Volume 11 Issue 41 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 October 9 - 15, 2004 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 20 Baht

The Gazette is published in association with Bangkok Phuket F1 races talks offer IN THIS ISSUE some hope NEWS: City bus firm dumped get thumbs-up after year of losses; Austra- for Patong lian help sought for Chalong marina plan. Pages 2 & 3 By Dhirarat Boonkongsaen INSIDE STORY: Bringing Pa- tong’s sewage under control. PATONG: The entertainment Pages 4 & 5 industry in Patong was this week keeping its collective fingers AROUND THE ISLAND: An art crossed that Interior Minister gallery – with a pool. Page 6 Bhokin Bhalakula will be sym- AROUND THE REGION: Official pathetic to its plight after the re- help for ‘Confused of Krabi’. cent imposition of earlier clos- Page 8 ing times. A three-man delegation PEOPLE: Doctor Abalone ex- emerged in optimistic mood plains the shell game. from a meeting on October 5 Page 10 with Pichet Sathirachawal, the OFF THE WALL: Bruce and ruling Thai Rak Thai party’s the Finnish girl – and the Chairman of Candidate Selec- bathtub full of wine. tion for the Andaman region. Page 11 The delegation consisted of Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, LIFESTYLE: Sassy style for the office. Pages 12 Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) President FIRST PERSON: Phuket miss- Sompetch Moosophon and Tiger ing out on ‘Muay Thai tour- Complex operator Piya Issara- ism’. Page 19 malai. BUSINESS & MONEY: Puppet K. Sompetch told the Ga- regime; Money Talks; On the Eight-time World Champion Guido Cappellini, of the Tamoil Team, is one of the stars expected to zette that K. Pichet had promised Move. Page 21 race in Phuket. Cappellini is not having a good year. He crashed at more than 200 kmh in the most to discuss Patong’s pleas with K. recent round, in Malaysia, on September 26. Bhokin as a matter of urgency. DIVING: Having a reef ball on Photo: World Racing Images. All rights reserved. www.worldracingimages.com He added, “We are coming Earth Day. Page 22 back to Phuket now to await the GOOD LIVING: Szervusz with By Kamol Pirat Hoteliers in Kata and Ka- land and the Ministry of Tour- results of discussions, which we a smile. Page 25 ron have already pledged to pro- ism and Sports. expect in the coming few days.” PHUKET: Phuket is to host a vide 130 rooms for the teams. “We will ask the govern- Before going into the meet- PROPERTY: The agony of round of the world’s premier in- Eight months later, in No- ment for this money because this ing, K. Sompetch said that he Samsara; A birthday gift for shore powerboat racing champi- vember – if all goes well – the event is enormous and very im- hoped the green light would be Phuket. Pages 26 & 27 onship, the UIM Formula I island will host Class 1 power- portant,” K. Pamuke said. given for a closing time of 4 am, Powerboat Grand Prix, it was boat racing, featuring the much The Gazette understands adding that he believes that “po- PLUS confirmed this week. larger offshore racing boats. that local organizers expect to litical game-playing” ahead of Phuket Chamber of Com- K. Pamuke said F1 officials raise another 90 million baht next February’s general election QUEER NEWS 4; AROUND THE merce Chairman Pamuke Acha- had approved Phuket as a venue from the private sector. is the real reason behind the NATION 7; HAPPENINGS 9; riyachai told Governor Udomsak after they came to the island last “If the first race here is suc- government’s Better Social Or- HEARD & SCENE, HOROSCOPES Usawarangkura on October 5 month to inspect facilities for cessful,” K. Pamuke added, “the der policy. 14; KIDS 15; COMPUTERS, that championship organisers competitors, support crew and races could become a regular fix- He also called for the gov- BOOKS 16; LAW, THAILAND UIM had selected Phuket Deep spectators. ture on the calendar for the next ernment to take the issue of zon- TRAVELER 17; EDITORIAL & LET- Sea Port at Cape Panwa as the He said Gov Udomsak had 10 years or so. This is the kind ing seriously and to make sure TERS 18; ISSUES & ANSWERS venue for one of the races in the agreed to ask the government for of event that gets global cover- that “good” police officers – 19; EDGEWISE, TOON TOWN 20; 2005 championship. 30 million baht to promote F1 age.” those who would do their job in SPORT 22 & 23; MOTORING 24; The event is expected to boat racing in Phuket. He added, “If we are lucky, strict accordance with the law – are given the task of patroling the WINE 25; GARDENING 28; bring 12 of the world’s top As a result, the governor is Phuket will have two major boat powerboat racing teams to Phu- to submit a funding proposal to racing events next year, one in entertainment areas. CLASSIFIEDS 29-35. ket between March 8 and 14. the Tourism Authority of Thai- March and one in November.” Continued on page 2 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS October 9 - 15, 2004

OrBorJor sets annual budget at B405m Patong optimism PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Adminis- Other revenue sources are the local tax supporting government attempts to market after talk tration Organization (OrBorJor) has set a on tobacco, which is expected to raise 25 mil- Phuket as a world-class destination. budget for 2004-2005 of 405 million baht. lion baht; tin royalties (600,000 baht) and fuel “This spending will include new in Bangkok Members met on September 30 and tax (500,000 baht). projects, such as building a beautiful gate voted unanimously for the budget, which is A further 93 million baht will come at Tah Chat Chai checkpoint, to give tour- 42 million baht – 11.6% – higher than the from “other sources”. A large chunk – 50 ists a good first impression of Phuket,” she From page 1 one for fiscal 2003-2004. million baht – is expected to come from the said. “The government is punish- Almost a quarter of the budget is ear- controversial hotel rooms tax (which the Education will be a priority for the ing us, the businesspeople and marked for promoting tourism. Education OrBorJor refers to as a “charge”, not a tax). OrBorJor, she added, with 71 million baht the entertainment industry staff projects and programmes to improve local The OrBorJor also expects to receive being budgeted for educational programs. of Patong, rather than dealing ef- quality of life will receive spending alloca- 11.9 million baht in rental income; 2.5 mil- Another 60 million baht will be spent on fectively with those whose job it tions of tens of millions of baht. lion baht from penalties levied on private projects to improve the quality of life, and is to police the industry,” K. More than three quarters of the budget companies that have broken contracts with 25 million go toward protecting and improv- Sompetch said. – 312 million baht – will come from OrBor- the council, and 27 million baht in govern- ing the environment. “Tourists are choosing Pat- Jor taxes. Vehicle tax accounts for 145 mil- ment grants. “This budget will be in line with our taya – where they can party all lion baht of this, and Value Added Tax (in- K. Anchalee said 117 million baht of 2005-2007 plan to develop Phuket into a bet- night – instead of Phuket,” he cluding that paid by hotel guests) for an ad- the budget would be used to stimulate the ter place,” the President said. The fiscal year added. Meanwhile, Prateep “Ott” ditional 141 million baht. economy of Phuket and promote tourism, began on October 1. – Kamol Pirat Rerksomroj, owner of the Dra- gon Bar on Soi Easy in Patong, and secretary of the PEBA, along Warning over with other representatives of City bus firm PEBA and their counterparts fireworks from the Phuket City Entertain- ment Business Association, pe- during titioned Phuket Governor Udom- dumped after Vegetarian sak Usawarangkura today. The Governor told them that he could Festival do nothing without approval from Bangkok. K. Ott said he fears that the year of losses PHUKET CITY: Government crime rate on the island will grow and law enforcement officials as a direct result of the enforced By Kamol Pirat “Under the old contract, the have warned the public to refrain early closing schedule. OrBorJor paid for the fuel for the from using large firecrackers and “The same amount of busi- PHUKET: Phuket City’s buses buses and the wages for the driv- other explosive devices during nesses trying to attract custom- are to be run by a new company ers and conductors, and all the the annual Phuket Vegetarian ers from among a dwindling after the Phuket Provincial Ad- maintenance costs for the buses Festival, which starts October 14. number of tourists will result in ministration Organization (Or- as well. Phuket City Police Super- more crime in Patong – espe- BorJor) decided not to renew its “The company managed intendent Pol Col Paween Pong- cially violent crime – as people Firefighters in contract with Andaman Trans services and collected fares and sirin warned that anyone using fight to keep their businesses dramatic rescue Thai. The contract expired on fees for the advertisements that dangerous fireworks would be alive,” he warned. September 30. appear on the buses. But the prosecuted. Only low-charge, Hutjenband Georges, own- The new contractor is OrBorJor had to sue “Best Stu- ceremonial firecrackers in strips er of the Angel Bar in Patong, Gotcha! Firefighter Thawatchai Lucky General Transport, which Thippairat of the Phuket City dio” for 1.9 million baht after it will be permitted, he said. said that 2004 has been the worst Fire Department’s Soi Panieng will start running the bus service did not pay the fee for its adver- Col Paween also advised in his four years running the bar. Station holds up Nong Tok in two months’ time. Meanwhile, tisements for more than nine festival-goers to leave their valu- “It’s never be like this be- (Little Fallen One) after rescuing the service will be run by the months.” ables at home or in their hotels fore. Around 90% of our custom- the kitten from a Samkong OrBorJor itself. In contrast, said K. An- to prevent them being stolen. ers have gone [because of the sewer in a two-hour operation OrBorJor President An- chalee, the OrBorJor expects to Phuket’s outgoing Chief early closing time] and I’m not on September 25. chalee Vanich-Thepabutr said the make a surplus of 125,000 baht a Administrative Officer, Visawa sure how much longer we can The cat has been adopted decision not to renew the contract month through the new contract Sasismith, told the Gazette that survive this downturn.” by nine-year-old Natacha Kit- with Andaman Trans Thai was with the new company. Governor Udomsak Usawarang- Comments from foreigners chakarn, who called the firemen made because it had resulted in She said, “The new com- kura had issued an order forbid- the Gazette spoke with last night after hearing its subterranean the OrBorJor losing 500,000 baht pany will carry the full responsi- ding the use of high-charge fire- were uniformly negative. cries. a month. bility for running the services, crackers, bottle rockets and other Sean Healey from England including paying for fuel, staff such devices. said that he has been to Phuket wages and the cost of maintain- He also urged parents to many times but is not sure ing the buses. control their children during the whether he or his friends will “The new contract should festival to prevent them from cre- come again. be better for the people of Phu- ating a public nuisance, such as “Fifteen pals of mine had ket,” she said. by throwing firecrackers at inno- considered coming to Phuket but cent bystanders. have now changed their minds. A list of this year’s Vegetar- They’ll to go to Singapore, Cuba ian Festival activities appears on or somewhere else instead.” the Gazette website, at www. Israeli Uri Nachcmi de- phuketgazette.net/bulletins/ scribed the current 1 am closing index.asp?Id=797 time as “ridiculous”. October 9 - 15, 2004 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 A clean sweep in Pa Khlock Ozzie expertise Local kids can be seen picking up rubbish in the Pa to be tapped for Khlock area on the first Sunday of every month, thanks to a joint Chalong marina initiative by local mosques and By Dhirarat Boonkongsaen tion for berthing boats, even dur- the tambon ing the monsoon season. administration PHUKET: Australian experts are “The current marina capac- organization to ity in Phuket is not enough to instill a culture of being sought to help in develop- cleanliness in the ing the master plan for the pro- accommodate the high number of community. posed public marina project in boats that are coming here. We This cheerful Chalong Bay, Vice-Governor believe Australia can provide us crew was Niran Kalayanamit has told the with consultants who are experi- photographed Gazette. enced in this field,” V/Gov Niran cleaning up The Vice-Governor met Ian said. verges along the Davey, Commercial Consultant “We already have a plan main road on for the Australian Embassy in developed by Thai university October 2. Thailand, on October 1. V/Gov professors, but we still want to Niran told the Gazette that Mr benefit from the experience of Davey promised him that a pro- overseas experts from countries fessional consultant would be such as Australia. PO plans to solve mail problems found for the marina project. “We asked staff at the Aus- “The Governor expects that tralian embassy to look for ma- PHUKET: Mail is to be trans- holidays. When the post office is office would be responsible for the project will be located at rina experts who would be avail- ported directly from Chumphon closed, items are stuck in the sys- organizing deliveries. Chalong Bay, as it already has a able to do some consulting work to Phuket as one of a series of tem until the office reopens after “Soon, though, all three ‘one-stop’ service that allows for us. measures aimed at improving the holiday. functions will be carried out by mariners sailing into Phuket [wa- “They could also provide speed of delivery and reducing “Delivery staff leave and the post office in each of the ters] to clear Customs, Immigra- instruction to government depart- the amount of misplaced or un- are replaced by new staff who island’s five postal districts. tion and Marine Department pro- ments that would be connected delivered mail. don’t know the area and take time “We’ve taken on temporary cedures in one place,” he said. with the marina. The new system, to start in to become familiar with it, or the staff to enable us to start solving “We have already looked at “After we develop the pro- January, will replace the existing vehicle bringing the post to the problems and the permanent the proposal with marina experts ject’s master plan we will present one, whereby the post bounces Phuket is late, or there isn’t staff should be in place by Janu- from overseas, and have con- it to the government for discus- through several southern prov- enough room to bring all the post ary 2005.”– Anongnat Sartpisut cluded that this is a good loca- sion,” the vice-governor said. inces on its way to Phuket. to Phuket, so some has to be left Phuket Postmaster Visal behind until the next collection.” E-government Pongtiwattanakul told reporters But, K. Visal added, “We Skills shortage in services on October 1 that the post office now know the problems, so we launch delayed was reacting to complaints about can look for short- and long-term PHUKET CITY: Phuket is fac- “Then the workplaces late or lost mail by investigating solutions. ing a recruitment crisis, with a would have a supply of ‘quality PHUKET CITY: Plans to set up the possible causes. “In the short term [until the shortage of workers who have the labor’, because the students a “one-stop shop” website, Many of these, it seems, are Chumphon-Phuket deliveries are experience and foreign language won’t be totally inexperienced through which Phuket people not the fault of the postal service implemented], we will send more skills required by the island’s ser- when they enter the labor mar- could conduct transactions with or its workers. bags to Surat Thani to collect vice sector, the head of the ket.” government departments, have K. Visal said, “There are mail for Phuket and there will be Phuket Provincial Labor Protec- Phuket Vice Governor Wi- hit a glitch. several reasons, such as the ad- more delivery vehicles coming tion and Welfare Office, Patom nai Buapradit said that in Phuket Dr Rattana Wetprasit, Act- dressee refusing to accept an from Surat Thani to Phuket. Phetmanee, warned on Septem- there was year-round demand for ing Manager of the Phuket office item; the recipient’s home not “Second, our delivery peo- ber 30. skilled service workers. of the Software Industry Promo- having a mailbox, or the post be- ple will work overtime, includ- Speaking at Phuket City “Demand is not necessarily tion Agency office, admitted on ing delivered to someone other ing on public holidays. Hall, K. Patom said, “There is a seasonal,” he said. “The tourism September 30 that it was impos- than the addressee, who forgets “In the long term, we will great need for labor, especially in industry here is expanding, and sible to say when the website to pass it on. reorganize the way the mail is the hotel sector.” so is the need for labor.” would be up and running. “Sometimes the addressee collected and delivered on the He called for better co-or- has moved, or the envelope is island. In the past, a post office dination between employers and improperly addressed – the in one area would be responsible educational institutions, saying, tambon, moo, road, soi or house for collecting the mail, which “We need to send students for number is missing, for example. would be sorted at an office in training in the workplace in their “Also, Thailand has many another area, while a third post last semester of study. 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY October 9 - 15, 2004

atong’s first water treat- wastewater can be as high as ment plant opened in After more than five years of 100mg/l. Queer News 1989. It was capable of waiting, it looks as though In theory, the existing plant treating 2,250 cubic met- can treat wastewater until it has P Patong may finally get its new ers of wastewater a day. Three a BOD of 2 to 4mg/l. Some of years later, it was extended to al- wastewater treatment plant the treated water is used to water The mystery of the low a further 3,000m3 to be working in time for the high plants and put out fires, while the treated each day. season. rest flows into a canal and thence However, while the plant, Phuket Governor Udom- to the sea. ‘human bar code’ off Rat U-Thit Rd, has a daily Patong Municipality has capacity of 5,250m3, Patong now sak Usawarangura called for facilities for collecting wastewa- PHUKET CITY: After undergoing an emergency appendectomy, a produces between 7,000 and a special effort to be made to ter from around 60% or 70% of patient at Bangkok Phuket Hospital found himself unable to enter 8,000m3 of wastewater a day, finish the second phase of the the municipality area. The main Big C Supercenter without setting off the magnetic anti-theft secu- says Wiriya Tevanukul, Sanitary municipality’s wastewater part not connected is the Nanai rity devices. Engineer of Patong Municipality. community. There are plans to Confused, embarrassed and unable to fulfill his rightful role in The new “second phase” treatment system before the link Nanai into the system in the the Phuket consumer economy, 44-year-old Prapet Tiranon returned wastewater treatment facility is start of the high season, be- coming 12 months. to the hospital and asked physicians to X-ray him to see if they had due to come into operation on cause the first phase cannot In addition to the munici- perhaps left something inside him that could account for his trans- November 1. With a planned cope with the amount of pal treatment plant, each hotel formation into a “human bar code”. 3 daily capacity of 9,000m , bring- wastewater the town gener- with more than 200 rooms must But all the tests were negative and K. Prapet was sent home. ing the total to more than 14,000 have facilities capable of treat- Fearing further embarrassment, he steered clear of Big C. But when m3 a day, it should meet the wa- ates, allowing untreated water ing twice the amount of waste- he joined the throng at the opening of Central Festival, he set off the ter treatment needs of Patong to flow directly into the sea. water it generates. security device there as well – again causing him a great deal of until 2010. One of the most obvious The General Manager of embarrassment. The municipality will now effects of this was the bright the Royal Paradise Hotel, Dr Jira- K. Prapet, who lives in Pa Khlock, was quoted as saying, “It look at ways to find the funding green seaweed that washed chai Amornpairoj, told the Ga- was embarrassing. People looked at me as if I were a chronic thief. for construction of a third plant, zette that although he welcomes My family didn’t want to go shopping with me anymore.” with a capacity of 7,750m3 a day. up on the beach earlier this the opening of the phase two Desperate to solve the mystery, he took his story to the press. This, in combination with the year. Another is the persistent treatment plant, he is not con- A meeting of doctors and store officers at Big C was arranged and, other two plants, should, it is es- smell of sewage in some of vinced it will solve what he calls with all eyes upon him, he passed though the device – setting it off. timated, provide enough treat- Patong’s streets. the “chronic problem” of Pa- The doctors were initially confused, for they had already passed ment capacity to last until 2020. tong’s wastewater. a bag containing all of the same equipment used in K. Prapet’s sur- The current plant treats wa- The second-phase treat- He said, “Still we can’t gery through the security check – without setting it off. What could ter using the activated sludge pro- ment plant is due to open next manage and control 100% of the account for it? Had K. Prapet really become a human bar code? cess, which will also be used for month; while those who live wastewater. Half of it flows into Then someone had the bright idea of bringing K. Prapet inside phases two and three. and do business in Patong are the sea. Big C and running the bar code scanning device at the checkout Sewage entering the plant counting the days to its open- “People staying or living on counter over his person. When it reached his pocket it went off. is mixed with “activated sludge” the higher floors of buildings “What’s in your pocket?” he was asked. which contains bacteria and other ing, some are already raising round here can see water [enter- “My wallet,” came his reply. microorganisms; oxygen is added questions about just how ef- ing the bay] colored red or black, It turned out that the scanner was being set off by a security bar to the mixture, which is then fective the new plant will be. especially when it’s raining.” code sticker that was stuck on the inside lining of his wallet. Once stored in tanks while the bacte- The Gazette’s Sangkhae One indicator of the prob- the offending sticker was removed, K. Prapet was able to walk straight ria and other microorganisms, lems in Patong, said Dr Jirachai, through the device without setting it off. The mystery had been solved. stimulated by the oxygen, break Leelanapaporn and Gategaeo is Klong Pak Bang, from which, K. Prapet was neither a human bar code nor the victim of medical down organic waste. Phetsawang take a close look for the past four or five years, malpractice. To test whether water has at the current state of affairs. wastewater has been flowing di- K. Prapet, owner of the Ban Pae Seafood Restaurant, slunk off been properly treated, engineers rectly into the sea. “10 years without talking to the press, while physicians and other personnel measure Biological Oxygen De- ago,” said Dr Jirachai, “the wa- from Bangkok Phuket cheered in celebration at having been cleared mand (BOD) – the amount of into the system by the rain. ter was clear.” of suspicion of shoddy workmanship . oxygen required by bacteria to Wastewater flowing into Another indicator was the As it turns out, what happened to K. Prapet could have hap- break down organic materials in the Patong plant generally has a bright green seaweed that prolif- pened to any island consumer. The magnetic strips are commonly water. BOD rate between 40 and 80mg/ erated along Patong Beach ear- hidden away in merchandise to prevent theft, either by shoplifters or Put simply, it is a way of l, though in the past two months lier this year, “fed” by the sew- store employees. They are often inserted at the factory, but are meant measuring how much “organic this has dropped to between 30 age. At one stage there was so to be deactivated by the scanning device at the time of purchase. material” is in water. In the case and 50mg/l, because it has been much seaweed that business When this doesn’t happen – or when the goods find their way of Patong, which does not have diluted by runoff from monsoon people and Patong Municipality onto the black market – they can trigger alarms and cause the unsus- dedicated sewerage, this material rain. had to arrange beach patrols to pecting buyer a good deal of embarrassment – as K. Prapet learned. includes feces, waste food, laun- During the dry season, gather it up. Source: Siang Tai dry waste and anything carried though, the BOD of the town’s Dr Jirachai said, “The sea- weed is like an indicator to tell us that [the problem is] wastewa- ter. We also had guests who com- plained they had developed rashes after swimming in the sea. “A former Tourism Author- October 9 - 15, 2004 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5

he pointed out. “That’s a big K. Chairat estimates that around project and it will include two 300,000 migrants work in the hotels as well.” town, and it is visited at least The Patong Resort has 325 once by almost all of the three rooms and its own wastewater million-plus tourists who come to treatment facility, and it is also Phuket each year. connected to the Patong Munic- Every new house and small pality treatment system. business in Patong has to have a Water treated within the wastewater pipe linked to the hotel is used to water the hotel Patong Municipality system, he grounds, said K. Panu. explained. Patong’s inability to treat “A licence to construct will sewage has been a cause for com- not be issued unless our officers plaint from guests, he said. are satisfied the building com- “Many complain about the bad plies with laws on this,” said K. smell from the sewage, especially Chairat. when it is raining.” However, until this year, the The problem, he says, has municipality hasn’t had anything been getting like the facilities worse, not better. it needs to handle “The worst thing I the waste pro- have ever experi- duced by all the enced during the residents, work- 19 years I have ers and visitors. been in Patong is K. Chairat the seaweed on the said one of the beach this year.” main causes for Apichart the delay in con- Asa is General structing the sec- Seaweed lines Patong Beach earlier this year, a sure sign that sewage treatment was inadequate. Manager of Phu- ond phase of the ket Grand Tropi- treatment plant cana Hotel. He es- has been cost. timates that each The budget for of the 370 rooms the plant was ap- at his hotel gener- proved in 1999, ates between 0.5 but then the price and 1m3 of water Cost overruns and of building mate- a day. Like the extortion allegations rials started to other major ho- have delayed rise, taking the tels, The Tropi- project cost well A FRESH phase two. cana has a plant beyond the 200- capable of treating – Chairat Sukbal million-baht twice the amount budgeted for it. of wastewater it generates. Another reason for the de- He agrees with his counter- lay, said K. Chairat, was the le- parts that the wastewater problem gal action surrounding the alle- is getting worse every year. gations that a previous manage- START He said, “We may not have ment team had extorted money figures on how bad the situation from the then-contractors. ity of Thailand (TAT) director worse and the more people come “People have been waiting is, but we do have the opinions He said, “That happened told me they had been inundated here, the more pollution will be for many years for the municipal- of people who visit Patong – and under the old management team. with complaints from tourists created.” ity to solve this problem. But now they know how bad the water Although the legal action is still about the wastewater in Patong. He continued, “If the sec- I am still not sure [whether] the here is. In surveys, tourists al- proceeding, we have employed a “The water quality situation ond plant works, it will improve new plant will actually be effec- ways mention the dirty water.” new contractor to complete the is getting critical and I think the situation, but it won’t solve tive.” In the firing line since the work.” Patong Municipality should it 100%. Patong is very impor- Panu Maswongsa, Director new municipal council was in- K. Chairat said he expected solve this problem before every- tant and people should no longer of Marketing for the Patong Re- stalled at the end of August is the new plant to treat water to a thing else. leave wastewater to be dealt with sort, was also sceptical. Chairat Sukbal, the Deputy higher standard than previously, “The problem is getting by the sea. “Even if we have two Mayor in charge of public works. although the 24-hour pumping wastewater treatment plants, I “[Water treatment] is a real operation may make the process don’t think they will be enough priority,” he told the Gazette. “If more expensive. to handle the wastewater in Patong’s water is bad, the whole “It may cost more, because Patong. of Patong’s tourism is bad too.” of the electricity it will use, but “Within the next year, the Although Patong has a we have no plans to pass this cost Jungceylon mall is due to open,” settled poulation of just 11,000, on to local people,” he said. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE ISLAND October 9 - 15, 2004

By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn ith the opening last month of the Phu- ket Fine Art Gall- Wery, collectors in Phuket can now source the work of some of Thailand’s best- known painters without having to travel all the way to Bangkok. The gallery, east of Baan Kian, on the road from Thalang to Cherng Talay, offers a wide va- riety of paintings – including wa- tercolors, oils and acrylics – and is a must-see for art enthusiasts. The grand opening exhibi- tion on September 19 was pre- sided over by former Prime Min- ister Chuan Leekpai and featured 120 works of art by famous names in Thai painting, includ- ing Thai National Artist Pratuang Em-jaroen, Thongchai Rukpra- thum, Itipol Thanchalok and Preecha Taothong. Owner Kanyarat Tiewsa- Art is found both inside the kula told the Gazette that prices building and outside, by the pool. range from 50,000 baht to half a Above, details of paintings million baht, but she stressed that by Sompoj Singthong (top) the gallery is about more than just and Witcha Yodnin. making sales. She and her partner Nirut Polnakarn want the gallery to serve as a place where local art students can draw inspiration from the creative genius of ART BY THE POOL some of Thailand’s finest art- ists. The gallery is intended to “We don’t charge an en- ers two rai of land, cost about 15 hibitions change every month. K. Kanyarat explained meet the interior decoration trance fee, but for student groups million baht to build. The main The next big exhibition that she is also happy to give needs of upscale homeowners, we do ask that people let us know gallery has an area of 175 square planned is a “one-man show” by local artists a new venue to dis- especially discerning buyers a few days in advance of when meters. Silapakorn University Associate play their work. building vacation or retirement they plan on visiting. “We built a swimming pool Professor Taworn Ko-udomwit, K. Kanyarat, a Phuket na- homes on the island. “There’s no need to feel at the center as a place for guests who already has three painting on tive, said that the idea of open- The best-selling items so obliged to make a purchase. We to relax, socialize and meet the display at the gallery. ing a gallery sprang naturally far have been paintings of the don’t follow visitors around; we artists during exhibition open- from the owners’ shared love of Buddha and other works with allow them to take in all the ings. The gallery can accommo- Phuket Fine Art, open Monday to art. The couple are well prepared characteristically Thai themes, paintings at their leisure,” she date up to 200 people,” she Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, is at for the business side, too, as they K. Kanyarat said. added. added. 185/30, Baan Kian Rd, Moo 4, already own a number of mini- Phuket Fine Art also wel- The gallery is just a short For people who have al- Thalang. For more information marts, and souvenir and crafts comes student groups and other drive from Laguna Phuket and ready visited Phuket Fine Art, contact K. Kanyarat or Nirut (Tel: shops in Phuket City and in people interested in touring the many other luxury villa projects. there will always be a good rea- 09-7298991; 06-2775358; Web- Karon. gallery. The entire property, which cov- son to make a return trip, as ex- site: www.phuketfineart.com). October 9 - 15, 2004 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Infanticide mom gets 25 years

he Criminal Court sen- tirement program and the down- bers, one of its commissioners tenced 24-year-old sizing of agencies. Civil servants said. Nongnuch McCavini to will be required to undergo two K. Wichianchote Sukcho- T25 years in jail for leav- performance reviews; those who terat was responding to allega- ing her four-day-old son to die at fail both reviews can resign with tions made by Pratin Santi- a dumpsite in Bangkok last Oc- eight months’ severance pay or prapop, chairman of the Senate tober. undergo skills training. Special Committee on Corrup- The infant, nicknamed tion, that the commissioners Apec, was barely alive when a School of hard knocks: A broke the law by increasing gas station attendant found him. school director in Kamphaeng their own salaries. He later died of respiratory fail- Phet was transferred for caning Wichianchote said that the ure. The court heard he suffered a 19-year-old female student who NCCC Act empowered the anti- a “torturous” death due to a lack repeatedly played truant and was graft agency to issue a directive of oxygen. He had been triple- found in a rented apartment with to approve pay increases for com- wrapped in plastic bags. a male friend. missioners. Nongnuch pleaded guilty Sak Ngarm Wittaya School He said the pay-rise direc- during interrogation, but claimed director Anon Bualom admitted tive had also been scrutinized by later in court that she had no in- caning the teenager 39 times, the Council of State, which is the tention of killing her son. She leaving her with bruised and government’s legal advisory said she had hoped someone swollen buttocks, and a fever. board. would find him and take care of Fundamental Education The NCCC issued a direc- him. Commission Secretary General tive on July 29 giving its chair- Nongnuch was married to Pornnipa Limpapayom trans- man a monthly pay increase of a Briton and had lived in England ferred K. Anon to Kamphaeng 45,500 baht, taking his salary to with their only son. During a visit Phet Educational District 2 Of- 154,000 baht, while other com- to Thailand, she had an affair fice and ordered an investigation. missioners received pay rises of with a taxi driver and became The Education Ministry has 42,500 baht, taking their salaries pregnant. banned corporal punishment in to 147,000 baht. She left the baby at the schools. If it is ruled that K. Anon dumpsite because her husband Police officers in Bangkok’s Lat Krabang District prevent an committed a non-criminal of- Missing millions: Over 2.4 mil- threatened to divorce her if she enraged man from attacking murder suspect Sompong fence, he could face a 5% salary lion baht mysteriously disap- kept it. Buathanom during a crime re-enactment. cut for up to three months. peared from a Bank of Ayudhya Sompong is charged with murdering 15-year-old Issara K. Pornnipa said K. Anon ATM, the manager of the bank’s Cattleclysm: A woman was Puangput by dousing him with gasoline and setting him alight. should have alerted the student’s Naresuan University branch in killed and six others were injured More than 50 police officers were dispatched to protect the parents instead of resorting to the Phitsanulok’s Muang District when a buffalo ran amok in a suspect from a crowd of 100 angry relatives and friends of cane. She said her office also is- said. market after escaping from a the victim. sued a memorandum to schools Pornnee Boontha-makul, slaughterhouse in Pathum Thani. across the country stating that 47, lodged a complaint with Phit- Kesa Pongchareon, 42, was Top–down orders: Deputy Vishanu. they must not cane or use any sanulok Police that the money gored by the buffalo and died on Prime Minister Vishanu Krua- He added that the reform other form of violence against had vanished from a cash ma- the way to hospital. ngam urged teachers to complain scheme, which aims to lay off 5% students. chine, but Pol Col Chalerm Kesa’s husband, Sompong to police if their superiors co- of poorly performing government The girl’s mother said she Suwannara-tosod and investigat- Pongchareon, 45, told police he erced them into having sex. officials, could be reconsidered would pursue legal action against ing officers found the back panel had been taking his wife, a mas- Teachers had claimed that if it is widely criticised. K. Anon. of the ATM was securely locked seuse, to a customer’s place in the superiors in the Ministry of Edu- Although the plan appears “I want this case to be a pre- and there was no trace of a break- market when he heard a scream cation might blackmail them into to open the door for superiors to cedent, so that other students will in. of “Look out, mad buffalo!” and having sex, in return for not be- bully subordinates, K. Vishanu not suffer such punishment,” she Police are now questioning saw the animal heading their way. ing laid off under phase three of said the chances were small be- said. bank staff members. The couple tried to take the government’s bureacracy re- cause removing an official re- cover in a nearby pharmacy, but form scheme. quired nine separate steps. Corruption costs: The National Around the Nation news roundup K. Kesa was too slow and was “If it’s true, they should tell Laying off inefficient offi- Counter Corruption Commission is sourced from the pages of The gored. Six others were injured, police, inform school directors cials is the third phase of the re- (NCCC) broke no laws when it Nation and Kom Chad Luek including a man who was speared and write me a report,” said K. forms, and follows an early re- increased the salaries of its mem- newspapers. in the chest and suffered damage to his left lung. Villagers later shot the buf- falo dead. Police said they would track down the animal’s owner and demand compensation.

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www.phuketgazette.net 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE REGION October 9 - 15, 2004 Some help on red-tape intricacies

any expats and new- The meeting was well at- raise money for charities in the ly arrived residents tended by business owners from Krabi area. complain about the Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Krabi. In addition, the motorcy- Mcomplexity of Thai Ingorn Chuayjuan, head of the clists used the event to promote labor laws and immigration re- Labour Department, presided motorcycle safety, stressing the quirements. over the session, importance of wearing helmets One of the handling numerous at all times, riding with lights on most common com- questions and in- and obeying all traffic laws. plaints heard is that quiries. Hundreds of very expen- you will get a differ- The afternoon sive, beautifully-maintained mo- ent answer to the meeting was chair- torcycles riding through the area same question from ed by Pol Lt Col were truly a sight to be seen. two different gov- Sakrapree Suekam- And – a testament to their ernment employees nerd, head of Krabi seriousness about safety – not a in the same office. Immigration. After single accident was reported To address these is- the meetings were during the weekend, despite sues, the Krabi au- finished, we had a there being an extra 1,300 mo- thorities are making chance to torbikes on the roads of Ao efforts to educate chat with K. Nang. If only the locals could foreigners and local ACROSS Ingorn, who ride so well. Thai business own- recently Above: Just a few of the 1,300 big bikes that took For more information ers about the re- took over as over Ao Nang recently. Left, Labour Department about this group and their activi- quirements, and THE BAY head of the Chief Ingorn Chuayjuan ties, visit their website at www. about the responsi- By Gus Reynolds Krabi Pro- only in occupations signing of work permits, K. 3nationcharityride.com. bilities of holders of visas and vincial Labour Depart- that cannot current- Ingorn’s office can be of invalu- work permits. ment. ly be performed by able assistance in making sure Signs of progress (maybe): A On September 13, the Krabi She stressed that Thai people. foreigners are following the cor- count of essential facilities in Ao Provincial Department of Em- Thailand wants to attract K. Ingorn said rect procedures. Nang reveals how the place is ployment and the Krabi Depart- “quality” foreigners, her department growing: ment of Immigration held a joint those with special skills would make a spe- Motorcycle invasion: Septem- seminar at the Ao Nang Villa or those with a high level cial effort to discuss ber 3 saw the arrival of the 3 Na- 2004 2000 Resort. of education. The aim of the with foreigners considering set- tion Charity Ride in Krabi. ATM machines 23 4 The morning session was Labour Department is to have ting up business in Thailand Some 1,300 motorbikes and rid- Italian restaurants 12 5 run by the Labour Department, Thai people learn new skills whether their proposals would ers participated in a weekend of Dive shops 17 10 which supplied English transla- from their foreign employers. meet the requirements of the fun and festivities, but the ulti- Tailors 29 19 tions of the Alien Work Act, as As a result, the foreigners Labour Department. mate goal of the 50-plus motor- 7-Elevens 2 0 well as an English translator for Thailand wishes to attract to the Although the Governor of cycle clubs, from Singapore, Long-tail boats 900 175 the proceedings. country as investors should be Krabi has the final say in the Malaysia and Thailand, was to Rot salaeng taxi 45 0 October 9 - 15, 2004 H A P P E N I N G S PHUKET GAZETTE 9 T his week

CHINESE WHISPERS: Members of the Beijing press are welcomed to Phuket by Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (OrBorJor) President Anchalee Vanich-Thepabutr (blue blouse) and OrBorJor member Sommai COMMUNITY SPIRIT: The German Honorary Consul to Phuket, Dirk Naumann (back Maipongpattana (back row, blue shirt). Angsana Sihapitak (flowery red row, center), presents playground equipment and building supplies to the Saiyuan blouse), Minister Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing Development Kindergarten on behalf of the Rommel family. A total of 150,000 baht accompanies them. was donated by the family in memory of their late relative.

THE NAVY LARK: (from left) R/Adm Likit Charoensaph and V/Adm Pairoj Theerachai IBAP, WE BAP: Among those at the recent IBAP business fair at Central Festival of the Royal Thai Navy Third Naval Area Command, Mrs Saowanee Theerachai and Phuket are IBAP Secretary O.B. Wetzell (back row, 2nd from left), Dr Prasit Chief of Staff of Third Naval Area Command R/Adm Amornchot Sujirat at a recent Koeysiripong (pink shirt), Phuket Vice-Governor Niran Kalayanamit and Dr Bodin “thank-you party” for the media at the Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel. La-ied (respectively front row right and 2nd from right).

APEX OVER BASE: At the opening of the Apex Skin Center RE-ANIMATORS: Phuket Vice-Governor Winai Buapradit (seated, left) and the Director of Phuket at Central Festival Phuket are (from left): Dr Nantapat Polytechnic College Thanomsri Ratabut (seated, right) congratulate the 40 students who completed Supapannachart, Dr Sriyada Palimapan, and Saengchai the first three months of a six-month pre-professional animation course under the aegis of Sipa, the Wasoonthara. Thermage therapy specialist Gary Wilson Software Industry Promotion Agency. stands behind the trio. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE October 9 - 15, 2004 THE ABALONE PIONEER

Gazette: What was your back- Dr Sithisak: I estimate it Dr Sithisak: I can’t say ground before you opened the Dr Sithisak Muangsin is the Managing Director of Phuket would cost not less than five mil- that the abalone farm has been Phuket Abalone Farm? Abalone Farm, a business he established seven years ago. It lion baht to make six cement an undiluted success, but I can Dr Sithisak: I am 42 years was the first commercial venture of its kind in Thailand and wells to hold the abalone. But if say business has been better over old and I was born in Bangkok. an investor is willing to spend the past couple of years because After I graduated from the Fac- required an investment of more than 60 million baht. more than 10 million baht on a big of the demand from Taiwan for ulty of Veterinary Science at Dr Sithisak, a veterinarian graduate of Chulalongkorn abalone farm, he will find that is young abalone, and I think things Chulalongkorn University, I came University, talked with the Gazette’s Kamol Pirat about more profitable. will improve even more. to southern Thailand, to Surat the future of breeding and farming the high-value molluscs. There is already heavy de- Thani, where I farmed prawns Gazette: What difficulties are mand in China for abalone, and for more than 10 years. there in running an abalone we are able to export about However, in time, the price farm? 10,000 tons, or 10 million kilo- of prawns on the world market Dr Sithisak: The first grams, a year. started to fall, mainly because of problem that would face a new- Our main market is Asia; the huge supply from countries comer is finding a suitable place most of our produce is exported such as Vietnam and India. I be- for the farm, one where the wa- to China and Taiwan. lieved that the Thai prawn indus- ter has the right level of salinity. Prime Minister Thaksin try could not last much longer, so Phuket has the right kind of wa- Shinawatra has predicted that the I decided to come to Phuket to ter and has places to plant sea- Chinese economy will grow by set up a different business here. weed for feeding the abalone. around 7% a year for the next 16 I discovered that the sea In addition, you have to wait years, so it’s unlikely the price of around Phuket was ideal for aba- a long time to get a return on your abalone will fall. lone farming. The salinity of the investment as the abalone life People in Malaysia, Indone- water made for good breeding cycle is long, and the earliest they sia and the Philippines have asked conditions, while the international can be sold for food is six to eight me to supply young abalone to airport meant I could export fresh months of age. them but I haven’t been able to abalone to Taiwan and Japan. do this because I don’t have Plus, Phuket had no heavy indus- Gazette: Were you the first per- enough abalone to sell to them. try that could damage the envi- son in Thailand to invest in aba- At the moment, I export ronment around an abalone farm. lone farming? only to Taiwan, but I could ex- Moreover, there was the Dr Sithisak: Yes. We are port elsewhere if I had enough. potential to expand into nearby the first Thai venture to go into If Thai farmers want to run an provinces such as Phang Nga commercial farming of Taiwan- abalone farm to meet this de- and Krabi, with Phuket at the ese abalone, and Phuket Abalone mand, I will sell them young aba- center of the Thai abalone busi- was the first producer to use aba- lone, although I’m not sure how ness in the future. lone to make abalone sauce. Our many people would want to en- Lee’s Kitchen sauce can be seen ter the business. Gazette: What else inspired you on the shelves of supermarkets to set up this business? around the country. Gazette: Do you have any plans Dr Sithisak: I saw that At present we have no com- to invest in other countries? many of the goods that Thailand petitors. Australia is a major sup- Dr Sithisak: No. I want to exported were low value – rice, plier, with an industry that harvests run this business in Thailand and for example – but Thailand im- naturally growing abalone and I want to stay in Phuket or Phang ported high-value goods from Dr Sithisak Muangsin with abalone, at his Phuket farm. exports them to Japan, but that is Nga or, maybe, Krabi. This is a abroad. I thought a better way for different from abalone farming. lovely area and I am very happy Thailand would be to export high- However, I can see that in to live here. value goods instead of low-value lone from Taiwan could be export grown abalone to Japan. the next four or five years, coun- ones. farmed here. It is also more popu- The demand from Taiwan tries such as Vietnam will become Phuket Abalone Farm Co Ltd is In addition, I went to Tai- lar on the world market and grows is about 500 million young aba- strong competitors. at 35/4 Moo 1 Thepphratan Rd. wan and I had the chance to taste faster than the Thai species, so I lone a year, but the country has Tambon Rassada, Phuket City. abalone soup. I knew they had changed to breeding that. the capacity to breed just 50 mil- Gazette: After seven years in Tel: 076-252944. Website: www. abalone farms in Taiwan and I I export young abalone, aged lion. this business, are you a success? phuketabalone.com thought that we could have them around three months, to Taiwan, However, I still plan to rear in Thailand, too. where it is reared for two to three abalone to maturity then export After that, with the help of years, before being exported to them direct to Japan. I will invite the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Japan. Japan is the main market Thai farmers to establish abalone Office, I spent more than three for Taiwanese abalone – 60% of farms and I will help them start years trying to breed Thai aba- the abalone from my farm ends up in business and advise them lone. up in Japan, while 40% stays in on what to do. When the abalone I wasn’t very successful at Taiwan. is mature, I will buy it back from first, because Thai abalone grow I could export mature aba- them. slowly, plus it’s not popular on the lone to Japan, but I’m so busy world market, so it is difficult to meeting the demand for young Gazette: How much money sell. abalone from Taiwan that I don’t would it cost to set up an aba- Then I discovered that aba- have the time or resources to lone farm? October 9 - 15, 2004 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 11

ebbie Cook at Dulwich International College tells me that many of Dthe school’s best mu- sic students will be demonstrat- Wine, women and song ing their remarkable skills at a concert for the community on adoringly from the back for just Wednesday, October 13. 500 baht. Call 076-324453-7 (ext The evening will include 0) to reserve tickets. everything from Bach to African drumming, including jazz, pop What? No song? Those of you and rock music from the ’50s, familiar with Mediterranean cul- ’60s and ’70s. Proceeds will be ture will know how the men there used to support the 15 Dulwich crowd into small bistros and en- students who will represent tertain one another into the wee Phuket at the FOBIS-SEA mu- hours with endless chatter. sic festival in Seoul, South Ko- I have always wondered rea, in November. what these guys talk about all Here’s a chance to elevate night, but now I know. It’s wine your spirits and check out the tal- and women. ent at Dulwich. Call 076-238711 Recently, I had the privilege for ticket information. of meeting Fiorenzo Dogliani from the Beni di Screamy drea- Batasiolo vine- my: Debbie Dio- yards of Pied- nysius, Director mont, Italy. His of Destination family has been Marketing at La- growing grapes guna Phuket, has and producing sent innumerable excellent wine in enthusiastic this region since A Finnish girl and a bath of wine: At the Beni di Batasiolo wine dinner (from left) Fiorenzo Dogliani of emails about the the 1840s. They Beni di Batasiolo, Chef Lorenzo Vivaldi and Gian Carlo De Cesare, Branch Manager of Italasia Group. charity concert have expanded the resort is host- and now have about his love of women and how wines carried by FIN have labels and who are themselves fab- ing on Sunday, 336 acres – once, in his youth, he had met a designed and painted by artists. ulous,” explained Mr Ganser. October 10. Off the about 750 rai – lone Finnish lass and taken her “The Lovers”, male and fe- Well, there certainly were It’s not sur- under cultiva- back to his apartment. male figures created by French some fabulous people at the FIN prising, really, as tion. There, she found cases of sculptor Sophie Pigeon, for ex- launch at TwinPalms Phuket. the stars of the WALL Fiorenzo the family’s best sparkling wine ample, features on the label of show are Mich- brought with him and insisted that they take a bath every bottle of Chateau Bel Air Start wining: For those of us a ael Learns To With Bruce Stanley Lorenzo Vivaldi, in the stuff. Fiorenzo, the very Bordeaux Superieur rouge. bit less fabulous, Michael Cowan Rock, a trio of a friend from model of an Italian playboy, hap- The inspiration for FIN’s of C9 and Steven Roberto of hunky Danes who have set girls Piedmont and Chef of the Antica pily obliged. art-and-wine combination comes Baan Rim Pa are forming a wine across Asia screaming with their Corona Reale – a family restau- from Benjawan Wisootat, of the club for those who want to learn romantic ballads. rant that has been in operation Intoxicatingly artistic: A few successful event management the basics of wine appreciation. Concerts at Laguna Phuket since 1836 – who created a fan- nights after the wine dinner, man- firm Optimum, and her partner, (See also wine column, page 25.) are always a treat and this one, tastic winemaker’s dinner at the agers of Phuket’s very best re- Jan Ganser, who has been 20 Michael will be the orga- co-sponsored by the Gazette, is Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket. sorts gathered for an evening at years in international marketing. nizer, while Steven’s task will be raising money for a good cause: Sponsored by wine distribu- the TwinPalms Phuket for a wine “FIN has been formed in to explain what to consider when local attempts to help children at tor Italasia, the feast was your event sponsored by FIN, Fabu- order to provide art and wine that presented with an unfamiliar risk from HIV or sexual preda- typical six-course extravaganza, lous is Needed, a Bangkok is fabulous to customers who un- bottle of red, white or sparkling. tors. featuring rare white truffle, lifestyle company dedicated to derstand the finer things in life – I’ll keep you posted. You can scream directly into which, I was told, cost many thou- fine wine and art. the rugged faces of these three sands of dollars a kilo, and six FIN promotes only 30 labels hunks for 4,000 baht – and that delectable wines from Fiorenzo’s from select vineyards, chosen for ticket even includes a private backyard. their distinct taste, which could meeting with the trio after the But my favorite part of the be described as “art that can be concert – or you can scream evening was Fiorenzo bragging tasted”. Three of the signature 12 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE October 9 - 15, 2004 OFF TO THE OFFICE

orkplace fashion, and just a smatter- ing of off- duty cas- Wual items, remain the focus this issue. Blacks and browns continue to be popular colors for the well- dressed executive and woman – or man – about town. Diagonal stripes for men and asymmetric block prints for women feature strongly. Modish details and acces- heeled, the most stylish ones com- sories for women include cravats ing in gold and/or de rigueur worn long and loose, while color- black. ful purses are a trendy choice. Large-frame sunglasses Many of the big fashion are a must-have for both sexes houses – Eclipse, Ep, Espada, G and oversized gold hoop earrings 2000, Claudia Kleid Black & – almost long enough to delicately White, Andrew Brown and Dan- brush the shoulder – are almost iel Hechter – boast these styles mandatory for a girl’s fun night in their current ranges. out. For women, shoes and Find these up-to-the-minute strappy sandals should be high- styles at Central Festival Phuket. October 9 - 15, 2004 PHUKET GAZETTE 13

AD Central Full page 14 PHUKET GAZETTE TRA V E L October 9 - 15, 2004 HEARD&scene The Gazette’s Siripansa Somboon went out and about and asked, “What is your most precious possession, and why?”

Kathy Graham Krisada Bunnao Thawika Kerdphol Kwannapa Tippayachai Mantana Tantachon Age: 33 Age: 34 Age: 20 Age: 33 Age: 30 From: Australia From: Phuket From: Bangkok From: Nakhonn Pathom From: Phang Nga Occupation: Journalist Occupation: Businessman Occupation: PR Officer Occupation: PR Representative Occupation: Beautician I don’t have any really precious My most precious possession is My most precious possession is My most precious possession is Money is my most precious possessions because it’s too my business – it’s a job that I my wallet. It’s where I keep all my eye-pencil because a lady possession. I have to work hard stressful for me. It’s better not love doing and a business that I my money and, also, important without eyebrows is like a for it, but I can buy anything. to own much at all. I think love to be in. There’s nothing to documents such as my ID card, house with no roof. My face My car is also precious to me that’s a great idea for me and compare with the feeling of my driving license, my credit looks like tofu without eye- because I must have a car to go everyone else. That thought is happiness I get from work. It card and pictures of the people brows but when I draw them on to the shopping mall or to travel my most precious possession. brings good things into my life. I love. I become beautiful. to anywhere beautiful. In the St ars by Isla St ar LIBRA (September 24-October cent rocky times. You will ben- against believing that gray areas a couple of days off and seek un- soon be blown away by the wind 23): If you’ve been earning pea- efit from spending time with are unimportant. usual pursuits. Friends will be of change, and you must wait pa- nuts recently, this week offers a friends this weekend. Travel happy to join in. Next Tuesday, tiently until this happens. To oc- chance to make changes in your plans feature soon, and an en- AQUARIUS (January 21-Febru- Virgo has an interesting point of cupy yourself meanwhile, turn working life. You may believe counter on Saturday suggests an ary 19): Aquarians who are suf- view concerning mutually ben- your attention to jobs around the that a job offer looks too good to unusual destination. Expect a fering from itchy feet should eficial business. house and garden. The colors be true, but don’t doubt it. Grab pleasant financial surprise on make the effort to escape for a aubergine and jade green will this opportunity quickly or some- Monday or Tuesday. Wear the while. Even a long weekend will TAURUS (April 21-May 21): help to balance energy. one else certainly will. color sapphire blue to dispel an- do wonders for you. You’ve been Smoothing over problems, rather ger and promote tranquility. getting so caught up in the daily than meeting them head-on, is a LEO (July 24-August 22): Sort- SCORPIO (October 24-Novem- drudgery of making ends meet common Taurean trait. However, ing fact from fantasy will take ber 22): Keeping secrets will be CAPRICORN (December 22- that your usual pizzazz has gone if you don’t sort out a particularly some energy this week. If you hard this week, and others have January 20): If Capricorns don’t somewhat flat. On Wednesday, knotty matter this week, events believe someone’s pie-in-the-sky caught the scent and are hot on make that romantic move they’ve the number 2 holds promise. could escalate and lead to a situ- story, you’ll find yourself on a the trail. Share the secret – if you been considering this week, any ation that will be hard to get out wild goose chase. At work, needed a reason for partying. But, chances of making a dream come PISCES (February 20-March of. If you’re searching for suit- you’ve probably been doing more with your birthday looming on true will vanish. The object of 20): Most Pisceans will be riding able gifts to give to family mem- than the lion’s share recently; the horizon, perhaps you should your interest has other fish to fry, the wave of happiness that helped bers, Sunday is the best day for Monday is a good day to put your save the celebration for then. so overcome your natural shy- last week to go smoothly. Make tracking down bargains. paws down and seek ways to del- ness. the most of these conditions to egate. Aries has important news SAGITTARIUS (November 23- As the week progresses, set new schemes in motion, and GEMINI (May 22-June 21): You to relay mid-week. December 21): Sagittarians events unfold to reveal a tempt- approach others who are of in- are advised to think before mak- should be back on track after re- ing business investment. Guard fluence; it will be hard for any- ing promises this weekend. Gen- VIRGO (August 23-September one to refuse your charm at the erous offers made now could 23): If wishes were elephants, moment. On Thursday, you are cause future regret. There is monkeys would fly. Unfortu- frustrated when Cancer sidesteps probably a solution whereby you nately, you cannot have every- an important issue; wear seaweed can meet someone halfway, yet thing your heart desires this green to aid smooth-talking. also keep your pride intact. Share week. But one dream is set to some romantic moments this Sat- come true, even though evidence ARIES (March 21-April 20): urday; the love of your life will has been pointing to the contrary. Group activities are highlighted appreciate a spontaneous gesture. Many Virgoans are about to be this weekend for Arians. It’s just pleasantly surprised by news as well that there’s plenty going CANCER (June 22-July 23): from afar. On Thursday, a close on as your boredom threshold is Overcome your frustration this friend asks for urgent advice and liable to be low. If concentrating weekend at an unobtainable goal. you are the perfect person to of- on tedious tasks is difficult, take Forces beyond your control will fer some pearls of wisdom. October 9 - 15, 2004 S M A L L W O R L D PHUKET GAZETTE 15 KKIDSIDS the Fun Page Get your brain for all in gear with the Family The Monster Quiz

1. In what year was the 8. What is Harry Potter’s 14. What is special about Spo t the Differ ence Panama canal com- owl called? a pachydermous Spo t the Differ ence pleted? animal? Can you find the seven 9. Which is the second differences between the 2. After whom was the largest country in the 15. With what color ink two cartoons below? And Teddy bear named? world? did car maker Enzo can you find them faster Ferrari sign his name? than the rest of the family? 3. Who, in 1875, was the 10. How many seconds are 16. Food à la broche is first person to swim there in August? cooked how? the English Channel? 11. Who said, “And the sea 17. Who, in 1946, in- 4. Name the singer with will grant each man vented the bikini? the band Jamiroquai new hope, as sleep brings dreams of 18. What was the inspira- 5. What is an umiak? home.” tion behind its name? 19. How often does the 6. In photographic terms 12. Who is the drummer for asteroid Toutatis 4179 what do the letters the band Michael orbit the Earth? SLR stand for? Learns To Rock? 20. When was its last 7. Who played the part of 13. By what other name is approach? Batman in the original the town Qaanaaq, television series? Greenland, known? Answers next week. Never a Cross Word!

Across 1. Legal process. 4. Well endowed. 7. Imaginary line around the world. 9. Tool for boring. 10. Come into the garden, ****. Brain Buster!! 12. Cable TV sports channel. 13. Hawaiian greeting. 14. **** Dick, the white Q. Famous African tracker and guide Stanley whale. Deadstone says that, in the Kruger National Park, 16. Having lots of money. he can point his car north on a straight road, drive 18. Spinning toy. 19. Unimportant Pursuit? it for one kilometer, and without turning around, 21. Cowboy spectacular. 2. Japanese truck and auto 6. Gloomy. end up one kilometer south of where he started. 22. Room in the roof. maker. 8. This month. How does he do this? 3. Item for sale at auction. Down 11. 86,400 seconds. 4. Watering hole.

12. It’s on the side of your A. He drives his car in reverse. in car his drives He A. 1. Instrument for measuring 5. They’re used for examin- head. temperature. ing bones. 15. Animal that walks on two legs. ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK’S 17. Stupid person. MONSTER QUIZ 19. Cube root of eight. 20. Irish separatist organiza- 1. Gulf of Bothnia; 2. Lowering a lifeboat from a ship; 3. tion. Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck; 4. 1783, in Paris; 5. 13; 6. Ernest Hemingway; 7. Salt; 8. Valetta; 9. Yusuf Solution next week. Islam; 10. Defenestration; 11. Guano (bird feces, for fertilizer); 12. 27.5 million; 13. Riel; 14. Nimbus 2000; 15. Cedar tree; 16. Light amplification by stimulated emission Crossword of radiation; 17. Columbia, on April 12, 1981; 18. 1.728 million kilometers; 19. Road Runner; 20. Pen. Solution to last week’s 16 PHUKET GAZETTE F E A T U R E S October 9 - 15, 2004 Slaughterhouse politics ush’s Brain (John Wiley and the permanent campaign, the co-president, against Michael Dukakis in However, principles Sons, Hoboken, 2003, 395pp) whose relationship with Bush, and his faith- 1988, while Karl Rove would were something he could not is not primarily about George ful guidance, have put him at the heart of adopt the son. afford in his 2000 presiden- BW Bush – who gets off rather power in a manner unknown to previous First Rove engineered tial race. lightly – but about Karl Rove, his chief political consultants and US electoral his- the campaign that got Phil After Bush’s defeat by political adviser. The point of the book is tory.” Gramm, Democrat-turned- John McCain in the New in its subtitle: How Karl Rove Made Karl Rove’s political life began at Republican, elected to the US Hampshire primary, the George W Bush Presidential. Olympus High School, Salt Lake City, Senate in 1984, and two years Off the Rove forces were freed to Authors James Moore and Wayne Utah, where he ran an extravagant cam- later turned his hand to Bill swarm all over the Vietnam Slater are veteran Texas journalists who paign for president of the student senate. Clements’s campaign against veteran in the crucial South dig deep into Rove’s history to create a “Karl Rove moved through the hall- Mark White for Governor of SHELF Carolina primary in what was devastating portrait of the way of Olympus High in the Texas. By James Eckardt dubbed “slaughterhouse poli- man who directed the cam- late sixties like a thunder- “Anti-White messages tics”. The rumors were vile, paigns that made George W storm, full of noise and elec- are more important than positive Clements spread by direct mail and phone calls. Bush Governor of Texas tricity. messages,” Rove wrote in a strategy Having gained the White House for and then US President. “He was going in all di- memo, “Attack. Attack. Attack.” George W Bush, Rove reigns supreme The Democrats, fresh rections at once, pieces of Rove was widely believed to have in identifying the issues that will keep him from their successful con- motion, everything flung out staged a phoney wiretap in his office to there. vention in Boston, are still in all directions, arms, hands, discredit the White campaign. Clements “Rove is Nixonian in his cynicism nervously looking over their mouth – mostly his mouth, won and in 1992 Rove mounted the Bush and manipulation of patriotic themes,” shoulders at Karl Rove. which moved in an avalanche II juggernaut against popular governor reports a political consultant who has “It is in Karl’s nature of words. Rove was always Anne Richards. He scored an upset vic- worked for both parties. “The irony is that to engulf and devour and talking. He had opinions on tory, amid a whisper campaign about les- W, in many ways, is the anti-Nixon. control and to rule,” says everything.” bians in the state government. “Nixon was brilliant but self-de- one long-time Texas lobby- So taken was Rove George W Bush is seen as a man of structive. W is dull but, in Rove’s hands, ist. with politics that he never fin- principle, at least in the early stages of his maniacally disciplined. It’s like Rove is Just how powerful is ished college but secured him- political career. “Here’s what I’ll do and Nixon’s heir. Cold-blooded. Ruthless. Karl Rove? “Episodes of dirty tricks, self a sinecure in Washington as execu- here’s what I won’t do,” Bush says at an Paranoid. But unlike Nixon, Rove has fig- well-timed investigations, and electoral tive director of the College Republicans, early campaign meeting. ured out how to mask it all behind Bush’s legerdemain, have turned Karl Rove into with an office at the Republican National “On the attacking thing, I’m not do- smile.” a political enigma,” the authors write. Committee. Here he met Lee Atwater, ing this bit where we’re tearing down. I’m How successfully Rove manages “In an evolutionary chart of the po- “the bad boy of testosterone politics”. not doing this same old kind of stuff. If to sell Bush – and discredit John Kerry – litical consultant, Rove represents a new Lee Atwater would go on to direct that causes me to go in the wringer, that’s will likely determine the upcoming presi- species of adviser. He is the product of George Bush’s famously dirty campaign fine. But I’m not going that route.” dential election. Hungry for news? How to get fed ext to food, sleep and But the good news is that has to be wasted CNN sent Hardcore news junkies are sex, what most people now the suffering can be ended. scanning head- KHUN ALAN’S me about five now turning to RSS, which deliv- need most regularly is And as with so many problems, lines, articles times as many ers feeds, or channels, to your Nnews. For foreigners the cure lies in new technology and links that COMPUTER messages as the desktop. The New York Times, for living in Thailand, the English-lan- and the Internet. have no imme- By Alan Morison other organiza- example, offers feeds in 27 cat- guage daily newspapers usually For some time now, many diate relevance. tions, with just egories, while Britain’s Guardian fill the void, with reasonable cov- newspapers and other media or- I recently tested free email one story mentioned each time. newspaper sends out a dozen. erage of events from afar. ganizations have been adding services from the BBC, CNN, Often, the stories were either ir- All you have to do is search But in places such as Phu- sound bites and video clips to the The Independent (UK), The relevant or were produced for a Google then choose and down- ket, where the dailies often don’t articles they’ve been posting Washington Post, The New York purely America-based audience. load software called a News arrive until noon, anyone desper- online. Live radio over the Inter- Times, The Sydney Morning Much better were the Reader, which will allow you to ate for a news fix is likely to en- net also delivers instant access. Herald and News Ltd Australia. newspaper emails, which arrived harvest news from many differ- dure sweaty palms until then. However, a lot of time still With the exception of CNN, at various times of day, depend- ent sources. they all provided an adequate ing on their deadlines, and which “Personalization” of deliv- compilation of each day’s local varied from the simple text head- ered news remains the Holy and international news and saved lines of The Independent to the Grail. As big players like Yahoo a lot of time and effort jumping twice-daily HTML updates from and Microsoft seek, with ever- from site to site: all I had to do The Sydney Morning Herald. improving technology, to surpass was open my email. But the BBC trumped them Google’s search capacity, it all by offering delivery timed to surely can’t be long before each your choosing (8 am Thai time, of us can fine-tune our informa- for example) and complemented tion sources to the point where by a News Alert function that we can learn, speedily, what we pops up when a particularly big need to know – and not have to news story breaks. waste time with unwanted The BBC also offers news “news”. by email, a desktop ticker, ser- Of course, there’s always vices for mobiles and hand-held the joy of what’s known in the devices, RSS (Really Simple Syn- newspaper business as “random dication or Rich Site Summaries, access”, of discovering interest- depending on who you believe) ing things in stories that you didn’t news bulletins, as well as TV and intend to read in the first place. radio for paying subscribers. For example, you could be For news about specific sub- scanning the Phuket Gazette, jects, Google News is even bet- stumble upon a column about ter. You can specify any topic, computers, then find that you’ve then have news alerts about it de- read it right to the end. livered at regular intervals. Requesting news alerts Guest columnist Alan Morison about “Thailand”, for example, is a former CNN staffer and will trigger a flow of interesting Phuket Gazette Deputy Editor. headlines and summaries, al- He’ll accept anything, relevant though sport tends to predominate or not, at alanmorison@ and the news of the day is not hotmail.com. Woody returns ranked in any particular order. next week. October 9 - 15, 2004 F E A T U R E S PHUKET GAZETTE 17 Why the mail must go through r X, who was work It was another year before ing in Asia, decided the case came to court. During to buy a couple of this time, Mr X discovered that Mhomes in Thailand. the developer had tried to con- Because of the law barring for- tact him several times, but that eigners from owning land, he de- all the letters had been returned cided to buy a condominium in undelivered. The developer had Phuket and another in Pattaya. even tried to contact him via his While Mr X was soon able embassy, but had failed. to enjoy his condo in Phuket, the The developer was willing purchase of the one in Pattaya to negotiate with Mr X to find a became a solution, but saga. was not will- First, LAYING ing to give DOWN Mr X had to him a full re- wait many THE LAW fund. In- years until With Friedrich stead, he of- the building ‘Sam’ Fauma fered Mr X was com- another unit pleted. According to the pur- in the complex, but this was more chase agreement he signed, he expensive than the one Mr X had was due to make the final pay- originally agreed to buy, because Bikes are sheltered from the rain under an old fern-covered roof in Takuapa. ment at the same time as the it was larger and on a higher – Photo by Franky Gun. property was registered in his floor. If he agreed to this option, name at the Land Department. Mr X would be expected to pay Mr X waited for the devel- the difference in price. oper to inform him of the date the Mr X and the developer did condominium would be com- finally agree on an amount and Soaking up a bit of pleted and the date when owner- payment terms, and signed an ship rights to the unit would be agreement in court to that effect. registered in his name. Both parties held to their Work commitments meant side of their deal and now Mr X history in Takuapa he was unable to return to Thai- is the contented owner of a land during this time, but he re- condomiunium unit in Pattaya, mained in constant contact with which he likes very much – so orking for an event pear on the horizon as the wind Archaeological evidence of the staff at the developer’s of- much so that, having moved per- management com- picks up and the once-calm sea Indian culture exists to this day. fice. When he later moved, he left manently to Thailand, he is think- pany does have its suddenly starts pounding onto the For example, a statue of the god his new contact details with a ing of selling his unit in Phuket. little perks, such as beach. This is one of the main Vishnu was discovered in Am- salesperson there. The lesson to be learned is W phur Kapong and is now on dis- being invited to sample the de- reasons why Khao Lak is always However, when he returned the importance of ensuring that lights of the new Le Meridien much greener than Phuket, but play in Thalang National Museum to Thailand after two years, Mr anyone you are doing business Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort. then you can’t have everything. in Phuket. X discovered that the condo- with is properly notified of any The resort is about 12 kilo- We spent a sunny morning After this short spell of his- minium had been completed – change of address. Don’t just tell meters north of the center of around the pool and had a won- tory and culture, it was back to and ownership of “his” unit had an employee. Advise the other Khao Lak, on the stunning 10-km derful brunch – thumbs up to Gen- the hotel for cocktails. The Meri- been transferred to another per- party in writing, preferably by stretch of deserted Bangsak eral Manager Jean Louis Ri- dien’s Sunset cocktail bar, located son. registered mail and with a return Beach. It feels a poche for com- right on the beach, is another Mr X established that the answer card, because you then long way from the ing up with the must for anyone passing the re- developer had tried to contact him have confirmation that the letter bedlam of con- Thailand great opening sort. to inform him of the date of trans- reached its intended destination. struction taking promotion of Getting there: fer and his final payment. How- place at the heart TRAVELER serving break- By car: head north over ever, Mr X never received the This column is compiled from the of Khao Lak. fast/brunch Sarasin Bridge and take the main letter. collective experience of the The Meridi- from 6 am until By Bill Owen road north toward Takuapa, mak- He therefore applied in partners in the International en is next to the 2 pm; it always ing sure not to make the mistake court to have the developer trans- Law Office, Phuket City. Tel: Similana Resort, a feels a little dec- of turning right to Phang Nga – fer the unit into his name or re- 076-222191-5. Fax: 076-222- favorite with old Phuket hands adent to order a full breakfast at which will add at least an hour to fund the money he had already 196. Email: interlaw@loxinfo. who used the area as a hideaway noon. the journey. The drive is an easy paid, plus interest. co.th. a few years ago. Then, the Then it was time to explore. one-and-a-half hours on fairly Similana was the place to visit. Takuapa, about 15 km north of quiet roads. In fact, it was the only place Khao Lak, is one of the oldest By bus: buses leave the lo- around, which just shows how fast towns in the area. The old town cal bus station in Phuket City for the Khao Lak area has expanded lies about 2km south of the new Takuapa hourly. The aircon bus and developed over the past five main center and is definitely fare for the two-hour trip is years. worth a visit. around 70 baht. Located in superb gardens The old town is steeped in overlooking the sea, Le Meridien history, with many of its old Staying there: is one of the finest new resorts in wooden shophouses still intact. Le Meridien Khao Lak Re- the South. Its low-rise buildings, The ruins of the old fortifications sort is currently offering five-star spacious rooms, swimming pools and walls are clearly visible and luxury at a low season special and excellent service combine to it is easy to spend an hour am- price of B3,000++ for a single/ make this an outstanding hotel. bling along the streets, passing twin room per night, with their The staff are extremely friendly, locals sitting outside their houses excellent breakfast/brunch in- ensuring that all guests feel very and shops. Everyone is friendly cluded in the price. This special much at home. and intrigued by their visitors. rate is valid until October 31. Tel: Simply hanging out by the The history of Takuapa can 076-427500. pool is relaxing and enjoyable – be traced back almost 2,000 though this is the monsoon sea- years. During its heyday, the town son and Khao Lak has even high- was an important port on the er rainfall than Phuket does. Malay peninsula trade route (also In the afternoons, the south- known as the Silk Pathway), west monsoon rains often drive where Indian and Persian mer- in with a real force. It’s a won- chants unloaded their cargo to be derful sight: the dark clouds ap- taken overland to Surat Thani. 18 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS October 9 - 15, 2004

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] Early closing is not the answer One of the constant pressures on an English-language newspaper in Thailand is that it is perceived as having a much broader reach than a Thai-language one. This is undoubtedly true, especially when a website is added to the equation. As a result, the Gazette often comes under fire for “ruining tourism” or “wrecking the property industry” because it puts Phuket’s problems out there in front of a huge international audience. In one sense, Patong, with its world-wide reputation, is rather like the Gazette, with its global readership. Outside of Patong and the other playgrounds of foreign tour- ists, one can find much raunchier entertainment (so the Gazette is informed) than that available at establishments within these areas, yet these other venues have hardly been touched by the government’s Better Social Order policy. In many cases they are owned by the very people who are supposed to be carrying out the crackdown, or by people who have formed close associations with them. These establishments are run by Thais for Thais. The world in general does not know they exist. But Patong is known around the world, its sleazy reputation spread by word of mouth and the media. That reputation may no longer be deserved, in part because of the Better Social Order policy, but also because of the change in Letters tourism demographics, with more families visiting the island than in the past. Yet the reputation persists, and is seen by many as damag- The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- with your views for publication in our next issue. ing to Thailand. ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseud- Could this be the real reason for the persistent battering Patong Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 onyms are acceptable only if your full name and has received over the past couple of years, rather than the stated aim or send an email to [email protected] address are supplied. of reducing youth crime? Put justice ahead of actually carry the status of a city, We have a similar situation It seems likely. Authoritarian governments tend to have a pen- independent of Phuket City, with here in England, but our govern- chant for cleaning up sleaze; it does not fit with their self-image as revenue, Gazette all that this would imply? Will it ment is considering extending the the orderers of society. The mere existence of sleaze suggests that In projecting the concerns of its have a democratically-elected opening hours. the government may not be in full control. council, its own tax-collecting The authorities in Phuket As has been pointed out many times, Thai youngsters do not, in major advertisers, the Gazette’s latest outburst of editorial opin- powers and budget, public-ser- are going backward. The answer general, frequent Patong – it’s too expensive. So the stated aim of vices infrastructure, public trans- has to lie with the local popula- the Better Social Order policy is not being furthered by early closing ion on the rights and wrongs of the land scandal investigation port and so on? tion who, at election time, should hours. Also, why is it being built so get rid of those people who want Implementing a policy that, in effect, closes down Phuket’s party [October 2 issue] ignores one im- portant fact: those guilty of these close to Phuket City? If the cen- to go back to the dark ages. town is not going to make the sleaze go away, nor repair the country’s tral government or the Governor Phuket is a tourist area and reputation. At best, it will drive the sleaze underground – where it misdeeds are greedy people who will stop at nothing. of Phuket decided that a new city should cater for tourists, not put will become harder to control and more prone to exploitation by criminal was required, surely it would have them on a curfew like naughty elements. Meanwhile, those tourists who enjoy the simple pleasures Look up your own files on unsolved murders connected to made more sense to build it in the boys. of drinking, chatting and dancing the night away will go to other coun- central or northern part of the is- Phil tries for their vacation. – The Editor land scams. Now the Gazette wants all this forgotten in the in- land and not squeeze it into the United Kingdom terests of preserving the Phuket already densely-populated south- property industry. east corner of Phuket? ...or goodnight There are plenty of people Has anyone examined the for Patong? on the island who bought land environmental impact of another 10,000 shops and homes built in I have been going to Phuket with In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL cheaply knowing the titles were dubious. Are they “innocent vic- this area? The increase in traffic some friends for the last six years tims”? Hardly. alone will almost certainly create and have just heard that the bars To say it’s all “just politics” chaos at peak times. These are there are now closing at 1 am. Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet all rhetorical questions, as I doubt We work hard all year for Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes simply plays into the hands of the corrupt. For once, the Gazette anyone can, or will, give simple our holiday and to be told what Deputy Editor: Chris Husted should ignore the interests of the answers to any of them. time to go to bed is ridiculous. Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn rich and make a stand. However, I hope this letter Perhaps it’s time to find a new Investigation Team: Dhirarat Boonkongsaen, Gategaeo Phetsawang, No honest person wants to causes some thought as to the holiday destination. Kamol Pirat, Anongnat Sartpisut, Siripansa Somboon live on an island where even a possible impact of this develop- It’s a shame because we Desk Editors: Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone good newspaper turns a blind eye ment on this once-beautiful is- love Thailand and her people. land. Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet to evil out of economic self-inter- Bruce John Lunn Guernsey Marketing Manager: Oranee Pienprasertkul est. Let justice be done. Phuket Website Services Manager: Natthira Susangrat Martin Savaloy Distribution Manager: Passara Kaewbumroong Patong A good night in Needled by the Financial Controller: Benjawan Lukthan Patong... tailor’s touts Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd Urban sprawl I am an Englishman, aged 56, I had heard that gambling is not I see that another giant billboard who has been to Thailand many Contact us allowed in Thailand but in Patong has been erected on Chao Fa times. My friends and I are go- recently I saw people, Burmese, Advertising Sales: [email protected] West Rd, but unlike all the adver- ing to Phuket for the first time in I believe, playing snooker for Classified Advertising: [email protected] tising eyesores, this one actually October, and are dismayed that money. Website Services: [email protected] provides some useful information bars there will be closing at 1 am. In addition, two men from a Shopper Card inquiries: [email protected] – the location and layout of the We are not “druggies” or tailor’s shop dragged me to their Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] proposed Chao Fa City. troublesome individuals; just tour- shop and then kissed my girlfriend. How can one person deter- ists who like having a good time Is this allowed? Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 mine the province’s need for – and meeting the local people. We These two men should be and build – a new city, simply like going for a night out and don’t jailed or deported. Either would because he owns the land? like having to go back to our ho- be good for Thailand. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors Is “city”, in this case, only a tel at 1:30 am because everything Mick and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the name, or will this development is closed. Patong directors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. Copyright © 1994-2004 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. October 9 - 15, 2004 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Muay Thai in Phuket: a lost opportunity? n recent years, the popular- decorated. [Prices for VIPs are There needs to be better ity of Muay Thai has Steve Illyes operates the Phuket 700 or 1,000 baht a seat. Thais planning and communication. The boomed in the West. Watch- are charged 150 baht.] best we get now is a flyer, in Thai, ing authentic Muay Thai and Muay Thai Camp and Gym in Kata. The stadium quickly filled to the day before the event. I He has been a Muay Thai enthusiast studying it in its birthplace is a standing-room-only, and the fol- 4. Training camps: As re- dream for many foreigners. for more than 20 years, traveling lowing 10 fights were unbeliev- cently as one year ago, Phuket had Every year thousands of extensively in Thailand and visiting able. only one camp and that was Muay Thai enthusiasts head for dozens of training camps. Here he Even during the last fight – barely adequate by Western stan- Thailand. Many stay six to 12 our boy – 95% of the crowds dards. Samui has more than 15 months, returning year after year. compares development of Muay stayed to cheer on the fighters. gyms and camps. Yet for most, Phuket is not on Thai in Koh Samui and Phuket and We were there from 8 pm to 1 5. Phuket needs to stop their itinerary. makes some suggestions on how Phuket could benefit am and thoroughly enjoyed it. overpricing. This serves only to On my first visit to Phuket, more from ‘Muay Thai tourism’. Why can’t this happen in reinforce negative feedback, hurt in 1998, I stayed in Patong and Phuket? It has better infrastruc- the island’s reputation and keep was was not impressed with the ture, more tourists, higher per- potential new customers away. staged bouts I observed there. As it turned out, most of the In sharp contrast is Koh capita spending and more inter- As a result, stadium owners After watching three rounds of fighters were just kids trying to Samui’s Chaweng Stadium, national exposure than Samui. and training camps lack funds to aging boxers slapping each other catch the eye of a Bangkok pro- where we recently traveled to Here are a few sugges- improve their facilities. with over-sized gloves and then moter. Of the 20 fighters, only a match our 180-lb fighter from the tions: A new stadium costs about posing for tips at each table, I left. handful were from Phuket. Most US. We were unable to find an 1. Offer value for money: 10 million baht, but with only a A travel agency told me that came from Krabi, Phang Nga or opponent for him in Phuket after Phuket venues need to match dozen or so Westerners paying the for the “real thing” I had to head nearby islands. The restroom, five weeks of searching, but af- their pricing with the quality of full price, the chance for return to Phuket City, and book seats in with one working stall, doubled as ter one phone call to Samui, we performance they offer in order on investment is slim. advance. the shower, dressing room and were told: “No problem, come on to attract repeat customers. In its I will not go into the current With 1,000-baht ringside storage room for the fighters. I down”. current state, Muay Thai enthu- practice of dual pricing, except to tickets and a 600-baht car and avoided Muay Thai for the rest Every street corner on Koh siasts will not return to Phuket. say that it obviously will not en- driver I headed to my destination. of my stay. Samui had posters – in Thai and 2. Credibility: Fake show tice resident foreigners to attend When I got close to the stadium, Fast forward to August English – advertising upcoming fights, lack of training camps and Muay Thai matches on a regular I could hear the roar of the 2004 and little has changed. A fights. There are not just one but mismatches all contribute to basis. crowd. Surely this must be it? second stadium has opened in three title bouts, two of them Phuket’s current lack of credibil- The Phuket Government, Proudly displaying my ringside Patong, with nicer facilities, but World Muay Thai belts. The best ity. Tourism Authority of Thailand ticket, I was ushered to my seat. with a similar fight quality. Seats of the best, Thai and Western People have to travel thou- and private sector all need to re- One row behind me, I discovered, in the Patong Stadium are pricier fighters professionally trained and sands of miles to get here. They alize the huge potential benefits was the 500-baht section – with – 750 baht for regular and 1,200 matched up, their fights broad- want to get what they came for. from long stay, low-season tour- the exact same view. baht for ringside seats – even cast live by Star Sports, Thai TV 3. Poor marketing and edu- ism that Muay Thai could bring – I also noticed that, despite though every seat is effectively and KTV Korea. cation: Every 10-year-old on and take steps to reverse the cur- this being a Friday night, the sta- ringside because of the venue’s They do this three or four Samui and in Chiang Mai knows rent situation. dium was only about 50% full. small size. times a week. In five years in Muay Thai rules and the names We are missing out on good Among the crowd were a group The only major change in Phuket, I can remember only one of the top fighters. Muay Thai is job opportunities and, worst of all, of Asian “zero dollar” tourists and Phuket is that the Phuket City Sta- title bout, and that was arranged mandatory in the military and in depriving our young people of the a few Scandinavian couples. The dium has matched the Patong by an outside promoter. many schools in Isaan. chance to learn their own cultural “roar of the crowd”, it turned out, Stadium prices, thus dealing an- In Samui, streams of tour- We need people to provide heritage and a valuable skill that came from the stadium’s gambling other blow to Muay Thai in ists filed into the stadium, which reliable information about Muay develops discipline. corner. Phuket. was air-conditioned and well Thai venues here. Is my car IssuesIssues&& TOTal failure ANSWERS still mine? I am still waiting for my ADSL show up. I have just about given ANSWERS service from TOT (Telephone up. Want to know how to get something done? Can’t I live – on and off – in Phuket Organization of Thailand two Fyre and have a house here. months after applying for it, and Phuket understand some of the dafter things that seem I bought a car from Ford in I don’t know how much longer I to go on in Phuket? Want to pitch an idea to Phuket and they asked for the will have to wait. I was told at Somchai Jittphiphatkul, sales Phuket’s authorities or institutions? Then this is house documents and my pass- first that my location was within engineer of TOT’s Phuket the forum for you. Submit your queries or port. They went to immigration, range of the exchange but after Office, replies: suggestions to us and we’ll ask the appropriate a month, a technician arrived and You can send an email con- got a new stamp in my passport people to respond to them. and registered the car in my name told me that the quality of my line taining your number, location and (all very efficient). was not good enough and it had a description of your problem to However, each time I re- to be repaired. [email protected] or call me at Write to: The Phuket Gazette, 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Muang, enter Thailand I am on a tourist Two weeks passed and I 076-212222 and we can figure Phuket 83000. Fax 076-213971, or submit your issue at visa. Can I still own the car, given had a weak ADSL signal. An- out what the problem is and solve www.phuketgazette.net the stamp in my passport? Or is other technician came to set up it properly. the only stamp that counts the one my router, only to tell me that the Your distance from the tele- you had in your passport at the access node in Phuket City is not phone exchange will probably time the car was bought? up and running yet. affect the signal and line quality, Do I really need a work permit? Also, are there any implica- Nobody at TOT seems to but if you are not far away, we tions vis-a-vis the validity of the know the answers to my ques- can improve things faster. But we I am a shareholder in a registered No. It’s not true. You must vehicle’s insurance? Is my car still tions. I am promised that a tech- need more information from you Thai company that has recently have a work permit, because go- legally mine? nician will come, and we agree a so that we can check with our bought a boat for fishing charters. ing out to supervise the Thai crew technicians and follow up. Dick Richardson time, but the technician fails to I have been told that, because I is considered to be work. Phuket am a shareholder in the company, To apply for the work per- Registering an absent father’s name I can go out on the boat at any mit, you have to go to the PPEO Teerayuth Prasertphol, Chief time to supervise the Thai crew with the required documents: visa, of the Phuket Provincial and that I do not need to have a passport, graduation certificate or Transportation Office My son’s girlfriend – a Thai citi- Registration Officer at Muang work permit to be able to do this documents listing your work ex- (PPTO), replies: zen – is due to have a baby in District Office, replies: legally. Is this true? perience and the registration of Yes, you are still the owner Phuket this year. Can the baby We can register a birth Peter Garrett the company you work for. You of the car. be registered in my son’s name if without the father being present. Kathu must also bring along three 5x6cm he cannot be there due to illness? All we need is a copy of the photos to accompany your appli- Chotima Silaphan, sales man- Shaz Courtney father’s passport. We also need Kitti Nuisri, Chief of Foreign cation. ager of Ford, replies: United Kingdom a Thai translation of the passport; Labor Division, Phuket Pro- The approval process Yes, your vehicle is still cov- we have to fill in the father’s vincial Employment Office should not take longer than one ered by insurance. Karnjana Hongboonyanurak, name correctly on the certificate. (PPEO), replies: month. 20 PHUKET GAZETTE F E A T U R E S October 9 - 15, 2004 Okay, children, it’s early to bed from now on o, the much-dreaded 1 towns like Haad Yai, huge kara- am closing has finally oke and sing-a-song bars exist hit us and, as widely and anyone who has visited one Spredicted, its enforce- knows that one definitely does ment is rather patchy. not go there for the music. Of course, the bars on The border area at Haad Bangla and all the obvious Yai is also possibly Thailand’s places close on time, but else- biggest red-light area, eight where in town it is still possible streets of garish neon topless a- to drink until the early hours and go-gos catering to a very large beyond. Malaysian market every day. It seems the overriding fac- One cannot check into a tor influencing whether or not a 700-baht-a-night hotel in Haad bar is subject to 1 am closing is Yai without being offered the the ethnicity of services of a the owner; the girl all night for The seafront at Eastbourne – a far cry from Nai Harn Beach. majority of the 1,400 baht by bars that never OON the bell boy in close are own- the lift. ed by Thais. TOWN Thailand’s I have al- ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS domestic sex ways main- By Konrad Stalin industry is SODDIN’ BOOTS tained that the massive com- government motives for intro- pared with that which exists in ducing early closing involved the Western tourist hot spots. nothing more than populist poli- Nothing is being done to control here are ghosts here in jump itself was the fact that Dolly watching the white-capped tics; the people who elect Mr these areas – they are not even Eastbourne. I feel their was wearing knickerbockers as waves pounding the pebble beach Thaksin do not live in Bangkok discussed – so I don’t see how presence when I read the she fell through sky – today’s – with its ranks of wooden break- or Pattaya or Phuket. No, the this explanation can be true. Tepitaphs carved into the equivalent of bungee jumping waters, biting winds and scream- vast majority of them live in ru- The second theory is that, many memorial benches that line naked from the top of the Eiffel ing seagulls, Eastbourne Beach ral Thailand and work on the in line with several statements the seafront promenade. “In lov- Tower. is a far cry from Nai Harn. land. from the Ministry of Interior and ing memory of…” my wife, my Four years later, Dolly Also sheltering from the These are the people Mr the Tourism Authority of Thai- husband, my daughter, my dog, made parachuting history when storm was an old man. I noticed Thaksin needs to keep happy, land (TAT), the government is and so on. she rescued a girl called Louie, the title of the book he was read- and they are very old-fashioned trying to socially engineer a One I came across the other who was jumping from the same ing: The Miracle of Dunkirk. We and conservative. One sure-fire massive change in the nature of day in front of the Grand Hotel balloon. Louie got into difficul- struck up a conversation. winner with these folks is to the tourists coming to Thailand. stood out from the rest. It was a ties so she had to cling to Dolly “We marched in our sleep,” crack down on those elements Introducing early bar clos- tribute to a pioneer “aeronaut/ as the two of them descended on he said. “When we were taken off that embarrass them – the things ing, they reason, will discour- parachutist” Dolly Shepherd, a parachute built for one. This in a fishing boat, we slept in they feel reflect badly on Thai- age all these subversive “bad who died in 1983 aged 96. was the first mid-air rescue and smelly nets and slimy bilges.” land. foreigners” and encourage When I got home I looked tandem parachute jump. I was reminded of a story I hoped for a long time that “nice” ones instead. the name up on the Internet. Sure Louie landed unscathed but told to me by my father, who was the motives stated above were This is at best naïve and, enough, there was Dolly. Indeed Dolly damaged also evacuated true because, as we all know, at worst, economic vandalism of she had led a remarkable life. her back and was from Dunkirk. what politicians promise and the worst kind. What this utterly In 1904, at the age of 17, paralyzed. She EDGEWISE When he and what they deliver are rarely the preposterous piece of legislation Dolly made her first parachute might have been By John Gilpin his unit were fi- same thing. fails to understand is that nice jump from a balloon, after only disabled and un- nally picked up So I hoped these Draco- foreigners like to drink until 2 30 minutes of training. Parachut- able to speak for the rest of her by a ferryboat, they collapsed on nian nightlife proposals were or 3 am, too. No, really, they do, ing was rare enough in those life had not doctors pulled and the deck and slept like the dead there for the benefit of the “An- especially when they are on holi- days, but for a woman to jump stretched her back, twisted her for a couple of hours. Then some- gry of Udon Thani” brigade – day. was almost unheard of. limbs until they were straight and one discovered that there was a that there would be lots of noise In fact, one of the elements Nearly as daring as the submitted her to electric shock restaurant on board, and a wine about “these bloody foreigners of a holiday is being able to stay treatment. Such was the medical cellar. ruining our country”, then every- up late and party with other nice practice of the day. But it worked. My father and his unit ate thing would be left well alone people because you don’t have After eight years, Dolly and drank like kings on their way and we could continue to thrive to get up for work in the morn- gave up jumping. During World back to England. The meal over, and enjoy ourselves and occa- ing; if a holiday is anything, it is War I she served as a driver/me- the poor soldiers were presented sionally make some money. a 10 day-long weekend. chanic on the Western Front. She with a huge bill. After fighting I now fear that this is not Here’s the third, more sin- spent the last 20 years of her life for their country in France, none true. There are three possible ex- ister proposition... in Eastbourne. As a tribute to of them had any English money planations, all of them worrying. Because of the – frankly Dolly’s remarkable life, her with them. The first is that the politi- racist – way this law is being daughter, Molly, also a parachut- There was a row with the cians actually believe their xe- implemented, it could be viewed ist, jumped from a plane on waiter, and a bigger row with the rd nophobic rhetoric and they are as a deliberate attempt to drive Dolly’s 83 birthday. ferry captain. Eventually, the on a genuine moral crusade and foreigners out of foreign-owned Such is one of the more re- commander of the unit wrote an really do think that all Thai- nice bars (with adequate fire es- markable stories behind the in- IOU; history does not relate land’s ills are the result of the capes, decent toilets, good ser- scriptions on the memorial ben- whether it was honored. influence of “bad foreigners” in vice and so on) and into unsafe, ches. But stories told by the liv- The old soldier said, “We the holiday destinations. scruffy bars that do not have li- ing can be equally fascinating. were not heroes. We were scared, In answer to that, we all censes, do not pay taxes and ex- One recent gray and lonely shit scared. We had no choice. know that the exploitation in the pose people to the worst the afternoon I sat in a small shelter What I remember most were my “chicken farms” – village broth- country has to offer. That makes sodding sodden boots. I still cuss els – upcountry would make a lot of sense. those sodding sodden boots.” anything that Patong offers look It is also, by the way, pre- The storm had cleared. I very tame indeed. cisely what is happening. made my way home with my dog We also witness that every past the lines of memorial Moo Baan has a karaoke shack Konrad Stalin may be reached benches with their carved in- and, trust me, in major regional at [email protected]. scriptions. October 9 - 15, 2004 B U S I N E S S & M O N E Y PHUKET GAZETTE 21 Puppet regime to be staged in Phuket By Dhirarat Boonkongsaen hard times in recent years. In the group is looking forward to struction at PINB will comprise looks set to provide most of the 1999, K. Sakorn’s home in working at PINB, which will be- three pavilions, one dedicated to customers for the shows. PHUKET CITY: Some 55 mem- Nonthaburi burned down and all gin construction of the 1,000- the theater. PINB Managing Director bers of the Bangkok-based Joe 50 of his puppets were destroyed. 1,500-seat theater in March. Con- The 30-year lease agree- Chintana Daengdej told the Ga- Louis Theater troupe are relocat- The 55-member Phuket struction cost is estimated at ment, with an option to renegoti- zette that her company felt fortu- ing to the Phuket International troupe, of whom 20-25 are per- about 30 million baht. ate every three years, appears to nate in reaching an agreement Night Bazaar (PINB) on Chao Fa formers, found it difficult to “We consider the contract offer the troupe something it has with the theater company. West Rd. make ends meet at its former between us and PINB to be fair. lacked in the past – long-term fi- “We reviewed the troupe’s The group plans to stage home at the Suan Lum Night They understand that we are art- nancial security. financial difficulties and talked regular performances from No- Bazaar in Bangkok, where it had ists,” he said. The company will handle to them in depth before signing vember 2005 in a new theater to staged three performances daily Under the agreement, PINB the artistic and public relations the contract,” she noted. be built by PINB. for years. will hire the troupe at 300,000 side of the business, while PINB She confirmed that the Company founder Sakorn The company has already baht a month and pay all operat- will be responsible for theater company was still working out its Yangkhiawsod, better known as paid former landlords Bangkok ing costs. construction, marketing and day- pricing policy, but said that it has “Joe Louis”, was named Thai- Market Place Co 2.1 million baht Ticket prices are still under to-day financial operations. no plan to implement a two-tier land’s National Artist in 1996 for in compensation for ending its consideration, but will probably When completed, the new pricing policy, whereby foreign- reviving the Hun Lakorn Lek style lease, which had 19 months re- be pegged somewhere between theater will seat up to three times ers are charged more for the same of puppetry, which uses small maining on it. 1,000 and 1,800 baht as part of a as many people as the old theater service or product than Thais. hand puppets. Company President Pisutr package that would include a in Bangkok. Students, however, might be But the troupe has fallen on Yangkhiawsod told the Gazette sumptuous dinner. The new con- The lucrative tourist market given discounts, she said. Ups and downs not for everyone On the Move Martin Bizel, 22, from France, has been ap- holder failing to pay, the student accommodation and pointed Phuket Sales Manager for the Wine Con- MONEY property is sold at auc- other commercial real-estate op- nection Company Ltd. Mr Bizel, who studied in tion and a new lease- portunities. The fund has three Lyon, spent three months in Bangkok as a Wine holder is acquired. A currency classes: sterling, euros Connection trainee. He traveled around Thai- TALKS very significant per- and US dollars. The returns on land before deciding to base himself in Phuket. centage of UK property these funds have been excellent, By Richard Watson is held in this manner. and so far they have never lost Parichart “Tim” Kotrajarus, from Chiang Most leases are for 99 money. Mai, has been appointed Director of Guest Re- ood investments, for years but can be for as long at Brandeaux, however, will lations at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, the majority of inves- 499 years. not deal directly with private in- with responsibility for the resort’s front office tors, are the ones that The basis of this form of vestors unless they place a mini- operation. Previously, she was the resort’s Di- Gare not cyclical. investment goes back 500 years. mum of £100,000 (about 7.5 mil- rector of Events and before that she was in in- But most investments are It came into being because the lion baht), can prove themselves volved in sales. by nature cyclical; even cash is British aristocracy wanted to get to be “professional investors” subject to fluctuations in interest an income from their land with- and sign a declaration stating that Also at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, rates. out giving up ownership. none of the money has been bor- Samart Damrongkul has been promoted to If treated as fixed deposits, A similar UK investment is rowed. Recreation Manager from his previous position bonds offer guaranteed returns, one in student-accommodation But there are ways of in- as Assistant Manager. K. Samart has been at the but only if held to maturity. In the funds. These exist because the vesting with the company with- resort since its pre-opening in late 2002 and is event of early encashment, a UK has around 90 universities out having that amount of money responsible for the extensive activities programs bond is subject to the current and a student population of circa available. for adults and children. market value. Short-dated bonds 2 million, but a huge shortage of The company has an excel- in most currencies offer a very accommodation suitable for stu- lent website but it requires a pass- VITAL STATISTICS: COMPANY REGISTRATIONS SOAR low yield. dents. word, which I’m not permitted to When very attractive yields Many of the students seek- reveal. Interested parties may, Aug ’04 Aug ’03 % change are offered, one must query the ing accommodation are from however, contact me for more origin and the creditworthiness of other countries or elsewhere in details. Ltd company registrations 95 53 79 the issuer. A prime example of the UK. The universities, how- this is Argentina, whose govern- ever, can only accommodate Richard Watson runs Global Port- Ltd companies increasing capital 18 22 -18 ment appears to feel that it has about 22% of them in what are folios Co Ltd, a Phuket-based per- Companies deregistered 4 13 -69 no obligation to repay its loans. usually Victorian-era condi- sonal financial planning service. Equities are always subject tions, and these educational es- He can be reached at Tel and Fax: Ltd partnership registrations 26 12 117 to economic cycles, as well as tablishments are not in a finan- 076-381997, Mobile: 01- Ltd partnerships increasing capital 0 7 -100 changes in short-term interest cial position to either extend or 0814611. Email: imm@loxinfo. Partnerships deregistered 2 8 -75 rates, which are managed by cen- renovate their facilities. co.th. tral banks. Many of the best in- The fund buys large blocks vestments may appear somewhat of suitable accommodation and mechanical in nature, but they are will sometimes renovate derelict predictable and not really part of properties for this purpose. economic cycles. There is a mutual fund that Investments in ground rent invests in these areas. It’s man- are one example, and are best aged in London by a company undertaken by use of a mutual called Brandeaux. fund/unit trust. These invest- This company has been ments involve the purchase of hugely successful with a range of land in the UK at a huge discount ground-rent and student-accom- on its actual price, and the land modation funds. will always be in an urban region. All of these funds have The reason for this is that been “capped”, meaning that no the land has already been devel- new money is allowed into them, oped, and occupied by a house, which is ideal for existing inves- apartment block, embassy or tors as their returns are not di- whatever. A leasehold contract luted by new money being placed exists on the property and the on deposit awaiting investment owner of the building has to pay opportunities. a fixed yearly sum of money to Since the downturn in the owner of the land. This is stockmarkets in early 2000, known as ground rent. Brandeaux has been besieged by The landowner or ground- investors with cash to invest. rent holder has total security. In They currently have one fund the unlikely event of the lease- open that invests in ground rents, 22 PHUKET GAZETTE SP O R T & L E I S U R E October 9 - 15, 2004 Mini-marathon Having a aimed at aiding schools

RAWAI: The Evason Phuket Resort and Six Senses Spa has ball on issued an invitation to allcomers to enter its inaugural “Evason Phromthep Mini Marathon 2004”, due to take place on October 24. Funds raised by the event will go to the Wat Sawang Arom Earth Day School and Baan Pitak Dek (Phuket). There will be two courses huket was very busy on adding to the 150 other volun- – the main one of 10.5 kilome- Earth Day, with many teers. ters and one of 4km for fun run- people donating time, After the clean up, Racha ners – and seven classes: Under Pmoney, skill and resour- Resort provided lunch for every- 19, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, ces. CMAS Thailand Diving As- one. The festivities continued as Over 49 and Open. sociation (CTDA) worked some DOCT divemaster trainees got The 10.5-km run will start of the northern beaches while the their divemaster certificates. from the Rawai triangle near the Dive Operators Club of Thailand Thirteen Thai nationals com- sea gypsy village and follow a (DOCT) and the Reef Ball Foun- pleted the course and Suwit circular route taking in Rawai dation were in the south. Khunkitti, Minister Of Natural Beach, Laem Phrom Thep, Nai The new five-star Racha Resources and Environment, was Harn Beach, Soi Kok Makham Resort also played a big part, there to congratulate the success- and the Rawai Tambon Admin- hosting activities on Racha Yai ful candidates. istration Organisation (OrBor- Island and providing free accom- The PMBC announced that Tor) building. modation. Together with Racha 345 kilos of garbage were col- The fun run will start from Sea Master Divers, it donated 2 lected, 111kgs of which was fish- the same point, but participants million baht to the initial phase of ing gear such as netting. will run only half-way to Laem Thailand’s first reefball artificial Further north, the recently- Phrom Thep Cape before return- reef project. formed CTDA also participated ing to the start point via Laem Son The resort has made a seri- in Earth Day, holding its first and Rawai Beach. ous commitment to preserve, pro- clean-up along Mai Khao and Nai Anyone who reaches the tect, restore and enhance Phu- Yang Beaches in cooperation finish line in either run will receive ket’s marine envi- with Aqua Divers, a medal, while trophies will be ronment and pro- Dulwich Interna- awarded to the first three runners mises to be a focal tional College, the in each age category in the 10.5- point of marine re- JW Marriott Phu- km race. search in the area. Beneath the ket Resort and Entry in the 10.5-km race, It has already Spa, and the Nai plus a T-shirt, costs 200 baht per provided office SURFACE Yang Beach Re- person, while entry in the 4-km space for the Phu- sort. event will cost 150 baht a head. ket Marine Biology By Sylvie Yaffe Volunteers, The event is open to visitors Center (PMBC), including Dulwich as well as residents; Wat Sawang the Marine Police and other gov- students and local Thai residents, Arom School may be able to ernment agencies that have a role managed to fill two garbage Suwit Khunkitti, Minister Of Natural Resources and Environment, organise accommodation for any- in coastal resource management. trucks. The CTDA and Aqua gets a close-up view of Phuket’s beach garbage problems. one who needs it. Dive companies taking part Divers will continue to organize Entry forms are available in the clean-up included Dive monthly beach clean-ups. with an inexpensive concrete accommodation for marine re- from Friday (October 1) from the Asia, Marine Project, Santana A few days after Earth mixture. Coral that would other- searchers so they may conduct Evason Phuket Resort and Six Diving, Scandinavian Divers and Day, CTDA members joined up wise die is transplanted onto the their research. Senses Spa (Tel: 076-381010-7, Sea Bees Dive Center. This is not with some National Park Rang- structure. The launching of the reef ext 1420; 01-8914256; 07- many, considering the number of ers and continued in the spirit of Any number of reef balls ball project in Thailand began 2767746 or 09-8676383) or from dive boats that operate out of Earth Day by going to No 4 Is- can be made from single mold. with a conference that brought OrBorTor Rawai (Tel: 076- Phuket in the high season. land in the Similans and remov- The one bought by The Racha together government officials, 288651). The Department of Marine ing trash, both above and beneath and Racha Seamaster Divers members of the press and DOCT and Coastal Resources provided the surface. makes reef balls about a meter representative Holger Schwab. mesh bags and supported the in diameter. The guest of honor, Minis- PATONG DARTS clean-up effort with 25 divers, Reef Ball Foundation: So what, The Reef Ball Foundation ter Suwit, presided over the cer- starts programs only when there emony to put the very first reef September 28 results: Champs* 5 exactly, is a reef ball? It is a hemi- Nag’s Head 4; Didi’s* 6 Valhalla 3; spherical structure intended to is a solid commitment to monitor- ball in place at Bungalow Bay at In-Between* 5 Happy Days 4; Off simulate natural reef formations ing and protecting the reef balls. Racha Yai. Shore 6 Amigos* 3; Piccadilly* 6 Fat and provide a habitat for marine Fortunately, Racha Resort He also announced a Save Boy Saloon 3; Two Black Sheep 7 life. It is made using a patented has demonstrated this commit- Phuket Program, about which we Shakers* 2. (* Winner of beer leg.) fiberglass mold, which is filled ment by providing offices and will learn more in the future, and showed genuine support for the October 12 fixtures (Home teams reef ball program. first): Fat Boy Saloon v Happy He commented, “We should Days; Champs v Amigos; Nag’s be in harmony with nature...the Head v Didi’s; Shakers v In Between; beach clean up should not be once Two Black Sheep v Piccadilly; Val- a year but every day.” halla v Off Shore. October 9 - 15, 2004 SP O R T & L E I S U R E PHUKET GAZETTE 23

The US team, led by the trophy-bearing Randall Coleman, scored a 13.5-10.5 victory over the European team, under the captaincy of Peter Hamilton (3rd from right), at Blue Canyon Golf Club’s recent Ryder Cup tournament. The two teams are pictured after the tourney. Tourney raises cash for former golfers By Anongnat Sartpisut Phuket Country Club in- tends to run golf summer schools PHUKET CITY: A total of 240 next year, for Thai and foreign golfers took part in the inaugural golfers and would-be golfers aged Golf Teacher’s Charity Tourna- seven to 18 years. Instruction will ment, which took place at Phuket take place four hours a day, for If an event isn’t listed in the Gazette’s Events Calendar Country Club on October 3. five weeks. it probably isn’t one. Prachuab Subcharoen, Courses will have a maxi- your President of the Thai Senior Pro- mum of 20 students and will be List event now - It’s free of charge. fessional Golfers’ Association taught by club pros Wirun Boon- phuketgazette.net/calendar (PGA) said the tournament had kreaw and Somsak Bamrongrak. been organized to support senior The cost is 8,000 baht, including pro-golfers in Thailand. a textbook and equipment. Book- He said, “All proceeds af- ings will open in March for the ter expenses will be donated to normal summer school and in July the Senior PGA Foundation, for Dulwich International College which helps older professional pupils. golfers, golf teachers and their families. Results: Team champion were “Gift “If a golfer is injured, for and Golf” – Weera Patee, Vatcharin example, we can provide a grant Naosiri, Mana Samart and Tongchai of 20,000 baht towards their Sukwutikul – with 205 points, and medical bills, or 70% of the bill if runners-up were Phuket Golf Asso- it is over 20,000 baht. ciation – Panu Maswongsa, Surin “And the foundation will Bamroongphon, Nobuyuki Baba and give the families of golfers who Karun Panitpichetwong. have died 50,000 baht.” Individual winners: Flight A (0- He added, “We expect to 12): Surin Bamroogphon 76(2); raise about 700,000 baht in tour- Manus Jaoyon 79(12); Kreangkan nament registration fees. After Pipatsombat 81(12). expenses, we will probably have Flight B (13-18): Vatcharin about 400,000 baht left to donate Naosiri 83(14); Weera Patee 84 (18); to the foundation.” Sompong Tangrek 84 (18). Although the tournament Flight C (19-24): Tawatchai was held some time after June Meesit 86(24); Thep Siriwattanapa- 28, the date of Thailand’s official yoon 92(24); Tawatchai Jerkwon Teachers’ Golf Day, K. Prachuab 93(24). said the event was a big success Flight D (25-36): Tanat Pengdej nevertheless. 95(27); Mana Samart 100 (36); Wan- Teachers’ Golf Tourna- yuk Sithikul 101 (36). ments will also be held in Chon Overall Low Gross: Panu Mas- Buri and Nakhon Pathom, on wongsa; Overall Low Net: Somchai dates to be announced. Sakultab. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE M O T O R I N G October 9 - 15, 2004

BEHIND FRENCH COLLECTION THE WHEEL By Jeff Heselwood

t’s motor-show time again, only this year it’s Paris, not Frankfurt. The two signifi- Icant European auto shows alternate between France in the even-numbered years and Ger- many in the odd-numbered ones. The auto manufacturers have the difficult job of diverting the journos’ attention from Paris – always delightful in the fall – and persuading the writers that the new vehicles deserve a few column inches. This is sometimes no easy labor. The show does have stars and one of them is the Ferrari F430, successor to the top-sell- ing 360 Modena. Powered by a 4.3-liter V8 developing a hefty 490bhp, the new supercar uses much F1 technology, including an elec- tronic differential, suspension set- tings that can be changed from the steering wheel, and an electro-hydraulic gearshift that allows changes in milliseconds. Another welcome model on show is the new VW Golf GTI, Clockwise from top left: Citroën C2 VTS; BMW 320CD; Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf GTI. the fifth incarnation of the hot hatch. This one is more sports- minded than its predecessors and world’s first soft-top diesel a new – previously unseen – B- This being Paris, Citroën, speed automatic transmission and has lower suspension, a two-liter sports saloon. Its two-liter, four- Class. The second-generation A- Peugeot and Renault all have is intended to take on the all-im- turbo engine and a six-speed cylinder motor produces 150bhp Class will be available with gaso- something to show. The nicest portant North American market, gearbox. A top speed of 235kmh and an outstanding 330Nm of line or diesel power, with outputs example on display is the little Ci- where the original XC90 has al- is quoted, with a 0-100kmh sprint torque, propelling it to a maxi- ranging between 82 and 140bhp troën C2 VTS sports model with ready been a resounding success. time of around seven seconds. mum speed of 210kmh. (60-103kW). Slightly longer than a 1.6-liter motor, while sister com- Paris offers a great show Over at the BMW stand, a The Bavarian company is the outgoing model, the A-Class pany Peugeot is showing off a this year with many more excit- sports package for the Mini Coo- also showing off its new, entry- still represents an engineering number of concept cars includ- ing models but, sadly, space does per S is on offer. This boosts level 1-series, although most of miracle. ing the 907, the ultimate grand not permit them all to be featured power to an incredible 210bhp the European press have already Audi has on display its new tourer. The long-awaited com- in this article. (155kW) and gives a top speed sampled the baby BMW. A full A4, the last of the revamps after pact, the 1007, is also on show. Besides, I’m off to look of 230kmh. The upgraded Coo- report on the new 1-series will the A8 and A6. Nicely rounded Volvo, part of Ford’s Pre- around Paris... per S takes just 6.6 seconds to appear in a future Gazette. compared with the older, boxy mier Automotive Group, is show- hit the magic 100kmh. Mercedes-Benz is unveiling look, the latest A4 is sure to be a casing its first V8, which will find Jeff Heselwood may be con- BMW is also showcasing a number of models, including the top seller in the executive car its way into the XC90 SUV. The tacted by email at jhc@ its 320CD convertible, the latest version of the A-Class and stakes. 4.4-liter V8 is mated to a six- netvigator.com

AD Oishi d 5x5 October 9 - 15, 2004 G O O D L I V I N G PHUKET GAZETTE 25 It’s hard getting an education in fine wine

Can you recommend any classes tastings and get-togethers, I own a restaurant vertised as a dessert wine. But it wasn’t Qor clubs in Phuket where I can learn and there’s a group that Q and we charge a 300- sweet at all. I sent it back and complained more about wine? meets regularly at the Green W I N E baht corkage fee. Lately, to the manager. She said that not all des- Man pub near Chalong some of our wines are com- sert wines are sweet, which I felt was Unfortunately, there are few op- Circle. ing to us with screw-top incorrect. Was she in error? A ions here for a structured approach Many wine merchants bottles, not corks. I’m not to learning about wine. in Phuket also arrange wine sure what to do or say about By definition, dessert wine is any None of the schools and colleges in tastings from time to time. the corkage for these wines. A wine enjoyed after a meal. This Phuket offers wine courses to the public, You could check with MM Have you any thoughts? could include champagne, sherry, dry so studying on your own seems to be the Wine, Wine and Taste, Wine white port and even red wine. Many des- only option. Connection or any of the The term “corkage fee” sert wines are sweet and/or high in alco- The best book I know of for begin- other wine dealers here to A is misleading. The cork- hol, but by no means all. ners is the revised edition of Hugh see what’s on offer. By Steven Roberto age fee is not a charge for When dining out, I try to appreciate Johnson’s How to Enjoy Your Wine, pub- The only serious wine the job of removing the cork, new experiences and keep an open mind lished by Simon and Schuster. club in Phuket that I know of is called but is meant to offset the lost opportunity when encountering the unfamiliar. The Wine Spectator’s website is Krewe of Vitis and is led by yours truly. to sell wine when a customer brings his another possible source of knowledge. It The club meets irregularly in own. I see no need to say anything, as it’s Steven Roberto is a winemaker and res- offers structured learning about wine on Patong to taste and learn about wine, your prerogative to charge for the lost sale; taurant consultant from California. He its website for a fee. For more informa- greet visiting winemakers, and so forth. the type of cap is irrelevant. is the Wine and Beverage Director for tion see: www.winespectator.com. For more information you can contact the award-winning Baan Rim Pa res- There are a few wine lovers in me at the email address at the end of In a restaurant recently, I ordered a taurant in Patong. Email: stevenroberto Phuket who hold their own informal this column. Qglass of white port, which was ad- @lycos.com SZERVUSZ WITH A SMILE

n uncomfortable Hun- egeszsegedre – the Hungarian caramelization that makes them garian hush descends for “Cheers!” – after a few more. all too easy to eat. when I ask Susan At the heart of Hungarian Ms Csenki senses that no ACsenki – co-owner of cuisine is gulyásleves – goulash more food can be eaten and sen- Patong’s Kicking Donkey guest- to you or I. Mr Kobasc (who sibly produces a Hungarian house, Restaurant & Bar – about pops his head out of the kitchen digestif. Made by Zwack and the inspiration be- long enough to say called Unicum, it is a mere 40º hind the name. “Szervusz ” – Hel- proof – compared to the pálinka, “Why not,” I ven- On the lo!”) makes his which is 50º-plus. And, by thun- ture, “Spectacular szegedi gulyásle- der, this bitter panacea goes down Burro or even Strik- menu ves the traditional a treat and has me feeling half- ing Ass?” with way. Almost. Olive way human within moments. I expect a slap Andy Johnstone or another light oil I make to leave but pause for my impudence replaces the cus- and consider the name Kicking but, thankfully, I re- Kicking Donkey tomary pork lard for Donkey a few more times – be- ceive an explanation – of sorts. this rich and spicy beef soup, fore turning my attention to the According to Ms Csenki, a friend stained red and scented with pa- Striking Ass passing by outside. managed to name the restaurant prika. and put up a sign before she or Too busy eating to talk, I just Szegedi gulyásleves, of course. With paprika, of course. Kicking Donkey Guesthouse, her partner and chef, Tibor listen to Ms Csenki’s lyrical ac- Restaurant & Bar open from 4 Kobasc, could do much about it. cent as a modern take on tradi- The pálinka is flowing, the Ms Csenki makes her own – with pm until the last patron cannot That sign may have gone but tional Hungarian music plays in used plates are piling up and the sour cream on top. stand. 80/19-20 Soi Wattana, those in need of substantial the background. next robust dish comes along. The subtle punch of pepper Patong Beach, Phuket. Tel: 076- amounts of hearty fare need only Embroidery by Ms Csen- Töltött káposzta is a combination and the sourness of the cream and 341223. look for the Hungarian flag – ki’s grandmother and authentic of minced pork, rice, onion, gar- cabbage coalesce well to make three horizontal bands of red (top) Hungarian horsewhips grace the lic and black pepper not unlike this one of the cuisine’s highlights. white and green – toward the end walls – the latter were declared Greek dolmades. More food – in the form of of Soi Wattana. strictly “hands off” after a hand- I voice this comparison – a pork steak topped with a rata- And hearty indeed is Hun- ful of Hungarians, from the five worrying whether this may incur touille of onions, garlic, red pep- garian cuisine. It’s just the thing planeloads who visit Patong ev- a horse-whipping – to Ms Csen- pers and paprika – is brought to to give one the energy to ascend ery year, had a crack with them. ki, who tells me that the two do us. I skipped breakfast and lunch Kekes, the highest point in Hun- Paprika is, of course, at the indeed share a common heri- yet still I am starting to feel full. gary, or to soak up the barack heart of Hungarian food. Used in tage. But the steak is tender, the pálinka. The what? varying quantities and combina- The Hungarian version is sauce chunky, sweet and glori- Barack is Magyar for apri- tions, it never becomes monoto- bigger and is served hot on a bed ously red, and the roasted pota- cot and pálinka is a slightly nous. The spice – rare in Thai- of spiced and pickled cabbage – toes have that delicious hint of strong fruit brandy. One can also land – is used to delightful effect find cseresznye (cherry), körte in the hortobágyi húsos palac- (pear), alma (apple) and szilva sinta, thin pancakes stuffed with (plum) pálinka. I can barely find chicken and topped with a vel- my head after a couple of shots vety paprika and sour cream and lose the ability to pronounce sauce. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY October 9 - 15, 2004 The agony of Samsara: Construction Update shades of Zimbabwe?

hy do the powers foreign investors are responsible “If we can’t trust docu- that be keep pick for corruption among Thai gov- ments approved by the govern- ing on one develop ernment officials? ment, who can we trust?” Wment project? It would seem so after He has a good point, but, as Could it be because because reading a recent report in the Prime Minister Robert Mugabe Samsara is highly visible? Gazette. In it Pol of Zimbabwe has It may be true that the law Maj Gen Kosin clearly shown, gov- was broken by corrupt land of- Hintao said, “After ernment docu- ficials; that’s clearly been the the aerial inspec- PROPERTY ments are only as case throughout the country. tion we have & trustworthy as the Artist’s impression of the park being built in Phuket City. There is wide suspicion proved clearly that HOMEZONE government itself. (gosh, could it be true?) that the the land documents By Graham Doven It’s time for Phuket electorate’s less-than- for [Samsara] are the Thai govern- A birthday present wholehearted support for the rul- not genuine, and yet it was used ment to take decisive action, and ing political party is of some rel- for the building of million-dollar not keep the Samsara project – evance to this issue. homes for sale to foreigners. and other foreign investment – in But, while the Thai govern- This land must be returned to the limbo. for people of Phuket ment is constantly promoting state.” Perhaps a few famous quo- PHUKET CITY: This may be creasing green space and improv- Thailand, both as a great country As for the homes, he said, tations would be help clarify the nd for foreign investment and as a “It will be up to the Cabinet to situation: HM Queen Sirikit’s 72 birth- ing the local quality of life. great vacation destination, many decide what to do with them. “I know no method to se- day year, but it’s the people of “We intended the park to be of its actions suggest that this But there is no way that they will cure the repeal of bad or obnox- Phuket City who are getting the 10 rai, but then the Tourism Au- vision is not clearly appreciated become private property, even if ious laws so effective as their gift – in the shape of a new pub- thority of Thailand asked for one by everyone. they have already been sold, be- stringent execution.” – Ulysses lic park. rai and the Phuket Treasury Of- The closing cause the project S. Grant. The 39.6-million-baht Suan fice asked for three rai, so the of entertainment is based on a “The one great principle of Chalermprakiet 72 Pansa Ma- park ended up being just six rai.” Maybe we should ha Rachinee, or “The HM The park will feature a venues at ridicu- breach of the law. English law is to make business nd lously early hours “The buyers for itself. Laws are generally Queen Sirikit 72 Year Park”, children’s playground and an gen- consult the Baan will cover six rai between Thalang eral-purpose building where, ac- on a tropical island Manik pig, if it can be of the houses can found to be nets of such a tex- resort shows total sue the project ture, as the little creep through, Rd, Klong Bang Yai and Dibuk cording to K. Sermsak, “people ignorance of the found. Possibly owner, Pacific Vil- the great break through, and the Rd. can meet, talk and relax. tourism industry the best solutions la Co (PVC), for middle-sized are alone entangled Work, started in August last “People can stroll around in year, was originally scheduled for the park and get a breath of fresh and the income to all this are inside the return of their in.” – William Shenstone. that it generates. money.” And of course, let’s not for- completion this August. However, air in the center of town, or enjoy The reason its concrete head. The Gazette get the most famous of all from a delay in the release of part of the facilities and activities that will given for early quoted Somchai Charles Dickens: “The law is an the land has led to an overrun. be set up here.” closing is to combat problems Duangkae, Director of PVC, ass – an idiot.” Sermsak Sintucharoen, K. Sermsak said 5.5 mil- with Thai youth. Are the authori- who retorted, “The Samsara land Maybe we should consult head of the Architectural Depart- lion baht has been allocated for ties suggesting that foreign tour- papers are 100% genuine and the Baan Manik pig, if it can be ment of Phuket City Municipal- an eight-meter statue of “Hai- ists are responsible for these we have evidence of this, ap- found. Possibly the best solutions ity, said that 50% of the park has Leang”, the Golden Water problems? proved by many government of- to all this are inside its concrete already been completed and Dragon of Chinese myth, that Are they also suggesting that fices. head. should be open to the public be- will stand at the entrance to the fore the end of the year, with the park. rest opening before February. There will also be parking He said, “The idea for a new for 199 cars and 47 motorbikes; public park here was first put for- this will be paid parking, although ward by Phummisak Hongsyok the fees have yet to be set. The when he was Mayor of Phuket contractor for the project is Phrae City. It is also in accordance with Thumrongwit Ltd. the government’s policy of in- – Anongnat Sartpisut October 9 - 15, 2004 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 27

Home of the Week Cape Panwa Spacious family lifestyle on the scenic east coast n Cape Panwa, in the southeast of the island, lies one of Phuket’s Ofirst upscale Western- style housing developments, Vanich Bayfront Ville. Work on this collection of stylish, modern homes nestling on a cliffside overlooking the islands of Chalong Bay, began during the spate of property development that took hold in the mid-to-late 1990s. The estate was a hit with those who appreciated the visual splendors of the dramatic coast- line and the relative peace and quiet, away from the more obvi- Above: The view of ous tourist places. the bay from the People from Bangkok seek- upstairs terrace. ing a weekend retreat within 10 minutes of Phuket City were a Right: The side of the prime market for these homes, as elegant Thai-style house. If an event isn’t listed in the Gazette’s Events Calendar were Westerners attracted by the it probably isn’t one. smartly-finished properties and your good infrastructure. List event now - It’s free of charge. There is still much greenery phuketgazette.com/calendar around those early homes, evi- dence of the market’s shifting priorities as west-coast homes and those closer to Dulwich In- ternational College have become more sought after. The spacious grounds are ideal for exuberant children or pets. For those with an eye for a bargain and a desire for peace and quiet – as well as a dramatic Left: The whirlpool setting – the estate is well worth bath has its own a look. stunning view. The featured home is a tastefully decorated, three-story Thai-roofed property. Although designed as a two-bedroom house, there is potential to create at least two more bedrooms. On the lower floor, a cov- ered car-parking bay opens onto a terraced area leading to twin On the fully air-conditioned has its own whirlpool bath over- rooms. These are open-walled middle floor are the master bed- looking the ocean. but covered, and could easily be room – with en-suite bathroom, There are also steps lead- converted into bedrooms. a living/dining area and the ing down the cliffside to a cove, There is already one bed- kitchen, surrounded by well- off which there are moorings for room, with an en-suite bathroom, shaded balconies. boat-owning residents. The ask- on this floor, as well as a six- Two sides of the villa are ing price is around 15 million baht. meter-square living room/office, surrounded by rolling grasslands, which could also be used as a while the pleasant clubhouse area More details are available from bedroom. The stairs to the upper and swimming pool are only a Phuket LandSearch at Tel: 076- floor are flanked by a laundry short stroll away. 290509, website: www.phuketland. room and a storage closet. On the top floor the house com 28 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY October 9 - 15, 2004

Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert s “obsessing” a word? I have the funny feeling that it’s one of those that the Ameri- Icans made up, like “burglar- A regal palm – cheap, too ize” instead of “burgle” or “dove” instead of “dived”. I mean, they do have a knack of Given the right conditions, the soil is moist and composty, then inventing new words, with the as- Royal Palm can grow to truly so much the better. The original sumption that the rest of the regal heights. roots are cut away for transpor- world needs these additions to tation, and, as you can imagine, the English language. there’s not a great deal left, so the The reason I ask the ques- hide the fact that the price has just maximum time these trees can tion is that I think I’m baeginning Pearl doubled. have their remaining roots wrap- to “obsess” about trees; I have One of my favorite garden ped up this way is a couple of talked about them rather a lot re- centers is on Chao Fa West Rd, weeks. Make sure they go into cently. Village just south of the Kwang Rd traf- the ground as soon as they’re de- Some of you may remem- fic lights. You’ll know you’re at livered. ber me writing, a few weeks ago, sets sights the right spot when you see doz- If you like the idea of hav- about the logs with roots that had ens of palm trees lined up. ing palms in the garden, but have appeared near the Gazette offices. This is one of the few an area that needs something a Well, three more trucks arrived on Mice places in Phuket where you’ll be bit bushier, then you need a the other day, laden with more charged a fair and sensible price. golden palm. In Thai, it’s known cargo to be planted there. The owner is very helpful, and as maak leuang. I’m beginning to wonder market should you want a ready-grown Also a common sight in what they’ve got in mind for this palm, this is the place to go. Phuket gardens, this is a tufted- area. It’s difficult to tell what type The most obvious is the style palm with several shoots of trees these are yet because Royal Palm, or palm khuat in growing from a central point. A there is so little to go on. There Thai. It’s obvious because, next three-meter version will set you aren’t even branches at this stage, to coconut palms, these are prob- back the princely sum of 800 let alone leaves, though some of ably the most common palm in baht, and one four meters tall will the original batch are now show- Phuket. These are the ones you cost you 1,500 baht. They take a ing signs of life; small, healthy- see growing in many gardens, fair time to grow, which accounts looking green shoots are starting planted purely because they look for the difference in price. to appear. The process of trans- mature trees. I decided to put garden centers in Phuket, but good. The Thai name, which planting mature trees obviously down my beer, get off my size- most of them rub their hands to- They don’t do much apart translates as “yellow palm” is a works. able behind and go and do a little gether with glee when a farang from just sit there and make the bit of a misnomer. Put one in a On behalf of those seeking investigation. There are dozens of appears. The sweet smile doesn’t place look tropical, and neither pot, and a yellow palm is exactly are they particularly expensive. what it is, but plant one in the A six-meter version that’s al- ground and give it the freedom ready been growing in somebody to stretch out and the color is else’s garden for around eight green rather than yellow. years can be yours for around Am I “obsessing”? Prob- 1,500 baht, a ridiculously cheap ably. But once people realize how price. ludicrously inexpensive it is to If you do decide that you have a few decent-sized palms in want to go for one of these, it will their gardens, I don’t think I’ll be probably arrive with its roots the only one. wrapped in some form of plastic bag. The Thais use a slightly in- delicate English word for this. Want to know more Imagine something a little smal- about a plant ler made of very thin rubber and in your garden? you’ve got the idea. The plastic bag should be Email Bloomin’ Bert at: left on, but with slits made in it [email protected] before the tree is planted. If the October 9 - 15, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 29 Property Gazette

Properties 1-RAI PLOT 200M FROM BEACH For Sale 1-rai plot (40m x 40m) in luxury development with underground electricity ABSOLUTELY and 24-hr security. 600m BEACH FRONT from Mission Hills Golf Course, 8 mins to airport Absolutely beachfront land and Nai Yang Beach, 20 – with Chanote title – for mins to Dulwich and Tesco. sale. 0.87 acres/18 million 200m from Mai Khao Beach. For sale at only 2.2 million baht. Pls call for details. No Phuketvillage project: new baht. Pls call for more de- agents please. Tel: 01- 100sqm houses on 50sq tails. Tel: 01-3430777. 4778988, 07-8891717. wah of land with shared pool. Built to Swedish stan- dards. Prices from 3.9 million DREAM baht. Phuketvillage: Real es- land. Are you searching for un- tate, constructor and land- spoiled, natural beachfront owner. Tel: 09-2002497. land similar to Koh Samui's Chaweng Beach of 20 years ago and at yesteryear's 2 TOWNHOMES 4 prices? If so, you'll enjoy our sale. Properties measure website! For further details, 103 sq/meters and have please see our website at http:/ golden views of Kathu. 2 /www.propertysamui.de.vu bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, liv- Tel: 01-8914260. Email: ing room, kitchen, garden [email protected] and car park. Excellent loca- tion, about 6km from Patong PATONG APARTMENT Beach. Priced to sell at 1.5 for sale. 57-year lease. 1 bed- million baht. 1 house has room, 126sqm. Fully fur- good rental income potential. nished, 3 years old. Expat com- Pls call for more details.Tel: munity. Please email for more 01-8920404, 06-5939881 details. Email: beijingkirk@ yahoo.com SAMUI LUXURY home. 3-bedroom, 3-bath- KATA BEACH HOUSE room home on the beach with good price. House at Kata stunning views. 10 million Beach – near the sea – avail- baht. Pls call for more info. able. Pls contact for details. Tel: Tel:07-2764604. Email: 06-5958512, 01-9704638. [email protected] Email: nalumana@phuket. ksc.co.th LAND IN MANY locations. 2 rai opposite Mis- sion Hills Golf Club at 2.2 mil- lion baht/rai. half rai 150m from sea for 1.5 million baht, 2 rai in Rawai at 3 million baht/rai. 80 sq wah at Saiyuan for 1.3 million baht. Contact for more details. Tel: 06-6829922 or Email: relaxphuket@thailand. com LAND FOR SALE Directly on the Banyan Tree Golf Course at Laguna Phuket. 1,050sqm/262.45 sq wah. Price: 7.872 million baht. Please telephone or email for further information. Tel: 076- 239864. Email: hktmkt@ ksc.th.com LAND IN PHUKET Land available in all areas of Phuket. Ideal for invest- ments. Prices start at 400,000 baht/rai. Pls email for complete list. Email: [email protected] 10 RAI OF LAND FOR sale. 10 rai of land for sale near and overlooking Patong Bay. 2 million baht/rai. Serious RAWAI LAND FOR buyers only. No brokers. Pls GOLF COURSE LOTS NEW HOUSE IN Exclusive 1-rai serviced lots Kathu for sale. 3 bedrooms, sale. Covers 169 sq wah email for more info. Email: [676sqm]. Price is 1.5 million [email protected] on Phuket's only oceanfront 2 bathrooms with big open golf course. Only 4 lots left. kitchen, living room and pri- baht. Pls call for details. Tel: 01- 8922932. URGENT- LAND FOR Pls contact for more details. vate garden. UBC and 2 Tel: 09-9725226. Email: aircons. Covers 110sq wah sale. Urgently need to sell PATONG SEA VIEW 2.95 rai in Khaolak/Bangsak [email protected] and has Chanote title. Close to golf courses in Kathu. 3.5 House in Patong with sea Beach due to private reasons. views, 3 bedrooms, 4 bath- Very nice lot approximately NEW HOME IN million baht. Pls call for more info.Tel: 04-0511651. rooms, large European kitchen 300m from the beach. The Rawai. New home in Rawai and 500sqm of land. 8.5 mil- land also has a concrete road with secluded mountain view, 2 lion baht. Tel: 01-7471862. and telephone/power lines in bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and big 3 RAI OF LAND FOR front. Chanote title. Price: kitchen/living area. Covers 120 sale. 3 rai – with Chanote – 3.2 million baht, negotiable. sq wah. 4.5 million baht. Pls call at Klong Muang, Krabi, for Gazette Classads – Pls call for more details. Tel: for details. Tel: 01-7284821. sale. 350m from beach. Call 4,000 readers a day! 05-0752409 . Email: d@ davidherrick.com for details. Tel: 01-4018434. 30 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 9 - 15, 2004 Property Gazette

CONDO 4 SALE NAI HARN, RAWAI 3-BEDROOM HOUSE PANWA SEAVIEW Patong Beach. 1-room apart- UNFURNISHED AWESOME Beach house. 2-bedroom in Kamala. For rent: a beauti- LAND ment for sale. Cash 450,000 HOUSE FOR RENT OCEAN VIEW beach residence villa ful, fully furnished 3-bedroom baht. Freehold title. Pls con- townhouse with living room, house in Kamala, near Phuket tact for details. Tel: 09- kitchen and parking. 500m FantaSea, only 10 mins walk 4740227. Email: chotip_5@ from beach. Price 9,000 baht to the beach. Monthly rent: hotmail.com and up per month. Phone or 25,000 baht. Long-term ten- email for more details. Tel: ants preferred. Pls call. Tel: CHALONG SEAVIEW 09-4743418. Email: 076-279075, 09-5895203. [email protected] Email: [email protected] homes. New homes mea- suring 100-500sqm and Located in Baanprang- 100m walk to the beach. thong. All electricity/phone Furnished 2-bed, 2-bath- built to Swedish standards. HOME OFFICE Electricity and water. 164 Priced from 4.9 to 15 mil- lines are underground in room house with aircon, Properties sq wah for sale at 28,000 this luxury Nabon develop- pool, UBC, DVD, 46” TV, FOR RENT lion baht. Only 9 available. Located in the middle of Wanted baht per sq wah. Pls call for Pls contact for more details. ment 15 minutes south of weight machine and tread- more information Tel: 09- Phuket City. Property has mill available Nov 1, ’04. Phuket City on Soi Suthasi Tel: 09-2002497. Email: 2, covering 93sqm and 7242572, 01-0820144. [email protected] 4 double bedrooms with Unreal views. Must see! aircon, fitted closets and 4 Price: 50,000 baht/month. with a long garden. Rent: LOOKING FOR en-suite bathrooms on 2 Tel: 07-8821963. Email: 35,000 baht. Call for more land in Patong. Looking for ½ floors. Covers 360sqm. [email protected] info. Tel: 01-8924311. to 2 rai of land in Patong. Sea 6-BEDROOM HOUSE Properties Large, light sitting area view or close to beach pre- IN KAMALA For Rent with fitted cushions. Gen- PATONG ferred. Tel: 02-7269918, 06- Excellent, top-quality 6-bed- PATONG RESIDENCE erous bookcases, fitted apartments. 1-bedroom, TV 3418781. Fax: 02-7269917. room house for sale in Ka- 1- or 2-bedroom apartment - Fagor kitchen including room with cable, aircon and Please send photos and price mala, near Phuket Fanta- with kitchen and pool - for rent. CHALONG VILLA FOR gas/electric cooker, maid’s good sea views from some by email: solitude001@ Sea, only 10 mins walk to Only 350m from beach. rent. Chalong villa – in a room plus a potential bath- of the apartments. Long aol.com the beach. Also bus pick up 7,000 baht/month. Pls contact quiet area on a hillside with room/laundry outside. Car- term. 7,000-20,000 per for children attending for details. Tel: 09-4740227. hill views – for rent. Western port, upstairs terrace, pres- month. Call or visit www. Dulwich International Col- Email: [email protected] LOOKING FOR 2 RAI standards, 3 bedrooms, 2 sure water, 24-hr security. brommathaihouse. com for lege. Asking price: 18 mil- bathrooms, fully-equipped We want to buy 2 rai in 560sqm corner plot, 140 BEACHFRONT more details. Tel: 09- lion baht (negotiable). kitchen and a covered ter- sq. wah, with own garden Kathu, Chalong or Rawai. condo. Kalim, Patong. Fully- 2909567. Please contact for more race. 25,000 baht a month. on 3 sides and a green Max price: 2.5 million baht. furnished to a high stan- details. Tel: 076-279075, Pls call for more info. Tel: view from every window. Land has to be well situated dard. 2 bedrooms, fitted MIND MY 01-4761415. Email: 076-383400, 01-8235410. Quiet apart from birdsong. near good roads. Electricity, kitchen, pool. Many facili- apartment. I have a nice 1- [email protected] Fax: 076-383401. Email: Child-safe environment water and telephone lines ties. Please contact to view bedroom, top-floor apart- [email protected] and recently painted. Pls must be available. We are or for further information. ment in a private soi 50 contact for more info. Tel: not interested in land with- Tel: 01-8920038. meters from Kalim Beach. out a Chanote title; land 09-4739293. Email: Fully furnished, lounge, bed- CHALONG HOUSE LUXURY HOUSE jbct@phuketinternet. next to busy roads; land room, kitchen and bath- FOR SALE near Laguna. Luxury house co.th next to hotels; or other 2-story house for sale in near Laguna for rent. Has 3 BEAUTIFUL HOUSE room. Available December FOR RENT noisy areas. In addition, we the Chalong area. 4 bed- bedrooms, pool and sala. Pls to February or through to need also a contractor who rooms, 3 bathrooms, of- call for details. Tel: 01- PATONG May – up to you. Am look- speaks fluent English and fice, kitchen and large liv- 6067410. apartment for rent. Fully fur- ing for honest, clean person has a registered company. ing area. Also includes nished apartment in Patong to live in and take care of the For more information, you UBC, telephone and beau- KATHU HOUSE, JUST available on a long- or short- apartment while I am away. can call me. Do not call if Can include motorbike in tiful garden. House mea- B9,000. Nice 3-bedroom, 2- term basis. Breathtaking views you have no experience, deal. Under 4,000 baht per sures 180sqm and the bathroom house across from and 5 minutes to beach. Has the land is illegal or if you month, even in high season. land 1,600sqm. Price is the lake. Walk to Phuket City/ 2 living rooms, 3 bedrooms are a real estate developer. Tel: 09-6478453. Email: 6.9 million baht. For fur- Patong bus. Pls call for more and 4 bathrooms and covers We will check all papers and phuketboardrider@yahoo. ther details, please see our details. Tel: 06-6828010. 240sqm. Pls call for details. 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, to see if your company is com.au website at http:// Email: [email protected] Tel: 07-2760529. swimming pool, garden, 2 not registered under your www.bluephuketproperty. telephone lines, 9 aircons. name. Tel: 076-292725, com or Tel: 076-388528, Pls call for more informa- Do Not Drink 07-8822597. Fax: 076- 09-7310283. Email: LONG-TERM LEASE BUSINESS Palai Green. Long-term lease tion. Tel: 04-0628040. Tap Water! 292726. Email: euro-art- bluepktproperty@ [email protected] csloxinfo.com LOCATION on a fully furnished new 2-story house in town for house at Palai Green. Prop- rent as an office or restau- erty has 2 aircons/bedrms, Don’t miss.... rant. 10meters wide x hot shower, kitchen, living 20m deep. 240,000 baht/ room and a beautiful garden. Classified Advertisements Issues & Answers year. Pls call for details. Tel: Quiet and peaceful, near Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. www.phuketgazette.net/ issuesanswers/index.asp 01-8924311. Chalong Bay. Pls call for de- tails. Tel: 01-8924311. Then hand it to any of our agents.

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) 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

Sin & Lee Thalang Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-211230 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

Taurus Travel Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Tel: 076 344521-2 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| A la Carte Kamala main road, Cherng Talay Tel: 076-278019 Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 60 baht, PHANG NGA with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Maew Internet Shop, Khao Lak Tel: 076-420627 Deadline for Property Mart page: Friday 3 pm. Avalon Creative Group Co Ltd, Khao Lak Tel: 076-420539 Deadline for all other pages: Saturday 12 noon. October 9 - 15, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 31 Property Gazette

CHEETA HOME Accommodation ANDAMAN SEA Building Household furnishings. Cheeta Home Fur- Available VIEW RESORT Services Products nishings – your one-stop shop Rooms for rent on a daily, – is now open for Italian-style, weekly or monthly basis at BEAUTIFUL WORLD export quality solid wood fur- NEW & FULLY very reasonable rates. niture, Roman/Venetian and furniture. Beautiful World Fur- serviced. Brand new 2- and Rooms are fully furnished P-CON vertical blinds, carpets, wallpa- niture now open featuring 3-bedroom apartments with and have aircon, hot and per and reupholstering service. Phuket Construction new stock from India, a selec- sensational views of Patong cold water, cable TV and On the bypass road, 1km north and Home Services Co Ltd tion of water hyacinths, Chi- Bay. Well furnished, aircon access to a coffee shop. of Tesco-Lotus toward the air- Roofing, floor, walls, tiles, nese furniture, ceramics, and private parking. Pls con- Call for details. Tel: 01- port road. Tel: 076-261358, cleaning, painting, wood carvings, rugs & car- tact for more info. Tel: 09- 6285361. 01-9035622, 01-6912776. pets, Balinese furniture and 4584143, 01-0854514. plumbing, aircon, Fax: 076-261358. Email: myhotel2004@aol. electrical systems, repairs lamps. Show room: 106/74 com Accommodation and other work done by Chalermprakiat Ror IX Rd (the bypass road), Rassada, Wanted our professional team. Property PATONG LUXURY Muang, Phuket, 83000. Open every day from 10 am to 7 apartments. 1 - and 2-bed- Call: 09-1960852 Services pm. Tel: 076-261886. Fax: room apartments located in APARTMENT / HOUSE Fax: 076-263204 076-261887. Email: info@ central Patong. Pls email for wanted. Swiss citizen, 65, Email: [email protected] beautifulworldthailand.com info & photos. Email: looking for apartment or EXPERIENCED CIVIL suites247@ yahoo.com house with at least 1 living engineer. House, office and room, 1 bedroom, bathroom factory construction, exten- AIRCON ROOMS and kitchen for long-term Help us to help sion or renovation supervised rent. Max rent: 12,000 baht/ with kitchens. Large, clean the animals by a civil engineer with 20 rooms with full facilities – month. Urgent. Email: years' experience. Pls call for TV, fridge, kettle, toaster, [email protected] more info. Tel: 01-8031780. laundry, etc - available now. THAI-STYLE VILLA From 500 baht/day. Pls con- SELLING YOUR HOME/ tact. Tel: 01-0854514. needed.One of my clients business. After a long sales Email: myhotel2004@aol. seeks a spacious villa or tra- period, Karon Property is com ditional Thai house to rent for 2 months, starting from De- looking to increase its portfo- cember 1, 2004. Ideally lo- lio. If you are selling or think- PATONG CONDO cated near Phuket Boat La- ing about selling please give Book your holiday in a beau- goon or Surin Beach. Villa Karon Property an opportu- tifully decorated studio apart- must be furnished and house nity to sell it for you. Tel: 076- ment. 5,000 baht for Octo- maid must be available. Tel: Call: 076-263737 398513. Email: jon.gibbons ber. Also available for sale. 076-280455, 01-2738160. @karonproperty.com Please contact for details. Fax: 076-280431. Email: Tel: 01-8948446. Email: [email protected] [email protected] If an event isn’t listed in the Gazette’s Events WISH TO RENT BEACHFRONT CONDO an apt or villa in central Patong, Calendar Fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2- from 23 December to 8 Janu- it probably isn’t one. bathroom condo located in ary. Must have a minimum of List your event now - It’s free of charge. the Kalim/Patong area. In- 2 big bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, cludes fitted kitchen, pool kitchen and living room with and many other facilities. Pls balcony. Must be fully fur- phuketgazette.net/calendar call for more info. Tel: 01- nished. Email: greven34@ SPAS R US 8920038. hotmail.com Steam room/sauna and ac- WANT TO RENT cessories, and portable hot tubs from USA. Quality END OF LOW I am looking to rent a small, equipment, designed and in- SEASON one-bedroom house or bunga- stalled for your needs. Busi- special. Beachfront hotel low, preferably with separate ness and residential. Califor- with aircon rooms, cable bedroom, with kitchen, furni- nia Spa Design. Please con- TV etc. from 499 baht/ ture and TV, in Kamala to- tact for detail. Tel: 076- night for a double room. ward the end of October. 263269, 09-195 0610. Please call for more infor- Must be in a quiet and safe mation. Tel: 076-345518, area. I can pay up to 8,000 01-8920038. baht a month. Email: Find more classified ads at [email protected] www.phuketgazette.net! 32 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 9 - 15, 2004 Island Job Mart

MANGOSTEEN front office. The Mangos- teen Resort & Spa, a new 5- star boutique resort close to Nai Harn Beach, is looking for a Night Auditor with a minimum of 5 years’ experi- ence and a good command of the English language. Flex- ible to work day or night shifts, at night, you will be responsible for the safety and control of all facilities at the resort. Above-average income and good working environment. Please contact for more information and to apply. Tel: 076-289399. Fax 076-289389. Email: myfuture@mangosteen- phuket.com

MANGOSTEEN BAR The newly-built Mangosteen Bar is opening soon. 58 meters above sea level and offering beautiful views over Phuket, the lounge-style bar will feature the finest live jazz music and the coolest drinks on the island. We are looking for: 1. Bartender. Minimum of 5 years’ experience and good English language skills re- quired. 2. Waiters/waitresses with at least 5 years’ exper- ience and good command of the English language. Pls con- tact to apply. Tel: 076-289- 399. Fax: 076-289389. Email: myfuture@mangosteen- phuket.com

COMPUTER I.T. STAFF wanted. Website design and web hosting. Must know the basics. Good opportunity. Basic salary plus commission. Also seeking sales/admin staff. Pls email for more info. Email: [email protected]

PUB MANAGER SALES PERSONAL DRIVER PR FOR OFFICE SECRETARY & asst manager. Local Thai representative. Food company I'm looking for a personal driver, restaurant. Rockfish Restau- required. A motivated Thai DIVE SHOP STAFF nationals and international is looking for a salesperson a Thai male with car license and rant and Bar is seeking a Mar- national, fluent in English, is urgently required. 1 Sales applicants considered. with English skills, sales expe- experienced at driving in Phuket. keting Coordinator to pro- required for front office du- Manager: fluent in German Please post or email your CV rience and use of own car. Good personality and fluent in mote one of Phuket’s leading ties. Able to use Word & Excel & English. 2 Sales Staff: with a current photograph to: Salary + commission. Please English, age between 30 to 40 restaurants. The successful and must hold a valid driver’s must be Thai nationals, fe- HRD Department, Scruffy send your resumé to apply. Tel: yrs. Salary starts at 15,000 candidate will have previous license. Only those experi- male, fluent in English, and Murphy’s Irish Pub, No 5 Soi 076-381772, 04-0535780. baht with 3 months’ probation. experience, good English enced in secretarial work aged 22-26. 1 Driver: must Bangla, Kathu, Patong Fax: 076-381772. Email: Must be available to make an skills and be highly motivat- need apply. Pls contact for be a male Thai national, aged Beach, Phuket, Thailand info@ tropijam.com. For fur- immediate start. Tel: 076- ed. Please contact us for more details. Tel: 076- 22-26 with some English- 83150. Pls contact for more ther details, please see our 290068, 01-9584229. Fax: more information. Tel: 09- 239111, 01-7979655. Fax: language skills. Tel: 076- info. Email: scruffymurphys website at http://www. 076-290068. Email: kchai007 2873161. Email: eat@ 076-238974. Email: charter 330598. Email: juergens @loxinfo.co.th tropijam.com @hotmail.com rockfishrestaurant.com @thaimarine.com @diveasia.com

Find more Recruitment Classifieds at www.phuketgazette.net! October 9 - 15, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 33 Island Job Mart

Employment Wanted

HOME HELP/COOK/ Nanny. I'm a superb cook, love children, and am extremely clean and tidy. Sensible and long-term work required. Full- time salary around 20,000 baht. Willing to negotiate, and part-time arrangements too. Interested parties please con- tact email address. Email: [email protected]

MANAGEMENT skills. Need a manager with experience? I've worked in many departments in several ONLINE BOOKING industries and need a challeng- Officers. We are looking for ing project. 7 years in Thai- motivated staff to join our land. Tel: 07-8898617. Email: team. Applicants need to be [email protected] able to work independently, must have a good command EUROPEAN HOTEL/ of written and spoken English resort. 12 years in Thailand. and be Thai nationals. Ger- Hotel management training. I man speakers welcomed. Pls am looking for suitable man- contact for more info. Tel: agement position in the south 076-242785. Email:sales of Thailand. Very strong on @thailandholidays.de customer service and under- standing the bottom line. Sal- SECRETARY/ ary negotiable. Tel: 04- accountant/sales. We are a 7457024. Email: kingrw80 start-up real estate firm looking @hotmail.com for a secretary who can also do MUSICIANS WANTED SALES REP NEEDED PART-TIME some light accounting work as DIVE VIDEOGRAPHER to join a band. We require 2 We are a representative of secretary. Real estate agency well as handle some sales. Can- violin/fiddle players, bassist, Häagen-Dazs ice cream in seeks a part-time secretary in Fully equipped and experienced didate must be a Thai female videographer looking for work drummer & vocalist. Pls Phuket and require a sales Chalong. Please email your with good English language email Molly Malone’s Irish representative to be respon- resumé to apply. Tel: 076- with dive shop in Phuket/Khao IRISH PUB SEEKS skills. Please email your CV to Lak. Ready for immediate start. Pub, Patong Beach, Phuket sible for taking care of hotel 381772, 04-0535780. Email: staff. Molly Malone’s Irish apply. Tel: 076-388226, 01- for more details. Email: and restaurant clients. Please [email protected] Tel: 04-0633510. Email: Pub is seeking: Bartenders, 5376866. Fax: 076-388226. [email protected] [email protected] call for details. Tel: 076- Waiters/Waitresses, Cooks/ Email: platinumresidence1 292801-5. Email: admin@ URGENTLY SEEKING Asst Cooks and Cleaners. @hotmail.com SECRETARY TO MD avantika-phuket.com staff. We are urgently seeking Please apply in person at Molly A luxury resort 200km from the following staff: Reception- Malone’s Irish Pub, 94/1 RECEPTIONIST Do Not Phuket needs an experienced STAFF WANTED ist, Waiter and Waitress. Ba- Thaweewong Rd, Patong required. Experienced female secretary with good computer Internet café in Patong sic understanding of spoken Beach (next to McDonalds). receptionist required by a ho- Drink literacy and translation skills. seeks staff. Pls email CV to English is required. Tel: 076- Please contact for more info. tel in Patong. Must be an En- Pls call for more info. Tel: 01- apply. Email: supitchaj@ 292801-5. Email: admin@ Tel: 076-292771. Email: glish-speaker. Please call to Tap Water! 9156879. hotmail.com avantika-phuket.com [email protected] apply. Tel: 01-8950231. Tout, Trader & Trumpet

FLATSEAMER BACHELOR PAD RECENT MODEL Articles USED sewing machine. Yamato FD- moving sale. Stylish teak Articles laptop wanted. Must be pow- for Sale RESTAURANT 62. 4-needle, 6-thread indus- coffee table, dresser, low Wanted erful, Mac or Pentium 4, with EQUIPMENT trial sewing machine with desk with rolling chair, silk CDRW, LAN, etc. For student. rugs, block-weight set, fit Email: resortmanagerth@ Used restaurant kitchen feeding arm. Great for light-to- ball, floor pillow collection, yahoo.co.uk EURO PALLETS equipment for sale: bakery heavy materials. Applications: BASIC small bookshelf, kitchen for storage or shipping. Buy reversing dough sheeter; Especially good for lightweight motherboard. Looking for just counter with drawers, rice MOBILE them, use them and then sell bakery bread slicing ma- and heavy-duty material. The a basic motherboard with CPU cooker, water boiler, Ameri- air-conditioner. Wanted: mobile them for the same price. Save chine; gas grill with stain- FD series is highly versatile. and 64K – or more – memory. can-style bed (single), iron w/ air-conditioner on wheels (Cen- handling costs in Europe. 500 less steel stand and enclo- The Yamato FD-62 is great for Or old PC minus monitor, key- board, Sony 5.1 speaker tral or similar brand). Please baht each. Tel: 01-2712684. sure; bain-marie; long beer anything from shirts, under- board and mouse. Would like system. Tel: 06-2667968. contact for more info. Email: refrigerator; fume collec- wear, wetsuits, sportswear, to spend around 4,000 baht. Email: [email protected] [email protected] CAR PORT CANOPY/ tion hood and fan; and chest shoes, dresses, pants, shorts, Email: [email protected] elastic fabrics, and other cloth- tent. Big green carport freezers. Good low prices. TELEPHONE LINE ing items. Any project that re- KITCHEN EQUIPMENT canopy, large size. Approx 10’ Items can be seen by con- BOXES FOR MOVING Urgent need of a telephone line X 20’, suitable for car or pick- tacting Don at Tel: 01- quires a beautiful flatlock We have a Krueger-brand ex- I'm moving the family to stitched seam should use this in Nanai 2, Patong. Seller must up truck, or use for extra 8946401 or by visiting Don’s haust hood – in very good con- Chiang Mai. I need some be somewhere near Nanai 2. shade in your garden. 3,900 Mall on Sai Yuan Rd, Rawai. machine. Paid 340,000 baht. dition – for sale. If interested, boxes for packing. Anything Will sell 240,000 baht OBO! Email: dreamy_dove2003 baht. Fully collapsable, easy to contact us. Ready to give a would help. Please call any- @yahoo.com assemble. Tel: 07-2731599. Need to sell as going back to very good price. Tel: 01-979- time. Tel: 06-2725078, 07- Email: [email protected] BABY ARTICLES the US. Have two machines I 2082. Email: nakaflavors 2731599. Email: sk2max@ SAXOPHONE One push chair from France. bought to make wetsuits and @yahoo.com hotmail.com Alto saxophone wanted. Sec- WOODEN BABY BED One baby bed suitable for a 1- never really used them.This ondhand and in good condition. for sale. Like new, bought in year-old baby. Very, very good machine and a zig zag. Not a SAMSUNG 27” FLAT LAPTOP WANTED Prefer well known brand such Europe, 2 sleeping levels. price. Please contact for commercial ad; for sale by screen TV. Tantus model, re- Wanted: recent model laptop as Yamaha. Please call Donna Price: 4,000 baht. Tel: 01- more information. Tel: 01- private owner. Tel: 02-994- duced turbulence speaker sys- in good working order. Pls (06-1200752) or Andrew (01- 8919914. Email: bluecomthai 9792082. Email: nakaflavors 8044. Email: jrmjacobs@ tem, excellent condition. 8,000 contact for more info. Email: 8941530), or email awatea@ @hotmail.com @yahoo.com hotmail.com baht. Tel: 01-8117613. [email protected] loxinfo.co.th 34 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 9 - 15, 2004 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

BUSINESS FOR RENT Boats & Marine Bulletins Area w/ 5 houses, 5 apartments Computers and bar/restaurant on Soi Nanai available on a 12-or-more-year contract. Pls mail for info. Email COMPUTERS phuketopportunity@hotmail. English Computerman – new com & used PCs, repairs, parts, accessories & software. SEEKING MLM ADSL Internet – no phone, no problem. Pls call for more info. leaders. US$4 billion health Tel: 09-4735080. care company seeks quality leaders for network launch in Thailand. Email for info. Tel: COMPUTERS 02-7269918, 06-3418781. and lcd monitor. Cel-400 (ba- Fax 02-7269918. Email: sic: 5,900 baht) and Cel-733 [email protected] (loaded: 9,600 baht). Both computers include mouse, 15” RESTAURANT CRT monitor and keyboard. for rent. New restaurant in Also have 15” Panasonic LCD Kamala, fully equipped with a monitor. Asking only 6,900 long, new lease. Tel: 076- baht. Tel: 076-282486, 09- 279111, 01-8934911. Fax: 0093524. Email: cessnausa 076-279112. Email: theclub@ @yahoo.com granis.net COMPAQ PRESARIO Business notebook. For sale: Presario Opportunities Business 1500AP notebook. 2.25Ghz Products & Pentium 4 with new 40GB - Services hard drive. DVD/CD writer. KATA BAR FOR SALE Windows XP with original sys- Very nice bar located in the cen- tem disks. 2 years old. Always ter of Kata. 6,000 baht/month used with external monitor and and a 2-year contract. Price is INT'L DRIVERS keyboard, so internal screen 600,000 baht. Pls contact for LICENSE and keyboard untouched. details. Tel: 07-8814415. 5,000 baht, valid up to 10 30,000 baht. Tel: 01-9782025. Email: christophuket@hotmail. years; or 6,000 baht for Email: [email protected] com validity up to 20 years. Sole agent in Thailand. Please call KAMALA BEACH BAR for more details. Tel: 04- Personal Well established, year-round 0068736. Services restaurant/bar for sale in Ka- Wanted mala Beach. The 40-seat facil- VISA AND DATING ity is fully equipped, well service. Fiancée, settlement stocked and includes A/C, draft and Schengen visas: 6 years’ CARER FOR ELDERLY BOAT REQUIRED beer tap and a pizza oven. Priced experience. Looking for a Thai person. Need reliable, compas- BOAT FOR SALE at 1.2 million baht with a 7-year for rent. To sleep 3 people, girlfriend? Tel: 076-248626, sionate, skilled full-time 29-foot fiberglass motor lease at 6,000 baht per month. yacht with Thai registration. 2 for tourists arriving October 07-2679780. Fax: 076- caregivers for combative de- 21 for minimum of 1 week, to Pls call after 4 pm for more de- 248626. Email: admin mentia patient. Some English x 280hp Mercruiser engines. tails. Tel: 076-385940. Email: tour islands around Phuket. @phuketdeafeagle.com required. Interviews in Karon Price: 3.5 million baht ono. lewisowens1@hotmail. com Please contact for more de- Email with rates and condi- in mid-October for immediate tions. Tel: 44-820541. Email: start. Email: catmilan@ tails. Tel: 076-239864. LAUNDRY IN KATA Email: [email protected] pe001d4187@blueyonder. DAY TRIP RANONG: aol.com co.uk 4 sale. Good opportunity to 1,300 BAHT own an established business SPEEDBOAT Tour bus with big seats-not that has many customers and a minibus. Price includes for sale. Fiberglass, Yamaha 25-FOOT SAILBOAT Personals is busy year round. Tel: 06- lunch, dinner and snacks on 115 outboard. Seats 4/6. For Thai-registered fiberglass 9511059. board. No extra charges. Pls sale or long-term rent. Price ne- 25-footer – with lots of ex- call for details and bookings. BACKGAMMON gotiable. Cost 450,000 baht tras – for sale. Can be used GREAT RESTAURANT Tel: 04-7457024. Email: partners. Retired business- last year and has had little use. for charter. US$20,000. & café. Best location in a busy [email protected] man is looking for playing part- On trailer, ready to tow and Please contact for more de- area among many hotels and ners on Phuket Island. Please use. Fully serviced. Email: tails. Tel: 06-9401860. guesthouses. Big, 60-seat gar- call if interested. Tel: 076- [email protected] den with rattan furniture. Ev- SECURE DATA 386113, 01-5778443. erything is new and beautiful. backup. Secure your critical data. Documents, photos, Total area: 200sqm. 40,000 SINGLES CLUB baht per month rent with a 4- music and data require safe- guarding. Power surges, hard- seeks new male and female Do Not Drink Tap Water! year contract. 2.7 million or members. Pls email for info. make me an offer. Relocating, ware problems and human er- ror means lost data. Backup Email: khunmiealsingles@ need to sell quickly. Tel: 09- hotmail.com 8093566. Email: lennartviberg services starting under 1,000 @hotmail.com baht. Tel: 076-282486, 09- 0093524. Email: tech_savvy LOOKING FOR A NICE @myway.com guy. I am Lin. I am 20 years ASK KHUN WANIDA! MOMMA DUCK RESTAURANT 4 SALE old and am looking for a nice In Karon. Fully equipped and in- guy, preferably from Austria, cludes 3 guest rooms in back, Don’t miss.... Germany or Switzerland. But each with a toilet. 10,000 Problems with an extra-marital affair? all other nationalities are also baht/month. Pls call for more Issues welcome. Just write me an Questions about Thai culture? info. Tel: 06-2692047. email; I will reply to all mes- Having communications problems? & Answers sages and will send a picture PATONG in my first reply. Please do Need somebody to Love? guesthouse. Small, easy-to- www.phuketgazette.net/ also send me a picture. Email: manage boutique-style issuesanswers/index.asp [email protected] guesthouse in Patong. Over 5 Read her advice in the Phuket Gazette. years on lease, 1st-class plant & equipment. Very genuine View Thailand’s LARGEST portfolio business. Please call for more of Classified Ads – almost 2,000 of them – and place your ad for FREE! Fax 076-213971 or email [email protected] information. Tel: 01-9241447. See the Phuket Gazette Online at Email: junaworn@hotmail. www.phuketgazette.net com October 9 - 15, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 35 Wheels & Motors

HONDA CITY FOR NISSAN NV JRD 125 SURF NEW MOTORBIKES 4 DAIHATSU MIRA Saloon Cars sale. Honda City 1.3 auto for 2001 model, automatic, 1 year old, 4 gears, disc brake, rent. Yamaha Nouvo Auto- fo rent. Daihatsu Mira – very sale. Year 1996 in gold color. 60,000km. One owner. New ABS, electric starter, 5,200- matic, Honda Wave 125s, good condition and easy to Price 260,000 baht. Tel: 01- Bridgestone Turenza tires. km. Asking 29,000 baht. Tel: Honda Wave 110s, Honda drive – available for long- 6078567. Fax: 076-224538. Fully maintained by Nissan. 076-242091, 01-7370557. Phantom (new model). Call or term rent at 9,900 baht/ Email: [email protected] 295,000 baht. Tel: 09-590- Email: dive_block @web.de email for the best price. Tel: month, including insurance. 3332. 076-296443, 09-7258575. Pls call for details. Tel: 01- TOYOTA COROLLA HONDA WAVE Fax: 076-296443. Email: 5371050. Altis 1.6E. Automatic trans- TOYOTA BIG FOOT Honda Wave 110cc, genuine [email protected] mission, only 17,500km, gold I need a 4-door pickup, so 16,000km, red, in excellent color. Registered June 15, I'm selling my 2-door Toyota condition. Approximately 4 HONDA DREAM Wanted 2004. Urgent sale at 720,000 Hilux. It's an old car but like years old. Can be viewed in 6 years old, electric start. baht. Tel: 06-6829191. Email: new. Must be seen. Many ex- Patong. 18,000 baht ono. Tel: Tax and insurance paid. tras. 180,000 baht. Email: 09-8282617. Email: levithai Good reliable bike. 14,500 WANTED MAZDA vagabond802000@yahoo. MX5. Wanted Mazda MX5 in com [email protected] @yahoo.com baht. Tel: 09-2876166. Email: [email protected] good condition or BMW new Phuket’s Most Trusted & CBR 400 FOR SALE shape 323i. Please email Jack Reputable Supplier of the Finest HONDA CRV Bike is in good condition. Email: [email protected] Quality Used SALOONS, TRUCK W/STYLE Year 2003, black, tan leather, Available for 70,000 baht. Rentals SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS custom grill, chrome wheels, and punch. 4x4 truck, mud tires, aircon and carpeted Pls contact for more info. SUV WANTED FOR New cars or trade-ins – tinted windows, all options, Tel: 07-8814415. Email: rent. Honda CRV, or Kia 22,000km. 930,000 baht. Carryboy. Heavily tinted win- we have what you’re dows for a private cab. Well [email protected] MERCEDES C220 Sportage, etc, with good insur- looking for Call K. Oi at the mobile num- ance required for six months ber. Tel: 076-341421, 01- cared for. Selling for 320,000 FOR RENT For more info pls call us at baht because I need to leave HONDA PHANTOM from October 10. Please email Tel: 076-224632, 216243 8957908. Fax: 076-341- 200cc. Year 2003, new in- details. Tel: 076-284413. 422. Email: rungtiwap@ soon. Tel: 06-2667968. www.suremotor.com Email: [email protected] surance, tax sticker and bat- Email: [email protected] asianwind.biz tery. 9,000 kms, cream white/green metallic, “GIVI” HONDA CIVIC 4 x 4s suitcase box, helmet, service/ Others BENZ E220 1994 For sale with 1st-class insur- manual books and the green ance. Beautiful car! Call for registration book. I am the first more details. Tel: 07-279- JEEP CJ6 owner and my bike is in good Mercedes-Benz C220, dark CAR PORT CANOPY/ 9936. Rebuilt in 1999. Sound 2.5- condition. New price: 89,500 blue, cream leather seats, tent. Big green carport liter turbo-diesel Toyota en- baht. Now selling for 69,000 auto, CD, etc, very good con- canopy, large size. Approx gine. Excellent 5-speed trans- dition with first-class insur- URGENT SALE baht. Tel: 09-9715664. 10’ X 20’, suitable for car or mission and 4x4. Pls call for ance, for rent. Price: 39,000 pickup truck, or use for extra Honda Civic VTI automatic. In Email: jenny_tour@hotmail. more info. Tel: 07-9376961. baht per month or 15,000 shade in your garden. 3,900 good condition and not yet 2 com baht per week. Tel: 01-343- baht. Fully collapsable, easy to Low mileage, very good years old . One owner/driver LAND ROVER V8 0777. assemble. Tel: 07-2731599. condition, well maintained. only. Tel: 09-8668328. Email: HONDA WAVE Discovery. 1998 ES model, Email: [email protected] Price: 1.1million baht or [email protected] auction. May 2002 Honda best offer. Pls call for more black, automatic, leather. 125cc Wave, silver color, details. Tel: 01-8953661. 599,000 baht. Pls call for under 11,000km with full ser- A1 CAR RENTALS more info. Tel: 01-6912881. Pickups vice history. Reserve price 4-door Isuzu High Lander Thought the days of 20,000 baht, (cost new auto: 28,000 baht/month. 47,500 baht). Email your cash New Toyota Altis auto: free love were over? BMW M323I Motorbikes Think again! Special edition BMW M323i. ISUZU 4 CAB offer over and above reserve 28,000 baht/month. New Year 2000 model in superb for sale. 2 years and 9 price by October 15. A bar- Toyota Vios auto: 22,000 “Personals” ads condition. Onboard computer months old, one expat owner, HONDA NSR 250 gain for someone? It's up to baht/month. Toyota Soluna: placed online are and electronic A/C control. A no accidents, silver color, racing bike, 2-stroke, 58hp(PS), you! Email: [email protected] 15,000 baht/month. All in- free! very fast and fun car. Please Carryboy, electric windows big wheels 160, yellow, very sured and special long-term call or send an email for price and mirrors, alloy wheels. good condition. Pictures by HARLEY DYNA prices offered. Please call for FREE on the Island and further information. Good 3000cc turbo diesel, 120hp. email. Only 58,000 baht, with Harley Dyna Super Sport, details. Tel: 09-8314703. Trader online for price for fast deal. Tel: 075- Manual gears, 2-wheel drive. all papers and ready to register. year 2000, low mileage, well 60 days. maintained, never rented. 637998, 01-8946932. Fax: 4-door model. Price: 510,000 Contact for details.Tel: 01- THREE-MONTH CAR 075-637877. Email: info@ baht. Tel: 09-8715642. Email: 1876944. Email: munich123 Phuket registration. 600,000 FREE in the Phuket rental needed. 4-door car with rockbluemountain.com termalou@ loxinfo.co.th @hotmail.com baht ono. Contact Andy. Tel: Gazette. aircon and power steering re- 076-296160, 01-8913466. Go to Fax: 076-296160. Email: quired. Full insurance and ser- [email protected] vices have to be included. Re- www.phuketgazette.net/ Wheels & Motors quired during my winter stay classifieds from January 11 ’til April 7, and place your ad Advertisements MOTORBIKE: 100 2005. Please email your best today! baht/day or 2,800 baht/ offer (total monthly rental in Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. month. Tel: 09-4730463. baht) together with car details (brand, year built, kilometers Then hand it to any of our agents. Email: sunisadia@hotmail. Do Not Drink com run) and photo. Thanks. Email: Tap Water! [email protected] |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Don’t miss Phuket’s largest motor |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| show! |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Check the Wheels & Motors section at www.phuketgazette.net/classifieds |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| for new postings – daily.

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 60 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Place your Wheels & Motors ad online All advertising must be paid for in advance. and it will appear in the next available issue Deadline for Wheels & Motors page: Saturday 12 noon. of the Phuket Gazette, free of charge. 36 PHUKET GAZETTE October 9 - 15, 2004