Bang Tao Site Sold to Jakarta Giant
Volume 12 Issue 48 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 November 26 - December 2, 2005 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 20 Baht
The Gazette is published in association with Disgraced Bang Tao site sold tycoon IN THIS ISSUE to Jakarta giant survives NEWS: Hearing date set for monorail proposal; Phuiket shooting still high in HIV rankings. By Alasdair Forbes Pages 2 & 3 By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn INSIDE STORY: What plans for BANG TAO: A 123-rai plot of Phi Phi? Pages 4 & 5 land next to the beach at the BANGKOK: Disgraced busi- northern end of Bang Tao Bay nessman Boonkeng “Ko Keng” AROUND THE ISLAND: Loy has been sold by Hongkong & Srisansuchart, evicted in 2004 Krathong: a photo essay. Shanghai Hotels (HSH) to Indo- from land in the Panturat Hills Page 8 nesian property giant PT Jakarta along the bypass road, was AROUND THE REGION: Peering Setiabudi Internasional Tbk (JSI). wounded in a gun attack in at Samui. Page 9 JSI bought the land through Bangkok on November 19. its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cay- An associate of his, Nimit PEOPLE: “Phuket, naturally,” man Islands-based Durham Pokaphol, a former civil servant say tourists. Pages 10 & 11 Holdings, for just under 865 mil- in the Phuket Provincial Land LIFESTYLE: Just in case. lion baht – about 7 million baht a Office (PPLO), was killed in the Page 12 rai. attack by a round from a .22 fire- The land, which is just south arm. SPA MAGIC: Spa Royale with ease. Page 15 of the Sirinart Marine National K. Boonkeng, 57, was hit Park, had been owned by HSH once in the neck and spent time TAKE A BREAK: Crosswords, subsidiary Siam Chaophraya under police guard in a Bangkok quizzes and Sudoku. Land for the past 15 years, but hospital before returning to Phuket Pages 19 & 20 was never developed. That is two days later. FIRST PERSON: Education about to change. K. Boonkeng and K. Nimit reforms. Page 25 In an exclusive interview had traveled to Bangkok to meet with the Gazette, JSI’s Presi- with the 80-year-old former BUSINESS: High season dent-Director, Amir Abdul Deputy Commander of Police optimism; Money Talks. Rachman, confirmed that the land The beach at the north end of Bang Tao Bay is well away from the Region 8, Pol Maj Gen Preecha crowds and frequented only by those few ‘in the know’. Page 27 will be used for a hotel or resort, Pakpaiboon. They were shot as SPORT & LEISURE: Thais tri- but that no decision has yet been “We have seen the pendu- two large shopping malls – one they walked through Lad Phrao umphant at Muay Thai; Darts; been made whether to develop a lum always swinging this way and in Bali and one in Jakarta – three District to hail a taxi after the Tour De Thailand preview. luxury villa-style resort or a mass- that way – Phuket or Bali, Phuket apartment blocks in the Indone- meeting. Page 28 market property. or Bali.” sian capital, where it also has a Although the motive behind He added that JSI looked considerable land bank that it is the attack is not yet known, Pol PENDULUM PROPERTY: Gardening: Bert at Phuket as long ago as 1986. developing for housing estates. Lt Col Teerawat Mungkalasiri, knows best; Construction: Asked whether the land would “That was when we decided to In the year to September Deputy Superintendent of Chok Stroke of luck; Home of the become home to Phuket’s first develop the Grand Hyatt in Bali 30, 2005, it recorded sales and Chai Police Station in Bangkok, Week in charming Chalong; Hyatt property, Mr Abdul Rach- because we came to the conclu- revenues equivalent to 1.7 billion speculated that it may have been Decor: You’ve been framed. man confirmed that JSI is “very sion that Bali was ready but baht and assets equivalent to 10.7 linked to a business deal. Pages 30-33 close with Hyatt”. Phuket was not. billion baht. He noted that the gunman But, he added, “We are still “Now the infrastructure in In a statement following the appeared to have been lying in PLUS considering all possibilities. We Phuket is really there and the signing of the sale agreement, wait, suggesting that he knew the QUEER NEWS 6; AROUND THE N A- are working with world-class reality is that Phuket is only nine HSH explained that the funds two men would be walking along TION 7; HAPPENINGS 14; WINE, consultants and advisers, and [the hours from Europe, and socially would be used to reduce debt and the soi after their meeting. PHUKET DIARY 16; GUEST C HEF scale of the project] will depend and politically Thailand is more as “general working capital”. Col Teerawat said he be- very much on who will be the lieved that K. Boonkeng was the 17; THAILAND TRAVELER 18; salable.” CEO Clement Kwok was operator. It’s too early for us to JSI is a major player in the quoted as saying, “The sale of intended target of the hit. “I be- BOOKS, OUTSIDE IN 21; HORO- say. Indonesian hotel and property the Phuket land is a further step lieve the gunman had been told SCOPES, THE TIME M ACHINE 22; “We are very keen to [be industries. Its assets include the in the company’s strategy of dis- about the meeting,” he said. K. TSOWNDINGS, TOON TOWN 23, in] Phuket because we see that Grand Hyatt Bali, the Bali Hyatt, posing of non-core assets that will Nimit, he pointed out, was regu- EDITORIAL, LETTERS 24; ISSUES & every time there is a problem in and the Hyatt Regency allow us to focus our resources larly in Bangkok, but the attack ANSWERS 25; ON THE MOVE, Bali [where JSI owns two Yogyakarta, as well as three on developing and marketing our took place only when K. Boon- COMPUTERS 26; CLASSIFIEDS 34- Hyatts] the biggest beneficiary is Mercure hotels. It also owns two principal businesses and the Pen- keng arrived in the capital. 43. Phuket. large office buildings in Jakarta, insula brand.” Continued on page 2 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS November 26 - December 2, 2005 Blues festival program announced Tycoon KARON: The organizers of the Phuket Interna- Band from Bangkok, and, at 11 pm, Victor Brox tional Blues Festival have announced the program from the UK. for the event, to be hosted by the Hilton Phuket The following evening’s music will begin at survives Arcadia Resort & Spa on December 16 and 17. 6:30 pm with two Phuket bands, Groove Doctors The festival will be officially opened by Phuket and Big Fat Blues Band, followed by Cannonball Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura at 6:25 pm, with from Bangkok, Kyla Brox from the UK and the shooting the first band, Blue On Blue from Bangkok, taking Rich Harper Band from the US. the stage five minutes later. They will be followed The event is presented by the Phuket Ga- by Pattaya-based Blues Machine, Soi Dog Blues zette and HotelTravel.com. From page 1 According to the Kom Chad Luek newspaper, a “close relative” of the injured tycoon suggested that a soured land deal Hearing date set for was the cause for the attack. However, another relative of K. Boonkeng said he believed that K. Nimit was the intended target of the attack, suggesting monorail proposal that K. Boonkeng had simply Not for Phuket: the US’s Lindsay Davenport. been in the – Photo EPA/Eddy Risch By Anongnat Sartpisut hearings are set up to host 80 company responsible for Bang- wrong place & Sam Wilkinson people,” he added. kok’s Skytrain and the capital’s at the wrong He said, “Really, I think at Subway depot. time. The in- Lack of funds PHUKET: A proposal to build a least 800 people should attend,” At the meeting, public vestigation passenger monorail system in but added that this was unlikely. transport specialist Somprasong continues. kills tennis Phuket will go through its first In his experience, only a few Satatiyamullay explained that a K. Boon- public hearing in February. The dozen people would attend hear- monorail would help solve much keng has had aim of the hearing is to allow dis- ings, but when actual work of Phuket’s traffic congestion, several ups tournament cussion between those likely to started on a project, hundreds alleviate air pollution and reduce and downs in PHUKET: A one-day women’s be affected by the project and the would turn out to protest its nega- road accidents, as well as cutting the past few international tennis tournament, consultancies responsible for the tive impact on their lives. tourists’ transport costs. years. In June set to feature such superstars as planning and routing of the mono- He also noted that the K. Somprasong said that the Boonkeng Srisan- 2004, four Serena Williams and Lindsay rail. greatest potential problem with a inception report would be com- suchart: shot in plots of land in Davenport playing at the Saphan The proposed system would project such as the monorail is piled over a period of seven the neck the Panturat Hin municipal tennis courts on provide a route between the air- that it would need to cross pri- months, ending next May. The Hills were New Year’s Day, has been can- port and Phuket City with a west vate land. He also pointed out that, report will focus on seven as- seized from him by the Anti- celed due to lack of funding. coast route taking in the Patong in Phuket’s case and especially pects: legal feasibility; funding; Money Laundering Office Chaiyapak Siriwat, Vice- area. in Patong – where one rai of land planning; architectural design; (AMLO) in Bangkok. President of the National Olym- After ideas are gathered can fetch up to 40 million baht – environmental impact; engineer- AMLO confiscated the land pic Committee of Thailand, made from the February meeting, a sec- the government might not be able ing, and organizations involved in after the Phuket Appeal Court the announcement at a press con- ond public hearing is scheduled to afford to buy the land required. the project. ruled that K. Boonkeng had ference on tsunami anniversary for April to consolidate the results Vice-Governor Niran Kala- He also said that, in 2001, a wrongfully obtained it. activities at the Royal Phuket City of the initial brainstorming ses- yanamit on November 17 chaired request was sent to the Prince of AMLO confirmed that all Hotel on November 21. sion. a committee meeting with the Songkla University (PSU) to re- four plots were SorPorKor land He explained that the About 80 people are ex- three monorail consultancies; Dr search alternative transport solu- – land owned by the state but al- Sports Authority of Thailand, the pected to attend each meeting. Tawatchai Laosirihongthong, Di- tions for Phuket and to produce located to poor, landless farmers body responsible for organizing Tawee Homhuan, Committee rector of the Traffic and Trans- a feasibility study. The three for agricultural use only. the event, had insufficient fund- Member and Engineer at the port Development and Research consultancies then studied the It has been alleged that, in ing. Phuket Public Works and Town Center at the King Mongkut Uni- PSU report and were drawn to 1983, a provincial vice-governor and Country Planning Office, versity of Technology in Thon- the monorail solution. allowed K. Boonkeng to take out commented: “We must ensure buri; EO System Engineering He added, “At the moment a 30-year lease on the four plots, that we follow correct town plan- Consultants; and Pyramid Devel- about 90% of people on the is- totaling 76 rai and comprising for- ning regulations and make sure opment International Corp land use their own vehicles, est and agricultural land. that any construction is done (PDIC). maybe because they feel that K. Boonkeng was said to be within the correct zones. “The PDIC is the architectural public transport is not reliable and planning to use the land to collect possibly because it cannot meet and store water for a develop- demand.” ment of prestige homes, but the Dr Tawatchai added, “Phu- properties were never built. ket’s roadsides are lined with AMLO accused K. Boon- parked motorcycles and peddlers keng of obtaining Chanote or selling their wares as well as tuk NorSor 3 Gor titles to the land tuks parked one after the other with the help of corrupt staff in in Patong. There’s no parking the provincial Land Office. space. Phuket is an international AMLO had already confiscated city, so visitors have high expec- assets worth around 30 million tations as to the quality of life and baht from former land officers services they will find here.” accused of producing fake land He explained that, to make papers. the monorail project successful, In March, 2003, K. Boon- public and private investment re- keng felt obliged to call a press turns would have to be studied, conference to deny what he said along with careful assessment of were rumors that he was involved the project’s environmental im- in dealing drugs, had cheated pact to ensure minimal damage. home-buyers and had HIV. November 26 - December 2, 2005 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Phuket still high in HIV rankings
By Anongnat Sartpisut “Still, if people do not take precautions HIV/Aids could be a PHUKET: The island has the serious problem in the next four fifth-highest reported number of to five years.” people infected with HIV in the K. Eam-on said that the Thailand, and the second-highest PPHO offers Aids information in the South, according to the knowledge and distributes con- Phuket Provincial Health Office doms in areas where teenagers (PPHO). gather. Eam-on Kittitornkul, Chief Most sufferers are between of the Aids Division at the PPHO, 25 and 39 years old, she said, with said that, at the last count, there 88.6% of cases stemming from were 3,729 known cases in the sexual relations and 4.28 % from province: a substantial increase sharing syringes. from the roughly 2,000 registered Another 2.45% of cases cases registered last year. consist of children contracting the The rise in reported cases disease from their mothers, while is not necessarily an indication still in the womb. K. Eam-on did of a higher rate of infection, K. not reveal what the causes of the OPPOSITION OUT IN THE OPEN Eam-on said. “When people remaining 4.67% of cases were. Hundreds turned out on November 11 to watch a tense confrontation with Prime Minister Thaksin learn that we have stocks of Ranong has the highest strident government opponent Sondhi Limthongkul’s Shinawatra, was dropped by Channel 9 TV, and medicine to treat HIV, they number of registered HIV-in- weekly broadcast, Muang Thai Rai Sapda, at a the Public Relations Department issued a warning show up in large numbers at the fected people in Thailand, fol- special screening organized by Sondhi’s Manager on November 16 to cable companies countrywide PPHO, so the statistics soar,” lowed by Chiang Rai, Trat, Group in the car park of 1the Phuket Public Library. that they risk having their operating licenses she explained. Phayao and Phuket. The program, which has brought Sondhi into canceled if they broadcast the program. Happy New Year: Police told to probe further Rules on alcohol in tsunami aid theft case sales tightened PHUKET: Orders for police to The case is in the hands of PHUKET: The hours when alco- conduct further investigations the Surat Thani office because hol may be sold in shops and su- into the theft of 2.05 million baht of procedures dictating that high- permarkets are to be shortened of tsunami aid money from profile cases, particularly those with effect from January 1. Phuket Provincial Hall nine involving bureaucrats, must not The shorter hours were an- months ago have finally arrived be handled locally. nounced by the Phuket Provin- in Phuket. In addition, Apichart, who cial Excise Office, after it re- The Special Public Prosecu- continues to work in the Provin- ceived the order from Minister of tor in the Phuket State Attorney’s cial Treasury Office, requested Finance Thanong Bidaya. Office, Bantoon Thongtan, told that Surat Thani handle the case From New Year’s Day, the Gazette on November 15 that because he feared he would not sales of alcohol in retail outlets he had just received, from the be treated fairly if the theft were will be allowed only between 11 Regional Director of Prosecu- handled by local prosecutors. am and 2 pm, and between 5 pm Some 150 Swedes attended tsunami memorial services at the Pearl tions in Surat Thani, the order for Earlier, it had appeared that and midnight. Currently, the Village Hotel on Nai Yang Beach, on November 11. A larger-scale further investigations into the the order for further investiga- evening sales hours are 5 pm to memorial ceremony will be held on December 26 at Khao Lak. theft and into government official tions had been lost somewhere 2 am. Apichart Nooprod, who is ac- between Surat Thani and Phu- In addition, shops at gas sta- cused of stealing the funds. ket, stalling the case. tions will be barred from selling Minimum day wage may rise by B3 alcohol at any time, as will shops PHUKET: Phuket’s minimum Suthep Therdkiatkajorn, an “near” schools or places of wor- daily wage, currently 178 baht, official with the Phuket Provin- ship. The term “near” was not could rise to 181 baht, matching cial Labor Office, said that the defined. Bangkok, if the Phuket Provin- proposal will be sent to the Min- cial Labor Committee gets its istry of Labor, which is expected Dinner to celebrate way. to announce a decision on Janu- At a meeting on November ary 1 next year. Thai-Chinese links. 16, the committee – which com- “The minimum wage can prises five provincial officials, five vary depending on the cost of liv- PHUKET CITY: A gala dinner employers and five employees – ing, and taking into account in- to mark 30 years of friendship approved the three-baht increase creased fuel prices,” K. Suthep among Thai and Chinese busi- in principle. added. nesswomen will be held on Sat- urday (November 26) in the Prapitak Grand Ballroom at The Metropole Hotel. Registration starts at 6:30 pm and Phuket Governor Udom- sak Uswarangkura is scheduled to give a welcome speech at 7 pm. There will also be a fashion show featuring Chinese designs. The event is organized by the Phuket Chamber of Com- merce and the Phuket and Phang Nga branch of the National Coun- cil of Women of Thailand. Tickets are 1,000 baht a- piece. For further information call the Chamber of Commerce at Tel: 076-217567/8. 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY November 26 - December 2, 2005
fter the tsunami, the central government handed the Organiza- Ation for Specific Areas Administration for Sustainable PHI PHI STILL IN Tourism Promotion (OSA), part of the Ministry of Natural Re- sources and Environment, re- sponsibility for rebuilding Phi Phi. On October 1, the Krabi Provincial Government ordered the Ao Nang Tambon Admin- A backlash from local peo- istration Organization (OrBorTor), the local authority responsible for the Phi Phi Islands, ple – who felt that the OSA’s ini- to institute a complete ban on all construction – commercial or residential, new buildings tial proposal, aimed at transform- and renovations – until a long-term development plan from the government has been ing the island into an idyllic resort for high-end tourists, was unre- approved, possibly longer. alistic – prompted the govern- This is just the latest in a series of confusing flip-flops by the government since the ment to hand the job of rehabili- tsunami, and, with the first anniversary of the tsunami approaching and tourists starting tating Phi Phi to the Public Works Department (PWD) in Bangkok. to return, the islanders are getting fed up with the delay. The government, meanwhile, The central government seems to have no answers. The Gazette’s Sangkhae Leelanapaporn investigates. then rejected the PWD’s request for 249 million baht to rebuild Phi land. I’m confused and surprised Chairman Phankam Kitithorakul, to buy land on Phi Phi on the Phi on the grounds that it was too that I cannot do anything on my 48, is caught in the middle, under cheap, and move local people much money, and in September land. They should think of what pressure from the central govern- somewhere else. Cabinet transfered the task of people here will eat. We are on ment to enforce the ban and from He himself finds the rumors coming up with a redevelopment an island with only tourism to help local people wanting the OSA to compelling. “I believe the reason plan back to the OSA. us survive.” make up its mind. the government is working so In mid-year, when the Before the tsunami, K. K. Phankam, now in the slowly may have something to do PWD was still in charge of the Kasem owned bungalows, a res- second year of his second four- with certain people making a project, the government ordered taurant and a small shop, which year term as OrBorTor Chair- profit. Otherwise why don’t they a ban on construction of new supported his family and relatives. man, said the worst thing was that let local people know what they buildings, but that order was later The tsunami washed them away, even if a charity foundation are doing or plan to do? wanted to build new homes for rescinded. and the government paid 50,000 ‘STOMP ON ME’ Now a ban on all new con- baht in relief for the loss of what tsunami victims – even on the struction and reconstruction of K. Kasem estimates was worth victim’s own land – it could not. “Why is it that local people have tsunami-damaged buildings has 20 million baht. “I don’t have the courage to follow what the government From the air even the tsunami- been imposed, much to the ire of to allow them [to build] because decides, yet cannot join any pub- SLEEPLESS NIGHTS smashed center of Phi Phi Don the island’s residents. I don’t want to go against the lic hearings? There have not been is beautiful, but for locals the Phi Phi native Kasem All he has left to provide for his government’s orders. Everything any,” he said. outlook is far from lovely. Ngankhaeng, 40, owns 33 rai but family is income from boats car- has to wait for the OSA, but I However, K. Phankam is has been denied permission to rying tourists. don’t know where they have prepared to sidestep the ban so V/Gov Chai, despite recog- build a small restaurant on just “I need to build the small gone. I have not seen a single that the island can get a working nizing Phi Phi’s current inability half a rai so he and his family and restaurant so I can make enough person from the OSA for more wastewater treatment plant. “We to make a hefty contribution to relatives can make a living. money for my children to go to than six months. have just received 27 million baht the economy, defended the gov- “I understand that the Presi- school. I do not sleep well; I’ve “Sometimes I am under a lot from the Danish government to ernment. dent of the OrBorTor has to fol- had nightmares every night since of pressure because people ask build a new wastewater treat- He explained that, before low the rules, but I would like to the tsunami. I am always think- to build a house and they have all ment plant to replace the one de- the tsunami, Phi Phi’s economy ask the OSA to hurry up because ing about the new plan and what the correct documents proving stroyed by the tsunami. was booming with more than a we have been waiting 11 months I can do to help my family and that they have complied with the “[Krabi] Vice-Governor million tourists visiting a year, and and still cannot do anything,” he relatives,” he said. law, yet they are not allowed to Chai Vanichpornphan told me to that Phi Phi currently has a total told the Gazette. K. Kasem and his family build a house on their own land. get permission from the OSA first of 1,000 to 2,000 day-trippers a “They should give us the are by no means the only ones “These people ask me whe- – but I will not. It is not the day, with about two-thirds com- chance to work, and this is my suffering. Ao Nang OrBorTor ther government policy is now government’s money. ing from Phuket. above the law. I have no answers “Many local people have V/Gov Chai added that for them. All I can do is tell them told me, ‘Please go for it!’ If I there are about 1,000 rooms cur- to wait for the OSA.” don’t they will ‘stomp on me’ be- rently available for tourists, and K. Phankam explained that cause there is no reason not to these are fully booked most of the rumors have started among locals build a new one where the old one time. The current state of the that perhaps a “big guy” wants was,” K. Phankam said. island’s infrastructure could not cope, he argued, if the 20 or so other hotels and small resorts that have remained closed since the tsunami were to open again, add- ing another 1,000 rooms. “The basic infrastructure of Phi Phi now could not support it November 26 - December 2, 2005 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5 LIMBO built in a day. Please think of the future,” he pleaded. The Vice-Governor also explained that the complete ban has put a stop to people bypass- ing regulations. “We have to have a complete ban on construction to stop people asking why one person can build and another can- not. “Before the ban some peo- ple asked for permission from the OrBorTor to build 50 houses for just one owner. Should this be al- lowed?” he asked. NO DETAILS Asked whether the Krabi Provin- cial Government had explained the situation to local people, V/ Gov Chai said, “I don’t know what to tell them. I have not been told what OSA plans to do; and I have been given no information to pass on to people. “One thing I do know is that the government wants Phi Phi to be a center for diving. I’m not if all the hotels were renovated. sure what the design will be, but All the water in the wells is salty, if we tell people anything they so what water will they use? might take it that we have com- There is still no water treatment mitted ourselves to a plan, when plant and no mains electricity. in fact we know nothing yet.” “The government has ap- Dr Surachet Chetamas, in proved [plans] for Phi Phi to have charge of drawing up OSA’s Phi mains electricity supplied by un- Phi Island Renovation Plan, was derwater power cables [from the tight-lipped when asked why it is mainland], as well as a reverse- taking so long to come up with a osmosis water-purification sys- redevelopment plan for Phi Phi. tem, which alone will cost about “I do not want to say any- 160 million baht. thing right now because not ev- “I believe the plan will be erything has been finalized, but I good but people should please think it will be announced before calm down,” V/Gov Chai said. the end of this year. “If they wait for just a year or “We cannot give any details two, they will benefit in the long because the local administration term. and the local people there still “I worry that if they build have different ideas from us. whatever they like now, should “I have meetings every day there be another tsunami more about this, and I will go down to people will be killed. I understand see the Governor of Krabi and that they are in trouble, but if you talk with local people there soon,” want to build a city, it cannot be he said. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS November 26 - December 2, 2005 That’s some feat: 8-year-old boy is eating only sole food
he father of an 8-year- old boy who eats noth- ing but dirty shoes and Queer Tsandals is worried about his son’s health and seeking do- nations for medical treatment to News Charoen Cheewamaitreewong collects his prize of a ‘WE LOVE PHUKET’ cure him. voucher for a facial treatment at Jungceylon Clinic from After neighbors brought the Gazette Desk Editor Shiona Mackenzie, after his Kia car was spotted sporting a ‘We Love Phuket’ sticker. STICKER WINNERS existence of the shoe-eating boy The boy’s teacher, K. to the attention of staff at the TV Ratchanee Yordsiri, said that program Mun Plak Dee Na, they Tinoy likes to eat his friends’ flip- went to Hao village in Chiang flops. “At first I didn’t believe it; Mai province on November 10 to I suspected a dog had chewed on investigate for themselves. the rubber sandal, but when I saw There, they met K. Kao (he Tinoy biting into it, I was speech- declined to disclose his surname) less.” and his son Tinoy. Maliwan Boonma, a doctor K. Kao told them that his from Amphur Mae Jam Hospi- son had launched into strange di- tal, said that Tinoy’s behavior is ets at the age of two – before caused by a disease known as shoes, he apparently used to en- Pica. Children suffering from this joy eating paper. disease are compulsive eaters of “I’m anxious about his non-food items. health but I can’t do anything “I have seen many children because I don’t have any with this problem eat soil, plastic, money,” K. Kao said. even matchsticks. This chronic “I hope some kind person behavior may disappear in his will help him.” teenage years, but his physical As he spoke, Tinoy helped and mental health may be af- himself to a shoe, shocking the fected. He is visibly pale and TV crew, who immediately of- skinny, and he suffers from fered him various snacks instead. bloody stools. He needs to im- But the boy continued munching prove his eating habits as quickly Satit Tunnimitkool is presented with her prize voucher for dinner for two at the Trisara Resort at on the shoe, oblivious to any of as possible.” Cherng Talay by PGTV Executive Producer Marc Mulloy, for having the sticker on her Ford pickup. their tasty treats. Source: Daily News November 26 - December 2, 2005 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Royal request for support in South after massacre M Queen Sirikit has patients, up from 17% last year. expressed concern for Anti-riot police and K. Somyos added that in- residents in Narathi- security guards fection rates were particularly wat’s Rangae District grappled with 500 high for girls between the ages H protesters at Egat following the massacre of an en- of 15 and 19. (Electricity tire family of Muslim villagers, in- Generating Authority Currently, about 10% of cluding an eight-year-old child, on of Thailand) head- HIV-positive patients have a November 16. quarters. The pro- drug-resistant strain of the dis- Col Somkuan Saengphatra- test, in which dozens ease. K. Somyos said that this ranet, spokesman for the South- were injured, was group was likely to grow, and it ern Border Provinces Peace- against partial was estimated that in five years building Command, said Her privatization of the Thailand would have to spend Majesty asked the authorities to state authority. The about 12 billion baht to take care strengthen the protective role of Supreme Adminis- of people living with HIV/Aids. the village defense volunteers. trative Court halted Col Somkuan blamed the the sale of public Power to the teachers: Two attack on insurgents, saying the shares in Egat Plc on leaders of an umbrella network motive could have been that November 15, and a of teachers’ groups fighting the Suding Awaebuesa, father of the final ruling on privat- transfer of government schools to family of nine, had defected to the izing the Kingdom’s the jurisdiction of local adminis- government five months ago. largest power pro- tration bodies offered different The victims were gunned ducer will be an- stances on whether or not teach- down at about 1 am, but authori- nounced in January. ers would hold a mass rally at the ties did not reach the crime scene and of the month. until some 11 hours later. Police the zoo. He said food provided at eral of the Public Relations De- Health, Agriculture, Commerce, Senator Khamphan Pong- who arrived at the outskirts of the the restaurant would be fresh partment, also told all provincial Finance and Natural Resources parn, who heads the network, said village refused to enter until top daily and cooked by five foreign cable TV operators to stop airing and Environment ministries. a planned demonstration by government officials had received chefs. K. Sondhi’s controversial weekly According to Public Health 100,000 teachers in Bangkok on assurances from residents that Wildlife Fund Thailand sec- TV shows, or risk seeing their Minister Pinij Charusombat, sci- November 29 would take place they would be able to carry out retary Surapol Duangkae said that contracts suspended. entific information shows vacci- only if the government failed to their duties uninterrupted. although consuming wildlife didn’t Thana Benjathikul, the nated fowl – which do not de- amend a law to halt the transfer The Director of the South- violate Cites (the Convention on premier’s principal lawyer in the velop symptoms or fall ill – may by November 25. ern Border Provinces Peace- International Trade in Endan- libel suits, said that they were not still carry the bird ’flu virus and Auychai Watha, chairman building Command, Lt Gen gered Species), it could fly in the restricting mass media freedom, may spread the disease to oth- of a group representing teachers Kwanchart Klaharn, later admit- face of moral issues and damage but wanted to ensure that the ers. in the northeast, said the demon- ted that the closest military unit the country’s image. premier’s reputation is not dam- stration would take place at had been only 10 minutes away, aged by libellous statements. K. STDoubled: The number of Sanaam Luang regardless of but defended the decision to de- Gagged: Sondhi Limthongkul of Thana also said the court order teenage patients infected with whether or not the amendment lay entering the village on the Manager Media Group, a critic also covers nine other defen- sexually transmitted diseases was completed before the dead- grounds that the incident might of Prime Minister Thaksin Shina- dants, who are barred from fur- doubled this year, the Public line. have been a plot by insurgents. watra, was served a Civil Court ther disseminating K. Sondhi’s Health Ministry announced. Sen Khamphan said Article order requiring him to stop criti- criticisms of PM Thaksin via Somyos Kittimankong, head of 30 of the 1999 Assignments and Wild menu: Visitors are to be of- cizing the PM immediately. The newspapers, television shows, the HIV/Aids division at the Pub- Steps of Decentralisation of fered a daily buffet of lion, tiger, injunction is pending a court hear- video disks or the Internet. lic Health Ministry’s Epidemic Power to Local Administrative elephant and giraffe meat when ing on PM Thaksin’s libel suits Control Department, said the in- Bodies Act needed the words Chiang Mai’s Night Safari offi- against K. Sondhi. The court is Bird ’flu vaccine ban: The gov- cidence of both HIV/Aids and “except for education affairs” cially opens on New Year’s Day, scheduled to hold its first hearing ernment decided to continue its other venereal diseases had in- added to it, in order to exclude project director Plodprasop on the libel suits on February 8. ban on bird ’flu vaccine for poul- creased, particularly among 18- the administration of education Suraswadi said. The park’s As a result of the injunction, try, but fell short of commenting to 20-year-olds. from the public services that lo- Vareekunchorn restaurant will the Group’s news website, visited on case-by-case vaccinations for Two years ago, about 7% cal bodies were required to pro- offer the “Exotic Buffet” for by more than 100,000 Thai web rare birds. The decision was of venereal-disease patients were vide. 4,500 baht a head. surfers daily, could be effectively made during a workshop on how teenagers; now they make up According to K. Plodpra- gutted, given that much of its con- to tackle the outbreak of avian 30% of the group. “Out-of-the- Around the Nation is sourced sop, animals for the buffet would tent is critical of the PM. Dus- influenza, which was attended by closet” male homosexuals ac- from The Nation and Kom Chad be imported daily and legally to sadee Sinjermsiri, Director-Gen- representatives from the Public counted for 28% of HIV-positive Leuk newspapers. 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE ISLAND November 26 - December 2, 2005
Loy Krathong IN PATONG Photo essay by Dan Miles, foto-asia.com November 26 - December 2, 2005 AROUND THE REGION PHUKET GAZETTE 9
The new public pier on Big Buddha Clampdown Beach on Koh Samui is virtually unusable. ‘would improve safety at sea’
ith two new large FROM THE the Transport Department will set has assigned special four-person give Samui a higher profile in the public piers due to up a special traffic control cen- teams to carry out security sur- Scandinavian region. open on Koh Samui GULF OF ter on the road to Donsak Port, veillance at all the arrival and Win the next few THAILAND the departure point for Koh departure points around the is- Samui Meditation Centre: On months, both the local municipal- Samui. lands in response to concerns November 16, 40 Buddhist monks ity office and the regional harbor By Barry Singleton It will also establish a num- over the current conflict in the and nuns attended the official department are keen to clamp ber of traffic checkpoints around southern provinces. opening of the Pibok Pawan down on private operators in or- the province during the coming Meditation Centre on Koh Samui. der to improve safety and secu- contract out the management of festive season. Sweden likes Samui: The The center is run along the rity on maritime transport in the the pier to a private company Police will man the posts to Tourism Authority of Thailand’s same principles as the famous Gulf of Thailand. which will then dredge the sur- ensure that both car and motor- Samui office and the Tourism Wat Suan Mok retreat, also in Waragorn Ratanarak, the rounding seabed. cycle drivers adhere to the law, Authority of Koh Samui (TAKS), Surat Thani province, which at- island’s Mayor, will send out a Despite the new regula- and special attention will be paid recently hosted a visit by the head tracts foreigners from all over the team to inspect all the island’s pri- tions, some private piers will re- to the use of crash helmets and of the Swedish Chamber of Com- world to study meditation and vately run piers, and those that main, and many people feel that safety belts, with officers also merce, Tage Lewit, who is also self-improvement. do not meet the maintenance re- public piers are best suited to checking for licenses and alco- the editor of one of the country’s The new center was built quirements for a license will be larger passenger ferries. hol use. most popular magazines. under the supervision of Ajarn asked to close or face heavy For example, Petcharat The marine police plan to During his week-long visit, Poh, the Abbot at Wat Suan Mok. fines. Marina, the largest speedboat join the campaign also, and will Mr Lewit toured many of the The center will offer cour- A brand-new 25-million- operator on the island, plans to carry out safety checks on boats island’s hotels, spas and attrac- ses in meditation and Buddhist baht public tourist pier near the build a large new pier to cater traveling between the islands in tions, meeting with leading figures philosophy, based on principles famous Big Buddha temple has specifically to speedboats and the Thai Gulf. in the tourist industry. known as “higher heart and now been completed, and a sec- sailing craft. Passengers on smaller ves- He said that Samui suited spirit”. ond public pier in Nathon will fol- Until natural obstacles are sels will be required to wear a the Swedish style of travel and A large and eclectic group low. overcome, a policy of total public lifejacket, and boat operators who promised to write an account of of visitors attended the event, in- Unfortunately, shallow wa- control seems unlikely. ignore safety procedures and ex- his trip in his magazine. cluding famous names from the ters around the former structure ceed passenger limits may have TAKS head Panuk Woramit world of Buddhist thought, such mean that larger vessels cannot Traffic controls: Vichit Vihai- their licenses revoked. said that the visit would certainly as Sansaree Satirasut, one of yet use the new facility. sarn, the Governor of Surat Thani In addition to these safety boost the number of Swedish visi- Thailand’s most respected female The government hopes to Province, announced recently that checks, the provincial authority tors coming to the island and also religious figures. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE November 26 - December 2, 2005 Happily Ever After Why did Recent weddings in Phuket
Itthirat Ongsakul, Phuket? a sanitation official, and Sombat After wild exaggeration in the international Boonchuay, a teacher, married press about tsunami damage to Phuket, at the Thavorn followed by the debacle of Phuket Air (even Grand Plaza Hotel in Phuket City on though there is no connection between the November 10. island and the Bangkok-based company), the island’s image has taken a severe beating. “Why on earth would anyone want to go there?” many people were asking on Internet forums, only eight months ago. The result was many more-empty-than-full hotels and financial hard times for the owners of small- to medium-sized businesses. Srisuda Chengsuwan At the beginning of what now looks like a and Kunmit Wannasri married in the Phuket promising high season, Suwakon Rakmanee Ballroom at the Royal Phuket City Hotel on and Natcha Yuttaworawit hit the streets to November 12. ask visitors in Patong and Phuket City, “Why did you come to Phuket for your holiday?” November 26 - December 2, 2005 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 11 you come to
Maureen Skelton, 67, England. Retired. Fiona Brown, 27, New Zealand. Ty Miller, 28, Australia. Farmer. I’ve always wanted to come Childminder. I came to relax with a friend here. I went shopping in Phuket I came here on holiday last and to buy clothes and DVDs. Town but it was not at all com- year and really enjoyed it, so I This is the first time I’ve come fortable, as I was constantly ap- wanted to bring my friend back here. I heard about Phuket from proached by salespersons and to see it. We’re staying at Karon friends in Australia who told me didn’t feel as if I could look at the Beach and it’s a beautiful place it has good hotels and that it’s a goods. I much prefer Patong. and the people in this area are lot cheaper than back home. lovely. Everything’s absolutely There’s a lot to do here too, such amazing. I’m impressed and I as elephant trekking, canoing and really like the people. I’ve been parasailing. I lost one of my to Patong for some shopping but friends in the tsunami so yes, it’s I haven’t really gone to a pub or sad for me, but I’m not afraid. I a bar. I think it’s entertaining think Patong has recovered; enough here without that. there are a lot more tourists now.
Ken Urayama, 30, Japan. Hair- Liz Tosoni, 56, Canada. Teacher. dresser. I came to Phuket to sail I’ve been in Phuket for four around the waters of southern days and although it’s the first Thailand. There are interesting time for me, my girlfriend has things to do here, but I’ve spent been here before. She told me so much time on the boat that I that Phuket is a popular place don’t know much about the with beautiful beaches and that nightlife in Phuket; I like nature the food is good here. I like Thai more. I went to Phang Nga Bay food very much. I also like shop- and stayed there. I really enjoyed ping. The people here have such it. It’s a beautiful place for swim- friendly and beautiful smiles. ming and meeting people.
Tom Morkin, 54, Canada. Bimal V Reshamuala, 35, India. Teacher. Businesswoman. Actually, I came to Phuket It’s cool and a nice place for on a yacht from Malaysia and I tourists. There’s clean sand and intend to stay for a long period. the sea is beautiful. I don’t have I’m living on board the yacht in a beach near me in India. This Chalong Bay and traveling place has beautiful sights and the around from there. I’ve been to people are also nice. I love to take Phang Nga Bay and the Similans, lots of photos and my family love and I really enjoy Nai Harn to see the pictures. I think Phuket Beach because it’s nice and quiet. is a good place to relax. 12 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE November 26 - December 2, 2005
f course, the term “es- sential” is open to some debate. A teeto- A suitable case for treatment Otaler will have scant use for a hip flask. A troglodyte will have limited use for a pair of field glasses, and the practicality of giving typewriters to monkeys has yet to be proven. Essential pieces of kit, al- though practical, must also have a sense of style about them. The British Army PLCE (Personal Load-Carrying Equip- ment), for example, is indeed practical but lacks the style of the pre-World War I equivalent, the Burberry trench coat. To this day, the Burberry trench coat has a couple of brass D-rings on the belt, to which one can attach a sword, a pistol or a couple of hand grenades, which makes it ideal for surviving the squalid streets of Brazzaville, Boulogne, Bongo-Bongo Land or Following last month’s piece on hip flasks, Andy Johnstone turns his gaze on indeed Bromley. The practicality of a ciga- another essential item, in an occasional series he dubs ‘Essential Pieces of Kit’. rette case – for the smoker – is obvious. stiletto or even from a low-veloc- emblazoned on a mound of dead phisticates, unless you can find How often have you with- ity .25 Beretta round. Beyond Frenchmen motif.” Treasurer cigarettes, each pack drawn your packet of fags (NB: that, however, it is best to stick to Cigarette cases are not just of which comes in its own alumi- a Britishism for cigarettes, not a ceramic plates. for gents, though. Ladies, equally num case – but at a price. reference to homosexuals), only I favor a wide, thin cigarette offended by spooks and body But soft, what’s that I hear? to offend your companions with case of black gunmetal with parts on cigarette packets, also Criticism that the Gazette is pro- repellent representations of room for fifty of the Balkan and seem to favor popping their fags moting smoking? Not at all. Any- ghosts, discolored teeth or au- Turkish mixture that used to be into cases, and many of these are way, since when has smoking a topsy pictures of blackened made by Morlands of 83 Gros- available in girlie pinks and baby cigarette caused a brawl after a lungs? venor Street, London. blues, or decorated with seashell football match or led to domestic Remember this also: should The case is without embel- or tartan patterns. violence? you leave your enhanced body lishment, unlike the one the Duke As with a hip flask, one can Cigarettes should be a plea- armor at home, a cigarette case of Wellington presented to the fill a cigarette case with the de- sure to be savored – like fine cof- carried in the inside left breast Prince Regent in Blackadder III: sired brand, although choices are fee, good chocolate or a malt pocket of one’s dinner jacket of- Duel and Duality. sadly limited in Thailand, and cer- whisky – not a necessity. fers protection from an assassin’s The Duke: “The men had a tain brands do have slightly more The cases shown hold be- whip-round and got you this. Well, élan to them than others. tween 10 and 20 cigarettes, and what I mean is I had the men Appropriate choices include cost a mere 150 to 180 baht from roundly whipped until they got the Sobranie Cocktail or Pink – the gadgets and gimmicks stall you this. It’s a cigarillo case en- for the ladies – and the Sobranie near Black Canyon Coffee in the graved with the regimental crest Black Russian – for la femme Tesco-Lotus superstore, Phuket of two crossed dead Frenchmen, fatale. Ziganov for all other so- City. November 26 - December 2, 2005 PHUKET GAZETTE 13 14 PHUKET GAZETTE HAPPENINGS November 26 - December 2, 2005 T his week
SPORTING LIFE: Promchote Traivate (right), Head of the Phuket Office of Sports and Recreation Development, receives an award for outstanding dedication and NO KOP OUT: Chris Koppers (seated, right) celebrated his 64th birthday on November 8 service to the community 2004-2005 from Woravit Buranasiri, Chairman of the at his Margarita Bar & Restaurant in Patong. Joining the celebrations were (seated, from Ratchaprasong Lions Club in Bangkok. left) Phuket Vice-Governors Niran Kanlayanamit and Pongsak Plaiwech.
ASTRAL TRAVELERS: Thai actors, models and singers (from left) Teerasak Pantujariya, GRACEFUL OPENING: Suchart Hirunkanokkul (2nd from left), MD of Phuket Pakjira Wannasuth, and Watcharabul and Wityabul Leesuwan rest their feet during a Graceland Resort and Spa, receives a bouquet from Thai Commercial Bank recent visit to Phuket Aquarium at Cape Panwa. The celebrities were invited to Phuket by representatives (from left) Sonthichai Sinchaipanich, Suwit Tunsayanon, Sommai Central Festival Phuket to help promote tourism to the island. Uengsrithong and Thongchai Na Nakorn, at the resort’s grand opening.
PRIDE OF THE PICKLE: Royal Marine Commando Craig Nelson (right), the 6th great nephew of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, and “Lord Nelson”, portrayed by BOYZ WILL BE BOYZ: Billy Chima (2nd from left), owner of Khanasutra restaurant in Phuket Patrick Vickers, at Pickle Day on November 4 at the Green Man Pub in Rawai. City, smiles with (from left) John Woodger of the Whispering Cock at Tinlay Place in The event, held to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the news of England’s Cherng Talay, Khanasutra Chef Bishnu Sapkota and Seraphina Company Managing Director victory and Nelson’s death at Trafalgar arriving in England, raised funds for the Stefan Schmitz at the recent Boyz Lunch held at Khanasutra on November 11. Ixdos hospital schooner, being built on Phuket. November 26 - December 2, 2005 SPA MAGIC PHUKET GAZETTE 15
fter careful consider- ation, I have arrived at the conclusion that re- Aincarnation – alterna- Spa tively metempsychosis, samsara Brief Encounter or rebirth, take your pick – is both MAGIC real and a Very Good Thing. supplied, over my nose and Sadly jaded, I almost said What on earth – or indeed By Andy Johnstone mouth. that I felt this aging, aching body in Heaven – could have sparked Spa Royale “How queer,” thought I. of mine – which has been such a thought? An experience “Why have I been given a paper through more than many that are on the road to Damascus? Ab- mask to wear, and a reject one at twice as old – was beyond sal- sinthe, which, if drunk to excess, that, with elastic in all the wrong vation and a prime candidate for makes the fart go Honda? Read- places?” reincarnation. ing the Poetic Edda too fre- To be brief, K. Poo’s But I was happily proved quently as a child? Perusing too blushes made it abundantly clear wrong, and after dozing off for a many Shirley MacLaine books? to me that the paper “mask” was short while – I dreamt I was a The answer, by a close in fact a pair of disposable pants. very well-cared-for cat – I awoke shave, has slightly more to do Order now restored to the to find myself feeling fighting fit with Occam’s Razor – the prin- universe and pants now firmly in and ready to tackle a Moscow ciple that, given two equally pre- the right place, I lay face down Mule or five. dictive theories, choose the sim- “The eagle has landed.” Going to on the massage table, although Perhaps my dream was a pler – than with matters rather the bar to espy some dolly birds the embarrassment was not yet foretaste of reincarnation; com- esoteric in nature. or chicks would be to go “where over. It took a not inconsiderable K. Poo: powerfully delicate. ing back as a cat wouldn’t be bad I simply spent a happy hour eagles dare”. amount of jiggery-pokery to re- plinkity-plonk muzak was dread- at all. and a half at Spa Royale and was Rebirth as another human move the towel, which I had tight- ful; surely there must be better If the sensations experi- pampered to bliss under the might, however, give one the ened too securely at the front. options?), the combination of the enced at Spa Royale were any- strangely powerful hands of the chance to put right some of the Profuse apologies were is- powerfully delicate touch of K. thing to go by, it would, in fact – diminutive K. Poo, one of the mistakes of a previous life. sued by this bumbling Brit for his Poo’s caresses, the scent of jas- wait for it – be purrfect. therapists there. I made one such mistake at foolishness. mine and ylang ylang in the oil and But more of that later. the Spa Royale. Am I alone in being mes- the perfumed air of the room were Ninety minutes under the Reincarnation is a Very After a hard day at work, I merized by the small display of distinctly nebulous and other- pleasing hands of K. Poo or Good Thing for all sorts of rea- arrived hot and tired – yet smell- flowers placed directly beneath worldly. the other top-flight therapists sons, not least of which is that one ing still of Donna Karan, the the hole at the head end of a The massage room itself is at Mom Tri’s Spa Royale might be able to come back as, aftershave anyway – and felt that massage table? That little bowl pleasantly free of over-adorn- enjoying a Body and Mind well, something else. a quick shower would be appro- of blooms brings to mind Blake’s ment, and a couple of “weath- Rejuvenation costs 3,600 I’d quite like to come back priate. Off I toddled into the words: “To see a World in a grain ered” paintings and fabrics of baht ++. Tel: 076-333568, as a woman, although I’d prob- shower, emerging refreshed a of sand, / And a Heaven in a wild muted colors add to, rather than email: ably spend all day in bed playing few short minutes later. flower, / Hold Infinity in the palm detract from, the experience. [email protected] with my “lady lumps”. I wrapped the doeskin-soft of your hand, / And Eternity in K. Poo, a fairly new recruit or visit the website: Or maybe as an eagle, be- towel around my nethers like a an hour.” to the Spa Royale, told me ear- www.villaroyalephuket.com cause instead of saying, “Hi sarong and stepped back into the Well, 90 minutes, anyway. lier that she was to perform the for more information. The spa honey, I’m home” when arriving massage room with the paper Ignoring, if one can, the Body and Mind Rejuvenation on is part of Mom Tri’s Villa back at the eyrie, I could squawk, surgical mask, kindly but bizarrely choice of music (the “green” yours truly. Royale at Kata Noi Beach. 16 PHUKET GAZETTE GOOD LIVING November 26 - December 2, 2005 It’s all in the best possible taste ome friends were argu- So, why were my friends – but one cup contains five times cal impulse carried to the brain ing the other day about both correct? Putting a name to more sugar. registers in our mind as a par- whether a particular a taste in wine can be difficult W I N E The reason, by the way, that ticular flavor, banana, for ex- Swine tasted of violets or because, unlike the banana ex- we can taste at all is that taste ample. raspberries. ample, there is no visual clue to and smell stimulate our appetites To taste any food it must As so often happens, they what you are tasting with wine; and prepare the body to digest the physically move across the rang me with an urgent plea to it’s a red or white liquid, and its meal to follow. tongue so that its chemical key adjudicate. subtlety is a secret that must be Smell and taste lead us to enters the tongue’s receptor. If Knowing the superb qual- coaxed from the glass by the foods we like, and help us to avoid you hold a food or drink perfectly ity of wines inhabiting this mind. foods that might be dangerous. If still in your mouth, you cannot couple’s villa I readily obliged. Adding to the difficulty, we want to abandon common taste it. Try it at home some time In cases like this, I cannot many of wine’s manifold flavors sense we can always adjourn to – especially if you are feeling the lose because taste is always a are actually caused by the same the gym the next day . urge to have an argument. personal reaction to sensory class of chemical compound, but To end on, here is an inter- experience that takes place in at different concentrations. By Steven Roberto esting piece of trivia. As mol- Steven Roberto is a wine- the mind, and one that is unique “Raspberry” might be a few mi- ecules, chemicals in food possess maker and restaurant consult- to each individual. crograms worth of one chemical, unique shapes. You can think of ant from California. He is the True, give 100 people a but at a few milligrams it becomes others cannot. That is why one them as keys that fit a lock, the Managing Director of en-Vi- banana and most will taste ba- “violets”. person might put 10 grams of lock being the receptor in the taste sion Phuket, a Phuket-based nana; the chemical energy of the And while we all might be sugar into a cup of coffee while bud on the tongue. wine importer and consultant. food is transmitted to each able to taste a flavor, some can another might prefer 50 grams. When a particular key goes Email: stevenroberto@lycos. person’s brain in the same way. taste it at low concentrations that To each, the coffee tastes sweet into the lock and fits, the electri- com
November 26: Phuket Inter- (PIMEX) 2005 will be held at national Women’s Club’s An- Phuket Boat Lagoon. Around 100 nual Gala 2005. This year’s gala Phuket Events Diary marine, property and lifestyle is titled “An Evening with the companies are expected to ex- Stars”, a movie theme. It will be hibit. Highlights include 30 in- at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia awareness about the plight of December 4-10: 19th Phuket biggest triathlon on Phuket to water displays from many top Resort & Spa, starting at 6:30 pm. Phuket’s endangered leatherback King’s Cup Regatta. The 2005 date. In addition to the main event marine companies. The opening Dress as if you were going to the turtles – will start at 7:30 am and Phuket King’s Cup Regatta gets starting at 8 am at Laguna Phuket, day will coincide with the rest day Oscars. Tickets are 2,500 baht 9:30 am respectively. under way at Kata Beach Resort while the triathletes are complet- of the Phuket King’s Cup Re- each, including a four-course They are organized by the on December 4 with registration ing the cycling course, there will gatta. For more information, see meal and drinks. The Lai Thai JW Marriott Phuket Resort & and the skippers’ briefing fol- be a fun run starting at 9 am. www.phuketboatshow.com orchestra will provide entertain- Spa in conjunction with the Mai lowed by a practice race off Kata As fun-runners must com- ment. There will be many prizes Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. Beach. Race day 1 ends with a plete one lap of the six-kilometer Dec 16-17: Phuket Interna- to be won, while other items will Registration will be from 6:30 to candle ceremony at Mom Tri’s course before the triathletes re- tional Blues Festival. Hosted be auctioned. All profits will go 7:30 am. Entry costs 100 baht for Boathouse to celebrate HM King turn, competitors must be aged 12 by the Hilton Arcadia Resort, the to the PIWC education fund. For adults and 50 baht for children and Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday, or older and the number of en- headliners are the Rich Harper more contact Nor Moorhouse at students. followedLOW by prize giving. PRICE More trants isSPICE limited to 400. For more Blues Band (US), and Victor and Tel: 01-9581383 or email: Tickets are on sale at the information can be found at: information, contact Paula Himel Kyla Brox (UK). They will be [email protected] hotel. For further information, www.kingscup.com at Tel: 076-324060, or email: supported by five Thailand-based contact Samart Damrongkul or [email protected] bands, including Soi Dogs, Can- November 26: Turtle Fun Run Siripun Petchai at Tel: 076-338000 December 4: 12th THAI Air- nonball, and The Blues Machine. and Beach & Reef Clean-up. or email: samart.d@ ways Laguna Phuket Tri- December 5: Birthday of HM Tickets are 1,000 baht for one The annual five-kilometer run and marriotthotels.com or athlon. This international sport- King Bhumibol Adulyadej. day; 1,600 baht for both days; and clean-up – to raise funds and [email protected] ing event is expected to be the December 5 is the birthday of 3,000 baht for a two-day VIP HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, pass. The festival is presented by and is a public holiday. Most gov- the Phuket Gazette and ernment offices will be shut. HotelTravel.com See www. phuketbluesfestival.com for fur- December 8-11: The Phuket ther details, ticket sales outlets, International Marine Expo etc. November 26 - December 2, 2005 GUEST CHEF PHUKET GAZETTE 17 Guestchef By Jenna Wise ucked neatly into the south end of Kata Bay, Kata Mama restaurant Thas been serving tasty, fresh seafood for 35 years. This family business is now run by Somjai “Jai” Wuntong and her husband Jongrit “Heeb” Wuntong. Because of its location, Kata Mama was badly affected by the tsunami. K. Somjai recalls the dramatic events of that day as clearly as if it were yesterday. “I was cooking and was quite busy as many holidaymakers Somjai ‘Jai’ Wuntong and her husband Jongrit ‘Heeb’ Wuntong with come to enjoy breakfast right by grandson ‘Aomsin’. the sea,” she says. “People noticed that the water was receding fast and then it came back as the first big Phuket’s Kata Mama is back wave. When I saw this, I told everybody to grab their things and bayside view at Kata Beach, wok and discard the oil. Put the cover with the fried garlic before 1 tablespoon chopped garlic; leave right away; not to worry Kata Mama is hard to match. sugar, fish sauce, black pepper serving. 3 tablespoons flour; about paying their bills or anything The prices are an added attrac- and oyster sauce into a clean wok Salad to decorate. else. I was almost the last per- tion; the fried fish dish is around and heat. Add the crabs and the Fried Fish with Chili son to run up the hill. 300 baht, crabs are about 100 baht spring onions and stir well for Sauce Method “We returned about two per crab, and the tiger prawns about a minute. Serve on a bed To serve 2 people Remove the scales from hours later and our restaurant work out at about 200 baht each. of salad. the fish and clean well. Dip in flour was under three meters of water Ingredients and fry in very hot oil for about with piles of debris everywhere.” Fried Crab with Garlic Barbecued Tiger 1 fresh red snapper, weighing three minutes. Remove the fish K. Somjai and her husband and Pepper Prawns with Garlic around 500gm; from the pan and put the sweet had lived in a neighboring house To serve 2 people and Pepper 2 cups of oil; chili sauce, garlic, chopped onion, which was also damaged beyond To serve 2 people 2 cups sweet chili sauce; lime juice and sugar into the pan. repair. Ingredients 1 onion, chopped fairly small; Stir well together for a minute. Luckily, many family mem- 2 fresh crabs, total weight around Ingredients 1 teaspoon sugar; Place the fish on a bed of salad, bers were available to help, and 1kg; 4 tiger prawns; ½ a fresh lime; pour the sauce over it and serve. Kata Mama restaurant was re- 3 tablespoons flour; 1 cup chopped garlic; 1 large red chili pepper, cut into built bigger than it was before. It 3 cups oil; 1 teaspoon salt; small strips; Kata Mama Restaurant, Tel: can now accommodate 150 din- 1 cup chopped garlic; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 076-284301. Open 7 days a ers. 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 thin celery stalks; week from 8am until midnight. Somjai and Jongrit did not 1 teaspoon sugar; Salad to decorate. receive any compensation for 1 tablespoon fish sauce; their losses: the restaurant, two 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; Method houses and four cars. Salad to decorate; Wash the prawns well and They knew that the only 3 spring onions, cut into 1-inch remove the black strips. Heat half answer to their problems was to lengths. of the butter in a wok and fry the reopen the restaurant as quickly prawns for about two minutes. as possible, and they succeeded Method Add the salt and pepper and cook in doing so about two months af- Wash the crabs well, drain for a further minute. Cook the ter the tsunami. and cover with flour. In very hot chopped garlic separately in the For friendly service, mouth- oil, fry the crabs for about two rest of the butter. Place the watering food and the best minutes. Remove them from the prawns on a bed of salad and 18 PHUKET GAZETTE TRAVEL November 26 - December 2, 2005
here is no air condition- ing, no hot water, no Thailand phone, no TV and no Take it easy, Tfridge, and the bungalow TRAVELER is better off for it. The view through the open double windows By Chris Husted above the bed stretches over plan- or take a hike tations and across Krabi Prov- Currently comprising only ince, with mountains near and far 10 bungalows on more than 100 breaking the horizon. rai of land, the resort has been The patio of the small tim- years in the making, with Britons ber bungalow offers an entirely Jules and Barbara Gore slowly different view: a small river cuts creating their dream. its way through the valley with a Although they intended to karst towering nearly 600 meters open January this year, the resort above, while a layer of morning enjoyed its first paying guests in mist hangs half way up the sheer mid-November, Jules says. No cliff face. thanks to the tsunami, but also, Think of a place where perhaps, the resort is a little too even people living in Krabi Town successful as the perfect hide- would go to get away from it all, away. and this is it – Phanom Bencha As a place to relax, it of- After heading past small up the west side of the nearest with Phi Phi standing plain in the Mountain Resort in the foothills fers a simple choice of things to waterfalls and ponds to the foot- karst, the route taken by those distance, await the weary. of the Phanom Bencha National do: take a swim, take it easy or hills bordering the national park, who climb it the “easy” way, a Back at the resort, take time Park. take a hike. Jules points out the general route feat he describes as a “hard five out to feed some of the 1,000 or hours” with a guide. so fish in the lake by the restau- As an indication to how rant. The “tyrant of the lake”, as Phanom Bencha Mountain Resort to pick you up. It’s about a 15-minute drive from steep even the “easy” incline is, Jules refers to him, is Tyson, a How to get there: drive from Phuket Krabi Airport, and about 30 minutes from Krabi the descent takes about only an giant Russian catfish weighing in Take Highway 4 off the island and follow the signs Town. hour. The only way to come down at about seven kilograms and to Krabi. Before reaching Krabi Town, look for Of the 10 bungalows, there are two “fam- faster would be to jump. more than a meter long. Jules the signs to turn left for Krabi Airport. About 8km ily” bungalows, each with four beds, and eight “The karst would be fantas- says that Tyson is popular with before the airport, turn left at the sign for “Wat more with either double beds or two singles. Prices tic for base jumpers, hang gliders Thais and foreigners alike, all riv- Tam Seua” (in Thai) which also has “Tiger Cave range from 700-1,200 baht per night, depending and rock climbers,” Jules says. eted by his size – though perhaps Temple” in English. Follow the signs for the re- on the time of year. The more adventurous for different reasons. sort, which is about 12km away. (At the time of For the ultimately thrifty, the house tents might take the opportunity to trek Those wanting to emulate going to press Jules said that new, clearer signs comfortably sleep two, at 200 baht a night, with up the south-southeast face of Tyson can sample the swimming were being posted.) common shower and toilets available. the mountain over to the water- pool, created at the top of the falls on the opposite side. sloping resort by damming a From Krabi Town or Krabi Airport Phanom Bencha Mountain Resort. Tel: 01- Jules says this is a journey small stream. Bathers can lounge On arriving at Krabi Town or Krabi Airport, call 9580742. Email: [email protected]. Website: that takes two days with a na- up against large rocks or under Tel: 01-9580742 to arrange for Manager Son Buree www.phanombenchamountainresort.com tional park guide. the shade of trees. No way to do Other treks nearby include laps here. a four-kilometer walk, taking At the end of the day, the about three hours, through the sun dips behind the mountains to Taewada Cave, which follows the west, bathing the valley in an the Taewada River as it passes eerie orange glow and leaving a from one side of the karst right couple hours of “artificial twi- through to the other. light” each evening. As the light Further down the road, fades, the nearby mountains about 12km away, is the famed shield any ambient light from attraction, Wat Tham Seua, or Krabi Town, leaving clear heav- Tiger Cave Temple. ens to create a stargazer’s de- Feed or fight the monkeys light. there as you see fit, or get going The simplicity of Phanom on the 1,300-plus steps to the top Bencha might not appeal to all, of the mount, where stunning 360° but its balance between comfort views over Krabi Province and and getting back in touch with Phang Nga Bay and its islands, nature is a rare find. November 26 - December 2, 2005 TAKE A BREAK PHUKET GAZETTE 19 PPUZZLESUZZLES The Cryptic Crossword
ACROSS
1. Gravity permits deadly apparatus. (7) Spot the Difference 4. Quiet air follows north- Spot the Difference eastern god. (7) Can you find the seven 8. Creeper takes six direc- differences between the tions. (4) two cartoons below? And 9. Felt pain right in shack. can you find them faster (4) 10. Racket I get in part of the than the rest of the family? face. (5) 12. They love sugared body parts. (11) 14. Works in the theater. (8) 17. Continental, like Ian. (5) 20. Fill to the brim around quiet flood. (5) 21. Flappers tangled up ensign. (8) 23. Can tenth men mess up spelling? (11) 17. In 49AD, I created saga. Compiled by Tortuus. © 2005 (5) 29. Adjust air. (4) 4. Crazy Margaret is a spicy 15. Sixth sense is feature of 30. Thump snail’s relative. (4) one! (6) Blithe Spirit. (3) 31. Girl men transform into 5. Kitchen demigod, per- 16. Whack a fool. (3) evil imp. (7) haps. (3) 18. Jolson and I are greatest 6. Parts of United Nations combination. (3) DOWN information technologies. 19. Transport turn in time 7. Rise from electronic zone is like a snail. (8) 1. Might this government combining of companies, 22. Dead letter smelled bad, official limit revolutions? perhaps. (6) they say. (7) (8) 11. Nitpicking is quiet 23. Arguing on the river? (6) 2. Parts of road have three Edward’s trick. (8) 24. Carnivore may damage ways to Los Angeles. (5) 13. Quit, but joined up again. 10. (6) 3. Sink a coal container. (7) (8) 25. Banishment to a former island, it’s said. (5) 26. Payments for bell-ringing? Solution, tips and (5) computer program at 28. Dish found in mashed www.sudoku.com alligator. (3) Scribble Space Solution on page 20 EZ Quiz 1. Which Dutch artist painted a series of pictures called Sun- flowers? 2. Which gas is used in electric advertising signs? 3. How many red balls are there at the start of a game of snooker? 4. Who wrote the book Peter Pan? 5. The Thompson Twins feature in which comic books? 6. What kind of animal is a Persian blue? 7. Which is the city of the Brain Buster seven hills? 8. King William I of Britain came from What is the next letter which part of France? in the following series? 9. Which Malaysian state The principle of Sudoku is very simple: each row, each col- borders Satun? umn and each “box” of nine squares within the puzzle must A C F H K M contain all the numbers from 1 to 9 with, naturally, no repeti- 10. What is a third of a tions. Guess if you will, but each Sudoku puzzle can be solved third of a third of using logic alone. Beware: there is only one solution to this 1,350? Answer on page 20 puzzle, which is on the next page. Answers on page 20 20 PHUKET GAZETTE TAKE A BREAK November 26 - December 2, 2005 Get your brain in gear with The Monster Quiz Kids! Ask Mum and Dad to help you find the answers to these questions. They’re not easy but, if you do some research, you should be able to find the answers to all of them.
1. Which novel features the aircraft won the 1934 14. What is South America’s line “The dog looked up MacRobertson Trophy Air version of the ostrich? through its hairy Race? yashmak and farted”? 15. Which British singer- 8. What, precisely, was the songwriter was born in 2. What garment comes in aircraft’s recognition code 1951 in Middlesbrough? styles such as Chester- and name? field, opera and 7/8? 16. What was unusual about 9. Which classic Billy Wilder Dave Brubeck’s jazz 3. In Norse mythology, Vé comedy film ends with the chart hit Take Five? and Vili had a more words “Nobody’s per- Quick Crossword famous brother. Who? fect”? 17. What African peak is ACROSS DOWN also known as the 4. The Barri Gòtic, 10. C4H10 is the molecular Mountain of the Cold 1. Scallops or mussels, for ex- 1. Orange-juice-and-vodka Avinguda de la Catedral formula for which organic Devils? ample. cocktail. and Plaça de Sant Josep compound? 2. Gehrig’s disease. 6. Disgusting. *** Oriel can be found in 18. Who is the current Duke 3. Suspect. which city? 11. What is the name of the of Normandy? 9. A little mistress? 4. Sport utility vehicle. governor of Narathiwat 10. Natural building material. 5. Unwanted intruder. 5. Which record producer Province? 19. Who illustrated Antoine 11. Short cry of pain. 7. Conspired. and musician arranged de Saint Exupéry’s Le 14. Fork prong. 8. Hires and uses. Pieces in a Modern 12. What body of water does Petit Prince? 16. Roman clothing. 12. Alien, in short. Style in 2000? the French resort of 13. World body. Biarritz lie on? 20. What cocktail consists of 17. Frozen water. 15. Mistake. 6. In which country is brandy, Cointreau and 18. Becomes less. 19. Consume. Puerto Limón? 13. How did Benito Mussolini lemon juice? 21. Begin again (5,4). 20. Fuss. reach Rome during his 7. Which marque of 1922 March on Rome? Answers below, left. Solution below, right
Cryptic Crossword Puzzle Solution Solutions
Monster Quiz Solution to Cartoon Puzzle Quick Crossword Answers Solution
1. The Right to an Answer by Anthony Burgess; 2. The coat; 3. Odin; 4. Barcelona; 5. William Orbit; 6. Costa Rica; 7. The de Havilland DH88 Comet; 8. G-ACSS Grosvenor House; 9. Some Like It Hot; 10. Butane. 11. Pracha Terat; Sudoku solution 12. The Atlantic Ocean; 13. By train; 14. The rhea; 15. Chris Rea; 16. It was EZ Triva Answers the first charting hit that 1. Vincent Van Gogh; 2. Neon; 3. 15; 4. JM Barrie; 5. Tintin; 6. didn’t use 3-4 or 4-4 Cat; 7. Rome; 8. Normandy; 9. Perlis; 10. 50. time. (It was written in 5- Brain Buster Answer 4 time); 17. Mount Kilimanjaro; 18. Queen There is one letter between A and C, two between C and F, one between F and H, two between H and K, and one between K and Elizabeth II; 19. The M. So there must be two letters between M and the next letter in author; 20. A sidecar. the series – P. November 26 - December 2, 2005 F E A T U R E S PHUKET GAZETTE 21
On yer bike: Contestants in the Laguna triathlon take note: “Phuket Island is a small, 502-square-mile jungle island ringed mostly by white sand beaches hemmed with graceful palms… The triathlon bike BADGERING ON course crosses three of the steepest, the BKK we went into a shop and a girl took Sick humor: “Why had I come so far, lair of the dreaded ‘Tiger’s Back’ on the us up a lift through some corridors and into only to suffer mercilessly at the hand of outer rim of the rubber plantations. The OUTSIDE some room near a carpark. That was no microbes and cane whiskey? All my ori- majority of the course is easy – except worries. What was a worry was the guys fices concerted to serve a singular pur- that it is contested in the environmental IN in the room cleaning their automatic rifles pose, one I will not name here… Focusing Asian blast furnace that is Phuket in No- By Lis Kinswoman (complete with silencers). As per Thai- on recovery so that I might actually get vember. Temperatures routinely crack 98- land though, everyone was all smiles. It some life out of this vacation, we search 100 degrees Fahrenheit with 100% humid- Hello cybermates. This week turned out that place didn’t have much of out a doctor in Patong and after two pain- ity. There is no breeze through the dense a selection so we left (or more precisely, ful shots in the bum I begin to recover, just jungle, but stiff sea-headwinds on the roads we feature bikers, animals ran away) and found another place.” (5) in time for the flight back to Bangkok… around the rubber plantations. But to fin- not normally associated with Maybe the streets are a little crowded and ish the bike course and graduate to the Thailand, a round of minigolf Thai logic: “In a minigolf course they dirty, but Thais are the cleanest of people. scorching run you must first ride the started a new campaign and gave out fly- Maybe the traffic is insane and dogs run ‘Tiger’s Back’.” (1) and a classic encounter with ers everywhere to tourists. In the front was wild in the streets, yet I would trade this And a wise word from this travel site. the boys in tight brown shirts. written: ENTRANCE FREE OF all too human condition for the sterility of “Renting a bike on Phuket may cost you CHARGE (100 THB) We couldn’t figure southern California in a heartbeat.” (7) your life rather than a few Baht.” (2) out what it meant so we thought we must Speaking of cycling, one needs one say I’m exactly looking forward to com- try it ourselves. We made several guesses Heavy classics: And finally, this classic to keep up with the best fish & chips loca- ing home … I got woken up in the middle would the entrance be free or it could also from a lady traveler: “The restaurant is a tions. Here’s a pragmatic blogger: “Solu- of the night by a badger, which was quite cost 100 Thb? The result was surprising: lovely outdoor garden, fairy lights in the tion to the problem!! Jump on your bike, cool – just a pity I couldn’t see it clearly Everyone with that ticket needed to pay trees and massive penis shaped decora- Head around to Simon’s order the fish, Tell because I didn’t have my glasses on!” 160 Thb entrance fee …?!?!? We asked tions around. It is very tasteful, really.” him you’ll be back in a min, Fly around to A badger in Thailand? What on earth about it and they explained to us that nor- Later, she takes a train: “Along the Thai- the other Chip Shop get the proper Chips, is going on? (4) mally the entrance fee is 260 Thb but with Burma Railway. This photo was taken just Head back around to Simon’s and pick up this special ticket you get 100 Thb discou before I returned to my seat and it promptly your Fish, And walla.” Walla? Wallabies Is that a gun in your pocket? Here’s a … Police check-point in Patong when driv- broke under my immense weight.” (8) with fish and chips? Surely not. (3) chappie who obviously has some Teutonic ing a motorbike Thai-police: MISTER, blood running through his veins. YOU NO BACK LIGHT! Motorbike 1) http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/fea- Doesn’t time fly when: “Hello again to “Itinerary for Phuket Tuesday 4 Oct driver: YES SORRY, LIGHT BROKEN tures/thailand.shtml everyone. By the time you read this I’ll 2005, 05:40 PM 1. Sleep in until about mid- Thai-police: YOU MOTORBIKE VERY 2) http://www.atsiam.com/travel_guides/ have been here in Thailand for just over day 2. Go eat a spicy Thai dish for lunch LOUD! Bike driver: YES BUT THIS phuket_transport.asp three weeks, and time is going very quickly by the beach 3. Go to toilet several times MOTORBIKE IS MY FRIEND’S Thai- 3) phuket-info.com/forums/expats/ 7309- … Hello again! On Monday it was 4 because of spicy Thai food 4. Relax in the police: MOTORBIKE MY FRIEND? patong-new-delivery-food-options-3.html weeks until I return home, this means I’m afternoon, eg. play pool, swim, Internet, Bike driver: EH... YES? 4) http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/features/ half way through my time in Phuket! … read a book 5. Have a one or two hour “Thai-police to another policeman, 2003/10/katie_weston.shtml Friday 24th October … I can’t believe I’ve rest 6. Between 6 and 8 go to a bar for a pointing at the motorbike: THIS MOTOR- 5) http://sandilands.info/sgordon/personal/ been here another week! I can’t even few Singha beers 7. Eat some more Thai BIKE MY FRIEND. The second police- seasia2005/ imagine being at home any more it seems food for dinner 8. Go out drinking at bars man after inspecting the bike: MOTOR- 6) www.rayadivers.com/funnystuff/ so far away, and just very different to life and nightclubs 9. Go home between 2 and BIKE MY FRIEND. Thai-police: OK, subdiv3_en.htm here! … Friday 31st October … Hello 5am 10. Sleep. Repeat from step 1”. MOTORBIKE MY FRIEND, YOU 7) http://lookatlao.com/press/wanderlust1/ again, I can’t believe I have less than 2 Later, he travels up to Bangkok to CAN GO. Bike driver: THANK YOU?” 8) http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Thai- weeks left here, it’s very scary and I can’t buy some DVDs. “On our last night in (6) land/blog-2200.html The making of a Lao detective “Well.” He considered it for Civilai hit him with a lettuce angry. In the course of a night in a moment. “The body’s inability leaf. “What happened?” the Hmong village, Siri discovers to keep it in?” “Puppets refused.” that not only can he speak The title refers to the ba- “Subversive bastards.” Hmong, he is also carrying within Off the guette lunch that Siri and his best “The local party members him the spirit of Ah Ming, a thou- friend Comrade Civilai share ev- locked them up in their box, and sand-year-old Chinese shaman. ery day, sitting on a log overlook- they aren’t allowed out till they Siri attends a spirit possession SHELF ing the Mekong. Siri, 72, keeps succumb.” ceremony that night and identi- pestering his politburo friend to let “That’ll teach ‘em.” fies the woman putting a spell on By James Eckardt the government retire him. But then Siri is assigned to the army commanders. “I need to know when I can an intriguing murder case and his Then it’s back to Vientiane s promised last week, expect a replacement. When I interest is piqued. Suddenly he and another mystery: three Viet- I found a copy of Colin can stop. God knows, I could keel sees himself as Georges namese corpses have surfaced at Cotterill’s first novel, over any second. What would Simenon’s Inspector Maigret – a a prison reservoir: two govern- The Coroner’s Lunch, you do then?” detective series he hugely en- ment officials and a driver who’d A joyed during his 40 insurgent been traveling in Laos, all tortured and it is every much a treat as its “Eat the rest of your sand- sequel, Thirty-three Teeth. Here wich.” years in the jungle. with cigarette burns and electric we are first introduced to Dr Siri, To force the government to Mrs Nitnoy was a high- shocks before their deaths. The remember where everything Comrade Civilai, Nurse Dtui, retire him, Civilai suggests that Siri ranking government cadre. While case becomes a major diplomatic goes.” Miss Vong, Mr Gueng and Judge start confusing body parts. her equally high-ranking husband incident, with the Vietnamese “Don’t be vulgar. It’s din- Haeng. The time is a year after “Confuse body parts?” Kham was off upcountry, she withdrawing their diplomats in ner. In fact, I’m a bit nervous.” the Pathet Lao takeover of the “Yes. Send your judge gave up the ghost during a com- protest. “Don’t worry. I’m sure capital Vientiane, and Dr Siri has friend a photograph of a brain and munal lunch at the Women’s The case, and the three she’ll lead.” only recently been installed as the tell him it’s a liver.” Union. Siri suspects poisoning. corpses, fall into Siri’s lap. What’s I can’t wait for the next Lao national coroner. He is mor- “He wouldn’t know. He’s Kham rushes back to cremate going on? lunch. tally bored. got a liver where his brain should the body and steals Siri’s autopsy The novel ends with Siri and His third case is that of a be.” notes. Civilai sitting on their log again. fisherman whose legs had been Some time later, Civilai tells Next, Siri is dispatched to Siri’s baguette is made specially scythed off at the knees by an Siri about a puppet scandal: the southern province of for him by Lah, a buxom street armor-plated military launch “The Party ordered the pup- Khamuan to do an autopsy on the vendor. Siri mentions that he has when its drunken crew crashed pets at Xiang Thong temple in latest of a series of army com- an appointment that night. Civilai it into a Mekong pier. The young Luang Prabang to stop using royal manders to die in mysterious cir- yelps and dances up and down. officious Judge Haeng is interro- language, and said they had to cumstances. Corrupt army offic- “Would this ‘appointment’ gating Seri over his autopsy re- start calling each other ‘com- ers are clearing timber from huge be with a stunning bakery girl, by port. rade’.” swathes of jungle to sell to the any chance?” “And what do you put the “Quite right, too. We have Vietnamese. The land belongs to “It’s only dinner.” loss of blood down to?” Judge to show those puppets who’s pull- the animist Hmong people, who “And the Tet Offensive Haeng asked. ing the strings.” tell Siri that the forest spirits are was only a skirmish. I hope you 22 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES November 26 - December 2, 2005 Activist tells police about In The Stars by Isla St ar SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21): The year ahead looks promising if it is your birthday this week. Your nearest and dearest will shower you with presents and a surprise visit from overseas attempted assassination could be on the agenda. Make this the moment you decide what you want out of life next year. Wish upon the brightest star and your dream will come true. The color blueberry helps you find confidence. From the Phuket Gazette, HE IME Asked why the case was issue of November 15-30, T T moving so slowly, the Governor 2000 of Phuket, Pongpayome Vas- CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20): Your emotions are run- machine aputi, told reporters, “There is no ning high this week. Try to maintain an even keel and not jump off at THALANG: Environmental ac- question of the police going slow the deep end when you don’t like what you hear. This rather prickly tivist Siripoj Cheechang, severely News from the past on the investigation. atmosphere will pass as the month ends, with December promising injured in what appeared to be an “They have been waiting for to be a more fulfilling time. Career moves appear imminent; start assassination attempt on October K. Siripoj to recover enough to polishing up your résumé ready to jump at a rare opportunity. 4, was well enough by Novem- He was knocked off his give evidence. ber 1 to make a full statement to motorbike by a pickup truck “And until the witnesses AQUARIUS (January 21-February 19): Choose your words care- officers investigating the incident. whose driver, it is alleged, turned show up, the investigators don’t fully this week as misunderstandings are highlighted. Business re- But investigators are having the vehicle around and ran over have enough evidence to put to- sponsibilities can safely be left in the hands of Scorpio, but Pisces trouble getting witnesses to come him. gether a case [that can be for- does not have the right experience for the job. Your social scene is forward, and have had to resort Witcharn Busapawanit, warded to the Provincial Pros- about to expand; be prepared to go places you’ve never been before. to issuing subpoenas to force Chief Officer of Thalang District, ecutor].” The number 4 looks promising on Tuesday. them to make statements. said that K. Siripoj had not been Meanwhile, the driver of the K. Siripoj, who is a mem- well enough to make a statement pickup, Buncha Noppawong PISCES (February 20-March 20): You have been fishing for an- ber of the Pa Khlok Tambon before November 1. from Songkhla, remains in cus- swers in the wrong pool. If you can’t discover the truth about a Council, had been campaigning to He added that until the wit- tody, charged with reckless driv- burning question, seek expert advice. Gemini has some useful tips to stop the operation of a 600-rai nesses came in for questioning, ing and attempted murder. So far, offer, but Leo could lead you on a wild goose chase. This weekend prawn farm in protected man- the police would be unable to his applications for bail have been you will discover that true romance is only a heartbeat away. If you grove forest. move the investigation forward. denied. are already in a relationship, sensual sparks fly on Saturday.
ARIES (March 21-April 20): You don’t usually take on more than you can reasonably handle, but it appears that you have made one commitment too many. There is still a chance to offload some re- Police to take softer line sponsibility if you move quickly. A mystery begins to unravel regard- ing a close friend; you won’t get to the bottom of this until more over traffic violations evidence comes to light. A shaky financial matter may be resolved. TAURUS (April 21-May 21): You can look forward to your creative energy flowing more freely from now until the end of the year. Put From the Phuket Gazette, perintendent of the Phuket Town fense and give them tickets for this to good use by setting aside quality time to finish abandoned issue of November 15-30, Police Station. that offense only, rather than cit- projects. Your talent and reliability have been noticed by someone 2000 He said that the police will ing them for every offense they with influence; expect to receive an offer soon that shouldn’t be probably give simple warnings to come across, as was the case in refused. Aries would like to get to know you better and is about to PHUKET TOWN: Although those who break minor traffic the past,” said Pol Lt Col Teer- make an interesting move. they will continue stopping those laws. aphol. who break traffic laws, Phuket’s But, he added, those who The police will target viola- GEMINI (May 22-June 21): A pleasant surprise early next week police say they will be more sys- break the law in ways that en- tors of certain laws on certain puts you in a benign mood. The positive vibrations you give out will tematic about it, and will issue danger other peoples’ safety will days. encourage others to respond accordingly, allowing business progress fewer tickets for traffic offenses still get tickets. In other words, on Monday, to be made smoothly. Personal relationships, on the other hand, will than before. As examples, he cited those they may look for people riding suffer from crossed wires. It could be that you made a promise re- The new policy follows ri- causing accidents or committing without helmets, while the next cently that was soon forgotten. The other person has a better memory ots in the streets of Nakhon Sri violations such as speeding, run- day they may concentrate on and will not let this matter fade away into the shadows. Thammarat recently, when mo- ning reds lights, or not having a people without headlights. torcycle owners went on the ram- license plate (cars without plates If the police were to stop CANCER (June 22-July 23): Those of you who are still sitting on the page in protest against what they are often used by criminals, he catching traffic offenders com- fence regarding a romantic question are about to be pushed off, one saw as excessively strict enforce- explained). pletely, he said, it would be hard way or another. Your indecisive nature is not working to your advan- ment of traffic laws. “From now on, the police to start again because people tage in other areas either. If you passed by a chance for career “We still go out and catch will set up check points and have would get used to breaking the progress last month, there will be one more invitation to get on board. people who break traffic laws but an officer with the minimum rank law. Lose this one and you may live to regret it. the number of citations has de- of police sub lieutenant supervis- Instead, the police are tak- creased by 70% [since Nakhon ing lower-ranking officers. ing a step back, before gradually LEO (July 24-August 22): Those Leos who have been resisting con- Sri Thammarat],” said Pol Lt Col “The officers will look for working up again to enforcement frontation regarding a personal issue should get to the point. Pussy- Teeraphol Thipjaroen, deputy su- people committing a specific of- of all traffic laws. footing around isn’t going to resolve anything. Say what you mean and mean what you say; this will be best put into operation on Sun- day or Monday when easy communication is highlighted. Aquarius is about to come up with a tempting offer – discuss the pros and cons Seer Is Seized For Taking with your partner before pouncing. VIRGO (August 23-September 23): You will be pleased to receive an answer relating to a business question that has been simmering away Felonious Look-See for some weeks. If conditions are not all to your liking, there is still room for discussion. The matter should be settled before the middle From the Phuket Gazette, Thai), gives one powers that stop while she was showering after of next month, as you will not have the stars on your side after then. issue of November 1995 well short of seeing beneath a returning home from work. Sharing secrets this week is inadvisable. woman’s knickers, so 37-year- The sight so pleased him PHUKET TOWN: Being a pro- old Somchai Boonsool had to re- that he called a friend to come LIBRA (September 24-October 23): The lazy among you are about fessional seer, (or Mor Doo, in sort to more mundane – and ille- and have a “bit of a perv” as well. to receive the right motivation to get moving. Until the first week of gal – methods of sneaking a peek. But the friend, whose name December, you will be firing on all cylinders – which will come as In addition to being a seer, was witheld from the press, was rather a shock to your nearest and dearest. As long as you don’t Somchai was also in charge of a overcome by shame at the expect everyone else to keep up with the speed you set, there won’t rooming house occupied by, thought of spying on a woman in be any problems. On Wednesday, double check money matters – among others, a young woman the buff, so he ran to tell the po- mistakes are likely. The number 2 is lucky on Monday. working as a receptionist at a lice who then came to query Mr well-known nightspot where Somchai. SCORPIO (October 24-November 22): The sun is about to shine on pretty girls of dubious singing tal- Under questioning, the pru- a dream you’ve been nurturing, encouraging it to become reality. ent sing, and display such physi- rient seer readily admitted what Scorpios can also look forward to receiving overdue birthday mail cal assets as may be at their dis- he had seen, and how he had from overseas, which could indicate a visit from someone you’ve posal. seen it. been missing. This news will really put a spring in your step. Ro- Somchai found a way to He was charged with mance gets hot and steamy this weekend. Wear mellow yellow to have a peep at this young lady “peeping” and released on bail. further enhance the feelgood factor. November 26 - December 2, 2005 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 23 Some body... seize her
ecently there have been movie zeneggerix challenges us (The Gauls retrieve their Vullva: I am a widow, yet youthful and epics about two great ancient to produce a hero to fight weapons and charge, bel- ardent. I desire your sidekick Tsovius to warriors: Achilles (Troy) and him in single combat. If we lowing fierce war cries.) be my love-slave. RAlexander the Great (Alex- win, the Gauls will become ander). Somebody should make a movie our slaves. If he wins, we Tsovius: That was a stu- Caesar (indignantly): Tsovius is not a slave, focusing on a third ancient warrior: Gaius become their slaves. pid thing to say, Caesar. that he should be traded, sold, or bartered. Julius Caesar. (They fall back, fighting.) (Scholarly digression: You’ll notice Caesar: By Hercules, I Tsovius: Don’t be hasty, Caesar. As the that parents never name their sons Gaius seem to have heard this Caesar (writing): “Our price for peace between our great nations, any more. I can’t imagine why.) story before. Go thou, TSOWNDINGS men did not have the sense I will nobly sacrifice myself. When I was in high school, we read Tsovius, and fight this to keep their mouths shut.” Caesar’s book The Gallic Wars. In this Austrian Goliath like a Ro- By S. TSOW Caesar: By Apollo, this is the most gen- account of his campaigns in Gaul (now man David, with thy little (A shout from the erous and most selfless act mine eyes have France), we learned that Caesar was not slingshot. rear of the Gallic army stops the attack. ever seen. Great Tsovius, Caesar salutes only a great general, he also had fantastic The Gauls all turn and fall on their faces. thee. By thy heroic act of sacrifice, thou PR skills. Whenever he made a smart de- Tsovius: Nay, Caesar. I shall pacify him It is Vullva, the Gallic queen, played by hast saved Gaul and Rome from endless cision, Caesar claimed the credit. And with my little origami crane. Catherine Zeta-Jones. Regal, gorgeous, bloodshed. whenever he made a dumb one, it was and voluptuous beyond belief, she strides “our men” who screwed up. (Tsovius swiftly makes an origami majestically through the ranks of prostrate Vullva: Come, Tsovius, to my royal tent, I have already written the script for crane and tosses it at the Gallic army. With soldiers and faces Caesar.) that we may slake our lust in frenzied bouts a movie about Caesar, focusing on the a great shout, they all throw down their of passion upon the queenly bed. Gallic wars. With my usual modesty, I’ve weapons and fall on their faces.) Vullva: Caesar, there is no need for war- included a role for myself. I shall play fare between us. What do you want? Tsovius: I shall strive to meet international Caesar’s trusted aide and sidekick, whom Tsovius: I learned this tactic from the standards in the performance of my manly he always affectionately referred to as famed military strategist Thaksinius Caesar: Not much, great queen. Only an duties, great queen. Farewell, Caesar. Take “Lieutenant T. Labienus”. In this case, the Shinawatrus. He successfully quelled a annual tribute: half of your entire stock of care not to fall into the water while cross- ‘T’ will stand for my Latin name, Tsovius. regional insurgency by this method. Beaujolais Nouveau. ing the Rubicon, and beware the Ides of Here’s a sample scene: March. (Schwarzeneggerix approaches hum- Vullva: Ha! Insolent Roman! And what Caesar: Behold, Tsovius! Now we face bly and drops to his knees, offering his do you offer in return? (They leave.) the massed ranks of the Gallic army, led mighty sword in supplication.) by their fierce chieftains Getchakix, Tsovius: Great queen! We offer the great- Caesar: This was the noblest Roman of Dirtipix, and Helluvafix. What shall we do? Schwarzeneggerix: Hey, guys. Teach us est invention of the Roman nation: pizza them all. (Writes.) “I came, I saw, I con- how you make dem t’ings. Da swan is our calzone. quered.” Tsovius: Let us fight, Caesar. totem, da emblem of our nation. Vullva: Ooooh, I have heard of this. S. Tsow can be flamed at stsow@ Caesar: By Jupiter, what a good idea. Caesar: That was no swan, barbarian. You’ve got a deal. But I require one more yahoo.com, but not while he’s perform- (Writes: “Caesar bravely decided to fight.”) That was a crane. thing, Caesar. ing manly duties upon the queenly bed. A new collection of his ravings, Thai Tsovius: Wait, Caesar. I have just received Schwarzeneggerix (roaring): Vhat? Ve Caesar: Speak, queen, and thou shalt have Lite 2, is now available at bookstores. a message. The Austrian warrior Schwar- haff been bamboozled! To arms, men! it. Get your copy before it’s banned.
OON Are we singing the TOWN ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS By Konrad Stalin ([email protected]) blues? Yes and no any Toon Town ho- some serious signage may get the likely to be situated in Jungceylon, and about, awarding free VIP December 18. Some sponsorship tels have been fully punters into what must be one of so it may open within a year. passes to the owners of the bars will secure a part of this top event. booked during No- the better-off Soi Bangla loca- in which they sell most tickets. For full details see www. vember and are re- tions. Humor: Latest nickname for A new act has been added phuketbluesfestival.com M Now if only they remember porting that they will be booked Jungceylon: Jokeseelong-time to the already impressive roster solid during Christmas and New the golden go-go bar rule: danc- opening. Geddit? of artists – none other than Kyla Year. It’s just as well that the ers, and lots of them. It doesn’t Brox, daughter of the Friday night government’s offer of free flights matter how nice the bar is, how Blues you: Preparations for the headline act, Victor Brox. Victor and accommodation for survivors good the music is and how rea- first Phuket International Blues is a British blues legend and Kyla of the tsunami to attend the 1st sonable the prices are unless you Festival – presented by Hotel is one of the hottest properties on anniversary commemorations has have a score or more dancers on travel.com and the Phuket Ga- the British blues scene. not been taken up by too many hand. It simply will not work. zette, and to be staged at the The organizers are still look- people, because there would not Period. Hilton Arcadia Resort & Spa ing for a venue to host the have been enough places for from December 15 to 18 – are festival’s “Unplugged Night” on them to stay. Fun for fin fans? Rumors a- gathering momentum. Thursday, December 15 and the bound that Shark club may re- Tickets will be on sale at jam session finale on Sunday, Burning bright and bigger? Ti- open in January. This may put an outlets including Central Festival, ger Entertainment – the disco – end to awful din at the end of Soi Kashmir Restaurant in Cherng is undergoing redevelopment and Bangla caused by the Thai box- Talay and the Gazette office, adding around 50% more floor- ing ring blaring out at full blast about the time this paper appears. space. Should be done and dusted every night. It might also give In addition to that, the orga- in the next few weeks. poor old Margarita bar’s band a nizers will send out a bevy of chance of being heard for the first beauties to the various bars in Sands of time: Soi Seadragon’s time in months. Patong and elsewhere to encour- Sphinx a go-go has gone-gone, to age tourists to attend in the week be replaced by Octopus, the first Firm evidence? Another whis- before the event. It would be bar on the left as you enter the per has it that Rock Hard Café is wise to allow them into your bars double soi. opening in Patong next year, fol- and be nice to them. They will Octopus is known for being lowing the success of branches ring the bell in at least one bar a pool bar and music venue, but in Pattaya and Bangkok. It is un- per soi on each night they are out 24 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS November 26 - December 2, 2005
367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] Zero in on high-end, not zero-dollar tourists The newest major player on Phuket’s hotel scene, Indonesian giant JSI, has yet to decide which kind of hotel it will build. Will it be a five- star Grand Hyatt or something aimed more at the mass market? The Gazette hopes it will be the former. Here’s why: Mr A arrives in Phuket with his family for a 10-day vacation at a five-star resort. For the first couple of days they laze around, but on Day 3, they charter a speedboat and head out into Phang Nga Bay for snorkeling and an island picnic. With wine that costs 50,000 baht, not including the rental for the Mercedes-Benz they have hired for the duration of their stay. In the evening, the family heads for a five-star restaurant where they can sip cocktails, watch the sun go down and have dinner. Cost: around 5,000 baht. Subsequent days are similar. In the meantime, Mr B arrives with his wife on a package tour. Everything is paid for in advance: flight, hotel, meals and tours. They go everywhere in a tour bus with 70 other people, all on the same package. The only time they spend money is when the tour agents take Letters them to an OTOP market, a dried-food shop or mall. Their outlay per day is only around 1,500 baht. The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- with your views for publication in our next issue. As they are in Phuket for just two nights, the only sectors of the ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseud- local economy that really benefit from their holiday here are the bus Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 onyms are acceptable only if your full name and companies and hotels that get a slice of the package tour payment. or send an email to [email protected] address are supplied. The math is simple enough. Mr A’s contribution to the Phuket economy is probably equivalent to the entire busload of people that Lack of sense It was finally made almost we need streetlights for the few rides around with Mr B. tolerable by [TT&T] giving me cars that drive down that road at Often ignored, however, are the hidden costs to Phuket of pack- Isn’t it a bit hypocritical that “the best line on the estate”. night. What a waste! age tourism. Stuart [Gazette Nov 19] said he It seems that no matter what Andy Greenlay Count the number of showers Mr A and his family take or the was in Khao Lak helping fami- the Governor or those responsible Rawai number of times they flush the toilet. Compare their effect on our lies yet at the same was asking try to do about improving Phuket’s limited water supplies with that of Mr B’s tour group. for discounts on hotel rates be- access to the Internet backbone, Tsunami is the proof Then, factor in the number of ice-cream wrappers from each cause he would be staying for two nothing will ever really improve During the past year there has group that have to be processed by the Saphan Hin incinerator. Mea- to four months and because the simply because the telephone lines been much discussion whether or sure the pollution produced by Mr A’s rented car compared with the hotels are empty? themselves are such a mess – just not natural disasters are as bad black exhaust fumes pumped out by Mr B’s tour bus, and ponder He also complained that look at them! or worse than man-made disas- whether all the current road building would be necessary if Phuket Khao Lak hoteliers were charg- The government’s plans for ters – a sort of tsunami vs Bali were more concentrated on high-end tourism. ing high season prices in high sea- Phuket to become an IT hub are bombings debate. The decision is really a no-brainer, especially if the term “sus- son and enforcing their rules just a pipe dream. It would be Having been to the Loy tainable tourism” is to become something more than just a buzzword about late check-out fees. better to leave IT to the countries Krathong celebrations in Patong, It is admirable when anyone where care has been taken to lay on this island. – The Editor the answer was plain to see. volunteers, but I have always down a good infrastructure in the Judging by the number of been told to do so unconditionally first place. people who attended the event, and without expectations. Ken Sowton Vietnam Patong is now officially tsunami- If Stuart were to stay in an proof. Australian hotel, would he simi- David In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL larly try to bargain down the ho- Feeding frenzied Phuket tel rate and object to late check- How much sicker can things get out fees? than a zoo in Chiang Mai where One-track mind Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet It is tourists like him, even you can eat wild animals? Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes if they are helping by “spending What good international pro- Strange that a story about re- Deputy Editors: Chris Husted, Stephen Myles money in the village”, who will motion for Thailand! stricting the sale of alcohol should come in the same week as one Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn end up hurting Khao Lak’s tour- Jennifer Phuket about a proposed monorail. The Editorial Team: Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone, Anongnat Sartpisut, ism industry by demanding dis- counts. sales restrictions have clearly Sam Wilkinson, Ananya Hongsa-ngiam, Shiona Mackenzie If Stuart wants to act like a Lighten up – or don’t come too late. backpacker, then maybe he With reference to the Issues & But if there is so much Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet should rent a bungalow some- Answers [“Long, winding and money to be spent, then why not General Managers: Oranee Pienprasertkul, Sudjai Suanya where. Even though it is Thailand, dark road”, Gazette, October 29], an escalator to nowhere or a 50- foot magnifying glass? Executive Producer – Television: Mark Mulloy some prices are fixed and some frankly, I didn’t come to live in a of us can respect that. Roger Marketing Manager: Natthira Susangrat place with streetlights every- Phuket I hope for the sake of Khao where. Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd Lak that not every tourist will be One of the attractions about Coming on holiday expecting discounts. Phuket was that it had dark, yet Contact us CS safe and atmospheric places. I am shocked to find, after read- Kata Advertising Sales: [email protected] Now the new guys want to make ing in your online Issues & An- it like New York City. Also, are swers section, that sex toys or Classified Advertising: [email protected] ADSL - Another we not supposed to be saving en- marital aids are illegal in Thai- Website Services: [email protected] Damn Slow Line ergy these days? land. Shopper Card inquiries: [email protected] If money is to be thrown Is it also illegal to mastur- Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] I read with interest the reply to around, there are many other bate in Thailand, or to use some your online “Issues & Answers”, things the island needs apart from kind of aid to do so? Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 regarding the slow ADSL speed lights on the road to Laem Please do let me know; I’m in Phuket. I myself also had many Phromthep and Kata. not going on holiday anywhere The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors months of fighting with TT&T to I have been riding my bike my vibrator can’t go! and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the get something done about the in the dark to Laem Phromthep Denise Watts directors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. speed of my ADSL connection. for 26 years, and now suddenly UK Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government Copyright © 1994-2005 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd officials or business owners are published as Issues & Answers on the facing page. November 26 - December 2, 2005 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 25
think of myself as a gov- The Education Ministry ernment officer and, basi- needs to reform its personnel poli- cally, I agree with the cies, because – thanks to early Igovernment’s plan to trans- retirement drives – most schools fer supervision of educational ser- Giving teachers lack experienced, highly knowl- vices and teachers to local admin- edgeable teachers. [With devo- istrative organizations. lution] there may be [additional] I expect the local adminis- difficulty recruiting educators tration organizations to be better who are content not to be gov- able to support educational re- ernment officials. cruitment and fund-raising drives In order to improve educa- than central government is at a chance tion in Thailand, the Education present. Ministry should consider sending Schools in Thailand are un- representatives to observe teach- der the control of the Basic Edu- FIRST PERSON ers in action in the classroom. If cation Commission Office, which the government really wants lo- allocates their budgets. However, he transfer of responsibility for the super- cal administrative bodies to man- there has not been enough money age schools, the Education Min- to make necessary improve- Tvision of government schools – currently un- istry should consider giving more ments. der the Education Ministry – to local administrative power to the teachers them- For example, it is the policy bodies such as the Provincial and Tambon selves. of the Education Ministry that Administraton Organizations (OrBorJor and Now all schools are imple- high-technology equipment menting a school-based manage- should be available for student OrBorTor), has led disgruntled teachers across ment system (SBM) whereby a use, but schools are cannotomply Thailand to stage protest rallies. school can manage itself, with- fully due to the shortage of funds. The pending transfer, which would shut down out waiting for orders from the If the local administration Education Ministry. SBM is an organizations stepped in to sup- all of the 175 Provincial Education Area Offices alternative administrative system port us, it would be excellent. and the Basic Education Commission Office in whereby educational decision- They could give support that is Bangkok, stems from decentralization laws that making is primarily the role of the more appropriate to the specific school. locality. Local government would many teachers are demanding be changed. Principals, teachers, stu- be more in touch with and better Mean-while, education reforms seem to be going dents, and parents are given able to meet the needs of nowhere. greater control over the educa- schools. Here, Pramjit Kitprasan, Deputy Director of tional process, with many budget- Nonetheless, many teach- ary, personnel and curriculum ers feel uncertain about their fu- Baan Talad Nua School in Phuket City, explains her concerns about the devolution plans. decisions being made at the ture employment status and how school level. their work will be evaluated. The participants in SBM are I, too, worry about job se- I do have a sense of whether or teacher because of their person- because they have no experience usually members of a committee curity. At present, I am eligible not my lessons are effective. alities and various backgrounds. in this area. on school development, including to receive many things from the It is not always obvious That makes it difficult for people Whereas local politicians representatives of the parents, the Education Ministry, including a whether or not a teacher is doing outside our profession to evalu- are concerned with getting votes OrBorTor and religious leaders budget to develop my school, or a good job, even though that is a ate our performance. and providing public services in in the community. even a personal loan. teacher’s duty. As a teacher, I am a gov- return, the objective of the Edu- I don’t want the govern- I wonder if I would enjoy A teacher’s influence upon ernment official, and there are cation Ministry is completely dif- ment to treat schools as corpora- the same benefits and opportuni- students is intangible, and we regulations that underpin my job. ferent: they simply want to pro- tions and approach us with busi- ties for career advancement un- must take pride in the belief that Now, I know exactly what I can vide a quality education. Educa- nesslike ruthlessness. I would like der local government administra- we have done our best for the do at each level and how to de- tion should put students’ needs the government to give the tion. I am not sure how my sta- benefit of our students. velop my abilities to achieve suc- first. schools more freedom and power tus would be affected by the The personal reputation of cess in my work. But I don’t The Thai education system to manage and administer them- transfer. a teacher in the community is also know if [devolution] would offer needs to be reformed as quickly selves – at grassroots level – with Doctors can help cure pa- important because parents ex- me opportunities or steps for me as possible. It has been “re- support from local government. tients and people know almost pect a teacher to impart more to improve my life. formed” a number of times, with I hope local government will immediately whether a doctor is than knowledge. They also want I am not confident that the little impact on the situation, as continue to respect educators as good; then they admire that doc- teachers to be moral role mod- local organizations, which are schools have not been able to professionals and give greater tor. However, the impact of my els. overseen by the Ministry of the succeed in meeting their objec- power to teachers. efforts as a teacher cannot be But different students re- Interior, would be able to fulfill tives due to insufficient funds and – Compiled by seen in a matter of days, although spond differently to any one their obligations to us teachers, personnel. Ananya Hongsa-ngiam Foreigners and the lottery Issues&& ANSWERS Can foreigners claim prizes in the Tax of 1% of the winnings is de- government lottery? Are any ducted. Can’t understand some of the dafter things that seem to go on in Phuket? taxes payable? How can prizes Those living in Bangkok Want to pitch an idea to Phuket’s authorities or institutions? be claimed and will the winner’s should go to one of the following Submit your queries or suggestions to us and we’ll ask the appropriate people identity be kept private? three GLO offices in Bangkok: Eve • Building 1, 3 Rajdamnern to respond. Patong Klang Rd, Talad Yod, Phra Write to: The Phuket Gazette, 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Muang, Phuket 83000. Fax 076-213971, or Nakorn; submit your issue at www.phuketgazette.net Chorthip Samathiwat, Chief, • Room 405, 5th floor, Build- Prize Payment Department, ing 4, Siam Commercial Bank, Government Lottery Office Radchadapisek Rd (Ratchayothin (GLO), replies: Intersection), Chatuchak; or Concern over avian ’flu and Anyone may play and win • Room 77/27, 2nd floor, Sin the state lottery in Thailand. Sathorn Tower, Krung Thonburi- People who win a prize in Klongsarn Rd, Klongsarn. wandering fowl in Phuket the government lottery, results of Those in other areas should which are announced on the 1st claim their winnings from the lo- Although I am not overly worried Sunart Wongchawalit, Chief of for poultry diseases twice a year, and 16th of each month, must cal Provincial Treasury Office. about avian ’flu, there are too the Phuket Provincial Live- both in farm and at private claim their prize within two years Winners of the three-digit many chickens and fighting cocks stock Office (PPLO), replies: houses. In addition, if any poultry of the draw and pay tax of 0.5% lottery can claim their prize from running wild on the island. Most There are no regulations is found dead, we may check for of the winnings. the shop where they bought the workers’ camps seem to have regarding people keeping chick- diseases in that area more fre- Winners of the occasional ticket, or from GLO or Provin- several fighting cocks roaming ens at home. We concentrate on quently. lotteries organized by the GLO to cial Treasury Offices. A tax of around freely. Are there any rules chicken farms, which are re- Anyone finding a dead bird support specific charities must 1% will be deducted. and regulations about this? quired to be kept up to PPLO or wanting to get rid of their birds claim their prizes within 10 years It is GLO policy not to dis- Bjorn Ostrom sanitary standards. should contact to PPLO at Tel: of the result being announced. close information about winners. Patong PPLO staff randomly test 076-216934. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES November 26 - December 2, 2005 ON THE MOVE
Phurida Intrachai, from Chatree Rongmuang, 28, Siriluck Sae-Lim, 33, has Chiang Mai, has been made from Phang Nga, has been been appointed Spa Man- Director of Human Re- appointed Room Division ager for the Paradise Thai sources and Training at the Manager of Sabana Resort Spa at the Royal Paradise Evason Phuket Resort & at Nai Harn beach. A Sri Hotel, Patong Beach. She Six Senses Spa. She has a Nakarinviroj University graduated from Phuket wealth of experience in the graduate, he worked for Vocational College and has HR and training industry, two years as a lecturer in four years of spa experi- having previously worked Hotel Management at Sri ence in Dubai and the for a number of luxury 5- Prathum University and Maldives. Before moving star hotels, including Le two years as Assistant to Phuket, she worked as Meridien, Khao Lak. She Front Office Manager of Assistant Spa Manager of also worked for Evason Amari Atrium Hotel in Duniye Spa at Meeru Is- Phuket a few years ago. Bangkok. land Resort in the Maldives. I T ISSUES By John Seebach Why IT ERP? his is the last in a four-part series on my favorite topic Tknown as ERP (enter- prise resource planning). A well-planned project can In the first three articles, I focused on how to get a good handle on your business pro- make a big difference to your cesses and information tracking needs. This included things like identifying UDEs (undesirable business. Equally, a poorly effects) and creating a business process flow chart that defines every report, form and data. planned project will also make From there, I explained how to arrange all of this information a big difference, but not the into a comprehensive needs anal- ysis that can be presented to multiple software providers and one you want. system integrators. After that, I discussed how to get these soft- ware vendors to use your sample This time I explore the op- options here. Not only are there basically have them show you at that the best method for non-pro- data to do an installation of their tions for those who either cannot hundreds of programming lan- least five programs they have grammers to develop software is software and demonstrate how it afford or cannot find a software guages to write the software, written and then contact compa- first to make a comprehensive list works (or doesn’t), using your package that meets their infor- there are even more options of nies that use those programs for of all the items you want to track sample data. mation-tracking needs. This is how and what to use to track a reference. and include a brief description of Then I went through con- often the case because, let’s face these items. Also, keep in mind Also, have them show you what each one is. ference room testing, where you it, most businesses have very spe- that whatever custom solution you the actual programming code so Then, handwrite all of the actually use the program with real cific needs that cannot be altered come up with, it will need to be that you can see how well they input screens and reports that you data in parallel with your existing to fit into a canned software compatible with some or all of documented their work. This is want to use; this forces you to software and business processes. package, right? your existing software, such as important, because someone else really understand how your needs Finally, I reviewed how to plan Wrong. In fact, it is usually accounting or inventory. will have to make sense of this and the program will work to- the implementation process, and just the opposite: if you can alter So, how to proceed? First work at some time in the future. gether. After that, you can add stressed how important it is to do your business processes and in- of all, remember to keep it simple My suggestion is that you what we call rules – the simple enough at once without trying to formation needs to fit existing and take it in steps. The first thing have your custom software writ- wording used to describe the ac- do too much, and that data trans- packages with some alterations is to find a good programmer who ten in either PHP or .Net. Java tual use and requirements of each fer from your old system to the to the software, then you are bet- writes code in a popular computer and C++ are also good languages of the data items in your list. new can either make or break an ter off. language. Why? Often, program- and are well-supported in the pro- Finally, always test each ERP implementation. However, even with the best mers either do not complete a gramming world. When design- function of the program before matched software, there are go- project or, after they do, they may ing a database, I suggest you use going on to the next part. This ing to be certain processes and not be around when the time SQL or MySQL for the same way, you have a chance to make data sets that simply cannot be comes to alter it or add more reasons: they are popular and changes as you begin to see how handled by a canned package. functionality. well-supported languages. things will work. It also allows This is where custom program- Finding a good programmer It is also important to be you to keep tabs on the program- ming steps in, and there are many is not as difficult as it seems; you sure that whatever program is mer to make sure he is working used, you get the actual code that at a good pace that meets your has been written, because pro- delivery needs. grammers frequently keep the Just like ERP implementa- actual program code as their tions, a well-planned project can copyright and you only get a com- make a big difference to your pressed, compiled version that no business. Equally, a poorly plan- one else can work on in the fu- ned project will also make a big ture. difference, but not the one you There are several good want. websites out there that can pro- vide standard software licensing John Seebach has 25 years’ and authoring agreements for consulting experience in Infor- free, so take the time to locate a mation Systems and Business contact that works for your Process Re-engineering. His needs. company, Island Technology, The most important point is offers IT solutions and broad- to go through all the steps in my band services throughout previous three articles so that you Southeast Asia. For more infor- can communicate your needs mation send an email to john@ clearly to your programmer. I find islandtechnology.com November 26 - December 2, 2005 B U S I N E S S & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 27 Optimism for the high season and beyond By Anongnat Sartpisut wings that were closed after the tsunami, told the Gazette that the resort, which re- – the beach.” Director of Sales Laddawan Somniyam opened its 140-room Busakorn Wing on He said that Europeans continue to PHUKET: Hotel and tourism pundits in described occupancy there as “not bad”. April 1 and its 265-room main wing on make up the majority of guests at the ho- Phuket are optimistic about the 2005-2006 She said, “Of our 700 bedrooms, 50% November 1, is currently 75% full. tel and that the Australian market is also high season, with suggestions that hotels are currently occupied with what are our He praised the TAT for its efforts – burgeoning. Europeans tend to stay the could be between 50% and 80% full. ‘typical’ customers: honeymooners, MICE such as the recent art and sculpture exhi- longest at the Holiday Inn at 14 days, while This bullish attitude comes despite [Meetings, Incentives, Conference and bition on Patong and Kamala beaches, Australians average an eight-night stay. figures obtained by the Gazette showing Exhibition] delegates, as well as tourists street parties and the planned tsunami an- Asian guests stay for just three days. a drop in all areas of aircraft, passenger from Asia and Europe.” niversary ceremonies – to promote Phuket. “But people tend to spend more – and cargo movements at Phuket Interna- K. Laddawan added that, on aver- “[The TAT] is doing what it should proportionally – per day if [holidaying in tional Airport (PIA) for October 2005, age, guests stay for four nights paying be doing – particularly for Patong – and is Phuket] for a short time than for a longer compared with the same month last year. around 6,000 baht a day. doing it well. Patong will only improve time,” he noted. Yet passenger traffic does not obvi- She ventured that the Tourism Au- when the beachfront is redeveloped next Pattanapong Aikwanich, President ously equate to tourism passenger traffic. thority of Thailand (TAT) has helped year, probably beginning in April, when the of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), Total passenger traffic last month Phuket a great deal before saying that the high season is over,” he said. said the tourism industry is “satisfied” with was 343,176 embarkations and disembar- island’s infrastructure needs attention. Mr Meusburger described occu- what he says is an island-wide average kations, a drop of 23.01% from 2004. Of “The provincial government must pancy rates at the Holiday Inn as “better occupancy rate of between 60% and 70%. these 247,202 – down 12.46% on last year maintain and develop – to a higher stan- than expected”. He said that the PTA expects hotels to be – were domestic passengers. dard – the infrastructure, such as the by- “I really didn’t think that, after the around 80% full after Christmas. International passenger traffic fell pass road widening project. Phuket is pro- tsunami, business would come back as “Aside from a potential ‘blip’ from from 163,354 to 95,974. Total aircraft moted as an upmarket destination yet the strongly as has been the case,” he said. the bird ’flu scare, tourism here will only movements – 2,938 in October 2004 – standard of facilities is actually rather “Holiday Inn is on track for an occu- improve with visitors continuing to be at- were down to 2,023 last month. poor.” pancy rate of 70%, averaged out over the tracted by the convenience of getting to At the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort Wolfgang Meusburger, General Man- year, with most tourists coming back to Phuket and the fact that there are no po- & Spa, which has just reopened three ager at the Holiday Inn Resort, Patong, enjoy the Thai hospitality and – of course litical or religious problems here,” he said.
o anyone reading the fi- nancial press or listening to the various television Tbusiness news channels DOLLARS AND SENSE at the beginning of 2005 the mes- sage repeatedly stated was that the US Dollar was about to plunge lar in 2003 and 2004, and, by late most difficult of all asset classes and Japan with substantial US to new lows. It seemed that ev- 2004, I took the profits and sim- to assess. He also admits that he Dollar trade surpluses place eryone was a Dollar “bear”. MONEY ply went against market thinking. often “gets them wrong”. much of their gains into US as- Even Warren Buffet, the Instead of the Dollar sink- Readers may well wonder sets. world’s wealthiest investor, joined TALKS ing even further when it reached why the US Dollar has per- The US boom in real estate in the chorus and through his own 1.35 to the Euro, it did the oppo- formed so well in spite of triple in parts of America has also conglomerate, Berkshire Hath- By Richard Watson site. deficits in the US. drawn in foreign investment at far away, took out positions to profit In fact, at the time of writ- There are no easy answers higher levels than is generally from the expected Dollar decline. It takes a great deal of stub- ing this article, it is now around to the whole situation, but the fol- appreciated. Events in the first few bornness to go in the opposite di- 1.16 or 1.17 to the Euro. Against lowing are some of the reasons. The US economy is still months of 2005 seemed to show rection or even to stay neutral. the Pound Sterling it is now 1.73 America has continued to attract growing at a substantial rate and that the market had read the cur- That is, in reality, the strategy that to 1.74. When we look at the substantial amounts of foreign in turn short term interest rates rency markets well. We saw the will bear success 90% of the Euro/US Dollar exchange rate investment, in fact substantially have now risen to 4% and are Dollar fall to around 1.35 to the time. we find that it has essentially re- more than their current account destined to move higher. Euro and 1.96 to the British I freely admit that when turned to where the Euro was is- deficit. Plainly put, foreigners are This is not to say that the Pound. Many currency strate- Warren Buffet became a US sued in 1999 as a non-paper cur- prepared to fill the financial US Dollar will not fall in the fu- gists then predicted that the Dol- Dollar bear I became uncomfort- rency. “hole”. ture, but at the moment foreign lar would fall to 1.45 to the Euro able with my opposite view. Warren Buffet, for whom I Oil prices have risen sub- exchange markets are fixated by and beyond. Naturally, many of my clients with have great respect as an outstand- stantially in 2005, but oil is a com- US interest rates and deficits are Certainly, US trade and cur- US Dollar-based portfolios were ing thinker, had to admit defeat. modity based on a price in US virtually being ignored. rent account deficits and a huge strongly urging me to invest His Berkshire Hathaway group’s dollars. Any buyer of oil has to budget deficit gave a seemingly heavily in other currencies. foray against the Dollar had reg- buy US dollars to purchase this Richard Watson runs Global solid foundation to this view. That is not to say that I had istered US$900 million in losses commodity. In turn, the major pro- Portfolios Co Ltd, a Phuket- However, investors should not positioned these clients into this year alone and it was time to ducers, with some exceptions, based financial planning ser- always be wary of joining the global assets but, without fail, I change positions. simply hold on to these dollars and vice. He can be contacted at “pack”. made sure that, while the foreign Hugh Hendry, the CEO of buy US bonds or other dollar as- Tel: and Fax: 076-381997, History tells us that when assets were a substantial part of Hedge Fund Manager Eclecta, sets. Mobile 01-0814611. Email: there is overwhelming sentiment their portfolios, the currency was often says that currencies are the Countries such as China [email protected] being expressed in any direction, always “hedged” back into US be it commodities, stock markets, dollars. real estate, fixed income markets It can be very lonely taking or currencies, it is time for any contrary views, but my portfolios rational investor to become ex- had already profited from taking tremely cautious. “bear” positions against the Dol- 28 PHUKET GAZETTE SP O R T November 26 - December 2, 2005
Patong Darts League Thai boxers sweep Queen Mary board at 1st Asian coming on Indoor Games strong By Anongnat Sartpisut In amateur Muay Thai, in fter a three-point win which combatants wear protec- at home against Pic- SAPHAN HIN: Thai boxers tive padding, Thai fighters won cadilly, Queen Mary dominated the Amateur Muay gold in four of the five lightest moved into a first- st A Thai competition at the 1 Asian weight divisions. place tie with Amigos on 36 Indoor Games, with nine Thais Five Thais also won a mil- points. With just two weeks to go, winning gold and pocketing one lion baht each without even hav- it is all Queen Mary’s to lose as million baht each in prize money ing to meet an opponent, winning they enjoy two games in hand offered by the National Sports the wai khru competition in their against the co-leaders. Development Fund (NSDF). weight divisions. Just behind them, and also It will now have to pay out Normally performed as a with two make-up games yet to more than 100 million baht follow- prelude to a Muay Thai bouts as play, are Nag’s Head, who have ing Thailand’s third-place overall a mixture of stretching exercise seemed invincible in recent in the games, with Thai athletes and rite, at the Games wai khru weeks, and Shakers. In last bagging 73 medals – 19 of them competitors went through the week’s surprise result, Two Black gold. ritual only for a panel of judges. Sheep, playing at home, took all The NSDF also promised China, second place overall three points off Shakers, who 500,000 baht to silver medal win- with 24 golds, 18 silvers and 15 FELINE FRISKY continue to struggle after being ners and 200,000 baht to bronze. bronze, dominated the aerobic at or near the top of the table for much of the season. In addition to Phuket, com- gymnastics, coming first in every PURRING ALONG: X Cat Riot steams ahead in 14-knot winds on its petition took place in Bangkok, event. way to winning the Multihull Premier Cruising Class in the final Ao Defending champs Off- Chon Buri and Suphan Buri. In Thailand had a respectable Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) Keelboat and Multihull Series 2005 Shore are also still very much in the two Phuket events, amateur finish, with one silver and two regatta on November 20. Other winners on the day were Seraph in contention, with three critical Thai boxing and aerobic gymnas- bronze medals. the Classic class, Four Winds (Cruising), Minx (Racing) and Charro make-up games still to play, in- tics, Thais won nine golds and The overall winning team (Performance Multihull). The winners for the overall series will be cluding head-to-head matches many more silver and bronze was Kazakhstan with 25 gold, 15 announced at a prizegiving party at the ACYC Clubhouse on with Nag’s Head and Queen medals. silver and three bronze medals. December 2, starting at 7 pm. Mary. Last week saw a reversal 300 run for in the disturbing trend of teams thrashing opponents only to lose Childwatch 500,000 baht target for charity beer: all contests were decided KATHU: About 300 runners took by 3-0 final scores. part in the 2nd Childwatch Mini As usual, whichever team Marathon on November 20. bike Tour de Thailand 2005 ends up on top will win the right On the 11.9-kilometer route, to host the league party and the winners were (men): under- he 25-day SangSom bike ride and Managing Director so by buying a T-shirt or cycling awards ceremony at its venue. 15, Dusit Tongyam; open, Tour de Thailand 2005, of Tour De Asia Bicycle Touring jersey. Sittipong Chengla; 30-39, Somjai an international charity Co Ltd, told the Gazette that the The December 26 final leg November 15 results: Off- Putchay; 40-49, Taweesak bike ride from Chiang goal of this year’s tour is to get of the ride from Khao Lak in shore* 6 Amigos 3; Queen Mary* T Phang Nga to Patong Beach, a 7 Piccadilly 2; Didi’s 8 Coyote 1; Suesat; 50+, Craig Edelman. Mai to Phuket, gets under way as many people involved as pos- Women: under-15, Sudarat December 2. sible. distance of 122km, will be of in- Nag’s Head* 6 African Café 3; Pandam; open, Karuna Nattra; The non-competitive tour, In addition to those paying terest to local riders. During that Valhalla 3 Dog’s Bollocks* 6; 30-39, Anong Piriyapreut; 40-49, sponsored by the Tourism Au- the US$200 entry fee, which in- day, the first anniversary of the Two Black Sheep* 5 Shakers 4. Ketsaraporn Boonkao. thority of Thailand (TAT) and the cludes accommodation and tsunami, riders will be able to take (* = Winners of beer leg) The 3.5-km run men’s win- Thai Bicycling Association, is in- meals, local riders are also en- part in memorial services. ners were: open, Somchock tended to raise money for two couraged to join the tour free of The tour starts at 7 am on Standings: 1.= Amigos, Queen Jangwang; under-12, Bunnam charities: the Max Foundation, charge as it passes through their each day. Mary (36pts); 3. Nag’s Head Kanlak. Women: under-12, which aids leukemia sufferers; areas, said the former US Ma- Mr Byrd hopes to raise (35); 4. Shakers (34); 5. Offshore Tayanut Upatisingha; open, Lena and the North Andaman Tsunami rine and cancer survivor. 500,000 baht for charity from this (32); 6. Piccadilly (31); 7. Valhalla Dewis. Relief Foundation, which provides “Although there are some year’s event, and hopes it will (28); 8. Dog’s Bollocks (25); 9. assistance to tsunami-affected challenging parts, the ride is by grow even bigger in future years. African Café (19); 10. Two International 7s coastal communities in Phang no means a competition,” he said. Black Sheep (18); 11. Didi’s (13); Nga. “We stop every 20 kilome- Those registering for the entire 12. Coyote Bar (11). PHUKET: The third round of this Cyclists on the tour will get ters and try to keep the group to- tour have until the end of No- year’s International 7s Tourna- a chance not only to see vast gether with support vehicles at the vember to submit an on-line ap- November 29 (final week) ment will be held at the British stretches of Thai countryside, but front and at the rear. plication. The itinerary and matchups: Two Black Sheep v Curriculum International School also numerous historical sites and “People can join us abso- other details are listed at Nag’s Head; Queen Mary v on November 26-27, starting at other points of interest along the lutely free, with no obligation to www.tourdethailand.com Dog’s Bollocks; Amigos v 8:30 am. More than 40 teams way. pay any fees.” For more information, contact Valhalla; Shakers v Didi’s; Afri- from 12 countries will take part. Christopher Byrd, founder He added that those wish- Image Impact Co at Tel: 02- can Café v Coyote; Piccadilly v Spectators are welcome. of the Tour de Thailand charity ing to make a donation could do 2536809-12 (ext.113). Offshore. (Home teams first.) November 26 - December 2, 2005 PHUKET GAZETTE 29 30 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY November 26 - December 2, 2005 Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert Come to the Gardenia, Maud... for a snifter s my ever-expanding incredible scent. It’s very much Plant them in the ground with the midriff will confirm, I akin to sniffing fresh cream with crown (the bit where the stem do have rather a a couple of spoons of sugar mixed rises out of the ground) raised healthy appetite. Al- in. Fabulous. Stick a few of these slightly above the existing soil. A in your garden, and you’ll be raid- This will help to prevent root-rot. though I can, perhaps, blame breweries for at least a few of ing the fridge every five minutes, Gardenias don’t seem to like the pounds, it probably boils down shoveling down ice cream. their roots disturbed by cultiva- to the fact that I’m rather partial The amazing smell oozing tion, so once they’re in the ground, to fine victuals – good food – in from the blooms does come at a you should probably leave the somewhat generous quantities. price, though – the gardenia’s a ground nearby well alone, as the (I’ve been looking for an excuse bit moody. I’d almost given up on roots are fairly shallow. You to use that word for some time.) a gardenia bush in my front gar- wouldn’t want them to go off on I’d love to be able to turn den. For months it just sat there a hormonal teenager-style strop. around and lay the blame for my moping, refusing steadfastly to If they’re upset, the flowers will girth on someone in particular. In flower. With the appearance of turn brown. However, once es- fact, I have pointed the finger at some serious rainfall, it went tablished in a place they like and a few chefs on the island, but the mental. Flowers suddenly ap- given proper care, gardenias will basic problem is that I can’t help peared all over it, and the leaves bloom away to their hearts’ con- being a glutton. The fare on of- became variegated (two differ- tent, providing an abundance of fer is just too good. ent colors on one leaf ) again. It fragrant flowers. We’re spoiled in that regard also became bushier, and seemed Gardenias can be pruned as here in Phuket, as we can enjoy a lot more content with its lot. If far back as you want, but there just about any culinary creation it were human, it would have had are a few rules to bear in mind, if available to man (or woman). The a Cheshire-cat grin on its face. you want to keep on the plant’s “imported” choices are generally good side. First, cut plants back excellent, but my preference has VARIEGATED when they are dormant, which got to be the local cuisine. The would be the hot, dry season here stuff that’s either caught in the The gardenia grows up to three in Phuket. This will allow the seas off the island or grown on it or four feet tall and has either stems to “heal their wounds” stands out, far above the rest. deep green or green and white, when the plants aren’t actively With the exception of durian, shiny, variegated leaves. The ge- growing. This way you can still (which in my humble opinion is nus Gardenia is thought to have enjoy flowers the next year. an abomination; a fruit that smells been named after a physician When pruning, don’t cut all and tastes like a germ warfare called Alexander Garden, who the leaves off. Some leaves need experiment), the fruit available was around during colonial days to be left so the plant can still pro- here is mouth-wateringly sweet. of the US, so the name has abso- duce food for the root system. If There are even plants in lutely nothing to do with where you only want your plant to be- Phuket that smell so good that they are grown. Disappointing come bushier, just pinch out the you almost want to eat them. The really. Gardenias are a member tips while the plant is dormant. frangipani, for one, smells a bit of the family Rubiaceae, and Pinching will usually promote a like those scented sweets you there are more than a couple of heavier bloom the following year. could buy in a one-penny roll as hundred species of them. One other tip: be sure to kids. But the king of scented As gardenias are such a have a beer in hand when per- plants has got to be the gardenia, fussy lot, they like to be given forming the above tasks. It’s the or pud-sorn in Thai. plenty of water. They prefer be- best way I can think of to stave The gardenia is one of those ing planted in a spot where they off the urge to dash off to the plants that you’d almost beg to get full sun in the morning and fridge for more ice cream. Well, flower; the blooms produce an some shade in the afternoon. it usually works for me. November 26 - December 2, 2005 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 31
Construction Update by Anongnat Sartpisut
Construction of the first houses in the project is already well advanced. Golf course homes offer luxury with lake views KATHU: Baan Suan Loch Palm, respectively, also on two floors. will have a terrace to ensure that a 700-million-baht, 60-unit con- Both types will have three bed- they are well ventilated. Owners temporary housing project is lo- rooms, four bathrooms, living won’t need to turn on the air con- cated on 36 rai on the west side room, dining room, kitchen, ditioning all day, every day, as of the Loch Palm Golf Course, maid’s room and two-car garage. there are enough cool places in overlooking the fairways, with a Swimming pools will be built as semi-outdoor areas on the first lake view and next to forested optional extras. A total of 48 of floor and each house features hills. these houses will be built, priced wide and spacious areas to relax Panumas Chayentara, Se- from 8.6 million and 12 million in.” nior Project Manager, explained baht respectively. Each home will have its own that construction started in Sep- Type E, of which there will land title. Houses are to be sold tember. Infrastructure will be be 12 units, will be the largest either freehold or leasehold for complete before January next homes, with 604sqm of living non-Thai buyers. Leases will be year while the entire project will space, all on one level, and com- for 30 years, with two additional be finished by June 2007. Show prising four bedrooms, five bath- 30-year rollovers. houses will be open by Decem- rooms, swimming pool, sala, din- The developer is Plan Es- ber this year. ing and living rooms, maid’s quar- tate Co, a subsidiary of the MBK He added, “We expected to ters and three-car garage. Prices Group of Bangkok, which owns finish our sales by January 2007.” will start at 23 million baht. the Loch Palm Golf Course. The There will be five types of The project will have a man- contractor is Phuket Ruchcha- home. Types A and B are two- agement company to look after korn Construction Co. story houses, each on 250 square common areas, along with mains K. Panumas said, “Eighty wah (1,000 square meters) of electricity and water from the percent of our projected custom- land. Living space will be 388sqm developer’s own 1.8-million-cu- ers will be foreigners. The feed- and 458sqm respectively and will bic-meter supply. back so far is positive; we al- comprise four bedrooms, five “We can guarantee that ready have three bookings.” bathrooms, dining and living there will be no lack of water for rooms, kitchen and three-car ga- our residences and we will charge For more information contact rage. Prices start at 16 million less than 20 baht a cubic meter,” Baan Suan Loch Palm at Tel: baht. These homes will be built K. Panumas said. 076-202863, 01-2734193 Fax: only to order. He added, “We want to 076-203149 or email: planphuket Types C and D will have liv- make these [homes] as comfort- @planestate.co.th. Web: www. ing space of 333sqm and 327sqm able as possible. All the bedrooms baansuanlochpalm.com 32 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY November 26 - December 2, 2005
Home of the Week Chalong
estled in the magnifi- cent hillside area of Chalong, this contem- Nporary-style villa has stunning views from the 205 square meter property. At the front entrance of the house, set in a large, beautifully landscaped garden, the sand-washed steps lead to the inviting living area. The spacious 170sqm inte- rior has been kept light and airy with beige-coloured floor tiles and wooden earth-toned furniture. A well laid-out open plan design seamlessly merges the din- ing area, comfortably seating six to eight people, into the living room. The living room has large, wood-framed, glass sliding doors opening to a 32sqm swimming pool with Jacuzzi and the sur- rounding sand-washed outdoor area. The Western-style kitchen Four-bedroom luxury home with pool with granite counter top, timber cabinets and breakfast bar, has all the amenities a contemporary chef has come to expect: a large refrigerator, double sink, hob and extractor hood, oven and a dish- washer. A washing machine is fit- ted as well.
BALCONY
All four generously sized bed- rooms, with contemporary-de- signed teak beds, have built-in wardrobes and walk-in dressing areas. Two have en-suite bath- rooms. The master bedroom’s slid- ing doors lead to a balcony which wraps around the back of the house and connects with the swimming pool area, so there is no need to disturb other sleepers in the house if you want to go for an early morning or late night swim. There is also a study-cum- office. Four air-conditioning units and fans throughout the house keep it cool. A home security system has been installed. Amenities in- clude cable/UBC TV, telephone, septic tank and three-phase elec- The title of this property is For more information contact Richard Lusted of Siam Real Es- broadband connection, water tricity. The utility room is located Chanote and the asking price is tate at Tel: 076-288908, or email: [email protected] or heater, water filtration system, below the house. 13 million baht. visit the website: www.siamrealestate.com November 26 - December 2, 2005 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 33
Decor by Ananya Hongsa-ngiam Are you in the picture? picture may paint a harmful UV rays in fluorescent thousand words, but if lighting and strong sunlight; and it isn’t framed right, non-glare glass. Anobody will look at it. Pictures are best hung at Good framing to enhance a work eye-level on a wall that allows of art or a photograph requires people a close-up look. For more than just measurements. frames smaller than 8” x 10”, a Here are a few tips: sawtooth hanger is adequate. Ready-made frames in However, for frames weighing up standard sizes (4” x 6”, 5” x 7’ to 30 pounds, opt for wire that will or 8” x 10”) are inexpensive op- not rust or leave marks on the Examples from Andaman Frame tions. Remember, they don’t al- wall. (above) and Bai Yok Shop (left ways come with a mat, which is Andaman Frame offers a and below). vital for separating the surface of custom framing service. There a photo from the glass to avoid you can find a variety of wooden sticking and mildew. picture frames, some simple, oth- The color of the mat is im- ers ornately carved. portant for the overall effect – Most wooden frames are choose a neutral color that made from softwood, which is doesn’t overpower the art. Allow ideal for the application of paint. about three inches around an 11” Teak, on the other hand, is usu- x 14” image, with an added inch ally just lacquered to allow the at the bottom. Acid-free mats are natural beauty of the wood to best for photographic art. shine. You may select from “regu- The price of a picture frame lar” clear glass, the quality of at Andaman Frame is estimated Mok-Ngam at Tel: 076-244109, Specializing in teak frames, cially well. These frames cost which is, in fact, superior to that by the frame size (per square 09-6776068, or 01-7551378. Bai Yok Shop at 73 Tilok Uthit 1 between 450 baht and 750 baht of ordinary window glass; ultra- inch). Discounts may be offered Email: andamanframe@ Rd. offers rough-hewn textures, each. For further details, call violet-light filtering glass, ideal for for large orders. For more infor- hotmail.com Andaman Frame is shapes and sizes that complement Wassana Pawakkaranon at Tel: protecting valuable artwork from mation, contact Rattanachai located at 5/21 Chaofa Rd. Thai-style home interiors espe- 076-224341 or 07-8971950. 34 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS November 26 - December 2, 2005 Property Gazette
Properties For Sale
LUXURY APARTMENTS
PRIME LOCATION Beautiful Bayview Palm Patong apartments, each 180sqm, with fantastic sea views, master bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms and whirlpool tubs. Nice guest bathroom, a spacious lounge, an American-style kitchen, a large balcony, and shared gardens with pool, car park. Please con- tact for more information. NEW HOUSES NEW HOUSE Tel: 076-349050, 07-889- IN PATONG IN PATONG 3838, 09-2911112. 3 new, connected, deluxe Brand-new, deluxe house houses on Patong hillside, with a swimming pool on a Soi Maneesi, for sale. Patong hillside, Soi Ma- WEST COAST Ground floor: garage and neesi. 2 floors, modern LAYAN separate 1-room apart- Thai-style architecture, Gorgeous 460sqm plot ment with toilet. 2nd floor: completely furnished, ready with ocean view. Great lo- 2 bedrooms and bath- to live in. Ground floor: big cation. Gated community. rooms, balcony. 3rd floor: living room, Western-style Price: 26 million baht. living room with balcony, kitchen and dining room; Please call for more details. built-in kitchen and dining guest toilet. 2nd floor: big Tel: 01-8924497. room, toilet. 4th floor: big master bedroom and bath roof garden with Jacuzzi. with Jacuzzi, 2 bedrooms Usable area: 200sqm; free- and a separate bathroom. RAWAI SHOPHOUSES hold land: 100sqm. Price: Each room has an air condi- 6.2 million baht. (US$ tioner and a balcony. Living 2 new, connected shop- 155,000). For more details, area: 200sqm; freehold land houses on Wiset Rd, in please contact K. Peter at 150sqm. Price: 8.5 million Rawai, are for sale. Ground Tel: 01-8928526 or visit baht. (US$210,000). Please floor: sales office, staff the website www. phuket- contact K. Peter at Tel: 01- room, kitchen, dining room nd besthomes.com 8928526 or visit: www. and toilet. 2 floor: master phuket-besthomes.com bedroom with separate bath RAWAI, 2-STORY PATONG TOWER GREAT INVESTMENT house. 200sqm house with A 64sqm, 1-bedroom, sea- at Bang Tao Beach. 2-bed- and 2 separate bedrooms RAWAI LUXURY VILLA with connecting bath. 3rd Chanote title, brand new, close view condo with pool for sale room units with landscaping, 144sqm house with 400sqm BEACH APARTMENT th floor: living room and en- to a temple, 450m from the on the 14 floor. Please con- pool and recreation club. Only or 600sqm of land for sale. 124sqm and 230sqm apart- beach; asking 1.8 million baht. tact for more info. Tel: 01- 150m to the beach. Price: 8.5 suite bedroom. Living area Located 350m from the ments, a 2-minute walk to the 200sqm, freehold land: Please contact for further in- 7540200. Email: olegrostkov million baht. Open for inspec- beach. Priced from 2.4 mil- beach. Priced from 8.5 million formation. Tel: 06-6865567. @yahoo.com tion. Please call for further in- 100sqm. Price 4.5 million lion baht. Please contact for baht. Tel: 06-2806624. baht. (US$113.000). Please Email: free_holdprop@yahoo. formation. Tel: 06-2806624. more details. Tel: 06-686- Please see our website: www. com contact K.Peter. Tel: 01- 5567. Email: free_holdprop@ bangtaobeachgardens.com 144-RAI PLOT 8928526. Please see our yahoo.com for sale. This is great land for PATONG CONDOS website at: www.phuket- CONDO & VILLA SALES property development – Condos with nice sea views, besthomes.com RAWAI CONDOS We have over 140 condos, 400m from the main road and 28sqm and 56sqm, for sale. 2-STORIES, RAWAI with sea views. 27, 54 and apartments, houses and villas 2km from Heroines’ Monu- Priced from 750,000 baht. 130sqm house with Chanote 81sqm. Priced from 350,000 for freehold sale in all locations ment. Asking 1.2 million baht Near bank and post office. 2-STORY SHOPHOUSE title, brand-new, close to a baht. Financing for 3 years on Phuket. Email: pkt_re@ per rai. Please contact K. Please contact for more de- Near Mission Hills Golf Course, school, 400m from the beach; available. Foreign freehold. phukets.info Please see our Dao. Tel: 01-8945012. Email: tails. Tel: 09-4740227. Email: still under construction. Selling asking 1.3 million baht. Tel: Please contact for more infor- website for further informa- [email protected] [email protected] for 1.5 million baht. Tel: 01- 06-6865567. Email: free_ mation. Tel: 09-4740227. tion at: www.phukets.info/ 8918689. [email protected] Email: [email protected] cvh/ November 26 - December 2, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 35 Property Gazette
6-BEDROOM HOUSE BEST SEA VIEW BEAUTIFUL HOUSE PARICHART IN PHUKET IN RAWAI LAND & HOUSE
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Owner is selling an exclusive, top-quality 6-bedroom house Chanote title, underground in Kamala, located near electricity, main roads, lots 5 minutes from the beach, Phuket FantaSea, 1.5km - 3-bedroom house with of water all year for pools in a nice resort. Includes 3 2 bathrooms from the beach and next to and home, beside a national bedrooms, a living room, - 2 air conditioners a beautiful, natural lake. The park, 10 minutes to airport, Western kitchen, 4 bath- house has all the facilities you 15 minutes to Lotus, 12 rooms, 5 air conditioners, - newly painted need – a European-Thai minutes from British int’l DSL, a pool, Jacuzzi and - 1 telephone line kitchen, large living-dining school and 2 major golf tropical garden. Chanote - land area is 200sqm. room with pantry-bar; 2 bed- courses, US$1/2-1.5 million title . Asking 7 million baht. rooms on the ground floor homes being built here, Asking 2.35 million baht. st Tel: 07-8929145. For de- and 4 bedrooms on the 1 complete view of Phang tails, Email: lilianasolunac Tel: 01-7974606, 01-7874289. floor with en-suite bath- Nga Bay – considered one of @hotmail.com room; a large attic, hot water the 7 wonders of the world. 66 RAI supplied by solar heating sys- Only 3.2 million baht per rai tem, own well and drinking For sale: a mangosteen or- (you don’t have to pay too chard with Chanote title in water, etc. Large, mature much for class). Tel: 07- KATA SEAVIEW garden with outdoor HOUSE Kuraburi, Phang Nga (20 min- 2747470. Email: nsupin@ utes north of Takuapa, along Jacuzzi. Chanote title, total yahoo.com LAND FOR SALE SEAVIEW APARTMENTS land area: 1,180sqm. Petchakasem Rd). Tel: 01- IN PATONG 90,000 baht net rental in- 8921732. on the bypass road, 27 rai, TOWNHOUSE New, deluxe 2-bedroom come until August 2006. 180 meters wide. Tel: 07- located at Boat Lagoon Ma- NEW HOUSE FOR SALE apartments of 85sqm or Asking price: 18 million 2670488. rina. 200sqm. Asking 9.5 mil- in Patong. 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- 96sqm, fully furnished and baht. Please contact Franz lion baht. Please contact for rooms, 132sqm of land, com- air-conditioned. Location: Brun in Chalong. Tel: 076- SMALL TOWNHOUSE info. Tel: 01-2734000. Email: munal swimming pool. Price: Nanai hill in Patong, Soi 282737, 01-4761415. A large 250sqm house with 1-year-old townhouse with 2 [email protected] 4.1 million baht. Tel: 01-569- Thamdee; 60-year lease. Email: [email protected] a pool, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- bedrooms in Kathu. Chanote 7616. Offers starting at 4.1 million rooms, a Western-style title. Only 780,000 baht. Tel: CHERNG TALAY HOUSE baht (US$102,000). Please teak kitchen, teak doors and 09-2908854 (please ask for HOME OFFICE FOR SALE 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 NEW HOUSE FOR SALE contact K. Peter. Tel: 01- ceilings, on good land on a Tom). Email: verhaeghefranc Located along Chao Fa East carparks, a garden, a large liv- in Patong. 4 bedrooms, 3 bath- 8928526. Please see our quiet hillside. Asking 10 @hotmail.com Rd – opposite Nabon School, ing room and kitchen. Asking rooms, 218sqm of land, com- website at: www. phuket- million baht. Tel: 09-592- next to Phuket Visa. Email for a very good price for quick munal swimming pool. Price: besthomes.com 6890. Email: north8west98 9 RAI RAWAI AREA more details. Email: melisa_ sale. Please call for more info. @yahoo.com 5.9 million baht. Tel: 01-569- 1.6 million baht per rai for 9 [email protected] Tel: 01-9681164. 7616. rai, perfect for development of PATONG CONDOTEL 4 houses per rai only. For de- A foreign freehold seaview NEAR BRITISH SCHOOL tails, Tel: 07-2747470. or condo of 56sqm, 350m from The Woodlands, limited num- Email: [email protected] the beach is for sale. Asking ber of Pool Homes available Agents for Classified Advertising 1.6 million baht. Tel: 06-686- now. Financing available. Tel: BIG & SMALL LOTS 5567. Email: free_holdprop@ 076-380400. Email: siamuk We have 1-rai, ½-rai and ¼-rai yahoo.com @loxinfo.co.th PHUKET lots for sale in Rawai and Chalong for great prices. For HOUSE FOR SALE 2-ROOM CONDO K.L. Mart Tel: 076-280400/3 info, Tel: 07-2747470 or A new, detached, house for in Patong for sale. Fully fur- Patak Rd, Chalong Fax: 076-280403 Email: [email protected] sale, just 5km to British Cur- nished, kitchen, living-bed- riculum International School. room, TV, aircon, renovated, Earth Language School Tel: 076-232398/9 LAND FOR SALE Size: 75 square wah, with 3 next to the beach, freehold. Located at Cherng Talay, a 72- bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. 1.9 million baht, all inclusive. Phang Nga Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-232398 square-wah plot with Chanote Price: 2.15 million baht. Please contact for more de- title is for sale. Price: 500,000 Please call for more details. tails. Tel: 01-7281887. Email: Sin & Lee Tel: 076-258369 baht. Tel: 04-8516115. Tel: 04-8516115. [email protected] Thalang Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-211230
Taurus Travel Tel: 076-344521/2 Looking for land to buy? Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Fax: 076-344523 See more classified ads 41 Minimart Tel/Fax: 076-324312 at www.phuketgazette.net Srisoontorn Rd, Cherng Talay 36 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS November 26 - December 2, 2005 Property Gazette
APARTMENTS IN PATONG ABSOLUTE KATA NEW KARON VILLA Properties Fully funished, for long-term SUPER SEA VIEW, BEACHFRONT TOWNHOUSE Just built, 2-story town- For Rent rent, near Patong Temple, 2/ 4 BEDROOMS For sale by owner. A nice, 2- house ready to move into on 56 Soi Khuanyang. They have story, 3-bedroom, 2-bath- December 15. Only 2 units a small kitchen, refrigerator, a room townhouse in safe sur- still available. Asking 3 mil- UNCLE CHAI European-style balcony, air roundings in Kata. Fully deco- lion baht (60,000 euros). conditioner, cable TV, fan, hot rated. Asking 4.5 million Kata Beach Property Mar- water, and one bathroom. baht (90,000 euros). Free- ket. Tel: 01-7888280. Asking 8,300 baht per month. hold or leasehold; 50% fi- Email: info@msa-phuket. Please call for more info. Tel: For sale: 2.2 rai of absolute nancing available. Tel: 01- com 04-8450541, 01-8914561. Guesthouse with private beachfront with Chanote 7888280. Email : mauram7 entrance in the most exclu- title, in Khok Kloy, 25 min- @hotmail.com TOP QUALITY HOME SHOPHOUSE sive, quiet and safe area. It utes from Phuket airport. A combination of modern Prime location shophouse be- has a deep swimng pool and Thai architecture, fine antique tween Chalong Circle and pier. For details, please contact 1 RAI SEAVIEW PLOT easy access to newly reno- Tel: 07-8891717 or Email: decor and furniture, and stun- Take over, including furniture, vated hotel restaurants. [email protected] Located in Rawai; has electric- ning landscaping. For more air conditioner and computer. Booked January 3-February ity and access road. Asking information, see our website Phuket Private Home, a spe- Sale price: 45,000 baht. 10, 2006. Xmas and New 3.7 million baht. Tel: 07-893- at www.phuchaofa.com Monthly rent: 9,000 baht. Call Year’s still available. Please 8747. cial style for the discriminating SEA VIEW CHALONG renter. 1 bedroom. Long lease Tel: 01-7975715 or Email: contact for further details. 7 rais, most stunning view, KOH YAO NOI [email protected] Tel: 07-2662424 or email: SMALL, BEAUTIFUL PLOT A beautiful plot (10-1-56) on preferable; average 12,000 unique for a development baht per month, Chalong [email protected] project; with water and elec- Suitable for a house, near Rawai the preferred east coast is for FOR RENT OR SALE Beach. Asking only 500,000 sale. Sloping hillside, spec- area. Tel: 01-4926883. tricity. Asking 1.9 million baht www.unclechaihome.com At Kamala Beach, 3 bedrooms per rai. Tel: 01-5376866. baht. Tel: 06-2670898. tacular, postcard-like sea and 4 bathrooms, walled-in. Has FOR RENT OR SALE views from all sides of the air conditioner, UBC, telephone, 2 LAST PLOTS estate and 165m of beach garage, garden with swimming A 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom AO MAKHAM RAWAI RESIDENCE house with a large lounge, In Kamala. The land is 380sqm front. NorSor 3 Gor land title, pool and mountain view. For 6- 3 rais of sea view. Asking 3.2 A fully furnished studio for dining room, European-style in total . Ready to build, near electricity and water on site. month rental at 35,000 baht a million baht per rai. Tel: 09- rent, 400m from the beach. kitchen, a garden, a swim- beach. Price: 650,000 baht. Sale price: 29 million baht. No month, or for sale at 5.8 million 6525664. Asking 5,000 baht per month. ming pool, jacuzzi, UBC, Tel: 076-292596, 06-267- brokers please! Please contact baht. Please contact Boomer. Please call for more details. ADSL, located in the Ka- 8477. Email: tourniechristian for more information. Tel: Tel: 05-7816005. Email: 1 RAI IN NAIHARN Tel: 09-4740227. mala area. Possible financing Only 1 seaview plot. Asking 5 @hotmail.com 076-388380, 07-2696449. [email protected] Email: [email protected]. for the right person. Please million baht. Act fast. Tel: 09- NEW BUILDING email for info. Tel: 06-952- 6525664. KATHU, 2 STORIES co.th 2-STORY HOUSE For long-term rental, in best lo- With 2 bedrooms. Easy ac- 5071. Email: paul@ukthai. Brand-new, with Chanote BEACHFRONT LAND cation on second bypass fsnet.co.uk title; 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- cess to PCC/Loch Palm, 5 MOUNTAIN VIEW Very cheap. 5.5 rai for 8 mil- road, 5 minutes to Lotus, 2½ rooms and 2 air conditioners. minutes to Tesco. Tel: 076- So stunning! 1 rai 2 ngan in lion baht. You get ownership, floors, 2 bedrooms. Please call Asking 2.5 million baht. Tel: 254759, 01-5393198. Fax: NEW TOWNHOUSE Rawai. Asking 5.6 million a sea view, island view, a K. Bee for more information. baht. Tel: 01-5376866. 04-1843484. 076-225543. Email: monica For rent. A fully furnished, 2- 35m-long beach, road ac- Tel: 01-8951581. @gajaphuket.com story townhouse with 2 bed- cess, electricity, water and a AO POR SEA VIEW NICE 44SQM CONDO rooms, 2 bathrooms, a living telephone line. Please contact room and kitchen, with space 5 rais with a soft slope; has Location: Jomtien. 5 floors, sea PATONG RESIDENCE LUXURY OCEANVIEW for more information. Tel: to park 2 cars, and its own wa- electricity and access road. view, 3 swimming pools, ten- A fully furnished studio for Townhouse for rent in Patong. 076-244562 , 01-7979781. ter well. Please contact for Asking 1.5 million baht per rai. nis, gym, sauna, UBC, air con- rent, 400m from the beach. 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Fax: 076-355326. Email: Asking 9,000 baht per month. Communal swimming pool. info. Tel: 076-202970, 01- Tel: 07-8938747. ditioning, TV, garden. Walk to [email protected] the beach. Price: 950,000 Please call for more details. Price: 55,000 baht/month. 8929923. Email: diabloet@ Please see our website at: Tel: 09-4740227. Tel: 06-9405187. hotmail.com 1 RAI IN RAWAI baht. Tel: 06-2743060. Email: www.jkphukethomes.com Has electricity and access [email protected] road, within walking distance SEA VIEW of the beach. Asking 2.8 mil- HOUSE FOR SALE 750,000 baht per rai. 15+ rai lion baht. Tel: 06-2670898. A 2- or 3-bedroom house is for for 11 million baht (740,000 sale, now under construction baht per rai). You get owner- 5-BEDROOM HOUSE in a small new developement, ship, a sea view, road access, A perfect, 5-bedroom house, conveniently located. It has electricity, well water and a ready to move into, close to air-conditioned bedrooms, a telephone line. Contact Tel: Central Festival and Rawai semi-fitted kitchen, 2 bath- 076-244562, 01-7979781. Beach. Contact Tel: 04-016- rooms, a large living room, a Fax: 076-355326. Email: 9474. Email: hkthomesale18 garage area and a private [email protected] @yahoo.com For further de- road. Fax: 076-323421. For For more further details, tails, please see our website details, please email. Email: please see our website at: at: www.jikkycar.com [email protected] www.jkphukethomes.com November 26 - December 2, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 37 Property Gazette
BRIGHT BACHELOR HOME OFFICE FOR RENT HOLIDAY VILLA OFFICE FOR RENT suites. Available for long-term ROOMS TO LET Located in Chalong: 2 bed- with pool. I am looking for a Household IN CITY rent on Soi Yodsane, Chalong. Lakeview apartments in rooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 air low-medium priced villa to Items Size: 4.5 meters x 10 From 9,500 baht a month. Kathu. Fully furnished, with conditioners, kitchen. Asking rent for 1-2 weeks in the first meters. Includes a desk, Fully furnished, air-condi- air conditioner, fridge, cable 25,000 baht per month. Tel: half of Febuary 2006. It must chairs, telephone ADSL line, tioned, with satellite TV, a TV, hot water, car park. 183 01-8105559. have a private pool and be able MOVING SALE and Cable TV. Please call fridge and a covered car park. baht per day. Please contact to sleep 4-5 people. Tel: 02- Moving to Bangkok: must sell Tel: 01-8957848. Email: Tel: 01-8938592, 06-282- for more information. Tel: PATONG LUXURY 6615150, 07-9011242. small 14" TV, VCD/CD [email protected] 6221. Email: saneroad@ 076-202585, 09-1968449. Apartments. Central Patong Email: [email protected] player, and surround-sound yahoo.com Email: ketmaneeclayton61 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. speakers. Paid 6,000 baht; @hotmail.com Please contact for more info. ACCOMODATION asking 4,000 ono. Also have double burner and assorted KAMALA SHOPHOUSE Email: [email protected] Urgent. Looking for affordable 450SQM HOME kitchenware. Tel:07-881- Located just 200m from the accommodation not too far This large house on a 3-rai 1765. Email: fogarceos4@ beach. Asking 15,000 baht HOUSE TO LET from town. Maximum 3,000 plot is located on a quiet soi, hotmail.com per month. No key money. Accommodation baht a month. Tel: 07-228- 5 minutes from the beach. 2 bedroom house, fully fur- Please contact for more de- 1528, 06-2670756. Email: Facilities include: an enclosed nished, 400 meters to Wanted REFRIGERATOR tails. Tel: 01-5385285. Email: beach, with garden and car jacqueswendy@csloxinfo. pool, 2 phone lines, a garage Samsung, 183 litres, with in- bbq@ loxinfo.co.th park. Available for long or com and guest house. 45,000 ternal freezer. Good working short term. Email: jctailor@ baht per month, including pool TO BUY order. Buyer must pick up. HOUSE TO SHARE loxinfo.co.th and gardening fees. Please 2,000 baht. Tel: 04-191- Brand-new, 3 bedrooms 2 House or land by the sea. Building call Tel: 01-8942733 (Eng), 7736. Email: mickgave@ bathrooms, pool, in Patong. Please send prices, pictures, or 01-7371078 (Thai). Email: KATA BEACH Products hotmail.com Minimum 6-month rental: etc. Please contact with de- [email protected] A brand-new guesthouse just tails. Email: nicolabellkitchens & Services 14,000 baht/month. Please 3 minutes’ walk from the call Paul at Tel: 09-8171060. @hotmail.com FURNITURE FOR SALE beach. Please contact for Due to relocation to UK, we SEAVIEW HOUSE more info. Tel: 01-8948446. have the following for sale: 2 Four, large air-conditioned Accommodation Email: [email protected] 3-6 MONTH LET The Stone Doctor new TVs, refrigerator, settee bedrooms, 300sqm, fully fur- Check out our website at: wanted. I'm looking for a place with 2 chairs, dining table with nished. Asking 35,000 baht Available www.southernfriedrice.com to rent for up to 6 months from Specialist in European stone- chairs, DVD player with Dolby per month for a minimum of 6 Jan 20. It should be in the care products and services: sound system, queen sized months; maid service is in- PATONG APARTMENT Chalong, Rawai or Kata areas • Restoration bed, and wardrobe. Tel: 01- cluded. Located on pretty PATONG OCEANVIEW Sea view, kitchen, cable TV, and have 1 or 2 bedrooms • Sealing/Protection 4777246. Email: jochenbaars Natai Beach in Khok Kloy, HOUSE 10 minutes to the beach. 500 with aircon, a good sized living • Maintenance @yahoo.com 19km from Phuket Airport. baht a day, 12,000 a month. area, and full furniture. Access All your maintenance, Please contact Mr Vudh. Tel: Tel: 06-0268145. Email: to local shops and restaurants, protection & cleaning needs 06-6902976. Email: info@ [email protected] but in a reasonably quiet for natural and manufactured Household palm-village.com street, would be perfect. Max stone. Services ROOMS FROM B300 budget: 15,000 baht +++ • Marble • Sandwash HOUSE IN PHUKET CITY in the low season: your own per month. Email: photog@ • Granite • Terracotta Needed New, furnished house just two fsmail.net • Slate • Terrazzo hot shower, 24-hour security, • Sandstone • Ceramics, etc minutes’ drive to dowtown A 2- or 3-bedroom house with electricity, laundry, just a 10- Prevent: rust, stains, mildew, Phuket, on a quiet residential minute walk to the beach. Tel: 3 BEDROOM HOUSE algae, scratches NANNY/ street. It has views at the 2 bathrooms, a pool, UBC, Fully furnished in Kathu with ADSL, 43-inch TV and a fan- 076-342280, 01-9781956. Remove: builders’ residue, HOUSEKEEPER front and back and catches Email: [email protected] telephone line, a/c, required for incorrect sealants, rust, stains, REQUIRED tastic sea view. A must-see! mildew, etc. Daily care & every breeze. Three bed- long term rental. Tel: 01- Full-time live-out nanny/ rooms with air conditioning Asking 75,000 baht per 8934661. Email: valiant@ cleaning products also available. month for long-term rent. Tel: TAI-TAN BOUTIQUE housekeeper required by (possibly four), four bath- court. Modern new court! 22 loxinfo.co.th Tel: 07-2824930, 076-271217 07-8821963. Email: Fax: 076-271218 polite and fun expat family rooms, a large living room, and fully furnished rooms (including with 15-month-old boy. An a separate kitchen/dining [email protected] Email: Internet and cable TV) in AIRCON ROOM [email protected] excellent opportunity for the room. Rent for long term at Phuket City. Located in a nice I want to rent a room with right person. Starting salary: 28,000 baht per month. Con- and quiet residential neighbor- aircon in Patong, from Decem- 10,000 baht per month. tact the owner via email or Tel: LONG-TERM LEASE hood in Wichit. Room rental ber 12-19 . Must come with Prefer someone who can 07-8845719 (Thai-speaking Guesthouse near Sheraton rate is 6,000 baht a month cleaning, sleeping clothes and KOMATSU PC 30 speak some English and can only) to view. Email: Krabi, with rooms, a mini- (2,000 baht per week). Tel: fridge, and be within walking Excavator 3.2, good condition, drive a car or a motorbike. [email protected] mart, a restaurant and tour 07-8266404,09-1885300. distance to Soi Bangla and the privately owned. 240,000 baht. Tel: 04-8492367. Email: SPACIOUS HOUSE desk. Tel: 04-1929812, 06- Email: passakorn_hongsyok@ beach. Email: erik_eriksen@ Tel: 01-8946506, 01-376- [email protected] Furnished, 3 bedrooms, de- 6823119. yahoo.com For further details, yahoo.com 2920. Email: wbenze@ gmx.net tached, Chalong area. please see our website at: 140sqm house + 260sqm www.taitancourt.com garden. 18,000 baht a month. PATONG BEACH Tel: 076-285211, 04-848- 2 bedrooms with aircon, liv- PATONG OCEANVIEW 25% Discount on Classifieds for Shopper Card Holders 4344. ing room with open kitchen house. A 2- or 3-bedroom and dining area, and 2 toilets house with 2 bathrooms, a BIG TOWNHOUSE with showers. Around pool, UBC, ADSL, 43-inch TV IF YOU... for rent. Nearly 170 square 80sqm. Walking distance to and a fantastic sea view. A meters on two floors. Located the beach - only 500 meters. must-see! Asking 75,000 lace your ad in these pages; in Soi Patong Resort, off Quiet area. For more details baht per month for long-term P Bangla Road, the heart of and photos. Tel: 06-268- rent. Please contact for more resent your Shopper Card; and Patong Beach. Tel: 076-340- 7901. Email: martintwn@ information. Tel: 07-882- P 290. Email: paciugo89@ yahoo.com 1963. Email: benlee53@ yahoo.com hotmail.com Pay for the ad at our offices,
you’ll enjoy a 25% discount* AND have your ad appear free of charge in the Phuket Gazette Online. ASK KHUN WANIDA! MOMMA DUCK With more than 10,000 visitors a day, the Island Trader Online is Problems with an extra-marital affair? Thailand’s most active classified marketplace. Questions about Thai culture? *Ads may be submitted in person or online (phuketgazette.net/classifieds), but Having communications problems? must be paid for at the Gazette offices. The discount is not available when payment is made at our agents.
Read her advice in the Phuket Gazette. The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd 367/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket City Fax: 076-213971 or email: [email protected] Tel: 076-236555 Fax: 076-213971 38 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS November 26 - December 2, 2005 Property Gazette
14 RAI 2.6 RAI WITH 1,500 SQM 6 RAI 13 rai 3 ngan 98 talang SEAVIEW SEAVIEW PLOT 3-BEDROOM ON THE BEACH wah (5.598 acres). Very The size of the plot is 2 rai 2 IN PATONG THAI-STYLE VILLA 3-BEDROOM VILLA The plot is located on the quiet place, hill and sea ngan and 53 talang wah – This great seaview plot is Besides the nice landscaped WITH POOL east coast at Ao Por and views from second floor, just 4,212sqm – and all the land located in Kalim (north of garden, you can enjoy a Villa comprises 3 bedrooms, has beautiful views of is- a few minutes’ walk to the is under the 80-meter Patong). It has road access, common pool. There is also 2 bathrooms, guest toilet, lands in Phang Nga Bay. beach and 3 minutes’ drive height restriction. This plot and water and electricity space to park at least 3 kitchen, living and dining The land is flat with a slope to the ferry for Phi Phi Is- is very interesting for a supply are available. The cars. The living space is room, maid’s room, outdoor at the back. It has road ac- lands and surrounding is- small villa project. Great land is 3 ngan 75 talang wah 440sqm and the land size shower, terrace around the cess, and water and elec- lands. Very cheap price for spot with many opportuni- (1,500sqm) with Chanote 468sqm with Chanote title. house, pool and a garden. tricity supply are available. Phuket: 20 million baht. Tel: ties. Price: 30 million baht. title. Price: 13.5 million Value for money. 6.7 million Price: 14 million baht. Price: 40 million baht. 09-8715192. Tel: 09-8715192. baht. Tel: 09-8715192. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 09-8715192.
2-BEDROOM VILLA 2-BEDROOM VILLA 6 RAI WITH 12 BEDROOMS WITH POOL 6 RAI 3-BEDROOM GUESTHOUSE Has a nice sea view. Villa SEA VIEW The villa is located in the Includes 200 meters of un- comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 VILLA Only 5 minutes from Mai All rooms are fully furnished south of Patong with amaz- spoiled beachfront. This en-suite bathrooms , balcony Has a sound system Khao Beach, 10 minutes with bathroom, air condi- ing hill and valley views. It beautiful land is located on with sala, a kitchen, living throughout the house, from the airport, 10 minutes tioner, safety box, TV and comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 the east coast of Koh Naka room, dining room, laundry plasma TV in the living from the Blue Canyon Golf mini bar. Built in 1999, 4 sto- en-suite bathrooms, living- Yai. All covered by tropical room, guest toilet, a car park room with satellite TV. Course and 20 minutes from ries, all main maintenance dining room, kitchen, guest trees and coconut trees. for 2 cars; surrounded by a Around the house is a well- Phuket City and Lotus. It has work re-done last year. The toilet, and a pool with sala You can reach the plot by garden. All features through- designed tropical garden electricity supply and access land title is Chanote. where you can enjoy great boat from Ao Por in 20 min- out the house are made from with Buddha image fea- road. Price: 12 million baht. Price: 20 million baht. views. Price: 12 million utes. Price: 20 million baht. teak. Price 9.5 million baht. tures. Price: 14.9 million Tel: 09-8715192. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 09-8715192. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 06-2726508.
3-BEDROOM VILLA 3-BEDROOM VILLA Beautiful sea view. Located WITH SEA VIEW 1 RAI in the southern hills of The villa is surrounded by a 9 RAI The land, with underground Patong. Comprises 3 bed- tropical garden and has 24- WITH SEA VIEW infrastructure, is ready to rooms, 2 en-suite bath- hour security. Comprises 3 This 9-rai plot is located in 2 RAI SEA VIEW build on, and the area boasts 2 SHOPHOUSES rooms, 1 guest bathroom, bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a Chalong and has a slight With Chanote title, public some of the most expensive There are 4 floors with 6 Western kitchen, living Western kitchen, living-din- slope with a sea view. It is a road access, water and housing on the island. A very rooms in each unit and the room, dining room, a ter- ing room and 2 terraces nice square plot and has electricity. Only 2 minutes good investment; a beautiful ground floor is ideal for en- race where you can enjoy where you can relax and water and electricity supply. to Rawai Beach. Price: 8 area with nice, quiet tertainment. Very good loca- the sunset; storeroom and see the sunset. It is fully fur- Ideal for a villa project. million baht. Tel: 09- beaches. Price: 8 million tion. Price 18 million baht. a carport. Price: 13.5 million nished. Price: 15 million Price: 36 million baht. 8715192. baht. Tel: 09-8715192. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 09-8715192.
16 X 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT
This 16-unit apartment build- 2-BEDROOM ing is located in a quiet area VILLA in Chalong, 5 minutes’ drive 3-BEDROOM ISLANDS to Big C and Central, 10 min- With sea view. It comprises utes to Phuket City and 15 THAI-STYLE VILLA 9 RAI FOR SALE a master bedroom with en- WITH SEA VIEW 7 RAI SEA VIEW minutes to Nai Harn, Karon It comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 We have many island prop- suite bathroom and Jaccuzzi, and Kata Beaches. All apart- A good piece of land in a en-suite bathrooms, guest This plot is located in erties on our books. Cur- guest bedroom with en-suite ments have 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, Western kitchen Chalong and has a slight quiet area with public rent: 2 complete islands and bathroom, kitchen, living bathroom, kitchen, living and and a spacious living-dining slope with a sea view. It is a road access, water and many land plots of different room, dining room, study, dining room, and are fully room. Besides the nice land- nice square plot and has electricity supply. sizes on islands close to guest toilet, 2-car carport, furnished. It has an office, scaped garden, you can water and electricity supply. Phuket, such as: Koh Yao nice garden, solar-heated hot- manicured gardens and the Only 10 minutes to Rawai enjoy a common pool. Ideal for a villa project. Yai, Koh Yao Noi and Koh water system, UBC, phone property is very well main- Price: 6.7 million baht. Price: 36 million baht. Beach. Price: 38.5 million Racha. Prices from 1 million with Internet. Price 7.5 million tained. 20 million baht. Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 09-8715192. baht. Tel: 09-8715192. baht. Tel: 09-8715192. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. Tel: 06-2726508. November 26 - December 2, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 39 Boats & Marine
FISHING BOAT
Jim Young's "Vindex" de- sign. Built under license in cedarstrip/epoxy. 12-ft beam. One 300hp Cummins 6BTA diesel and ZF hydraulic gear. Hydraulic steering from main cabin or fly bridge. Many extras. Sleeps two couples in for- ward cabin or convertible dining area. WC, shower and hand basin. Galley and bosun's locker. This boat is in good condition; is fully taxed and registered in Thai- land; and includes a berth for nearly one year at the Boat Lagoon Marina. Needs completion of renovation. Asking 2.3 million baht. Please contact for further details. Tel: 076-342913, 01-8166940 or email: [email protected] SEADOO JETBOAT Features 2 x 115hp Rotax PEGASUS MARINE INVERTER FOR SALE engines, new Bimini; lots of Launches New Model – Pe- fun for four pople. Asking gasus 8.2! 26-ft long, 7’4” Mastervolt Mass Sine 12/ 550,000 baht. Located at wide, draught 10 inches. 200 inverter for sale. Used Boat Lagoon Marina. Call Tel: Based on a proven commer- only 6 months in a house, so no possibility of salt damage. 27-FT SPEEDBOAT 24’ SWISSCAT WATERMAKER 01-273400. Email: charly@ cial design. Hand-built fiber- bonello.de glass sea-going powerboat Nominal output 1800 Watts Has a Mercury 200hp engine. Has 2 Honda 4-stroke out- Brand New Pur 40E. Never combines fun, performance (2,000 for 30 mins). Price: Farang-owned and well main- boards, 50hp each; 24kts; installed, still in box. Comes and economy. 7-year struc- 60,000 baht. Also for sale: tained. 7 years old. Everything 160 hours; SemiCat; Thai flag; with world cruising spares kit. BOAT FOR SALE tural hull warranty. Positive KVK charger, output up to refinished, looks like a new built 2004; fully equipped at Water filter with spare filters. Moored in Chalong. Length: buoyancy flotation, self-bail- 60V, max 100 Amp. Fitted boat. Engine fully serviced. Boat Lagoon. Asking price just 12V. US$3,000 o.b.o. for all. 10.5m; beam: 3.6m; draft: ing cockpit. Easily trailed. with temperature cutout 375,000 baht. Tel: 07-283- 1.24 million baht. Tel: 076- Email: [email protected] 1.3m; 12 tonnes. Six-cylin- Special introductory offer: and large fan. Price:15,000 4185. Email: mauirick1@ 289250, 01-2734000. Email: der, 180hp Hino engine. Maxi- new Pegasus 8.2, plus new baht. Plus three large (truck- yahoo.com [email protected] YACHT DELIVERIES mum 12 passengers + 2 Yamaha 85hp outboard, size) batteries for 4,000 Do you need your yacht deliv- crew. Needs work in cabin baht each. Will sell the whole KAYAK LONGBOARD ered? Experienced offshore area. 500,000 baht or near- plus new trailer. 595,000 baht, plus VAT. Tel: 076- lot for 80,000 baht (about “Feel Free” 2-person Kayak. For sale. 9'4” long board, MC skipper available for long or est offer. Contact for details US$2,000). Please contact New in March 2005, cost Surf Designs Byron Bay. Al- short deliveries worldwide for or viewing. Tel: 076-288971, 239800. For further details, please see our website at: Tel: 07-8849964. Email: 26,000 baht. For quick sale at most new. Tri-fin performance sailing yachts. References or 01-8923320. Fax: 076- [email protected] 19,900 baht. For details, call series. Price: US$500. Email: and CV available by email. 383803. Email: seaking@ www.pegasusmarine.com Tel: 04-8426206. [email protected] Email: [email protected] phuket.com 40 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS November 26 - December 2, 2005 Boats & Island Job Mart Marine
NEW PERFORMANCE YAMAHA GAS TANK Dinghies: Red 24L speedboat gas tank, 1) 59er – modern perfor- an original Yamaha. Asking mance hiking dinghy. Hull price: 3,500 baht. Please con- CUSTOMER EXPERIENCED lightly used, well maintained, tact for information. Tel: 01- RELATIONS HOUSEKEEPER new standing rigging and a 8931894. Email: pflastis@ English-speaking, educated I require a very experienced new set of sails. Asking: yahoo.de females with 5-star hotel ex- housekeeper to live and 495,000 baht. perience wanted for cus- work in my house in Kok 2) 29er – modern single tra- KING’S CUP MUSCLE tomer relations job. Must be Kroi. You must have high peze dinghy. Used twice, like If you got muscle and are un- JUNIOR SECRETARY STAFF WANTED able to tell the difference standards of English, staff new, with new sails. 350,000 der 40 (brain and experience Our client is looking for a fe- Staff wanted for jewelry shop between quality tourists and supervision, cooking and baht. not important), you can have male who has good English in Karon. Good English speak- others. An entry-level posi- cleaning skills. References Both boats have already been a free ride on a Swan 55 dur- skills, at least 1 year of work ing skills and references from tion, so a strong attitude is are required and experience imported to Phuket. Both in- ing the King’s Cup Regatta. experience and a nice person- previous work in Phuket re- required. Please contact. is essential. Please contact clude beach trolley and cover. Can use 2 guys. Please con- ality. Salary: 10-15,000 baht quired! Contact Alex for more Tel: 07-8817600. Please for more information. Tel: Please contact for more de- tact. Tel: 076-383080, 06- per month. Contact. Tel: 01- information. Tel: 04-8459510, see our website at www. 01-7473000 or email: tails. Tel: 06-9541915 or 9401860. Fax: 076-381934. 5354108. Email: recruitment 09-0114069, or email: homebarphuket.com [email protected] email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] @bowentraining.com [email protected] November 26 - December 2, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Island Job Mart
LE ROYAL MERIDIEN BAAN TALING NGAM is seeking enthusiastic and PIMALAI RESORT service-minded individuals to & Spa. A member of Small join our team in the following Luxury Hotels of the World, positions: having established itself as -Assistant Head House- one of the best up-market keeper beachfront resorts in south- - Restaurant Manager ern Thailand, Pimalai Resort & Spa will soon initiate the - Restaurant Supervisor soft opening of 39 superb pool - Restaurant Hostess villas and additional food & - Waitress/Waiter beverage facilities. There are - Front Office Host still a few positions available - Bellboy and we invite qualified and dynamic professionals to ap- - Night Auditor ply for the following: - Thai Musicians 1. Front Office Manager All applicants must have 2. Assistant Front Office work experience in the hotel Manager industry and a good com- mand of English. 3. Guest Services Officers Contact: Human Resources 4. Cost Controller Department. 5. Chef de Partie Tel: 077-429100. 6. Demi Chef de Partie Fax: 077-234219. 7. Spa Therapists Email: s.putsorn@ 8. Night Auditor kohsamui.lemeridien.com All positions are for Thai na- www. tionals only. For positions 1-3, kohsamui.lemeridien.com knowledge of Fidelio Version 7 would be a plus and good En- CUSTOMER glish, verbal and written, is re- relations. English-speaking, INTERNATIONAL WORK IN quired. Interested candidates educated females with 5-star JEWELRY SALES INTERNET CAFÉ please submit your applica- hotel experience wanted for Saleswoman required for in- tions with recent photograph We’re looking for Thai customer relations job. Must ternational gem shows. Ini- women, age 18-24, to work and salary expectation, by be able to tell the difference tial period: 4 months, starting fax or email. Only short-listed as cyber café receptionists: between quality tourists and January 2006. Shows in the 1 full-time, 1 night-time. Pos- candidates will be contacted. others. An entry-level position, US and Australia. Excellent Tel: 075-607999. Fax: 075- sibility of lodging. The appli- so a strong attitude is re- pay dependent on sales ex- cant has to speak English. 607987. Email: hr@pimalai. quired. Please contact for perience. All nationalities com www.pimalai.com Patong and Phuket. Contact more information. Tel: 07- welcome to apply. Tel: 07- K. Yupha. Tel: 076-341255. 8817600. For furthur details, 8948351. Email: shamusoz Email: reservation@liontchai. Looking for a job? www.phuketgazette.net! please see our website at @yahoo.com.au com www.homebarphuket.com 42 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS November 26 - December 2, 2005 Island Job Mart Tout, Trader & Trumpet NANNY / HOUSEKEEPER/ COOK Family in New York City is looking for childcare for 1 Articles child, 5 days/week, Monday- for Sale Friday, 11am-9pm. Live out. We need a responsible, hard worker with no criminal his- GOOD PRICE tory. A background check - Professional refrigerator with will be done. Person should two-level temperature. One be sweet, like and be protec- month old, still under warranty tive of children. Person will be - Double gas fryer, gas barbe- responsible for all food shop- cue. 80cm wide with half ping, cleaning, cooking and griddle: 90,000 baht. Save taking care of child under di- 19,000 baht! Will even sell rection of parents. English separately. Contact me for speaking required. Refer- further details. Email: fepigada ences required. Please send @yahoo.it a letter or resumé by email or fax so that we can sched- ule an interview. Start date Bulletins is as soon as possible. Please contact for more details. Tel: 646-2051034. Fax: 212- PHUKET CHESS CLUB 3717497. Email: csantucci Open every day, at South- @bayharbour.com ern Fried Rice guesthouse in Kata. Tournaments on Wednesdays at 7 pm and NATIVE-ENGLISH Saturdays at 2 pm. Please SPEAKERS call for more information. Tel: 01-8948446. LOOKING PARTNER/ required to work as Recruit- FOR A RESORT INVESTOR WANTED ment Consultants and hotel or bungalows to buy Stunning west-coast Layan- Resourcers for an Interna- in the Phuket area. From 10 view property. Looking for tional Recruitment Consult- Business rooms or bungalows and 1 more partner/investor. An ancy, to be based in Phuket Opportunities up. Email details of pro- excellent opportunity to pick from February 06. You will posed properties to: up a free home. Tel: 01- need to be young, bright, hotelproposal@hotmail. 9683221. affable and hardworking. com Applicants must have a de- gree. Salary: 30,000 baht O’MALLEYS IRISH per month plus 60,000 baht OFFICE FOR RENT pub. Small business, big oppor- OTE. Work permit included. Prime location, on ½ rai with tunity! Recently refurbished Please contact for more in- a pretty garden and parking pub & restaurant, located in formation. Email: ian@ spaces. 200sqm ground floor Phuket City. Close to major evocation.net has 3 rooms, a bathroom and hotels, shopping area and JOBS WITH A FUTURE ORPHANAGE a kitchen. The 85sqm first tourist attractions. Package We are looking for two Thai WARDENS floor has a large balcony and air includes all paperwork, visas, nationals who can learn and A married Thai couple, 45 to SALES/MANAGMENT conditioning in all rooms. Tel: 2 work permits and all li- grow with our company. We 50 years of age, with trainees. 2 staff required for 076-282232, 01-9794140. censes for a smooth takeover. need an Executive Assistant grown-up children is wanted online accommodation book- 400sqm, live music stage, (EA) and a bright Junior. Re- as Wardens/Guardians to ings. Computer skills and good CHANCE 2005 sound and light system, pro- quirements: good computer 32 young boys (aged 8-10 English required. Please send GUESTHOUSE A businessman offers a part- jector UBC TV, 3 new pool and English skills and a car years) at a new Children's your CV by email or contact for and restaurant for sale, lo- nership for a new European tables (including pool room), 15 driving license for the EA. Home in Thalang. Adminis- more information. Tel: 075- cated opposite the main en- or Thai limited company. Im- tables, 40 bar stools, 5 fridges Starting salary for EA: tration and management 637514, 01-0775698. Fax: trance to Royal Paradise Hotel portant: fast decision neces- and freezers, new kitchen 13,000 baht to 16,000 baht skills required to take 075-637669. Email: rbysouth in Patong. It has 6 very com- sary. Company will require equipment, 2 phone lines and a month; for Junior: 8,000 charge of the Home and its @hotmail.com fortable guestrooms with just a little time each day. over 300 taxi bikes with baht to 10,000 baht a month. staff of about 6 people. shower, toilet, air conditioner Start-up money of 30,000 O’Malleys vests driving Will advance with proven per- Some basic spoken English and TV; staff rooms; a restau- euros required. No competi- around the city! Please con- formance. Tel: 076-232960, is needed. Successful candi- Employment rant in top condition with a tion, clients enough! Work tact for more information. Tel: 09-8719022. Fax: 076- dates will be expected to live high-standard, fully equipped permit and visa for Thailand 076-220170, 09-7292846. 232961. Email: rob@sailing- at the Home. Please contact Wanted kitchen. Asking 14 million no problem! If you have the Email: scottshaw77@lycos. thailand.com for more information. Email: baht. Tel: 01-8956587, 01- start money for our future co.uk [email protected] 5385322. Email: rudolfpanz together, then please contact INTERNET @hotmail.com me. Email: miamibeachn@ OPEN BAR FOR RENT BAR STAFF MARKETING netscape.net Totally equipped, with UBC Attractive, stylish, English- ALBATROSS EXPERT BAR FOR LEASE and draft beer. Asking 15,000 speaking females only, 25 Leisure Ticketing. Require- in Soi Bangla, Patong. Please baht per month and 3 months’ I have my own web server, INTERNET BUSINESS years of age and up, with 5- ments: 2 or more years’ T/A call K. Tan. Tel: 01-8917875. deposit! Please contact for over 9 years’ experience 30,000 baht/month. PT/FT. star hotel experience. Please experience, outgoing pleasant more information. Tel: 04- with software for e-com- Free info. Positions limited. For contact for more information. personality, independant hard- 1847250. Email: fepigada merce, tourism-related sites, WEBSITE SALE more details see: hop. Tel: 07-8817600. For further working person. Offered: staff An established, up, and easy clickbank.net/?ukthai/1free @yahoo.it details, please see our web- meals, transport, attractive online education and eBay. I would like to hear from busi- site for making money: site at www.homebarphuket. salary and challenging work www.thailandadvertiser.com PATONG PATONG OFFICE com environment. Please contact ness minded people who would need my knowledge Offers over 140,000 baht shophouse. A 60sqm shop- Nanai Rd, fully equipped, with for more information. Tel: acceptable; you may take in- house for rent in Patong. Ask- a 3-year lease. Tel: 07-889- 076-270958, 01-9561650. in their business. Email: OFFICE STAFF [email protected] stallments. Tel: 06-9525071. ing 7,000 baht per month. Tel: 3838, 09-2911112. wanted for office work in our Fax: 076-270950. Email: Email: [email protected]. 09-4740227. tour agency. Must speak En- [email protected] co.uk AO POR OFFICE glish and be computer literate. LOW PREMIUM space for rent. Ao Por corner Please contact for more infor- COOK & WAITRESS GOOD RESTAURANT Two sources of income. Li- coffee shop, office and retail mation. Tel: 076-296231, 09- 1 cook and 1 waitress ur- HOUSEKEEPER Food shop to sell out near censed language school to- space for rent at The Estate 9705265. Fax: 076-296454. gently needed for a small res- Seeks part-time house clean- Rawai Beach on Viset Rd. gether with preschool, 6-year Building. Contact Khun Tina. Email: info@ildkingdomtours. taurant. Please contact for ing from 8 am to midday. 200,000 baht. Please contact lease, for sale as on-going Tel: 076-260468, 09-652- com More details are available more details. Tel: 01-891- Please contact. Sumalee. Tel: for more information. Tel: business. Asking 1.1 million 7488. Fax: 076-260440. at our website at: www. 4019. Email: tkoschig2000@ 01-2723319. 076-289042, 01-9254628. baht. Tel: 076-282232, 01- Email: admin@tacticalcapital. wildkingdomtours.com hotmail.com Email: [email protected] 9794140 (after 9 pm.) net November 26 - December 2, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 43 Tout, Trader & Wheels Trumpet & Motors
RESTAURANT and guesthouse. Available on Saloon Cars Motorbikes 6-year lease in Karon. European- style kitchen, 36-seat air-con- ditioned restaurant, two TVs, HARLEY DAVISION UBC & sound system. Five air- Ultra classic 1,450cc twin conditioned guest rooms with cam, year 2000, with book hot water, TV and full UBC sat- up 95%. Priced at 780,000 ellite TV system. Small staff baht. Tel: 01-6919346. room and office. Thai regis- Email: sumon@ridethailand. tered company included, ready com to start your business now. Tel: 09-5914044, 01-8936072. Email: kanhathamyorm@ hotmail.com HONDA VALKYRIE DAY TRIP TO PERSIAN CARPETS 1,500cc, year 1997, black BAR FOR SALE RANONG Oriental hand-knotted car- color, in good condition with View 7 pm to 2 am, 7 days a New double-decker tour bus pet, rug and kilim dealer book, kept on bypass road. week: Soi Viking on Soi Bang- (not minibus), non-smoking (specializing in washing and Priced at 350,000 baht. Tel: la, Patong. Offers around 10 and smoking areas, toilet, repair). Free pick-up and de- 076-352069, 01-6919346. million baht. See our website: films/music, snacks and livery. Please contact for Email: sumon@ridethailand. www.homebarphuket.com drinks, on-board buffet lunch. more information. com No extras to pay, all-inclu- Tel: 01-9563061. BUNGALOWS sive. Only 1,500 baht. Every & restaurant for rent. Please Email: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sunday. [email protected] HONDA VFR 400CC contact. Tel: 01-8946686. Tel: 07-0070101. Pickups www.phuketnatureplace. Top condition. 6,000 baht. com Please call for more details. ISUZU D-MAX 3.0Di Tel: 07-1301363. Club Memberships Available Isuzu D-Max, June 2003, Business 39,000 km, 4 doors, diesel, Products & automatic, 4x2, roll bar, bull KAWASAKI 800CC Services bar, runners, alloy wheels, Vulcano. Blue, 1997 (2040), Pioneer stereo. This is a well- 2 farang owners. Price: maintained private car, 220,000 baht. Tel: 01- owned and driven by a non- 8923058. Email: cyril@ VISA & LEGAL smoker. Come and see it. Rea- porseland.se For further de- SERVICES Phuket’s Most Trusted & son for sale: we have bought tails, please see our website Reputable Supplier of the Finest a new car. Price: 585,000 at: www.thailand.tc/kawa Quality Used SALOONS, baht (no loans outstanding on SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS the car). Please contact for Rentals New cars or trade-ins – details. Tel: 06-5936705. we have what you’re Email: pui_khamphan@ looking for hotmail.com For more info pls call us at A1 CAR RENTAL ONSITE SERVICES Tel: 076-224632, 216243 4 x 4s www.suremotor.com Computers Blacksmith and steel worker available. We do awnings, MITSUBISHI 4WD COMPUTER REPAIRS screens and gutters. Tel: 01- 8931739. 2001 Strada 4-door, excellent • Company Registration English computer technician. HONDA JAZZ 2005 condition, 1 owner from new, 2,229 baht; New or used. GPRS, ADSL, 9000km, 8 months old; full service history, many ex- • One-Year Visa 5,999 WLAN and Internet access Personals black, with options. Asking tras including roof rack, Cars, trucks, jeeps – fully baht; without a phone. Tel: 09- 540,000 baht. Please con- Carryboy, bull bar, etc. Below insured for rental. Best prices • Work Permit 5,999 baht; 4735080. tact for details. Tel: 01-788- average mileage – a great buy. for long-term rental: • UK & US Visa 16,999 BACKGAMMON 8280. Email: mauram7@ 420,000 baht ono. Please 12,000-20,000 baht per baht. Miscellaneous Retired businessman looking hotmail.com contact for more information. month. Please call. Tel: 076- No more visa runs – get a for backgammon players on Tel: 01-8957824 (English), 200900, 09-8314703. one-year visa! Establish your for Sale Phuket Island. Please call if 01-3670231(Thai). Email: Thai company today! Prop- interested. Tel: 076-386113, FORD LASER 2000 [email protected] erty title search and sales 01-5778443. LOW PRICE Silver color, 1.6L, in very CHEROKEE LIMITED contract. Thailand’s LARG- good condition; well main- Low price for long-term rent. 2000 new model: 72,000km; EST legal service network. GOOD GUY SEEKS tained. Asking 350,000 baht. Many types of new cars, auto, green. Asking 450,000 Tel: 076-345277. Email: good lady to share free time Please call for more details. with CD player and insurance, baht. Please call for more de- [email protected] www. together and exchange ideas. Tel: 01-8931739. and well maintained. Please siam-legal.com If you are looking for some- tails. Tel: 01-0808831. contact for info. Tel:01-607- thing new in your life with a nice 8567. Email: suksavat@ ATTENTION guy (in & out), let’s meet up. CARIBIAN hotmail.com HONDA CRV 2002 Suzuki jeep selling for 85,000 foreigners! Help your lady Email: robin_me1@yahoo. baht. I just spent 20,000 baht learn English quickly with pro- com A Honda CRV 2002 in excel- on the engine, clutch, mechan- fessional teachers at Text And lent condition is for sale. ics, plus new insurance. Runs BP RENTALS Talk Academy, Patong! Also, JUGGLER/ 50,000km; fully serviced. very well, but body needs a lot learn Thai quickly in fun unicyclist seeks Thai lady part- Price: 735,000 baht. Please Suzuki Caribians with full in- of work. Located at Boat La- courses! Contact K. Amado. ner, aged 25-35, to share my contact for further details. surance: 10,000 baht per goon Marina. Tel: 01-273- Tel: 09-8140107 or 076-346- skills, tricks and acts with. Tel: Tel: 06-2672462. Email: month. Good daily rates. Tel: 4000. Email: charly@bonello. 188. Location: where Rat-U- Personal 06-7392630. [email protected] 09-472304. Business de Thit 200 Pi Rd joins Pracha Services Nukroh Rd, opposite Coconut Hotel and next to the Phuket Pets Directory office. Become a pro- ENGLISH TUITION fessional English teacher Private lessons available through our world-famous TEFL with TEFL-qualified native GREAT DANE PUPIES Need wheels? Check out course and learn survival Thai speaker. Contact for more 100% pure Great Dane pup- for free! For the TEFL course details. Tel: 07-8887676. pies for sale. Please call. Tel: www.phuketgazette.net ONLY. Tel: 06-9520088. Email: homeawaypatong@ 09-2911112. Email: [email protected] hotmail.com 44 PHUKET GAZETTE November 26 - December 2, 2005
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