31-08-2012 by The Phuket News

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Thai dinosaurs spotted at the end of Cape Panwa

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Russian Alexandra ‘Sasha’ Monakhova suffers spinal fracture on Ranong visa run

“We left at 6.45am from Chalong circle. I can’t really remember the accident because I was sleeping, but I do know that the driver was driving very fast. When I woke I couldn’t breathe, and I kept slipping in and out of consciousness...” FULL STORY ON PAGE 8

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Merde alors

‘Demolisher’ crew file complaint against wealthy Frenchman for building luxury villa inside national park boundaries > 4

Alasdair Forbes, Jody Houton & Claire Connell execeditor@thephuketnews.com

Local duo go for win Gig and Romadon meet in TGT finals on Sunday

unday is D-Day for Phuket’s two finalists in the Thailand’s Got Talent competition, when they go head to head at 5.45pm, live on national television. Singing sensation Warunee ‘Gig’ Suwannurak and performance artist Romadon Suriyan will be among the 12 finalists competing for the competition’s grand prize of a contract with recording label Sony, plus B5 million in cash, a condo and a car. Gig will sing her audition song What’s Up by the 4 Non Blondes on Sunday, while Romadon says his performance concept will stem from an Islamic belief that man comes from the ground, but he will extend it to be inclusive of all the Kingdom’s residents. “It will be about coming from the ground. Although Thai people think differently, we are all the same and we all

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Romadon Suriyan.

Warunee ‘Gig’ Suwannurak.

come from the ground and return to the earth, return to nature,” he said. “My wife and baby boy will be in the audience to watch, it will be good that they are there. I don’t think I could do it without them.” Gig said she was “very

excited” about the upcoming final. “I’m not sure I will win. Everyone in the competition is so good and there is so much talent, but I will do my best. Thank you for everyone who has supported me and voted for me so far – please vote for

me again on Sunday.” She met Romadon for the first time yesterday while the pair were in Bangkok doing promotion work. “I like him very much, I think he’s fantastic. I really liked his performance – about Thailand fighting and how we just need everyone to love each other. I agree with that, it’s from the heart.” She said there was no competition rivalry between the two – they were on very friendly terms, and she said it was great two Phuketians were in the final representing the province. The final will be screened on Channel 3 on Sunday at 5.45pm. The competition winner will be decided by SMS vote. Romadon’s voting code is TGT 10, while Gig’s is TGT 08. Voters need to SMS the code to the number 4848999 during the programme.

Plenty of teeth: Siamotyrannus isanensis

Dinosaurs in Phuket! FOSSIL DINOSAUR SKELEtons discovered in Thailand have been brought from the Sirindhorn Museum in Kalasin Province, to be exhibited at the Phuket Aquarium until September 16. The skeletons, estimated to be 250 million years old, include a herbivorous dinosaur Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, 20 metres in length and five metres in height and

found in 1882, plus one of the oldest herbivorous dinosaurs, Isanosarus Attavipatchi, found in 1998. The star of the show, however, is the skeleton of 130-million-year-old carnivore, Siamotyrannus isanensis, similar to T-rex, found in 1993. Also displayed at the exhibition are replicas of dinosaur eggs and footprints. The exhibition is free.

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41 rescued from sinking tour boat ALL 41 PEOPLE RESCUED from a sinking speedboat, the Luk Pradu 26, were safely delivered to Chalong Pier late on Monday afternoon (August 27). Seven were taken to hospitals in Phuket, reportedly with head or arm injuries, though none were said to be in a serious condition. The boat, carrying 37 tourists, three boat crew and a guide, left Phuket with two other boats from the same tour company on Monday morning. After some time at Phi Phi, with the weather deteriorating, the captains of the three boats decided to cut short the tour

and take all the tourists back to Phuket. The 13-metre Luk Pradu 26 was following the other two boats when it was hit by a large wave that damaged the bow of the boat. Water began to pour in. “The sea was very rough today,” British tourist Samantha Chappell, 22, told The Phuket News. “After the water filled the boat, it began to sink quickly. I was very scared. “Petrol leaked from the boat and burned my skin. “We were floating in our life jackets for about an hour before we were rescued.” The tourists on board the

boat were a mix of nationalities – Malaysians, Indonesians, Australians, New Zealanders and Britons. Pongsak Pachantabut, the manager of Phuket New Generation Travel, which organised the one-day tour from Phuket to Phi Phi, said the company would pay for the cost of medical treatment for all those hurt in the sinking, along with compensation for “mental stress”. Phuket Marine Police confirmed that an alert had been issued that day, warning people to be beware of heavy seas, but the warning did not prohibit boats from sailing.

Cold and wet, but happy to be on dry land again: three of the rescued tourists.

URBAN AMBITION Laguna boss outlines new community concept Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

o Kwon Ping, ultimate boss of Laguna Phuket, revealed last Friday night (August 24) that the next project in the complex will be an attempt to create a new local residential community, consisting of condominiums, shops and a water park. Mr Ho revealed the new concept at a dinner to celebrate the founding of what is now the Banyan Tree group, 25 years ago. If built, the new community would have hundreds of condominiums priced at B3 million upwards, along with space for as many as 1,000 shops and restaurants and water park. At the dinner Mr Ho referred to the new development as “Laguna City”, but admitted in an interview with The Phuket News that a name had yet to be set in stone. “I haven’t really decided,” he said with a smile. “I should be blamed. Being an ex-journalist I should be more careful. But you know, after a few glasses of I wine I can be forgiven. “I think the main thing is that I associate the word ‘city’ with is a permanent residential community, as opposed to a resort, which is transient guests and a permanent working population – but the two never meet. “To my mind that’s not a real community. We could call it Laguna Community, but that’s not very sexy. But essentially that’s what we want to do – a larger residential community that can underpin other things, for example a

retail mall. A retail mall for just tourists is not sustainable. “We have ambitious plans to do a strong retail mall and we are talking to people. It wouldn’t be a Tesco or a Central but it could be something more than a Turtle Cove, which is just for tourists. “You look at Surin Plaza, you look at Boat Lagoon, there are lots of bits and pieces of retail and the question that we’ve asked is, ‘If we did something more, would it work?’” One answer, he said, was that if Banyan Tree were to serve the larger north Phuket community “you’d better also service your own community”. “Right now, although we’ve done quite a bit in terms of Laguna Homes and Residences, they’re all bungalows and they’re not really a community.” The prices of the initial condos would be, “off the top of my head”, B3 to 6 million for a 40-square-metre unit. He believes the project would be an instant hit. “If you look at all the other guys who are currently [building], or may in the future do projects [with small-size units], I honestly believe we have the best sites. “We are doing it at the lagoon [between what is now the Laguna Beach Resort, soon to be the Outrigger, and the Dusit Laguna Resort]. We have a piece of land next to the Dusit that we did not sell, at the very beachfront, which we are going to develop as a beach club. “So even when you’re in the back [away from the sea], once we have the water park up and the lagoon with all its activities, it’s almost like being beachfront. Who else can do that in Phuket?”

This CG image shows the area currently occupied by Canal Village, on the left, and the Laguna corporate offices, as it may look when the ‘city’ becomes a reality.

Two more fire victims identified THE SUPERINTENDENT of Kathu Police Station, Pol Col Chiraphat Pochanaphan, has confirmed that two more bodies have been identified following the Tiger Disco blaze. Using DNA from their parents, the two were identified as Nipapak Sudtasorn, 36, and Du angporn Bhutkroa, 32, who were reported missing after the fire. On August 21, the body of British tourist Michael Tzouvanni, 24, was identified using dental records. Col Chiraphat said identification of the fourth and last body, believed to be that of a Frenchman, was expected to take more time. Experts are waiting for dental records and relatives’ DNA samples.

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An official surveys the grounds of the large villa. A complaint of encroachment has now been made against the owner.

SACRÉ BLEU!

Frenchman’s villa targeted for encroachment

huge villa where super model Kate Moss reportedly once stayed is being investigated on suspicion that it encroaches on the Sirinart Marine National Park. It has been added to the list of places being investigated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), bringing the number of properties under investigation to 11. On orders f rom DNP Director Damrong Pidetch, officials on Sunday (August 26) visited the property, just to the south of Trisara, which consists of a luxury residence with swimming pool and tennis court. The house is owned by Frenchman Bernard Gaultier, who is also an investor in The Pavilions resort, in the hills overlooking Layan Beach. Ms Moss once reportedly stayed at the villa after paparazzi staked out the entrance of Trisara. A complaint was laid this week against Mr Gaultier with Tha Chat Chai Police, alleging encroachment. Sermyod Sommun, the Director of Conservation Operation Region 16 (Chiang Mai), whose team is responsible for the investigation into Trisara, said the property was discovered during the Trisara investigation. The residence sits on a piece of land with a NorSor3 paper issued in 1984 – three years after the declaration of the Sirinart Marine National Park. “We found the NorSor3 has no precursor papers [normally a NorSor 3 would be issued only on the basis of a previous SorKor1 occupation paper]. “Instead, the land paper was issued based on a survey by an

The pier: Officials believe it may have been built without permission. official, a method that cannot be applied for any land inside the boundaries of a national park,” Mr Sermyod said. “This leads us to believe that the NorSor3 may not be legal.” In addition, there is a pier jutting out from the property, which officials suspect was built without permission. After their visit on Sunday, DNP officials said they will also bring charges against bureaucrats involved in the issue of the land paper. The investigation will also expand to the Thai owner of the land, to see if he will “acknowledge” that the land paper was issued illegally. As for the investigation into Trisara, Mr Sermyod said the DNP would first take action over parts of the property that extend beyond the boundaries shown in the land deeds. These extensions are believed to include swimming pools attached to several of the villas. Currently, the investigation team is trying to come to “a clear conclusion” as to whether the land papers were issued legally. Mr Sermyod noted that Trisara’s deeds were upgraded from a 20-rai SorKor1. The investigators find it suspicious that the SorKor1 apparently expanded in area to 200 rai on the current land papers.

On Friday, speaking at an Amcham seminar on hotels and the environment, Trisara GM Anthony Lark hit back against the investigation. He said that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for Trisara had been particularly strict because the resort was in a forest area. “Now we are being attacked by the same people who approved our EIA,” he said. Criminal charges have already been filed against La Colline Villa Development for its project in the hills overlooking Layan Beach, said the adviser to the DNP’s Crime Suppression Section, Sunthorn Watcharakuldilok. He said the company was charged with encroaching into a national park, with nine rai of land extending beyond the boundaries of the development as they appear on the deed. The teams investigating La Colline, Mr Gaultier’s home and the Pullman are looking for evidence to support their belief that each was built on land with deeds based on “flying” SorKor1 papers. (SorKor1 papers are notoriously vague. With the help of bribes to officials, the paper for one piece of land is “flown” to establish possession of a more attractive plot nearby.) “We believe that the land

papers for most of these properties may have been issued by the same group of officials, as most of the deeds were issued between 1977 and 1992,” said Mr Sunthorn. A fourth complaint was filed this week against the Peninsula Resort at the southern end of Naiyang Bay. The complaint was filed by the new chief of the park, Cheewapap Cheewatham, and Ittisak Taewtiang, director of Resources and Protection, Conservation Sector 2 Management Office. Mr Cheewapap arrived from Mukdaharn Province last week to replace the previous chief, who was transferred out on Mr Damrong’s orders after just a month in the job. The Peninsula complaint charges that the resort encroaches on some nine rai of national park land “worth more than B1 billion”. Mr Sunthorn noted that firms or individuals who buy and then build on properties with titles to land in the park “may not be aware they are building on national park land. But local people are”. He explained that charges were being preferred against the owners only at this stage, “because this type of case has a time limit”. He said officials involved in issuing improper titles would be prosecuted in the future “if evidence is clear enough for prosecution”. Mr Chaweepap said, “Investigation of the other seven cases must proceed carefully and follow every step of the process, because they have papers issued by the Land Department.” He added, “Apart from the 11 properties under investigation, we believe there are several smaller pieces of land [that encroach on the park].”

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What’s it all for? Tourism firms slam huge hike in park fees

New road from east to west confirmed

is shocking, especially when they will not be able to pass the hike on to their clients. TTR Weekly quoted the managing director of Nutty Adventures and Ayutthaya Boat and Travel, Nithi Subhongsang, as saying that the announcement had come as a shock and would have a “horrible impact on inbound tour operators” because contracted prices are signed for the entire year and the ones for next year are effective until October 2013. “I cannot accept this and I will file a complaint,” he said. “It is ridiculous, a 150-per-cent hike. How did they calculate it? “Officials are never transparent, and there is no guarantee that the budget will be used for what they say it will.” Park fees were last raised five years ago, also at short notice, causing a storm among mass operators. The DNP had to back down and make concessions. This time, director-general, Damrong “the Demolisher” Phidech, said that if there are complaints about high price, the department “might consider a revision.”

THE ROUTE FOR THE PROposed new road linking Patong with Chalong was confirmed last Friday (August 24) at a public hearing at the Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town. The new 2.7-kilometre road will go from the eastern end of Hasip Pi Rd, Patong, to Yothatikarn Rd (the road to Luang Pu Supha temple), near Amazing Bukit Safari in Chalong, and from there will join Chao Fa West Rd. In a meeting in May this option, put forward by a trio of companies – Transconsult, Phisut Technology and Panya Consultant Co received the greatest support because people felt it was the most appropriate. There is already a dirt road along this route that is used by local people, and people felt that upgrading this would result in less environmental damage than cutting a new road. Banpote Jaroensathayatam, Executive Director of Transconsult, said that the new road will serve the growth in tourists and residents in Phuket, and also act as an additional escape route in case of disasters such as the 2004 Asian Tsunami.

Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

he Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has announced it is to hike park entrance fees from October 1 at 29 national parks countrywide, including seven in southern Thailand. Close to Phuket, fees will go up for entry into Khao Sok National Park; Than Bokkhorani Marine National Park, Mu Ko Lanta Marine National Park and Haad Noppharat Thara-Phi Phi National Park, all in Krabi, the Similan and Surin Islands; and Phang Nga Bay National Park. TTR Weekly reported last Friday (August 24) that fees to visit most parks will rise from B40 to B100 for Thais. In the case of the Similan and Surin Islands, the rise will be from B80 to B100. For foreigners, the rise will be from B200 to B500, except for the Similan and Surin Islands, Lanta and Haad Noppharat Thara-Phi Phi, which will rise from B400 to B500. Initial reaction from inbound tour operators and dive

Tour boat in the Similans. Operators complain that there is a complete lack of transparency in the way that park fees are used. companies to the size of the rise and the short notice has ranged from resignation to anger. Holger Schwab, owner of Sea Bees Diving, told The Phuket News, “At the moment, our customers pay a B400 entrance fee plus an additional B200 diving fee for every day they visit and dive in one of these parks. “If you compare this price with other national parks around the world, it looks reasonable. “But if you look closer and compare what you get for your

money, it is way overcharged.” He said that the current fees are already “very hard to justify” when customers see no sign of any National Park patrols and watch fishing boats enter the park waters at will. “In the Green Season,” Mr Schab said, “the parks are nearly unattended, leaving the underwater world to dragnet trawlers whose fresh marks we sadly see every high season.” He added, “I can’t see that the additional increase of another B100 will change this

situation, but it will put us into a even worse position when our guests ask where all their money is going.” For dive companies the new fees are not too hard to absorb; liveaboard trips can cost tens of thousands of baht a day, so adding another B100-300 will not cause problems. But for mass tourist operations with fixed contracts already signed for the coming year – such as some of the sea canoe companies taking tourists into Phang Nga Bay – the rise

New drive to control taxis THE PROVINCIAL LAND Transport Office (PLTO) hosted a meeting on Monday (August 27) as part of its repeated attempts to bring order to the chaotic transport scene on Phuket, by converting illegal “black” taxis into legal “green” taxis that can be controlled through transport regulations. Teerayut Prasertpol, chief of the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) announced that the office will accept applications for legalisation from black taxi drivers until September 10. So far, the owners of 3,590 black-plated taxis have shown interest in registration.

Maan Samran, head of Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (Orbortor) said, “All taxis should be registered and I agree that the local [black] taxis should improve themselves. I don’t think it will be a problem.” One taxi driver agreed. “It’s okay if they are ready to register applications. Anyway, it should be followed up.” Mr Teerayut added, “I think that after all these [registrations] have been done, everything will be to the same standard. Drivers will be controlled to charge regulation fares (with fare tables in every

taxi), to dress properly, and to have good manners. Taxis will be safer to use and the image of Phuket taxis will be clearer and more correct.” The PLTO has designated regular fares for the route from the airport to other parts of the island. These are expected to be announced by September 14. The authorities’ haste to fix the black taxi problem was prompted by an order from the Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, who said illegal taxis who demand high fare from tourists would ruin a good image of Phuket’s tourism.

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Phuket looks for porkers

ice-Governor Somkiat Sangkhaosutthirak said after a meeting on “pigs for consumption” that demand for pork by locals and the growing number of tourists has far outstripped current supply and the supplies from central Thailand will have to be increased. At the meeting on Saturday (August 25) at Provincial Hall were Phuket chief Livestock officer Wirasit Pootipairoj, civil service unit chiefs and concerned members of the private sector. “Phuket covers a small area, yet has a large popula tion, including many tour ists, and the result is that the number of pigs raised here is insufficient for demand,” Mr Wirasit said. He s a id t he nu mb e r brought to Phuket monthly

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from other provinces already totalled “about 5,000 – or more than half again the number raised here”. The number that can be

brought from other southern provinces also falls short of demand, he said, prompting Saturday’s meeting on what to do about the shortage.

‘Hungry Ghosts’ to be fed on Sunday PHUKET’S OLD TOW N streets will come alive on Sunday morning (September 2) as Por Tor Festival celebra tions begin on Thalang Rd. The Por Tor Festival (also called the Hungry Ghost Festi val) runs from September 2 to 15. A “red turtle” parade will be held on Sunday morning from 10am, starting at the HM Queen Sirikit 72nd birthday park (the Dragon Park) on Thalang Rd. The parade will pass along Thalang Rd, Yaowarat Rd, Phang Nga Rd, Charter Bank corner, Rassada Rd and arrive at the Phuket Downtown Mar ket on Ranong Rd at around 12.20pm. The following Sunday (September 9) there will be another parade starting at the

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Not enough: a pig in a Phuket farm.

Mr Wirasit said participants discussed whether it was neces sary, and if so, possible to bring pigs from central Thailand in large numbers. The consensus was that the quota from central Thailand must be increased – though “with no impact on existing local pig farmers, or at any rate with the least impact possible”. Supplies of pork from farms on Phuket have dwindled in recent years as property developers and owners put pressure on farmers to reduce smell and pollution from their farms. Several farms have simply closed down, and V/Gov Som kiat himself recently inspected a farm near Baan Manik after complaints about the smell from people living in a new housing development nearby. – Source: Manager Online

Tesco Lotus Head of Public Affairs Charkrit Direkwattanachai (centre) presented 250 house cleaning packs, worth B125,000, to help victims of last week’s massive flooding in Phuket Town. The packs were accepted for further distribution by Phuket Reporters Club President Peerapong Ponpramoon (2nd from left) and Phuket Television Media Co Vice President Aphisek Trisangsuwan (2nd from right).

Red turtle-shaped cakes are a central feature of the festival. Saphan Hin Plaza (near the Mining Monument) at 9am, passing through Phuket Rd, Kra Rd, Takuatung Rd and finishing at the Bang Neow shrine (also called the Por Tor

Kong Shrine) on Phuket Rd. The global Chinese festival is an important merit-making event, where people offer special food, such as the red turtle cakes pictured, flowers

and candles to ancestors. The offerings are also ex tended to the “hungry ghosts” who have no living relatives to “feed” them. The most common offering is a red turtle cake, known locally as Aung-Gu. The red colour symbolises good luck for the Chinese, and the turtle symbolises long life, good health, good luck and prosper ity. The sweet cakes are made from wheat and sugar and are sometimes fried with egg. Chanchai Duangjit, TAT Phuket Office Director said Phuket Provincial Governor’s Office has chosen the Por Tor festival to be one of the main festivals to help promote Phuket tourism, and for tour ists to find out more about Phuket culture and traditions.

PM promises province flood compensation

The clean-up on Dibuk Rd. PRIME MINISTER YING luck Shinawatra has promised compensation for the damage following last week’s floods in Phuket Town and other areas on Phuket. Ms Yingluck reportedly told the Bangkok Post the government will provide financial assistance based on the actual damage to economic zones, shops and houses. She did not give the rates of compensation. A massive 163.5 mm of rain fell on Phuket between 7am on August 21 and 7am the following day, the Pro vincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DPM) said, causing widespread flooding across the island, particularly in central Phuket Town, Patong, and Cherng Talay, and caused a section of the Patong Hill to give way. Ms Yingluck said she had been updated about the flood situation in Phuket and local authorities had warned of floods in the province two days in advance, the Post reported.

Minibus flips on its way to Haad Yai A MINIBUS FROM THE government-owned Transport Co Ltd, bound from Phuket to Haad Yai, slid off a curve in rain near Phang Nga Town on Sunday evening (August 26), landing on its side on the central divider. The driver, 43-year-old Wi wat Jakrach of Phattalung, was slightly injured in the crash. Fifteen passengers, too, had to be pulled from the wreck suffering mostly from leg and arm injuries. They were taken to Phang Nga Hospital. There were no deaths, and no other vehicles were involved. – Source: Siang Tai

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Villagers protest over noisy pub RESIDENTS OF SRISOONthorn Moo 5 are fed up with noise from a recently opened live music pub about 150 metres north of the Heroines Monument. Village chief Chalermpol Kerdtsap and other residents presented a petition on Monday (August 27) at the Damrongtham Centre, complaining about the noise from the pub (named, with presumably unintentional irony, Relax) and asking for action to turn down the volume. “The pub opened in our community seven or eight weeks ago, and since then we have suffered from noise pollution and blocked access by parked cars the whole time. It is also open after official closing,” Mr Chalermpol said. “We complained previously to the Srisoonthorn municipal office, and now we present a petition to the Ombudsman so that the governor may investigate whether [the pub] is operating in accordance with law,” Mr Chalermpol said. The chief of the Ombudsman’s Office, Prapant Kanprasaeng received the petition and said he would initiate an investigation. – Source: Manager Online

PHUKET NEWS

Drug user: Officers Activists push beat me after arrest for devolution

20-year-old Thai man claimed on Monday (August 27) that he was beaten by five Thalang police on August 22, in an attempt to force him to tell them the location of a house from which he had bought drugs. Prapaporn Waharak was charged with possession of drugs for sale after police found 2.47 grams of ya-ice on him when he was searched in Baan Ao Por with other two men. He told media that he was in fact not a dealer; just a user, but admitted the charge. After that police should not have beaten him up, he argued. He believes he was beaten because police wanted to get the address of the person who sold him the drugs. “I didn’t contest the police investigation [of my case]. Later I complied with the officers and took them to the house,” said Mr Prapaporn. “I don’t see any reason why they had to beat me up.” He claimed that he was blindfolded and handcuffed before being beaten by five officers in a police box in Bang Rong. He added that officers also

Prapaporn shows scars he said were caused by handcuffs. put a plastic bag over his head and used a stick to hit his body. He took off his shirt and showed The Phuket News minor bruising on his wrists, chest and lower back. Mr Prapaporn decided to report to the main Thalang police station on the day after his arrest to file a complaint against the five officers. He also visited the Dam-

rongtham Center with his uncle on Monday, to make a complaint about the incident and urge the authorities to act fast to investigate the incident. “I’ll take the case in the court. What happened to me was not fair,” he said. A police source said Mr Prapaporn was one of a number of minor drug dealers targeted by Thalang police.

A GROU P OF L O CA L activists who want to see Phuket declared a special zone have set themselves a target of two years to complete a draft for a Phuket Self-Management Act to be sent to Parliament, backed by at least 10,000 supporting signatures. The Act might include the right of Phuket people to elect their own governor and the right of local authorities to use tax collected from Phuket people for the development of the island. “We’ve been talking about setting up a special zone for Phuket for decades, but the government will not respond if Phuket people don’t push for it,” said Phuket Self-Management Network (PSMN) member Tanu Nabnien. The issue of Phuket being given special status has been raised many times in the past by local activists, and the PSMN, established early this year, aims to build on those initiatives. It has also been driven by local frustration at seeing Phuket increasingly exploited through corruption. “Phuket has been called an international city. But in reality, the island hasn’t yet reached international standard, mainly

because of corruption. Corruption has terribly degraded our home,” said Mr Tanu. Much of the activists’ concern centres on corruption leading to the destruction of natural resources for personal gain. “Many people come here and when they go, they leave scars on the island and get away with it,” Mr Tanu added. “We would like to elect a person we can trust who would lead our home to sustainability. “We would like the government to devolve power to the people of Phuket, who would have their own power to create their own opportunities,” Mr Tanu said. One thing that rankles is the amount of tax the island contributes – Phuket is one of top-ranked provinces in terms of it contribution to state coffers and there is widespread belief that Phuket receives in return from Bangkok only a dribble – some B7 billion – to be used for the good of the island. Of that, according to last year’s records, 71 per cent is spent on the operation of the Bangkok-controlled bureaucracy, leaving only about B2 billion for local elected bodies.

thephuketnews.com

PHUKET FOCUS

Bleak future for visa-run crash victim

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

lthough visa r u n bus- crash victim Alexandra ‘Sasha’ Monakhova has finally received funds for medical expenses from the TVR visa run company, and is well on the road to recovery, the nightmare of that hellish journey is unlikely to end any time soon. Sa sh a h a s l ive d a nd worked in hotels in Phuket for the last two years, and the August 9 visa run was not her first. But she certainly hopes it will be her last. “We left at 6.45am from Chalong circle. I can’t really remember the accident because I was sleeping, but I do know that the driver was driving very fast.” The impact of a collision hurtled Sasha from her slumbers. “Somebody told me the driver had crashed into the side of another big bus. When I woke I couldn’t breathe, and I kept slipping in and out of consciousness. I didn’t know where I was...”. The visa bus crashed around 30 kilometres from the district of Kuraburi. Sasha, along with a few other passengers, was transported to a local hospital. As Sasha’s condition was deemed serious, a Phuket International Hospital ambulance was dispatched to pick her up. “Unfortunately, when they [PIH] found out we didn’t

Sasha was X-rayed as soon as she arrived at Vachira Hospital, where it was quickly deduced that she had suffered a spinal fracture, but the operation was not forthcoming.

have any personal health insurance they told us they couldn’t treat us and I was sent to Vachira Hospital instead,” Sasha recounts. Although Sasha was Xrayed as soon as she arrived at Vachira, and it was quickly deduced that she had suffered a spinal fracture, the treatment and the operation that she needed was not immediately forthcoming. “I was in hospital for four days before I was treated. They [hospital staff ] kept telling me that they hadn’t received any money from TVR yet, so they couldn’t do anything.” On August 13, Sasha had

had enough and decided to take action, “My friend contacted the Russian Embassy and I think they applied pressure to the company to make them pay up. It worked and later that day, I finally had the operation.” The total cost of the operation was around B350,000 and Sasha stayed at the hospital until the 19th. This was not her decision though. “I didn’t want to go home because I knew I couldn’t look after myself, but I had to leave.” TVR did pay a further B5,000 baht for a Thai nurse to visit Sasha’s small apartment in Chalong and to clean

and take care of her, but that was just for the first few days. Now Sasha is alone, she has lost her job and is likely to find it very difficult to find other work in her present condition. “I don’t know what I will do, but who is going to hire me with this back brace on and my eye looking like this?” Meanwhile a TVR spokesman, who asked not to be named told The Phuket News that the driver of the visa run bus is back driving on visa runs again. “Accidents can happen anywhere,” he said, “You can’t predict them. No one wanted this to happen – ev-

eryone understands this. Our company’s service is safe and we have insurance.” Although Sasha is quite literally getting back on her feet, she remembers the fear she felt in those first few days after the operation, “I had a huge pain in my back and couldn’t move my body at all, I felt nauseous just to move. “It was worse because I didn’t know what had happened and if I’d ever recover. Fortunately my Russian friend Danier, who was a physician in Russia, went to speak to the doctor.” Danier said, “Sasha found it difficult to understand the doctor, but because we are Russians we can understand each other well.” Danier returned with Sasha to Vachira Hospital for a routine check-up on August 28 and was pleased with the feedback, “There was a slight fracture to her lower spinal bone but it’s not a big problem and the blood vessels in her eye will be back to normal in around three weeks’ time.

45x90 |

She will be okay. “She just needs to take it easy for a while and do a little bit of exercise and gradually ease herself in; perhaps walking a little during the first month or so and then swimming in the next few months, to gradually build up her strength,” he said. One positive that Sasha has gained from this horrific experience however is that she has quit smoking, “I couldn’t smoke in hospital and so I just stopped. It’s good really,” she said with a smile. Another slight positive is that Sasha doesn’t need to worry about her visa status, at least for now... “When I was in the hospital, they stamped my visa and I am okay until September 12.” After that date, however, she is unsure as to what she’ll do, but it probably won’t be hopping on another visa run bus any time soon, “I don’t know, I hope the hospital may get my visa stamped again. If not, I don’t know what I will do.”

75x75 | 80x80 |

90x90 | 120x120

www.tile-asia.com info@tile-asia.com | Wana Park, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110 | Tel 076 602 168 | Fax 076 620 169

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THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

THAILAND NEWS

MP: Marry a Ex-PM Abhisit grilled Thai farang for easier life over 2010 crackdown Coconuts Bangkok

Agence France-Presse

ormer Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday (August 27) faced fresh questioning by investigators over a deadly military crackdown on opposition protests in Bangkok in 2010. Abhisit, now opposition leader, was summoned to the Justice Ministry’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) along with his former deputy Suthep Thaugsuban for several hours of questioning about the events, which left about 90 people dead and many wounded in clashes between demonstrators and armed troops. “I told the truth and DSI investigators don’t have any further questions,” Abhisit told reporters afterwards. Observers believe the pair – who were first questioned by the police as witnesses in December 2011 – could face eventual prosecution. More than 90 people, mostly civilians, were killed and nearly 1,900 were wounded during the April and May 2010 rallies, which drew about

Ex-PM Abhisit Vejjajiva is shown around a prison during his term as Prime Minister. 100,000 “Red Shirt” demonstrators at their peak. Thailand now has a new government allied to the Red Shirts’ hero, fugitive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, whose sister Yingluck is prime minister. Thaksin was toppled by royalist generals in a 2006 coup that unleashed years of street

protests by the pro-Thaksin Red Shirts and the rival Yellow Shirts, who claim allegiance to the throne. Abhisit’s gover nment invoked emergency rule to deal with the Red Shirt rallies in early 2010, giving broad powers to the military, which deployed thousands of troops in the capital.

New York-based Human Rights Watch has accused the army of using “excessive and unnecessary lethal force” in the crackdown. Last week the rights watchdog said army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha was trying to intimidate investigators probing the military’s role in the deadly events.

A THAI MP HAS gotten into hot water over his controversial suggestion for poor Thai women who want an easy life: “find a farang husband.” Pheu Thai MP Sunai Julphongsathorn’s words caused a barrage of complaints on Thai web forums after a clip of his comments surfaced on YouTube recently. The 12-minute video was apparently shot on August 19 at a seminar at a school in Samut Prakan. Sunai tells the audience of around 1,000 red shirts to find a farang husband for an easy life “because European governments give you everything for free.” Sunai went on: “Get a German husband. Get a Swedish husband. Get a Norwegian husband. People used to love [Thailand] unreservedly. But the more they loved the country, the poorer they got. The more they loved the country, the stupider they got.” “All you need is a farang husband and their government will pay you to study,”

he said. Even more controversially, he then implied that the best way to study a foreign language was by sleeping with a foreigner. “Sitting studying is too slow. Lie down to study, then go to the hospital. They will pay you to have the baby… It’s all free, right up to the diapers.” Many web users were furious at Sunai’s comments. They said they were highly inappropriate coming from an MP, particularly one in the Pheu Thai Party whose prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, had become the first woman to administer the country. Sunai later told reporters that he had never meant to insult Thai women. He just wanted to show Thais how far behind their welfare state was when compared with European countries. He said he had been saying such things for some time and it was because he wanted Thailand to have a welfare system that was the equal of those in other countries, where education and maternity services are free.

Survey finds Thai women second most unfaithful in the world

THAI WOMEN HAVE BEEN PIPPED TO the post by women from Ghana, in ranking for the world’s most unfaithful partners. Durex carried out a survey of 29,000 women from 26 countries and found that 62 per cent of Ghanaian women admitted to having ‘extra-curricular’ relations. Thai women came in at 59 per cent, while their Malaysian counterparts trailed behind at 39 per cent. Dr Tawee Tangseri, a deputy director of the Mental Health Department told The Nation that he doubted the validity of the results, “Thai women [don’t] often cheat on their partners because they adhere to tradition and preserve their purity. Only a small proportion cheated on their partners to have sex with other men.” Another survey conducted by the same

Durex surveyed 29,000 women globally. company found that men from Singapore and Hong Kong were the most promiscuous, averaging 16 sexual partners.

thephuketnews.com

10 ASIA NEWS Death toll from South Korea typhoon at 15 Agence France-Presse

SOUTH KOREAN RESCUERS Wednesday resumed a search for 10 missing crewmen from two Chinese fishing boats, as the confirmed death toll from a violent typhoon rose to 15. Typhoon Bolaven – the strongest to hit South Korea for almost a decade – left a trail of death and damage in southwestern and south-central regions of the country on Tuesday (August 28). It moved on to Nor th Korea, where state media repor ted damaged crops and power cuts around the western city of Haeju. Some 300 roadside trees along the Pyongyang-Kaesong highway were snapped, halting traffic. The final damage toll was expected to be greater, the official news agency said, after strong winds and heavy rain hit western regions. Bolaven crossed the Yalu River into China early on Wednesday. The storm drove two Chinese fishing ships aground early Tuesday off the southern island of Jeju, sparking a dramatic rescue operation. Twelve people were pulled to safety but five bodies were found, and 10 remain missing.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Home schooling preferred over Chinese classrooms Agence France-Presse

iving up his successful career as the head of a medical research firm to spend his days at home reading from children’s story books was a tough choice for Chinese father Zhang Qiaofeng. But Zhang, one of a small but growing number of Chinese parents who are turning their backs on the country’s rigidly exam-oriented state-run school system, felt he had no choice. “China’s education system has special problems,” said Zhang, a wiry-looking graduate of one of the country’s top universities. “I want my son to receive a style of education which is much more participative, not just the teacher talking while students listen. Most of my son’s time is set aside for following his interests, or playing.” From a small apartment on the outskirts of Beijing, Zhang teaches his son Hongwu for four hours a day, in contrast to the six hours of compulsory classes the seven-year-old used to sit through at primary

Zhang Qiaofeng with his son Hongwu. school. In the living room where he holds most of his classes, Zhang rattles through a long list of gripes with China’s education system, from what he calls its “obsession” with exam results to an overly authoritarian teaching style. China has made impressive progress in rolling out universal education across the country, with urban areas such as Shanghai claiming a perfect school enrolment rate. The United Nations says China has a youth literacy rate of 99 per cent. But many

Photo: AFP

parents complain about the focus on rote learning and passing exams, which means that children spend long hours in class. Chinese children spend an average of 8.6 hours a day in school, with some spending 12 hours in the classroom, according to a 2007 survey conducted by China’s Youth and Children Research Center. Lao Kaisheng, an education policy researcher at Beijing Normal University, said growing numbers of Chinese parents were demanding more

of a say in how their children were educated. “There’s been a rapid rise in home schooling, especially in the past few years,” he said. No official figures are available for the proportion of Chinese parents educating their children at home, but Lao estimates it at less than 1 per cent. One of the most prominent is Xu Xuejin, who moved from the booming eastern Chinese manufacturing hub of Zhejiang to the picturesque but sleepy southwestern town of Dali to provide a better environment for his two children. “Chinese children are taught to compete from a young age,” Xu told AFP by phone. “Students who can’t compete are eliminated … there’s too much pressure on them.” Xu, a Christian, said he wanted to give his children a more “Bible-centred” education than they could get in school, a key motivating factor in countries such as the United States where home-schooling is becoming more popular. An internet discussion

forum he started in 2010 for Chinese home-schoolers to swap classroom materials and discuss educational theory now has more than 4,000 registered members. Worries about the legality of home schooling feature heavily on the forum – Chinese law states that children must be enrolled in school aged seven and receive compulsory education for nine years. “Chinese educational officials are split on the subject,” said Lao. “Some want to force children back into schools while some would prefer to legalise home-schooling, which is why there haven’t been any new regulations.” But questions over the legality of home schooling have not deterred Zhang, who says he hopes his son will never return to a Chinese school. “My son’s Chinese and English skills are much higher than other children his age,” said Zhang. “I plan to teach my son at home until he’s ready to attend university. I hope he can attend a great university like Harvard, Oxford or Cambridge.”

TRI PROPERTY PLANS NEXT MOVE IN PHUKET “We saw the need for affordable accommodation catering to the lifestyles of local buyers, who need an easily accessible location, making it convenient for them to commute. We also offered a simple down payment plan to make things as easy as possible for first-time buyers,” said Adisorn.

Tri Property CFO, Chaiwat Tuntiwiwat (left) and CEO Adisorn Vivakanond after a busy day at the Zcape Condominium sales booth at Central Festival Phuket in August.

Zcape Condominium was the third successful residential project by Tri Property, following two previous condominium developments by Tri Property launched in Bangkok in 2010: Proud of Cheangwattana and ProudX2.

Tri Property CFO, Chaiwat Tuntiwiwat said it was a privilege to make a contribution to the local community. “We are very grateful to those who have put their faith in helped us provide a product that offers practical solutions to local lifestyles.

Adisorn, said that carefully considering the lifestyle needs of local residents had been one of Zcape Condominium's key concepts. We take our accommodation concepts seriously and aim to offer style, function and affordability both in the short- and long-term,” he said.

“Our aim is to give something back to the community by providing practical and affordable accommodation options that are easily accessible to locals,” said Mr Chaiwat.

The stylish space-saving features of Zcape Condominium's furnished units was a winning feature to fit the lifestyles of Phuket property seekers.

“We conducted a great deal of research into the real demands of accommodation seekers in Phuket and we are continuing our research in order to offer more high- and low-end accommodation in Phuket and other southern provinces,” promised Adisorn.

Following Tri Property's debut in Phuket with the launch of Zcape Condominium in July, the Bangkok-based developer is already planning to bring more innovations to the island's residential property market soon.

“We see a lot of potential in Phuket and the rest of the region for residential property that is the right fit for the lifestyles of local and foreign buyers. The demands of Phuket home-seekers are certainly unique and we are aiming to offer more exciting options in what we see as a very dynamic market,” he said.

Tri Property penetrated the Phuket residential market in July with the launch of Zcape Condominium – a seven-floor residential development in Cherng Talay, comprising 198 furnished units in three stylish layouts. Tri Property CEO, Adisorn Vivakanond, said that considering the lifestyle needs of local residents had been one of Zcape Condominium's winning concepts, which they thoroughly researched before deciding to invest in Zcape Condo, which has a total project value of Bt495 million.

thephuketnews.com

The pair said a big 'thank you' to Phuket and to those who put their faith in their vision of affordable accommodation by holding an appreciation party at Room Zociety at Central Festival. They also promised to add more innovations to Phuket's residential property market soon.

Zcape Condominium's combination of affordability, convenience and a great location proved very popular with property buyers in Phuket, who snapped up almost all the units within three weeks of the pre-sales launch.

For more information visit Zcape Condo Sales Gallery on Baandon Rd in Cherng Talay. Tel: +66 (0)84-444 0707-9, visit www.z-phuket.com or email: sales@z-phuket.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

LETTERS/VIEWPOINT 11

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

OPINION editor@thephuketnews.com

Editor’s Viewpoint

Norachai’s World

Building a sense of community

Gig or Romadon – who will prove to be Thailand’s best artist?

ere’s a question: How many of those gorgeous multi-milliondollar homes along Phuket’s west coast, “nestling” along beaches or with “stunning sea views” (to use property developer language) actually have people in them? The answer is, not many. Most are the second (or third, or fourth) homes of the world’s wealthy. They’ll spend a few weeks of the year in them and, if they like the idea of getting some kind of financial return, they’ll try to let them out when they’re not there. Lower down the scale, around the B30 to B50 million mark, the views are not so gorgeous, and quite often the homes are cheek-by-jowl with others. But the story is still the same; maybe 10 per cent have full-time occupants. The rest are empty most of the time. Clearly this bothers KP Ho, big boss of Laguna, who has built dozens, maybe hundreds, of these homes around the fringes of his resort empire. As he puts it (see page 3), “Right

Letters to the editor Right to land [Re. Encroachment charges laid against resort] In my opinion, the investigation should not focus so much on the current owners, who bought the land in good faith, with titles issued by the land office. It should concentrate more on the officials who illegally and corruptly converted the land titles, and the original owners, who instigated the transactions. Jay

Water waste

[Re. B286m anti-flood projects in the pipeline] Klong Bang Yai in Kathu is a neglected disgrace! This once pristine waterway was a joy to walk along, after a small fortune was spent on it a few years back. But what’s the point of spending another

20 million if there’s never any budget for maintenance? Agogohome

Cute footballers [Re. The Phuket News Premier League predictions] Is ‘expert’ tipster Dane using the same method for picking teams as my girlfriend? Which team has the cutest players? Stegee

In good faith

[Re. Survey finds Thai women second most unfaithful in the world] Why don’t you show that Thai men are the first most unfaithful in the world... why show only women? Good Thai girl

Turtle terror [Re. Encroachment charges laid against resort] On your photo taken inside

the National Park you can see somebody riding a motorbike on the beach, which is illegal. No wonder all the turtles have abandoned Phuket as a place to come ashore and lay their eggs. Benjamin Walker

Peace and quiet [Re. Villagers protest over noisy pub] That’s good news. Too many bars and clubs think they can do whatever they want. It’s about time the locals start demanding some peace and quiet. Dave

Forest for the trees [Re. Encroachment charges laid against resort] There’s hope for Phuket yet. Of course, actions speak louder than words - as the saying goes. Will the properties be demolished and the forest replanted? Well,

one things for certain; we’ll have a very long wait to find out. Agogohome

Let’s drink coffee

[Re. Romadom romps through to Thailand’s Got Talent finals] Absolutely beautiful and extremely moving. May the children of the same soil unite and drink coffee together! Winnie Kathy Schmid

Take a hike [Re. Parks Dept hikes fees as much as 150pc] A few years ago I went to a national park in Yala, in the car were an Indian, a Malaysian and a Chinese national. All were charged the Thai rate, except for me because of skin colour. I have lived here for more than 20 years, and since the price went up from B20 to

now, although we’ve done quite a bit in terms of Laguna Homes and Residences, they’re all bungalows and they’re not really a community.” Now, he says, he wants to try building something that will attract a lot of people to stay full-time, to create a community of neighbours. Being KP Ho, of course, he’s planning it so that if he gets the formula right, he’s not going to lose any money and will probably make large amounts of it. Although this is something that large Thai condo companies such as Sansiri and Phanason understand very well, their eye is firmly on the Thai market. Mr Ho, it is clear, is looking at both local and foreign markets. Does Phuket need Laguna City (or whatever it is eventually called)? Time will tell. But one thing The Phuket News does support is the idea that developers should stop looking solely at build-it-sell-it-get-rich, and taking a broader, more social view of their profession.

This week in history B200, and now B400, I have refused to take my child to national parks. I wish they would surcharge Thais for admissions in the Western world, and charge them for entry to museums that are free for Westerners – there’d be an outcry. The world is in economic turmoil, incomes have dropped because salaries are over taxed, what a time to do this! Ian

Unhappy camper

[Re. New drive to legalise black taxis] T he on ly worse way to deal with this is to keep the status quo. This is one small step away from that. I’m not impressed. Why is there such a reluctance to enforce laws on Phuket? Dave

Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.

■■ August 31, 1987 – Thai Airways Flight 365 crashes into the ocean near Phuket, killing all 83 aboard. ■■ September 1, 1902 – A Trip to the Moon, considered one of the first ever science fiction films, is released in France. ■■ September 2, 1752 – Great Britain adopts the Gregorian calendar, nearly two centuries later than most of Western Europe. ■■ September 3, 1935 – Sir Malcolm Campbell reaches a record speed of 304.331 mph in an automobile in Utah. ■■ September 4, 1998 – Google is founded by university students Larry Page and Sergey Brin. ■■ September 5, 1927 – The first Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoon, Trolley Troubles, produced by Walt Disney, is released by Universal Pictures. ■■ September 6, 1949 – Howard Unruh, kills 13 neighbours in New Jersey to become the first US singleepisode mass murderer.

thephuketnews.com

12 TOURISM/AVIATION

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUSINESS

Out of a long dark tunnel

Tommy Hongsyok and Honda Phuket are finally back to normal after disasters > 14

Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

PIPE DREAMING

B2tn target for tourism ‘is impossible dream’ TTR Weekly

ravel industry leaders say the government’s target of tourism revenue of B2 trillion a year by 2015 will be hard to achieve if there are no concrete plans or sufficient budget to back the effort. The Tourism Council of Thailand’s planning and policy president, Kongkrit Hir an yakit, said he agrees with the decision to facilitate travel by expanding airport capacity and moving low-cost airlines to Don Mueang airport. “But unfortunately, those who run the industry, including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS), do not work efficiently and this invariably leads to the tourism sector falling short of its targets.” Mr Kongkrit said Thai-

land’s tourism remains healthy thanks to the private sector’s ability to weather crisis after crisis. “The number of tourist arrivals reached a record 15.3 million in 2010 despite political tensions,” he noted. In his view, the government has set an aggressive target without formulating a concrete plan to back it up. He further advised that some policies aimed at boosting the industry do not need a huge investment, giving as an example the waiving of visa fees for tourists from China, potentially a very lucrative market. “But we still see little progress on the initiative.” Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been recruited as a presenter in advertisements welcoming foreign travellers, while the latest

projection pegs annual industry revenue at B2 trillion by 2015. But travel industry operators believe that figure is far too optimistic considering this year’s projection is only B1.2 trillion. In the best-case scenario, revenue gains could hit B1.8 trillion from an estimated 26 million domestic and foreign tourists, far short of the B2 trillion from 30 million travellers set by the government. The president of the Association of Domestic Travel, Yutthachai Soonthronrattanavate, pointed out that the government has implemented initiatives such as raising the daily minimum wage and launching the first-time car buyer scheme, but nothing to boost tourism “Unfortunately, no scheme has been designed to boost

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

tourism and it is needed urgently if we are to meet targets.” T he gove r n ment ha s pinned its hopes on two state agencies – the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Thailand Convention Exhibition Bureau – to promote tourism and tourism products. Mr Yutthachai called for effective use of the budget and greater competency on the part of those involved, particularly Tourism and Sports Minister, Chumpol Silpa-archa, whom he considers lacks long-term vision and relevant marketing skills. “If the situation continues, Thailand may miss its goal of being the top Asean tourism hub. It could lose ground to emerging rivals like Myanmar, which has many untapped attractions.” MoTS says it has mapped

IMPOSSIBLE NUMBERS? GOVERNMENT TARGETS FOR DOMESTIC TOURISM

2012 2013 2014 2015

No. of visitors (million) per cent rise Revenue (B billion) per cent rise Length of stay (days) per cent rise Spending/head/day (B) per cent rise

103 107 116 2.0 4.0 8.0 420 460 510 4.1 9.2 13.4 2.59 2.59 2.59 0 0 0 1,771 1,860 2,953 2.0 5.0 5.0

119 3.0 550 13.4 2.59 0 2,012 3.0

GOVERNMENT TARGETS FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISM

2012 2013 2014 2015

No. of visitors (million) per cent rise Revenue (B billion) per cent rise Length of stay (days) per cent rise Spending/head/day (B) per cent rise

21 24 26 12.3 12.0 9.1 830 1,030 1,220 6.4 23.3 19.1 9.40 9.79 9.99 0.0 0.4 0.2 4,100 4,333 4,636 0.1 5.7 7.0

29 8.3 1,450 18.6 10.19 0.2 4,979 7.4

TOTALS

2012 2013 2014 2015

No of visitors (million) Revenue (B billion)

124 131 142 148 1,250 1,490 1,730 2,000

out a five-year development plan from 2012 to 2016 for Thailand’s tourism industry. Strategies have been initiated to bring in more revenue with the ultimate goal of pushing

earnings to expand by at least 5 per cent a year. Tourism is a major source of revenue, equivalent to about 6 per cent of gross domestic product.

Phuket hotel occupancy soars A SURGE OF 11 PER CENT in airport arrivals in the first six months of 2012, to a total of 2.32 million, is driving Phuket’s hospitality market as the destination chalks up a healthy 75-per-cent hotel occupancy island-wide according to the Phuket Mid-Year Hotel Update report released by hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks. A rise in direct international flights in particular is setting the stage for a forecast of a record high of 9.3 million passengers travelling through the airport this year, with

thephuketnews.com

the improved access being reflected in soaring hotel occupancy rates from January to June, which drove revenue per available room (RevPAR) up by 8 per cent. C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett said, “Sustained direct access to the island is having a major impact on the hospitality sector and is resulting in an increasingly self-sufficient position for Brand Phuket. “New airlift from Mainland China and Russia, plus the massive pick-up in regional low-cost carrier flights is driv-

ing a new era of mass tourism to the island and the hotel sector is a clear beneficiary of the growing trend.” According to the report, the top growth markets are China, Eastern Europe and Malaysia, which have grown at 66 per cent, 33 per cent and 17 per cent respectively compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, according to data compiled by STR Global, hotels in the Asia Pacific region experienced mixed results – but Thailand as a whole was a star in terms of occupancy, while Phuket led in terms of

RevPAR increase. While the region as a whole saw occupancy fall 2.2 per cent, “Thailand had its best July occupancy performance since 2006, with 67.8 per cent for July 2012, just beating its July 2006 performance of 67.1 per cent,” STR Global said in its monthly analysis of hotel statistics. Led by Phuket, three markets in Asia-Pacific experienced RevPAR increases of more than 15 per cent: Phuket (up 26.2 per cent to B2,309.32); Hanoi (up 25.0 per cent to VND1,432,239.53); and Tokyo (up 19.9 per cent to ¥11,375.45). However, there are potential obstacles to smooth development, Mr Barnett warns.

“Despite an upwards trading pattern, mass tourism is the elephant in the room of every major resort destination in Asia and the island continues to face both a mounting infrastructure dilemma and the lack of a clear-cut long-term tourism plan. “This can perhaps be best demonstrated by the delayed upgrade plans at Phuket International Airport. With the expansion plan now expected to be completed by 2015 – assuming an average annual growth rate of 5 per cent – the expanded airport would hit capacity by 2017. Essentially, this equates to a scenario of a new facility being dead on arrival.”

Logan Velaitham

AirAsia names new CEO for Singapore AIRASIA HAS PROMOTED Logan Velaitham as its Chief Executive Officer in Singapore. He was posted to Singapore in May as Country Head of the Singapore operations. He will continue his management of operations at the airport, as well as the administration of AirAsia Singapore’s office and employees. A critical role for him, the airline said, will be to prepare AirAsia for further growth by working closely with the market, with regulators and with government agencies in Singapore. Before his move to Singapore, Mr Velaitham was the airline’s Regional Head of Customer Experience.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

MONEY/PROPERTY 13

MUST DO BETTER Bangkok slides in livable city index propertyguru.com.sg

Preparing for retirement: It’s up to you EXPAT MONEY Jerry Dingley editor@thephuketnews.com

ver the past century, the concept of retirement has changed from being perceived as a luxury to being an expected right. During the same period life expectancy has increased significantly (see chart above). Unfortunately, as people have come to expect longer lives, our pension systems have not been adjusted accordingly. While rising life expectancies are good news, they place increasing emphasis on individuals to fund their own retirement. State pensions use the tax taken from the income of younger working generations to fund older generations. As global birth rates continue to drop, people live for longer and fewer workers are left to support an increasing number of retirees, pressures on global state pension systems are increasing. The large emerging economies of India and China are in particularly poor shape. China faces a demographic time-bomb more severe than any developed country, caused by its one-child policy. India has a much younger population, so its demographic problems will be deferred. In the United Arab Emirates, only nationals are eligible for state benefits and these do not stretch to expatriate employees. In Hong Kong, the normal retirement age is 65. The social security system provides benefits to the elderly, but these are means-tested and are not portable to other countries. At the same time as state pensions come under increasing pressure to fund retirement provision, occupational schemes face similar difficulties. These

schemes can be either defined contribution (DC) or defined benefit (DB) arrangements. With a DC scheme, the responsibility for providing an adequate pension rests on the employee; the accumulated savings built up by retirement. In a DB scheme, the investment risk is taken by the employer, with the pensioner guaranteed a retirement income based on pay and length of service. In recent years there has been a shift from DB to DC schemes. In the UK many DB schemes are heavily in deficit, and firms are under pressure to address the funding gap. It is now obvious that no one can rely on state or company pension schemes to ensure sufficient income in old age. Unfortunately, over the past couple of decades, people in Western countries have not been adept at saving. While many workers may have planned to retire between the ages of 60 and 65, the truth is that most will either have to work for longer or save much harder in their working lives. Those with an opportunity to save should do so, especially if they considering early retirement, and expert advice should be sought to maximize returns and reduce taxes to a minimum. This article was based on one written by Luanne Ahearne and published by International Adviser. Important Note: This article contains general information only and is not intended to be taken as specific financial advisory, investment, or tax advice. A personal analysis should be obtained before acting or refraining from acting on any information given. Jerry Dingley and Tim Whiteley are based in SE Asia and, combined, have 50 years’ experience advising expatriates & international investors. They can be contacted by email to info@ifainternationalgroup. com

angkok remains just outside the top 100 Most Livable Cities according to this year’s annual survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The Thai capital was listed in 101st place – one place higher than its 2011 ranking – alongside Almaty in Kazakhstan and Amman in Jordan. The city scored high in the education category but low on stability. Jon Copestake, editor of the survey, said: “Asia is very much a two-tiered region when it comes to liveability. We have hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore with high liveability driven by strong infrastructure, healthcare and stability. “On the other hand the region is home to some of the least secure and poorest locations for liveability. In the middle we have countries like China which are seeing economic rapid gains feeding slowly into their liveability scores.” Melbourne retained its title as the world’s most livable city for the second year running, but Singapore failed to make it onto the top 50 list. The Austrian city of Vienna was placed second, with the Canadian cities of Vancouver and Toronto taking third and fourth places respectively. Osaka in Japan is Asia’s most livable city, ranked in

Most livable: Melbourne came out on top of the index for the second year in a row. 12th place, while Tokyo was 18th and Hong Kong 31st. The cities of Abidjan, Tehran, Douala, Tripoli, Karachi, Algiers, Harare, Lagos, Port Moresby and Dhaka sat at the bottom of the list, with conflict cited by the report as one of the main reasons for the low rankings. The liveability report surveys 140 locations around the world to assess the best or the worst living conditions. It originated as a means of testing whether Human Resource Departments needed to assign a hardship allowance as part of expatriate relocation packages. It has since evolved into a broad benchmarking tool used

by city councils, organisations or corporate entities looking to test locations against one another. Cities are scored on political and social stability, crime rates and access to quality health care. The list also measures the diversity and standard of cultural events and the natural environment; education (school and university); and the standard of infrastructure, including public transport. Every city is assigned a rating of relative comfort for over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five broad categories: stability; healthcare; culture and environment; education; and infrastructure.

Each factor in a city is rated as acceptable, tolerable, uncomfortable, undesirable or intolerable. For qualitative indicators, a rating is awarded based on the judgment of in-house analysts and in-city contributors. For quantitative indicators, a rating is calculated based on the relative performance of a number of external data points. The scores are then compiled and weighted to provide a score of 1–100, where 1 is considered intolerable and 100 is considered ideal. Melbourne scored 97.5. The full report is available for purchase at eiu.com/liveability2012

thephuketnews.com

14 TOURISM/BUSINESS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Phuket scores well in Smart Travel poll THAI TOURISM DESTINAtions, airlines, airports, hotels and spa resorts scored high marks in the Best in Travel 2012 Poll announced by the popular website Smart Travel Asia 2012. Altogether, a total of 61 Thai tourism industry products were listed in the poll rankings, some in the top 10 and others in the top 25. The list was led by Phuket, which was ranked the secondbest holiday destination in Asia, the same ranking as last year. Bangkok ranked as 4th best city for business and 5th in the top 10 holiday destinations in Asia. Koh Samui ranked the 10th best holiday destination in Asia. Thai Airways International, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Samui Airport also fared well. An analysis of the poll results also indicated that the award-winning products were located nationwide, including Hua Hin and Chiang Rai. Commented TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni, “We are proud to see so many of our destinations and products scoring highly in these rankings. It clearly shows that the determined effort made by our entire industry to upgrade

thephuketnews.com

quality is paying off and getting global recognition.” Announcing the awards, Smart Travel Asia’s EditorPublisher Vijay Verghese said that one interesting finding this year is that few affluent travellers book hotels online. “While affluent travellers make travel decisions online, they do not commonly book online. They go offline to talk to a human being in order to ask questions and personalise the purchase.” “Business travellers in particular are averse to online bookings as travel circumstances change rapidly and unpredictably. Phuket rankings Spa Hotels & Resorts (Asia): 4. Banyan Tree Phuket (5 last year); 5. Amanpuri (4); 11. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (9); 21. Angsana Laguna Phuket (-); 25. Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Resort & Spa (25). Leisure Hotels & Resorts Tommy Hongsyok with his Honda CR-Z, one of the new ‘official’ imports from Japan. (Asia): 4. Amanpuri (4); 7. Twinpalms Phuket (8); 12. Banyan Tree Phuket (17); 13. Sala Phuket (25); 19. JW Marriott (18); 24. Indigo Pearl (-). Conference Hotels (Asia): 17. Angsana Laguna Phuket nuphas Vividkharn, (-); 25. JW Marriott Phuket Alasdair Forbes the local agent for Resort & Spa (-). execeditor@thephuketnews.com Stor y Honda cars, has finally emerged from a horrible time. First, in March last year, vice cars, and even then we earthquake tremors and a couldn’t get parts. We had no tsunami devastated large areas cars to sell. of Japan, including Honda’s “It took eight months beproduction facilities. fore everything got back to While Honda in Japan normal. But customers were battled to get the plants up very understanding. They and running again, parts for knew it wasn’t our fault.” repair and service of Hondas Everything is back to norin Phuket became more and mal now. In fact, better than more rare. normal: last month Anuphas Just when it seemed that Vividkharn sold more than things were coming tight 400 cars. again, the “slow tsunami” hit There is still a backlog of Thailand – the floods in much orders to meet. Some buyers of the centre of the country, have been prepared to wait as the worst in 50 years. long as a year for the Honda Unlike many carmakers in they want. Thailand, who manufacture in The international reputathe Rayong area, Honda’s local tion of Honda for building plant was in Ayutthaya, in the reliable cars, and Anuphas’ Rojana industrial area, which local reputation for quality was inundated with water up in their various businesses to three metres deep. seems to be a combination News outlets across the that has helped the company world carried photographs tremendously through the of the Honda plant, with just hard times. the roofs of new cars showing The government’s First through the water. Car initiative, which allows Montavee “Tommy” Hong- first-time buyers of cars under syok, who is assistant manag- 1,500cc to avoid taxes if they ing director of the two Honda keep the car for five years, has sale and service facilities in also been a great help. Phuket – in Phang Nga Rd, Now Tommy is in expanPhuket Town, and on Chao sion mode. A new branch is Fa West Rd – as well as the to built in Thalang, to handle third in Phang Nga, says it was both sales and servicing of cars “the worst time in 23 years, in the north of the island and since we first got the Honda Phang Nga. Anuphas currently cars agency in 1989”. services 70 to 80 cars a day at “All we could do was ser- the Chao Fa Rd centre – which

END OF BAD DAYS Honda Phuket back in form after quakes and floods

SUCCESS

is designed to service up to 150 a day – and 40 to 50 a day at the recently reopened centre on Phang Nga Rd. Honda Phuket is also receiving the first deliveries of Japan-made cars, including the sporty CR-Z hybrid, and the Odyssey and Spada people movers. Though limited numbers of these imports have been available through what Tommy calls the “grey market”, Honda Thailand is now bringing them in officially, which means full service and support. Tommy is already driving around in a new CR-Z. Anuphas is also collaborating with Honda in other ways. For example, customers who have little or no experience of driving can get a one-day course, free, to get them started more safely on the road. Two professional instructors trained in Bangkok are teaching the courses. Honda car (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. also has also set up a disaster fund that receives B1,000 from every car sold, B100 from every motorcycle, and B10 from every engine. The fund is being reserved to help communities hit by future large-scale disasters. In its first year Honda planned to get B300 million and will continue until reach B1,000 million. Honda’s – and Anuphas Vividkharn’s – annus horribilis seems to be over.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Easy rider Teddy Fagerstrom rolls into Old Phuket Town

Comedy movie Ted breaks new ground for stuffed animals

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Passing of the Gods

Following in the footsteps of the remarkable Ngaben Balinese royalty funeral procession > Pages 10-11 Photo by Linawaty Ko

WEEKDAYS

SATURDAYS

SUNDAYS

Breakfast

Sam & Natasha

7am-11am

Weekend Brunch

Jay Le Shark

10am - 1pm

Weekend Brunch

Jay Le Shark

10am – 1pm

The Power Hour with Radenska Natural Water

Live 89.5

11am-12pm

Phuket News Radio

Live 89.5

1pm - 2pm

The Spin

Tim Newton

1pm - 4pm

Jason Wilder

4pm - 7pm

Live 89.5

7pm - 8pm

Live 89.5

8pm – 11pm

Lifestyle

Steve Johnston

12pm-3pm

Saturday Sport

Sam Clarke

2pm - 5pm

Drive

Jason Wilder

3pm-7pm

Going Green

Nick Anthony

5pm – 7pm

Lazy Sunday Afternoon Phuket News Radio (repeat)

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

7pm-7am

Saturday Night Fever

Live 89.5

7pm – 11pm

Sunday Night Chill

thephuketnews.com

2 ART

THE PHUKET NEWS

Gaining full clarity through abstraction

Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

Clockwise from top: Watcharin ‘Nui’ Rodnit displays plans to turn Phuket Town into a walk-around museum; one of his conceptual artworks; in the studio teaching a local student; a sculpture.

thephuketnews.com

urat Thani native Watcharin ‘Nui’ Rodnit has a dream – that is probably technicolour and abstract in visuals – to make Phuket Town the artistic hub of the island. A major and crucial first step to realising it is to turn the eternally vacant and ironicallynamed ‘Lucky Complex’ that has never actually managed to open, into an art museum. Speaking from his art studio on Yaowarat Road in Phuket Town, Nui said, “I think the government could help a lot more and promote local arts more. Krabi has its own museum even though it is tiny compared to Phuket.” It is for this reason that he, along with other members of the recently formed Chino Art Group, are asking for a budget from local authorities to turn his dream into reality. However Nui’s aim doesn’t end there. “There could be art structures all over town, it could be a reason for people to visit Phuket Town.” Some of his ideas include a giant crab statue, a giant sea horse and many other strange and wonderful structures dotted around Phuket

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY,AUGUST AUGUST 31 31,, 2012

PHUKET GALLERIES

Baan Wana Park, 177/22 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang 076 620 071 designedbywoulfe.com

Drawing Room

56 Phang Nga Road, Talad Yai, Muang, Phuket Town 086 899 4888

Red Gallery

Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai 087 323 321 redgallerythai@yahoo.com phuketredgallery.com Open daily

Town. Until that time, Nui is quite content on burrowing away in his studio and teaching children and young adults the finer points of artistic expression. He is quite qualified to do this as he himself was a child artist. “I started [art] when I was six years old, it was in a lesson at school and we were asked to draw the exterior of the building. I remember I stayed outside long after everybody else had finished and gone back inside. It was very hot that day, but I didn’t care, I enjoyed drawing. I knew straight away that that was what I wanted to do.” The studio is also Nui’s home and it has a wonderfully relaxed, vibrant and fun feel to it. Huge abstract paintings adorn walls, sketches hang on doors and weird ornaments take pride of place around the room. Much of Nui’s work is inspired by scenes of nature and the environment and although he does do a lot of lifelike and still life portraits, a lot of his fabulous work nowadays is abstract. This change of style he traces back to the moment his sister died in a car accident. In perhaps a way of dealing with those confusing emotions, he created a huge 5x15 metre ‘abstract’ piece. Nui still does the huge pieces, one of which he is doing commercially in a sort of homage to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. “A client of mine has commissioned me to do this piece here,” he says gesturing to a huge 5x15 metre piece. “She wanted me to do it so that she could better remember her Italian husband who recently passed away. When it’s finished it will go on the ceiling of their Italian restaurant in Patong.” Nui is a member of the Chino Art Group, a group of 10 Phuket town artists with the common aim of promoting Phuket Town art around the island and Thailand. From September 29 – October 7, the Chino Art Group will be putting on the ‘Abstract 2012’ exhibition at the Jungceylon shopping centre in Patong. “As we would like to one day have our own museum, we are actually hoping to make this a reality through exhibitions like these.”

Veerachan Usahanun 110/34 Cherng Talay, Bang Tao Beach Road 081 490 4359 usahanun@live.com veerachanusahanun.com Open daily

Mom Tri’s VR Gallery

Next to Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, 12 Kata Noi Rd, Kata Noi 076 333 568 art@momtriphuket.com momtriphuket.com

Watcharin Art Studio

27 Yaowaraj Rd, Phuket Town 088 386 1449 watcharintinorodnit @hotmail.com rindamagicalart.com

Wua Gallery and Studio 1 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town 076 258 208 wua.artgallery@gmail.com wua-artgallery.blogspot.com

If you would like to see your studio here, contac t: editor3@ thephuketnews.com

ENVIRONMENT 3

THE PHUKET NEWS31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST

Creating a page from which we can all read Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

Above: Politicians, lecturers, environmentalists, hotelliers, students and sustainability experts were at SEEK’s first ever conference on August 24. Below: Sean Panton and Robert Steele answer a question posed during the conference. Photos: Dan Miles Media

huket’s environmental awareness is improving, but needs more active participation from businesses, property developers and local residents, according to some of the island’s leading activists. The environmental campaigners were speaking at Phuket-based environmental organisation SEEK’s first official conference at the Holiday Inn, Patong last Friday (August 24). Politicians, teachers, representatives of the hospitality industry, business owners and a whole host of concerned local individuals were all in attendance at the ‘SEEKing a Sustainable Phuket Conference & Forum’. Speaking to The Phuket News, Sean Panton, one of the founding members of SEEK, said how far the project had come since the idea first came to him. “I remember swimming with my son a few years ago and being hit three times by plastic bags, and I thought that when he’s my age, he probably wouldn’t be able to do this.” This occurrence was the catalyst in Sean founding the NGO SEEK (Society, Environment, Economy and Knowledge) and after years of hard work, he, along with other significant members of the group, has made enough noise and raised

enough awareness of Phuket’s environmental problems that a significant section of Phuket society are beginning to listen. The event was split into two halves with lectures and overviews in the morning and group work and breakout sessions in the afternoon. During a talk in the morning, Bangkokbased Robert Steele, from Systainability Asia, a sustainability consultancy firm, stated the aim of the day, which – perhaps unintentionally – further highlighted the rather problematic task ahead. “We need to make sure we are all on the same page,” he said. This elicited a question from the audience in reference to the disproportionate number of Westerners in the audience. The question posed was, that although the majority of Westerners and the English language media on the island were aware of issues of pollution, littering and recycling, were the Thai press and by extension Thai people? Were they on the same page? Mr Steele said: “That’s part of the challenge... but don’t give up.” He added that it was imperative that regardless of how many schemes and initiatives were launched within the foreign community, it was important to involve the local people, “This is something for SEEK to think about... Please try and be as inclusive as possible.” Without a cohesive plan, even the finest theories and strategies will fail if they are not inclusive. Panuwat Phakdee-auksorn, Ph.D Lecturer at Songkran University, agreed: “Phuket people must work together. It’s a good project, but it’s very ambitious... and might prove difficult. Phuket is still very much seen as a great business opportunity and everybody wants to take what they can get.” He referenced how expansion and building work and a lack of enforcement of building regulations had harmed the island over the last 10 years. Professor Panuwat said it was for this reason he thought that at least the concept of the day’s conference was positive. “This is a challenging project and they have some good examples from different countries around the world. I think it’s good to be

focusing on Phuket at the moment as it’s very much needed.” He did however deliberate as to whether the right people were focusing. “Yes and no... I think how can they make a change with the local people? Can they identify key people? If they can’t talk with the right people it’s going to be difficult.” Although there were many of the ‘right’ people in attendance, including Kathu Mayor Chai-Anan Suttikul, who pledged to support island sustainability planning with SEEK, Professor Panuwat said he would like to see more local people, more representatives from the government sector, hospitality industry and local municipality at such events. He also said he was surprised that there was still no real modern-day equivalent of the hugely successful ‘Magic Eyes’ litter campaign of his childhood. “More could be done, especially with the more tech-savvy younger generation through Facebook and other social media,” he said. However, SEEK is still very much in its infancy and working on finalising the 24 ‘indicators’ that highlight the most pressing areas of concern and what can be done. “The initiative of introducing these indicators comes from Dr Paul Chamniern, the Executive Director of Thailand Environment Institute, who was sick of people not really knowing what was wrong and what could be done to help,” Mr Panton said. “With these points established, it will raise awareness and people can monitor them, and then hold the relevant people to account if they don’t follow them. Dr Chamniern also called on local government to work quickly to better understand the island’s carrying capacity and establish tougher enforcement of existing regulations and rules, suggesting that as much as 50 per cent of all buildings on Phuket may be illegally designed and constructed. “If we are not careful, the Phuket tourism industry will go the same way of Spain’s with regards to the building work and the effect it had on the industry there. Phuket needs city planning,” Professor Panuwat said. Next on SEEK’s agenda is an island-wide litterbug campaign, supported and promoted by Paiboon Upatising OrBorJor President (Provincial Council) for Phuket Province.

thephuketnews.com

4 PETS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY,AUGUST AUGUST 31 31,, 2012

101 things to know about the Dalmatian YOUR BREED Jackie Perry editor@thephuketnews.com

“The main usefulness of this breed has doubtless been its ability to run alongside or behind coaches and many ladies of fashion would never be seen without a pair of Dalmatians trotting alongside her coach.” Jackie Perry is based in Phuket but travels to judge dog shows all over the world. She is happy to answer any questions from dog lovers.

lthough most authorities on the breed will affirm that the breed came from Dalmatia (Croatia), some people say it originated in England and then went to Dalmatia. The Dalmatian has been portrayed in many paintings and sculptures and there are even Egyptian engravings of such spotted dogs following chariots. There is little doubt the breed is many hundreds of years old and has been used in varying utilities such as a guard on the border of Dalmatia, as a draft (pulling carts) dog, and also as a shepherd dog. It is well known as the mascot of firemen and there are many recounts of its heroics in this field. It has also been used as a sporting dog to retrieve game. It has a bright retentive memory and this has made it very popular in the past as a circus performing dog. However the main usefulness of this breed has doubtless been its ability to run alongside or behind coaches and many ladies of fashion would never be seen without a pair of Dalmatians trotting

Pets

alongside her coach. The breed is built for running with its lithe muscular lines. Never too heavy in body. With well-set shoulders and good strong well angulated hindquarters. The standard calls for a poised, strong, muscular dog free of any shyness. It must be symmetrical in outline and capable of great endurance and speed. The male will stand 56-61 cm with 54-59 cm for the female. The dog will measure as high at the withers as it is from forechest to buttock. It has good bone and is sturdy but never heavy in body. The head is in balance with the body and must give an alert and intelligent expression. The eyes should be dark and round and should have a full black eye rim. The neck is well arched and flows into a smooth topline. Good layback of shoulder and well-bent stifles on the muscled rear legs. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. Flat feet are a major fault as this is a running breed. The coat is short and dense and has either black or liver spots,

evenly distributed over the body. They vary in size from five baht pieces on the body to one baht pieces on the legs, head and tail. There should not be any patches of colour anywhere on the body and small “freckles” are not encouraged. The gait of the Dalmatian is smooth and elastic with powerful drive from the rear. It is a thing of beauty when at full stretch. The breed does suffer from deafness and puppies should always be bred from certified parents and then tested at age 6 - 8 weeks. Skin irrations are another problem but this can largely be due to food or dust and once the cause has been discovered then it should be fairly easy to put to rights. As a pet it is wonderful with children, should never show any sign of shyness but should be well balanced and invariably playful. The breed is great for anyone who rides horses as it will run alongside as you go. It does need a fair amount of exercise but very little grooming. A once a week rub over with a damp cloth should rid it of any dead hairs. It is very suitable for our climate here in Thailand.

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

“Meow, meow, I’m Daisy and I belong to Richard Wonka. I was picked up from PAWS along with my stepbrother Leo and now we live with Richard. I’m around three months old and definitely a little lady. My favourite hobby is being carried around!”

“Hello, I’m a male Ja Dada, terrier. I b ck Russell Supawade elong to Aoh e rite thing , and my favout you can te o do is sleep as ll fr I am pictu om this photo! r mattress, ed here on my whic I spend a h is where lot of my time!”

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

HEALTH 5

THE PHUKET NEWS31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST

LOSE FAT WITH PAT Patrick du Preez editor@thephuketnews.com

Patrick du Preez, MD Club Asia Fitness, Royal Phuket City Hotel, Phuket Town, clubasiaphuket.com

Les Mills is one of the world’s largest providers of choreographed exercise-tomusic group fitness classes. The following programmes are now available at Club Asia Fitness:

BODYPUMP

DESCRIPTION: Use

barbells and weights R E S U LT S : I nc rea ses strength and endurance, tones and shapes

BODYCOMBAT

DESCRIPTION: Martial arts and endurance R E S U LT S : I nc rea ses strength and endurance, tones and shapes and builds self-confidence

BODYBALANCE

A Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates inspired workout RESULTS: Improves joint flexibility and enhances mental wellbeing DESCRIPTION:

Finding strength in numbers

n my previous article, I touched upon weight resistance training and prescribed a beginner’s programme for starting out. We further indicated that there are various forms of cardio to get your heart pumping that may include brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, participating in a sporting activity or joining a health club and joining in a group exercise class. We will now take a closer look at cardiovascular conditioning and more specifically how group exercise can increase your life expectancy and fitness level. There are various forms of group exercise classes that offer various benefits such as Aerobics, Step, Fit ball, Yoga, Zumba, Cycling, Pilates and Boot Camp classes. The usual length of each class is 60 minutes and it caters for both female and male participants. Group classes can be fun and sociable and keep you motivated. They can help you burn those unwanted calories and training in a group is often far more enjoyable than training on your own. Most fitness classes tend to be free

with gym memberships and all exercise classes are designed to help you reach your own personal fitness goals in a fun and energizing environment. One specific Group X programme that is used in fitness centres worldwide are the licensed Les Mills programmes. They offer a variety of programmes that include Bodypump, Bodycombat, Bodyjam, Bodybalance, Bodyattack, Bodystep, Bodyvive, Rpm, Cxworx and Sh’bam. What makes these programmes great is that new routines are released every three months with new music and choreography ensuring that members don’t become bored with the routines. The main reason for joining a fitness club is to get results fast. It might be weight loss, to tone your body shape, or to challenge yourself to become fit and strong. When working out on your own it’s easier to stop when the going gets tough. Group fitness is the most powerful way to get the inspiration and results you are looking for.

Group exercise suits all fitness levels, no matter how fit you are. You will gain strength from exercising with others and you will motivate each other to work harder, and push yourself more.

The benefits include: Burning calories for a leaner body Toning and shaping Raising overall fitness and stamina Improving co-ordination and agility Strength through core condition Enhancing bone health and density Increasing heart and lung capacity

RPM

DESCRIPTION: High

Intensity Interval Training R E S U LT S : I mpr ove s heart and lung fitness, increases strength and endurance

BODYATTACK

DESCRIPTION: High

energy Interval training combining aerobic movements RESULTS: Improves agility, coordination, strength and endurance

BODYSTEP

DESCRIPTION: An

energized step workout R E SU LT S : Tones and shapes, increases strength and endurance

BODYVIVE

Low impact, whole body workout R E S U LT S : I mpr ove s heart and lung, tones and shapes DESCRIPTION:

BODYJAM

A cardio workout with the latest dance styles RESULTS: Burns calories, tones and shapes DESCRIPTION:

SH’BAM

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6 PEOPLE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY,AUGUST AUGUST 31 31,, 2012

In the spirit of giving Ten questions for Larry Amsden, the new president of the Rotary Club, Patong

10 QUESTIONS Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

Long-term American expat Larry Amsden recently became the President of the Rotary Club, Patong. Here he speaks to The Phuket News about what inspires him on a daily basis, his proudest moment so far and why he thinks that Phuket residents are by and large very charitable. Photos: Dan Miles Media

1. Congratulations on your recent appointment to the President of the Rotary Club, Patong. What exactly is the Rotary Club, and how long have you been involved? Rotary is one of the oldest service clubs in the world, founded in 1905. There are currently about 1.2 million Rotarians spread throughout 166 countries. These members represent a cross section of a community, but are usually successful business professionals who have two things in common: They share a desire to help improve their communities, and they share a desire for camaraderie with other like-minded professionals within their community. I have been a member of the Rotary Club of Patong Beach since it was founded in 2001. 2. What have been the most significant projects you have worked on as a Rotary member? Our most significant projects took place after the tsunami in 2004. We rebuilt about 25 houses for tsunami victims, repaired or built over a hundred boats for fishermen along the Phang Nga coast, and established a scholarship fund to enable children who were victims of the tsunami to continue their education. Over 300 children were helped by these scholarships and there are still almost 200 currently receiving our financial help. In total, we distributed over US$1 million in tsunami relief, most of which we collected from other Rotary Clubs around the world. 3. Now that you’re the president, what do your duties involve? My personal objective is to keep our club focused on service projects throughout Patong, Phuket, and the Andaman coast. My biggest challenge is to build a club which accommodates the very diverse makeup of our membership. We currently have members from 11 different countries with about as many different ideas on how the club should be run. 4. Which areas of Phuket society do you think are most in need of assistance? In the experience we have gained over the past 11 years, I would have to say the

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

6. Was there a defining moment in your adult life that prompted you to help others? I think the most profound experience that probably gelled my feelings was the tsunami. Seeing so much devastation and trauma in other people’s lives around me was what we call ‘my Rotary moment’. 7. Aside from your Rotary duties, what do you do for enjoyment? I enjoy having a beer, or maybe a couple of beers with my friends, sailing, golf, and generally just enjoying living on this beautiful island 8. How and why did you end up moving to Phuket?

Burmese workers, the Moken (chao lay, or sea gypsy) people living in our area of concern, and the many children of families struggling to provide for their education. For example, in one Moken village off the coast of Ranong, the mortality rate among children under two years of age is one in three. To me, in this day and age, this is not acceptable. This is why we scope our activities beyond just Phuket. 5. How did your philanthropic side flourish? Were your parents charitable? My parents were pretty much average in terms of charitable activities. They contributed to the Red Cross, United Way and so on. My mother worked for the Red Cross in America for several years. I guess I realised right around the time I

I retired from a multinational company in Bangkok, then got involved in a start-up tech firm, then a consulting company, all in Bangkok. Then one day, while sitting in one of the daily traffic jams in Bangkok, I calculated how much of my life was spent doing just that, sitting in traffic. We moved to Phuket about two weeks later. 9. What aspects of Phuket life do you find most irritating? The lack of a master plan to develop the island in a more sustainable way. And, the traffic here is getting a little annoying. 10. Do you think Phuket residents are generally good Samaritans? Yes, definitely. There are seven Rotary Clubs on the island, several Lions Clubs, Child Watch, The Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation, GOMS, the International Women’s Club, and many, many more organisations, all trying to make a contribution to various charitable causes. Even the local motorcycle clubs are contributing. That’s one of the things I really like about living here.

The mahout and his elephant

hirty-four year-old Thonsuk ‘Thong’ Klonpet has worked as a mahout (elephant trainer) for the Kinaree Elephant Camp in Phuket for the last 10 years. Although the practice of elephant trekking and especially elephant ‘training’, has been a highly contentious topic of late, Thong is adamant that he uses the special elephant hook to ‘manage’ the elephant very rarely. “The hook looks creepy but it’s really not. It’s only used to control the direction or train the elephant by hooking the top of the elephant’s ear when they are being naughty.” Thong admits though that the hook does little when it comes to controlling male el-

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retired, how very fortunate I was to have had the benefit of a good education and professional opportunities, and that I owed something back to my community and those people who were less fortunate that I. And I also realised that I could actually make a difference in other people’s lives.

ephants, especially when they are on heat. This is why he prefers to train female elephants. Addressing the supposition made by many tourists that the elephants get hurt with him doing this, Thong said, “Mahouts often grow up with the elephants. They are like one of the family. “You will never know how hard it is to heal when our big animal gets hurt,” he said. This is why Thong is quick to point out the difference between what he does and other less reputable mahouts in Phuket, “Good mahouts treat their elephants well, and would never take their elephant walking along a street as you sometimes see,” he said.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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8 DINING

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY,AUGUST AUGUST 31 31,, 2012

An antique-filled product of passion

Above, the cafe is an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and decor, all of it available for purchase.

n an extremely wet afternoon last week, the Since 1892 cafe on Thalang Road proved to be a very pleasant sanctuary from the deluge. Opened in April, the cosy cafe combines owner Nathawan “Poo” Wongyai’s three true loves – shopping, coffee and cakes. In case the location seems familiar, the space used to be the Phuket Camera shop, which is now on Dibuk Road. Redecorating the shop has been a labour of love for Poo and her friends, as they repainted and kitted out the shop to resemble an old-style English cafe. “For one month, my friends and I were working every day.” The work was worth it. It’s a delightful little hangout, decorated in vintage English style with antique furniture and even its own little “garden” area out the back. Word seems to be spreading, as it is quickly becoming a popular hangout and on the particular rainy day we visited was full of people seeking refuge and enjoying a warming coffee. The cakes and other sweet treats on the menu are made by Poo’s friend Paa, and include the famous strawberry crepe – a sweet vanilla flavoured cake created in layers – and the banana ganache, filled with cream and fresh banana slices. Cakes are priced from B79 to B95, while drinks, including coffee, tea and smoothies start at B50. As well as serving as a cafe, the other half of the space is a clothes shop. Most are second hand, high quality vintage items from Malaysia,

ranging in price from B390 to around B900. It’s surprising Poo has time to run everything, as she’s studying for an MBA at Ramkhamhaeng University, and also owns the Miss Korea House cosmetics shop in Phuket Town. Not surprisingly, she’s a passionate antiques collector, with a range of furniture and other items available for sale. Though mostly sourced in Bangkok, the pieces are predominately European in origin, including a 150-year-old book cabinet from Denmark, priced at B36,000. If you’re interested in buying anything, it’s best to move quick. “I like antiques because they have a story, and everything is for sale in my shop. That’s why we have to redesign the shop every month as items are sold. It’s good for the customers because the shop always looks different.” “I want to make this shop like a small community. The antiques are a real talking point, customers are always asking me about them and where they come from.” “A lot of the customers are Scandinavian and they visit regularly. They say the shop looks like something they would find in their own country, and they love to take photos.” Since 1892, 136 Thalang Road, Phuket Town. (Near Thepkrassattri Road/Thalang Rd intersection). 081 537 5861. Free Wi-Fi.

Above, Since 1892 owner Nathawan “Poo” Wongyai. Below, the vintage bicycle in the cafe “garden”.

A taste of New Zealand

A Hilton GM Andre Gomez, Ery, Dr John Forrest, Thamolnat Thirasattayapitak from IWS, Pantita Chubua from Pullman, Arvine, and Boathouse wine director Georges Ciret.

Andaman blue crab layers, aged white wine vinegar dressing and curry.

Bangkok Beer & Beverages, island's largest wholesaler of 500+ premium wines from 12 countries, beer and coffee. Ask for our extensive portfolio: bart@bbb.co.th and visit www.bbb.co.th for more info. Tel: 076-200751-3, Fax: 076-200754

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round 30 people attended a dinner at the Boathouse last Thursday evening with wines from the Forrest winery in Marlborough, located in the northeast of New Zealand’s South Island. The Forrest winery was launched in 1988 by John and Brigid Forrest and was one of the first 10 wineries in the Marlborough region. Leaving behind careers in molecular biology and medicine John and Brigid returned to Marlborough in 1988 to establish their first vineyard in Marlborough. On the menu on Thursday were dishes with crab, turbot and duck breast, accompanied by Forrest sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and riesling.

DINING 9

THE PHUKET NEWS31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST

Easy Rider rolls into Old Town

H Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

Top, Rider Cafe is located on Yaowarat Road in Phuket Town. Right, Teddy Fagerstrom runs Rider Cafe with his wife Nid. Above, the Evo beef burger, priced at B150.

ailing from Sweden, Teddy Fagerstrom is a qualified spinal surgeon, musician, big bike lover and now cafe owner. It’s an unusual mix for sure, but Teddy wouldn’t have it any other way. In April, Teddy and his wife Nid opened the Rider Cafe on Yaowarat Road in Phuket Town, which is quickly becoming a local hangout. Previously, the cafe, decorated with motorcycle memorabilia, was situated on the bypass road, near the motorbike service shop Teddy used to own. But the move to Phuket Town has worked in the couple’s favour, with a lot more foot traffic. “A lot of people chose not to stay near the beaches because it costs too much. “A couple of years ago there wasn’t much to do in Phuket Town. But now there are a lot of new venues – music, little restaurants and a lot of art. There are three galleries just on Yaowarat Road alone. “It’s becoming a good alternative to laying down on the beach with a cocktail.” With an excellent menu, Rider is becoming known

Learn to cook Thai at the Dusit Thani

for its burgers, breakfasts and sandwiches, which include the Rider bacon sandwich – bacon, tomato, lettuce and mayo on a wheat baguette for B99. The Evo Burger comes with a pork or beef patty, tomato, onion, pickle, mayo and fries for B150, while the “upsized” version includes one more patty plus an egg for B199. As well as the Western food options, there is also a full Thai menu ranging from B70 to B100, plus cakes and desserts from Woody’s Sandwich Shoppe. “Nothing is precooked or premade, and we try to use local ingredients,” says Teddy. Teddy’s been in Phuket since 2001, largely involved in the medical industry. He’s currently director of the Scandinavian Orthopaedic Laboratory, situated on the grounds of Bangkok Hospital Phuket. In his spare time he can be found playing his bass guitar with the crew at the nearby Rockin’ Angels bar in the evenings, while during the day helps Nid out at the cafe. Rider Cafe, 30 Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town, 089 470 9470. Open daily except Mondays, 10am to 11pm.

WHEN YOU’RE SICK OF GIRLIE FOOD JOIN US FOR A JUICY STEAK

f you’re short of something to do on the next rainy day, consider heading along to the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket cooking class, which takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 3pm-5pm. Held at their Ruen Thai restaurant, the cooking class offers a hands on experience to learn Thai cooking with executive sous chef Pachon Pakham. Chef Pachon has worked at the Dusit for six and a half years, and been a chef for more than 20. Originally from Sisaket province in Thailand’s northeast, Mr Pachon came to Phuket 22 years ago. Since then he has worked at the Pacific Island Club (now Laguna Beach Resort), the Racha Resort on Racha Island, Horizon Patong Resort, and the Le Meridien Khao Lak. For more information visit http:// dusitthanilagunaphuket.dusit.com

Great steaks, burgers and salads. Happy hour drinks and live sports in the heart of Patong. Cold beers, cocktails, smoothies and a good selection of Australian wine.

OPEN LUNCH TIME UNTIL LATE

From top, Phuket News Dining Editor Claire Connell learns how to make Massaman curry with executive sous chef Pachon Pakham. Below, goong hom sabai (fried prawns wrapped in noodles).

Patong Promenade Rooftop. Corner of Bangla and Rat- U- Tit Rd. Patong.

thephuketnews.com

10 TRAVEL

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY,AUGUST AUGUST 31 31,, 2012

Passing of the Gods Linawaty Ko follows

a joyous Balinese royal funeral procession

or a very long time I had been hoping to see the Ngaben cremation procession in Bali. Finally, and by pure coincidence, I witnessed this amazing event last month when the funeral of the late Tjokorda Putra Dharma Yudha, one of the family members of the Ubud Kingdom, was carried out in the centre of Ubud town. Thousands of people, including tourists, crammed into the area to witness this event. At exactly 1pm, after an hour of continuous prayer, the coffin was carried up and laid on the top of a 21-metre-high bade. The pagoda-like structure was made from bamboo, paper, and wood, and was visually impressive and grand with elaborate decoration. In August the weather is extremely pleasant in Bali, with the temperature generally hovering between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius during the day. Under a beautiful blue sky and cooling air, the procession begun. Ninety or so young Balinese men lifted the four tonne bade and moved toward the cremation site located roughly two kilometres away. Lined before the bade was an eight-metre-high nagabanda (dragon effigy) and a huge sarcophagus resembling a bull, made from a bamboo structure covered in paper. All were carried by the young men, with the slow procession accompanied by a troop of Balinese musicians. At every

Linawaty Ko editor@thephuketnews.com

In August the weather is extremely pleasant in Bali, with the temperature generally hovering between 25 and 28 Celsius degree during the day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under a beautiful blue sky and cooling air, the procession begun. Ninety or so young Balinese men lifted the four tonne bade and moved toward the cremation site located roughly two kilometres away.â&#x20AC;?

From top: The calm scene before the procession gets underway; 90 young Balinese men hoist the bade for its two kilometre journey; the eight-metrehigh nagabanda dragon effigy.

thephuketnews.com

TRAVEL 11

THE PHUKET NEWS31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST

From top: The coffin is carried up to the top of the bade; the climax of Ngaben as the fire is lit under the bull sarcophagus with the body inside; a troupe of Balinese musicans accompany the procession.

corner of the street the bade was spun in circles, as Balinese believe this helps to confuse the evil spirits and keep them away from the deceased. Two hours after the procession began, the black bull finally reached the cremation site, followed shortly by the dragon and finally the bade. Placed on a concrete stage, the black bull sarchophagus was sliced open on the back, and the deceased’s body was moved from the bade into the body of the bull. The final ritual was then carried out by a Hindu priest, who sprinkled holy water on the bull, while the deceased’s family members placed offerings around the body. Finally the climax of Ngaben arrived, when a fire was lit under the sarcophagus with the body inside. The fire is used to free the spirit from the body and enable reincarnation. No tears were shed by anyone, because the Balinese believe that the deceased is only temporarily not present, and will reincarnate or find his final rest in moksha (heaven). The final ceremony was held 12 days after the Ngaben, when the ashes were wrapped in a white and yellow cloth and were sunk into the sea. Ngaben is a traditional Balinese funeral ceremony that has been carried out since ancient times. The locals believe that this ceremony purifies the souls of the deceased. Unlike many western funerals, Ngaben is a joyful occasion for Balinese as it represents the release of their ancestor’s spirit, and the accomplishment of their family duty.

Ubud

espit e t he hu ge numbers of tourists that visit the island annually, in many parts of Bali, the local Hindu traditions and culture are still well preserved – especially in Ubud. The village is located in the centre of Bali, and is rich in culture, art and natural beauty. Locals still live their life simply and in the old tradition. Many of them work in the rice fields, while others are great artists, excellent in wood carving, gold work, and painting. As well as taking in the arts and rural way of life, visitors to Ubud can visit the island’s most important community centres – its Balinese temples. Also popular destinations are Bali’s two active volcanoes: Agung and Batur. Alternatively, you might want to experience the island’s diverse habitats with a trek through the jungle and rice paddies, while a mountain bike ride offers a different glimpse of the stunning terrain. Located in the heart of this paradise, The Westin Ubud Resort & Spa (westin.com/ubud) will open in early 2013. The resort is situated in a secluded mountain sanctuary on the side of a valley in Lodtunduh, overlooking the tranquil Ayung river.

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12 DANE’S WORLD

THE BIG LIST Fashion faux pas Are you already kitted out in the latest face-kini and matching full body suit? Well, you probably should be giving us fashion tips, but here are a few suggestions that might interest you anyway. Breast dressed: Designer Rachel Friere sparked controversy when she unveiled a dress at London Fashion Week last year made from 3,000 yak and cow nipples. The dress was called ‘Nippleocalypse’, which critics quickly described as ‘sickening and repulsive’. We prefer to call it titillating. The dress, intended to highlight the level of animal waste from British tanneries, or something like that, included a bra made from layers of protruding nipples, literally meaning the men would have to get through nipples to get to the nipples. Friere herself responded to the uproar, saying: “To be called a fashion designer is odd. I am an artist in wolf’s clothing.” Technically she’s an artist in yak’s nipple clothing. Can it: The moment they invented cheese in a spray-can, we predicted a future where everything could be bought in spray-can form. That glorious future has eluded us so far, but spray-on fabric may just be a step in the right direction. Fabrican uses a pressurised formula that, when sprayed from an aerosol can, creates fibres that adhere to any surface and bind to create a piece of non-woven fabric. So the future is silly string? Well, it’s definitely pretty silly, because as well as some pretty major possibilities for genital rippage when you remove Fabrican, the whole process of being sprayed is really a lot less convenient than simply getting dressed. Plastic fantastic: Are those plastic nipples, or are you just excited to see me? “Beauty Nipple’ are plastic protrusions designed to show off exactly how cold you are beneath that sweater. They’re from Japan, naturally, and have gone from a mere fashion fad, to a feisty, pheromone-infusing feature. According to the packaging, this Japanese product is a huge, super-fantastic, nipple-stimulating hit in America. Hose down: Don’t worry gents, not all these fashion tips are for the ladies, here’s one we picked up down Bangla way the other night. ‘Mantyhose’ are, as the horrifying name might suggest, pantyhose for men, the latest in a string of men’s fashion trends straight from the bizarre files. According to its website, “everyone, from truck drivers to cowboys, are wearing them.” We’re pretty sure there are only two cowboys in the world wearing them, and they both roam out Brokeback Mountain way. Port-a-loo: Nothing screams fashion like a giant, smelly piece of porcelain that people take turns at peeing into. And after all, the urinal dress really does highlight those strong facial features. Rodnick Band’s unique ensemble is apparently based on Marcel Duchamp’s avante garde work Fountain. The fashion label’s website says: “It’s a walking urinal inspired by Duchamp... with intense sequin and embroidery work.” Since Duchamp’s work has a reputation for other performance artists urinating into it, does that mean other fashionistas get to do the same? Well, anyway, most of us will never find out, because getting peed on doesn’t come cheap – each dress sells for a cool US$2,500.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY,AUGUST AUGUST 31 31,, 2012

Chinese embrace face-kini

hy be just another face in the crowd on Phuket’s beaches this high season, when you can look like these ravishing beauties? And no, they’re not masked vigilantes set on eliminating seaside crime. Behold the ‘face-kini’, the ultimate alternative to slathering on sunblock for the moon-tanned among us. The full head mask, often worn with an accompanying body suit – because a face mask with a bikini would be a fashion crime – is the latest swimwear innovation in the Chinese resort town of Qingdao. The summer accessory is a must-have for many Chinese women who prefer a fair-skinned complexion over a suntan. Of course, you could always just stay indoors, which is exactly what we’d be doing if we had one of those things on our face. But on the plus side, at least no one will be able to recognise you. In Chinese culture, tanned skin has traditionally been equated with doing

physical labor while pale skin indicates a person of higher social status, which still doesn’t really explain why these things look so ridiculous. As an added benefit, the masks are credited with protecting against insects and jellyfish. Frankly, if you’re getting stung by insects at the beach, you’re probably doing it wrong.

Slip, slop, slap and put a ridiculous-looking piece of fabric over your face. Photo: AFP

Kids get sweetener in battle of greens

I It’s a dog’s life at the pawfect pooch palace Agence France-Presse

n expansive bed with soft pillows, a flatscreen TV, a gym and chef-crafted meals – at New York’s first luxury hotel for dogs, opening in a few weeks, nothing’s too good for man’s best friend. The 900-square-metre hotel in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood aims to ensure “the dog is getting the same quality as a human being does,” explained one of its three co-owners, Shawn Hassanzadeh. “As a New Yorker, when you go on vacation, and you stay in a fabulous hotel, with fabulous services, your dog is staying in a fabulous hotel with fabulous ser-

vices,” he explained. Only the two fanciest suites will offer double beds – but even the smaller “standard” rooms will have televisions and, in some, DVD players, in case the pet parents want to bring a special show or a compilation of family photos. Also available, for any vacationing canine looking to stay in shape: a gym, equipped with personal trainers and two treadmills. Standard rooms will cost US$79 (B2,400) a day, while the luxury suites will go for US$200 (B6,000). Extras range from the US$15 walk, to a US$9 room service meal, and an US$80 “full treatment” at the spa.

t’s a battle we’ve all experienced on at least one front – getting kids to eat their greens. But a new super-weapon has now been developed by Scottish farmer which may just end the war, according to mirror.co.uk – supersweet broccoli. The new variety, grown naturally, is said to be more tender than its plainer, bitter cousin, with a sweeter stalk so no part gets wasted. Grower Iain Brown of Easter Grangemuir Farm, near Pittenweem in Fife, told the news website: “Broccoli is one of the most nutritious foods we can eat but sadly many youngsters don’t get the taste for it until they are in their twenties. “Not only is the variety sweeter but it is also more tender with a lot of flavour, especially in the stalk, offering shoppers the added benefit of no waste as the entire broccoli head can now be enjoyed.” Broccoli is packed with vitamin C to boost the immune system, vitamin B for a healthy nervous system, vitamin K to help blood to clot following cuts and grazes and anitoxidants for healthy eyes. Launched at Tesco, the new ‘Finest Supersweet Broccoli’ went on sale last weekend at £1.50 (B75) for 300g. There’s no news yet on whether Tesco will bring the sugary green goodness to their Thailand stores. Nutritionist Juliette Kellow told mirror.co.uk: “It’s a clever way of getting children to eat broccoli and a step in the right direction. “If the sugar occurs naturally then it’s no different to a child eating an apple or a banana.

FILM 13

THE PHUKET NEWS31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST

Top Gun director’s unfinished to-do list

Ted

B Foul-mouthed animal with a cuddly stuffing

Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

106 minutes Rating: 18+ Director: Seth

MacFarlane Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Giovanni Ribisi

t’s about a talking teddy bear and a lifelong friendship, but a kids movie this definitely ain’t. Ted tells the story of Ted the teddy, a bong-smoking, beerdrinking stuffed toy with a penchant for prostitutes, Norah Jones and occasional bouts of extreme and gratuitous violence. It’s no surprise it comes straight from the twisted mind of Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, which should give you a pretty good idea of where this film is headed. The humour is about as subtle as a sledgehammer, but MacFarlane wields it like a drug-crazed madman, knocking down all barriers of appropriateness and common decency. In short, it’s hilarious, and while definitely not for kids, the juvenile minded adults among us will definitely get a kick. It’s not all fart jokes and throwaway obscenity though. Ted has plenty of heart if you’ve got the stomach to sit through it. In his feature directorial debut, MacFarlane successfully balances the absurd components of the film

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) Brave (E/3D) [G]: Echo Planet (T/D3D) [G]: The Expendables 2 (E) [15+]: The Expendables 2 (T) [15+]: Shambhala (T/E.SUB) [15+]: Ted (E) [18+]: Yes or No 2 (T/E.SUB) [13+]:

11:50, 15:50, 18:00 14:00 12:05, 13:00, 14:15, 15:10, 16:25, 17:20, 18:35, 19:30, 21:40 11:15, 13:10, 15:20, 17:30, 19:40, 21:50 14:50, 17:10, 19:40, 22:00 20:05, 22:15 11:45, 14:10, 16:35, 19:00, 21:20

with a number of fairly weighty, if familiar, statements on love and friendship. But even with the sweet moments, this is a film that isn’t going to please everyone, and audiences who aren’t interested in watching a stuffed Teddy Bear hump a grocery checkout stand and snort cocaine with Flash Gordon should probably look elsewhere. It’s also not going to blow you away with a compelling story. Indeed, if you’ve seen any bromance film, you’re probably pretty familiar with the central threads, and had the movie not featured a sex-crazed talking stuffed animal, Ted would be little more than a formulaic and blatant comedy setups. But, at the end of the day, it does star a sex-crazed talking stuffed animal, and despite solid performances from Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis, Ted is the true star of the show. Watching the surprisingly lifelike character perform even the most basic actions (such as driving a car or engaging in a fistfight with a duck) never gets old, lifting up even the formulaic elements with their utter absurdity. If you’re already into the type of offcentre world that MacFarlane’s conjured up before, you’ll enjoy seeing that world fleshed out and made surprisingly cuddly. But definitely leave the kids at home.

ritish director Tony Scott had at least a dozen film projects on his to-do list. But with the filmmaker’s untimely death last week, he unfortunately won’t get to play his part in the making of the following features.

Top Gun 2 Scott had been working tirelessly on a sequel to Top Gun for the past year and a half. Scott was very enthusiastic about the project, which was to focus on the world of drones in modern aerial combat. Scott was a lock to direct the picture, and had courted Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer into reprising their roles from the earlier films. It’s not clear what the future of the project will be at this stage. Lucky Strike This thriller would’ve potentially teamed Mark Wahlberg and Vince Vaughan as a DEA agent and drug-dealer, respectively, who are forced to team up. Narco-Sub With his Crimson Tide still standing as one of the better submarine

The Wild Bunch Scott had seemingly grown more and more interested in rebooting the classics in recent years. He has been intermittingly involved in a remake of Walter Hill’s The Warriors, but in more recent times had expressed interest in redoing Sam Peckinpah’s classic western. 24 : The Movie Scott had expressed interest in bringing Jack Bauer to the big screen, but when the studio pushed the start date back, the filmmaker seemingly went on to work on other things. Hell’s Angels A biker thriller, about the war between two rival gangs – one of whom was the titular group, was high-up on Scott’s to-do list. It’s said that Scott was waiting for Jeff Bridges to find some time in his schedule to play Hells Angels ringleader Sonny Barger.

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film

Weekend gross

Gross

The Expendables 2

$13.5m

$52.3m

The Bourne Legacy

$9.28m

$85.5m

ParaNorman

$8.55m

$28.3m

The Campaign

$7.44m

$64.5m

The Dark Knight Rises

$7.16m

$422m

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

$7.1m

$27.1m

Premium Rush

$6.3m

2016: Obama’s America

$6.24m

$9.08m

Hope Springs

$6m

$45m

$4.68m

$5.87m

10 Hit and Run

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) The Bourne Legacy (E) [15+]: Brave (E/3D) [G]: The Dark Knight Rises (E) [G]: The Dictator (E) [18+]: The Expendables 2 (E) [15+]: Shambhala (T/E.SUB) [15+]: Ted (E) [18+]: Total Recall (E) [13+]:

movies of the past couple of decades, this screenplay tells of the underwater transport of drugs from Latino America to the United States.

12:15, 17:00, 21:45 11:20, 13:30, 15:40, 17:50 12:00, 17:45 15:00, 19:45 11:30, 13:40, 15:50, 18:00, 20:10, 22:20 12:20, 14:45, 17:10, 19:35, 22:00 20:00, 22:15 15:15, 21:00

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

thephuketnews.com

14 ISLAND SCENE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY,AUGUST AUGUST 31 31,, 2012

Laguna Phuket’s 25th Anniversary celebrations included a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open Angsana Laguna Phuket. Above, from left, are: Abid Butt, Chief Executive Officer, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts; Claire Chiang, Senior Vice President Banyan Tree Holdings; Somkiet Sangkhao-Suttirak, Vice Governor of Phuket; Ho Kwon Ping, Chief Executive Officer, Laguna Resorts & Hotels; Surapon Supratya, Deputy Chairman, Laguna Resorts & Hotels; Ho Kwon Cjan. Managing Director, Laguna Resorts & Hotels; and Jerry John, General Manager, Angsana Laguna Phuket.

25 YEARS OF SUCCESS Launched in 1987 when its first hotel opened for business, Laguna Phuket celebrated a quarter century of achievement with a spectacular gala dinner on Friday (August 24), where Laguna Phuket founder Ho Kwon Ping, left, revealed that one of Asia’s finest destination resorts, with a unique and internationally-recognised ‘Laguna Lifestyle’ enjoyed by guests and residents, was to mark the major landmark by creating a new local residential community within the complex, consisting of condominiums, shops and a water park.

FAMILY FUN AT LAGUNA This year’s Laguna Phuket’s Summer Family Festival, with an extended range of activities throughout its nine-week run, has been given the thumbs-up by hotel guests and local residents alike. Centered on Canal Village with afternoon Kidz Zone adventures and a Beer Tent hosting nightly entertainment, the Summer Family Festival offered attractions ranging from Zumba and Flying Trapeze lessons, to shows by Palazzo entertainers and Art Adventure classes. Action-packed theme parties showcasing local kids’ bands Legends of Siam and The Screaming Hypocrites, as well as local rocker Colin “Illy” Hill and his band, also drew the crowds to Canal Village.

thephuketnews.com

ISLAND SCENE 15

THE PHUKET NEWS31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST

Brian Lunt of Absolute World Group and Sii Cumming.

From left, Morgan Layberry of Holiday Inn Patong, Ty Collins of JW Marriot Khao Lak, Anthony Lark of Trisara, Michael Diamente of Dana Spicer and Arnfinn Oines of Six Senses.

SEEKING SOME RELIEF After a day of taking part of listening to debate over business and the environment, in a seminar jointly organised by the American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Phuket, and local NGO Seek, parched throats were ready for the after-event mixer.

Photographer Brent Madison and Nick Anthony of Seek.

Anthony Lark of Trisara and Dr Robert Mather of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

FISHY FUN The Phuket Seafood Fiesta 2012 was held at Jungceylon in Patong last weekend. Highlights include a trainee chef cooking competition on Saturday, followed by a towel folding competition and a “classic” bartender competition. Sunday saw a DIY cooking competition at 3pm, followed by a “flair” bartender competition, and the Thailand Champion Bartender Show. The Phuket News and Live 89.5 were event media sponsors.

HOGGING THE LIMELIGHT The McEwin clan, owners of the Hog’s Breath Café, Saloon and Grill celebrated their move to Patong Promenade, on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, with an open house for friends last Friday night (August 24). From left, Thiti Pattanajinda, manager of the Promenade, Australian Honorary Consul Larry Cunningham, Yong, Chloe, James, Ian and Robyn McEwin, and manager Steve Harris.

thephuketnews.com

16 ENTERTAINMENT

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY,AUGUST AUGUST 31 31,, 2012

British press torn on naked Harry snaps Agence France-Presse

Phuket’s not-sosecret beach bash

hree top Phuket DJs will headline the first ever FistPump Secret Beach Bash party tomorrow night (September 1), to be held at the Secret Cove at Ao Yon, Cape Panwa. DJ Mikito, DJ Kensho and DJ D[r]eadmongey will perform at the event, which organiser Daz Smith says will hopefully fill a gap in Phuket’s entertainment industry. Daz, originally from Yorkshire in England, says the idea stemmed from wanting great parties with great music to attend himself. A bar owner for eight years in the UK, Daz has worked in hospitality since 2000, and has been in Phuket for the last two years. “The Secret Cove is a real gem of a place, and this is something that people aren’t doing in Phuket. “It will be nice and relaxed early on, and hopefully the night will build later. “The most important element is to have fun.” The event begins at 5pm with a barbecue, followed by the DJs starting once it gets dark. In addition to the DJs, there will be fitness dancers from Zumba Phuket, and “hot

chilli” girls. “FistPump is set to become a club brand that will be synonymous for fabulous parties known for being flirty, sexy, fun and of course for fistpumping to the best beats around,” says Daz. He adds that it was important to keep the drink prices reasonable, with beers priced around B80 and spirit mixes and wine B150. “We don’t want to rip people off. I don’t want to go to a party where everything is overpriced. If the beers are B200 plus, I’m going to think twice about going.” The name Fistpump is “tongue and cheek” says Daz, but originates from the action of punching your fist in the air in time to the music, his signature dance move. There’s also no need to feel guilty while downing a few drinks, as a minimum of 5 per cent of all bar and ticket sales go to the Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation. Prepare to put your hands up in the air. For tickets, contact Daz Smith at daz.smith@live.com or call 082 285 0035 (English), or 089 222 6197 (Thai). Advance tickets are B400 including two free drinks, or by registering for the guestlist. Otherwise they’re B500 on the door. For more information, visit facebook.com/FistPumpFans

DJ Mikito

DJ D[r]eadmongey

DJ Kensho

D J M i k it o , also known as Phuket-based Briton Mike Edwards, is the owner of the infamous Casa Sol in Ibiza, Spain, where legendary after parties for clubs such as Amnesia, Space, Cocoon, Dirty Diamond, Luv Dup and Pacha have taken place. Over his 12 years in Ibiza, his deejaying talent took him to prestigious clubs, while producing music and playing with the likes of Sasha, Deep Dish, Judge Jules, Carl Cox, Jeremy Healy, Bushwacker and Eddie Halliwell. He has has to date produced and remixed a total of 35 records, and his style varies between house, trance, breakbeat and techno. Collaborating with Smithmonger, he had great success with Me Be She Be, which reached number 3 in the UK dance charts.

D[r]eadmongey, also known as Jichet “Mong” Lorprasertchai, was raised in Phuket. His passion for house music began when he was working in a music shop in Bangkok, and be became a DJ in mid-2004. Two years later, he decided to move back to his hometown Phuket and worked for record and DJ store Real Sound Thailand. In 2006 he joined with DJ Eddy [skt] and they called themselves the Sarkastik Boys. Later, at the start of 2007, he joined up with three friends (DJ Taz, DJ Q and DJ Jin) to form the Phuket House Mafia. They have been building the name ever since. Mong’s energetic personality is reflected in his music: electrotek and phuture funk.

Or ig inally from London, UK, Kensho aka DJK is a DJ, producer, artist and record fanatic in high demand for his production, v isua l shows and DJ skills. Over the course of a night the music can include hip hop, funk and soul, nu jazz, dub-step, Latin, ska, disco, retro grooves, house, electronica, break beats and lots more depending on the venue, crowd and vibe. With 18 years deejaying experience behind him, he has performed alongside DJ Cut Killer, Kid Massive, Barry Ashworth (Dub Pistols ), DJ Zink, DJ Octo, DJ Diamond and many more. After a promising DJ and production career start up, he left London and established himself in Asia, settling in sunny Phuket in 2006.

thephuketnews.com

ritain’s press thrashed out on Saturday whether The Sun newspaper had done the right thing by eventually publishing pictures of a naked Prince Harry cavorting with similarlyclad women in Las Vegas. Rupert Murdoch’s flagship British tabloid broke ranks with other UK papers Friday in printing the two images, saying it was striking a blow for press freedom. Britain’s top-selling newspaper said it was ludicrous that they should not be seen on UK news stands when millions had already seen them online and in foreign publications, including just across the border in the Irish Republic. No other British newspapers have run the pictures of the 27-year-old army helicopter pilot, who is third in line to the throne. Some nonetheless defended The Sun’s right to do so, while others insisted there was no justification for printing them. Industry figures say the wider British media did not run them due to fears that the phone-hacking scandal at Murdoch’s now-defunct News of the World will spark tougher regulation of the press. The scandal, which saw Murdoch close the 168-yearold tabloid in July last year, sparked an inquiry led by judge Brian Leveson, who is due to make recommendations on the future of press regulation by the end of the year. The Guardian said the only reasonable publication test was not entertainment or sales but an agreed concept of the public interest. “The argument that the material is already in the public domain is a strong one – but also dangerous. Taken to its logical extremes, it means Britain abandons any kind of ethical, regulatory or legal framework,” it said. “The stage is thus set for a balancing of two human rights – freedom of expression versus privacy. On the facts of this particular case it is a fine balance. The Times, a Murdoch-owned paper, said newspapers should be allowed to judge what is fit to print. It said Britons were “almost equally divided between those outraged by what they see as a gross invasion of privacy... and those who accept that the boisterous antics of Prince Hal... are as risible as they are inconsequential.”

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THE PHUKET NEWS31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST

Teacher faces the music Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

“Singing is down to risk taking and confidence, trying something new with your voice. It’s about pushing yourself further, then you can find what you’re really able to do. With teaching, I like that every day is different and presents new challenges. When you’re working with the students they can teach you new things also. I push my students to get results, but I’ll praise them when they work hard and make breakthroughs”

anadian musician Siobhan McGovern is launching her own music school after spending the last four years on the island working as a music teacher. It’s a dream come true for the talented violin player and singer, who will officially open her new school ‘Siobhan’s Music Studio’ tomorrow (September 1) by holding auditions for those wishing to be involved in her vocal and music groups. Siobhan, originally from Ottawa in Canada, worked abroad in Hong Kong, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Bangkok before arriving in Phuket initially on a six month music contract. But that was as the 2008 recession hit, and she soon found her contract cut short. Without a job, but still determined to stay on the island, a friend put her in touch with the head of arts at British International School (BIS) and she was employed as their violin and voice teacher. “When the idea came to me [for starting my own school] I wondered why I hadn’t thought of it before. I’m so excited, and it feels so right. It’s the next step for me. “I want that freedom to be able to teach how I want to. I like parent interaction with the young kids, and creativity.” Siobhan’s Music Studio will offer lessons in voice, violin, piano, guitar and theory for both children and adults. Additionally, there will be lessons in song writing, music technology (using programmes such as GarageBand) and an “intro to jazz” option available for all different musicians. Siobhan has a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz studies as well as a Licentiate in Music Teaching from Rockschool UK, which means she is qualified to teach private lessons in music. Joining Siobhan from the United Kingdom is accomplished pianist, musician, and music teacher Matthew Jolley.

Like many other musicians, Siobhan discovered her talent at a young age. However, despite coming from a musical family (her father is a retired music teacher and her mother is an actress and singer), Siobhan says her father was initially reluctant to get her enrolled in lessons. At age five she was one of the “village kids” in a production of musical Fiddler on the Roof, where she became obsessed with the violin. “I harassed Dad for a year to give me lessons. After that I guess he thought, “she’s serious”. The singing came much later, at her arts high school when she joined the vocal programme, and later went to on to complete her bachelor’s degree in music. “Singing is down to risk taking and confidence, trying something new with your voice. It’s about pushing yourself further, then you can find what you’re really able to do. “With teaching, I like that every day is different and presents new challenges. When you’re working with the students they can teach you new things also. “I push my students to get results, but I’ll praise them when they work hard and make breakthroughs.” In her spare time she listens to a vast range of music and artists. “I really like songs that have good lyrics and interesting chord progression – something different from your popular four chords. I really like singer/songwriter, soul, funk, R&B,and indie music.” Among her favourites are Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Jason Mrez, Ani Di Franco, Welsh alternative rock band The Joy Formidable, and New Orleans group, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. For more information visit musiclessonsphuket.com or call 086 951 7409. Siobhan’s Music Studio is located in Boat Lagoon, Koh Kaew.

thephuketnews.com

18 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS FRIDAY, 2012 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY,AUGUST AUGUST 31 31,, 2012

WAHOO THAILAND 2013 SPORT FISHING TOURNAMENT Offshore The Similan Islands

19th - 21st February 2013

Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.

The Westin Siray Bay, Phuket hosts the exclusive Wine List of the Year Thailand Awards dinner

57 hours of non - Stop fishing!

Saturday October 13th, 2012 A five course menu, top class wines, light entertainment, silent auctions and a ticket to witness Thailand's winning hospitality establishments. Space is limited, book it today!

THB Incl. VAT

2690.-

www.phuketticketmaster.com

Huge media coverage!

CASH AND PRIZES TOTALING OVER APPROX. 3,000,000 BAHT ($100,000) For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel: +66 (0) 862739948 Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com RAWAI BEACH FISHING CLUB IS AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR CLUB OF THE INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION. RBFC SUPPORTS IGFA’S STANDARDS OF GOOD SPORTMANSHIP IN RECREATIONAL FISHING

UNTIL OCTOBER 17

the door. For more info call 091 034 3381 or info@underwood-phuket.com.

SEPTEMBER 1-28

tertained by a wide variety of sports on our big screen. The cost is B380 per person. It is B650 for two persons. Prices subject to 10% service charge and 7% applicable government tax. For reservations, please contact DiVine restaurant. Call 076 336 000, www.thanyapura.com.

SEPTEMBER 8

New Exhibit - Gomez Bueno California Surfing -Opening reception August 18 at 7pm Original art work by international artist Bueno Gomez. The Spaniard continues his run in Asia. Gomez has been living in Los Angeles since 1988. He has become a well -known and celebrated artist, with a passion for love of the underground, graffiti and protest. His work has been displayed in galleries in Los Angeles, New York and Spain. Contact Mom Tri’s VR Gallery in Kata Noi, 076 333 568, www.momtriphuket.com.

SEPTEMBER 1

OCTOBER 15-23 Pizza & Pasta Feast

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Back again for your dining pleasure! All you can eat Pizza and Pasta served hot from the stove DiVine style. Enjoy a la minute cooked on order of Pizza, Pasta and Salad. The cost is B550 per person for food only. It is B650 per person with one glass of Italian wine. Food with free flow of Italian wine is B850 per person. Monday - Friday at 5pm - 9pm. For reservations, please contact DiVine Restaurant call 076 336 000.

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite.

SEPTEMBER 1-30

thephuketnews.com

IBAP Networking Party 2012 The IBAP Business Fair 2012 will host its networking party at Famous Nightclub, in Jungceylon, Patong, on September 8, 2012 from 7pm onwards. Great shows, good food and two complimentary drinks are included in the tickets. A night not to be missed, organized by Events Thailand and IBAP. Contact Jorge 089 725 6994.

The Lost Legends at Underwood Phuket Join Phuket’s own Colin “illy” Hill, Jim Newport, aka Jimmy Fame, and the wonderful Pjae Stanley—yes, they ARE the Lost Legends of Phuket, for a night of food, fun and terrific music. The fun starts at 8pm. B900 buys you the entertainment, a delicious menu and a free drink. Tickets available at phuketticketmaster.com or at

an excellent chance to learn with a truly inspiring and experienced yoga instructor and meditation teacher. Single room/twin share room B6,500 per person. Please contact us at: retreats@newlifethaifoun dation.com.

SEPTEMBER 19 - 23 A Mindful Weekend Yoga Retreat Wine & Cheese Pairing Time for a wine and cheese boost. Relax with a glass of wine from our extensive cellar and a cheese platter while being en-

New Life Foundation in Chiang Rai is pleased to announce a four-day retreat in September with our friend Kim Roberts on our beautiful sustainable farm. This is

During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as “Ma Song”.

THE PHUKET NEWS31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, AUGUST

EVENTS 19

Ao Chalong Yacht Club Everyone welcome

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

Summer Promotions! Best mini golf in Phuket! Phuket Adventure Mini Golf – fun for everyone! A challenging 18 holes miniature classic championship golf course surrounded by palm trees, stones, water, bamboo and bushes. Designed and built together with Scandinavian Adventure Golf. Whether living close by or here on a fabulous holiday, this is the place for the whole family, friends and couples to enjoy at all times. Contact 076 314 345, 080 147 2468, www.phuketadventuremi nigolf.com.

FRIDAYS

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

SUNDAYS

MONDAYS

THURSDAYS AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Please contact 081 895 4763.

EVERY DAY

Pool Competition at Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.

................................................................................

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Every first and third Friday a month, allyou-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. Draught beer B50. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

SATURDAYS

Two Chefs Surf Night Come Hear the Loving Words of Jesus At The Seed Church in Cherngtalay. Enjoy a great fellowship, practical preaching, contemporary music and free snacks in one of the fastest growing churches in Thailand! English services every Sunday at 2pm in Cherngtalay. Visit our website for directions or call for more information. See www.seedchurchthailand.com. Call 098 764 5353, 084 056 7027, 081 891 2503.

................................................................................

Sunday Roast Pork

Two Chefs Saturday Brunch At Two Chefs Kata Centre. Every Saturday 12pm-3pm, you can enjoy a big delicious buffet with a touch of Scandinavia, and listen to our live music. For example: Our home-smoked salmon, smoked prawns, Swedish meatballs, roasted porkloin, home-made bread, delicious desserts and much more.

Sunday Roast Pork or Beef Dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www. expathotel.com.

................................................................................

At Two Chefs Kata Beach. Every Monday from 6pm-12am. You can enjoy our big BBQ Buffet with Blackened red snapper, beef burgers, Chicken Fajitas, Tacos, Chimi-Churri marinated chicken, desserts from our bakery and much more. One member from our house band will sing pleasant music during the night. Only B495. See www.twochefs.com, 076 284 155, kata@ twochefs.com.

TUESDAYS

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

................................................................................

Traditional Home Cooked Food

................................................................................

Two Chefs Tex Mex Night Lazy Sunday Jazz Morning at Paresa

BBQ at Expat Hotel

Ask about our new Pool Club, plus kids and adults parties planned and catered for. Contact 076 270 399, info@ seabreezesurin.com, www.thebestbeach club.com.

WEDNESDAYS

B395 or B695 include free flow of Chang draught, wine, Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, 076 330 065, katacenter@ twochefs.com.

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

Surin Beach Just Got Better Sea Breeze has joined forces with The Burger Bar and Beach Club to bring you not only superb Thai cuisine in a beach front setting but also an excellent range of gourmet 100% Australian beef burgers. To celebrate we are offering up to two free kids meals with any two full paying adults. Look for the voucher inside this paper. Live sport every day including our 100” HD screen.

Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast at Paresa with jazz music, free flow sparkling wine and stunning selection of breakfast dishes. Spend the rest of the day at Paresa’s Infinity Pool or Beach Club. B600++ per person. Every Sunday 9am to noon. Call 076 302 000.

At Two Chefs Karon 6pm-1am. Every Wednesday you can enjoy Phuket’s best Mexican food. Chili con carne, Mexican rice, Mexican springrolls, nachos, pork fillet skewers, salmon quesadillas, grilled corn cob, desserts from our bakery and much more. Our house band will be here to play live music. B495 or B795 include free flow Chang draught and Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, call 076 286 479, karon@ twochefs.com.

Traditional home cooked food, also special club membership for expats entitling members to discounts on food and drink. Ask Jamie for details. All NRL and AFL games shown live on big screen. Sugar Reef opposite Tescos Cherngtalay.

daily event updates on

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THE PHUKET NEWS

20 TIME OUT

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012 FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

KNOW WHERE THIS IS? GUESS RIGHT AND WIN!

GERRY’S

editor@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

view

THIS WEEK’S HINT:

“What does a Vishnu statue, tin ingot, prehistoric brass drum, old map of Junk Ceylon, displays of a Burmese invasion and ladies Chan and Mook have in common? “For one thing, they are all housed in one of this island’s more interesting museums located on the mid-eastern side of the island within a good stone’s throw of one of the island’s most famous statues. The 100 baht entrance fee is money well spent for any archaeological buffs and families looking to entertain whilst educating their children.”

–Gerry Cummings

EMAIL US ENTER ONLINE

www.photohutgroup.com

editor@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

GUESS THE CORRECT LOCATION AND WIN A B500 GIFT VOUCHER FROM PHOTO HUT

Congratulations go to mitrari and Rob D., who both correctly guessed that last week’s photo was of the the Patong Muang Thai stadium beside Jung Ceylon shopping centre on Phang Muang Sai Kor Road.

1. Which movie star was born with the name Issur Danielovitch Demsky? 2. Who did Howard Hughes describe thus: ‘His ears made him look like a taxicab with both doors open’? 3. Which element has the chemical symbol Hg? 4. What is the capital of Newfoundland? 5. Jeanine Deckers, the Singing Nun, died in 1985. From what? Answers at the foot of the page.

Across

Down

1. Spreading Diana’s halfcountry. (13) 8. Gather prisoner Gregory consumed. (10) 9. I’ve a similarity to him. (4) 10. Born? “Nay!” they say. (3) 11. Assist a wager. (4) 14. Saint with nothing in charge of Zeno’s follower (5) 15. Remainder of silent bit of music. (4) 17. Catch points, with part returned. (6) 19. Stalemate passed on to key partner. (8) 21. Clothing for wash about rip off. (8) 23. Gentle nurse. (6) 26. Decay, and 100 make military group. (1,1,1,1) 28. Around the world – or part. (5) 29. Capital point by learner in love twice. (4) 32. Right in, as Roman art. (3) 34. Zero quiet? Point to 100 in crude group. (4) 35. Sing monotonously with a back rub? I find province. (10) 36. Fearful confusion when convicts turn Asian, they say. (13)

1. Note a part of dance in Russian lodge. (5) 2. Reveal secret note and burn. (5) 3. Hearer left to peer. (4) 4. At home, got second metal bars. (6) 5. Vigorous ditch worker… (9) 6. … or round point, that is, basket material. (5) 7. Car and French rake messed up janitor. (9) 12. Forbid half a banana. (3) 13. Burn church after rock. (5) 16. For example, no self-esteem. (3) 17. Bans publication as little Emily goes after bar. (9) 18. In favor, thus sob up to snout. (9) 19. Homer sound for deer. (3) 20. Nothing back to leave language. (5) 22. Child’s drink. (3) 24. Slippery chap points left. (3) 25. Wren, in confusion, is Victor. (6) 27. State, twice: zero source of chocolate. (5) 30. Arab may point to German car. (5) 31. I take hash cry about vegetable. (5) 33. Mother’s double noodles. (4)

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Kirk Douglas; 2. Clark Gable; 3. Mercury; 4. St John’s; 5. Suicide by alcohol and pills.

thephuketnews.com

SUDOKU

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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16 CLASSIFIEDS

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JOBS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Kathu Phuket Language School Study and get a visa for free > 20

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

good salary and commission. Please send your CV to pandhaj@paulropp.com.

Sales & Marketing Manag er: We are looking for: *Thai individual who possesses experience in sales and marketing or as a sales/marketing manager. *This individual must be very responsible, and must be able to lead a team. *Can converse in English (speak /read/write) with ease, and can work with different types of media. *Has strong computer skills, (Microsoft Office, Photoshop etc). *Is outgoing, comfortable with people, clean and presentable to the public. * Have good soc ial connections around Phuket. Duties include taking care of new marketing projects, recruiting sales, attending PR functions, maintaining monthly budgets and reports, as well as business proposals. Must be willing to learn about all aspects of the Two Chefs company and services. Please apply by email: billy@twochefs.com.

Graphic Designer wanted: S PI K EM E-

Content Writer Needed: We are Media

DIA is a creative media agency based in Phuket working for a variety of national and international clients. We are seeking full-time Graphic Designers to work on a diverse range of print and web design projects. Salary depending on experience and talent level. Please send CV ’s and some samples of work to: info@ spikemediagroup.com.

and Marketing company who require a content writer for various websites covering different topics. Subject matter will vary so the ability to research is also necessar y. Topics could be as diverse as Search Engine Optimisation to Anger Management, so good research skills will also be necessary. The successful candidate will have excellent command of English spelling and grammar. Send CV to info@spikemediagroup. com.

Immediate Primary EP Vacancy: We are looking to appoint a qualif ied teacher to star t at PPAO Ban Maireab School in Kathu as soon as possible. Applicants must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate. 087 815 3518.

Office Assistant: Office Assistant for Villa Suksan Development. Full time. 6 days. Good English written and spoken. Contact Kay, email: sales@villasuk san.com.

son to join the team at Oriental Living Interior Showroom in Bangtao. Do you have experience in sales and admin in a retail business? Call us today! 081 400 4678.

Chief Accountant: The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefit package. Please email resume in English to General Manager: Jeanette@thecape -residences.com.

Office / Administration for Irish Pub at Jugnceylon: Female /Thai , fluent in speaking and writing English, good computer skills. Accounting and administration skills required. Preferably experience at least two years. Email: tommakornc@gmail.com or call 076 366 085.

Office Staff Wanted: Female, English-speaking staff to work in nice environment with outgoing personality and basic book keeping skills. Call K. Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Kindergarten Teacher: Female caucasian native English speaking teacher with experience to teach class of 10-12 children ages 2-6, Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm, Chalong. Please contact 080 624 7060. www.budsphuket.com, email buds. span@yahoo.com.

Construction consultant Wanted: Looking for construction consul-

Shop Assistant Re- tant overlooking renovaquired: Paul Ropp Thai- tion of a large property, land Co.,Ltd. is now looking for shop assistants to join our team at Laguna and Surin beach store. We offer

weekly visits and reports. Please send resume and expected salary to info@ phuketlp.com.

Sales and Admin Assistant: We are looking for a passionate sales perClass Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News , Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui.

YOUR FREIGHT CONNECTION WITH THE WORLD PREMIER FREIGHT AND REMOVALIST COMPANY IN PHUKET ONE OF OUR VALUED STAFF IS RELOCATING TO BANGKOK SO WE HAVE AN IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE / OPERATIONS / SALES ALL ROUNDER -

VERY GOOD ENGLISH SPEAKER.............ESSENTIAL HIGH QUALITY COMPUTER SKILLS.........ESSENTIAL THAI NATIONALITY....................................ESSENTIAL DRIVING LICENSE...................................PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE OF WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS... GREAT BUT NOT ESSENTIAL AS WE WILL FULLY TRAIN

COME JOIN OUR HAPPY TEAM AND BE WELL REWARDED APPLICATIONS BY EMAIL PLEASE, ADDRESSED TO.... pusco@loxinfo.co.th CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR OFFICE LOCATION AND SCOPE OF BUSINESS www.phukettransport.com 076238824-6 APPLICATIONS CLOSE 7/9/12

thephuketnews.com

Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position

Sales Manager Thai or Foreigner (Located in Phuket) Responsibilities : - Managing the sales team (including responsibility for recruitment of new sales staff when needed) - Weekly & monthly sales budget meetings and reporting - Developing and following up new sales leads - Reaching own personal sales targets and responsibility for reaching team targets We offer: - Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses - Friendly work environment - Social security (10%) paid by the company - Excellent career progress opportunity ***The company may offer accommodation plus local transportation costs to successful candidates.***

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@the phuketnews.com

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company, publishing The Phuket News, Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper, and broadcasting Live 89.5, Phuket's premier English radio station. Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position:

Sub-Editor/Sports Editor (Thai or Expat) Responsibilities: Oversee local and international sport section Sourcing and writing story material  Rewriting and proofing articles for online and print  Final page proofs  Uploading web content  

Qualifications: University degree in Journalism or similar  Three years’ editorial experience. Online editing experience preferable.  A keen eye for detail, an inexhaustible passion for words and innate feel for the English language  Passion for sport an advantage but not essential 

Please send your resume, relevant writing clippings and salary expectations to:

managingeditor@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 17

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

JOBS IN PHUKET Phuket’s premier beach club

Assistant Hotel Manager: Assistant Hotel Manager to assist GM in maintaining a successful and profitable Hotel - 42 room Boutique Hotel in Karon. - Bachelor’s degree in Sales or Hotel Management or at least two years management experience - Managing 32 staff - Thai national, fluent in English - Knowledgeable in MS Word, Excel, Photo Shop - S a l a r y B18 , 0 0 0 per month plus service charge - Email CV to sales@ ccbloomshotel.com.

Two Native English Teachers: For t wo - five+ year old pre-school children. For more information call, text or email to +6 6(0) 82 812 3610, email turnery5@gmail. com.

Diamond Beach Club is scheduled to open November 2012 at the exclusive northern end of Surin Beach, Phuket. We seek a creative individual with minimum 5 years experience in a similar role and past or current experience in a Thai working environment. Candidates will be able to demonstrate their ability to:

Accountants/ Bookkeepers: Experienced Thai staff for immediate openings. English, written and verbal, are essential. Salary based on qualifications. Email resume to hr@ freshgardenfarms.com.

HEAD CHEF (Pre-opening) • Have a solid understanding of kitchen

design and functionality. • Hire a team of cooks, commis, stewards etc. • Design a menu consistent with the establishment’s innovative theme.

(Operations) • Train the team to exacting and consistent standards. • Possess excellent communication skills. • Form strong relationships with both front and back of house teams. • Adapt to changes and interpret the direction of the establishment from the owners and management. • Be creative.

Receptionist: Male or Female. Age 22-28. Good command in English, Customer Service experience preferred. Wo r k i n g w e l l u n d e r pressure. Salary 15K up. Please contact Sea Smile Dental Clinic 076 340 066.

Female Driver Wanted: Semi-retired UK/Ca-

Please send your CV to:

Diamond Beach Club

Email: diamondbeachclub@gmail.com Surin Beach Road, Cherngtalay Phuket 83110 Thailand

nadian businessman seeks English speaking female driver. High-end separate accommodation available. Call 089 054 4354.

Drama Teacher Needed: HeadStart International School is looking for a certified native English speaker to teach Drama for after

school activities to kids ages 5-teenage. 081 968 1562.

Head of English Department: We are

looking for a Thai Female Nationality with teaching skills to handle four English teachers to teach English to our Security Guards. Please contact 081 607 6637.

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18 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUY&SELL BOATS & YACHTS

exit, seats for 35 people, sundeck, bathroom, big cooler, two outside showers, places for 50 scuba tanks, VHF Radio, storeroom, lighting for night diving, good for business best design on the island. Call 084 188 4544, email: michahildner@hotmail.com.

AV home system

Sound engineer services available > 19

Sell Freelance Company: Sell freelance (Div-

BUSINESS SERVICES

Tairia sport fishing yacht USD275,000. Please email mar tin@phuket fishboat. com.

Near New Inflatable Tender: West Mar ine hypalon RIB 3.5 metre including all accessories. Plus SAIL (made by Yamaha) 15 HP four stroke outboard. One month old. B175,000 negotiable. Call 08 7388 3090.

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

Farang Food Paradise: L u x u r y Ya c h t f o r Sale: For sale 2002 Ber-

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

tram 510 Flybridge luxury yacht. USD825,000. Email mar tin@phuket fishboat. com.

Char ter Fishing Business: Owner is

Custom build Speedboat: 49 foot f iberglass Speedboat. build 2011,3 Honda Engines a 225 Hp, custom build for diving and day trips, international survey, excellent condition, side entry and

thephuketnews.com

changing business disciplines and wants to exit the charter fishing business. For sale ‘02 Bertram 510 Flybridge and ‘91 Tairia sport fishing yacht. Plus website and all past customers. www.phuketfish boat.com, email martin@ phuketfishboat.com.

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

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

ers from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www.skalphuket.org.

EDUCATION

Club Asia Fitness:

Kathu Phuket Language School: Enjoy

Royal Phuket City Hotel. Of fers Zumba /LesMills classes/ weight training/ s a u n a /s te a m /s w i m m i n g pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout, come along and join the action. Tel 076 35 4 027, 087 275 3614. www.clubasiaphuket.com.

er.OK) company B40,000. Call 086 280 9282 Marc.

Fi shi n g Ya c h t f o r S a l e: F o r s a l e 19 9 1

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

COOKING CLASS

living in Thailand for one year or more. Get the most out of your stay here by learning Thai for 200 hrs. and get a VISA for FREE. Contact person: Khun Jirancha Khongsuk. 9/4 Moo 6 Wichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Kathu, Phuket 83120 Thailand. 076 323 201, 084 304 6521, 081 417 0478. Email: khroojee@gmail.com, www. visathaiphuket.com.

Natural Mountain Stone: Original from an-

Russian Language for Your Kids: Are your

cient time. Shaped by expert craftsman. Unique with its texture and colors. Harmony with traditional and contemporary. Commit to best and always available to our valued customers. Call +66 (08) 1719 6930. Email: info@maxxnova.com

children starting to forget Russian? Sign up to our Russian Language For Kids program. Visit http://PhuketRussian School.com, email us at info@ phuketrussianschool.com or call 082 804 9131.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE CHILDREN’S CLUB Funstart: Family sports and leisure club. Swimming/ golf/playcentre/gaming arcade. Call 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstart phuket.com.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS SK A L I nt e r na t i onal Phuket: Skål is a professional organisation of lead-

Phuket Cooking Academy: Offers many cooking and baking classes in our top-class professional facilities. Come to learn how to cook with our professional chefs and discover the art of bakery, and Thai and European cuisines. Open to all from the age of 12 years old and without any prior cooking experience. For more info visit us at: www. phuket-cooking-academy. com or call 081 821 40 64.

Baby and Maternity Items for Sale: Gently used Maternity clothes and baby items including a Graco Playard, bottle sterilizers, Avent bottles, pop-up tent, Met Tai carrier. Located in Chalong. Email for photos and prices at kiriheald@ gmail.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 19

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE TV Large Screen/ Samsung II for Sale: TV large screen 70 cm old model B12,000. Samsung II mobile new, still in unopened box from Europe will unblock B15,200. Call 089 972 3861.

Health Food : Online

bles and More. Contact 081 978 2725 for details. Prices are negotiable.

ments in real estate field, web sites and tourist information. malaikaya@yahoo.com.

health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products. Please contact 082 276 1675, w w w.g o o dkar mat hailand. com.

PET ADOPTION Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 085 574 4258 or email cindy@soidog.org.

We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY

Bouncy Castle for sale: Great and healthy

Second Hand Goods for Sale: Executive Ta-

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

fun for the kids. Made in Europe. Contact 081 891 8689 or email villathani@ hotmail.com.

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

PERSONAL SERVICES Personal Trainer: Ful-

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

ly-qualified female personal trainer from the UK. With guaranteed results and over 10 years of experience in men and women’s health and fitness. Pre- and post-natal exercise. Nutrition and weight management. For a free consultation. Contact Sarah on 084 985 8161, email: sarah@ one2one-fitness.net.

• Movement • Stillness • Balance M obile:0 81-728 - 9 9 8 0 Email: Serenethai@yahoo.com

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

Haris & Hawryluck - Attorneys at Law: Unit 6D CCM Complex. Please contact 076 510 111, email info@ hhlegaladvisors.com, www. hhlegaladvisors.com.

English-Russian Translations: Professional

MOVING & STORAGE

translator specialized in translation of contracts and agree-

Sound Engineer! AV Home system! : We’re expert in systems and control designs of highest quality Home Automation, AV, Cinema Room, Lighting Control. Professional services certified by CEDIA. English speaking call +66 (08) 1719 6 930. Email: i n f o @ m a x x n ova . c o m , www.maxxnova.com

Backgammon: Players Wanted. Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnection@ yahoo.com Are You Thinking Of Getting A New Dog O r Puppy ?: Please Ghost Writer: For life story of successful business man.Gambler, playboy, world traveler now living Patong Beach. Email: pent house2102@gmail.com.

consider adopting a homeless dog, rather than buying from a pet shop or puppy mill. Contact: Gone2thedoggies@gmail.com

If your interested in seeing some of the many dogs looking for a new home.

S a f e w a y S t o r a g e: Clearance Sale: Techworx clearance sale: amplifiers, speakers, network kit, printers, media players and servers. Please email daragh@techworx.asia for detail list.

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

Contact Person :

Jacuzzi Shower Half Price Sale Include: • Blue/black temp. glass • Touch screen panel • FM radio • Telephone receiver • Back massage jets • Foot massage machine • Rain shower • Soap dispensers • Mirror 3 models B46,000-B69,000 Safeway-main Highway, Thalang (Next to Shell gas station) 081 125 1873 - 081 892 4804

Khun Jirancha Khongsuk 9/4 Moo.6 Wichitsongkram Road Kathu,Kathu,Phuket 83120 THAILAND

084-008-5673 E-mail : khroojee@gmail.com

thephuketnews.com

20 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

PROPERTY Discount Rentals Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA

Info: 089 594 4067

PROPERTY FOR RENT

1-3 air-con bedroom rental homes.Quiet area near Ao Yon beach,Cape Panwa.1bdr start from 9,000/m,2-3 bdr from 20,000 free wifi, Tel. 081 892 4311, http://panwagreen. weebly.com.

Loft Style Flats: Central location with easy access to main roads, near Bang Wat dam Country Park in the middle of the island. The area is quiet, minimal traffic, great walking and running around the dam. Call 086 664 5575. Kata Beach For Rent:

Furnished House for Sale/Rent in Kathu: Land size 153.85 sq metre. Fur nished, garden, swimming pool. For sale B17,000,000 or rent plus Honda civic B65,000 per month. Contact ket.phuket@ hotmail.com.

Nice House for Long Term Rent: Juse few minutes walk to Naiharn beach. Two-three bedroom, aircon. two bathroom, kitchen, garden. Minimum one year B15,000. Call 081 397 1835.

House for Rent-Kathu: Two bedrooms/two bathrooms. Calm and clean area. Built in early 2012, first occupant. Aircon in all rooms. Floor area 120m2 + back and front yard, furnished. Call 091 034 0035.

Fully Furnished Homes for Rent: Fully furnished

House in Phuket Town Samkong semi detached property > 21

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Land for sale: 6 rai beau-

Allamanda (Laguna) Residences/Phuket: One Condo Unit, half of a deluxe twin house, fully furnished and equipped, set direct on the picturesque lagoon with balcony right over it. 3 Bedrooms each with shower/bathroom, roof terrace. Longterm rent or sale. 081 737 0365, utai pan@yahoo.com.

5 star apartment, stunning seaviews with all Mod Cons, pool, gym, restaurant. A must see, call James 090 864 4519. Well worth a viewing.

Private Pool Villa For Rent: Three bedrooms, three bathrooms,full furnished. Five minutes to Chalong centre, 10 minutes to Rawai Beach. Please contact Khun Poy for more detail: 089 472 9870 or 086 471 522.

Kamala Two Brand New Villas: Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, Western kitchen, 130 sq metre. Nice garden with large pool in quiet area. Price: B5.5 million or minimum three-month rental. Call 081 496 9070 (Eng/Swedish) or 081 719 1175 (Thai).

tiful hilltop land near Mission Hills golf club, was 4.2million baht per rai now drastically reduced to *B3.2 million per rai* for very quick sale. Full chanote, water/electric, office, sea/mountain views. Call 087 978 5804(Eng), stanjsmith25@yahoo.com

Mission Heights Residence

Designed specially for families, the Mission Heights Residence offer very spacious 540 sqm houses, all with 12 metre long swimming pool, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, guest bungalow, maid quarter and a nice garden in a very secure, children friendly environment only couple of minutes from Phuket International Academy.

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED FREE ONLINE: 189 CHARACTERS + 1 PICTURE Headline: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Detached House For Sale: Three bedroom (all

ensuite) plus fitted wardrobes and aircon. Big balcony, L shaped lounge, sliding glass doors, leading to kitchen/dinner/shower, Western style, small pool, nice garden, covered car park. Contact 089 469 2897.

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189 CHARACTERS

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Located only 10 minutes from airport, Grand Ao Por Marina, new Tesco Shopping center, 2 golf courses, Naiyang Beach, Thanyapura Sport & Leisure Center and international school, the Mission Heights Residence is a perfect place to live for families without traffic in a very peaceful, secure and natural surrounding.

Villa for Sale at Kathu: Overlooking golf course. Fully furnished. Land size 800sq metre. Living area 487sq metre. Large pool. four beds, four baths. Fully-fitted Western kitchen. Lifetime membership. B20 million. Call 087 222 4770.

THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS

After a great success of the first phase, the Sunrise Ocean Villas is now starting to build the 8 other villas of "Phase2". The price of 17.9 million baht makes the project one of the most competitive on the island for being only 60m from the beach. Each villa has a living area of over 300 sqm, has 3 spacious bedrooms, all sea views, 5 bathrooms, a 10x4m infinity pool, maid's quar ter and a covered 2-car parking. The houses are specially designed to guarantee complete privacy, with an open panoramic view of the sea.

Online upgrades:

Website link B199

Urgent banner B199

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM

FOR JUST B1,099 GET AN ADDITIONAL 9 PICTURES

PLUS 1 ISSUE IN THE PRINT COPY OF THE PHUKET NEWS Print upgrades:

Box B199

Colour Background B199

Colour Headline B199

DEADLINE: MONDAY 11.59PM (MIDNIGHT) FOR THAT FRIDAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ISSUE Hand this in at agent shops, our office or fax: 076 612 553

thephuketnews.com

Rawa i B e a c h f ro n t Pool Villa: Rawai Beach

front pool villa for rent/sale.3 bedrooms,furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

The Villas currently under construction being built to highest western standard and are launched at only 13.9 million Baht for the first 3 houses. For appointment or more details contact project director, Khun Montha at 088 751 1750 or email mission_ heights@yahoo.com.

Come visit the villas and you will be wonder fully surprised by the quality of the project as well as the quality of life you can find here. For appointment or more details, contact the project director Khun Montha at 081 343 0777 (Thai, English & German) Email: thesunrisevillas@yahoo. com.

www.thesunrisevillas.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 21

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

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

Phuket Cottages

Near British International School, luxury pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000. www.phuket-cottages.com

Call: 089-724-7211

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

Klok, land 832 sq metre, house 212 sq metre. Unfurnished, full aircon. two bed, two bath, big garden for pool/extentions. 10 minutes from Heroines Monument. Priced to sell, offers. Call 081 737 0722.

Phuket-Surin Beach Area for Sale: ChanCommercial Building for sale: Prime location in The Billion Plaza and main road to Patong. Building 80sqm + 6m of patio behind. 4 storey, 4 bathroom, chanote title. Sale by owner, price B13.8m. Email aew28325@ gmail.com, 081 807 9914.

Two Bed Villa 1/2 Rai B7.2m: Gated community, Pa

ote title at Manik-township. 20x25 metre in natural surrounding, B2.6 million. Free design+construction permit. Phone 087 275 9621, email nuttapol_trateng@yahoo. com.

6.1 Rai Land for Sale: 6.1 rai (10,0 0 0 sq metre). B2,50 0,0 0 0 per rai. Total price: B15,600,000. - 5 minutes to Naithon Beach. -10 minutes to Naiyang Beach. -10 minutes to Airport. -7 minutes to New Tesco Lotus. - Road-

House in Phuket Town /Samkong 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms: Semi detached house with large 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large open living/dinning area and entertainment deck outside. Large western kitchen with all appliances. Great area very conveniently located 5 minutes from all amenities including both international hospitals, Central festival, International schools and the centre of town. Selling due to relocation.

Land for sale near Golf Course: Near British International School, 18 Rai with public road access. Suitable for resort or housing project. Can be divided. Price B80,000,000. Contact owner at 089 724 7211. side land and Chanote title. Call 085 793 2718.

Priced to sell at B4.3M including 4 air cons. and all modern style furniture. Nothing more to spend. Contact (English): 084 768 0536 or (Thai): 085 888 0502.

1.5 Rai Chanote Land Cheap: Great location 10

Three bedroom house for sale: O n Land and

minutes from Nai Yang Beach. Flat land with direct road frontage. Ideal for Private villa or small project. price B3.8 million. For more information, please ask 084 850 1340.

House Park, Chalong. Gym, swimming pool and nice restaurant on site. Price reduced to sell quickly. Furnished or unfurnished. Call 089 291

Land for Sale at Loch Palm Kathu: 20 Rai overlooking golf course with concrete access road and electric. Ready for building project. Call 087 888 4770.

Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo, one bed, fully-furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.

Rawai Pool Villa: Unique three bedroom pool villa â&#x20AC;&#x153;off the planâ&#x20AC;?. In Rawai. Three easy payments over eight months build time. Over looking a peaceful, fish filled lake. Valued at B12,000,000 on completion. Save MILLIONS!! Contact 081 270 4291, email: thai landmls@gmail.com.

400sq metre Beautiful Land for Sale: In Soi Suksan, the land has views of the Nai Harn and Rawai mountains, and would be ideal for a family home. Ready to build. Quality western villas on the same soi. Contact 089 973 1180.

Beach Front Plots: Located opposite Yacht Haven Marina in a very peaceful, natural environment. Ready to build, electricity and water on site, road and boat access. 2 Rai plots each with 60 metre of ocean frontage, perfect for living as well as investment. For sale direct from owner, price only B12 million. Call 081 343 0777.

Villa Resort Style: Villa resort style six bedroom. Located in peaceful area South of Phuket, Rawai. This villa has been designed and furnished to the highest standards. Email mintra99@gmail.com.

7078.

S e avi ew L a n d Fo r Sale: Near Chalong pier, 150 metres from the sea. Three rai and one ngan plot. Chanote title. Price: B25 million per rai. No agent. Call 087 278 7206

Modern, New Two-Storey Villa for Sale: Living

Luxury Private Pool Villas: Brand new Bali style three and four bed villas, one km to Nai Harn Beach. High rental guaranteed investment. Prices from B12.9 million (include full furniture pkg). Enquiries sakt27@gmail.com, call +66 (0)87 897 4421.

space 200 m2, balcony. terraces, three beds, two baths, furnished, ADSL, tropical garden, quiet gated village, clubhouse pool/tennis court, near Phuket Town, shopping, Rawai-Naiharn beach. Call 089 593 8690.

Pool Villa in Chalong: 3 0 0sq metre. Three bed rooms four bathrooms, one western kitchen, one living room, private pool, two car parking. electric gate, fully furnished. Price: B10 million / Rent: B50,000. Call 081 539 7311 Th/Eng.

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22 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

EQUIPMENT SALES & RENTAL

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PET BOARDING SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMOVALS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Wana Park, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel 076 620168 info@tile-asia.com

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage

IT SERVICES

SWIMMING POOLS

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19/43, 19/45 Moo 7, Srisoontorn Rd, T. Srisoontorn, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110. Tel: 076-620113 or 084-8506140 Fax: 076-620015

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Starwood to host Koh Siray mini marathon MARATHON STARWOOD HOTELS and resorts is set to host its inaugural charity mini marathon on Koh Siray to raise funds for Unicef and local Phuket charities. The race is expected to draw in excess of 700 participants from all over Phuket and will kick off on Sunday, September 16 at 6.15am. The mini marathon route is 10.5 km in length and will lead participants through the scenic landscapes of Koh Siray, while the charity walkers will leisurely stroll a 5 km course. The price for registration for the mini marathon is B300 per runner, and the charity walk is priced at B250 per person. Prizes for the winner include accommodation at all three Starwood Phuket properties (The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort and The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa). Participants can also take part in a lucky draw for a chance to win over 60 prizes including accommodation at various Starwood properties in Thailand, China and Malaysia, portable DVD players, adventure and fitness packages, all of which will be drawn on the day. Tickets are available for purchase up until and on the day of the event for B100 each. All runners and participants’ contribution will go towards children’s organisations UNICEF for the ‘Check Out for Children’ programme, a life saving alliance immunisation program against the six major childhood diseases for children throughout the world. Funds will also support local Phuket charities such as the Good Shepherd to contribute to their school building project for disadvantaged children as well as the Koh Siray School. To register call 076 335 600. For more information, visit facebook. com/starwoodminimarathon.phuket

PHUKET SPORT 23

Joy Dive fall flat as Morning Star shine FOOTBALL

ompetition is starting to heat up in the Super Six soccer league, with the third round of play wrapping up last week. First off in the Division 1 matches was the highly anticipated clash between title favorites Joy Dive FC and firstseason champions Morning Star. Joy Dive FC, with their technical skill and fast-paced playing style, were always going to be a huge challenge for Morning Star, who were looking to pick themselves up after last week’s weak performance. Although at times outplayed by Joy Dive, Morning Star controlled the game and were rewarded with a hard-fought 4-3 victory, putting them into second place on the Division 1 table. Next up were Division 1 new boys Sweet Lemon and PSU Alumni. Sweet Lemon showed us

Left: Thai Nee FC celebrate their first win. Right: Kyrre Amundsen in action for Shakers FC. why they were champions of last season’s Division 2, with a deserved 5-3 win against the university boys thanks to several swift goals by Atsadawut Prateep Nathalang. Next up were table-toppers Shakers FC taking on The Hulk. The Hulk were slightly undermanned, but their skill level make them a team never to be underestimated.

Shakers, however, look pretty solid this season, and squeezed a 4-2 result from an otherwise tight match with a notable cannonball volley from Ross Robinson. The final game of the evening saw Nanai Boys looking for their first win of the season against Rugantino. Sure enough, they succeeded, with a 5-3 victory thanks in part to an

outstanding performance by Sunny Gulati. Meanwhile, in Division 2 Thai Nee FC recorded their first win of the season with a 6-5 victory against Pluto, who are still without points. The game saw an outstanding comeback from James Gurnett’s Thai Nee FC, who were initially down 5-1. In other results, PSV lost their winning momentum

Photos: Karl Ward

against the Seduction boys, who recorded their first point of the season in a 2-2 draw, Mr Moo suffered their first loss of the season going down 1-3 to Puensil FC, Vanilla FC edged past Atmanjai 6-5, and Babynoname’s struggles continues with a 2-5 loss to Pita Bar Phuketeers. For more Super Six action, visit phuketfootball.com

SUPER SIX SOCCER Division 1

Team

L Goals GD

Shakers FC

Pts

Morning Star

Nanai Boys

Joy Dive FC

Sweet Lemon FC

-1

PSU Alumni FC

-3

Ristorante Rugantino

-4

The Hulk

-3

Team

L Goals GD

Puensil FC

Pita Bar Phuketeers

Phuket Serenity Villas

Mr. Moo

Vanilla FC

Thai Nee FC

-7

Atmanjai

-5

Babynoname

-6

Seduction

-7

Pluto Italian Ice Cream

-8

Division 2

Pts

Thai Division 1 D

Pts

Team Ratchaburi

MP W 24

Suphanburi

Sriracha

Bangkok United

PTT Rayong

Krabi

Siam Navy

Nakhon Ratchasima

34 33

Air Force United

Phuket

Khonkaen

Phattalung

Saraburi

Bangkok

Songkhla

Rangsit JW

Raj Pracha

Chanthaburi

thephuketnews.com

24 PHUKET SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Final boarding call for Mekong WATER SPORTS Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

is board may have been running a little late, but Phuket resident Patrick Gasiglia is all packed up and ready to tackle the mighty Mekong River. The intrepid Frenchman departs tomorrow (September 1) on his quest to tackle Southeast Asia’s larget river on a standup paddle board (SUP), and says he’s “half excited, half anxious about what I will find” on the churning body of water. He’s carrying three boards for the trip – two custom made hybrid SUPs, and a third, inflatable board to use as a spare. He has also received his custom made paddle, designed to allow swift interchange between kayak and standup paddle. “I’m very happy with the board. Because it’s a catamaran, it’s very fast and has good stability.” The board is twice as heavy as a normal SUP, weighing in at around 25kgs, and

Phuket resident Patrick Gasiglia sets off tomorrow on his quest to tackle the Mekong. while this makes it a little heavier to turn and maneuvre, Patrick said the stability provided by this weight will make his task much easier. “I’ve tried to capsize it, and it’s really very difficult to do. It’s a very stable board.

“The only thing I didn’t try was catching waves. That’s not really the board’s purpose, but it will be interesting to see how it works.” Patrick has even tested out the board’s weight carrying ability by paddling around Nai

Harn with his wife and young daughter on board. And while he won’t be taking them with him on his journey, he added: “I think stability is the main advantage of this board, and being able to carry a lot of stuff. The board

Photo: Dane Halpin can probably take 100kg plus the rider.” But his preparation for the arduous journey has been far from ideal. His board is the first that SUP manufacturer Starboard has moulded from plastic –

they usually use fibre. But problems creating the customdesigned mould in New Zealand created some delays, as did customs issues bringing the mould into Thailand. In all, the setbacks meant Patrick’s board was about two months late in arriving, drastically cutting down his ability to properly prepare with his equipment. Still, Patrick doesn’t seem too phased, and is confident he is ready to hit the rapids in a few days’ time. “I could not train on the real board, but that’s been the only real problem. The board is much more stable [than the one I’ve been training on], so it’s very easy to adapt.” The Frenchman leaves from Phuket tomorrow to make the drive north to Chiang Khan, and will start paddling on September 5 – “Five is my lucky number.” He expects the journey to take between two and four weeks. Patrick will update his blog daily (conditions permitting) while on his adventure. To follow his progress, visit: supmekong1000.wordpress.com. The Phuket News is a sponsor of Patrick’s journey.

Islanders lose to Ratchaburi FOOTBALL Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

Phuket found space down the left wing, but lacked the finishing touch. Photo: Dane Halpin

thephuketnews.com

PH U K ET FC’S TH R EE match winning streak was brought to an end on Sunday (August 26) at Surakul Stadium as the Islanders went down 0-1 to a 10-man Ratchaburi outfit. The local side were outclassed for most of the match by their league-leading opponents, but several missed opportunities could have made all the difference as both sides struggled in the slippery conditions. Ratchaburi applied early pressure against a lethargic Phuket defence, testing the reflexes of new number one goalkeeper Worapoj Sabaijit, and sending a shot just over the crossbar in the opening minutes. The lazy defence continued, and Wuttipong Sittitanyakit was shown an early yellow for a heavy challenge on Ratchaburi’s Jang Gil-Hyeok. For most of the first half, it was Ratchaburi showing off why they are currently number one in Yamaha League 1. They shifted the ball around much more comfortably on the wet pitch, and were able to show more control in the mid-

Ibrahim Kanoute in flight. field where Phuket struggled. Phuket, meanwhile, were off target with their passing, and never looked like putting together an organised attack. For the most part, it was a first half confined to midfield play for both teams, and neither goalkeepers were really tested. Attapong Nooprom nearly broke the deadlock on 40 minutes for Ratchaburi, sending a low shot into the bottom right corner, but a full stretch diving save from Phuket goalie Worapoj pushed the ball wide. The chance was the start of a late-half onslaught on goal by Ratchaburi, and the stubborn Islanders defence simply couldn’t hold out, eventually conceding a soft goal to Ratchaburi’s Brazilian midfielder Douglas. Half time: Ratchaburi 1 – 0 Phuket. Phuket had their first real

opportunity of the match just minutes into the second half, with Ibrahim Kanoute finding himself in space down the right wing. He crossed in to the centre, but Watcharakorn Klaitin was off target with his shot, angling it high over the bar. As the Islanders finally looked to have rediscovered their short passing game, they were handed a stroke of fortune: Ratchaburi’s Rattana Petch-Aporn was shown his second yellow of the match, and the visitors were reduced to 10 men. The impact was almost immediate as the Islanders finally found some semblance of rhythm in attack, finding space in particular down the left wing, which they attacked repeatedly with the long ball. Phuket had several opportunities to draw level, dramatically hitting the crossbar three times, but lacked the finishing prowess in difficult conditions. Despite two late chances moments before the final whistle, the Islanders were left to rue the missed chances as the 0-1 half time score remained unchanged. Phuket FC host Nakhon Ratchasima tomorrow (September 1) at Surakul Stadium, kickoff 6.30pm.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

WORLD SPORT

Cambodia criticise the ‘high-tech’ Paralympics PARALYMPICS LONDON 2012 Agence France-Presse

t has the world’s highest percentage of amputees, yet Cambodia is sending just one athlete to the Paralympics, an event critics say increasingly favours nations that can afford the latest high tech gear. Thin Seng Hon, who was born without a fully formed right leg, will be Cambodia’s sole representative in London early next month when she competes in the 100m and 200m sprints in the below-the-knee amputee category. Her “lucky leg”, as she calls the US$2,500 J-shaped running blade which allows her to race, helped her to three podium places at a regional athletics meet last year. But she doubts it will keep pace with the higher-tech prosthetics of her rivals in London. “I don’t expect to win a medal,” the 28-year-old said after a morning training session at Phnom Penh’s rundown Olympic Stadium, explaining her opponents will likely benefit from “more modern prosthetics” costing several times that of her own. Living in a poor country already puts her at a disadvantage – she trains on a dirt track and balances running with a full-time job at a souvenir shop where she earns US$120 (B3,600) a month.

But it is her artificial leg, paid for by donations from friends, that leaves her trailing rivals before the competition even begins. The prosthetic is not custom-built for sprinting and is less comfortable and shock absorbent than those owned by her first world rivals, prompting her coach Phay Sok to bemoan a technology gap pitting his protege against those with the “best” prosthetics “worth tens of thousands of dollars”. Yet Thin Seng Hon is lucky to be on the plane to London at all. None of Cambodia’s disabled athletes qualified for the Games, leaving the nation’s hopes of glory dependent on a wildcard entry, gifted by the Paralympics’ governing body. The single spot belies Cambodia’s grim status as home to the most amputees per capita anywhere in the world, a statistic driven in part by decades of unrest that have left the small nation littered with landmines. An estimated 25,000 people have lost limbs to mines, according to figures from charity the Halo Trust, but successful demining schemes have lowered the incident rate over the last decade. Now, like many other developing countries, the majority of the nation’s disabled athletes are victims of disease, traffic accidents and poor medical care. Cambodian sporting figures are furious only one wildcard was offered and want more slots to offset

Thin Seng Hon, Cambodia’s only Paralympian in 2012. Photo: AFP a lack of funding, facilities and technologically advanced equipment. Cambodia’s humble representation is put into perspective by the figures which show some 4,200 athletes from 166 countries will be competing for 503 gold medals in what will be the biggest Paralympic Games to date. If poorer countries are not well represented at the Games they will fall into a spiral of sporting decline, warned wheelchair racer Van Vun. “If we can’t take part, we’ll never know the ability of athletes from big countries or learn from their training,” he said after breezing by rivals in a training race in a park in the capital. The International Paralympic

Committee (IPC) says demand for wildcards from the 166 competing countries outstrips the spots available in the different disciplines. “We had thousands of wildcard applications,” Craig Spence, the IPC’s director of media and communications said, adding the body handed out 61 wildcards to 50 mostly developing nations. “At the end of the day the Paralympic Games is an elite sporting event and we want the best athletes in the world to be competing.” Acknowledging the widening technology gap, Spence said the IPC had regulations in place to “try to ensure a level playing field” and that the wildcard system – capped at two per country – aimed to include poorer nations. Hundreds of athletes from developing nations will compete in London, he added, noting that many among them “will have just one, two or three athletes” compared to Team GB for example, which will have some 300 participants, and the more than 280 Chinese Paralympians. Despite her long odds for a medal finish, Thin Seng Hon is delighted to be representing Cambodia and hopes to at least beat her personal best sprint times. “I feel excited and I will try my best because I’m the only athlete to participate,” she said beaming. “They (Cambodian officials) picked me over all the others.”

Roddick ready for Aussie boycott TENNIS Agence France-Presse

US cycling icon and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong.

Cancer community rallies around Lance Armstrong CYCLING Agence France-Presse

LA NCE A R MSTRONG, branded a drug cheat and banned from cycling by the US Anti-Doping Agency, can still count on support from the cancer community, the head of the Union for International Cancer Control said this week. US cycling icon and cancer survivor Armstrong is set to be stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after he gave up the right to fight serious doping claims by the US agency at an

independent hearing. But Union for International Cancer Control president Mary Gospodarowicz said the “cancer community is behind him.” Gospodarowicz was speaking at the opening of the World Cancer Congress in Montreal. Armstrong was scheduled to speak at the conference on Wednesday and “donations to his foundation continue” unabated, she said. Armstrong’s Livestrong campaign has so far collected nearly US$500 million for cancer research and helping people cope with the disease.

ANDY RODDICK SAYS he is ready to follow the pack when it comes to financial issues that have players pondering a boycott of next January’s Australian Open, but he isn’t betting on it actually happening. The American 20th seed advanced to the second round of the US Open on Tuesday with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over compatriot Rhyne Wil-

liams, then said he will back whatever the players council leadership decides. Roddick has been quick to point out the discrepancies in payouts of 13 per cent of revenues from Grand Slam events compared to US team sports like the NBA, where players last year were forced to settle for a 50-50 revenue split. “I’m on board with whatever the contemporaries come up with,” Roddick said. “At this point it’s the same old song.” “The ATP, the ITF (Inter-

national Tennis Federation), powers that be, are betting against us being able to unify and they have been getting away with that gamble for 25 years and we haven’t proved them wrong yet. “U2 doesn’t ask permission to go on tour. We ask permission do a lot of things.” Players await a proposal from Grand Slam leaders but hope for more money to boost prize money for early losers, helping those struggling the most to pay travel and expenses.

IN BRIEF Wallaby lock Vickerman to retire from game Wallaby lock Dan Vickerman has announced his retirement from all forms of the game after being sidelined with injury for much of the year. The Cape Town-born 33-year-old appeared 63 times for Australia, making his debut against France in 2002 after switching allegiance from South Africa, who he represented at the under-19 level. His last Test was against New Zealand in the 2011 World Cup semi-finals before a stress fracture in his right tibia cut his career short.

IPL loses title sponsor DLF The Indian Premier League has lost its title sponsor after real estate giant DLF declined to renew its five-year deal, a company spokesman said on Tuesday. “We have just stepped off the IPL,” DLF group executive director Rajeev Talwar told the Press Trust of India. DLF reportedly paid US$50 million (B1.5 billion) to be the title sponsor of the glitzy Twenty20 league for the first five years, a deal which ended with the 2012 edition in March-April.

QPR boss Hughes confirms Cesar deal is close QPR manager Mark Hughes has revealed his Premier League club are close to completing the surprise signing of Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Cesar helped Italian giants Inter win the Champions League in 2010, but Hughes appears to have persuaded the Brazil international to swap the San Siro for Loftus Road. After Robert Green, a pre-season signing from West Ham, made a rocky st ar t to the campaig n, Hughes moved for Cesar, who was at the west London club on Tuesday to discuss terms.

thephuketnews.com

26 WORLD SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: ROUND 2

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

Van Persie scores first as Man United beat Fulham FOOTBALL

he second weekend of Premier League action kicked off with surprise packet Swansea City backing up their opening day form (5-0 win over Norwich City) by beating West Ham United 3-0 at home. Angel Rangel and Michu were the lucky recipients of defensive errors by the Hammers before Danny Graham wrapped things up as they kicked off life under Michael Laudrup with two wins from two. Manchester United meanwhile got their first victory of the campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 home result against an unlucky Fulham side. The Cottagers scored first through Damien Duff before Robin van Persie opened his United account with a fabulous finish in the 10th minute. Fellow new boy Shinji Kagawa added a second in the 35th minute before Rafael gave the home side the ascendency before half-time. Fulham hit back when Ne-

DANE’S TIPS ROUND 3 West Ham v Fulham Swansea v Sunderland Tottenham v Norwich West Brom v Everton Wigan v Stoke Man City v QPR Liverpool v Arsenal Newcastle v Aston Villa Southampton v Man Utd

Robin van Persie scores his first goal for Manchester United. manja Vidic saw the ball into the back of his own net and the visitors pressed for a leveller only to be denied on a number of occasions by goalkeeper David de Gea. Everton continued their solid form, following their 1-0 win over United on Monday, by beating Aston Villa 3-1 for the first time in seven years at Villa Park. Norwich City and QPR played out a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road with Simeon Jackson and

Bobby Zamora trading first half blows, whilst Wigan Athletic denied Southampton a positive home return to top flight football by winning 2-0 at St Mary’s courtesy of goals from Franco di Santo and Arouna Kone. Tottenham were thwarted at the death by West Bromwith Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s 74thminute opener cancelled out by James Morrison’s injury-time finish whilst fellow Londoners Chelsea made it three from three with a 2-0 victory at home

Photo: AFP

against Newcastle United. Reigning champions Manchester City twice came from behind in a 2-2 draw away to Liverpool that denied Brendan Rodgers his first Premier League win as Reds manager. Earlier on Sunday, Arsenal failed to score for the second league match in a row following the departure of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, as they were held to a goalless draw away to Stoke. In the Phuket News Premier

Schumacher to join exclusive 300 club FORMULA 1 Agence France-Presse

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER said he is hoping to celebrate his 300th Grand Prix in style this weekend with a strong performance for Mercedes at the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite some strong drives this season, including a podium finish at the European Grand Prix, his first since rejoining the sport in 2010, the 43-year-old German has endured a tough start to the season, retiring from six of the first 10 races.

Schumacher will be the second driver to reach 300 races. However, the seven-times champion is convinced a combination of his knowledge of the high-speed Spa Francorchamps track and improvements to his car will help

him secure a good result next weekend. “Spa is like my living room; for me, it’s clearly the number one race track in the world,” said Schumacher,

who will become the second driver in history, after Rubens Barrichello, to compete in 300 grands prix. “It’s uncanny how I always seem to have special moments there – my debut, my first win, a world championship victory and many great races. “The fact that I will also take part in my 300th grand prix at Spa was somehow almost inevitable and we will have to celebrate it in the right way. “I’m proud to be just the second driver in the history of the sport to reach this milestone and there’s no question that we are looking to have a particularly nice weekend.”

draw home win home win draw away win home win home win draw away win

MONTHLY STANDINGS 1. AuPaddy 2. tim at acorn 3. alanphuket 4. Clare Bolzon 5. gafferworld 6. NEIL 7. pickledliverbar 8. AAY 9. apollo131 10. dcoutts

THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

OVERALL STANDINGS 46 46 43 43 43 43 43 40 40 40

League Predictions, ‘AuPaddy’ and ‘tim at acorn’ lead the pack after the second round of tipping, but they don’t have a lot of breathing space with five tippers just three points behind. The winner of this month’s competition will win a B3,000

1. AuPaddy 2. tim at acorn 3. alanphuket 4. Clare Bolzon 5. gafferworld 6. NEIL 7. pickledliverbar 8. AAY 9. apollo131 10. dcoutts

46 46 43 43 43 43 43 40 40 40

voucher to spend at Angus O’Tools in Karon. The overall winner at the end of the year will a brand new Honda Scoopy i courtesy of AP Honda. To get involved in Premier League Predictions, visit thephuketnews.com.

Asian ‘major’ within 5 years GOLF Agence France-Presse

THE ASIAN TOUR IS IN talks to set up an “iconic” golf event to rival the majors as early as 2015, its new chief executive has revealed. Mike Kerr, who took up his post in March, made the statement as he laid out an ambitious vision which sees the circuit expanding to match the current size of the European Tour in the next 10 years. “Yes, I think we can have an iconic event in Asia. There are some plans that we have

that we’re already in the market talking about,” he said at the Asian Tour offices in Singapore. “We’re working on it... let’s say definitely within the next three to five (years).” The so-called “fifth major” is considered the next frontier of Asian golf after years of rapid growth brought new, world-class tournaments and pumped up prize money and standards. Kerr predicted the Asian Tour would be offering similar total prize money to the European Tour in a decade, rising from 26 to about 40 tournaments a year.

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

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

WORLD SPORT 27

Wallabies coach Deans on borrowed time RUGBY Agence France-Presse

he clock is ticking for Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, who has four Tests to turn around their fortunes or face the sack, Australian media said this week. Deans is under increasing pressure after Australia’s 22-0 hammering by the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday (August 25), extending their miserable

Coach Robbie Deans.

English Premier League Team

Union will continue backing Robbie Deans, but patience is wearing thin,” said their chief rugby correspondent Greg Growden. “Don’t start thinking the ARU will dump Deans this week, or even next, despite his atrocious record against the All Blacks. “But if the rot continues in the final four matches of the Rugby Championship against South Africa and Argentina, Deans’s five-year reign in

French Ligue 1

Championships could spell the end.” Deans was forced to deflect questions about his job after the Auckland setback, and chose to praise his opponents. “They’re a side that’s playing with the confidence of being world champions and I don’t think there’s any side in the world that would have footed it with them,” he said. But he admitted the latest blow would do nothing to silence his critics.

Spanish Primera Liga

Pts

Chelsea

Marseille

Barcelona

Swansea City

Olympique Lyonnais

Real Valladolid

Everton

Valenciennes

Rayo Vallecano

West Bromwich

Bordeaux

Mallorca

Manchester City

Toulouse

Málaga

Fulham

Bastia

Atlético Madrid

Manchester United

Lorient

Deportivo

Wigan Athletic

Lille

Sevilla

Newcastle United

Nancy

Real Betis

West Ham United

Saint-Étienne

Getafe

Stoke City

PSG

Real Zaragoza

Arsenal

Rennes

Real Sociedad

Sunderland

Reims

Valencia

Tottenham Hotspur

Brest

Real Madrid

Reading

Nice

Granada

Liverpool

Ajaccio

Levante

Norwich City

Evian TG

Espanyol

QPR

Montpellier

Celta de Vigo

Southampton

Troyes

Osasuna

Aston Villa

Sochaux

Athletic Club

3-0 1-3 3-2 1-1 0-2

West Ham United Everton Fulham QPR Wigan Athletic

Sunderland Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea Stoke City Liverpool

Live Sports TV Schedule SPORT

Reading West Bromwich Newcastle United Arsenal Manchester City

CHANNEL GUIDE

1XX - True Visions; 8XX – Astro; 8 – Setanta

*Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START END

PSTP 1-1 2-0 0-0 2-2

EVENT

Team

charge of the Wallabies will end. “Ewen McKenzie is the man who should take over.” The Australian newspaper took a similar line saying: “Dday for Deans edging closer.” “Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has four Tests to save his job,” it said. The Sydney Daily Telegraph issued a similar warning, saying that “high-level discontent is bubbling ... and more defeats in the Rugby

RESULTS Swansea City Aston Villa Manchester United Norwich City Southampton

MP W

record against New Zealand to 14 defeats in 17 starts. It was the first time in 50 years the Wallabies have not scored a point against their trans-Tasman rivals dating back to a 3-0 defeat in Dunedin in 1962, and followed their 27-29 loss in Sydney the previous weekend. “Deans rapidly running out of time after latest Kiwi debacle,” wrote the Sydney Morning Herald. “The Australian Rugby

RESULTS Nice Nancy Troyes Reims Rennes

816, 107

16:30

18:30

Rugby League

NRL

Knights v. Rabbitohs

521

16:30

19:30

Aussie Rules

AFL

11:00

18:00

Cricket

Test Match Day 2

Hawthorn v. West Coast Eagles

19:00

02:00

Cricket

ODI 3

England v. South Africa

21:00

04:00

Cricket

ODI 2

Pakistan v. Australia

816, 104

22:00

04:00

Tennis

US Open

India v. New Zealand

Day 5, Flushing Meadows

Saturday, September 1

2-2 0-1 2-2 1-0 3-2

Lille Toulouse Lorient Sochaux Bastia

Valenciennes Saint-Étienne Montpellier PSG

3-0 4-0 0-1 0-0

Ajaccio Brest Marseille Bordeaux

AFL Team

P W D

Hawthorn

2584 1663

155

Sydney Swans

2212 1517

146

Adelaide Crows

2275 1771

128

West Coast Eagles

2174 1712

127

Collingwood

2019 1751

115

405

385

503

514

Broncos

462

435

Tigers

500

525

Rugby Union

Richmond

11 2063 1837

112

107

22:25

00:25

Rugby Union

Brisbane Lions

12 1776 2031

521

10:30

13:30

Aussie Rules

Port Adelaide

16 1585 2038

Western Bulldogs

16 1481 2173

Melbourne

17 1540 2240

Gold Coast Suns

18 1447 2328

GWS Giants

19 1193 2646

01:30

Soccer

EPL

Man City v. QPR

813, 109

18:50

20:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

816, 104

22:00

04:00

Tennis

US Open

11:00

18:00

Cricket

Test Match Day 3

21:55

23:30

423

19:55

817

387

561

107

Swansea v. Sunderland

473

EPL

102

Soccer

10 2019 1986

23:00

Raiders

21:00

Sharks

122

Cowboys

West Bromwich Albion v. Everton

Sea Eagles

Essendon

EPL

Soccer

Wests Tigers v. Storm

23:00

432

112

NRL

21:00

337

541

2254 2020

Rugby League

813

533

18:30

Tottenham v. Norwich

16:30

EPL

816, 107

Soccer

23:00

North Melbourne

21:00

Rabbitohs

124

812, 101

Storm

109

West Ham v. Fulham

116

10 1988 1819

EPL

112

10 2241 1812

Soccer

359

2097 1808

20:45

Pts

526

1855 1651

18:45

812, 101

Fremantle v. Melbourne

Essendon v. Collingwood

AFL

Carlton

AFL

Bulldogs

St Kilda

Aussie Rules

Team

Aussie Rules

00:00

Real Madrid Sevilla Deportivo Levante Athletic Club

Fremantle

Titans v. Sea Eagles

19:30

2 - 1 1 - 1 3 - 3 2 - 0 4 - 0

Geelong Cats

NRL

21:00

Getafe Granada Valencia Real Valladolid Atlético Madrid

Rugby League

16:30

Celta de Vigo Rayo Vallecano Real Zaragoza Mallorca Barcelona

16:30

521

2 - 1 1 - 2 1 - 2 1 - 1 1 - 2

14:30

521

MP W

RESULTS Real Sociedad Real Betis Espanyol Málaga Osasuna

% Pts

816, 107

Aviva PremierWasps v. Harlequins ship Aviva PremierSaracens v. London Irish ship Geelong v. Sydney AFL Swans

Team

NRL

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, August 31

MP W

RESULTS Geelong 16.11 (107) – 11.7 (73) N Melbourne 12.7 (79) – 20.12 (132) Melbourne 11.15 (81) – 22.18 (150) St Kilda 25.13 (163) – 5.5 (35) Port Adelaide 14.9 (93) – 16.8 (104)

Bulldogs Fremantle Adelaide GWS Giants Brisbane

Sydney West Coast Gold Coast Richmond

14.11 (95) – 15.12 (102) 15.17 (107) – 8.10 (58) 15.8 (98) – 11.20 (86) 13.24 (102) – 8.9 (57)

Titans

433

453

Knights

442

470

Dragons

376

430

Roosters

452

584

Warriors

475

567

Panthers

397

556

Eels

423

645

Hawthorn Collingwood Carlton Essendon

RESULTS Roosters Rabbitohs Panthers Dragons

44 – 20 38 – 6 36 – 22 38 – 6

Tigers Eels Titans Warriors

Cowboys

22 – 14

Knights

Sea Eagles

16 – 6

Broncos

Raiders

34 – 6

Bulldogs

Qualifying, Spa-Francorchamps Day 6, Flushing Meadows India v. New Zealand

Sunday, September 2 813, 109

18:00

18:45

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Raceday, Spa-Francorchamps

813, 109

18:45

21:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Belgian Grand Prix

521

10:00

13:00

Aussie Rules

AFL

Geelong v. Western Bulldogs

816, 107

12:00

13:50

Rugby League

NRL

Sharks v. Cowboys

816, 104

22:00

Tennis

US Open

812, 101

19:30

21:30

Soccer

EPL

Liverpool v. Arsenal

812, 101

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Newcastle v. Aston Villa

102

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Southampton v. Man United

11:00

18:00

Cricket

Test Match Day 2

18:30

02:00

Cricket

ODI 4

Day 7, Flushing Meadows

India v. New Zealand England v. South Africa

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

SPORT

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

All aboard

Frenchman all set to tackle the Mekong on his standup paddle board > 24

Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

Time to go Strauss steps down as England appoint Captain Cook Andrew Strauss career stats

Photo: AFP

CRICKET Agence France-Presse

ngland Test captain Andrew Strauss said his “race was run” as he announced his retirement from all professional cricket with immediate effect on Wednesday night. And he insisted his decision to quit had nothing to do with the fall-out from the ongoing England exile of star batsman Kevin Pietersen. “After much thought over the last few weeks, I have decided to step down as England Test captain and announce my retirement from all forms of cricket,” Strauss said in an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement issued ahead of a news conference at Lord’s. “It has clearly been a tough decision to make, but I believe that it is both in the best interests of the England cricket team

thephuketnews.com

and myself to step down at this stage,” the 35-year-old, who played exactly 100 Tests, added. “The driver to all this is I haven’t batted well enough for a long time,” Strauss later told the news conference. “I wasn’t going to improve batting-wise, I’ve run my race. “It’s one of these decisions when you know when your time is up.” Strauss has enjoyed modest returns with the bat in recent years and his 122 against the West Indies in May was his first Test century since 2010. He followed up with another century, at Trent Bridge, but averaged just 17.83 in six innings against the South Africans. Alastair Cook, already England’s one-day captain and Strauss’s opening partner in the five-day game, was announced as the new skipper of the Test team. Cook insisted he had no idea his Test match opening partner was considering not just giving up the captaincy

N/O

Runs

100

Catches

Tests:

100

178

7,037

177

40.91

48.91

121

ODIs:

127

126

4,205

158

35.63

80.94

T20s:

18.25

114.06

but quitting all cricket, until told on Tuesday of his fellow left-hander’s decision. Asked if his elevation to the job he’d long been tipped to inherit had come earlier than expected, Cook, who replaced Strauss as England’s one-day captain following the latter’s one-day retirement last year, replied: “Yes I think it has. It’s been a bit of a strange 24 hours for me personally.” England dropped Pietersen, who hasn’t played international cricket in any format since making 149 in the drawn second Test at Headingley, after he admitted sending “provocative” texts to South African players. Some of these were alleged to have been critical of Strauss, who succeeded South Africaborn and raised Pietersen as England captain in 2009. But Strauss said he’d spoken to England coach Andy Flower about retiring “before the Kevin Pietersen situation reared its head”.

Strauss’ last Test was a 51-run defeat by South Africa at Lord’s, his Middlesex home ground where he made his Test debut in 2004, earlier this month that saw England surrender their number one Test ranking to the Proteas. Strauss scored 21 hundreds – one shy of England’s all-time record – and led England to the top of the world Test rankings, a run that included home and away Ashes wins in 2009 and 2010/11. Cook’s first Test as captain will be the first of a four-match series in India in November. The 27-year-old, who replaced Strauss as one-day captain after last year’s World Cup, paid tribute by saying: “He has been a fantastic captain, has led from the front for threeand-a-half years and is a true ambassador for the game. “I know this can’t have been an easy decision for him and everyone in the dressing room will be sad to see him go.

“I’m very excited by this new challenge, it is a huge honour to be appointed Test captain.” Meanwhile England managing director Hugh Morris said he would meet with Pietersen and Flower in the coming weeks in a bid to discover the precise content of the text messages. He was more forthcoming in praising Strauss who, after taking over as Test captain from Pietersen following his public rift with former coach Peter Moores in 2009, steered England through one of their most successful periods. “He has been a great servant for Middlesex and England and an outstanding ambassador for the game, not just in England but across the world,” Morris said. England’s form in 2012 has been poor, with six defeats in 11 Tests culminating in a 2-0 series loss to South Africa, their first home reverse in four years. As a player, Strauss scored a century on Test debut, against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2004

and in all scored 7,037 Test runs at an average of 40.91 and took an England outfield record 121 catches, mainly in the slips. His 50 Tests as captain produced 24 wins, making him England’s second most successful Test skipper behind Michael Vaughan. “For me, personally lifting the (Ashes) urn in Australia was the highlight and it was always going to take a huge amount to beat that,” said Strauss. “I go out with absolutely no regrets, I’ve had such an amazing career. I’ve achieved far more than I ever thought I was going to and that makes me feel very proud and very honoured to have represented England.” Asked how he’d liked to be remembered, Strauss, after saying he “hated” the question, replied: “That I played the game in the right way, adhered to my principles and if people remember me for that I’ll be very happy.”