THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021

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Friday, January 22 – Thursday, January 28, 2021 Since 2011 / Volume XI / No. 4 20 Baht COVID POOR, MAN TRIES TO SELL EYE ON FACEBOOK > PAGE 5 NEWS PAGE 3 Quarantine arrivals free to FREE roam hotels SHOTS LIFE PAGE 9 Sustainable choices avoid All people registered as living in Patong, Chalong and Phuket Town will receive pandemics the COVID vaccine for free, including foreigners. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

FREE COVID VACCINATIONS FOR RESIDENTS, INCLUDING FOREIGNERS, IN PATONG, CHALONG, PHUKET TOWN

Tanyaluk Sakoot day (Jan 18) that Chalong Municipality announce a safe vaccine for people Phuket, and how the vaccine should [email protected] had already set aside a budget of B20 [See page 7],” he said. be distributed,” he added. million to source a vaccine once they Dr Thanit Sermkaew, Chief of Chalong Mayor Samran made his he mayors of Phuket Town, become available. the Phuket Provincial Public Health policy decision clear, despite going to Chalong and Patong have all Chalong Municipality, like any Office (PPHO), confirmed to The the polls for re-election on Mar 28. SPORT PAGE 16 Tconfirmed that they set aside other municipality in the country, Phuket News on Tuesday (Jan 19) “I don’t want to wait in the queue their own budgets to vaccinate all must acquire any COVID-19 vaccine that at this stage his office had yet to to get the vaccine budget. Chalong registered residents – Thai and for- from the Ministry of Public Health, receive any clear instructions from people deserve to receive vaccines. Laguna Phuket eign – in their areas for COVID-19 Mayor Samran admitted. the central government on how many They do not need to pay,” he said. without having to wait for the national However, he added that he wanted doses of a COVID vaccine will be Mayor Samran confirmed that Triathlon date government. there to be no bureaucratic delays in made available to Phuket, or in which COVID vaccines obtained by Chalong announced The news broke earlier this week getting the vaccines to people living order of priority people on the island Municipality will be freely available when Chalong Mayor Samran Jin- in Chalong. are to be vaccinated. to all people registered as living dapon confirmed to The Phuket News “People in Chalong getting fast “That all depends on when health in Chalong Subdistrict, regardless that foreigners living in Chalong will access to good-quality vaccines is experts in Bangkok deem which vac- whether the resident is Thai or foreign. be freely vaccinated for COVID-19 the main idea, so we have already cinations are safe to deploy throughout “There are about 20,000 to 30,000 once the national government has set a budget of about B20mn,” Mayor the country,” Dr Thanit said. people in Chalong. This includes approved which vaccines may be Samran said. “When that decision is made, we everyone: Thais, migrant workers used in Thailand. “Now we are waiting for the Min- will be informed how many doses and other foreigners registered as Mayor Samran explained on Mon- istry of Public Health to confirm and of the vaccine will be allocated to living in Chalong, such as retirees... CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews 2 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021

[email protected] Park officer probed for News ‘peeping’ > p4 Municipal elections Vaccinations take priority Continued from page 1 in the province, she explained. slated for Mar 28 ...and foreigners staying here Of note, as of Tuesday, the CANDIDATES LOOK- for other reasons. PPHO had marked that it had ing to contest the upcoming “They will all receive the been 26 days since Phuket local municipal elections to be vaccine,” Mayor Samran said. had any patients confirmed held on Mar 28 can register “Please do not be worried. as infected with COVID-19. from Feb 8, the Phuket office Chalong Municipality already “The fear is dominating of the Election Commission of has the money in its budget. Phuket people. They do not Thailand (PEC) has confirmed. There is no need to ask for want to receive visitors from Registration for candidates Local municipal elections money from the Cabinet,” another province as they are will be open Feb 8-12, PEC Di- will be held throughout the Mayor Samran explained. worried about the risk of get- rector Passakon Siripakayapon country on Mar 28. Photo: “We will start the buying ting COVID-19. They don’t told The Phuket News. Tanyaluk Sakoot process immediately after the Patong Mayor Chalermluck want to be infected. So they During the registration Ministry of Public Health ap- are worried about taking care week, candidates will be able Thepkrasattri, Kamala and proves the vaccine,” he said. to start drawing up plans to of Public Health, and that is of tourists, and that leaves to register to contest seats on Koh Kaew OrBorTor areas, Phuket City Mayor Som- provide free vaccinations to only after the Food and Drug businesses stuck, unable to local councils of the 12 mu- have to wait. The elections in jai Suwansupana has also residents in the once-bustling Administration (FDA) has operate,” Mayor Chalermluck nicipalities in Phuket, or for those areas are not being held confirmed that Phuket City tourism town. confirmed the vaccine is safe. said. the position of mayor where on March 28. The ECT will Municipality has already set Mayor Chlermluck sees “Then we will consider “The vaccine is our hope available, he explained. announce the election date aside more than B45 million free mass vaccination, of both which people are to be vac- in stopping this fear. If local The news follows the Elec- for OrBorTor later.” to vaccinate the 79,000-odd Thais and foreigners registered cinated first, in accordance residents receive the vaccine tion Commission of Thailand “Local municipalities will people living in Phuket Town. as living in Patong, as a key with whatever the Ministry as quickly as possible, I think main office in Bangkok con- be responsible for providing “We don’t want to wait for step in reviving Patong’s tour- of Public Health determines,” people will be more confident firming that local municipal the budget for holding the the government. If we wait for ism industry, which has been she added. in receiving domestic tourists. elections will be held through- elections in their respective the government, we have no devastated by the COVID-19 “We deserve to get the vac- Then businesses can run,” out the country on Mar 28. areas,” Mr Passakorn noted. idea when we will have the protection policies. cine quickly because Phuket is she added. “The ECT will issue an “The election process will vaccine,” she said. “The vaccine is being con- a tourism province, our people Phuket Chamber of Com- official announcement on Feb be overseen by the PEC. Other Mayor Somjai confirmed sidered for approval right now, depend on tourism,” Mayor merce President Thanusak 1. Then the PEC will formally details will be figured out that only people who were so we decided to take this Chalermluck said. Phungdet praised the move inform the Local Election later,” he said. registered as living in Phuket chance. There is no need to Fear of contracting COV- by local municipalities to Committee at each municipal- “Candidates and any par- City limits at the end of De- wait for the government. We ID-19 amid the latest outbreak start making plans to mass ity including Pa Khlok, Cherng ties they represent will be cember would be eligible to have already set a budget of has stifled any economic re- vaccinate people in their areas Talay, Srisoonthorn, Thepkra- allowed to start campaign- receive the vaccine free from about B30mn for about 20,000 covery in tourism-dependent for free. sattri, Patong, Kathu, Karon, ing on Feb 1. But they must Phuket City Municipality. people registered as living in Patong, Mayor Chalermluck “Provinces that rely on Rawai, Chalong, Wichit, Ras- conclude at 6pm on Mar 27,” “This does include Thais Patong,” Mayor Chalermluck noted. tourism should receive the sada and Phuket Town on Mr Passakon added. and foreigners registered as told The Phuket News on The impact has been two- vaccine before other provinces. March 28,” Mr Passakorn said. In accordance with election living in Phuket Town,” she Monday (Jan 18). fold: tourists have decided For Phuket, it will create more The election of six Local law, there will be a ban on the said. “We want people to get against travel to avoid con- confidence among tourists Administration Organisations sale of alcohol in each area the vaccine as fast as possible, tracting the disease, and work- wanting to travel here. Then (OrBorTor) councils will be where an election is being held PATONG but the vaccine must be safe ers in the tourism industry in businesses can start operating held separately. Mr Passakorn from 6pm on Mar 27 through Chalermluck Kebsup, Mayor for our people. We will order Phuket are fearful they might again, and that will help local clarified, “People in Sakhu, to 6pm the day of the election of Patong, is also not waiting the vaccine once they become contract COVID-19 from a people earn incomes that they Mai Khao, Cherng Talay, (Mar 28). Tanyaluk Sakoot for the central government available from the Ministry tourist who has just arrived can live on,” he said.

Short-stay rules tightened for new arrivals UNDER A REVISED ORDER ISSUED Visitors are to avoid going to communal on the conditions of entry of all visitors areas or places where there is likely to arriving in Phuket, Phuket Governor be a crowded gathering of people. Narong Woonciew has mandated that Hotel staff must check their guests’ all short-stay visitors must avoid any temperatures and be aware of any po- areas where “gatherings” occur unless tential symptoms and report them to the the visitors have express permission from nearest EOC. Also, all facilities in hotels an emergency operation center (EOC). must be designated for social distancing. The revised order issued by Governor Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew. Day-trip visitors are required to reg- Narong was publicised last Friday (Jan Photo: PR Phuket ister via the Mor Chana app and online 15). The order came into effect on Jan via www.gophuget.com. 14 and will remain valid until Jan 31 or must be swab tested by EOC staff, as The revised order comes as the until any further notice is issued. opposed to going to a local hospital. Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Under the order, short-term arrivals Arrivals with test result documents reports that short-term visitors to Phuket from the “highest-risk” areas within the issued within 72 hours of their arrival are required to report to the local EOC nine ’red zone’ provinces must present can present them to EOC staff to negate within 12 hours of arriving. The TAT documents to EOCs and should avoid any further necessary tests. also states that visitors staying overnight visiting communal areas, said the order. Those who visit on a short-term trip are not allowed to visit community ar- EOCs, which have been set up in for the purpose of running a business or eas, “such as, attractions, entertainment every local administration area on the joining a meeting must present documents venues and markets”. island, are responsible for following up to EOC staff which have been issued by The Phuket News notes that none of on the health of new arrivals in their their employers that outline the reason these restrictions for short-term visitors areas and for making sure quarantine and necessity of their trip. have been published by Phuket officials. and other requirements are enforced. In order to receive permission to leave The Phuket News has requested clari- Also under the revised order, visitors their accommodation visitors must file a fication on these restrictions, but as of who came from the “highest-risk” areas request to the EOC which clearly explains Tuesday (Jan 19) had yet to receive a within the nine ’red zone’ provinces why, when and where they intend to go. response. The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 3 Arrivals in quarantine allowed to roam hotels The Phuket News [email protected] COVID-19 tests are not required for ‘extending visas’, Phuket Immigration has confirmed. Photo: The Phuket News eople arriving in Phuket placed under a mandatory 14-day quar- No need for COVID-19 Pantine are allowed to roam the hotel where they are staying, and are not confined to their room, the Phuket tests to extend visas health chief has confirmed. PHUKET IMMIGRA- “So they [foreigners] do However, there will be harsh penalties tion has confirmed that evi- not have to worry about it. for any people under quarantine found dence of a COVID-19 test Everything is still the same,” outside their hotel area, Dr Thanit Ser- proving that a foreigner is not he added. mkaew, Chief of the Phuket Provincial infected with the virus is not Col Nareuwat also noted Public Health Office (PPHO), told The required in order to extend a that his understanding was Phuket News. permit-to-stay, a process often that a COVID-19 test was still Under a provincial order issued by Phuket Vice Governor Pichet Panaphong first ’requested’ that arrivals not leave referred to as ‘extending visas’. not required for foreigners to Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew, their ASQ hotel grounds at the Phuket Communicable Disease Committee Phuket Immigration Dep- renew their work permits – a all people arriving in Phuket from the meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Jan 12. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub uty Chief Col Nareuwat Put- formal permit issued by the ‘highest-risk’ provinces must quarantine thawiro told The Phuket News Employment Office that over- for 14 days at an Alternative State Quar- stay in their hotels [or homes], so we outside their rooms follows Phuket Vice on Monday (Jan 18) that his laps with many immigration antine (ASQ) hotel or other appropriate are asking for their cooperation. They Governor Pichet making a “request” for office had not received any applications. venue after arriving in Phuket. do not need to stay only in their room. people under quarantine to not leave the such order from the Immi- “At this stage, they just The only exception are those who are They are able to do activities within the hotel grounds. gration Bureau main office need a medical certificate exiting a 14-day quarantine in Bangkok hotel, such as having meals, swimming, “Right now Phuket is free from in Bangkok or from higher- only, not a medical document after testing negative for the virus. All yoga and other activities. COVID-19 infected people, so our plan ranking officers at the regional confirming they have tested such people must travel directly to Phuket "Please do not go outside the hotel. is to work with hotel management teams headquarters in Songkhla. negative for COVID-19,” he immediately after being released from That would be a good preventative and other relevant people in the private “We do not require any said. quarantine in Bangkok. measure in Phuket province," he added. sector to safely re-open to receive visi- medical documents for an “We have not received Phuket residents returning home Dr Thanit pointed out that there are tors from various areas, including the application to renew a visa, any notices about COVID-19 from a ’red zone’ area may serve their harsh penalties for people caught break- red, orange and yellow zones,” he said. because there are few foreign- requirements for processing quarantine at home, but must not leave ing the COVID-19 requirements, which “Phuket officials have asked for co- ers’ movements outside Phuket. applications to renew visas. If their property for the quarantine period. include being caught outside the quar- operation from operators to record the Most of them live and work in we do receive any such orders, For people observing their quarantine antine area while still under quarantine. travel moments of guests before they Phuket, and have done so before we will let the public know,” at an ASQ, Dr Thanit said, “It would be The confirmation that people under arrive at the hotel and that their guests the new wave of COVID-19,” Col Nareuwat assured. great if visitors from the ’red zone’ areas quarantine in Phuket were allowed stay within the hotel area only,” he said. Col Nareuwat said. Tanyaluk Sakoot

School dodges charges over illegal teachers AN INTERNATIONAL school in Rawai will not face any charges over two British teachers being arrested at the school for working without a work permit, Chalong Police have confirmed. “The case of the two foreign teachers working illegally has already been Chalong Police Station. Photo: The Phuket News / file submitted to the Public Pros- ecutor’s Office, two weeks against the school at all. It further investigation into ago,” Chalong Police Chief is not right to accuse the the case. Col Sarawut Chuprasit told school,” he said. As recently as Monday The Phuket News late last Col Sarawut declined last week (Jan 11), Capt Som- week. to give any reason for not kiet Sarasin of the Chalong Col Sarawut declined to pursuing charges, especially Police, the leading investiga- give any more information considering that Chalong tor in the case, declined to regarding the two teach- Police themselves are pursu- explain any further details ers, both British nationals, ing charges against the two of the case, and declined to who were arrested at the British nationals who were provide the names of the two Palm House International arrested at the school. “Let foreigners arrested. School in a raid by Phuket this issue be the prosecutor’s Chalong Police Col Immigration officers acting responsibility. Please go to Sarawut told The Phuket on a tip-off on Nov 4 last ask the prosecutor,” he said. News that he was unable to year. The case, and the two The Phuket Provincial remember the foreigners’ foreigners arrested, were Public Prosecutor’s Office names, or the case number. handed over to Chalong told The Phuket News last “Please ask Capt Somkiet,” Police to process. Friday (Jan 15), “We are he said. Chalong Police Chief willing to give an update, Capt Somkiet has contin- Col Sarawut did confirm but we need the police case ued to decline to give that that Chalong Police were number or the suspects’ information. not pursuing any charges names. Please go to ask the Capt Somkiet on Nov against the operator of the police for this information.” 24 told The Phuket News school for illegally hiring So far Chalong Police that the investigation into foreign workers. “I have no have refused to give any the school “will take time”. reason to press any charge information that will allow The Phuket News thephuketnews @thephuketnews 4 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021

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CHRIS HUSTED Executive Editor 084 307 7408 [email protected] Park officer probed for ‘peeping’ Eakkapop Thongtub men’s and the woman walked [email protected] into the women’s toilet. BEN TIREBUCK News / Sport Editor “The man looked up and 061 806 8132 [email protected] park officer at Phuket’s saw me and asked if I was Sirinath National Park spying on his girlfriend. So Ais under investiga- I climbed down and tried to tion for allegedly spying on a explain to the man what I was woman at a public toilet in the doing – that I thought there TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT park by climbing the wall sepa- were some men in the toilet Chief Reporter 091 165 0260 [email protected] rating the men’s and women’s taking drugs, which I have sections of the restroom. found before. The woman’s boyfriend, “I apologised to the man 32-year-old Panupong Run- and explained what I was grueng, a resident of Rassada, doing, but the man was still KIATTIKUL ‘JOM’ raised the alarm by reporting The public toilet is located directly behind the main office angry – so I left and went back CHUMANEE Translator at Sirinath National Park. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub 082 729 0270 the incident at about 5:20pm to the office. [email protected] last Sunday (Jan 17). “Then I saw the man and Mr Panupong explained in Sirinath National Park Sirinath National Park said public toilet, which is located woman go to Sakhu Police his formal complaint that his Chief Pramote Kaewnam later in a public statement released directly behind that national Station, which is nearby. I girlfriend, 29-year-old Miss confirmed that the man in the on Monday, “To ensure fairness park’s main office. left the office and went over Sopita, or ‘Ta’, went to use the photo seen looking down into for both sides, the park chief Mr Abdulrama said that to explain to the police what JASON BEAVAN General Manager toilet at about 5pm. While Mr the women’s toilet is park of- has appointed an investigative he smelled smoke, but “not had happened. 086 479 7471 [email protected] Panupong was waiting outside, ficer Abdulrama Mahaderi, 28. committee. This official has cigarette smoke”, leading him “The tourists told me that he saw a man climb onto the “The officers tasked with been suspended from duty to believe that men in the toilet they did not want to press wall separating the men’s and investigating this incident are pending further investigation.” might be “taking drugs”. charges. They just told me women’s sections of the public now in the process of collecting Sirinath National Park also “So I climbed the wall to that they did not want me to do restroom, and peer down into evidence… This is a sensitive on Monday posted a statement try to take a photo to catch the anything like this again,” Mr SIRIPORN (NOK) SEANGMAS the women’s area. matter,” Chief Pramote said. by Mr Abdulrama, in which men, but when I climbed up and Abdulrama continued. Sales Support 086 479 7470 [email protected] Mr Panupong took a photo Chief Pramote made no he explained that he was per- looked down, there was no one “I said thank you. I thought of the offender, which he later mention of whether his officers forming his routine patrol of in the men’s toilet,” he said. that was the end of it, but when posted on Facebook and gave to will now install a ceiling in the park when at about 4:50pm “Then a man and a woman, I came to work this morning

NIRAVIT ‘MOS’ VORAVANITCHA officials when filed his formal the public restroom to prevent he thought he heard two men’s both tourists, entered the toi- I was called to see the park THANAPONG ‘OAK’ KHAO-AMPHAIPHAN Graphic designers complaint. further invasions of privacy. voices coming from inside the lets. The man walked into the chief,” Mr Abdulrama said.

The Phuket News @thephuketnews Don’t worry about air quality, Heroines Festival reduced to merit-making activities only says Phuket health office FEARS OF COVID SPREADING THE PHUKET PROVINCIAL have seen the annual festival to Public Health (PPHO) Office on celebrate the island’s two famed Monday (Jan 18) advised people Heroines for this year reduced to on the island to not worry about merit-making activities only. the mild haze over Phuket today, The annual Heroines Festival, saying that the quality is “healthy”. celebrating the defeat of Burmese The popular stage show recreating the The Air Pollution Real-time Air The air quality reading for marauders attempting to take Phuket battle of 1785 has been cancelled. Quality Index (AQI) on Monday Phuket at 2pm Monday (Jan 18). in 1785, is usually over three weeks, Photo: The Phuket News / file posted on the aqmthai.com website Image: agmthai with festivities centred at Thalang – which uses data provided by the Victory Field, the site marked as “We will still hold the festival with Division of Air Quality Data of ficer at the PPHO, on Monday told where the two Heroines, Thao Thep some religious activities under the New the Air Quality and Noise Man- The Phuket News, “The air quality Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, Normal measures, but we will control agement Bureau, which operates still is at a good level and we can led the Phuket contingent in repelling the number of people allowed to attend under Thailand’s Pollution Control handle the situation. The big problem the Burmese invasion. each activity,” he added. Department – a PM2.5 reading for that is causing worse air pollution Festivities traditionally include As such, only two activities involv- Phuket of 112, rising to 117 at 2pm. are fires in Indonesia. the usual Thai fair stalls of food and ing the blessings of Buddhists monks The forecast remained at a high “We do advise people to wear live entertainment, including a light and the traditional wreath-laying of 137 for later Monday night. a mask to protect themselves from and sound show, which has now been ceremony will be held this year. According to the PCD, PM2.5 the pollution [in addition to the cancelled. A mass ordination of monks to bless readings of 101-150 are classified as COVID-19 requirement that all people This year the festival will feature the two Heroines will be held at Wat “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”. in Phuket must wear a face mask or only merit-making activities, Phuket Thepwanaram (Wat Manik), in Baan The classification comes with else face a fine of up to B20,000],” Vice Governor Piyaphong Chuwong Manik, Thalang, on Mar 6. the warning, “Members of sen- Mr Kriangkrai said. has announced. In the morning of Mar 12, merit- sitive groups may experience “People wear a mask these days V/Gov Piyapong explained that making ceremonies will be held at health effects. The general public because of the COVID-19 situation, organisers’ primary concern was the Wat Muang Komanraphat, the temple is not likely to be affected. Active so everyone already knows to do spread of COVID-19, leading to the closest to Thalang Victory Field. children and adults, and people this,” he said. decision to not include any festivities On Mar 13, there will be the annual with respiratory disease, such as “If the air pollution gets worse, that will lead to large gatherings of wreath-laying ceremony and the recitals asthma, should limit prolonged there will definitely be a caution people. of praises for Thao Thep Krasattri and outdoor exertion.” issued,” Mr Kriangkrai added. “We are thinking of the social Thao Sri Soonthorn at the Heroines Kriangkrai Bamrungta, an of- The Phuket News risk and safety as our priority,” V/ Monument on Thepkrasattri Rd. Gov Piyapong said. The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 5 Election complaint delays COVID poor, man tries to Rewat taking office NEARLY A MONTH AF- sell an eye on Facebook ter the Phuket Provincial Ad- ministration Organisation The Phuket News [email protected] (PPAO, or OrBorJor) presiden- tial election was held on Dec man who has been severely af- 20, Rewat Areerob has yet to fected by the COVID-19 fallout take office due to a complaint A took to social media in des- filed over the election. peration last week offering to sell one The Phuket office of the of his eyes. Election Commission of Thai- Taweep Mee Phan, 57, from Chalong land (PEC) declared Mr Rewat Rewat Areerob posted on his Facebook account last the winner of the election on Friday (Jan 15) that he was willing to Dec 21, confirming that he had the Election Commission of sell his left eye to raise much needed secured 83,144 votes. Thailand (ECT) head office funds to support his family. Mr Rewat had bested sec- in Bangkok. Mr Taweep was a bus driver for a ond-placed contender Jirayut The ECT has now an- Chinese tour company for 15 years before Songyot, who secured 50,914 nounced 32 winners of the losing his job last February when tourist votes, the PEC reported at OrBorJor presidential elections numbers visiting the island dried up. the time. in 32 provinces. Out of desperation he took to social PEC Director Passakon The election results for media with the startling offer. Siripakayapon has yet to pro- the remaining 44 provinces, “After the COVID-19 outbreak, vide any explanation for the including Phuket, have yet to there were no tourists and I had to stop delay, or describe the com- be confirmed as they are “still driving which meant I lost the means to Taweep Mee Phan (right), who took to Facebook out of desperation offering plaint that has caused the delay under investigation”. provide income support for my family,” to sell one of his eyes, received quick support from Chalong Mayor Samran in Mr Rewat taking office. By election law, the ECT Mr Taweep posted. Jindaphol (centre). Photo: Chalong Municipality Mr Rewat so far has also has until Feb 19 to either “What I want and need now is a been unavailable for comment confirm the candidates under fulltime job to bring income in to help After receiving a call from Phuket Vice to sell one of his eyes and that we will on the delay. investigation as the winners of my family. Governor Phichet Panapong alerting him help,” he added. In announcing the elec- their respective elections, or “I am willing to do whatever job is to the desperate situation and the subse- Mayor Samran confirmed that Mr tion results on Dec 21, PEC announce that further action available,” he added. quent post on Facebook, Chalong Mayor Taweep was initially given rice to help Director Passakon confirmed, is being taken to investigate “If someone needs eyes, I am ready Samran Jindapon visited Mr Taweep last the burden and that he later managed to “So far, there have been no the election. to sell one of mine. Sunday (Jan 17). secure him work at a private company. formal complaints filed about The ECT has already de- “I know that it is illegal but I need “Mr Taweep posted on social media Mr Taweep later took to Facebook to the local election.” clared Somsak Kittitornkul the to get money in order to take care of my out of desperation after not being able to express his sincere thanks to Mayor Samran However, Mr Passakon new OrBorJor President for grandchildren, to enable them to study provide income and support his family for his help and for securing him a job. at the time did confirm that Krabi and Taratip Thongjerm and to look after myself during my final for so long,” Mayor Samran said. “Thank you from the bottom of my the election results had to the OrBorJor President for years in my hometown.” “I reassured him that he did not have heart,” he posted. be verified and approved by Phang Nga. The Phuket News

Officials put illegal dumping on the agenda PHUKET PROVINCIAL officials have put illegal dump- ing of trash as an eyesore and health concern back on the agenda by highlighting a dumpsite in Cherng Talay. The Phuket office of the Department of Public Relation (Phuket PR) posted photos of piles of trash in Baan Layan The illegal dumping along Soi Layan 1 in Cherng Talay on their official Facebook was singled out. Photo: via PR Phuket page last Friday (Jan 15) after receiving complaints from paigns to separate waste before Organisation (OrBorTor), the public. placing it for collection so which is the local administra- Local residents had ap- that local authorities could tion responsible for the Soi pealed to authorities to take dispose of the waste properly Layan 1 area, told The Phuket action over rotting garbage has had little effect, PR Phuket News that the office had not from businesses and contrac- also noted. received any complaints about tors dumped along Soi Layan “The garbage problem con- the rotting trash. 1, in Moo 6, Cherng Talay. tinues to happen,” they said. “At this time, we have not The trash had been “Although complaints yet received any complaints dumped in public gardens about the rubbish in the area, from local residents about the and private areas, including which caused a rotting stench garbage, but we will have the in front of well-known local and disturbed people, have authorities inspected the area,” hotels and tourist accommo- been raised by local residents the officer said. dation venues, the residents several times to the authori- “Normally, private sectors complained. ties, the problem has not been organisations such as local “The problem of illegal resolved,” PR Phuket added. businesses and hotels hire a dumping in many areas is an “Garbage must be managed private company to collect important issue in Phuket,” by a hygienic disposal facility garbage from them, but the PR Phuket noted. properly to resolve causes of Cherng Talay OrBorTor is The problem has persisted smell pollution and flies in the responsible for collecting despite efforts by the Phuket area. Relevant organisations garbage from local people’s Provincial Administration must inspect and get rid of the houses,” the officer said. Organisation (PPAO, or Or- trash according to guidelines “Those who are affected BorJor) coordinating with local already set out,” it added. by trash can come and file administration organisations, An official at the public a complaint at the OrBorTor said the government agency. relations division of Cherng office,” the officer added. Public awareness cam- Talay Tambon Administration The Phuket News

@thephuketnews 6 NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 What impact did the US ‘Capitol Hill’ incident have on world democracy? ADVERTORIAL

Thomas Yang n January 6, while the U.S. Congress was Ogoing through the last part of this presidential election, Trump supporters suddenly broke into the U.S. Capitol, all work was sus- pended, and four intruders and a guard died in the riot. This three-hour occupation of Congress became “a disgrace to the United States.” It was the first time that the U.S. Congress has been dusted for nearly two hun- dred years. The last time it was destroyed was in 1814, during the Anglo-American War, when the British army set fire to part of the building of the United States Congress. The New York Times re- Protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol building before they rioted on Jan 6. Photo: AFP porter Peter Baker called the riot as “the violent end of the and “fragmented” trends to tershed in American politics, campaign. Only when the between politics and reality. Thomas Yang is a freelance writer Trump era”. Former presidents modern democracy, turning and the prospects cannot be Democrats gain control of Most other countries are who used to work in the Chinese of the United States have con- the peaceful and democratic overly optimistic. BBC North the Senate, or more than half pre-occupied with preventing media, now living in Lijiang, demned wrongdoing. Schol- ideals established by the Unit- American reporter Anthony of the seats, can the policies the COVID-19 epidemic and Yunan, China, currently writing ars from various countries ed States in the last century Zurcher has analyzed that be implemented successfully. have lost interest in mod- political and historical novels. have expressed that political into dimmed gradually with Biden promised many policies The New Yorker columnist ern democracy in the United “weird” Trump took advan- the “Capitol Hill incident”. about healthcare, the environ- Benjamin Wallace-Wells said States. American democracy The above is the opinion of the tage of cyber politics to bring After this battle, Biden’s ment, government reform in a related report that the elec- has lost its luster, especially writer and is not in any way as- “non-centered”, “purposeless” coming to power will be a wa- and the economy during the tion result will lead to a split when it is divided from reality. sociated with Class Act Media.

Tourism fee to help insure foreigners visiting the kingdom THE NATIONAL TOUR- According to the Tour- ism Policy Committee has ism Authority of Thailand approved the proposed guide- (TAT), the country had lines for the collection of a been forecast to close last B300 tourism fee from each year with merely 6.7 mil- international visitor for the lion international tourists management of local tourist – not much more than the destinations. Phiphat: Sector needs to number prior to last year’s The money will also be recover. Photo: MoTS outbreak of COVID-19 - de- used to provide insurance spite government attempts benefits to international tour- Of the B300 fee, B34 to activate entry schemes ists visiting the country. is expected to be used for for foreigners via Special Tourism and Sports Min- the insurance coverage, Mr Tourist Visas (STVs). ister Phiphat Ratchakitpra- Phiphat said. With a second wave of karn said each foreign visitor The fee collection is in outbreaks gripping many will be charged US$10 (B300) line with the revised National countries around the world, per visit. The details of the fee Tourism Policy Act, which particularly during the collection will be announced authorises the ministry to winter months, triggering in the Royal Gazette once impose a tourism fee for use new rounds of lockdowns, the policy has taken effect. in developing local destina- Thailand is expected to wait According to Mr Phiphat, tions and providing insurance longer – until the second Thailand expects to receive coverage to foreign tourists. half of this year - to see some 10 million visitors Tourism permanent sec- more visitors return and this year. retary Chote Trachu last revive the ailing industry. He said the merit of the week said the fee collection While the TAT previ- B300 tourism fee is that was initially due to begin ously predicted the do- foreign tourists who fall sick last year, but it was put on mestic market would reach or are injured will be taken hold due to the COVID-19 100mn trips last year, the care of and given adequate pandemic. recent spike in local cases medical care. The National Tourism led the agency to revise The ministry will have to Policy Committee has as- down the target to 95mn discuss the details with the sessed the situation and trips, a result of the par- Finance Ministry and the agreed the tourism fee col- tial lockdowns in some Office of Insurance Com- lection should go ahead this provinces. mission. year, he said. Bangkok Post

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 THAILAND NEWS 7 PM: vaccines must be safe Prayut insists Thailand will not be used as experiment subject

Bangkok Post The government pre-or- with COVID-19 vaccines for dered 26 million doses from at least four weeks afterwards, rime Minister Prayut AstraZeneca, a British-Swed- during which time all possible Chan-o-cha has insisted ish company, and recently allergic reactions or complica- Phe won’t allow Thais to sought another 35 million tions are strictly recorded and be used as guinea pigs to test doses. It also ordered 2 million investigated. the efficacy of COVID-19 vac- shots from Chinese manufac- Should anyone die after cines, saying any jabs rolled turer Sinovac. being injected with a COV- out for use in Thailand must ID-19 vaccine, the death will be proven to be safe. ‘EMERGENCY USE’ be investigated promptly to On his Facebook page on On Tuesday, the Food and determine if it is related to Sunday (Jan 17), Gen Prayut Drug Administration (FDA) the vaccine, said Dr Opas, responded to reports about said it expected the AstraZen- and only if it is clearly proved the side effects following the eca vaccine will be approved to not be associated with the administration of COVID-19 this week for emergency use in vaccine will its continued use vaccines in a number of coun- the country and that inocula- be allowed. tries. tions will begin next month. Deputy Prime Minister and “We have to wait for ex- The first vaccines will be Public Health Minister Anutin perts to determine whether given to at-risk groups in the Charnvirakul confirmed on they have anything to do with five provinces designated as Monday that a sub-committee the vaccines, or whether there maximum and strict COVID-19 had been tasked with managing were other factors such as un- Prime Minister Prayut insists vaccines must be safe control zones. the government’s COVID-19 and approved before being used on Thais. Photo: AFP derlying health conditions or Priority will also be given vaccination programme to age,” the prime minister wrote. to people aged 60 or older and ensure all vaccines were safe “Some countries wanted a subject for experiment. tries with strict registration least be registered with those those with chronic diseases before being cleared for use. speedy vaccinations and de- “For the sake of prudence, regulations such as the UK countries, he said. certified by medical profes- Both the FDA and the De- cided to use vaccines whose I have laid down an important and US must have undergone “The 26 million doses of sionals to be particularly prone partment of Medical Sciences efficacy and safety have not policy – that is we need to be rigorous research and develop- vaccines that will be shipped to contracting the virus that are responsible for inspecting yet fully tested. sure that vaccines are safe ment procedures in laborato- by AstraZeneca have also causes COVID-19. any COVID-19 vaccines to “For Thais, I have decided before being used on Thais.” ries, followed by experiments passed the stage three tri- Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, ensure their safety before the to avoid taking such a risk. Tanarak Plipat, deputy on animals and then human als, meaning there is proof director-general of the Minis- sub-committee allows them to “I will not allow any hasty director-general of the De- beings. that their vaccines are safe, try of Public Health’s Disease be used and therefore the ad- move to use vaccines that are partment of Disease Control It has been said before that can stimulate immunity and Control Department (DCD) ministration of the vaccine was not completely tested, and will (DDC), said vaccines that vaccines which will be brought prevent infections,” Dr Tan- explained the routine is to still being totally controlled not let the country be used as have been approved in coun- in for use in Thailand must at arak said. follow up on people injected by the government, he said.

@thephuketnews 8 COMMUNITY THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 IVA - Prepared For Anything cies here since I arrived. The expats The Phuket News [email protected] always step forward to help. The plan is that we should be able to step up as an organised and lead group, with our brand-new association has capabilities known to the local com- been formed in Phuket with manders,” explains Steve. special focus on military and The DRT already has been working emergency-service men and with veteran-owned company First Aid women, either serving or vet- Training Phuket on getting first aid eran, providing a focal point training into schools. for providing help to those in “Owners Jon and Lisa have been ex- need, both the members and cellent advisors and instructors on this the community alike. project,” says Steve. “The DRT Chief AThe International Veterans Asso- Instructor [Jon], and his company ‘First ciation (IVA), now formally launched Aid Training – Phuket’, will arrange in Phuket, is the brainchild of British and run first aid courses and mental expat Steve Pearce of Heroes bar in health workshop sessions for members Patong. Steve, who serves as the IVA’s starting early March.” inaugural president, is a veteran of However, Steve notes that some almost 32 years of military service and safety and humanitarian aid equipment security operations in some of the most is still needed. “Although we are self- hostile regions of the world. He is now funding, we would like to reach out to a Phuket business owner and family anyone who can help fund some of this man. http://www.phuketveterans.com/ much-needed equipment for the DRTs’ Unlike days of yore, when veterans humanitarian aid work,” he says. associations provided a venue of mostly The IVA is gaining momentum. ageing ex-servicemen, Steve points out “The IVA members are veterans or keep an eye on each other too. Mental More than 20 companies have joined that “veterans” today are much young- serving members of any nation’s armed health issues can arise at any time in the Association Members Support er, and have a lot to offer. forces or emergency services. The IVA is a veterans life. We aim to watch out for Scheme, and are offering discounts The IVA aims to provide a social self-funding, and in no way attempts to each other and those around us. At the on products and services to members. and business networking opportunity, copy or take away the work done by the same time, we can promote each other’s These include, hotels, restaurants, bars meeting regularly and hosting social other veteran charities and groups. services and businesses,” says Steve. and pubs, car hire, legal advice, dive get-togethers so that members can “The IVA is apolitical and non-reli- Defence Attaché at British Embassy company, gym, and spa. The list will be share their experiences and explore gious, though members will be encouraged in Bangkok, Col Roger Lewis, who has expanded upon this year, Steve adds. new ventures, yet among its primary to represent the association at Remem- signed on as Patron of the IVA says On the official front, the initiative purposes is to provide a ‘signpost to brance and Anzac services,” he adds. plainly in his official letter of support, has also gained support from Paul professional help’ for members, explains “Having a business and social net- “It is my distinct honour to be Patron of Kaye, Consul-General at the British Steve. working group for veterans allows us to the International Veterans Association Embassy in Bangkok, and from Col – Phuket, Thailand, and to lend my sup- Stephen Fomiatti, Australian Defence port to a brilliant idea. Bringing together Attachè, Thailand. those that have served, whether in the Locally, the IVA has also received military or the emergency services, to as- open support from Martin Carpenter, sist each other and to continue to support British Honorary Consul for Phuket, the wider community is a noble cause.” and Matthew Barclay, Australian “The signpost service will be able Consul-General for Phuket, as well as to gain legal and visa advice, as well Jason Beavan, General Manager of as promote services from other veteran Class Act Media, as Media Sponsor and organisations. Veteran or not, nobody champion of IVA projects. seeking help will be turned away.” “The IVA is an excellent initiative,” Steve adds. Mr Barclay noted. “The Australian Yet the IVA is not just about talk- Consulate-General in Phuket is very ing. Officially only weeks old, the IVA proud to support its formation. Phuket already has laid the foundation for its is home to an array of veterans (and own Disaster Relief Teams (DRT) “to visiting veterans) from various coun- exploit the skills that veterans gener- tries and military operations and ally arrive with”. The IVA’s official having an organisation like this is a motto is In Omnia Paratus, Latin for natural and welcome step.” ‘Prepared For Anything’. “A Disaster Relief Team (DRT) of For more information about the IVA, volunteers will receive general train- visit phuketveterans.com, call +66 ing and training updates. There have (0) 895 870 819 or email contact.us@ been several disasters and emergen- phuketveterans.com

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 ENVIRONMENT 9 Preventing the next pandemic All the ways we can help save ourselves

The plan includes reducing defor- SUSTAINABLY YOURS estation, restricting the trade of wild animals, early detection and monitor- ing efforts, and prevention of spillover Palmer Owyoung into farm animals. n January 13, 2020, Thai- Two of the largest factors driving land had its first reported emerging pathogens are the destruc- case of COVID-19 in Bang- tion of rainforests and the trade in kok. It was also the first wild animals. Deforestation can take case outside of China, so the place for several reasons including pandemic has been with us land expansion for farming, building for about one year. roads, development, timber, and min- While it is difficult to de- ing. termine the exact number of deaths The trade in wildlife occurs mainly Oin the middle of a pandemic, the vi- as a source of food, exotic pets, or as rus hasn’t hit Thailand as hard as medicine. Most of this trade takes the US and Europe. place in Asia, Africa and the Americas. While nobody is exactly sure why, it is likely because of a combination What You Can Do of factors. These include prior expo- Don’t support the wildlife trade by Smarter, more conscientious, shopping is one way to reduce our impact sure to infectious diseases, heat and attending animal shows, having your on the planet in so many ways. Photo: Juli Kosolapova / Unsplash humidity reducing transmissibility, photos taken with endangered species, the culture of not shaking hands, or buying exotic pets. Be especially Have fewer children, or if you are must be mined. They make the cases wearing masks because of pollution careful about taking traditional Chi- on the fence about them, go without. from plastic, which is derived from oil and government intervention that nese medicine that uses animal parts, Most studies show that people who that we must drill for. We throw away altogether has helped prevent the which is not scientifically proven to don’t have children are on average half of all food that is grown, and spread of the disease from becoming work, and can actually be harmful. just as happy as those that don’t have Americans throw away an average of far worse. Eat less meat. Domesticated them. 81 pounds of clothes per year. animals are also a risk for disease Buy a smaller home and own less Gandhi said, “Live simply so that Cost of Pandemic transfer because we deforest a lot of stuff. Everything we buy has a price others may simply live.” Before the A study published in Science July land to raise them and grow their food. in terms of the carbon that is released pandemic there was already a move- 2020, by Princeton Professor of Ecolo- This increases contact with wild ani- when it is made and the raw materi- ment toward minimalism. Some say gy Andrew Dobson estimated the cost mals, which can transfer pathogens to als that it is made from. Computers, it makes you happier, freer and less of COVID-19 will be around US$5 domesticated animals through their smartphones and other gadgets are stressed. Now you have one more rea- trillion. However, this calculation feces, then pass them to humans. made from rare earth minerals that son to buy less stuff. only accounts for lost world GDP, in Purchase products made with sus- other words the amount of goods that tainable palm oil. This is the most were not produced. It doesn’t consider commonly used vegetable oil in the the human cost. world and is in everything from food to A recent study estimates that in cosmetics, so it’s nearly impossible to the United States alone it is closer to avoid. The problem is that rainforests, US$16 trillion when the cost of long- mostly in Indonesia and Malaysia, term health care for COVID victims, are being clear cut so we can grow the loss of life, treatment for mental palm trees for the oil that is derived health and loss of GDP over the next from the fruit. Sustainable palm oil is 10 years is accounted for. produced by using better forest man- By comparison, World War 2 cost agement techniques, not clear cutting, the US$4.1 trillion in today’s dollars, and maintaining biodiversity. You can according to data from the Congres- download the Sustainable Palm Oil sional Research Service. Shopping App or check the World Wild Life Fund Palm Oil Buyers Scorecard Preventing the Next Pandemic to see which companies use it. You can Professor Dobson’s study esti- find out more at the Roundtable on mates that preventing a pandemic Sustainable Palm Oil. would cost about US$30 billion per Support Rewilding Projects The year. Which means it would have Half Earth Project is working to create cost about 500 times less to prevent a sustainable and bio-diverse world by COVID-19 than it will to deal with rewilding half the world’s forests and the fallout from the virus. oceans.

@thephuketnews 10 TIME OUT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 55. Famous humorist spot 1. Tempest in a teapot 60. Word in many 30. Wagner heroine 5. Pant fabric soft drink names 31. “Beau ___” (Gary 1. Which American state shares its name with a former 10. Grps. 61. Ristorante Cooper classic) Soviet Republic? 14. Its motto is offering 33. Bismarck’s state, 2. YouTube was bought for US$1.65 billion, in 2006, by “Industry” 62. Chanel, fashion abbr. which company? 15. Polish designer humanitarian 63. Major-___ 34. ___ Fox (Uncle 3. What is the UK prime minister’s official country residence heroine, Sendler 64. Fitzgerald and Remus character) in Buckinghamshire called? 16. Auto brands others 35. Jolly boat 4. How many feet are in a fathom? 17. Volcanologist’s 65. Ice cream 37. Intimidation 5. What was Victoria’s last name before she married David study topping, 38. Bete noire Beckham? 18. ___ d’Alene, Idaho sometimes 39. Famous San Answers below, centre 19. It means nothing to 66. Clothes closer Francisco hill the French 67. Abrasive files 40. Nonsensical 20. Famous writer 68. Fork-tailed flier chorus 23. Eastern royal 41. CSI evidence Hard 24. Casual attire Down 44. It’s cold! SUDOKU 25. Grade A item 1. Supports expression 27. Colonial insect 2. Salt Lake City 28. “Dharma & ___” inhabitant 45. Barker 32. Carriage 3. Smarty pants 47. In abundance 34. “Scott & ____” 4. Portion 48. Chef, at times detective show on 5. Cut up 49. When many do Netflix 6. Arrow toter lunch 36. Pad 7. Lack 52. Member of a 37. Famous rock band 8. People of the string quartet frontman Arctic 54. Attraction near 41. Exhausted 9. Dadaist Duchamp Orlando Solutions to last week’s puzzles: 42. On the job 10. Brute 56. Surmounting 43. Close to 11. Brought under 57. Building 46. Renowned isle of control exile 12. Loses it extensions 47. D.C. record-keeping 13. Tax return ID 58. Put your hands org. 21. Permitted together 50. Cunning 22. Parrot 59. Pardner’s mount 51. Minister 26. Grissom of NASA 60. Dentist

53. Took off 29. Popular vacation qualification AnswersAdams 5) to13; 4) this week’sChequers; 3) Google; Pop2); Quiz:Georgia; 1)

This week GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW in history

NUMBER Jan 22, 1984 The Apple Macintosh, the first con- sumer computer to popularize the computer mouse and the graphical user interface, is introduced during 4 a Super Bowl XVIII commercial. out of 10 Americans have never moved from their hometown. Jan 23, 1556 The deadliest earthquake in history, the Shaanxi earthquake, hits China. The death toll may have been as 5 high as 830,000. Jan 24, 1972 minutes is how long the capybara, Japanese Sgt Shoichi Yokoi is found the world’s largest rodent, can stay hiding in a Guam jungle, where he underwater at a time. had been since the end of World War II. Jan 25, 1924 The 1924 Winter Olympics opens 20 in Chamonix, in the French Alps, inaugurating the Winter Olympic pounds (9.07kg) of eggplant Games. contains the same amount of nicotine found in one cigarette. Jan 26, 1808 The Rum Rebellion, the only suc- cessful (albeit short-lived) armed takeover of the government in Australia, takes hold as New South 61 Wales Governor William Bligh is deposed by the New South Wales percent is how much a US job Corps under the command of Major applicant’s chances can be George Johnston, working closely negatively affected by having a with John Macarthur. visible tattoo. 111 is how many handbags the average The Apollo 1 crew. Photo: NASA woman in the UK will own in her lifetime. Jan 27, 1967 Apollo program: Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee are killed in a fire during a test of their Apollo 1 spacecraft at 420,000 the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. people die every year from Yanui Beach. Photo: Jeffrey Ephreim Villanueva Villegas Jan 28, 1941 tainted food. Franco-Thai War: Final air battle of Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? the conflict. A Japanese-mediated Source: Uberfacts Email it to [email protected] armistice goes into effect later in the day. Source: Wikipedia

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 CLASSIFIEDS 11

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@thephuketnews 12 EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021

22 29 SUN JAN FRI JAN

AustraliaCANCEL Day - Phuket Sundowners AustCham Thailand and the Australian Consulate General Phuket, in collaboration with Australian Alumni, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT), Belgian-Luxembourg/Thai Chamber of Com- merce, CanCham Thailand, Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce (FTCC), German-Thai Chamber of Com- merce (GTCC) and the Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce (NTCC), is delighted to invite you to join Sunday Brunch us for “Australia Day Phuket Sundowners” at Renais- sance Phuket Resort & Spa, on Friday 29 January at Pine Beach Bar 2021, from 18.00-21.00 hrs. A celebration of all things Try exciting new items including organic truffle Australian, join us for your favourite Australian food & poached egg, lobster house made pasta and unagi beverages, and welcome in the New Year as the first don. Enjoy complimentary use of pool and beach business networking event of 2021! Cost: 500 THB for facilities before and after your brunch with a bottle AustCham members, partner Chambers’ members, of sparkling, a selection of delicious dishes, funky and Australian Alumni Members*, 900 THB for non- tunes of our DJ and beach activities. Intercontinental members. *For registration code for Australian Alumni Phuket Resort, Kamala, 076 629 999. members, please contact AustCham team at 02 109 9616 or email to [email protected]

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thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 ISLAND SCENE 13

PATONG - AFTER DARK Phuket’s entertainment area, Bangla Road, normally at this time of year would have thousands of people enjoying life to its fullest, now sits waiting for people to return.

@thephuketnews 14 SPORT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 Double delight for shuttlers Top-seeded Thai pair win maiden title at Yonex Thailand Open achievements] this week.” It was a disappointing end

Bangkok Post to the campaign for the Thais, who had hoped to make a big echapol Puavara- impact in the Super 1000 nukroh and Sap- event after players from both Dsiree Taerattanachai China and Japan had earlier claimed their maiden BWF pulled out due to coronavirus World Tour Super 1000 title restrictions. after winning the US$1 mil- Meanwhile, fifth seed lion (B30mn) Yonex Thai- Carolina Marin upset top land Open at Impact Arena, seed Tai Tzu-ying to capture Muang Thong Thani, last the women’s singles crown. Sunday (Jan 17). The Spanish world No.6 The top-seeded world needed just 42 minutes to No.3 pair defeated arch-rivals dispose of the top-ranked and Melati Taiwanese in the women’s Daeva Oktavianti of Indo- singles decider, winning nesia in the mixed doubles 21-9, 21-16. final 21-3, 20-22, 21-18 in just The men’s singles crown under an hour, avenging their went to fourth seed Viktor loss in the 2020 All England Axelsen of Denmark, who Open final last year. defeated seventh seed Angus It was the pair’s fifth ca- of Hong Kong reer title after their triumphs 21-14, 21-14. in the 2017 (a and Wang Chi- Grand Prix Gold event), the lin, the sixth seeded pair 2019 Macau Open (Super from Taiwan, took the men’s 300), the and doubles title following a the Singapore Open (both (left) and pose with thrilling 21-16, 21-23, 21-19 Super 500). their mixed doubles gold medals and trophies. Photo: Bangkok Post win over Goh V Shem and “We are very happy to Tan Wee Kiong of Malaysia. have won the title and make beginning and that's how people to enjoy the competi- complete a double for the their game style not ours, so The Toyota Thailand the Thai people proud,” said we won the opening game tion,” added the 28-year-old Thai contingent after the it was difficult to fight back,” Open, the second event in Sapsiree. easily.” star. seventh seeds lost to Greysia said Rawinda. the Asian leg of the BWF “We set a very high goal “We are also thankful to Polii and , “It means so much to us World Tour, started on for ourselves coming into this the Thai authorities and the DISAPPOINTING END the fifth seeded duo from to be in the final. It is the first Tuesday at the same venue. tournament and we are proud Badminton Association of However, Jongkolphan Ki- Indonesia, 15-21, 12-21. time Thailand has hosted The season will conclude with to have accomplished it. We Thailand [BAT] for setting titharakul and Rawinda “We did not play what a Super 1000 tournament. the HSBC BWF World Tour were very focused from the up this event and allowing Prajongjai were unable to we had planned. We played We are very proud [of our Finals 2020 from Jan 27-31. ‘Knives out’ to save crew after spectacular America’s Cup capsize timated to be worth US$80 the mainsail is unnerving to intricate electronic equipment SAILING million (B2.4 billion), was say the least,” Hutchinson before the Prada Cup regatta “flying” on its foils at 47 knots said as he relived the ordeal. semi-finals begin in 11 days. THE CREW OF AMERI- while racing Italian entry Luna The force of the impact Hutchinson admitted an can Magic had to cut them- Rossa on Sunday when it was tore a hole in the hull and appearance in the final two selves free in a heart-stopping dramatically hoisted out of the the yacht was taking in water rounds of preliminary racing moment after being trapped water and slammed back down when rescuers rushed to the beginning Jan 22 was unlikely. beneath the capsized yacht by a freak wind gust before scene with pumps and flotation “It’ll be a big effort to get during the America’s Cup rolling on its side. devices to prevent it sinking. the boat to go sailing for the challenger series in Auckland, “We ended up with knives The American Magic syn- semis... we’re going to do skipper Terry Hutchinson out, cutting ourselves out. dicate are now faced with a whatever it takes,” he said. revealed on Monday (Jan 18). Fortunately we were all out race against time to rebuild “It’s too early to suggest a The high-tech yacht, es- within a minute. Underneath the yacht and reinstall its time when we’ll be back out on the water but we know we have a hard deadline of a week from Friday for the semi-final.” The capsized yacht ‘American Magic’. Photo: AFP There are only three entries in the regatta to determine The luckless Americans and we wouldn’t be having this who will challenge defending appeared certain of their first conversation. But you don’t champion Team New Zealand win when they held a com- know, and when we make the for the America’s Cup. manding lead over Luna Rossa decision we make the decision The winner of the prelimi- before disaster struck with a and we live and die by those nary round-robin races will powerful wind gust as helms- decisions,” he said. go through to the challenger man Dean Barker steered the “Dean made the correct final to meet the winner of a around the final mark. decision to tack around the left semi-final series between the Hutchinson said they could gate, keep us in the pressure other two yachts have made a different manoeu- and just try to deliver us down INEOS Team UK have vre but there was no guarantee to the finish. We got hit by a made an impeccable start with that would have given them a reasonably big gust.” four wins from four races, safe run to the finish. The winner of the chal- ahead of Luna Rossa with two “Had we taken the right lenger series races Team New while American Magic are yet turn and a lazy gybe we prob- Zealand from March 6-21 for to register a point. ably would’ve hooked into it the America’s Cup. AFP

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021 SPORT 15 Man City finding their stride Pep Guardiola’s team hitting imperious form at the right time ern-day Mozart of the football has gone from the forgotten FOOTBALL pitch who orchestrates every- man of the Etihad to one

Ben Tirebuck thing around him, conducting of the team’s most integral [email protected] the tempo of play. Equally components. Nobody ever adept with both feet, his range doubted his ability but many uch resembling of passing is exquisite and questioned his penchance for a champion race- his razor-sharp football brain over-elaboration and unnces- Mhorse, Manches- enables decision-making ca- sary risk-taking. Alongside ter City seem to be timing pabilities akin to that of a Dias he seems to have matured their title challenge in perfect clairvoyant. One suspects and is performing admirably, fashion as they manouvered he will no doubt make a fine his two goals last Sunday con- themselves into second place coach one day. tributing to the team’s victory. in the table after a 4-0 demo- He has now assisted 100 Fellow England interna- lition of Crystal Palace last goals in all competitions for tional Phil Foden, who Guar- Sunday (Jan 17). City since making his debut, diola once described as the As Liverpool’s form has 76 of which have been in the most talented player he has stuttered of late, City have Premier League, which sees ever seen, has also progressed found their groove – at time of him enter the competition’s impressively of late and is press the first team to record all-time top 10. now making it very difficult five consecutive victories in In defence, Ruben Dias for his manager to omit him the Premier League this term, has been a resounding success from the starting 11. registering nine clean sheets, since signing in September Add into the mix talents their most after 17 games of of last year. For as much as such as Raheem Sterling, Ri- a single campaign. Guardiola likes all of his play- yad Mahrez, İlkay Gündoğan, It is a far cry from a month Kevin de Bruyne is at the heart ers to be comfortable on the and City’s charge looks omi- ago when they languished of City’s resurgence. Photo: AFP. ball, including his goalkeeper, nous. Plus all-time record below mid-table and critics Dias places the actual art of scorer Sergio Aguero is ex- were labelling the current team gresive pressing team, the on Jan 13. “Without the ball team and their resurgence is defending first and foremost pected back from injury soon. as the worst of manager Pep unusual circumstances of this you have to run. But with the arguably the finest midfielder as a priority, something the City are no longer a dark Guardiola’s tenure. truncated season has meant a football you have to walk, or in the world plying his trade statistics support. horse, as they were during One of the key factors for less-energetic approach was run much less: stay more in right now. His influence can be seen the first half of the campaign. their upturn in fortune is the required. position and let the ball run, Kevin de Bruyne is cur- in how he has galvanised the Expect them to up the ante way Guardiola has modified “We were running too not you.” rently operating at a level entire back line, particularly furthermore as they enter the his team’s approach to the much,” Guardiola said prior It certainly helps that the above and beyond his team- the resurgence of fellow cen- final straight of the season game. Renowned as an ag- to the match with Brighton player at the centre of the mates and opponents, a mod- tral defender John Stones, who in their charge for the title.

@thephuketnews Final ball drama sees Asia take victory and open a 2-1 series lead

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2021

[email protected] City’s title charge takes Sport flight > p15 ASIA WIN THRILLER by Bootsy off Flowers’ bowling. CRICKET Flowers then secured a rare

Neil Quail cricketing accolade in achieving a hat-trick when Pir was dismissed ncredible scenes last Sunday before Mushtaq fell just seven runs (Jan 17) heralded a remark- short of his century in the 31st over. Iable win for an Asia select XI against the Rest of the World KNIFE’S EDGE (ROW) select XI, a result that was Captain Shivam Bhattacharaya decided only on the very last ball and Yassir then stepped up and after 70 overs of dramatic play out shouldered the responsibility of at the ACG in Thalang. chasing down 47 runs off just 26 The result affords Asia a 2-1 lead remaining deliveries. in a five-series event, while ROW Shots were fired as Bhattacha- will rue the harrowing statistic of raya slammed Ninan for four off 10 dropped catches that cost them his first faced ball, and by the end the game. Heartbreakingly, several of over 33, Asia needed exactly 20 outstanding individual performances runs off 12 balls. that included a Justin Swart century Like men possessed, Bhat- and a Michael Flowers hat-trick tacharaya (26 not out) and Yassir were ultimately negated by the (25 not out) pounded out 10 runs ROW fielding debacle. from the 34th over, but a four from Returning to captain ROW, the first ball off Swart’s and the Jason Robertson won the toss game’s last over swung the bal- and sent out Jeremy Bootsy and ance of favour quite astoundingly Flowers to open the batting with in Asia’s direction. the former hitting 18 runs in the Scrambling another five runs 3rd over including a double brace through the next four balls left of fours. Yassir on strike for the last ball, By the 9th over, the ROW part- the scores dead even and the game nership was at 71, with Bootsy (40) on a knife’s edge. claiming the lion’s share of the runs, As Swart’s final delivery was when Waseem Musa intervened to thrashed out to square leg by Yas- aid in despatching both openers in sir for four runs, the Asia bench consecutive balls; first, by catch- cleared onto the pitch to celebrate ing Bootsy at mid-wicket and then an extraordinary win, while ROW immediately running out Flowers Justin Swart plays a shot on his way to a retired to reflect on a litany of (16) with a superb direct hit off magnificent century against the Asia select missed opportunities. the bowling of Imtiyaz Mushtaq. XI at the ACG last Sunday. Photo: Neil Quail An unbeaten 108 not out by After the break, Swart was to Swart and a 93 by Mushtaq were the produce an immaculate batting Chasing 257 to win, Asia would by forcing Mushtaq into defensive them, however, as both Ali Khan outstanding batting performances, display through the remaining 20 need to keep in touch with a run-rate mode, while securing the skipper a and Mushtaq escaped before Khan while Robertson’s 2 for 29 and Flow- overs, reaching his century in the of more than seven per over, but maiden over. And with the first ball was finally caught by wicket-keeper ers’s 4 for 51, including a hat-trick, 33rd over and eventually reaching an edgy start saw opener Seemant of his 3rd over, Robertson finally Bootsy off the bowling of Ninan. all added to an exceptional match. an impressive 108 not out. He was Raju dropped in the slips twice, made a deserved breakthrough That brought Bhanu Pratap to Due to the success and enjoy- ably assisted first by Joe Ninan before he redeemed himself in the when Dom Judge atoned for earlier the middle and a partnership with ment of the series, organisers and (11), who eventually succumbed to 2nd over, hoisting two lofty sixes putting down Raju, coolly clutching Mushtaq that yielded 109 runs players have decided to extend to series debutante Zan Coplestone in off Swart’s bowling. the Asia opener at first slip. through the next 17 overs to reach a best-of-five, ensuring at least one the 19th over and by Dan Nicholson Robertson’s next six deliveries ROW’s confounding inability 167 for 3 before Pratap fell short of more match, which will take place who scored 30 not out. reinstated the advantage to ROW to hold catches returned to haunt his half-century by six runs, caught in February.

Laguna Phuket Triathlon date announced 0.5km swim, 20km bike and 6Km 5th on the 10 Best Triathlons in the TRIATHLON run and the increasingly popular World list, by Let’s Do This (UK). Duathlon race distance of 4km Laguna Phuket destination has been LAGUNA PHUKET, ASIA’S run, 50km bike and 12km run. named an Honourable Contribu- premier travel destination and All races are held together on the tor in Sports and Exercise, by the home of the award-winning La- same day, giving everyone the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ guna Phuket Triathlon (LPT), has truly memorable event experience. Department of Physical Education announced the 28th addition of the Southeast Asia’s longest run- (DPE) in 2019. annual event is to take place on ning and most successful triathlon Registration is now open at Sunday Nov 21, 2021. event, the Laguna Phuket Triath- www.lagunaphukettri.com. Athletes The famous event features the lon was listed as Top 8 of The are advised to book their slot as signature Triathlon race distance of World’s Greatest Tri Swims by soon as possible to enjoy a Super 1.8km swim, 50km bike and 12km 220 Triathlon Magazine (UK) in Early Bird discount (available until run, Sprint Triathlon distance of 2020. LPT has also been ranked Jan 31). The Phuket News The 28th Laguna Phuket Triathlon date is set. Photo: Laguna Phuket

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