Volume 12 Issue 26 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 June 25 - July 1, 2005 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 20 Baht

The Gazette is published in association with Tsunami More questions ‘has caused increase IN THIS ISSUE

NEWS: Thailand opens consu- aired over aid in piracy’ late on Langkawi; Governor airs ideas for boosting Phuket By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn Pages 2 & 3 PHUKET: The national com- INSIDE STORY: Cigarette ban mander of the Marine Police, Pol law going up in smoke? Maj Gen Suraphol Thuanthong, Pages 4 & 5 visited Phuket on June 18 to dis- cuss ways of protecting vessels AROUND THE ISLAND: A tree- mendous fella. Page 6 going through the Straits of Ma- lacca from pirate attacks, which AROUND THE REGION: B5bn he said have become more fre- for Koh Tao? Page 8 quent since the tsunami. PEOPLE: Just like starting over Gen Suraphol said, “We on Phi Phi. Pages 10 & 11 don’t really have accurate statis- tics, because not all cases are re- LIFESTYLE: Thai style for ty- ported, but I think the trend of ing the knot. Pages 12 & 13 attacks has been increasing since SPA MAGIC: The aspiring the tsunami, as poorer people Aspara Spa. Page 14 struggle to recover from it.” On June 1, the Thai skip- AFTER DARK: Timber Hut per of a tanker taking fuel from rocks on and on. Page 15 Rayong, on Thailand’s Eastern NEW! BETWEEN THE LINES: Seaboard, to Krabi was captured Stolen tsunami cash and in the Straits, a long-time haunt CEO government. Page 21 of pirates, and held for ransom. The pirates initially de- USINESS Booze restrictions B : manded US$1 million (about 40 begin to bite. Hotel occu- million baht) for his release. pancy statistics; Money Talks. Sources in the Marine Office told Page 23 the Gazette he was freed after the SPORT: Kruse coast to fourth ship’s owners in Bangkok paid in class at Le Mans; Beach Deputy PM Vissanu Kreangam, center, inspects one of the new alarm towers on Patong Beach US$40,000 (1.6 million baht). volleyball. Page 25 with Patong Mayor Pian Keesin (left), Vice-Governor Winai Buapradit (2nd from left) and Patong Gen Suraphol, who neither Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukbal (right). confirmed nor denied the details PROPERTY: Doven; Home of the Week: Rawai; Construc- about the ransom, said, “The tion Update: Baan Paradise; By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn Speaking at the Thai Tsu- Prime Minister Thaksin phoned captain is safe, but we need to Gardening: Glory be for Bert. & Anongnat Sartpisut nami Victim Identification Cen- me and told me to be tenacious take action to ensure that the sea Pages 28-30 ter near Chalong, he said, “Lo- in the matter of tsunami dona- is safe and peaceful. PHUKET: Six months after the cal people are still complaining tion money. We’ve heard so “I don’t want to see this tsunami, local people in the to MPs and to the Prime Minis- much about this money and yet happening again, even outside PLUS stricken areas are still asking the ter that they are not getting any it’s not being used. Thai territorial waters. We must same question: “When will we help from the government. “I have asked many gov- raise awareness among fisher- QUEER NEWS 4; AROUND THE receive our compensation?” “But when we check with ernment officers involved and men and other people on the sea NATION 7; HAPPENINGS 9; OUT- The man given the job of government officers they say they say they have received no about the danger from pirates.” SIDE IN, BOOKS 16; KIDS 17; answering that question, Deputy they are doing their jobs cor- requests for money. We will have He continued, “It is crucial HOROSCOPES, PATTAYA, MOTOR- Prime Minister Vissanu Krea- rectly. So we [have to] check to bring this matter before the that we network with our neigh- ING, STOOL PIGEON 18 & 19; ngam, appointed by Prime Min- again.” Cabinet very soon,” he said. bors, especially Malaysia and In- EDITORIAL, LETTERS 20; ISSUES ister Thaksin Shinawatra as The Deputy PM said that “The donation money donesia, and especially on inci- & ANSWERS 21; COMPUTERS, chairman of the Tsunami Victim there seems to be a difference of should not be spent on basic in- dents that happen outside Thai ON THE MOVE 22; THE TIME Administration, came to the re- opinion between local officials frastructure such as roads or waters. We are working with our MACHINE, DIARY, WINE 26; gion on June 18 for a one-day and the general public in regards schools. The money is meant for neighbors to coordinate informa- GUEST CHEF 27; CLASSIFIEDS 32-39. tour of inspection and to hear to the tsunami funding. victims,” he added. tion, which may solve this prob- local grievances. “When I was in Phang Nga, Continued on page 2 lem.” 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS June 25 - July 1, 2005 Questions over tsunami aid Thailand opens

From page 1 “We have to restore and new consulate give back to the locals what was taken away from them as soon as possible. We also have to reno- vate the tourism areas. For the on Langkawi next high season we should be ready with full accommodation of the Ministry of Foreign Af- [and] facilities,” he added. By Gazette Staff As for compensation paid fairs, told the Gazette that the consulate should make life a lot to the families of those missing PHUKET: In a drive to promote easier for regular “visa runners” after the wave, K. Vissanu was relations between Thailand and unequivocal. “We will push to Malaysia, a Thai consulate open- and commuters between Thai- land and Malaysia. change the laws regarding miss- ed on the Malaysian island of He said, “There is no Tour- ing persons and their families. At Langkawi, just south of the Thai present things take far too long. border, on June 10. ism Authority of Thailand office in Langkawi, so the Thai consu- The missing victims’ relatives The consulate’s opening late will make life a lot more should be able to go ahead with Another ‘Love Phuket’ winner was chaired by the Thai Minis- compensation claims.” ter of Foreign Affairs, Kantathi comfortable for tourists who The latest winner in the Gazette’s “We Love Phuket” campaign, want information about traveling The day before the Deputy Suphamong, and Dr Mahathir Arunvalaya Raess, collects her prize of a round of golf at the Mohamad, the former Prime within Thailand. At the same PM arrived, the new chief of the Phuket Country Club, from Phatsara “Yui” Raktammakit of the Phuket Provincial Office of Di- Minister of Malaysia, who is time we can take better care of Gazette’s Classified Advertising team. Thai residents in Langkawi.” saster Prevention and Mitigation known to have a particular affec- Each week the Gazette prints the license plate numbers tion for the island where, decades K. Sihasak added, “It’s an (ODPM), Boonchai Somjai, re- of six cars that have been spotted carrying “We Love Phuket” leased figures showing that more ago, he practiced medicine. improvement in terms of tourism stickers. Check page 10 to see whether your car number is destination links, and will be use- than a billion baht has been spent Sihasak Phuangketkeow, among them. If it is, you’re a winner! ful to the people who visit south- in Phuket on tsunami relief. Director General of Information K. Boonchai, who took up ern Thailand, especially Phuket, then continue on to Langkawi. the position of Phuket ODPM “We have been discussing chief just the day before his an- Penang expert advises on restoration nouncement, said that aid from plans to link the two destinations ever since Dr Mahathir was the ODPM so far totaled more PHUKET CITY: City authorities buildings in the oldest part of “The clinic looks very nice Prime Minister. Having a Thai than 67 million baht and that the have been given advice on pre- Phuket City. to older people because it has Tsunami Relief Fund had spent serving and enhancing historic She said, “I have seen both memories of the past, but at the consulate on Langkawi could help make these plans come to more than 71 million baht in pro- Phuket old town by an expert in good and bad repair of old build- same time it looks very modern fruition.” viding relief. heritage and conservation from ings in Penang, and [in my talks] for young people. So [the archi- The bulk of state aid has Penang. I gave examples of [both]. I think tect] is extremely clever.” He did not address the lack of direct air services between come through the many govern- Dr Gwynn Jenkins, a Pe- they could be used as examples Dr Jenkins was invited to Phuket and Langkawi. Currently, ment departments, and thus far nang-based British consultant in for any new development in Phuket by local historian Asst totals more than 706 million baht. architectural heritage and cul- Phuket.” Prof Pranee Sakulpipatana, who the quickest route involves a dogleg through Kuala Lumpur. The Phuket Provincial Ad- tural anthropology, met last week An example of what Dr said, “If we take away our his- More facilities for those ministration Organization has with Deputy Mayor Sornsiri Jenkins hopes can be achieved in tory we create landscapes with- spent more than 41 million baht Koopongsakorn and leading Phuket is the Moa Marut Clinic out identity. planning “visa hops” will be- come available in July when the in relief aid, while NGOs and members of the municipality’s on Thalang Rd. She said, “The “As a consultant on archi- first phase of the Treasure Island charities have put forward more public works department to share clinic has a very beautiful design. tectural heritage, Dr Jenkins than 196.4 million baht. with them what she has learned I think the young architect either could show residents of Phuket casino and resort complex opens on two Burmese islands near K. Boonchai also explain- from observing the renaissance clearly understands or has learn- the wrong and right ways of re- Ranong. ed that the figures do not include of Penang’s historic Georgetown. ed to look at and appreciate [this taining the character of an old the 2.05 million baht stolen from During another meeting at architecture], to think about all building before it is developed.” The 3.5-billion-baht invest- Phuket Provincial Hall on Feb- Phuket Art Gallery on Thalang aspects of design and make them – Athiga Jundee ment by the Singaporean DP ruary 15. Road, she put her ideas to people modern. & Mayo Kishimura Group of Companies will even- Apichart Nooprod, Chief of who live in the historic buildings tually see a massive complex the Finance Division of the around Thalang Rd, Yaowarat Rd built that will include two casi- Phuket Provincial Financial Of- and Dibuk Rd. She also met with Park completion delayed nos, more than 400 guest rooms, fice, has been charged in connec- local architects. and a marina for 50 yachts. It will also have Burmese immigration tion with the theft. He has denied Dr Jenkins told the Gazette PHUKET CITY: Because of a Now the Governor has ask- any wrongdoing and is awaiting that Georgetown could provide a facilities. change of plan, part of a 40-mil- ed the central government to ap- Meanwhile, tourists from trial. (See Between the Lines, template for what should – and lion-baht park being built in prove his request for funding to page 21.) should not – be done with the China, Hong Kong and Taiwan honor of HM Queen Sirikit re- landscape the remaining three rai are being exempted from paying mains a muddy wasteland five and to build the treasury offices visa fees for Thailand as part of months after the main part was elsewhere. the ongoing attempt to revive finished. With approval pending, the tourism after the tsunami. Under the original plans, three rai was, at time of going to In addition to the govern- three rai of the 10-rai site, on the press, still given over mainly to ment waiving the 1,000-baht visa south side of Dibuk Rd, was ear- mud, weeds and builders’ debris. fee until October this year, the marked for a new provincial trea- Some interim remedial ac- Tourism Authority of Thailand sury building. tion should be underway soon, (TAT) is working with Thai Air- However, Governor Udom- said Phuket City Deputy Mayor ways to put together a 3,500-baht sak Uswarangkura felt it would Kawee Tansukatanon. The con- mid-week package including be better if the three rai were left struction company had been ask round-trip flights from Bangkok open and landscaped, rather than it to tidy up the land until its fu- to Phuket or Krabi, two nights’ built upon. ture has been decided definitively. accommodation and airport transfers. Hotels in Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Trang are being invited to join the promotion. Suwalai Pinpradab, Direc- tor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s office in Phuket, told the Gazette that it was hoped these initiatives would attract more mainland Chinese, Tai- wanese and Hong Kong tourists to come to the Andaman provin- ces. June 25 - July 1, 2005 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 IN BRIEF As oil prices rise, govt wants against ‘hoarding’ Man drowns PHUKET: The Phuket office of the Depart- operators found to be buying fuel now and a liter for diesel, 21.14 baht for 91-octane ment of Internal Trade has warned against hoarding it to sell when the price rises again, gasoline and 22.94 baht a liter for 95-octane while fishing hoarding of fuel after the price was increased face fines of up to 140,000 baht or up to seven gasoline. on June 14 by a further 0.40 baht a liter. months in jail, or both. The government has warned that fur- RAWAI: Chartchai Chumkaew, Officers at the department are worried Consumers can report traders who ther increases may be on the way, as the price 27, from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, that people may try to stockpile fuel in case hoard fuel, or who try to sell it for more than of oil on international markets continues to drowned on JUne 17, apparently the price rises still further. But, said the of- the set price, by calling Tel: 1569. rise and the dollar, the currency used for oil after being sucked into the sea fice, such stockpiles are a fire risk. The 40-satang price rise, brought in on trades, strengthens against other currencies, while fishing near Nai Harn Individuals caught hoarding fuel could June 14 by the state oil company PTT, raised including the baht. Beach. His body was found two be fined up to 10,000 baht, while gas station the price of fuel at gas stations to 18.99 baht – Ananya Hongsa-ngiam days later by a scuba diving team. K. Chartchai reportedly went fishing among the rocks at E-passports Ao Sane Bungalows near Nai Harn Beach. It is thought that a Governor airs ideas large swell pulled him off the available rocks and into the sea. His fam- ily and friends searched for him to all Thais in vain. PHUKET: Thais will be able to Pol Maj Chana Suttimat of for boosting Phuket get new E-passports from pass- Chalong Police Station said on He said, “The volleyball Gov Udomsak also recom- port offices in Bangkok, Khon June 20, “The diving team found By Athiga Jundee teams could coordinate with air- mended that the island copy Kaen, Chiang Mai and Haad Yai him yesterday at noon. We sent PHUKET CITY: Six months af- line companies who, in turn, Chiang Mai’s “Night Safari” from August 1. Those who want his body to Wachira Phuket Hos- ter the tsunami, Governor Udom- could fly in the teams and spec- project, and invited the private them earlier can apply now at the pital and have determined that he sak Uswarangkura has said he is tators. sector to invest in Khao Pra Taew Department of Consular Affairs, died by drowning.” hoping to turn the first anniver- “There are many businesses National Park. Chaengwatthana Rd, Bangkok. Maj Chana added that a sary of the disaster into a major that are willing to help boost tour- Panomphol Thummachart- The holder of a new pass- Japanese tourist nearly drowned public relations coup for the is- ism in Phuket by reducing the niyom, President of the Phuket ports, instead of waiting in long at Kata Beach on the same day, land. price of their products. For ex- Professional Guides Association, lines at Immigration, will simply but was saved by a Phuket Pro- At his weekly CEO Gov- ample, airlines and hotels have agreed that Phuket is offering walk to an automatic gate and vincial Administration Organiza- ernor’s meeting, Gov Udomsak slashed their rates by introducing many promotions but also said insert the passport, which is then tion (OrBorJor) rescue team us- recently unveiled a “wish list” of local low-cost package deals. that excessively high taxi and tuk- scanned using an integrated cir- ing jet-skis. promotional events aimed at at- “We, representing the pub- tuk fares could spoil all the good cuit. Provided there is no prob- tracting the world’s attention. lic sector, should cooperate to that low-cost promotions do. lem with the passport, the gate May sees decrease An international beach vol- help bring more tourists to Phu- He explained that many will then open. leyball competition, a property ket.” tourists have complained that, An official told the Gazette in road fatalities show, and cancellation of na- He explained that a prop- although they had booked low- that no precise date has been set tional park entry fees were all erty show would attract upper- cost package holidays, when they for the installation of scanner PHUKET CITY: Official figures ideas put forward by the Gover- end tourists who would then in- used local transport they were gates at Phuket International; from Wachira, Thalang and nor. vest in land and real estate. forced to pay exorbitant prices. Airport, but that it will be “soon”. Patong hospitals, as well as Phuket International and Ruam- paet private hospitals show 10 ...and Japanese club does New Zealander’s death ‘suicide’ people died while on motorcycles PHUKET CITY: The body of a Mr Hicks took 60 pills, among on Phuket’s roads during May. some boosting of its own 45-year-old New Zealander was them antihistamine and tranquil- In addition, two people discovered in a room at Phuket lizer drugs, causing his death. On were killed in accidents involv- Merlin Hotel on June 19, in what a table by the bed was a note say- ing cars they were in. police say was a case of suicide. ing, “Please dispose of my body The figures represent a de- Terrance Hicks from Auck- by fire [cremation] in Thailand.” crease of 45% on those for April land, New Zealand, was found Lt Thivakorn said, “We will when 22 people died in Phuket – dead, surrounded by discarded contact the New Zealand Em- 18 on motorcycles and three in pill containers, Pol Lt Thivakorn bassy to get in touch with the cars, with one pedestrian fatality. Kongpeth of Phuket City Police deceased’s relatives. There are no The hospital records also Station told the Gazette. pathologists here, so we will send show that during May, 1,045 Investigators estimate that it to Bangkok for autopsy.” people were injured in road ac- cidents. Of these, 950 were on motorbikes, 79 were in cars, 14 were on bicycles and two were on foot.

Repairs start on Thinking ‘happi’ thoughts: Phuket Japanese Association President Kazushi Miyashita (2nd from right) and the TAT’s Suwalai tsunami-hit roads Pinpradab (in red). PHUKET: Work has started on a PHUKET CITY: The number of “I think the reason that 32-million-baht project to resur- Japanese tourists visiting Phuket more people aren’t visiting Phu- face a major road damaged in the is recovering – albeit slowly be- ket is encapsulated in a Japanese tsunami. cause of misperceptions and cul- saying: ‘When people die, we In addition to resurfacing tural sensitivity about visiting the stay home and mourn the dead,’” Route 4233, which runs from tsunami disaster region. he explained. Surin to Kata through Kamala, To give the island’s image He added that he hoped the Kalim, Patong and Karon, work- a boost in Japan, a “Japanese one-day festival would help con- ers will also install anti-landslide Love Thais” festival was due to vince Japanese people that there measures, and replace power be held June 25 at the Royal is no longer any reason to feel cables damaged in the tsunami. Phuket City Hotel. guilty about coming to Phuket. Phuket Highways Office Phuket Japanese Associa- The event will feature tra- engineer Tanit Sakiya said on tion President Kazushi Miyashita ditional shows, games and even June 17 that the landslide protec- said the March Japanese arrivals a chance for women to have tion measures would consist of figure of 5,000 was only about themselves photographed wear- three-meter high boxes made 30% of last year’s figures for the ing kimonos. from wire netting and filled with same month. Mr Miyashita said that stones, then overlaid with soil While low, however, the about half of the 100 or so Japa- and planted with grass. figure is still an improvement on nese-run businesses in Phuket K. Tanit said construction the almost complete lack of visi- have closed. They include restau- had started on June 14, and tors from Japan in the months im- rants, tour agencies, dive compa- should be finished in September. mediately after the tsunami. nies and language schools. 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY June 25 - July 1, 2005 Queer News WEEDING OUT

A sticky The past couple of years have seen considerable tightening of the laws relating to smoking, with grisly end pictures being printed on packs of cigarettes, a ban on smoking in most public areas and, coming soon, a ban BANGKOK: A life-insurance on shops putting cigarettes on display. salesman was found dead on June 16, his nostrils and lips sealed How effective has this been? The Gazette’s SANGKHAE shut with super glue, in what his LEELANAPAPORN and STEPHEN FEIN check out the current family believes was suicide. state of play. Pol Lt Col Mongkol Nan- thajit, an inspector at Thung Mahamek Police Station in espite having some of Foundation and works closely Bangkok, said Komkrit Chujan, the strictest tobacco with the Thai Health Promotion 28, was found dead in his bed- control regulations in Foundation, a semi-autonomous room at 7 am by his younger the world, Thailand is body established in 2001 with brother, Thossaporn. D still home to an estimated 10 to annual revenue of about US$35 An empty tube of super 13 million smokers. Despite a million (1.4 billion baht), derived glue was found near Komkrit’s series of aggressive anti-smoking from 2% of the excise taxes on body, along with two pieces of measures put in place by the Min- tobacco and alcohol. paper and 1,500 baht in cash. istry of Public Health (MoPH), The two groups were instru- The first note said “This is the number appears to have re- mental in establishing new to- all I have, take it all,” and the mained the same in recent years bacco control measures that are all second note read “Don’t call it The reason? For each too familiar to smokers, such as suicide, suicides are not entitled smoker who manages to kick the graphic warning labels on ciga- to compensation.” habit, on average, there is a new rette packets. They also success- Komkrit was found lying recruit lured into nicotine addic- fully pushed for a new restriction, cember, in which HM expressed if, in the future, public health of- on his bed with his lips glued tion, most of these being teenage starting in September, that will concern about the number of ficials could issue fines directly together and his nostrils filled boys who pick up the habit be- force retailers to keep tobacco teenagers taking up smoking, and then work together with with adhesive. cause of peer pressure, seductive products under the counter. Prime Minister Thaksin Shina- smokers to try and get them to His mother, Yuwadee Chu- marketing or the desire to “look Dr Prakit told the Gazette watra banned smoking in all gov- quit as part of a more community- jan, 49, said Thossaporn found cool”. he was not satisfied with current ernment buildings. based approach,” he said. 500 baht in his wallet and, think- To protect the health of enforcement of the smoking ban. “Civil servants must lead Dr Samarn noted that the ing that the money had come non-smokers who have to mix “Enforcement is still a by example and refrain from smoking ban has actually been on from Komkrit, went to Komkrit’s with as many as 13 million nico- problem, especially outside of smoking,” he said. the books for 13 years, but that bedroom to ask him why he had tine addicts, the government in Bangkok. In the capital the law Charged with the responsi- its enforcement was stepped up given him so much. It was then 1992 passed the Non-Smokers’ seems to be more ‘self-enforc- bility of carrying out the govern- two years ago after responsibil- that he found his brother’s body. Health Protection Act, which ing’, by which I mean that people ment’s tough anti- ity for it was shifted The mother speculated that banned smoking in most “public are more likely to comply with it smoking measures is from the MoPH’s the first note might have been places”, defined in the Act as “a voluntarily,” he said. Dr Samarn Sutrakul, ‘Enforcement Department of Med- written for Komkrit’s sister, who place or any vehicle where the He added that, contrary to who heads the is still a ical Services to its borrowed money from him. public is entitled to enter”. popular belief, the ban still MoPH’s Tobacco Department of Dis- The second note, K. Yuw- It fell to the MoPH to flesh doesn’t apply to every air-condi- and Alcohol Control problem, ease Control. adee believed, advised her not to out the details of the Act, through tioned public place – with tradi- Group. especially He pointed out tell the insurance company of the a series of ministerial regulations. tional Thai massage parlors be- He told the outside of that the govern- circumstances of Komkrit’s Initially, the ministry al- ing one notable exception. Gazette that figures Bangkok. In ment’s current ap- death. lowed restaurants, bars and other Another problem he men- supplied by the Na- proach to tobacco Col Mongkol said the evi- entertainment venues to provide tioned is that MoPH officials can- tional Statistics Of- the capital the control involves dence found in the bedroom in- limited smoking sections for their not fine offenders directly. fice indicate a slight law seems to pushing for higher dicated that Komkrit had taken guests. But a new set of ministe- “Actually, the ministry overall decrease in be more “self- taxes on tobacco his own life. rial regulations announced in sends out a number of employ- the number of Thai products, limiting “I’ve been a policeman for 2002 essentially did away with ees to enforce this law, but it’s a smokers since the enforcing”.’ points of sale and 20 years, but I have never seen this, banning smoking in almost bit complicated, because if they anti-smoking drive limiting advertising this kind of suicide,” he said. all air-conditioned public places. spot someone [smoking in the came in, but an al- – as well as the ban Source: The Nation But the success of any law wrong place] they have to call the arming rise in the number of on smoking in public and in- lies both in the willingness of the police to issue a fine. smokers in certain demographic creased treatment of nicotine ad- public to comply with it and, fail- “So what usually happens groups, including teenage girls. diction. ing that, the ability of authorities is that they just warn people and About two people an hour But even in Phuket’s larg- to punish offenders – in this case ask for their cooperation. If they die in Thailand from tobacco-re- est medical facility, enforcement by issuing them with fines up to [still] fail to comply, then they get lated illnesses such as cancer, of the ban has proven difficult. the legal maximum of 2,000 baht. the police,” he said. heart disease and and respiratory Dr Jessada Jongpaiboon- The Gazette reviewed the Dr Prakit added that the ailments, he said. pattana, Director of Wachira success of the legislation with police do not routinely enforce He also thinks that the need Phuket Hospital, told the Ga- one of Thailand’s leading anti- the law, but are willing to do so to contact police to issue fines to zette that in 2002 the MoPH be- smoking advocates, Dr Prakit in certain cases – such as part of violators of the smoking ban has gan enforcing a ban on smok- Vateesatokit. a public relations exercise. limited its effectiveness and ing in hospitals, both public and Dr Prakit heads the Thai Following His Majesty the caused confusion. private, but that this still does Action on Smoking and Health King’s birthday address last De- “I think it would be better not include private offices or June 25 - July 1, 2005 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5 THE SMOKERS

ban on smoking doesn’t apply just to air-conditioned areas but covers the entire grounds,” he said. He added that, as a public- awareness exercise, the hospital stepped up enforcement of the ban on May 31, World No To- bacco Day, but that police taking part fined violators only a token 50 baht. “Among doctors at the hos- pital, almost the entire staff is non-smoking,” he said. “We have about 60 doctors here, and I believe that only about 1% of them smoke. So I think we have had good cooperation in this regard,” he said. He added that he thought the hospital should start remov- ing ashtrays from throughout the facility, with the exception of a single ashtray near the main re- ception area so that visitors could put out their cigarettes before en- tering. private patient rooms in the In the future, the hospital hospital. plans to hire only non-smoking He added that signs have personnel, he said, though he A sign at Wachira Phuket Hospital warns of the penalty for smoking in the wrong place. In reality, been posted around the hospital conceded that there could be ex- very few people have been punished. warning the public of the smok- ceptions for certain individuals, ing ban and the maximum 2,000- such as doctors with unique abili- baht fine that could be imposed ties and talents. on violators – be they employees, The hospital is also plan- patients or visitors. ning to set up a clinic to help “I warn my staff that if I see wean smokers off their addiction, them smoking in the hospital I he said. will fine them the full 2,000 baht, Among foreign visitors but so far we haven’t caught any- who smoke, Thailand has long one smoking. I admit, however, been viewed as “tobacco-friend- that in reality our staff only warn ly,” with relatively cheap tobacco people to stop when they see products and somewhat less con- them smoking,” he said. tempt for smoking in public than “We pity smokers. That’s in most Western countries. why we usually just give them If change is to come, there- warnings rather than contact the fore, it will probably have to re- police to have them fined,” he sult from a shift in public atti- said. tudes. He added, however, that the As with so many other pub- hospital is currently preparing to lic health and safety issues in become more strict in enforcing Thailand, leaving enforcement of the ban. the no-smoking ban in the hands “We are getting serious of the police is unlikely to bring now and will soon put up big about widespread compliance signs to remind people that the any time soon. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE ISLAND June 25 - July 1, 2005

By Anongnat Sartpisut These days, some of K. Naret’s trees are donated – by n June 5 – World En- temples and public bodies and vironment Day – Phu- the like – but he still often pays ket Governor Udom- for them himself. Osak Uswarangkura pre- Many times, K. Naret found sented Naret Sakulyim with a himself fighting against land certificate recognizing him as the speculators and developers, be- person who had done most to fore he eventually secured the conserve the environment in land he is planting at present, Phuket during the previous year. which belongs to Khao Rang Nok K. Naret says it was nice to temple. be acknowledged, but he isn’t The land is now populated really interested in awards or rec- by all kinds of trees, including ognition. “I love trees, and I love Burma Padauk (pradoo in Thai), to plant them, and I will do my crepe myrtle (tabak); earleaf aca- best to continue to plant them, cia (krathin-narong) and Golden whether I get a reward or not,” Shower (ratchaphruek). he says. K. Naret acknowledges that Born in Samut Songkhram, some people may think he is a bit K. Naret moved to Phuket with crazy, but it doesn’t really bother his family in 1973. He says he him – even his family did not un- planted his first trees – man- derstand what he was trying to groves – in 1986, on Koh Sireh, do when he started planting trees and that he was inspired to do it 20 years ago – and he has no in- after visiting India and Bangla- tention of stopping his planting desh as a fisherman and being activities. struck by how few trees he saw And he believes his work is there. now more important than ever. A trip to Kanchanaburi He said, “Phuket is undergoing a province was similarly thought- property and construction boom, provoking. “I didn’t see many Naret Sakulyim among his beloved trees: ‘I think we should put nature first, ahead of development.’ even though this is a tourism trees at all, but I did see tables province that is marketed very and chairs made of concrete much on the basis of the beauty molded into the shape of tree of its nature. trunks and stumps,” he remem- “I think we should put na- bers. ture first, ahead of development. “I asked the local people If we must have development, why there were so many of these THE BRANCH then the authorities should re- tables and chairs and they told me strict it to certain zones, and have it was because once all the trees zones for nature, too. We need had gone, they realized how nature; we don’t want to see noth- much they missed them, and ing but buildings.” that’s why they chose tables and He continued, “It is humans chairs that looked like trees.” MANAGER who have destroyed most of the In 1989, K. Naret made sev- trees here. There is space to plant eral visits to Khao Rang Nok – for pineapples, rubber and other The tree planting there did months of him planting them. more trees, but it is difficult to the smaller and lesser-known crops. not start well, however. K. Naret He said, “My friend and I persuade people to plant and pro- “sister” of Khao Rang – in Since then he has been did not know which trees were would drive up the hill on a mo- tect them, not only because they Phuket City to meditate; while planting trees around the city – suited to the soil in the area – torbike twice a week to plant can’t see the need for the trees, there he learned from residents on Koh Sireh, on Khao Toh Sae which is only a meter deep in trees. I’d say we planted 10,000 but also because you need pa- how the forest around the city and in Kathu – but the main fo- places – and often he chose the trees; sometimes they survived, tience to take care of them. was being cleared to make way cus has been Khao Rang Nok. wrong types, and they died within sometimes they didn’t.” “But it has to be done.” June 25 - July 1, 2005 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Bleak outlook for Deep South ntelligence officials believe found guilty of malfeasance in from neighboring countries are that terrorists are planning issuing themselves a hefty pay working. to scale up violence in the raise. “These are serious diseases IDeep South, especially in Before the NCCC was sus- spread from immigrant workers, Narathiwat Province. pended, it had about 6,000 unre- who are carriers,” the DCD’s Dr Violence has intensified in solved cases on its books. Thawat Suntharajan said. the region in recent weeks, with “Even if the new NCCC He said employers must terrorists resorting to beheading could begin functioning right register immigrant workers so Buddhists, threatening Muslims away, it would take [more than a that the Public Health Ministry and planting bombs inside mo- decade] to clear the backlog on can monitor and control the torcycles and cars. Security offi- the charitable assumption that it spread of diseases. Alien work- cials also found weapons being could resolve at least one case per ers will also be required to un- moved in Narathiwat’s Yi-ngor day,” he said. dergo medical check-ups before District and border areas. Corruption will continue to employers will be granted li- Pattani Governor Cherdpan increase if the pay structure for censes to hire them. na Songkhla said he instructed civil servants remains as it is, he The rise in the number of the state agencies under him to added. malaria patients is most alarming inspect all vehicles parked at “Dishonesty is inevitable as it has spread rapidly to Thais, state buildings and to keep when the salary for a C-1 offi- who now comprise 65% of cases records of everyone who contacts Mr Buffalo Universe: Num, a 780-kilo swamp buffalo, beat cial is 4,700 baht and a kilo of in the country, he said. government departments. 60 rivals at the 11th National Buffalo Festival in Surin to be pork costs about 100 baht,” said awarded the Best Buffalo Overall title. After winning the the former graft-buster. Broadcast news: At an “Artists Everything is negotiable: The prize at the National Buffalo Festival last month, the three- for Internal Security” seminar dispute over 23 million baht in year-old animal’s value shot up to Bt300,000 – 20 times Hazing horror: Freshman Pati- organized at Government House, lottery winnings may soon be re- the normal price – from hopes about his breeding potential. parn Inyabodhi, 21, decided to Prime Minister Thaksin Shin- solved, with the victim of an ap- leave Rajamangala University of awatra urged radio disc jockeys, parent scam and the alleged per- Technology’s Nakhon Ratch- artists and actors to use their petrators coming closer to a com- problems after check-ups were Although the value of the asima campus after being injured prominent positions to promote promise. conducted on the city’s 4,150 contract was not disclosed at a in initiation rituals that involved energy conservation. Praiwan Hemsamak, who police officers. press conference at Imperial a “penis tug of war”, burning of “It’s the national agenda. was allegedly conned into hand- In the first two-week stage, Queen's Park Hotel, it was ex- pubic hair and being forced to eat Please tell people about energy ing over her winning ticket to the all 85 heavyweights will partici- pected the Premiership side dog meat. savings. If we don’t help each ticket seller and her associates, pate in daily exercise sessions would receive around 111.5 mil- “I just couldn’t bear it any other, this will be our weak spot. said she would withdraw her and receive special meals and lion baht a year for three years. longer. Fortunately my parents We need to cut expenses, in- complaint against the eight sus- dieting tips. Those who are los- After the success of the understood and allowed me to crease income and expand pects if they gave her 18 million ing weight will continue on the one-year sponsorship last season, quit this university,” K. Patiparn people’s opportunities to earn a baht. She had initially demanded same regimen for the remaining Everton, who never have been said after being treated at a hos- living. We can do that through 20 million baht of the winnings. two weeks of the program. relegated from the Premiership pital in his hometown of Buri energy conservation,” he said. Kittikachorn Chaleeputtha- Participants who show no since its establishment in 1992, Ram. He said most of his class- “The weak point of society phong, the lawyer for the sus- change after two weeks will be believed the deal would bear fur- mates were also injured during is the information system and the pects, said his clients were will- admitted to hospital, where they ther fruit and help them to expand the activities, while university ability to analyze the informa- ing to pay 13 million baht to bring will do yoga, aerobics and engage their interests in the region. lecturers ignored the cruelty tak- tion. Thus, opinions expressed the case to an end. He offered in other flab-fighting activities. ing place. are based on feelings, social only 10 million in the first round Officers who find it impossible Green light for graft: Former “In a penis tug of war, no groups or political motives … We of negotiations. to lose weight will be re-assigned National Counter Corruption matter if you win or lose, you get have to prioritize national inter- to desk jobs. Commission (NCCC) member hurt,” he noted. ests so things become much Corpulent corporals: Bang- Wichianchot Sukchotrat said easier for people to understand,” kok’s Metropolitan Police Bu- Jumbo support: Chang Beer Thailand is likely to see an up- Alien plagues: The Disease he said. reau will put 85 traffic policemen has renewed its multi-million surge in corruption cases this Control Department (DCD) is who have waistlines over 40 pound sponsorship contract with year because the anti-graft closely monitoring the spread of Around the Nation news roundup inches on strict weight-loss pro- English Premiership club Ever- agency was rendered impotent malaria, tuberculosis, syphilis, is sourced from the pages of The grams. The bureau was able to ton, the most lucrative deal in the after its members were forced to HIV and elephantiasis in prov- Nation and Kom Chad Luek identify officers with weight outfit’s history. resign en masse, having been inces where immigrant workers newspapers. 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE REGION June 25 - July 1, 2005 B5bn plan to develop Koh Tao he Governor of Surat of Samui, Waragorn Rattanarak. Thani is forging ahead Community leader Suwit with plans to make Koh Nanthaphanit announced his fel- TTao an island of world low citizens’ opposition to the re- renown. Vichit Vichaisarn re- clamation of 500 rai of land off cently applied for a staggering 5- the coast of Nathon. billion-baht budget to spend on Most people think the Koh Tao next year. amount of land is too large an With so many people from area, and K. Suwit asked for an around the world already visit- appointment with the Mayor to ing it, he sees great potential in discuss the issue and present resi- the island, but also claims to un- dents’ reservations. derstand that developing the is- He stressed that the conflict land could cause serious prob- is not to do with the concept of lems without appropriate plan- land reclamation, but rather with ning. the size of the planned area. K The Governor has identi- Suwit also offered a number of fied nine areas that need to be ad- other suggestions to help Nathon dressed urgently including pro- develop. viding wind-driven electricity, The first was a bypass road building a 200,000-tonne water that would remove the need for storage tank, trans- motorists to go porting garbage to through the town Samui for incinera- FROM THE when traveling NO THANKS: Led by community leader Suwit Nanthaphanit, Samui residents recently voiced tion, building a 10- GULF OF north to Mae Nam their disapproval of a plan to reclaim 500 rai of land off the coast at Nathon (pictured), saying bed public hospital or south to Na- that the amount of land to be reclaimed was too much. and protecting the muang. The road island’s fragile for- THAILAND could also be con- It is as yet unclear which 90th birthday party: Surat Thani ties for the island’s poor. Surinya ests. structed to act as a projects will receive immediate City is preparing for its birthday Yunan, a deputy to the Mayor of The drug is- dyke, to prevent attention, but some will certainly celebrations. Pattanam Som- Samui, has started registering sue will also be ad- runoff from nearby be approved. boonpong, the Deputy Governor street vendors to provide them dressed, especially hills causing flood- of the province, will manage the with some form of guarantee that the sale and con- ing. Getting the urban drift: Ac- organization of several events be- can be used to apply for credit at sumption of mari- A beautifica- cording to local authority figures, ginning on 29 July, the date when local banks. juana, most of tion program was who spoke on condition of ano- King Rama VI gave Surat Thani Praveht Viengvira, Man- which finds its way also suggested as nymity, economic migrants from its name in 1915. ager of a local branch of Krung to the island from Nathon is one of Phuket could soon cause prob- Surat Thani means “city of Thai Bank, said the program is Samui, Koh Pha- the gateways to Sa- lems on Koh Samui as increas- good people” and, according to aimed at vendors operating in ngan and Chum- mui, and therefore ing numbers of people switch the authorities, such a day de- places such as Nathon Pier and pon. the first place from the west to the east coast to serves a party. the Grandmother and Grandfa- many tourists see. escape the continuing economic The slogan for the celebra- ther Rocks. People power: Also, K. Su- slump. tions will be the catchy “Open the Altogether, 83 people have The people of Na- By Commander wit suggested that Public officials on Samui doors to the city of good people”. already registered, and they will thon recently pre- Sammy Swan the town should be say that tourism is still suffering Held from July 27 to 30, the be allowed to borrow money sented their ideas “zoned”, as has on the western side of the Isth- events will include competitions from one of the participating for the further development of happened in other parts of the is- mus of Kra, and that people now and contests, as well as street pa- banks to upgrade their business. Samui’s port town to the Mayor land and the country at large. without secure work are looking rades with local citizens dressing The vendors will be moni- Mayor Waragorn said that to the nearest alternative, which up in costumes from the city’s tored. If they do well and are able he was happy to receive the raft for many is Koh Samui. early days. to repay their loans, they will be of suggestions direct from local This could mean that jobs allowed to increase their credit citizens, and promised to act on become scarce on Samui, which Street vendor scheme: Samui limit. them and apply for budgets to may affect the standard of living Municipality, along with Krung fulfil those deemed appropriate and the chances of employment Thai and other banks, are join- Cdr Sammy Swan is a writer for and necessary. for local people. ing forces to provide opportuni- Samui’s community magazine. June 25 - July 1, 2005 H A P P E N I N G S PHUKET GAZETTE 9 This week

CLOWNING AROUND: Claude Sauter, Resident Manager of the Cape Panwa Hotel, and one of the clowns from Australia’s “Magic from an Esky” troupe of SPEEDY RECOVERY: Finnish Ambassador to Thailand Lars Backstrom (2nd from right) comic magicians, plus a junior spectator, take a break from a show at the Cape and Timo Korhonen (2nd from left) of the Finnish Red Cross present a token key to the Panwa Hotel on June 12. The clowns performed a series of shows in Phuket, nine ambulances donated to nine hospitals in Phang Nga Province to help improve Phang Nga and Ranong, with proceeds going to helping victims of the tsunami. emergency medical reponse times throughout the province.

SVENKSA BOUND: Suraphong Lookhanumanjao (center), President of Bangkok Phuket Hospital, with doctors and nurses from his hospital before they leave for Sweden, where they will join a Scandinavian Red Cross meeting as special guests to discuss how Thai medical teams treated people injured by the tsunami. TWO FOR THE SLICE OF ONE: Linda Cumming (2nd from right) and Kata Thani Hotel Manager Uwe Lukas cut the cake as they celebrate their birthdays with a joint party at the Twinpalms Phuket resort on June 5. Mrs Cumming celebrated her 60th birthday, while Mr Lukas celebrated turning 46 years old.

PARTY STARTER: Andaman Group (Thailand) Managing Director Thanaseth Kulveera- aree (front, left of center, in light blue shirt), and Hester Chew (front, right of center, PAPER TRIAL: Dulwich International College Year 11 students Orashun in gray shirt), Chairman of the Andaman Group Executive Committee, join Oishi Sethichaiyen (right) and Mayo Kishimoto (2nd from right) try their hand at (Thailand) staff for their annual staff party, which was held recently at the Oishi journalism at the Phuket Gazette as part of the school’s work experience program, restaurant at Index Living Mall on the bypass road. with Desk Editors Alison Winward (left) and Sam Wilkinson. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE June 25 - July 1, 2005

ndrew Hewett’s 11 idyllic years of living on Phi Phi Don were shattered in min- utes when his PICKING UP THE Ahome and business were obliter- ated by the tsunami. Mr Hewett, 40, first came he tsunami of December 26 and the resulting relief efforts have to the island as a backbacker, learning to scuba dive in the coral Thad a profound effect on the collective psyche of those reefs that have attracted divers communities hardest hit by the disaster. from all over the world. It has pushed survivors and relief workers to their limits, both He stayed and worked in physically and mentally, adding stress and creating burdens that the dive business for five years, are too heavy for some to bear. during which time he met and In times like these, certain individuals tend to come to the married Mayuree, or “Je”. forefront, whether they be natural leaders or people who possess Five years ago the couple enormous reserves of courage and energy, or sometimes a little started The Adventure Club, a tour business specializing in cliff bit of both. Some of these people sacrifice their time and efforts diving, shark watching and trek- for others as their own way of dealing with their personal loss; king. others are altruistic to assuage the survivor’s guilt they suffer from. Mr Hewett’s philosophy Gazette Krabi correspondent Gus Reynolds met one such was to respect nature, and to leader, Briton Andrew Hewett, who has been rallying people on teach tourists and locals alike that the battered Phi Phi Islands. preservation of the environment was paramount to the survival of Phi Phi. and had returned to the shop – wiched between two walls of He was also trying to im- another stoke of luck; the office’s water. prove the poor reputation the lo- proximity to the hillside would Mr Hewett and his family cals had for not caring about the save the entire family. ran 200 meters up the hillside, environment. When the Hewetts heard still unaware of exactly what was On the morning of Decem- warnings of incoming waves, happening. The clear sunny day ber 26, he and K. Je were in the confusion reigned. People were confused everyone; an incoming company office with their two running in every direction, some wall of water made no sense at children, aged 9 and 5. from one side of Tonsai Bay to all. Normally the kids would the other, only to be confronted After the first tsunami had have been at home or at the by a wave approaching from the withdrawn, Mr Hewett returned beach, but they were enjoying other side. to survey the wreckage of what Andrew Hewett: The product of 11 idyllic years wiped out in their Christmas gifts at the office; “The wave from Yongke- just moments before had been his minutes by the tsunami. an exception that saved their sem Bay on the opposite side of office and his children’s play lives. the pier was stronger,” Mr Hew- area. He had little time to ponder His attempts to resuscitate stroyed, Mr Hewett felt fortunate Mr Hewett had been out on ett recalls, but many people ran his fate, as he was immediately her failed, and she perished in his that he and his family were still an early-morning shark watch, from the pier side only to be sand- handed an unconscious woman. arms. He had little time to catch alive. He spent the next two his breath; just then, the second weeks going to hospitals and fu- wave swept in. nerals and writing a business plan He climbed to the roof of to clean up the bay. his office and watched the torrent With that plan he started wash away what approaching var- the first wave had ious groups to spared. help sponsor the He spent People were project, dubbed the rest of the day running in every the Phi Phi Tsu- ferrying food and direction, some nami Dive water to those Camp. This soon less fortunate from one side of turned into a full- than him, then re- Tonsai Bay to the time job. “I knew turned to his my adventure home only to find other, only to be business would it gone, flattened confronted by a be closed for a and washed out wave approaching long time,” he to sea. explained. Many days from the other Initially, he later, while scuba side. met resistance as diving, he would organizations discover his were reluctant to home submerged donate to an indi- in the bay, still filled with his vidual, but once many of the aid personal belongings and chil- groups and foundations came to drens’ toys. Phi Phi and saw the work he was Although his home was doing, they readily supported his gone and his business was de- efforts. June 25 - July 1, 2005 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 11 PIECES ON PHI PHI

Left: Smiles all round from the volunteers helping Andrew Hewett clean up Phi Phi don. Below, some of the debris retrieved from the reefs.

Right, the raft from which volunteers dive to retrieve debris left by the tsunami.

He took his plan to PADI many of these reefs have been all-consuming. Project Aware, a program to cleaned out already. Other, more After the teach people about conservation, difficult areas could take an ad- meeting he was which had funds available for ditional two months to clear, he off to Phuket. “It tsunami-related projects. The Pa- said. seems like the cific Asia Travel Association was Mr Hewett’s goals are to only rest I get is on also receptive, and become one make Phi Phi Don and the sur- buses,” he said. of his major backers. rounding area cleaner than was When asked how The project officially began the case before the tsunami. He far he would con- on February 18, 2005, with wants to continue educating both tinue to push him- cleanup work just off the beach visitors and residents about the self, he replied, in Tonsai Bay. At that point Mr need to do a better job in main- “Until the job’s Hewett’s group was funded only taining the environment. done.” by private donations and he was During the interview with having difficulties hiring staff. the Gazette, his phone rang con- Andrew Hewett, Project Coordi- The initial operations were small; stantly, and staff asked for guid- nator, Phi Phi Tsunami Dive he strapped two kayaks together ance. The strain in his voice in- Camp, can be contacted by email as a makeshift pontoon. Later, dicated his exhaustion; the job is at: [email protected] or visit: with additional funding, he was www.phi-phi-adventures.com able to secure a real pontoon. A shot in the arm for the program came when the French Red Cross, in conjunction with the French Embassy, funded 20 police officers expert in debris removal. They brought a large crane, so the focus of the work shifted to bringing up large, heavy debris from the bay. “We found intact homes and full buildings under the water,” Mr Hewett related. While they were there for only two weeks, the French group added a necessary impe- tus to Mr Hewett’s project. His workforce grew, and with 30 Thai staff and foreign volunteers the group, under Mr Hewett’s di- rection, started removing debris from the coral reefs. “Some of the reefs were heavily damaged, while others were in relatively good shape,” he said. With the rainy season loom- ing, the team was under pressure to remove debris to save the re- maining reefs. Priority was given to reefs in better condition, and with the use of sand dredges, 12 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE June 25 - July 1, 2005 WEDDING DRESSING – and not just for the bride

wedding invi- The work of some of the tation arrives. finest tailors in the land, along The good with a great deal of very expen- news is that a sive jewelry, was on display re- party is in the cently at one of Phuket’s big- offing. The bad gest weddings of this year, newsA is that the recipient is when former Gazette reporter faced with the “problem” of de- Pantuda “Koy” Suksirisum- ciding what outfit to wear, phan married Akarasate which accessories to choose “Geng” Jivavisitnont, of the and – for women prominent Gee – “What should I By Sangkhae Teng family. do with my hair Nearly 2,000 and make up?” Leelanapaporn guests came to It is a di- celebrate the wed- lemma that can ding at the Phuja remain unresolv- Nirvana Restau- ed until just hours rant in Central before the wed- Festival Phuket, ding, especially if enjoying the in- the event is taking ternational food place in an impos- buffet and gather- ing venue. ing either around This being the stage where Thailand, silk is a the ceremonies practical – and took place, or popular – choice. watching on big There are so screens dotted many colors and around the venue. patterns of silk to Sources said choose from that that the party, or- even if two people ganized by Mi- turn up in the rage Creation of same style of out- Phuket, cost fit (the ultimate fashion fear), nearly 2 million baht, and the chances are that they will not rumor spread that the groom have chosen the same fabric, so had handed over 9,999,999 their “same-same” outfits will baht for K. Koy’s hand in mar- still look very, very different. riage. The couple are honey- mooning in Europe. Gazette staff invited to the wedding bash took the oppor- tunity to record some of the guests’ fashion choices, pre- sented here. June 25 - July 1, 2005 LIFESTYLE PHUKET GAZETTE 13 14 PHUKET GAZETTE SPA MAGIC June 25 - July 1, 2005 Spa MAGIC High quality delivery By Alison Winward Aspara using the Aspara’s own “relaxing oil”, and a one- elen Mertalla’s reason- hour facial using Ger- ing, after the Aspara man Biodroga products. Spa she managed at Both of us agreed the Holiday Inn, Pa- later that the combina- H tion of unfussy rooms, tong, fell victim to the tsunami, was simple: “Life must go on.” practical uniforms and Although the spa itself was no-nonsense approaches pretty much undamaged – of K. Natty and K. Lee Helen’s office on a lower mez- did make us feel at times zanine floor ended up shin-deep that we were in hospital in water, but the 14 treatment rather than a spa. rooms were untouched – it was But we also agreed closed for three months while the that this was in no way a hotel around it was repaired and bad thing, because hos- refurbished. pitals are (usually) The Busakorn wing of the places of competency, Holiday Inn reopened on April 1. efficiency – and results. “It was nice to be back,” remem- A few years ago bers Helen. “Life must go on; the there was a very success- people were safe and the build- ful ad campaign in Brit- ing was safe, so it was okay for ain for a range of wood us to face reality.” preservation products, During the first few weeks, based around the slogan, clients seemed to be as interested “It does exactly what it in the tsunami as they were in says on the tin.” beauty therapies, but Helen was It may seem inap- sanguine – she is from the Phil- propriate to link a spa to ippines, where, as she points out, wood preservatives (al- there are many natural disasters. though perhaps some The builders are still work- people would disagree), ing around the hotel, but there are but the message behind few reminders of December 26 The masseuses’ uniforms may be reminiscent of nurses’ gear, but the main point about Aspara is that it the slogan was that this during the short walk from the delivers a high-quality, gimmick-free treatment. was a high-quality prod- hotel entrance to the spa recep- uct in simple packaging, tion; there are, for example, look out of place in any Holiday treatment room, I notice the van- erates nine spas around Asia. rather than a fancily-packaged holidaymakers in the swimming Inn anywhere in the world, and ity counter, with its hairdryer and K. Natty and K. Lee are low-quality one. pool, not the fish Helen remem- the cabinet where we store our little packs of cotton buds, indi- perfectly groomed, but wear uni- And it’s the same with bers from just after the tsunami. clothes and the therapists place vidually wrapped combs and forms resembling those of Aspara – the spa is in no way Despite the glass cabinets the lotions they will be using on other items invaluable for anyone American nurses – white trousers unattractive, but it is gimmick- of beauty products lining the us, is functional rather than wanting to ensure they leave the and tunics – rather than the Thai- free, and if you go there in search walls, the reception area is more fancy. spa looking smart as well as re- style outfits so common in other of smooth skin, a glowing com- like that of a business than a spa, There are no gimmicks in freshed. spas. plexion and a relaxed body, that’s and that businesslike impression the showers, either – they too are Our therapists are Khun Over two and a half hours, exactly what you’ll get. persists when my colleague and spotlessly clean, perfectly main- Natty (mine) and Khun Lee (my they give us each a “Top to Toe I enter our treatment room. tained and equipped with the colleague’s), who, like the other Spa Pleasures” package, com- The Aspara spa, Holiday Inn Re- The walls are pale and minimum amount of fuss – but it 10 therapists, have had six prising a body scrub, using Body sort Phuket, Busakorn wing, 52, clean, the floor tiles an unimagi- is unusually easy to set the water months of training in Singapore Glow scrub imported from Swit- Thaweewong Rd, Patong Beach. native but cooling green; the fur- temperature and pressure. – Aspara is part of the Singapore- zerland; an hour of “soothing Tel: 076 340608, Fax: 076 niture, such as it is, would not On the way back to our based Spacare group, which op- aromatherapy body massage”, 342951, email: aspara@phuket. ksc.co.th also internet: www. holiday.phuket.com/busakorn/ spa.htm

The “Top to Toe Spa Pleasures Package” – body scrub, massage and European facial – 3,500 baht per person, plus tax and service charge; same package also avail- able for two as “Harmony at the Aspara” for 6,400 baht, plus tax and service charge, per couple. June 25 - July 1, 2005 NIGHTLIFE PHUKET GAZETTE 15

ew nightspots in Phuket City have as clear-cut an image as Timber Hut. FQuite simply, the brick Timber Hut: Boppin’ on and wood pub on Yaorawat Rd is the Big Daddy of downtown nightlife because it’s been around longer than anyone else. Still bopping as it ap- proaches its 16th anniversary in to Sweet Little Sixteen September, Timber Hut has seen a lot of musicians come and go The lads have been together over the years. for years, and their music leans Local guitar legend more towards to the clean-cut Boonkerd “Kurt” Tayangka- than distorted funk. Eurasia don’t chawana played here for years have the blues, so they don’t play before moving to Safari Disco them. They also don’t do long, and on to his present roost at Zan- self-indulgent guitar solos. zibar. When Eurasia aren’t play- Dutch saxman Gerard ing, DJ Jak scratches and spins Corneilje was blowing here 10 in a booth high above the stage. years ago and Timber Hut’s cur- It’s a lot of fun to sit in a rent house band, Eurasia, are place, neck a few beers and chat holding their own very well in with a friend or two, confident spite of their illustrious musical that those dreaded, oft-heard antecedents. chords won’t kick The Dr Who in, sending you run- Tardis-like atmo- After ning for the door; sphere of Timber yes folks, there’s no Hut is due – in part DARK Hotel California at – to its efficient use Timber Hut – just of space and floor by Sam Wilkinson sweet pop numbers. levels. The drinks? A For a building no bigger small bottle of Heineken costs 90 than a large English pub, it’s re- baht with Singha priced at 70 And the band played on … House band Eurasia don’t have the blues, so they don’t play any, and markable how much atmosphere baht. The cocktails are all around long self-indulgent guitar solos are out, too. the place has when it’s in full 150 baht. swing. The food? Most plates are Peak time is around mid- “sardines” and – for some strange Timber Hut Pub and Restaurant The trick is to get to Tim- southern Thai and cost between night on Fridays and Saturdays reason – “forget” and “work” 118/1 Yaowarat Rd, Phuket City. ber Hut early, well earlyish (just 60 and 130 baht with an exotic- when the words “tin”, “packed”, spring to mind. Open daily from 6 pm till late. past 9 pm) in order to grab a table. sounding Fried Chainese There are bars on each of Ravvioll (sic) weighing in at 100 the venue’s two floors so there’s baht. no hassle getting drinks when the The vibe? There’s some- place fills up but the big differ- thing about the dark-stained ence between arriba and abajo is wooden floors and stairs and dim the auditory factor. lighting that puts one at ease. The pub’s Timber Hut is huge JBL intimate and vi- speakers, slant- brant at the ing downward same time. from mounts A huge surrounding the movie screen stage help to hangs above keep the sound and behind the fuzz-free. stage, showing With the completely ir- band’s equip- relevant and ment in full cry, mute footage downstairs must of... well just be one of the noisiest places in about anything, from Tom & town, whereas the sound level Jerry to the American presiden- upstairs is merely an ear-pound- tial primaries. ing roar. A happy roar, but still a Unlike at discos on the west roar. coast of Phuket, there’s a marked The music? Eurasia cover absence of working girls at the Jimmy Cliff, Robbie Williams, bar or on the minuscule dance Maroon 5 (who?) and Earth floor but the glamor factor is still Wind & Fire. They also blast out pretty high with a decidedly Thai tunes for the audience to younger clientèle – 90% Thai in yell along with and fall over to. these post-tsunami days. 16 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES June 25 - July 1, 2005 Of beauties and The Beach Hilarious romp On the map: The Washington What is Phuket to outsiders? How high does the island rate Post’s website has a rather ethe- on people’s brainometers? Short of interviewing people on real take on the island, “Phuket down Sukhumvit dangles off Thailand’s southern the streets of New York, London, Paris and Springfield, the coast like a tattered cocoon”, best way of finding out is to check out what people are saying hy do clumsy expat tic chase around Bangkok, each while rachelcooley.blogspot. on the Internet about Phuket. writers believe that desperately searching for their com puts Phuket into neat global the world is wait- own ends. perspective, “Phuket is to people ing for yet another Bami is a child of the Klong Wacky spot: Kudos to the guy W living in Japan what Tenerife is novel about Bangkok bargirls? Toey slum and knows her own on forums.fark.com/cgi/fark who But Sukhumvit Road (Hos- mind: “If it came to a choice, she to people living in Europe.” So breaks up a self righteous “I now you know. OUTSIDE tage Press International, Bang- would choose Owen. True, he know Phuket better than you” kok, 2005, 395pp) is funny and had 20 or more years on her, but N farang rant session with, “Ah... Off the map: Worldwide cover- I different. True to its title, Sukh- there were qualities in him that By Lis Kinswoman Thailand... the land of the mid- umvit takes place mostly in a nar- were missing in her former boy- age of the Miss Universe pageant night sun. An island full of ex- helped get the message across row erotic trench running from friend. Owen, for example, never otic animals and large plains full Nana to the Thermae to Cowboy. expected her to take care of her- that the island is not a heap of beauty queens plan to donate 12 of wheat. The majestic moun- flyblown post-tsunami rubble, million baht to the Patong Hos- Author David Young wrote self. He never asked her to do tains rising up from the crystal a very decent first something with her and that can only be a good thing. pital to help tsunami victims dur- blue sea. Her neighbor to the The pageant also brought a ing their one-day visit to Phuket.” novel called The time – to better her- north, Brazil, and Peru, her friend Scribe about a fa- self or use her free whiff of controversy concerning, Wow! That’s a lorra to the east make her the jewel of of all things, girls in swimsuits; wonga for girls barely out of their rang working as a moments construc- the Carribean. Ah... Thailand... letter writer for Thai tively. Nathan was a sight not entirely foreign to teens. how I miss you so.” Phuket’s beaches. www. hookers. He wrote always buying her channelnewsasia.com comments, Dancing on the moon: Accord- Blast from the past: www. two more novels books to read … Ba- “When she [Miss Indonesia] ing to a very tongue-in-cheek thaistudents.com/thebeach is a which I confess I mi never knew what slipped into a swimsuit on a farangonline.com/city.asp talking worthy site written by Thai teach- haven’t read but Off the he wanted. That is, Phuket Beach with other contes- about Patong, “Here, alcohol ers to help their students learn Sukhumvit – in terms she never knew what tants [how did they all fit into one consumption, commercial sex English. Basically, the teachers of wacky characters, SHELF finished product he swimsuit?] Artika knew she was and even dancing are nightly oc- read foreign newspapers and con- convoluted plot and had in mind. An ex- stepping into uncharted terri- currences.” Gulp. densed the results. wildly comic lan- By James Eckardt otic looking Am- tory”. The site goes on to explain We learn that eight years guage – is a big ad- erican? A girl who I don’t know about that; that “Tom Yam Kung is not just a ago, during shooting of The vance over The Scribe. It’s a liked the same movies and read there are some pretty good maps tasty classic of Thai cuisine – it’s Beach, “Leonardo Di Caprio and good-hearted Feydeau sexual the same books? Someone who of the island available in any healthier than a wheatgerm en- crew drank 60,000 baht’s worth farce, threaded with an ominous shared his soul? That wasn’t her, good bookstore. ema …” of wine a day” streak of evil. thank you. Sure, she loved him. One thing is for sure; there So there you go Tom Yam Where did they put all the Five Americans are in love But spend the rest of her life with must be a lot of money in being a Kung is both delicious and good empty wine bottles, though? Did with the same bargirl, Bami. Two him? Travel to America and eat beauty queen. etna.mcot.net/ for you. Now, if Thailand would Leeeeo have his own garbage happen to be sitting next to each sandwiches and hot dogs? Mae! query.php?nid tells us, “The just get a space program. truck? other on a plane to Bangkok: an “Owen was the only one innocent young computer nerd who loved her for what she was. named Nathan Fox who’d met The only one who didn’t try to Bami at Chatuchak Market and rescue her from misery and ig- has no notion of the real job of norance. The only one who didn’t his former live-in girlfriend, and ask her to change . . . Owen was Owen Macy, a the one she would middle-aged Prot- allow into her life. estant minister All the while let- who has aban- ting him think it doned wife and was he who was faith for a hopeful opening the door new life with Bami for her. on Koh Samui. “Foreign Also on the men were so gull- plane is the Tour- ible that way.” ist from Hell: a There are any loud, drunken, number of delight- reeking fat lout ful plot switches who calls himself culminating with Frye Fisk, a all the characters broadly comic in- pairing off with carnation of the exactly whom you Devil, capable of disappearing wouldn’t expect. acts and casting nasty spells. (I A series of great comic set told you this is a farce.) pieces involve Peppermint, a The three others in the ros- drug-addled katoey, and Dandy, ter of Bami’s lovers are her a dwarf “humanoid”, who have former boss Frank Russo, part taken over Bami’s old apartment. owner of a Nana Plaza bar; Phineas and Bami, both looking Rollie, a drunk who is writing the to get out of their lines of work, story of her life; and Phineas develop a real friendship. McIntyre, a hit man on a convo- All find some kind of re- luted mission involving marriage demption, except of course the to the daughter of an underworld Devil, in his last incarnation as a chief named Doctor Ruay. The nightclub comic who revels in his characters all wind up in a fran- own damnation. Wordly wise “My friends call this kind of man a person who goes anywhere, taking with him only his mouth but collecting feet along the way.” – Thai Rak Thai MP Wichai Chaichitwanitchakul, on June 16, denying a suggestion by Chart Thai MP and former massage parlor king Chuwit Kamolvisit that Wichai had accepted a bribe to disrupt the upcoming censure debate against Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. June 25 - July 1, 2005 S M A L L W O R L D PHUKET GAZETTE 17 KKIDSIDS Get your brain the Fun Page in gear with for all the Family The Monster Quiz Kids! Get Mum and Dad to help you find the answers to these questions. They’re not easy, but if you do some research you should be able to find Spot the Difference the answers to all of them. Can you find the seven 1. What animal performed number of moves a player Hungry Caterpillar? the wedding in The Owl can make to win a game differences between the and the Pussycat? of chess? 15. Dokki Doki! LOVE Mail two cartoons below? And and Zutto Suki de Iide- can you find them faster 2. The bat is the registered 9. Which drink was named suka were hit singles for than the rest of the family? trademark of which by its inventor after he which Japanese pop company? had rejected the first six princess? names that were offered? 3. To which flower family 16. What is celebrated on does garlic belong? 10. Which multinational June 25 in the US? company is named after a character in Herman 17. What is the most easterly 4. In Italian art, the Virgin Melville’s novel Moby point of Northern Mary is usually depicted Dick? Ireland? wearing what colour? 11. In which constellation 18. Who founded the 5. Who was last seen alive would one find the Cat’s Institute for Cooperation on the Lady Ghislaine? Eye Nebula? in Space, and when?

6. Where would you be if 12. Who discovered it, and 19. Who wrote the short you were siiting on a when? story The Sentinel? howdah? 13. Who is President-Elect of 20. Harissa is a hot chili 7. In which year was the the United Nations sauce associated with first email sent? General Assembly? which region?

8. What is the smallest 14. Who wrote The Very Answers next week Never a Cross Word!

ACROSS 7. Place for babies or plants. 8. Far from the beginning. 9. Poisonous vapor. 10. Country of Castro and cigars. 12. Backbones. Brain Buster!! 16. Historical ruler of Venice. There is an animal hiding in each sentence below. 17. Fighting knife. Can you find them? 20. Poem of praise. 21. Bram Stoker’s creation. 1. We can go at six o'clock; 2. It's nice to do good deeds; 3. Take soap and a towel; 4. Most rich DOWN people wear fancy clothes; 5. You can keep the 1. Garden ornament. watch or sell it; 6. Use a ladder; 7. It will be a 2. Bear in the night sky. rainy day; 8. I came late; 9. Tell me if I should 3. What motorcyclists start now; 10. Will a map help you? should ue but often

don’t.

8. camel; 9. fish; 10. llama. 10. fish; 9. camel; 8. 4. Hair or cloth coloring. 1. goat; 2. dog; 3. panda; 4. ostrich; 5. horse; 6. seal; 7. bear; 7. seal; 6. horse; 5. ostrich; 4. panda; 3. dog; 2. goat; 1. 5. Cloud of interstellar gas or dust. 6. Perfect. 11. Mr Lincoln, US Presi- ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S MONSTER QUIZ dent. 1. March 22, 1945; 2. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29; 3. Maha- 13. Hotel California band. rashtra; 4. Waterloo; 5. Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington; 6. 14. Stupid person. Beef Wellington; 7. Iced Earth; 8. The Seychelles; 9. 00 353; 10. 15. Toad noise. The Ying Yang Twins; 11. 1866; 12. 4.6%; 13. A falcon; 14. Boar; 18. Despondent. 15. West Virginia; 16. 36 years; 17. Coca-Cola; 18. John

19. Not even. LAST TO SOLUTION

Pemberton; 19. Nikita Krushchev; 20. In your TV set. WEEK’S CROSSWORD Solution next week 18 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES June 25 - July 1, 2005 What the future ISUZU D-MAX: holds for you! hailand’s top-selling the coil springs on the 4WD pickup is the hand- model. somely functional Isuzu Ride comfort is only mod- In The Stars by Isla St ar T D-Max. erately impaired by the rudimen- Built at the Isuzu-GM plant tary rear set-up, although there CANCER (June 22-July 23): The CAPRICORN (December 22- outside Bangkok, more than is a certain amount of noise when way forward looks unclear at the January 20): This week a storm 100,000 vehicles were sold in using rough roads. moment. You should not commit of activity forces you to get into Thailand in the D-Max’s first 12 There are a number of en- for the time being, or there is a gear and face reality. Motivation months of production. gine options, including a 2,400cc chance of going awry. Scorpio comes from an unexpected Although there are two- gasoline model and a 2,500cc tur- has some words of advice that source early next week. It may wheel drive ver- bocharged diesel. may shed light on a personal prob- take until the beginning of next sions, with a regu- However, the lem. Quiet celebrations are fore- week for these sparks to help lar two-seater cab most popular is the cast if you’re celebrating coming your engine run more smoothly, available, many 3-liter turbocharg- of age this week, but these will but a desirable objective will be drivers will opt for ed-diesel unit with be enjoyable nonetheless. The truly in sight by then. Sunday and the four-wheel intercooler. number 3 is lucky on Monday. Thursday are your best days for drive version with BEHIND Producing a romance. either a crew cab THE modest 145bhp (107 LEO (July 24-August 22): Love or an extended kW), the all-impor- is in the air; romance is still high- AQUARIUS (January 21-Febru- cab. WHEEL tant torque figure of lighted for most Leos. An auspi- ary 19): You are usually adept at Leather is a By Jeff Heselwood this impressive com- cious astral climate means that keeping the peace, but this week worthwhile option mon-rail diesel hearts will be opened and secrets you will be tempted to take sides too, transforming what is essen- peaks at a commendable 294Nm, shared soon. Sunday is the best in a disagreement that has noth- tially a workhorse into an alter- produced between 1,400 and day to arrange a sensual date, but ing to do with you. Don’t give in; native to a sedan. 3,400rpm. make sure that the person in ques- if your opinion is solicited, stay Although all models ride on The 3-liter engine is mated tion hasn’t already made plans. firmly on the fence. Earnings rear leaf springs, the 2WD ver- to either a four-speed automatic Check your administration to should rise, a trend that should sions have independent double transmission or a five-speed avoid making a mistake early next continue. However, you must wishbones with coil springs at the manual ’box, while the 2.5-liter Boys and the size of their toys. Almost week. If you don’t, this could be spend more time working and less front while torsion bars replace turbodiesel comes with manual this workhorse far from utilitarian. frustratingly difficult to unravel time socializing. later on. PISCES (February 20-March VIRGO (August 23-September 20): If you are not technically- 23): You don’t normally put a foot minded you will be looking for wrong in business, but it appears advice this weekend. Don’t cut that you made a minor error last corners when doing so; someone Best idea yet, bar month. This will occupy much of who doesn’t have enough expe- your attention this week. Visitors rience may try to convince you s if Patong doesn’t al- No disrespect to former Soi ready have enough Moodies Managing Director Many of us – men, are poised to descend. If this that they can fix the problem. anyway – find that a discos, a new one was Dutchman Chris Koppers, but the causes inconvenience, suggest Even though professional help good percentage of our that they stay elsewhere. Taurus comes at a price, it will be worth Ascheduled to open on area does seem to be looking bet- hard-earned baht ends is looking for romance and this it in the long run. Romance will the night of June 24 on the sec- ter and appears to be pulling in up in Nakhon Nowhere could be a match made in heaven. benefit from using some imagi- ond floor of the Sukhumvit Road more customers since it was This ad for a nation; a relationship is in danger Entertainment complex, which taken over eight months ago and money-transfer card LIBRA (September 24-October of growing stale. until eight rebranded by was spotted in a 7- 23): Entertaining will be a prior- months ago was new Managing Eleven store in Patong. ity this weekend. You have the ARIES (March 21-April 20): In- Soi Moodies Director Wat- A rough translation of knack for making guests feel at creased confidence means that Entertainment tana Meetam. the words in the speech home, but one particular visitor romance is more likely to blos- Complex. The man bubble is: “Mother, will try your patience. Later next som. Between now and July a Known as from Songkhla’s your obedient little week, you will tap into deeper meeting of minds is forecast, Night Station, Rattaphum Dis- mouse of a daughter has levels of motivation but it will be which will probably lead to the disco should trict has a re- just sent you the hard to enthuse others. Tuesday more. If you’re about to change be up and run- sumé that in- money.” and Wednesday are the best days direction regarding employment, ning on June 24. cludes having Should be very for putting your case forward. don’t sign any agreements that It is to be simi- run the now-in- popular. Number 9 holds good possibilities involve gray areas. Someone lar in style to the discos along famous Sukhumvit Square Night on Thursday. could try to convince you that Ratchada-Pisek Rd in Bangkok Entertainment Area, on Soi 10 of these don’t really matter; you and will have twice-monthly live Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Rd. all 40 of the bars – including some SCORPIO (October 24-Novem- know better. concerts, including an opening This was where some 150 still under construction up on the ber 22): You are not usually re- night concert by small businesses – second floor – to be rented by the nowned for being the last of the TAURUS (April 21-May 21): Grammy Entertain- A positive feature is many of them bars start of the next high season. big spenders but this weekend Wet season weariness over- ment recording art- run by foreigners – Currently, 21 are occupied, temptation lurks around almost comes you this week; the only ist Palapon, who, that all of the bars were bulldozed into bearing such intriguing names as: every corner. You can certainly answer is to take time to rest. Stool Pigeon is told, share a communal twisted metal in a The Thunder Bar, Joe Nut, Pupe afford to give yourself a treat or Others appear inclined to have is a very popular stereo system, pre-dawn raid car- Bar, Happy Bar, New Friend Bar, two, but refrain from pushing the you do some of their dirty work Thai pop star. which is the only ried out by paramili- 19th Hole Bar and – sure to be a boat out too far. On Monday, try and you must be prepared to re- Admission will tary thugs on Janu- hit with the Ministry of Public to visualize tedious tasks at work sist pressure. Let your imagina- be free of charge, method that seems ary 24, 2003. Health – Smoking Bar. as labors of love and more can tion run free to get to grips with except when there is to work in avoiding Although this K. Wattana revealed that be accomplished. The color cara- a long-term creative project that a live concert. Tick- the mind-numbing sort of thing can he leased the property from Thai- mel should sweeten your mood. is destined for success before ets for the Palapon and does happen in Indian magnate Reywat Sri- the end of this year. concert were to be cacophony of most Thailand, there kulecha, who also has hotels at SAGITTARIUS (November 23- 180 baht. strips of Thai beer seems to be no end Ao Nang and in Pattaya. December 21): If you are em- GEMINI (May 22-June 21): You This is not the bars. to the number of Given the two-story court- barking on a new career, you should keep your purse on a tight first time investors foreigners intent on yard set-up, one would think must make a serious effort to get string because an end-of-the- have tried to give Patong a real “living the dream” by running Patong’s Sukhumvit Road may off on the right foot. If you start month bill will be higher than ex- Bangkok-style disco. The attempt ginmills here. end up looking somwhat similar by being too demanding, failure pected. Spend quality time at to do the very same thing with Many are choosing to do it to Bangkok’s Nana Plaza – is guaranteed. There is much to home finding economical ways to Star War at the former Shark at Patong’s Sukhumvit Road, something K. Wattana is actively be learned during the rest of this brighten up your surroundings. Club location apparently met with where monthly rentals range working to accomplish. year if you are open to ideas. A Wednesday is the best day for little success, however, which is from 10,000 to 30,000 baht and Perhaps if they allow tuk- puzzle in your personal life takes dealing with tricky business mat- why that place is now operating key money from 200,000 to tuks, open fires, child beggars and on added mystery this weekend ters; the stars will be on your side as Patong’s second tourist-ori- 300,000 baht. agressive ladybody prostitutes to when Aries reveals a secret. if a new deal is to be struck. ented Muay Thai boxing stadium. K. Wattana said he expects form a phalanx at the mouth of June 25 - July 1, 2005 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 19 100,000 sales and counting transmission as stan- vent the front wheels intruding Outside Thailand, Isuzu is dard. into the cabin in the event of a better known for its heavy truck Top speed for the front impact. and bus engines, and marine larger-engined D-Max Adding to occupant protec- powerplants, and its latest ve- is a respectable – if tion is a collapsible steering col- hicles all feature clean-diesel academic – 175kmh umn, standard front and rear technologies that meet Japan’s while the 2.5 diesel is three-point seatbelts, and dual stringent emissions regulations. content with 141kmh. front airbags. The D-Max, based on the Equipment levels Isuzu has a remarkable his- same platform as the Chevrolet on the D-Max are tory. Now under the wing of the Colorado (see Gazette June 12, high. This, along with world’s largest auto maker, Gen- 2004), is exported from Thailand its macho airs, perhaps eral Motors, it began as Tokyo to other countries in Asia. explains its sales suc- Ishikawajima Shipbuilding & En- A new model has been in- cess. gineering Co Ltd, building the troduced this year, the MU-7 Power windows, Wolseley A9, the first passenger luxury SUV, which is also made electric side mirrors, car made in Japan. in Thailand. central locking and The first vehicle to bear the The 3-liter MU-7 seats four-speed windshield name Isuzu – which is Japanese seven in comfort, while its elegant wipers are just some of for “sacred river” – was a two- lines will make it a top seller. the features not gener- ton truck in 1933. Prices for D-Max models ally found on a pickup General Motors acquired its range from 448,000 to 845,000 truck. stake in Isuzu in 1971, but it is baht. Safety items in- only recently that any form of The local Isuzu dealer is clude side-impact joint marketing has occurred, with Isuzu Andaman Sales, 99-99/1 beams in the doors, a a number of badge-engineered Tambon Koh Kaew, Amphur high-mounted stop models between GM brands. Muang, Phuket, Tel: 076-355112. lamp and a laminated Isuzu is currently ranked as windshield. the world’s largest diesel engine Jeff Heselwood may be con- all versions of Thailand’s biggest-selling pickup truck feature equipment that makes So-called manufacturer and has produced tacted by email at: jhc@ “wheel-stoppers” pre- more than 16 million units. netvigator.com none Tally-ho, you foxy devil!

n the interests of trying to en- House of Karaoke Machines – to have been born with a plum in who’ve managed to escape such courage more quality tour- hit upon the unique-to-Thailand their mouth could find themselves a fate a good laugh. ists to visit the fleshpots of idea of organizing fox hunts. attracted to the “Tally-Ho to City Hall officials, who had IPattaya, the in- Even after Thailand Tour”. been appraised of the Monday cumbent City Hall they woke up next After all, this will be an fox hunt, came along as observ- brains trust has hit morning and scof- egalitarian hunt: come one, come ers on one of the runs to deter- upon a wonderful fed a few little white all, and see those foxes run. mine if this could form the basis idea: fox hunting. tablets to remove It came to the attention of for the ‘Tally-Ho to Thailand Of course, the pain from their the City Hall boffins that a cer- Tour’, thereby removing the need anyone familiar with throbbing heads, tain style of fox hunting is con- to find real foxes, slavering the environs of Fun they remained con- ducted on Monday afternoons hounds and trusty steeds. After Town would be vinced that the fox each week in Pattaya in the form being given bum’s-on experience quick to point out that FROM THE hunting idea stack- of the Hash House Harriers run. with the ice block they decided it the place is emi- ed up. Men who answer to some was back to the drawing board. nently unsuitable for STREETS It was cer- very strange names indeed, most Investigations are currently people to go dashing O F tainly more attrac- of which are unprintable in a fam- under way to determine whether about astride sturdy tive than holding a ily publication, take a bus to a pre- there would be any interest in steeds, dressed in PATTAYA Mongolian yurt- determined destination and then combining a Japanese tea cer- black hats, garish By Duncan Stearn building exhibition, a engage in chasing a pair of hares, emony and Morris Dancing in a red jackets and jodh- series of Japanese or bunnies, who leave a paper trail select number of go-go bars and the soi they will achieve the de- purs, careening over rutted tea ceremonies in Spicy Girls A- through virgin jungle and scrub discos. sired effect. ditches behind a pack of baying Go-Go or a Morris Dancing com- land (Sanitation Department Unlike Nana Plaza, how- hounds in pursuit of a solitary, petition in Lucifer’s Disco. please note: revenue from fines ever, there is plastic roofing cov- furry, four-legged, ginger-toned Although, it has to be said for littering could exceed the ering the entire complex making carnivorous creature. there might be something in the monthly tea money obtained by it a bit stuffy inside from the lack Fox hunting is a bucolic ex- Morris Dancing. pinching motorcyclists without of moving air. That’s the only ercise, definitely not designed for Sporting the moniker “Tally- helmets. Just a thought to help drawback Stool Pigeon could see, the rigors of negotiating Soi 6 in Ho to Thailand Tour”, boost the flagging apart from a relatively sparse the late afternoon or Third Road the hunt will be pro- Fox hunting is a economy). number of hostesses currently at sunset hour. moted in such es- very British Once the run working the place. Fox hunting is a very Brit- teemed glossy maga- has been completed A positive feature is that all ish pastime; although it reeks of zines as Country Life, pastime; although the man in charge of of the bars share a communal ste- over-kill. Fox & Hounds, and it reeks of over- the day’s affairs reo system, which is the only It’s akin to using a Bunsen Mayfair. kill. (called a dictator in method that seems to work in burner to light an after-dinner ci- Think of it: men most countries) arbi- avoiding the mind-numbing ca- gar. with names such as It’s akin to using a trarily metes out vari- cophony of most strips of Thai So City Hall, ever mindful Rupert, Jeremy, Bert- Bunsen burner to ous forms of punish- beer bars. Stool Pigeon expects of the fact that a vast slice of En- rand, and Monty will light an after- ment to sundry lag- it to do well if and when the tour- glish-speaking tourists to Pattaya start considering Patt- gards. ists start to return in big numbers. come from Britain, have laid out aya as a second Ber- dinner cigar. One punish- the demographic charts, sharp- keley Hunt (I know that sounds ment is demanding that a runner For more information about ened pencils and gathered up their like rhyming slang for a very inti- drop his strides and park his na- renting a beer bar at Sukhumvit crayons, spent countless hours mate part of the female anatomy, ked backside on a largish block Road, contact K. Wattana, Tel: with flow diagrams and income but I’m almost certain such an of ice. 01-8920671; 07-2647789; E- projections and – after a particu- organization exists. If it doesn’t, Apart from taking the heat mail: Sukhumvit_Road@hotmail. larly lengthy brainstorming ses- it ought to). [It does. – Ed] out of the nether regions it serves com. sion in Porn’s Pub Isarn and Men who might have liked the purpose of giving those 20 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS June 25 - July 1, 2005

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] Time to rethink the island’s economy On a number of occasions in the past, the Gazette has theorized about what might happen to the local economy if, say, an oil tanker sank and its cargo ended up on the island’s beaches. We never allowed our imaginations to expand to the thought of a tsunami hitting the region, but the argument made then still holds good now: Phuket’s economy has (or rather, had) one good leg to stand on. Kick away that leg and it falls over. Almost every commercial activity in Phuket is woven inextri- cably into tourism, including Phuket’s other “miracle” industry, prop- erty. If developers are to be believed, the property industry is still going full blast, but there must be questions about how long this will last. Several factors will inevitably come into play. First, because of the drop in demand, the number of direct flights to Phuket has fallen drastically, making it more difficult to come here. For example, people living in Hong Kong, who used to be able to get here in four hours, now face having to fly to Bangkok and wait an hour or two before flying on to Phuket. That makes the island much less attractive as a weekend getaway destination. Letters Second, in the past many homes were sold on the assumption that the owners would be able to rent them out to tourists, thereby The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- your views for publication in our next issue. covering their monthly payments. Potential buyers for whom this is ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseudonyms a serious consideration – and there are many of them – are now more Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 are acceptable only if your full name and address likely to adopt a wait-and-see attitude. or send an email to [email protected] with are supplied. Wichit Na Ranong, President of the Tourism Council of Thai- land and a tourism industry pioneer in Phuket, recently gave a speech Flaming waste I wish Bubble Blue Scuba better, more current program- in which he said, “After the tsunami, it is clear that we have no all the best, as I do for all those ming, or pay much less for what alternative economic activity to support the community. Once tour- Maybe it would be a good idea on the Andaman Sea who have is being broadcast now. ism is dead, nothing functions, everything is crippled.” to remove the logos from confis- suffered so much lately. Don Aleman Arguing that mass tourism is not the answer, he called for sus- cated counterfeit clothes, [Ga- James Herrington Patong tainable tourism aimed at the top end of the market. While this is a zette, June 18] and give them to Maui, Hawaii laudable aim, the big question is whether sustainable tourism alone the poor, instead of burning them. Literally filthy can sustain Phuket. That was 37 million baht’s Time to stall Stalin I read recently – in a British Surely now is the time for those in charge of Phuket’s future to worth of goods – what a waste! newspaper – an example of what consider other ways to fuel the local economy – free-trade zones, Unbelievably, Konrad Stalin is at Jan Jaspers I am sure will be just one of many possibly, or more serious attempts to get Cyber Paradise and long- it again! I was reading his piece Phuket such travel articles regarding stay retirement resorts off the ground. in this week’s issue [June 18] and post-tsunami Phuket. The alternative is a continued reliance on low-end mass tour- thinking, “Yes, he has written a Bubble Blue blues Regrettably, I have to agree ism, which results in environmental degradation and constantly hav- worthy piece,” when out of the with much of what the writer ing to worry when another disaster will come and sweep away busi- It was with a sad heart that I read blue comes blatant self promo- tion for his curry house, not just wrote. nesses, jobs and people’s hopes. – The Editor your stories on June 7 and June 11 about the sinking of the for the one in Bang Tao but also Although he pointed out liveaboard boat Bubble Blue. for the forthcoming restaurant in that there was little sign of tsu- In January 2004, I did a Patong. nami damage, the writer, on his four-day dive trip with Bubble When will the Gazette put first visit here for five years, de- Blue Scuba on their former boat a stop to his free advertisements? scribed the island as a cross be- In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL Farsai. The company is owned I am sure the policy for all Ga- tween a building site and a coun- and operated by a Thai couple zette contributors is “no free pro- cil garbage dump. The beaches and is truly exceptional. motion”, is it not? he described as “filthy”. Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet It was so enjoyable that I By the way, Tesco-Lotus There is little that can be done to halt the current building Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes immediately booked their next has some pretty good Ceylon tea in right now. I have a feeling that boom, but the garbage problem Deputy Editor: Chris Husted five-day trip in February 2004. In March 2005, I brought two a nice cuppa and a sit-down are is something else. Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn friends from Hawaii to dive from in order. My local beach at Layan Editorial Team: Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone, Anongnat Sartpisut, the new boat, Bubble Blue. John Lock does indeed resemble a tip. If the Alison Winward, Athiga Jundee, Sam Wilkinson Over 30 years I have made Rawai tide is in, walking on this beach hundreds of dives all over the consists of wading through piles UBC’s less-than- of broken glass and plastic. Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet world. I have never dived with better divers or crew than Bubble magic lantern Yet just behind it, the Na- Marketing Manager: Oranee Pienprasertkul Blue Scuba. They were always tional Park has recently built a Website Services Manager: Natthira Susangrat professional, skilled and experi- Am I the only person to notice visitor center and various other Distribution Manager: Passara Kaewbumroong enced, taking more care than the poor programming offered by buildings. Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd most. The equipment was excel- UBC? Last week I counted three lent and both boats were superbly The cost is the same as what park rangers sitting in the visitor laid out for diving. center (which nobody appears to Contact us cable operators charge in the US, Dive boats are not designed but the movies are very old, with visit). Surely it would make more Advertising Sales: [email protected] for extreme weather. Ironically, no known stars, and plots about sense instead to appoint three Classified Advertising: [email protected] new boats may have hidden flaws unknown teenagers being killed, cleaners to keep the beach clean. Also, why not use some of Website Services: [email protected] that show up only in extreme con- killing, giant snakes, crashes in- ditions. the money raised [from tsunami Shopper Card inquiries: [email protected] volving anything that moves and, Really bad things do hap- essentially, nonsense. Some – if donations] to employ people to Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] pen to good people. Sometimes not most – of the US series of- clean up the island? Unless Phuket quite liter- Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 there is no escape. Bubble Blue fered have no living cast mem- Scuba survived the tsunami with bers and no relation to today – I ally cleans up its act, visitors who do return will do so only once. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors and no mishaps. I would not hesitate mean, 1960 autos? do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the direc- to dive with them again at the Considering the low cost of John Dalley tors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. very first chance. labor in Thailand, we should get Layan

Copyright © 1994-2005 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government officials and/or business owners are published in Issues & Answers on the facing page. June 25 - July 1, 2005 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 21

Issues&& The Tsunami Fund theft case ANSWERS and CEO government Want to know how to get something done? Can’t understand some of the dafter things that ow close is the Tsunami Relief Fund theft case to resolution? Four seem to go on in Phuket? Want to pitch an idea months after the 2.05 million baht disappeared – and two months af- to Phuket’s authorities or institutions? Then this ter the arrest of the lone suspect – no one can say. But whatever hap- is the forum for you. Hpens, the case sheds useful light on the workings of “CEO govern- Submit your queries or suggestions to us and ment”. Investigation has gone slowly and some doubt the possibility of resolu- tion. On June 1, Phuket City police turned over evidence against Provincial we’ll ask the appropriate people to respond to Treasury official Apichart Nooprod to public prosecutor Boontan Tongtan. them. Quoth K. Boontan: “First, we’ll report to the Regional Prosecutor’s Of- fice; then a panel will try the case in moot court, as Write to: The Phuket Gazette, 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, a review, and to ensure that both parties receive jus- Muang, Phuket 83000. Fax 076-213971, or submit your tice.” (The latter cant phrase is employed mostly in BETWEEN issue at www.phuketgazette.net the case of officials charged with wrongdoing, “en- THE LINES suring justice” often becoming synonymous with “protecting them from justice”.) According to K. Boontan, at least one month By Tang Rob Where is my water? must pass before a decision is taken regarding whether to prosecute Apichat: a whole month of silence in the press, because I recently moved back to Phuket and I am road) is affecting water distribution to ar- nothing is happening – plenty of time for the whole sordid affair to recede from living in Phuket Villa 2, off Chao Fa West eas along Wichit Songkhram Rd, Chao Fa our collective consciousness. Rd. It is such a nice place to live, except East Rd, Chao Fa West Rd, Sakdidej Rd Make no mistake: that’s what is wanted. With the United Nations and two for the interrupted water supply. and Pattana Tongtin Rd. former US presidents insisting that billions of dollars in charitable donations I have been back for three weeks and From May 10 to 25, while the work must be distributed free of official corruption, the central government wants no I have already been without water, with- continued, residents in those areas had at scandals redolent thereof – certainly not in high-profile Phuket. out warning, for three days. The first two best 50% of their usual water pressure, Might Apichart be a scapegoat? When the story broke on February 15 – of days were during the hottest periods Phuket though some elevated areas may not have money missing from a strong box at the Provincial Treasury Office, where has known for years. I recently woke up at had any water supply at all. Apichart was Chief Currency Officer – officials expected a quick resolution 6 am only to find I had no water. In addition, heavy construction and, significantly, the arrests of at least “two senior provincial officials”. If I had some warning I could have equipment sometimes accidentally breaks Phuket Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura noted just two people had keys stored enough water to shower, wash a water mains, temporarily adding to the to the box – which was under 24-hour video surveillance – and that neither dishes and go to the toilet. problem. It may take up to a week to fix a could enter without a Treasury official escort. Finding the thief should have Dirty and Smelly in Phuket Villa 2 broken pipe. been a slam-dunk. It wasn’t. I issued a press release to all Phuket An administrative investigation by Vice-Governor Supachai Yuwaboon’s Sayan Wareearoonroj, Manager of radio stations on May 10 so they could committee cited sloppy accounting – not theft – for the shortfall. So, lacking a Phuket Provincial Water Supply inform people through public announce- thief, Gov Udomsak suggested that finding one wasn’t necessary: (PPWS), replies: ments. “The Provincial Disaster Relief Office and the Treasury Office share re- The road expansion project along For more information, contact the sponsibility – one for the money; the other for the premises,” he opined March Chalermprakiat Ror IX Rd (the bypass PPWS at Tel: 076-321023. 3. Officials, then, must make up the shortfall themselves. (An anonymous source quoted in the local Thai press said officials earlier paid for a 1.5 million baht shortfall). Blocked cinema doors and liability This eventuality the governor might contemplate philosophically, as it wasn’t his money. Whenever a good movie is shown in town, Tawee Homhuan, Engineer, Phuket Then Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Director-General the cinema is packed, but the fire exits at Public Works and Town and Country Soontorn Riewleuang quietly dropped a bombshell: “We turned over 50 million the cinema are often blocked with spare Planning Office, responds: baht to the governor … If any disappears, he is responsible,” he announced on chairs. Who would be responsible for The Phuket Public Works and Town April 21. people not being able to exit the cinema and Country Planning Office conducts an- The governor, as provincial “CEO”, is pro forma head of every important during an emergency because chairs are nual safety checks on all public buildings, committee in the province, including that on Disaster Relief. Too many commit- blocking the exits? including theaters, so that the premises are tees exist, however. He thus serves mainly as a figurehead. But here was Direc- Roland Mueller safe. tor-General Soontorn, apparently holding him financially responsible. Phuket. We check the fire exits and the It must have been a shock. Public displays since then, accompanied by firefighting equipment. press reports headlined “Governor Blows a Fuse” and “Governor Chastises Civil Wisut Romin, Deputy Secretary, Phuket If there is a particular place you be- Servants” suggest some anxiety. Provincial Administrative Office, re- lieve needs imnmediate inspection, you The unfinished criminal investigation thus assumed new importance; were plies: can report your concerns at the Dam- the loss charged to theft, administrative squabbling over responsibility would If the cinema caught fire and people rongtham Center [at Phuket Provincial end. So it is perhaps notable that – a day after K. Soontorn’s comments – police died or were injured, the incident would Hall, on Narison Rd, Phuket City, Fax: arrested Apichart. be investigated by the police. 076-211102]. The center can investigate Phuket City Police Superintendent Pol Col Paween Pongsirin insists the If they found that the owner and man- immediately. mid-level Treasury Office official is “not a patsy”, but doubts persist – espe- agement of the cinema were irresponsible When filing your complaint, mark it cially as investigators had consistently argued that the crime must involve con- in their duty of care for public safety, then for the attention of the center’s Director, spiracy. they would be charged and prosecuted. Witsawa Sathitsamith. The judge certainly had his doubts, putting investigators through five hours of questioning before signing the arrest warrant. A popular entertainment columnist suggested in May that Apichart would Where can I house my cat? walk free because: “He knows too much – he might let the cat out of the bag. Big people wouldn’t like it.” Are any catteries on Phuket? My prelimi- Festival Phuket car park, level P2, has cat The missing cash, the columnist wrote, was loaned at interest to cover nary research has identified some dog ken- boarding facilities at about 100 baht a day. gambling debts, “and would have been returned were the loan paid back in time.” nels, none of which – perhaps understand- The phone number to contact is 076- Denizens of Phuket’s karaoke bars, where much of the money ended up, knew ably – take felines. 209244-5. the whole story, he suggested. Steve Lawrence Another service is provided by Matta For many, it’s a credible scenario, accounting for sloppy bookkeeping; for Phuket Vet Clinic on Yaowarat Rd, Phuket City, the video recorder mysteriously turned off; and for why police finally seized a at about 70-100 baht a day, depending on lonely mid-level bureaucrat whose hobby is Buddhist meditation. The Gazette replies, the size and species of the cat. Contact the Be that as it may, the case raises an issue concerning recent governmental The Raksatt Dog Spa in the Central clinic at Tel: 076-237385. re-structuring: should governors be forced to make up losses themselves? It hardly seems fair that they should: “CEO governors”, unlike CEOs in business, have no power to hire and fire. Moreover, no individual, however rich, AMENDMENT can cover government shortfalls, whether arising from corruption or otherwise. Mathew V McEvily, of McEvily & Collins Law Offices wishes to point out the Luckily for the governors, K. Soontorn’s opinion on their ultimate respon- following amendment: sibility isn’t held unanimously. Suree Ratchapolsit, a legal expert at the Interior In Issues & Answers of June 4-10, in “What are the taxes on property?” Ministry’s Legal Office, averred that: “By law, if the court acquits, no one is at I erroneously wrote, “and 10% on interest payment income”. The phrase should fault … and no one is responsible for the missing 2.05 million baht.” have read, “and 10% on dividend payment income”. So where does the buck stop? Nobody knows. 22 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES June 25 - July 1, 2005

ON THE MOVE

Swiss national Claude Singaporean June Seah, Wichai Phusakulkajorn, Sauter has been ap- has been appointed 47, from Songkhla, has pointed Resident Man- Marketing & Communi- been appointed Chief of ager of the Cape Panwa cations Manager for the the Phuket Provincial Hotel. A Hotel Manage- Hilton Sanya Resort and Rural Roads Office. ment graduate from Spa on Hainan Island, K. Wichai has a master’s L’Ecole Hotelier in China. Ms Seah spent degree from the School of Geneva, Mr Sauter has five years as PR and Public Administration at more than 18 years’ Events Manager at the the National Institute of experience in the hospi- Blue Canyon Country Development Administra- tality industry, including Club, followed by a spell tion and a degree in being the Resident as Director of Marketing engineering and public Manager at the Impiana Communications at the works from Khon Kaen Phuket Cabana. Sheraton Grande Laguna. University. Keeping in touch through the Net he Internet can be used for everything from connecting computers Twith each other to con- necting bosses to their main of- fices; from connecting local busi- IT’S GOOD TO TALK: Skype (above) makes it easy, and cheap, nesses and even grandchildren to keep in touch with loved ones abroad, while free tools from with the old ’uns. www.jpegwizard.com (left) make it easy to compress and send Yet what is most important photos over the Net. for most people is using it for staying in touch with friends and era and headphones feature so The most popular com- family. you can be “uptown” and do puter-based solution is Skype Here are some simple ways some pretty impressive video (www.skype.com), and it’s free. to keep loved ones more involved conferencing. It allows your computer to in our lives here in Thailand. Yahoo makes it easy to call another computer and to con- leave messages if your friend is verse using a standard headset Emailing photos: We all know currently offline – they’ll see with a microphone (about 300 how easy it is to connect with Just to give this a little per- your photo file and choose Send your message next time they con- baht at Big C). It’s like MSN and Broadband at amazing speeds spective, on a good dial-up day a To | Compressed (zipped) Folder. nect. Yahoo Chat on steroids, and it’s and send large files to anywhere 300Kb file sends in about five to This compresses the file by about It also has a vast selection easy to install. in the world in just a few sec- 30 minutes; a 15Mb photo, well, 50%, depending on the file type. of Yahoo Groups, excellent The other way is with true onds… right? let’s just say we’ll see you tomor- My favorite is still Photo- places where you can share your VoIP using a dedicated VoIP box Well, maybe not yet in row … and that’s if you can stay shop. First open your image file thoughts and ideas with like- or handset. It connects directly to Phuket. Fear not; in two weeks, connected for that long. in Photoshop and choose File | minded individuals. your broadband without the need I’ll dedicate a column to the real But there are some pretty Save for Web. Then, select JPEG Keep in mind two things. for a computer. story about our cool programs | Medium and set the Image Size First, it’s easy to use up a lot of Check out www.net2phone. local Broadband out there that to around 300 pixels wide. This computer time and Internet speed com, which is terrific if you are or – as some call COMPUTERS compress such will make the photo about half so open an unlimited-use account not a big PC user. It allows you it – Fraudband. By John Seebach files to less than the size of your computer screen. or it’ll cost you a bundle. to pick up the handset and dial There are 15Kb and you On average, Photoshop can Second, it doesn’t work any telephone anywhere and talk some helpful tools when sending don’t lose any noticeable size or reduce a 15Mb file to a measly well with satellite and GPRS for as little as a baht a minute. photos over the Internet. Whether quality. 15Kb. That’s right, to around Internet connections because of If that’s still too expensive, your connection is dial-up The best – but among the 1,000th of its original size with no the delay between sending and you can put a VoIP box in your (ouch!) or Fraudband (eek!), most expensive – is Photoshop, obvious loss in quality, and it receiving data. home and send one to Grandma these tools can save you hours of but you can also check out www. emails in about 15 seconds. in New Zealand and talk forever send time. freegraphics.com and www. If you want a larger image, Internet telephony: Also – for free. Depending on your digital jpegwizard.com. These sites of- try choosing 1,000 pixels wide to known as Voice over Internet Another great use of VoIP camera or scanner settings, an fer inexpensive or even free tools make the image fill your screen. Protocol (VoIP), this is one of my technology is to connect it to your average color photo file can that do a pretty good job. That’ll make Grandma happy! favorites because it can easily home phone line. Then, while range from 300 kilobytes up to One quick tip: in Windows You can even preview the image; knock 80% off of your interna- you’re out and about you can use 15 megabytes in size, or more. Explorer, simply right-click on just click the Browser icon at the tional telephone bill. your mobile phone to call your bottom. No one seems to be sure if home number, and make interna- Remember to save this file it is legal or not, and I’m not here tional calls from the gym or bar under a different name so you to comment on the legalities of using your mobile phone, while don’t lose the original. VoIP, only to relate the technolo- still paying as little as a baht a gies involved. minute. Chatting online: This is a That said, if it isn’t legal, Again, I’m not sure how simple yet effective way to stay then why is CS Loxinfo adver- legal this is, so maybe someone in touch with someone, but don’t tising it on its IP Star site and why wants to contact TOT or CS try this at work – you won’t be is TOT selling VoIP telephones? Loxinfo. Let me know what they popular with the boss. There are two types of say and I’ll be sure to include it The two most popular chat Internet Telephony. One uses in next week’s column. systems are MSN and Yahoo. computers to talk to each other You’ll need to download and in- and the other uses VoIP Tele- John Seebach has over 25 years stall some stuff so go to www. phones (or gateways) to connect consulting experience in manage- msn.com or www.yahoo.com; any standard telephone here to ment information systems and click on “messenger” – it’ll walk any other telephone in the world. business process re-engineering. you through the rest. Both rely on darn good His company, Island Technology, MSN makes it easy to send Internet connections, so keep an serves businesses and individuals pictures while chatting with eye out for the upcoming column throughout Southeast Asia. Email: friends and it has a simple cam- on Broadband vs Fraudband. [email protected]. June 25 - July 1, 2005 B U S I N E S S & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 23 Alcohol retail hours affect tourist sales By Anongnat Sartpisut Wichan Meesen, Manager of Cen- tion makes little difference to individual example, that they can’t buy a bottle of & Sam Wilkinson tral Festival Phuket’s Marketplace, be- consumers. “Some customers buy beer by their favorite wine at 3 pm. They do not lieves the authorities should be more flex- the crate or boxes of wine, but if they want really understand the purpose of this law.” PHUKET: Retailers on the island are di- ible. to buy individual bottles they’re wasting Anong Kra-Ad, Assistant Manager vided over the positive and negative ef- “Many foreign customers and shop- their time. Some customers simply leave of Phuket Tesco-Lotus, sees the situation fects of a recent initiative to curb teenage pers simply do not understand why shops without buying anything when they find differently. K. Anong explained that ini- alcohol abuse, yet they all are able to agree have time restrictions on the sale of alco- that they cannot buy liquor or wine.” tial negative feedback is fading and that, on one thing: foreign visitors do not ap- hol,” he said. He added, “Many tour boats come for locals at least, customers follow the preciate being subjected to the regulated “When people come shopping at 9 to Phuket. When they want to restock be- TV news and are aware of the ban. “Be- hours as well. am they shouldn’t have to wait until 11 fore sailing they arrive in the morning to sides”, she added, “We put a [Thai and The government has restricted the am to buy alcohol. Many customers com- discover that they will not be able to make English] notice in front informing the pub- vending hours for alcohol, permitting the plain to us about this and we explain that the departure time if they stay until 11 am. lic of the times when alcohol is available”. sale of alcohol only between 11 am and 2 we are not above the law.” “If, for example, they have specific She agrees that Tesco-Lotus has lost pm, and 5 pm and 2 am. He said that 80% of the Market- shopping lists of three crates of beer and many regular customers who buy the odd The Phuket Excise Office (PEO) re- place’s customers are foreigners. When three individual, expensive, bottles of bottle or two but feels that it is good to ports that this law is far from new, in fact the outlet opened in September 2004, al- wine, we stand to lose up to 12,000 baht help the younger generation stay away it dates back to the Alcohol Act of 1950. cohol sales quickly reached 50,000 baht a on the lost business. Since January [when from alcohol. Enforcement of the law was recently res- day. After the tsunami, that figure dropped the restrictions were imposed], we’ve been K. Wichan is more pragmatic, sug- urrected as part of the government’s “bet- to 20,000 baht. losing 30,000 baht a day.” gesting that sales clerks check young cus- ter social order” movement. Paradoxically, the same law does not Laurent Bizen of Chalong’s Wine tomers’ ages before selling alcohol to The PEO also released figures show- prohibit shoppers from buying alcohol in Connection is slightly more stoic. “We them. ing that the number of alcohol outlets on bulk – not less than 10 liters of the same haven’t really been affected by the law. He was also plainly irritated that the island has declined, from 7,455 in 2004 drink – during restricted hours of the day. Walk-in customers just come into our smaller shops are not following the rules. to 7,107 outlets this year. There was no This is to allow catering and hospitality shops later. Our busiest hours have “If the government introduces re- accompanying explanation as to whether firms to buy stocks during otherwise re- changed to past 6 pm now.” strictions , they should apply to all shops this was a result of the time restrictions or stricted hours. However, he conceded, “Customers that sell alcohol, not only to shopping cen- post-tsunami effects. However, K. Wichan says the excep- aren’t really happy when we tell them, for ters and larger stores,” he said.

he debate over the fixed- exchange rate of the yuan, the Chinese cur- China holds fast to US$ linkage Trency, has been going on for some time. Two years ago there was in infrastructural spending on a Widespread drought has had an that expensive. In any event, no speculation that China would in- vast scale. impact on agricultural exports one is predicting any major troduce at least an element of A large percentage of goods and this, combined with the in- movement in the baht. flexibility into its tight link to the exported from China are actually crease in the cost of energy im- There is also a very easy US dollar. It did not happen then, made by foreign companies op- ports and the drop in tourism re- way to attract more long-term nor has anything changed since, erating there, and there is often ceipts, has led to pressure on the foreign capital without any in- despite pressure from a number mention of the importance of the current account. crease in Thailand’s indebted- of countries for this to occur. American and European markets This has caused some glo- ness: allowing foreigners to own The Chinese authorities to Japanese manufacturers. bal financial institutions to pre- land in Thailand in their own bluntly refuse to be swayed and MONEY However, China became dict a depreciation of the baht. JP names. have broadly hinted that the more Japan’s largest trading partner in Morgan, for example, has stated I often meet people who pressure that is applied, the more TALKS 2004 and this will almost cer- that this is its view. would like to buy property here, they will resist and delay any tainly increase in overall percent- Some readers may incor- but who are not interested in 30- change. By Richard Watson age terms as time passes. rectly assume that such a conclu- year leases, condominiums or Underlying the Chinese at- Chinese officials stated ear- sion was arrived at by currency forming companies. titude are a number of domestic ating, these “smokestack” facto- lier this year that they intend to analysts in New York who would They simply want to buy a political and economic concerns. ries require almost continual and liberalize their currency regime. find locating Thailand on a map property for holiday or retire- China is not a democracy generally massive government They added, however, that they difficult. ment, but – factoring in all the and any non-democratic govern- cash injections. will not do so under pressure and The reality is that JP Mor- current restrictions – decide to do ment will ultimately rule with Governments usually try to that they intend to make the gan, mainly through its owner- otherwise. cast-iron authority. It has, after dispose of these plants as soon changes at the most unexpected ship of Jardine Fleming, has a all, an image to maintain with its as possible, although privatizing moment, in order to prevent cur- significant presence in Thailand Richard Watson runs Global Port- own population. most of them is not an option. rency speculation on a very short- as an asset manager. folios Co Ltd, a Phuket-based per- The Soviet Union, when This is because they have no real term but massive scale. Two factors may limit the sonal financial planning service. Mikhail Gorbachev came to market value; industrial com- The Chinese government is extent of any currency downturn. He can be reached at Tel and Fax: power, embarked on a series of plexes, for example, have equip- also fearful of making any mis- First, the Bank of Thailand has 076-381997, Mobile: 01-081- reforms – including glasnost and ment that is so outdated and in- takes during any currency alter- significant foreign reserves to 4611. Email: [email protected]. perestroika – which Gorbachev efficient as to be commercially ation. The country’s rulers do not help limit downward currency rapidly found uncontrollable. useless. want to lose face, which could movements. China has embarked on re- The other great problem the also mean a loss of their domes- Second, Thailand can al- forms but has militated them to Chinese government faces is ur- tic standing. ways borrow foreign currency the economy. We now see a total ban drift – people are moving through the bond market. Thai- contradiction, an avowedly com- from the countryside to the cit- Toughing it out? Thailand is land’s credit rating is investment- munist country embracing free ies in search of a better standard finding 2005 a challenging year. grade, and borrowing will not be enterprise. of living. It is thought that the What this means is that a number of people involved in this VITAL STATISTICS: communist government has open- migration in China may exceed OVERALL ROOM OCCUPANCY REMAINS LOW ly concluded that Marxist eco- the population of Western Eu- nomic principles were hogwash rope. Room occupancy in 10 of Phuket’s five-star hotels, and has done an about-face. The Chinese government from May 1-31, 2005. However, it is not possible may have been forced to accept to change that direction com- economic reality, but the last Total number of rooms in the 10 hotels 2,893 pletely without massive unem- thing it wants to do is lose power. Total number of rooms occupied 938 ployment that even a booming It wants the best of both worlds. private sector could not immedi- Fortunately for China, the Percentage of rooms occupied 32.60% ately absorb. advanced countries in the world This is particularly true in have realized that China has great Lowest average occupancy rate of one hotel 14.55% the state-owned heavy manufac- potential as an economic power. turing sector, which tends to be In time, as domestic pros- Highest average occupancy rate of one hotel 78.76% completely inefficient while at perity increases, it offers the Average price per room 2,736.70 baht the same time employing a great prospect of a gigantic consumer (US$66.82) number of people. market. It may also offer foreign In order to continue oper- investors the ability to take part Source: Gazette Research 24 PHUKET GAZETTE June 25 - July 1, 2005 June 25 - July 1, 2005 SP O R T S PHUKET GAZETTE 25 ‘Phuket’ car comes fourth in class in Le Mans debut By Andy Johnstone Racing in daytime tem- peratures well above 30ºC, the FRANCE: Helping to promote Courage C65 led its class until Phuket, the Kruse Motorsport a broken chassis frame followed Courage C65, driven by locally- by a broken brake pipe kept the based property developer Ian car in the pits for a costly 50 Mitchell and fellow drivers Tim minutes. Mullen and Phil Bennet, came “That dropped us down to fourth in its class in its debut in seventh place although we work- the famed Le Mans 24 Hours race ed our way back up to fourth,” on June 18-19. said Mitchell. The Kruse Motorsport crew photographed after scrutineering, just before the start of the 24-hour Speaking to the Gazette just “And then we had the en- race. The three drivers are in the white overalls. hours after the race ended, a tired gine problems … But [our plac- Mitchell – Kruse Motorsport’s ing] is not bad when you consider 13.64-kilometer circuit, covering for Phuket, especially with the the tsunami was. Can you believe Team Director and the Project that we formed Kruse Motorsport some 3,655 kilometers. media and on the pit walkabout that?” Director of Phuket’s Paradise [just] six months ago. According to the official day when there were thousands Mitchell said that he be- Bay Marina – said that mechani- “After all, there were guys figures from the ACO (Automo- of people walking up and down, lieves that the team was success- cal problems had prevented him who have been driving for 20 bile Club l’Ouest) Le Mans asking us questions about Phuket ful in getting the message across and his co-drivers from finishing years who didn’t even finish. We website, Mitchell and his co-driv- and how things are now. that Phuket is open and ready for higher up the standings in the were quite lucky,” said a cheer- ers completed their fastest lap in “We were selling [Kruse business, so much so that he sold LMP2 category. ful Mitchell. 3 minutes 54.684 seconds, which Motorsport] merchandise on be- three Paradise Bay villas while “We analyzed the [engine] Fourteen LMP2 cars began was faster than many of the cars half of tsunami charities, but ran at Le Mans. telemetry in the latter part of the the race, but nine were unable to in the larger-engined LMP1 and out of supplies in about two Kruse Motorsport is next race and determined that the en- complete the gruelling event. GT classes. hours, unfortunately.” set to compete in the Le Mans gine was deteriorating, so we had Overall, just 28 cars out of 50 However, for Mitchell and At the same time, some Endurance Series 1,000km race to go off the pace,” said Mitchell. starters completed the full 24 the rest of the team, there was people attending the race had at the Autodromo Nazionale “It was a shame, because hours. more to the race than going fast never even heard about the Asian Monza on July 10 before tackling we were on track for a second or The Kruse Motorsport en- or finishing. tsunami. “I was amazed by how Germany’s Nürburgring on Au- third place.” try completed 268 laps of the “We got a lot of coverage many people were asking us what gust 14. Thai youngsters VOLLEY GOOD get Oz training RAWAI: Beach volleyball play- team of John Zagan of Germany ers from Phuket and around the and his partner Michael Tro- PHUKET CITY: Twenty Thai world faced off at the second an- cherie of France. youngsters have been training nual Phuket Invitational Beach Mina Krapenok and Rapee- with Australian Gold Coast teen- Volleyball Tournament held on pan Whitley of Phuket, who had agers under a well-known tennis June 11 and 12. been seeded first, won the wo- coach at the Phuket City tennis Altogether, 16 men and six men’s event. courts. women, from as far away as Cali- The organizers are already Coach Bruno Leon, who fornia, Hawaii and Japan, took planning the third annual tourna- oversees the program, told the part in the competition, which ment for June next year. The en- Gazette that he believes Phuket was held at a private home at try fee of 1,000 baht will go to- has a lot of potential tennis stars. Rawai Beach. ward paying for equipment He added, “Thai tennis The first day’s matches rental, T-shirts for competitors players are very good, and will were played in a round-robin for- and food and drinks. get better in the future.” mat, to establish seeding for the For more information con- The Gold Coast has tradi- doubles elimination tournament tact Bob Selznick at Tel: 076- tionally been a source of top Aus- on the 12th. 289289 or by email to: tralian players and the area has The winners of the men’s phuketbeachvolleyball@hotmail. supplied many members of the event were the fourth-seeded com Phuket’s Nee Pheongkong (foreground) and Gung Sittirach. Australian national squad. Leon added that nine of his Gold Coast players will attend two tournaments in Thailand; the Toyota LTAT from June 25 to 28 and the Yonex tournament July 2and 3. Offshore win league PATONG: With one round still to go, Offshore, on 53 points, clinched the current Patong Darts League on June 14 with a nar- row win over Didi’s, while Queen Mary, in a convincing vic- tory over Piccadilly, cemented their second place. Shakers, seven points ahead of Didi’s, came third. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE GOOD LIVING June 25 - July 1, 2005 Koreans Nabbed With Animal Parts Choosing the best – Phuket Gazette, June 1995 ket Town, had numerous parts of animals that were due to be sold On April 26, Pol Maj Tharin as ingredients for Chinese and Chantratrip arrested Chan Boom, Korean traditional medicines. … and avoiding the rest 37, and Marcho Yong, 40, both Some of the evidence col- from Korea. They were appre- lected included 42 packs of ost wine lovers pre- vintages as recent imports are hended for working without work chopped deer horns, uncut deer fer to visit restau- often more expensive due to permits. horns, and deer and tiger penises. rants where staff are higher duty and tax. Phuket res- After the arrests, Police dis- W I N E All of these products are highly- knowledgeable taurants, especially hotel restau- covered that their shop, the Zoojo sought after in the production of M about wine. It is easy to put one- rants, tend to rely on unsophisti- Shop, 22/39 Vanich Plaza, Phu- ancient Asian “prescriptions”. self in the hands of someone with cated costing formulas to price demonstrated knowledge, the wines and seldom reprice older ability to track down superb wines to current market value. Of Hitmen’s alleged hirer surrenders wines, the conscientiousness to course, one must investigate the – Phuket Gazette, She told them to telephone handle and store them properly, wine’s condition and be certain June 15-30, 2000 her the following day, then and the ability to serve them with the vintage is not too old, al- alerted the police who duly ar- refinement. though older vintages usually of- A man who is alleged to have rested the trio. This led to the Trust is absent, however, fer the best buys. hired three hitmen in March to subsequent arrest of Saman. when visiting restaurants lacking Make sure the space be- kill a 77-year-old Pol Maj these credentials and the dilem- tween the cork and the wine is ma for wine lovers is that they By Steven not excessive and look for any woman, surren- HE IME Amnuoy Krai- dered to police on T T wootthinan of cannot always choose which res- Roberto telltale stickiness caused by ex- May 24. Phuket Town Po- taurants they patronize. So how posure to heat. If the bottle looks As reported machine lice Station said does one assess wine at unfamil- possible to improve your odds of okay, go ahead and take a chance. earlier in the Ga- that Saman alleg- iar restaurants? unearthing good wine value. However, if the wine is spoiled, zette, the three hit- News from the past ed under question- Whenever possible, try to First, avoid the house wines; say so. But remember not to push men, Somporn ing that the person drop in on and review the wine most are unimaginative, dreary your value quest too far. If noth- Paotong, Wannarat Kamsoot, and behind the intended hit was 67- list with the staff before dining and predictable wines designed ing is wrong with the wine but Soontorn Siripan, were first con- year-old Somnuek Rachai from there. Ask to see the cellar. If the to maximize profits, not enjoy- you don’t like it that is certainly tacted by Saman Jarnjit, a guard Samkong, also known as Goh staff cannot answer basic ques- ment. Instead, scan the list for not the restaurant’s fault. at a prawn farm, who hired them Kao. tions or if the cellar is grubby, wines that are either completely There are occasional great to kill the woman, Siwhoon Sae- An arrest warrant was is- don’t buy wine at that restaurant. unfamiliar or that are personal buys in unnoticed restaurants but Ong, who is a major landowner sued for Somnuek, who finally It’s too costly in Thailand to take favorites. you need good luck to find them. in Baan Samkong. reported to the police station. a chance on being disappointed. When it comes to unfamil- With a little calculated delibera- The hitmen apparently got Maj Amnuoy said that Instead, inquire about the iar wines, look for one similar to tion before placing your bet you cold feet and, instead of killing Somnuek denied all the accusa- corkage fee and ask permission what you know and already en- can improve the odds of finding K. Siwhoon, tried to get her to tions and was released on bail of to bring your own wine. A typi- joy. Avoid wines from places wines in new places that delight pay them 25,000 baht to leave her 200,000 baht. Investigations will cal corkage fee is 400 – 600 baht with significant quality variabil- rather than causing regret. alone. continue, the major added. so you should bring something ity like Burgundy, the Rhône, special that makes it worthwhile. Germany, South Africa and Steven Roberto is a winemaker But remember, it is poor manners Chile. Instead, look to the reli- and restaurant consultant from and potentially embarrassing to able climate and wine quality of California. He is the Managing arrive spontaneously with one’s New Zealand, Australia, Califor- Director of enVision Phuket, a own wine. nia and Spain. Phuket-based wine importer and On the other hand, if the For the familiar, carefully consultant. Email: stevenroberto restaurant seems promising, it is note the vintage. Look for older @lycos.com. Phuket Diary

July 1 • 3 pm-7 pm Canadian BBQ July 22 Canada Day celebrations at the “The Oasis”. Vassupanayika Deevana Patong Resort & Spa. • 7 pm-1 am Canada Day contin- (Start of Buddhist Lent) BBQ, wine tasting, pizza, drink ued at Hi’Pub. Following Vassupanayika, specials, pétanque tourney, bad- For details, Contact: Mar- monks are obliged to remain in a minton, ping-pong, billiards, pool shall at Tel: 04-8429640 or Dar- certain place, preferably a mon- activities, prizes for 200 baht a ren at Tel: 09-6472266. astery, for a period of three person. Activities include: months from the day after Asar- • Pétanque tourney 3:30 pm. July 21 nha Bucha Day. This, too, is a • Oasis leisure area opens 10 am- Asarnha Bucha Day public holiday. 7 pm. This commemorates the first oc- casion when the Buddha, his August 12 teachings and five disciples were Birthday of HM Queen present together after his enlight- Sirikit enment. It is a public holiday, so Also observed by Thais as Moth- banks and most government of- er’s Day, this is a public holiday. fices will be shut. Most government offices close.

View Thailand’s LARGEST portfolio of Classified Ads – nearly 3,500 of them – and place your ad for FREE! See the Phuket Gazette Online at www.phuketgazette.net June 25 - July 1, 2005 GOOD LIVING PHUKET GAZETTE 27 Guestchef By Jenna Wise

oku Japanese restau- rant was opened in 2002 by Titipong KChookajorn when he saw that good Japanese cuisine wasn’t commonly available in Phuket. K. Titipong, who lived in Japan for five years and runs a seafood business, recognized the importance of serving a high standard of Japanese food here in Phuket. Koku is popular with Japa- nese customers as well as other foreigners and, of course, Thais. Head chef at Koku is Wit- taya Wongsaita, who learned the art of Japanese food preparation while working at Kinkaku Japa- nese restaurant in Bangkok. To further enhance the Japanese atmosphere, Yukari Hatano started working at Koku two months ago as manageress. She is from Tokyo where she worked at both the Imperial TEMPTING TRIO: Above, Tebagyoza (Stuffed Hotel and Chinzanso restaurant. Chicken Wings); Above right, Hiyashi After she married, Yukari came Wakame (Fresh Seaweed); Right, Gin Dara to live in Phuket five years ago Shiyoyaki (Snowfish grilled with salt). with her Thai husband. She speaks both Thai and English. “I recommend that people who are not so familiar with Japanese food order set meals, as these are a good way of sampling a selection of dishes,” says Yukari. These are available from a very reasonable 165 baht, includ- ing the traditional miso soup. Whereas some Japanese SimplySimply JapaneseJapanese specialties, such as sushi, are challenging to prepare, many oth- A sprig of parsley; together and marinate overnight. 1 teaspoon Shoyu soy sauce; mixing the remaining ingredients ers are not. Sea salt. Serve with a decoration of rad- Salt and pepper to taste; except the salad and sauce. K. Wittaya has given three ish tops. ½ teaspoon sesame oil; Cut sideways through the recipes that are both simple and Method A small side salad. chicken wing to make a hole big stylish. Recommended choices of Lightly press the fish fillet into Tebagyoza enough push some stuffing into accompanying beverages are the sea salt on both sides. Grill (Stuffed Chicken Wings) For the accompanying sauce: the wing, then and close. Secure saké or green tea. under medium heat for five min- 5 tablespoons Shoyu soy sauce; firmly with toothpicks and grill To obtain Japanese food utes on each side. Decorate with Ingredient 4 tablespoons regular rice vin- for about 20 minutes under me- products, contact Andaman Sea the other ingredients and serve. Per person egar; dium heat, turning occasionally. Product Co at Tel: 076-236603 3 chicken wings, boned; 2 tablespoons Mirin rice vinegar; Serve with the side salad or 076-224864. Hiyashi Wakame 50g minced pork; 1 tablespoon sesame oil. and a small dish of sauce. Koku seats about 40 peo- (Fresh Seaweed) 1 cup very finely chopped cab- ple, and is always busy at lunch- bage; Method Koku Japanese Restaurant, 75/2 time and on Friday and Saturday Ingredients 2 tablespoons finely chopped Blend the sauce ingredients to- Phuket Garden Villa, Moo 6, evenings. Booking is recom- Per person kuichai (Chinese spring on- gether before preparing the Thepkrasattri Road, Phuket City, mended for those times. 100gm fresh Japanese seaweed ions); chicken. Make the stuffing by 83000. Tel: 076-352027/8. (wakame); Gin Dara Shiyoyaki 1 small teaspoon shrimp eggs; (Snowfish grilled with salt) 1 small teaspoon sesame seeds; A small handful Japanese radish Ingredients tops; Per person 1 tablespoon Mirin rice vinegar; 1 snowfish fillet, about 150gm; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Small handful of very finely 1 small pinch of sugar; grated radish; 1 small pinch of salt; ¼ fresh lime; Method Small handful of fresh Japanese To prepare this salad, mix all the radish tops (or large cress); ingredients except the radish tops 28 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY June 25 - July 1, 2005

Construction Update

The unspoiled beauty of the northern and Karon to eastern parts of Phuket is attracting more KARON: A lifestyle condo- and more people – minium, Baan Paradise, compris- and developers. ing 46 units worth a total value of about 330 million baht will be Not only is the completed in Karon by March scenery attractive 2007. but many of the The Presidents of developer new developments Priority Village Ltd, Steffan are also closer to Liback and Jonas Broberg, along Phuket City, the with Managing Director Markus shopping centers Sandqvist, talked about the pro- and other desirable ject. facilities than their Mr Sandqvist told the Ga- counterparts on zette, “The reason we are build- the more ing Baan Paradise at this location expensive west coast. is that we love it, and it’s what we would choose for ourselves. “It’s close to the beach and, because we’ve lived here for many years, we know what people from Europe usually want and that’s a perfect location.” Mr Broberg added, “We called it Baan Paradise because everyone wants to live in para- he east coast of Phuket dise. In my opinion, I wouldn’t is being vaunted as the want to stay in Patong because future of Phuket devel- it’s too intense. It’s very good for Topment. The fact is that partying – the No 1 partying it has to be. The south and the place, in fact – but property in west coasts have been develop- East is east, Kata and Karon is more upmar- ing for 15 years, so now it has to ket than Patong. be the north and the east. “Still, it’s only about 15 Even though it’s a “new” minutes to Patong. Kata and Ka- area, the east coast is actually not ron beaches are, in my view, are a bad spot. There is some spec- the best beaches in Phuket.” tacular scenery and several de- There will be two types of velopments have done well, such west is west apartment. Type A, of which as East Coast Villas, which has there will be 16, are two-story proven that there is a market for schools, hospitals, marinas and Yamu, a three-stage project of apartments of 88 square meters those who don’t want to spend LARGER the like. large executive-style villas and up to 89.5sqm. Prices range from too much money on a holiday THAN Each to his own. I myself smaller courtyard villas, will be 4.3 million baht to 4.9 million pad. am ocasionally partial to the lure located overlooking both sides of baht. Cape Yamu, the first large LIFE By Graham Doven of bright lights, cold beer and the the cape. Type B, of which there will area to be developed, is already “rhythm of the night”, as the song Further on past Cape Yamu, be 24 units, are three-story apart- seeing five major projects on the goes. The beach you can keep; have a drive around the north- ments ranging from 106sqm to go. This is the cape that extends than the more developed west- it’s okay if you can sit in a small east corner of the island. The best 123.5sqm. Prices are from 6.4 out between Sapam Bay, where coast areas. restaurant with a cold beer and way to go is to head out towards million baht to 6.8 million baht. the Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina I guess it’s a question of look at it. Ao Por and turn left at the sign There will be six penthouse entrance is located, and Ao Por, priorities. Some consider that In any case, even if you live that says “The Estate”. That’s the units above the type B apart- where there will be another new proximity to the beach is more on the east coast, it only takes 15 turn just before East Coast Vil- ments, each with 364sqm of liv- marina. important than, say, shopping or 20 minutes to drive to a west las. ing space, with prices starting at The interesting thing about centers or golf courses. coast beach if you really need one. Follow that road and you’ll 16 million baht. The penthouses Cape Yamu is that, apart from Others definitely see the Cape Yamu is about to be- see some of the most spectacular will feature Jacuzzis and a sala being a pretty spectacular area, bright lights and delights of come a very high-end area. views of Phang Nga Bay and the as well as “an unbeatable sea it’s actually closer to Phuket’s Patong nightlife as much more Projects such as the Cape Yamu top of the island. Don’t bother view”. main infrastructure and facilities essential than shopping centers, project itself and Grove Gardens about the fact that the road looks The apartments come un- have already been written about. a bit unused; keep going, its furnished but fully equipped. The developers of Baan worth it. Customers can also order their Nern Khao, now known as Para- And if you’ve met some- own particular interior design dise Heights, are building a ma- body who says Phuket is already according to their tastes. rina on the north side of the cape overdeveloped, then take them on Other facilities and services and the newest project, Baan that drive. will include a clubhouse, a res- June 25 - July 1, 2005 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 29

by Mayo Kishimoto become new Paradise

Above: Work continues at Baan Paradise in Karon. STRIKE A POSE (Inset): The management team of Baan Paradise developer Priority Village Ltd – from left, Co-President Jonas Broberg, Head Designer Janne Rasimus, Co-President Steffan Liback and Managing Director Markus Sandqvist. taurant, a bar with pool table, a gym and a spa. A large swimming pool sur- rounds the club house in the cen- ter of the project. The apartments, in turn, surround the pool. The project is located less than 10 minutes’ walk from shops, bars, restau- rants and the beach. All power cables are under- ground and there will be Internet and cable TV connections, a house cleaning and laundry ser- vice, and 24-hour security. Mr Sandqvist explained that, with prices ranging from about 5 million to 16 million baht, Baan Paradise’s target cus- tomers are in the “middle range”. Mr Liback said, “Our A computer-generated perspective shows what the central water project is quite different from feature of Baan Paradise will look like. others. From my own experience, maintenance ourselves and if and construction is 10% com- I know it’s hard to find residen- customers are satisfied, we can plete. tial projects that offer full hotel continue, or we can bring in a facilities.” management company.” For more information call Tel: Mr Sandqvist added, “For Ten units at Baan Paradise 076-396579 or visit the website: the first year we will take care of have already been already sold www.priorityvillage.com

Find more Recruitment Classifieds at www.phuketgazette.net! 30 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY June 25 - July 1, 2005

Home of the Week Rawai Luxury hideaway

his well-presented two- have eye-catching en-suite bath- bedroom, two-bathroom rooms and, like the living areas, home is in the Andaman face onto a large swimming pool TPlace estate, in a quiet and terraces. There is also a and well-maintained area of sauna and alfresco bathroom by Rawai. the pool. Bordered by homes of Traditional glazed roof equal standard, the house has tiles, timber, granite, top qual- typical Thai styling but a contem- ity ceramics and sanitaryware, a porary interior. cool modern color scheme in Entry to the home, secluded soft earth tones, and Roman behind a high wall and an el- blinds have all been stylishly egant, embellished front gate, is combined to create a remarkable via a small wooden bridge that property. crosses a series of ponds, which Other features include fans have striking water features. and air conditioning, a home se- The open-plan living and curity system, cable/UBC TV, The entrance to the secluded home is via an embellished front gate and over a small wooden dining areas have high, stepped two telephone lines, hot water bridge (above). The home has several water features (below). The interior is cool and comfortable ceilings and a touch of the East systems and water filtration, and (below left) about the décor. The Western- a garage. style kitchen has top-of-the-range Built only 12 months ago, appliances and fixtures, includ- this home is priced at 12 million ing imported granite work sur- baht. The land title is Chanote. faces. A guest bathroom and laun- Contact: Richard Lusted, Siam dry room are adjacent, and there Real Estate at Tel: 076-288908, is also a study-cum-office. Web: www.siamrealestate.com or The two bedrooms both Email: [email protected] June 25 - July 1, 2005 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 31

Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert

am a fan of silly names. Who can ever forget the im- mortal Dicky Bird, the En- Iglish cricket umpire? He could quite easily have chosen to call himself Richard, but obvi- Gloriously yucky ously decided not to. Then there’s another Rich- ard, the coach for the American process, if that isn’t too much version of rugby (the one where information. they wear all that padding). He If I were not a man of “regu- was saddled at birth with the lar” habits, I’m not convinced name “Dick Buttkiss”. Well it’s that I would want to ingest any spelled “Butkus”, but even he of it, though. says “Buttkiss”, apparently. This is a plant that demands How about the timeless full sun, so should be stuck right double-entendres in Captain in the middle of the garden. Pugwash, the 1970s children’s Given its psychopathic tenden- cartoon that ran for several years cies, it’s probably best to keep it before somebody twigged. Were away from paths. I a little braver, I’d list their It has average water re- names here and imagine your quirements so water it regularly, childish sniggers. But I’m not, so but don’t overdo it. I won’t. There are a couple of ways Bart Simpson has a lot to you can propagate the yucca answer for, too. For anyone that gloriosa: you can divide the un- has never seen The Simpsons, derground rhizomes or tubers, by he’s a feisty young lad to say the just snapping them apart, or you least. can collect the seeds that appear His idea of fun is to call the every now and then. local bar and ask if “Al Kaholic” Allow the pods to dry on is there, then sit back as the name the plant, and then break them is broadcast around the bar. open to collect the seeds. He’s asked for some clas- If for some bizarre reason sic “patrons” – Oliver Clothezoff, you decide to use the alleged I P Freely, Jacques Strap, Mike medicinal properties of this plant, NASTY, BRUTISH, BUT NOT SHORT: The long leaves of Rotch, Hugh Jass, Ivana Tinkle, don’t use the leaves whole. the yucca gloriosa have sharp edges that can slice through If you do, you’ll find that Anita Bath, and Heywood U skin, and can cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Cuddelmee have all been re- everything will itch, and the pain quested over the years. on exit will be a lot worse that They never seem to be This one has to have been While transplanting one of tains vitamins A, B complex, C, when it went in. there, funnily enough. named by some bored drunken these to a new pot a few years as well as calcium, potassium, Ouch. Anyone would think that all botanist after he’d staggered ago, I was scratched in the most phosphorus, iron, manganese and I’ve done during my time on this home from the gin house. unlikely of places. The scratches copper. planet is watch cartoons and Anyway, the yucca gloriosa itched for days. Yuccas contain steroid sa- chortle at anything that resembles is also known as the Spanish dag- Typically, the yucca glori- ponins, whatever those are [Glu- a daft name. I suppose I probably ger, or chii-hup in Thai. It has a osa is around a meter tall (about cosides that lather when agitated have, come to think of it. bit of a mean disposition, really. the length of the longest leaves), in water. They are used commer- The plant world has its own Over the eons, evolution although in theory older ex- cially in detergent manufacturing, fair share of daftness when it has given it some of the most amples can grow up to a couple and may also help to control cho- comes to plant names, too. The spiteful leaves in the plant world. of meters. I don’t think I’ve ever lesterol – Editor], which give it most unlikely name of all has to Growing outward from a seen one that big in Phuket, strong healing properties. be the yucca gloriosa. central stem, close to the ground, though. Native Americans used the Presumably, it dates back to these leaves have an edge to them Like other members of the yucca to treat external wounds, the days when nobody knew what like a row of shark’s teeth – small yucca family, such as the dra- and also as dandruff shampoo. anything was called, and they ones, that is – and they are nasty caena or the yucca houseplant my Today yucca is used to create the made it up as they went along. and brutish although generally mother has in England, it’s na- foam in many kinds of Root Beer not short. tive to the southern regions of soft drinks. Want to know more Brush one of these in the North America, northern Mexico The plant can also be taken about a plant wrong direction, and you’ll walk and the West Indies. as a tea, or in tablet or capsule in your garden? away bleeding. Apparently, the root of this form. Its main benefit seems to Additionally, as I’ve found herb is used medicinally. It con- be helping the internal digestive Email Bloomin’ Bert at: to my cost in the past, handling [email protected] this plant can cause skin irrita- tion or an allergic reaction. 32 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS June 25 - July 1, 2005 Property Gazette

Properties MISSION HEIGHTS For Sale LAND FOR SALE Fully-serviced building plots (underground 3-phase elec- tric, free water, 8-meter con- crete roads). From 2.25 mil- lion baht; 10% deposit, 18 months to pay. There is no better place to retire. Tel: 01- 3444473, 01-8298101. Please see our website at: www.missionheights.com

VILLA IN NAI HARN Villa, 275sqm living space, 1,000sqm garden, 10mx5m pool, 60,000 baht rental in- come per month until March 2006: 10.75 million baht. Tel: 01-8916143, 07-8896074. KATA LAND PLOTS NAI YANG SEA VIEW LAND Email: norbertfun@hotmail. 900 meters to beach. 1 mil- 1.6 million baht. 1 rai, Cha- for sale. Stunning sea view land SINGLE FAMILY com lion baht. Tel: 01-0918908. note, mountain view: 1.6 for sale, just outside Patong. 16 HOME - SAIYUAN Email: katabeachestate@ million baht. Call Khun Pen. rai NorSor3Gor.Electricity, wa- HOUSE FOR SALE hotmail.com Tel: 01-5376866. ter, road. Ideal for develop- On small, quiet, exclusive es- ment. 4.5 million baht per rai. tate, 5 mins from Phuket City. NAI YANG 43 RAI BESIDE SEA Tel: 01-8913972. Email: 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Eu- Small development of 5 cheap. 2 million baht/rai for [email protected] ropean kitchen, big rooms, 8 x Houses; 2 under construction land beside the sea on east 4-meter pool set in lovely gar- and ready to move in in Au- coast Phuket. Beautiful area LAND, LAND, LAND den: 7.5 million baht. Tel: 076- gust. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- near Mission Hills Golf, 43 rai, Mountain view, sea view, 3 stories, 4 bedrooms, living 200112, 09-7951039. rooms, large living+dining super bargain price if buy all. beachfront, golf course. We room, 5 bathrooms, maid's room, European kitchen, laun- Tel: 06-5950188. Email: have land from 2 rai to 250 rai. room, modern kitchen, party LAND FOR SALE dry, verandah all round, [email protected] Send us your requirements! space on deck and a big gar- 370 talang wah (1,480 sqm): boundry wall, electric gate, Email: phuketnanairealestate den. Near Nai Harn Beach. 3.7 million baht. Rawai, Soi carport, landscaped garden. HIGH QUALITY, @yahoo.com Mountain view. For sale or Saliga. Please calll Tel: 076- Living area: 153sqm, land: low cost. New house for sale, rent. Tel: 01-7872201. Email: BAYVIEW PALMS 288422. 532-740sqm. First house for alongside hills behind Patong, 4 RAI OPPOSITE [email protected] Patong. 6 luxury apartments sale at 7.3 million baht. Tel: convenient to golf courses. Part Boat Lagoon for sale at 15 mil- 076-328424, 01-8953481. with stunning sea views. RAWAI VILLA SALE of small private development. 3 lion baht. Suitable for shophouse BANG TAO BEACH 180sqm, with master bed- Email: golddigger-phuket@ bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en- (can build 50 shophouses), New project with land: 400 hotmail.com 124 sqm & 240 sqm furnished rooms with en-suite bath- sqm, 350 meters from beach. suite), large living room, kitchen/ showroom, mall or office. Tel: apartments 1 min from beach. rooms & whirlpools. Guest Price: 2.6 million baht. Please diner. Courtyard-style veran- 076-239838, 01-8779292. 6.5 million baht and up. Tel: bathroom, spacious lounge, contact for more information. 12 RAI CLOSE TO dah/patio. Approx 140sqm on Fax: 076-239838. Email: 07-8849288. Website: American kitchen, large bal- Tel: 09-4740227. Email: airport. Two road frontages. 340sqm land. Parking area. 3.5 [email protected] www.bangtaobeachgardens. cony, large common gardens [email protected] Priced to sell: 2 million baht per million baht. Tel: 076-321954, com with swimming pool, car rai. Tel: 01-5354546. 04-8439579. Fax: 076-323- STUNNING SEA VIEW 421. Email: somsrijenner@ parking. Prices from 7.5 mil- NAKALAY land. Chalong Bay sea view. 1 RAI – WAT CHALONG CONSTRUCTION lycos.com lion baht. Tel: 07-8893838, Between Patong and Kamala. 2.5km from Chalong Circle 1 rai, sea view from second contractor. Project, pool or 09-2911112. Email: Three-story seaview villa in towards Kata. Road access, floor. In hot-selling area, Cha- house. Professional, good [email protected] prestigious, secure estate. GOLF COURSE LIVING with water and electric. 2 rai note, 4 million baht/rai, road, price, top quality. Call for more Ground floor set up as office. 1-rai fully-serviced lots, ex- plots at 4 million baht/rai (only electricity, water. Tel: 06- info. Tel: 07-2632170. RAWAI TOWNHOUSE Price: 9 million baht. Tel: 01- clusive gated community. 3 plots). With Chanote title. Tel: 5950188. Email: nsupin@ For sale: 1.2 million baht. All- 5354546. Tel: 07-8849288. Email: 076-238776, 01-7371678. yahoo.com new interior, freehold, 140 2 & 4 RAI – B3.8M/RAI [email protected] Fax: 076-239739. Email: sqm, beachfront. Tel: 09- [email protected] RAWAI CONDO Rawai: 2 rai, 4 million baht/rai. SEAVIEW PLOT 4740227. Email: chotip_5@ Also 4 rai, 3.8million baht/rai. LAND FOR SALE Beachfront, sea view, 28sqm. Layan. Spectacular seaview hotmail.com Both in hot-selling area. Pa Khlok, located 6km from STUNNING SEA VIEW For sale: 350,000 baht; foreign plots: 3, 5, and 10 rai. Private Chanote, road, electricity and Heroine’s Monument. 17 rai, 7 rai with Chanote between freehold. Tel: 09-4740227. access, sale by owner. Tel: KOH SAMUI water. Tel: 06-5950188. 900,000 baht a rai. Call Khun Chalong and Central. 2.7 million Email: [email protected] 01-7371688. Email: riding@ Beautiful land for sale. Email: [email protected] Kob. Tel: 09-8731019. baht a rai. Tel: 09-6525664. loxinfo.co.th 4,500sqm on Menam Hill. Views in one direction of Koh PATONG CONDO Pha-ngan and in the other, the Seaview, beachfront, 56 valley and the golf course. 2 sqm, freehold sale: 1.4 million Chanote titles. Tel: 01- baht. 350 meters from beach. 3675416. Email: tseti@ Tel: 09-4740227. Email: loxinfo.co.th [email protected] June 25 - July 1, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 33 Property Gazette

MISSION HILLS 2.4 MILLION BAHT HOUSE IN KATHU HOUSE FOR RENT 1-rai, fully-serviced lots with a rai. For serious buyers. Ex- NEW SINGLE HOUSE 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, House in Kamala Beach with Property view, next to golf course. amples: 5 rai, 2.4 million baht FOR RENT 25,000 baht per month. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Wanted Tel: 07-8849288. Email: per rai, Chanote, between Please call after 3pm or on aircon, furniture, private area. [email protected] Chalong and Rawai; Nai Yang weekends. Tel: 09-5891124. Please call for more details. starting at 2.4 million baht per Tel: 01-4761640. HOUSE FOR RENT EXCLUSIVE LAND rai, walking distance from PATONG STUDIO wanted in Phang Nga Town. East coast sea view & beach- beach; Ao Makham, 3.2 rai Apartment for rent, 350m to TOP VIEW Finnish Red Cross wants to front land for sale. Extremely near beach, starting at 3.4 the beach. 6,000 baht/month. New house for rent. 2 bed- rent 3 houses within 10 km of beautiful. Serious buyers only. million baht per rai. More land Tel: 09-4740227. Email: rooms, 1 bathroom, big bal- the center of Phang Nga. The Call Joe. Tel: 01-6936437, all over the island with title. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, in [email protected] cony, fully furnished. 10 min houses should have a mini- 01-8955070. Tel: 01-5376866. Land and Houses Park from Central. 12,000 baht. mum of 2 bedrooms, living Phuket, near Chalong. Quiet HOUSE FOR RENT Tel: 01-5388276. room, kitchen and 1 bathroom. VILLA LAGUNA AREA LAND FOR SALE area with clubhouse, 24-hour 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, They should be fully furnished, PROPERTIES with TV and UBC. Rental pe- Private, modern Balinese- Good environment, 1 rai, 1.3 security. 15,000 baht per furnished, quiet. Opposite for rent. House for rent long- riod 6-18 months. Please con- style, 5-star quality, 3 and 2 million baht. Call Khun Pasit. month. Tel: 01-5697068. Prangthong Villa. Tel: 09- term, Rawai, big garden, 2 tact Mrs Gee. Tel: 06-942- bedrooms with pool. Rent Tel: 06-6269899. 2075253. bedrooms, aircon, phone, sat- 7412. Email: sprphuket@ from 35,000 baht per month. ellite, furnished: 14,000 baht hotmail.com For sale from 6.9 million baht. HOUSE FOR RENT HOUSE FOR RENT POOL VILLAS per month. Tel: 07-8931630. See our website at: www. Available in Baan Ploenchan 2, Stylish private-pool villas next PROPERTIES WANTED phuketfourvillasresidencies. to Laguna Properties, priced 5km from the Heroines’ Monu- ment, towards Pa Khlok. 2 APARTMENT We have buyers waiting for: com from 8.5 million baht. Only 5 New one-bedroom apartment bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fur- - boutique hotel, up to 60 mins to Layan Beach. Tel: 01- in Patong, with small kitchen, DO YOU LOVE GOLF? 5711009, 06-6825156. Fax: nished, aircon, parking area. rooms. 65sqm of living area. 21,000 refrigerator, fully furnished, Eu- Do you want to live on the 076-254969. Email: info@ ropean-style. Balcony, aircon, - any hotel with sea views. lovely Phuket Country Club twovillas.com For details, baht per month with 2 months - 10 rai land parcel, up to 2.5 deposit. Contact Khun Paew TV, tel, fan, hot water, 1 bath- Golf Course in Kathu? We are please see our website at: City area in Phuket Villa 1. 4 room. For long-term rent: million baht per rai building 3 detached villas and www.twovillas.com for more details. Tel: 01-639- bedrooms with aircon, tennis 2430. 8,000 baht per month. Tel: 04- Contact: Phuket One Real are pre-selling now! You can court and swimming pool in 8450541. Estate Tel: 076-290550, 09- choose the design and interiors! NEW HOUSE the housing estate. Tel: 09- 2 BEDROOMS 2889317. For details, call Rudi Tel: 01- for sale. 2 bedrooms, one 9290776. MOUNTAIN TOP 110sqm apartment in Patong, 9241447. Email: mail@ storey, nice spa garden with sea view house. Available with 10sqm balcony. Large LAND WANTED villa.co.th. Website: www. balcony, Land 106.5 sq wah. from September! Currently KAMALA RENT/SALE sunken living/dining room, two four rai. Approximately four houseandvillasalesphuket.com Price: 5.5 million baht. Tel: 01- booked. 4-5 bedroom home 3 bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms, bedrooms. Fully built-in rai of land wanted at the 8924735. Email: noksk@ with spectacular, wide-open pool, complete walled-in ga- kitchen, storeroom, European north end of the island. Con- 1 RAI, CHALONG PIER samart.co.th rage, aircon. Rent 35,000 sea views. Guesthouse w/ tact by e-mail only, Email: 1 rai, 300 meters to Chalong standard. All aircon, Tel, UBC private entrance. Sundecks. baht, sell 5.8 million baht. Tel: etc: 20,000 baht. Long-term info.x@thecourtyard-phuket. Pier and beach. Chanote, 3m-deep pool. Book for the NEW HOUSE 076-385940, 01-0904213. preferred. Tel: 01-0833071. com water, electricity; perfect for for sale. Nai Harn Beach. 2 high season now! Email: about 20 apartments or 1 [email protected] bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Area BUNGALOW HOUSE IN KATHU HOUSE IN KARON nice home. Walking distance 200 sqm. 2.5 million baht. Tel: for rent. Fully furnished, 3 1.5-story house, 2 bedrooms, NEW FURNISHED Looking for a 2 bedroom to everything, restaurants 06-7406156. bedrooms, aircon, tel line, 2 bathrooms, 2 aircons, 1 big 2-story townhouse in Patong house in Karon from Novem- and businesses. 4.5 million prime location. Chalong area. living room, 50% discount. for rent or sale. Fully furnished ber 1, 2005 to April 25, baht/rai. Tel: 06-5950188. PHUKET SEA VIEW 25,000 baht/month. Call for Tel: 09-6459527. with 2 aircon bedrooms, large 2006. Would be great if it is Email: [email protected] apartments. Apartments for more info. Tel: 01-6064279. living room, kitchen. Opposite near Luang Por Chuan Rd. sale in Karon and Patong; new RAWAI APARTMENT About 6,000 to 7,000 baht/ ONE-BED BOAT LAGOON Govt Savings Bank. Tel: 01- developments starting at 3.9 For rent, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- 9684081. Email: tamonwan_ month. Please send mail if apartment. Aircon/fans, bal- million baht. Also Cape Panwa rental. 2 bedroom apartment rooms, terrace, swimming [email protected] you can help. Email: cony, pool, parking, views sea-view development land for at Boat Lagoon for long-term pool. Tel: 01-6067410. [email protected] over Kata to sea. Pics avail- sale (30rai) at 5.5 million baht/ rental. Newly-fitted kitchen PATONG APARTMENTS able. 3.3 million baht. 70sqm and aircon throughout. Handy rai. Fax: 44-2076 8122. Email: HOUSE FOR RENT Clean, comfortable, aircon, TV, CONDO WANTED total. Tel: 076-333244, 09- for Central and Dulwich Col- [email protected] or sale. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- big fridge, pool, parking. Tel: I would like to buy a condo 9091917. Email: porterat@ lege. Call Don at Tel: 01-833- For further details, please see rooms, minimum furniture, tele- 01-0825707. Please see our apartment of about 50sqm phuket.ksc.co.th 7836 or Email: barkwill@ our website at: www. phone line, quiet location. Tel: website at: www.phuket- with security and services. phuketproperty.co.uk tm.net.my 06-2807850, 06-9525164. Email: [email protected] 2 RAI OF LAND accommodation.info in Rawai, near Phuket Sea DULWICH HOUSE Shell. Chanote title; 200 Properties with pool. 3-bedroom house meters from the main road. For Rent with 16 x 25 sqm pool in luxu- Classified Advertisements 3 million baht per rai. Tel: 01- rious private community 6939571. (Grace Garden). For rent at Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. NEW HOUSE 60,000 baht a month. Rent Then hand it to any of our agents. LAND AT CAPE YAMU Brand-new furnished villa near includes 24-hour security guard, garden and pool main- 3.5 rai, sea view, road ac- Chalong Circle. 2 bedrooms, 2 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) cess, gradual elevation. 9 mil- bathrooms, large living area, tenance. Please contact for lion baht. Please contact for Western kitchen, aircon and more information. Tel: 076- more information. Tel: 01- carport. Looking for careful 239838, 01-8779292. Fax: |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| 8944582. Email: gareth@ long-term tenant. Tel: 076- 076-239838. Email: yachtsolutions.net 280466. [email protected] |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Agents for Classified Advertising |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| PHUKET |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| K.L. Mart Patak Rd, Chalong Tel: 076-280400/3 NAVA Language School |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-232398/9 Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 80 baht, Sin & Lee with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Thalang Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-211230 All advertising must be paid for in advance. Taurus Travel Deadline for Property Mart page: Friday 3 pm. Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Tel: 076 344521-2 Deadline for all other pages: Saturday 12 noon. 34 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS June 25 - July 1, 2005 Property Gazette

HOUSE FOR Accommodation Accommodation long-term rent. I am looking for The Stone Doctor Household Household Available Wanted a house to rent in the Rawai/ Items Services Chalong/Nai Harn area for at Specialist European stone care least one year. Ideally it will products and services: ROOMS FROM B300 2-BEDROOM HOUSE have two bedrooms, at least • Restoration Your own hot shower, ground- I am looking for a new/nearly one aircon, and be furninshed • Sealing/Finishing EXPAT LOCKUP STORAGE floor rooms & windows. 10 new, modern house between • Maintenance MOVING SALE Individual storage units (although unfurnished is also an All your maintenance, protection & mins walk to beach. 24hr se- Kathu and Thalang (preferred). option). And as I have a pet dog, cleaning needs for natural and Everything less than 2 from 4 cubic meters. Well curity. Tel: 076-342280, 01- Must be secure and quiet, with the house should have an en- manufactured stone. years old, Chinese TV cabi- ventilated, 24hr security, 9781956. Email: palm@ a useable inside kitchen. • Marble • Sandwash net 10,000 baht, TV sensor floodlights. Tel: 01- closed garden. Pls contact for • Granite • Terracotta phuket.ksc.co.th NOTE: Will pay up to 9,000 more info. Tel: 01-9262334. • Slate • Terrazzo 3,000 baht, washing ma- 0825707. baht per month, maximum. Email: Laureninthailand@ • Sandstone • Ceramics, etc chine 6,000 baht, football Email details first (with photos Prevent: rust, stains, mildew, algae, table 5,000 baht teak gar- PATONG LUXURY hotmail.com scratches HOUSE AND PET apartment. Central Patong, 1- if available). I will then call you Remove: builders’ residue, incorrect den table (extends to seat sitting. Loving care for your if it sounds suitable. Tel: 076- sealants, rust, stains, mildew, etc 8) plus 4 chairs, cost 55,000 & 2-bedroom apartments. Daily care & cleaning products also animals while you are away. Email for info & photos. Email: 261358, 07-2760529. Email: Building available baht but selling for 25,000 We will exercise, feed and com- [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 07-2824930, 076-271217 baht, teak sun lounger with fort any household pets in your Services Fax: 076-271218 cushion 10,000 baht. Tel: Email: [email protected] home. We are two fine young HOTEL PROMOTION LONG-TERM 07-8828147. Email: Canadians, who have loads of Low season, long stay. Spa & accommodation. I am looking brophydebbie@hotmail. experience with animals. Gar- pool, many facilities, beach- for 2- or 3-bedroom accommo- com dening and general household front, only 17,500 baht/ dation for my wife and myself SIAM HOME maintenance is not a problem. month. Please call for more when we arrive in Phuket in & CAR SERVICES KINGSIZE BED We have been residents on the October. We require aircon, a information. Tel: 076-345518, I am getting my son for holi- island for the past 5 years and Western kitchen, telephone 01-8920038. Building renovation, day, I am looking for a second- have excellent local references. line and UBC. As our dog will repairs & hand bed for him. Email: We are booked for August but be accompanying us, we re- UNLIMITED INTERNET maintenance [email protected] are still available immediately quire a large, enclosed garden. access. Surf the Net in your until the last week of July. We are looking for a suitable
room, with the works (aircon, Electrical VERTICAL BLINDS Those who may have already property in the Nai Harn-
cable TV, water heater, fridge) Aircon/lights tracks and brackets. Approx tried to contact the previous ad Rawai area. The rental period for 5,000 baht. Please contact
Woodwork/furniture 38m for 9 windows. Call for may find that the phone num- will be for a minimum of 12 K. Passakorn at Tel: 09-188-
Stone, cement, sandwash window sizes. 12,000 baht. ber no longer exists, Tel: 07- months. Our rental budget is 5300. Email: passakorn@
Tel: 076-288050, 04-189- 8979987. Email: frasergow@ 15,000-20,000 baht per Steel, aluminium, tiles taitancourt.com or for further 8419. Email: albertjames hotmail.com month. Email: jonahship1@
Grass screen landscaping. details, please see our website [email protected] btopenworld.com at: www.taitancourt.com Contact Property Khun Chuat GAS STOVE ROOMS TO LET KATA/KARON Baloma gas stove, for sale at Services We are looking for a furnished 01-4083800, 076-325391 Lake-view apartments in half-price. Double burner, no one-bedroom apartment, Kathu. Fully furnished, with rust. 600 baht. Tel: 09-291- house or bungalow in the Kata- aircon, fridge, cable TV, hot 3641. Email: sayan40@ ELECTRICAL Karon Beach area from Feb- water, car park. 183 baht a SHIPPING CONTAINER hotmail.com SERVICES ruary 8, 2006 to March 14, day. Contact for details. Tel: Secure shipping containers Advice on all electrical is- 2006. If possible, please send 076-202585, 09-1968449. delivered to your site. For SHOWER HEATER sues. UK registered. Tel: price, pictures and info about Email: ketmaneeclayton61 more information. Tel: 076- Sharp shower heater. A few 01-6919907. Email: your property. Thank you. @hotmail.com 281283, 01-0914162. months old. 1,000 baht. Tel: phuketelectrician@yahoo. Email: [email protected] Please see our website at: 09-2913641. Email: sayan40 co.uk ROOMS FOR RENT www.safewayphuket.com @hotmail.com APARTMENT J&B – Chalong, apartments I am looking to rent a villa or and mansion. Nice. Quiet. Fa- apartment in Phuket suitable miliar. Please contact for more for 3 people for Christmas – information. Tel: 076-381186, December 22 to January 5. 01-8931894. Fax: 076-381- All 1- to 3-bedroom accommo- 186. Email: jbchalong@gmx. dation will be considered. If net you have anything which you think might be of interest, KARON BEACH email me at: bo.matsson@ bungalows. 2 x fully furnished brostaden.se aircon bungalows; each sleeps upto 4 persons. From UK£20 SEEKING HOUSE/APT per bungalow per night inclu- to rent long-term from Sep- sive of utilities. Special dis- tember or October. Should be counts during low season. furnished, have a garden and Email: [email protected] privacy, and be near a beach. Would prefer with telephone, APARTMENT ADSL and computer as well. for rent. Unfurnished 65sqm 20,000 baht per month, maxi- apartment near Surin Beach. mum. Email: ma333499@ Aircon bedroom, living room, ucf.edu open-plan kitchen: 72,000 baht/year. Please call for more 1-MONTH RENTAL info. Tel: 01-7885419. We are looking for an apart- ment or a villa near Surin LONG-TERM RENT Beach to rent for August. Kamala. Private, secure resi- Email: sukandac@hotmail. dence. 2 stories, 3 bedrooms, com 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living/ dining room. Aircon through- APARTMENT SAFEWAY out, UBC included. Please con- at Kata Beach. I’m looking for STORAGE tact for more info. Tel: 01- a nice, clean apartment on - Secure self storage; 8931360. Email: info@ Karon or Kata Beaches. I will phuketinvestments.com - Containers rent/buy; stay for a long time. Not more - On-site office rent/buy. than 5,500 baht per month. For more information, Must have aircon, cable TV, please call Tel: 076-281- Do Not Drink and small kitchen. Please con- 283 or 01-8924804, or Tap Water! tact for more info. Tel: 04- visit our website at: 6304243. Email: jurgen. www.safewayphuket.com [email protected] June 25 - July 1, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 35 Boats & Marine

20M LIVE-ABOARD CRUISER

MV Ariel has been fully refit- ted and refurbished. She is licensed by the Harbor De- partment for 40 pax. She is currently based at Koh Chang and can be inspected there. All details are available on our website. Offers over 5 million baht are invited. Please contact for more information. FISHING BOAT Tel: 01-7253960, 06-8871- for sale. 5 meters long, 2.6 196. Email: derek.levitt@ meters wide, made from large onetel.net For further details, timber tree. 6-cylinder engine, please see our website at: about 8 years old. Price: www.ariel-cruises.com 150,000 baht. Please call Khun Kob for more informa- tion. Tel: 09-8731019. ONE LASER LEFT One laser sailboat left for any- NEW SAILBOATS one who is interested. Give for sale. We build any custom me a call or an email to arrange boat up to 45 ft in wood epoxy, a time to come look at this fiberglass, composite materi- JETBOAT excellent boat. All equipment als. Vacuum infusion process and a few extras, going for (super toy). Searayder, Thai available (service in situ for registration, built in 2000. New 60,000 baht. Please contact boatbuilders available also). for more information. Tel: 07- 135hp engine (no hours on it); Naval engineer from Italy avail- can see the bill. 5 seats. In 8979987. Email: frasergow able for design, 3D modelling, @hotmail.com great condition. Very fast – calculation, scantling, speed put on your driveway and go to prediction, stability etc. Email: the water. Easy to handle and [email protected] SPARES no marine fees. A bargain at For further details, please see for sailing boat. 430,000 baht, including trailer. our website at: www. - 35 m/m propeller Be fast, go fast. Tel: 01-082- andamanboatyard.com 3240, 01-5376866. Email: - jib [email protected] - canvas for boom TEAKWOOD VESSEL - shackles 23m teakwood boat with Hino - charts of Indian, Atlantic, TOURIST BUSINESS engine. Ideal for conversion to and the Med Wanted: tourist boat opera- tour or dive boat. Seller can tion with room for expansion. assist with design and con- - Iridium telephone Phuket and surrounding is- struction. Offered as is, at - Furlex profurl lands. Please email as much 1.5 million baht. Please con- Please contact for more infor- information as possible to tact for more info. Tel: 09- mation. Tel: 01-4154398. Wayne at: wmole@bigpond. 6500957. Email: thavorn@ Email: namphonie@procom. Looking for a boat? www.phuketgazette.net net.au andamandolphin.com in.th 36 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS June 25 - July 1, 2005 Island Job Mart

CHALLENGING POSITION ON KOH PHA-NGAN, IN REAL ESTATE OFFICE Sales and Administration Excellent command of En- glish. Ability to work inde- pendently. Computer liter- ate. Please apply with photo by email or fax. Fax: 077-238198. Email: contact@ phanganproperties.com

SALESPERSON wanted to sell to Phuket devel- opments a range of electrical FRONT OFFICE products including: ceiling fans Manager. The Mangosteen F&B ASSISTANT MGR URGENTLY NEEDED and light fittings. Product train- Resort & Spa, the exclusive The Mangosteen Restau- now. Housekeeper/cook; ing will be given, must have a 5-star boutique resort in the rant, a top restaurant in a 5- gardener/driver/maintenance good command of English, south of Phuket, is looking star resort, is looking for an man; English-speaking lan- own transport and some rel- for an experienced Front experienced assistant F&B guage teachers for Spanish, evant experience. Basic salary Office Manager. Providing manager. Good command French and Thai lessons; plus commission. Please con- only the best personalized of the English language and music teachers for guitar, pi- tact for more information. Tel: service to our guests, you the right attitude to service ano and singing lessons; per- 076-254826, 01-8937027. need to enjoy improving your are requested. Please con- sonal fitness instructor. Ex- Fax: 076-254827. Email: team every day. Please con- tact for more information, or cellent conditions and pay. ian@andamanlighting. com tact for more information, or apply by email or send your English-speaker required. Pls For further details, please see apply now by email or send CV. Tel: 076-289399. Fax: contact for more informa- our website at www. your CV. Tel: 076-289399. 076-289389. Email: tion. Tel: 01-7871752, 01- andamanlighting.com Fax: 076-289389. Email: opsmanager@mangosteen- 9784773. Email: mjoneilluk opsmanager@mangosteen- phuket.com @yahoo.co.uk RESTAURANT STAFF phuket.com Preferably with experience, English speaking. 2 positions, ASIAN TRAVEL CLUB, GAY MALE FOR HOTEL PHUKET ISLAND Nai Harn. Serious offer for se- in Portugal. Looking for gay located in Kata and Patong, living. We are an exclusive rious people. Please call for young Thai male to work in is looking for Thai/Chinese-, wholesaler of custom furni- more information. Tel: 01- a gay guesthouse in Portu- Thai/French- and Thai/En- ture. We are seeking a sales 9560204. gal. Gardening, swimming glish-speaking sales represen- person: bachelor’s degree an pool handling, cooking, re- tatives. You should be easy- advantage; excellent com- PHUKET ISLAND ceiving guests. Please send mand of spoken English; going and with a positive at- Living is opening in Phuket. background information and good interpersonal and com- titude and a professional ap- Showroom/office manager: photo. Tel: 351-284434- munication skills; sales expe- pearance. Good salary, com- bachelor’s degree with a ma- 105. Email: quintadafe@ rience (required). Please con- mission and benefits offered. jor in English an advantage; clix.pt tact Khun Wassana Devore. Full training provided. Only 3 years or more experience Tel: 01-7005549. Thai national females re- in secretarial work or office quired. Please contact for SECRETARY/PA administration; excellent more info, or apply now by Looking for office assistant BOOKKEEPER command of spoken and email, or send your CV. Tel: for hotel & real estate sales. wanted. Min 3-years’ expe- written English; accurate typ- 076-333461, 05-1601670. Must speak good English and rience, knowledge of Quick- ing skills; able to operate MS Fax: 076-333460. Email: have computer and account- books Pro. Office near Wat Office. For details please Looking for a job? www.phuketgazette.net paulivarlarsson@ ing skills. Please contact for Chalong. Email: bic1@ contact Khun Wassana hotmail.com more info. Tel: 07-0778454. phuket.ksc.co.th Devore. Tel: 01-7005549. June 25 - July 1, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 37 Island Job Mart

PHUKET I.T. SOLUTIONS We are an I.T. company based in Chalong, Phuket, looking for a professional I.T. person with the follow- ing qualities and experi- ence: - Bright, intelligent and ener- getic - Good written and spoken English - At least 2 years’ working experience in: Database management, PHP, Perl, Html, MySQL, Java, Linux server configu- ration and maintenance, and network security. We are also in need of a flu- ent English-speaking secre- tary for our day-to-day of- fice needs. You should be: - Able to read, type and speak fluent English/Thai - Able to use a PC with MS Office, use email and ans wer telephones. - Own transport would be an advantage. In the first instance, please call Johan Tel: 06-0128501 for a phone interview, or send your CV to: johan@ webspace.se

NEW REAL ESTATE company. Needs staff with good English skills: - Office assistant - Sales person - Property scout BILINGUAL - Webmaster secretary. Thai female, expe- Please send CV with ex- rienced, knowledge of Micro- pected salary to email: soft Office, ability to speak En- [email protected] glish, and bookkeeping knowl- edge. Please email CV or fax. P/T ESTIMATOR Fax: 076-281084. Email: Knowledge of pricing interiors [email protected] & furniture, good command of English language. Please call COOK NEEDED for appointment. Tel: 076- Small restaurant urgently 261931. needs a cook for breakfast, Eu- ropean food and Thai food. INVESTOR & STAFF For more info or to apply, wanted. Danish grillhouse please contact. Tel: 01-891- chain seeks investor for the 4019. Email: tkoschig2000@ last 29% of shares. We have hotmail.com 3 shops, with a turnover of about 20 million baht. We are PURCHASING STAFF also looking for franchisees in English-speaking, min 5 years’ Kata, Kamala, Phuket City, SAILING SKIPPER WEB SHOP experience, knowledge of in- Krabi. Franchise investment required. Kia Ora Catamaran designer. I need to hire some terior design & furniture pur- 400,000 baht. Staff wanted: Charters, located on Koh professional Web shop build- chasing. Please call for ap- Thai, 28-40 years, must Samui, requires an experi- ers to do updates, create pointment. Tel: 076-261931. have skills in Word and Excel enced skipper to operate our new shops, etc. I work with and be English-speaking. 52ft day-charter sailing cata- OS-Commers and Shop-Fac- SECRETARY/PA Admin work, 3-4 hours/day. maran. Please contact for tory (PHP, MySQL). Please wanted. Established lighting Please contact Mr. Kim more information. Tel: 077- contact for more information. business needs fluent English- Kristiansen. Tel: 06-2989- 425264 or Email: mark@ Tel: 09-8093566. Email: speaking, experienced secre- 500. Email: la@grillhousedk. kiaorathailand.com Alterna- [email protected] tary to assist in day-to-day com For more details please tively, for more information, business management. see our website at: www. please see our website at: Please contact for more infor- grillhousedk.com www.kiaorathailand.com SITE MANAGEMENT mation. Tel: 076-254826, 01- We need a professional indi- 8937027. Fax: 076-254827. ACCOUNTANT vidual or company to manage Email: ian@andamanlighting. wanted. Fluent English, 5 NEED DRIVER a small condo project in com For details of our com- years’ experience in AR/AP/ urgently for Pa Khlok area. Karon. Please call for more in- pany please see our website VAT, filing social security. Good salary. Please call. Tel: formation. Tel: 06-6673249 at: www.andamanlighting. Please call Tim for more infor- 076-273427, 01-8295388. (English), 09-4005907 (Thai). com mation. Tel: 01-9279328.

Find more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net! 38 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS June 25 - July 1, 2005 Island Job Tout, Trader & Trumpet

Mart Articles Personal For Sale Services

HP ALL-IN-ONE 2401 photosmart, fax, copy, printer, new ink: 8,900 baht. Please call for more information. Tel: 06- 9549558.

TEAK WOOD GUESTHOUSE + CAFÉ FOR SALE FOR SALE land for sale. 10 rooms, with Trendy café at Surin Beach Old & new teak wood for room to build a small pool, with all assets. Selling due to sale in logs & planks. Cer- only a 10 min walk to beach. family commitments. Please tified by government. De- 6.9 million baht, or will sell 6- call for more inforamtion. Tel: livery to your door. Please year lease. Please contact for 01-8636294. call Joe for more informa- more info. Tel: 076-342280, tion. Tel: 01-6936437, 01- 01-9781956. Email: palm@ CAFÉ EUROPA KRABI 8955070. phuket.ksc.co.th Scandinavian restaurant with 40 seats + guesthouse A GO GO BAR with 6 rooms. Sale includes SECONDHAND ITEMS for sale/lease. Off Soi Bangla, building and company with COMPANY Teak king-size bed, desks, full licenses, company, work 2 work permits. Well-estab- formation and accounting dining room set, beds, permit. Please contact for lished business, 15 years services. We can set up a Karcher rug cleaner, safe, more information. Tel: 01- with the same owner. Price: registered limited partnership pictures, books. All available 4571871, 01-4764700. 7 million baht. Tel: 09-591- with work permit for 20,000 at Phuket Secondhand store Email: barpatong@yahoo. 0584. Email: henrik_krabi@ baht (no hidden extras). Over at 64/30 Chao Fa East Rd. com hotmail.com 50 and need a one-year visa? 12,000 baht yearly; com- pany accounts 12,000 baht. Bulletins RESTAURANT/BAR Business We also take care of your Products & monthly tax and social con- Services tributions. Contact us if you have problems, we are pleased to help you. Tel: 04- 7457024. Email: kingrw80 DAY TRIP TO @hotmail.com RANONG New double-decker tour in Phuket City for sale . 2 bus (not minibus), non- Personals units, 4 stories, seats 100- smoking and smoking ar- plus. 1.5 million baht, eas, toilet, films/music, BACKGAMMON 30,000 baht per month. snacks and drinks, on-board Retired businessman looking For more info contact buffet lunch. No extra to for backgammon players on Ploenta at 07-9795048. pay, fully inclusive. Only Phuket Island. Please call if 1,300 baht. Every Mon, interested. Tel: 076-386- THAI WOMAN, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sunday. Tel: 113, 01-5778443. Employment BUSINESS FOR SALE 04-7457024. 39, returning to Phuket. Thai Resort with over 20 rooms, Wanted woman, 39 years old, is re- for immediate takeover. turning to Phuket after more Please call Khun Na. Tel: 01- Pets than 12 years in Europe and Computers FULLY QUALIFIED 8918082. Email: dianagohlf is looking for employment. @yahoo.com I am a native English, fully- Experienced in tourism-re- BELGIAN MALINOIS qualified ACCA accountant NORWEGIAN SERVICE Imported European stock. 9- lated jobs (receptionist and HOTEL AONANG DATA RECOVERY seeking employment in Thai- head-cashier in hotels, Priest Rume Birkeland holds month-old pups (both Krabi for sale. 17 rooms and land. I have over 8 years’ lounge hostess at Vienna In- a service in Kata every Sun- phuket-data-wizards.com sexes). Have received basic restaurant on the main road; accountancy experience and ternational Airport, employee day at 5pm. Tel: 01-569- All kinds of computer training and socialization. Are incredible mountain view. have more recently been in a tour agency), computer 5018. Scan-Club Phuket and magic. Please call for more accustomed to a dog run and Please contact for more in- working as a project accoun- literate, native Thai speaker, Thailand Network. T. Lod- information. Tel: 076- shipping crate/cage. Please formation. Tel: 01-8935105. tant. If you have any vacan- good command of English, den, PO Box 173, Phuket 388340, 06-6827277. contact Alan Read for further Email: we_are95@hotmail. cies or could advise me, excellent command of Ger- Post Office. Tel: 06-2672- details. I will also give 4-day com please contact me by email. man language, good person- 161. Email: tlodden@yahoo. dog training courses if there COMPUTER SERVICES is enough interest – a mini- Email: mazz2625@hotmail. ality, friendly, polite, con- no New + used. Repairs, com cerned about customer care BAR FOR SALE mum of 6 people. Email: Patong. 5-star luxury nite- GPRS, ADSL, WLAN. No [email protected] and service-oriented. CV phone internet - no problem. DO YOU NEED available on request. Please Business club. 3-4 entertainment li- censes, work permits, Thai English computerman. Tel: KITTENS FOR FREE a babysitter? French girl – 26 contact Mrs Metta Krenn for Opportunities 09-4735080. years old, experienced with more information. Email: company. Cost to build: 12 2 female kittens need new kids, English-speaking, fluent [email protected] million baht, selling for 6 mil- home, both 2 months old, Thai – looking for a job, part- SMALL SPA lion baht. Please contact for Miscellaneous one black and one gray. more info. Tel: 07-8817- time or full-time as nanny or ENGLISH TEACHER for sale, Patong. Includes Don’t want to put them in a healthy yearly profit and 600. Please see our website for Sale temple, so please help adopt housekeeper. Tel: 01-187- I am a native English- 900,000 baht in investment. at: www.homebarphuket. them. Email: phuketinasia 4540. Email: mias.sandy@ speaker and I am currently Please contact for more in- com @yahoo.com caramail.com traveling in Thailand. I have formation. Tel: 076-233348, recently achieved my TEFL INT'L DRIVERS 01-8958837. Fax: 076- PROFITABLE BIZ RESORT GM qualification and am looking LICENSE NEED DOGSITTER 212901. Email: siripornp@ One of a kind; monthly net More than a decade of expe- for work teaching English. 5,000 baht, valid up to Reliable, trustworthy, honest asianwind.biz profit 120,00 baht. Price: rience in Thailand. Seeking to If you have any vacancies or 10 years, 6,000 baht dog-lover needed to baby-sit 2.5 million baht. Tel: 01- return to Phuket for personal can help advise me please valid up to 20 years. Sole my two dogs from time to 0808557. reasons. Serious offers only, contact me at my email ad- ICE-CREAM agent in Thailand. Free time, at my home or possibly please. Email: resortgm@ dress. Email: mazz2625@ business for sale, in Soi pick up & delivery, open yours, either long days or gmail.com hotmail.com Bangla, Patong. New com- WANIDA MASSAGE 365 days a year. Please overnight or holidays. Must pany with 2 work permits, 2 massage shops for sale in contact Khun Christine have excellent references new equipment, Carpigiani one deal: 8 million baht. for more information. Tel: and they will be checked. Gazette Classads – 10,000 readers a day! technology. 2.1 million baht. Please call for more informa- 04-0068736. Email: chantanaj@yahoo. Tel: 06-9928026. tion. Tel: 01-9782209. com June 25 - July 1, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 39 Wheels & Motors

SPECIAL PRICE Saloon Cars NISSAN CEFIRO 3.0L GOOD BUY ON BLACK HONDA Vans Daihatsu Mira. Good condition, MAZDA 4X4 PHANTOM easy to drive, economical. For Going home. Selling sharp Only 2 years, 4,300km, VW VIP PEOPLE rent with insurance. 8,900 baht 2000 Mazda Fighter 4x4. many extras. New price: mover. VW Caravelle: 7 seats. per month.Tel: 01-5375010. Turbo diesel, four-door, 104k, will sell for 74k. Khun Silver/gray color, fuel injec- 100,000km, dealer main- Olaf. Tel: 01-0812838. tion, 1.9-liter engine. Manual. tained. Price: 399,000 baht. Very good condition. Selling Wanted Please contact for more YAMAHA APRIA due to leaving Phuket. 24v, 2004 model in perfect details. Tel: 076-282859, automatic. 2-year-old motor- 350,000 baht. Tel: 01-537- PICKUP WANTED condition. New price 1.65 09-8736904. Email: mike bike, 3,400 kms, no registra- 2128, 09-9093099. Email: Want to rent a pickup from million baht. Stereo with @officexpress.org tion book or number plate. [email protected] July 1-6. Must have full insur- DVD player and screen, new Hence the price of only 9,000 ance. I have an international wheels and tires. Pay baht. Tel: 01-0918908. Email: driver’s license. Please call 200,000 baht cash plus 28 [email protected] Rentals Tel: 04-8436866, but before Phuket’s Most Trusted & payments of 27,000 baht. June 29 contact via email at: Reputable Supplier of the Finest Tel: 05-1456238. For de- 2004 HONDA CBR asimhafeezullah@hotmail. Quality Used SALOONS, tails, please Email: johan@ 150. One year old, only one A1 CAR RENTAL com SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS watsonpropertygroup.com owner, 13,000km. Red, still New cars or trade-ins – under warranty of 3 years or RENTAL CAR we have what you’re PRICE SLASHED 30,000km. Current papers wanted Jazz, City or similar looking for Nissan NV 1600 – asking and insurance. 45,000 baht. wanted for at least 1 month. For more info pls call us at price slashed to 130,000 baht Email: sandersbrandon@ Tel: 09-5288095. Email: Tel: 076-224632, 216243 for a quick sale. This is a good yahoo.com [email protected] www.suremotor.com looking, reliable and well-main- JRD STORM: 25,000 tained car. A steal at this ask- Cars, trucks, jeep, 7-seat CAR FOR ONE DAY baht. 14 months old, only ing price. Tel: 06-2770596. minibus for rent; fully-in- 700 baht or less. Need a car 5,300km. Quick-sale price is Email: artjonjones@fastmail. sured. from 10,000 baht a on June 23. Must have full 25,000 baht. The scooter has HONDA ACCORD fm month; special long-term insurance. Will pick up the car an alarm system and is fully EXI 94 rates. Tel: 09-8314703. (from Patong, Kamala, Bang automatic. Price new is Black, in good condition, Tao, Surin, Thalang) at 8pm on Pickups 49,000 baht. Tel: 06-684875. 160,000km. Tel: 09-141- June 22; will return the car Email: joerg@manmueng. com 2092. FOR RENT the next day at 7pm. I have a FORD RANGER ISUZU ADVENTURE JRD SNOW legal Thai driver’s license. Con- 2.5m wheelbase, standard tact Victor by phone or by I would like to sell my Isuzu HONDA CBR 150R 3,500 baht per month. VERY NICE 2000 model. 2 owners only, Adventure, year 2001, 7 email ASAP. Tel: 09-470- regularly serviced, excellent Orange/black, 3 months old. Kawasaki Kaze: 3,000 4478. Email: av58@phuket. CHEVROLET OPTRA seats, automatic, only 70,000 Cost 62,000 baht new, for baht per month. Both new condition. Power steering and baht down payment. Please ksc.co.th central locking. Never used for sale at 50,000 baht. Tel: bikes.Tel: 01-8928579. contact for more information. 04-7566075. heavy loads. Very low mileage. Tel: 06-5954568, 09-195- 220,000 baht. Tel: 076-238- Others 5285. Email: nina1538@ LOW PRICE 200, 04-0539700. Email: yahoo.com HONDA MOTORBIKE [email protected] CB1300. Bought new in Bang- Low rates for long-term GOLF CART kok, complete with all docu- rentals. Many types of new Gas powered, good condi- FORD RANGER 4X4 LARGE, FAMILY SUV 2001/2 Isuzu Grand Adven- ments. Only run 1,500km. cars, with CD players, insur- tion, runs fine, just needs a Very nice Chevrolet Optra 2000 model, in excellent con- ture 3.0-liter turbo-diesel, 5- Fully serviced, fitted with ance and proper mainte- new exhaust pipe. Reaches for sale. Gray paint, beige dition and just completed full speed. Bought November 15, Honda flyscreen, engine pro- nance. Call now! Tel: 05- speeds of up to 38kmh. leather, CD-radio, aircon, service. Owner relocating. 2001. 84,000km. tectors, stainless-steel radiator 8833470. Yours for 13,000 baht. Tel: dark windows, 4 new wheels, 500,000 baht. Tel: 01-080- never been damaged, year - Powerful, indestructible en- cover and Blueflame exhaust. 07-8979987. Email: 6165. Email: litzaco@ Price includes Honda manual, [email protected] 2004, 26,000km, 670,000 hotmail.com gine with great fuel economy MERCEDES-BENZ baht, negotiable. Tel: 01- front and rear brake pads, C220, dark blue, cream - Icy-cold, strong air-condi- spare throttle cables and rear 8512280. Email: dm@ TOYOTA HILUX TIGER tioner leather, auto, CD, 1st-class in- Need wheels? exhaust. Only 385,000 baht. surance. For rent: 35,000 janydan.com 4WD. SR5 with 3.0 EFI diesel, - Extremely comfortable Tel: 053-435080. Email: baht/month or 12,000 baht/ Check out 4-door, switchable 2WD/ leather seats that can fit 7 www.phuketgazette.net [email protected] week.Tel: 01-3430777. 1996 HONDA CIVIC 4WD high+low, removable adults (even more kids!). Per- Excellent condition. Selling for canvas cover for the back, fect for large family or tour 350,000 baht + document recent Toyota service. Year company. transfer costs. Viewing ad- 2001, great condition. A bar- - Radio/cassette player w/six Wheels & Motors dress: Maleena Saloon. 47/3- gain at 530,000 baht. Tel: speakers 4 Patong Condotel (Sky Inn), 076-0418 2460. Email: Advertisements - Sports package, including Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong, lesleyanddarren@hotmail. outside trim, leather gear or call Tel: 076-343040 or 01- com knob and leather steering Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. 8954080, or Email: maleena wheel. @phukets.info Then hand it to any of our agents. 4 x 4s Great condition and well-main- BMW 318i tained. Oil changes every 3- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) 1995 BMW model 318i, dark RANGE ROVER 4.2 5,000km. Please check the Internet to compare prices. blue. All BMW original style. lse vogue. Range Rover, |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Deposit of 180,000 baht plus 1994, 106,000km only. In This same model is selling for 42 monthly payments of excellent condition inside and 630,000 to 700,000 baht. 11,695. Tel: 076-247235, 01- out. No accidents and well Price: 575,000 baht. Call |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| 1872138. Fax: 076-247236. maintained. Big, safe, reliable, Yufa at Tel: 01-4776471. Email: jasgold_fish@yahoo. go-anywhere car. Price: Email: brian283017@hotmail. com 590,000 baht. Contact for com |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| details. Tel: 07-8938747. HONDA CIVIC Email: bigbhouda5@hotmail. VTEC VTi. Automatic, black com Motorbikes with leather interior. 2002 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| model, 55,000km, 6-CD TOYOTA SPORT 2005 HONDA WAVE changer. Sold with 6 months rider 2.5L. 4WD, manual Honda Wave R 125. New in first-class insurance. Very gear, alarm, roof rack + lad- January this year, only good condition. 630,000 baht. der, leather interior, Pioneer ra- 3,000km, electric starter, |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Tel: 07-8962248. Email: dio/CD/MP3 player. I am the disc brake, Wave helmet and [email protected] first owner. New in April a nice license plate number. Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 80 baht, 2004, only 37,000km. Price: Price: 34,500 baht or best with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. TOYOTA SOLUNA 800,000 baht. Please contact offer. Please contact for 2001. 275,000 baht. Tel: 06- for more information. Tel: 01- more information. Tel: 01- All advertising must be paid for in advance. 1542255. Email: thailarry@ 5353043. Email: rainier_vig@ 0854514, 09-4584143. Deadline for Wheels & Motors page: Saturday 12 noon. myway.com yahoo.fr Email: [email protected] 40 PHUKET GAZETTE June 25 - July 1, 2005

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