Chalermluck Runs for Re-Election, to Launch Patong Electric Bus Service

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LIFE PAGE 9 Unsung heroes keep helping people in need The potentially ground-breaking agreement was signed on Jan 26. Photo: PR Patong CHALERMLUCK RUNS FOR RE-ELECTION, TO LAUNCH PATONG ELECTRIC BUS SERVICE

among other projects that are expected after the pandemic situation has been hearing to obtain comments from local Chutharat Plerin [email protected] to generate some B200 billion for the resolved and the country has fully people and business operators about island’s economy within five years of reopened,” Dr Phan explained. the location of the project so that the n one of her last acts as Mayor being launched. “Patong should have a good and project can support their businesses of Patong before heading for the The MoU was signed at the PSU nature-friendly transport system to and does not affect the beauty of SPORT PAGE 14 Ipolls on Mar 28, Chalermluck Phuket campus in Kathu. Present as connect people and places. Our uni- Patong,” Mr Maroot added. Kebsup last week announced a new signatories were PSU Phuket Campus versity has scholars and other human “For the electric bus service, we electric bus service for Patong that Vice Chancellor Assoc Prof Dr Phan resources to support and work with will discuss this more with the Patong Scramble at the is hoped to launch before the end of Tongchumnum and Patong Mayor private companies to develop our Mayor, and the Department of Land the year. Chalermluck Kebsup. island,” he added. Transport for permission to use the Blue Canyon The potentially ground-breaking Also present as signatories were AMR Asia President Mr Maroot road. We will also discuss with taxi hits the mark development was unveiled on Jan 26 Maroot Siriko, CEO of AMR Asia noted, “We have already examined drivers about bus stops and the service with the announcement that Prince Co Ltd, and Thaphana Bunyaprawit, the landscape of Patong to make a route, so that the buses do not affect of Songkla University (PSU) Phuket President of the Thai Association of plan to construct a cable car system their business,” he said. campus had signed a memorandum Town Planning. and a ferris wheel which will also “There will be smart cards, smart of Understanding (MoU) with Patong “Signing the MoU follows our have a skywalk and glass lift. bus stops,and smart parking lots for Municipality and several private university’s goal of being part [of the “Patong has many areas where local people in the same way that companies to assist in the research move] to improve Phuket by invest- new attractions can be built and at- are used in Bangkok,” Mr Maroot and development of an electric bus ing in the infrastructure to support tract more tourists.” he said. explained. service to operate within Patong, tourism, in order to welcome tourists “After this, there will be a public “Our company signed a MoU... CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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[email protected] Beach caution urged after News rescues > p5 Patong push aims for ‘green’ city Continued from page 1 The whole project – cable car, to be redesigned. We have to along with 12 candidates who ...with PTT Public Co Ltd last ferris wheel, skywalk and wait to adjust the landscape will be running for election as year for research about the glass lift – will generate about [sic],” she said. municipality councillors during project, and about installing B200bn,” he said. “In the meantime, we will the registration period from EV chargers in Thailand. Right do what we can. For now, Feb 8-12,” she added. now, we are ready to install GOING GREEN the private sector wanted to Mayor Chalermluck said EV chargers in all areas of Ms Chalermluck told The conserve energy. Next, we that she would be leading the Phuket, and we will install in Phuket News that the move will have more campaigns to ‘Patong Fa Mai’ (“Patong New Patong as the first area in this to launch an electric public get people using more electric Sky”) Party in the election. year,” he said. transport service was just one vehicles. We will have charg- “I am preparing to present The EV charging points part of an overall campaign to ing stations in Patong, which my policy with my team for discussed were not just for develop Patong into a ‘green will get more attention from this election. When the time the electric bus service being tourism city’ – a project she the people,” she added. comes, I will reveal the details proposed, but also for private says was tabled long before of my policy to the people, and vehicles, Mr Maroot explained. the arrival of COVID-19 as a RE-ELECTION explain my accomplishments Mr Thaphana, who also way to lure tourists to Patong Chlermluck Kebsup will run for re-election as Patong Mayor. The announcement of the in past years,” she said. serves as a committee member year-round. electric bus project came on the In 2014, Mayor Chalerm- of the Thai Charter for Health, “We have been looking to May 2019, for all stakeholders what we can do to make it same day that Ms Chalermluck luck was the first woman explained that the projects generate income for Patong so to help develop Patong into a happen. We will discuss what confirmed to The Phuket News Mayor of Patong. She won proposed “would move forward the community could make MICE destination, including each party, such as hoteliers, that she will run for re-election the election on April 26 with the economy and attract more money throughout the year. It the construction of a major will be able to do during this as Patong Mayor. more than half the votes cast, investment in Patong”. all started from the economic conference centre that can period. Initially, we may of- The confirmation, on Jan leaving previous mayor Pian “I expect that we will have problems of Patong over the accommodate 5,000 to 10,000 fer wellness packages,” Ms 26, followed Pakrit Keesin, Keesin with just 3,330 votes determined the location for the past several years, even before people, she explained. Chalermluck said. younger brother to influential out of 8,500 cast. cable car station and the route the pandemic,” she said. “That project is currently in Tourists will eventually Patong businessman Preechawut The Election Commission for the electric bus service in “Despite being a world- the process of studying various return to Patong in numbers, ‘Prab’ Keesin, announcing on of Thailand confirmed her win May this year,” he said. class tourism city, with many details in the construction,” and when they do the streets Jan 24 that he will contest the and she took office on May “Meanwhile, the electric tourists visiting each year, she said on Monday (Feb 1). will fill with vehicles, creating seat of mayor in the upcoming 21, 2014. bus and EV charger instal- generating enormous income “In the meantime, we can the problem of pollution, Ms municipal election in Patong to The next day, May 22, 2014, lations are expected to start for the country, local people continue to work on making Chalermluck added. be held on Mar 28. Royal Thai Army General at the end of this year, if the still faced economic problems, Patong a green and healthy city. “We therefore need to have Ms Chalermluck said she Prayut Chan-o-cha led a coup project gains a good response especially after the high season From the research indicating green transport to support would announce her candi- to take control of the country. from local people,” he added. ended. During the tourism low that in the future tourism will [tourism]. Not just a bus, but dacy and her “team” when the In taking office more than six “As for the construction of season most people living here be a form of health tourism. We green transportation, includ- Phuket office of the Election years ago, Mayor Chalermluck the cable car and ferris wheel, had difficulties. The loss of therefore are pushing Patong ing a walking campaign. We Commission of Thailand (PEC) told The Phuket News, “The first they may need to wait for a new income affected all sectors, to be the city of wellness to will be making footpaths in officially had announced that thing I am going to do is to pre- town plan at the beginning of including large hotel operators, support future tourism trends. all Patong areas, and we have all incumbent mayors must pare to solve the flood problem, next year, so that we can file shops, restaurants, small shops “This approach has received set the budget for this work to cease their duties to allow for followed by the garbage problem for construction permission.” and businesses and service a lot of attention from the continue. We are also push- campaigning to be held in the and then the mafia. Mr Thaphana noted. drivers,” she added. private sector. By the end of ing a bicycling campaign,” run-up to the election, which “I want to create a situation “The cable car may gener- One move was to push March, we will have a meeting she said. the PEC did on Monday. where those who are doing ate up to B150bn within five for the MICE City Patong at Prince of Songkla University “However, everything is “Then I will register as a everything legally do not have years after it opens for service. Charter, eventually signed in to discuss more details and still difficult because it has candidate for Patong Mayor to pay influential people.”

Phuket mayors, councillors discharged ahead of Mar 28 municipal election THE PHUKET OFFICE OF THE “We will open for registration next Election Commission of Thailand week, from Feb 8 to 12. Each mayor (PEC) has confirmed that all mayors and council candidate must present and municipal councillors in Phuket themselves, present the required docu- were discharged from their official ments, and pay the registration fee to duties on Monday (Feb 1) ahead of the PEC officers at municipality offices,” the municipal election to be held on he explained. Mar 28. The PEC is now driving an education “The Chief Administrative Officer and information campaign to instruct (Palad) at each municipality will now Passakon Siripakayapon, Director- local officials of the requirements to be act as the temporary municipal chief General of the Phuket office of the held by law in conducting an election. in place of mayors,” PEC Director- Election Commission of Thailand (PEC). “Now we are having meetings with General Passakon Siripakayapon told PEC officers, relevant officers and the The Phuket News. record of their campaign expenses to candidates in each municipality. All the “The other officers can work later present to PEC officers,” he added. meetings will be held within this week,” normally,” he added. Candidates will be able to register to Mr Passakorn said. All previous mayors and council- contest the election from next Monday Of note, in accordance with election lors can start legally campaigning (Feb 8), Mr Passakorn also confirmed. law, a ban on the sale of alcohol will be for re-election from Monday (Feb Candidates must register at the mu- in place in all areas holding an election 1), Mr Passakon also said. nicipality office for the area where they from 6pm the day before the election “They all can run their campaign are running for election, Mr Passakorn through to 6pm on the day of the elec- right now, but they must make a explained. tion itself. The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 3 Phuket must keep guard up The Phuket News notice issued on Tuesday, must: Office and the Phuket office of the [email protected] 1) Install the Mor Chana app Public Relations Department (PR 2) Register their travel details Phuket) continued to repeat the huket Vice Governor Pi- on gophuget.com CCSA’s announcements that Phuket chet Panapong has urged 3) No need for quarantine was a ‘green’ province, no mention Pall people in Phuket to keep However, all arrivals must con- was made that provincial orders their guard up and practice all the tinually self-monitor for any signs were still in effect that supercede COVID-19 protection measures to of infection and follow all ’New Bangkok-issued “guidelines”. help prevent another outbreak on Normal’ requirements, the order Prime Minister Prayut Chan- the island, especially following the said. o-cha in several addresses to the new relaxation measures rolled out People arriving from Samut nation over the past year clearly across the island. Sakhon must abide by the above, explained that provincial govern- Vice Governor Pichet made his and also: Be tested for COVID-19 ments have the right to implement plea on Jan 26 while announcing and followed up by staff at an orders that exceed protection meas- the new order for the COVID-19 Emergency Operations Centre ures ordered by Bangkok, but may protection-measure regulations now (EOC); and Quarantine at home or not allow greater relaxation of any in place, which repealed the mid- at an Alternative State Quarantine Bangkok-issued orders. night closing for all entertainment (ASQ) hotel for 14 days. At the time of going to press, venues and allowed restaurants to People arriving from Samut that message had not been clearly resume selling alcohol. In short, the Sakhon on a short-term trip for given by Phuket officials, despite latest order rolled back the provincial the purpose of running a business repeated requests from The Phuket COVID-19 regulations as they were or joining a meeting must present News and even following V/Gov before the Samut Sakhon outbreak. Vice Governor Pichet on Monday (Feb 1) again repeated Phuket people documents issued by their employers Pichet announcing again on Monday The order listed all the require- must ‘follow the Bangkok order’. Photo: PR Phuket that outline the reason and neces- (Feb 1) that people “must follow the ments of all market, store operators, sity of their trip to the Emergency Bangkok order”. health and fitness operators and tory 14-day quarantine after arriving lifted for all arrivals, except for Operations Centre (EOC) for the As such, while not publicly entertainment venue operators, for on the island, following an order people arriving from Samut Sakhon. area where the visitor is staying, admitted, the Phuket order for all which the order specifically noted issued by Phuket Governor Narong The announcement followed a noted the order. people to wear a face mask at all that dancing and the provision of Woonciew on Jan 28. meeting of the Phuket Communi- However, confusion followed times while in public is presumed containers from which people would The two Greater Bangkok prov- cable Disease Committee at Phuket after the Centre fo COVID-19 to remain in effect. Breach of that be communally served were both inces were moved to the list of Provincial Hall on Monday, with Situation Administration (CCSA) order may incur a B20,000 fine. still illegal in Phuket. secondary ‘red zone’ risk areas the new order published by the in Bangkok last Friday (Jan 29) Further, other requirements, V/Gov Pichet’s plea came just after Bangkok was moved to the Phuket office of the Public Relations designated Phuket as a ‘green’ such as the no dancing rule, are also two days before the Phuket provin- group on Jan 24. Department (PR Phuket) Tuesday province, which the CCSA said presumed to be in effect, despite mes- cial government relaxed the entry The relaxations continued this afternoon. allowed operations to return to sages from the central government, rules for arrivals from Nakhon week, with Phuket officials on People arriving from Bangkok normal, providing operators follow including the Tourism Authority Pathom and Nonthaburi, who now Tuesday (Feb 2) announcing that or the 75 provinces not including preventive measures. of Thailand, that all operations in no longer need to observe a manda- quarantine requirements had been Samut Sakhon, according to the While the Phuket Governor’s ‘green’ provinces are “normal”.

Phuket police close in on encroachers POLICE HAVE SEIZED the machinery used to cut a road through the Khao Nakkered Protected Forest on the hills from Kathu into Wichit and are preparing to press charges against those deemed responsible, Phuket Provincial Police Chief Maj Gen Pornsak Nuannoo has announced. The Royal Forest Depart- ment officials (RFD) have filed a formal complaint with the Kathu Police to investigate the encroachment of some 108 rai in the hills above the Bang Wad Reservoir, Maj Gen Pornsak explained. Police officers have been separated into two teams to Police have been separated into two teams to support support the investigation by the investigation by the Royal Forest Department, Phuket the RFD, he added. Provincial Police Chief Maj Gen Pornsak Nuannoo The first team seized the explained. Photo: PR Phuket machinery provided for the road construction on Friday Gen Pornsak said, adding [of protected forests] must (Jan 29). that he had taken a serious be investigated, and any “The second team is interest in the case. persons found responsible now gathering evidence “I want people to know must be prosecuted,” he to be used to prosecute the that every part of our na- said. perpetrators,” he said. tional forests is a national “I would like to warn “The encroachment, resource, we have to help those who are involved in, deforestation and destruc- each other and cherish it,” or thinking of, any form of tion of natural assets is an he said. encroachment and deforesta- important policy issue of “Anyone who may be tion, to stop, stop and stop,” the Royal Thai Police,” Maj involved in any invasion he added. The Phuket News thephuketnews @thephuketnews 4 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021

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CHRIS HUSTED Executive Editor 084 307 7408 [email protected] Lifeguards urge beach caution The Phuket News girl, and hospital staff con- [email protected] BEN TIREBUCK firmed they were both safe,” News / Sport Editor 061 806 8132 he added. [email protected] ai Harn lifeguards are Mr Chula urged all people urging beachgoers to be careful when swimming Nto be careful in the at the beach, and especially water after a 6-year-old Thai urged parents to make sure

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ girl was rescued from drown- their children are safe at all SAKOOT Chief Reporter ing in a lagoon near Nai Harn times while playing in the 091 165 0260 [email protected] Beach and a Russian man was A 6-year-old girl was water. resuscitated after he became rescued from a lagoon “I want parents to keep a separated from friends while near Nai Harn Beach. close watch on their children swimming at Yanui Beach last Photo: Phuket Naiharn when letting them go swim- Sunday afternoon (Jan 31). Surf Lifesaving Club ming or doing other activities KIATTIKUL ‘JOM’ CHUMANEE Lifeguards were first alert- in the water because unex- Translator 082 729 0270 [email protected] ed to the girl’s condition at Then we called an ambulance metres from the beach. He when he was on the beach, pected incidents can happen about 12:50pm when a boy to take her to Chalong Hospi- was shouting out and signal- but later we were told by am- at any time,” Mr Chula said. came running up to lifeguards tal,” he said. ling for help. When lifeguards bulance staff that he became “Although the waves right calling for help, Nai Harn chief “For the Russian man [at reached him, he had already unconscious on the way to now are not very high and lifeguard Chula Nontree told Yanui Beach], lifeguards were gone under the surface of the the hospital. The ambulance not that dangerous, we want

JASON BEAVAN The Phuket News. called to help at about 4pm,” water,” Mr Chula explained. workers helped him to regain everyone to be careful and be General Manager 086 479 7471 “When we arrived, the girl Mr Chula added. “LIfeguards brought him consciousness and continued alert of their surroundings at [email protected] had already been brought out “The man went out to back to shore and he was ex- to provide emergency care all times,” he added. of the water. She was choking swim with two friends, but hausted, so we provided him until his condition stabilised,” “If we set flag areas [mark- on water and looked tired, so they became separated and oxygen to assist his breathing Mr Chula said. ing where it is safe to swim], we administered her imme- ended up a long way from and had him taken him to “We have called to follow please swim only in the areas

SIRIPORN (NOK) diate first aid and provided each other,” he said. hospital,” he said. up the condition of both the marked and follow lifeguards’ SEANGMAS Sales Support oxygen to help her breathe. “The man was about 200 “He was still conscious Russian man and the little suggestions,” Mr Chula urged. 086 479 7470 [email protected]

NIRAVIT ‘MOS’ VORAVANITCHA THANAPONG ‘OAK’ KHAO-AMPHAIPHAN Graphic designers 7-Eleven robbers arrested Villages to be targeted to stem POLICE HAVE ARRESTED TWO The Phuket News men wanted for robbing a 7-Eleven store @thephuketnews ‘widespread’ drugs problem at Ao Makham in Wichit last week PHUKET VICE GOVERNOR by threatening the staff with a knife. Vikrom Jakthee has ordered all Phuket Provincial Police Chief Maj district officials in Phuket to ramp Gen Pornsak Nuannoo announced up their efforts on containing drug the arrest at the press conference on The two men were taken back use in their areas after what he Monday (Feb 1), joined by the chiefs of to the 7-Eleven store to re-enact called “widespread” use across Wichit and Phuket City police stations. the robbery on Monday (Feb 1). the island. Maj Gen Pornsak explained that Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub “It has been found that the the arrests came from cooperation with drugs that have spread widely Region 8 Police, Provincial Police and house in Baan Muang Thong in Wichit, in Phuket,” V/Gov Vikrom told Wichit Police. Gen Pornsak said. a meeting at Phuket Provincial Police named the two arrested as In placing Montri and Ekkarin under Hall on Jan 28 held specifically to Eakkarin Petchsiesuk, 19, originally arrest, officers seized the motorbike, the target ongoing drug use in Phuket. from Satun, and Montri Chansuk, 18, clothes the men wore while committing “The mostly commonly used originally from Trang. the robbery and the knife used in the drug is kratom, followed by ya Phuket Vice Governor Vikrom Gen Pornsak explained that Wichit robbery. ice [crystal meth], ya bah [meth- Jakthee speaking at the meeting Police were called to the 7-Eleven store Eakkarin then also confessed to com- amphetamine], marijuana and on Jan 28. Photo: PR Phuket in Moo 7, Wichit, at about 4:40am mitting the robbery, Gen Pornsak said. heroin,” he added. on Jan 28 by store manager Daranee “He gave B220 to Montri, spent B300 V/Gov Vikrom pointed out that in order to reduce the spread of Thongphom. to buy items in an online game and spent the drug distribution in Phuket drugs in those specific areas, he said. Ms Daranee told police that a the rest of the money on drugs,” he said. had taken on a standard formula. “All district offices and officials man about 30 years old used a knife Eakkarin further confessed that he “The drug dealers come from have been ordered to conduct a to threaten store staffer Wichu-orn stole money from a local resident in Ban other areas and they have local pilot survey of the villages and Prachongkarn to give him money. Kuan Pho in Satun in a ‘snatch and run’ people distribute the drugs by keep watch on the people in their Ms Wichu-orn was forced at knife- last year, Gen Pornsak added. phone calls or communicating areas to prevent and crack down point to open three cash drawers, from Gen Pornsak confirmed that Eakkarin through various [online] apps,” on actions that might be related to which the man grabbed B2,270 in cash and Montri were both taken to Wichit he said. drugs, which can spread to minor before running out of the store and Police Station and charged with robbery “They distribute drugs into communities,” Vice Governor riding off on a motorbike driven by a in the nighttime by using a vehicle to flee. many areas by having it contained Vikrom said. friend waiting for him. At the press conference, Gen Pornsak in packages to be hidden in buses, “We will then begin investigat- Police through CCTV tracked also announced that from Jan 27-31, cars or onboard transportations,” ing more in other villages and areas down the blue-black Honda Wave police had arrested 196 suspects from V/Gov Vikrom explained. where more serious actions will motorbike used to flee the scene and 150 cases. The Phuket Provincial govern- be taken on drug sellers to reduce arrested Montri. A total 130 suspects were arrested in ment will conduct a survey of the spread of narcotics,” he added. Montri later confessed that he was 119 drug cases. The rest were arrested several villages known for drugs The Phuket News the getaway driver for the robbery, and for weapons, gambling, murder and other then led police to arrest Eakkarin at a crimes, he noted. Eakkapop Thongtub

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 5 Police hunt fugitive killer Arrest warrant issued for husband, missing since body found

Eakkapop Thongtub to work on Jan 19. The couple tempered and he frequently [email protected] sold seafood at a roadside stall argued with his wife, and nearby. then we learned through the s of Tuesday (Feb 2) Soiporn Prateep Na news that his wife was found police were still hunt- Thalang, 50, a relative of the murdered,” Ms Soiporn said. Aing the husband of the now fugitive Suchart, told It has now come to light woman whose body was found news reporters that Suchart that Suchart’s younger brother dumped beside the road south was known to be a jealous man. is serving as a monk at Wat of Patong on Friday (Jan 29). Ms Sopa and Sujin had Cherng Talay under the name Phuket Provincial Police lived together for about 10 “Phra Sujin Chotipanno”, 41. Chief Maj Gen Pornsak Nuan- years. The couple sold seafood Phra Sujin on Monday also noo on Monday (Feb 1) con- together, she said. told The Phuket News that his firmed that an arrest warrant Sujin had been jailed for brother loses his temper easily. had been issued for the killer. about six months for selling “He often did things like However, Gen Pornsak drugs. He was released in a crazy person. He and his noted that police were still December, she added. wife often came to see me, but searching for the woman’s “He was jealous of his lately his wife mostly came husband, a prime suspect who wife and a petty thief,” Ms alone,” he said. has not been since the body of Soiporn said. “They may have a problem his wife, Sopa Thanimkarn, “Not long ago he threat- together, but his wife is a nice 39, was found. ened Mr Jeng, who operates woman,” Phra Sujin said. Also as of Tuesday, police a noodle stall nearby, with a Phra Sujin said that he had had yet to release a photo of MAIN PHOTO: Ms Sopa’s body was found wrapped in a blanket, dumped beside the Thai Pradit [homemade] gun,” not heard from his brother the fugitive or even name road south of Patong. Photo: Karon Police. INSET: Ms Sopa she added. since last Thursday (Jan 28), him in public, but state news “He said he was going the day before Ms Sopa’s body agency NNT late Monday contact with their neighbors,” to have been inflicted by a suspect after police found a to shoot Mr Jeng because was found. reported that Phuket Provincial Gen Pornsak said. heavy instrument has now blood-stained mattress at the he was jealous of his wife, “My brother has not called Court issued an arrest warrant “A murder like this does been confirmed by forensic shack in Cherng Talay where who reported the incident at me and not answered my calls. for Mr Suchart Gunpai, 42, not happen often in Phuket, police to be a shotgun wound. the couple were staying. Cherng Talay Police Station,” Lately, he looked sad. He for the charge of murder and and this is the first case like The firearm, fired at very Police also found blood Ms Soiporn explained. showed me a gun once. He hiding the victim’s body. this I have seen here,” he said. close range, was most likely stains on the refrigerator door “But the matter remained told me that a friend gave him “We do not know the rea- Karon Police Chief Col inflicted by a home-made gun and other items in the shack. silent, until now. It appears the gun as a ‘jamnam’ [pledge son for the murder. From ques- Peerapong Chai-aroon last made to fire shotgun cartridges Suchart and Ms Sopa most that he killed her because he or deposit] to him [most likely tioning people, it appears that Friday said that the severe head (Thai Pradit), he said. recently arrived in Phuket was jealous,” she said. as collateral for paying back the couple did not have much trauma originally believed Suchart became a prime from Nakhon Sri Thammarat “We knew that he is hot- a debt],” he added.

Motorcyclist killed in pre-dawn wipe-out, driver alleged drunk A 24-YEAR-OLD MAN died early on Jan 28 when the motorbike he was riding was struck by a car that had crossed the central reservation just east of the Sam Kong Intersection in Kathu. The driver of the car is believed to have been drunk at the time. Police were called to the scene, in front of a water park construction site on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd about 300 metres east of the Sam Kong Intersection, at about 5:50am, said Lt Adisorn Juhong of the Kathu Police. Photo: Panthakorn Pongpao Police together with Kathu Municipality and Hospital for minor injuries. as he was riding westbound Kusoldharm rescue work- Near the overturned on the other side of the dual ers arrived at the scene to car was the body of Wad- carriageway. find a heavily damaged chara Saysamut, 24, and his “We believe that Kom- black Honda Amaze car, damaged Phuket-registered son was speeding and was registered in Phuket, on Honda Scoopy i motorbike drunk. We already asked its roof in the middle of the that he was riding when he hospital staff to test his west-bound lanes. was struck by the car. blood for alcohol,” Lt Ad- Rescue workers recov- From their initial inves- isorn said. ered both the car driver, tigation, police had con- “We have not decided Komson Phuthasang- firmed that Komson was what charges Komson will kharach, 29, and his pas- driving eastbound when he face just, as we are still senger, Kawalee Pramthong, lost control of the car and waiting for the alcohol test,” 19, from the wreck and took crossed the central reserva- Lt Adisorn added. them to Vachira Phuket tion, and hit Mr Wadchara Eakkapop Thongtub

@thephuketnews 6 BUSINESS NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 ‘We Travel Together’ defrauded The Phuket News pay them B400-500 to be able to use people and venues scattered through- [email protected] their “privilege” to book government- out the provinces of Chaiyaphum, subsidised holidays through the ‘We Loei, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon olice have arrested 14 people Travel together’ web portal. Kaen, Phetchabun and Sisaket. in Phuket, including three “After some of the privilege The number of bookings made Presort owners, for defraud- holders [sic] agreed with the offer, were not consistent with the small ing the government by cheating they [the facilitators] ordered them resort having only 10 rooms, he said. the government-subsidised ‘We to install the ‘Pao Tang’ app and use “It was found that over 99% of Travel Together’ domestic tourism it for booking hotel rooms,” he said. bookings had one person book 10 campaign. “Some privilege holders were rooms every time, and the check-in National Police Chief Pol Gen asked for their ID card information and check-out times did not corre- Suwat Jangyodsuk announced the and their SIM cards which they had late,” Gen Suwat said. news at a press conference held at used to register for the campaign. The fraud by the resort itself the Royal Thai Police headquarters Then the ‘facilitators’ sold the in- amounted to B14 million, and in- in Bangkok on Jan 27. formation and SIM cards for B800- volved 101 shops and venues that The 14 people were arrested in 1000 to other people who wanted jointly cheated the scheme through Phuket that same day, as officers to be able to book the discounted fake claims of customers using arrested some 50 people in total, in- holidays,” Col Anek added. the vouchers entitled through the cluding in other provinces throughout The deception was well organised, campaign, altogether raising the the country, for cheating the scheme, National Police Chief Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk announced the Col Anek noted. total damage of the fraud to about Gen Suwat explained. arrests at a press conference in Bangkok on Jan 27. Photo: MCOT “One group made the bookings B87mn, he added. In total, Crime Suppression Divi- and another group of people were In concluding the press confer- sion (CSD) officers raided 55 places Gen Suwat remarked. book holidays through the campaign, responsible for taking care of their ence, Gen Suwat said, “We will keep nationwide, he said. Gen Suwat explained that specifi- but they did not stay at the hotel banking,” he said. investigating and further charge Gen Suwat made specific men- cally with the Thara Patong Beach presented on the package,” he said. more relevant people, such as those tion that one of the “big places” was Resort & Spa, the resort had greatly “Other deceptions included tour NATIONAL EFFORT who bought the tourism campaign the Thara Patong Beach Resort & increased its room rates in order to operators ordering their customers More suspects were arrested in privileges ‘second-hand’ [sic]. Spa, and “other relevant places” in benefit from the government subsi- to use the vouchers given by the coordinated raids in Chaiyaphum, “We expect this to involve about Phuket, noted a report by state news dies received. hotel only at the restaurants and Gen Suwat also reported on Jan 27. 9,000 people throughout the country,” broadcaster MCOT. “A room at the resort costs about shops that they [the tour operators] The raids there targeted the Gen Suwat said. Of the 14 people arrested in B1,000-1,200 per night, but the hotel had already made a deal with,” Gen Natchaya Resort and “related par- “We are preparing documents Phuket, three were hotel owners, owner increased the price to B7,500 Suwat explained. ties” in Chaiyaphum Province and to call them to report themselves two were shop owners, five were per night,” he said. CSD Deputy Chief Col Anek nearby, he said. to local police,” he added. people who facilitated the scam, and “The suspect had various methods Taosuphap explained that some of The raids involved 41 arrest “We also found 900 other places four were people who were hired for to conduct the cheating. For example, the suspects had a group of people warrants, with 36 people arrested, that committed similar scams, in both booking hotels. hotel owners cooperated with tour go out to find people who had regis- including hotel owners, shop owners major provinces and minor provinces, “There were about 800 people operators to create a three-day hotel tered to be able to book discounted and facilitators, he added, noting that which are still under investigation,” involved in this cheating in Phuket,” and tour package to attract people to holidays through the campaign, and the fraud in that operation involved Gen Suwat said.

SIA to launch Singapore flights SINGAPORE AIRLINES Goh Choon Phong. Social security payment rates (SIA) will operate a Boe- For more than 30 years, ing 737-800 NG aircraft on SilkAir has been the regional further reduced for Feb, Mar flights to Phuket starting Mar wing of Singapore Airlines, SOCIAL SECURITY 4 following the consolidation flying to 40 destinations in Fund contributions paid by of Silk Air into the parent the Asia-Pacific region. Its employers and employees company’s operations. integration into Singapore have been reduced further, More SilkAir routes will Airlines started in earnest this time from 3% to 0.5% be progressively transferred Photo: SIngapore Airlines on Jan 28 although the airline for two months, in order to as nine 737-800 NG reas- confirmed the merger back help employers and workers signed to the SIA fleet after will have 12 business class in 2018. affected by COVID-19 crisis. livery changes, reported TTR and 150 economy class seats. SilkAir’s aircraft will pro- Government spokesman Weekly. “Integrating SilkAir with gressively join the Singapore Anucha Burapachaisri an- The full integration of SIA also allows us to be flex- Airlines fleet with a freshly nounced on Jan 26 that the SilkAir into Singapore Air- ible in aircraft deployment, and painted livery, newly uphol- Cabinet had approved to lines is scheduled for comple- supports our fleet and network stered seats and be served by reduce the rate for paying tion in the 2021/22 financial growth strategy,” said Singapore Singapore Airlines cabin crew. contributions from February year. The SIA 737-800 NG Airlines chief executive officer TTR Weekly through March, reported state news agency NNT. Image: NNT Under normal circum- stances, contributions from 3% from 5%, the Bangkok mated that the contributions employees covered under Post noted. now not needed to be paid Section 33 of the Social Also, people paying into by workers would release Security Act (workers cur- the fund under Section 39 B23.1bn to be injected into rently employed and paying of the act (people no longer the economy, Mr Anucha into the fund) are capped at working but who keep pay- said. B750 a month based on a ing into the fund) will pay Thail-language daily maximum salary of B15,000. only B38 instead of B278 Post Today noted that the The new cap will be B75 per month. latest SSO Fund reductions, a month for employees after Mr Anucha pointed out when combined with the the temporary deduction, that the reduced Social Se- previous reductions during explained the Bangkok Post. curity Fund contributions March to May and Septem- The further deduction would apply to 11,164,387 ber to November last year, for employees came after employees under Section 33, will total about B68.6bn in the Cabinet last month ap- and 1,832,500 people under contributions not collected, proved cuts in the monthly Section 39, as well as about thus being released into the contributions for both em- 487,000 employers. national economy. ployees and employers to Hence, the Cabinet esti- The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 THAILAND NEWS 7 No threat from Myanmar coup Third Army assures there will be no exodus influx across borders

Bangkok Post back over the border in Mae racy (NLD) T-shirts and face Sot, Chiang Rai on Monday, masks with the NLD’s white he Third Army has while another, also of around star and gold bird on it. given assurances that 100, was returned to Kaw- Although the protest was Tthere will be no in- thaung, he said. largely peaceful, about 150 flux of Myanmar people into riot police broke it up and at Thailand in the wake of the PROTEST ARRESTS least two people were report- military seizure of power in Lecturer at the Faculty of edly injured. the bloodless coup on Monday Political Science Chulalong- Bangkok police later con- (Feb 1). korn University, Naruemon firmed that three young Thai Third Army commander Lt Thabchumpon, said it had men who participated in the Gen Apichet Suesat, in charge not exactly been a coup d’état protest had been arrested. of the northern region, reas- since the Myanmar constitu- The Metropolitan Police sured the public that there were tion allows for a transfer of Bureau on Tuesday identified Thai forces stationed along power to the commander- them as Wichapat Srikasipan, the Thai-Myanmar border to in-chief. 21, Pannapat Chantanangkul, prevent illegal entry during The constitution also al- 20, and Kiatisak Panrenu, 20. the COVID-19 pandemic and lows the commander-in-chief The announcement said anyone caught trying to cross Supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy Party converge outside to remain in power for a year they were detained after po- illegally would be arrested. the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok on Monday (Feb 1). Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb after the seizure of power, said lice tried to end the rally, and Lt Gen Apichet was re- the academic. demonstrators had thrown sponding to media questions is not likely to affect ethnic Information and spokesman tinued peace and stability in A week earlier, the Myan- objects and assaulted police. about a possible exodus after minority groups along the of the Ministry of Foreign Myanmar, and that the current mar military announced that it The three were charged the coup. border as it appears that the Affairs said the Royal Thai situation is resolved peacefully was concerned over the latest with organising a crowd gath- “We are closely monitor- two sides had already begun Embassy in Yangon has been with a return to normalcy soon general election in which the ering that posed risk of disor- ing the situation. Myanmar work on a fresh peace pro- in close contact with state for the benefit of the people National League for Democ- der and disease transmission, people themselves may not cess, currently delayed by the officials. For the moment, of Myanmar,” Mr Tanee said. racy won a landslide victory, in violation of the executive be affected, but I told soldiers COVID-19 pandemic. Thai citizens in Myanmar are Spokesman for the Im- saying the election might not decree on public administra- to step up inspections at the Thai-Myanmar check- advised to remain vigilant and migration Bureau Pol Maj have been free and fair. tion in emergency situations border in case [Myanmar] points between Tachileik and follow the news and official Gen Archayon Kraithong The coup saw about 200 imposed to control COVID-19. politicians or VIPs [illegally] Thailand’s Mae Sai district in announcements. confirmed that for the moment people take part in a protest The three men were ques- enter into the country to hide,” Chiang Rai closed for four “Myanmar is a close neigh- numbers attempting illegal outside the Myanmar embassy tioned and charged at Yan- he said. hours on Monday. bour of Thailand and an im- crossings had not spiked. on Monday, most of whom nawa police station. Other He went on to say that the Tanee Sangrat, director- portant member of Asean. One group, of 106 illegal were migrant workers wearing demonstrators would also be coup situation inside Myanmar general of the Department of Thailand hopes to see con- Myanmar workers, was sent National League for Democ- prosecuted, the statement said.

Ministry to address elderly benefit flaws THE INTERIOR MINIS- 1) the ministry has asked all try is considering regulatory 7,850 local administrative amendments to address flaws organisations nationwide to in benefits for the elderly. avoid causing more problems According to Thai law, to the elderly while it finds the elderly are supposed to solutions. receive monthly living al- He suggested that local lowances. However, those organisations negotiate with already receiving pensions the elderly or delay the process are not qualified to receive of collection although it was additional allowances. still unclear how to halt legal Reports emerged last Interior Minister Anupong proceedings against those month of the Comptroller Paojinda. Photo: Bangkok Post already facing legal action General’s Department ask- from the government. ing elderly citizens to return deceased state officials, police Gen Anupong, however, allowances they had not been officers and soldiers. did insist that the elderly will qualified to receive. Among Interior Minister Anupong not go to jail since these are them were widows, parents of Paojinda said on Monday (Feb civil cases. BP

@thephuketnews 8 COMMUNITY THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 The rockin’ sounds of Pastel Andy Tong Dee

he Pastel Bar and restaurant in Phuket Town is on Phuket Rd, just 200 metres south of the clock at the Surin traffic circle. Only five metres wide, it’s not an easy bar to find, despite the shiny Harley-Davidsons you may see parked outside! When you do, you will find just inside a table and seats made out of the front of a Cadillac motor car. Nearby is a petrol pump and air supply pump as if from a 1950s TAmerican garage. A drum kit, PA and amplifiers stand ready for action and music videos play on TV screens around the bar. Carry on walking, and you’ll find the other half of the Cadillac is now a sofa, with fully functioning rear Pastel front. Jack and the Pastel bar Band. lights. This is clearly a live music venue, but what is less obvious is how it is very different to the others forming in Patong, but now he uses the Pastel Bar to ‘Pastel on Tour’. Hence these bands are often seen and very unique. get ready for better times. playing for free on Sundays in Phuket Town’s walk- Phuketian ‘Jack’ Piyabut Voratumapon started the Another band is a trio fronted by Ood, a Thai engi- ing street at various locations such as Soi Romanee, restaurant and bar in 2010, and his mother still does neer who likes to play classic rock and pop in his free 43 Guesthouse and Ngor Kah Kee. In this way, Jack the cooking. A pastel colour is a mix of two or three time. An ‘Indie’ band, The Vanguard, plays jazzy and helps support these venues and spreads his message: others, and Jack chose this word for the bar’s name to funky Thai and Western songs and is run by PJ, a “Phuketians, the Pastel Bar is here for you!” express his vision for it – a place where people of dif- well-known local Thai event organiser and drummer. However, this was sadly not the case during and ferent nationalities and races can hang out together, This band is the largest band playing in the bar, with after the COVID lockdown last year when Jack had united in their love of music. a trombone, trumpet and saxophone brass section. to shut the bar for four months. Happily, he was sup- Consequently, you may well find one of the ama- Jack is very proud of a sign that hangs near the ported during this difficult time by his friends and teur bands it hosts playing there in the evening. The bar’s entrance which says, “Pastel: Blues Power fellow musicians. atmosphere is so casual and relaxed, it is difficult to Phuket”. Blues Power is a Thai charity started by leg- So I hope you can understand now just why this know if they are rehearsing or performing at times. endary blues guitarist and singer Yamin who lives in bar is so different and unique. This is no ordinary live Usually, it is a bit of both! Jack drums for them if Bangkok. In March 2016, Yamin created quite a stir music venue with an owner and customers, for Pastel needed, but the Pastel Bar Band is his regular band, when he came to Phuket to play in the Pastel Bar and is a community of people, rather than a business. which plays Thai ballads. The bar’s Facebook page other locations around the island to raise money for As Jack himself might say, the Pastel Bar in real- has well over 1,000 friends now and shows live videos good causes. Blues Power has bars around Thailand ity doesn’t belong to him. Pastel belongs to everyone of performances. that support its efforts. The Pastel Bar does this in who hangs out there, me included! One band, Mary Jane, is led by a young virtuoso, Phuket. a Thai lead guitarist called Nine who plays rock and Jack is always keen to create opportunities for Local expat Andy Tong Dee is a live music enthusiast blues classics. Pre-lockdown, Nine was often seen per- Pastel’s bands to play elsewhere in what he calls and musician living in Phuket.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 COMMUNITY 9

The unsung efforts by Sutai Muay Thai and 5 Star People from all walks of life have been rolling up their sleeves Marine have helped people in need for over a year now. and volunteering in order to help the local communities. Unsung Community Heroes So today, we’re focussing on two lo- So, how can we as a community class at the gym at the same time – so Joanna Matlub cal Phuket businesses – Sutai Muay help? Well firstly this is not a dona- whilst you pack, they can play and get Thai and 5 Star Marine – who took a tion drive, what they really need are active. his is not a superhero story step back when COVID-19 first hit to more hands on deck to help pack, de- We all know an unsung hero or two, from our childhood, filled with analyse their resources. Their aim was liver and generally volunteer. Packing so why not take a moment to reflect on powers of invisibility, super- to see how they could collectively pool usually happens on a Saturday, and this recognition and now more than human strength or teleporta- their resources in order to maximise with one of the main packing centres ever perhaps Spiderman had a point: tion; this is a story about a the support of vulnerable children, at Sutai Muay Thai in Surin, there “with great power comes great respon- few selfless, unsung Phuket families and communities in and is an opportunity to lend a hand with sibility”. pandemic heroes. So, make around Phuket and Phang Nga. A year practical volunteering here. If you Please contact Shaun from 5 Star yourself comfortable and let’s has passed, and these two companies have little ones, fear not as they can Marine to lend a helping hand on 093 begin by shedding some light on a cou- are still out there, at least twice a take part in a low-impact kids’ fitness 720 6221 Tple of local businesses that, although week delivering over 2,000 life bags. certainly limited by lack of superhuman To date, they’ve donated in excess of powers, have not let this get in the way 100,000 life bags, each one containing of collaborating to effectively support enough staple supplies to feed a family the most vulnerable communities – and of five for around four days. still continue to do so almost exactly The 5 Star Marine boats have one year on. enabled access to some of the most at- In 2020 we saw people from all risk islands, and allowed the charity walks of life rolling up their sleeves and efforts to go further afield, reaching getting involved by volunteering and places such as Coconut Island, Koh donating, on small and larger scales, Yao Noi and Yai, Koh Panyi, Naka Yai, in order to help the local communities. as well as some of the smaller villages Today, however I am focussing on one in Phang Nga, in addition to all over story in particular, and highlighting Phuket Island. these unsung local heroes mainly due Nando and his Sutai Muay Thai to the yearlong consistency and vast team have been the driving force in scale of their donation efforts. physically making these donations happen. Not only do they contribute valuable time packing and sorting the life bags, they have also volunteered their trucks and full assistance on ac- tual donations. Their gym proved the perfect space to pack and sort the life bags ready for delivery. These multitudinous efforts have relied heavily on both companies’ volunteers. All staff members get involved to help out, and Nando even The 5 Star Marine boats help the volunteers brings in the odd sponsored fighter provide much-needed assistance to the most to get stuck in; perhaps superhuman at-risk communities living on the islands off Phuket. strength has made it into this tale after all! A key point is how heartily they are investing in our local communities, and because all staff get involved they have been kept busy throughout this difficult period. Job duties have been shifted to keep staff motivated and busy working for the benefit of the community, and themselves. The safety of volunteers, beneficiaries and staff are paramount, with all these donations being overseen by public health The combined efforts of Sutai Muay Thai and 5 officers and local arbiters, adhering to Star Marine have seen more than 100,000 life bags screening, sanitising and queuing with handed out to people in need. social-distancing guidelines.

@thephuketnews 10 TIME OUT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 65. Mensa members 26. Blend 1. Workplace safety 66. Finite duration 27. U.S. Army medal org. 67. Samuel Adams 29. Divination deck 1. Who wrote the book The Invisible Man? 5. Kind of test drinks 30. French summer 8. Actress, Blanchett 68. Expected time to 31. O.R. workers 2. The world’s tallest arch, the 192-metre high Gateway 12. Burden be here 32. “Land ___!” Arch, is in which American city? 13. Seemingly forever 69. Tiny piece of 33. Dead tired 3. What colour is the background of the Saudi Arabian flag? 15. Ground matter 16. Letterman or Leno 38. Calvin of clothing 4. Who is American actress Kate Capshaw married to? 17. Tropical forest vines Down 39. Least bit 18. Starchy South 1. ___ and aah 40. __ ___ roll (doing 5. What is a “muntin”? Answers below, centre Andes plants 2. Winter well) 19. Sweet treat precipitation 41. New England 22. ___ cream 3. Money or puppies? catch 23. Purged 4. Goes with 46. Some French 24. Stalk of grass Spumanti wines, informally Medium 28. Austerity SUDOKU 5. Salts the 47. Iago’s wife 34. Goals sidewalks 48. Suffix with floor 35. “___ extra cost!” 6. Figure on the 36. Discontinuity Sistine Chapel’s or roof 37. Rich dessert ceiling 51. Not pro 42. Letter with a right 7. ___ Domini 52. Cristie Kerr’s org. angle 8. Porcelain clay 53. Airline to Tel Aviv 43. Prefix with type 9. Pinball or air 54. Chinese food 44. Harbinger hockey, e.g. additive 45. Set apart 10. Milk source 55. Fencing 48. Words of 11. Get better equipment Solutions to last week’s puzzles: clarification 13. Writer Waugh 56. 1996 Broadway 49. Yellowfin tuna 14. Anatomical rock opera 50. Small British isle container 52. Colorful pies 20. Link 57. Court grp. 60. Builder’s need 21. “To be __ to be 58. Release 61. Won a bee ...” 59. Japanese 62. Self-satisfied 24. Innocent ones wrestling

64. Garden entrance 25. French city 63. Solitaire

Answerswindow a in toglass of this panes week’sseparating and Popholding Quiz:strip A 5)

1991); (since Spielberg Steven 4) Green; 3) Louis; St 2) Wells; H.G. 1)

GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW NUMBER 1 out of 10 married adults in the US say that they typically sleep alone. 85 percent of those who have attempted to break the water speed record since 1940 have died while trying. 7,000 US dollars a day is how much an email spambot can earn. Koh Kaew near BIS. Photo: Mark Pimbley 300,000 Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to [email protected] US dollars in research and three This week in history months is what it took for scientists to create a lab-grown burger patty. Feb 5, 1958 and Hamyang massacre by ferred to as volleyball. A hydrogen bomb known as a unit of the South Korean the Tybee Bomb is lost by the Army, which slaughters 705 Feb 10, 1258 US Air Force off the coast of unarmed citizens – 85% of Baghdad falls to the Mongols, Savannah, Georgia, never to them women, children and and the Abbasid Caliphate is 92 be recovered. elderly people – as suspected destroyed. communist sympathizers. quadrillion Feb 6, 60 AD Feb 11, 1990 The earliest date for which the Feb 8, 1879 Nelson Mandela in 2000. Nelson Mandela is released US dollars is how much PayPal once day of the week is known, from Sandford Fleming first pro- from Victor Verster Prison accidentally credited a man with. a graffito in Pompeii. poses adoption of Universal Feb 9, 1895 outside Cape Town, South Standard Time at a meeting William G. Morgan creates Africa after 27 years as a Source: Uberfacts Feb 7, 1951 of the Royal Canadian In- a game called Mintonette, political prisoner. Korean War: The Sancheong stitute. which soon comes to be re- Source: Wikipedia

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 CLASSIFIEDS 11

The Phuket News Trades & Services @thephuketnews

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@thephuketnews 12 EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021

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thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 ISLAND SCENE 13

Jackie, Karen, Helga, Dianne, Marisca and Linneke Wipa, Waraporn and Noi

Missy, Lynne, Truus and Diane Nec, Jo, Jeanie, Maggy, Grace, Shiho, Anna and Mel PIWC - JANUARY 2021 LUNCHEON Held at the COMO Point Yamu, on January 21, the Phuket International Women’s Club - PIWC, held their monthly luncheon meeting. All members and guests celebrated the new year and their first gathering in 2021 with a fantastic meal and location.

‘Superstars of Burnhead’ - Henri, Hannah, Jum, Laura, Moosey, Charlee and Niamh Celebrating the birthday of Big Brother ‘Ko Jan’.

Kerg and Mook ‘GOOD VIBES P-TOWN’ New open air venue in the heart of Phuket Old Town, celebrating it’s one-month anniversary. The ‘Good Vibes P-Town’ Team.

@thephuketnews 14 SPORT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 Penguins seal series against Cows Khan worked a 91-run partnership CRICKET to boost the score up to 236 for 5 nd Neil Quail by the 32 over. Khan fell victim to another su- fter 70 overs of cricket at perb diving catch by Swart off the the ACG on Sunday (Jan bowling of Dom Judge and Bhanu A31), the second game in the Pratap went for just 5 runs in the challenge series between Patong next over, bowled by Robertson. Penguins and Thalang Cows went Having suffered an injury while down to the very last ball to decide fielding, Imtiyaz Mushtaq had the result. missed most of the Cows’ fielding ACG’s outfield had received innings, but returned to help target a shearing, meaning runs should the winning runs. flow on a hard surface that field- Requiring 4 runs off the last ers would learn as unforgiving, ball, the Cows failed to deal with and following last weekend’s the pressure, ensuring a two-wicket heated encounter, a competitive victory for the Penguins as well as tie was highly anticipated, and a 2-1 series win. duly provided. Justin Swart celebrates his unbeaten The game’s MVP and Penguin’s The Penguins opening part- 112 and victory for the Penguins baggy cap went to Swart for his 118 nership of Michael Flowers and against the Cows on Sunday at the off 78 and three catches. Bowling Saju Abraham was to last just ACG. Photo: Karnthida Vongsakul honours went to Pir for his 54-3 off eight balls, when Cows’ Sami Pir 7, with mentions to Ninan for his 75 opened his bowling figures with a ricocheted off his upstretched hands. end their 35 overs on 263 for 9. the Cows recoiled at a score line off 60 and Fonseka for his 53 off 30. wicket-maiden, having Abraham Success in the middle has been of 18 for 3. caught by Waseem Yusa at mid-on. weekly routine for Justin Swart, and DANGER MAN However, an exceptional innings WHAT’S ON AT THE ACG Joining Flowers at the crease, once again he stepped up admirably, Once lunch had been consumed at from Thomas in scoring a personal (FEB 3-FEB 9) Paddy Ledeboer made his presence claiming another century on his the Tipsy Cow, Penguins emerged best of 41 and Fonseka posting 53, Friday: Senior & Junior Cricket felt immediately in hammering 12 way to an unbeaten 118. to defend a good total in brutally helped the Cows get ahead of the Training (4:30-6:30pm) runs from his first over, while the Hammering 16 fours and four hot conditions. But it was the Cows run rate at 138 for 4 by the 18-over Saturday: Ultimate cricket/rugby pair took the score to 44 for 1. sixes during his onslaught of the who couldn’t take the heat as open- drinks break. challenge PCG v Vagabonds (2-6pm) In the 8th over Stuart Hamilton’s Cows’ bowling, Swart was as- ers Bootsy and Ali Khan were Danger man Fonseka’s efforts Sunday: Cricket match (10am start) left-arm slow spin saw Flowers sisted by Seemant Raju and Dan back in the clubhouse within seven ended in the 16th over after a raised Monday: Junior Cricket Coaching find Ashan Fonseka at long-on Nicholson, both adding 18, while deliveries of the restart. drive off Ledeboer’s first delivery with former professional Ashan then Ledeboer holed out to Mi- Curt Livermore and skipper Jason Swart dismissed Bootsy with an was drilled to Dan Nicholson at Fonseka (3-5pm) chael Thomas in the covers as the Robertson threw in 12 and 15, athletic diving catch at long-off and cover and Thomas was caught by Tuesday: Junior Cricket Coaching fielder reacted quickly to secure the respectively. Khan followed just five balls later, Robertson in the 21st over off Liv- with former professional Ashan catch at the second attempt after Livermore and Robertson bowled by Shivam Bhattacharya. ermore’s bowling, before Cows’ Fonseka (3-5pm) Vagabonds Rugby Ledeboer's rasping shot initially then added a further 30 runs to Hamilton fell in the 7th over as captain Joe Ninan and Sameer Training (5-7pm)

Blue Canyon holds ‘Two Man Scramble’ ahead of reopening GOLF

AHEAD OF THEIR CAN- yon course reopening next month, Phuket’s Blue Canyon Country Club welcomed over 100 golfers to its ‘2 Man Scramble’ event on Jan 24. The event brought together golfers from across Gross score winner Khun Leo tees the island for a day of fun off. Photo: Blue Canyon Phuket and competitive play at one of the country’s most pres- Blue Canyon Country spa resort and luxurious tigious country clubs. Club has hosted some of clubhouse facilities. Winners of the gross the most renowned golf Now under new owner- score were Khun Filip and championships over the ship and management, Blue Khun Leo with a score of 62. years and is the one and Canyon Country Club is Hot on their heels in the first only three-time host of the striving to be at the absolute runners-up spot with a score Johnnie Walker Classic. It pinnacle of all golf courses of 63 were Khun Namo and has also witnessed legends in Thailand. The Canyon Khun Rattawarin. Wayne of the game of golf, celebri- course, which has recently Klapko and Marco Fragola ties and heads of state take undergone a full restoration, took the second runners-up on its fairways and greens. is due to reopen in March spot with a score of 66. Cradled in a 720-acre and a massive renovation of Winners of of the net verdant valley against a the clubhouse is scheduled score competition with a magnificent backdrop of to start soon. score of 61.8 were Khun the majestic Phang Nga Golf tournaments at Blue Pasoot and Khun Rattakorn mountains and the Anda- Canyon Country Club are a followed by Khun Tanadech man Sea, Blue Canyon of- monthly occurrence. If you and Khun Somboon as first fers two award-winning wish to participate, please runners-up with a score of championship golf courses, visit their Facebook page: 63 and Maxim Sazonova and ‘The Canyon’ built in 1991 https://www.facebook.com/ Alesia Sazonova as second and ‘The Lakes’ in 1999, BlueCanyonCountryClub/ runners-up. complete with a boutique The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 SPORT 15 Quiet transfer deadline day Liverpool bolster defence but Premier League moves limited The 20-year-old arrives after two The last time less than £100 FOOTBALL years in the Bundesliga, where he million was spent in the January

John Weaver played for Stuttgart before joining transfer window was 2012. Schalke in July 2019. Arsenal allowed Shkodran iverpool finally bolstered their He previously gained Champions Mustafi to leave, with the German defensive options by signing League experience at Galatasaray defender signing a short-term con- LSchalke’s Ozan Kabak and and has won seven caps for Turkey. tract at Schalke. Preston’s Ben Davies before the Davies, 25, signed for an initial Gedson Fernandes ended his Premier League transfer window fee believed to be £500,000, plus disappointing spell at Tottenham, slammed shut on Monday (Feb 1). future add-ons. He made 145 ap- with the midfielder’s loan from Meanwhile Premier League pearances for Preston, scoring two Benfica cancelled so he could join champions’ Japanese attacking goals, since his debut in 2013. Galatasaray. midfielder Takumi Minamino left “Obviously it came as a bit of Relegation-threatened West for Southampton on loan until the a surprise when it first came out Bromwich Albion signed Turkey end of the season in one of the few but once you start to get your head midfielder Okay Yokuslu on loan moves between Premier League around it, the opportunity that is in from Celta Vigo until the end of clubs on a quiet deadline day. front of me is incredible,” Davies the season. The January window is regarded said. West Brom also agreed a deal as a sellers’ market and often a time “I’ve never actually been to with Arsenal to take the versatile for stop-gap measures but Liverpool Anfield and I haven’t had a look Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan were forced to act. around yet.” until the end of this term. The champions are missing all of Ecuador international Moises their senior central defenders, with LOW-SPENDING Caicedo joined Brighton from In- Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Ozan Kabak (L), seen here in action for Schalke, has joined Liverpool WINDOW dependiente del Valle for a fee of Matip out of action. on loan until the end of the season. Photo: AFP Major moves involving ‘Big Six’ around £4 million. Fabinho, who had impressed at Premier League clubs were few and Newcastle signed Arsenal mid- centre-back after moving from his completed after the window shut final hours of the transfer window. far between in the January window. fielder Joe Willock on loan for the usual midfield position, recently because the Saints had submitted Kabak joined on loan until the Top-flight clubs, who splashed rest of the season, while Magpies’ joined the injured list while captain the necessary paperwork in time. end of the season, subject to inter- the cash in the summer transfer right-back DeAndre Yedlin joined Jordan Henderson, who usually Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp national clearance. window, are reeling from the fi- Galatasaray in a permanent deal. plays in midfield, has been forced had been suggesting for several weeks The Premier League champi- nancial fallout as a result of the Fulham landed former Sunder- to deputise at the back. that a replacement centre-back would ons have paid an initial £1 million COVID-19 crisis and are coming land forward Josh Maja on loan Japanese international Minamino be a major lift for his team. (B41mn) loan fee with the option to terms with new Brexit rules that from French side Bordeaux. departed Anfield for Southampton Klopp got his wish at last as the to buy for £18 million at the end of make it tougher to recruit young Everton signed Bournemouth in a surprise move allowed to be Reds brought in two defenders in the the season. players from Europe. striker Josh King in a late deal. AFP Dechapol and Sapsiree make history ments. Everyone worked so Tai’s victory 21-19. Lee and Shin lost the first BADMINTON hard and took care of the “Before this match today I game 15-21 before scrapping athletes so well these past kept telling myself that I had through to claim the second DECHAPOL PUAVARA- weeks,” added Dechapol. to play patiently. In the previ- 26-24. nukroh and Sapsiree Taeratta- The pair took home the ous matches, all my mistakes They had momentum early nachai ended a historic month $126,000 (B3.8mn) winner’s were caused [by] my own in the third game and were for Thai badminton with an cheque, while the Koreans impatience,” Tai said. able to hold off a late resur- emphatic win at the US$1.5 received $60,000 (B1.8mn). The all-Danish men’s gence from their opponents million (B45mn) HSBC BWF Earlier, top-ranked Tai singles final was equally to win the decider 21-19. World Tour Finals at Impact Tzu-ying won a dramatic nail-biting as Anders Anton- In the men’s doubles, Arena, Muang Thong Thani, cliffhanger in the women’s sen denied Viktor Axelsen seventh-ranked Lee Yang last Sunday (Jan 31). singles decider, thwarting a third tournament win in and Wang Chi-Lin of Taiwan The world No.3 pair de- reigning Olympic champion three weeks. won their third title in three Dechapol Puavaranukroh (left) and Sapsiree Taerattanachai feated sixth-ranked South Carolina Marin’s bid for a Axelsen, ranked fourth, weeks. pose with their trophies and gold medals. Photo: AFP Koreans Seo Seung-Jae and hat-trick of titles. couldn't control his nerves They beat Indonesia’s Mo- Chae Yu-Jung 21-18, 8-21, Marin beat the Taiwanese – losing the first game 16-21 hammad Ahsan and Hendra Lee admitted the pair our idols. I thought: ‘oh my 21-8 in the mixed doubles 26-year-old two weeks in a – his body language showing Setiawan, the 2019 champions, “were nervous coming in the god, oh my god.’ Three titles final to complete a hat-trick row in the preceding Thailand immense frustration as errors 21-17, 23-21 in 37 minutes. finals here. We were playing is incredible.” Bangkok Post of Super 1000 titles in three Open tournament finals. piled up and shots landed weeks. But the Spaniard had a wide. He managed to regroup The victory was their third shaky start as Tai exploited to win the second game 21-5. in a row after their successes flaws in her defence, mount- But in the decider Anton- at the Yonex Thailand Open ing a successful comeback sen had all the right answers, and the Toyota Thailand Open in the later stages to win the triumphing 21-17 to claim in the previous weeks. opener 21-14. the game and the hour-long Dechapol and Sapsiree Marin was loud and feisty match against an increasingly also became the first mixed in her verbal celebrations but ruffled Axelsen. doubles pair to win three soon a visibly annoyed Tai Antonsen is the only consecutive World Tour Super found her own voice. man to beat Axelsen in three 1000 crown. In the second game, Tai weeks. His victory also halted “We’re very happy to win dominated early and dictated Axelsen’s 29-match winning today and very proud that we a commanding pace, eventu- streak. won three titles in a row,” said ally triumphing 21-8. The women’s doubles was Sapsiree after the pair avenged The decider was filled an all-Korean showdown with their defeat to the Korean duo with fast and furious rallies – fourth-ranked Lee So-Hee and in the group stage on Jan 28. both players yo-yoed up and Shin Seung-Chan pushing “We also would like to down the scoreboard – but sixth-ranked Kim So-Yeong thank the organisers for host- two late spectacular drop and Kong Hee-Yong to three ing three wonderful tourna- shots were critical in sealing games over 92 minutes.

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