THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021

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Friday, January 15 – Thursday, January 21, 2021 Since 2011 / Volume XI / No. 3 20 Baht HIGH RISK ARRIVALS FACE QUARANTINE, SWAB TESTS > PAGE 3 NEWS PAGE 5 Pubs and bars ordered to CLOSING close midnight TIME LIFE PAGE 8 Cycle of Life: Baz pedals into his 12th Cycle

A man holds his hands on his head while walking down a darkened Bangla Rd on Monday night (Jan 11). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

PATONG SHROUDED IN DARKNESS AS HOTELS START CLOSING AGAIN AMID DOMESTIC TOURISM PLUNGE SPORT PAGE 16 The News “As a result of the new outbreak stage I cannot estimate how many,” “For example, some have offered [email protected] of COVID-19, some hotel operators he added. promotions such as spending more are considering temporarily closing “I believe this current outbreak than B2,000 on dinner will give you Phuket dojo otels across Phuket that had their hotels again because a lot of will last at least one month because one-night stay free. Even though there hits mat with re-opened in the hope of bookings have been cancelled, and the number of infected people in have been some tourists, overall these Hattracting enough guests to they cannot handle the costs,” Mr the country is still increasing. Even [promotions] have not had much ef- medals haul at least pay operating costs are now Kongsak said. though there are no new infected fect,” he said. closing again, Kongsak Khoopong- “From questioning about 10 hotel cases in Phuket, the tourists who The current outbreak is now sakorn, President of the operators, three of them have con- would normally come to Phuket are causing deep, long-term damage to Hotels Association Southern chapter, firmed that they are closing again usually from the high-risk provinces Phuket’s tourism infrastructure, Mr has confirmed. because they cannot handle the cost anyway,” Mr Kongsak explained. Kongsak noted – a factor he warned The lack of even domestic tour- and loss,” he said. Hotel operators in Phuket have of in April last year. ists due to the current COVID-19 “There must be more hotel opera- offered exceptional discounts, but “The effect from the virus outbreak outbreak has taken its toll, he said. tors considering closing, but at this to no avail, he added. on Phuket’s tourism industry may last... CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews 2 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021

[email protected] COVID leaves blood reserves News dwindling > p4 Hotels close in gamble to survive Continued from page 1 cluster that spreads. When that the outbreak will eventu- ...until 2024. Before this, we an infection is found, it must ally end. Then the focus will expected that tourism would be quickly dealt with so that move back to economic mat- become much better by the business and epidemic control ters. If entrepreneurs are able end of this year [2021], or can work together hand in to survive this period, when the beginning of next year,” hand,” Mr Bhummikitti said. the outbreak is over they can he said. “But the weight is now continue to operate. But if you “Most Thai tourists who more likely to go to epidemic let them fall, the impact will be come to Phuket are from control, which the business much more negative – and will , which now has community itself gives impor- cause damage to the economy areas that are classified as tance to because we personally for a long time,” he said. high-risk, and people living think that even if Phuket can For now, the government there are asked to stay home. control new infections, we must focus on tackling the Hotel operators themselves will be okay, but if there is an current outbreak, but must also are also worried to welcome outbreak, no one will come,” start providing genuine relief tourists from these areas,” Mr he added. for operators struggling to Kongsak explained. Mr Bhummikitti offered survive, Mr Bhummikitti said. “The crisis in Phuket will words of encouragement for “The government must reach its peak this year, after hotel operators to hold on to prioritize control of the out- operators kept trying to keep Patong beach road dark and empty on Monday evening (Jan 11). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot survive. break, because if the outbreak their businesses alive last year. “We have all been hit, continues to spread, sparks Both small and big businesses Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, Phuket for the rest of January. year, AoT reported. including our brothers and [sic] will fall all over the place, are going to die in the same way President of Phuket Tourist AoT Phuket also confirmed “This time, even without sisters in outbreak areas who and tourism definitely will this year,” Mr Kongsak said. Association, noted, “Although that from Jan 1-5 a total of a lockdown there are very need a lot of encouragement, not return. Go put out all the “This year, some hotel some tourists came to Phuket 38,915 passengers passed few tourists because the Thai who as people who travel to sparks first, and then come to operators may announce to during the New Year holidays, through Phuket airport, as fol- guests are people who live in Phuket cannot come. So at this see about tourism,” he said. sell their hotels at prices that the number of tourists was lows: Jan 1 - 7,662 passengers; the epidemic provinces, which time Phuket must keep itself “But in the meantime, are 50-60% less than the value lower than expected.” Jan 2 - 8,692 passengers; Jan are currently not traveling,” as the safest area. When the there must be support for of the hotel,’ he warned. Mr Bhummikitti told The 3 - 10,458 passengers; Jan Mr Bhummikitti said. situation improves, it will be entrepreneurs, which have “We need the government Phuket News that he did not 4 - 7,084 passengers; and Jan “A very important factor easier to travel to Phuket,” three main issues: existing to save us. From AoT [airports have clear figures for the 5 - 5,015 passengers. at the moment is the control he said. debt, the issue of labour, and of Thailand] reports, the num- number of tourism arrivals Domestic passengers pass- of both the source and the However, Mr Bhummikitti paying for basic utilities,” Mr ber of tourists coming through over the New Year. “At this ing through Phuket airport destination. The source already also said that Phuket hotel Bhummikitti noted. Phuket International Airport stage it would be better to for the same days last year has a control process [for operators had been “wrung “Because there are two is continuously falling, so confirm with the airport the totalled 115,714, as follows: COVID-19], but what about dry”, with many operators sides to tourism: demand Phuket tourism is still far from number of arrivals [during the Jan 1 - 23,244 passengers; the destination?” he posed. not knowing what their next and supply. For the demand recovery,” Mr Kongsak said. holidays],” he said. Jan 2 - 24,323 passengers; Jan “The control [at the desti- course of action should be. side, there is the ‘We Travel “If the government does not Phuket International Air- 3 - 23,808 passengers; Jan 4 nation – Phuket] has not been “It has been exhausting,” Together’ campaign which have clear measures about soft port General Manager Thanee - 22,563 passengers; and Jan that strict… We cannot let this he said. “Hopefully the gov- is very good, but at this time loans, and moratoriums on debt Chuangchoo on Wednesday 5 - 21,776 passengers. continue,” he said. ernment will understand, even there is probably no one trave- and interest, many businesses (Jan 6) confirmed that the In total, the number of “Although it has always though there are many tough ling due to the outbreak. But operators will have no choice number of flight bookings domestic passengers passing been discussed that It wouldn’t questions to be answered. there must be something to but to raise the white flag to cancelled had seen six through Phuket airport this be possible to have zero in- “But one thing I want to support the supply side also,” this situation,” he added. reduce the number of flights to year was down 69.37% on last fections, we cannot have a keep in mind all the time is he said.

Mother dies in car accident on family weekend getaway A WOMAN FROM TRANG Ms Wanpen and her family Capt Thaweesak told The Phuket living in Phuket has died in a car lived in Sakhu, just south of Phuket News that although the car in- accident over the weekend while International Airport. volved in the accident was a Phuket- travelling with her family to a Ms Wanpen was pronounced registered taxi, Mr Preecha was not popular local market in Takua dead at the scene. a taxi driver. Capt Thaweesak did Thung, just north of Phuket. Police have yet to confirm who not give any alternative explanation Police and rescue workers was driving at the time of the ac- of why the family were travelling were called to the scene, on the cident, but Capt Thaweesak Kurasri in the taxi. Khok Khloi bypass road in Takua of the Khok Kloi Police on Monday “We know that they were travel- Thung, Phang Nga, just after 11am (Jan 11) confirmed that only Mr ling to the Long Lae Market, but last Sunday (Jan 10). Preecha remained in intensive care we do not know what caused the At the scene, officers found the at a hospital. accident,” Capt Thaweesak said. heavily damaged wreck of a grey Capt Thaweesak said he was “We are still investigating the Phuket-registered Toyota Camry K u s o l d h a r m unable to give a description of the accident, but now is not the time taxi, which had struck a lamp post Foundation Mr Preecha’s current condition and to question the people involved,” on the central reservation. rescue workers at declined to identify at which hospital he said. No other vehicles were in- the scene. Photo: Mr Preecha was receiving care. Ms Wanpen’s family in Trang volved in the accident. Wanlop Boonchan However, he did explain that of have been contacted and her body Rescue workers rushed to use the six survivors from the accident has already been released to her fam- hydraulic equipment to remove Wanpen Na Nakhorn, 40, her partner boy Theemethinthorn, 9. one was receiving care at Vachira ily so preparations for her funeral the seven people in the car from Precha Phonrop, 45, and their four Also travelling in the car was Mr Phuket Hospital, another at Thalang can begin, Capt Thaweesak said. the wreck. children: Ms Natnaree, 18; Ms Anda, Preecha’s 7-year-old niece Siranya Hospital and a third was at Khok Reporting by Tanyaluk Sakoot Travelling in the car were 16; Ms Panchawan, 13; and young Meepot. Khloi Hospital. & Eakkapop Thongtub

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 3 Risk arrivals face quarantine The Phuket News for the area where the new the government official who [email protected] arrival is staying. is assigned to oversee the All new arrivals must quarantine at the ASQ hotel,” ll arrivals from the strictly follow the surveil- Dr Thanit noted. “highest-risk” areas lance, prevention and control “The foreigners must travel Awithin the ‘red zone’ measures, the order noted. directly to Phuket after they provinces for COVID-19 infec- However, Phuket Pro- check out of the hotel. They tions must now quarantine for vincial Public Health Of- must not check in or stay 14 days on arriving in Phuket, fice (PPHO) Chief Dr Thanit overnight at any other places. following an order issued by Sermkaew confirmed to The If they stay overnight some- Phuket Governor Narong Wo- Phuket News on Tuesday (Jan place else, they may have to onciew last Saturday (Jan 9). 12) that foreigners exiting a do a 14-day quarantine when The order was marked to 14-day quarantine in Bang- they arrive in Phuket,” he be in effect from Jan 9 through kok after testing negative for explained. Jan 31, or “until the situation is COVID-19 were not required The order issued last Satur- resolved”, and comes as offi- to complete another 14-day day marked that the measures cials endeavour to contain any quarantine after arriving in were deemed necessary in further spread of COVID-19 Phuket. order to prevent the spread of following the Samut Sakhon “All foreigners who have COVID-19 in Phuket. outbreak last month, which already completed a 14-day Any person found violating has now reached at least 59 Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) Chief Dr Thanit Sermkaew. Photo: PPHO quarantine in Alternative or failing to comply with the provinces. State Quarantine [ASQ] hotels order could face legal action Of note, at the time of strictly controlled areas, un- test results to officers. travelling to Phuket they must from ‘red zone’ areas [highest under Section 51 of the Com- going to press, Phuket had dergo swab tests at the local Group 2 arrivals from 28 register their travel details risk provinces] and wanting municable Disease Act, which zero COVID-19 patients in hospital for the area where the ‘high risk’ provinces were through the www.gophuget. to travel to Phuket are not incurs a fine of up to B20,000. the province. visitor is staying and observe also ordered to observe a 14- com web portal, operated by required to complete a 14-day Such persons may also be Under the order issued last a 14-day quarantine either at day quarantine on arriving in the Phuket Provincial Police quarantine again after arriving punished under Section 18 of Saturday, all people entering home (for Phuket residents Phuket, but were not required and now available in 15 lan- in Phuket,” Dr Thanit said. the act, which incurs a penalty Phuket are to be classified into returning to the island) or at a to undergo swab tests, while guages, including English, “But they must present of a fie of up to B40,000 or up one of five groups, with Group hotel under the supervision of Group 3 arrivals were asked Russian, German, Chinese, a certificate or document to two years in jail, or both, 1, people arriving from Samut communicable disease control to self-quarantine and moni- and Malay. to guarantee that they have the order warned. Sakhon, Chonburi, Rayong, officers. tor themselves for any signs Those unable to install been successfully cleared The order issued last Sat- Chanthaburi or Trat, facing If the Group 1 visitor of infection. the Mor Chana app on their quarantine,” he added. urday also followed Governor the tightest restrictions. has already been tested for All new arrivals in Phuket phones would have to report “The document must men- Narong re-issuing the order for Group 1 arrivals must COVID-19 within 72 hours were ordered to download the their movements through tion the final date of the 14-day all people to wear face masks present to officials a letter prior to departure, the visi- Mor Chana application on their official documents filed with quarantine, the hotel name while in public in Phuket, certifying the necessity of tor must present a medical smartphone and present it to the ‘Emergency Operations and its location. Also the or else face a fine of up to traveling outside the most certificate with laboratory officials on request, and before Centre’ in Phuket responsible document must be signed by B20,000.

Former Patong taxi boss arrested for guns, drugs A FORMER PRESIDENT of the Patong Taxi Club has been arrested in a raid that netted 122,000 metham- phetamine (ya bah) pills and two illegal firearms. Chatchawan Khuechan, a 54-year-old resident of Moo 3 Wichit, was arrested yesterday last Thursday (Jan 7) in a joint raid carried out by Phang Nga Town Police, Phang Nga Provincial Police and Region 8 Police, Patong Police reported last Friday Chatchawan Khuechan, 54, was found in possession (Jan 8). of 122.000 meth pills. Photo: Phang Nga Police The report did not con- firm where Chatchawan was The meth pills were Saematakul, Mr Kitti ‘Kob’ arrested, but did note that found packed into 61 bundles Pengboon and Ms Pornpimol officers from Khok Kloi marked 999, all hidden in a ‘Mon’ Chusakultantiwong Police Station and Phang 40-litre green plastic bucket, for possession of a Category Nga Muang District Police said the report. I narcotic for the purpose of Station were present for the Each of the 61 bundles distribution without permis- arrest. contained 10 smaller packs. sion, the report noted. According to the report, Each pack contained 200 Chatchawan faces ad- Chatchawan was found with pills (198 orange tablets, ditional charges of illegal 122,000 pills of ya bah. 2 green tablets), the report possession of firearms and He was also found in il- added. ammunition, carrying fire- legal possession of a .45-cali- The pills were imprinted arms in a public area without bre Taurus brand handgun on one side with the letters a permit or reasonable ne- and eight bullets as well as “WY”, the report also noted. cessity and urgency for the a Remington brand shotgun Chatchawan was arrested circumstances, the report and 24 12-gauge shotgun in a case that also saw the ar- concluded. cartridges. rests of Mr Wirote ‘Ko Lek’ Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews @thephuketnews 4 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021

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CHRIS HUSTED Executive Editor 084 307 7408 [email protected] Phuket Red Cross calls for blood The Phuket News 1pm-4pm at JW Marriott [email protected] Phuket Resort & Spa (Mai BEN TIREBUCK News / Sport Editor Khao) 061 806 8132 [email protected] he Phuket Regional Blood Centre (PRBC) JANUARY 21: Tis calling for Thais and 9am-midday at Phang Nga foreigners to donate blood after Technical College (Phang confirming they are facing Nga Town) TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT a shortage to supply Phuket 1.30pm-4pm at Deebuk Chief Reporter 091 165 0260 [email protected] hospitals. Phang-nga Wittayayon School “At this stage, we do not (Phang Nga Town) have many units of blood in stock, and we are unable to JANUARY 22: supply enough blood to patients 10am-3pm at the Thai Nepali KIATTIKUL ‘JOM’ in need,” a PRBC staffer told Association (Kathu) CHUMANEE Translator 082 729 0270 The Phuket News on Monday [email protected] (Jan 11). JANUARY 25: “All people are invited to The Red Cross is calling for more blood donations as the COVID-19 situation has left 9.30am-1pm at Ao Luk Pra- help replenish the blood stocks blood reserves dangerously low. Photo: Thai Red Cross chasan School (Krabi) and save lives,” the staffer said. The local explanation came The Thai Red Cross is Other equipment includ- Phuket (Phuket Town) JANUARY 26: JASON BEAVAN General Manager after the state news agency able to provide only 700-900 ing blood donor beds, chairs 10am-4pm at Domestic Termi- 086 479 7471 [email protected] National News Bureau of Thai- units of blood a day, while and more are cleaned with JANUARY 18: nal, Phuket International Airport land (NNT) reported that the daily demand requires 2,200 sanitiser many times during 1pm-4pm at J.D. Pools Co COVID-19 outbreak has had units, said the report. the day, the report added. Ltd (Koh Kaew) JANUARY 27: a big effect on blood reserves Stringent measures are in Those in the greater Phuket Midday-6pm at Tesco Lotus 9.30am-1pm at Nuaklong- throughout the country. place at all blood-donation area who want to donate blood Phuket (Phuket Town) prachabumrung School (Krabi) SIRIPORN (NOK) SEANGMAS According to the Thai Red facilities to ensure the donors’ can do so at mobile blood- Sales Support 086 479 7470 [email protected] Cross Society, more than 340 safety, NNT noted in its report. donation stations to be set up JANUARY 19: JANUARY 28: hospitals in Thailand lack All donors are required at the following locations, as 9.30am-1pm at Klongtom- 1-4pm at Takua Tung District sufficient blood reserves. The to report their travel history follows: ratrangsan School (Krabi) Office (Phang Nga)

NIRAVIT ‘MOS’ VORAVANITCHA Thai Red Cross cannot provide before donating blood, and 9.30am-1pm at Klongpon- THANAPONG ‘OAK’ KHAO-AMPHAIPHAN Graphic designers enough blood to meet the de- donors must wear a plastic JANUARY 15: saritpittaya School (Krabi) JANUARY 29: mand as regular donors have sleeve on their arm before 1pm-4am at Great Glove Midday-6pm at Tesco Lotus The Phuket News been coming in less often than putting their arms into a blood (Thailand Co Ltd) factory JANUARY 20: (Thalang) @thephuketnews usual due to the pandemic, pressure monitor as part of (Thalang) Midday-6pm at Tesco Lotus Midday-6pm at Tesco Lotus NNT reported. the process. Midday-6pm at Tesco Lotus Phuket (Phuket Town) Phuket (Phuket Town)

Health officials investigate Man arrested for robbing mystery migrant worker death Patong 7-Eleven with knife HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE POLICE HAVE ARRESTED investigating the death of a Myan- a 24-year-old man for robbing a mar migrant worker found dead of 7-Eleven store off Nanai Rd in Patong no apparent reason at his shanty at at knifepoint in the early hours of last a workers’ camp in Rassada last Thursday morning (Jan 7). Saturday night (Jan 9) Police were called to the 7-Eleven Immediate tests by doctors at Health workers recover the body store, Nanai Rd Branch 3, at 2:10am, Vachira Phuket Hospital have failed of migrant worker Tin Chuou, 39. the Patong Police explained in a to find any evidence that the man Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub report released last Saturday (Jan 9). was infected with COVID-19, but Police arrived to be told by staff at are continuing their investigation. man was dressed in a black shirt and the store that a man about 150-160cm Patong Police have Patiphan Police were called to the camp, brown shorts. tall wearing a blue-red jacket and Chaiyothin, 24, re-enact his crime located at Prachasamakkee Rd in There were no signs of wounds blue jeans had entered the store and of using a knife to threaten a staffer Moo 5, Rassada, at 6:45pm, Maj on the body, Maj Teerawut reported. used a knife to threaten a staffer to when robbing the 7-Eleven store. Teerawut Chuachak, an investiga- Workers at the camp told police hand over whatever money they had. Photo: Patong Police tor with the Phuket City Police, that Mr Tin was seen earlier that The staffer opened the cash reg- confirmed. morning. He got up and cooked ister and handed over B1,060. The Officers also seized at the house Responding to the call were some rice, and complained that he man took the money and fled on a the clothes worn by Patiphan while police, Kusoldharm Foundation had a pain in his head. motorbike. committing the robbery. rescue workers and a medical team A fellow worker came to check Through footage from CCTV Patiphan was taken to Patong Police from Vachira Phuket Hospital. on him later and found him dead that cameras throughout the town, Patong Station, where he confessed to com- On arriving, the team were evening, Maj Teerawut reported. Police saw the man had fled down mitting the robbery, noted the Patong shown where the body of Tin Doctors at Vachira Phuket Hospi- Nanai Soi 1. The officers eventually Police report. Chuou, 39, lay in his tin-sheet tal are continuing their investigation tracked the robber to a house on Patiphan has now been charged for shack. in the hope of confirming what had Petchkut Rd, Patong, where they the crime of committing a robbery at The body lay face up in a sleep- led to Mr Tin’s death, he added. moved in and arrested 24-year-old night while using a vehicle to flee the ing position on the man’s bed. The Eakkapop Thongtub Patiphan Chaiyothin at 8:30pm last scene of the crime, the report added. Friday night (Jan 8). Eakkapop Thongtub

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 5 ‘Cinderella’ order for pubs, bars The Phuket News No venues were found to be in ryone is worried about COVID-19,” [email protected] breach of the health regulations, Mr he said. Somprat said. Kathu District Chief Trithip ll entertainment venues in The Nimit Circle area on the east Sakulpradit also confirmed that in- Phuket must close at mid- side of Phuket Town is where raids spections were continuing in Kathu, Anight and restaurants are before the New Year found three Patong and Kamala. not permitted to sell alcohol after venues not complying with COVID-19 “Most entertainment venues midnight following an order issued by protocols. All three venue operators and restaurants are following the Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew were charged. measures with good cooperation, but on Monday (Jan 11). Mr Somprat said that he expected we have received some complaints The order came into effect on good cooperation for operators now that some venues and restaurants Tuesday (Jan 12) and will remain in that they are aware that inspections are not following the measures,” Mr effect until Jan 20 or further notice, are continuing. “Officials in all the Trithip said. the order explained. districts [in Phuket] still have to “Some of these venues we had The order marked that preventa- be strict on COVID compliance already inspected, but people claimed tive measures were needed in order to prevent the risk of COVID-19 that after we left the venues stopped to prevent any further spread of Teams led by health officers inspect venues on Bangla spreading which might happen from following the full compliance order. COVID-19 considering the current Rd. Photo: Courtesy of ‘In Patong’ Facebook page people gathering at entertainment After receiving such complaints, we outbreak of the virus elsewhere in venues such as pubs and bars, and went back to the venues, but again it the country. bars, karaoke venues and other places invokes a penalty of up to two years restaurants,” he said. seemed that when we were there the Although Phuket currently has that open to provide similar services imprisonment or up to B40,000 or “We cannot ignore the Governor’s operators were complying with the zero cases of people confirmed must close at midnight. both, the order warned. orders,” he added. COVID-19 measures,” he explained. infected with COVID-19, the island • Restaurants and food courts are The ban also follows officials Mr Somprat emphasised that the “In dealing with these types of has been classified by national health not allowed to sell alcohol beverages in all three districts across Phuket Governor had placed special focus venues, we need more support from authorities as a yellow “high sur- inside the venues after midnight. confirming that they are continuing on all people following the ‘D-M-H- people. People can inform us of places veillance” area, meaning that any Failure to comply with the order their inspections of pubs, bars, res- T-T’ measure: D- Social Distancing, doing this by calling 076-321133,” outbreak is expected be contained may be punished under Section 51 taurants and entertainment venues M- Mask wearing, H-Hand washing, Mr Trithip said. but that strong health measures to of Disease Control Act 2015, which to ensure operators are complying T-Testing and T- Tracing. Thalang District Chief Suwit prevent an outbreak are to be taken. incurs a fine of up to B20,000, or with the full COVID-prevention “Also Vice Governor Vikrom Suriyawong also confirmed his The late-night alcohol ban was under Section 52 of the act, which measures. Jakthee [who led the raids before the officers were carrying out COVID- issued after a meeting of the Com- invokes a penalty of up to one year Muang District Chief Somprat New year] has asked for four square compliance inspections throughout municable Disease Committee, imprisonment or a fine of up to Prabsongkham told The Phuket News meters per person [as required by the Thalang District, which covers nearly chaired by Governor Narong, on B100,000 or both, the order noted. that he and Civil Defense Volunteers COVID-compliance regulations],” all of the northern half of the island. Monday (Jan 11). The committee Those found breaching the order [OrSor] with other law-enforcement Mr Somprat added. “I am not particularly worried unanimously agreed to order enter- will also be charged under Section officers inspected about eight enter- The nightlife venue inspections about venue operators not fully tainment venues and restaurants to 18 of the Emergency Decree on tainment venues near Nimit Circle will continue, Mr Somprat warned. complying with the regulations. Most do as follows: Public Administration in Emergency (the “Seahorse Circle” roundabout) “We have to ensure strict compli- of the venues have no customers • All entertainment venues, pubs, Situations B.E. 2548 (2005), which immediately after the New Year. ance every day. I believe that eve- anyway,” he said.

Koreans arrested at Phuket Villa Kathu FOUR SOUTH KOREAN as Kang Mingu, Chul Jae Jung, men have been arrested at a Min Joo Won and Kim Hyun housing estate in Kathu for Su. Kang Mingu was wanted working illegally. One of the on an Interpol for distributing four was wanted on an Interpol child pornography, the Phuket notice for distributing child Immigration statement noted. pornography. The four South Koreans were Officers also found a loan The arrests were an- arrested at the Phuket Villa agreement at the scene show- nounced by Phuket Immi- Kathu housing estate. Photo: ing that the men had operated gration through a statement Immigration Bureau a loan shark operation. issued on Jan 5. All four were charged with The Immigration Bureau Kathu housing estate. Officers, working illegally, and Kang had received a request from armed with a warrant, raided Mingu, who had overstayed the Embassy of Republic of the house at about 4:30pm his permit to stay by more than Korea to investigate the four on Dec 29 and found the 253 days, was also charged men, the statement explained. men working online trading with entering and staying in Officers tracked the men cryptocurrencies. the country illegally, the report to a house at the Phuket Villa The four men were named noted. The Phuket News

@thephuketnews 6 BUSINESS NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Phuket economy on the brink Expert warns another lockdown would have huge impact on island

The Phuket News country for a long time,” he “If Phuket wants to have [email protected] said. a third life [sic]. The first one “The other group was those was mining, and the second nother full lockdown who are Phuket natives or one is tourism. The third one is would result in a huge those who had already moved supposed to be service provid- Aimpact on Phuket’s to Phuket permanently. They ing, not producing,” he said. economy, a leading economic can’t avoid being affected, as Dr Chayanon openly sup- researcher at the Prince of they are still working in the ports the current government Songkla University Phuket hotel industry and other busi- push to develop Phuket to campus has warned. nesses,” he explained. increasingly become a medical Dr Chayanon Pucharoen, “The less hours they work, tourism destination. Associate Dean for Research the less salary they gain, the “Many people talk about and Graduate Studies at PSU less money they can spend, medical tourism. Developing Dr Chayanon speaking Phuket, has also warned that leading to the Phuket economy Phuket to be a medical hub at an event explaining some people on the island this the impact of COVID-19 slowing down,” Dr Chayanon is possible because we have year will suffer a loss as high on the Andaman explained. rooms to welcome and staff as 91% of their regular income. province economies Dr Chayanon pointed out with a service mind,” he said. The warning came in an last year. Photo: Faculty that his research had also “We are talking about online video titled ‘Labour and of Hospitality and identified how Phuket resi- a new growth engine,” he Economy in Phuket during Tourism, PSU (Phuket) dents were coping with the concluded. COVID’ posted online under financial stress. Dr Chayanon through re- the ‘LaetaLaetai’ (’Let’s see curity coverage now have about 39% of their regular salary they receive from their “For example, hotel staff search pointed out in April last the South’) program by Thai working hours about 53% less income,” Dr Chayanon said. jobs,” he added. who have work for only 15 year that the global outbreak PBS. than they did in August last “This significant point Dr Chayanon also high- days a month become vendors of COVID-19 had cost Phuket Dr Chayanon explained year. We don’t need to talk shows that the economic crisis lighted how the research during the remaining 15 days more than B31 billion in lost that the dire prediction fol- about the lockdown period, affects every person in Phuket. plainly identified two different of the month,” he said. tourism revenues in that month lowed research by his col- as we all already know what Some people will lose up to types of people who worked “Some people like chefs alone. leagues at the university. it was like,” he added. 91% of their income,” he said in Phuket. may go to re-skill or up-skill, He also delivered his initial “This year, Phuket people “In our research, we also blankly. “The first group was those like trying to cook local foods ‘worst case scenario’ predic- on average will lose about 73% found that those who are not “If there is another lock- who had already returned to and sell in tourist spots and tion that the pandemic would of the money in their wallet, registered with the Social down, there will be a big im- their hometown to work in markets,” he added. cost the Phuket economy compared with last year,” Dr Security Office, such as those pact on the Phuket economy,” agriculture, which is like a Dr Chayanon also posed B127bn in lost tourism rev- Chayanon said. who worked part-time jobs he noted. safety net, or in a field [i.e. the question, “Is it possible to enues. “From our research, em- that were irrelevant to tour- “It’s clear that the less industry] that has welcomed transfer workers in the tourism Dr Chayanon has not de- ployees who have social se- ism, were also affected, losing hours people work, the less unemployed people in this industry to others?” viated from that prediction.

Phuket flights take a hit SEVERAL AIRLINES have reduced the number of flights to and from Phuket due to falling demand amid concerns over the cur- rent COVID-19 outbreak, Phuket International Airport General Manager Thanee Chuangchoo has confirmed. However, Mr Thanee branded posts circulating on- Flights to and from Phuket airport are still operating. line warning that all flights Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub / file to and from Phuket had been cancelled as fake news. complete a 14-day quarantine flights operated to or from Mr Thanee explained when they arrive in Phuket, Phuket airport from Jan that six domestic airlines – hence some flights have also 1-5, altogether carrying a , , Thai been postponed,” he added. total of 38,915 passengers, Air Asia, , Mr Thanee confirmed as follows: Jan 1 - 7,662 and Bangkok that at least 65 regular sched- passengers (110 flights); Jan Airways – had cancelled uled flights will still oper- 2 - 8,692 (104 flights); Jan some of their regular flights, ate to Phuket throughout 3 - 10,458 (116 flights); Jan starting from Jan 4, due to January. 4 - 7,084 (87 flights); Jan lack of demand. Mr Thanee pointed out 5 - 5,019 (76 flights). In addition, at least seven that the number of passen- Direct international regularly scheduled flights gers passing through Phuket flights were also still oper- have also been cancelled for airport over the New Year ating to and from Phuket air- the rest of January, he added. was “less than expected”. port, Mr Thanee confirmed. “The flights were can- “We had estimated to According to the figures celled as there are not have more than 10,000 pas- provided to The Phuket enough passengers because sengers per day, but there News, Jan 1-2 saw one inter- people are not confident to were fewer passengers than national flight each day, but travel due to the COVID-19 we predicted,” he said. with zero passengers. There situation,” Mr Thanee said. According to the lat- were three international “Also, people are con- est data airport staff could flights on Jan 5, carrying cerned about whether or immediately provide this just four passengers. not they will be required to morning, a total of 493 The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 THAILAND NEWS 7 Municipality keen to buy Vaccine safety first andits own COVID vaccines THE NAKHON KHON Kaen Municipality is con- foremost, vow officials sidering buying COVID-19 Apinya Wipatayotin vaccines for its population of 110,000 using its own reserve he permanent secretary for public fund, but first needs approval health, Kiatiphum Wongrajit, from the government, Mayor defended the use of the Sinovac Teerasak Theekhayuphan said T People lining up for vaccine on Monday (Jan 11), saying on Monday (Jan 11). COVID-19 screening at the Chinese-made product is produced Mr Teerasak said adminis- a market in Khon Kaen with reliable technology and no reports trators and council members province on Jan 11. Photo: of serious side effects have emerged floated the idea to save the Chakrapan Natanri after its use. government’s central budget, Earlier, the deputy chairwoman of after the government said it the vaccines from the central civil society group FTA Watch, Kannikar was in a position to buy vac- administration, including the Kijtiwatchakul, voiced her concerns about cines for only about 30 million Interior and Public Health the Sinovac vaccine, saying its efficacy people, just under half of the ministries. and safety remain unclear, as it has yet population. Once the regulations were to progress beyond Phase 3 trials. The idea had been dis- in place, the council would To ensure its safety, the Food and The permanent secretary for public health, Kiatiphum Wongrajit, has defended cussed between local ad- convene and seek approval Drug Administration (FDA) has pledged the use of the Chinese-manufactured Sinovac vaccine saying there are no ministrations throughout the to buy vaccines using the mu- to prioritise patients’ well-being when it reports of serious side effects after its use. Photo: Bangkok Post country as the COVID-19 nicipality’s financial reserve. evaluates the vaccine, which is expected situation was getting more Mr Teerasak estimated to arrive next month. “And if we don’t have all required Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna. serious every day, he said. the total cost would be in “The decision to approve that vaccine documents to verify its safety, it is pos- The director-general of the Depart- Quick action was needed to the range B100-150 million. will depend on its safety and efficiency,” sible we won’t approve it,” he told the ment of Medical Sciences, Supakit Sirilak, control the pandemic. The municipality had enough said Surachoke Tangwiwat, the FDA’s Bangkok Post. said that before deciding to buy from a The Nakhon Khon Kaen money in its reserve, he said. deputy secretary-general. “Our experts He noted that Sinovac’s vaccine is vaccine manufacturer, the government Municipality totally supported After the vaccines had will look into the scientific evidence that still awaiting approval from Chinese takes into account several factors, which this idea. It had about 110,000 been acquired, the municipal- will be sent to us.” authorities. include the vaccine’s properties, its price, people under its jurisdic- ity’s medical office would look Dr Surachoke said the FDA is wait- Thailand’s FDA is currently review- as well as the manufacturer’s capacity tion and all of them should into the details of distribution. ing for Sinovac to send documents for ing the COVID-19 vaccine developed by to produce and deliver them. be inoculated, based on the Mr Teerasak said if the the FDA to review and insisted officials US company AstraZeneca in partnership However, Dr Supakit said, the govern- names shown in the domicile government put in place a will not fast-track the approval process. with the UK’s Oxford University and ment is expected to purchase the vaccine registration, Mr Teerasak said. clear policy on this matter, He admitted that the plan to admin- has received all relevant documents it from no more than three manufacturers. The mayor said the munici- he believed all local admin- ister the vaccine next month may still requested. It has not, however, asked “There will be enough vaccine for pality was only waiting for a istrations would be ready to change, as the FDA will have to adhere to to be sent documents relating to the everyone, free of charge,” he said. clear policy and regulations comply with it. the strictest health and safety principles. vaccines developed by US companies Bangkok Post regarding the acquisition of Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews 8 COMMUNITY THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Cycling in cycles I saw fit to pop out from my mater’s BLAZING SADDLES womb until my 12th birthday, passed in a sort of chaotic blur, as far as I can re- Baz Daniel call. I was born in 1949 in the post-war [email protected] Midlands of England and spent many happy hours on the saddles of sundry have my sixth birthday coming bicycles careening into various objects up! More specifically, this month in our garden and terrorising our dogs. I will complete my sixth Bud- From 12 to 24, my cycling horizons dhist cycle, each cycle comprises expanded to include weekend trout 12 years, so by the conventional fishing adventures with my father and Western method of calculating grandfather. Then at 18, I went up to the annoying trajectory of time, I Nottingham University and spent many will turn 72! happy hours cycling around the leafy Theravada Buddhism, Thailand’s campus often in amorous pursuit of Cycling north Idominant system of spiritual belief, sundry delectable female students. prescribes each 12-year cycle of human My third life cycle from age 24 to 36 of Khao Lak in incarnation upon this mortal cycling saw me entering work life in advertis- the Andaman. coil in quite specific terms, with precise ing, firstly in London, where partying stages of mental and spiritual develop- took over from cycling, then Toronto than at any other time in my life. azine. It was a renaissance for me, as I ment to be attended to, and hopefully where skiing and sailing were my main During my fourth life cycle from 36 was able to regain my passion for being attained, during each 12-year period. outdoor sports. I then moved to work in to 48, I moved back to Hong Kong and outdoors and cycling in the wonderful My next cycle, my seventh from 72 Hong Kong for two years in 1980 where then to Bangkok to open an advertising Andaman region in which I now live. to 84, should be dedicated to a turning I played squash and ran the mountain agency handling the Thai International I started writing this Blazing Sad- away from the day-to-day concerns of tracks to try and stay fit. account worldwide. dles column in 2013, when I was 64, life, and dedicated to the development In 1982, when I was 33, I arrived in My darling daughter Olivia was and the magical alchemy of words and of quiet spiritual harmony in prepara- Sydney, Australia and immediately fell born in 1993 and I well recall cycling cycling has taken me on many wonder- tion for my inevitable recycling from my in love with that most beguiling city, around Bangkok’s Lumpini Park in the ful outdoor trips to beguiling corners of presently constituted format into my where outdoor life is embraced with early morning miasma with her in a the world. next incarnation. immense enthusiasm. I spent my morn- kiddie seat screaming as huge monitor As I pedal into the seventh cy- This rather benign Buddhist system ings furiously lapping the trails of the lizards waddled away from the lakeside cle, I feel blessed to have cycling as of calibrating the passing of one’s life, huge, nearby, Centennial Park before as we approached. a mainstay of my journey through got me thinking about the constants breakfast and then riding off to work. At I was fortunate to be able to retire Shakespeare’s mortal coil and in fac- which have sustained and nourished me weekends I did longer rides across the from the intensity of international cor- ing the next 12 years I’ll do my utmost through my journey thus far, of which iconic Harbour Bridge and also played porate life in 2005 and embark on a to comply with Einstein’s marvellous cycling and being outdoors, have been competitive squash at a good level and new career. I relocated to Phuket and observation that: “Life is like riding a prominent. I think that in my late third, and early joined my old friend John Everingham’s bicycle. In order to keep your balance, My first cycling cycle, from the time fourth cycles I was fitter and more active Art Asia Press as editor of Phuket Mag- you must keep moving.”

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 EDUCATION 9 To the Moon, Mars and beyond sparked and the ISSDC as a whole was Jason Jellison firmly convinced that Thailand should n a historic first for all of South- become the first Asean nation to be- east Asia, Thailand has made a come a full member of the global ISSDC new footprint in space history as family. the first Southeast Asian mem- Astrium Competitions Ltd was ber of the International Space founded in June 2020 to oversee the Settlement Design Competition construction of Southeast Asia’s first (ISSDC). ISSDC and is considering ‘a universe’ of Never before hosted by new educational opportunities for Thai an Asean country, the ISSDC is a youths who hold space exploration deep life-changing,I exciting international ed- inside their hearts. ucational initiative which was designed The Thai ISSDC is currently chaired by NASA in 1983, co-staged by NASA by Jason A. Jellison and co-managed by and the Boy Scouts of America in 1984 Operations Manager Oranush Kunati- and has since expanded to 35 countries rojana. Dr Ian Reide Ph.D is graciously as one of NASA’s most salient legacy serving as Vice Chairman and the pop- educational programs. ular foreign teacher Geraldino Palmes On Jan 4, Thailand made history by is presently serving as the Secretary of leading Southeast Asia’s most brilliant the ISSDC-Thailand. teenagers into this prestigious space On Jan 4, Thailand took a very im- exploration competition. gate innovative new ideas to solve the to young aerospace talent development portant step for mankind as it became The ISSDC is aimed at identifying a unworldly problems that human settlers in Southeast Asia, and Astrium’s mis- the first Southeast Asian nation to join nation’s brightest STEM and aerospace would most assuredly encounter on an sion is to help the Kingdom become a this prestigious NASA legacy educa- students whilst those students are still entirely new planet. Brilliant teenagers possible future hub for Southeast Asian tional initiative for teenage geniuses. in high school, and the stunning event are connected with both active and re- space exploration, as well as a potential Yet, whilst this may be but a modest provides an early proving-ground for tired aerospace engineers and scientists hub for aerospace and STEM develop- step in the history of space exploration, brilliant young minds by way of creat- who help guide the students to finding ment among adolescents and primary it is yet another crucial step towards ing a realistic outer space industry their own unique insights to techni- students residing throughout Southeast placing Thai astronauts on the moon, simulation for student engineers who cal challenges over a period of several Asia. Mars and beyond. love the space program. months which lead up to the first Thai Thailand’s ISSDC was originally Through a series of energetic game National Competition, to be held in envisioned in 2018 when teams of Thai For more information about ISSDC- competitions for high-school student Bangkok in November this year. students started traveling outside the Thailand visit the website www.thaissdc. teams ranging in age 14-18, the ISSDC Student teams who win the Thai Kingdom to compete in other Asian orgor email [email protected]. Mr has for decades searched for the most Nationals will go on to compete in the competitions. Jon Santangelo, Imran Jellison prefers to be contacted at his rare high school aerospace talent Asian Regional Finals in India three Al-Farzal and several representatives personal email address [email protected]. and has subsequently redirected doz- months later, and any student teams of the China ISSDC noticed the rising For Thai-language inquiries, message ens of brilliant students into some of who win there may find themselves number of Thai student teams apply- Oranush Kunatirojana, Operations the world’s best universities such as competing at the Global Finals, which ing elsewhere in Asia. A discussion was Manager, at [email protected] Princeton, MIT, Oxford, Cambridge are once again slated for the Kennedy University, Hong Kong University, and Center in July of 2022. the National University of Singapore, The registration fee for a student among many other prestigious universi- team is B5,000, so for a team of 12 ties worldwide. students that comes to a very afford- Unlike a typical flight simulator or able B415 per student. Participation an interactive museum, the competi- fees are not yet established for the first tion puts high-school students squarely Thai National Competition as lodging into the shoes of the real-life aerospace arrangements are still pending, but the industry engineers currently designing ISSDC-Thailand is run by caring edu- future settlements in space that would cators who donate their skills to keep someday be home to more than 10,000 costs low enough that any motivated people. student team can afford to enroll, no Thai students from all over the matter where they may be in Thailand. Kingdom can form 12-person school All Thai high schools are welcome to teams which then demonstrate the participate and Thai student teams are creativity, technical competence, required to have at least one member managerial skill, space environment who can communicate in English on the knowledge, teamwork, and presentation IELTS 5.5 level (or equivalent). techniques that would be needed in real The ISSDC of Thailand coordinated life in order to live on the moon, Mars, by a very talented local Thai committee or beyond. and overseen by Astrium Competitions Student teams file a proposal much Ltd. Astrium Competitions is a new like engineers do in real life and conju- educational service provider committed

@thephuketnews 10 TIME OUT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 45. Sniff out 20. Type of stock 1. “Oops!” 48. See 37 across 21. Great Dane is one 5. Environmental 49. “Omigod!” 23. Director Rohmer 1. In Japanese history, what were Onna-Bugeisha? watchdogs, for 50. Wooden bed strip 24. Summer camp short 52. Common side alarm 2. The board game Trivial Pursuit was invented in which 8. Brewski order 25. Margarines country? 12. Cut down 55. Kitchen staple 26. Sign up 3. Which toy was invented by George Lerner in 1949 and 14. Saucy 59. “My name is __” 28. Brazilian state was the first toy advertised on television? 15. Native American 60. “The Hunchback 29. Spanish for gold 16. She does a lot of of Notre Dame” 30. Start of a refrain 4. How many men were needed to form a Roman cohort? talking for Amazon writer 31. Colorful 5. Which country uses juries of 15 people in criminal trials? 17. Big furniture 62. Ryan of “The Indonesian fabric retailer Beverly Hillbillies” Answers below, centre 32. Alfred Nobel, for 18. Stare at 63. Pinnacle one 19. Marinara 64. Muppet 34. Two under pars ingredients 65. Piques 38. Alcove 21. What a slicer slices 66. Race 39. Toronto media Medium 22. Global commerce 67. Listen in Spanish inits. SUDOKU org. 68. Modern bandit 40. Speakers’ stands 23. Employer identifying number, Down 46. Letter-shaped for short 1. ___ the crack of workbench 24. African of Dutch dawn groove descent 2. Glow 47. Gin-maker 27. Half man half 3. Utah city Whitney mechanical 4. Star of David, 49. Conger catcher 30. Atlanta network essentially 51. Rental car agency (abbr.) 5. Funhouse cries 52. Accomplishment 33. Humerus’ 6. Relative of ante- 53. Marathon, for one Solutions to last week’s puzzles: neighbors 7. ___ minimum 54. Role for Shirley 35. Dry as a bone 8. Treat with disdain MacLaine 36. Inexperienced 9. Compel 55. Fiend 37. Desssert choice, 10. Crème ___ 56. Eye, to Pierre goes with 48 across crème 57. Put ___ words 41. Elton’s john 11. Start-up money 58. For fear 42. Desert 13. Computer info 60. Home of “The 43. Very cold 14. Reverence for Sopranos”

44. Night school subj. God 61. One-eighty AnswersScotland 5) 420; 4) to Head; this Potato week’sMr 3) Canada; Pop2); Quiz:Samurai; Female 1)

GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW NUMBER 1 teaspoon of honey is actually the lifework of 12 bees. 11.3 kilograms is how much candy the average American eats each year. 25 percent of the world’s supply of hazelnuts is used to make Nutella. 38 years old is how long the cat Creme Puff, of Austin, Texas, lived. He remains the longest-living cat on record.

Rawai Pier. Photo: Yasmin Juan 224 Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to [email protected] million This week in history Netflix subscribers – about 50% – watch a whole season of a TV show Jan 15, 2001 missiles into Israel in an unsuc- Jan 20, 1225 in just one week. Wikipedia goes online. cessful bid to provoke Israeli The first English parliament to retaliation. include not only Lords but also Jan 16, 27 BC representatives of the major Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus Jan 18, 1778 towns holds its first meeting 890 is granted the title Augustus by James Cook is the first known in the Palace of Westminster, the Roman Senate, marking European to discover the Ha- now commonly known as the the beginning of the Roman waiian Islands, which he names You Nazty Spy! (1940): “Houses of Parliament”. Empire. the “Sandwich Islands”. Poster: Columbia Pictures million Jan 21, 1911 people throughout the world will go Jan 17, 1991 Jan 19, 1940 premieres, starring The Three Henri Rougier wins the first to bed hungry tonight. Gulf War: Operation Des- You Nazty Spy!, the first Hol- Stooges, with Moe Howard as Monte Carlo Rally in a Turcat- Source: Uberfacts ert Storm begins early in the lywood film of any kind to sati- the character ‘Moe Hailstone’ Méry 25 Hp. morning. Iraq fires eight Scud rize Adolf Hitler and the Nazis satirizing Hitler. Source: Wikipedia

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 CLASSIFIEDS 11

The Phuket News Trades & Services @thephuketnews

CORPORATE SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT PERSONAL SERVICE

PERSONAL SERVICE PROPERTY SERVICES OTHER

@thephuketnews 12 EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021

17 29 SUN JAN FRI JAN

Sunday Brunch at Pine Beach Bar Try exciting new items including organic truffle AustraliaCANCEL Day poached egg, lobster house made pasta and unagi - Phuket Sundowners don. Enjoy complimentary use of pool and beach facilities before and after your brunch with a bottle AustCham Thailand and the Australian Consulate of sparkling, a selection of delicious dishes, funky General Phuket, in collaboration with Australian tunes of our DJ and beach activities. Intercontinental Alumni, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand Phuket Resort, Kamala, 076 629 999. (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 21 us for “Australia Day Phuket Sundowners” at Renais- JAN sance Phuket Resort & Spa, on Friday 29 January THU 2021, from 18.00-21.00 hrs. A celebration of all things Australian, join us for your favourite Australian food & beverages, and welcome in the New Year as the first business networking event of 2021! Cost: 500 THB for AustCham members, partner Chambers’ members, and Australian Alumni Members*, 900 THB for non- members. *For registration code for Australian Alumni members, please contact AustCham team at 02 109 9616 or email to [email protected]

PIWC - January 2021 Lunch January 2021 Lunch at COMO Point Yamu. Happy New Year! Join us to celebrate our first gathering in 2021! Members: 700 Baht. Non-Members/Guests: 850 Baht. Registration: 11.30am ​Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, January 19 to shelpmitchell@ gmail.com PROPERTY FOR RENT PROPERTY FOR SALE Fantastic Sea View Sea View condo 70 Sq.m. Swimming pool, fitness, car parking, 1 bed, 1big living room + kitchen. Big balcony. 1.6 km. from Kata beach. [email protected] , 080 468 8228‬ (Napa).

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thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 ISLAND SCENE 13

Sala Phuket team. Mohammad, Graham and Lena.

Bjorn, Ian, Anthony, Paul and Alex. Paul and Santa’s helpers. CHAINE DES RÔTISSEURS CHRISTMAS LUNCH It was a beautful day at Sala Mai Khao when Chaine Des Rôtisseurs met for the traditional Christmas Lunch. The food was delicious and everyone enjoyed a day in good company. As always, the staff of the day got a diploma as a recognition for excellent service. A lovely day to remember.

Lots of smiles. William, Guzel and Nico.

Coldwell Banker Phuket team. BLUE LIST EXHIBITION SETS SAIL Gulu, K. Nanthasiri and Jason. The Blue List Expedition departed from Royal Phuket Marina on 18th December and spent 3 days 2 nights at the Zeavola Resort Phi Phi Island. The expedition was powered by Yacht Sourcing and presented by JAND Events.

@thephuketnews 14 SPORT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Tokyo Olympics will go ahead Organisers confident despite Japan declaring state of emergency for the vaccine to ensure the Games OLYMPICS can go ahead.

AFP “It’s a decision for each country to make,” the Canadian told Sky okyo Olympics organisers Sports. “And there will be people have insisted that the coro- saying they are jumping the queue, Tnavirus-postponed Games but I think that is the most realistic will still go ahead despite Japan way of it going ahead.” declaring a state of emergency less International Olympic Com- than 200 days before the opening mittee chief Thomas Bach said ceremony. last year that the body would “un- Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga dertake great efforts” to ensure as last Thursday (Jan 7) announced the many participants and spectators month-long measure covering the as possible were vaccinated before greater Tokyo area, which took effect the Games. the following day, as the country But organisers say they are battles a surge in infections. also not relying on vaccines to Tokyo 2020 chiefs have already move ahead with the Games, and said that another postponement of in December unveiled antivirus the Games – set to begin on July measures they say will allow the 23 – is out of the question. The postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics are scheduled to start on July 23. Photo: AFP event to happen even if the pan- And they insisted last Friday demic has not been brought under that the emergency would not de- “safe and secure” Olympics, and Japanese public who, when polled by tions on Monday, down from the control. rail plans. that he believes public mood will the Kyodo news agency, expressed previous 2,392 logged a day earlier. The countermeasures and the “This declaration of emergency change when the country begins their preference for the Games to Still, Japan’s outbreak remains delay have helped put the Tokyo offers an opportunity to get the vaccinations, currently scheduled be postponed again or canceled comparatively small, with just over Olympics on course to become COVID-19 situation under control for late next month. outright. Just over 80% of the 1,041 3,850 deaths overall. one of the most expensive Sum- and for Tokyo 2020 to plan for a safe International Olympic Com- polled said the huge global event Japan has yet to approve a coro- mer Games in history, with a final and secure Games this summer, and mittee member Dick Pound told should be cancelled or postponed navirus vaccine, with Suga saying budget of 1.64 trillion yen (B476 we will proceed with the necessary the BBC he could not “be certain” again – a jump of about 60% in a he hopes the first jabs can begin billion) unveiled in late December. preparations accordingly,” organis- the Games will go ahead, because Dec 6 survey by the same outlet. in late February. Health workers The extra costs – up ¥294bn ers said in a statement. “the ongoing elephant in the room and the elderly are expected to be from figures released a year ago– When announcing the month- would be the surges in the virus”. VACCINE PRIORITY first in line. come despite organisers trying to long measures, PM Suga said that Pound’s uncertainty appeared to FOR GAMES? Pound said this week that ath- scale back elements of the Games Japan is committed to holding a be shared by a cross-section of the Tokyo recorded 1,219 new infec- letes should be given high priority in a bid to save money.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 SPORT 15 The FA Cup retains its magic Upsets and fairytale match-ups prove famous cup is still unique FOOTBALL

Ben Tirebuck [email protected]

espite the threat of COVID-19 decimat- Ding playing squads and cancelling fixtures, the magic of the FA Cup is alive and well after several up- sets last weekend saw lower ranked opposition move past their more illustrious op- ponents. The pick was Craw- ley Town who managed to brush aside Premier League Leeds United 3-0 last Sunday (Jan 10). Crawley, who ply their trade in League Two, the lowest professional league in England, more than matched Tottenham’s Lucas Moura scores their third goal during the their higher-ranked opponents FA Cup third-round match against Marine FC. Photo: AFP and thoroughly deserved their win. occasion, he broke down in in to thaw the frozen field The lowest ranked team in dred yeards to the ground as constant throughout. Even a The first goal from Nick his post-match interview. to ensure the game could the competition, Marine FC, their executive coach was un- cardboard cutout of Liverpool Tsaroulla was beftting of a Elsewhere, non-league go ahead. were unable to produce what able to fit in the carpark would boss Jurgen Klopp could be Premier League goal of the Chorley beat Wayne Rooney- The finances secured by would have been the most have been a first for Spurs’ seen peering over one wall. month contender, with further managed Championship team advancing will ensure Chorley astounding result in FA Cup millionaire players as would Spurs manager Jose Mour- strikes from Ashley Nadesan Derby County 2-0. Derby continue to operate for many history as they bowed out 0-5 changing and preparing pre- inho showed Marine the ut- and Jordan Tunnicliffe sealing admittedly fielded their youth years to come. to Tottenham Hotspur but it match in a makeshift pub. For most respect by fiedling a the win. team after COVID ripped was still a fantastic occasion Gareth Bale in particular, the strong side with a combined Tsaroulla’s story epito- through the club and ex- DAV ID VS. GOLI ATH representing all that is so memory of Real Madrid must total of 402 international caps. mises the magic of the com- empted senior professionals West Brom’s season staggers unique about the competition. have felt a million miles off. And, of course, it showed as petition: released by Spurs as from playing but it was still from bad to worse as they Marine, from the eighth Spectators were not per- his team’s quality ensured a youngster, he then endured a great result for Chorley. were beaten by League One tier of English football, were mitted but that did not stop they eased to victory. a serious car accident which It was a true team effort Blackpool on penalties after a always playing David against fans in the back gardens of It wasn’t to be the fairytale kept him out the game for a and not just from the players 2-2 scoreline after extra-time. Spurs’ Goliath but, for a group homes backing on to one side for Marine that many had year. Thrown a lifeline by as it emerged that grounds- It mounts the pressure on of part-timers to have their of the ground making noise hoped for but it illustrated Crawley, he responded with man Ben Kay had slept on manager Sam Allardyce who day in the sun on a bitterly throughout. Some climbed perfectly what the FA Cup his first goal for the club to the pitch under a heated tent now reverts his attention to cold evening in the northwest, trees and scaffolding to get is all about and why it is re- kickstart the famous victory. the evening before, oversee- the Baggies’ Premier league was a joy to behold. a better view of the action. garded as the most magical Emotionally overcome by the ing the extra heaters brought relegation battle. Walking the final few hun- The sound of air horns was a cup competition in the world.

Doubts cast on Thai league return FOOTBALL

THERE IS A STRONG likelihood that the restart of the suspended 2020/2021 Thai football season will be further delayed until the beginning of March. A new coronavirus outbreak in the country had forced the Football Port’s Nelson Bonilla Association of Thailand vies with Samut Prakan’s (FAT) and Thai League Suphanan Bureerat. Co Ltd to suspend all Thai Photo: Bangkok Post Leagues 1 and 2 matches scheduled for the month of “It is not just the foot- January to prevent spread ball Thai leagues as it in- of the deadly virus. cludes the Thai volleyball Sathit Pitutecha, Thai- league as well,” Sathit land's Deputy Public Health added. Minister, said on Jan 9 the All domestic football Thai leagues matches “might activities were suspended have to be postponed for two from March to September months” to stop coronavirus during the first wave of the from spreading further in COVID-19 pandemic. the country. Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021

[email protected] The magic of the FA Cup Sport lives on > p15

Students of the Dojo show off their medals with teachers and family members. Photo: Blue Tree DOJO SHOWING THE WAY “We won eight gold med- team,” said Alexis. MORAL CODE fighter community in the of helping as many of our JIU-JITSU als, nine silver medals and one December saw students Alexis is a 4th-dan black belt north of Phuket,” commented students as possible have

The Phuket News bronze medal,” an incredibly once again venture to Bang- in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu with 27 Alexis. the chance to compete with [email protected] proud Alexis said. kok to compete in the fourth years’ experience practising “The moral code of mar- the national teams of judo, This achievement was annual Siam Cup, Thailand’s martial arts who achieved 3rd tial arts is to teach kids how jiu-jitsu and wrestling,” said ess than a year after be- all the more impressive as premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu place at both the 2018 World to become a good person. Alexis. ing founded, a Mixed the team had only had a few tournament, where they cap- Judo Championships and “It’s not about actually “And for other students the LMartial Arts Studio months of practice before tured four silver medals. the World Wrestling Cham- getting a black belt but more aim is to have fun every day based in Phuket is the talk of competing in the national According to their website, pionships in 2019. With the so about how to conduct one- on the mats while developing the town after an impressive competition alongside almost the Siam Cup is an internation- support of Blue Tree he still self with honour and respect their technique and hopefully medal haul from a series of 2,000 participants from all ally recognised platform for competes at international under the code of a black win the maximum number of recent national competitions. over Thailand. Thai and international athletes events representing his home belt.” championships available.” Set up early last year by Later in November the to gain competitive experience country, France. The future prospects cer- The Blue Tree Dojo is Frenchman Alexis Plantard, team competed at the National for personal development He established the Dojo tainly appear to be bright for open daily from 10am to Dojo, located in the Lifestyle Judo Championships in Sak- as well as a springboard for at Blue Tree in early 2020 the dojo as Alexis confirmed 7pm. All levels are welcome Village at Blue Tree Phuket, hon Nakhon where a further dedicated athletes to compete and has already developed a the number of participants has with the first session offered competed in the National medal was secured. in the Asian Games, and in In- strong team of students and increased everyday since the as a free trial. For further Jiu-Jitsu championships in “We won a bronze medal ternational Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champions. summer with new students information please visit the Bangkok last November where and one of our students was Federation (IBJJF) amateur “The objective of the dojo arriving daily. Facebook page or contact: its students emerged with an so very close to becoming a and professional tournaments is to develop martial arts val- “For 2021 we have big 092 805 8527 or email: dojo@ incredible 18 medals. representative of the national worldwide. ues and to create a dynamic expectations with the goal bluetree.fun

Series levelled at ACG to set up decider the same duo combined three overs off Pir’s bowling in the third over. (16 not out) and Livermore (17 not CRICKET later to dismiss Raju (32). After Nicholson fell LBW in the out) to seal victory, thus ensuring An Asia mid-order collapse then fourth over, Swart joined Bootsy for the series will see a deciding game LAST SUNDAY (JAN 10) SAW ensued as Curt Livermore took four what resulted in a very solid partner- on Sunday. the second match in a tri-series valuable wickets with the score 177 ship with the score at 113 for 1 by Swart earned man-of-the-match event between an Asia select XI for 7 in the 25th over. the 15th over. Bootsy, however, was with his 64, 1 for 26 off 7 overs and and a Rest of the World (ROW) Sameer Khan stood strong for caught behind one run shy of his 3 catches. Asia’s players of note select XI at the ACG. Asia to reach 52 off 62 before he was half century. included Sameer Khan (52 off 62) Once again it was the pairing of caught by Stuart Hamilton off the Swart was run out for 64 bring- and Ali Khan (2 for 25 off 5). Seemant Raju and Imtiyaz Mushtaq bowling of Dom Judge, then Swart ing to the crease the Hamilton and Neil Quail who opened the batting for Asia, and Judge finished off the tail for a Joe ANinan left-hand right-hand The Asia vs ROW series decider will scoring to 60 by the 11th over. total of 189. partnership who boosted the run take place on Sunday (Jan 17) at the Samir Khan goes for another Mushtaq (24) fell as he was Jeremy Bootsy and Dan Nichol- total to 153 by the 22nd over. ACG from 10am. Cricket training boundary on his way to a 52 caught by Justin Swart off a son opened the batting for ROW Bhattacharya surgically removed is at the same venue on Fridays against ROW last Sunday at the Michael Flowers delivery and with the former claiming two fours Hamilton’s off stump, leaving Ninan from 4-6pm. ACG. Photo: Neil Quail

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