and rush to the bookmakers’ stands to place bets, pint of beer and race card in one hand, banknote in the other.

They choose between greyhounds with colourful names such as Tashas Wee Nasty, Lenson Rambo, Oo Wants It, Jumeirah Maximus, Art of Illusion, Fizzypop Hazard and Mystical Charlie.

Once in the traps, the stadium lights drop and some dogs bark in anticipation.

A bell rings, the traps snap open and the dogs burst out, chasing after the artificial hare, flicking up the sand off the track as they sprint past.

Pressed right against the trackside fence, people cheer on their favourites as the greyhounds complete a 480-metre lap in 30 seconds.

Most bets are small-scale but in the last race of the night, a stag party piles in all their remaining cash on 10/1 outsider Office Hazard, picked by the groom-to-be.

As it triumphs, they erupt with joy, wildly bounce around

cheering with beer flung in the air, before heading off into the night with their £850 winnings (B36,765).

“The excitement is unreal.

I’m totally addicted,” said pensioner Fred, 78, with the Racing Post newspaper tucked under his arm.

Fred, who declined to give his surname, said: “It’s a crying shame. Eight million people and there’ll not be a dog track in London. That’s it; end of the line.”

Darren, 40, said he had been coming to the stadium for 20 years.

“We’re losing a chunk of history here. Once it’s gone, you won’t get it back.”

“This is an institution, not just a greyhound track,” said the stadium’s General Manager Keith Hallinan.

“Fewer people are coming to the tracks. People can watch on their phone and bet,” he said.

“But people don’t realise if they don’t come to the tracks, there’s not going to be greyhound racing.”

Around 100 people work at the stadium and have been looking for new jobs.

Hallinan said last Saturday’s farewell would be “very emotional”.

“We’re not looking at it as a celebration but we are looking at it as a night to remember.”

Naked people slaughter a sheep at Auschwitz death camp POLAND ELEVEN MEN AND WOMen in their twenties last Friday (Mar 24) slaughtered a sheep and took their clothes off at the former Nazi German death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, according to police and the museum at the site in southern Poland.

The individuals aged 20 to 27, whose identities and motives are unknown, then chained themselves together in front of the camp’s infamous “Arbeit macht frei” (“Work makes you free”) gate, the museum said in a statement.

Regional police spokesman Sebastian Glen said the seven men and four women draped a white banner with the red text

“love” over the infamous gate.

They also used a drone to film the incident, according to local media.

Museum guards at the site in the southern city of Oswiecim immediately intervened, and police said all those involved have been detained.

They included six Poles, four Belarusians and one German, according to Glen, who

said that “a knife was found at the scene”.

Oswiecim police said in a statement that “one of the men used a sharp tool to kill the sheep on the premises”.

Local police spokeswoman Malgorzata Jurecka said that the individuals were being questioned at a police station and police officers were investigating on site.

She said they planned to inform prosecutors of the incident, adding that the people involved “will likely be charged with desecrating a monument or other historical site”.

Oswiecim police said the individuals were also being investigated for the “unfounded killing of an animal”.

“We’re shocked and outraged by this attempt to use this memorial site for a protest and which mars the memory of thousands of victims. It’s a reprehensible act,” museum spokesman Bartosz Bartyzel said.

“This is the first time something like this has happened at Auschwitz,” added museum

The individuals chained themselves together in front of the camp’s ‘Arbeit macht frei’ gate. Photo: Janek Skarzynski/AFP director Piotr Cywinski.

“I have no idea what their motives were,” he said.

Unconfirmed local media reports said the incident was intended as a protest against the armed conflict in Ukraine.

The Holocaust site has become a symbol of Nazi Germany’s genocide of six million European Jews, one million of whom were killed at the camp from 1940 to 1945.

Poland’s chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich said the actions of those involved were wrong, regardless of the group’s motives.

“Any use of Auschwitz for

political statements, even using Auschwitz for moral statements, is not how Auschwitz should be remembered,” he said.

“The Germans used Auschwitz to try to eliminate the Jewish people. Any happenings are a desecration of the memory of all those killed at Auschwitz: Jews, Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, Roma and others.”

More than 100,000 nonJews also died at the death camp, according to the museum.

An estimated 232,000 of Auschwitz’s victims were children.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS 13

ShadesAsia branches out MANUFACTURING

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

HUKET-born Shades Asia is enjoying regional expansion, with its latest accolade being contracted to provide shade sails covering more than 1,200 square metres at the French International School “Lycee Francais Rene Descartes” in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The project involves the installation of three large shade sails and the design, manufacture and installation of 10 large steel supporting columns, explained Graeme Chuck, Director – Design at Shades Asia.

“Shades, in collaboration with its Australian structural engineering consultants, designed steel columns up to nine metres tall capable of withstanding the significant loads imposed by the weight of the sails and the loads from wind and rain.

“The client naturally insisted on 100% safety compliance, which included the necessity for computer modelling of expected loads, adequate footings design and certification of all welding joints in the columns. In addition, highestquality marine-grade epoxy paint finish was specified,” he noted.

To ensure these standards could be achieved Shades chose to construct the columns in Phuket using its long-time supplier Kitrungruang Co Ltd.

The nine-metre supprt pylons are loaded onto trucks at Cape Yamu, bound for Phnom Penh. Photo: ShadesAsia Shades and Kitrungruang have worked together on many projects in Phuket and are both pleased to be expanding our relationship to a large export order, Mr Chuck added.

“Steel of the required quality and grade was trucked to Phuket from Pacific Pipe in Bangkok. The working space required to fabricate all 10 columns simultaneously challenged workshop space available at both companies’ facilities, and it was decided instead to build a temporary workshop on vacant land at Cape Yamu,” he said.

“Kitrungruang organised one of only three appropriately certified welding inspectors in Thailand to oversee welding techniques and dye-check every single weld. Shades’

THAI launches direct Beijing-Phuket flights TOURISM THE INAUGURAL FLIGHT of THAI Airways International’s four-times weekly direct service from Beijing touched down at Phuket International Airport on Monday (Mar 27), bringing a consortium of tour and travel operators to sample Phuket’s tourism treats in order to sell packages to tourists from mainland China.

“This new THAI route is vital as Phuket becomes ever more popular with tourists and travellers from China who can now conveniently come here for weekends, knowing they’ll find the world’s best beaches, a warm welcome, and unique local experiences that will provide amazing memories,” said Bangornrat Chinaprayoon, Director of the @thephuketnews

The tourism delegation from China received a warm welcome. Photo: PR Dept Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office in Beijing.

THAI is operating four flights per week on the new Beijing-Phuket route, using a 264-seat Dreamliner B787.

With flights incoming from Beijing on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and outgoing flights on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, the service will allow travellers from Beijing to fly to Phuket for long weekend visits.

The Phuket News

own painting team then completed the required five-coat two-part epoxy paint system to the competed columns,” Mr Chuck added.

The columns were loaded onto trucks at the Cape Yamu site last Friday (Mar 24) and will be transported to Phnom Penh on 12-metre trailers for installation in early April.

Explaining how the Phnom Penh contract came to fruition, Mr Chuck told The Phuket News, “Over the past 12 years Shades has established a network of agents throughout Southeast Asia and beyond with whom we partner on projects which come to us through their own marketing efforts or via our own website and social media channels.

“Our agents are established

and highly-regarded businesses in their local building and supply industries, which allows us to offer full-package design-fabricate-ship-install services to many Asian and Indian Ocean locations.

“In this case our Cambodian agent was able to leverage off projects we have already completed in Cambodia to attract and secure this international school shading project.

Large shade projects like this one involve serious issues of safety and longevity, and a major attraction to this and other ‘public’ projects is our engineering design service, backed by our ability to utilise professional structural engineering input from our Australian engineering partners who are specialists in fabric

architecture,” he said.

Attracting business in markets outside of Thailand has allowed ShadesAsia to continue to expand not only its business volume but also the firm’s degree of expertise and product range, Mr Chuck noted.

“Every business enjoys expanding its revenue base without a commensurate increase in overhead and operating costs, which is something the export side of our business has helped us achieve,” he explained.

“And on a more personal level, every single member of our Team Shades takes great pride in the fact that we are able to utilise our ‘homegrown’ talents and experience to generate export business not

just for the company, but for Phuket and Thailand.

“Added to that is the thrill of bringing our suppliers with us on this journey, in this case Kitrungruang Co Ltd, a local Phuket engineering business with which it has been our pleasure to work with for many years,” Mr Chuck added.

Looking forward, Shades Asia will continue to focus on Phuket and Thailand as core markets for the immediate future, but have eyes firmly on export-based opportunities.

“Our immediate goal is to retain our focus on the core values upon which we have built the business over 12 years – world-class quality products and services. To that end we will continue to refine and expand our product line, and continue to work with offshore based agents to have our products marketed and made available where now they are not,” Mr Chuck said.

Regional marketing will remain “a critical plank” to that strategy of growth, he added.

“Our marketing reach will be expanded, but the message remains constant – the Asian market is demanding the same high standards of design, product and service as other previously more mature markets, and companies such as ours recognize this and have grown in response to it. Fortunately for us our product tends to speak for itself, and every project acts as a billboard in attracting new business,” Mr Chuck said.

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Death and Taxes: The final cut

Choosing the right insurance can protect more than just your life FINANCE Phuket Expat Finance

B

enjamin Franklin once wrote that only two things in life were certain, death and taxes, but what happens if death and taxes occur simultaneously?

Although it should be the foundation on which all other financial planning is built, many people fail to plan for death, and for the sometimes crippling taxation that comes with it.

We all love living in Thailand. The cost of living is low; the weather is warm; and the food is out of this world! The quality of life is wonderful, but how would your family be impacted if you were to die? No matter where you live, death can be expensive and typically includes most of the following: hospital bills, funeral expenses, repatriation of remains, and of course the dreaded inheritance taxes (IHT).

In most cases, you will be liable for IHT in your country of citizenship, regardless of

Sorting out inheritance taxes and life insurance can be a confusing and arduous form-filling exercise.

Photo: 20 Waag Society via Flickr where you live, and if you have not undertaken the proper planning this tax could be very costly for your heirs. If you leave behind a sizeable estate, it is important to do everything you can now to mitigate the effects of inheritance/estate tax later.

Using the UK as an example, a British national can pass the proceeds of their estate to a British spouse free of tax, but there is a “nil rate band” of only ₤325,000 (B1.4 million) on monies passed down taxfree to any other beneficiary.

Crucially for many UK

expatriates in Thailand, however, is the fact that “any other beneficiary” also applies to foreign (non-British) spouses in the form of a maximum taxexempt transfer upon death.

Because even non-domiciled individuals (if resident in the UK) have a ₤325,000 nil rate band on UK assets, there is therefore an IHT exemption the first ₤650,000 of an estate passed from a UK domiciled individual to their non-UK domiciled spouse. Note that a “non-dom” spouse may also elect to accept UK domicility, which would allow them to

inherit their spouse’s entire estate free of IHT. But if he/ she does that, they could be subjecting all of their worldwide assets over and above ₤250,000 to 40% taxation on their own death.

If your family is faced with a daunting tax bill when you die, there is one nearly universal way to protect them: life insurance. While the laws are slightly nuanced from country to country, generally the proceeds of an insurance contract fall outside of the estate of the deceased, and are therefore free of income

and inheritance taxes.

There are three major types of life insurance to choose from: whole of life, term life and T100. Whole of life combines insurance with a cash/ investment element, and while premiums may be quoted as level throughout your life, the rising cost of insurance as you age means a steadily increasing percentage of your cash will be depleted to pay for the insurance. Further, because of the ability to “overload” the policy with cash or investment, all or part of the proceeds of a whole of life policy may actually be taxed.

Of the three, that term life and T100 are the best, especially if the insurance is safeguarding your estate.

Term insurance is very clear-cut. When applying, you select a sum insured and a term in years. As long as you continue with the premiums, you are covered for that amount until the term ends.

There is no cash value, and no return of premiums. Because of its simplified nature, term life is the least expensive insurance you can get.

T100 (or Term-100) is relatively new to the international market, but has been a common policy in Canada for years. T100 is a kind of hybrid.

Like term life, the premiums are fixed from day one. Like whole of life, the coverage is permanent (not limited by a pre-selected term), but unlike whole of life, there is no cash/ investment. What makes T100 unique is that once the insured reaches age 100, the policy will pay out in full.

But the need for life insurance extends beyond estate tax mitigation. If you are still building your nest egg, and have a family who relies on your income, what would happen to them if something were to happen to you? If your income were no longer there to cover the mortgage, school fees, university fees, or simply daily living expenses?

Even if there are no inheritance taxes to pay, life insurance provides a tax-free lump for your family, and peace of mind for you.

Email chatwithus@phuketexpatfinance.com

OTAs told to drop illegal hotels HOSPITALITY THE THAI GOVERNMENT intends to work closely with the private sector to sift out illegal hotel operators that sell rooms through the online room bookings space.

Deputy Prime Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn chaired a meeting of the National Policy Committee for Tourism, last week to discuss the subject within the framework of tourism management and community tourism promotions, reports the National News Bureau (NNT).

Gen Tanasak noted at the meeting held last Friday (Mar 24) that tourist arrivals had already surpassed six million and generated more than B300 million in revenue.

However, there are concerns that illegal hotel operators are disrupting the market and taking legitimate earnings from registered hotels that pay tax.

Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul revealed that her ministry had already discussed the matter with representatives of the popular online booking site Agoda.com to explore ways to

Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul in Phuket earlier this month. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot block illegal lodging operators from using online booking systems. Agoda, which has its operational headquarters in Thailand, said it needed more time to ponder the issue.

Ms Kobkarn also said she plans to call a meeting with related agencies, including the Ministry of Interior and the private sector, to discuss the matter in April.

Thailand Hotels Associations has been lobbying governments for more than a decade to address the issue of illegal hotel operators. It has called for new legislation and protection for registered hotels that are disadvantaged. They

pay tax, licence fees and other charges, but face tough competition from non-registered hotels that undercut rates.

Competition is likely to increase from Airbnb, which is now competing in Thailand in the short-term home rentals.

There is a strong opinion that Airbnb’s short-term rentals could be declared illegal. It also faces criticism that Airbnb home owners are not obliged to report their guest list to the police as is the case with hotels and registered guest houses.

This reporting mechanism is now seen as an important tool to fight international terrorism.

TTR Weekly thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Phuket Pride Week 2017 is set to be the best yet

18

Big Fish delivers big flavour in Nai Yang

19

SPREADING THE ‘STOKE’

Two local surfers have teamed up to promote Phuket’s boarding scene to the world > P16

Locally based Surf Thailand aims to promote boardsports in Thailand and give something back to the community they love. @thephuketnews

16 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Surfing on a wave of goodwill Local duo spreading their love of boardsports in the Land of Smiles Jeremie Schatz

We want to explore the entire watersports world in Phuket: Surfing, paddle-boarding, wake-boarding, windsurfing, flowboarding – all of it.

Surf’s up at Phuket’s Surin Beach.

B

oy are we lucky. Phuket, where millions of people from all over the world save their cash and vacation days to visit, is where we get to call home. For some, the longer you’re here, the easier it gets to take it for granted.

Not us, not yet.

The balmy waters of the Andaman Sea seem to always exude a sultry invitation.

Even when the monsoons are raging and the ocean is angry, you may still glimpse a handful of us out there emerging on the crest of a wave before disappearing into the trough. We’re pretty dedicated is what I’m getting at and we take what surf we can get with a smile and a high five.

With an idea in mind to commemorate the present, past, and future of the sport in Phuket, as well as its participants, Surf Thailand was born. With surfing’s surging popularity, and recent inclusion in the summer Olympics, the timing seems appropriate.

However, SurfThailand.com will encompass much more than mildly-coherent babbling about our surfing experiences accompanied by photos of scantily-clad beach girls. We want to explore the entire watersports world in Phuket: Surfing, paddle-boarding, wakeboarding, windsurfing, flow-boarding – all of it. We want to learn, educate, laugh, inspire/be inspired and be humbled along with everyone else who loves this little island – and all the water-bound adventures to be had along its shores – both those who have been here forever and those who’ve yet to come.

Besides propagating good vibes and bolstering the watersports industry, Surf Thailand’s core mission is to help improve quality of life for underserved individuals in need of prosthetics and rehabilitation therapy.

Soon, we will start creating purposeful products under our label including “Kindness Caps”

Surf Thailand isn’t just about surf tales and photos of bikini beach girls... but it’s not opposed to them. and “Giving Garments” of which 100% of the items’ proceeds will be donated to the Siriraj Foundation to help fund prosthetic components for Thai citizens and others from all around the world.

Spreading the stoke and inspiring generous acts of kindness is what it’s all about.

Surf Thailand is a collaboration between Mark Suarkeo and Jeremie Schatz. Two brothers-from-differentmothers (and fathers) who have joined forces to channel their passion for the water into constructive means. Mark Suarkeo is the founder of Surf Thailand and a certified prosthetist providing clinical care in Bangkok and Phuket. He can be reached at: mark@surfthailand. com. Jeremie Schatz is director of Anda-

Founders Mark Suarkeo (L) and Jeremie Schatz. man Board Sports and can be reached at: jeremie@andamanboardsports.com.

Visit surfthailand.com and andamanboardsports.com for more information.

Ride 4 Kids’ surpass B1mn fundraising goal for local charities

C

ycling 845 kilometres from Hua Hin to Phuket is certainly not for the faint hearted. But on March 6, 14 brave souls oiled up their chains, squeezed into figure hugging lycra, apologised to their posteriors in advance and set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

The adventure organised by the Ride 4 Kids charity took six days, traversing the majestic east coast of Thailand before cutting across Khao Sok National Park and heading south to the finish line at Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort.

Riders spent seven hours a day in the saddle on average, enduring searing 40-degree-plus heat. They passed elephants and monkeys on the roadside, riding on tarmac roads that had a nasty habit of turning into dirt tracks on the many occasions that their GPS led them astray.

Senses of humour were stretched at times, such as when they found themselves 30km off course, having already cycled 140km that day. The level of ability, experience and condition of the riders were very varied, making the inspiring individual efforts of less-

The Ride 4 Kids team stop for a brief respite to enjoy the sunset on their ride from Hua Hin to Phuket. seasoned or injured team members all the more impressive.

For instance, one older rider completed the six days having fallen off his bike on a training ride only three days before. Yet stubborn determination (aided by copious amounts of pain-killers) somehow carried Michael the entire 845km – all with one cracked rib, two torn cartilages and a hairline crack in his elbow. He broke down in tears at the finish line, having tested his mental tenacity to the limits.

One thing that remained constant was the unshakable bond and team spirit that strengthened with each hour that passed on the bikes. In many cases, riders started as complete strangers, but by the time they rolled into Phuket, lifelong friendships had been formed.

The intrepid cyclists were riding with the goal of raising essential funds for three local charities – all dedicated to helping local children: Phuket Has Been Good to Us, The Good Shepherd and Outrigger’s

Share for Change.

The pre-ride fundraising target was B1 million and at the time of writing this total had been exceeded and money was still rolling in. Needless to say, whatever the final figure, the organisers have been totally blown away by the generosity and support of the Phuket community who really took the project to heart. We can’t wait to see the good the community’s combined efforts will do for local children less fortunate than our own.

A position for a rider in next year’s edition was auctioned off during the welcome home party to the unsuspecting Paul Chappel – well done Paul. It looks like the wheels will be turning again in 2018 for what promises to be an even bigger and better adventure.

This Ride 4 Kids charity ride was proudly sponsored by the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, Live 89.5, The Phuket News, Jiakina, Ski Boutique, Kata Rocks and Katiliya Khao Lak Resort & Pool Villas and countless more donations from generous businesses and individuals in Phuket.

Donna Toon

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CULTURE 17

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Searching for the Buddha within It is recommended to meditate often and preferably for short periods several times a day.

ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com

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ou know ladies and gentlemen, isn’t it interesting how some of the cheesiest pop culture can eventually become a distinguished classic? Recently, I was thinking of a wonderful song by Simon & Garfunkel called Bridge over Troubled Water as well as the theme song to the film Titanic.

The first song goes, “When you’re down and out... when you’re on the street, when evening falls, it falls, so hard, I will comfort you. I’ll take your part, oh when darkness comes. And pain is all around, like a bridge over troubled water... I will lay me down.”

Twenty-seven years after that song was recorded, actor Leonardo DiCaprio would very much depict the down-andout. He played the role of Jack Dawson in the Hollywood blockbuster Titanic.

With not a penny to his name and little more than the clothes on his back, he saved a young woman from suicide. The two fell in love and, when he was treated to his first-ever luxurious dinner, his wealthy patrons asked for his source of optimism. He eloquently replied, “I figure life’s a gift, and I don’t intend on wasting it.”

In this pop-cultural mix, there is a bit of Buddhism to be found, but it can be hard to know where to look for it. I think a good place to look is actually in Korea. A thousand years ago, there was a towering, snowy mountain in the land of Songgwongsa (now known as Mount Songgwangsan) and in those days a wise old monk lived atop the mountain. He built a temple and was widely known as Zen Master Jinul. He had recently moved his retreat from a place called Mount Kong and sought a secluded area for him and his followers to find enlightenment.

Originally from Pyongyang, Phra Jinul was ordained at age 15. The 13th Century Chinese book known as the Memorabilia of The Three Kingdoms recorded that Pyongyang was much the same then as it is today: a major cultur-

Buddhism can help when you feel down-and-out. @thephuketnews

al hub steeped in eastern knowledge. A young Buddhist monk wrote the book shortly after the old monk’s death and it is recorded that Jinul was educated at the Sagulsan Mountain School of The Nine Ancient Schools of Seon.

He turned down a good job to follow his faith and to spend years deeply immersed in meditation. One day, a bit of enlightenment struck him much like the apple that had struck Newton’s head. Jinul had an epiphany. He discovered that all human beings were once enlightened Buddhas and that the human mind has an un-destroyable pureness.

However, once our souls occupied the bodies of men we became beclouded by bad stimuli. In other words: Garbage in = garbage out. While the Theravada Buddhist in me may not agree with all of the Jogye-Mahayana ideas that Jinul had, this was a point with which I could not disagree.

One need only look to modern times to see that the human brain does, indeed, adapt to whatever climate it finds itself in. There are routine outcomes resulting from both good and bad stimuli.

The difference is all about input.

The minds of young men and women adjust to input and so bad influences or stimuli are – in the old monk’s view – why most human beings are not in “Buddhahood”. Not because they are inherently bad people, but because they exist in a human world, where one bad phenomenon props up yet another bad phenomenon. Put simply, no matter how down-and-out you are, no matter if you’re on the street, there is Buddhahood in you.

Buddhahood means the ability to find a particular two-fold wisdom. One side of the wise is that of “ideal wisdom” and the other side of the wise is that of “phenomenal wisdom”. Only the enlightened can find phenomenal wisdom and it is phenomenal wisdom that Westerners often think of when they think of Buddhist monks. This wisdom is often taken out of context in movies but, for example, my teacher is on a level where he knows when I break a precept. He can see it from the other side of the world and he can see it in my dimming aura.

I know what you’re thinking – you want to know if I believe that this old monk was right and how to find this Buddhahood in you. I suspect Jinul was largely right and I do know the general path for us to find out if this is true. I have spelled it out in my previous articles, which are available online. The Path is this: First, learn of Buddha’s life story and obey his five precepts at all times. Second, meditate often and preferably for short periods several times a day. Third, anytime you are sad, angry, or depressed, think of something happy.

Fourth, take care of your finances but

‘Buddhahood’ means the ability to find a particular two-fold wisdom. give generously to the poor. Don’t fall for a temple that tries to tell you that can buy your way into salvation by giving money to them. Finally, find a good teacher who agrees with and teaches this path – for free, by the way. Then, keep apprenticing until you start reaching the more advanced paths which we will talk about in future articles.

By doing this, you’ll notice that your

life will start to improve as the months go by. Don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself, and see where you are in a year. I used to think that I was the “worst” person in the world, but no longer, and by going this way, you’ll find that you are not the “worst” person in the world either. The heart of Buddha is very much in you, you just have to know where to look for it.

18 EVENTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Pride returns to Phuket for 2017 SPONSORED

This year’s theme is ‘Be Strong – Be Healthy – Be Happy’ which reflects the positive change in attitudes towards our LGBT brothers and sisters

Remember to get dressed to the nines for Phuket Pride Week.

P

huket Pride Week has been celebrated in Phuket for the past 16 years and this year’s event, to be held from April 24-30, promises to be the best yet. The week will kick off with the ever-popular sporting events and a “Gay Cruise” to Phang Nga Bay. Though high heels, feathers and fun will be in abundance, Pride Week is also a time to reflect on those that we have lost and on the journey Phuket’s LGBT communities have taken to be accepted as a vibrant part of the Thai community.

Over the past five years, Phuket Loves You (PLU) club’s Pride celebration has raised over B1.6 million towards the goal of bringing the rate of HIV down to zero. This year’s theme is “Be Strong – Be Healthy – Be Happy”, which reflects the positive change in attitudes towards our LGBT brothers and sisters in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Phuket Pride Week’s premier fundraising event, the “Pride Beach Side Dinner” will be held on Thursday, April 27 at Sala Bua Restaurant at the Impiana Resort Hotel in Patong and will include the “Grand Charity Auction”. This year, we will be featuring Phuket’s World Famous “Angkorn Fire Show”. There will be great entertainment throughout the evening, which will feature an amazing dinner as well as a silent auction of unique and fabulous items.

On Friday, April 28, CC’s Hideaway will be hosting its third annual Stargazer Contest. Stargazer has grown bigger since its inception and this year promises to showcase the very best that Phuket has to offer. The winner will receive over B35,000 in cash and prizes.

On Saturday, April 29, at the beautiful Andaman Embrace Resort in Patong, we will once again be celebrating Phuket Pride’s “Big Event”, featuring singer Siobhan McGovern, Top DJs, cabaret and the everpopular “Mr Phuket Pride” contest. Enjoy the huge

This year’s parade will be replaced by a street party in Soi Paradise.

The Stargazer Contest is one of Pride week’s most popular events.

Getting glammed up for Pride Week. pool, soak under the light of the stars and the full moon and gaze at all the beautiful men – of which only one will earn the title of Mr Phuket Pride 2017.

Normally the festival would finish in fabulous style with the “Grand Parade” but during the one-year mourning period for the late King Bhumibol, Phuket Pride organisers have decided to cancel the parade this year. Instead, there will be a street party in Soi Paradise on Sunday, April 30, to close out the festival.

PLU’s successes have not only been through the continued support of sponsors, community members and visitors but also with the help of key businesses and individuals in the Phuket Thai community. This year we are proud to announce that Karex Berhad will be receiving our Citizenship Award for their continued support in providing over 260,000 condoms and lubricant for PLU’s safer sex campaign. Without this type of business support, we would not be moving as swiftly towards achieving

Get ready for a week of non-stop fun. the Thai Health Department’s goal of eliminating HIV in the Thai community.

For the past two years, besides acknowledging the generous support from Thai organisations and businesses, PLU has awarded its Community Service Award, renamed “The John Bowell Community Service Award”, to an individual who has shown a true commitment in helping us reach our goal of creating a healthier life for the Thai LGBT Community in Phuket. This year PLU is proud to be awarding Ms Natsuda “Khun Ya” Rodchong, Public Health Technical Officer at the Phuket Provincial Health Office, with this honour.

She has been instrumental in assuring to our club and community that the health of LGBT community will always be in the forefront of the fight against HIV in Phuket.

For more detailed information about the events during Phuket Pride Week, visit Phuket-Pride.org

BISP students all set to perform ‘Guys and Dolls’ musical

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fter months of rehearsals BISP secondary students will be taking to the stage this coming Monday, April 3, for their first performance of the classic Broadway show ‘Guys and Dolls’.

The lively musical is full of memorable song and dance numbers like ‘Sit down you’re rockin’ the boat’ and ‘Luck be a Lady tonight’.

Paulette Wilkinson, BISP’s Head of Performing Arts, said the 50 students from Year 7-12 involved on stage and behind the scenes have been incredibly busy with preparations and rehearsals.

Ms Wilkinson said the musical was a perfect choice to showcase the talents of all the Drama and Music students involved.

“We needed something that suited

the older singers who we knew would want to take part. We have a really strong cast in both the major and minor roles and the students are really grasping the humour required to bring the story to life,” she said.

A band made up of students and teachers from the school and around the island will be belting out the tunes for the performers while the backstage crew will be busy helping with set and costume changes – putting everyone

to the test on show night.

“The students take Drama and Music lessons throughout their school life, so the show will call on all the skills they have developed over a long period of time.

“The students love the big songand-dance numbers and the humour of the words... so it’s been an exciting project for everyone involved,” Ms Wilkinson added.

Performances in the BISP auditorium will take place today, Monday April 3, Tuesday April 4 and Wednesday April 5 at 6pm, with a matinee performance on Tuesday April 4 at 1pm.

Tickets cost B250 for adults and B100 for students and can be purchased from the BISP Information Office in the Primary Foyer.

Mark Knowles

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 19

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

The beef short rib is slow-cooked overnight to make it tender and flavourful.

The Phuket lobster thermidor was a highlight.

Catching a ‘Big Fish’ in Nai Yang Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

S

et in the grounds of the opulent Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, Big Fish is the perfect place to experience the fresh seafood for which Phuket is famous. As you enter the resort and make your way towards Big Fish you are treated to a spectacular view – the resorts vast central swimming pool fills the foreground, followed by the pristine sand of Nai Yang Beach and the endless blue of the Andaman Sea stretching to the horizon. I’m even told that fisherman will often land at the beach to offer their daily catch direct to the chef.

The restaurant offers a choice between indoor, air-con seating and balcony seating to take advantage of the cool ocean breeze. As it was a particularly sultry Phuket evening, we chose to stay indoors, and took a corner table with pleasant views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. As we received our menus I noticed a small but important detail – unlike the stiff wooden or metal seats at many resort restaurants, the seats at big fish are more like arm chairs, supremely comfortable while still being in the perfect position for relaxed dining.

To get started we ordered some appitizers – crab cakes, tuna tartare and seafood tom kha and perused the mains while we waited. The menu lives up to Big Fish’s name and offers a broad selection of seafood, simply prepared and served with a choice of sauces – keeping the emphasis firmly on the taste and freshness of the seafood. Grilled seafood is the name of the game here and you can choose from Nai Yang squid, tiger prawns, and both Phuket and rock lobster.

There are also grilled whole fish, crispy skinned on the outside and succulent and juicy inside – they include black pomfret, Andaman seabass and red snapper. The seafood sauces are also well judged not to overpower the seafood and include sweet chilli, spicy lime, lemon butter cream, garlic butter sauce and Big Fish’s signature butter sauce.

Despite the emphasis on seafood, meat lovers are certainly not forgotten.

You can choose from a wide variety of cuts of premium Australian beef cooked to your liking and served with a range of sauces. Each grill selection comes paired with your choice of sides such as @thephuketnews

gratin potato, mashed potato, French fries, vegetable fried rice or steamed brown rice.

Besides the grill selection, the menu offers several signature dishes which allow the chef to flex his culinary muscles elsewhere in the kitchen. For the vegetarians, or just those looking for something a little lighter, there is a spinach and ricotta tart with flaky puff pastry and an eggplant parmigiana with rich tomato sauce topped with grilled mozzarella cheese. There is also a classic lobster thermidor, a hearty ‘surf and turf’, and a decadent seafood platter – great for those who want to try a bit of everything.

On the chef’s recommendation I ordered the “overnight” beef short rib, because as all chef’s know, often the best flavour comes from the lesser cuts when they are slow-cooked to break down fat and lock in the flavour. My companion choose the lobster thermidor – having never tried the classic French seafood dish.

Our starters arrived soon after, and bode extremely well for the rest of the meal. The crab cakes were superbly crunchy on the outside and filled with plenty of tasty crab meat – dipped in some freshly made sweet chilli sauce, they were heavenly. The tuna tartare is a symphony of fresh flavours, chunks of tender tuna and ripe mango, lightly dressed in a Japanese-inspired sesame dressing and some puréed avocado on the side. The tom kha came in for a special mention from my Thai companion, “I’ve never tasted a tom kha this good!” she exclaimed, and I had to agree. The creamy, rich coconut soup was intensely packed with flavour and filled with huge prawns and chunks of squid.

The mains were equally impressive, my short rib literally fell of the bone and the tender flakes of meat were smoky on the outside with a deep, well-aged flavour further enhanced by the red wine sauce. The thermidor, with a good-sized Phuket lobster, was served with just the right amount of hollandaise sauce and my companion concurred that the French do indeed have some good ideas when it comes to cooking lobster.

We decided it was only proper that we should sample a dessert and quickly settled on the caramel tart. It was a good decision – the decadently sweet and creamy caramel was textured with crispy praline almonds and mellowed with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

Crispy and delicious crab cakes.

So, if you are looking for relaxing beachside dining experience, a visit to Big Fish is a must.

For more information and bookings call 076 625 555 or visit: marriott.com/ hotels/travel/hktnb-phuket-marriottresort-and-spa-nai-yang-beach

The caramel tart was to die for.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 21

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Keeping yourself open to change This Yin yoga butterfly pose will help transform your body and mind

Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

H

ello again and welcome to another step in our yin yoga journey. This month I want to share with you the Yin butterfly pose. In many cultures, the butterfly is a symbol of change and joy.

As a symbol of transformation and resurrection, the butterfly is a great asana to be working on this month, as we head into our third month of Yin yoga. This takes us a further step towards a healthier and happier body change – and what a great change this little butterfly can bring to you. It is a very cool way to stretch the lower back in an easier shape, that doesn’t require the hamstrings to be too flexible, and I know that is a big issue for a lot of people out there. Changes don’t have to be limited to the physical body, one of the great benefits of Yin yoga is the effects that the longer holds have on your clarity of mind.

When you simplify the tasks of the mind to just concentrating on your breathing pattern and how the body feels while you breath, it allows the mind to slow down, shift cogs, melt away from the busy frontal lobe and start shifting to a more relaxed position in the centre of the head. When the mind calms itself, then real change can start to happen.

The benefits of Yin butterfly: • Stretches and opens the lower back.

• Stretches the groin and hamstrings.

Photo 1: The space between your feet should look like a diamond.

• Nice release for the neck – helps with headaches.

• Great for preparing for childbirth.

• Helps with prostate, kidney and urinary tract issues.

• Opens the hips.

• Spine stretch.

• Releases and softens shoulders.

Please follow the steps below to practise yin butterfly: 1. Sit on the floor with your feet facing each other 2. Draw the soles of your feet together and space the heel about two wide hand spans away from the groin. When you look at the space between the feet it should look like an even sided diamond (See photo 1).

3. Give your legs a little bit of a slap down to make sure they are switched off and relaxed. If you feel at this point

New test may predict Alzheimer’s onset

I

nternational researchers have announced they have found a way to assess a person’s genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by a given age, a tool that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment.

The report in the journal PLOS Medicine was based on genetic data from more than 70,000 Alzheimer’s patients and elderly people without the disease participating in several major global studies on dementia.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, affecting some 47 million people worldwide, and has no cure and no effective treatments. Most people with the disease begin to show symptoms in their 60s, but early onset AD can begin as early as the 30s. @thephuketnews

The test assesses a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

“For any given individual, for a given age and genetic information, we can calculate your ‘personalised’ annualised risk for developing AD,” said co-author Rahul Desikan, clinical instructor at the University of California San Francisco Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging.

“That is, if you don’t already have dementia, what is your yearly risk for AD onset, based on your age and genetic information.”

More research is needed before the test can be made available to the public.

AFP

Photo 2: Relax your head an let it fall towards the floor.

that you already have quite a lot of stretch happening in your legs and your groin, place some pillows under your outer thighs to support the weight of your legs.

4. Now that the legs and hips and relaxed, inhale and elongate the chest, the arms and the head upwards. It should feel like someone holding your wrists and pulling you upwards.

5. Exhale and now imagine your wrists, arms and torso being pulled forward to the front. Reach your hands as far towards or past the feet as you can reach and once there allow the arms and head to relax down towards the feet and heels.

6. The arms are completely relaxed and touching the floor, the head is relaxed and falling towards the feet, the back is relaxed and rounded slightly.

(See photo 2).

7. Hold this asana for 3-5 minutes, with each passing out-breath, I allow the spine to melt into the chest, the chest to melt into the legs and the legs and bottom to melt into the floor underneath me.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi.

Happy stretching. Metta, Kim oxo Kim White is the owner of Sala Samadhi. she offers authentic Hatha yoga instruction for private and group sessions. Contact: www.mindbodyyogasystem.com or 086 276 9174.

The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation.

22 ISLAND SCENE

From left: John, Judy and Zac Underwood.

Local comedy fans were hyped for the show.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Some local comedy fans waiting for the show.

The Underwood Art Factory Team kept the show running smoothly.

COMEDY SHOW AT UNDERWOOD ART FACTORY TICKLES PHUKET’S FUNNY BONE Three international comedians took to the stage for the Phuket leg of the Magners Comedy Festival last Saturday (March 25). It was a packed house at the amazing Underwood Art Factory for a great night of comedy brought to the island by The Comedy Club Bangkok. Let's hope we see more comedy coming to Phuket soon. This event was proudly sponsored

by The Phuket News.

Class Act Media GM Jason Beavan with Governor Chockchai.

Two of the dozens of people who came out to support the launch of Bike Week 2017.

Many local businesses are set to take part in Bike Week.

More than 50,000 bike enthusiasts are expected for Phuket Bike Week.

PHUKET BIKE WEEK 2017 OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED AT PHUKET TOWN EVENT An official press conference to announce Phuket Bike Week 2017 was held in Phuket Town last Friday (March 24). More than 50,000 participants from over 30 countries together with more than 5,000 vehicles are expected to take part in this year’s event, to be held from April 14-22. This year’s edition, marking the annual event’s 23rd anniversary, will see three days of events at Loma Park in Patong, on April 14-16, and the final day to be celebrated in Saphan Hin, Phuket Town, on April 22.

Class Act Media is a proud media partner of Phuket Bike Week. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

From left: Anthony Dupont, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Slate; Jason Beavan, Class Act Media GM; and Paul Jordaan, GM of The Slate.

GUESTS ENJOY SAMPLING SOME FINE THAI CUISINE AT BLACK GINGER The Slate Phuket invited local media and travel agents to sample food from Black Ginger, the resort’s signature Thai fine-dining restaurant last Thursday (March 23). Guests had a chance to talk to Executive Chef Appadoo Pravesh about his culinary creations. Owner and Managing Director Wichit Na-Ranong was also on hand to welcome guests.

Class Act Media GM Jason Beavan with the Kathu Police Chief and Class Act Media PR Manager Natchaya Sittiprasert.

CLASS ACT MEDIA DROP IN TO VISIT CHIEF OF KATHU POLICE STATION The team from Class Act Media recently visited Kathu Police Chief Col ML Pattanajak Jakkapan to drop off some copies of the company’s English, Thai, Russian and Chinese newspapers which help keep Phuket’s tourists and expats informed about going’s on around the island.

Students prepared dishes from their native countries.

A group of students wearing traditional dress.

HEADSTART COMMUNITY DONS NATIONAL DRESS FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY On the March 24 the HeadStart community celebrated International Day in a grand flurry of colour, music, dance and a delectable international food buffet prepared by participants from over 20 countries. Judging from the smiling faces, it’s safe to say that International Day is one of the HeadStart community’s favourite events.

Roger, Marianne and Barbara sample some burgers.

The winners of Phuket’s Best Burger accept their awards from organisers.

Rob’s towel came in handy a few minutes later when the rain started.

Tessa and Mark with young Zachary.

BURGER MAESTROS BATTLE IT OUT TO MAKE PHUKET’S BEST BURGER The Phuket’s Best Burger competition saw a bumper turnout at Boat Avenue in Cherng Talay last Saturday (March 25). Dozens of local hotels and restaurants were cooking up a storm – and it seemed to work – heavy rain put a damper on the event in the afternoon, but not before the crowd got a chance to sample some fantastic burgers. For 2017 the judges named Thavorn Beach Village & Spa, Phuket as the makers of Phuket’s Best Burger. Coming in at second place was Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort & Spa, and in third place was Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach. Phuket’s Best Burger was proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5 @thephuketnews

24 EVENTS

FRI

31 MAR

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM where to spend Friday evenings again! Join DeDos Le Lounge for our Chill Out Fridays featuring cool beats from DJ Not from 7:30pm until late! So grab your friends and start your weekend off right! Reservations: www.dedos-lelounge.com DeDos LeLounge.

SAT

1 APR

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

nee performance on Tuesday April 4th @ 1:00pm. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information please email pwilkinson@bisphuket.ac.th Tickets cost B250 for adults and B100 for students and can be purchased from the BISP Information Office in the Primary Foyer.

Sunday Fun Brunch Phuket’s most popular brunch experience. Seafood, live station, entertainment, kid’s corner and massage corner. From 1,650++ THB. 12.00 - 15.30. Reservation: info@xanabeachclub.com 076 358 500.

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

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 395 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs!

Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN at Two Chefs!!! www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286479 Patong 076-344-914.

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

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with french fries, your choice, your style: nature, marnière, provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

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

Sunday Roast All Day All Night

Pop Up 3 at Latitude with Angsana On Saturday 1st April, for one night only, 20 of the best restaurants in Phuket will Pop Up at Latitude in Laguna in support of Phuket Has Been Good To Us! For only 2,500 THB try culinary creations from each of the amazing chefs and enjoy all night free flow from our 7 beverage sponsors. The evening will also feature fantastic silent auction prizes, great music, dancing, and more! Don’t miss Phuket’s best foodie event of the year! Book now: info@phukethasbeengoodtous. org or 076-278-146 or online at tickettailor.com/alltickets/26485/38a9/ Proudly sponsored by Live89.5.

SUN

2 APR

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Beach, Kata Center, Karon and Patong! Indulge ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for 395 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes.

Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN! www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

Surf & Turf Night

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

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch Thai Seafood and Meat BBQ THB 999.-++ @Lobby Terrace (Weather permiting) from 19:00 – 22:00 hrs. The most amazing and delicious BBQ at Kata Beach Join us for this culinary extravaganza where ‘Authentic’ Thai dishes (and some western items) are served ‘buffet’ style. Our Chef will arrange truly 100% fresh seafood from our fisherman and also prime meats for this special event… We are very confident you will love this event. Reservations, Nook Dee - Kata Beach 076 688 888.

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

Live Band ‘Soul Coustics’ @ Cariocas

The Banyan Tree Seafood Brunch experience returns with a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exception Lobster dished, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asia wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, Live Jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12.00-15.30, price start from 2,800net per person.

Reservations, Banyan Tree Phuket, fb-phuket@banyantree.com 076 372 400.

MON

3 APR

Let’s start this weekend with our happy-hour on all Long-drinks from 5pm-8pm (buy 1 get 1 free). Our ‘Fiesta Friday’ features amazing live Music from Soul Coustics 8.30pm - late. Reservations, Cariocas Bistro & Lounge, 076 218 403.

Mediterranean Sunday Brunch at Metzo’s

Chill Out Fridays 5 Gourmet Tapas plus 2 drinks for just 690.- net!!!

French Oysters for just B50.each! Never worry about

Feast to your heart’s content on our Mediterranean menu of mezze and tapas served family style at your table, live cooking station, kids’ corner and dessert buffet. After brunch, why not relax and take in the view of the Andaman Sea with complimentary access to the resort swimming pool. Starting from THB 990++ per person. Reservations, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, metzos@outrigger.co.th 076 360 600.

WED

5 APR

Come join us EVERY Wednesday for our Weekly Surf & Turf Night at ALL Two Chefs Locations for the Month of April. Indulge in All You Can Eat Surf & Turf for ONLY 495 BAHT! Enjoy Grilled Australian Rib Eye Steak, Grilled Prawns, Teriyaki Marinated Chicken, BBQ Sauce, Red Wine Sauce, Bearnaise Sauce, Caesar Salad and Herb Sauteed Potatoes. Join us nightly for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! www.twochefs.com Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong, Kata Beach: 076-333-370, Kata Center: 076-330-065 Karon: 076-286-479 and Patong: 076-344-914.

Dine 4 Pay 3 Oriental Buffet Dinner Extravaganza Embark on a journey to the four corners of Asia and enjoy a lavish array of Thai, Chinese, Japanese and other Oriental recipes. Develop your taste buds and experience new flavours; ranging from spicy curries to barbecued meats and local noodle plates, while watching our Chefs work their magic in the lively kitchen every Wednesday from 18:00 – 22:00 for THB 999 per person at Bubbles Restaurant, Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas. Reservations, Bubbles Restaurant, Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas, h8109@accor.com 076 231 999.

WED

5 APR

Guys and Dolls musical Coming soon to a theatre near you! BISP Secondary students proudly present “Guys and Dolls” - a lively musical full of memorable song and dance numbers including “Sit down your rockin’ the boat” and “Luck be a Lady tonight”. Performances in the BISP Auditorium take place on Monday April 3rd, Tuesday April 4th and Wednesday April 5th @ 6.00pm with a mati-

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com 081 891 4381.

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THU

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

6 APR

THU

13 APR

1,650++ food only and THB 2,450++ with free-flow beverages. Reservations: XANA Beach Club info@ xanabeachclub.com, 076 358 500.

THU

20 APR

Sexy Thursdays @ DeDos LeLounge DeDos LeLounge is bringing sexy back on Thursday nights! Ladies grab your girlfriends because: Selected Beverages are only B150++ all night (Sorry fellas!), DJ Not will be bringing down the house from 7:30pm onward! Make sure to bring your A-game because the sexiest dressed will win a bottle on the house! Who needs the weekend when there’s Sexy Thursdays?

Reservations: www.dedos-lelounge.com

FRI

7 APR

PIWC April Luncheon Get Wet From Noon To Midnight DJ Roxy June and DJ Viki Love. Entrance fee: 100 THB including coupon for food and beverages, 2,000 THB Angsana Spa Voucher. Reservations: call XANA Beach Club on 076 358 500.

FRI

14 APR

The April luncheon will be held at DeDos LeLounge in Surin on 20th April 2017. Registration starts at 11.30 am followed by Lunch at 12.15 pm. Please send reservations to info@piwc-phuket.com attn. Maggy Wigman. **We will cancel the coffee meet & greet at Starbucks on 13th April because of Songkran**

SUN

23 APR

EVERY DAY

DJ Noki Nichikho @ Cariocas Welcome to our Fiesta Friday, This time with DJ NOKI NICHIKHO pumping out deephouse & soul-funk house.

Creating unique vibes within our relaxing Cariocas Atmosphere. Good Food, even Better Drinks with DJ Noki Reservations, Cariocas Bistro & Lounge: 076 218 403.

SAT

8 APR

Full Moon Festival at Paradise Beach Phuket We are proud to announce the debut at #Paradise Beach of two dance music heavyweights: JEWELZ & SPARKS (Musical Freedom - Warner Music - Revealed Recordings - Fly Eye - DOORN Spinnin - Dim Mak - Darklight Recordings - Ultra) RSVP: info@paradisebeachphuket.com CALL US: +66 (0) 924.856.250

SUN

9 APR

Easter Dining Available Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 14-17 April. Celebrate Easter this year with a sumptuous four-course meal at Bodega & Grill. Dinner 18:00 - 23:00. Food only THB 2,080++ per person.

Reservations Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservationlagunaphuket@angsana.com 076 358 500.

Phuket Bike Week 2017 PHUKET BIKE WEEK 2017 “WORLD Ride Together”, the legendary event in Asia, will celebrate the 23rd anniversary on 14th -16th April 2017. This event will be the largest gathering of motorcyclists in SE Asia, expecting to draw over 10,000 motorcycles, 50,000 visitors from 30 countries to Phuket. The excitement will take place in Patong Beach on 14th - 16th April 2017 and in Phuket Town on 22nd April 2017. More info at: phuketbikeweek.com. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

SUN

7 Nights 7 Themed Dinners at Rim Talay Superkidz Triathlon returns to Thanyapura Phuket On Sunday, April 23, Phuket’s long-running youth multisport event will feature fun and challenging age-appropriate race distances for youth aged 4-15 to compete in a safe environment. The triathlon starts with a swim at Thanyapura’s Olympic-sized 50-meter pool, continues with a bike ride through Khao Phra Thaew National Park and with a run concluding at Thanyapura’s cushioned athletics track and grandstand. Entry fee is 700 THB/individual or 1,800 THB/team. Prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers for each age category and relay teams. Registration deadline is April 16, 2017. More info at: events@ thanyapura.com; call: +66 76 336 000; or visit: thanyapura.com/event/superkidz-triathlon-2017 Proudly sponsored by Live89.5 and Khao Phuket

THU

27 APR

16 APR

Phuket Pride 2017 Phuket FC VS Surat Thani FC Phuket FC VS Surat Thani FC. Sunday 9 Apr at Surakul Stadium. Kick off 6pm. Entrance fee THB 50. Free entrance for students with ID card. Proudly sponsored

by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

@thephuketnews

Easter Brunch @ XANA Sunday 16th April - 12.00 - 15.30. Easter Egg Hunt.

Lady’s hat competition: Win 1 night at Angsana Laguna Phuket and 2 persons for Sunday Brunch. THB

Phuket Pride’s mission is to bring together the Phuket LGBTQ Communities through its many events during Pride, moneys raised during Pride supports initiatives created in HIV Prevention, Education and Treatment.

From 27-30 April 2017. More info visit phuket-pride. org. Proudly sponsored by Live89.5 and Khao Phuket.

Patong, Phuket, info@phuket-pride.org

Make each night unique! Enjoy our themed dinners with the cool sea breeze. World of Curries @790 THB++, Thai & International Buffet @790 THB++, Seafood Night @980 THB++, Ribs, Wings & Rings @770 THB++, Butchers Night @market price, Surf & Turf @950 THB++,Thai Seafood Gala @980 THB++.

The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. For reservations, rimtalay@amari.com or 076 340106-14 #8027.

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

All Day Breakfast at Cafe Siam Aussie bacon & egg rolls NOW at Cafe Siam. All day breakfast, just like mum makes. Lavazza Coffee, healthy snacks & salads. Find us at the Entrance of The Royal Paradise Complex, Patong. Mon - Sat 8.30am - 4.00pm. Facebook: CafeSiamGuesthousePhuket 081 676 9411.

26 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Which South Park film will be released this year?

2. How many three-point shots did NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal make in his 19-year career?

3. True or False: Bulls dislike the colour red?

4. Who is the literary character Jack Dawkins better known as?

5. A horse is measured in hands. How many inches are in a hand?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Across 1. Movie format 4. Mission to remember 9. OPEC member 14. Something to lend or bend 15. Like some fans 16. Common phrase 17. Appetizer with a national flavor 20. “If all ___ fails ...”

21. Member of a Turkish minority 22. Race do-over 26. Kalahari critter 31. Pork place 32. Unkind cut 34. Iroquoian language 35. Lover of Dido, in myth 37. Juice server 38. Breakfast item with a national flavor 42. Solo for Carmen 43. Situation 44. Set aflame 47. E-mail from a Nigerian prince, probably 48. Youngest Lincoln 51. Whine-makers 53. 19th century Turkish viceroy 55. Apiece 57. Birthstone after sapphire

58. Eggs with a national flavor 65. Airport tower 66. Sheeplike 67. Granola bar bit 68. Giving the pink slip 69. Rome or Fuji 70. Before, in verse Down 1. Postpones 2. Scoundrel 3. Stylish 4. ___ de Triomphe 5. ____ de dah 6. ___ system (way of classifying human blood) 7. Stole material 8. Bad blood 9. Lime tree 10. Bar requirements 11. Tell-all book, often 12. ‘-- think?’

13. Bandstand box 18. Cyberspace 19. Sweet sandwich 23. Cain’s bane 24. Indian queen 25. Haircut discard 27. Hull wreckers 28. Moa relative 29. Arabian Peninsula coastal city 30. Word on cigarette

packs 33. Thailand money 35. “Here we go ___!”

36. Squarely 38. It may lead to a conclusion 39. Ricci of fashion 40. Kings Peak locale 41. Cause for opening a window 42. Sharpshooter’s asset 45. Getting ready, with “up” 46. Archeozoic and Cenozoic 48. Move stealthily, in a way 49. Visual embodiment in a virtual world 50. Remove 52. Unstressed vowel 54. Buck’s mate 56. Hula helper?

58. Detoxification place 59. Eucharist box 60. Champion of 10/30/74 61. Fatal opening?

62. Do the floors, in a way 63. Right-angled pipe 64. Strong cleaner

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) South Park: Fractured But Whole; 2); One; 3) False; 4) Artful Dodger; 5) Four

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history March 31, 1918 Daylight saving time goes into effect in the United States for the first time.

1

April 1, 1976 Apple Inc. is formed by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in Cupertino, California.

in three billionaires don’t have college degrees.

20

April 2, 1841 Rama IV is crowned King of Thailand.

per cent of Americans do not have internet service in their homes.

April 3, 1888 Jack The Ripper: The first of 11 unsolved brutal murders of women committed in or near the impoverished Whitechapel district in the East End of London occur.

dollars is how much Krone Company’s Abraham Lincoln pen costs, containing the 16th president’s DNA in its cap top.

April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated by James Earl Ray at a motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

1,600

13,926

dollars is how much the average New Yorker saves annually by using public transportation.

2 million

April 5, 1614 In Virginia, Native American Pocahontas marries English colonist John Rolfe. (Painting depicts Pocahontas saving John Rolfe’s life, US Library of Congress.)

Americans still use AOL’s dial-up internet service.

Sunrise at Ao Por. Photo by Chi Chiu

Source: Uberfacts

Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

April 6, 1782 King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) of Siam founds the Chakri dynasty.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Jobs

@thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

EDUCATION

FISHING SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MOVING SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

TRAINING

HOME DECORATION

ADVERTISE HERE

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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Buy&Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

LOST & FOUND Missing Person

Martin Perter Ingram (son of Roy Percival Ingram). Last known of in Thailand in 2010. Any person with knowledge of the current whereabouts of Mr Ingram is request to contact Title Research in the UK (info@titleresearch. com) or our local agent Spectrum Asia (02 626 0250).

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Sign up today for a discount code

The new website for Tiya’s hammocks is ready! Visit now at: native-habitat.com and subscribe for a discount code to use for online shopping. Tiya: hammockphuket@yahoo.com 076 631 841.

AUTOPARTS, TIRES Used 4 Wheel & Tire for sale

For 4 pcs. (Wheel & Tire) Size 235/40 ZR 18” Used only 6,000 KM. 18,000 Baht, Near Panwa Beach , Phuket, marnskjold@ gmail.com 083 635 1440.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE CAPELLI TEMPEST TE 800

Year 2016. Engine Yamaha 300 HP, Special hypalon tubes, Refigerator, Shower, Electric Toilet, Sink, Teak floor, Navigation, Water thank 60 L. 2,900,000, Owner, 093 575 2304.

Long Tail Boat For Sale

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

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

Due to serious health reasons, the owner must part with his beloved 80’ tour boat. New wiring throughout, power outlets, transformer and voltage meters. New upholstery throughout bar and entertainment area. Engines & generator fully reconditioned & serviced. All maintained to European standards. Ideal boat for quality day trip business. beachsando1@gmail.com 080 695 3933.

Steel boat for sale

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES OUTSOURCE COMPANY FOR SALE

126 skilled employees, 3 buildings included, with a net profit of 17 million THB per year. Easy to manage, ideal for foreign investment. Contact us for details.

Besa, 081 891 5932.

Beauty Salon with Equipment

For Sale, Nai Harn Beauty Salon with Equipment & lease, B290,000. Salon Equipment replacement cost is more than B300,000. All equipment shown as new. Must view to see excellent opportunity to purchase Salon for extremely good price in prime location. Call Nok for details 098 017 8818. @thephuketnews

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Restaurant set up for sale

en

ts

al e

CAR FOR SALE Honda Jazz 2009

A fully equipped restaurant in the highly Urg 1500cc Auto sought after Boat Avenue mall in Laguna.

57,000km. One owner since new.

Stainless steel kitchen, Wi-Fi, bar counter, Regularly serviced by Honda. Tax and service area. Ready to go in days. Email: Insurance until the end of June and available now at right jukeboxphuket@gmail.com 081 090 1608. offer. Reduced by 40,000 bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht o.n.o, Andy +66846909144, andysmalster@gmail.com

Price reduced for quick sale

No, not a bar or guesthouse, but a manufacturing business for wooden window blinds.

All the machinery and inventory of parts to be up and running in a matter of days. A very successful business in Phuket for over eight years. Price reduced to 2 mil Baht. Owner will partially finance. lamsden@phuketemail.com 081 487 4812.

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

Looking for investor / partner

MEMBERSHIPS

Looking for investor / partnership for Patong beach front location to start with Japanese and Indian restaurant.

Narin, narinpga@gmail.com 081 826 9390.

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

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

CAR FOR SALE Convertible

Mercedes CLK 200 Cabriolet W-209 Brabus Package - seat 4. Excellent condition and fun to drive. 37,400km.

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

Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI

Blue canyon Golf membership

For sale at 250,000 baht, buyer pays transfer cost. 2017 dues not paid. Contact Ian Lancaster on 083 263 4590 or ilancast@me.com

Phuket Country Club Golf Membership

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

Loch Palm Golf Membership

Lifetime Loch Palm Golf membership for sale. ฿485,000, the Loch Palm transfer fee of ฿72,000 will be shared equally between the buyer and seller. Contact J. Trenton Early, jtrenton.early@gmail.com

Life Time Family Membership

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

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

Tanita, 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

MOVING SERVICES Looking for a Moving Company?

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

OTHER SALE YAMAHA ENGINE F150 FETX

YAMAHA ENGINE F150 FETX FOR SALE NEW NEVER USE !!! at THB 520,000 NET Come with full set of spare parts. 520,000.00, Mr. Glen, Lee Marine Co., Ltd. 199/111 Moo 6, T. Paklok, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand, glen@ leemarine.com +66 (0)84 443 5050.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Phuket real estate tour

Real estate investment tours are specially designed to help you to achieve your investment goals with the right property in the right location. You will get advice on the multitude of lucrative investment opportunities in Phuket. md@tourasian.com 080 826 4665.

WEBSITES, IT For Sale: hoteldealsphuket.com

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE 5 Bed Lux Surin Villa For Sale

Exclusive, and reduced price offer for this luxury lake-side 5 bedroom Villa by the owner, which is only a 5 minutes walk to both Surin and Bang Tao beaches. A MUST see Villa offering 5 en-suite bedrooms, Pool, lake, and within a secure gated community. Call now for viewing or visit the below website. www.hoteldealsphuket.com, 16.900.000, Em, 092 571 0770.

LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

Prime Kathu land with panoramic views and quiet location. Starts from 400sqm. Perfect for private Villa.

Close waterfall with more land plots and different beach!!!

Start from 2.5 MB, K. Pam, Phuketmyhouse@gmail.com +66 (0) 94 829 3619.

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Sea View Villa

Premium villa 8B in the prestiques Sunrise Ocean Villas development is now for sale.

Being built on the highest point in the estate, only 80 meter from the ocean and located 3 mins away from Grand Ao Po Marina, 10 mins from golf course, 20 mins from the airport, shopping centers, schools and hospitals, this villa is a perfect place to live with no traffic, no polution and no mass tourism.

Over 600 Sqm usable building area, 3 bedrooms, guest apartment, maid quater, games room, 10 metre infinity swimming pool, roof terrace and breath taking views. Can be ready to move in within 8 weeks and still can be customized to the wishes of new owner. For sale at only 27.9 mill baht.

For viewing or more information please contact our sales director, Khun Montha on: 081 343 0777 or email: montha_phuket@yahoo.com

Pool Villa Mission Heights

Villa with salt pool, 330sqm, 3 bed, 3.5 bath, 900sqm chanote, owner finance, near mission hill golf 2km. 6km PIA, 8km airport. Call 087 060 8400. B16.9 million. Charly, Mission Heights, picharly@gmail.com

Beautiful Land in Rawai For Sale

Beautiful mountain view with option of sea view land of 742m2 for sale in Rawai with chanote title. For more information contact 085 790 2021.

COMMUNITY

Condominium for sale

Freehold 32.5 Sq.M. Studio type.

Price 3.6MB. Swimming pool on roof. Absolute Bangla Suites. Bruno, brunomeier1945@hotmail.com

Property for sale

Large building near airport and sea view land near Bang Pae Waterfall for sale or lease. Any reasonable offers accepted. Lana, Lana.phuket@gmail.com 080 271 6484.

House for sale

Private pool villa with lovely garden half a rai. Quite and safe area. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom open kitchen. 160 m2 Situated in Ban Pahra. 12 minutes to PIA, Phuket Airport, Nay Yang beach, and Blue Canyon Golf course. 2 min to Mission Hill Golf course. 7.5 million baht, bergsstigen@telia.com 090 701 4204. thephuketnews

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CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Buy&Sell

PROPERTY FOR SALE Penthouse for quick sale

265 sqm, sea and mountain view in Kamala. Foreign freehold. Reduced to 9.9mn, fully furnished!! info@sunny-property.com 083 105 2707.

Foreign freehold corner unit

76 sqm, sea and mountain view in Patong Tower, Patong. Reduced to 8.8mn. Special deal with car, info@ sunny-property.com 083 105 2707.

House for sale

Good location in Chalong area. 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom, 200 sqm.

House on 800 sqm plot. Including furniture, 084 745 5546.

Apartment

1.65mill. 60qm 2bed 2bath + 30qm balcony, liv-kitchen, 3 a/c, quality doors/wind., Dream Village near mission hill golf, tel: 087 383 8709.

HERE IS THE FUTURE. 17 RAI FOR SALE

Between Kok Loi and Thai Muang, 38 km from the airport, we are selling a beautiful peice of land with 2 new houses. A perfect place for artists or a sport resort.

The land is more than 17 Rai, full of old trees, with a big private lake and located directly behind the river. Chanote title. With a canoe it takes 20 min to paddle to the sea.

A great opportunity for a fair price. Price 9.5M, Yupin, residler@gmail.com 081 817 4805 Thai, Eng, Deutsch.

Land for sale in Saku - Phuket

1 to 5 Rai. Chanote. 10 mins south to the airport. Nice quiet location near Naiyang - Naithon Beach. Fixed price only 2.6Mil Baht per Rai. Kanchana, kanchanajit09@gmail.com 087 076 6016.

Outstanding Beach Front Pool Villa

A rare opportunity to purchase a 4 bedroom beachfront villa in a 5* resort at The Village Coconut Island.

A “snip” at 22m THB. Somjit, aadmo@btinternet.com 081 979 1945.

House for Sale

3 bed, 2 bath, living/dining, Farang & Thai kitchens. Back/both sides under cover. Water fall/relax area.

BBQ area under cover/car port. 4 aircons/7 fans. Very private, close to all services, 500 meters from Heroines Monument. B4.9 mil. o.n.o. Contact Randy. randyalltime@gmail.com

Apartment Country Golf Club House

One room with kitchen in main house Country Club. 6th floor with balcony 75sqm. Membership in Country Club included. Price 3.3 Million THB. Contact pzw@gmx.at Per Dompert, 086 043 4315 (English and German) @thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

Beautiful, gently sloping land for sale near Bang Pae waterfall. Good road, 3-phase power. NS3 paper (upgrade applied for). 7 rai, B4m/rai. 087 884 9964 (En) or 087 272 5594 (Th). alasdair.phuket@gmail.com

Ten Room Villa for sale

With 5 Rai land. 5 sleeping rooms, 5 bathrooms, 5 balconies, 2 kitchens, big living room, play room, lobby, car port. Hillside Maikhao Beach sunset seaview. Asking price 24 MB. julius_schuster2001@ yahoo.de 087 267 1192.

Prime Land near Natai Beach

13 Rai. Prime flat land, Full Chanote. 5 mins to beautiful Natai Beach, 5 mins to Khok Kloi, 20 mins from Phuket Airport. Close to temples, beach & mountain views, perfect for large property or subdivide for development.

B13,500,000, Antoine (Thai & English), 081 979 9307 dannyred@hotmail.com

House for Sale

House at Land and House for sale. 2-storey with 3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, balcony, jacuzzi, library, laundry. Near kids’ playground, two swimming pools, sauna, gym. Enough land to build a second house on the same plot. Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

Land For Sale

Land for sale. Anuphas Golf Ville, Kathu. 81 sq wah. Golf course view of Phuket CC. Quiet village, convenient location. E-mail for details Contact David, d1jarvis@hotmail.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT Mai Khao new 4 bedroom luxury villa for rent

90,000 THB a month, very safe and quiet. Fullly furnished, 15min airport.

20min PIA, 7min beaches, 3min stores and restaurants. Real estates welcome. jyfievet@gmail. com, jassarabee@gmail.com, 089 470 8926, 081 719 7015.

Amazing 5 Bed/Bath Villa Rawai

Stunning 5 Bed Pool Villa quiet and private location. Quality furn and fully equipped. Beautiful lounge/kitchen, very spacious with great pool. 90000 Baht per month, bricothailand@hotmail.com 081 271 7092.

House for rent.

Nr Wat Chalong

3 Bed/4 baths house in quiet estate.

Available from April 1st to Oct 31st. email me or phone me, Paul, for photos and full details. 25,000 pcm, PAUL WHITTALL, Phuket Private Lagoon, Chao Faa West Road, Chalong, pwhittall@aol.com 093 793 4258.

PROPERTY FOR RENT House For sale or rent Baan Manik (Cherngtalay)

Attractive 3 bed, 2 bathroom detached house for sale or rent. Set in quiet surroundings but with easy access to Laguna, Boat avenue, PIA, airport, Surin, Bangtao and Layan beaches. The property boasts many additional features including, Auto-gate, Western-styled kitchen, security system, natural stone floors, imported ceiling fans, 12volt LED Garden Lighting and air-con throughout.

Asking B4.5 Million Negotiable Rent 25K Per Month Fully furnished or 20K per month unfurnished. 081 9686 051.

Kata Western Apartment

1 and 2 115sqm furnished apartments, full kitchen, huge covered terraces, mountain and seaview.

1 month minimum, 1 year lease starting B20,000/month. gordy240@hotmail.com 084 840 1262.

Office/Shop for Rent

Ground Floor space with excellent positioning on Chalong Pier Road.

For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

Two condos for sale/rent

2 condos for sale 48 sqm. - sale price $60,000 (developer’s price $116,000) & 54.5 sqm. - sale price $70,000 (developer’s price $128,000). Fully furnished, near Central, Big C, BIS, Lotus, hospitals, schools. Communal pool and gym. Short & long time rent available: 48 sqm – THB 10,000-15,000 per month; 54.5 sqm – THB 15,000-20,000 per month + electricity & water. Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

ROOM FOR RENT

Room for rent in attractive house Baan Manik (not far from Anthem wakeboard park). Convenient location for access to Laguna, Boat avenue, Airport and PIA. House is equipped with, Air-con, Internet, Expat-TV, foreign kitchen, washing machine, fridge etc. 8,000 Baht PCM + Share of Bills. Please email bluebeyond@me.com or call 081 968 6051 for a viewing.

Kamala Villa for rent

5 Bedrooms Villa available for long term, normally 10,000 Baht Nightly price Long lease 70,000 Baht monthly for 1 year minimum, Include pool, garden, courtyard maintenance. Suitable for large or two families.

Wanphen, kamalagym2@gmail.com 080 697 7729.

Villas & Apts Rent-Chalong

2- and 3-bedroom pool villas, 2-bedroom townhouses & studio apartments.

Special prices from 700/night or 8,000/ month. Rates include WiFi, maid service, cable TV, furnishings. Great location near Big Buddha. info@chalongapartment.com, 086 282 6221, www.chalongapartment.com

34 PROPERTY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

SPORT 35

Phuket suffer first defeat Loss to league leaders brings gap between clubs to four points FOOTBALL Matt Pond editor3@thephuketnews.com

P

huket FC suffered their first defeat of their 2017 Euro Cake Thai League 4 campaign last Sunday (Mar 26) going down 2-1 away to league leaders Satun United.

The two goals scored against Phuket were the first the team have conceded thus far this season.

Satun replaced the Andaman Dragon at the top of the league table the previous weekend after Phuket only managed to grab a point in a goalless draw against Chumphon FC on March 18.

It was Phuket FC who opened the scoring in last Sunday’s game, with their Ivorian striker Yannick Pairice Touguessong (29) getting on the score sheet in the 8th minute of the game, his 2nd of the season.

In a badly waterlogged pitch, the ball was put to Yannick just outside of Satun’s penalty box and a superb chip went straight over the keeper’s head and into the net.

Satun tried desperately to pull one back and even had two good chances cleared off the goal line in the last quarter of the first half. However, Phuket managed to keep their lead going into the second half.

With the pitch as wet as it was both teams were struggling to find their true form, but it was Satun who made a breakthrough when their Japanese striker Daiki Konomura (14) found the back of Phuket’s net in the 71st minute.

But it was only seven minutes from full-time that Satun sealed their victory. An easy chip in the box found the head of Thai midfielder Jittep Hemsanit (34) who made no mistake in heading the ball home.

Last Sunday’s result still

It was Phuket FC’s Ivorian striker Yannick Pairice Touguessong (29) who opened the scoring. Photo: Hari Lee Song Tue leaves Phuket in 2nd place (10 points) in the league table, four points behind Satun (14 points) but with Phuket having a game in hand.

Furthermore, despite not having managed to score in his last two appearances for the Andaman Dragon, Nattapoom Maya (7) is still the league’s top scorer having scored five in the first three games of the season.

Phuket FC return deep south again this coming weekend when they travel to take on 5th placed Hat Yai FC (six points) on Sunday (Apr 2) with kick-off set for 5pm.

Phuket will certainly be hoping to pick up all three points from that game and reduce the gap between themselves and Satun.

The team then return to Surakul Stadium on Apr

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A GD Pts

1

Satun United

6

4

2

0

6

2

3

14

2

Phuket FC

5

3

1

1

9

2

7

10

3

Phatthalung FC

5

2

3

0

3

0

3

9

4

Chumphon FC

5

1

4

0

3

2

1

7

5

Hat Yai FC

6

1

3

2

4

5

-1

6

6

Pattani FC

5

1

2

2

3

4

-1

5

7

Sungaipadee FC

5

1

2

2

4

8

-4

5

8

Surat Thani City FC 6

1

1

4

4

5

-1

4

9

Yala United

0

2

3

4

8

-4

2

5

Full Weekend Results Saturday March 25

Sungaipadee FC

4-2

Surat Thani City FC

Phatthalung FC

1-0

Pattani FC

Sunday March 26 Satun United

2-1

Phuket FC

Yala United

2-3

Hat Yai FC

9 when they will take on Surat Thani City FC, who, at the time of writing, sat at 8th place in the league table (four points).

All teams will then be on a three week break for the Songkran holiday period before returning to action on the weekend of April 29-30.

Thanyapura to co-host inter-school sports games VARIOUS

From left: Ms S Chuasawat, Phuket V/Gov; Mr P Graf von Hardenberg, Thanyapura President and CEO; Mr J Mak, Chairman of Sports Camp Australia; Ms K Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports.

TH A N YA PU R A HEA LTH & Sports Resort has partnered with Sports Camp Australia (SCA) to organise interschool games and sporting programs from 2017 – onward.

Nearly 20,000 parents, students, supporters and coaches from Australasia are expected to participate,

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1626: Saturday April 1 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: No Hope, Singha Location: Thanyapura - Thalang Directions: Continue going north from the traffic lights in the centre of Thalang for about 2.4 kilometres and approximately 300 metres before the Old Airport Rd traffic lights take the U-turn (No HHH sign) and come back towards Thalang for 400m (no U-turn at the lights allowed).

Turn left at the HHH sign and head east for 2.8km, then turn right just before the pylons (HHH sign) and the laager is in the date palms.

Park in the date palms, NOT in the vegetable garden by the pylon. HHH truck will be marked.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2.30pm Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews

generating over 40,000 room nights for Phuket. Fifty per cent of the room nights will be spread out among other resorts in the area.

Students from across the Asian region will compete and participate in various sports in Phuket over the coming years. The sports include athletics, football, basketball, baseball, swimming, tennis and more.

“Thanyapura is committed to turning Thailand into a regional

sports hub for the international community. We partnered up with Sports Camp Australia to advance Phuket’s sports tourism economy with the influx of parents, children and coaches from the regional sporting community,” said Philipp Graf von Hardenberg, President and CEO of Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort.

“Sports Camp Australia is delighted to work with Thanyapura in

developing Phuket as a sports hub and destination – for upcoming athletes across the region in addition to tourism. The participants will learn from highly accomplished coaches and experience Thanyapura’s worldclass facilities, which continue to be an exceptional training centre for athletes of all levels,” said James Mak, Chairman of Sports Camp Australia.

The Phuket News

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

SPORT 37

ICC fail to secure first win Loss against PCG leaves team pointless in 2017 T20 League CRICKET Dave Thomas

L

ast Sunday (Mar 26) saw the 8th round of the C&C Marine 2017 T20 tournament at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) with Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) taking on the Island Cricket Club (ICC).

PCG went into the game hoping to regain ground on league leaders Patong Cricket Club, while ICC were hoping to secure their first win of the season and finally get some points on the board.

PCG skipper I Mushtaq won the toss and elected that he and his team would bat first.

Mushtaq opened for PCG together with M Sadarangani and they were looking to start strongly against a struggling ICC side.

The openers managed to take the score to 33 when Mushtaq (17) departed after being caught by Virdikar off the bowling of Borkar. Next in was K Sadarangani (6), however, he unfortunately retired hurt in the over just after the

@thephuketnews

Waseem brings up 50 with a 6; one of nine in a total of 75 runs, not out. Photo: Michael Way drinks break which brought to the crease W Manzoor.

Manzoor and Sadarangani took the score to 84 when Sadarangani (29) was clean bowled by Kalakar. New batsman S Bowry (0) followed Sadarangani back to the pavilion just a few balls later after being trapped LBW by Virdikar.

With the score on 87 runs for three, and in the 13th over, the time had come to push for a big score. Manzoor decided it was time to attack, and to-

gether with Rehman punished anything and everything. Both batsmen took PCG to the 19th over when Rehman (24) was run out by Naik looking for an extra run.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Manzoor had moved into the 70s and was joined by M Platts (0) with just a few balls left in the innings. Both batsman guided PCG through the 20th over, setting ICC a score of 173 runs to win.

Manzoor’s traffic innings of 75 runs came off just 34

deliveries which included two 4s and an incredible nine 6s!

ICC opened with S Ullah and S Kandolkar. Both batsmen started positively with a challenging total to chase against a good bowling attack.

The openers took the score to 31, when in the 4th over Kandolkar (16) was clean bowled by Mirza. R Naik came to the crease and continued the positive batting, taking ICC to the 10 over drinks break, managing to push the score into the 70s without any further

wickets being lost.

With plenty of wickets in hand, and batsmen full of confidence, ICC kept the run rate well ahead of what was needed. That was until the 15th over, when opener Naik (34) was dismissed caught by Sadarangani off Mushtaq’s bowling. Opener Ullah (40), who had batted for 60 minutes, was dismissed just two balls later, again caught by Sadarangani off the bowling of Mushtaq.

The loss of these two quick

wickets seemed to slow the ICC momentum. They appeared to be heading for their first win of the competition, when with just a few overs left, S Bowry was given the ball, and in an inspired spell claimed three wickets in the 19th over.

B Dessai (3) was cleaned bowled, S Kumar (19) stumped Manzoor, and A Kalakar was caught and bowled.

The flurry of late wickets effectively ended ICC’s chance of victory, falling just 15 runs short of their target and still they remain winless.

This coming Sunday (Apr 2) sees a short break in the C&C Marine T20 League due to ground maintenance issues. However, the league will recommence the following Sunday (Apr 9).

For further information about cricket on Phuket, visit the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) web-site at www.phuketcricket. com or e-mail the PCG committee at phuketcricketgroup@ gmail.com. New players are always welcome & would be well received by the current teams on the island.

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Samurai slay Elephants

Thailand slump to 0-4 defeat, World Cup hopes end FOOTBALL Bangkok Post

T

hailand suffered another heavy defeat in their World Cup qualif ying campaig n on Tuesday (Mar 28) when they were beaten 0-4 by Japan in Saitama.

Shinji Kagawa opened the f loodgates after eight minutes and Shinji Okazaki (19), Yuya Kubo (57) and Maya Yoshida (83) added a further three goals.

With the win, Japan move closer to their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.

They have 16 points from seven games in Group B of Asia’s final qualifying stage for the 2018 World Cup. Australia have 13 points after defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in Sydney.

Saudi Arabia (13 points) hosted Iraq (four) early on Wednesday morning (Thai time).

The UAE have nine points, while Thailand have one and are still seeking their first

Leicester City striker Shinji Okazaki celebrated his 50th international goal as Japan brushed aside Thailand 4-0 to edge closer to a sixth successive World Cup. Photo: AFP win of the ongoing qualifying round.

The top two teams of Group A and Group B earn tickets to Russia 2018. The two third-place teams meet in a play-off with the winner facing a Concacaf side for another berth.

“I apologise to Thai fans [for the heavy defeat]. Japan are stronger. Our players gave

their all. We conceded two goals in the first half from their only two clear chances,” said Thailand coach Kiastisak Senamuang whose team lost 3-0 to Saudi Arabia in Bangkok last Thursday (Mar 23).

Thailand midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin will join J-League side Consadole Sapporo on loan from Thai champions SCG Muang Thong

Donors contribute to return body MUAY THAI AN ONLINE FUND-RAISing campaign launched to help return a Scottish Muay Thai boxer’s body home after he died while jogging in Nakhon Ratchasima last Saturday (Mar 25) is attracting donors.

Craig Floan, who coached Jordan ‘Lamnammoon’ Muay Thai at the Glasgow Thai Boxing Academy, said last Sunday (Mar 26) that a fundraiser had been set up to return his body to Scotland, The Telegraph online reported.

Donations quickly reached

Jordan ‘Lamnammoon’ Muay Thai (centre). Photo: Jordan Coe/Facebook £14,000 (B606,000) after the news of his death had been reported in the news, and soon rose to £17,180.

Jordan ‘Lamnammoon’ Muay Thai was the ring name of Jordan Coe. Police at Poh Klang Police Station in Muang district in Nakhon Ratchasima

however identified him as Jordan Donald.

Mr Donald was found dead last Sunday in a thick sweatsuit. A preliminary autopsy of the 21-year-old pointed to heat stroke as the likely cause of the death.

He left a hotel last Saturday, going jogging to reduce his weight by three kilograms to meet the scale limit for a bout last Sunday in Nakhon Ratchasima. He never returned.

A detailed autopsy carried out by Maharit Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital has not been released.

Bangkok Post

United later this year, and he got a taste of Japanese football on Tuesday night.

He said the Blue Samurai were much stronger than the War Elephants, and admitted that he and teammates would need to improve to reach the level of their opponents.

“We have learned lessons.

My teammates and myself have to develop to become

better,” said Chanathip.

Leicester City’s Okazaki celebrated his 50th international goal after Kagawa had given the hosts the lead with a sharp finish.

And it was in swashbuckling style that Okazaki brought up his half-century with an acrobatic diving header.

Okazaki’s landmark goal, on his 108th Japan appearance, effectively killed the contest.

Kubo and Yoshida added to the Blue Samurai’s tally after the break, and Eiji Kawashima saved a late penalty from Kraison Adisak to deny rock-bottom Thailand any kind of consolation.

It was Japan’s second win over Thailand in the Group B fixtures having won 2-0 in Bangkok last year.

In Sydney, Australia defeated the United Arab Emirates 2-0, ending a run of four draws to get their qualification attempt for the 2018 World Cup back on track.

However, the UAE’s second loss in five days prompted coach Mahdi Ali, who took charge in 2012, to announce

his resignation at the postmatch news conference.

Goals in each half from Jackson Irvine and Mathew Leckie sealed the vital win for the Socceroos, who had slipped into third place in Group B behind Saudi Arabia and Japan after four successive draws.

“It was just about remaining calm and taking our chances,” said Australia skipper Mile Jedinak.

“It really helps our chances [of qualifying] but there’s plenty of business to be done.”

Lax marking at a seventhminute corner gave Irvine a free header that took a deflection on its way into the net.

While the UAE threatened at times through 2016 Asian player of the year Omar Abdulrahman, they struggled to create enough clear chances to seriously worry the Asian champions.

With 12 minutes remaining Leckie headed home a James Troisi cross to give Australia three points that kept alive hope of a fourth successive World Cup appearance.

Chanachok steals title GOLF

CHANACHOK DEJPIRAtanamongkol defeated Pavit Tangkamolprasert in a playoff to claim his maiden professional title at the Singha Championship at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club last Sunday (Mar 26).

The 23-year-old from Tak province tied overnight leader Pavit on 15-under 269 at the end of the fourth round of the two-million-baht All Thailand Golf Tour event.

Chanachok received B300,000 for his winning performance while Pavit took home B185,000.

Poom Saksaensin was third on 12-under 272, while Chapchai Nirat and Udorn Duangdecha shared fourth place on 10-under 274.

Chanachok, who was named rookie of the year last season, shot a two-under 69 last Sunday, while Pavit, who was four shots in front at the start of the round, finished with a disappointing twoover 73.

Chanachok had a rollercoaster front nine which saw him suffer three bogeys on holes Nos.1, 2 and 7 against

Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol reacts after winning the play-off. Photo: PR two birdies on 4 and 8. He improved on the return trip with three birdies on 10, 15 and 17 to force the play-off with Pavit, who bogeyed sixth, 13th, 14th and 16th and had only two birdies on 10 and 17.

Both Chanachok and Pavit hit their second shots onto the green of the par-four 18th hole. Pavit missed his birdie putt, while Chanachok nailed his 21-foot effort to seal his first title since turning pro in 2014.

Chanachok said, “I had a bad start today with two successive bogeys. At that stage I knew I was six shots behind but I wasn’t panicking. I was just focusing on my game and not thinking too much about how far behind I was.

“By the 16th hole, I was level with him [Pavit] and I

knew that I had a chance to win because I was putting so well on the back nine.”

Meanwhile Pavit suffered a stomach upset after the third round last Saturday (Mar 25) and had to spend the night at the hospital.

“I tried my best today but physically I wasn’t quite there,” said Pavit. “I would like to congratulate Chanachok. He was brilliant on the back nine.”

Witchayanon Chothirunrungrueng, who finished with an even-par 284, was the best amateur. The 20-yearold received the Supaporn Mapuengpong trophy and earned the ticket to play at the Asian Tour’s Queen’s Cup tournament at Santiburi Samui Country Club later this year.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

SPORT 39

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Ferrari win promises title duel with Mercs FORMULA ONE

MONTHLY STANDINGS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

“F

Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, and Ferrari throughout practice, with no team wanting to show their hand.

By qualifying Red Bull Racing had fallen by the wayside with a 1.3-second deficit, and Ferrari could only lap within 0.3 seconds of Lewis Hamilton’s ace pole time of 1 minute 22.188 seconds.

Despair over the ominously familiar Hamilton-Mercedes advantage over the field proved premature mere minutes into last Sunday’s (Mar 26) race, however.

At lights out Hamilton rocketed off the start line and started lapping half a second quicker than anyone else – except for Sebastian

tions to Sutharat Husted, who with 18 points was the March monthly winner of The Phuket News Premier League Predictions Competition. Ms Sutharat came to the Class Act Media office last Thursday (Mar 23) with her daughter Alyssa to collect her prize, a B3,000 voucher to spend at Islander Bar & Restaurant in Rawai. Well done Su!

Time

Match

Stadium

Sun Apr 2

5pm

Hat Yai FC Vs Phuket FC

Southern Lak Muang Stadium

Sun Apr 9

6pm

Phuket FC vs Surat Thani City FC

Surakul Stadium

Sun Apr 23

6pm

Phatthalung FC vs Phuket FC

Patthalung OrBorJor Stadium

Sun Apr 30

6pm

Phuket FC vs Sungaipadee FC

Surakul Stadium

Sat May 6

4pm

Yala United vs Phuket FC

Yala Municipality Stadium

Sat May 13

6pm

Phuket FC vs Pattani FC

Surakul Stadium

Please note that Phuket FC's home game fixtures have now all been reverted back to 6pm kick-offs. @thephuketnews

LateStart bazerb phils64 Sidwell Guduka stafsulaiman

OVERALL STANDINGS 18 17 17 17 17

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

scottkip 163 Sidwell Guduka 163 The Red Card Gang 163 carst 161 phil64 159

English Premier League 2016 - 2017

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel speeds through a corner on the way to winning the Formula One Australian Grand Prix. Photo: William West/AFP

Premier League Predictions: Congratula-

Date

The overall competition winner receives a two day/one night private fishing charter to Racha Island on board Wahoo Yacht Charters Phuket’s Reel Blue. Total prize value: B180,000 The monthly competition winner for March 2017 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Islander Sports Bar and Restaurant in Rawai.

EPL PREDICTIONS

BOX OF NEUTRALS

orza Ferrari” shouted Sebastian Vettel on his victory lap at the Australian Grand Prix. “This is for all of you!”

The relief was obvious.

Ferrari, Formula One’s oldest and most successful team, has been on a dark and tumultuous ride since its last win in September 2015.

In 2016 it threw away opportunities to win races, it lost highly prized technical director James Allison, and it briefly threatened civil war with star driver Vettel just two seasons after prying him from Red Bull Racing.

Things, to put it simply, had been better – which made the Australian Grand Prix champagne, expected by almost no-one only a matter of months ago, all the more sweet.

The season-opening Melbourne race weekend was difficult to read. The advantage waxed and waned between

MONTHLY SPONSOR

MAIN SPONSOR

1 2 3

Vettel. The four-time world champion clung to the back of the three-time title winner’s car like glue.

“He was relatively close,” Hamilton said. “If he was ahead, he probably would’ve pulled away.”

Vettel, his car at one with his ultrasoft tyres, sensed the hunt was afoot.

“I was really trying to keep the pressure on to make sure that they got the message that we are here and we’re here to fight.”

The German’s pressure did the trick. By lap 17 Hamilton had chewed through his Pirellis and had to stop for a new set.

Vettel, on the other hand, kept pushing his advantage, and on lap 22 his strategy had worked – Hamilton’s early pit stop had put him behind Max Verstappen’s slower Red Bull Racing car, and around Albert Park with Formula One’s new wider and faster cars, the Briton struggled to overtake.

On lap 23 Vettel returned to the pits for his own new tyres. The gamble was tight, but it paid off – Vettel emerged from pit lane alongside the duelling Verstappen and Hamilton, and within a matter of corners he was rebuilding his advantage.

Mercedes, caught without the speed advantage it had enjoyed since 2014, had been bested on merit.

“The Ferrari was the quick-

er car,” admitted Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. “We were pushing flat out and we were just not able to pull away.”

It was a breath of fresh air for a sport dominated by the Silver Arrows for three consecutive seasons, and it was the perfect sporting complement on a weekend new-look cars, the fastest in F1’s history, took to the track for the first time.

It was meaningful for Formula One, but it was critical validation for Ferrari’s determination and toil after 2016 threatened to sink the team for years.

“It was about time,” said Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne. “Hearing the Italian national anthem again was very moving.

“His victory is something to share with the entire team, both at the circuit and back in Maranello, because teamwork is the only way to achieve major goals.”

But the boss’s celebratory message came with a salient warning.

“Now, however, it is absolutely essential to remember that this is not the destination but the first step on a long road that must see us all focused on improving each and every day.”

Improvement will be the name of the game for two cashed-up manufacturers in a 2017 season that promises a titanic battle between two icons of the automotive world.

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

Team

MP W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur Manchester City Liverpool Manchester United Arsenal Everton West Brom Stoke City Southampton Bournemouth West Ham United Burnley Watford Leicester City Crystal Palace Swansea City Hull City Middlesbrough Sunderland

28 28 28 29 27 27 29 29 29 27 29 29 29 28 28 28 29 29 28 28

3 8 6 8 10 5 8 7 9 6 6 6 5 7 6 4 3 6 10 5

3 3 5 5 3 7 7 10 11 12 14 14 15 13 14 16 18 17 14 18

59 55 54 61 42 56 51 39 33 33 42 40 31 33 33 36 36 26 20 24

21 21 30 36 23 34 30 38 42 36 54 52 42 48 47 46 63 58 33 50

38 34 24 25 19 22 21 1 -9 -3 -12 -12 -11 -15 -14 -10 -27 -32 -13 -26

69 59 57 56 52 50 50 43 36 33 33 33 32 31 30 28 27 24 22 20

22 17 17 16 14 15 14 12 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 6 4 5

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Friday March 31 Rugby Union 13:30 15:40 15:30 17:20 Aussie Rules 15:30 Saturday April 1 Rugby Union 11:10 13:30 15:40 20:00 22:10 Rugby League 17:40 Soccer 18:30 21:00 21:00 23:30 Aussie Rules 12:30 15:30 Sunday April 2 Aussie Rules 13:30 Rugby League 11:00 Rugby Union 13:00 Soccer 19:30 22:00 Soccer 19:00 Rugby Union 16:50 18:55 21:10 23:40

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

15:35 1740 17:20 19:10 18:30

Super Rugby Super Rugby NRL NRL AFL

Highlanders v. Rebels Rugby League Roosters v. Sea Eagles (D) Cowboys v. Rabbitohs (D) Western Bulldogs v. Sydney Swans

13:00 15:30 17:40 00:10 00:00 19:30 20:30 23:00 23:00 01:30 15:30 18:30

Super Rugby Super Rugby Super Rugby Super Rugby Super Rugby NRL EPL EPL EPL EPL AFL AFL

Blues v. Western Force Chiefs v. Bulls Reds v Hurricanes Stormers v. Cheetahs Lions v. Sharks Sharks v. Knights (D) Liverpool v. Everton Man United v. West Bromwich Burnley v. Tottenham Southampton v. Bournemouth GWS Giants v. Gold Coast Suns Western Coast Eagles v. St Kilda

16:30 13:00 15:00 21:30 23:55 21:00 18:55 21:10 23:00 01:15

AFL NRL Super Rugby EPL EPL SPFL European Cup QF European Cup QF European Cup QF European Cup QF

Port Adelaide v. Fremantle Warriors v. Titans Waratahs v. Crusaders Swansea v. Middlebrough Arsenal v. Man City Hearts v. Celtic Bath v. Brive (D) Saracens v. Glasgow Clermont v. Toulon Ospreys v. Stade Francais

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017

Phuket FC suffer first defeat of T4 season > page 35

BEACH CAGE

Phuket has a new MMA fight promotion, and it’s here to stay Primal Fighting Championship kicked off their inaugural mixed martial arts (MMA) event at Paradise Beach Club last Friday (Mar 24). Photo: Mitch Viquez

MMA

Primal FC Results – Dark Moon Rising

JP Mestanza tv@classactmedia.co.th

P

rimal Fighting Championship kicked off their inaugural mixed martial arts (MMA) event at Paradise Beach Club last Friday (Mar 24) to much fanfare as fighters from around the world, including the Middle East, Latin America, Russia, the US, the Philippines, and more graced the cage with a litany of bone-crunching hits all throughout the night.

Phuket’s reputation as a fight capital is not lost on the organisers of the event, that’s why they heavily showcased local fighters who train out of several of the world-class gyms on the island.

“Phuket is the mecca and that is a huge reason why we’re here,” said Primal FC cofounder and former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contender Mike Swick.

“That’s why we have fighters from each gym, to showcase what Phuket has to offer.

Phuket is going to keep growing, it’s going to keep getting bigger and I want to be a part of it, I want to showcase this culture and this environment and the fighters that come

Adam Antolin is seen here after defeating his opponent Irfan ‘Inferno’ Khan by arm triangle submission in 2:26 of round 1 of their bout. Photo: Mitch Viquez through here.”

Set against the backdrop of Paradise Beach, with the sound of drums flowing along the cadence of every fight, and hundreds of fans enjoying the party atmosphere, it’s no wonder organisers are optimistic.

With 11 fights on the card, all of which were available live on MikeSwick.com, there were sure to be a few fireworks.

The co-main event stole the show with a three-round light heavyweight battle between Russia’s Shamil Akhmedov

(AKA Thailand) against Muay Thai fighter-turned-MMA competitor Rafael Xavier of Brazil (Tiger Muay Thai).

While Akhmedov walked away with a unanimous decision win in a brutal contest that saw light rain pepper the cage, it was Xavier who won the hearts of everyone, successfully proposing to his girlfriend immediately after.

The main event saw MMA veteran Sarah D’Alelio knockout Nong Kim of Chockchai Muay Thai in Chalong, a bout

that was at catchweight.

Other bouts on the card included Adam Antolin’s first round submission win over Irfan Khan while Zalimkhan Yusupov (AKA Thailand) took a submission victory over Sergio Rodriguez (Tiger Muay Thai) in the last second of round two.

Following in the footsteps of other MMA promotions that started in Phuket, namely Full Metal Dojo which has since moved to Bangkok and held over a dozen shows, Swick’s

• Sarah D’Alelio def. Nong Kim via TKO (Strikes) at 2:46 of Round 2 • Shamil Akmedxov def. Rafael “Kratos” Xavier via Unanimous Decision • Adam Antolin def. Irfan “Inferno” Khan by Submission (Arm Triangle) at 2:26 of Round 1 • Zalimkhan Yusupov def. Sergio “Checho” Rodriguez via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 4:35 of Round 2 • Suraj Bahadur def. Rafael ‘ataman’ Fiziev via TKO (Ground N Pound) at 2:30 of Round 1 • Fahsikram def. Uyen Ha by Unanimous Decision Hasan Yousefi def. Hirokazu Yokoyama via TKO (Punches) at 0:25 of Round 1 • Thanong Saklek “Top Noi” def. Jayson Margallo via Unanimous Decision • Lito Adiwang def. Eddy “The Clown” Kalai via Submission (Triangle Choke) at 1:53 of Round 1 • Trevor ‘Small Talk’ McKenzie def. Jaymes ‘Underdog’ Schulte by Submission (Arm Triangle) at 4:09 of Round 2 • Mazista Monjezi vs. Ulubeg Kokiev def. Mazista Monjezi by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 1:07 of Round 2 looking to build off of the success of Primal FC 1: Dark Moon Rising.

“We’re going to be very optimistic and we’re going to go a lot bigger. We rushed this show in two months. Usually that’s the span between shows that are organized [and established], so we went from nothing to a show in two months.

We’re going to go a lot bigger

next time. I don’t want to spoil anything but we got some big plans,” he said.

Even veteran referee Olivier Coste, who leads officiating crews in most of the major MMA promotions in Asia, was left impressed with the event.

“I’ve been in Thailand for 13 years now, and I’m really happy to see MMA growing in the right way here,” Coste says. thephuketnews