ANDAMAN Edition ’S LEADING NEWSPAPER... SINCE 1993 Now NATIONWIDE Battle against metered taxi rip-offs Vice Governor champions Aussie’s airport taxi claim INSIDE TODAY February 22 - 28, 2014 PhuketGazette.Net In partnership with The Nation 25 Baht Six seeking asylum to be released FOUR Syrians and two Leba- Boat hazards nese that have been stuck in limbo at Phuket International Airport after Chinese Immi- gration Officers seized their passports and sent them back to Phuket are expected to make forward progress in their journey this week. cleared away Full story on Pages 4 Divers save Moorings thought reef from to have sunk two boats illegal net A GROUP of dive instructors within a year removed and dive masters saved doz- ens of reef fish that were from Chalong Bay tangled in a drift net draped over the popular dive desti- By Saran Mitrarat nation and marine protected area Shark Point. EIGHT unmarked concrete moorings near the Chalong Officials praised the Pier fairway that are believed to have sunk two boats divers’ work and asked for since they were installed in 2012 were removed on help in their battle against il- February 14. legal fishing as it continues “I think it is best to have the blocks near the fair- to take a toll on the reefs. way removed to prevent further accidents,” said Full story on Page 7 Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut, maintaining that no blocks exist within the approach channel itself. Four more Chief Phuripat has consistently denied that there were problems with the mooring placements, redi- booze bans recting accusations toward reckless driving; illegal moorings established by locals; and the theft of mooring buoys. on horizon “The buoys are constantly being stolen – we TWO national elections, in cannot keep replacing them forever,” Chief Phuripat March and April, will usher explained this week. in weekend droughts as alco- The first boat to fall victim to the unmarked moor- hol retailers, restaurants and ing blocks was the Darunee, better known as the bars are forced to lock away “Booze Cruise”. The ship, returning from a… the wine, beer and liquor. Continued on Page 5 Eight of the 2.5 ton moorings were removed for the safety of vessels using Chalong Pier. Full story on Page 9 2 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS February 22 - 28, 2014 Crepe vendor sees Property Outdoor furniture that is stylish, classy and will go livelihood blazed the distance. Page 13 By Kritsada Mueanhawong Business A LONGTIME vendor of Thai mini-crepes saw his sidecar shop Mobile music devices burned to a crisp after a gas leak see strong demand in on February 13. SE Asia. Page 17 It took firefighters 20 minutes to put out the fire, near Muang Municipal School in Phuket Town. Food “I’ve been selling mini-crepes Asian cinema does well (kanum tokyo) to Muang Phuket School students every evening for at Berlin International a long time,” said the 44-year-old film fest. Page 37 owner of the stand, Prayoon Inpuang. “Today when I started to make History the desserts, I smelt gasoline and The story of Thalang’s heard the sound of it leaking.” heroic nine rulers – part As Mr Prayoon was searching for the source, the sidecar caught one. Page 42-43 fire. He shouted for help from nearby vendors, but the stand was Aviation quickly engulfed in flames. “I couldn’t believe my eyes; the Somchai examines the crepe stand was my only source viability of key regional of income,” said Mr Prayoon. flights. Page 44 When officers arrived at the scene, they found a crowd of people gathered around the blaz- Mr Prayoon had been selling mini-crepes to school children for years. Sport ing sidecar, said Capt Porntip Phuket United win their Choomsri of the Phuket City stall, the cost of which Mr will make money in the future,” Police. Prayoon will have to cover. said Mr Prayoon. first match of the futsal The flames had gotten high “I don’t have money to pay for Firefighters managed to subdue season. Page 51 enough to reach and burn the elec- the burnt electrical wires. I just the flames, but the damage to the trical wires hanging above the lost my job. I don’t know how I sidecar was already done. Frenchman’s pointed request Cops arrest Italian drug Swede falls for refund sends him to jail to his death POLICE arrested a Frenchman Mr Lahkim dealer in sting operation for threatening a Phuket conve- left the store, AN ITALIAN man was busted for from bar top nience store clerk with a pair of but returned a selling ya ice (crystal metham- scissors in an attempt to get a re- few minutes phetamine) to undercover cops in A SWEDISH tourist fell to his fund last Saturday. later. Picking a sting operation in Patong Mon- death early Tuesday morning Riad Lahkim, 37, had bought a up a pair of day evening. while dancing on top of a bar mobile phone at the 7-eleven the scissors, he Fabio Milan Bocca, 35, was counter in Patong. previous Thursday. Dissatisfied, he demanded Ms Mr Lahkim arrested at a rental house on “Witnesses in the bar said that took it back to the store two days Sunisa give him Pisitkoranee Road in possession the man had been drinking before later – at 4:30am. the money. She handed over 2,000 of 8.52 grams of ya ice, 6.79g of he decided to climb onto the “He bought the phone for 1,200 baht and Mr Lahkim fled. marijuana and a single ya bah countertop and dance,” said a baht and asked for his money The event was captured on (methamphetamine) pill. Fabio Bocca after his arrest. Patong Kusoldharm rescue foun- back,” said Sunisa Mueanlamai, a CCTV, and by 1pm, police had lo- “Our superintendent asked us dation worker. clerk at the store. cated the thief at his hotel in Patong. to stomp out drugs in Patong, so entered and identified ourselves as “The bar was wet and slippery. “I told him I didn’t have the au- He confessed to the robbery and we chased up a lead about Mr officers. Inside we found his stash He lost his balance, fell and hit his thority to give him a refund, and he was charged, said Maj Suthichai Fabio,” Lt Col Khunnadet Na of drugs and drug paraphernalia." head hard on the ground,” said the would have to wait for the manager Tianpho of the Patong Police. Nongkhai of the Patong Police told Mr Bocca was charged with worker. to come to work,” said Ms Sunisa. – Kritsada Mueanhawong the Gazette. possession of a Category 1 Drug Rescuers were alerted at 1am “We went to the house to buy with intent to sell and with pos- of the accident and rushed to the drugs as part of a sting operation. session of a Category 5 Drug with scene, near the OTOP Market in As soon as he opened the door, we intent to sell. – Thawit Bilabdullar Patong. When they arrived, they found the body of Lars Hasselberg, 57, on the ground. “We did not see any blood or wounds on his body,” said the res- cue worker. The cause of Mr Hasselberg’s death was confirmed at Patong Hospital. “He died as a result of severe head trauma,” Patong Hospital Di- rector Dr Sirichai Silapa-acha told the Gazette. The Swedish embassy has been notified of Mr Hasselberg’s death. – Thawit Bilabdullar February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 V/Gov tackles metered taxi on tourist’s behalf By Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET Vice Governor Mrs Pranit was struck by a Chamroen Tipayapongtada motorcycle while crossing a road. stepped forward to champion a complaint about an airport taxi driver who refused to use his Alzheimer’s meter to take an Australian expat home to Kamala. The 51-year-old man arrived at mum killed Phuket International Airport last Sunday and was met by a metered in accident taxi tout, who explained that it costs 650 baht to go to Kamala. A WOMAN with Alzheimer’s dis- “I said, ‘No, no. Have to use ease who had wandered away the meter,’ pointing to the sign on from home was killed in a hit-and- the booth. He said, ‘No, only use run motorbike accident in Thalang meter to Patong – company says on Sunday night. Kamala is 650 baht,’” the man Pranit Parteep Na Talang, 75, explained in an email to the Ga- first went missing from her home zette. “After much discussion, I in Ban Don at about 2pm Sunday gave up and took the taxi.” afternoon. When informed of the case by Taxi drivers who refuse to use their meters can be banned from servicing the airport after two complaints. “My mother had Alzheimer’s, the Gazette, V/Gov Chamroen that situation by a bad taxi driver.” said, “It was an agreement be- responsible for taxi drivers at the but she could walk well for her said, “Please forward me the mes- If the driver is found to be in tween the passenger and driver. airport. An AoT officer who de- age and often went missing be- sage and copy of the [receipt]. I the wrong, V/Gov Chamroen said Almost all passengers choose to clined to be named asked the cause of her illness,” said her son, will start investigating the matter he would issue a warning. If a take a fixed price instead of the Australian man to file a formal 49-year-old Manas Parteep Na immediately.” complaint about the driver arises metered price.” complaint, including the time and Talang. “This is an important issue that again, he will be banned from ser- “It depends on what the cus- date of the incident, the license “She was last seen in the early can affect our tourism industry. I vicing the airport. tomers want. Our drivers will not plate number of the driver, a copy afternoon. She left the house and personally would like to apologize A staffer at the call center for threaten passengers.” of his passport and the ticket no one knew where she was. We to the customer who was put into the metered taxi service company Airports of (AoT) are voucher for the ride. searched for her until a neighbor told us about the accident at about 7:45 pm.” “Eyewitnesses said that Mrs Booze ban violators caught only in town Pranit was crossing a road but didn’t see a motorcycle speeding POLICE discovered one shop in we want to prevent residents from Col Sermphan said that police toward her, as the road was dark,” Phuket Town illegally selling alco- knowing which venues are will- had warned alcohol vendors and said Lt Peerasit Noopayan of the hol during the celebration of Makha ing to sell alcohol on banned days business operators of the ban start- Cherng Talay Police, who re- Bucha Day on February 14. or at banned times.” ing on February 12. sponded to the accident near Ban The bust was made by Phuket The shop near Surin Circle was On the other side of the island, Suan Yu Charoen 5 housing estate City Police, who arrested two charged for selling alcohol on a Patong Police reported that no on Srisoonthorn Road. other vendors for trading after public holiday and fined 3,000 fines were handed out and no ar- “She was struck by the motor- hours, said Phuket City Police Su- baht. rests made in Phuket’s bar capital. bike and hit her head on the perintendent Sermphan Sirikong. “The two shop owners in “Our area was clean of alcohol ground. She died instantly,” he “We apprehended three local Samkong were charged for trad- sales and purchases,” Patong Po- said. shop owners: one in Phuket Town ing after hours and will have to be lice Deputy Superintendent Nikorn Eyewitnesses were not able to near Surin Circle at 11pm and two seen by a judge in court,” Col Choothong told the Gazette. see the motorbike’s license plate in Samkong after 1am,” Col Sermphan said. “Patrols went out three times Col Sermphan. Photo: Saran Mitrarat as the driver sped by. Sermphan said. The maximum penalty for trad- between 8am on February 14 and night,” Col Nikorn said. “I hope my mother is at peace Col Sermphan declined to name ing after hours is imprisonment of 8am [on February 15]. Check- “I would like to thank every- and no longer in pain,” said Mr the shops, saying, “We don’t want up to six months, a fine of up to points were also established in two one for their cooperation.” Manas. the locations publicized because 10,000 baht or both. different locations at 11pm last – Irfarn Jamdukor – Thawit Bilabdullar 4 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS February 22 - 28, 2014 Limbo to end for asylum seekers Six men kept at airport for a month after passports seized in Beijing

By Irfarn Jamdukor Chief of Immigration at the airport. International transit passengers at Beijing THE six stateless asylum seekers who have Capital International Airport must pass been housed under guard at Phuket Inter- through immigration, but the seizure of the national Airport for over a month may soon men’s passports has perplexed immigration be leaving the island. officers here. has agreed to take the four Syr- “We’d like to know why Immigration in ians in the group, and the two Lebanese didn’t arrest them if they believed men will be sent to , said Prapansak their passports were fake,” said Ms Pensirit. Prasansuk, Chief of Immigration at the “And if they just wanted to expel them, airport. why didn’t they return their passports to How the men, said to be fleeing violence them?” she added. in their countries, arrived in Phuket on a Once the six arrived back in Phuket, they flight from China without passports is still could not be allowed into the country with- not entirely clear to Immigration officials. out passports. Their story began sometime in Decem- “We did not want to send them back to ber when they arrived in Bangkok. They Syria, because it is a country at war,” said next appeared on immigration radar when Col Prapansak. “But without passports, we they boarded a Beijing-bound couldn’t send them anywhere else either.” flight in Phuket on January 13. The men were housed, under guard, at Their ultimate destination was Sweden, the airport while Immigration officials where the men all say they have relatives, sought a way out of the dilemma. Mr Prapansak told the Phuket Gazette. “China Airlines is responsible for them, Four Syrians and two Lebanese have been housed under guard. Photo: Saran Mitrarat They planned to transit in China and fly on. but we are trying to help them out,” Col However, the forward direction of their Prapansak said. Bangkok, where they have an office. “We are waiting for the official docu- trip ended abruptly in Beijing, where Chi- China Airlines contacted the United Na- Last Tuesday, Malaysia agreed to take ments and expect them to arrive in 2-3 nese Immigration officers declared their tions High Commissioner for Refugees the Syrian men. days,” Col Prapansak said. passports to be fake, seized them, and or- (UNHCR) to ask for help last month. “We have received informal confirma- In Bangkok, UNHCR officials and Chi- dered China Airlines to return the men to UNHCR said they could not come to Phuket tion that Malaysia will accept them,” Col nese immigration will work together to find Phuket, said Pensirit Pantachinatat, Deputy and asked China Airlines to send the men to Prapansak told the Gazette. a solution for the Lebanese men, he said. TeenTeen bodyguards bodyguards face nabbedgun possession for gun charge possession

Mr Siriboon (left) and Mr Weerasak (right) after their dip in the pond. TWO men arrested on Thursday found knife slashes across Mr for brandishing a firearm at Phuket Tinnakorn’s door. City Police officers and attempt- When Mr Weerasak and Mr ing to flee the scene were not Chaiyuth arrived, officers ap- charged with attempted murder. proached the pair and asked to First reports alleged that the two search them. 18-year-olds, Weerasak Bangroy “Mr Weerasak then pulled the and Chaiyuth Siriboon, had been gun on the officers and the sus- hired to make a pre-Valentine’s Day pects took off,” Col Chao said. hit by an ex-girlfriend. Police followed the men to a Tinnakorn Suwan, 21, reported nearby pond where officers found the duo to police after a violent two motorbikes parked next to argument broke out between the two pairs of flip flops, a handgun three men earlier that morning. and a single red shotgun shell. “Mr Tinnakorn’s ex-girlfriend “We assumed they swam for it, had asked Mr Weerasak and Mr so we scoured the pond. Eventu- Chaiyuth to protect her later that ally, we found the suspects hiding day when she moved out of Mr in some trees near the water’s edge. Tinnakorn’s room near Soi Mr Weerasak confessed to holding Phaniang,” Lt Col Chao Phomna the gun, but claimed that it belonged of the Phuket City Police ex- to Mr Chaiyuth,” said Col Chao. plained. Mr Weerasak and Mr Chaiyuth “After the argument, the men were both charged with for illegal warned Mr Tinnakorn that they possession of a firearm and am- would be back.” munition he said. Police staking out the apartment – Kritsada Mueanhawong February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 5 Bank rushed over rice loan

By Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET residents flocked to sev- eral branches of the Government Savings Bank (GSB) on Monday to withdraw money and close accounts after the bank lent 20 billion baht to the Bank for Agri- culture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) on Sunday. “Monday is always a busy day, since it is the first of the week. However, we admit that 10 per cent of our customers withdrew money and closed accounts [that day],” GSB Phuket Branch Manager Yadaporn Sripat told the Gazette. “Customers have every right to withdraw their money and close their accounts,” said Ms Yadaporn. “We could only give cash to Phuket residents throughout the island fled to Government Savings Bank branches to close accounts in protest of the 20bn baht loan. customers who withdrew less than 10,000 baht. If they withdrew affect the bank’s capital. Phuket Branch Manager Sitthiporn Meanwhile, many bank patrons “I am no longer confident in the more than that, we paid them with The BAAC Phuket Branch on Petchnui said on Monday. expressed concern about the loan bank’s liquidity after they lent so cashier’s cheques. We need to keep Monday posted a sign at the en- “We have had many new cus- and expressed distrust in GSB. much,” she added. cash in store for other customers.” trance stating that they will not tomers opening accounts and “I have closed four bank ac- “My father saw the news of the GSB has 13 branches through- spend a single baht of their cus- patrons who continue to deposit counts with GSB today. I am not loan on television this morning, so out the island. tomers’ money to support the money into their accounts. We happy that they lent money in or- he asked me to withdraw his Although the headquarters lent rice-pledging scheme. now have more than 200 million der to support the government,” money. We are not confident in money to the BAAC, Ms Yadaporn “We had just as many custom- baht to lend to local Phuket farm- Niyod Acheewarangabrok told the the bank or the government,” said is confident that the loan will not ers as we regularly have,” BAAC ers,” he added. Gazette. Suksri Liponpol.

Some 192 heavy concrete mooring blocks still lie in Chalong Bay. Mooring issues resolved From page 1 Australian boat owner “Sando”, who declined to be named in full. …snorkeling trip to Koh Hei (Coral “It was about 4:30pm, coming Island) with 15 tourists on board up to low tide, when we hit the was about 500 meters from mooring. We were coming back Chalong Pier when it hit and got from a trip with Australians, New stuck on a mooring block, Zealanders, Americans and Thais explained Chief Phuripat after the – who all took part in a Muay Thai accident in late February last year. fitness training session,” Sando “All of the tourists jumped into told the Gazette. the water without life jackets. Boat “The mooring didn’t have any operators in the area saw the inci- buoys attached to it. I’ve been dent and rescued them,” the chief told that many of the moorings said. now don’t have any buoys tied Mr Phuripat attributed the cause to them [to show where the con- of the crash to reckless driving. crete blocks lie beneath the “The concrete mooring was surface].” installed to mark a boat anchor- No further plans have been age. It has been there for months. made to remove any of the other Every boat driver in the area 192 moorings placed around knows where the moorings are Chalong Pier, despite concerns located and where the rocks are. voiced by local yachties, notably The boat driver did not drive along that some of them are located too the right path,” he said. close to existing moorings, risk- About 11 months later, on Janu- ing collisions between neighboring ary 21, the 10 million baht luxury vessels. cruise boat Lady Andaman sank “The rest of the moorings after striking a concrete mooring aren’t causing any problems for in the approach channel, explained boats,” Chief Phuripat said. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS February 22 - 28, 2014 Baby girl goes home despite scary start to life A PHUKET baby who survived surgery after Ang-Sing’s parents, at first devastated by being born with her intestines protruding from their daughter’s condition, were delighted her abdomen was discharged from the hospi- when they were told on Valentine’s Day that tal this weekend. she could be taken home. Ornpreeya “Ang-Sing” Saisrikosol was “What a Valentine’s Day message,” the 26- born earlier this month with a rare condition year-old father, Kriangkrai Saisrikosol, told the called gastroschisis, and immediately under- Gazette. went emergency surgery, explained Vachira “No words can describe how happy we are. Phuket Hospital Director Jessada We feel much better now than we did when Chungpaibulpatana. we first saw our daughter. We hope that she “The first thing I saw was her beautiful grows up without any more pain.” face, and I was so happy,” said her mother, Ang-Sing does not need any medical assis- Phiphitsara Sangthong, 22. tance to function normally, her father said. “A couple of seconds later, I got the shock On Saturday he took his new daughter home of my life – I saw her intestines hanging out to the room he had prepared for her. of her stomach.” – Chutharat Plerin Ang-Sing went home at last with her parents. Ms Siriporn apologized for any inconveniences caused. Passport Office Faucets back to providing back offline after false start water after ‘dry’ months THE Phuket Passport Office had a false start this week as it re- By Saran Mitrarat opened its doors for service on Monday, just to close them again AFTER close to two months with on Friday. no running water, life for resi- Protesting has forced the sec- dents on Phang Muang Sai Kor ond closure of the Passport Road in Phuket returned to Division in Bangkok, the first of normal on Tuesday morning. which closed the Phuket office for “We had no running water for nearly a month. The headquarters almost two months, since Decem- in the capital terminated its server ber 25,” said a resident of the connection to provincial offices Patong road who declined to be again as a precaution. named. “We have to temporarily close “We have had to buy water the office until the server is re- from a water truck every week, connected. I do not know when which is very expensive. we will be able to re-open,” Phuket Sometimes the water we bought Passport Office Chief Siriporn was clean, sometimes it wasn’t.” Tantipanyathep told the Gazette. “Meanwhile, the cost of water “It all depends on the head of- in condominiums in this area is up fice in Bangkok.” to 173 baht per unit. Normally, The Phuket Passport Office water ranges in price from 12 to opened its doors on Monday even 40 baht per unit. The higher prices though Provincial Hall remained have increased the cost of living closed. The office has had to call for residents and tourists.” the almost 400 people who turned “I contacted the Phuket Pro- in their paperwork this week to vincial Waterworks Authority inform them of the closure, said [PWA] several times. Officers Ms Siriporn. there only told me that the water “Most were understanding, as would be running soon, without they knew that this might happen,” offering any sort of explanation.” Ms Siriporn said. The company that provides “We apologize for any incon- water for Patong roads such as venience. We will make an Phang Muang Sai Kor had tem- announcement as soon as we re- porarily cut off the water supply, Pisak Chonlayut, PWA manager, assures there will be no water shortages this year. Photo: Chutharat Plerin sume our services.” explained Pisak Chonlayut, man- Meanwhile, people can check ager of the PWA. increasing number of consumers the water was back on, confirmed Phuket this year. the Department of Consular Af- “The company is improving the in the area. They expect it to be the resident. “Even if the number of visitors fairs website for any updates, she water treatment process and finished on February 18,” Mr Mr Pisak assured the Gazette continues to increase, we have added. re-arranging the water manage- Pisak said. that there would be no more enough water to serve everyone,” – Kritsada Mueanhawong ment systems to support the As of 10:30 Tuesday morning, water shortage problems in he said. Holiday rush for temples, flower shops REVERENCE for Makha Bucha Makha Bucha Day,” said 17-year- Day outshined Valentine’s Day, but old Sumphan Tantisatrungsri. flower shop owners still benefited “However, Valentine’s Day is a from the lovers’ day rush. good day. This year, I will show Local temples and flower shops my love for my religion and fam- had a busy day as residents ily by participating in temple flocked to make merit for Makha activities.” Bucha Day and order flowers for Meanwhile, shop owners were their loved ones. busy with customers and pleased “Makha Bucha Day is an impor- Students gather to worship at by the jump in flower prices temple on Makha Bucha Day. tant day for Buddhists. We should caused by the increase in demand. concern ourselves with making lar for teenagers. I think we can “Red roses went from 12 baht merit at the temple and listening to show our love every day, but to 15 baht and white roses went sermons from the monks,” said 21- Makha Bucha Day only happens from 22 baht to 25 baht,” said a year-old Prattana Na Takuathung. once a year.” shop owner in Phuket Town. “Valentine’s Day is very popu- “I am more concerned with – Kritsada Mueanhawong February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Illegal net tangled in reef Divers save dozens of fish in marine protected area By Chutharat Plerin

DIVERS saved dozens of reef fish earlier this month that were trapped in an enormous fishing net draped over one of Phuket’s most popular dive sites: marine conser- vation area, Shark Point. “We had just spent five or six minutes watching a leopard shark swimming around us, and then, as we came around the corner, we saw a blanket of net covering a large amount of Pinnacle One,” said a Phuket diver asked to be identified only as Instructor Vinnie. “It was an awful scene.” Dive masters and instructors in the area began cutting entangled fish free. Another team slowly worked on pulling the net away from the corals. “Most of the fish were alive. There were a few dead ones,” Vinnie said. “I thought I was going to see a dead leopard shark in there.” Twenty to thirty reef fish were cut free. Many more, trapped in the middle of the tangled netting, were also saved. A scorpion fish was one of the many marine animals dive instructors and dive masters saved from the enormous drift net. Photo: Instructor Vinnie The drift net, measuring an es- timated 25 meters by 20 meters, Thon and Koh Racha. If we have “I’ve instructed a member of the marine conservation area. In fish they have already caught. We was finally removed from the time, we will go to Shark Point. Go Eco Phuket to let everyone July, a Sea Bees staff member must catch them in the act of fish- water. If not, our staff will inspect the know that if they find a fishing captured video footage of an enor- ing illegally in order to make an “At the surface, you could see area on Saturday,” Mr Tanet said net in a marine protected area, that mous fishing net at the site. Go arrest,” Mr Tanet said. the boat boys pulling sea cucum- last Friday. they should not fear any repercus- Eco Phuket quickly scrambled “However, we recently had a bers and other bits out of the net,” Mr Tanet confirmed on Mon- sions for removing the it, as they divers and two dive boats to re- meeting concerning this issue. We said Vinnie. day that his team did go to Shark will have my full support. move it. are developing several methods for On December 13, a member of Point, but did not get in the water, “If you see the net, and don’t Mr Tanet reiterated that though apprehending illegal fisherman.” marine conservation group Go Eco as dive boats had customers at the have means to remove it, just call fishing in the area is illegal, it is Those caught illegally fishing Phuket brought the incident to the site. my on my mobile any time of the difficult for his officers to make can face penalties of up to a year attention of Department of Marine “My staff did not want to hurt day, and I’ll start organizing a team arrests, despite having bolstered in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 and Coastal Resources (DMCR) the image of Phuket diving,” Mr to remove it.” patrols starting in August last baht or both. Region 5 Chief Tanet Munnoy. Tanet said. Mr Tanet’s mobile is 081 636 year. “Even though arresting fisher- “We have a mission planned However, he explained that those 8099. “When fishermen see our pa- men in the act is not easy, we will tomorrow (February 14) to drop who are regularly at the site should This is not the first time large trol boats while fishing in continue to do our best to protect artificial reef blocks in Koh Mai feel free to protect it as necessary. fishing nets have been snagged in restricted areas, they release any the environment,” Mr Tanet said. 8 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS February 22 - 28, 2014 Volcanic ash forces Australia-Phuket flight cancellations ASH fall from a volcano that erupted on Darwin, and we will recommence normal February 13 on the heavily populated Indo- operations as soon as the volcanic ash cloud nesian island of Java forced an Australian safely allows it.” airline to cancel flights to Phuket, Denpasar, (AoT) confirmed Christmas Island and Cocos Island the fol- to the Gazette that the flight lowing day. from Phuket to Perth was cancelled. “We are sorry for the inconvenience. Flights were back on schedule the next However, the safety of our customers is day. our highest priority,” Virgin Australia airline The eruption from Mount Kelud sent a said in a statement on their website. “Our huge plume of ash and sand 17 kilometers meteorologists are continually monitoring into the air, forcing the closure of three air- the weather situation, in consultation with ports, reported Reuters (see page 11). the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in – Saran Mitrarat Three airports on Java were closed due to visibility problems caused by ash. Photo: Reuters Phang Nga ports developed to cater for boom in island tourist numbers By Chutharat Plerin tourists. “The new ports will be safer THE Marine Department last Fri- and more convenient for all par- day announced plans to develop ties involved.” two major seaports at Phang Nga The Marine Department has jump-off points to the popular hired experts from Khon Kaen Similan and Surin islands. University to undertake feasibil- “Our aim is to promote sustain- ity studies for the development of able tourism for Phang Nga’s the ports. The research and de- Andaman islands. We also want velopment plans should be to promote it as completed by another diving ‘The new ports will be safer October, ex- location,” said plained Mr Marine Office 5 and more convenient for all Wichai. Director Wichai parties involved’ Officials Khamkong. – Marine Office 5 Director have plans The news fol- Wichai Khamkong to further de- lows two public velop the six hearings led by Marine Depart- Andaman provinces’ marine infra- ment Director-General Sorasak structure. Saensombat on February 10 and “This port development is one 11 at the Thap Lamu and Khura of our projects in the six Andaman Buri ports. provinces. Next year, we will con- “Thap Lamu is a major gateway duct a feasibility study at Pak for visitors to the Similan Islands. Meng Port in Trang and two ports The development of the Thap Lamu Port will make travel easier for those heading to the Similans. Photo: Supplied Khura Buri is the gateway to the in : Rai Lay and Nam Mao,” Surin Islands,” Mr Wichai said. said Mr Wichai. The sea taxi is meant to be an ate the traffic problems on the is- on the way there.” The ports were first built for As for Phuket, officials have alternative route for tourists be- land and offer tourists a better way “The two Phuket projects are local use only, he said. Over time, asked for a 240-million-baht bud- tween the Phuket International of travelling from the airport to marked for the 2015 they have become overloaded in get to build an airport-to-Patong Airport and Patong Beach. Patong,” Mr Wichai said. budget; they have yet to be ap- the effort to serve both locals and “sea taxi” and develop Palai Port. “We really want to help allevi- “Tourists can enjoy sightseeing proved,” he said. Tourist Police help bag-snatch victims obtain new passports A CHINESE couple who lost their passports to a bag snatcher on Sunday were en route to their embassy in Bangkok by Monday, with a little help from the Phuket Tourist Police. After the couple were robbed while walking to a market along the Baan Don-Kok Tanod Road, Thalang Police got in touch with Sub Lt Jessada Wichien of the Tourist Police. “We contacted the Chinese Embassy for them,” he said . Tourist Police ensured the couple “We also provided the couple were able to get to their embassy in Bangkok to secure passports. with a document they can present to the airline that will allow them “Their passports were in the to catch their flight from Krabi to bag, along with 2,000 baht, some Bangkok today and go to their yuan and their travel itinerary,” said embassy to get temporary pass- Capt Narong Muangdoung of the ports for their trip home.” Thalang Police. A man described as having long, “Fortunately, they had an e- curly hair snatched the bag con- ticket, so they can print out the taining the couple’s passports itinerary again,” said Lt Jessada. from He Ting Ting, 29, as she Police are continuing to search walked with Gu Jun Fang, 30 at for the long-haired suspect. about 3:30pm on Sunday. – Thawit Bilabdullar February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 9 Booze bans to keep island dry By Saran Mitrarat senatorial election, noting that can- candidates, Mr Kittipong said. didates do not register with a party Advance voting in the senatorial PHUKET will see four Saturday affiliation. election will be on March 23, and night alcohol bans in coming “I personally believe the elec- the election itself on March 30. months, as polls open for senator tion represents the kind of reform As for the MP election, there and MP selection in March and protesters are after, since the can- will be only one candidate, Mr April. didates don’t register under a Kittipong noted. The four dates selected for vot- specific party,” he said. Jirayos Songyos of the Pheu ing, March 23 and 30 for the senator Mr Kittipong said he had no Thai party was the sole candidate election and April 20 inkling as to whether to successfully navigate the and 27 for the MP ‘I personally believe protesters would blockade by anti-government pro- election, fall on Sun- mobilize to block the testers during MP enrollment in days. In accordance the senator election vote. December. with the law, alcohol represents the kind “We are following No new candidates will be al- bans will begin at the protest situation lowed to register in Phuket. 6pm the night before of reform protesters one day at a time. Pro- “We will not re-open candidate and extend to midnight are after’ testers have yet to registration. According to election on the day of the – Phuket Election mention the senator law, if we re-open registration, the election. Commission (PEC) election. previous election would be void, Anti-government Director Kittipong However, if cir- which means we would be forced protesters managed Thiengkunakrit cumstances change, to have a new national election,” to shut down na- we will have to dis- said Mr Kittipong. tional elections in Phuket and cuss a plan of action,” he said. Mr Jirayos is registered in Dis- elsewhere in Southern Thailand on Senators’ terms end on March trict 2; District 1 has no Mr Kittipong explains that two of the bans are due to the need for another February 1. 3 and the PEC will accept candi- candidates. Residents of District round of MP elections since protesters blocked the vote in February. With that in mind, Phuket Elec- date registrations from March 4 to 1 will receive only a party list bal- “The Election Commission Advance voting for the MP tion Commission (PEC) Director March 8 at the Phuket Community lot, while those in District 2 will (EC) headquarters in Bangkok will election will take place on April 20, Kittipong Thiengkunakrit encour- Hall. So far, five people have ex- get both the party list and MP can- decide what to do with District 1, and the election itself will be on aged protesters not to boycott the pressed interest in enrolling as didate ballots. as it has no candidates,” he said. April 27. Deaf foreigner Elephants tagged for agricultural tourism sector caught selling GOVERNOR Maitri Inthusut’s charge into the ism,” Gov Maitri said. province’s agricultural tourism sector led him “Elephant ranch owners in Phuket are re- Angry Bird to an elephant ranch on February 12. quired to regularly check the health of their “The inspection of this elephant ranch is a animals through the Phuket Provincial Live- continuation of our surveys of a pineapple gar- stock office.” key chains den, goat farm and vegetable farm. We are In addition, the owners must protect their visiting them to raise awareness of Phuket’s land and neighboring forests from pollution PHUKET Tourist Police arrested potential for agricultural tourism,” Gov Maitri to ensure that the land remains healthy, he a deaf Ukrainian tourist last Sun- told the Gazette. added. day for disturbing restaurant Governor Maitri was joined by Phuket Pro- “Finally, they should teach tourists about customers in Central Festival vincial Livestock Chief Weerasit Putthipairoj on the environment and also provide them with Phuket. his trip to Siam Safari Nature Tour Company. activities that allow them to participate in pro- Gov Maitri continues to push agricultural tourism. Mykola Chornyi, 30, was drop- The company has been operating for more tecting it,” Gov Maitri said. ping cards on restaurant tables that than 20 years and has 17 elephants on 20 rai ics: the health of the animals, the environ- Chief Weerasit said the farm passed the in- said he was deaf and asked for of property. mental health of the farm and surrounding spection with flying colors. patrons to either donate money or “The inspection focused on three main top- area and the development of ecological tour- – Irfarn Jamdukor purchase an Angry Bird key chain for 100 baht, Wichit Police Super- intendent Chawalit Phetsipear said. “The cards explained that he was deaf,” said Col Chawalit. “We were notified by a restau- rant customer at about 6pm,” said Urumporn Koondejsumrit of the Phuket Tourist Police. “We arrived at the scene, but could not find him. We told res- taurant staff to inform us if he came back.” Mr Chornyi returned to the res- taurant at about 7pm, after which police apprehended him. “We asked Mr Chornyi for his passport, but he said he had used it to rent a motorbike and did not have it. He only showed us the documents proving that he is deaf,” Maj Urumporn said. “We contacted the Immigration Police in order to verify his visa in- formation. He came into the country on a tourist visa which will expire in March,” said Col Chawalit. “He was fined 1,000 baht for dis- turbing customers and 2,000 baht for failure to provide his passport as requested,” said Col Chawalit. Police seized the cash, cards and Angry Bird key chains. Mr Chornyi was released after he paid the fines. – Irfarn Jamdukor 10 PHUKET GAZETTE NATIONAL NEWS February 22 - 28, 2014 Yingluck charged with graft, dereliction of duty THE National Anti-Corruption Commission caretaker PM until the NACC decides to in- The NACC had (NACC) found grounds last Tuesday to press dict her, Mr Vicha said. warned in a writ- charges against caretaker Prime Minister PM Yingluck has been summoned to officially ten document that Yingluck Shinawatra for alleged negligence acknowledge the charges on February 27. the scheme could and dereliction of duty over the controver- Mr Vicha said the decision was made after cause widespread sial rice-pledging scheme, according to the agency's investigation found evidence – corruption. commission spokesman Vicha Mahakun. both from witnesses and documents – that Moreover, PM The move is seen as a step towards initi- the premier, who is chairwoman of the Na- Yingluck was in- Schoolchildren have not received ating impeachment proceedings against PM tional Rice Policy Committee, had been warned formed of the PM Yingluck. Photo: The tablets this year. Photo: The Nation Yingluck, and to press charges against her. by many organizations of possible corruption alleged corruption Nation However, she can continue her duties as in the scheme. in the project during a censure debate. New bids called after Chinese fail to deliver Four die in Bangkok clash school tablets NOT a single student has received Violence erupts as CMPO tries to retake Government House a tablet computer from the gov- FOUR people including a police- ernment this academic year man were killed last Tuesday in because of procurement problems. skirmishes between anti-govern- Shenzhen Yitoa Intelligent Con- ment protesters and anti-riot police trol, which won the e-auction in at the Phan Fah Lilat Bridge in Zones 1 and 2, has failed to make Bangkok. any deliveries and has initiated ter- The casualties, which included mination of its contract. 64 injured, resulted from an op- Bidding documents for the eration mounted by the caretaker fresh e-auction will be sold from government's anti-protest opera- February 20 onward. tions agency, the Centre for “The new e-auction will take Maintaining Peace and Order place on March 27,” caretaker (CMPO), to reclaim areas occu- Education Minister Chaturon pied for a month by the protesters. Chaisang said yesterday, with the The operation is code-named results announced March 30. "Peace for Bangkok". The chosen suppliers are ex- Tuesday's violence was the pected to deliver the computer second clash by police against the tablets between May 5 and June 30. protesters. Shenzhen Yitoa Intelligent Con- Listing Tuesday’s fatalities, the trol, meanwhile, will be asked to Erawan Emergency Medical Ser- pay a hefty fine of Bt108 million vice Centre said Suphot Bunrung, plus compensation. 52, succumbed to head wounds; “The fine will be imposed on Thanusak Rattanakhot, 29, could the firm for its failure to deliver not be revived after losing con- the tablets. We will also ask for sciousness; and Pol Senior compensation to cover damages. Sgt-Major Phianchai Pharawat, We may have to pay more for tab- 45, sustained fatal chest wounds. lets when we get new suppliers The fourth fatality, announced by compared with prices offered by the Erawan Centre, was of an Shenzhen Yitoa Intelligent Con- unidentified man who died from trol,” Chaturon said. chest wounds. He was pro- Anti-government protesters carry a fellow protester injured in a grenade attack in Bangkok. Photo: Reuters The firm submitted Bt120 mil- nounced dead at Vajira Hospital lion as a security deposit for the where he had been admitted and daylight hours. protesters behind a sandbag bar- tablet purchase deal with treated. Deputy Bangkok police chief ricade at the bridge, during an Thailand's Office of Basic Educa- Video footage showed a group Pol Maj-General Adul Narongsak attempt to gain access to Govern- tion Commission (Obec). of policemen falling after being hit said M-79 rounds were fired by ment House, which is barricaded The supplier for Zone 4, Jasmine by an explosion, while online pho- assailants with no known political by a large group of PDRC sup- Telecom Systems, has not made tos show a policeman aiming a affiliation from rooftops of nearby porters. delivery either, but promises to do pistol at an unknown target. buildings. The violence ended at about so before the end of February. CMPO member Tarit Pengdith He added that police would need 3pm when police retreated into the In Zone 3, Obec was initially accused People's Democratic Re- reclaim the occupied areas – Gov- to secure vantage points around Metropolitan Police Bureau com- reluctant to endorse Supreme Dis- form Committee supporters of ernment House, Government the Phan Fah Lilat Bridge to sup- pound and the protesters retired tribution (Thailand) but after firing both M-79 grenades and Complex on Chaeng Wattana port future efforts to reclaim the behind their barricades. An earlier problems emerged with other sup- handguns at the police. He said the Road, Democracy Monument, area. CMPO-led operation reclaimed pliers, will do so on February 28, CMPO planned to continue car- Energy Ministry and Interior Min- The clashes began at around areas outside the Energy Ministry with deliveries in April and June. rying out daily operations to istry buildings but only during 11:40am when police encountered on Vibhavadi Road. GSB president resigns after rice loan protest WORAVIT Chailimpamontri, the president of state- He said there was a level of distrust on whether he run Government Savings Bank (GSB) has tendered was a political tool of the government, running the bank his resignation after facing pressure on his decision to serve the government's policy. Still, he insisted that to lend Bt20 billion to the government’s troubled rice- lending to the BAAC did not violate any law. pledging scheme, which led to a rash of withdrawals Hundreds of GSB employees wearing black gath- by customers starting last Monday. ered Tuesday morning at the bank's headquarters to GSB’s board of directors last Tuesday cancelled demand Worawit’s resignation. GSB employees also a loan of Bt20 billion to the Bank for Agriculture and urged the bank to suspend its lending to the rice Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) and agreed to pull project, which has been struggling to pay farmers back a previous loan of Bt5 billion. since the government took on a caretaker role. Meanwhile, a group of businesspeople declared Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra their support for the GSB, and some urged against blamed the delay in making payments on anti-gov- using farmers as political pawns as they suffer from ernment demonstrations, saying “The farmers are late payments under the rice-subsidy programme. now in the middle of a political game being played by Worawit said that he had handed his resignation the protest leaders, who are refusing to follow the to the board to show his responsibility. democratic and legal path.” February 22 - 28, 2014 REGIONAL NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 11 In brief… Java rattled by eruption ASEAN efforts to By Chris Nusatya establish code of MORE than 76,000 people fled conduct with China their homes, and flights were grounded across most of backed by Kerry Indonesia’s densely populated is- INCREASED efforts by ASEAN land of Java on February 14 after to persuade a reluctant China to a volcanic eruption the night be- agree to a legally binding code of fore sent a huge plume of ash and conduct in the congested South sand 17km into the air. China Sea were bolstered by US The ash cloud from the erup- Secretary of State John Kerry tion of Mount Kelud in the Mr Kerry said the stability of the province of East Java moved west Asia-Pacific depended on achiev- over the island, forcing the clo- ing a binding code of conduct to sure of seven airports and help nations peacefully address stranding thousands of passen- competing claims in the area. gers. The only major airports still operating on Java were two in the capital, Jakarta. Journalists charged “Based on verified data, over 76,000 people have been evacuated for disclosing state from five cities around the volcano … and about 200,000 people were secrets in affected,” National Disaster Miti- MYANMAR police have charged gation Agency spokesman Sutopo five journalists with “disclosing Nugroho said in a text message. state secrets” after their newspa- Mount Kelud is 90km south of per carried a story about an alleged Indonesia’s second biggest city chemical weapons factory, state Surabaya, a major industrial cen- media reported Sunday. ter. Its airport was closed, along The state-run New Light of with those of Bandung, Yogyakarta, Myanmar said charges under the Solo, Malang, Semarang and the Official Secrets Act also included major oil refinery town of Cilacap. “trespassing on the restricted area “Four airports (of seven closed) of the factory”, but the newspa- per did not disclose the nature of are in operation now,” Handy Deep ash and sand cover the roads in Java, but minimal damage was done to buildings. Photo: Reuters Heryudhitiawan, spokesman at air- the facility. port operator Angkasa Pura 1, said Pertamina, officials said. The re- Mr Nugroho said the disaster last Saturday. finery, with a capacity of 348,000 mitigation agency had confirmed Search continues for Mount Kelud is one of 130 ac- barrels per day, accounts for a little two people were killed after roofs tive volcanoes in the world’s more than a third of Indonesia’s collapsed under the weight of the bodies after Haiyan fourth most populous country, total output of refined products. fallen ash. SUNDAY marked 100 days since which sits along the “Ring of Fire” “Thankfully, Cilacap operations The eruption otherwise caused Super Typhoon Haiyan struck, but volcanic belt around the shores of are normal, although ash has in- minimal damage to buildings, Mr the search for bodies continues. the Pacific Ocean. deed reached the Cilacap area,” Nugroho said, but had left 3-5cm The estimated death toll of more Mr Nugroho said the eruptions est Buddhist temple outside said Pertamina spokesman Ali of ash and sand on roads. than 6,000 included only victims had ceased, but the ash had spread Yogyakarta, nearly 135km away, Mundakir. “As a preventive mea- At least 11 people were killed who had been identified. Uncounted as far as 500km to the west and workers rushed to cover statues sure, we have immediately prepared earlier this month in the north of were those who could not be iden- northwest. with plastic sheets to protect them air filters for equipment there.” the island of Sumatra when Mount tified and were temporarily buried Television broadcast images of from the falling ash. East Java is the main area in Sinabung erupted. That volcano in mass graves. Haiyan displaced planes, streets and houses blan- Operations were unaffected at Indonesia for sugarcane planta- has been spewing lava and ash for more than 4.1 million people and de- keted in a thick layer of grey ash. a major oil refinery in Cilacap run tions, but officials expected months, forcing thousands to flee. stroyed or damaged 1.1 million At Borobudur, the world’s larg- by state-owned energy company limited damage to crops. – Reuters houses, the United Nations reported. UN urged to freeze anti-drug aid to over death penalty THREE groups campaigning against the death penalty called on the United Nations to freeze counter-narcotics aid to Vietnam after it sentenced 30 people to die for heroin trafficking. Judges in northern Vietnam condemned 30 people to death and jailed dozens more on January 20 for trafficking over 12 tonnes of heroin in the Communist country’s biggest-ever drugs trial. Vietnam has long been used as a connecting point for moving heroin from , Myanmar and China to other Asian countries and Australia. Opium, created from poppies, is often smuggled through Vietnam to Harm Reduction International, other Asian countries and Australia. Being caught with as much as 100 grams of the drug can result in the death penalty in Vietnam. Photo: Reuters Reprieve and the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty said UN UN Office on Drugs and Crime Reprieve and the World Coalition drug enforcement support in Viet- (UNODC), they said they had Against the Death Penalty said the nam was extensive, with a 2012-17 raised concern for several years UNODC had internal human rights budget of more than US$5 million about UN support for countries guidance which required it “to for technical assistance, equipment, that impose the death penalty for cease support for a country if it is training and other assistance. drug offenses. feared the support may facilitate In a letter to the Vienna-based Harm Reduction International, executions”. – Reuters 12 PHUKET GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL NEWS February 22 - 28, 2014 In brief… Syria appears to be Craigslist killer confesses on path to missing deadline to destroy Newlyweds describe joint murder, wife admits more chemical weapons SYRIA has relinquished only 11 per cent of its chemical weapons and is on track to miss a politi- cally-loaded deadline to destroy the toxic stockpile, sources told Reuters on February 14. Missing the June 30 deadline By Victoria Cavaliere would have serious political im- plications, says the US an Russia. THE FBI said on Sunday it was in contact with local police in the Ethiopian co-pilot case of Miranda Barbour, who is charged with murdering a Penn- hijacks flight to sylvania man. She lured the man via the website Craigslist and re- avoid persecution portedly admits to the killing and A HIJACKED Ethiopian plane that at least 22 other slayings. landed at Geneva airport early on Mrs Barbour, 19, could face Monday was diverted by the co- the death penalty in connection pilot, who sought asylum due to with the murder of the 42-year- fear of persecution in Ethiopia, old man who answered her bogus said police spokesman Pierre ad offering sex for US$100, au- Grangean. thorities said. The unnamed co-pilot, an Ethio- In a jailhouse interview, Mrs pian, locked the cockpit door Barbour said she was part of a when the pilot went to the toilet. satanic cult and had no remorse He then asked to refuel at Geneva, for her victims, according to an landed the plane, climbed down article published in Saturday’s edi- from the cockpit with a rope, and tion of The Daily Item newspaper gave himself up to police. in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. She admitted that she and her Miranda Barbour said she had committed at least 23 murders. Photo: Jeremie Shatz. Inset: Reuters husband stabbed and strangled EC demands Spain Troy LaFerrara in Sunbury in you can find them,” she said. Elytte Barbour, 22, in state court Mrs Barbour said she would November because “he said the The FBI said on Sunday in a in December pleaded not guilty to have let Mr LaFerrara go but af- explain why police wrong things.” statement that its Philadelphia di- killing Mr LaFerrara, whose body ter telling him she was just 16, he Mrs Barbour also said she had vision “has recently been in was found dumped in an alley. said he wanted to proceed with fired on immigrants killed at least The Daily Item, their pay-for-sex arrangement. THE European Commission (EC) 22 people in which has a circula- “If he would have said no, that said on February 14 it would ask different parts ‘“I would lure these people in,” she said. “I studied tion of about 25,000, he wasn’t going to go through Spain to explain why police fired of the country, them. I learned them and even became their friend. I has been following with the arrangement, I would rubber bullets at immigrants who including did this to people who did bad things…” the case closely. have let him go,” she told the were trying to swim to Spain’s Alaska, – Miranda Barbour Prosecutors say newspaper. north African enclave Ceuta from California, the husband hid un- On her signal, Elytte Barbour, Morocco. Texas and North Carolina. contact with the Sunbury Police der a blanket in the back of the her husband of just three weeks, At least 12 people drowned in “When I hit 22, I stopped Department regarding Miranda car when his wife picked up Mr strangled Mr LaFerrara with a the February 6 incident that trig- counting,” she said in the article Barbour, and will offer any LaFerrara at a mall near Harris- cord while his wife stabbed him gered protests in Spain over on the paper’s website. assistance requested in the case.” burg, about 50 miles south of about 20 times, police say. immigration policy. “I can pinpoint on a map where Mrs Barbour and her husband, Sunbury. – Reuters Belgium passes child ‘right-to-die’ law BELGIUM became their front pages. the first country to Belgium’s rules on allow euthanasia for euthanasia have come terminally ill children under international scru- of any age on Feb- tiny in the past year ruary 13 when its after it granted the right lower house of par- to die to deaf twin liament passed new brothers who were “right-to-die” legis- about to turn blind and lation by a large ma- to a transgender person jority. after an unsuccessful The law goes be- sex change operation. yond legislation that The new law specifies set a minimum age that children must be ter- of 12 for children minally ill rather than just judged mature Protesters take to the streets of Brussels days before the in a state of unbearable legislation legalizing child euthanasia passed. Photo: Reuters enough to decide to suffering, which is the end their lives. It has popular sup- lawmaker for the Flemish Liberal qualification for adults. port in Belgium, where adult Democrats who back the law. Requests for euthanasia often euthanasia became legal in 2002. “There are clear checks and bal- come from parents who are emo- Christian, Muslim and Jewish ances in the law to prevent abuse,” tionally exhausted after seeing their leaders denounced the law ahead of she said of the legislation, which children fight for their lives for so the vote in a rare joint declaration. now has to be signed by the long, Belgian nurse Sonja Develter “This is not about lethal injec- country’s monarch. said. tions for children. This is about Thursday’s vote has attracted In practice, supporters of child terminally ill children, whose death more attention abroad than in Bel- euthanasia say, there are likely to is imminent and who suffer gium, where none of the major be few minors who are allowed greatly,” said Carina Van Cauter, a newspapers carried news of it on to die. – Reuters February 22 - 28, 2014 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 13 OHMM: Outdoor furniture to suit your lifestyle

OHMM’s collection of stylish and hard-wearing outdoor furniture for your garden, patio, pool or balcony is now available at their new showroom in Surin. Photos: Supplied By Mark Knowles the Philippines, known as the “We have had customers come weaving capital of the world. to us looking for furniture to suit WITH our balmy tropical climate “Cebu in the Philippines has a narrow balconies, or unusually and countless stunning sea-views, huge amount of highly-skilled shaped areas, and we are able to living in Phuket has always been weavers, many big companies have work directly with them to create about getting outdoors and soak- been there for some time, personalized pieces that ing up the sun. And while the so the critical mass of fit their exact require- locals might be able to tolerate the skills in terms of weav- ments,” says Kevin. rigors of this outdoor lifestyle, ing and framing are This personalized until now, their outdoor furniture there.” says Kevin. service continues all the has not been equal to the task. “I said, ‘if we are way to the final step, But with the newest entrant going to do this, we where OHMM’s dedi- to the outdoor furniture market have to make it world- cated delivery team in Phuket, OHMM , that’s all class quality or we comes to your home, to about to change. The British- don’t do it’.” unpack and place the OHMM uses premium synthetic Singaporean company recently Kevin doesn’t just talk furniture correctly to weaving materials on high-quality opened its showroom to offer its the talk, however, he has ensure you are 100 per extruded virgin aluminum frames. world-class outdoor furniture to designed and built his cent satisfied. They also both retail and commercial cus- own home in Phuket, offer health checks to Available in many colors, the tomers on the island. “Villa del Mar” and uses ensure all the furniture RAUCORD fiber is hand woven As many of OHHM’s clients it as an outdoor laboratory is performing as it onto powder-coated extruded will attest, it’s not just furniture, to put his furniture to the should, particularly in virgin aluminum frames, result- it’s a lifestyle. test, developing innova- demanding commercial ing in sturdy, lightweight and Former corporate highflier Kevin tive new designs and environments. extremely durable outdoor fur- Boland is the driving force behind tweaking existing ones. OHMM outdoor niture. OHMM stands by its OHMM , and in 2006, after leav- Having control over furniture uses the pre- manufacturing quality with an ing a successful career, he founded the entire process, from mium synthetic weaving unparalleled five-year warranty. the company with an uncompro- design to delivery, enables material RAUCORD, mising vision to create stylish, OHMM to offer a com- Mix and match to create your ultimate outdoor space. manufactured by Ger- Visit OHMM’s showroom in Surin next durable, high-quality furniture that plete service. Whether man polymer specialist to Boccocino, opposite Surin Plaza met his exacting standards. it’s a single pool villa, or furnish- collections, you can mix and match REHAU . This high-tec material to view their wide range of garden, Initially, OHMM subcon- ing an entire resort, OHMM individual pieces to create your ul- is: UV-resistant, weatherproof, patio, pool and balcony furniture. tracted the production of its works with their customers to timate outdoor space, and as if this temperature resistant, strong and Their address is 8/73 Moo 3, furniture, but frustrated with lack provide a complete and person- weren’t enough, OHMM are durable, low maintenance and Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, of their vision of quality, it wasn’t alized solution to furnishing their more than happy to work with you easy to clean, nontoxic, environ- Talang, Phuket 83110. For more long before Kevin decided to start outdoor or even indoor spaces. to create customized pieces to suit mentally friendly, colorfast, and information visit: ohmm.sg, call 076- OHMM Manufacturing in Cebu, With their many “off the shelf” your individual needs. scratch and stain resistant. 621 524 or email: [email protected] Accor’s Sofitel brand merged back into group GLOBAL French hotel chain time ACCOR has had a brand re- ACCOR’s experiment with growing alignment with the most recent the Sofitel luxury brand as a stand- being the shelving of the All Sea- alone unit has gone by the wayside. sons namesake and creation of The group is now merging a three-pronged ibis overlay with Sofitel back into an upscale the core brand, together with ibis cluster of brands which include styles and Ibis budget offerings. Pullman, Grand Mercure, Sebel Over the past few years as and MGallery. ACCOR pursues an asset light ap- -based Senior Vice- proach for the group, the top level President for Sofitel Markland position has seen a series of new Blaiklock will be leaving the appointments and exits. company. This is not the first – Phuket Insider 14 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY February 22 - 28, 2014 M venpick appoints two new key vice presidents

A screenshot from Thailand-Property.com Thailand-Property.com launches Thai web portal ONE of Thailand’s leading English founding management team’s language real estate portals, Thai- expertise in Search Engine Opti- land-Property.com, just launched a mization (SEO) and digital new Thai website, putting it in a marketing, as founder of Thailand- position to establish itself as a Property.com, Ben Neve is also market leader with not only the the founder of Smart Traffic, one English-speaking population of of the world’s leading search Thailand but with the Thai-speak- marketing companies. ing demographic as well. “This is an exciting time for both With over 80% of the site’s cur- our users and our subscribers. As rent user base located in Thailand we’ve grown in popularity, our and over 25% of these users being agents and developers have begun native Thai-speakers, the website is regularly reporting more property expected to draw in a huge number sales from enquiries from the site, Jan Bundgaard. Photos: Supplied Paul Mulcahy. of new Thai users, considerably in- and now with the site, creasing site traffic in all areas. we are able to expand our service M VENPICK Hotels & Resorts recently announced general manager of the M venpick Hotel & Having only launched in June 2013, to the local population,” Neve said. two key new appointments – Jan Bundgaard has Resort Beirut following a career of hotel and Thailand-Property.com is already “This will increase our market share been internally promoted to the position of vice financial management that has seen him running/ outranking major competitors on in terms of both properties listed and president of development, Europe and Africa, and opening properties in five different countries as Google and has since established it- property sellers and searchers us- Paul Mulcahy joins the company as vice president well as being director of finance for Starwood self as a key player in Thailand’s ing the site, which will in turn help of distribution and revenue management. Hotels & Resorts, divisional office in Singapore. real estate market. Since its launch, us take the next step in our ambi- The two new members of the company’s “M venpick Hotels & Resorts has built its the site has experienced a monthly tious growth plan to become the corporate center team based in Zurich will be reputation on considered, organic growth and our growth average of 67% in enqui- number one property website in focusing on building the global success of the future focus will be on exploring exciting new ries and visitors, and now boasts Thailand.” international upscale hospitality company of opportunities in European markets where we are over 110,000 property listings with The company plans to add Rus- Swiss heritage. not present and the great potential offered by des- over 1.3 million properties viewed sian and Chinese in the near future. Irish-born Mulcahy joins M venpick Hotels & tinations in the sub-Saharan continent,” he said. by active property searchers. Resorts from the Pierre & Vacances Centreparcs Originally from Denmark, Bundgaard speaks all The rapid success that Thai- For more information, contact Group in Paris, where he was the company’s group Scandinavian languages as well as English and land-Property.com has enjoyed Marketing Manager, Martin Schmidt distribution director and responsible for the direct French. He is married and has two children. can be largely attributed to the at [email protected] web business, CRM and call centers. M venpick Hotels & Resorts, an international Married with two children and fluent in French upscale hotel management company with over and English, Mulcahy’s key specialties are e-com- 16,000 staff members, is represented in 25 coun- merce, revenue management and distribution. His tries with 80 hotels, resorts and Nile cruisers currently Demand rises for smaller, experience is honed by 25 years in the travel indus- in operation. Around 30 properties are planned or try with career highlights that include area revenue under construction, including and Koh cheaper Phuket villas, condos management and e-commerce positions with the Samui (Thailand), Istanbul (Turkey), Shanghai Intercontinental Hotels Group and commercial (China), and Marrakech (Morocco). DEMAND has grown for smaller for secondary resale. director and general manager roles with global online Focusing on expansion in its core markets of and cheaper resort villas, condomini- Only one villa project, Coco travel company, Orbitz Worldwide. Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, M venpick ums and apartments in Phuket, ac- Chalong with 80 units priced 5mn “M venpick Hotels & Resorts has always been Hotels & Resorts specializes in business and cording to CB Richard Ellis Re- baht and 9mn baht, was launched focused on extending its brand reach, providing conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts, all search (Thailand). from July to September last year, greater convenience to customers and strengthen- reflecting a sense of place and respect for their The company’s research shows compared to four projects (55 units ing relationships with its partners and our ambitious local communities. – Phuket Gazette that 80% of the villa sales on the in total) in the second quarter. digital plans will continue to build on these suc- resort-island were for properties In the third quarter, there were cesses,” said Mulcahy. For more information please visit: moevenpick- priced lower than 15 million baht in two new resort condominium Jan Bundgaard, meanwhile, was formerly the hotels.com/en/. the third quarter of last year. There projects launched in the east coast were no villas sold with prices and west coast areas; the luxury above 35mn baht in the period. Silver Beach Condominium and the The main nationalities of Phuket high-end Diamond Hills. Two new villa buyers in the quarter were Brit- projects were completed – the Icon ish, Italian, German and Russian, Park and the Sea & Sky Condo- these purchasers mainly focusing on minium, which are high-end resort affordable properties costing less condominiums (90,000 to 109,999 than 20mn baht. baht per sqm) located at Kamala and The west coast of Phuket has Karon Beach, respectively. long been the most sought-after area The island’s completed supply for villa developments, with 53% of grew by 3.4% on the second quar- the island’s completed supply. The ter of 2012. There are more than central area is the most popular lo- 2,800 resort units in the pipeline cation within the west coast zone. which are expected to be completed Resales in the third quarter by the end of 2015. started to exceed new sales, unlike Buyers now prefer smaller con- Bangkok, where most buyers pre- dominium and apartment units and fer new property. sales were best in mid-range projects It continued to see steady de- (90,000 to 109,999 baht per sqm), mand for villas in the entry level said CBRE. The west coast contin- (between 5mn and 15mn baht) and ues to be the most preferred location, mid-range (between 15mn baht and particularly the southern part, in- 35mn baht) segments during the cluding Patong. Properties that offer quarter. Meanwhile, the high-end sea views and easy access to the (between 35 million and 90mn baht) beach are the most popular. Distance and luxury (above 90mn baht) villa from the airport is also a consider- market continued to be slow, as ation, said the company. there were more choices of units – The Nation February 22 - 28, 2014 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 15 The art of travel warfare FOR THOSE of you who are hopelessly op- Edging step-by-step closer to the check- timistic and always looking for the bright side, point and x-ray machine for luggage, even when caught in a monsoon, please move suddenly a small woman carrying a flag on to the next page of the newspaper. Better dashed by in what was nearly Olympic yet, find the nearest mirror and hone up on fervor. Nearing the checkpoint, she shouted that hopeless one liner – “Have a nice day.” at the top of her lungs some shrill phrase In this instance, and next came a bum my day has gone rush of North Asian from bad to worse tourists who jammed and beyond. It’s a themselves into an all bit like a travelocity new line next to the tale as acted out by entrance. It was not Bruce Willis in a a small group, but Die Hard sequel. Or, was 40-50 people at better yet, a hentai My fellow passengers the least. graphic comic of congratulated my action with Heads in front of Bambi let loose amid strong‘ pats on the back and I me turned, tempers the burning ruins of flared and the down Armageddon. was able to bask in the warm under brigade burst My day started glow of victory for the next half into verbal shouts out at Ngurah Rai hour or so. at the guards who airport in Bali, which started letting the line has been expanded ’ breakers through. and upgraded, though the growing pains Suddenly two surfboard trolleys were are on the main stage for the entire world hurtled into the encroached area and a to see. I do tend to travel light and my reli- temporary barricade put up to stop the gious zeal in to sticking to a hand-carry-only interlopers. Shouting and pushing followed Photo: John Taylor policy typically works wonders for those and mayhem ensued with everyone trying When common courtesy and polite etiquette are lost, an airport can seem like a warzone. last minute dashes to departure gates. to get inside. As I disembarked my taxi, bade farewell This was no Woodstock and the sum- yen yen”, my loud admonishment fell on deaf my Western-bred contempt of those who to my chatty driver Made (one of those mono mer of love seemed to be long forgotten. ears as did a gentle tap on the shoulder. break the rules or lack any etiquette about mass-marketing Balinese names which could Racial slurs came out, and things got ugly This was it, and war had to be declared, to doom me to the land of the dinosaurs? be likened to Noi here in Thailand or Smith in fast as the two groups managed to simulta- as I resorted to grappling a fistful of shirt and Pretty much the way I see it, is that the America), I was greeted by a line that snaked neously wedge through the gate and a harsh shove backwards. Clearly, violence world has changed, the old ways have gone all the way outside the terminal. This was not eventually find sanctuary inside. What they does work at certain times, and the line out the window. In this day and age, when a good sign and upon further inspection I didn’t know was that another, even longer, breakers backed off to the rear. My fellow everyone can fly, the truth is that journeys found that my plan B – another entrance to line was forming at immigration. passengers congratulated my actions with today, be they short or long, are no different the departure area – was even longer. A few days before this happened, I strong pats on the back and I was able to then going up that river in Apocalypse Now Accepting the inevitable, I dropped was standing in the check-in line for a bask in the warm glow of victory for the next looking for Kurtz. Savage warfare is the into line, my head hung low and silently flight to Singapore at a long line of waiting half hour or so. That was until the plane only way forward. I might have to dust off cursing the tail-end of Chinese New Year. passengers when a couple who seemed boarded and I found myself next to the that aging copy of The Art of War next time Ahead of me lay a number of Quiksilver- blissfully ignorant of their surroundings offending couple on a two-hour flight aboard I head to the nearest airport. clad downunder types whose overloaded walked past the end of the line and took a an elbow-to-elbow low-cost airline carrier. trolleys included surfboards. The crowd position in front of me. So what have I learned from my recent Bill Barnett is Managing Director of C9Hotelworks. was loud yet friendly. Despite my inner demons saying to “jai immersion into the art of travel warfare? Is He can be contacted through: c9hotelworks.com Banks buckle down THE high level of household debt has negatively affected many home-buyers that put down a deposit last year and hoped to have their property transferred to them this year, as commer- cial banks are examining loan applications more closely before approving a mortgage. Meanwhile, small and me- dium-sized developers face liquidity problems due to the banks only approving condo- minium project financing up to 50% of a project's value, said Thamrong Panyasakulwong, president of the Thai Condo- minium Association. The banks also insist that this Photo: Woodleywonderworks size of condominium developer High levels of household debt has affected home-buyers. must book at least 60% of a project's value before receiving customers have been unable to their financial statements in a financing, he said. get a mortgage from the banks more favorable light, and it also Given these restrictions, most since the beginning of the last encourages them to find a family smaller operators have had to quarter, as their financial state- member to jointly apply for a delay the launch of new condo- ments show a high debt level and housing loan with them, he said. minium projects, and are also lower income, causing the banks The bank is also minimizing delaying their construction. to reject their applications,” said its risk by limiting the provision Some have even had to Pruksa Real Estate president and of mortgages to those customers suspend their projects altogether CEO Thongma Vijitpongpun. who can prove they have sufficient and return down payments to The company has, however, earnings to keep up their repayments customers, he added. tried to help customers in this over the long term, he said. “Twenty-three per cent of our situation find ways to present – The Nation 16 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS February 22 - 28, 2014 Investment mistakes retirees often make RETIREMENT is not the time you your savings and investments. want to be making too many big For that reason, you should not investment management mistakes tie up all of your money in that will be difficult or nearly im- long-term investments. Ideally, possible for you to recover from. consider keeping enough money With that in mind, here are a few Mistake 2: Buying unnecessary in short-term investments like big mistakes: annuities or insurance policies cash, money market funds, with a guaranteed return certificates of deposit and short- Mistake 1: Not understanding term bonds or bond funds to or maximizing your retirement Given the volatility of the stock cover at least a year’s worth of or entitlement benefits market and record low interest living expenses and at least one rates in most developed markets, big emergency. Every country has its own set of you might be tempted to buy an- In addition, “ladder” the matu- retirement and health insurance nuities and insurances schemes rities of your CDs and bonds so programs for retirees which need promising a steady income stream that some come due in the short to be factored into your invest- for life. Such products also allow term (e.g. three to six months), ment management plans, as some you to outsource both the risk the medium term (e.g. six months countries have more complicated associated with outliving your to a year) and the long term (e.g. entitlement systems than others. money and the management of one year or longer) in order to For Americans, its a real alpha- your investments to professional avoid the risk of having everything bet soup that includes everything investment managers. come due at once when interest from social security, 401k plans, However, be aware that finan- rates are really low. Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs and cial advisors love selling annuities defined pension plans to fund re- or insurance policies to retirees Mistake 4: Assuming you can You should consider all of the ‘eggs’ in your retirement. Photo: 401 (K) 2013 tirement plus Medicare and various because they tend generate high always manage your money by Medicare plans (like Plans A, B, and upfront commissions for yourself investing and you have had a good qualified financial advisor whose C, and D and Medicare Advan- themselves. Moreover, such track record of profitable returns track record you are already fa- tage) for health care. To further schemes tend to be complex with If you largely outsourced the man- for the long-term, there is no rea- miliar with. complicate matters, taking social very fine print that you will need agement of your investments son to think you won’t be any less security early means reduced ben- to read very carefully to under- while you were working to a fi- successful managing your own Don Freeman is president of efit income while withdrawing stand. nancial advisor because you did money in retirement. Freeman Capital Management, a funds at the wrong time from tax- not have the time to manage them, However, what happens if you Registered Investment Advisor differed retirement plans can have its not a good idea to suddenly become incapacitated and you with the US Securities Exchange large tax consequences. Mistake 3: Being forced to sell decide to manage them on your can’t manage your own invest- Commission (SEC), based in In other words, you need to investments at the wrong time own once you retire simply be- ments anymore? Moreover, can Phuket, Thailand. He has over 15 seek expert advice when you are cause you now have the time to your spouse or family manage years experience and provides young and continue to seek such Having to sell investments when do so and you want to save on your investments without you be- personal financial planning and advice after you are retired to the market is slumping in order advisory fees. ing able to guide them? If you wealth management to expatriates. ensure that you always maximize to meet basic spending needs or On the other hand and if you aren’t sure what will happen, then Specializing in UK and US pension the return from your entitlement to meet an emergency is almost have always been a do-it- it would be a good idea to already transfers. Call 089-970-5795 or benefits. as great of a risk as outliving yourselfer when it comes to have a strong relationship with a email: [email protected]. Beckoning wealth wisdom from ancient Babylonia financial principals that are be- you are curious, Babylon was lo- to eventually grow your meager man who is not afraid to work is lieved to be the secret to this an- cated in what is now Iraq. savings into something significant. more likely going to be able to not cient city’s success. The Babylonians erected one of There is another extremely im- only keep any fortune he makes, but Most people only know about the highest protective wall systems portant lesson told in a few different will also be able to wisely grow it. A Babylon from the Bible or from around their city in history despite ways on avoiding losses incurred playboy on the other hand can eas- THERE is a great book that I like Bob Marley songs, where it is por- not even having locally sourced by trying to get your money work- ily squander the largest of estates. to recommend people give to their trayed as something of an evil city. stones to build with, and they built ing too hard, as this defeats the There is nothing in the book that is children to read when they be- The historical Babylon in fact was extensive irrigation systems to al- magic of compounding. This is rocket science, but a mix of habitu- come teenagers; Not long and very a testament to human ingenuity and low for cultivation of the arid land probably the most difficult in ally saving, making cautious easy to read, the book is called became the most prosperous city on a scale not before investments, and working The Richest Man in Babylon, and of its time despite not being on any seen in ancient times. hard are an ancient recipe for while it was written early in the major trade route, not having suf- The reason behind success that helped the last century, the author uses a se- ficient rainfall to produce crops, their ability to become so Babylonians build one of the ries of parables set in ancient and not having much in the way wealthy lied in the fact most impressive civilizations Babylon to illustrate some timeless of natural resources at all. In case that at the core of their of the ancient world. culture, they passed They will still work for down principals to ev- anyone who puts them into eryone in their society to practice consistently. I highly teach them how to build recommend giving it to you and maintain wealth. De- teenagers and spend some spite the sophistication time talking with them about of the modern financial the principals to make sure world, the principals re- An ancient Babylonian site at Behistun. Photo: Dynamosquito they sink in. Sadly this is one main true today. area the modern education The most important point stressed today’s world of low interest rates, system usually neglects. many times throughout the book is but it reinforces my belief that this that it doesn’t matter how much is still a good place for a large chunk David Mayes MBA lives in Phuket and you are presently earning, if you of one’s wealth. I have sadly seen provides wealth management consistently save no less than 10% many of my clients get into serious services to expatriates around the of your earnings and continuously trouble by trying to find that elusive globe, focusing on UK pension compound by re-investing any in- safe yield in today’s near zero inter- transfers. Faramond UK is regulated terest or earnings, you will eventually est rate environment. by the FCA and provides advice on achieve financial freedom. It Interestingly, the book ends with taxation and pensions. He can be doesn’t take a very large return at a story which basically illustrates the reached at [email protected] all for the magic of compounding value of old fashioned hard work. A or 085-335-8573. February 22 - 28, 2014 BUSINESS PHUKET GAZETTE 17 Music on the move Digital music accessories see surging sales in Southeast Asian markets ENTERTAINMENT on the move is becom- Account Director for Digital World at GfK “Growing affluence will lead to rising ing increasingly widespread these days thanks Asia. “The continued popularity of such sophistication with consumers seeking to the proliferation of smartphones and tab- gadgets, especially in the region’s developing better quality products to enhance their lets. With the escalating ownership of such countries, has been a key factor in driving Tan. “These acces- lifestyle, which in this case means an mobile technology, many are also buying head- sales of this product group as many are sories have somehow increase in demand for premium phones and headsets to receive better quality turning to their smartphone or tablet as a become a fashion item that headphones and headsets to audio. According to the latest findings by GfK, source of entertainment while on the move.” comes with stylish, loud colors heighten their listening pleasure,” a German-based Wired in-ear headphones that are used to showcase indi- commented Tan. “The market consumer research continue to dominate in both viduality and personalities.” moving forward is set to continue firm, the head- Last year, consumers in value and volume, averaging at Although both head- expanding in value as users are phone and headset Singapore, Malaysia, 55% and 77% of total market phones and headsets more willing to splurge on better market generated a ‘Thailand and Indonesia sales. Generally, all segments saw heightened demand quality models; as well as in terms total of US$77.3 rose in volume demand in in the past year, it was of sales volume resulting from the million across four snapped up nearly 3.8 the range of 2% to 30%, with the latter that intensifying competition arising key Southeast million units of headphones infrared/Bluetooth devices registered a from the broadening repertoire of Asian markets in achieving the highest growth. larger surge brands and models in the market,” 2013. and headsets... The infrared/Bluetooth segment across ev- he concluded. – Phuket Gazette Last year, con- reported significant incremen- ery one of sumers in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and ’tal sales in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, the four markets. GfK is one of the world’s largest research Indonesia snapped up nearly 3.8 million units by 54%, 78% and 106%, respectively. In For this particular companies, employing some 13,000 experts of headphones and headsets – a notable value terms, the infrared/Bluetooth and segment, Indonesia Photo: Adifansnet working to discover new insights into the way growth of 5% over the same period a year Wired headband secured the greatest was the biggest people live, think and shop, in over 100 markets, ago, expanding the overall market also by 5% growth of 13% and 9%, respectively contributor in both every day. GfK is constantly innovating and using in total worth. across the four countries. value and volume terms. Its headset the latest technologies and the smartest “Headsets and headphones are largely used “Another growing trend these days is market expanded by 30% in value to methodologies to give its clients the clearest as complementary accessories to smart the availability of more colorful and trendy attain sales of $16.3 million – even more understanding of the most important people in mobile devices such as smartphones and headphone and headset designs which than Singapore’s $16.1 million sales the world: their customers. In 2012, GfK’s sales tablets these days,” observed Gerard Tan, consumers are eagerly adopting,” observed achieved. amounted to €1.51 billion. Eager for entrepreneurs TAT puts Bkk GLOBAL Entrepreneurship Thailand (GET), a working group established to promote entre- preneurship in the Kingdom, believes that government promotion and outward-looking on back burner plans are key to the expansion of small and medium enterprises. THE Director of the Tourism flash wedding ceremony to be GET's president Steve Cheah said the lack Authority of Thailand (TAT) office hosted on the airline’s planes on the of access to finance, start-up knowledge and in , Titiporn Manenet, Hong Kong to Phuket route. incentives were the main problems faced by revealed last week that her office More than 70% of Hong Kong the entrepreneur. has devised a plan to attract Hong travellers have switched to Japan, “An increase in cross-border trade and looking Kong visitors to the Kingdom de- said Ms Titiporn, who further noted outward was necessary for both entrepreneurs spite the intense political situation. that Thailand needed to step up its and SMEs so they can benefit from the Asean Ms Titiporn said that the TAT tourism promotion in order to take Economic Community (AEC), once it is launched Hong Kong Office would direct on neighboring countries such as in 2015. potential travellers away from Malaysia which has heavily invested “Thailand is full of talented individuals with GET president Steve Cheah. Photo: The Nation Bangkok to popular destinations in its tourism campaign this year. vast amounts of creative ideas. The problem is unaffected by political turmoil, – NNT that they cannot develop these ideas into a “He added that the government should also such as Phuket, , and sustainable business, and this is where our provide easy access to finance and other incen- Chiang Mai. experience and expertise from Global Entrepre- tives to encourage entrepreneurship, such as tax The adjustment in tourism neurship Week [GEW] can help,” Cheah said. exemption during start up, direct financial help strategy comes amid the ongoing “GEW is an international initiative and a large and low-interest loans in order to help them political protest that prompted global campaign that has introduced entrepre- sustain their new business until they can stand Prime Minister Yingluck Shina- neurship to more than 30 million people from on their own. watra’s administration to impose an 138 countries since it was founded by Enterprise “Right now, Thailand is the third largest Emergency Decree in the capital, UK and the Kauffman Foundation in 2008. economy in the Asean region and the next step effectively causing the Hong Kong “To promote cross-border entrepreneurship, for the country's development would be to government to raise its travel Cheah suggested that the Thai government concentrate on creative economy and do what advisory to Bangkok to the highest provide knowledge to people who wish to expand they can to tap into their human resources,” he warning level. or set up business outside the country.” said. “The ecosystem for start-ups and entrepreneurs Director Titiporn said the He added that people's minds would also needs to be improved and the government should announcement had scared off have to change, and they must understand that lead the way.” 24% or 50,000 prospective visitors entrepreneurship is a global phenomenon and that Cheah said that GET aimed to turn the country from Hong Kong during the businesses in Thailand should understand that into a start-up hub in Asean since the cost of starting Chinese New Year celebration. their market covers the entire Asean region. a business in Thailand was half of what is needed She said that airlines offering “People's perception can change once the in Singapore and is a third cheaper than in Malaysia. direct flights from Hong Kong to government promotes business awareness and He added that local firms, entrepreneurs and destinations in Thailand have now provides information about business regulations government-related agencies could partner up started a promotion campaign to in neighboring countries. Cheah added that the with GET in order to help showcase Thailand's provide discounted tickets. The government should also show how hassle-free talent in the next GEW in November. director gave as an example Hong it can be to start a business locally and overseas GET has recently partnered up with Minor Kong Airlines, which is offering a since all you need nowadays is a computer with International to set up a “Thailand go-viral” video one way ticket to Thailand for just internet access. competition offering a cash prize of 500,000 baht 2,100 baht at the end of March. “With added incentives from the AEC and for the best two-minute clip showing entrepre- Return tickets from Hong Kong to cheaper flights, the time is right for Thai people neurial skills. However, this competition has had Thailand usually cost around 12,000 to think of business potential outside Thailand to be put on “pause” for the time being due to baht. and to realize the potential of Asean as a whole current uncertain political situation. The competition In addition, since there are 600 million people living here,” would resume once the situation was more and TAT have organized a “wed- Cheah said. conducive, Cheah said. – The Nation ding on a plane” event, allowing a 18 PHUKET GAZETTE OPINION February 22 - 28, 2014 Unhealthy Bangkok hub THERE are many different indices used to assess how developed a country is. Fortunately for Thailand, the state of the domestic aviation industry is not among them, because if it were, the coun- try would not fare well in the ratings. In many countries, regional carriers operating small turboprop commuter planes on scheduled routes in lean markets are an im- portant segment of the overall air transport infrastructure. In neighboring Malaysia, as just one example, Firefly contin- ues to expand in leaps and bounds, having recently received the first of 20 new 72-seat ATR turboprop aircraft. The carrier, which now uses turboprop planes exclusively, op- erates 15 domestic and 10 international routes, including several to resort destinations in Thailand. Having carried some 1.7 mil- lion customers last year, it is establishing both Kota Baru and Johor Baru as new hubs and plans to expand into Vietnam and . In sharp contrast, the dearth of regional commuter flights link- ing major population centers within Thailand is hard to explain, especially for a country that relies so heavily on tourism to gen- erate revenue, has so many popular destinations with airports – and has such an abysmal road safety record. The current lack of any direct flights linking the South’s two largest international airports, Phuket and , is just one case in point. [see page 44] Both are international airports serv-Deadly Srisoonthorn Road needs fixing ing large metropolitan areas, yet of the numerous carriers that Re: Gazette online, One Phuket Looking forward to have tried to operate the route, none have done so successfully. student killed, two injured in mo- Some, like , failed because it chose aircraft too large torbike accident, February 11 more cultural events and ran into load factor problems that probably could have been Another tragic accident on overcome by a better sales and marketing campaign. what has become a very danger- Do you have an opinion to voice? Re: Gazette online, Knocked out failed principally because of its safety record. also had ous piece of road. Email [email protected] by Beatles in the Boat Lagoon, marketing problems, as well as reliability issues. The list goes on, Those of us that live east of the February 10 but the recurrent theme is mismanagement, not lack of demand. monument have witnessed, with It’s nice that more and more There are interesting parallels between the interminable po- growing concern, the number of Drought responsible culture is coming to Phuket. Now litical mess we find ourselves in and the sparsity of regional fatal accidents on this stretch of I’m waiting for the big musicals commuter flights in Thailand. First and foremost, everything in road. Speed is one factor but I for killer rubber tree and other world-class events. Thailand, it seems, must go through Bangkok. Having useful wonder if the authorities have con- Please have a look at Singapore. connections with the ruling elite there is also seen as a must for sidered the following: Re: Gazette online, Phuket rub- They have two new theaters, one any hopeful start-up. • A central median (as in Kathu) ber tapper fatally felled by tree at Marina Bay Sands. Airports of Thailand (AoT) is currently undertaking major ex- • U-turns on a limited basis branch, February 11 During the last couple of pansions at several airports, including Phuket International. Sadly, • Lights on the median between The current drought is taking a months we were down there to they are so firmly cemented in a thoroughly “Bangkok-centric” the monument and SuperCheap toll on non-native varieties, which see Phantom of the Opera and style of thinking that little or no planning, it seems, has been done I drive this road every morning include rubber trees, and sap tap- Notre Dame de Paris. Soon they to help spur the growth of aviation services outside the capital. and evening and in the evening, ping quickly reduces this tree’s will stage My Fair Lady and next Such planning, should it ever be forthcoming, could go a long way traffic going east is often down drought survival. time we go down, we’ll see to help keep Phuket hotels filled with tourists year-round. to one lane, and there are numer- Michael Arvin Grease. ous motorbikes and motorbikes Gazette forum Richard with sidecars waiting to cross the Gazette forum road. Metered taxis reason These vehicles are extremely difficult to see and the number of to go elsewhere Facebook can help chalk marks on the road is a tes- catch illicit boozers tament to the number of accidents. Re: Gazette online, Phuket Vice Something should be done Governor champions Australian’s Re: Gazette online, Phuket Police urgently. metered taxi complaint, February pounce on booze ban violator, Grenville Wilson 18 February 15 Pa Khlok I have travelled to Phuket many Many of the larger venues have times, and have always experi- quite openly posted pictures from Willing to volunteer enced the same rude behavior their Friday night drinking action from the taxi drivers when I am on their Facebook page. to take dirty pics going to Patong. They will never It is truly amazing how the use the meter, so I take a minibus Patong Police didn’t notice packed Re: Gazette online, Phuket Ma- or now the Patong bus. discos on their patrols. I normally go to Krabi now for rine Office offers B10,000 reward Butterfly this reason. for pictures of oil-dumpers, Gazette forum February 11 Charles Bassett In case gasoline counts too, I USA can offer to do a series of pic- Mystery in the deep tures every evening at Chalong Guilty by location Pier. Re: Gazette online, Electrical Directly in front of the light- Re: Gazette online, Dozens of fish short started fire on Phuket’s MV house, there are people handling saved from entangled net at top Blue Star, says chief, February 11 gas and oil, refilling speedboat Phuket dive destination, February A spark can only ignite anything tanks as though Chalong Bay had 14 if you have the correct mix of a contaminant separator. This may be a bit simplistic, but fumes and oxygen. How about pictures of if a fishing boat is in a restrictive Most boats of this size are fit- liveaboards without septic tanks area, the fishermen should be ar- ted with diesel engines, and fumes or fishing boats operating in ma- rested. They are not there to from diesel are a lot harder to ig- rine national parks? How much sightsee. They should be required nite than gasoline fumes, so what Volume 21 Issue 8 would I get for them? to stay out of these areas. really happened? A Friend Larry Sailor Gazette forum Kamala Gazette forum February 22 - 28, 2014 OPINION PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Extending a helping hand at the hospital

Chananan Sutsadang, 51, is a native of Bangkok. She has a BA in Business MISSION Hospital has a good Administration from Loma reputation and both Thai and for- In some cases, filth can be positively interpreted. Photo: Gazette file eign patients come here. Linda University and lived in We don’t choose our patients; the US for 20 years before we serve everyone who comes, moving back to Thailand. and it is our duty as customer ser- She worked in health care Good road news vice staff to take care of each patient as well as we can. We try and as a teacher before MY CAR has been filthy for to treat all patients as though they joining the customer service weeks, covered in dust that’s ev- were family members. staff at Mission Hospital erywhere due to the lack of rain. By Leslie Porterfield A strong ability to communicate Phuket last year. When the light hits it just right in is the most important skill for us the morning, I have trouble see- Here, she talks about differences between Thai and Do you have an opinion to voice? to have. We get patients from all ing out the back window. Email [email protected] walks of life, each with his own foreign patients and the challenges she faces serving them. I don’t want to wash it at home needs and illness. We need to be because I have no outside source to the crash scene to get things able to help anyone with any their first efforts haven’t suc- For example, not having a nec- of water, and I haven’t taken it sorted out, on the spot. problem. ceeded in making them well. essary document – like a passport anywhere to be cleaned. Why not? A friend who was broadsided Language barriers can create Thai patients, on the other hand, or a health insurance card – is a Because the Thai car care places not long ago said the woman who problems, but we have taken steps visit the doctor right away, whether problem more commonly seen do their jobs too well. That’s right, hit her refused to accept respon- toward bridging the communica- they feel a little sick or very sick. with foreigners. If they don’t have too well. sibility. When insurance agents for tion gap, and have some They seem to panic when they are proof of insurance, they have to In the United States we drive both parties arrived half an hour suggestions for what patients can unwell, and want a doctor to diag- pay for their treatment out of our cars through a long hall where later, even the guilty woman’s do too. nose their symptoms. pocket. It is pretty expensive, so automated flappy things slap it agent told her she was wrong, and Some foreigners, like Chinese The downside is that sometimes naturally they want their insurance moderately clean – in about 10 urged her to accept his judgment. and Russians, often cannot speak people who aren’t very sick cause to pay. minutes. Here, the car wash staff This is a far cry from the US, English. We have prepared a little people who are to wait longer to We offer them two solutions. clean every nook and cranny, even where we’re advised not to admit questionnaire in their languages to see a doctor. In some cases it The first is to contact their insur- prying off the hubcaps to get at responsibility at the scene, and help us get basic information, might be better to try home treat- ance company or a friend to bring the dirt that lurks beneath – all by where receiving an insurance pay- such as what their symptoms are, ment first. the documents here. The second hand. It takes an hour. I often out means filling out a copious whether they have insurance, Given this tendency to rely on is to pay the medical bill and take don’t want to spend the time. amount of paperwork ourselves, names of relatives and so on. We doctors, you might think that in home the receipt we issue to get But I’m not really complaining. and then waiting. recommend that patients who cases where they are hospitalized, reimbursed. It’s a positive aspect of road- I even heard a positive police don’t speak English try to come Thai patients would want to stay Both Thai and foreign patients related life here, which is more of- story recently – a friend got a with a translator, to make it easier in the hospital longer, but that’s not tend to get distracted when ten dominated by tales of accidents ticket when she parked her car in for the doctor to understand them true. The Thai patients are the ones they’re sick. It’s understandable and unusual driving behaviors. a motorcycle zone. That’s good clearly. always asking the doctor when – they’re worried or in pain. And it’s not the only positive. news. It’s the first time in all the Most of our patients are Thai, they can go home – they are wor- Sometimes they don’t hear us Another is full-service gas sta- years I’ve been here that some- but we see more than 20 foreign- ried about their jobs and feel bored when we call their names, or they tions. Those have been gone for one I know has gotten a parking ers per day. Over time, I’ve staying at the hospital. wander off in the wrong direction. generations where I come from. ticket. noticed differences between our Foreign patients tend to want They often don’t ask us for help Service is fast and friendly too, She argued with the officer, Thai and foreign patients. to stay longer to make sure they or directions, so we have to keep and once in a while the staff will saying motorcycles often parked When they get sick, foreigners are 100 per cent well, even if the an eye on them. see my filthy windows, take pity in spots reserved for cars with- are more likely to try treating them- doctor has already said they can If you are a patient one day, on me, and clean them. out getting tickets. He told her she selves. They might Google their be discharged. please feel free to talk to our staff Yet another traffic issue the couldn’t argue with a cop, and for symptoms, take their own tem- Some issues we encounter are when you have any questions or Thais have figured out better than doing so, fined her 100 baht more. perature, or buy medicine at a more common among foreigners, doubts. We want to serve you in my people is how to handle acci- Yes, life on the streets of pharmacy. They come to us when but others apply to all nationalities. the best way possible. dents. Agents here actually come Phuket definitely has a bright side.

The courtrooms are located on Your day in court the second floor. When you enter Is the public allowed to attend ses- one, the clerk or the judge will ask Don’t let the vans park on sidewalks sions at Phuket court? If so, are why you wish to attend and con- For many years now, police in people who do so – we can only please inform us and we will go there any restrictions or rules? firm whether you may stay. Patong have completely ignored inform the driver that he is violat- to inspect. Andy Please dress respectfully, turn cargo and passenger vans that park ing the law and ask him to park We may lock the vehicle’s Chalong off your mobile and speak quietly. on the sidewalk, a situation which properly. wheels if the driver is not present, When the judge enters, stand and forces pedestrians to walk on the If the driver won’t move his or charge him, if he is, with park- An officer of Phuket Provincial bow slightly. Bow again when you street. vehicle, we will contact the traf- ing in a prohibited area. The penalty Court replies: leave or when he does. While Cargo vans are parked every fic police to enforce the law. for this is 1,000 baht. Yes, the public may attend, ex- seated, do not cross your legs, it is afternoon in front of a restaurant We can be reached at 076- cept when the judge feels an considered rude. Finally, no pho- on the beach road, and I’ve seen Chiraphat Pochanaphan, 342719 or at our hotline, 191. audience may effect the testimony tos or audio recordings may be the passenger van of a beachfront Superintendent of the Patong or in cases that involve minors. made in the courthouse building. hotel blocking the sidewalk. Both Police replies: Phuket Provincial Court is in ses- locations are near the police box Vehicles are not allowed to park sion from Monday to Friday. The on Bangla Road. on sidewalks, it is illegal. morning session starts at 9am and A walker We recently ordered traffic po- the afternoon session at 1pm. It’s Patong lice and patrol officers to strictly best to go about half an hour early. enforce parking laws in Patong. When you arrive, give the se- Kannika Chubua, a Patong In some areas, however, man- curity guard at the door your Municipality officer, replies: power is low and we can’t be as driver’s license or passport in ex- Although parking vehicles on vigilant as we would like. change for a visitor’s card. the sidewalk is a violation of traf- If you see a vehicle parked on The schedule of cases is printed fic laws, municipality officers the sidewalk in front of a restau- Vehicles on sidewalks put daily and posted in the lobby. don’t have the authority to arrest rant or hotel, or anywhere else, pedestrians at risk. Photo: Supplied 20 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

PHUKET REAL ESTATE SHOW The Phuket Real Estate Association recently hosted the annual Phuket Real Estate Show at Central Festival Phuket. Phuket Governor Maitree Inthusut attended the opening ceremony.

From left: Phattanan Pisutwimol, PREA committee member; Thanan Tanpaibul, PREA committee member; Phuket Governor Maitree Inthusut; Thanusak Phungdet, PREA president; and Monthavee Hongyok, PREA committee member.

VALENTINE'S DAY Rooftop romance for Valentine's Day at the KEE Resort & Spa Patong. Romance by the sea: This couple enjoyed a romantic dinner on the beach in front of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket.

22 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

Properties For Sale

REAL 180-DEGREE HOME OFFICE SEAVIEW LANDS KAMALA LUXURY NEAR CENTRAL 2 lands at Yamu Hills with APARTMENT POOL VILLA 5.75 million baht. 3 floors, seaview, 1 rai each, 2 cha- Forest setting, 3 bed- 1 car park. Floor area: notes, 5.5 million baht/rai. rooms, fully furnished, 307sqm. Land: 132sqm – Tel: 084-625 5090. Email: swimming pools, 3.5 7m wide x 15m deep. phuket.turquoise@gmail. million baht. Tel: 076- Curtains, 3 aircon units, 2 com 317914 or email dyhkt pantries, small garden. 5 @hotmail.co.uk, www. minutes to Central Festi- phuketcondoforsale. val. Well maintained. Big- TOWNHOUSE com Within unique develop- gest Plot in this project. PHUKET TOWN Tel: 081-797 2815 (En- ment – 8,700,000 baht. glish & Thai). Email: slow Tel: 081-077 1765. Email: [email protected] For fur- CHEAP LAND phuketformations@ ther details, please see FOR SALE gmail.com our website at www.face Many plots. East Phuket, book.com/slow.sino/pho- start from 500,000 baht, ex- tos cellent terms. Contact owner. POOL VILLA Tel: 095-068 1672, 081-970 MISSION HEIGHTS BRAND-NEW NEWLY RENOVATED 4765 (Thai). Email: merv@ 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, BALINESE VILLA POOL VILLA In Supalai City Hill Es- indigore.com huge living room, large swim- PRICED TO SELL Brand-new 2 storeys, beau- Newly renovated, Balinese tate, very quiet, safe, ming pool, priced 12 million PATONG tiful Balinese 3-bed pool villa. style, 3-bed pool villa, set in convenient. 3 years old, baht or 15 million baht, de- 5 separate luxury apart- Walking distance to Rawai 700sqm land, walking dis- 3-BEDROOM VILLA 2 storeys, 3 bedrooms, 2 pending on your needs. For ments in one block, each Beach. 6.5 million baht. Tel: tance to beach. 10 million 3.95 MILLION BAHT bathrooms, WiFi, deco- more information, please call 100sqm, fully furnished and 080-124 1245 (English). baht. Tel: 080-124 1245 (En- Newly renovated 3-bed villa. rated, shady garden, 076-528024, 087-060 8400 very large pool. Beautiful lo- Email: kay@phuketanda glish). Email: kay@phuket CCTV, western kitchen, elec- well-maintained by origi- (English). Email: picharly@ cation, sea and mountain manrealestate.com andamanrealestate.com tric gate and more. 3.95 mil- view. Freehold and Thai com- nal owner. For sale: 2.8 lion baht. Tel: 080-124 1245. gmail.com pany limited would consider million baht ono. Or long- Email: kay@phuketanda exchange for villa in Rawai term rent: 10,000 baht RAWAI manrealestate.com area. Finance available. per month. Tel: 089-874 RESIDENTIAL LAND HOUSE FOR SALE APARTMENT 7.5 million baht per rai only! FOR SALE Massively reduced price 11.9 0061. Email: stephenfein LUXURY LAKESIDE million baht.Tel: 081-271 @gmail.com The last plots from 11.8 to 22.5 million baht available. VILLA 7092. Email: bricothailand@ In Land & House Park. 4 hotmail.com Ideal for villa developments of all sizes. Quiet and safe beds, 6 baths, 2 maid's 5-BED POOL VILLA rooms, parking, large gar- 5.8 MILLION BAHT area, right next to Mangos- PALM BREEZE CONDO teen Resort. Tel: 076-289399, den, high-end furnished. Over FOR SALE 5-bed pool villa, 600sqm land. 081-536 5846 (English), 081- 700sqm of living area. Land Nai Harn, 2 bedrooms, 1 Only 5.8 million baht. Please 539 5373 (English & Thai). size: 2 rai. Tranquility. Price: bathroom, fully furnished. call 080-124 1245 (English). Fax: 076-289389. Email: ha 79sq wah, 3 bedrooms, 59 million baht. Call for more Urgent sale US$199,000. Email: kay@phuketanda [email protected] 4 bathrooms, 1 maid information. Tel: 089-729 No Agent! Tel: 081-956 1077 manrealestate.com Good for residential pro- room, kitchen, aircon, 8365. Email: sudaves2002@ ject or long-term stay. auto gate. Please call yahoo.com FOR SALE SEA VIEW 2-apartment buildings 088-7687 054 1 bedroom apartment at with 84 rooms, including 2- Eden Resort Karon. Only 15 RAWAI storage buildings, good apartments in complex. Fully PRIME LAND PLOTS for restaurant business, furnished, gym and 20x5m LOVELY LAND Adjacent to Mangosteen total building area 2,135 swimming pool. Please call URGENT SALE Resort in a quiet residen- sqm. Situated on residen- 087-882 9604. Email: artlpmj 6 rai Pa Khlok, very quiet tial area. 3 different sizes: tial big plot of land 3-3-23 @yahoo.com area, mountain views, Cha- Rai-Ngan-Wah (6,092 note title, build now or good 1-1-86.5 rai: 11.80 million baht. 2-0-87.5 rai: 16.64 sqm) of land. 1.6km to investment in fast growing Phuket FantaSea, 2km PATONG BARGAIN area, priced below market million baht. 3-0-35.5 rai: Foreign freehold condo in a to Kamala Beach. 60 mil- at only 2.85 million baht per 22.50 million baht. Best fantastic location. Massive lion baht only. Tel: 092-280 rai. Tel: 081-894 5848 (En- land and best price in the swimming pool – 50sqm. 9938 glish & Thai). Email: vass_t area. Quick sale, price Lovely unit. Secure car park. [email protected] negotiable. For more in- Best offer over 2 million baht. formation, please call Tel: 090-163 8243, 090-659 076-289 399, 081-536 1799. Email: iirnorman@ LAND CHANOTE 5846 (English), 081-539 CHEAP LAND SALE yahoo.co.uk PHUKET 5373 (English & Thai). Close to Phuket Airport. 4 1 to 5 rai, Sakoo, 10 mins Fax: 076-289389. Email: rai, Chanote title. 3.8 mil- south of airport. 5 mins to hajo_von_keller@hotmail. lion baht per rai. Tel: 081- beach. 3.5 million baht per com www.mangosteen- 868 7676. Email: phuket rai. Tel: 087-076 6016. Email: phuket.com [email protected] [email protected]

AMAZING SEA VIEWS CAPE YAMU

Offering the most breath- taking views on the is- land, large 4 bedrooms/ 4 bathrooms, modern villa, big pool and garden, set in exclusive estate. Reduced 28 to 22 million baht. Tel: 086-279 6283. Email: kdesmond59@ yahoo.co.uk February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 23

Properties For Sale

HABITOWN HOUSE FOR SALE NICE KAMALA HOUSE KOH KAEW FOR SALE 5 bedrooms, swimming CHEAP LAND & FOR SALE 115sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- pool, large garden. Separate HOUSE FOR SALE Kamala freehold house with rooms, 4 aircons, includes maid's quarter. US$500,000. land. Only 1.2km to beach. built-in furniture, 2 floors. Re- Please call 084-185 4746 This house has very nice sale down 150,000 baht. Tel: 560sqm land, good for swim- 089-772 7012. Email: gyb_ ming pool or another apart- [email protected] 30 RAI IN TOWN ment for rental. Price: 6.9 Flat land near Dowroong million baht. Negotiable. School in Phuket Town. Contact Mr Lewis. Tel: 089- LAND NEAR Please call 081-691 497 4445 (English), 089-394 KATA CENTER 2526 2981 (English & Thai) Great location, road ac- The land of 35 rai and cess, 5 minutes to Kata a house with aircon, 2 Beach and main road, bedrooms, 2 bathrooms CONDO AT 1,450sqm + title deed. HABITIA KOH KAEW and kitchen at Tambon RATCHAPORN PLACE Contact Lychee. Tel: FOR SALE Bornok, Prachuap Khiri 081-891 3048 Khan, 20km from Pra- chuap Khiri Khan town. The land is 1.3km from BEAUTIFUL Petchkasem Road. POOL VILLA Price is only 10 million Big garden, 15m pool, 3 bed- baht. Nor Sor 3 title deed. Please call 086- rooms, 4 bathrooms, office, In Kathu for sale or rent. 615 9719 quality furniture, new condi- Near Phuket Country tion, security, freehold. Tel: Club Golf Course. 36sqm 076-388236, 089-727 5407 Modern style, Sino-Por- furnished, aircon. 1 bed- (English). Email: cosmo tuguese, area: 36.50sq HOUSE FOR SALE room. Sale: 1.75 million [email protected] For THAI STYLE POOLVILLA HOUSE IN wah with 118sqm living AT NAI YANG baht. Rent: 13,000 baht further details, please see In Nai Harn, 3 bedrooms. 9.5 VILLA DOWROONG space approximately. 3 With swimming pool. Nai per month with 1-year our website at www.villa-sale- million baht ono. No agents. Phuket Town. 3 beds, 3 baths, bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Yang Beach, near Phuket contract. Common area phuket.com Tel: 093-767 2822 47sq wah. Please call 089- 2 car park. Sale down Airport. 3 bedrooms, 3 toi- included. Tel: 089-472 909 2771 payment 500,000 baht. lets. 3.95 million baht. Tel: 9118 Please call 087-270 089-215 2177 2 PLOTS OF LAND FOR SALE PRIVATE SALE OF 9093 BAN KOH RAED, PHANG NGA PROVINCE HALF A RAI 1 2 Ao Makham. Land is located opposite Port of Phuket and next to Bel Air Cape Panwa LAND & HOUSE Resort. 4.2 million. Tel: 081- FOR SALE 891 5932, 089-035 6702 Location: Phanom Dis- trict, Surat Thani, near CONDOMINIUM Khao Sok National Park. PATONG LOFT - Land: 120 rai + rubber 58sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 living plantation, 8 years old. 6 1). 121 rai with Certificate of Utilization (N.S.3K), seaview room, 1 bathroom, fully fur- million baht. and can see Sarasin Bridge. 1 million baht per rai. nished. Aircon, balcony, pool. 2). 8.5 rai with Certificate of Utilization (N.S.3K), next to 3rd floor, lift. Includes car the pier of Raed Island. 7 million baht per rai. (Ford Laser Tierra) and mo- The Certificate of Utilization can be changed to land torbike (Yamaha Nouvo). title deed upon request. Tel: 089-471 0202 (Thai), 089- Leasehold 3x30 years. Price: 646 3533 (English) 3.9 million baht approx. Tel: 081-893 2566

- House: 1-rai area, fur- nished, 2 bedrooms, 2 Classified Advertisements aircons. 2.2 million baht. Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Please call 081-667 1637, 082-539 6433 Then hand it to any of our agents.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 140 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

Properties For Rent

THAI VILLA AND POOL B.L. APARTMENT 2-BEDROOM BEACH STUNNING 4-BED In Soi Naya, Nai Harn. Long FOR RENT At Kathu, 1 bedroom, 1 living PARADISE APARTMENTS VILLA CAPE YAMU term: 37,500 baht per month. RAWAI / NAI HARN room, aircon, cable TV, FOR RENT At Phuket's finest beach (3 Short term negotiable. For ADSL, hot shower, swim- minutes walk), great for fami- more information, please call ming pool, garden and car lies. Available now! Email: 081-270 5126. Email: mer park. Rent: 7,000 baht per [email protected] [email protected] month. Tel: 081-692 3163 NEW MODERN HOUSE IN LIPON CHEAP RENT HOUSE TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT 1 bedroom, furnished, WiFi, New, fully furnished town- 1 storey, 2 bedrooms, 2 near Panwa view point. houses (completed in 2013) Close to BIS and PIA bathrooms, 2 aircons, 1 car Rent: 7,000 baht per month. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- Schools. Big pool. Amaz- rooms, pool villa, very for rent. 3 bedrooms, water park, 15,000 baht per month. Tel: 081-892 4311. For further heater, 2 aircons, buit-in ing sea views. Private es- Tel: 087-508 3516. Email: details, please see our quiet, western standard, tate. 75,000 baht per aircon, WiFi. Tel: 083- kitchen, WiFi etc. 25,000 [email protected] website at http://panwa baht per month. From next month. Tel: 086-279 6283 Vassana Residence and green.weebly.com 395 5330 (English), +41- Email: kdesmond59@ 07-9661 4061. Email: c. month (March 2014). Tel: 085- 3-BED HOUSE Palm Breeze Resort. 055 9576. Email: intira.boon yahoo.co.uk Low season prices start- spleiss@robert-spleiss. NEAR AIRPORT PATONG ch Please visit our web- [email protected] Fully furnished house, 3 bed- ing at 30,000 baht per 1 + 2 BEDROOM APTS. month for long-term rent. site at www.naiharn-villa. rooms. Long-time rental. Modern units in quiet loca- Sea view rooftop deck com RAWAI BEACH CONDO KATA BEACH One year: 21000 baht per tion. Free WiFi, pool, park- and bar over looking the One bedroom, good views, APARTMENT month. Tel: 084-847 4377 ing, maid. Short or long term. Andaman Sea. 2 bed- balcony, 8,500 baht per FOR RENT (English), 084-842 6147 (En- Tel: 080-052 8082. Email: phv rooms, 2 bathrooms. month. Tel: 086-057 7714 Nice, jacuzzi, WiFi, kitchen, glish & Thai). Email: info@ [email protected] LUXURY POOL VILLA aircon/fan, cable TV. For thaidreams.se LCD TV in every room, BY LAGUNA more information, please call washing machine in ev- Big discount, 8 months on 086-595 8512. Email: nalu ery apartment, swim- lease, only 19,000 baht, ex- POOL VILLA LUXURY POOL VILLA ming pool. 160sqm in THE ONE! KAMALA [email protected] BEACH FRONT tra for utilities. Has WiFi, IN NAI HARN Boat Lagoon, 4 bedrooms, 4 size, free WiFi. Tel: 087- lounge, cable, jacuzzi room bathrooms, Western kitch- 882 9604. Email: artlpmj KATHU GOLF & and more. Live in a tropical en, established garden, @yahoo.com garden. Tel: 089-594 4067 VALLEY VIEW VILLA fenced pool. 75,000 baht per For rent, 330sqm, 3 bed/3 month. Tel: 093-580 6778. bath penthouse, and 1 bed/1 Email: crystaleva1@hotmail. bath, 135sqm apartment, big com LOVELY TOWNHOUSE CONDO AT modern kitchen, living room Boat Lagoon, 2 bedroms, 2 RATCHAPORN PLACE and balconies, big pool, 4km bathrooms, furnished, car- NICE ROOMS port, long term: 30,000 baht to BIS, fantastic views of Loch FOR RENT Palm Golf Course and valley, per month. Car/house rental Enjoy the fabulous sun- 3 bedrooms, available Pool, fitness center, sauna, quiet on top of a private hill, package available. Tel: 093- sets from your 2-bedroom February 20. 80,000 baht aircon, security, garden. 56/75 fully furnished, maid, WiFi, 580 6778. Email: crystal house. 2 ensuite bath- per month. Short-term Kasemsap Villa. Tel: 081-084 secure. Long term: 75,000 [email protected] rooms. Aircons. Fully rent possible. Please 3415. www.phuket-villa.de baht and 35,000 baht per furnished, includes home ask price. Tel: 082-420 month. Tel: 087-269 8492 office, WiFi. European 7052 HOUSE FOR RENT BRAND-NEW kitchen. Open plan living 16,000 baht for long term. STUDIO FOR RENT areas. Large decks on 2 In Kathu for rent or sale. RENTAL HOUSE Tel: 080-890 4484 (English). floors. 45,000 baht per Near Phuket Country month. Electricity, UBC, SHARE SEAVIEW VILLA KOH KAEW Email: noegabriele@hot Club Golf Course. 36 PHUKET mail.com internet are extra. Mini- sqm, furnished, aircon. 1 mum 6 months lease. bedroom. Rent: 13,000 Offer to share rent out self- Available April 1, 2014. baht per month with 1- contained, furnished living APARTMENT & HOUSE Tel: 081-894 3839 (En- year contract, common and sleeping sections, I am AVAILABLE glish). Fax: 075-300299. area included. Sale: 1.75 German, recently widowed Studio, 1-bed, 2-bed apart- Email: paddypower99 million baht. Tel: 089-472 and looking for female live-in ment and houses for short & @yahoo.com 9118 companion over 50. Email: long-term rent. Kata-Karon, Close to Patong Beach, [email protected] Patong, Kathu area. Tel: 086- free WiFi and cable. Land and house, 5 min- 940 5187 (English & Thai). 12,000 baht monthly. utes to BIS, 3 bedrooms, Fax: 076-333077. Email: Please call 081-878 3 aircons, fully furnished. [email protected] 2199, 081-396 0880 or 35,000 baht per month. For further details, please email sumonmarn@phu Tel: 081-693 5424 see our website at www. ketreallife.com phuketislandrealestate.com February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 25

2-BEDROOM HOUSE Property Services Accommodation FOR RENT Accommodation Household Available 1 bathroom, living room, Wanted Help kitchen, garden, car park, WiFi. At 9,000 baht per month. Tel: 080-521 9888 MAID FOR VILLA ROOM FOR RENT (English & Thai), 093-754 VILLA WITH Maid wanted for private villa in RAWAI 3311 (English & Thai). Email: PRIVATE POOL Surin Beach. Window cleaning Room for rent with furniture, [email protected] We are looking for a 2-bed- and general duties. Training pro- cable TV, aircon, and internet room villa with private pool vided by villa housekeeper. Some access to the swimming on Phuket Island. South- basic English necessary. 10,000 pool. From 7,000 to 13,000 PRIVATE POOL west preferred. +41-79-651 baht a month. Contact Khun baht per month. Email: VILLA 3602 (English). Email: Maew. Tel: 087-891 1385. Email: [email protected] soi.saliga@gmailcom for 3-bedroom private pool [email protected] pics and more info. villa located minutes from the famed Laguna Household area. Tel: 084-842 2262 VACATION RENTALS (English & Thai). Email: Holiday Items KAMALA [email protected] Homes & All you need for your vacation. HOUSEHOLD 30 villas and apartments in Villa Rentals Samsung 2-door fridge/freezer: Kamala. Tel: 085-158 7638. KATA NEW SEA VIEW 10,000 baht ono. Rubbermaid Email: [email protected] APARTMENT VACATION RENTALS storage cupboard: 10,000 baht FREE VILLA Property Visit our website at www. New 1 and 2-bedroom apart- KAMALA PHOTOGRAPHY ono. Large framed Buddha oil Wanted houseinphuket.net ments. Long and short All you need for your vacation. painting: 5,000 baht. Large Bud- March 3 to 7. Sign up - photo terms. Sea view, huge bal- 30 villas and apartments in dha oil painting (kneeling with graphy@panda bed.com DELUXE BEACHFRONT cony, TV panels, WiFi, free Kamala. Tel: 085-158 7638. monk): 5,000 baht. Tel: 081-867 Search trusted vacation VILLA/GUESTHOUSE/ CONDO parking. Sea view, pools, Email: [email protected] 7223 (English), 081-929 2267 homes on PandaBed.com HOTEL WANTED 2 bedrooms, also 1 bedroom, gym, expensive furniture in- Visit our website at www. (English). Email: kmh.thh.1 For purchase or rent long term: kitchen, lounge. The Point side. Email: osa.com@ houseinphuket.net @gmail.com 15-40 rooms, no more than a 30- me.com The best choice for BUILDER CAN near Central Festival, many minute drive from Patong. Must facilities. Tel: 081-8920 038. living! For further details, POOL PENTHOUSE WORK NOW be in a quiet location and have a please see our website at SEA VIEW Household Home construction, repairs, sea view from at least 30% of the http://cooolrent.com Kata Noi, Kata Beach & Services renovations at fixed prices. Tel: rooms. Tel: +41-79-289 1259. NEW MODERN TOWN Town, both 3-4 minutes walk. 081-892 8526 (Khun Peter). Email: hotel.phuket.wanted HOUSE THE NCHANTRA Private rooftop with pool and For further details, please see @gmail.com New, fully furnished town POOL SUITE superb views. Email: resort our website at www.phuket- houses (completed in 2013) PHUKET HOME 1-3 bedroom private pool [email protected] MAINTENANCE besthomes.com IN KATA, KARON, for rent. 3 bedrooms, water suites for sale and rent. Tel: PATONG heater, 2 aircons, built-in 076-510011, 081-979 7306 Renovations, house repairs, kitchen, WiFi, etc. 25,000 NAI HARN BEACH painters, tilers, electricians, PROPERTY Experienced hoteliers provide Fax: 076- 614101. Email: 4-BED CONDOS MANAGEMENT property management (with baht per month. From next [email protected] plumbers, carpenters, built-in Large renovated condo, can construction. Fluent English- Experienced property manag- own maintenance staff) and month (March 2014). Tel: 085- More information, please see sleep 8 pax. Rooftop terrace, speaking boss. Free quotes ers (hoteliers) are seeking ad- effective rental services. 055 9576. Email: intira.boon our website at www.nchantra garden front. Beach 3 minutes given. Tel: 084-193 5124. ditional properties to manage Email: [email protected] [email protected] poolsuite.com walk. Email: resortgm@gmail. Email: phukethomemainte and/or rent. Own maintenance com [email protected] staff, dedicated marketing APARTMENT / HOUSE SEA VIEW 3-BED VILLA, POOL VILLA manager. Email: resortgm NEEDED PATONG FOR RENT KAMALA BEACH MRK KITCHEN @gmail.com Our customers need urgently Luxury villa of character w/ 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, gar- GUEST HOUSE SERVICE apartment rentals up to 25,000 Patong sea view. Estate pool, den, swimming pool, in a very Private, quiet 2-bedroom apart- All you need for a professional HOME RENOVATION baht per month, and house rent- private and secure. 60,000 peaceful and secure compound. ment for 2,800 baht per night and kitchen: stainless steel work, We provide services: home als up to 40,000 baht per baht per week; 200,000 per Long-term rental only. 45,000 a 1-bedroom house for 2,000 gas system, air conditioner, and pool renovation, sauna month. For long and short- month; 1 million baht per year baht per month. This price in- baht per night. Kitchen, Euro- security camera, wood-fired and steam room construc- term contracts. Only Kata, – plus utilities, service extra. cludes Internet, maid once a pean bathroom, aircon, TV/DVD/ pizza oven and used equip- tion. Tel: 084-191 1288. For Karon, Rawai, Nai Harn, Minimum deposit of 20,000 week, pool service every 2 ADSL, parking, swimming pool. ment. Tel: 081-416 7475, 084- further details, please see Chalong. Tel: 082-420 7052. baht. Tel: 086-587 0196 (En- weeks, and gardening once a Tel: 076-385909, 087-277 5216 845 4743 (Thai). Please see our website at www.home Please call or visit our website glish & Thai). Email: natawa month. Email: aom.phongpan (English). Fax: 076-385909. our website at www.mrkkit renovationphuket.com at www.stayonphuket.com [email protected] @gmail.com Email: [email protected] chen.com

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 140 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Looking for land to buy? Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

OFFICE MANAGER/ WEBMASTER/ ACCOUNTANT GRAPHIC/IT WORKER Online company wants orga- Knowledge in photo and video nized staff to manage office, and good English skills re- accounting, inventory & or- quired. Thai national only. Tel: ders. Tel: 082-276 1675. 086-690 0444. Please con- Email: [email protected] tact rico@princessyachts thailand.com REAL ESTATE OFFICE STAFF HOUSEKEEPER Siam Real Estate are opening NEEDED new office in Laguna and re- To manage and ensure the quire Thai staff with good En- cleanliness of our operation. glish, computer and admin Must be a dynamic team worker skills. Salary + commissions. with a pleasant personality. Tel: 076-288908. Send CV to Contact us. Tel: 076-281227, JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT RECEPTIONIST [email protected] 081-893 5492 (English & Thai). NEEDED WANTED For further details, please see Fax: 076-281227. Email: jtissi To assist with the accounting For small guesthouse near the our website at www.siam [email protected] tasks, including accounts re- beach in Patong.Good salary realestate.com ceivable. Good spoken / writ- and benefits. Some English NANNY ten English and pleasant per- spoken prefered, writing and Must be experienced with child sonality are a must. Tel: 076- computer skills. Contact John. THAI EMPLOYEE - care. Needed after school and 227281, 081-893 5492 (En- Tel: 092-069 7408. Email: OFFICE JOB weekends for two young boys. glish & Thai). Fax: 076-227073. [email protected] Thai only. Tel: 081-978 7756. For further information on the Want an interesting job? PHP PROGRAMMER New internet firm needs an Email: scot@paresaresorts. job, please see our website at com www.aquamaster.net/job.html Seeking a PHP programmer employee, 20-35 years old, with experience in Code Ig- very good English and PC. YACHT STEWARDESS VILLA MANAGER niter for a long-term project. CV in English only. Tel: 076- Tel: 094-316 6005 (English & 322663, 090-070 9633 (En- Thai national, 2 females, good (LIVE IN) Manager of house team, House Thai). Email: john@jpdigi glish & Thai). Email: massi English, salary+tips. Tel: 087- taltech.com [email protected] 384 2743.(Thai) Email: info keeper, Food & Bever age, Re- @yacht-charter-thailand.com pairs. Excellent spoken En- RESORT STAFF glish, leadership, service- ENGLISH SPEAKING WANTED RAW FOOD CHEF GERMAN CC minded skills. Own car. Tel: 087- GUIDES Urgently: night reception, WANTED SENIOR & JUNIOR Phi Phi Island. We are looking Thai national: raw food COOK NEEDS STAFF 881 0003. Send CV to hr@luxury housekeeping, restaurant We are seeking German- villas andhomes.com for 2 English-speaking guides and kitchen staff. Tel: 076- chef, good salary + ben- To assist Head Cook in speaking people to work as for our overnight boat tour which 613903, 089-723 1128 (Thai), efits! Tel: 081-270 9772. maintaining a successful Call Agents, part and full time leaves from Phi Phi Don. The 085-227 8864. Email: yus Email: liam@phuket and profitable F&B Depart- in our home office. Please EUROPEAN job is to entertain and keep our sies@gmail. com fit.com ment - Degree in F&B contact us for further informa- CHEF HIRE customers safe. If you look after Management or related tion. Send mail to: job@ Best Western Premier our customers well, we will look THAI OFFICE WORKER degree, trained in tradi- after you. Contact Siripan. Tel: FOR GYM STAFF FOR callcenteragent.at Bangtao Beach Resort & RESTAURANT tional Thai and Western Spa is looking for chef, 087-382 9163. Muay Thai Gym. Wanting Thai foods. Thai national, fluent sous chefs, bartenders, office worker with good English. Chief cook, cook helper, bar- in English. Starting salary and service staff. We want Tel: 080-613 3312 (English & tender, waitress, good salary, DETOX STAFF MARINA VIEW Thai national. Tel: 081-116 1245 14,000 to 17,000 baht per Thai national: experienced both full time and part time. Thai). Email: phukettopteam RESTAURANT (English). month plus service charge. detox consultant, OR we Good salary with work per- @email.com. Website: phuket Position available now. Tel: mit. Tel: 081-905 8353. topteam.com can train you in detox. Must BRANCH MANAGER 086-6041 333 (English). speak and write English. Tel: Please call or send email MOUNTAIN BIKE ISS Facility Services require Please send CV to gm 085-783 0141. Email: info@ to hrbangtao@oceanresort GUIDE Branch Managers for 2 new @ccshideaway.com phuketfit.com group.net Full-time bike guide. Must locations in Had Yai and Koh speak good English and pro- Samui. Preferred applicants vide excellent customer ser- are English-speaking Thai na- Phuket Boat Lagoon is vice. Also help in sales office. tionals, degree educated with looking for new restaurant Tel: 087-263 2031 (English). previous experience in prop- operator. Contact Ple. Tel: Email: info@amazingbike erty or hotel management. 081-693 2791. Email: toursthailand.asia. For further Excellent salary and benefits customercare@phuket details, please see our on offer. Tel: 076-610315, 081- boatlagoon.com website at www.Amazing Bike 958 6879. Email: scott.d@ ToursThailand.asia th.issworld.com

Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 27

SALES REPRESENTATIVE AND OPC David Vacation Club looking for English & Chinese speaking sales representative and OPC. 5-star Resort at Patong beachfront. Tel: 076-342794, 092-390 3481 (English). Con- tact by email: ed@david vacationclub.com

PR & MARKETING The View Condominium. - Female, 20-35 years. - To promote the property with prospective customers at our booth - Coordinate with recruiters - Collaborate with team - Language: English and Rus- sian or English and Chinese Tel: 086-439 9996. Email: [email protected] DIVE AND SURF SHOP 3 WAITRESSES FOR KARON CLIFF Needs Thai female staff, basic RESTAURANT Hostess, maid, engineer, waiter, MARKETING English. Tel: 089-874 9147. Three English-speaking wait- and kitchen staff wanted. Tel: ASSISTANT resses wanted for restaurant. 087-265 6089. Proficient in word, excel, uni OFFICE ASSISTANT Thai nationals only. Tel: 081- graduate preferred. Photoshop/ Thai national, female, 25-40 270 9772. Email: liam@ SALES ASSISTANT any online experience valued years old, self-motivated and phuketfit.com (RETAIL) highly. Tel: 081-205 3932. attention to details, enthusi- To assist customers in finding asm for learning new things, STAFF WANTED items, provide excellent cus- good communication skills in tomer service at all times and MARKETING RECEPTIONIST English and good computer Thai Basil Restaurant, new YOGA TEACHER ASSISTANT WANTED WANTED opened restaurant is look- build good guest relations. WANTED literacy (Microsoft Office). Good spoken English and English-speaking Marketing For small guesthouse near the ing for waitresses: 15,000 Tel: 076-613680, 087-267 pleasant personality is a Qualified yoga instructor to Assistant with good com- beach in Patong.Good salary baht. Bar staff: 15,000 3747 (English). Fax: 076- must. Base salary 20,000 baht teach at PhuketFit Re- puter and internet knowledge and benefits. Some English baht. Manager: 20,000 613680. Send CV to helena + commissions. Please send sort. Please apply with re- wanted. Tel: 086-690 0444. spoken prefered , writing and baht. Located on 58/7-8 @phuketabc.com your resume to nina@tiger sume and qualifications. Please send CV to rico@ computer skills. Contact John. Soi Bangla, 5-8pm. Email: muaythai.com Tel: 081-270 9772. Email: Princessyachtsthailand.com Tel: 092-069 7408. Email: STAFF NEEDED office@thaibasilphuket. liam @phuketfit.com [email protected] New resort on island looking com ADMIN HOTEL WANTED positions: Multilingual: 1) FEMALE GUEST Experience needed in Microsoft CALL CENTER Manager - salary: 25,000 - RELATIONS REP. EARN 30,000-120,000 Excel and Word. Daily record on 30,000 baht. 2) Barman - sal- GUEST RELATIONS Female guest relations repre- BAHT/MONTH cash income, stocks, timecards, Newly established call cen- ary: 10,000 - 15,000 baht. En- WANTED sentatives to work in night enter- Cruise ship staff needed. and booking vouchers. Good ter (outbound) in Chiang Mai glish and Thai. 3) massage Thai national: guest rela- tainment venue, must be able Work 3-7 month shift. All ex- comments in English writing and looking for Dutch, French, therapist - salary: 10,000 - tions representative to speak 2 languages: either penses paid. Must speak speaking working under GM. German speaking agents. 12,000 baht. 4) Housemaid - wanted, English speak- English, Russian, Chinese or English. Tel: 093-728 1003 Tel: 081-968 5963 (English). WP+ visa provided after trial salary: 10,000 baht. meal and ing, afternoon shift, good Philippine. Please send re- (English). Send resume/photo Email: c@bayshoreprojects. period for relocations. Room accomomdation provided. pay + benefits! Tel: 081- sume or call. Tel: 093-007 8992 to [email protected] com provided in first month. Inter- Tel: 086-948 8559 (English) 270 9772. Email: liam (English & Thai), 081-476 4700 ested applicants, please ,088-447 9900 (English). @phuketfit.com (English & Thai). Email: redtooth apply with CV at jobs@ Email: [email protected] [email protected] cmmd-intl.com

SALES ASSISTANT NEEDED Sales assistant needed to work at Lemongrass House Rawai Store. Sales experi- ence and some English pref- erable. Tel: 089-443 6922 (English & Thai), 093-673 4409 (Thai). Email: aphart @gmail.com

THAI BAR STAFF REQUIRED Thai female bar staff needed. Salary starting from 8,000 baht. Earn more on top with tips + commissions. Includes free room and use of mo- torbike. Tel: 087-382 0764 (English & Thai), 089-650 7076 (English & Thai). Email: mail@phukettour guides.com

Looking for a JOB? Looking for a better candidate? Find more Recruitment Classifieds at WWW.PhuketGazette.Net! 28 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

Audio/Video Bar & Business Opportunities Equipment Restaurant Equipment BEVERAGE KAMALA HOTEL SEA VIEW GUESTHOUSE / BAR / DIME D-100 INVESTMENT BOUTIQUE RESORT PATONG RESTAURANT GUITAR AMP International beverage ex- FOR RENT Very nice hotel, pool and gar- 2 mins to Jungceylon, 10 Like new DIME D-100 guitar BQ116 ICE CREAM perts seek investor for new This boutique resort busi- den, 1km to beach, profit + mins to Bangla Road. Six amp with DIME D-412 cabi- MACHINE hotel beverage brand. From ness consists of 5 individual 3.5 million baht yearly. Price: rooms all tenanted. Outgo- net. The best guitar rig for Never used, still packed. US$10,000. Tel: 086-057 villas. The resort is fully occu- 45 million baht. Email: titi ings: 70,000 baht a month; heavy rock and metal. Tel: BQ116. Production capacity: 7714. www.humanba.com pied presently with long-term [email protected] Revenues: 145,000 baht a 080-719 3705. Email: tobias.l 10-14kg per hour (14-20 l/h). rentals offering excellent month. Tour desk. Nothing to @bohussound.com Cups per hour (60g per cup): KATA SPA SHOPHOUSE rental income with very little spend, 2 years left on lease. 160-230. For sale at 1/3 of its FOR SALE maintenance. The resort BUILDING Cheap at just 1.1 million baht. cost. 49,000 baht. Tel: 082- 3 storeys, 1 bedroom with land plot totals 2,080sqm FOR RENT Owner has new venture, quick Bulletins 414 0600 western kitchen, second with a built up area of 750 1,000sqm, 50 rooms, 13 sale required. Tel: 087-896 bedroom for staff, beautiful sqm. There are 3 villas, 200 bathrooms, 2 kitchens. 5219, 084-053 4365. Email: decoration for spa on first sqm each with 4 bedrooms 3 Commercial / residential. [email protected] BAR FURNITURE floor with sauna. Fully fur- bathrooms, 1 villa with 2 bed- 4 rai of land, 7 minutes to ETC. FOR SALE nished. Urgent sale US$ rooms and 1 bathroom and 1 airport. Very nice! Con- HAPPY SAPPER BAR 305,000. Negotiable! No villa with 1 bedroom and 1 tact Merv. Tel: 081-970 FOR SALE agent. Tel: 081-956 1077 bathroom. Each villa is open 4765. Email: merv@indi This is fantastic opportunity plan living & dining area and gore.com an open plan western style to own a successful and prof- BAR FOR SALE itable business in the ever- BANGLA ROAD kitchen with storage. For more information, please call expanding and popular inter- 3 years on lease. 4.9 million 076-279280. Email: brennan LAUNDRY FOR SALE national tourist resort of baht possibility for 9 years. @phillips-property.com Established business for Khao Lak. The sale also in- Full set of furniture, fix- Please call 081-270 1662, over 5 years. Good location. cludes the Happy Snapper tures, fittings & equip- 084-840 8970 Tel: 083-105 9689 website and Facebook page. ment for stylish bar - only BOUTIQUE MASSAGE Website: www.happysnap 1 year old - or take over INCREDIBLE PROJECT SHOP FOR SALE perbar.com. The directors the large bar premises BOUTIQUE HOTEL INVESTMENT Patong. Located on Nanai FOR SALE wish to sell the name "Happy (include accommoda- Road. 7 beds. Fully stocked. Snapper Bar", the lease and Luxury project for sale. 50% 12 modern rooms of a high tion) with all equipment in process done. Only 5 million Equipped with high-end furni- entire contents as a going place. No key money ture. Well presented. Rent: standard, 2 big apartments, concern with full assistance. baht. For more information, swimming pool, fitness, fully- just “quick sale price” for please call 080-891 1611. 20,000 baht per month. Re- Tel: 084-760 0123 (Thai), 081- the gear. Tel: 081-787 luctant sale: 350,000 baht. equipped commercial stain- 836 0661 (Thai) Email: aopoproject@gmail. less steel kit-chen for 32 5938 (English & Thai). com Call 087-073 4233 or email: Email for list of equip- [email protected]. seats, indoor and outdoor ment: nittayakm@gmail. dining. Open and running PATONG BAR com For further details, RESTAURANT business, includes land. 40 FOR SALE please see our facebook Located Kamala, Phuket, DUMPING million baht. Proof of funds Busy OTOP market location, page at www.facebook. near G-1 apartment. Price: Soil, sand, construction, de- will be needed for further infor- owner is going home, cheap com/WhiteSpacePhuket 450,000 baht includes equip- bris. For more information, mation. Email: patongboutiq price 950,000 baht. Tel: 082- ment.Tel: 086-007 3075 please call 081-893 5717 [email protected] 816 8893 February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 29

Business Products & Services Club Education Memberships NEW CARDIO TENNIS HOTEL BOOKING LIST Available WORLDWIDE Ditch the gym, grab your SERVICE AIR TICKETS racket. Non stop 60-minute Hotel registration and moni- Our service is for domes- fun workout with music. toring on Agoda, Sawadee LAGUNA GOLF CLUB tic and international flight Only 300 baht per person. and Booking.com Tel: 083- 350,000 baht + transfer, ex- tickets. Open daily from Lessons hitups also avail- 394 5863. Email: tperke@ pires 2024. Tel: 089-868 6842. 8.30am to 9pm. Delivery able. For more information, googlemail.com Email: [email protected] service. For more infor- please call 090-706 6674, mation, please call 081- 090-071 7163. Your court or LEARN THAI LEARN THAI + 1 YEAR 537 2655, 085-571 4489 ours. Please visit our website LAGUNA GOLF From an experienced Thai ED VISA at www.tennisjuniorpro.com 22 YEARS teacher (male). Tel: 084-447 Learn Thai at Brainy House. Laguna Golf Club mem- 5257. Email: mikeroper2003 200 hours + 1 year ED visa for MASSAGE THERAPY 40FT SEA CONTAINER bership for sale: 600,000 @hotmail.com only 24,900 baht. Tel: 076- AT YOUR PLACE For sale: secondhand sea baht, with 22 years re- 522822, 080-907 7466. Email: maining. Contact Dany. Thai traditional massage: container 40ft. I can send a [email protected] Tel: 092-261 5113 (English 500 baht per hour. Aroma- photo. Please contact Rob Personal & Thai). Email: nathcoll therapy massage: 1,000 for more information. Tel: [email protected] Services baht per hour. Call for reser- 084-744 4648 (English). Pets vations. Open daily 9am- Email: [email protected] 10pm. Tel: 092-464 8471 3 GOLF TRANSLATION CENTER MEMBERSHIPS PERSONAL WHEATGRASS JUICE PHUKET AVAILABLE FOR SALE COUNSELING Lumpoons Coffee House. We translate all documents 1) Blue Canyon GCC. Family Phuket Mental Health At Chalong. Tel: 081-476 from and into English, Span- Life: 699,000 baht. 2) Loch Counseling. Experien- 5808 ish, French, German, Italian, Palm Family Life: 499,000 ced, licensed, US Coun- Chinese, Arabic, Russian baht. 3) Laguna GCC. 16 selor for children, teens COWBOY SHOW and Thai. Please call 076- years: 399,000 baht. Contact & adults. Tel: 086-271 The art of the western cow- 296029, 089-203 9270 (En- Laura Lee. Tel: 095-040 4727 8153 (English). Email: boy rope tricks. For more in- glish & Thai). Email: aood16 (English). Email: lauraleee11 [email protected] formation, please call 084- @hotmail.com [email protected] 447 5257 or send email to mikeroper2003@hotmail. STRESSED OVER FREE ITALIAN com PARTIES? ESPRESSO MACHINE Computers Personals Plan your party for all your Coffee capsules machine on supplies at Party Always. loan, good organic Italian TATTOO REMOVAL We are located at Wana Park coffee, fair prices, 6 blends WWW.PHUKET.AG BACKGAMMON We remove your tattoo. Cherng Talay. For more infor- available, direct import into Top level domain for sale. Players wanted. For more in- For more information, mation, please call 076-620 Phuket. Tel: 076-374760, Tel: 089-291 7733 (English). formation, please call 081- please call 083-362 4144 166. Email: karen_leongsk 088-768 1260. Email: fepig Email: [email protected], www. 577 8443. Email: phuket @yahoo.com.sg [email protected] phuket.ag [email protected] 30 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

Saloon Cars Pick-ups Motorbikes

45,000 BAHT FORD 4WD SUPERCAB KAWASAKI 900CC VN PROTON SAVVY NISSAN SENTRA FORD EXPLORER TOYOTA VIGO 4X4 PICK-UP BLACK 2011 HIGHLINE Please contact me for details LIMITED 2006 Built July 1999, 250,000km, Kawasaki Vulcan, special Automatic, leather, ABS, of this vehicle and photos. very good condition. Blue me- edition, 22,000km. 28 months airbag, full serviced book Email: thebritscott@hotmail. tallic, new tyres, new clutch, old. For sale: 300,000 baht. history, like new. Sale: com generator, cooler. 200,000 Email: my.vulcan.is.yours@ 219,000 baht. Please baht. Tel: 081-538 8873 (En- gmail.com call 092-893 0652 (En- glish & Thai). Fax +49-321- glish & Thai). Email: SILVER PROTON 2267 1958. Email: rudi.zim HONDA FORZA 2013 baantommy@hotmail. SAGA 1.3 [email protected] com 2012,Turbo Diesel. This is Bike as new. 4 months old. the best 4x4 in Phuket. 4,000km. Serviced. Green 4.6-liter, V-8, 240 horse- Tel: 091-648 4427 TATA XENON 2012 2.2 book. New: 165,000 baht. power, 90,000km. Sell- DIESEL Sale: 140,000 baht. For NISSAN TEANA ing price: 900,000 baht Tata Xenon only 45,000km / more information please call 250 XV V6 (can be negotiated). Ur- 3 Suzuki Next 2013, 3-5,000 082-706 4177 (English) or Exellent condition! One gent sale! Tel: 081-666 km / Yamaha Fino 2012, email bennoreus@gmail. owner from new. No acci- 6622. Email: info@sun FORD RANGER 8,000km / Yamaha Million com dent, April 2010, 60,000km, setplaza.eu WILDTRAK 2012, 4,200km. Please call all services done, registered, for prices. Tel: 083-645 4008 (English), 083-172 0312 HALEY DYNA FXDL tax until August 2014. New FOR SALE price: 1.55 million baht. Now: (Thai). Email: finn.pedersen Harley-Davidson Dyna FXDL 870,000 baht (negotiable). Year 2011, automatic, 1 @hotmail.com Car is in Hua Hin. For more low rider. Year 2000, in per- owner, 15,000km with fect condition. Maintained at information, please call 032- insurance. For sale: 826152, 081-162 2951 (En- Harley dealership in Phuket. 300,000 baht. Tel: 086- Rentals New tyres, filters, saddle- glish). Email: roscha4347 476 9612 @gmail.com 4x4, 3.2 liters, 39,000 bags. Comes with green km, all options, 1.05 mil- book and Bangkok plates. lion baht. Tel: 082-804 PCX 150CC 7,000 B/M Price: 570,000 baht.Tel: 084- 9596 RENT / SALE 837 7249 (English). Email: Top model Yamaha Nouvo [email protected] SX 125CC, Mio GTX, Click HILUX VIGO 3.0 D4D 125CC. 3,000 baht per month. KAWASAKI BOSS Free delivery. Tel: 084-242 175CC 89,000km, 1 owner, Decem- 8914. Email: rawai4@yahoo. ber 2006. Price: 585.000 com 2003, only 28,000km from baht. Tel: 089-723 4029 new, totally restored as new condition, one farang owner. CARS FOR RENT 49,000 baht. Please call 089- FORD RANGER 290 5594 CAB 2006 HONDA PHANTOM 200CC GRAY Year 2005, low mileage, ex- cel- lent condition, no acci- Many cars for short or dent, Green book. 50,500 long-term rent with first- baht. For more information, class insurance. Deliv- please call 076-296231, For sale: 275,000 baht. ery service. Tel: 093-742 089-970 5265 (English). Please call 081-894 6968 6801 Email: info@wildkingdom tours.com February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 31

PRINCESS P42 FOR SALE 42' Flybridge, 2008. Excel- lent condition at an attrac- tive price. Tel: 080-142 0420 (English). Email: jmi chellemonnier@orange. fr

CAPTAIN WANTED For large motor yacht. Must be experienced and speak En- glish. Also English speaking deckhand required. Tel: 081- 787 1752. Please send CV to [email protected]

DINGHI PERFECT 42FT BERTRAM SPORT FISHER Strong seaworthy boat, priced to sell, thai registered, needs little work to the perfect fishing/ cruis- ing boat.3 million baht.Contact Caribe CL14 Yamaha, Andy Tel: +014 471 539 4550. 60hp 4stroke, shower, Email: [email protected] anchor, seating for 6 pax, maximum 35 knots, runs perfect, including galva- TASAR DINGHY nized highway trailer. Two sets sails. Launch Only 275,000 baht. Tel: and road trailer. Asking 089-886 1788, 086-906 price: 130,000 baht. Email: 4134. Sailing alone2001-mail@ 2009 POWER yahoo.com CATAMARAN A STEAL FOR CAPELLI RIB FOR SALE A QUICK SALE Capelli RIB, 8m. 250hp Yamaha 4-stroke outboard motor with 361 hours. Garmin GPS with Blue chart for Southeast Asia. 860,000 baht. Tel: 076-348134, 084-626 45ft. 4 cabins. Volvo D-4 IPS 4969 (English), 085-131 2613 300. Genset, aircon. "Bose" (English & Thai). Fax : 076- surround. Ray marine. Low 348134. Email: neef @wanadoo.fr hours. Fully loaded. Fast and economical. As new. Bar- 2007. Italian demo yacht. Cranchi 47ft. Hard HYPALON gain. Only 339,000 euros. DINGY 3.3M Tel: 089-971 0278. Email: top. Fully loaded with [email protected] tropical aircon, genset, electrical winches, ga- rage, roof. Ray Marine premium navy, BBQ, ice maker, 3 fridges, Bose SR MARINE SR21 sound, neon light. Twin (2013) 570hp with reliable shaft drive, under 300hrs. Brand-new, UV cover, stor- Brand-new condition. age cover, pump, oars, Price: 335,000 euros. Tel: kits. Only 110,000 baht. 089-971 0278. Email: Tel:089-971 0278. Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Yamaha 150hp with only 16hrs, used, gives 45 SOLUTION TO knots, complete with THIS WEEK’S trailer, rods, reels and even snorkling gear. Re- duced to only 790,000 Cryptic crossword baht. Contact by email: alan@boatshedphuket . com

HARD TO FIND TEAK BOAT

FOR SALE: HOBIE 13-METER CRUISER SELLING YOUR BOAT? This 80-year-old solid teak BRAVO 12' Wooden hull cruiser regis- Just around the corner, now boat is ideal for a Phang Nga Fantastic little Hobie Catama- tered for 17 people. Cost 1.6 is the right time to get her Bay live aboard, or a land- ran. Great for kids and adults million baht, but will sell for listed, Boatshedphuket.com based guest house. 1.5 wanting a fun dinghy boat re- 700,000 baht. Just refur- are always looking for new million baht. Call John on sponsive in light wind. Length bished. Tel: 082-414 6931 (En- listings, big or small, power 090-798 5605. Email: johne 12'. Sail area: 86sqf/8sqm. glish). Email: phil@krabikon or sail, to meet the demand mango@yahoo. com For Email [email protected] or nect.com For further details, for quality boats. Contact current pictures and finish call our Thai mobile: 086-685 please see our website at Alan Giles. Tel: 084-842 out options, www. face 9359, or to Singapore: 65-977 www.krabikonnect.com/ 6146. Email: alangiles@boat book.com/TeakBoat 38457. #!boat-for-sale/c10mg shedphuket.com Phuket 32 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

Aircraft For Sale

HAVE A PASSION AIRPLAY ALTIS 1999 ROBIN 2160i FOR AVIATION? MICROLIGHT I would like to sell my Robin If you have an aircraft for Superb trike with Konig ra- aircraft or trade it for a 4-seat sale or an interest in avia- dial engine. Great economi- Cessna or Piper (based in tion and wish to learn cal fun. Little used. Please Hua Hin). The Robin: TTAF how to fly or buy an air- contact for more informa- 300hrs. SMOH 60hrs. This craft or arrange a private tion. Tel: 089-111 6457 (En- is a well-equipped, two-seat flight, etc. Website: glish & Thai), 081-397 7598 aerobatic aircraft. Has the www.aeropromgr.com/ (English & Thai). Email: Christen inverted oil system. newsletter [email protected] Excellent inside and outside. King KMA24 audio panel, KX155 nav/com, KI203 vor, TECNAM P-92 KY197A comm, KN64A - Price: 1.5 million baht YOUR HELICOPTER dme, KR87 adf, KT76A tran- - Registration: U-B08 Flying and owning your own sponder, CSPA400 i-com, - Year of Manufacture: 2002 helicopter has just become FP5 fuel computer, CHT, possible. Free complete flight OAT, Pitot heat. Price: 4 - Equipment: Full standard instruction course with your million baht. Please contact equipment purchase. Email: pat@ Thom. Email: thos_w@ - Engine: Rotax 912-80HP aeropromgr.com hotmail.com 350hrs. Tel: 081-840 8418.

General Aviation • Aircraft for Sale • Aircraft Sharing • Aircraft Wanted • Aircraft Charter • Aviation Services • Flying Lessons

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 140 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 33

THE BAY REGATTA 2014 SKETCHWALK WORKSHOP The Attitude Club recently held the “Sketchwalk Workshop”. Hosted by Thiwawat Pataragulwanit, a skilled watercolor painter who gave demonstrations and shared painting tips for beginners.

Regatta organizers Kae Wattana, Simon James (center) and team. 4TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-IMAGEPLUS

Phonsunt Phathrapeephan (right), managing director of D-Imageplus and Rattapong The Sansiri Sailing Team competed in The Bay Regatta. Pollakorn, director of cinematography. 34 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

FEBRUARY 22

1651 A storm surge flooded Germany coast, drowning 15,000 people. Students from Krabi recently spelled out the letter G as part of an 1924 US President Calvin Coolidge became the first President to international art project to raise money for charity. Photo: Supplied deliver a radio broadcast from the White House. 1959 Lee Petty won the first Daytona 500. 1974 Samuel Byck tried and failed to assassinate US President Nixon. Krabi students in 1997 Scientists announced that an adult sheep named Dolly had global art project been successfully cloned. COPY 1997 Photo:Toni Barros ABC Charity, a global art project who gave up their previous lives of kids helping kids has contin- to fulfill their dream; doing what FEBRUARY 23 ued its journey around the they love, while inspiring kids and world. They are creating the raising money for charity. 1455 Traditional date for the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, world’s first ever “human alpha- Ashley Cooper and Filip the first Western book printed with movable type. bet” – each letter made up of 500 Cederholm were excited about 1903 Cuba leased Guantanamo Bay to the United States. children, in 26 different coun- being in Thailand, as Ashley puts 1917 First demonstrations in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The begin- tries – ABC charity does not only it, “I had visited Thailand eight- ning of the February Revolution. help create fantastic memories years ago and knew it was 1997 A small fire occurred in the Russian space station, Mir. for children, it will also raise somewhere we had to include in RACE 1959 Photo: The Freewheeling money for a good cause. our journey. Not only is it a spec- Daredevil Krabi Town Mayor Kiratisak tacular location for the letter “G”, Phukaoluan also supported the the people of Thailand and Krabi FEBRUARY 24 project and welcomed ABC Char- in particular have been so kind and ity to both Krabi and Thailand. welcoming. 1582 Pope Gregory XIII announced the Gregorian calendar. The letter “G” took place in “We have had great support 1920 The Nazi Party was founded in Germany. Krabi Thursday, February 13 with from the Mayor of Krabi Mr 1989 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini offered a US$3 million bounty for the death of Salman Rushdie. 500 children from Klong Ji Lad Keratisuk and his staff, as well as GUN 1836 Photo: Hmaag School taking part. The children the Krabi Tourism Authority and 2008 Fidel Castro retired as Cuban President after nearly fifty years. had an amazing time and the day Klong Ji Lad School. Mr Saratt 2011 Final Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103). was filled with smiles and laugh- Kyokong, the owner of the land, ter. The event included music has not only given us permission and food, as well as an inspira- to use the property, he even helped FEBRUARY 25 tional speech by ABC Charity us arrange a crane to take the pic- founders Ashley Cooper and Filip ture. We have also received great 1836 Samuel Colt was granted a patent for the Colt revolver. Cederholm, who reinforced their support from the Swedish Em- 1932 Adolf Hitler obtained German citizenship by naturalization. motto, “Together we can make a bassy in Bangkok. It is because 1947 The State of Prussia ceased to exist. difference.” of people like this that we have 1971 The first commercial nuclear power station in Canada, went ABC Charity is currently work- been able to continue our journey online. ing its way around the globe around the world.” creating one letter per country “Once the alphabet is complete from A to Z. When the alphabet is we will tour around the world PRINT 1455 Photo: NYC Wanderer complete, the letters will be sold with the exhibition and look for- as limited edition photo art. The ward to coming back to display idea is that companies and indi- the letters, both in Krabi and FEBRUARY 26 viduals will buy their name and around Thailand” added Ashley 100 per cent of the profit will go 1815 Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from Elba. back to local charities in the par- You can join the thousands of 1909 Kinemacolor, the first successful color motion picture process, ticipating countries. Behind the people following the journey at: was first shown to the general public at the Palace Theater in London. project is Canadian Ashley Coo- abccharity.org and view the series 1919 Most of the Grand Canyon was establishment as a United States per and Swede Filip Cederholm, at: peaceloveandphotography.tv National Park - the Grand Canyon National Park. 1971 The vernal equinox is established as Earth Day. CANYON 1919 Photo: Wolfgang Moroder.

FEBRUARY 27

380 Emperor Theodosius I declared his wish that all Roman citizens convert to trinitarian Christianity. 1594 Henry IV was crowned King of France. 1870 The current flag of Japan was first adopted as the national flag for Japanese merchant ships. 1900 The British Labour Party was founded. 1964 The government of Italy asked for help to keep the Leaning Tower of Pisa from toppling over. HUNTED 1989 Photo: David Shankbone FEBRUARY 28 1849 Regular steamboat service from the west to the east coast of the United States begun. 1947 In Taiwan, civil disorder was put down with the loss of an estimated 30,000 civilians. 1991 The first Gulf War ended. 2013 Pope Benedict XVI resigned as the pope of the Catholic Church. February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 35

Buddhist temples.

July 12, 2014 - Buddhist Lent This day of a full moon marks the start of the Buddhist Lent, or rains Sunday, February 23, 4-9am retreat, the traditional time for Thai males to ordain as a monk, infor- Feb 23, 2014, 4-9am. Run for mally observed as the start of the Health, Run for Charity rainy season, when the South- Phuket International Hospital is Run for Health, westerly Monsoons are in full presenting this “Mini Marathon” force. to raise funds for charity and to win HRH Princess Maha Chakri Run for Charity Aug 12, 2014, Her Majesty the Sirindhorn Royal Trophies. This Queen's Birthday event is proudly sponsored by the Her Majesty the Queen Srikit Phuket Gazette and PGTV. For Kitiyakara’s 82nd Birthday. Also more info call 076-249400 or email marked as Mother’s Day in Thai- [email protected] land.

Feb 28, 7-11pm. Indian Curry Oct 23, 2014. Chulalongkorn Buffet at Navrang Mahal in Memorial Day Karon Sea Sands Resort Chulalongkorn Day commemorates All you can eat, authentic Indian the passing and reign of King Rama curry buffet at 499 baht net per V, who is best remembered for person. Come enjoy our cold Phuket International Health Marathon abolishing slavery in Thailand. mango and strawberry lassi with our delicious mutton vindaloo, Nov 6, 2014.Loy Krathong th dal makhani, bombay aloo, Apr 6, 2014. Chakri MemorialMay 1, 2014. Labor Day world look forward to the 20 One of the most beautiful festi- mutter paneer, butter chicken Day Public holiday for all commercial edition of the World Cup, this year vals in Thailand. It is traditionally and mouth-watering chicken Chakri Day commemorates the workers, but government offices to be played in arguably the top performed on the full moon night tikka, samosas, freshly baked origins of the Chakri dynasty, will remain open. footballing nation on the planet. of the twelfth lunar month, which naans and more. Contact Jaspal founded by Rama I, who estab- Here in Phuket, most of the games usually falls in November. A Singh on 076-286464 or visit the lished Bangkok as the nation’s May 5, 2014. Conronation Daywill be aired live in the morning Krathong is a banana-leaf cup con- website at: navrangmahal.com capital. HM King Bhumibol Coronation Day commemorates hours, though many restaurants taining flowers, a candle and in- Adulyadej is the ninth monarch of the accession to the throne of HM and bars will certainly screen re- cense sticks which will be floated March 1, 2014, from 9am. BISthe Chakri dynasty. King Bhumibol Adulyadej on May runs of all the matches. away in a canal or river. The idea Phuket Challenge Cup basket- 5, 1950. is to worship the river's Goddess ball tournament. Jun 28-July 27 (depends onand at the same time to float away Six of the best local highschool Apr 7, 2014. Substitute Holi- moon sighting). Ramadan any bad luck. Loy Krathong is not basketball teams to vie for the tro- day for Chakri Day May 24, 2014. Visakha Bucha DayMuslims worldwide, or roughly a a public holiday. phy. First match starts at 9am at A public holiday in Thailand Visakha Bucha Day is observed quarter of the planet’s population, BISP in Koh Kaew. commemerating the Chakri dynasty on the day of the full moon observe Ramadan as the ninth Dec 5, 2014, HisMajesty the during the 6th lunar month, which month of their calendar, a time for King’s Birthday Mar 20, 2014 10am-2pm, usually falls in either May or fasting during the day hours and His Majesty the King Bhumibol Phuket International Women's Apr 13-15, 2014. Songkranearly June. It is a day to com- feasting at night. Adulyadej’s 87th Birthday. Also Club AGM and lunch Festival memorate three important inci- marked as Father’s Day in Thai- The AGM of the Phuket Interna- Songkran is the Thai New Year dents: the birth, the enlighten- Jul 11, 2014. Arsarnha Buchaland. tional Women's Club will start at Festival, also known as the Wa- ment and the passing away of the Day 10am, where coffee will be served, ter Festival. Held during the hot- Buddha. These events are be- This full-moon day of the eighth Dec 10,2014, Constitution Day followed by our monthly lunch. test month in Thailand, Songkran lieved to have fallen on the same lunar month (traditional Thai This day commemorates the sign- Come to one or both. Members is celebrated by Thais through- lunar day and month (but on calendar) commemorates the ing of Thailand’s permanent con- 500 baht, guests 650. Location: out the country, who pour different years). Buddha's first sermon to his first stitution by King Prajadhibok Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. water – traditionally only a little, five disciples after attaining (Rama VII) in 1932, which marked Contact Carole Dux on 076-316 but these days a lot – on other Jun 12 to Jul 13, 2014. FIFAEnlightenment more than 2,500 the beginning of Thailand’s transi- 711 email [email protected] or people to wish them good luck World Cup in Brazil years ago. Evening candlelit pro- tion from an Absolute Monarchy go to phuketiwc.com for the new year. Football (soccer) fans around the cessions are staged at all Thai into a Constiutional Democracy. 36 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014 New flavors at Old Time Square

By Jeremie Schatz barbequing satay and frying noodles of ev- ery shape, size and style. BENEATH a fading pastel sunset with the The prices start at around 20 baht and Phuket Town skyline silhouetted, the go up from there. Pay for meal tickets in Phuket Old Time Square drew in the fes- the booth by the drinks counter and don't tive crowds for their grand opening cel- forget to cash in your unused ones on ebration on Friday, February 14. your way out. There is enough variety to It was the confluence of hungry fami- appease most and plenty of juices, teas lies out to enjoy the dance acts, musical and adult beverages to slake your thirst. groups and local food stalls, and valentine's The Phuket Old Time Square can be day sweethearts for a night out on the found where the old bus terminal was town. Families and couples alike were keen once located off of Phang Nga Road. to try some of the tasty vittles being The food stalls are open from 5-11pm saut ed, fried and grilled at the 20 or so daily. food stalls lining the open-air courtyard. Above the drinks counter is perched a second story dining area where patrons can sit under the warm glow of the Chi- nese lanterns and catch a birds-eye view of the courtyard. It was the perfect spot to watch the entertainment play out on stage and catch whiffs of the grilled pork, February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 37

Prizewinners Asian cinema cleans Golden Bear for best film: Bai Ri Yan Huo (Black Coal, Thin Ice), Diao Yinan, China

Jury Grand Prix Silver Bear: The Grand Budapest Hotel, Wes Anderson, Britain/ up at Berlin film fest Germany By Deborah Cole Silver Bear for best director: Richard Linklater for Boyhood, US THE 64th Berlin film festival wrapped up last Sunday after a resounding triumph for Silver Bear for best actress: Haru Kuroki Asian cinema at its gala awards ceremony, in Chiisai Ouchi (The Little House), including the Golden Bear top prize for a Japan Chinese noir mystery. Bai Ri Yan Huo (Black Coal, Thin Ice) Silver Bear for best actor: Liao Fan in Bai by Diao Yinan about a washed-up ex-cop Ri Yan Huo (Black Coal, Thin Ice), China investigating a series of grisly murders took the highest honor late Saturday, as Silver Bear for outstanding artistic con- well as the Silver Bear best actor award tribution (camera): Zeng Jian for Tui Na for its star Liao Fan. (Blind Massage), China/France “It’s really hard to believe that this dream has come true,” Diao said as he accepted the Silver Bear for best script: Dietrich trophy, fighting back tears. Brueggemann, Anna Brueggemann for It was the first Chinese film to win in The Berlinale is one of the world’s top film festivals, held since 1951. Photo: Maharepa Kreuzweg (Stations of the Cross), Berlin since the unconventional love story Germany Tuya De Hunshi (Tuya’s Marriage) by Wang portrait of the Chinese backwoods and a murder suspect (Gwei Lun Mei). Quan’an brought home the gold in 2007. passionate drama all in one”, it said. Diao said his film, his third feature, bridged Alfred Bauer Prize for work of particular In a remarkably strong showing for “And it represents Chinese cinema, grow- the gap between pure arthouse cinema and innovation: Aimer, boire et chanter (Life Asian contenders, the Berlinale, Europe’s ing in aesthetic strength, that is successfully multiplex fare. of Riley) by Alain Resnais, France first major film festival of the year, gave charting a new path between small films made “I finally did find the right way to combine its best actress prize to Japan’s Haru below the censors’ radar and the bombastic a film which has a commercial aspect to it Best first feature film: Gueros by Alonso Kuroki for her role as a discreet house- hero epics in a booming domestic market.” but which is nonetheless art, so that it’s Ruizpalacios, Mexico maid in wartime Tokyo in Yoji Yamada’s The second of three Chinese films in com- possible to launch it in these terms,” he told The Little House (Chiisai Ouchi).Yamada, petition in Berlin, Blind Massage (Tui Na) reporters after the awards ceremony. Golden Bear for best short film: Tant qu’il 82, called the film a necessary reminder of featuring a cast made up in part of amateur Diao said Chinese films were gaining nous reste des fusils a pompe (As Long war’s horrors for contemporary Japan. blind actors, captured a Silver Bear prize for ground in Western cinemas thanks in part to As Shotguns Remain) by Caroline Poggi Wes Anderson’s historical caper The outstanding artistic contribution for cinema- their exposure at major festivals. and Jonathan Vinel, France Grand Budapest Hotel – offering a nostalgic tographer Zeng Jian. “Every time we take our films abroad it look back at pre-World War II Europe – Best screenplay went to the German seems that there is an ever greater enthusi- Teddy for best feature with gay or claimed the runner-up Silver Bear grand siblings Dietrich and Anna Brueggemann for asm for Chinese cinema,” he said. lesbian context: Hoje Eu Quero Voltar jury prize. their wrenching drama Stations of the Cross The film has yet to be released in China Sozinho (The Way He Looks) by Daniel The picture starring Ralph Fiennes opened (Kreuzweg) about a teenager who makes the but a state media report said it had received a Ribeiro, Brazil the Berlinale on February 6. ultimate sacrifice for her fundamentalist government permit for screening with release German media reported widespread dis- Catholic family. possible in April or May. Teddy for best documentary film with gay appointment that the hot favourite to win the Veteran French director Alain Resnais drew However, some Chinese cinemagoers or lesbian context: Der Kreis (The Circle) Golden Bear, US filmmaker Richard Linklater the Alfred Bauer Prize for work of particular questioned whether political sensitivity might by Stefan Haupt, Switzerland for his ambitious coming-of-age tale Boyhood, innovation for his play-within-a-film Life of block its release at home, or at least result in made over 12 years with the same actors, Riley (Aimer, boire et chanter). deep cuts. China censors films it deems only claimed best director. A nine-member jury led by US producer obscene or politically touchy. But most called the prize for Black Coal, James Schamus (Crouching Tiger, Hidden “The sensitivity of the theme and content Thin Ice justified in a competition with few Dragon) handed out the prizes at a theatre in of the film is high, so I don’t know whether real standouts. the German capital. it can be shown in China,” said a microblog “Bai Ri Yan Huo is a brilliant genre Black Coal, Thin Ice is set in the late 1990s posting under the name Jiade Changle. variation which knows how to self-confidently in the frosty reaches of Northern China and US movie news website Indiewire update its Western prototypes and put them its murder mystery plot is told through noted that buzz about the picture had been in new contexts,” Spiegel Online said. enigmatic flashbacks. strong before its screening “on the Berlin’s daily Der Tagesspiegel called the Liao said he put on 20 kilograms to possibility of the film becoming that whit- choice “respectable”. play the alcoholic suspended police est of whales: a crossover Chinese- The film “is a bloody genre piece, a social officer who falls hard for a beautiful language international hit”. – The Nation Chinese director Yinan Diao (right). 38 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014 Gardening for layabouts

Allamandas produce eye-catching blooms, but need propping up to be at their best. Photo: Vaikoovery Bignonias thrive unattended in most conditions. Photo: Stan Shebs I’M SURE you have heard the the most tractable of plants. In Even without them, the choices has shiny dark green leaflets, expression, beloved by florists the contrast to the rigid and inflexible are extensive. One of the best is each pair with a branching world over, “Say it with flowers”. branches of trees and large woody the bignonia. It fits our criteria tendril. Perfectly equipped for Here’s an interesting slant on the shrubs, their stems are flexible and because it will thrive unattended, upward growth, my own speci- expression. An elderly couple limber, and can be guided or trained in most conditions, and climbs by men, left to its own devices, employed a “nice” German pris- to take any direction you want – form of support. tendrils and holdfast discs, attach- has colonized an alstonia and pro- oner of war to tend their garden upward or outward on a wall or I propose leaving this last ing itself to almost any surface. duces a seemingly continuous during the Second World War. fence, around a tree or unattrac- category for another day. While The flowers are trumpet-shaped , floral display. In America it is I remember the practice – my tive post, or up and over a trellis, it means leaving out vines I would about two inches across and are sometimes called crossvine; English parents did likewise. But arbor or pergola. Some can even personally want in a garden and conspicuous in plant nurseries when its stem are cut, it re- this POW was different. When the serve as ground cover. And be- do indeed possess, I am con- with their attractive deep red or sembles a cross. bright yellow crocuses came up cause they all have relatively scious that my allamandas, purplish blooms with a yellow or The much smaller bignonia (or in their spring lawn, they spelled slender branches, white throat. Often tecoma) capensis has only a partly out “Heil Hitler!” An arresting they are easy to they appear in hang- climbing habit. But as a relative, it example of man controlling nature. trim or prune. Low maintenance gardening is a necessity for ing baskets. deserves a mention here. Smaller Talk of constraining natural But be aware most of us on this emerald isle because of such Bignonias have and slower growing, T. capensis, forces recalls a recent discussion that though all ‘ been subject to has glossy green, pinnate leaves in this column on low maintenance vines have long, factors as high levels of heat and humidity, and much botanical re- and orange or yellow tubular gardening, a necessity for most of pliable stems, they diminishing levels of personal energy set against classification: the flowers that are borne in clumpy us on this emerald isle because of climb in a variety the unbridled vigor of plant growth. genus once in- racemes at the end of branches. such factors as high levels of heat of ways. Some are cluded many vines You may know it as the cape and humidity, and diminishing lev- self-supporting ’ with trumpet- honeysuckle, a climber tolerant of els of personal energy set against and equipped with tendrils; some chalice vines, bougainvilleas, shaped blooms. Confusingly, a wide range of conditions includ- the unbridled vigor of plant growth. twine around their own stems; thunbergias and Rangoon creep- some are still sold as bignonias, ing salt spray, wind and drought. I advised small trees and plenty others cling by means of suckers ers are all heavyweight vines that but the purple flowering variety A year-round bloomer and another of shrubs and especially ever- to existing structures. And still need propping up. Still, I have usually found here is often now good choice for the laid-back greens or plants with a neat more are scrambling or scandent lauded their virtues before and called saritaea magnifica or Baan Phuket gardener. appearance that could mostly be plants that ascend skywards with will do so again. In terms of burii muang in Thai. Whatever left to their own devices. no visible means of attachment; producing near continuous dis- you care to call it – saritaea or If you have a question or a garden that In this regard, climbers are a they climb effectively only if their plays of exotic and eye-catching bignonia capreolata – it is spec- you would like featured you can email sound choice, for they are among stems are securely tied to some blooms, they are indispensable. tacular, a vigorous grower which me at: [email protected] Tip of the week Soil issues

MOST healthy soils in temperate climates have between 150 and 300 centimeters of top soil. You will be lucky to find such a substantial layer in Phuket. As any gardener will tell you, the top soil is thin and sits above a dense clay-like subsoil which holds water in the wet season and has the con- sistency of concrete in prolonged dry weather. Sometimes the construction pro- cess has removed the top soil altogether. This top layer, usually darker in color, is important for plant growth since it con- tains varying amounts of organic matter, air, minerals, trace elements and nutrients. But what is not generally known is that if the topsoil is too deep or too compacted, it can create stale and anaerobic conditions. So mixing subsoil with the upper layer or adding compost or sand actually improves drainage, an important consideration, es- Photo: Jon Sullivan pecially for plants that resent having their Photo: NRCS Soil Health roots permanently moist. Climbers’ stems are flexible and can be guided to take any direction. Healthy soil is not easy to come by in Phuket. February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 39 The dystopia trilogy

ALICE Munro and Margaret Atwood are the Ali and Frazier of Canada – the top two literary heavyweights. Munro is now champ, having recently scored the knock- out punch of winning the Nobel Prize for Literature. The two writers could not be more different. The 82-year-old Munro writes only short stories, collected in 14 books. Eight years younger, Atwood is the more prolific: 21 novels, 15 books of poetry and Margaret Atwood is a ‘literary heavyweight’. 11 of literary criticism and assorted essays. Photo: Mark Hill Photography Munro is studiously nonpolitical; Atwood is in the forefront of feminist and environ- mental causes. Atwood’s politics bleed over into her fiction, leavened with toughness and wild humor. She has recently completed a science fiction trilogy with MaddAddam (Doubleday, New York, 2013, 394pp). You really do have to read the first two novels – Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood – but Atwood has thoughtfully provided a synopsis of the pair for forgetful readers like me. In Atwood’s trilogy, the future is bleak, but there may be hope, or at least humor. Photo: SUXSIEQ The time is the future, the place, the Pacific Northwest. Democratic politics and Crake’s friend Jimmy, code-named The He then launches himself upon a a free press are long in the past. All power Snowman, who has killed Crake after Crake checkered career of multiple jobs and is wielded by rapacious corporations whose killed Onyx, leads the Crakers to the sea- aliases, constantly assuming new identi- minions are sheltered in corporate com- shore. The first two novels end at the same ties and covering his tracks. He roams pounds, guarded by an all-powerful security moment: when human intruders appear through the northern Canadian woods, apparatus known as CorpSeCorps. Outside on the beach. The final novel takes off both American coasts and down to an off- these walls are the lawless purlieus of from there: the battle between the good shore brothel in Rio. He alternates between “pleeblands” whose wretched inhabitants survivors who formed the underground computer work in the Corps compounds survive on synthetic slop. resistance to the old order, and the evil and menial jobs like a strip club bouncer The environment is degraded, global Painballers, former gladiators who have in the pleeblands. Of one woman named warming amok, cities underwater. Ge- been stripped of all humanity. Wynette, a “SecretBurgers meatslinger”. netic manipulation is so rampant that a Thus summarized, the trilogy might seem He recalls, “Already she was begin- Toby, the heroine of the second book of scientist code-named Crake develops an banal and fey, but is anything but. A tough, ning to emerge from the initial sex- the trilogy, whom he marries in the third. alternative nonviolent human species violent, cynical, larcenous survivor named induced coma created by him through the She provides her own caustic commen- known as Crakers, with huge green eyes, Zeb, who leads an ecological resistance magic of his first contact-with-aliens, tary, to which he objects: “You laughing genitalia that turns blue when aroused, a group known as God’s Gardeners, domi- puppy-on-speed gonadal enthusiasm. . . at me? Victim of a confused youth due to diet of grass, no clothes and no knowl- nates the third novel and, like Satan in Not to brag, but during their nightly parental abuse? Plus, I grew too fast?” edge of good and evil. His girlfriend Paradise Lost, has all the best lines. tangles her eyes had rolled up so far into “Would I laugh?” Onyx instructs them in a new ersatz re- At sixteen, he flees his father, a phony her head that she looked like the undead “Matter of fact, you would. Heart like ligion. Crake then launches upon the preacher at the Church of PetrOleum, who half the time. . . But now she was mis- shale. What you need is a good fracking.” global market a pill called BlyssPluss delights in pornography and child-beating, taking Zeb’s animal energies for In her trilogy, Atwood may be scoring which enraptures the entire human race Zeb uses his computer smarts both to seize something more profound. She wanted political points against rampant capital- and then kills them. his offshore riches and expose him as a post-hump chat.” ism but it goes down with a hefty dose Thinking himself the sole survivor, fraud and murderer. Zeb is telling his tale, in segments, to of rollicking good humor. Read all three. 40 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

Making gym cool again Chalong’s Unit-27 has worked out how to bring excitement back into your work-out

By Maciek Klimowicz the individuals’ fitness levels. Another ele- and Fridays from 7-8am), free weights and everyone, everyone that wishes to get fit ment of the “Rapid Fire” program is that it private sessions in between classes and the and anyone who would like to try some- THERE'S sure some exiting sports out is an intrinsic workout, where partners mo- weekly “Sunday Showtime” – a cinema and/ thing new and exciting with trained there – diving, rock climbing, free run- tivate each other to complete the course in or an informative session ranging from professional athletes. [We offer] total ning, gym fitness training... wait, the the best time suited. The third daily session nutrition to health or general fitness, will conditioning of the body, for those who gym? It might be challenging and fulfill- comes under the name “Reloaded” (2:30- keep your mind and muscles fit and busy want to lose weight and for those who ing but few would call it exciting. At least 4pm, 30 people capacity) and is a hardcore for a long time, especially since there is want to enhance their MMA or Muay Thai this is how things were up until now. A and rounded strength and conditioning ses- more to come. training, this is the place to do so. There new place here in Phuket is on a mission sion designed to improve explosive power, “We are currently expanding our gym, is a lot of people who want to get into to change that image. strength, mobility and injury prevention. It adding new classes and new facilities such shape, live healthy and try something fun, “Unit-27 has been open since Novem- is predominantly time based (20 seconds as spinning, ice baths and other amenities new and exciting. Unit-27 offers pure fit- ber 2013,” says Liam Griffin, business on, 10 secs off), with up to 30 stations on that gives the customers a multitude of ness.” development and client liaison manager at any given day. Due to the time bases of the activities,” says Liam. Unit-27 gym. “An average of 50 clients circuits, this metabolic conditioning offers If you are already excited about the Unit-27 is located at 9/49 Moo 5, Tambon per day train here, modestly speaking. a wide range of activities. prospect of going to the gym, maybe for Chalong, Amphur Muang, Phuket. For more We have a limit on the amount of people in And that's not all. Yoga classes three the first time in your life, Liam is not sur- info call 076 367 380, e-mail [email protected] our classes, this is to ensure that our times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays prised. “Our program is suitable for or go to: unit-27.com instructor to client ratio is kept at one to five and we emphasize quality above all else,” he explains. And it's the quality that seems to draw people to Unit-27, a custom designed, specialized gym facility created to fill the need for a scientifically-proven full-fitness facility in Chalong. “The combination of our fully-qualified in- structors and state-of-the- art facility provide for a structured and safe development of physical, mental and social health,” says Liam. You won't find the ever-present basic work-out machines here; Unit-27 is more than a few pressing benches and tread- mills dumped in a room with mirrors. Brand new equipment such as 30-foot rope climbs, scrambling nets, tyre flips, a prowler and more, combined with the knowledge and experience of its team of highly qualified, English speaking instruc- tors and a friendly atmosphere, ensure a fun and effective workout. There are three training sessions a day. A one hour “Morning Glory” class at 8am (30 people limit) is a blend of sprints, runs and explosive power training designed to ensure the rest of your day goes hard and strong. Next comes the “Rapid Fire” (11am-12:30pm, 25 people limit) that concentrates on completing the set at the amount of reps in each exercise and gives a greater emphasis on strength-based train- ing, as the weights can be adjusted to suite English speaking, experienced staff are there to instruct, motivate and keep the training interesting. Photos: Supplied February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Mega fauna storm Phuket

WHALE sharks and manta rays are the climax for divers’ wet dreams – though admittedly most divers’ dreams are wet. Unfortunately, the probability of sharing ocean space with both of these majestic marine creatures on a single trip is absurdly low, yet just north of Phuket at the Similan Islands, that’s exactly what’s happening. While many of us are cooped up in the office on island, and many more shacked away in some godforsaken snow-covered country, there are divers departing Phuket daily on live-aboards for a trip of a lifetime. Though whale sharks and manta rays are no strangers to Even more thrillingly, the Similans, especially Koh Bon ‘ and Koh Ta Chai between Janu- people taking quick day- ary and April, Michael Wallentin of Kon-Tiki Diving explains that trips in the region are there seems to have been a no- ticeable increase in the number of sightings of both of these awe-in- being rewarded with just spiring animals. Even more thrillingly, people such sightings: whale taking quick day-trip in the region sharks and manta rays are being rewarded with just such ’ hefty sightings – and whale sharks, averaging over 20 tons, are heavy-weight champions when it comes to fish. Martin Edwards recently had the opportunity to swim with this five-meter-long juvenile whale shark in Banglow Bay. Photo: Martin Edwards Only last week, Martin motion, thinking someone had Racha Noi, also on the weekly- There have of course still been try, there are no guarantees. Edwards, who was bound for seen a turtle, we went out to the rounds for many dive boats, are plenty of sightings of black tip reef However, it seems like now isn’t a Racha Yai island, had the oppor- dive deck to be confronted by a picking up. sharks and turtles, but that is quite bad time to play hooky from work tunity to splash in with a whale five-meter juvenile whale shark Lastly, people taking southern normal, assured Michael. and get your money in while the shark. swimming right next to the live-aboard trips to the stunning As they say in the diving indus- odds are in your favor. “For over three years, diving boat!” dive sites of Hin Daeng and Hin between the Similans and Krabi, “In a somewhat orderly fashion Muang are also sending back I’ve wanted to see a whale shark,” many scrambled for masks, fins healthy reports of whale shark Martin said. and cameras to witness this amaz- sightings. “Dave, my dive buddy and I ing event, some followed it, though It feels like the only area were enjoying a great lunch I decided to wait and see if it off-island that isn’t producing these aboard Andaman Ocean Safaris’ returned. Fortunately, it did.” mega fauna wonders are the beau- dive boat when we heard a com- Sightings of manta rays at tiful coral reefs of Koh Phi Phi.

Photo: Andrea Filippozzi

Manta rays, another heavyweight of the seas, are being spotted in higher numbers in our region’s waters. 42 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014 PayingPaying homagehomage toto Thalang’sThalang’s heroesheroes

The bronze statues of the nine heroes of Thalang were erected at Thalang Victory Memorial Field on January 30, 2014. Photos: Jeremie Schatz THALANG Town, the oldest In the year 1752, they had a Ayutthaya fell on April 7, 1767. It power for the next two years settlement on the island of daughter together, named Khun is widely believed that the King died when he himself was killed by Phuket, has seen its fair share Prang. In 1754, Lady Chan shortly after, while fleeing the Bur- gunshot. of war, invasion and acts of gave birth to their mese. It was one of After Phraya Ard’s death, heroism. Recently, nine bronze first son named the darkest eras in Lady Chan’s husband, Phraya statues were erected at the Thien. It was Siamese history. Phimon was appointed the next Thalang Victory Memorial Field during the reign Almost a year governor of Thalang. He may in order to commemorate nine of of King Ekkathat, later, General Taksin have already been serving as the the most prominent rulers of the the last King of turned the situation vice-governor for sometime dur- old town of Thalang. Ayutthaya. The around and coun- ing this turbulent period. Among the nine statues that following year, terattacked the During the time when Phraya have been recently erected, some 1755, Lord Sripakdi remaining Burmese Phimon was the governor of are easily recognizable. For ex- died. Lady Chan armies in Siam. His Thalang, Lady Chan’s eldest ample, Thao Thepkasattri (Lady was only 20 years tactical genius won son, Thien had come of age and Chan) and Thao Srisoonthorn of age. Several him victory after was ready to assume a state (Khun Mook) are highly revered years later, in victory and he office. Lady Chan therefore by Phuket locals and their stat- 1767, Lady Chan managed to drive asked the ruler of Nakhon Si ues can be found elsewhere on got married again, the Burmese com- Thammarat to bestow her son the island as well. this time to Luang pletely out of with the governorship of Baan However, less is known about Phimon, the gov- Siam. On Decem- Tha Rua. some of the prominent gover- ernor of Kraburi. ber 28, 1767, less Not long after, Phraya Phimon nors of Thalang whose statues They had five than a year after was accused of assassinating will stand to commemorate them children together, the fall of Ayutthaya, Phraya Ard. He was arrested and alongside the brave sisters. named Thong, Taksin was crowned summoned to the capital in the Phraya Thalang Thien was Jui (who would Siam’s new King in year 1780. However, before the one of the brave men who fought later be known as his newly estab- orders could be carried out, Siam to repel the Burmese invasion in Phraya Yokkrabat lished capital, was thrown back into turmoil 1785 during the Nine Armies Jui), Niam, Kim Thon Buri. once again. A group of nobles War. He was the second son of and Muang. The two famous heroines lead the pack at Victory Field. After peace was initiated a coup against King Lady Chan and Lord Sripakdi, Since Thien restored through- Taksin, which resulted in his who was the governor of a town was the oldest of the governor’s during that period. Thien also out the country, King Taksin deposition. Later, King Taksin called Taban, now in the bound- sons, he was expected to inherit received extensive military train- appointed a Chinese statesman was executed. Chao Phraya aries of Surat Thani province. the governorship of Thalang ing. He was taught about military named Khangseng to become the Chakri was invited to take the Lady Chan married Lord when the time came. He was tactics and the use of weapons new governor of Thalang in the throne as the next King of Siam. Sripakdi when she was only six- educated well, taught how to like swords, daggers, spears and year 1770. Khangseng remained He was crowned King Rama I in teen years of age. After their read and write Thai, Malay, Chi- firearms. the Governor of Thalang until the the year 1782. marriage, Lord Sripakdi moved to nese and even English. He was In the year 1767, the Burmese year 1773, when Lady Chan’s Following the deposition of Thalang Town and was bestowed taught mathematics, taxation and attacked Ayutthaya and sacked the brother, Ard, killed him. After a King Taksin, the new rulers an official post by the Governor even the means to identify the city. King Ekkathat tried desper- brief power struggle, Ard seized wanted to root out the old re- of Thalang, who at that time was quality of tin, since that was ately to rally his forces in order to the governorship of Thalang for gime as quickly as possible. Lady Chan’s father. Phuket’s main source of revenue counter the invasion but to no avail. himself. Phraya Ard remained in Nobles that were favored or put February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 43

Venturing to Victory Field

Photo: Google Maps INSPIRED by Anand Singh’s column about old Thalang’s nine revered rulers, the Gazette Features’ team decided to seek out Thalang Victory Field during a lunch break and have a peek at the new 50-million-baht attraction that was inaugurated only weeks ago. The map we had suggested that the site should have been right off the Don Jom Tao road (route 4030), just west of Thepkrasattri Road in Thalang. However, that map was off, and there were no statues in sight, let alone visible, obvious direction signs. Some locals told us to keep following the road we’d turned onto (Baan Riang Rd), heading north/northwest and that “we couldn’t miss it... it’s just around the bend”. Alas, we found the site: a large field with a mound in the middle of it serving as a pedestal for the nine statues. A peaceful setting indeed – we were surrounded by mountains (okay, hills), lakes, trees and not yet any concrete box subdivisions to spoil the view, granted there was one small migrant worker construction camp for the workers still diligently preparing the site. To save you the trouble of asking for directions, here’s some of our own: If coming from Two Heroines monument, head north until you reach the first traffic lights in Thalang, where you should make a left turning onto route 4030 (Don Jom Tao Rd). Head west for about 500 meters, and just before the road starts bending in a southwest direction, take the turn off on the right hand side of the road. This road is called Baan Riang Rd. The road goes north for about 450 meters or so before sharply bending to the left (west). Continue west for another 500 meters and the road will fork two ways. Keep left (heading south) and follow the bending road another 150 meters past the lake and you really can’t miss it. Happy exploring!

Other notable governors of Thalang stand beside the better known brave sisters. into power during Taksin’s reign manders, on charges of treason. Following the death of Chao were arrested or summoned for Chao Phraya Inthawongsa had Phraya Inthawongsa, Phraya questioning. During that time, been maintaining a garrison at Pak Thammatrailok charged Lady Phraya Thongpoon had tempo- Phra for sometime. When faced Chan with assisting a traitor to rarily replaced Phraya Phimon as with Phraya Thammatrailok’s the crown. Lady Chan was later the governor of Thalang. charges, Chao Phraya Intha- arrested and imprisoned at Pak In 1784 King Rama I sent wongsa fought back with a Phra. Phraya Thammatrailok to come handful of loyal troops beside him This story continues in the to Pak Phra, the channel between but he could not withstand Phraya next Looking Back column. Phuket Island and mainland Thammatrailok’s army. Chao Phang-Nga to investigate Chao Phraya Inthawongsa fled to Baan Anand Singh is an avid Phuket Phraya Inthawongsa, one of King Tha Rua and later committed historian and can be contacted Taksin’s highest military com- suicide to avoid being taken alive. through email: [email protected] 44 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014 Service for the South Limited options for domestic aviation in need of expansion

In almost every case, however, the only way to get from one to the other is the same: through Bangkok, or by road.

LOAD FACTOR No route in Thailand’s South is more important than Phuket to Haad Yai, yet the route has remained without a carrier since Happy Air abandoned its service some time in 2010. The route is, quite obviously, one with potential. By Somchai Huasaikul There are so many Songkhla resi- dents living and working in Phuket HERE in Thailand, and especially the that they even have their own as- Southern region, the small-scale “com- sociation, as do many of the prov- muter” airline industry continues to lag inces in the region. More interpro- far behind what is available in many other vincial buses ply the countries in the region. 9-hour route than any other after Apart from a few Phuket – Bangkok, another strong flights connecting Koh Samui with indicator of demand. Phuket and Krabi each week, getting Numerous airlines have tried the from Point A to Point B “as the crow flies” Phuket – Haad Yai route, but none in the South is seldom an option. It is successfully over the long term. not even possible to fly from Phuket The most recent to abandon the Photo: Radoslaw Idaszak to Haad Yai, the South’s two largest route was Happy Air, which in late Nok Mini services destinations in the north and northeast with a small fleet of Saab 340s turboprops. commercial cen- 2009 launched a “tri- ters, or between angle route” connecting by antigovernment insurgents, were manager at Bangkok Airways Corporate any of the other Back then, it seemed Phuket with Haad Yai and probably all among the factors that led Communications Department, told the “international” inevitable that 20 years down Langkawi Island in Malaysia. our namesake carrier to scrap the route, Gazette by email in late December that, airports in the the‘ road it would be possible By 2011, all of its services out along with all other domestic services, “We have as yet no plan to expand region, on a of HKT, its original hub, had by September that year. Prior to that, our routes in the South of Thailand at scheduled flight. to fly from just about every been abandoned. It now uses now-defunct Andaman Air tried the route, the moment. However, we will update you It was not al- province to every other on a its sole Saab 340 turboprop again without success. if anything comes available in the future.” ways this way. out of Suvarnabhumi in Not all regions of Thailand More recently, Back in the 80s scheduled flight, in much the Bangkok for scheduled flights are without commuter airlines. we contacted Nok and 90s, THAI same way that as kids, many to and Ranong. For example, , launched We have as yet Mini, which oper- offered numer- of us fully expected the new Before that, Nok Air in 2010, currently operates no plan to expand our ates most of its ous flights launched a service between scheduled flights aboard prop routes‘ in the south flights out of Don connecting ma- millenium transport reality to the two cities in mid-2007 planes from its Chiang Mai hub Muang to destina- jor population resemble images from The using a 150-seat Boeing 737- to destinations as remote as of Thailand at the tions in the north centers in the Jetsons. 400 jet. Citing insufficient Pai, and Nan, moment. However, and northeast with region aboard load factor, it scrapped the as well as larger population we will update you if any- its small fleet of comfortable, ’ service just six months later, centers like Khon Kaen. Saab 340s turbo- single aisle jets. During Chuan Leekpai’s near the start of the high season for tour- It is unclear why the “fine thing comes available in props, which premiership, there were two flights daily ism that year. Then VP For marketing end” of the market here in the the future. typically have a 30 connecting Phuket to Haad Yai, with stop- Sehapan Chumsai told the Gazette at the South remains practically to 36 seat con- over service to Trang, which also happens time that a 70-seat plane would be appro- nonexistent, especially when – Tasara Taksinapan,’ figuration which is to be Chuan’s home town. You could also priate given the demand they had seen, the overall trend at major media relations manager at perfect for this fly direct from Nakhon Sri Thammarat which overwhelmingly comprised local airports throughout the region Bangkok route. However, to Phuket on state carrier THAI, which Thai commuters. is one of considerable growth. Airways it also operates at that time played a much more aggres- Going further back in time to the early At the end of January 2014, twice daily flights sive role in developing the country’s 2000s, Phuket Airports of Thai- from Chiang Mai tourism industry. Air used to land (AoT) reported increases to Udon Thani, three daily flights to Mae Back then, it seemed inevitable that 20 offer popular in both aircraft movements Hong Son and even a daily flight to years down the road it would be possible daily flights and passenger traffic at all remote Mae Sod. to fly from just about every province to from HKT to six airports under its manage- Mr Sant Sang-wornrachasup, Nok every other on a scheduled flight, in HDY aboard a ment, which include both Mini’s vice president for commercial much the same way that, as kids, many 60-seat Japa- Phuket International and Haad operations for the last two years, told the of us fully expected the new millennium nese-built Yai International. Gazette that his airline has considered transport reality to resemble images from NAMC YS-11. In 2013, the six AoT taking on the Phuket to Haad Yai route. The Jetsons. These were rou- facilities handled 88.29 “But we need to study this route in Such are the dangers of juvenile tinely close to million passengers, with a detail before we commit or make further speculation. Deregulation internationally, full when this record number (11.3 mil- planning,” he wrote in an email. “red tape” and other, unwritten restric- correspondent lion) at Phuket, the nation’s He added that the carrier was also tions inside the Kingdom have left was commu- third busiest airport after studying a couple of other unspecified would-be regional air commuters in a ting between Suvar-nabhumi (51.4mn) routes in the South region. sorry state. Songkhla and and Don Muang (16.5mn). Nok Mini’s current expansion plan is to Currently, businessmen, tourists and Phuket back Haad Yai Airport handled develop and expand into regional markets, others who want to get from Phuket to then. However, 2.5mn passengers, just with a special emphasis on “high-yield” and Haad Yai have to fly an hour north to Don economic fac- Happy Air abandoned service to Haad under half the number at “quality” niche markets, he explained. Hope- Muang, then catch an even longer flight tors relating to Yai in 2010. Photo: Gazette File Chiang Mai (5.5mn). fully the airline will consider expanding into back south. The same applies to all major that airlines’ The Gazette tried to the South, which appears to be a virgin and population centers in the South, which being blacklisted in the EU for safety contact several airlines to see what sort potentially profitable market for any well- actually has ten commercial airports all reasons, as well as the lack of demand of interest there might be in taking over run airline with good service and marketing. fully capable of hosting commuter after the 2004 tsunami disaster, and the the Phuket to Haad Yai route. aircraft. April 2005 bombing of Haad Yai Airport Mr Tasara Taksinapan, media relations See related editorial, Page 18 February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 45 46 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

Words to the wise “I read recipes the same way I read science fiction. I get to the end and I think, “Well, that’s not going to happen.”” – Anonymous

“It was the Law of the Sea, they said. Civilization ends at Across the waterline. Beyond that, we all enter the food chain, 9. Ah! I catch out the and not always right at the top. Phuket checkpoint (4,4) – Hunter S. Thompson 10. Scottish overcoat? (3) 11. How about fifty-fifty, zero void? (6) 12. Credit one's old women (6) 13. Intones about strain (7) 14. Propose in verse round time, note (4) 15. False 'Ciao' as full drunk (10) 17. Simplicity seen as is, perhaps (8) 18. Almost one table worthy of quoting (7) 19. Or back in teetotal jog (4) 21. Try around the finish to be up to date (6) 24. Hornpipes, reels, etc. cause scandal; rid it at one move. (17) 27. Settle on choice (6) SUDOKU: Each row, column and 3x3 sub-grid must contain the 29. Not these, the married (4) number 1-9 once only. Kevin Stone (brainbashers.com) 30. Once dim, became fiendish (7) Down 20. Risen badly, a wash-out! (5) 33. Moan lid destroyed in 1. Treated, I march past the 22. Col. seen about to surround (7) instrument (8) dispenser (10) 23. Note the difference (11) 35. Stab one pin wildly into chili 2. Mad, turns up in daze (4) 25. I tell scent destroyed ingredient (10) 3. Material of ship lacy, faculties of reasoning (10) 36. Nonsense, it's a sort of perhaps! (8) 26. Nice if tics could be bed (4) 4. Con, if it produces falsehood (7) knowledge based (10) 37. Entrance in seventh 5. Westerners can't close, I'd 28. Assess value, maybe eat rally (7) arranged (11) out (8) 38. Cite me back, something 6. Since heat possibly out East 31. Possibly tie score, mysteri- that makes me sick (6) produces Oriental beverage (7,3) ous (8) 40. Narrow waterway sounds 7. Split spice new (6) 32. Licit, maybe, around undeviating (6) 8. Bruised, continued, took Newfoundland, so impose (7) 41. Solitary round North- advantage of (8) 34. OK, maid arranged flowers east (3) 10. Puts right many conclusions (5) in Thailand (3,3) 42. Possibly claim spasm 16. What comes out slowly from 35. The prize is in the bag (5) related to weather (8) gala. Eek! (7) 39. Made up name for cheese (4)

PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20): on top of things in the world of LIBRA (Sept 24-Oct 23): enables you to face up to problems Your impatience needs work is recommended as there Librans can learn a lot that have been swept under to be contained this can be last minute challenges at from others this week as the mat – Tuesday is the most week. Pisceans who the end of February. A mellow the astral atmosphere auspicious day to approach are frustrated with their current mood this weekend has a positive promotes the sharing of skills people who have power. In the employment prospects are advised effect on personal relationships. and information. A water sign can realm of romance, another fire that a different career direction can Sparkling days for romance are help you resolve a work related sign shows their need for more come out of the blue next month. Thursday and Friday. problem and another air sign has commitment. If you are tiring of certain friends’ interesting tips for those hoping behavior in your social circle, the GEMINI (May 22-June 21): LEO (July 24-Aug 22): to relocate. Where finances are CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20): cosmic climate encourages intro- There are positive vibra- You can be lured out of concerned, money is slow to The stars continue to ductions to new people this week- tions in the air for your comfort zone this move until March commences – support Capricorns’ end. Those celebrating a birthday Geminis during the last weekend. The stars in- you may not be able to count on a efforts to set their lives in the days ahead will be more week of February. The stars dicate that Leos who had planned payment that was promised at the straight. Your productivity peaks creative during the coming year. indicate that your zest for life is nothing more challenging than end of this month. as the end of February approaches, contagious and friends will be lying around in their lairs will have which is a good thing as March is ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20): happy to follow your lead. It will to follow friends on their quest for SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22): forecast to be a slower month for This is an auspicious be easier to respect other people’s fun. If you have been struggling Awkward issues that you progress. Make the most of the week to clear out mental points of view and you could have with a personal problem, an earth believed to be over can astral support this week by aiming cobwebs. The stars sug- a change of heart about an impor- sign’s input can reveal an easy be raised again in the higher than you are usually gest that Arians may have become tant issue. Giving more support to way out. Lucky days for love are world of work. The situation inclined. On a personal level, obsessed with a certain fact that a water sign partner makes all the Monday and Tuesday. Money should blow over soon, but you communication is more relaxed is untrue. Jealousy is highlighted difference to this relationship. matters are well starred on may need to have a heart to heart and you discover that a fire sign to be the cause if this concerns Wednesday. with an air sign colleague. Where has hidden qualities. your romantic life. In the world CANCER (June 22-July 23): romantic affairs are concerned, of work, your dissatisfaction with In the world of work, VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 23): the stars advise that Scorpios AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19): an earth sign colleague’s ethics change should be viewed You can be tempted can be disappointed this week. This is not the right time needs to be brought out into the as a gateway to oppor- towards overspending However, something is set to for modesty. The stars open; Tuesday is a good day to tunities. Once you can accept this, during the coming days. happen at the start of March that show that Aquarians who lay foundations for a better the stars indicate that there will be There are hints that a visit from a will more than compensate for this. want to get ahead in the world of relationship. a feeling of liberation. Finances are family member or close friend work must prepare to sell their highlighted to benefit from an could cost more than Virgoans can SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21):skills. Wednesday is the most TAURUS (Apr 21-May 21): unexpected bonus at the end of afford. The realm of romance is Efforts to stem the auspicious day to prove what you Your luck with finances February. In the realm of romance, affected by mystery during the last flow of money away are made of, with a fire sign fore- improves and Taureans’ precious moments lie ahead this week of February. Those who from you should finally cast to make the right offer. In prudent approach to weekend. Those Cancerians who were hoping for answers from a pay off for Sagittarians. The your personal zone, information investments and savings is forecast are reunited with a partner who water sign will have to wait until stars show that February will picked from the gossip grapevine to help them find solutions that has been absent realize it was well this person is ready to reveal their end on a more positive financial can lead you to the wrong will increase their assets. Staying worth the wait. true feelings. note. A more confident mood conclusion concerning a fire sign. February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Olympic boss pleads to end violence By Mike Collett-White

THE world's ice hockey superpowers slugged it out for a place in the men's semi-finals at the Winter Olympics on Wednesday, when the more graceful yet no less competitive women's figure skating also got underway. Far from the sporting arena, Ukraine's Olympics boss Sergey Bubka called for an end to violence in his country, where at least 25 people have been killed in bloody street protests. Russian fans will be roared on the home team when they came up against the formi- dable barrier of Finland at the futuristic Bolshoy Ice Dome, while Canada and the United States also both played on Wednes- day evening. At the nearby Iceberg Skating Palace, there was similarly partisan support for 15- year-old Julia Lipnitskaya, one of the favorites in the women's singles competi- tion having mesmerized the Games with her performance in the team event. That contest concluded on Thursday, while on Wednesday eight medals were up for grabs in the Caucasus mountains and on the Black Sea coast in the Sochi Olympic Park. They included the men's giant slalom, in which Ted Ligety is sought to win a first US Alpine skiing gold at the Sochi Games. Thick fog, rain and snow that made skiing so difficult earlier in the week and had lifted by Wednesday, so conditions were clear. Photo: Reuters/Brian Snyder Former pole vault champion Bubka Sweden's Daniel Sedin (obscured) is surrounded by his linemates celebrating his goal as Slovenia's goalie Robert Kristan looks on. called for peace in Ukraine, while for the country's Olympic team minds were as “We're getting support from the Russian no doubt hoping events in Ukraine would DUTCH DOMINANCE much on tumultuous events at home as they spectators and I'm grateful for that.” not overshadow Russia's first Winter At the Adler Arena in the Olympic Park, were on the sport. Games, where state-of-the-art venues and Czech Marina Sablikova tried to hold back “I want to bring Olympic Truce to my “STOP THE BLOODSHED” thrilling action have pushed criticism the orange Dutch tide and retain her 5,000 country,” Bubka said on Twitter. “Dialogue Demonstrations erupted in November during the build-up to the Olympics firmly meters speedskating title. is power, violence is weak- after President Viktor into the background. Ireen Wust had already beaten her over ness.” Yanukovich bowed to The president attributed much of that 3,000 meters in Sochi and sought yet “Our athletes are com- pressure from neighbor- criticism – of a law banning the promotion another Dutch gold in a sport they have peting hard in Sochi, but ing Russia and pulled out of homosexuality among minors and of the dominated at these Games. peacefully and with honor. of a planned trade pact high costs of staging the event – to a Cold As this goes to print, France’s double Violence has no place in the with the European Union, War mentality in the West. Olympic champion Martin Fourcade was world.” deciding instead to accept Threatened demonstrations have been few doubtful because he was suffering from The upheaval has been a Kremlin bailout for the and far between during the February 7-23 sinusitis, Norway and Russia are among the hard for Ukraine's athletes indebted economy. Games, although protest group Pussy Riot favorites for the mixed relay in biathlon. to block out. Sweden's Loui Eriksson (left) On Wednesday, did crash the Olympic party briefly on Two other sports had double medal “Yes it's a distraction, scores on Slovenia's goalie Russia demanded that Tuesday when they were detained for events – the men's and women's team everyone's talking about it – Photo: Reuters/Martin Rose/Pool Ukrainian opposition several hours at a Sochi police station. sprints in cross-country skiing and the even just now at the start, at the finish, people leaders “stop the bloodshed” in Kiev, and Members of the group, who once again snowboarding parallel giant slalom. are saying 'what's happened in your country, said Moscow would use all its influence to grabbed international media attention, were The last event to be decided is the what's happened?'” said Dmytro Mytsak, 18, bring peace to its “friendly brother state”. in Sochi to record a musical film called “Putin woman's bobsleigh while there are also a Ukrainian giant slalom skier from Kiev. Russian President Vladimir Putin was will teach you to love the motherland”. semi-finals in both curling competitions. Pakistan gets new coach FORMER test captain Moin Khan Sohail so he holds no post on the has been appointed Pakistan's head board,” chief operating officer coach for the Asia Cup and Subhan Ahmad told a news confer- Twenty20 World Cup tournaments ence in Lahore. in Bangladesh, Pakistani cricket's The committee appointed former new management committee said on test captain Zaheer Abbas as the Tuesday. Pakistan team's chief cricket con- The 11-man committee was con- sultant, accompanying them on all stituted on Monday by the tours. Abbas was also named on the government of Prime Minister committee by the government. Nawaz Sharif who sacked Pakistan The head coach position fell Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka vacant after Australian Dav What- Ashraf on charges of mismanage- more did not extend his two-year ment and misuse of powers. contract with the PCB this month. Headed by new chairman Najam Moin had served as manager of Sethi, the committee reversed all the national team since last October decisions taken by Ashraf declaring but was sacked when Ashraf was null and void the appointment of reinstated as PCB by the Islamabad former test captain Aamir Sohail last high court last month. – Reuters week as chief selector and director of game development. The Asia Cup is held from February “There is no record of any 25 to March 8 and the Twenty20 World appointment letter being issued to Cup between March 16 and April 6. 48 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014 Thai team ousts Hong Kong THE Thai Davis Cup team tri- “We were delighted with the umphed against Hong Kong 4-1 opportunity to host this interna- in the regional (Asia/Oceania) tional event and I would like to matchup at Thanyapura Phuket on congratulate Thailand on their Sunday, February 16. success, and our team at Than- After an uncertain start which yapura for the seamless execution saw Thailand’s Warit Sornbutnark of a very important sporting defeated in the opening match occasion,” said Mr McCormack. against Hong Kong’s Phillip King, “Our tennis, swimming and the home team rallied to win the triathlon academies offer world- following four matches over the class facilities, and we look weekend to triumph with an forward to bringing more events impressive margin. of this stature to Phuket to put the On the final day, Thailand’s Thanyapura Phuket destination Pruchya Isarow and Nuttanon firmly on the international map for Kadchapanan defeated Hong sporting events and training Kong’s Phillip King and Ognian camps.” Kolev in front of a packed house Thanyapura Phuket’s Olympic- of cheering supporters. standard pool recently played host The three-day Davis Cup event to the British, Dutch, Italian, Hong was opened by the President of Kong and Singapore national Thailand’s Pruchya Isarow battles it out against Hong Kong’s Philip King. Photos: Supplied the Lawn Tennis Association of teams, with the center’s facilities Thailand Suwat Liptapanlop and extending further to international- Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut quality football, rugby and who were welcomed by Than- athletics amenities. yapura Founder Klaus Hebben and Next up for Thailand in the Thanyapura Executive Chairman Davis Cup is a showdown with Chris McCormack. Kuwait from April 4-6. The BNP Paribas-sponsored Kuwait advanced by beating event was moved from Bangkok Indonesia three matches to two. to Phuket after Davis Cup In the other round two (region organizers expressed concerns semi-finals), also to take place about the current political uncer- April 4-6, the Philippines will take tainty. Thanyapura Phuket, on Pakistan. offering the same surface used for In round 1, the Philippines beat the Australian Open Grand Slam Sri Lanka (3-1), while Pakistan tournament, proved to be the edged Vietnam (3-2). perfect solution. – Phuket Gazette Nuttanon Kadchapanan defeated Ognian Kolev. Pruchya Isarow took down Philip King. February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 49 Bike fitting: art or science? BIKE fitting – two little words that have countless hours of both fit- always ignite much debate, discus- ting and riding experience in order sion and interest from everyone on to understand the mindset of the two wheels. It’s a topic that is rap- rider and to be able to paint a men- idly gaining awareness as the first tal sketch of how this rider is going necessity of any new bike purchase. to look, prior to even the first mea- For most of us, our bike fitting surement. This vision is what experience will begin with the pur- separates the better fitters in the chase of a new bike from your local world, from those who rely on a bike shop. This process usually pre-determined set of numbers. takes the following course: a quick As a final point, if you are a inseam measurement and multipli- triathlete that is going to get a fit- cation to get an approximate saddle ting, I cannot stress how important BISP ‘Big 3’ basketball team students Harry O’Brien, Carl Ydmark and height, jump on the bike, and in it is to get your fitting from some- Phachara Boucher will be hoping to play above the rim. Photo: Supplied some cases a stem change depend- one who has actually done a ing on how it looks. Now I want triathlon. In my own studio, despite to begin by saying that quite sim- numerous requests, I will not fit a ply, this does not count as a fitting. mountain bike. Why? Because I Inaugural BIS With that out of the way, I want to have never ridden a mountain bike, start by exploring the world of bike Ben Hammond recently joined I don’t know what it feels like to fitting and the different interpreta- Thanyapura as a junior triathalon ride off-road and I don’t know what tions that exist. coach. Photo: Supplied different positions in the studio are Challenge Cup Two styles of fitting have going to convert to on the trails. emerged from the evolution and does have its benefits though. It Sure, I know what some of the NEXT Saturday, March 1, six of Satree Phuket and Thai Hua.” growth of the bike fitting industry. helps to remove human error of “protocols” suggest and I could the best secondary school basket- The six participating schools The first is often referred to by measurement (albeit not entirely), work towards those targets but ul- ball teams from around Phuket in this inaugural Cup are science-type words such as “pro- speed up what can sometimes be timately I could not send someone will compete in the first-ever Kajonkiet International School, tocols” or “systems”. The “science” a slow, labor intensive process and out with absolute certainty that the Challenge Cup at the British In- Phuket Wittayalai, Satree behind bike fitting is often a provide a very professional look- position I have provided them is ternational School Phuket (BISP) Phuket, HeadStart International marketing term used by those who ing service. The major flaw of this going to maximize their bike’s basketball stadium. The BISP team School, Thai Hua and the hosts, create these “protocols” in order to style of fitting is that it can lead potential to achieve their individual is looking to continue its momen- BIS Phuket. share that particular person’s idea the fitter into adjustments purely goals. And with that philosophy, I tum from a recent tournament in Spectators are welcome at the of what a bike fitting should look based on the numbers, rather than believe the same rule should apply where they claimed first BISP campus in Koh Kaew, so get like and sometimes this can be at relying on intuition. to those seeking a “triathlon fit”. prize, defeating other leading yourself there on the day to sup- the expense of a good end result. I prefer to define bike fitting as international schools from around port your local team (enter at BISP In science, we know that if we an “art”, a product that requires Ben Hammond is a professional the Bangkok and Pattaya areas. Gate 3). First game begins at 9am. put “chemical A” + “chemical B” + finesse, experience and a certain triathlete from Sydney, Australia, where BISP basketball coach and PE “chemical C” into a test tube, then eye. It takes years of practice and he also operated a private bike fitting teacher Jamie Blake says, “It For enquiries, please email we will get “result D”. This inter- hours upon hours of reflection and studio. Ben has come to Thanyapura won’t be easy competing against [email protected]. The BIS pretation is one that may work for thought about which particular Phuket as a triathlon coach, and to some traditionally strong local Phuket Challenge Cup is proudly the textbook human being with the adjustments are going to create the establish a leading bike fit studio for Thai basketball teams such as sponsored by the Phuket Gazette. riding goals of those who penned desired outcome and how each the Asian market. Ben holds a degree the particular set of protocols. But and every aspect of both body and in Exercise and Sport Science, has over for the masses this is unreliable, in- bike will integrate. 11 years of triathlon racing experience flexible and excludes a rider’s history Bike fitting, like art, evolves. It along with eight years working in the and goals, let alone even beginning must adapt and will always change cycling industry during which time he’s to address the differences between depending on the inspirations, conducted bike fits for some of the a “cycling fit” and a “triathlon fit”. motivations and history of the bike world’s best triathletes. Contact him at: This “science” based approach owner. The bike fitter needs to [email protected]

Six top student basketball teams will showdown at the first ever BISP Challenge Cup next month. Photo: Supplied 50 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014 Ronins undefeated inPhuket preseason medal winners run By Jeremie Schatz

CONCLUDING their 2014 pre- season campaign in nearly perfect form, Phuket FC edged out Thai Division 2 squad, Trang FC 1-0 on Sunday (February 16) in Phuket Town. Played under the blazing late af- ternoon sun at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town, the Ronins’ eighth and final friendly match ahead of the Yamaha League One season – which kicks off this weekend – drew about 1,000 fans. Off to a slow start in the first half, both teams seemed to struggle in the heat, seeing evenly- contested possession and no goals netted. During the cooler second half, Phuket FC’s Wasan Samansil hustling for the ball. Photo: Jeremie Schatz players from both sides got their second wind as the shade en- Trang’s hopes of scoring an team’s third Brazilian starter, gulfed the pitch. The match’s sole equalizer went unanswered as midfielder Cristian Alex also goal came from Brazilian they were unable to overpower scored a header, and Phuket’s centerback Tales Dos Santos Phuket’s solid defenses. other goal came from speedy right who was subsequently named This match followed the Phuket winger Rattapon Auttawong. man of the match. FC’s trouncing of the second- Phuket FC Captain and left The goal was setup with string squad of Thailand South winger, Eakartit Somjit had two thoughtful passing by Anusak Division Two’s Surat Thani FC, assists. Laosaengthai who laid the ball winning 6-nil in their penultimate After eight preseason warm-up into the area for Dos Santos to preseason friendly match on Sat- matches, Phuket FC will enter the fire home as his first goal for urday night, also played at Surakul open-season with zero losses to the club. Stadium in Phuket Town. their name. The first game pairs Shortly after, Phuket FC looked Once again, in that match it was Phuket FC against Pattaya United The Ronins top scorers in the their form into official league play, to double their lead when in a Ney Fabiano scoring the opening February 23, at Surakul Stadium. preseason were Ney Fabiano (five which kicks off on Sunday, Feb- flurry of chaos in front of Trang’s goal early in the match. Fabiano Kickoff at 6:30pm. goals); Eber and Anusak Laoseng- ruary 23 with a home match net, Anusak triumphed with a goal, would also score his side’s fifth In eight preseason matches – thai (three goals apiece); Wasan against Pattaya United. Kick off only to be denied by an off-sides goal later in the game. all played at home – the Ronins Natasan and Cristian Alex, who will be at 6:30pm. See you at call from the lineman. Also scoring a double in this won seven and drew one, scor- each scored two goals. Surakul Stadium Despite their efforts in the re- match was skillful Brazilian import, ing 22 goals and conceding only With such an injection of con- mainder of the second half, Henrique “Eber” De Bessa. The two. fidence, Phuket look to maintain Additional reporting by Steven Layne Phuket Superstars Soccer 2014 match

Famous Thai singer and actor Senda “Hoy” (left) and Governor Maitri Inthusut. Manport Lorkloen won the publicity/charity match by a 2-0 scoreline. Photos: Steven Layne A CHARITY, publicity football match, the their beloved celebrities. tives, officers and even some of its own ing to “Manport Lorkloen” 2-0, there were “Phuket Superstars Soccer Championship The “VIP Phuket All-Stars” team was movie stars such as Thanawat “Pop” and other winners to result, with a portion of 2014,” was held last Saturday night at captained by Phuket Governor Maitri Thakrit “Pet”. The all-celebrity “Manport the the undisclosed proceeds from the match Surakul Stadium. Organized by the Phuket Inthusut, and also led by PPAO Chief – Lorkloen” team comprised of stars includ- to be used for local sports development and Provincial Administration Organization, the Paiboon Upattising, PPAO Council Mem- ing Saksit Tangtong, Num Kongkrapan, youth scholarships. – Phuket Gazette event attracted a lot of football and non- ber and President of Phuket Sports Wina Kraibut, Sena Hoy, and a number of football fans alike who turned out to get a Association, Saroj Angkanapilas, PPAO other Thai celebrities The Phuket Gazette was a proud media glimpse, selfie and/or autograph of one of Council members, local government execu- While the VIP Phuket team ended up los- partner of the event. February 22 - 28, 2014 PHUKET GAZETTE 51 Pearl skin CAT in opener Phuket United start 2014 futsal season in fine form with 3-1 victory By Steven Layne Brilliant footwork and clever passing enabled the Andaman Pearl to charge ahead THE island’s pro five-a-side footy outfit when Anuwat Pannopa, driving deep on the kicked off the Futsal Thailand Premier left flank, sent the ball into the area. League (FTPL) 2014 season in good form, The perfectly timed delivery evaded downing CAT Telecom 3-1 in a thrilling CAT’s advancing keeper and a final de- match-up last Sunday (February 16) night fender, who was too outstretched to stop in Phuket Town. Thanakorn Piyaprichayut, unmarked at the Played at Saphan Hin’s 4,000-seat indoor far post to finish the job and reignite the gymnasium, the match drew an energized crowd with the evening’s third goal. crowd of nearly 1,500 supporters. Phuket were high on confidence as CAT In the first half of play, both sides en- now brought out their keeper to employ a joyed an even number of scoring chances, power play, leaving their goal undefended. but neither could break the ice before the Attempt after attempt, the visitors came half-time whistle. close to breaking Phuket’s composure, but During the break, the crowd was fur- to no avail. ther enticed with a treat show by local, Phuket’s new Brazilian signing, Edson national champion dancers of the Aha and “Gugu” Silva would be the one to drive the Hero youth troops. nail in CAT’s coffin, scoring from long Anxious to break the deadlock, both range on the far post. The Pearl held on to sides appeared refreshed out of the locker the final 3-1 scoreline and “Action Jack- rooms, but it would be the home team to son” was named man of the match. Other appease the crowd and draw first blood FTPL results over the weekend are as through a fantastic goal from the left flank follows: by Brazilian pivot Jackson Santos. • Ayuthaya City 5-1 Suphan Buri Edson “Gugu” Silva (number 4) sealed the result with a brilliant strike from long range. Moments later, the visitors were right • Samut Sakorn 3-2 Khon Kaen back into contention, when CAT’s Vitoon • Highways Dept 6-2 Chiang Mai sits in 6th place of the 16-team league. For results of that match, check out the Thapana launched an unstoppable missile • Royal Navy 3-1 Nonthaburi At the time this paper goes to press, Phuket Gazette sports section online. under the cross bar. • Chonburi 5-2 Thai Port Phuket will be playing their second league Next up, Phuket United take on Thai- Play continued intensely, back and forth, • Si Saket 2-4 Bangkok match of the season, at home against Si land and AFC (Asia) Futsal Champions, with both sides only able to rattle the cross • Uthai Thani 3-5 Pattaya Arena Saket – the former club of Gugu, and the Chonburi Blue Wave, on Sunday. To be bar to keep anxious fans, coaches and re- new club of Phuket’s Brazilian defender played at Chonburi’s 3,000-seat Blue Wave serve players constantly on their toes. With a goal difference of +2, Phuket now from last season, Marcos. Stadium, the match will kick off at 6pm. Yellow, Red triumph at BISP Sports Day

BISP Headmaster Neil Richards congratulates student athletes. Photo: Supplied ON MONDAY February 10, Year BISP were presented with hot and 1 and 2 students from British In- challenging conditions for the 2014 ternational School Phuket (BISP), KS2 Sports Day. After a general supported by their teachers and warm up led by Khun Sak, all stu- many parents, ventured out to the dents competed in a middle top sports field for their 2014 KS1 distance event to kick off the com- Sports Day. The morning was petition. Year 3 and 4 students action packed, with all students completed 600m, while the year 5 participating in six events. and 6 students completed 800m. Students did their best to jump All students in years 3 to 6 then further, throw further and run participated in one throwing event, faster across the events, with one jumping event and one sprint many improving their individual event. As well as the individual performances. Most importantly, events, students enjoyed the ex- students remembered to have fun citing and at times nerve-racking and enjoyed pushing themselves team event, Wing Priaw. This to achieve their best. Students in event attracted large crowds at the Yellow Cornflower Team were times and provided good entertain- the winners for this category. ment for spectators. Students in On the next day, Tuesday, Feb- the Red Color Team were this ruary 11, Year 3-6 students from category’s winners. 52 PHUKET GAZETTE February 22 - 28, 2014

Phuket FC charged up for open season following perfect preseason

HAVING rebranded this sea- and with the inaugural “Saksee son – complete with a new Cup” in their trophy showcase. ...Match report and preseason logo, kit, song, ambassador In the last seven weeks, the wrap-up continued on page 50 (Mizsy Phuket, below right) Ronins have proved to be an un- and dozens of new players – stoppable force, and certainly the Phuket FC “Ronins” have hope to remain so the rest of the emerged from their 2014 pre- year. Here’s to the start of a great season campaign unbeaten, new season!

Tales Dos Santos celebrates his goal in Phuket FC’s final preseason match. Photos: Jeremie Schatz