Volume 14 Issue 30 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555July 28 - August 3, 2007 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 25 Baht

The Gazette is published All-English in association with Transport Office radio station launches in IN THIS ISSUE sets plans for Phuket NEWS: Ao Phuket information PHUKET CITY: Phuket now lacking; ICEC site update. has its first all-English radio sta- Pages 2 & 3 tion, 90.5 Phuket Gold FM, INSIDE STORY: Drowning broadcasting from the Radio deaths prompt fears over Thailand office near Phuket beach safety. Pages 4 & 5 new bus station Rajabhat University. The launch was announced AROUND THE REGION: Are you By Natcha Yuttaworawit an optimist or a pessimist? at a press conference at the Page 7 RASSADA: The Phuket Provin- China Inn restaurant in down- cial Transport Office (PPTO) town Phuket City July 18. AROUND THE SOUTH: Emer- has agreed to buy 10 rai of land 90.5 Phuket Gold FM is gency law extended in South. near Supercheap on Thepkras- managed jointly by Bangkok- Page 8 attri Rd to build a new inter-pro- based KOOL...EST Co Ltd and AROUND THE NATION: New vincial bus station. monthly lifestyle magazine cyber laws; Teachers warned; The existing bus station, on Phuket Bulletin. Dengue fever outbreak. Phang Nga Rd in Phuket City, will A press release distributed Page 9 be used for only local buses, vans at the launch announced that pro- and songtaew, most of which now gramming would be positioned as PEOPLE: A day in the life of a leave from Ranong Rd. a “touristainment radio”, also tar- Phuket butler. PPTO chief Chatchawarn geting the local expatriate com- Pages 14 & 15 Ngarmtup told the Gazette that munity. TSOWNDINGS: Confessions of his office has a verbal agreement Music segments will fea- a karaoke convert. Page 17 to buy the 10 rai at 80 million baht ture Western music hits from the from local businessman Sin 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, along with LIFESTYLE: Hanging five with Wongcharoen. local tourism industry news and local beach bums. Page 19 The site, now vacant, is next national news by Radio Thailand. MAKING TRACKS: Do you pre- to the Ford warehouse on the in- Listeners can expect to fer dogs or monkeys? bound side of Thepkrasattri Rd, hear songs by such artists as Eric Page 28 a few hundred meters south of Clapton, Elton John and The Supercheap. Eagles. SPORTS: A kayak adventure; The bus station in downtown Phuket City will be used only for local The Department of Land Speaking at the launch Phuket Raceweek; Interna- buses, vans and songtaew once the new station, near Supercheap, Transport has ordered K. Chat- were MR Rujayapa Abhakorn, tional cricket; Darts. is completed. chawan to complete the purchase Managing Director of Bangkok- Pages 34 & 35 by the end of this month, but he fresh market on Ranong Rd to amenities will be provided for based KOOL...EST, Phuket PROPERTY: Gardening: Deep fears this may not be achieved the existing bus station. tourists, such as ATMs or a bank Bulletin Managing Director roots; Decor: Lighting up; as the PPTO is awaiting final Moving the main bus ter- service that the tourists often Chaiyot Pinpradab and Radio Construction: Tah Chat Chai; approval from higher levels of the minal has been discussed for need to access once they reach Thailand acting Director Wee- Property Watch: Vacation Ministry of Transport, K. Chat- years as a way of reducing traf- Phuket. rapong Waitayawongsakul. time. Pages 36-39 chawarn explained. fic congestion in town caused by Kanokporn Petchmuang, a While other radio stations “In the meantime, the best the large buses needing to navi- tourist arriving in Phuket from on the island have had limited PLUS I can do is finalize the sale con- gate the narrow streets of the city Roi-Et, said she wasn’t particu- segments in English, 90.5 Phuket tract and wait for final approval center. larly pleased with the current bus Gold FM will be the island’s first QUEER NEWS 6; AROUND THE IS- from the ministry,” he said. One tour operator, who did station, but was concerned that all-English radio service, broad- LAND 10; GOOD L IVING 13; HAP- The location for the new not want to give her name, said the new station is further from casting daily from 8 am until mid- PENINGS 16; LIFESTYLE 18; bus station is appropriate because she has seen the number of buses the city center. night. STOOL PIGEON 20; AMBROSIA'S it is centrally located on a main and pollution steadily increase She makes three trips an- Listeners in parts of Krabi SECRETS 21; TAKE A B REAK 23 road on the outskirts of the city, over the past few years, but the nually to Phuket and said she and Phang Nga will also be able & 24; BOOKS, DIARY 25; EDI- K. Chatchawarn said. number of tourists using the buses wants to be near downtown to receive broadcasts. TORIAL, LETTERS 26; PERSPEC- He added that Phuket City has remained stable. when she arrives. The service will start with TIVES 27; HOROSCOPES 29; COM- Municipality will be asked to She said that she would “I don’t want to have to a music-only format, with other PUTERS 30; BUSINESS AND M ONEY move local transport routes from certainly move to the new bus spend even more on transporta- features to be added gradually 32 & 33; CLASSIFIEDS 40-51. their current terminus near the station, but hopes that more tion once I’m here,” she said. over the next two months. 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS July 28 - August 3, 2007 Local trumps Phuket Perfect video competition KARON: Danny Avison of Rawai has won the Phuket Perfect video competition, held by Phuket-based property developer C9 Hotelworks as part of the launch of its PhuketPerfect.com website. Entrants submitted videos of their concept of the perfect Phuket lifestyle to win a one-week stay in a Movenpick Residence. John Chatteris drowned in heavy From January to mid-June, the Phuket Perfect website gen- surf at Nai Harn Beach July 18. erated more than 2,500 hits, averaging more than 100 a day. C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett said, “We also wanted to do something more than just highlight the Movenpick Rawai Residences. We wanted to illustrate Phuket as an idyllic lifestyle and investment choice. “It was not just about our products, C9 Hotelworks and our resident supporters also wished to get more valuable international exposure Movenpick Residence Sales Manager Ann Hanson hands Danny drowns at for Phuket as a destination.” Avison his award for winning the Phuket Perfect video contest. Nai Harn Locals ‘uninformed’ Free YRock NAI HARN: John Chatteris, Music Camp founder of Atsumi Healing Cen- ter in Rawai, drowned while at Laguna swimming at Nai Harn Beach July 18. of Ao Phuket project CHERNG TALAY: YRock’s Ian Lenton, who works at Summer Music Camp, one of the center, told the Gazette that By Janyaporn Morel their findings to Phuket Vice- inces whom they thought would Hong Kong’s most popular youth Mr Chatteris, 61, went to the Governor Worapoj Ratthasima at be affected by the project: 900 in events, will make its way to La- beach with his family at about 5 PHUKET CITY: A public opin- a meeting at Phuket Provincial Phuket and 300 each from Phang guna Phuket from August 6 to 11. pm. ion survey conducted by research- Hall on July 13. Nga and Krabi. The event will provide op- Although red flags were ers from the Prince of Songkla The study of the potential Target groups included gov- portunities for young people to ex- posted at the beach, indicating University (PSU) found that 86% social impact of the 70-billion-baht ernment officials, local politicians, hibit their talents in a music camp that the surf was unsafe for swim- of people who stand to be af- project, commissioned and paid tourism industry operators and comprising free daily workshops ming, Mr Chatteris entered the fected by the proposed Ao for by the province, will be pre- members of the general public. between 3 pm and 5 pm. Work- water and soon began having dif- Phuket development plan said sented to the NESDB along with The survey canvassed opin- shops will be open to any act, tal- ficulty swimming in the strong they knew little or nothing about other impact studies required by ion on possible social impacts of ent or audio-visual crew. waves. the project, drawn up by the Of- the agency before it can put the the project, including job creation, Like-minded teens will be He was pulled from the surf fice of the National Economic project before Cabinet for fund- economic development, and the able to meet band members, cre- and rushed to Vachira Phuket and Social Development Board ing approval. effect on local culture, education, ate music and perform live, giv- Hospital, where he was pro- (NESDB). The NESDB will commis- public health, safety and security. ing budding musicians a glimpse nounced dead. After being brought up to sion its own environmental impact Researcher K. Kamontorn of what it’s like to pursue a ca- No other members of Mr date by researchers about the study of the project, which would reported that 86% of those sur- reer in the music industry. Chatteris’ family were injured. details, however, some 55% of comprise two islands, one for a veyed didn’t know enough about Classically trained musi- An author, teacher and those surveyed said they would marina and the other for meet- the plan to make an informed cians will have the chance to natural therapist for 20 years, Mr prefer to scrap the plan, which ings, incentives, conventions and decision about it. showcase their skills through the Chatteris was a master shiatsu involves reclaiming land in Phuket exhibitions, or MICE, facilities. After being given an over- Clock workshop, focusing on a therapist. He cofounded the Bay to build facilities including a The two islands would be view of the plan, however, most fusion of classical music and Shiatsu Centre in South Austra- hotel, marina, shopping complex, connected by three short bridges of those interviewed thought the rock. lia and opened the Atsumi Cen- trade exhibition center and to the mainland, one to the north project could provide jobs, but YRock will culminate with ter five years ago. 10,000-seat arena. at Rassada Harbor, one to the many were concerned about the a concert from 7:30 pm to 9:30 Mr Chatteris, an English- The research team, led by south onto what is now protected possibility of low-season unem- pm on August 11, featuring guest born Australian, was also an ac- Dr Aree Tirasatayapitak and mangrove forest at Laem Nambor ployment. performances by artists involved complished musician. Kamontorn Prompitak of the and the third off Saphan Hin. Other concerns about the in the workshops and 2006 His funeral service was held PSU Phuket Campus Faculty of The researchers surveyed project’s potential negative social YRock Asia Pacific International at Wat Chalong July 25. Service Industries, presented 1,500 people from three prov- impacts included a possible in- Teenage Music Challenge win- crease in the cost of living, dete- ners Ghost Souljah and Dani & rioration of the local culture, in- Maren. sufficient public health services For more information email and public utilities, and increases Belinda Howard at belmike@ in traffic congestion, crime and netvigator.com or visit www. other social problems. yrock.com.hk July 28 - August 3, 2007 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 ICEC site proposals Police bust Patong fail to hit pay dirt By Janyaporn Morel or rental agreement, said its rep- resentatives. extortion racket PHUKET: Three sites have been Chonthicha is prepared to proposed for Phuket’s Interna- invest in the project’s construc- By Sompratch Saowakhon tional Convention and Exhibition tion, either alone or in a joint ven- Center (ICEC), but none afford ture. The company has 250 rai in PATONG: Kathu Police arrested the sea views long considered a the area and is prepared to offer four men on July 18 for allegedly ‘must’ for the project. more land if needed, they said. attempting to extort 100,000 baht Phuket Governor Niran Tri Eagles Co Ltd, a subsid- from the Thai-Nepalese owner of Kalayanamit, who heads the iary of Three Dolphins Group, a tailor shop. committee that will decide the whose holdings include Mom The four suspects were pre- project site, heard the proposals Tri’s Boathouse and the Trisara sented to the media at a press on July 23. resort, proposed a 30-year lease conference at Kathu Police Sta- Phummisak Hongsyok said of 155 rai near Thalang Chanasuk tion the following day. his firm Anuphas & Sons Co Ltd Memorial Field in Thepkrasattri. They were identified as 40- was prepared to allot 165 rai of The site offers easy access year-old Burmese national Chom its 1,600-rai Chao Fa City project to the airport and luxury hotels, “Johnnie Lek” Bunyawej, the off Chao Fa West Rd. The area, and independent water supply ringleader, and his three accom- which is already home to the from tin mines, the representative plices: Pansak “Bow” Poon- company’s Honda dealership said. Noo, 24; Jareon “Chang” Ped- showroom, was offered as a site The flat terrain would make thong, 29; and Udon “Don” for the ICEC in July 2003. it easy to install infrastructure and Jaiwang, 36. utilities, she added. All were listed as residents The men arrested in the sting were identified as (from left): Pansak K. Phummisak, a former “Bow” Poon-Noo, Jareon “Chang” Pedthong, Udon “Don” Jaiwang Phuket City mayor and current Tri Eagles did not specify of Nakhon Sri Thammarat Prov- and ringleader Chom “Johnnie Lek” Bunyawej. member of the National Legisla- whether the firm is prepared to ince except Udon, who is a resi- tive Assembly, pointed out that invest in construction. dent of Phuket’s Wichit District. 200,000 baht, half of which he had man, K. Pansak. the site is centrally located near In closing the meeting, Gov According to a press re- already collected as a down pay- K. Jiwan also told police that Central Festival Phuket. Niran said that two plots of gov- lease and statements by the in- ment. since the arrest of the four men The newly-paved Muang ernment land at Mai Khao were tended victim, the extortion be- In subsequent calls K. he has received more threaten- Chao Fa Rd ensures quick access still being considered. gan when Pansak called Jiwan Jiwan was told that if he paid the ing phone calls warning him not to Kathu and the site is in a “yel- However, while both plots “Jim” Raithai, Managing Direc- 100,000 baht remaining on the to speak to police about the case. low zone”, which allows struc- offer impressive views and easy tor of the “G Armani” tailor shop contract he would not be killed. “I’m still afraid of this gang tures up to 23 meters tall, said K. access to the airport, critics have on Soi Kebsup, on July 14 and On July 17, the extortionist because I’m still getting threat- Phummisak. argued that the sites are too far threatened to kill him if he did not instructed K. Jiwan to provide ening calls even after they were Anuphas & Sons is pre- from the island’s major popula- pay 100,000 baht – or if he talked him with a new debit card that arrested. Police told me that if I pared to invest about 2 billion baht tion centers. to police. he could use to withdraw 100,000 need help I can call them any to build the center and allow other As it has been ING Funds’ Rather than give in to the baht. time,” he said. firms to invest, either by renting willingness to fund the project in extortionist, K. Jiwan notified At 1 pm on July 18, K. Pol Lt Col Boonlert Onklang or through a joint venture, he said. Mai Khao that has sparked the Kathu Police after the first phone Jiwan and his wife deposited 3,000 told the Gazette that all four sus- Bangkok-based Chonthicha latest surge of interest in the call and a plan was laid to snare baht in the Siam Commercial pects were charged with extor- Property Co Ltd offered 150 rai project, Gov Niran asked ING them. Bank branch at Jungceylon, tion. on Luck Kongsri Rd in Rassada, Funds’ representatives at the Police Region 8 Deputy where the new debit card was Chom and Udon have de- near the Phuket Provincial Juve- meeting to discuss with landhold- Commissioner Maj Gen Santhan issued. nied all charges. Pansak admit- nile and Family Court. ers the possible joint development Chayanon and Kathu Police Su- About 5 pm, he was in- ted making threatening phone The site is accessible from of the project and to submit de- perintendent Col Grissak Song- structed to drop the card with a calls to K. Jiwan, while Jareon Thepkrasattri Rd and the Sapam- tailed plans within 30 days. moonnark told the press that in security guard near the entrance admitted only that he had earlier Samkong road. The committee will then take the first telephone call Pansak told to the parking lot at Supercheap traveled with the other three from The company is prepared to another 30 days before recom- K. Jiwan that he had been hired and to tell the guard that some- Khao Lak to Phuket, but denied accept all government conditions mending a site to the Ministry of by a third party to shoot and kill one would be by soon to pick it knowledge of any extortion and develop the land under a sale Tourism and Sports for approval. him for a contract price of up. racket. Chom waited at a distance Jareon and Udon were re- under a tree in front of the nearby leased on bail, but Pansak and Chalong Marina plans under review Godzilla restaurant while Pansak Chom were also charged with and Udon went to pick up the debit using a fake ID and remain in CHALONG: Plans for the second phase of con- Three different construction plans for Phase card. custody. struction of the Chalong Marina Project may be 2 were proposed at a public hearing at Muang After Pansak put the card It was too early to say how revised by the Marine Department’s Technical and Phuket School. in his pocket, police moved in and alleged extortion was related to Planning division after a bitter dispute with local The 130 attendees reacted coldly to the five- arrested all four men without in- the results of the July 7 meeting, residents and workers. hour explanations delivered by consulting engineers, cident. he added. The first phase of construction of the con- with great choruses of approval erupting whenever After the press conference, troversial marina, which involves building 44 of someone attacked the proposals. attended by some 50 members of the originally-planned 210 yacht slips, will be com- Concerns raised about the marina were that the ethnic Nepalese community pleted by September 30 at a cost of 70 million it will damage the environment, will not be able to in Phuket, K. Jiwan told the Ga- baht, said Kitipong Waksukri from the Marine accommodate large yachts and will not benefit small zette he was certain that all the Department. operators. threats were issued by the same 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY July 28 - August 3, 2007

ince June 25, three tour- ists have drowned at Patong Beach, one at SBang Tao Beach, and on July 18, John Chatteris, founder Recent drownings of Atsumi Healing Center in Rawai, drowned at Nai Harn Beach. Despite red flags, warn- ater safety has ing signs and close surveillance become a major by lifeguards, swimmers continue W to get into trouble when braving talking point in Phuket the currents along Phuket’s west after a spate of four coast beaches. drownings over the past Many of Phuket’s beaches have temporary warning signs to five weeks. Phuket Gov- alert tourists of dangerous rip ernor Niran Kalayanamit currents. A rip current is a stream insists that authorities are of water moving under the sur- doing the best they can, face from the shoreline out to sea that forms when incoming waves but Phuket Lifeguard push water towards the shore and Club President Prath- the backwash is pushed sideways aiyut Chuayuan says until it can find a channel back out. many members of the The dangers to foreign tour- local beach guard are ists are usually a result of over- insufficiently trained. confidence. When beachgoers see waves smaller than those Gazette Chief Reporter they may have come across in Sangkhae Leelanapa- places like Hawaii and Miami, porn and trainee Anand they underestimate the power of Singh report on the the water. Although the waves in Phuket may be small, the beaches dangers of Phuket’s are prone to rip currents, said waves and the lifeguards Panu Maswongsa, Phuket Tour- who are charged with ist Association (PTA) vice presi- dent and executive assistant gen- keeping swimmers safe eral manager of Patong Resort in the low season. “My family has asked me many times to quit this job, but I still keep doing it because I was born here Hotel. and I love to rescue people,” says Kata lifeguard Pairoj Chandang. “The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) should be in- every day, K. Pairoj arranges the The three most dangerous have nearly drowned, but when to provide information and mate- volved when it comes to warning warning signs that tell swimmers beaches in Phuket during mon- they are out at sea we can’t get rial about beach and water safety tourists of the dangers of Phuket’s how far they can safely swim out soon season, said K. Pairoj, are too close because they are still in to the public. Prathaiyut Chua- beaches,” he added. to sea and which areas are con- Kata, Karon and Nai Harn. shock and will often hug us and yuan, club president and sports Phuket Provincial Adminis- sidered “risk areas”, as denoted “At Nai Harn Beach the we might drown together. We use manager at Le Meridien Phuket tration Organization (OrBorJor) by red flags. During the monsoon hotels help with their own life- the rescue equipment and and try Beach Resort, said, “We have a has taken steps to increase beach season, tourists need to be res- guards to look after the guests as to pull them back to shore,” said duty to inform people about life- safety by funding a year-round cued almost every day, said K. well as the beach guards ar- K. Pairoj. saving techniques. We receive beach guard project. Pairoj Pairoj. ranged by OrBorJor,” he added. “If hotels and media were most of our material from beach Chandang, 34, is one of the beach K. Pairoj’s job is demand- A bigger sign at Kata Beach to help together by announcing to guard associations in Australia. guards from the OrBorJor pro- ing and he risks his life daily. “My warning tourists about the dan- their guests about how danger- “We have around 20 highly ject. He is responsible for the family has asked me many times gers of rip currents would make ous Phuket’s beaches can be, qualified beach guards all over south end of Kata Beach. to quit this job, but I still keep do- K. Pairoj’s job a lot easier be- then that would help us and could Phuket. These individuals are the K. Pairoj told the Gazette ing it because I was born here cause the small sign currently in save many lives. Local residents elite of trained beach guards. that in his 10 years working at and I love to rescue people. The place does not convey the mes- don’t swim during monsoon sea- They have trained other beach Kata Beach, he has rescued salary of 8,000 baht a month is sage effectively enough, he said. son because they know that it is guards in Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi nearly 300 people and seen three not much at all for such a dan- “We use whistles if we see so dangerous,” he added. Islands and Phang Nga. We do swimmers drown. gerous job, but doing it makes me tourists swimming in a rip current. Phuket Lifeguard Club is an not receive government funding, Working from 9 am to 6 pm happy,” he said. At the beach, we help those who NGO that was established in 2003 so we have to find sponsorship,” he added. “We want to work with gov- ernment agencies to help train beach guards. We sent the gov- ernment department responsible [OrBorJor] a letter offering to July 28 - August 3, 2007 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5 raise safety concerns train their beach guards in a four- week program. We even offered Red flags at Kata Beach to pay for all the expenses, but warn tourists not to swim, we did not receive any response but many holidaymakers so we had to drop the request,” ignore the advice and enter said K. Prathaiyut. the surf regardless. “Phuket’s beach guards have no recognizable standards K. Pairoj, who works on this and are not properly trained in section of beach, said lifesaving techniques. We were tourists need to be rescued ready to provide them with rec- almost every day. ognized international qualifica- tions, but they would not accept it. After that, most of our training programs were concentrated around Krabi and Phang Nga,” he added. K. Prathaiyut said that the PTA should print pamphlets in different languages for placement in every hotel in Phuket. Sometimes tourists are to blame when they do not pay at- tention to safety warnings, but often it is the responsibility of the beach guards to prohibit tourists from going swimming if they know the water is dangerous. Beach guards have to be stern in order to uphold public safety, he added. K. Prathaiyut also said that there have been no cases of “For example, if there are drown at beaches go swimming ers and attended by local beach to shore against the current, drowning-related deaths at Le red flags up on beaches then it is despite warnings against it, and guards, hotel operators, govern- swimmers in trouble should swim Meridien Phuket Beach Resort’s strongly recommended that in the most recent cases they ment agencies and other organi- out of a rip current in a direction beach. people avoid swimming in the sea. were swimming outside the swim zations concerned with beach parallel to the shoreline. When out K. Panu of the PTA be- We also advise tour operators to zones. We have beach guards on and water safety in Phuket. of the current, they can then lieves that the recent drownings take extra care when using sea duty all the time, but during the Trainees learned basic first swim at an angle back to the could have a negative impact on transport during the monsoon sea- monsoon season the sea is very aid, how to deal with different shore. tourism in Phuket. son and to check whether all the rough. The authorities have types of injuries and dangerous Rip currents often appear as “We can put up all the signs safety procedures have been fol- asked hotels to help inform their currents in surf zones, such as rip calm water, thus luring unsuspect- and warnings we want, but if the lowed,” he said. guests about beach safety,” said currents. They also learned how ing swimmers into them. The tourists choose to ignore them and Hotels and tour operators the governor. to escape from a rip current. relative calmness on the surface not follow the safety rules there have been very helpful in looking On July 11 to 13, the Ro- In the event of a swimmer is the result of a fast moving flow will inevitably be some losses. after the safety of tourists, he tary Club of Laguna Phuket becoming caught in a rip current, beneath. The color of the sea may With the arrival of the annual added. teamed up with Avoca Beach lifeguards advise against fighting also be different than surround- monsoon season, all businesses Phuket Governor Niran Surf Life Saving Club from Aus- it, as the powerful currents will ing water, often appearing light and hotels in Phuket traditionally Kalayanamit told the Gazette that tralia for a free one-day course easily exhaust even the strongest brown and muddy from the sand assist in warning tourists of the authorities have all the necessary of lifesaving training at Bang Tao swimmer. Instead, lifeguards ad- that has been churned up from dangers of Phuket’s beaches and precautions and warning systems Beach, near the Dusit Laguna vise that a swimmer should try and the sea floor. informing them about the signs in place. Resort. conserve energy by trying to float “The sea in Phuket is beau- and flags and what they mean,” “We are not being lax with The event was conducted by and waving for help if possible. tiful, but what is underwater is said K. Panu. safety standards. Tourists who six experienced Australian train- Rather than swimming back what scares me,” said K. Pairoj. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS July 28 - August 3, 2007 Queer News Conman captured at cockfight

KAMALA: After a two-month rendezvous with the supposed buyer search, a local trickster who conned had been arranged. a 55-year-old woman out of a mil- The buyer, however, was no- lion baht in a land scam was finally where to be seen. Instead, K. Benja arrested – at an illegal cockfight in was told to wait in a room where a Nakhon Sri Thammarat. group of five men and women were Lt Col Monsak Srisuwan from gambling. The group lured K. Benja Kamala Police Station said that into gambling with them and she lost Phuket City Resident Benja Wong- all her money, she told police. dara had been trying to sell a plot of Police did not reveal what game land. K. Benja had been duped with. K. Benja told police that on May Annoyed at being swindled, K. 13 a man introducing himself as Sit- Benja went to Kamala Police Sta- thipong went to her house, saying that tion where she explained her ordeal. he had a client interested in buying A warrant was issued for Sitthipong’s the property for 5 million baht. arrest and the 40-year-old schemer K. Benja accepted the offer was eventually caught by police at a and on May 18 received a call from cockfight in Nakhon Sri Thammarat Sitthipong asking her to prepare one Police and taken to Kamala Police million baht, which he said was to Station on July 13. oi Sri Sena, on the edge of cover the transaction fee for the sale Col Monsak warned that there Phuket City, seems to be a fa- of the land, said Col Monsak. are other tricksters out there waiting S vorite place for dumping garbage TRASHING On the same day, Sitthipong to prey on unsuspecting victims. Cit- these days. This lovely pile of plastic, pa- drove K. Benja, her friend Chuthar- izens should report any suspicious be- pers and various unmentionables is just at Sae-Tan and the million baht in havior to their local police station, he behind the defunct Phya Thai hospital. Phuket cash to a hotel in Kamala, where a said. Source: Nation Channel July 28 - August 3, 2007 AROUND THE REGION PHUKET GAZETTE 7 The cash register is half full ith three months to COMING UP FOR AIR: go before the high Reid Ridgway (back, left) season starts in of the Ecotourism Train- November, at this ing Center in Khao Lak W poses with the second time of the year Khao Lak resi- dents usually split into two camps. group of students to The optimists celebrate graduate from the “halftime” by brushing up their center. The students held businesses for the coming high a graduation party on season while the pessimists, July 21. All of them have with their glasses half empty, made the PADI Dive- master grade and five are hang out in small groups in dark attending an Instructor places, sulking and indulging in Development Course to self-pity instead of gearing up make a bid for Open for action. Water Scuba Instructor. The funny part is that these pessimists always find someone or something to blame for their misery. The bad part is that they can be very convincing. I try my southern end of Khao Lak. best to stay away from pessi- While the Khao Lak mists and their regular haunts, but Center project seems to as life goes, negativity can hit you have ground to a halt, with without warning. several units still unoccu- My latest encounter with pied and up for sale, it is Mr Pessimist was at a local 7- questionable whether the Eleven with an endless rant about new project near Home the slow reconstruction on Bang Pro, aiming at the same Niang Beach. He gave me such group of customers, is such negative vibrations that I needed a good idea. to go home and watch an episode of Monty Python to drag myself Cashing in: Although out of that hole. Khao Lak is not getting a A day or two later I received superstore just yet, anoth- an email from a Singaporean cli- er 7-Eleven right in the ent saying that a big feature about center of Khao Lak has Khao Lak and the Tab Lamu golf just opened, bringing the course will be published in an paired as soon as the storm sub- would have attracted thousands total of “say-when” in the area upcoming issue of one of Sin- sided. of visitors from neighboring ar- to six. The new 7-Eleven is next gapore’s leading golf magazines. A large branch fell onto a eas, including Takuapa and other to Wet Zone Divers, on the west That finally knocked me back into serpentine part of the highway, populated areas of Phang Nga. side of Petchkasem Rd. happy mode again. causing an accident. The driver But nothing more is planned With 7-Elevens shooting up The good news is that the of a pickup truck carrying bricks for there than another typical hous- like bamboo, and several long-es- Khao Lak low-season pessimists for construction tried to steer ing project, similar to the Khao tablished minimarts, it seems un- are becoming fewer year by around the branch, lost control and Lak Center project that’s behind likely that any of them will now year. However, a few will al- went into a ditch. Fortunately no the market and bus station at the be reeling in substantial profits. ways remain and those are the one was hurt in the accident. people who will never be happy, ANDAMAN There are rumors that a regardless of how much they fishing boat sank in a storm off have – a segment of the species COASTING Koh Phra Thong, north of Khao that is unfortunately all over the By Franky Gun Lak, but I was unable to confirm world. this at the time of writing. next to the new Home Pro on The weather has fortunately Petchkasem Rd led to much School’s out: More good news improved, treating our truly ap- speculation about what was to be is that it is currently school sum- preciated low-season guests to built there. The most popular ru- mer break in Europe and it ap- sunny days, calm seas and stun- mor was that a Big C or Tesco- pears that attractive travel pack- ning sunsets. Lotus store will take root. ages to Khao Lak provided by This potential development leading European travel agents Redundant abundant: The would have boosted Khao Lak to have really done the job. clearing of a huge tract of land a never-before-seen high as it There are more tourists in Khao Lak this low season than Franky Gun is an expat writer, artist, designer, scuba diver and in previous years. Visitors from businessman who left Germany in 1991 to live in Thailand. He Germany, Austria, Switzerland moved to Khao Lak in 2001 and now calls Khao Lak home. Franky and Scandinavia still make up the Ad- Horizon can be contacted via email: [email protected] highest number of visitors to 2x6 Khao Lak, followed by Asian, British and American Khao Lak- K. Able lovers. Although many of Khao Lak’s businessmen hope for a Phuket-like “Russian wave” to arrive in Khao Lak, I believe they are hoping in vain as Khao Lak’s rudimentary nightlife simply does not match their demands.

Blowing through: Strong winds and heavy rains caused minor damage and flooding in Khao Lak during the first two weeks of July. On Petchkasem Rd, close to the Khao Lak Sunset Resort, a broken tree damaged a main power line. Thankfully, it was re- 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE SOUTH July 28 - August 3, 2007

n July 17 the Cabinet extended enforcement of emergency law in Othe restive Deep Govt extends emergency South for three more months fol- lowing the expiration of the pre- vious term on July 20. The extension enables se- curity officials to contain violence in the region, said Deputy Gov- rule in the Deep South ernment Spokesman Natthawat Sutthiyothin. an unrelated case in a passing The emergency law, in car. force since 2005, allows officials Thung Wa District Police to detain suspects without charge received a report of a body in a for up to 30 days. About 350 sus- car by the side of the road in pects have been rounded up and Tambon Pa Kae Ba Hin. Police, detained under the law during the led by Duty Officer Lt Pairot past few weeks. Wijitbanjong, rushed to the scene and found the body of Thonsak Double trouble: A bomb at an Onsrikaew, 46. He had been shot intersection in Yala on July 17 twice in the neck in what police killed one police officer and believe was a business-motivat- wounded at least 20 people, in- ed killing. cluding three journalists who As they were taping off the were at the scene to report a scene, officers directing traffic blast about 30 minutes earlier, noticed that the driver of a black police reported. Mitsubishi car was acting suspi- The second blast ripped ciously. An officer, thinking the through shophouses and conve- car may be stolen, indicated for nience stores at a major intersec- the driver to pull over. tion outside the train station. The The office questioned the bomb also destroyed several driver and passengers and no- motorbikes that were parked ticed that the passengers spoke next to a taxi stand for passen- Thai with a foreign accent so he gers traveling on the Yala-Betong asked to search the car. The driv- route. er was reluctant to open the car The second bomb was be- boot, but finally complied. In the lieved to have been targeted at boot officers found the body of a police and forensic officers who man bound hand and foot and were called to the scene after the stuffed into a fertilizer sack. earlier, much smaller bomb. More than 100 widows have joined the Rotanbatu Project, a handicraft scheme set up in Narathiwat Police arrested the driver, Reporters said that author- to help them financially after the deaths of their husbands in the Deep South. Jatuphong Ngusatun, 45, and his ities were ill prepared as they three Burmese passengers; Ong, checked the scene. No firefight- The first bomb was hidden The double bomb attack and doctors were brought in July 40, Tek, 22 and Mong, 20. All four ers or medical personnel were on inside a crash helmet and placed shattered the upbeat mood of 20 to assist six villages affected were then charged with murder hand. The blaze from the bomb in a motorbike basket. The sec- officials in Yala after there had by flash floods in Surat Thani’s and concealing a body. set one officer from an ordinance ond, much more powerful bomb been no bomb attacks during Phanom district. Police said that the body unit on fire. appeared to have been set off the previous three weeks. A Moo 8 villager Sanong was that of another Burmese The use of the “second remotely after officers arrived at month-long sweep in two vio- Eiadphol, 43, said she had never man, Bo, 40. He had been shot bomb” tactic by insurgents has the scene. lence-prone districts had result- witnessed floods like it in her 10 five times in the back. become common in the violence- Pol Sgt Subin Pruekmong- ed in the detention of more than years there. “Before the flood, it Lt Pairot said that one of plagued region, where more than kol, who was caught in the blast, 350 suspected insurgents and rained cats and dogs for three the officers just happened to no- 2,300 people have been mur- later died at Yala Hospital. sympathizers. hours,” she said. “Luckily, my tice Ong acting nervous as he dered since January 2004. Insur- Two other police officers Critics say the sweep was husband and I took electrical ap- slowed down to pass the crime gents often use one bomb to lure suffered serious injuries, while largely for public consumption as pliances off the floor and we scene. the authorities to a scene, where three local reporters suffered all insurgents fled Banang Sata managed to shut down the elec- All four men confessed that they then trigger a second blast, minor injuries. Some 13 passers- and Krong Pinang districts on the tricity. they killed Bo after he got drunk police said. by also suffered minor injuries. first day of the operation. “Thank goodness the flood and tried to rape a local divor- lasted only 10 minutes. We de- cee, Lt Pairot said. Waterfall warnings: Warning cided to stay in our house be- They were on the way to systems that can detect flash cause it was a strong flow – and hide the body when they were floods have been installed at two we were right.” stopped, he added. popular waterfalls in Trang prov- Phang Nga province was ince where flash floods claimed also hit by flooding July 20. Bad Joke: A man in Nakhon Sri 38 lives earlier this year. Senior Meteorological De- Thammarat’s Chaweng district Banthad Wildlife Sanctuary partment officer Mon Chaimoon- was found shot dead early on July Chief Sanit Ongsadara said suk asked villagers to observe 15. warning towers and a 45-meter run-offs. If the run-off becomes Duty Inspector Lt Col Su- central tower had been built at reddish it could mean flash flood- rachai Prasopjan from Chaweng Sairung (Rainbow) and Prai ing from the hills. District Police Station found the Sawan (Heaven Wilderness) body of Jaray Rungreuang at the waterfalls. Lucky find: Police in Satun in- side of the road outside a house Other devices will send vestigating the murder of a con- near Chaweng train station. warnings if groundwater levels tractor found shot dead in his He had been shot three rise more than 30 centimeters car early on July 21 made an times, in the head, chest and above average, K. Sanit said. unexpected discovery when stomach, with a .38-caliber pis- Meanwhile, relief teams they found another body from tol. Police reported that before the shooting, K. Jaray had been talking with a friend known as “Joke” after they had returned from work. Witnesses reported hearing a violent argument fol- lowed by three shots. Police are now hunting for Joke. Around the South news round- up is sourced from the pages of The Nation and Kom Chad Luek newspapers. July 28 - August 3, 2007 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 9

new law effective from July 18 allows police officers or gov- Thai police get new Net powers A ernment inspectors to seize computers on private pre- Fund Thailand under the Royal mises suspected of containing Patronage of HM the Queen pornographic material or evi- announced its closure because dence in connection with either the fund set aside to administrate general criminal activities or the organization has dried up. cyber crimes. Wildlife Fund Thailand Act- The 2007 Computer-related ing Secretary-General Sirajit Crimes Act also prevents unau- Waramontri informed the 40 na- thorized applications and access tionwide officials that the Wild- to other people’s computers, as life Fund Thailand board on July well as alteration, deletion or de- 9 agreed to terminate the fund’s struction of the information of operations and the officials’ em- others. ployment effective July 27. Impostors using others’ identities to send slanderous mes- Schoolroom scourge: A total of sages, or those who flood infor- 1,141 children have caught hand, mation on discussion forums, are foot and mouth disease during the also subject to criminal penalties first six months this year, the under the law, proposed and Public Health Ministry has an- drafted by the National Electron- nounced. ics and Computer Technology Dr Prat Boonyawongwiroj, Center (Nectec) and enforced by permanent secretary for Public the Information and Communica- Health, said the number of den- tions Technology Ministry. gue victims was nearly twice that The Act subjects those cir- WHITE MEAT PROTEST: A Caucasian member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals of the same period last year. culating pornographic material or (PETA) strips down in front of a KFC branch on Silom Rd in Bangkok, urging Thai consumers not to Of the victims, 399 were in libelous content through emails to support companies that buy chickens raised under inhumane conditions. southern provinces, 371 in cen- heavy fines. tral provinces, 187 in northeast- It also requires Internet ern provinces and 184 in north- service providers (ISPs) to keep to the revoking of the offender’s deliver positive content by pro- southern provinces and 3,378 in ern provinces. log files of bandwidth consump- teaching license, she said. moting good deeds, generosity, northern provinces. The number included 191 tion and Internet traffic and The Committee for Teach- family ties, children’s abilities and children in Bangkok, where one records of individual users for 90 ers and Education Personnel relaxation,” poll director Dr Bilingual blues: Culture Minis- school in Lad Prao was closed days. agreed in principle to the tough Noppadon Kannika said. ter Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon on July 10 after the disease was Nectec Director Pansak new measures, but asked that said the government is preparing discovered there, he said. Siriruchatapong said the Act, in they be compared with other Bus crash: A German tourist a national plan that would have theory, would provide benefits to agencies’ regulations before be- was killed when a Bangkok- teachers advise students on cor- Sugar surcharge: Public Health the country as a whole. ing re-submitted for final ap- bound bus from Phetchabun rect language usage. Minister Dr Mongkol na Song- However, he expressed proval. overturned in Ayudhya’s Wang According to Association khla urged the government to in- concern about the capability of Noi District at 5 am July 17. of Thai-Language Teachers crease taxes for fast food, car- officials, who are required to Prime time: Most people sup- Police said the bus driver, President Kanchana Naksakul, bonated soft drinks and sweets have knowledge of computers. port the government’s plan to Sanan Pongsiang, 35, told police speaking Thai with a foreign ac- according to their sugar ratio. ensure that television programs that he dozed off, leaving the bus cent is a fashion, known as ab Following a meeting to plan Cheating teachers: State school containing sex and violence are out of control. baew, or “abnormal and cute”. a campaign against coronary teachers who have extramarital broadcast after children have The German tourist died at K. Kanchana is concerned heart disease to mark World affairs will face increased disci- gone to bed. the scene and 23 other passen- that with the ab baew phenom- Heart Day on September 30, Dr plinary punishments, Education The Abac Poll Research gers were injured, police said. enon some children will embrace Mongkol said about 38 million Permanent Secretary Jaruayporn Center found a little more than Western values so much that Thais are at risk of coronary Thoranin has announced. 43% of Bangkok residents felt Epidemic proportions: A total they ignore Thai culture. heart disease if this situation re- Current disciplinary punish- the move was appropriate, but of 23,653 people have contracted Some bilingual courses mains unchanged. ment is a salary cut, but the new almost 24% opposed it, saying dengue fever so far this year with now put too much emphasis on ruling would set up a fact-find- parents should be the arbiters of 21 of them killed by the disease, English and students do not care Around the Nation news round- ing panel to look into alleged their children’s viewing behavior. the Public Health Ministry has much about Thai, she said. up is sourced from the pages of wrongdoings. If an allegation had The other 33% responded “no announced. The Nation and Kom Chad Luek grounds, a disciplinary investiga- comment”. Deputy Public Health Min- Death of an NGO: The Wildlife newspapers. tion would be carried out, K. The survey asked 1,141 ister Morakot Kornkasem said Jaruayporn said. people aged between 18 and 60 the 23,653 cases had been re- If the inquiry deemed a about the 8 pm starting time for corded before July 7. teacher guilty, punishment could adult programs. Of the cases, 8,177 were vary from dismissal from the ser- “Most respondents want in central provinces, 6,816 in vice – with or without pension – television dramas before 8 pm to northeastern provinces, 5,282 in 10 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE ISLAND July 28 - August 3, 2007

By Nick Davies cade’s worth of experience on the younger team members, is p with People, a US- Brazillian Luis Petzhold. based NGO with Luis initially joined Up with roots back in the People in 2006 and traveled for flower-power days of six months with the organization, U while also making a video docu- the ’60s, has over the years brought together some 20,000 people from mentary about his experience. nearly 90 different countries in its Before coming to Phuket, enduring mission: to spread good Luis helped with operations in will and strengthen bonds between Japan and Bangkok. Comment- people in their communities. ing on what the participants gain Despite its long history, Up from the Up with People experi- with People first came to Thai- ence, Luis emphasizes the diver- land in an official capacity only sity of the benefits gained from last year. working with people from so Having successfully com- many different cultures. pleted several community pro- “Each individual will devel- jects in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and op life skills which they will cer- Lampang, the organization has tainly use at some point in the now begun operating in Phuket future. Although everyone’s ex- and is currently meeting with perience is unique, things like re- some of the island’s charitable sponsibility, leadership, organiza- organizations to establish projects tion and flexibility are skills they for the team of volunteers who will all learn and add to their ca- will be arriving next month. reer toolbox,” he said. Up with People’s main aim Last year Renée found her- is to conduct community service self sloshing about in mud, saw- projects around the world, giving ing and laying floorboards to help both volunteers and participants reconstruct facilities after the valuable leadership experience Katrina hurricane devastated and the chance to discover and much of New Orleans. develop skills that will help them In six months Margaux has later in life. FIRST STEPS IN PHUKET: The three Up with People volunteers (from left): Luis Petzhold from Brazil, Renée gone from being a shy girl with The group plans to be in- Rogers from the US and Margaux Hovine from France. limited English vocabulary to be- volved in several community ing able to comfortably and en- projects in Phuket and members thusiastically converse with the are currently meeting with local media. community project leaders, such Once the students and grad- as the Lion’s Club of Phuket uates arrive, they need orienta- Pearl, to organize activities for the tion for their temporary home, group of young adults from somewhere to stay and projects around the world. WHAT’S UP assigned to them. The volunteers, who will Unlike many home-stay arrive on the island mid-August, programs where students may will be assigned to work with the spend several months with a sin- various charities. gle family, Up with People par- Up with People will be fo- ticipants enjoy a travel itinerary cusing its charitable efforts on WITH PEOPLE? that most Lonely Plant-toting helping disadvantaged children on backpackers would drool over, the island. ness of children’s rights by pro- their children. pines set-up team with Up with visiting several different countries Two groups they plan to viding child welfare and basic While in Bangkok, Up with People. and staying with up to 20 differ- collaborate with are the Phuket education. People worked with World Vision, “Before coming here I ent families over a six-month pe- Sunshine Village Foundation, The NGO will also be which focuses on helping impov- knew very little about the coun- riod. which provides a home and edu- working with Life Home Project, erished families. Another project try and culture and I was wor- Phuket is just a brief stop cation for orphans, and Child the shelter for mothers with HIV on the agenda is to work with ried about my lack of English on the volunteers’ global itinerary, Watch, a charity that aims to pre- that offers a safe and supportive children whose par- skills, but everyone but while they are here they hope vent child abuse and raise aware- community for the women and ents are in prison. has been so support- to make a difference to those less Satree Phuket ‘Being thrown ive,” said Margaux. fortunate than themselves. School, where Up “Soon after ar- While helping out on their with People’s Phuket in the deep riving, I was asked to various assignments in the com- office is located, will end like this go into classrooms munity, they’ll also be co-ordinat- welcome some 70- has been a and teach something, ing and practicing for a stage per- odd participants ar- very rewarding which was very formance put on for the families riving by bus from daunting, but being they will stay with. Bangkok. and positive thrown in the deep The song-and-dance show Preparing experience.’ end like this has been will focus on international partic- things ahead of the – Margaux a very rewarding and ipation, global traditions and com- main group’s arrival Hovine, Up with positive experience,” munity service. Whether the par- is a small team of vol- People team she added. ticipants are experienced thespi- unteers who have al- member Renée Rogers, ans or have never been back- ready taken part in 20, a student at the stage, everyone will have a role. one or more previous University of Arizo- With the main party of vol- projects. na in the US, has spent the past unteers arriving between the Au- Margaux Hovine, 19, a six months traveling with Up with gust 17 and 25, many are still in graduate from Sacre Coeur High People. Her responsibilities have need of homes to stay at while School in Amiens, France, is the included being an alumni rela- they are here. youngest on the team, but she al- tions/external relations intern. Anyone interested in pro- ready has a great deal of experi- “I’ve taken time out from viding accommodation for the ence having, traveled around the my studies to volunteer here and volunteers can contact Luis at the world with the NGO for the last I think it’s the best thing I could School Board Committee Room, six months. have done. Satree Phuket School on Dam- She has been a vocal intern “I’ve learned so much about rong Rd in Phuket City. and admissions assistant and vol- myself and other people from so Luis can also be contacted unteered at a hospital in France many different cultures and the by phone at Tel: 089-4989750 or for a year, singing for sick chil- experience will really help me by email to: lpetzhold@upwith dren. She has also done some vol- with my studies and my career,” people.org unteer work with handicapped said Renée. children and after spending time Leading this team of enthu- For more information about Up in Phuket she will be working for siastic volunteers as community with People visit www.upwith three months as part of a Philip- relations coordinator, with a de- people.org July 28 - August 3, 2007 PHUKET GAZETTE 11

Ad- Home Pro Full page K. Ann 12 PHUKET GAZETTE July 28 - August 3, 2007 July 28 - August 3, 2007 GOOD LIVING PHUKET GAZETTE 13 A way with the chicks huket is certainly known for its good food and va- riety of restaurants, but Pit’s not on every street corner that you meet a chef pre- paring gourmet fusion English and Italian food. Thus the Phukana restau- rant fills a niche that Phuket may not even have known it was miss- ing. Nattawut Kamenkij, 43, from Ayudhaya worked as a chef in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years before he began working at Phukana restaurant in Phuket City. “I started my career in Nor- thern Thailand, where I worked with a Thai chef specializing in Chinese cuisine. “In 1989, I started working at the Amari Don Muang Airport Hotel in Bangkok. During the eight years I spent there, I gained ABOVE: Phukana chicken wings make a delightful an extensive knowledge of both hors d’oeuvre and are a Phukana trademark. English and Italian cuisines,” said RIGHT: Chicken Valdostana blends English and Nattawut. Italian cuisine to create a savory dish that has “After taking the chef posi- been pleasing Phukana guests since it debuted. tion at Phukana in April this year, I chose to enhance the menu by to and tomato concasse. Place the Pesto sauce She recommended the Phu- Method creating dishes that were a fu- other piece on top and dress the 200g chopped sweet basil kana Chicken Wings appetizer to Crush the fresh chilies and blend sion of the two types of cuisines layers with the cheese sauce and 100g parsley accompany the Chicken Val- with the white soy sauce and the that are my specialty. mozzarella cheese. Serve with a 50g garlic dostana. The appetizer is a well- paprika powder. Let the mixture “One such dish that I enjoy portion of pasta. Lightly drizzle 100g parmesan cheese known dish from Phukana and a sit at room temperature for 10 preparing is Chicken Valdostana, pesto sauce and sprinkle Parme- 550g virgin or extra-virgin olive favorite with guests. minutes to thicken. a delicious entrée rarely seen on san cheese over the entire dish. oil After that, lightly coat the menus in Phuket. The dish fea- Phukana Chicken chicken wings with the season- tures a pan-fried, lightly breaded Cheese sauce Method Wings ing sauce and then pan fry in chicken breast topped with deli- 150g milk Blend all ingredients until pureed cooking oil for about 10 minutes cately sliced prosciutto and a rich 30g all-purpose flour into a fine consistency. Portions Ingredients on medium heat. blend of cheeses. 100g mozzarella cheese for each ingredient can be altered 6 chicken wings Serve immediately after “It is complemented with a to suit your taste. 1 tablespoon white soy sauce cooking and garnish the dish with side of pasta and drizzled with a Method 50g red Thai chilies lettuce and tomatoes. flavorful pesto sauce,” he said. Heat the milk over low heat and ophitha Srilikul, 42, works 2 teaspoons paprika powder – Semacote Suganya gradually add in the flour and the Swith K. Nattawut and has Chicken Valdostana mozzarella cheese while stirring been a chef in Phuket for 19 frequently. Continue stirring until years. While K. Nattawut fo- Ingredients the cheese has melted and all in- cuses on Western fare, she pos- 200g chicken breast gredients have become a thick, sesses wide knowledge of Thai 1 teaspoon plain flour creamy sauce. delicacies. 1/2oz white wine 1/2cup seeded and chopped to- matoes (tomato concassé) 30g pasta of your choice Bread crumbs, one egg, salt and pepper, prosciutto slices, Parmesan cheese, mozza- rella cheese

Method Trim any excess fat, skin and cartilage from the chicken breasts. Tenderize the meat by gently beating it with a tenderiz- er or the flat edge of a knife until it has a soft texture. Mix the white wine with a pinch or two of salt and pepper, and pour over the tenderized chicken breasts. Dredge the chicken breasts in the all-pur- pose flour, then soak in a scram- bled egg and coat with bread crumbs. Lightly oil a pan over medi- um heat and place the breaded chicken breast in the pan. Fry each side for approximately 3-4 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from pan and slice horizontally into two pieces. Top one piece with a slice of prosciut- 14 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE July 28 - August 3, 2007

Happily Ever After Reading Recently married in Phuket

It’s a life bordering on the glamorous, brushing LEFT: Yukiko and Koichi Inoue from Japan shoulders with the super-rich, but always on the celebrated their wedding at sidelines. Being a butler allows people to glimpse and the Evason Phuket and Six Senses Spa on May 25 live alongside the upper crust, but also demands hard work and a sharp attention to detail to keep clients happy. For a good butler that can mean having everything ready before the client asks. Gazette chief reporter Sangkhae Leelanapaporn spoke to Ekalak ‘Aey’ Banthap, a butler in Phuket, about the life and trials of being an attendant to the rich and, sometimes, famous.

he key to being a good to be a butler, a role in which he butler is a form of mind- could do a bit of everything, from reading, according to housekeeping and food and bev- TEkalak “Aey” Banthap, erage, to front office work and a butler at the Banyan Tree much more. “Butlers have to do Double Pool Villas in Phuket. everything and work hard to give To effectively cater to the guests that ‘Wow!’ feeling. needs of the wealthy clients that Guests should not have to request stay in the villa he manages, he anything,” he said. must watch them closely and pre- Many people want to work pare whatever they may need as a butler, Aey said, because it before they can open their is an interesting job and and the mouths. guests often tip very well. But it Ordering food with their fa- is not a job just anyone can do. vorite seasonings, preparing the “You don’t just apply to be table and hotel room to their lik- a butler and start working – but- ing and overseeing the house staff lers are chosen after training and is no easy task for one man. In attitude is the most important fac- fact, as Aey discovered, it can tor. Qualifications for the job in- change a butler’s life. clude good English skills, an ex- Aey began his service in- ceptional attitude, a service mind dustry experience during his time – and you have be willing to keep at Rajabhat University Petch- learning,” he added. aburi where he studied manage- Aey’s most prestigious ment and worked as a front of- training came after he transferred fice trainee at the Sheraton to the Banyan Tree. There he Grande Laguna Phuket. trained in a six-month course, in- RIGHT: Kelly Bett and “I was lucky that they gave cluding time with Josephine Ive, Christopher Craig from Scotland me the chance to work there. I founder of Magnum Butlers. were married at the Indigo Pearl started as a villa attendant look- Ms Ive is a world-renowned Resort on June 28 ing after VIP guests at the swim- butler trainer and worked for Brit- ming pool for six months and was ain’s royal family before taking her promoted to be a guest service training on the road, teaching but- agent for a year, and then pro- lers at famous super-luxury yachts moted to be the guest service and Asia’s most prestigious hotels. Do Not Drink manager, which I did for three “We got a lot of great train- Tap Water! years,” Aey said. ing from K. Josephine. She had After four years, he was so many things to teach us be- starting to feel bored and applied cause she had experience work-

AV 3x4 July 28 - August 3, 2007 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 15 the minds of the rich

the guests. eryone will say “Happy Birthday” “When guests are away to them. We even have the staff from the villa, I call the maid to line up in the lobby and sing “Hap- clean and if I have nothing to do py Birthday”. I help out. I also double check the Aey’s work life is not easy work before guests return,” he as he has to arrive at the villa added. before the guests wake up and Aey relates an experience doesn’t leave until after they are where a guest once called him at asleep. 4 am to order a pool table be- Time passes so quickly. A cause he felt like playing a few butler must think ahead and an- games. ticipate what the guests want so “I had to order it from Bang- that it will be ready and they don’t kok and get a fast delivery for have to ask,” he added. him. He was very The job has surprised that we also affected Aey could get it done.” ‘Butler training was away from work. One of “I now have the Aey’s favorite ex- good for me – after habit when I an- periences was training I went swer the telephone looking after a fa- home and put at home of saying, mous international everything in order. ‘Sawasdee krap, musician. Discre- Aey speaking. tion is an impor- I dusted, got rid of May I help you?’ tant part of a but- fingermarks, put My friends laugh ler’s job – so he everything exactly when I do that, but won’t tell exactly it is all in good hu- who it was – but where it should be.’ mor. he said he was “After my impressed by the training I went person’s lifestyle. home and put everything in or- “He lived simply, ate salads der. I dusted, got rid of finger- and even dressed simply. At the marks, put everything exactly beginning I was nervous because where it should be,” he laughed he is so famous, but after I was “The best benefit of the job assigned to the villa, I had to do is that I now have friends all over my best. the world,” Aey said. “Some of “I was very impressed with the guests have offered me a him because I took him to the lob- plane ticket, car and even ac- by in the buggy once and he in- commodation in the event that I troduced himself to me in Thai have a chance to visit their coun- SPECIAL SERVICE: ‘I have to know what a guest likes or doesn’t like. Some like to be treated very and even praised the King in tries. formally and others like a more relaxed relationship,’ says Ekalak ‘Aey’ Banthap. Thai.” Guests even send me pic- Butlers have to look after tures of their kids who I cared ing in Buckingham Palace and a butler looks good and is clean prepared at the villa’s dining fa- little things that are very impor- for while they were here.” many other extraordinary set- that means guests can feel com- cility and I have to make sure it tant, Aey says. “I have to remem- So far Aey hasn’t taken tings. fortable that their villa and food gets to the villa and is transferred ber guests’ birthdays and anniver- any of his former guests up on “She taught us how far are kept clean too,” he said. to the villa’s dishes, that the table saries. Once I know, I let all the their offers, but he’s not dis- away from a guest one should “I think being a butler is in- is prepared, and that the dishes other staff know and when the counting the possibility of be- stand, how to present and serve teresting as you are always learn- and food are warm and ready for guest walks on the grounds ev- coming a world-wide butler. wine, how to conduct a proper ing the habits and behavior of tea service, how to fold nap- each guest. I have to know what kins and many other skills,” Aey a guest likes or doesn’t like. Some said. like to be treated very formally “I can’t say that being a and others like a more relaxed butler is an easy or difficult job, relationship.” but it is challenging because I Aey added that the first day want to give the guests a favor- new guests arrive at the villa is able impression so they will re- the day he begins learning and turn and stay with us again.” noticing their behavior. “I have to To be a successful butler remember even what food they Aey had to become a Jack of all like or dislike as I will order their trades and move seamlessly be- food the next day. tween jobs. “If guests talk about a golf “I learned how to serve food match, I search the Internet to see to guests and even to arrange flow- if there is a tournament in Phuket, ers, but in my experience the most so I can let them know. difficult part of the job is being a “On average I take care of babysitter. I don’t always under- about four or five families per stand children’s emotions, but I month and most of them stay guess I do okay because guests about five to seven days at a keep sending emails from their time.” kids once they are back in their Butlers care for one one vil- home countries,” he said. la, but they don’t work alone, Aey Aey said that everyday he said. Each villa has a maid, gar- must carefully check that his fin- dener, a swimming pool mainte- gernails, hands, ears and breath nance person and an engineer to are clean and that his shoes and make sure everything is working clothing are perfect. correctly. The butler oversees it “Right now I have to use lip all to make sure the guests get balm, hair gel and face foam, and exactly what they want. make sure I look 100% clean. If “If guests order a meal, it is 16 PHUKET GAZETTE HAPPENINGS July 28 - August 3, 2007 T his week

FLOYD ON PHUKET: Internationally-renowned TV chef Keith Floyd gives a thumbs up MERCI BEAUCOUP: Phuket Vice-Governor Smith Palawatvichai accepts a gift from as he celebrates with staff the launch of Sunday brunches at Floyd’s Brasserie at the Blandine Cressard, general manager of Novotel Beach Resort Panwa Phuket, during Burasari Resort in Patong. Bastille Day celebrations.

PHILANTHROPIC YOUTH: Phuket’s own Amelia Jacobs, Miss Teen Thailand 2006, accompanies Suthat Pochagorn (left), director of the Social Welfare Development Center for the Elderly of Phuket, Anthony Loh (standing, 2nd from right), general manager of Laguna Service Co Ltd, and Suthasinee Rukmit, director of Community MATERNAL MUNCHIES: Dr Jessada Chungpaibulpatana (2nd from right), director of Relations at Laguna Phuket, at Laguna’s ninth annual dinner for Phuket’s elderly Vachira Phuket Hospital, joins his staff in celebrating the opening of the food court on the citizens. second floor of the maternity ward at the hospital.

FILIPINA FEMMES: Lia Andrea Ramos (left) and Gionna Cabrera (right), Philippines representative for Miss Universe 2006 and 2005, respectively, receive spa vouchers from Onphilat Oines, sales and marketing manager for ARBOR AWARENESS: Dr Kongkiat Kespechara (3rd from left), director of Bangkok Hospital The Mangosteen Resort and Spa, during their visit to Phuket. Both ladies Phuket, joins his staff in their mangrove restoration project at Thung Maphrao in Phang Nga. received the fans’ Miss Photogenic accolade in their respective beauty The group will carry out similar projects in Phuket and Krabi. pageants. July 28 - August 3, 2007 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 17

used to think that karaoke its maggot, every plate of som tam was the worst atrocity the has its little black crabs, and there Japanese had inflicted upon is one exception I must make in Ihumankind since the Rape my glowing endorsement of this of Nanking. But that was in my THE celestial art form. Throughout his- feckless and misspent youth. tory, billions of songs have been Since then, the sun has ris- written. Whether the singer is en, I have been to the mountain- yourself or somebody else, out of top, I’ve been born again, I have all this entire stupendous reper- seen the light, I stand redeemed toire there is one song that must and dazzled by the brilliance of a never, under any circumstances, new dawn. I now know with ad- KARAOKE be sung by anyone. And that is amant certainty that karaoke is the abominable My Way. the greatest gift from the Japa- This boastful, preening, pre- nese to humanity since the inven- tentious ditty has been warbled tion of the sushi bar. by generations of boozed-up fat- What transcendent cathar- cat CEOs who made billions by sis wrought this transformation? CODGER downsizing their corporations, Ah, dear reader, let me share with destroying the lives of thousands you a wondrous truth. Whether ble, hooting and jeering at the the contemporary music scene. me curb my ardor and sacrifice of employees, and casting them you regard karaoke as a curse or singer’s ineptness, now becomes Some of them are programmed the lamb of fantasy on the altar into the gutters to beg. When King a blessing depends entirely on transformed into screaming le- to play immortal classics of yes- of accuracy. You can call me the Herod completed the Slaughter of who’s singing – you or those hid- gions of ardent fans and gorgeous teryear like Tell Karaoke Codger. the Innocents and the last Jew- eous other people in the bar. groupies. Where before they Laura I Love Karaoke is ish infant had been impaled upon Most people who sing kara- hurled empty bottles and plates of Her, Sh-boom OK, as is signi- the last Roman sword, I bet he oke are boorish clods, oafish som tam at the hapless perform- Sh-boom, Tutti fied by its name, celebrated by crooning, “I did it drunks clowning at the micro- er; now they sit tamed, enthralled, Frutti, and Be- which is Japa- myyyyyyy way!” phone, caterwauling off key in a rapt in wonder, as angels bend Bop-A-Lula. It is nese for “Kara is Any time a karaoke singer remorseless display of ongoing down from heaven to savor the heartening to OK.” Don’t ask gets up and starts crooning My cacophony. Utterly talentless, yet golden sounds. learn that, despite me what “kara” Way, the audience is fully justi- wrapped in delusions of musical Indeed, it is quite likely that all appearances to means – I don’t fied if it rises en masse, rips out genius, they have no idea how agents of Grammy and BEC Tero the contrary, qual- speak Japanese. the microphone, kicks the bejesus pathetic a spectacle they are mak- will besiege the stage waving ity music is not TSOWNDINGS I know the Japa- out of the amplifier, pulls the sing- ing of themselves. multimillion-baht contracts. yet dead in Thai- nese misspell er down from the stage and tears But when you yourself are Yes, dear reader, this insight land. By S. TSOW “OK” as “oke,” him asunder like a pack of rabid singing, dear reader, the situation has transformed me, as indeed it This epiph- but that’s not their hyenas. changes dramatically. Then you will transform you, if you will only any has caused fault. English is Aside from that one little become a dashing, world-class deign to pick up the microphone. me to morph from a karaoke- not their native language. You try problem, karaoke really is OK. superstar, radiating charisma, pul- In my case, the transforma- phobe into a karaokephile. In writing “OK” in hirakana or har- sating with talent – and singing tion has been facilitated by the fact, you can now call me the akiri or whatever it is they write S. Tsow can be flamed at stsow like Pavarotti. discovery that karaoke machines Karaoke Kid. No, wait a minute, in and see how far you get. @yahoo.com, except when he’s The audience, which for- are not limited to the degenerate there is the delicate issue of age, But just as every sunbeam trying to exterminate somebody merly consisted of drunken rab- hip-hop and rap music that afflict which in my case is…old. So let has its shadow, every mango has who’s singing My Way. 18 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE July 28 - August 3, 2007 HIDE ’N’ CHIC

WRIST ACTION: Bangles from Jung- ceylon. CHANGE OF PACE: Colorful coin purses from Ragazze. HOT AND COLD: Viera vacuum flasks from Ragazze. By Janyaporn Morel world’s most enduring natural the leather, making each piece than some of the mass-produced zze, also in Jungceylon, come in textile. It has gone from necessi- naturally unique. Turquoise leather accessories but each many styles and colors with a e’ve been wrapping ty to fashion accessory the long stones are a favorite for that Wild piece is unique and as Mack high-class look and feel. Hip flask and strapping leath- life of anything made from it, plus West, Native American look with prides himself on knowing the dif- holders, thermos sleeves and er around our bod- its versatility, has been proved pieces ranging from 59 to 259 ferent kinds of semi-precious mobile phone cases are just a few Wies since our cave- again and again over the millen- baht. stones by touch and sight, any of the protective leather cover- dwelling days when we hunted for nia it has been used. At the viewpoint between stones used should be genuine. ings on sale. food with clubs and sticks, turn- An example of leather’s Nai Harn and Nui Beach, you can Leather accessories are not Other leather products that ing what was left over from the endurance was found with “Tol- sometimes find local islander just for fashion-conscious hippies don’t spring to mind but help add kill into clothes and shoes. lund Man”, a 2,000-year old body “Mack” draped in long dread- though; whatever your age, it’s a touch of style are card tags, Although there is fierce de- discovered in 1950 by peat cut- locks and some of the jewelry easy enough to choose a leather eyeshades and even a leather bate among experts on when man ters in Denmark. The remains he’s selling from the back of his design or color that suits your cooler bag. For a really posh “came down from the trees”, or were amazingly well-preserved in beaten up pickup truck, which needs and personality, whether leather product, how about a even whether we were in the the bog, along with a hide belt, looks as if it’s been around as long you are young or old, or of clas- leather wine bottle bag? trees in the first place, archeolo- skin cap and two leather thongs. as Jack’s hair has been growing. sical or modern taste. Veuve Clicquot Champagne gists and anthropologists rarely At Jungceylong in Patong When he’s not welcoming If you’re looking for luxuri- recently brought out a striking and debate on when we actually you’ll find a wide range of leath- newcomers like old friends, Mack ous leather accessories in a more stylish zip-up leather wine bottle evolved into fashion conscious er accessories from bracelets, hunts for and collects unique classic style, such as key ring sleeve that hugs the bottle in the citizens sporting the latest leath- bangles and bags to necklaces stones and shells to use in mak- fobs, coin bags or bangles, then company’s familiar bold orange, er accessories. and rings, some with colored ing his leather-bound jewelry. His you need something Italian. Ital- but for a price that matches their Leather is probably the stones and shells intertwined with jewelry is a little more expensive ian leather accessories by Raga- expensive brand. There are much cheaper leather bottle sleeves around, but if you can afford the Champagne, you can probably afford the bag, too. If your leather is to last a long time, it needs a little care and attention. Most leather shops will be able to sell you special leath- er-care cream, but other things can be done to ensure the leath- er lasts longer. Simple bracelets, necklac- es or rings made from untreated leather need to be kept away from water, but if you do get this AV kind of leather wet, you can dry it off in the sun or with a hair 2x5 dryer on a gentle heat setting. If you’re going to be get- ting your leather wet frequently, then it’s better to waterproof it with a protective spray. Cleaning your leather items can be done by using a soft brush, clearing any dirt or dust off, then applying leather-clean- ing cream. Leather waxing cream can also be used to revive colors and keep the leather supple. Keep- ing leather in a dry place and not creasing it will also help it last. July 28 - August 3, 2007 LIFESTYLE PHUKET GAZETTE 19

By Pathomporn Kaenkrachang hile the strong waves around Phuket spell dan- W ger for swimmers, the curls and whitecaps mean excitement and allure for the surf- ing crowd. From the northern edges of Nai Yang down to the tip of Nai Harn, the waves crashing over Phuket’s beaches aren’t as large as at surfing hotspots around the world, but they do have a devot- ed following of local surfers. From August 31 to Sep- tember 2 the Phuket Surfing Contest will be held off Kata Beach and some 120 amateur surfers are expected to take part in the event. There are several places along the western shores of Phuket to practice or to learn surfing. Nopphasit “Kho” Bunchuai, Koh, who finished second in last year’s Kata Surfing Contest, a 27-year-old surf instructor, has practices for this year’s contest, to be held from August 31 been surfing for seven years in to September 2. Photo by Caleb Henderson. The Kata Krew pose with their boards and rashguards at Kata Beach. Phuket. “There are about 80 surf- most durable surfboard brands,” ers in Phuket. We find great he said, while tropical-style surf- waves to surf every day togeth- board wax is best for Phuket’s er, especially our group, the Kata warm temperatures. Krew. We always surf for about K. Kho, who won third WAVE HELLO place in last year’s surf competi- two hours if there are normal waves and three to four hours if shop, where new surfers or tour- lightweight lycra shirts are de- the island. tion in Kamala, said he is prepar- we get two-meter waves,” he ists can rent boards for 150 baht signed to reflect UV rays while The best equipment and ing for this year’s competition and said. an hour. keeping surfers safe from jelly- advice, however, can be found at is busy practicing with his friends. The Kata Krew, a group of Phuket’s waves, he said, fish stings and coral scratches. the surf shops on beaches along The competition has already friends who meet at Kata Beach, don’t attract many professional Photographer Caleb Hen- the west coast, including Cobra attracted surfers from Japan, surf together for the company and surfers because they’re not very derson regularly comes down near Chalong Pier and Kata South Africa, Sweden, Singapore, to watch each other’s backs. challenging, but the small waves from Bangkok to surf in Phuket. Beach Surf Shop. Australia and Malaysia registered They said the best time to surf is are good to teach beginners. He said the dangers are appar- Wallop Nadon, the 32-year- for the event. Registration clos- from May to November, but any To begin, the most obvious ent, but nowhere near enough to old owner of Kata Beach Surf es August 31. time of year can be good. piece of equipment is the board. stop them from surfing. Shop, told the Gazette, “We have Despite the stiff competi- “For safe surfing, you have “There are three kinds of surf “We realize how dangerous bodyboards, shortboards, ‘mini- tion, K. Kho said he will not miss to wait for a suitable time and boards,” Kho explains. “There it is but we never surf alone. mal’ boards and longboards for out, because, as he says, “The paddle through the water with are short boards, about five to There many different kinds of rent. Sale prices range from wave is like a pretty girl that I friends, because friends will al- eight feet long, that are used for surfing dangers, like at Kalim 16,000 to 26,000 baht, depending will go meet, and it’s the same ways watch closely and be ready style; ‘minimal’ boards, about sev- Beach there are great waves, but on the size, composition and feeling as getting to know her.” to help if needed,” K. Kho ex- en to eight feet long; and long there’s also sharp coral. brand.” plained. boards, eight to 10 feet long and “Even rash guards, the thin Boards were originally very For more information on the surf The Kata Krew hook up used for smoother surfing.” T-shirts with inside-out seams that large, heavy affairs made from competition see the bulletin on with other surfers for parties and The board, however, is not keep us safe from jellyfish and solid wood, but more recent tech- the Gazette website or visit even plan traveling surfing adven- the only thing surfers have to board scrapes, can’t quite keep nology has allowed board weight www.karoncity.com (Thai lan- tures together. “We plan to surf worry about. Surfers should also us safe from that,” he explained. to drop as they are made with guage only), or call Phuket outside of Phuket, so we are go- use leashes or leg ropes – long Boy, 24, another member of foam coated with fiberglass. Boardriders Club K. Wallop at ing to the Philippines or Bali next flexible ties that are attached to Kata Krew, said Phuket surfers “NSP and Watercooled are the Tel: 086-9521393. year. We always drive around the surfer’s ankle and the board are easy to identify by their Quick- Phuket to find the best waves and – so the board isn’t lost and silver, Billabong and Rip Curl stop to surf wherever we see doesn’t fly into unsuspecting board shorts, which, along with them,” K. Kho said. swimmers. boards, can be bought in Jung- K. Kho also works as a in- Rash guard shirts are also ceylon, Central Festival Phuket structor at the Phuketsurf.com recommended apparel. These and sports equipment stores on 20 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES July 28 - August 3, 2007

he state of the environ- ment has been very much on my mind. A re- Tcent news article in the Nation referred to it simply as “the global environmental crisis”. That got me thinking about – and I may be dating myself a bit here – Supertramp’s fourth album, Crisis? What Crisis? The cover of that album pretty much sums it up: some self- pleased chap happily sunning him- self under a parasol in his back- yard amidst smoke-belching mounds and industrial waste. So is all this talk about glo- bal warming really anything new? Has the “global environmental crisis” finally arrived – or was it already here back in 1975 when that album was released? One of the movies current- ly playing on local cable networks is the 2006 science fiction come- dy Idiocracy by Mike Judge, the same man who gave the world the animated series Beavis and Butthead and King of the Hill, as well as the excellent film Of- LOW SEASON? WHAT LOW SEASON? Englishman Terry (2nd from left) and the staff of the El Tel’s speedboat charter service celebrate fice Space. their launch with a trip to Koh Kai Nai with Angus O’Tool’s Irish Pub GM John Young (in white shirt) and his family, and other friends. As in his previous works, the target of Judge’s dark come- dy is American society – more precisely, a dumbed-down ver- sion 500 years in the future, after intelligence levels have taken a terrible turn for the worse over Where fiction numerous generations when only the feeble-minded bothered to procreate. Not surprisingly, the English language has also been dumbed down, to hilarious effect, and the most popular TV show is Ass, a full-feature film that consists of bites real hard nothing more than a close-up view of man’s buttocks farting. at rappers like Public Enemy Saphan Hin – and the failure of why stop with just pure water. can of Strongbow cider. Remarkably, the anteced- hype-man Flavor Flav, the style the government to take any steps Maybe they should open up a As I snorkeled around tiny ents of some of the events that isn’t too far from what is being to fund a second burner – one brewery there as well. The mind Kor Kai Nai, a small bird kept div- transpire in Judge’s cynical vision seen a lot in these parts recently wonders how long we will have boggles. ing down on me, threatening to of the future bear some resem- with the explosion in the trade of to wait for the same type of thing peck me – maybe he thought I was blance to Phuket in 2007. Jatukarm Ramathep amulets. to happen here. Then again if you El Tel afloat: With tourism, the Moby Dick, the great white whale. For a start, just about every- A major historical event re- are someone trying to make a liv- sole key industry in Phuket there After a few swoops he would re- one in 2505 – including the US ferred to in Idiocracy is the ing raising fish down that way, are still lots of places where you treat to his tree back on the island. President – is decked out in round Great Garbage Avalanche of perhaps it already has. can get back to nature. Terry, What the hell is his problem? I oversized pendants hanging by a 2505. Given the continual pile-up Yet another problem con- former owner of UK Bar on Pa- wondered. I thought menacing chains from their necks. While it of garbage around the hopeless- fronting humanity 500 years tong’s Soi Dongtal, has fully re- birds only appeared in Alfred was more likely intended as a shot ly overburdened incinerator at down the road is that energy furbished a 38-foot fiberglass Hitchcock movies, not real life. drinks – instead of water – are SEAT speedboat, equipped it with Later I realized it was being used to irrigate crops, with twin 225-hp Honda outboards probably a swiftlet, sick of peo- predictable results. It may be a and launched the El Tel’s charter ple clamoring up the rock and bit of a stretch, but the ludicrous boat operation out of Ao Por. stealing its nest to make bird’s inefficiency of Charter nest soup – can’t say I blame doing that re- rates are rea- him. minds me of the sonable, the El Tel’s service is well set desalination crew is courte- up with life preservers and it is plant in Karon ous and capable, ideal for everything from family that is designed and we had a outings to booze cruises. Prices to use millions of pleasant after- for a full day out – 9:30 am to baht of electric- noon trip out to about 5:30 pm – start somewhere ity to pump wa- Kor Kai Nai in in the vicinity of 25,000 baht, ter up out of the Phang Nga Bay, though the actual cost depends sea, up a hill, treat it to drinking where a buffet spread was set on where you want to go and water quality – and then mix it in up on the tiny beach. how much fuel it will take to get with non-potable water from tin The scene was such that I there. mines before piping it to the pub- almost expected to see Herve The El Tel boat has enough lic for consumptions. And all this Villechaize (aka Nick Nack) fuel capacity and fresh water is during the monsoon season, walk around the corner of the tiny (200 liters) to go all the way out when hundreds of thousands of island with a bottle of champagne to the Similan Islands for a full cubic meters of naturally purified on a serving tray and a towel on day of snorkeling, though at this water falls on the island every day his arm, as he did in the Man with time of year it might be best to and into the sea. the Golden Gun. stick to Phang Nga Bay. Of course, at last report the Fortunately, the El Tel For more information, con- people running the desal plant speedboat has an enormous cool- tact affable Englishman Terry at hadn’t figured out how to keep er filled with drinks of every de- Tel: 081-0868141 or email the plant running continuously scription, including Heineken for [email protected] enough to produce all the seawa- me, Spy for the ladies and soft ter they were contracted to treat. drinks for the kids. Prices are Send queries, comments and It seems to me that if they are very reasonable, at 70 baht for criticisms to stoolpigeon@ going to go through all that effort all small beers and 130 baht for a phuketgazette.net July 28 - August 3, 2007 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 21

couple of weeks ago I went to a swanky party in London in a Agreat dress I had bought for the occasion. Proudly THANKS FOR ALL holding my own among the beau- tiful people, I was faring quite well until someone told me that I looked stunning and I cracked, “I do? It must be the dress – it’s a THE COMPLIMENTS flattering shape.” I always do this. Whenever when Mark Antony told her she anyone pays me a compliment I looked beautiful. squirm and respond with some- My friend Julia smiles se- thing far from a gracious accep- renely when anyone tells her she tance. Over the years I have is gorgeous, but this is also a turned this into a fine art, perfect- woman who admits that the only ing three types of rebuttal. part of her body she doesn’t like I sometimes fob it off with is her eyebrows. a self-deprecating comment – “I Sadly, like most other wo- love your coat.” “What? This old men I know, I find it easier to thing? It was a tenner at a sec- believe the bad reviews rather ondhand shop.” than the good ones. I collect in- Or I may question its accu- sults like trophies. racy – “I like your haircut.” “You I’m still smarting about the do? Don’t you think it makes me “jokey” comparison my friend’s look severe?” husband made between the busty I may also quietly take of- British model Jordan and me in fense – “You look like you’ve lost my Baywatch-style swimsuit last weight.” “So are you saying that year. And the truck driver who I’m usually fat?” shouted out, “You could feed the It’s not confined to my ap- Third World with those,” may pearance either. I can shrug off have made me laugh, but I’ve a well-meaning comment about never forgiven him. anything from my work to a newly Then there’s the back- decorated room in the house. handed compliment. A friend of When my boss told me the other mine, Jo, was once the recipient day that he thought I’d done a of a spectacular one when she good job on something, I appar- was traveling in Mexico as a stu- ently just snarled at him. dent with a leggy blonde friend None of this, of course, is of hers named Kristen. fair on the person paying the com- One night they were ser- pliment. Boyfriends or partners enaded by two waiters they had usually enter a danger zone met. Every song was about whenever they say something Kristen and what a dream wo- nice. man she was, with a line tacked Most of us compliment on to the end of each verse like, dodgers don’t try to just rebuff it “And Jo, you’re not bad either”. with “That’s as may be,” but will It has taken her 10 years to see usually try to produce evidence the funny side. against it. How many times have Photo by Peter Duhon I know, though, that how- you had something like, “You look ever much I dismiss them, I would gorgeous,” said to you and you’ve ment of false modesty as well. there are a lot of men who don’t miss compliments if they weren’t either slapped your belly or tried We think that there’s some vir- seem to suffer from the same there. After all, why else would to find traces of cellulite to trump tue in being humble and don’t like AMBROSIA’S affliction. Not only do they en- one spend ages getting ready to him? to be seen blowing our own trum- courage compliments, but they go out? Which is why I’ve decided I don’t think I’m alone in pets. also do a pretty good job at flat- to change my ways. Next time this. My friend’s artist husband It’s just not British (or Greek tering themselves while they’re someone says I look great, I won’t gave her a Valentine’s card with for that matter) that are self-ef- at it. raise a quizzical eyebrow or curl a portrait he’d drawn of her more facing and suspicious, but it is How many times have you up my lip. Instead, I’ll just flash a than 15 years ago. unlike the Americans who are been stuck in a conversation with winning smile and say “Thank Inside he had written, “A masters at receiving – and pay- a man who, by the end of it, has you,” politely. thing of beauty is a joy forever”. ing – compliments. left you in no doubt about how She told him he needed his eyes One girl I know who re- great he is (but has hardly asked Ambrosia Sakkadas, a UK-born tested. cently moved to New York was anything about you)? Greek Cypriot and graduate of Why are we like this? It’s horrified when her three-year-old Saying that, there is a rare Central St Martins College of partly a lack of confidence. We daughter came home from nurs- [email protected] breed of woman who can accept Art & Design in London, is an feel we are not worthy, which can ery school carrying a banner that SECRETS compliments graciously. I’m sure artist, designer and newspaper set off a knee-jerk response – a declared, “I am a beautiful per- Helen of Troy didn’t tell the troops columnist. Her first novel, Greek bit like apologizing after bumping son”. ment awkwardness is a peculiarly to stop being daft and go back to Girls Don’t Cry, is available from into a lamppost. There is an ele- It does seem that compli- female trait. In my experience, Greece. Nor did Cleopatra scoff amazon.com 22 PHUKET GAZETTE July 28 - August 3, 2007 July 28 - August 3, 2007 TAKE A BREAK PHUKET GAZETTE 23 PPUZZLESUZZLES The Cryptic Crossword

ACROSS 1. On the beach, star flyer belonging to girl? (10) 6. Ache, seemingly, for piece of glass. (4) Hidden Words 9. Clubs prisoner's restraints. Hidden in the grid below are the traditional names of 20 (5) stars. The words may read vertically, horizontally or 10. Manner sounds self- diagonally. They may also read right-to-left or down-to- important. (4) up. Score: 10 or more, good; 15 or more, very good; 20, 12. Relaxing places in mountainous passes. (4) excellent. 13. Look at center of storm. (3) PRJEAWGWJSIBSCB 15. Are as acres, perhaps. (5) LGWSZCEPMUUTFFQ 16. In net, Tony confused insignificant person. (9) AEMUI SP I CAZNBSL 17. Jug is for lamb's dam. XJ GEURZVBFASUMW Right? (4) COEGBDACRRRL ERL 19. Mystify, stupid! Located. (9) AOGLGNP LAVURWEC 22. Part-time workers dead in UULEQGJ BOGOXGAW patterns. (9) UKGTRUEVEPE I NYX 24. Exemplary little protest. (4) UQLEXDCRE FROAJ G 27. Relax, Dane replaced LXGBLAYA J GP J SX I great chap. (9) Compiled by Tortuus. © 2007 ALAALPACSUAI AQZ 29. Beach in Nebraska? (5) 31. Appendage that can be SAJ RGVDLSTCZRNL 7. A very quiet fastener Yes. (8) lent. (3) returned to middle of icer 23. Sounds like two-of-a-kind VDTBPAK I CYOKCOA 32. Almost smote tiny speck. machine. (9) fruit. (4) KCOCAEP SAYBRDYR (4) 8. Attempts scholarly 25. Little Sarah gets my 33. God! O what a noise! (4) LOGLAOLECVOEOCP exercises. (6) French fish. (6) 34. Moved carefully - 11. To make lion beg is mean- 26. Carried nothing to the OLQARCTURUSNYOA approval in two directions. spirited. (7) country. (6) TACZ I ABRKXAYERO (5) 14. In mess of data… (4) 28. Leases damaged, to a 35. Crooked line of river. (4) BPVLDNRUYZMKAPD 18. …find direction for the point. (5) 36. Evangelist's position. (10) French type of patient - 30. A drink keeps cardinal on EOGXTTRRS IR I USQ it's natural. (9) board. (2, 3) NLLBOAS JNFA I VAP Down 20. Without backup, United 33. Resistance? Oh my! ELVZWREAZFOJ TCN Nations helped. (7) Almost. (3) 1. Bad risks to eat in 21. Faint-hearted, yet firm DUBGYEB I LEHCKP I province. (8) with sick-room student? Solution on next page CXBAGSCDP TBENSH 2. Look back soon to the east. (5) DAPQEVOWI BACBRN 3. Put a value on donkeys at Scribble Space LBZY I EREACXTRZW the bend. (6) 4. Have indefinite number in Solution on next page harbor. (5) 5. Wickedness, in part. (3) Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com Rhyme Time

The words or phrases described below all rhyme with “once”. EZ TRIVIA QUIZ What are they? 1. Outside which city are 6. What is the capital of 1. Chases. the Pyramids? Ethiopia? 2. Opposes head-on. 2. In which country is the 7. Which is the odd one 3. Takes the edge ancient abandoned city out: rat, weasel, off. of Petra? capybara, beaver. 4. Gruff noises. 5. Insults. 3. How many yards are 8. Which Thai city is 6. Kicks. there in a mile? famed for its bird 7. Stupid student. park? 8. Dangerous stuff 4. What kind of creatures in movies. have compound eyes? 9. Which country lies to the east of Lithuania? 9. Undersized 5. Which creatures are piglets. believed to be 10. Which country Sudoku is very simple: each row, each column and each “box” of 10. Revolutionary descended from formerly had the tical nine squares within the puzzle must contain all the numbers from groups. 1 to 9 with, naturally, no repetitions. Beware: there is only one dinosaurs? as its currency? solution to this puzzle, which is on the next page. Answers on next page Answers on next page 24 PHUKET GAZETTE TAKE A BREAK July 28 - August 3, 2007

Get your brain in gear with The Monster Quiz

1. The largest rodent ever 8. Gurney’s Pitta was 15. At 40 centimeters long, was Phoberomys patter- thought to be extinct in the extinct Phelsuma was soni, which lived about 8 1952, but was rediscover- the largest type of what? million years ago. How ed in 1986. Where? much did it weigh? 16. The largest land mammal 9. The pygmy mammoth, known to have existed 2. When was the Biaji, or which lived on an island was the Deinotherium, a Yangtze River Dolphin, off what is now California, kind of elephant. What declared extinct? died out about 12,000 years does the name mean? ago. How tall was it? 17. Roughly how long ago did 3. It was once probably the 10. The Cyprus dwarf ele- man’s probable ancestor, most common bird in phant, which died out homo habilis, die out? North America. By 1914 about 11,000 years ago, it was extinct. What was weighed how much? 18. What do the Scimitar Or- Quick Crossword it? yx and the Egyptian Bar- ACROSS 24. Make pictures 6. Throw out. 11. The Darwin’s Rice Rat bary Sheep have in com- 4. How long were the teeth died out about 1930. 1. Silk fabric. with acid. 9. Fish eggs. mon? of saber-toothed cats? Where did it live? 5. Ale. 25. Internet 10. Part of language. Morse code. 19. Living examples of the 7. Extinct bird. 5. Percrocuta was the larg- 12. The largest bird of prey Coelacanth, believed to 26. Old Faithful, 11. Sales agent. ever is thought to have 8. Phang Nga Bay est hyena ever. How long have died out 300,000 eg. 12. Little dog, in been Haast’s Eagle in transport. short. was it? years ago, were discover- 9. Tracking New Zealand. What was ed in 1938. Where? DOWN 13. A long time. its wingspan? device. 14. Help! 6. The dodo, the ultimate 12. Rhyme writers. 20. Meganeura, which thriv- 2. Hawaiian 17. Grown-up. symbol of man’s ability to 13. The largest earwig ever ed 300 million years ago, 15. Id counterpart. exting-uish species, lived greeting. 18. Normal. was the St Helena ear- had a wingspan of about 16. “Finish your on which island? 3. Good smell. 20. Foe. wig. How long was it? 75 centimeters. What is food!” 4. Boot the ball. 21. Mother’s its modern relative? 19. Restaurant lists. 5. Strummable brother. 7. How many years separat- 14. The quagga is an extinct 23. Eighth month. instrument. 22. Male deer. ed the dodo’s discovery sub-species of which from its extinction? African animal? Answers below, left Solution below right

PuzzlePuzzle Solution to this week’s Cryptic SolutionsSolutions Crossword

Monster Quiz Answers Hidden Words 1. About 700 kilograms; 2. Last year; 3. The SOLUTION Passenger Pigeon; 4. Up to 20 centimeters; 5. +++E +++++++++++ About 1.5 metres. 6. Mauritius; 7. 80 years; 8. +++S +++++++++++ Solution to this Khao Nor Chu Chi, Krabi; 9. Up to 200 centi- +++U I SP I CA+N+S+ week’s Quick meters at the shoulder; 10. About 200 kilograms; +++E +R++++A+UM+ Crossword +++G++A++R+LE+L 11. Indefatigable Island in the Galapagos Islands; +++L +++LA+UR+EC 12. Up to 3 meters; 13. Up to 84 millimeters; 14. +++E + ++BOGO+GA+ The zebra; 15. Gecko; 16. Terrible beast; 17. 1.8 +++T + +EVEP+ IN++ million years; 18. They no longer exist in the wild, +++E +DCRE+RO+++ but only in captivity; 19. Off the Chalumna River, +++BL++A+GP++++ South Africa; 20. The dragonfly. +++A ++A+SUA++++ ++++ +++LST+++N+ ++++ ++++C+O++O+ EZ Trivia Answers KCOCAEP++Y+R+Y+ LOGLA+++++O++C+ 1. Cairo; 2. Jordan; 3. 1,760; 4. Insects and crusta- +++A RCTURUSN+O+ ceans; 5. Birds; 6. Addis Ababa. 7. Weasel - the ++++ +A++++++ER+ Solution to this others are rodents; 8. Chai Nat; 9. Belarus; 10. BP++ +N+++++++P+ week’s Sudoku Thailand. EO++ +T++SIRIUS+ puzzle NL++ +AS++++++++ EL++ +R+A+++++++ Rhyme Time Answers DU++ +E++L++++++ 1. Hunts; 2. Confronts; 3. Blunts; 4. Grunts; 5. +X++ +S+++T+++++ Affronts; 6. Punts; 7. Dunce; 8. Stunts; 9. Runts; ++++ ++++++A++++ 10. Fronts. ++++ +++++++++++ July 28 - August 3, 2007 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 25 A tale of lightning-fast heroism ampton Sides has produced a Japanese officers called the Tsubaki Club. cleverly plotted, deeply re- Here she ran a Mata Hari-type spy ring searched, brilliantly written ac- and smuggled lifesaving medicine and oth- Hcount of a once-famous raid er supplies to the POW camp. Even though during World War II that has long been she was captured and tortured by the Jap- forgotten. anese secret police, she managed to sur- Ghost Soldiers (Anchor Books, vive the war. New York, 2002, 344pp) is the story of a The plot rises in suspense to the January 1945 rescue mission by 121 Army Off the moment the Rangers open fire on the Jap- Rangers of 513 American prisoners of war anese barracks, pillboxes and guard tow- in the Philippines, emaciated survivors of SHELF ers of Cabanatuan Camp. Sides describes the Bataan Death March who were By James Eckardt the moment brilliantly: snatched to freedom from right under the “If the slaughter could have been noses of thousands of Japanese troops. viewed without sound, one might have A prologue tells of the grim fate of coming from both approaches of a nearby been disposed to call it beautiful. In an in- another group of prisoners of war, 150 highway. They killed hundreds. Despite the stant, the entire fence line lit up in a coro- slave laborers on an airstrip in Palawan “Asia for Asians” propaganda, they had na of frenetic glitters soon numbering in who were herded by their Japanese cap- suffered bitterly under Japanese occupa- the thousands, each burst crisp and dis- tors into air raid shelters, doused with gas- tion and entered the battle against the Im- crete against the black night. The orange oline and set alight. perial Army with vengeful glee. flashes came in pleasingly random and in- Survivors were hunted down and “They fired with a hatred and a ven- scrutable patterns like the semaphore of shot but a few managed to escape to geance that had steeped in three years of fireflies in a dense forest. Occasionally American lines. Fears that another mas- mostly unexceptional resentments,” Sides gold stars streaked across the field and sacre would happen at Cabanatuan Camp writes. reports. “The rumors spread even faster ended abruptly in warm blooms of yellow in Luzon led to the launch of the comman- “For the Rangers, the killing was a than disease. At times it seemed that Ca- and vermilion, leaving the sky trails of do raid to free them. necessary and perhaps momentarily en- banatuan was composed of 50 percent smoke. Based on a host of interviews, Sides joyable but not especially gratifying aspect pathological liars and 50 percent naifs “Yet the sounds, shrill and fulminant, alternates the accounts of the three-year of the mission; for the Filipinos it was per- who’d believe anything. People made stuff were at odds with the majestic visuals – ordeal of the prisoners of war with the sonal, tribal, national; they considered it a up for the fun of it – just to see what would splintering bamboo, the whine of stray preparations and flawless execution of the blessing of fate, long overdue, to strike happen, just to track the stories and mar- slugs, glass fracturing into shards, splat- rescue mission by the Rangers and their back at the invaders with all they could vel at how they would warp and twist and ters of pulversized dirt. The blunt sound Filipino guerrilla allies. bring to bear.” evolve.” bullets make when they enter flesh, send- The Filipinos were essential to the On the other side of the wire, Sides Many prisoners owed their lives to ing up aerosol clouds of blood.” success of the mission, providing food, carefully chronicles the boredom, starva- an unlikely savior. Code-named “High And the prisoners were suddenly off transport, intelligence and firepower. tion, disease, random killings and psycho- Pockets”, American Claire Philips passed on a Life March rather than a Death While the Americans entered the logical torment of the POWs. herself off as a Filipina of Italian extrac- March, 30 miles to the American lines and camp to free the prisoners, the guerrillas “Rumormongering was an assidu- tion named Dorothy Clara Fluentes. freedom. This is a rousing tale of heroism blocked Japanese reinforcements from ously practised sport around camp,” he She ran a racy Manila nightclub for gone right. EVENTS CALENDAR www.phuketgazette.net/calendar

July 28. Wine Connection Highlights of the festival in- a particular temple to study and Hong Kong. For details, email ed behind Suan Luang Park in Wine Tasting. clude a variety of food stalls, all meditate. [email protected] Phuket City. prepared to Halal requirements; The sessions will include an Enjoy a pleasant Saturday August 3. Weekly party at August 12. HM The Queen’s local Muslim gourmet cooking introduction to meditation, relax- evening with six different wines, BYD Lofts, Soi Andaman, Pa- Birthday – Public Holiday. contests and a spectacular light ation exercises and meditation tapas buffet and live band in a tong. HM The Queen’s Birthday and sound show telling the tragic practice, as well as a question great atmosphere at Bangtao DJ Eddie plays his music as is also known as Thailand’s story of the legendary Princess and answer period. Place from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. usual, scores of gorgeous ladies “Mother’s Day.” Since this falls Mahsuri at 8 pm every evening. Instruction is provided by Only 350 baht. The wine bar and and passable dudes strut their on a Sunday this year, Monday For details, visit www. English-speaking Thai monks and bistro will also host an open lunch stuff. Heineken draft beers at 90 August 13 will be a substitute phuketcity.org or www.tourism people of all nationalities and re- and dinner every Sunday from baht net. All other libations sold public holiday. thailand.org, or call 076-354204 ligions are welcome to attend. August 5 and can accommodate at net prices. Exquisite free tapas, or 076-212213. For package tours August 19. Meditation re- For more information call any party. For further information free occasional shooters. First with transfers, call 076-377773. treat. 081-3704005, 089-6476424 or contact Pascal (Tel: 087-889- two groups of three to six ladies Free monthly meditation re- 087-2838185; email: mananya@ 6074; Email: fb.phuket@wine qualify for the usual free bottle Every Sunday. Brunch at the treats on the third Sunday of ev- hotmail.com or poolsuk@asian connection.co.th). of wine or scotch and mixers. Mangosteen Resort and Spa. ery month from 1:30 pm to 3 pm premier.com; or visit www. Until August 4. Phuket Flow- Prize for most weirdly decked- Specialty brunches every at Wang Kung restaurant, locat- meditationthai.org er Show. Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm, with out personality. Don’t miss the final days of a continental brunch on July 29. Great for networking, meet- this year’s bloomin’ marvelous Only 499 baht net, with the first ing cool people, old friends, new Phuket Flower Show, hosted by 20 bookings each week paying friends and so on. 8 pm to 11:30 the Phuket Provincial Agriculture just 399 baht net. With a half-bottle pm. Office. The show is taking place of wine, the charge is 950 baht For further information con- at Saphan Hin, open daily from net. For more information call tact Stephan (Tel: 076-3430247; 8:30 am to 10:30 pm. Christophe Lopez at 076-289399 Email: [email protected]) Visitors will also be able to or email: info@mangosteen- or visit www.bydlofts.com learn everything there is to know phuket.com August 6-11. Laguna Phuket about hydroponics (gardening July 29. Asarnha Bucha Day Summer Music Camp. without soil) and there will be an The Laguna Phuket Music exhibition about sufficiency econ- – Public Holiday. This full-moon day of the Camp will feature free work- omy as well as exhibitions show- shops open to any act, talent or ing how to arrange flowers and eighth lunar month commemo- rates the Buddha’s first sermon audio-visual crew. Talent will in- plants. Tel: 076-216565 or 076- clude musicians, bands, vocalists, 221602. to his first five disciples after at- taining Enlightenment more than soloists, dancers, DJs and media Until July 31. Third Halal 2,500 years ago. jocks. Music genres will range Food Hilal Town. from rock to rap. The third Halal Food Hilal July 30. Buddhist Lent Day There will be live perfor- Town festival is again being held (Khao Pansa) – Public Holi- mances on August 11 from 7:30 at the field, about one kilometer day. pm to 9:30 pm at the Laguna west of the Heroines’ Monument, Khao Pansa marks the be- Holiday Club Resort by talent in- where Phuket’s Heroines led lo- ginning of the annual three-month volved in the workshops and cals to victory over an invading Rains Retreat during which Bud- YRock Pop winners Ghost Soul- Burmese army. dhist monks customarily stay at jah and Dani & Maren from 26 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS July 28 - August 3, 2007

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] New bus station offers opportunity The announcement from the Phuket Provincial Transport Office (PPTO) that the agency is one step closer to moving Phuket’s main bus terminal outside Phuket City is long-overdue good news for the island’s public transport network. While Phuket’s tourism and real estate sectors have surged ahead in recent decades and swelled the island’s population, retarded development in public transport over the same period has left the public bus system woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Phuket residents – let alone the millions of tourists who travel here from around the globe. Thai and foreign tourists consistently name the island’s trans- port syndicates and the unsafe, overpriced services they offer as chief complaints about their holidays in Phuket. Some tourists be- come so fed up with the situation that they end their holidays here vowing never to return. This hurts the island’s image and its entire tourism industry, including the transport sector itself. Local residents also suffer. With no other option, they are forced Letters to buy motorcycles or cars, thus creating traffic, noise and road dan- gers. Our collective failure to establish a good public transport sys- The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- with your views for publication in our next issue. tem also results in a waste of fuel and unnecessarily high greenhouse ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseud- gas emissions for the size of the population. Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 onyms are acceptable only if your full name and If the PPTO gets the required funding from the Transport Min- or send an email to [email protected] address are supplied. istry – a big if given the current political situation – the provincial government should take the opportunity to help break the strangle- The rise in the baht have to be made in visa and com- the architect would not have a clue hold these syndicates continue to have on public transport. modity pricing and baht controls what to design. Every architect This needs to be done even though it will fly in the face of the is gonna hurt… need to be implemented. and engineer must sign the plans speculators who are no doubt rubbing their palms together in greedy Mark he draws up, and this is forbid- anticipation of how they will use the new station to their own benefit, The rising baht is going to hurt Patong den to a foreigner – but Frank did legally or otherwise. Thailand in many areas. not sign off on the plans, so he is It is clear that although the plan to retain the old bus station as Thailand’s economy de- Market ceiling worth not the architect. the main depot for local buses, vans and songtaew will no doubt pends on tourism and it is obvi- When he was arrested the benefit many Phuket City residents, it will do nothing for people who ous that as the baht rises, many shouting about authorities said he was “working” want to reach west coast destinations by public transport from other potential visitors will decide to go because he was showing where parts of the island. The weekend market is great...if elsewhere. you’re not taller than a broom- to lay PVC pipes, but as an in- The new station needs a bus service linking it to the west coast Expats retired here on fixed stick. I’m all for sauntering vestor, surely he is allowed to from the outset, before the syndicates have a chance to muscle their incomes will also be hurt and around doing a bit of late-night point where he wants the pipes. way in and prevent it from happening. many will have to cut back on Otherwise not a single investor – The Editor shopping, grabbing a bite to eat purchases, while some will not be and watching all the cute girls would be able to even visit the Do you have an opinion you want to share? able to meet the retirement visa site of their investment – because Email [email protected] strut by, but who came up with fees and be forced to leave. the idea of covered walkways for this would be called work. I have been coming to Thai- midgets? I wonder how the officers land for six years now, staying for If I’m not being chased by knew exactly when and where periods of five to eight months. It angry poodles or colliding with Frank would be at the site? I had is costing me 20% more to stay other confused shoppers, I’m bent a work permit for five years and In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL in Thailand now and I cannot af- over double trying to crawl my I was never visited at work. ford it. way through the maze of stalls. Frank’s work permit was I had plans to buy a condo It’s like a full-scale tactical revoked because the accountant Editor: Parichat Utintu or house, plans that I have now maneuver, when all I want to do was late in filing the renewal ap- Managing Editor: Chris Husted been forced to abandon. In the is buy is a T-shirt and a pair of plication, which was due on the Editorial Consultant: Alasdair Forbes six months I will stay this year I flip-flops. Friday because the Labor Office will contribute 500,000 baht to the Someone, please, raise the was closed on the bank holiday News Editor: Stephen Fein Thai economy. Monday. Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn roof! If the baht keeps rising I will Borris Stringfellow I visited Frank in jail. My Editorial Team: Natcha Yuttaworawit, Janyaporn Morel, not be back next year and there Phuket wife and I brought him some de- Sompratch Saowakhon, Supanun Supawong, Semacote Suganya, are many like myself considering cent food. Frank told me that his Zach Fridell, Ryan Nerone, Matt Crook. the same. lawyer suggested pleading guilty All of these factors are go- In defence of a friend so he could get out of prison Managing Director: Oranee Pienprasertkul ing to pull money out of Thailand’s After reading the story about quickly and that the fine would General Manager: Niladaa Mastanawattanakul economy. Prices in Thailand have Frank Witzel (Gazette, p. 1, July be about 3,000 baht. I told Frank not gone down relative to the ris- 14), I felt compelled to write this not to do so, but he said that he Marketing Manager: Natthira Susangrat ing baht. My rent remains the letter. Frank is a good person, and would reach out for any straw to Classifieds Manager: Phatsara Raktammakit same; the price of food remains so say many Thai people who climb out of that prison hole. Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd the same; and the motorcycle I know him. When I visited him again was going to purchase has re- After I retired, he hired Thai two days later, three lawyers, Contact us mained at the same price too. architect Pytoon Tongcheed, who each from a different firm, were All these factors, along with had previously worked for me, there for Frank to sign over what Advertising Sales: [email protected] the import/export problems, will and gave the engineering work to money he had left in Thailand – Classified Advertising: [email protected] begin to have detrimental effects K. Pytoon’s brother, K. Ban- and to pay lawyers’ bills. It must Website Services: [email protected] on Thailand as a whole. Of therng. They worked from his have been the most humiliating Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] course some individuals will ben- sketches and drew the plans and experience of his life. efit, but Thailand will see its signed for the building permit. Please tell the press to print Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 economy slip away. Frank did provide sketches this in Thai as well. Many Thais Thailand cannot survive on of the project, but every client know Frank is a nice guy. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the the few wealthy tourists or expats provides the architect with Innocent bystander, directors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. who come here. Adjustments sketches of some sort, otherwise Phuket Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government Copyright © 1994-2007 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd officials and/or business owners are published in Issues & Answers on the facing page. July 28 - August 3, 2007 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 27 ON THE ROAD AGAIN

ne of the main reasons they want to use private land that for our visit to Japan is fine as well. was to promote tour- The Using private land plots may Oism to Phuket. This Governor’s increase the overall cost of this time we visited Fukuoka, Tokyo project because land prices in and Osaka. Phuket are very high, but it is up We are trying to open a di- Letter to the private investors to decide. rect flight route between Fukuo- This may not be a problem. ka and Phuket. Thai Airways had In his seventh in a series of For example, one of the pri- been asked to serve this route, but monthly letters to Phuket vate enterprises that have shown after the tsunami the plan was put residents, Phuket Governor Niran interest in investing in this facility on hold. is ING Funds. Being a multina- At the moment, Thai Air- Kalayanamit talks about his tional corporation, it will not be a ways is not ready to serve this recent trip to Japan, an idea that problem for them to raise the route because of a shortage of would allow British technology to funds necessary for the project. aircraft, so we have suggested that Bangkok Airways take up tackle the island’s waste disposal Other investment plans: There this route instead and they will problem, tourism development are other investors that I have met start from May next year. plans and beach safety. who want to invest in projects This new development will across Phuket. For example, Ri- prove very beneficial to tourism Compiled by Gazette Chief pley Entertainment, Inc., have because Japanese tourists have reporter Sangkhae made plans to build an aquarium very high purchasing power – one Leelanapaporn and trainee here. There have also been plans of the top five by nationality Anand Singh. from foreign investors to build among tourists who visit Phuket. cable cars, perhaps linking Karon What they need is for us to to Patong. make it easy for them to come ies, still drew more than a hun- strengthen Thai-Japanese rela- of incinerator is that it does not Most investment projects here. There have never been di- dred people, so we can say that tions. As we had a lot of gener- cost much and requires very lit- are directed towards tourism, rect flights from Japanese cities it was very successful. ous donations from Japan after tle space to build, yet has a large however sometimes I have to in- to Phuket before. During the road show we the tsunami, one purpose was to incineration capacity. It could be form investors who come to me Despite the fact that they presented the Japanese audience show them how their aid money very helpful in curbing the grow- with their plans that environmen- want to come to Phuket, the tran- with the image of Phuket, includ- had been spent. ing waste disposal problem on this tal protection laws here are quite sits make it inconvenient with ing all the developments current- We distributed copies of vid- island, which is already on the complicated and stringent. them. Usually Japanese people ly underway and planned, along eos documenting the success of verge of crisis. It may be hard to realize are very efficient with their time, with facts and figures. After each post-tsunami reconstruction and many of the projects here be- so this development has been seminar, we opened the forum for development projects. Convention center saga: We cause there are many laws in very satisfactory. questions and discussion. have been discussing plans for an place and many government The overall number of tour- Apart from the Phuket gov- Trash incinerator at Saphan international convention facility in agencies involved. There are laws ists coming to Phuket is project- ernment officials who attended, Hin: Initially we were waiting for Phuket for a long time. We should protecting forests and national ed to rise at the end of this year there were a number of private the central government to autho- soon be able to finalize the loca- parks, even those governing how and again next year. From what companies who sent representa- rize a budget to build a new in- tion where this facility will be cities need to be planned, includ- I have heard from hotel owners, tives to travel with us to promote cinerator to serve Phuket. We built. We have two options con- ing height limitations for buildings. bookings for this coming high sea- their companies. have been waiting for some time, cerning the land to be used: gov- They may have to gather all son have been quite good, so if These included many golf since the previous government. ernment-owned land or private their information and resources we do not have any unforeseen clubs in Phuket, as well as in The situation has changed land. Most of our choices are in and present their projects to the negative developments, this high Phang Nga, Krabi and even significantly since this govern- the northern part of the island, central government and see if season should be very good. Chiang Mai. Many large hotels ment stepped in because there near Mai Khao Beach. they will accept it. We got some very positive in Bangkok also sent representa- has been no clear assignment of I think there is a good pos- feedbacks from the road shows. tives, so there were a lot of peo- the state budget and the political sibility that we will be using gov- Beach safety: This morning We held them in the big cities in ple out there doing good, profes- situation is still somewhat unclear. ernment-owned land because it [July 16] I attended a press con- Japan and in each city the turn- sional marketing work. We are not sure whether provides everything we need and ference on the recent spate of out was very good. Fukuoka, be- Another reason we had for there will be an election soon or the size of the plot is also just right. drownings. The department in ing the smallest of the three cit- visiting Japan this time was to not. At this point, I can clearly The sea views from the plot are charge say that they have all the state that there is no budget avail- also very impressive. necessary precautions and warn- able to carry out this project or The reason we are planning ing systems in place. We are not any other megaprojects, so we to build this center in the north- being lax on our safety standards. Can I drive a minibus in Thailand? have to help ourselves for the ern part of the island is so that it Tourists who drown at A group of 10 friends will visit Phuket in September and we would moment. One way to solve this will be easier for people from beaches go swimming despite like to rent an 11-seater minibus to may be to invite the private sec- neighboring provinces such as warnings against it and in the most tour around in. Is it legal for a for- tor to invest in this project. Krabi and Phang Nga to reach recent cases, they were swim- eigner to drive a rental minibus? Or Issues There were recently some the facility. ming outside designated swim must they hire a Thai driver? & representatives from a British There are also plans that are zones as well. I asked a well-known rental ANSWERS company that expressed interest underway for a TAT-managed We also have beach guards company and they said that a for- in investing in an incinerator in sports complex built on 300 rai of on duty all the time, but during the eigner is allowed to drive a rental www.phuketgazette.net/ Phuket. land situated very close to the monsoon season the sea is very minibus, but I remember reading a issuesanswers/index.asp Instead of building some- convention center, so all these rough and accidents happen. few years ago about a European thing like what we already have facilities will be very closely linked The authorities have asked being fined by police when he tried to drive off Phuket in similar here in Phuket, they are prepared to each other for convenience. hotels to help inform their guests circumstances. to invest in an incinerator with The location we have plan- about beach safety and the rules Stuart Hooper newer, more advanced British ned at the moment is quite good, and regulations as well. Patong technology that could turn some but we still must hold a meeting It is not just safety on of the rubbish into useful prod- with the private sector to see if beaches that we are worried Chatchawarn Ngarmtup, chief of the Phuket Provincial Trans- ucts – such as tiles and fertilizer they can come up with a better about. Phuket’s roads are also port Office, replies: – while at the same time gener- plan or location. We will give quite dangerous with accidents Foreigners are allowed to drive rental minibuses in Thailand, if ating electricity. them a chance to present alter- happening on a regular basis. they have the appropriate driving license, which is different from a This is among the most re- native locations and then we will Most accidents are related to normal car license. cent plans that I have received make a comparison. motorbikes. Law enforcement The PPTO will not issue a foreigner a full Thai bus driving from investors and is a possible After we have all the sug- has to be tightened here. license, but we will issue a permit that will allow them temporarily to way forward. We asked him the gestions at hand, we will invite drive a rental minibus if they can prove to us that they have been company to present their ideas to private investors to come and in- issued a bus driving license in their home country. local municipality authorities so vest in this project. If they would To receive the permit the foreigner must bring a current, home- that they can assess the feasibil- like to use government-owned country bus-driving license to the PPTO office in Saphan Hin. If no ity of the project. land we are more than happy to Niran Kalayanamit, one in the group has such a license, you will have to hire a driver. The advantage of this type provide them with it, however if Governor of Phuket 28 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES July 28 - August 3, 2007 Why killing dogs is a bad idea

couple of weeks ago I received an inquiry from a Taiwan-based Reuters reporter A EUTHANASIA IS NOT about stray dog control practices in different parts of Asia. AN OPTION: These His question was why, de- young dogs in spite Taiwan capturing scores of Phuket’s dog pound, if they do not find new strays and euthanizing them af- homes, will live out ter seven days (often by meth- their lives in relatively ods such as electrocution and comfortable captivity. drowning), there were still as Since all of them are many, if not more, dogs than ever. sterilized as a matter He wanted to know what of policy, none will other methods were used in Asia add to the island’s and whether any were success- dog population. ful. The fact is that until the dogs are recognized as an ecological phenomenon, and the relevant ecological principles are under- stood, no eradication effort of the type used in Taiwan will ever suc- ceed. First of all, the term “stray” It is normal for is incorrect. A “stray” dog is a people to dump garbage dog that once had a home but in unauthorized piles if strayed, or was dumped. they are living some- Most of the dogs at large in where where there is Asian cities are street dogs. They no garbage removal. were born on the streets and will Even where it is orga- live their whole lives on the nized, the majority of streets. They may not have had Thai dustbins are open an ancestor who was a pet in containers that make it 4,000 years. even easier for scaven- They often interbreed with gers to raid. the pet population and cast-off Barely a week ex-pets augment their gene pool, goes by without me get- but the basic population reservoir cats tend to thrive in places rate of feral cats and pigs, albeit around, and those that are here ting at least one call from a resi- are well-habituated, quasi-feral where the habitat no longer sup- faster than monkeys. They will are in better condition. dent or hotel complaining about animals, who mostly understand ports dogs, but can support also breed back up to the carry- The reason is quite simply street dogs in their area and ask- how to live among humans, yet smaller, more agile rodent preda- ing capacity of the habitat (like that more than 16,000 have now ing for someone to remove them. were never and will never be part tors in equivalent biomass. most mammals) within a single been sterilized by the Soi Dog What they fail to realize, is of a human household. Remove dogs from an ur- reproductive cycle if at least a Foundation alone. that if that dog is removed an- Second, street dogs have a ban habitat without changing the third of the population remain to The only way to effectively other will simply take its place as role as the largest scavenger and habitat to support fewer animals breed, which is why the traditional reduce a dog population is there- long as a food source exists to opportunistic predator that can and you get feral cats replacing methods of “control” don’t work. fore: sustain it. coexist with humans in an urban the dogs at a ratio of about three Thailand has tried many 1) Reduce the reproduc- What they need to do is habitat. Predators larger than cats to one dog, as happened in methods in the past and all have tive capacity of the dogs by ster- clean up their street or hotel so street dogs might eat people. the US and Hong Kong; or in- failed. Poisoning used to be wide- ilizing at least 70% of them. You that there is no food for the ani- Street dogs are just big enough cursions of monkeys, as has rou- spread in Bangkok before HM won’t see any reduction what- mals, which will then go away. to eat rats, chase monkeys and tinely occurred in India and Costa The King requested that the prac- soever until you cross the 70% Some areas of Phuket still be major consumers of human Rica, parts of Malaysia, and even tice cease, though it still goes on threshold. Then you will see the round up dogs, but surveys show food waste. Phuket, among other places; or unofficially in some areas, includ- numbers suddenly start falling, that the number of street dogs in Rival species include pigs, pigs, if the roads are mostly dirt. ing parts of Phuket. and falling ever faster as your any area does not change. It is monkeys and feral cats. Dogs On the whole, dogs are the Large dog pounds were set sterilization percentage rises to far better to leave them there, usually win out because pigs don’t easiest species for humans to live up around Bangkok and other 80%. That is what is happening sterilized, so they can protect their do well on paved streets, mon- with. places including here. No official in Phuket. territory. keys are afraid of dogs and feral Dogs breed at about half the euthanasia policy exists at these Hardly anyone ever goes Another important step pounds, though with little food and beyond 80%, not because it isn’t Phuket authorities should consider no medical treatment the dogs still possible, but be- is banning the die through injury and disease. cause people be- importation of all Despite all this, the number gin to realize that dogs that are not of street dogs never changes. they’d much ra- personal pets. India is the only country in ther have some Even though we Asia to have achieved success at street dogs than MAKING TRACKS are connected to street dog control through its ABC have pigs, feral By Top Dog the mainland it program, which is basically the cats and mon- would have a same “capture, neuter, release” keys, or worse – a plague of rats. large effect. that is used here in Phuket by the If the habitat is changed The markets and temple Soi Dog Foundation. enough to eliminate the food fairs are full of cute puppies that Not every Indian city has an sources, the dogs disappear any- have been brought here to sell. ABC program, but those that do, way, typically receding to just the If they don’t sell they are such as Chennai, Jaipur, Visakha- market areas before disappear- simply dumped at the nearest patnam and Ahmedabad, are ing altogether. wat, and many that are sold are achieving excellent results. 2) Reduce the carrying ca- allowed to breed or dumped Phuket too is starting to see pacity of the habitat, through bet- when the owner realizes that the results of the Soi Dog Foun- ter refuse containment and re- puppies don’t stay cute and dation’s program. Censuses in moval. You don’t need to read the small for long. some parts of the island indicate “Trashing Phuket” column of the Phuket has the opportunity that the street dog population has Gazette to know that Phuket has to set an example for the rest of fallen by more than half, and any- a waste problem. Not that many Asia in dog control, but has left body who has lived here for three years ago Phuket had no garbage it to the charities to carry out the years or more should be able to removal and many rural areas of operation. Financially they can- notice that there are fewer dogs Thailand still don’t. not carry on forever. July 28 - August 3, 2007 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 29

In The Stars by Isla St ar

LEO (July 24-August 22): If you’re celebrating a birthday this week you can look forward to a year filled with interesting events and a focus on the realization of long-term goals. Financial luck during the coming days will be particularly strong and new business ventures are particularly well-starred. Personal relationships will benefit from some extra attention; a brewing disagreement threatens to disrupt harmony in the home unless you nip it in the bud. VIRGO (August 23-September 23): If you have started to believe that luck is passing you by, you should have cause to change your mind this week. If you really want to get ahead, be prepared to take larger strides to cross the stepping stones. If you are in a relationship you will find it difficult to accept your partner’s current need for independence. The best way to deal with this situation is to develop more interests of your own. LIBRA (September 24-October 23): Feeling off balance is difficult. Taking care of your health and wellbeing should be a primary focus as July ends. Treating yourself to a day at a spa this weekend should ensure that you begin August with fresh energy. A Capricorn friend would appreciate being invited to join you. The number 6 can bring good luck next Monday. SCORPIO (October 24-November 22): Travel is forecast to broaden your horizons during early August. If you have been searching for a new direction in life you ought to know what you really want after this experience. Where love is concerned, wearing your heart on your sleeve is not the best way to woo a shy Gemini. Lay founda- tions for friendship to grow before expecting anything more. The color azure blue helps you to focus on the present. SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21): The first week of August is a good time for you to plant seeds for a new career. If you have been doubting the wisdom of making changes in your working life, expect to receive positive encouragement that this is the right thing to do. Someone born under the sign of Virgo has useful advice to give regarding a romantic dilemma. Tuesday is the best day for bargain hunting. CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20): A social whirl keeps you occupied this week and people could expect you to be in two places at the same time. Obviously this won’t be possible and you should make it clear that a rain check is welcome to avoid upsetting some- one. Inspiration strikes on Wednesday concerning a business ven- ture that has threatened to turn sour. A romantic reunion enhances an emotional connection; commitment is on the cards for those of you who are single. AQUARIUS (January 21-February 19): A sparkling month lies ahead for you if you need a financial boost. Although events are due to move slower than you would like, the overall outcome will be posi- tive. As money flows toward you, it would be advisable to repay outstanding debts as soon as possible. This week, the focus is on a personal relationship that you would like to develop into something closer. Sunday is a good day to explain how you feel. PISCES (February 20-March 20): A change of career remains high- lighted for many of you as July turns into August. You have a golden opportunity to take the buffalo by the horns early next week when someone with great influence crosses your path. Domestic issues require careful handling, particularly if you’re trying to negotiate a new contract. Buying property should be delayed until later in Au- gust. The number seven can bring some good fortune on Tuesday. ARIES (March 21-April 20): Appointments made too casually can land you in hot water this week. An agreement that you took for granted needs to be confirmed. Your talent for being active while others are lounging in their hammocks comes in useful this weekend. If you’re single you are advised to let love develop in slow motion; this advice is especially relevant if you would like to get to know a Libra better. Wear peppermint green to cool your approach. TAURUS (April 21-May 21): “Fulfillment” is the key word for you as August approaches. If there is still an empty space in your life, the stars are about to show you a way to transform it. Your energy levels will be higher as stress dissolves, but it’s still important to pace your- self. If you’re single and not looking for a relationship you might find one anyway, as Cupid is about to get busy on your behalf. GEMINI (May 22-June 21): You are advised to remember that other people are perfectly entitled to have their own opinions. Many of you take too much for granted when it comes to making agreements and this week could bring a small business shock when things don’t go the way you expect. Eating a small piece of humble pie will do you the world of good even if it doesn’t taste great at the time. Number five comes alive on Monday. CANCER (June 22-July 23): A crabby mood doesn’t get your week- end off to a flying start. Friends, however, will be determined to force you out of your shell and you are certain to benefit from some social- izing. If you have been wondering whether a certain person is inter- ested in you, expect to receive confirmation this weekend. Romance is forecast to bloom with Scorpio, although a jealous friend may try to make waves. 30 PHUKET GAZETTE COMPUTERS July 28 - August 3, 2007

hen Bill Gates first Words that you include to- coined the term ward the end of your entry might “information at not be included in the search re- Wyour fingertips” at sults, so if you want to force Goo- the Comdex computer expo in Getting tactical gle to include a term, you need to 1990, he was talking about docu- use the plus sign before that ment exchange and embedded word: "phuket gold shops +kar- objects. at". I recently looked up the text If you want a logical “OR”, of his prezo (that’s “presentation” "phuket town OR city gold shops" in Microspeak) and now wonder will give you results that include what the hell he was talking about. with Google both "Phuket Town" and "Phuket With the proliferation of the City". Internet and the excellent search One of my oft-used tactics engines available, we can truly was at hospital with his child who is to exclude terms by using the say that we have information at was diagnosed with a certain ill- minus sign. Suppose I want gold our fingertips – with little thanks ness. Within minutes I deter- shops on Phuket Island but not in to the hundreds of millions of US mined that the illness was conta- Phuket City (or Town): "phuket dollars that Microsoft has invest- gious and that he needed to con- gold shops -town -city". ed on search-related technolo- tact the daycare center and noti- To force a search for an gies. fy them. exact phrase, put double quotes I’m going to give some very 3. Watching a sporting around it: “Manchester City Foot- basic tips on using search engines event, I wondered “who is this ball Club”. This will help to ex- like Google. The point I want to dude?” and within minutes I had clude websites about the city of pound into your head is to get into the take on his entire sporting Manchester. the habit of using them; Internet career and life history. For all of the hints, tips and search is an incredible problem- 4. My new mobile phone uses of such operators, check out solving and productivity-enhanc- didn’t function exactly the same http://www.google.co.th/intl/en/ ing tool. as the last one I had of the same help/basics.html and the links When I mentor junior soft- model; within five minutes I had from there. ware developers in Southeast downloaded the user manual and Google also caches its pag- Asia, I am continuously blown I had my answer. es. This means that for a certain away by how so few of them in- 5. Some Thai history: the amount of time – I am guessing stinctively use Internet search 1992 military coup and the 1997 it’s in months or years – it keeps a engines as their primary problem- constitution. copy of the Web sites that it has solving tool, preferring instead to 6. Lyrics to a song playing crawled through and cataloged. annoy the guy sitting in the next in my head; in this case, "Day- The Internet is the world’s best friend. Need to find a snapshot of So, if you click on a link that cubicle. dream Believer" by the Monkees Victory Monument in Bangkok? Google has you covered with its is a search result and you get a If there’s a problem or que- (for you Gen-Yers and on-the- image search. No need to dig through multiple web pages to find the shot you’re looking for. “Page not found” message or ry, there is a 99.9% chance that cusp Gen-Xers who don’t know something like that, check the someone has encountered the who the Monkees were, I was in limiting your search. button to search “Pages from search result for the underlined same problem, come up with a Baghdad when you were in 9. Wondering the origin of Thailand” instead of “The Web” word “Cached”. solution and made it available for Dad’s bag). the phrase “dead ringer”, which to narrow the focus and improve Click on that and if it’s your others on the Internet. All you 7. I found out who did the is worthy of an explanation the quality of the search results. lucky day you’ll still find what have to do is look for it. voices for the Little Mermaid here: First, configure your Pref- you are looking for. Here are a few examples movie that my kids were watch- Ingesting lead from pewter erences. The important ones are This feature is particularly from the past week in which I ing. caused a lengthy, unconscious “Search results per page”. To useful if a company has screwed used a search engine to get in- 8. When I’m watching a state that was often mistaken for speed things up I up and posted formation I wanted: movie on TV I often miss the ti- death... A bell above ground was use 100 instead content that they 1. A friend forwarded me tle screen. If I’m curious about attached to a string which ran of the default later pulled from an email message sent to him and the movie’s name I enter in the down into the coffin and was at- number of 10. their website. If asked me if it was legit. Within character names, an actor’s tached to the wrist of the de- Another impor- you want to re- minutes using Internet search I names or even a particularly mem- ceased. tant option is trieve that infor- found out that it was a malicious orable line from the movie to get Someone was hired to keep “Language pref- mation many Trojan horse program that would results, usually from the Internet watch on the bell to quickly dig erence”. I am times it will have install itself on his computer and Movie Database (IMDB.com). up the person if the bell rang. The semi-fluent in a been cached and take it over if he clicked on the On that website you can also “dead ringer” was “saved by the few languages, so I choose En- thus still available. link. search for movies that two ac- bell” by someone working the glish and those languages; if your Google also has a section 2. I talked to a friend who tors appeared in together, further “graveyard shift” (http://www. better half is Thai and you are for image searches that use the suite101.com/article.cfm/history_ searching together and searching same search functionality, only it bizarre_mysterious/66394). for information in Thailand, then returns - duh – images and pho- Of course, you can’t be- choosing English and Thai would tographs instead of words. As lieve everything you read on the be your best bet. they say, a picture can be worth Internet and you have to get a Words entered in the search a thousand words. second and third opinion when engine subject box are case in- For example, do you know appropriate. sensitive, meaning that "PHU- what a “gable” is? An online dic- I use Google to search in- KET", "Phuket" and "pHuKeT" tionary might tell you it's “the gen- stead of the other search engines are all the same. erally triangular section of wall at only because when I started us- In math terms, the default the end of a pitched roof”. ing search engines Google was is “logical AND”, meaning that if Confused? Just enter the head and heels above the others. you enter "phuket gold shops", it word “gable” into the the subject Now there are other excel- will return documents with all of box at www.images.google.co.th lent search engines like Yahoo those words in them. and see for yourself. and Altavista and even “super- Google and other search al- As I said at the beginning search engines” like www. gorithms place the most impor- of this column, the biggest trick dogpile.com that incorporate all tance on the first word you en- by far is getting into the habit of of the top search engines into ter. Those that follow are taken using Internet search engines – one. to be of decreasing importance. if you aren’t doing so already. The examples I am going to So "phuket gold shops" will give If you have the Internet at use are for Google search, but if you different results than "gold your fingertips, there’s really no you think that Google is the new shops phuket". excuse for not finding the answer Evil Empire or for some other Plus, there’s another factor: to any query less cosmic than, reason don’t want to use it, these how close together the words “What is the meaning of life?” tips can generally be applied to you’ve entered: the closer the any of the other popular search words are together in the docu- Ignacio Evans is an information engines. ment, the higher the search re- security consultant based in SE Google Search Thailand sult. Asia who tries to be in Phuket (www.google.co. th) is the home Common prepositions and whenever he can. Email him page for all of my Web brows- pronouns such as “the”, “then”, with questions, complaints, or ers; if I want information specif- “with”, “a”, “you” and “me” are any other comments at iggy69.e ic to Thailand, then I click on the disregarded by default. @gmail.com July 28 - August 3, 2007 PHUKET GAZETTE 31 32 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS & MONEY July 28 - August 3, 2007 Fed plays a waiting game

he current weakness of funds that produces re- cians saying that China is holding the US dollar was ex- turns for investors in its currency at artificially low lev- pected – it was really any currency. But re- els have a valid point. China has Tjust a case of when, not gardless of their “home” the world’s largest foreign ex- if. The US currency is at a 16- currency, investors have change reverse which, when year low against the Australian to be patient and able to combined with rising interest dollar, a 26-year low against the live with the volatility. rates, should make its currency pound sterling and a record low Although the fund rise substantially in value. against the euro. The euro, hav- is denominated in US Since implementing a “man- ing been introduced only in 1999, dollars, the majority of aged float” of its currency from is still a relative newcomer. the profits in 2007 were a fixed rate of 8.28 yuan/US dol- All these currencies have achieved by selling the lar in August 2005 to the current one thing in common – their do- US dollar short. In 2006, range of around 7.55 yuan/US mestic interest rates are expected the majority of the prof- dollar, China has been moving in to rise further, whereas current its were derived from the right direction, albeit at a slow US interest rates are firmly on falling oil prices in the pace. This is even more impor- hold. second half of the year. tant when you take into account The US Central Bank (the Being an emotionless that the yuan was believed to be Federal Reserve) is currently in and computer-driven- 40% undervalued against the US a position where it cannot raise trading absolute-return dollar in 2005. interest rates without risking fu- fund, the only things that China – playing a domestic ture economic growth, and it can- are unprofitable are balancing act – needs to keep its not reduce them without running static or trendless mar- currency competitive to maintain into the possibility of fueling in- kets. the strong levels of economic flation. Instead, the US Central ness of making profits. This is For global investors, this is There is often speculation growth necessary to create tens Bank is taking the sensible route neither evil nor a conspiracy – it a good example of the impor- on what would happen if the main of millions of new jobs every year and holding steady, waiting for is the free enterprise system at tance of relating to a base cur- foreign holders of the US dollar to cater for the host of new la- further economic data to give an work. The same speculators are rency. For US dollar “thinking” – China, Japan, and so on – were borers moving from cities to ru- indication as to which direction just as happy to profit from a ris- investors, 2007 has been a very to suddenly shift their holdings to ral areas. The currency is still not the economy is heading. This hold ing dollar. In reality, the majority pleasant year, especially if they’ve other currencies. The answer is convertible and Beijing lacks the on interest rate movements may of currency-trading systems are had exposure to international as- twofold: The value of the dollar confidence to move faster on this last for a long time. computer-driven and use emo- sets. There was profit to be made would drop and long-term inter- issue. This creates distortions in Thailand and many other tionless trading techniques. in most US assets and interna- est rates in the US would rise. the Chinese economy, with vast Asian countries found out in 1997 The US dollar situation dif- tional assets but the latter has The latter would certainly lead to amounts of liquidity sloshing that when current account defi- fers from the Asian predicament given an added bonus in the shape a slowdown in the US economy around, leading to massive asset- cits eventually become too large in 1997 in several other respects. of currency gains. The reverse and could even cause a recession. price inflation in the stock mar- for too long, a day of reckoning The US is still the largest was true where international in- Short of an ket and real estate. is imminent. economy in the world and com- vestors had exposure to US as- extremely serious The Chinese The US, however, is in an modities are almost all priced in sets. However, as with all gener- diplomatic spat government is aware entirely different situation from the US dollars. This means that re- alizations, there are always ex- between the US that it needs to cater emerging Asian economies of the gardless of normal currency, sup- ceptions and sometimes they and China or Ja- to the economic aspi- late ’90s. The current account ply and demand, the world uses come from unexpected sources. pan, however, this rations of its popula- deficits are impacting the value the US dollar as a pricing mecha- Earlier this year, this column is unlikely to hap- tion to avoid civil un- of the dollar and it is likely that nism and trading currency for ev- featured the AMT Futures IQS pen. A slowing rest because the the dollar will fall further. That is erything from oil to gold, lumber fund, which is denominated in US US economy and, country does not the nature of markets – they have to corn. dollars. This fund has had an out- even worse, a US MONEY have the pressure a natural tendency to exaggerate Another important factor is standing, if volatile, track record. recession, would valve of a democracy. price movements both when ris- that the average American is com- Earlier in 2007, the fund experi- see a marked Japan, on the other ing and falling. pletely unconcerned about the enced losses. Its targeted areas slowdown in TALKS hand, is the benefi- Speculators will play these value of his currency, and to a of investment, ranging from soft China and Japan’s ciary of the yen currency movements to the ab- great extent this applies to every commodities to hard commodities primary export By Richard G.. Watson “carry trade”, which solute limits; they are in the busi- US administration. and currencies, created a total of markets. China has no vested in- is keeping the value of the cur- 14 investment choices. terest in hurting its largest cus- rency at much lower levels than In June, the benefits of mov- tomer; rather the reverse. would otherwise be the case. ing-currency markets saw the This does not mean that Sluggish-to-low economic fund gain 30.33% in a single there will be a cessation of ver- growth allows the Bank of Japan month followed by further gains bal sparring between the US and (Central Bank) to maintain low in July. This was one of those rare China, and the American politi- interest rates. This gives the ex- port sector of Japan a much more pleasant trading environment than would otherwise be the case. The yen “carry trade” has another benefit in that it stops trading partners from being able to criticize Japan for currency manipulation. The first-world economies – the US, Europe, and so on – are also beneficiaries of the Chinese currency because they are importing deflation. With- out the effect of cheap Chinese goods, their domestic inflation lev- els would be significantly higher than they are. Sometimes benefits come from unexpected places!

Richard G Watson runs Global Portfolios Co Ltd, a Phuket- based personal financial-plan- ning service. He can be reached at Tel: 076-381997, Fax: 076- 383185, Mobile: 081-0814611. Email: [email protected], Web- site: www.global-portfolios.com July 28 - August 3, 2007 BUSINESS & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 33 ON THE MOVE Wasan Poontananiwat- Dr Duenpen Chantajitpree- Phuket native Chat- kul, 29, from Phuket, has cha, 30, from Songkhla, has been taporn “Nui” Thir- been promoted to business appointed the rheumatology spe- intarapong has been development manager for cialist at Bangkok Hospital appointed sales man- the Phuket and Krabi divi- Phuket. She first graduated with ager of Knight Frank sions of Asia Web Direct an internal medicine degree from Co Ltd in Phuket. Co Ltd after working as Prince of Songkla University in She holds a degree in assistant sales support man- Haad Yai and continued her stud- management and a ager for the company since ies at Phramongkutklao College diploma in tourism-re- June 2005. He holds a de- of Medicine in Bangkok, where lated business from gree in hospitality manage- she graduated with both a doc- Phuket Rajabhat Uni- ment from Prince of Song- torate in medicine and a degree versity. She earlier kla University in Phuket. in science. She is certified under worked in the market- He previously worked for both the Board of Internal Med- ing department at three years as sales and icine and the Board of Rheuma- Blue Canyon Country marketing supervisor for tology. Before moving to Phuket, Club and has several Diethelm Travel Thailand she worked for two years at years of experience in Co Ltd. Phramongkutklao Hospital. the property sector. Lehman Land Office expert offers Bros backs B2 billion tips on leases for foreigners

resort By Anand Singh year “rollover” leases will be granted, he added. in Rawai PHUKET CITY: Foreigners and K. Thawan said that the locals confused by Thai property solution to this predicament is to By Stephen Fein laws were given an insight into draw up a separate contract stat- key issues when the Phuket Real ing that successive leases not RAWAI: Hotel Properties Ltd Estate Club (PREC) and Delice exceeding 30 years each will be (HPL), which is listed on the Thai Co Ltd hosted a forum titled granted. Singapore stock exchange, “Problems and Solutions in the A rider clause could be through a wholly-owned subsid- Phuket Real Estate Market” at added to the contract so that in iary has entered into a joint-ven- Royal Phuket City Hotel on July the event of death of the Thai ture agreement with Lehman 14. lessor, the current lease and suc- Brothers Pan Asian Investments Among the speakers at the cessive leases would be hon- to form a 50:50 joint hotel prop- event was Thawan Thimasarn, ored. erty venture in order to develop director of the Subdivision of the Leases and their clauses and construct a luxury hotel on Bureau of Standard Land Docu- expire after a given period of freehold land in Rawai. ment Issuance. time, which is why separate con- The exact location of the site K. Thawan said that while tracts are sometimes needed, was not disclosed, though the foreigners may not buy land in added K. Thawan. Gazette has learned that negotia- Thailand, they may lease it legally Speakers at the conference were, from left, Thawan Thimasarn, Other notable speakers at tions are underway with the Four for up to 30 years. John Magee, Eric Tomlin and PREC President Phummisak Hongsyok. the July 14 forum included PREC Seasons hotel chain to manage If the lessor or the lessee President Phummisak Hongsyok, the resort after it is built. dies, however, the lease is ren- adding a rider clause into a however, are reluctant to put Eric Tomlin, secretary to the As- HPL and Lehman Bros in- dered void and the Thai inheritor lease. money into projects on land they sociation of Phuket Property tend to acquire the land for a to- of the land is not obliged to sign a The clause should state lease in Phuket because there is Agents, and John Magee, pub- tal consideration of approximately new lease. that the lessor must add a clause no guarantee that subsequent 30- lisher of the Phuket Gazette. 2 billion baht, according to a me- Speaking to the Gazette on into his will stating that if he dies, dia release on the company’s July 20 about some of the prob- then the designated heir of the website. lems foreign lessees may come land must honor the agreement Through Four Seasons’ across in Thailand, K. Thawan of the current lease in writing Bangkok office, Four Seasons said that foreigners are able to or forfeit his inheritance rights. Senior Vice-President (Opera- safeguard their investments by Many foreign investors, tions) for Pacific-Asia region, Neil Jacobs, confirmed that Four Seasons is in conversations with both groups regarding a possible management contract. The HPL website stipulates that the project is still subject to receipt of the necessary approv- als from the relevant authorities in Thailand. On February 1, Four Sea- sons opened its fourth property in Thailand at Laem Yai on Koh Samui. The resort features 60 villas built on stilts set among a former orchard. “Thailand has always been such a draw for tourists from all over the world,” said Jacobs. “Guests to our other prop- erties in Thailand have been ask- ing for a beach resort, so this new property in Koh Samui will broaden the experience we can offer our guests in this part of the world.” 34 PHUKET GAZETTE SPORTS July 28 - August 3, 2007 Paddling with a purpose Dogs By Nick Davies ered marathon was the most tir- Bollocks ing as he had to fight strong cur- RAWAI: Tired but triumphant, rents around Nai Harn before fi- seafaring adventurer Marco Rei- nally reaching Rawai. on a roll nard arrived at Rawai Pier, the Marco said his secret was point he’d started from 36 hours to drink a lot of water, while he PATONG: Dog’s Bollocks seem earlier, just after 5 pm July 19. ate just one dish of pasta and determined to take their first-ever Marco, originally from Lux- some yogurt during his journey. title this season with fiery play. embourg, had just completed a For Marco, this relatively Another impressive win, 8-1 200-kilometer paddle around short human-powered voyage is against newcomers Simply Red, Phuket Island in an 18-foot kay- just the latest in a continuous brought them very close – they ak, clocking an average speed of environmental awareness cam- can clinch with just three more 10kmh. paign, one that he plans to even- points. A crowd of excited young- tually make into a video docu- Mucker of Dog’s Bollocks sters, well-wishers, friends and mentary. reports that the media turned out to greet a sun- As an active environmental- only lost point PATONG burned Marco as he arrived at ist and documentary filmmaker came when the DARTS the pier and raised his oars above for the last 30 years, Marco said, previously unde- LEAGUE his head in a victorious salute “My ultimate goal is to make a feated doubles before hauling his kayak up the video documentary highlighting pairing of Lek and Peak (aka steps. the plight of indigenous people and “The Dream Team”) dropped Tired and dehydrated from how they are forced to cope with their first game. his arduous mission, Marco sat the encroachment of modern civ- In a closely fought match, next to his kayak, removed his ilization.” Queen Mary reduced second- sunglasses and took off his gloves He is also a part of Green place Shakers’ chances by tak- to check the blisters on his hands. International Productions South- ing all three points. His lower back had been rubbed east Asia (Gipsea), a group of Billy was behind in the first raw by the lengthy stint in the sin- film-makers who raise funds for singles, but finished from 210 gle seat of his kayak, but Marco education and the support of in- points with a 180 then a x15 on was keen to tell reporters why he digenous people’s rights through- his next dart. Hmm. had taken on the challenge. out the world. Pong closed his singles in 17 “I do this kind of thing be- Marco is planning a trip in darts, while Joy proved that high cause I want people to realize November from Mergui, Burma, heels and long hair are no obsta- that we have to stop using our Marco Reinard takes a well-earned rest at Rawai Pier after his 36- to Taiwan in a Hobie Cat – a cles to success in darts: once lakes, rivers and oceans as trash hour kayak journey around Phuket. small cabinless catamaran – that again she emerged as Queen cans. This is not just a local is- he estimates will take him about Mary’s heroine with a x20 close sue; it is an international problem 100 days, including stops in Pat- in the beer leg – and there was as tides and currents take pollu- Marco Reinard (in hat) takes a well-earned rest at Rawai Pier after taya and Phuket. much rejoicing. tion everywhere and it affects his 36-hour kayak journey around Phuket. Marco won’t be alone this In the only other match, Pic- every single one of us,” said time, however, as a Sea Gypsy cadilly downed Valhalla at home Marco. his mobile phone, kept in a wa- “By around 8 pm on Wed- friend from Koh Phi Phi will share 7-2 before fried chicken and al- Talking about the children terproof pouch. For navigation, nesday evening, the waves were the helm with him. cohol-induced paralysis set in and gathered around him, Marco add- Marco said he just “kept Phuket perilously high. With no light from Local tour operator Hotel they found themselves down by ed, “My main concern is wheth- on the left”. the shore, it was so dark that I Travel is sponsoring Marco’s 400 points in yet another failed er kids like these will still have After heading northeast couldn’t see the waves coming campaign. quest for free beer. clean waters to make a livelihood from Rawai in calm waters at 5 and I really didn’t know where I Fredy Muenger, chief infor- Send reports to darts@ when they reach my age. If we am on Wednesday morning, was, so I made the decision to mation officer for Hotel Travel, phuketgazette.net for inclusion in don’t act now, then it may be too treacherous conditions along the stop for the night.” was also at the pier to welcome this article. late to help them in the future.” west coast forced Marco to head Continuing south the next Marco and spoke admirably of Apart from Marco’s mod- for land and rest for the night at day, Marco had to contend with Marco’s commitment to raising July 17 results: Piccadilly 7 Val- ern, five-meter kayak Sequel, a small bay just past Surin Beach even more powerful waves until awareness of global environmen- halla* 2; Queen Mary* 5 Shak- made by New Zealand company as darkness, fatigue and unpre- he reached calmer, shallower wa- tal issues. ers 4; Dog’s Bollocks* 8 Simply Challenge, the only high tech dictable waves made it too dan- ters around Patong. He said the “Marco is dedicated to a Red 1 (* = winner of beer leg). equipment he took with him was gerous to continue. final stretch of his paddle-pow- worthwhile cause and we are proud to be helping him achieve Standings: 1. Dog’s Bollocks more international recognition in (27 pts.); 2. Shakers (22); 3.= this and future adventures,” said Queen Mary, Beach House (21); Fredy. 5. Offshore (20); 6. Piccadilly (15); 7. Valhalla (8); 8. Simply For more information on Mar- Red (4). co’s seafaring journeys, which have included windsurfing from July 31 matchups: Beach Burma to Malaysia in commem- House vs Dog’s Bollocks; Queen oration of victims of the 2004 Mary vs Simply Red; Valhalla vs tsunami, visit www.gipseacat. Shakers; Piccadilly and Offshore, com byes (home teams first).

Ad- Johnson 3x5 K. Anna July 28 - August 3, 2007 SPORTS PHUKET GAZETTE 35 Boxers seek Salad days for Somtam sponsors By Chris Husted Phuket Resort, which hosted the tory to win the class with eight regatta. points. to fund AO CHALONG: After four On the final day, Somtam Tua Lek finished second days of racing in and around Cha- recorded yet another first-place overall in the class with 10 points, Bangkok long Bay, on July 22 Scott Dun- finish to bring their tally to four followed by Niels Dgenkolf on canson’s Somtam Express clinch- firsts and one second place to Phoenix with 11 points. ed the win in the IRC 1 class in score a tally of just six points. Tim Milner on Seekrong- trip this year’s Phuket Raceweek Although impressive, it was huk scored three first places regatta, organized by Image Asia not Somtam’s best performance and one second place to win the PHUKET: The Phuket Boxing Events. – at last year’s Phuket Race- Multihull class even before the Club (PBC) is seeking sponsors Shifting winds played hav- week Somtam Express won ev- final day of racing got under- for its group of six amateur box- oc with the start of the final ery race in the Sports Boat Rac- way, scoring a total of five ers who will travel to Bangkok to race in the regatta and the fleet ing class. points. compete in this year’s Thailand waited four hours for it to swing Although Peter Ahern’s Bob Brindley’s X Cat Riot Mini-Junior Amateur Boxing around to allow the race to Yo! 2 beat Somtam Express finished second place overall with Championships, to be held at The start. across the finish line on the fi- seven points, followed by Chris Mall, Ngamwongwan from Au- Once underway, the yachts nal day, the crew finished fourth Runnegar on Chameleon with gust 3 to 10. set sail around Koh Bon, Koh on the day and second overall nine points. PBC Secretary Sawarin Lone and Koh Hei with the fin- with 12 points, followed by Jim Somtam Express in full cry during In the Raimon Land Fire- “Master Jay” Pinkaew will again Poulsen’s Vino in third place the last race of the regatta. fly 850 class, Roger Kingdon’s ish line in front of the Evason Photo by Leslie Hand for Image lead the group of fighters, all aged Asia Events. Moto Inzi scored five first plac- 14 to 16, to compete against the es to win the series six points in best young amateur boxers from with 14 points. front of Bill Phelps’ Twin all over Thailand. John Vause on Ruby Tues- Sharks. Master Jay also announced day placed fourth in the series Henry Kaye on Mamba fin- that Tossaporn Thepabutr, hus- in the IRC 1 class, while David ished third overall in the class band of Phuket Provincial Ad- Lindahl’s La Samudra finished with 14 points. ministration Organization (Or- in sixth place overall in the Gunther Nutt’s Kerida was BorJor) President Anchalee class. a little too quick for the aging Vanich-Thepabutr, has taken Top honors in IRC 2 were Classic class, winning the series over as PBC President. up for grabs right up until the fi- with just three points. For more information on nal race, but Peter Dyer’s Mad- Tom Howard’s Seraph fin- how to sponsor the team contact am Butterfly was too quick for ished second overall with six Master Jay at Tel: 081-2722629 Mike Downard on Tua Lek on the points, followed by Mark Myk- or email: phuketboxinggym@ HOW”S THAT? The PCU and the Stragglers XI from Zimbabwe. final day and scored another vic- ing’s Idiom with seven points. hotmail.com Honors even as Phuket take on Zimbabweans By Mark Whetton ing in a match-winning 61 runs. When he did eventually fall to a CHERNG TALAY: The Phuket great catch on the boundary, PCU Cricket Union (PCU) played host found themselves with 125 runs to a returning Stragglers team for six wickets in the 25th over, from Zimbabwe with a match leaving them needing just 22 runs each day on July 21 and 22. from five overs. The Stragglers first toured PCU went on to win with Phuket last year, when they gave an over to spare after some valu- the local cricketing lads a 2-0 able runs from David Ogden (12 thrashing on the field. This year, not out) and Mark Whetton (17 however, PCU turned the tables not out). on the touring Zimbabweans. The second match on July On the Saturday, the Strag- 22 saw the Stragglers return to glers won the toss and elected to form. The visitors won the toss bat, sending in opening batsmen and decided to field first. The John Jameson and John Robbie. decision paid off as PCU found Jameson, who scored 107 themselves three wickets down against PCU last year, and Rob- for three runs by the second over. bie got off to a solid start. After Some tight bowling from some interesting bowling from Matt Streeton (2-17 off five PCU, both batsmen were sent overs) and Gary Steyn (3-24 off back to the pavilion when they six overs) troubled PCU through- were in their 20s. out the innings, with only Sumit Runs came easily for the (21 runs) and Subash (12 runs) Stragglers after that, but so did making double figures. wickets, largely due to solid field- Straggler Sandys-Thomas ing by PCU. lent PCU a hand when 18 runs Despite some useful contri- were scored off the only over butions from Darren Coetzee (15 Stragglers’ captain Wayne Par- runs) and Brian Murphy (21 ham allowed him. PCU were all runs), the Stragglers were all out out in the 22nd over for 104 runs. for 146 runs in the 23rd over. After lunch, the Stragglers PCU bowlers Seemant Raju made light work of chasing down and Ravi Sehgal both picked up the total. Jameson showed his three wickets each. prowess by scoring 48 runs, in- PCU took to the crease af- cluding seven fours and one six. ter a short break, but were soon He was well supported by in trouble with Anand first out for Steyn (26 retired hurt) and seven and Dennis Bacon follow- Sandys-Thomas (14 not out) to ing for a duck. see the Stragglers make 105 runs This brought PCU captain in the 13th over for just two wick- Jafar Ali to the crease, where he ets, giving them an eight-wicket immediately went to work turn- victory. 36 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY July 28 - August 3, 2007

Gardening by Bloomin’ Bert

he comedian Benny Hill denticulata, or pada tree (tong- said it best, with his im- tao kalo in Thai). It’s not the most mortal line in the classic beautiful plant in the world. In T’60s film, The Italian fact, it’s rather ugly. On the plus Job: “Are they big? I like ’em side, it’s incredibly effective at big.” I do, too. Anything big is fine laying down roots very quickly by me. that spread over a wide area and To be honest, I’m not sure bind the soil together. what it is about big stuff that I Clever road planners use like. It doesn’t matter what it is, them all the time. Rather than as long as I can use it. Big cars, cover roadside banks with plas- big furniture, big bikes; anything tic netting or acres of concrete, big. I even write with a big pen, they just plunk a few hundred of and the computer mouse I use is these things in the ground and the the biggest I could lay my big verge stays put, with absolutely hands on. no maintenance. It may be some kind of Getting back to big things, deep unresolved, psychological this is where the pada tree comes link to my ample physical girth. in. Its leaves are huge, about 25 Perhaps, as our transatlantic centimeters to 30cm long, and cousins may suggest, I “have is- they look similar to elephant’s sues”. I’m sure one of them will ears. Unlike another big-leaved be only too willing to psychoana- plant, the alocasia, the pada tree lyze me. grows into a proper tree; a far Well psychoanalyze this: I more testosterone-oozing affair. don’t see the problem, personally. It does the job well, too. There’s something quite reassur- A research project at a uni- ing about being able to go to versity in Chiang Mai a few years McDonald’s and order the slightly ago focused on deforestation in bigger version of their meals and HOLDING THINGS TOGETHER: The pada tree is highly effective at binding soil together by laying down the area. They needed to encour- not feel guilty. Supersize away. roots that spread over a wide area very quickly. age regrowth of plants and plant I’m a bit of a bloater and rather trees that developed and matured proud of it. as quickly as possible. They also Even though I am an ardent wanted to attract seed-dispersing fan of things huge, I draw the animals back into the area, so line at some things. Why do that once everything was in place, people buy a one-foot wide Staying power they could leave the area to look wristwatch to hang on their wall? after itself. Or a chessboard several meters We live on a fairly big is- drive faster or find even more wards Kamala. Construction is In the first 18 months of the wide that they can use in the land, and we drive on big roads – lanes to drive in. underway there, and in places project, the pada trees they garden? Or even a two-foot tall roads that seem to be getting big- It’s the sides of the roads there are no plants to hold the soil planted grew about four meters. acrylic hamburger that they can ger on a daily basis, for no par- that make me agitated at the in place. I have the sneaking sus- That’s some serious growth. sit on? ticular reason. people who have decided to hack picion that the proud owner of the Normally I ramble on about Perhaps the most useless of Does every carriageway in away whatever was there before land will be chasing his real es- how plants brighten up corners or all are those three-foot playing Phuket need to become a four- and lay down more tarmac. They tate down the hill before he knows provide shade or generally look cards. Is there actually any point lane superhighway? always cut back more than they it. good. Not the pada tree. It’s the to any of these things, apart from This is supposed to be a need to, rather than thinking about Plants do much more than ugly duckling of the plant world, making money for novelty plas- tropical island paradise, not a what should be there. make the place look tropical – in but it’s a worker. tics manufacturers? paradise for those who want to Wiset Rd, south of Chalong many areas they literally hold the All we need in Phuket is to Circle, has been upgraded and in island together. If they are re- plant a few more of these around places the road widening has left moved, the ground where they the place. If we do that, then its mark – chunks of the verges once stood would simply wash there’s a chance that some of the have disappeared where the away. soil that’s uncovered by island “drains” have been “improved”. There’s a simple answer to “improvements” will stay where But much worse is north of this problem – plant trees. A per- it’s supposed to. Patong, as you climb the hill to- fect tree for this is the Macaranga In the meantime, I’ll work on my size issues. Make mine a Large, thanks. Want advice on your garden? Email Bloomin’ Bert at: [email protected] July 28 - August 3, 2007 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 37

Decor by Natcha Yuttaworawit LIGHT FANTASTIC hen you walk into terns and designs. The products Wii Light on Chao we make are based on harmonic Fa West Rd you designs and tones so that the Ware greeted by all lights do not disturb your relax- manner of peculiar shapes, inter- ation,” he added. esting objects and soothing tones, K. Norarat said that Wii with occasional splashes of lumi- Light can create new designs for nosity. a customer who wants something Wii Light is no ordinary light to complement the aesthetics of shop; you might think the prod- his or her house. Customers who ucts on display were not lights at order products from the shop will all. But once lit up, they transform not be charged for the design into vibrant lighting units, burst- work, although there may be ad- ing with color and radiance, en- ditional installation costs. hancing the appeal of any living K. Norarat added that each space. design takes a different period of On the shelves of Wii Light time to create, depending on his are what you might call “normal” feelings. Once he has an idea in lights – that is, lights that look like mind, K. Norarat will sketch it in lights, with lamp shades and reg- his notebook, editing it himself and ular bases. taking suggestions from staff at On the shop floor and dot- his factory who can help with the ted around the displays are the technical side of the design. The shop’s signature lights that look time spent on production is usu- more like works of art than they ally between one week and one do sources of illumination. MOST ILLUMINATING: The products on display at Wii Light look more like modern art than lamps. month. Wii Light has been open for about a year, but owner Norarat About 80% of the products here, are suitable for Phuket be- nearby, such as on a hill or by the Wii Light. 21/7 Chao Fa West Rd, Niruttisart is no stranger to con- in Wii Light are from his own cause many homes on the island sea,” said K. Norarat. about 300 meters south of Cen- temporary decor. After graduat- designs and made in one of the are used mainly as holiday homes, “My products are made tral Festival Phuket. Open Mon- ing from Assumption University shop’s two factories, in Bangkok and people want tropical, less se- from natural materials, such as day to Thursday 10 am to 7 pm, in Bangkok with a degree in In- and Phuket, said K. Norarat. rious styles. wood with Japanese lawn thread, Friday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, terior Design, he decided to set “I think my products, which “Most of my customers’ betel palm leaf and creeping plant, closed Sunday. Tel: 081-677- up his own business. are aimed at foreigners living homes are in natural surroundings used together with modern pat- 5321 or 076-20914. 38 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY July 28 - August 3, 2007

Construction Update by Janyaporn Morel New police checkpoint set to open by December

he 38.9-million-baht Tah An additional two-lane road Chat Chai checkpoint, will take drivers leaving Phuket which has been under to a second checkpoint and back Tconstruction since mid- out to Thepkrasattri Road, again February, is now 37% complete past CCTV cameras once they and should be fully operational by are installed. the beginning of December, The project, which is be- Phuket Governor Niran Kalaya- ing built by SCG 1995 Co Ltd, namit announced recently. will comprise an 800-square- The checkpoint, one kilome- meter office building between ter south of Sarasin Bridge, will the two checkpoints, housing a be an inspection station where 150sqm hall area and five rooms vehicles coming in or out of for police officers, Phuket Pro- Phuket is checked for illegal vincial Livestock officers and items, such as controlled plants, Animal and Plant Quarantine The Tah Chat Chai checkpoint, on the only road leading into Phuket, should be complete by the end of animals and substances, said the offices. the year and ready to inspect the three million people that pass through the checkpoint every year. governor. On the second floor of the About three million people office building will be an 80sqm pass through the Tah Chat Chai meeting room and two storage checkpoint every year, which rooms. prompted authorities to upgrade Tah Chat Chai checkpoint, the checkpoint, he added. designed by Phuket Provincial The two-lane, 15-meter- Public Works and Town & Coun- wide entrance road will lead driv- try Planning, will replace the cur- ers from Thepkrasattri Rd to a rent temporary checkpoint 300m checkpoint and back out to the away. main road. The new facilities will pro- All vehicles arriving on the vide officers with the resources island will eventually be moni- they need to check all vehicles, tored by CCTV cameras, al- instead of only being able to make though the current budget does random checks as they do now, not cover their installation. the governor said.

Riding a motorcycle? Please . . . Thai law requires that motorcycle drivers and Wear Me! passengers wear a safety helmet with the chin strap fastened at all times – 24 hours a day. PHUKET PROVINCIAL TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT July 28 - August 3, 2007 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 39

ravel around the world and no matter where you land, be it North Am- Terica, Europe or Asia, you’ll find vacation ownership Time for timeshare and timeshare being offered. Although timeshare in the it allows flexible usage terms. Timeshare companies, such as past experienced some growing With the emergence of va- Interval International (website pains, it has grown into a signifi- cation ownership and holiday shown here) offer customers a cant property segment and is now clubs this is now being expand- way to buy a few weeks a year often a sophisticated and polished ed, in many cases within a hotel at their favorite resorts. lifestyle investment offering. group’s network of properties and While the rewards of programs Having affiliations with glo- also for redemption of leisure such as these can be great, it’s bal brands such as Disney, Star- products, such as golf, airline tick- also important to read the fine wood, Marriott and Hilton has ets, rental cars and boats. print to know whether your proved effective for some firms At Laguna Phuket, the con- dream resort will be available in building credibility and estab- cept was pioneered with the Al- when you want it. lishing a large customer base. lamanda Vacation Club, which For those new to the term, over the years has evolved into vacation ownership is essentially the Laguna Vacation Club. The shared ownership wherein a per- project recently opened a dedi- there is a system of recourse for son buys a share in a furnished cated club facility, check-in and consumer complaints. unit for a specified peri- members area and now Both timeshare and vacation od of time, or more sim- has expanded within Thai- ownership have come a long way. ply buys an ongoing inter- land and overseas with What was once regarded a bit est in what is usually ho- ownership of units in key skeptically by consumers has now tel-managed accommo- destinations. been embraced by large interna- dation. The Marriott, with its tional institutions and brands and While the Mai Khao Phuket become very big business. period of usage Beach Club, has New products continue to varies, generally it quickly estab- points-based usage systems while neyworld, so there needs to be be offered, such as residential is for a week a PROPERTY lished a quality others offer floating periods or some flexibility – either in terms clubs, fractional ownership terms, year for a set num- benchmark by of- fixed weeks. It’s important to of one’s holiday time or the loca- cruise lines, private yachts and ber of years. At- WATCH fering its exclusive note that you may not be able to tions one wants to visit. frequent flier programs. tached to the sale facilities and has use the unit exactly when you In the end, you might not be Lifestyle investment is a are varying own- By Bill Barnett continued to ex- want, as timeshare usage might able to visit where you want – or growing segment and looks set to ership and rights pand over the past be subject to availability. when you want to go. become a by-product of the issues, depending on the project few years. One of its key selling This is a major issue for In Thailand there are con- worldwide property market and and its affiliations. points is the optional inclusion of overseas exchanges at high-de- sumer guidelines that regulate the a permanent fixture on the real Timeshare’s core attraction Marriott Rewards, a leading in- mand destinations such as Dis- selling of these products and estate scene. is that it’s cheaper than tradition- ternational loyalty program. al real estate or property. In the These two resorts are only past few years there has been a the tip of the iceberg of what is trend to appeal to a wider poten- generally accepted to be an in- tial market by offering cheaper dustry on the upswing. An influx products. This trend has been to of new internationally-branded up-sell customers a more expen- products is expected over the next sive product once they have re- few years. alized the benefits of their initial As with any property or lif- purchase. estyle purchase, buyers must read While many buyers want to the fine print to fully understand use their vacation time within a exactly what’s on offer and what specific resort, through affiliations are the added costs, as there is or exchange programs from pro- often a misperception that it is viders such as RCI or Interval just a “free holiday”. International, buyers can now In most cases ongoing or take holidays around the world. annual maintenance fees are lev- This is one of the key ben- ied and these can be substantial. efits of this type of purchase, as Many programs have

Bill Barnett is managing director of C9 Hotelworks (c9hotel works.com), a Phuket-based hotel and residential property con- sulting firm. With more than 20 years’ experience in the region, he has played an active role in some of the island’s biggest develop- ments. 40 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS July 28 - August 3, 2007 Property Gazette

Properties AFFORDABLE NEW SEAVIEW BEAUTIFUL NAI AO POR LAND KARON LAND For Sale LUXURY CONDO YANG LAND URGENT SALE FOR SALE

90% FINANCE+ PROMOTION OFFER

Immaculate villa. Private 60sqm apartment at for sale, 5 mins to Phuket air- 15 million baht per rai, area, big lush garden, pool, 4 Rawai Beach. Big living port, close to the beach, 10 150 rai, Chanote, panoramic Chanote, hillside, pan- bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, liv- room with sea view. 2 bed- rai. 120 million baht. Must sea view. From 2.3 million oramic sea view, quiet ing room, Scandi kitchen, rooms, 1 bathroom, big see. Tel: 089-7727012. baht per rai. Contact for area. Please contact for huge patio, fully furnished, balcony, aircon. Price: 1.8 Email: [email protected] more information. Tel: 081- additional information. 3-story modern home & of- contemporary Bali-Thai style. million baht. Call Tel: +66- 5597456. Email: se_rim@ Tel: 081-5597456. Email: fice next to Karon post of- Living area: 450sqm. Land 081-9685963. Email: hotmail.com [email protected] fice, short distance to Karon area: 1400sqm. Near Hero- [email protected] Beach, shops, banks and ines Monument with scenic Please visit our website: LAND FOR SALE restaurants. 3 bedrooms, 3 10 rai in Bang Wad. 1 mil- NEW 3-STORY hill view. Chanote. 14 million www.bayproject.com/ BUILDING FOR SALE bathrooms, living room, bal- baht. Tel: 084-6907057. invest/index.htm lion baht per rai. Please COMMERCIAL cony. Price: 4.75 million baht contact K. Terawut at Tel: building. 2 bathrooms. Price: including Honda Click, basic 081-5361365. 4 million baht. Please call furniture package, built-in RAWAI POOL VILLA Tel: 086-7432011. kitchen, air conditioning. REPOSSESSION New resort of 6 villas for SALE-APARTMENT Tel: 076-280801, 084- sale. 4.5 million baht each. LAND FOR SALE VILLA TOP LOCATION 0581217. Fax: 076-281- Beautiful new 1-bedroom Tel: 086-9408914. Email: 8 rai in Patong. 1.2 million 4 bedrooms, big garden, fur- 067. Email: legalinsidesiam apartment on 5th floor over- [email protected] baht per rai. Sea view. Lo- nished, ready to move in. Lo- [email protected] looking Kata Beach. 5-star Commercial building, 2 cated on 50 Pi Rd. Please cated between Phuket City hotel service including pool, floors, including 4 rooms PRIVATE LAND contact Khun Terawaut at and Patong. 15.7 million baht. gym and International bis- for rent. Soi Pasak 1, near SEAVIEW tro. Was 5.9 million baht, CAPE YAMU Tel: 081-5361365. Call Tel: 087-2849541. APARTMENT 1.5 rai of secluded flat land Laguna. Price: 6.8 million now reduced to 4.9 million baht. Contact K. Addy. Tel: 2 bedrooms, top floor, North baht. Tel: 084-0639223, (2 adjoining 3/4 rai Chanote RAWAI LAND RAWAI BEACH 087-3809917. Patong, 20 steps to the beach, 081-7888280. plots). Ideal for private vil- DUPLEX las. Tel: 076-239432, 081- Chanote, 1,446sqm. Flat, freehold. Price: 9.7 million 30-year lease, 60sqm duplex 0879237 (Thai and English). square plot. Mountain, wood- baht. Call Tel: 086-2765117. house with pool, parking, PROPERTIES FOR SALE Email: [email protected] land aspects in residential For photos, please send email: garden. Price: 2 million baht. Condos, apartments, and [email protected] INEXPENSIVE LAND area. 3.5 million baht ono. townhouses. From 3.7 mil- 1/2 rai to 2 rai near Mis- Tel: 081-6910391. Email: Tel: 086-9408914. Email: NAI YANG LAND [email protected] lion baht. Tel: 087-2650118. HOUSE FOR SALE sion Hills golf course. 10% for sale. 1km to the beach. 3 [email protected] Email: ant_p_clark@yahoo. Located on 1 rai of land in commission. Please con- plots: 20m x 22m (440sqm) BEACHFRONT HOUSE co.uk For further details, Kamala. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- tact Tel: 081-2704291. each, road access. Price: please see our website at APT IN BANG TAO at Kamala. 2 bedrooms, 2 rooms, very quiet residen- 900,000 baht. Contact Tel: http://housesforsalephuket FOR SALE stories, last one. Only 15 mil- tial area, 110sqm. Price: AO NANG/KRABI 089-7241140. 2 bedrooms, fully furnished, .blogspot.com/ lion baht. Please call Tel: 085- 8.9 million baht. Tel: 081- 500sqm of land for sale, pub- aircon, Western-style kitchen 7839062. 6697814, 086-9426699. lic road, water, electricity, and pool. Asking 5.5 million LAND FOR SALE Chanote. Company owned HOUSE NEAR baht. Tel: 089-8749080. Email: 8 rai coconut farm near KATHU HOUSE includes building permit for 3- WAT CHALONG [email protected] HOUSE FOR Tapee River in Surat Thani. for sale. 2 bedrooms, 3 bath- floor guesthouse. Asking price: for sale. 2-story house in URGENT SALE 80m wide. Electricity and rooms, lounge, dining room, 4.5 million baht. Call Tel: 075- desirable & secure estate. Rawai area. 2 bedrooms, water. Price: 4.5 million baht. LAND FOR SALE 150sqm, swimming pool. big kitchen, corner house. 637258, 089-5873533. Email: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4.5 RAI Tel: 089-0927697. Email: Firm price: 1.55 million baht. [email protected] Only 4.3 million baht. Call study, living room, kitchen, Prime location in Trang off [email protected] Tel: 085-4733409. now at Tel: 085-7839062. laundry room, set in fenced main road & near university. RAWAI BEACH garden. Furnished, ADSL, Price: 14 million baht. Also, 2 condo. Sea view, foreign free- UBC. 7 million baht obo. rai at same location. Price: HOUSES FOR SALE SEAVIEW LAND LUXURY VILLA hold. 550,000 baht. Tel: 086- Tel: 084-8439579. Fax: 7.5 million baht. Contact Tel: Rawai's No.1 agent for selling Close to Blue Canyon Golf AT KATA HILL 9408914. For details, email: +66-076-323421. Email: 089-6513479. and renting houses. Tel: 084- Course. Price: 2.8 million baht Set in the exclusive gated [email protected] [email protected] 8486139. For more informa- per rai. Tel: 083-3888076. estate of Beverly Hills, this tion, please visit our website: villa comes with a pool, 3-5 www.rawai-real-estate.com bedrooms, modern Western- RAWAI 2-STORY OCEANVIEW ABSOLUTE BEST SHOPHOUSE CHALONG ANDAMAN BEACH style kitchen, etc. Show HOUSE PHUKET COUNTRY house is now open. Only one 140sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 BEACHFRONT Fantastic location near CONDOMINIUM Land and villas for sale at Chalong Pier with ocean CLUB 1-bedroom unit for sale. villa left with completion due bathrooms, close to the Duplex renovation project di- in September. Price: 15 mil- beach. 1.5 million baht. Call the best prices in Thailand! view from top floor and 86sqm. 10th floor, sea Email: [email protected] access. 3-stories with rectly on 15th fairway. Tel: 081- view, fully furnished. Free- lion baht. Contact Tel: 084- Tel: 086-9408914. Email: 8941994. Email: tom.fekete 0639223, 081-7888280. [email protected] Please visit our website: shutter gate. Tel: 081- hold. No brokers please. http://www.thaisunshine 5544140. Email: gunnar @gmail.com For more informa- Contact Songpan at Tel: developments.com @oilcanvas.com tion, please visit our website: 081-7378662. www.fairway15.com July 28 - August 3, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Property Gazette

CHERNG TALAY- LAND FOR SALE NAI THON LAND AT SAI YUAN MANIK KOH SAMUI LAND PLOT

Sea view over Rawai Beach 2 rai, hill views, Chanote, 2km from beach, ready to with private access. Nor Sor wall around land. Price: Land for sale on Samui. build. Price: 15,000 baht Sam Kor. 7-3-81 rai at 6.5 5.9 million baht. Call Tel: Nice location, just 2km to per sq wah. Includes per- million baht per rai. Contact 086-2746511. beach, Maenam Soi 5, mit. Tel: 084-0526400 Tel: 081-5384989. Email: 750sqm. Price: 1.5 million (Martin), 086-6865304 [email protected] baht. Tel: 076-288860, (Narin). Email: martin@ phuketvillage.se FAMILY HOME 086-9474494. LAND FOR SALE 9 rai for sale at Pasak Soi 8, KAMALA LAND PLOTS LIVE IN KATHU Cherng Talay. 2.7 million baht per rai. Contact for for sale. Chanote titles. Great New modern-design house for details. Tel: 076-282808, plots. 1 rai: 3.3 million baht. sale. 3 bedrooms with en- PATONG 3-FLOOR 086-9519198. Fax: 076- 1,000sqm: 2.3 million baht. suite bathrooms. Living room, RAWAI 2-STORY shophouse. Best location, 100 282346. Email: heypiassy@ 400sqm: 1.3 million baht. kitchen/diner, walled garden, HOUSE meters to the beach. Built-up hotmail.com Contact Tel: 076-292596, large veranda, private parking. 140sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 area: 270sqm. Ground floor: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 086-2678477. Email: tournie Near British Int'l School and bathrooms, close to the restaurant with new fully kitchen, aircon, security [email protected] golf course. 4.5 million obo. LAND IN NAI YANG beach. 1.5 million baht. Call equipped kitchen, WC, aircon, bars, quiet area. 1km from Tel: 084-8439579. Email: for sale. Chanote. Near beach. Tel: 086-9408914. Email: ADSL Internet. 1st floor: 2 2 rai: 7 million baht. 1 rai: 3.5 Heroines Monument. 2.9 THAI-STYLE HOUSE [email protected] [email protected] bedrooms, teak wood floor, million. Tel: 086-9510123. million baht. 6,440sqm plots: bathroom with new whirlpool, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1.5 million baht per plot. Call Email: wing_michael_77@ fully furnished, 650sqm land, HOUSE IN HOUSE FOR SALE WC, 2 aircons, balcony. 2nd hotmail.com Tel: 089-7241140. Email: floor: 2 rooms, 1 aircon, bath- 150sqm living area, beautiful PHUKET TOWN [email protected] Selling down payment garden. Located just 2 min- 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 2 townhome. Phuket Inter room, WC, balcony, UBC, bathrooms, near UOB bank ADSL, TV. Price: 12 million LARGE THAI HOUSE utes from Laguna. Please KAMALA HOUSE Villa 1. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- contact Tel: 087-8938590. on Phuket Road, 25m from rooms, 2 stories, 24sq wah, baht. Tel: 081-8914844. Expression of interest in re- main road. Price: 2.2 million 2 bedrooms, big living rooms, moving large Thai concrete- big garden, 600sqm, great opposite Boat Lagoon. Call baht. Tel: 084-0577505. Tel: 081-9793369. URGENT SALE framed house (700sqm inte- RAWAI POOL HOUSE location. Price: 5.45 million Khao Lak. Bang Niang bunga- rior) with pool, located at 220sqm, 2 bedrooms, reno- baht. Tel: 087-2945737. HOUSE WITH POOL low-apartment resort. 8 bunga- Yamu village. To be removed vated, furnished. Only 4.3 mil- HOUSE FOR SALE lows with 2 rooms and 2 bun- in Chalong. Beautiful house and site leveled and left tidy. lion baht. Tel: 085-7839062. 2 stories, 3 bedrooms, big pool, CHEAP SEAVIEW galows with 3 rooms. 6m x on 224sqm of land, with pri- House complete with tiled sat TV, Internet, 5 aircons, LAND 12m swimming pool. Sauna vate pool. 2 bedrooms, big roof, teak floors, windows nicely furnished, automatic 5 rai, 500m from Bang Pae and Jacuzzi, restaurant. All living room, bathroom with and grand ballroom staircase, LAND OPPOSITE gate. Tel: 084-8516121. waterfall, access from 2 rooms with aircon, color TV, Jacuzzi and shower, Euro- chandelier, 6 Yorke aircon LOCH PALM roads, 1km from main road. DVD player and ADSL. Parking pean kitchen. Fully furnished, units, 2 pool pumps and ancil- 12 rai opposite Loch Palm LAND FOR SALE Price: 7.5 million baht. Call available. Price: 9 million baht. 3 aircons, UBC. 5 million lary electrical and plumbing golf course. For urgent sale Suitable for small development Tel: 084-0577505. Contact Tel: 076-346065, baht ono. Tel: 081-2733688. fittings. Interested parties at 25 million baht. Serious or private villa. Starting from 081-8914844. Email: joerg Email: [email protected] should call Harry Usher. Tel: buyers, please. Tel: 084- 2.7 million baht per rai. Call Tel: @phuket.ksc.co.th For further details, please 081-2731740. Email: harry 6255179. Email: supotpac 076-282394, 086-0043008. TWO 5-STAR visit our website: http:// @baanyamu.com @phuket.ksc.co.th Email: [email protected] VILLAS www.phuket-property.info located directly on Rawai BLUE CANYON CONDOMINIUM LAND FOR SALE 2-BEDROOM HOUSE NEW RESORT CONDOS Beach. Price: 32.6 million FOR SALE OR LEASE baht. Kamala area loca- One of the best condo- 61 rai. 3 million baht per rai on Kamala area. Quiet location, 1-bedroom condo in holiday 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1- tion: 20 million baht. For miniums at Blue Canyon Thepkrasattri Rd. Tah Chat nice garden, aircon, close to resort, 500m to the beach, story, fully furnished, new, details, email: docucolums Country Club now for sale. Chai area, next to new check the beach. Great place at a 65% foreigner finance. Act modern house on private road @hotmail.com Freehold. 265sqm. 3 bed- point. 1km to JW Marriott. 15 great price. 1.45 million baht. now. Only 2.4 million baht. in Kathu. Electric gate, nice minutes to Phuket airport. Call Please email for photos and Tel: 084-8486139. For more rooms, 2 bathrooms, large walled garden, large terrace, terrace. Includes active Tel: 089-0927697. Email: details. Tel: 087-2756736. details, visit our website: CHANOTE SEAVIEW private parking, telephone and [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.rawai-real-estate.com golf membership. 16.5 land plots. 10+20+60 rai. Internet. Price: 6.2 million million baht. No agents. Please call for more details. baht or nearest offer. Must sell Tel: 081-9708304. Email: Tel: 081-5395454. Email: due to move to Bangkok. Call [email protected] 25% Discount on Classifieds for Shopper Card Holders [email protected] Tel: 087-3865200. IF YOU... Place your ad in these pages; Present your Shopper Card; and 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.

With more than 10,000 visitors a day, the Island Trader Online is Thailand’s most active classified marketplace.

*Ads may be submitted in person or online (phuketgazette.net/classifieds), but must be paid for at the Gazette offices. The discount is not available when payment is made at our agents. The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd 367/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket City Tel: 076-236555 Fax: 076-213971 42 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS July 28 - August 3, 2007 Property GazetteGazette

HOUSE FOR SALE LAND FOR SALE NICE HOUSE SEAVIEW LAND Properties For Rent FOR SALE IN KAMALA

B.L. APARTMENT BIG HOUSE FOR New in Kathu. Big rooms, 1 RENT bedroom, 1 living room, 3 big aircons, bedrooms aircon, cable TV, ADSL, hot fully furnished, beautiful shower, garden, carpark. Single house in Soi Bangrae, 13 rai 85 talang wah, private garden but no fence, near Price: 8,000 baht per month. Chalong. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- road, river view near La- Perfect house, 4-5 bed- 23 rai seaview land for sale Chalong Bay. Price: 30,000 Tel: 081-6923163. rooms, living area, kitchen guna. 2.7 million baht per rai. rooms, ready to move in, in Kamala. Prime location baht per month. Includes and many more facilities. Chanote. Contact K. Eddy. includes 2006 Honda Jazz. near north end of Kamala electric and water. Tel: Great buy. 125 talang wah Tel: 087-3809917. Email: Contact Tel: 081-8915296. Beach. Nor Sor Sam title, 081-8924311. PALAI, GREENHOUSE & 500sqm. 6.5 million baht. [email protected] Email: hkthomesale18@ sloping hill on main road, AND BIG GARDEN Contact Tel: 081-5395317, yahoo.com For photos and easy access from street, Fully furnished, 2 aircons, 086-6890769. details, visit our website: electric in place, waterfalls. PATONG 2 bedrooms, hot shower, LAND IN TRANG http://www.jikkycar.com 180 million baht. 2km north APARTMENT living room, kitchen, gar- 4.5 rai in Trang. Perfect location of Phuket FantaSea. Please 300m to the beach, clean, age. Price: 11,000 baht for future business. In front of contact by email for more NEW TOWNHOUSE modern decor, aircon, fridge, per month. Palai area. LAND ON KOH main road, opposite university. photos or call for an appoint- Contact for more informa- MAPHRAO with 2 floors on Chao Fa East double bed, pool, parking. Contact K. Tan for more infor- ment to view the property. Tel: 081-0825707. Visit our tion. Tel: 081-8924311. East side, street access, mation at Tel: 076-296658, Rd. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Tel: 081-7284821. Email: electricity, water. Approx. 6m x 12.5m, 19sq wah. Con- website: www.phuket- 089-6513479. Send email: [email protected] accommodation.info 1 rai, ready to be built on. [email protected] struction to be finished in Dec. CHALONG HOUSE Price: 3.9 million baht. 7 rai 2007. Price: 1.6 million baht. for rent. Land and Houses, 3 next to Swiss resort. Price: NEW SHOPHOUSES Down payment of 354,000 RAWAI BEACH STUDIO bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, gar- 2.9 million baht per rai. Call near Bangla Rd. 12 new baht with a 1.246 million baht CHIANG RAI Furnished, kitchen, aircon, den and carport for 2 cars, Tel: 081-8918930. shophouses for sale in the bank loan available. Please LAND AND RESORT UBC, ADSL. 4,500 baht per Western-style kitchen, hard- heart of Patong. Can buy contact Khun Jeab for info. for sale. Land plots from month. Contact K. Noki at wood floors. 30,000 baht per whole plot or separate. Tel: 084-6890760. Email: 100sqm to 350 rai. Hillside Tel: 086-9408914. month. Please contact for RAWAI POOL VILLA Very close to Jungceylon [email protected] and valley. 3 resorts, 10-50 more information. Tel: 076- Two 2-bedroom pool villas for and Bangla. Walk to the rooms. Airport pickup and BEACHFRONT HOUSE 378179, 086-0109782. sale at 6.5 million baht each. beach in 10 minutes from BEAUTIFUL 3-STORY plot-viewing service is avail- for rent. 1-4 bedrooms. Con- Email: [email protected] Contact for additional details. the site. Must see! Tel: 076- building. 5 aircons, 3 rooms on able. Contact K. Apagon at tact for specific details. Tel: Tel: 081-8953979. Email: 239839, 081-8779292. second floor, third-floor apart- Tel: 089-2919173. 076-381181, 076-381189. RAWAI/NAI HARN [email protected] Fax: 081-8779292. Email: ment with kitchen and bath- new large luxury house for Please visit our website at: [email protected] room. Price: 6.2 million baht. NEW HOUSE KATHU rent. Large swimming pool, http://poolvilla.wetpaint.com/ garden, 5 bedrooms, 6 bath- 600 meters from Chalong circle Great views, quiet, secure, RAWAI BEACH rooms, big sala. Minimum 1- LAND IN KAMALA on Chao Fa East Rd. Please furnished, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- VILLA year lease: 75,000 baht per SEAVIEW PLOT All with Chanote. 55 rai in the contact Tel: 081-4763242. rooms, 3 aircons, Western- Pool, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- month. 30-year lease: 18 mil- BANG TAO most exclusive area near Ka- Email: [email protected] style kitchen, 2 carparks, rooms, UBC, ADSL. Price: lion baht. Tel: 081-3971835. Fantastic views. Infrastruc- mala center on flat land at 8.5 460sqm land. 6.5 million baht. 25,000 baht per month. ture finished. 2.6km from million baht per rai. Also, 6 rai 4 RAI FLAT LAND Tel: 087-9391035 (Eng), 086- Tel: 086-9408914. Email: the beach. Only 5 plots left. with good sea view at 6 million Chanote title, square plot, 0050318 (Thai). [email protected] BYD LOFTS 3 million to 5.5 million baht. baht per rai. 20 rai with best sea access from 2 roads. 2km SERVICED CONDOS Contact Tel: 089-5903665, view in Kamala at 6 million baht from Heroines Monument. HOUSE FOR SALE BYD Lofts in downtown 089-5903665. Email: per rai. Tel: 086-2742308. PATONG ROOM Patong offer one- and two- 500m from main road. 6.8 mil- 2-story townhouse, 2 bed- FOR RENT [email protected] Email: [email protected] lion baht. Tel: 084-0577505. bedroom, 95-160sqm, su- rooms, 2 bathrooms. Price: Furnished, aircon, TV, wire- 1.55 million baht. Tel: 081- perbly furnished, ultramod- less Internet. Price: 7,000 ern apartments for short- or 6760125. Email: jaidee_kind baht per month. Please call @yahoo.com long-term rent, with pool. Tel: 089-6478596. Email: Tel: 076-3430247. Email: [email protected] LAGUNA VILLA AND [email protected] land plots. Luxury villa with pool in Laguna area for sale. 3 4-STORY BUILDING CHALONG SHOPHOUSE bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, big for rent. 6 bedrooms, oppo- garden, freehold or leasehold. This new 3-story shophouse is site Tesco Lotus. Please available for long-term lease. Land: 836sqm & 640sqm. contact for more details at Please contact for details. Ideal for home office/shop Tel: 089-4743575, 085- accommodation. Enquire at Tel: 087-8934636. Email: 9095191, 089-4744839. [email protected] Tel: 089-6521473. RAWAI FLAT NEW CHALONG HOME PHANG NGA LAND for rent. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- Furnished, 2-bedroom home FOR SALE rooms, Internet, cable TV, fully for rent with telephone, UBC, Chanote title and deed. Total furnished. Tel: 081-6067410. and aircon. Please contact area: more than 5 rai. Priced for details and pricing informa- at only 4.5 million baht. Tel: tion. Tel: 089-6521473. 076-221595, 076-221598, 4-BEDROOM 081-8918755. KATHU VILLA Pool, 4km from BIS. Lake, PATONG RENTALS AVAILABLE CONDOS FOR SALE golf and valley view, quiet, on a private hill. Gated with A number of listings that Fantastic sea views and hill security guard + maid. 2 may appeal to you. Prices views in Patong Tower. Only luxury Thai-style villas for starting from 15,000 baht a few minutes to Patong rent with 300sqm each. All per month. Contact Tel: Beach. Must see! Contact for amenities in top-class sur- 081-7196088 (English) pricing. Tel: 076-341871, roundings. Internet & UBC. or 089-6498703 (Thai). 081-5697616. Email: sales@ Yearly lease: 65,000 baht Website: www.garden phuketislandrealestate.com per month. Please contact islandphuket.com Tel: 087-2698492. PATONG TOWER condo. Seaview, furnished 1- HOUSE AND CONDO bedroom, 1-bathroom condo. SHOPHOUSE BLOCK Rawai location, 2 stories, 8 2 balconies, double bed, TV, 5 terraced houses for rent on rooms, aircons, 170sqm, ideal fridge, air conditioning, pool, the bypass road. 35,000 baht for 2 families. Long-term rent: indoor parking. 6 million baht. per month. Please contact 2,800 baht per month. Condo Tel: 086-7730046. Email: K.Vachira for more informa- with aircon. Rent: 5,000 baht [email protected] tion. Tel: 081-3269495. per month. Tel: 084-4454614. July 28 - August 3, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 43 Property Gazette

SHANTI LODGE CONDOS FOR RENT Do you need a place to live in POOL VILLA TROPICAL VILLA HOUSE FOR RENT Phuket Palace condos. 1 bed- NICE & MODERN Thailand? Secure, furnished IN CHALONG room, new, fully furnished, HOUSES FOR RENT with Wi-Fi, pool & maid ser- large pool, 24-hour security. vice. Low season rates from Tel: 087-2650118. Email: 5,000-8,000 baht per month [email protected] or with equipped kitchen at Visit our website at http:// 12,000 baht per month. Tel: phuketpalace501601. 076-280233, 081-5363134. blogspot.com/ 2-bedroom luxury villa with in new beautiful, fully main- KARON WATERFRONT private pool in Rawai. Fur- tained development. 2 bed- 2 bedrooms, kitchen, liv- CHALONG Furnished & excellent loca- Sea view from everywhere. nished, aircon. 35,000 baht rooms, 2 bathrooms, Euro- ing room, dining room, shophouse. This new 3-story tions. 5 mins to Rawai & Nai 102sqm. Minimum 6-month per month. TV package + pean kitchen, full aircon, laundry room, fully fur- shophouse is available for long- Harn Beaches. 162sqm. 2 lease: 40,000 baht per pool + garden maintenance UBC, TV, telephone, fur- nished, aircon in every term lease. Ideal for home bedrooms with private month. Tel: 081-8928208. included. Prefer minimum 6- nished, private pool and room, carpark, communal office/shop accommodation. bathrooms. 1 guest toilet. 3 Please see our website at: month lease. Please call garden. Minimum 6-month swimming pool, tropical Enquire at Tel: 089-6521473. aircons. Large living/dining www.phuketfurnished Sue at Tel: 081-9701716. lease. 35,000 baht per garden. ADSL and UBC room. Telephone, ADSL. apartments.com month. Tel: 087-2810452, satellite TV included. Price: KATA LUXURY Free water supply and gar- CHALONG ROOM 087-8931180. 25,000 baht per month. oceanfront five-star 1-bedroom bage service. Price: 20,000 baht per month. Call Khun Hot water, aircon, TV, DVD, Minimum 6-month lease. apartment. Pool, gym, ADSL, Nui at Tel: 087-3830936. ANDAMAN HILLS Wi-Fi, fridge. 5,500 baht per Tel: 087-1057320. Email: quiet location, beach view. VILLA FOR RENT [email protected] Andaman Hills, Patong. 300 month. Tel: 089-4727304. Beautiful boutique villas with Price: 28,000 baht per month. sqm house with amazing private pool, 2/3 bedrooms, Email: [email protected] 2-BEDROOM FLAT For details, visit our website: views. 3 bedrooms, 4 bath- KARON 5-STAR available on daily, weekly, or BAN SUAN KAMNUN Beautiful space, fully fur- http://koumbele.com/kata/1 rooms + separate condo. waterfront living. Stunning monthly basis. Contact us for In a very nice, green, clean, nished, fully equipped, West- 1-year lease: 45,000 baht sea view from every win- further details. Tel: 076- quiet area. Just outside ern-style kitchen. Aircon per month. Tel: 087- dow & 2 balconies on 18th 282394, 086-0043008. Patong. On hill overlooking throughout. Private access to 6880620. Email: bkkjedi Patong Beach, available for 3-STORY HOME/ floor. Pool, spa, sauna, ten- Email: [email protected] OFFICE FOR RENT swimming pool. Elevated view @gmail.com For additional nis, squash. Tastefully fur- long-term only. 1- and 2-bed- of Patong. Quiet and secure. information and photos, nished, 1 bedroom, 1 bath- room apartments. Furnished, Chao Fa Rd and Naka Rd. 2 Rental price includes water please visit our website at: SEAVIEW VILLA mins to Central, Big C and room, living/dining room, Fantastic sea views out to ADSL, aircon, UBC. Call and UBC TV. Contact for in- http://rent66.com/ Lotus. 2 bedrooms, 2 hot/cold equipped Western-style many islands and beyond. Set Edwin. Tel: 086-7866350. formation. Email: simon@ patong_house/index.html water bathrooms, 2 aircons. kitchen with granite tops, in large garden with huge pool coppingerproperties.com breakfast bar. Living area: MISSION HEIGHTS 25,000 baht per month obo. deck, sala and outdoor areas. 24-hr security, garbage col- TWO CONDOS IN 102sqm. Rent: 4,000 baht 3 bedrooms, ADSL, Cape Large luxury house, fully fur- PALM GARDENS nished, 4 double bedrooms, all lection, common garden. PATONG TOWER per month. Minimum 6- Yamu area, only 10 mins to New bungalow on a 24-hr with en-suite bathrooms, Tel: 089-4742815. Email: 1st: 1 bedroom, kitchen, liv- month lease. Sell: 9.5 million BIS, Boat Lagoon. Price: secure development, 3 bed- maid/guest bungalow in large [email protected] ing room. 2nd: 2 bedrooms, baht. Tel: 085-7902464, 40,000 baht per month. rooms, furnished, pool, close 120sqm gardens. Pool and living room, tea kitchen. 081-8928208. Website: Please contact for more infor- to BIS, 20 mins to Surin Jacuzzi, 10 mins to airport, Daily: 1,200 baht. Weekly: www.phuketfurnished mation. Tel: 086-2796283. PURIMAS BOUTIQUE Beach. 15,000 baht per 10 mins to golf courses. Tel: 6,000 baht. Monthly: apartments.com Bungalows for rent in Nai month. Tel: 084-8374602. 076-528016, 089-2262612. 20,000 baht. Tel: 087- Harn Beach. Fully furnished, Email: [email protected] 2770552, 087-2773086. BANG TAO HOUSE ANUPAS GOLF Email: [email protected] available for weekly, monthly Email: [email protected] FOR RENT VILLE or long-term rent. Tel: 081- LARGE STUDIO APTS 6913029, 081-7286242. STUDIO APARTMENT 3 bedrooms, swimming pool, Kathu area, 3-bedroom Modern apartment off Nanai Chalong bright, spacious fur- 2 levels, big living room, park- house in gated develop- Rd. Fully furnished including nished suites for rent. Roof- BRAND NEW ing for 2 cars. Please contact ment. Very spacious, LAGUNA TOWNHOME TV, DVD, large fridge, fan, top spa, pool, aircon, Wi-Fi, PATONG CONDO for more information at Tel: lounge, kitchen, 2 bath- 3 bedrooms, 400sqm, garden hot water, aircon and kitchen- sat TV, kitchenette, hot water Beautiful 1-bedroom condo 084-8516121. rooms with 1 en-suite, hot and lap pool, golf course views. ette. From 7,500 baht per shower, housekeeping. From in best location, quiet. Sea water, aircon, ADSL, UBC, Price: 85,000 baht per month. month. Internet an option. 9,500 baht per month. Tel: and hill views, all amenities. nice garden. Price: 25,000 Contact K. Amber. Tel: 089- Contact Tel: 087-2650652. 086-2826221. Email: saneroad Long-term rent. Call for de- HOUSE FOR RENT baht per month. Please 2001681. Email: aabsxx88@ Email: [email protected] tails. Tel: 081-9701479. OR FOR SALE contact for more informa- @yahoo.com truemail.co.th Email: [email protected] We currently have 2 houses tion. Tel: 085-2999435. available. For specific de- CLUB LERSUANG 1-BEDROOM CONDO tails, please contact Tel: Surin Beach. Modern, well- LUXURIOUS VILLA in Patong Tower. Newly reno- HOUSE FOR RENT 089-4740222. Email: PANWA BEACH HOUSE furnished, 2-bedroom apart- FOR RENT vated in a beautiful modern Deck with sunset view, close Fully furnished, 3 bedrooms, 2 [email protected] ment in small block with pool. 3-4 bedrooms, nicely fur- style. Best location in Patong to beach, 1.5 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms, air, cable TV, Visit our website: http:// Close to the beach. Prices nished, 2 levels, sat TV, area. Long-term rent only. bathroom, kitchen, hot/cold ADSL. 18,000 baht per www.thehoteldeals.com/ starting at 30,000 baht per Internet, big pool. Contact Price: 18,000 baht per month. water. Long-term rent: 8,500 month. Tel: 089-9732917. photos/ month. Tel: 085-8882022. Tel: 084-8516121. Tel: 087-1238320. Email: Email: [email protected] baht. Tel: 084-0571420. Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Agents for Classified Advertising

PHUKET K.L. Mart Tel: 076-280400/3 Patak Rd, Chalong Fax: 076-280403

Earth Language School Tel: 076-232398/9 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-232398

Sin & Lee Tel: 076-258369 Thalang Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-211230

Taurus Travel Tel: 076-344521/2 Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Fax: 076-344523

41 Minimart Tel/Fax: 076-324312 Srisoontorn Rd, Cherng Talay

Deli Supermarket Tel: 076-342275 Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Fax: 076-344314 44 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS July 28 - August 3, 2007 Property Gazette

GOOD PATONG ROOMS Property LONG-TERM Property PATONG Aircon, ceiling fan, cable TV, The Stone Doctor Wanted RENTAL WANTED GUESTHOUSE fridge, free Wi-Fi, shower + Retired British couple pres- Services Newly renovated mini-suite WC, nicely furnished, Specialist in European stone- ently living in Phuket require with kingsize bed, aircon, bar+restaurant, use of pool. care products and services: RESTAURANT a 2- to 3-bedroom spacious bath, cable and security. Ideal long-stay tourist. Daily WANTED villa or apartment in a HANDYMAN Utilities included. Lawan Resi- rate: 500 baht. Monthly rate: • Restoration for rent. Guesthouse or room secure environment with dence, 191/3 Rat-U-Thit Rd • Sealing/Protection SERVICES 7,000 baht. Call Andrew at • Maintenance for open restaurant only. pool. Internet and cable (behind The Gym and across Installation, repair & main- Tel: 087-2825086. Patong beach road and center required. Must be of high from Water World Asia), just All your maintenance, tenance of electrical, plumb- Patong. Please contact for standard and well pre- 2 minutes from Jungceylon. protection & cleaning needs ing and boiling systems. SHORT-TERM RENTAL more information. Tel: 084- sented. Your property will Great value. Must see! Price for natural and manufactured Painting & pool cleaning. Good choice of villas and apart- stone. 8448353. be very well taken care of! 6,000 baht per month. Tel: Reasonable prices. Contact ments for holiday rental. Online Contact via email: phuket 085-7932477. Email: • Marble • Sandwash Tel: 086-9487489 (Thai), booking available. Tel: 084- KARON BUILDING PLOT [email protected] [email protected] • Granite • Terracotta 081-5384989 (Eng). Email: 8486139. For details, please • Slate • Terrazzo We want to purchase a build- [email protected] visit our website: www.rawai- • Sandstone • Ceramics, etc ing plot in or around Karon or real-estate.com Kata suitable for one small 1-BEDROOM APT ROOMS WITH POOL, Prevent: rust, stains, mildew, wanted May-Oct. Patong or house or bungalow. 200 to ALL AROUND WI-FI, ETC algae, scratches Karon. Furnished, cable pre- Remove: builders’ residue, 400sqm plot size ideal. Must CLEANING SERVICE Realistic long- or short-term VERY PRIVATE ferred. Contact via email: incorrect sealants, rust, stains, have Chanote, electricity, For your cleaning problems rates. Free wireless Internet, VILLA mildew, etc. Daily care & [email protected] water and telephone avail- call Spick N' Span profes- swimming pool, bar, etc. Tel: Walled, good-sized garden cleaning products also available. 076-292907. Fax: 076- able. Owners only. Please sional cleaning service for with pool and electronic en- Tel: 087-2824930, 076-271217 email with your full details. We NEED LAND your house, office, hotel, 344608. Email: info@club- try. 2 double bedrooms, one Fax: 076-271218 will reply to all responses. Phuket City area. I need 5 rai apartment or condo for daily, coconut-resort.info Please single, study room, 3 bath- Email: Email: ken.devitt@btopen of land in Phuket City. Please weekly or monthly services at visit our website: www. rooms, aircon in all rooms. [email protected] world.com contact for more information. affordable prices. Tel: 076- phukets.info/ccr.html Fully furnished. Telephone & Tel: 083-3888028. Email: 280801, 084-0581217. Fax: UBC. Available until mid-Oc- LAND WANTED [email protected] 076-0762810. Email: legal HILLTOP BOUTIQUE tober. Tel: 076-200923, Cash buyer would like to pur- insidesiamproperty HOTEL 081-845 2160. Fax: 076- Household chase around 2 rai of seaview @gmail.com Best rates, panoramic views 200924. Email: dobermanns Items land, preferably sea and island PATONG TOWER of Patong Beach, elegant @loxinfo.co.th condo with a sea view. views, on the northeast coast Accommodation rooms, swimming pool, free of Phuket. Land must have Keen buyer. Please con- in-room Internet and fine TEAK GARDEN electricity and good access tact if you have one avail- Available dining. Tel: 076-296785. Building furniture. Eight lounger-style road. Should not be overlooked able for sale. Please con- Fax: 076-296784. Email: chairs with 4 accompanying and should be suitable for build- tact for more information. reservationsm@hilltop Products side tables. Very comfortable. Tel: 084-4471978. Email: ing a house. Immediate decision YANUI RESORT hotel.com See our website: & Services 24,000 baht. Tel: 076-381- and payment offered for right [email protected] www.phukets.info/hbh.html 515, 087-2632294. Email: plot. Prefer details by email. 2 rooms from 600 baht per day, 13,000 baht per month. [email protected] Tel: 086-9446288. Email: PATONG BEACHVIEW [email protected] Swimming pool, maid ser- TOWNHOUSE vice, fridge, aircon, sat TV, condo beautiful 1-bedroom WANTED FOR RENT 5-minute walk to beach. condo with balcony. 100 Household In need of townhouse lo- RENTAL HOUSE Tel: 087-8844663. meters from the beach. Cen- Services cated in Patong (will also ter of Patong, located on a I'm looking for a house in a consider Kata or Karon top floor, newly redone, quiet location with Internet only). August-October in- PATONG granite floors, full kitchen, 2 PHUKET HOME access in Kata, Karon, Nai clusive (3 months). Would aircons, safe, 2 TVs, sheets, MAINTENANCE Thon or Nai Yang. Needed prefer a secure estate, APARTMENTS & ROOMS towels, everything you need. Construction, renovation, from December 2007 until mid-range property such Tel: 081-3753970. Email: electricians, plumbers, car- March 2008. Maximum as Baan Benjamas. Aircon, Monthly: 8,000-25,000 [email protected] penters, painters, tilers, gar- payment per month: 30,000 UBC and carpark are all baht. Daily: 600-1,200 baht. deners, aircon servicing and baht. Please contact me essential. Please contact Contact receptionist at Tel: PATONG LUXURY electrical repairs. Contact K. with details and photos. for more details via email: 076-512151-2. Website: Rin at Tel: 084-1935124. Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.brommathaihouse.com apartments. Located in central Patong, 1 or 2 bed- rooms. For information and LOCK UP STORAGE photos. Please contact Tel: Available for household goods, Classified Advertisements 076-341827. Send email: cars, motorbikes, etc. 24-hr [email protected] security. Tel: 081-0825707. Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Then hand it to any of our agents.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 95 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for Property Gazette pages: Friday 3 pm. Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. Find more Property Classified ads online at phuketgazette.net! July 28 - August 3, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 45 Boats & Marine

INDONESIAN BOAT TWIN ENGINE GFK SPEEDBOAT DIVE & FISHING 9M CATAMARAN NEW FISHING BOAT Thai-registered wooden boat speedboat. Newly renovated. Dive and fishing. Steppa 37 BOAT FOR SALE Take a look at our Gazette for sale. 65ft long, 18ft wide, All new interior, paint, fuel tanks, with flybridge, inboard toilet, Teakwood, 42ft, Hino 160, No engine, no mast and no homepage banner 'Boating 30 tons. For details, email: bimini and much more! 10 storage room, sun deck, nicely furnished, fish-finder, sails. Price: 270,000 baht. & Fishing Help' for info. [email protected] or meters. Licensed for 12 people. shower,Thai registration for rack for 14 tanks, awning, Tel: 087-8919620. Email: [email protected] 1.2 million baht or best offer. commercial business, up to licensed 13+2. Price: [email protected] Tel: 084-6644050. Email: 22 pax. Completely renewed 850,000 baht. Please con- JABSCO HEAD [email protected] hull. 2x200hp Yamahas. tact for more information. for sale. Recent model. All Email: [email protected] Tel: 087-2841071 63-FT LUXURY 17' BOSTON WHALER seals are brand new and in SAILBOAT (English), POWER CRUISER 17-foot (5.18m), center con- perfect condition. Can be seen 1968 Islander for sale. 44ft BOAT SHARE 089-9711292 (Thai). Fully equipped, water sole, fiberglass with 90hp in working situation at either world cruiser, lying in Yacht ownership. Consider sharing in maker, aircon, GPS, radar, Mercury outboard and trailer, Yacht Haven Marina or Boat Haven Marina. US$50,000. my new fishing boat here in Email: julie2606asia@ Lagoon. Email: rogerg@ Email: temptation44@ Phuket. Email: makocraft@ yahoo.com.au life jackets, tender, full gal- 1 year old, very clean. Price: ley, bedding, towels, plus 550,000 baht. Please con- seamarineservices.com hotmail.com hotmail.com much more. All for a very tact for more information. FIBERGLASS BOAT low price. Must be seen. Tel: 076-248120. Email: 36 foot flybridge boat, brand Contact for inspection at [email protected]. new, still in factory. 100% Tel: +66-081-9390176. Specs for Montauk 170 avail- fiberglass. Ideal for sight see- Email: [email protected] able by visiting out website: ing and scuba diving. Choice http://www.whaler.com of engines - 4 stroke or 2 stroke. Price for boat is only 2.3 million baht. Contact for more information. Tel: 081- 8912895. Email: jgkg24 @hotmail.com

100% FIBERGLASS boat. Stainless-steel railing with or without engines. Length 6.50m, width 2.25m, 200L fuel tank, GPS, sonar, fish find- er, bimini, outrigger, fishing- rod holders, Thai registration with book, great condition, in- cludes trailer and dinghy. Only 290,000 baht (without engine) or 6,000 euro, US$8,000, CHF 10,000. Please contact at Tel: 076-280301, 087-091- 2604, or via email: renebua@ hotmail.com Visit our website for information at http:// web.mac.com/rene.buechel/ iWeb/rbw/home.html

17.5-METER diving boat. For sale or char- ter, width 4.5m. Diesel en- gine, 320hp generator at 20kW. 30 person capacity. Great buy. Price: 950,000 baht. Call for more informa- tion. Tel: 081-9680571. 46 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS July 28 - August 3, 2007 Island Job Mart

BROKER/AGENT WANTED for health insurance company. We will be visiting on August 2-3 and monthly thereafter. Interested parties should con- tact either Tom Thomson at Tel: 089-6674777 or Chalach Mahachalalai at Tel: 081- 9259126 to arrange for an appointment.

ART/INTERIOR DESIGN Looking for a university graduate in art/interior design.The candidiate should be highly motivated and will- ing to expand their skills. The nature of the job is concep- tual drawing for worldwide interiors. Must have good command of English lan- guage. Tel: 083-6965232. Email: [email protected]

ENGINEER NEEDS JN-TECH. We need an experi- enced engineer for construc- tion. Thai nationality only. Good written & spoken English. Ger- man is a plus! Send latest CV to email: [email protected] BUNGALOW RESORT ITALIAN CHEF ABSOLUTE ALL POSITIONS NEEDED (EXPAT) TELEMARKETERS! PERSONAL ASSISTANT * Restaurant manager To work for hotel's restau- Absolute are currently recruit- Thai lady required part time * Receptionist rant in Bangkok ing Thai nationals for new with very flexible hours. Must * Cook - Room accommodation telemarketing department have good English and com- based in Patong. Successful puter skills. Please call Tel: * Waiter/waitress - We shall assist with obtain- ing your work permit applicants must speak fluent 086-2790837. * Cashier English. Salary and commis- Contact Mr Chirinet. Tel: 02- * Maid sion. Email: thailandjobs@ SECRETARY WANTED 8614572, 081-6517867. clubabsolute.com * Beach boy/girl Email: [email protected] for housing development. * Trainees and more... Good English, car driver's li- You should be motivated, cense & experience, computer service-minded, with pleas- SIAM ADVENTURE HOTEL RESERVATION skills, sales skills. Please call ant personality, an energetic club manager. Looking for a manager. Top salary paid Tel: 081-5376866. individual, have minimum of dynamic and creative individual based on experience for moti- ELECTRICAL ENGINEER EXPERIENCED 2 years' experience and to manage guest relations, tour vated front desk girl to run with at least 3 years’ experi- secretary wanted for well- CHIEF ACCOUNTANT good command of English. and kids club in a fun family-fo- renovated 12-room boutique ence in construction. Must established company. Must CPD license is a must. Please email your resume, cused resort. Foreigners wel- hotel. Must speak, read and speak good English and be speak good English. Salary Monthly financial statements expected salary and recent come. Please contact for write English. Two minute competent in AutoCAD. based on experience. Email: report with accuracy as well photo to: pia@phuket- more details. Tel: 076-396- walk to Jungceylon. Contact Email: [email protected] [email protected] as on a timely basis. Ensure bangtao lagoon.com 666, 076-396667. Email: Tel: 085-7932477. Email: accuracy of accounts receiv- [email protected] [email protected] TEACHER TRAINING URGENTLY NEEDED able, accounts payable and TEFL certification, TTT lan- We are looking for a lady, age stock control. All taxation re- guage school. Contact for 20-35 years old, for a beauty porting. QuickBooks knowl- Gazette Online Classifieds more information. Tel: 076- salon, massage and spa. For edge is a plus. Call Tel: 076- 280869. Email: tefl@loxinfo. details, please contact Mar- 239- 111, 081-9583095. 10,000 readers every day! co.th For details, visit our celle at Tel: 089-0175706. Fax: 076-238974. Email: website: www.ttt-tefl.com Email: [email protected] [email protected] July 28 - August 3, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Island Job Mart

KARON PUB Need English speaking male and female Thai staff to work in a pub/restaurant in Karon. Good salaries and work condi- tions. Please contact at email: [email protected] GUEST RELATIONS IN-HOUSE SALES GREAT OPPORTUNITY (Scandinavian). To work for In-house sales reps wanted Seara Int. Looking for admin./ CUSTOMER SERVICE hotel in Phuket. now for holiday club. Selling sales assist. Thai female, 22- OFFICER - Room accommodation only to qualified fly-bys. No 25 yrs old, good command of Good in English with PC lit- OPCs! Please contact at Tel: written/spoken English, com- eracy. Customer service ori- - We shall assist you with ob- puter skills. Join our successful taining your work permit 076-293061. Email: info@ ented. Strong organization freedomleisuregroup.com team! Send CV+photo to Tel: skills for back office. Self con- Please contact at Tel: 081- 076-355040, 089-646 9278. fident with an eye for detail. 6517867. Email: job2550@ Fax: 076-355039. Email: Based at Yacht Haven Ma- yahoo.com [email protected] rina. Tel: 076-239111. Fax: EXPERIENCED 076-238974. Email: suporn CRUISE SHIP JOB RECEPTIONIST @asia-marine.net Art auctioneer working BYD Lofts, Patong, features Employment onboard the world's largest 19 ultramodern, 5-star, 1 & Wanted PONTOON MANAGER cruise ships seeking female 2-bedroom hotel apart- Overview the maintenance & assistant. 35,000 baht per ments. Spa and restaurant. cleaning of our charter fleet month. 21-35 years old, at- We urgently need an experi- PROJECT MANAGER either bare boat or crewed tractive, outgoing, some com- enced receptionist/GSA. Thai, 20 years' experience in boat in co-ordination with puter skills helpful, able to Comanche system familiar- civil work (luxury villas, condo- crew & technician. Manage travel 4-5 months at a time. ity, team player, good English minium), fluent English. Call the crew's schedule. Send Tel: +66-860937558. Email: and proactive, helpful per- Tel: 086-5215089. jobs & operation report to [email protected] sonality. Tel: 076-343 027. management. Co-ordination Fax: 076-343028. Email: with charter department. HOUSEKEEPER [email protected] EUROPEAN Welcome our charter clients & Full time housekeeper required GRADUATE boat owners. Make an area & for retired businessman in 33-year-old female relocat- technical briefing for our bare Chalong. Must have own ACCOUNTANT ing to Phuket. Fluent English, boat clients. Rescue & co-or- transport and speak English. needed for firm. Accounting French, German, Spanish & dination center over the phone Duties include general running firm is looking for a person with Dutch. Seeks interesting for our bare boat clients. of house, bill paying, cleaning, a Bachelor's degree in account- sales, administrative, front Please contact for additional ironing, some cooking, etc. ing and a good command of office or travel and tourism information. Tel: 076-239111. Excellent wages to right per- English. Tel: 076-262105, position. Please contact for Fax: 076-238974. Email: son. Contact at Email: 081-9786144. Send email: full details. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 081-5375133. Email: Find more Recruitment Classifieds at www.phuketgazette.net! [email protected] 48 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS July 28 - August 3, 2007 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

BUSINESS FOR SALE Articles PHUKET HOME IN PATONG for Sale MAINTENANCE (Guesthouse and restaurant) Closed for staff holiday Located on Banzaan St. 5 min- in July. Return to work as ute walk to Bangla, near Jung- FURNITURE FOR SALE normal in August. Email: ceylon, 7 rooms, aircons, Sofa and glass table set: phukethomemaintenance@ safe, Internet. All with large 1,500 baht. Wood-carved yahoo.com TV, cable, large fridge and sofa, 4 seats and table: 5,000 furniture from Index. Only 7 baht. Steam-dry iron: 8,000 months old, low rent, 4.5- baht (from new 24,000 baht). Business year lease. Place for restau- Tel: 081-2945441. rant, bar or other business on Opportunities ground floor. For sale because YAMAHA PIANO of lack of interest and time. Beautiful second-hand long HOTEL FOR SALE Price: 1.2 million baht. Call piano, Yamaha, black varnish, KAMALA BAR AND Guesthouse, 6 rooms, good Tel: 085-4072979. five-year guarantee. Price: RESTAURANT location on Nanai Rd. Includes 350,000 baht. Please call Newly renovated in Dec busy bar+restaurant+tour BARGAIN BUY Tel: 087-2638552. 06, all movables are new, desk. Nicely furnished+good Bar for sale on Nanai Rd. 36 seats. Great location. profits. Only 2.8 million baht Includes pool table, darts, 42" FREE CASETTE PLAYER Price: 550,000 baht. Tel: ono. Call Andrew at Tel: 087- plasma TV, fully stocked. comes with a selection of 089-5911407. Email: 2825086. Bargain price: 475,000 baht. books on tape. Free of charge! [email protected] Rent: 10,000 baht per month. Tel: 076-581614, 086- BOUTIQUE Please contact for more infor- 8911597. GUESTHOUSE mation. Tel: 084-8520862. Center of Patong, very long ELECTRONICS RESTAURANT FOR lease, 1st class. For more 46” TV projector: 26,000 SALE info, click on our Gazette BEACH BAR baht. Laptop computer: 100-seat restaurant on two homepage banner ‘Boating PATONG 4 RENT Business Products & Services 13,000 baht. Nokia 8800: floors, 2 bars and beer garden. & Fishing Help’. Email: Beach bar on the sand at 13,000 baht. For more details Operating since May 2000. [email protected] Patong Beach with seating on each item, contact Tel: Additional room of 7m x for 100. Prime location. ANDAMAN LEGAL 081-2945441. 14m for staff or rental. Reg- INTERNET CAFE Contract for 31 months. ADVISERS istered contract till April 2, 8 computers, 1-year lease left, 5.5 million baht. Email: 26 Hongyok-Utit Rd, Talaad FURNITURE AND 2016. Rent paid till February able to extend to 4 years. Rent: [email protected] Yai, Samkong, Phuket. Asso- SATELLITE 2009. Recommended by all 15,000 baht per month. Busi- ciated with Advocates and leading tour operators. Price: Solicitors Bangkok, Phuket Electrolux refrigerator, sofa ness for sale at 350,000 baht 4.6 million baht. Tel: 075- RETIREMENT INCOME and UK. We provide a wide with modern fauteuil, Dynasat or 450,000 baht with 4-year 637258, 089-5873533. Easy-to-learn Forex hedging range of high-quality and spe- F1 satellite receiver, garden set lease. Located on busy Nanai Email: [email protected] strategy yields substantial cialized legal services to indi- with glass-top table and arm- Rd. Tel: 660-847231269, residual income while minimiz- vidual and corporate clients. chairs. English, German, Dutch 660-847231269. Email: [email protected] ing risk. For info, watch the - Legal consultations and Spanish. Please contact HIGH INTEREST video at www.bluepoint for additional information at - Real estate and property Earn 10-15% interest per BAR & RESTAURANT investments.com Tel: 081-2997975. annum. Invest 200 to 1 mil- contracts Nanai Rd, excellent location, - Alien business establishment lion baht. Tel: 086-2878966. great profits, with accommo- Bulletins dation. Low rent negotiable. BAR FOR SALE VISA & LEGAL - Notarial certifications CHARTER CRUISE Tel: 081-7411963. Rawai, prime location on the SERVICES - Trademark and patent BUSINESS beach road. Very nicely de- licenses includes 50ft yacht. Priced at PATONG BAR FOR SALE corated. Price: 1.7 million - Work permit and visa only 7.5 million baht. Email: 1 million baht + rent. 4 floors baht ono. Tel: 087-2706297. - Etc. [email protected] For fur- includes 2-bedroom apart- Please contact for more infor- ther details, please see our ment. Tel: 087-8817600. website at: www.ideacon.biz/ USED BOOK BUSINESS mation. 4,000 used books and 20 Tel: 02-975-6792, 02- charter_cruise_biz.htm NEW ULTRA- wooden bookshelves for sale. 5113264, 081-9377219. MODERN CLUB Only 258,000 baht. Good Email: Andaman RESTAURANT H2O Entertainment Co Ltd chance to open your own book [email protected], for sale in Kata Beach area. has built an all new luxury club shop. Tel: 089-7242136. [email protected] 4 bedrooms, 3 TVs, pool in Patong. 50 meters from Website: table, fully stocked, seats 80. the beach on the very popular www.Haroldstock.com Contact for more information. Soi Post Office! Construction BOOKSHOP SALE Company registration 2,229 Tel: 089-5880839. completed 1 month ago. 320 baht; 1-year visa 7,900 baht; Patong OTOP bookshop for sqm. Excellent opportunity. retirement visa 7,900 baht; sale. Price: 690,000 baht. Two options for lease. Buy work permit 7,900 baht; CHIROPRACTIC ESTATE & BUSINESS Call Tel: 084-1705552. broker. Price: 300,000 baht. outright for 10 million baht UK&US visa 19,999 baht. Dr. Richard Cracknell. Email: [email protected] and get 12-year lease. Or pay No more visa runs get a Tel: 076-330889. For additional details, please 4 million baht and get 5-year PATONG BEAUTY 1-year visa for only 7,900 www. visit our website: www.no1 lease at 180,000 baht per salon. Take over lease that baht. Establish your Thai chiropractic-phuket.com phukethomes.com month. This club will be the runs until 2010. Please con- company today to buy land talk of the town! Lower-level tact Tel: 084-4414689. or start your business for shop available for restaurant. only 2,229 baht. Property Please contact for details. title search, sales contract A/C, SAFE AND LIVE AND WORK KATA RESTAURANT COMPUTERS in paradise! We get you started Tel: 084-6644050. Email: and land registration. Small restaurant at the main Aircon: 16,000 BTUs, from scratch! From idea and [email protected] Thailand's largest legal ser- PIWC GALA BALL road. Sell: 1 million baht. 8,000 baht. 80x80x70cm dream to reality! We are the vice network. Always low The Phuket International Rent: 10,000 baht per month. safe: 7,500 baht. IBM- only idea consultation in PIZZA OVEN prices by our licensed Thai Women's Club announces Please contact for more infor- server X226 with Thailand! Contact via email: Resort wishes to sell 2-year- lawyers. Call Tel: 076- the most prestigous event mation. Tel: 087-9807570. 2x74GB, DAT backup, [email protected] Visit our old pizza oven in excellent 345277, 076-290487. this year - the annual Gala Email: kata.restaurant@ Windows server 2003: website: www.ideacon.biz condition. Price: 99,000 baht. gmail.com Email: [email protected] Ball on Saturday, November Please contact K. Porn at Tel: For additional information, 25,000 baht. IBM-PC TC- 24th at the Indigo Pearl in 075-607100. please visit our website: M52 Desktop, 3GHz, Nai Yang Beach. Watch for SUCCESSFUL CLUB http://www.siam-legal.com 80GB, Windows XP Pro, more details. Tickets will be DANISH GRILL/BAR for sale. 1.9 million baht reno- 15" LCD: 10,000 baht. All in great demand. Contact Selling franchise. Price: RESTAURANT KATA vation in Oct/Nov 2006. 4- items approximately 1 year Carol at Tel: 087-4178860, 800,000 baht. Email: admin Austrian restaurant in Kata for year lease. Take over for 1.5 old. Computers never used! million baht and 50,000 baht email: carol@aplusplus @ideacon.biz For further sale. Good and quiet location, COUNSELING Contact for more details. software.com or Sue at details, please visit our 60 seats, ready for takeover. per month. Buy now and get it US-trained therapist for Tel: 084-850 7310. Tel: 087-2776948, email: website: www.ideacon.biz/ Tel: 086-1203660. Email: free rent until Nov 1, 2007. adults, couples and children. Email: Tel: 084-6644050. Email: [email protected] dansk_ grill_bar.htm [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] July 28 - August 3, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 49 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

Dive Gear PERSONAL COMPANION/ ASSISTANT SUNNTO STINGER Retired American business- DIVE COMPUTER man wants to hire an intel- ligent, educated female Excellent condition, 16- companion/assistant. Good month warranty remaining. compensation for the right Everything in box. 17,900 person. Tel: 321-7777447. baht. Please contact for Fax: 321-7777717. Email: more information. [email protected] Email: [email protected] TAROT WORKSHOP Miscellaneous 4 Sunday sessions, 3-5 pm only, 9 locations, starts Sept. for Sale 2. Price: 3,990 baht. Con- tact for more information. Tel: 089-6478519.

MASSAGE DELIVERY Man for man only. Please book 2 hours in advance. Tel: 089-2228206.

Personals

LOVELY GIRL STAMP FOR SALE A Thai lady is looking for a Princess Diana. Good collec- Farang. 30-40 years old. tion since 1995. Please con- Email: innocentpretty20@ tact K. Kwan for more infor- yahoo.com mation. Tel: 086-9452879. BACKGAMMON Retired businessman looking Mobile Phones for backgammon players in Phuket. Tel: 081-5778443. SATELLITE Computers CABLE TV MOBILE PHONES Pets True + Multichoice: 3,600 Nokia 8800, two weeks baht per year. Movies, old, perfect condition. sports, music, Arabic, Euro- 20,000 baht. Please con- pean and Asian news, etc. tact for more information. ENGLISH BULLDOG Hotels, condos, apartments. Tel: 076-386118, 084- AKC English bulldog pup- Resort repairs and upgrades 0513473. pies. Very playful and ac- are welcome. Please call for tive. Big heads, beautiful additional details. and loveable. Contact at Tel: 508-4760291. Email: Tel: 089-9092387, Personal [email protected] 089-7947078. Services Email: [email protected] SIBERIAN HUSKY Website: Brown/white. Beautiful Sibe- www.mpsattv.com rian Husky dog. 1 year old, brown and white thick coat, has inoculation history from local vet. Excellent tempera- Camera & ment and obedient. Has com- pleted 2 months basic training Equipment and obedience course at Phuket International Dog SAMSUNG CAMERA School (PIDS). For sale to 7.2 megapixels, 2 months old. good, loving and secure home New price: 14,000 baht. Sale only. Price: 18,000 baht. price: 9,000 baht. Also, Nokia Call Tel: 083-1821468. 6020 for only 3,000 baht. Tel: IMAC G5 POWERMAC 086-2767510. CPU. 2 GHZ, 1.5 GB RAM, 250 GB Sata hard drive, 20" mon- Take NIKON D2H DIGITAL itor. New: 86,000 baht Sell: me camera due to system change, 35,000 ono. For details, call I will sell this Nikon D2H (8 Tel: 087-2810451. home frames per second). In perfect EUROPEAN TEFL TEACHER optical and technical condition, APPLE COMPUTER with KITCHENS TRAINING Nikon Bangkok proved. In- Mac mini, 1.66GHz, 6 months Built-in furniture. Woodwork Language school. For cludes manual, charger and soft- young. Paid: 31,700 baht. Sell: you! specialists, high-quality work- further details, please visit ware. 60,000 baht or nearest 21,000 baht. Speakers and manship. Contact Real-wood our website: offer. Tel: 087-8957584. printer included. Contact Tel: Soi Dog Foundation Tel: 081-7884222 at Tel: 087-9785804. www.ttt-tefl.com Email: [email protected] 086-7426265.

Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! 50 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS July 28 - August 3, 2007 Wheels & Motors

Saloon Cars 1997 FORD PROBE TOYOTA COROLLA Pickups FOR SALE 1995 LOW SEASON DEAL! CHEVROLET AVEO 1994 Mazda pickup for sale. ISUZU D-MAX CAB4 Only 70,000 baht. Call Tel: 086-1205536. Email: lucycat @rocketmail.com

FORD RANGER Good condition, red, left-side 1.5L, manual,140,000km. Open cab, blue, 12,000km, steering wheel, imported Well-maintained and ser- first owner, perfect condition, 2003. 100,000km, perfect sports car. Drives great. viced, good condition. Price: For sale. New condition, CD/VCD, TV. Price: 350,000 condition, good runner, 3.0L, Price: 260,000 baht. Please 105,000 baht. Must see. 5,000km, special model, un- baht ono. Tel: 081-5395948. automatic, only one owner. contact for more details. Tel: 087-2709093. Email: Phuket’s Most Trusted & wanted gift, take over pay- Price: 470,000 baht. Con- Tel: 089-8742960. Email: [email protected] Reputable Supplier of the Finest ments. Tel: 084-0548122. tact for more information. [email protected] Quality Used SALOONS, NISSAN NV 1995 Tel: 087-2709093. Email: [email protected] SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS pickup. 140,000km, blue CHEVROLET HONDA CIVIC 2.0L TOYOTA CAR color. Price: 150,000 baht. New cars or trade-ins – 2006, silver, 25,000km. we have what you’re FOR SALE New engine. Please con- Price: 880,000 baht. Tel: 089- tact for details. Tel: 081- TOYOTA looking for Optra ss16, 1 year old, very 7241140. good condition, warranty left. 4151875, 084-6032361. HILUX TIGER For more info please call us at Price: 495,000 baht. Tel: 2000, low mileage, clean, Tel: 076-224632, 076-216243 089-2262612. MAZDA 3 FOR SALE perfect condition, very re- www.suremotor.com 2006 MITSUBISHI liable. Owner is relocating. Black, 6 months old, CD TRITON Asking price: 320,000 player with 6-disc changer/ BMW 520I Blue, CD, 18,000km, loaded baht. Tel: 076-281479, 1989 model, blue, good condi- mp3, rain sensor, automatic HONDA CRV 2.0L 1989, 4-door, manual trans- with extras. Price: 435,000 087-0190852. Email: tion. Price: 65,000 baht. Call lights, full options package. 2003, black, 72km full service, mission, excellent condition, baht or finance. Contact Tel: [email protected] for information at Tel: 084- For more details, please call no accidents, extras, top con- no rust, new blue book, road 085-7959105 (English). dition, insurance paid for 1 0577505. Tel: 081-7371687. tax & insurance paid until year. Price: 620,000 baht. 2008. Must see this great ISUZU 2003 4-DOOR Tel: 084-8444228. NISSAN SENTRA deal! Price: 64,000 baht. TOYOTA MIGHTY X 1995, 1600cc. Good cond- TWO CARS FOR Tel: 081-7375909. 1994, 4-door, 120,000km, Auto., 60,000km, like new ition. Price: 160,000 baht. Call URGENT SALE runs excellent, clean interior, condition. Price: 495,000 92 TOYOTA Tel: 081-5775719. Mazda 'Astina' F323 sport great deal. Price: 185,000 baht. Tel: 084-4413633. model and Toyota Corona CORONA GL VOLVO 740 GLE baht obo. Please contact at Manual, 113km, Pioneer CD TOYOTA COROLLA Gil sedan model. Tel: 087- Tel: 076-341827. 3809066. Email: phuket LIMOUSINE TRITON MEGACAB 2D player, aircon, very good 1990, great condition, runs 2006, 2+2, new condition, [email protected] For 1990, perfect car, 200hp , en- FORD RANGER condition. Price: 90,000 well, very clean. Please call gine runs great, automatic, blue, low kilometers, CD, more details and pricing, 4-door, 2006, like-new condi- baht. Tel: 085-2476172. Tel: 087-2816275. 139,000 baht. Contact for farang owner. Must sell. please visit our website: tion, low kilometers, runs more information. Tel: 068- Price: 435,000 baht. Please http://geocities.com/ great. Must see and drive! 9488139. Email: jefdejong contact Tel: 085-7959105 TOYOTA YARIS phuketislander Price: 385,000 baht. Please CHEVROLET ZAFIRA @hotmail.com (English). New condition, auto, airbags, 2.2 SPORT contact Tel: 084-4413633. red, 9,000km, MP3, spoilers, Only 30,000km, black, new no accidents, 1 year old. model, never been damaged. BMW 330I CAR FOR 99,000 BAHT TOYOTA FORTUNER FORD RANGER XLT 500,000 baht ono. Contact 830,000 baht (negotiable). 31,039km, 1 private owner, 1994 Hyundai Elantra with Great condition. 50,000km, Tel: 086-6833964. 2002, 71,000km, diesel Perfect condition, engine immaculate condition. Price: Mitsubishi 1800cc DOHC 2-years young. Less than engine, excellent condition, runs great, all checks done 1.5 million baht. Contact K. 16V engine. Rebuilt, like new. 50,000km. 2.7L engine. Dark runs great. Price: 270,000 DAIHATSU MIRA by Chevrolet. Please contact Bow or K. Mira for more Well maintained. Tel: 081- gray. Price: 850,000 baht. baht. Please call Dieter at 2-door, hatchback, very eco- me by phone or by email for details. Tel: 076-317017- 6931671, 085-7868643. Tel: 086-7866350. Email: Tel: 086-2812899. nomical, 5-speed, aircon. additional information. Tel: 18, 081-8940096, 087- Email: [email protected] [email protected] Price: 110,000 baht. Contact 081-8512280.Email: 2709750. Email: paul@ Michelle for more details at [email protected] maitlandsmith.com Tel: 087-3811577. Wheels & Motors Advertisements

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 95 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Need wheels? All advertising must be paid for in advance. Check out www.phuketgazette.net Deadline for Wheels & Motors page: Saturday 12 noon. July 28 - August 3, 2007 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 51 Wheels & Motors

4 x 4s Motorbikes Rentals

RANGE ROVER ISUZU CAB 4, 4WD HONDA STEED 600CC HARLEY-DAVIDSON ISUZU D-MAX A1 CAR RENTAL 4.6 HSE FOR RENT 2003 model, space cab, runs great, very reliable, in- terior and exterior in new condition. Great deal. Long- or short-term rent: 15,000 baht per month. Tel: 076- 2001, 56,000km, manual Great custom chopper, well 2000 Softail standard, 263989, 081-370 2540. British racing green, excellent gears, 3.0L, good condi- maintained with green book, 44,000km. Price: 690,000 Fax: 076-263424. Email: Cars, trucks, jeeps that are all condition, only 77,000 miles, tion. Price: 430,000 baht. tax and insurance. 265,000 baht. Tel: 076-388311, 086- [email protected] fully insured for rental. Best full insurance until March Tel: 087-2709093. Email: baht. Tel: 085-2999435. 1206964. prices for long-term rental: 2008, only 2 previous own- [email protected] 12,000 to 20,000 baht per ers (chauffeur driven). Reluc- CHEAP CAR month. Please contact Tel: tant sale. Please call Alasdair HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1997 Softail model. Excellent RENTAL 089-8314703. For more in- Junor. Tel: 083-9889507. HONDA WAVE SUZUKI CARIBBEAN condition, plenty of chrome, 110CC 10,000 - 14,000 baht per formation and details, 4X4-ONLY 95,000! great looking, 17,200km, 2000 model: 10,000 baht. month. Full insurance dis- please email: a1carrent@ TOYOTA FORTUNER Good reliable transportation. Screamin Eagle pipes and 2002 Price: 15,000 baht. count for long-term. Please myway.com Great condition. 50,000km, Why rent when you can camshaft, Kuryakyn air clean- Tel: 076-388311,086- contact Tel: 089-4727304. 2-years young. Less than buy? Black, fully-covered er. Rare in Thailand. 950,000 1206964. 50,000km. 2.7L engine. removable extended body, baht. Tel: 076-283-127, 081- MOTORCYCLE CARS FOR RENT Dark gray. Price: 850,000 4x4, 1,300cc, CD player, 9251482. Email: docdan RENTAL baht. Please contact for speakers, well maintained, 5- @truemail.co.th HONDA SHADOW Honda Wave 125 from 2,100 additional information at speed, aircon. Price: 95,000 750CC baht per month, Mio auto. Tel: 086-7866350. Email: baht. Please contact at Tel: HONDA WAVE 125 Good condition, only one from 2,400 baht per month. [email protected] 081-3705080. Disc brakes, electric starter. owner, blue & silver. Price: Please contact K. Suwan. Price: 20,000 baht. Contact 310,000 baht. Contact Alan. Tel: 081-9781793. SUZUKI CARIBIAN Gerhard. Tel: 086-9483503. Tel: 089-4727588. 4X4 TOYOTA VIGO 3.0L 1994 white Caribian in great 2005, 4x4, bronze color, SUZUKI VS Many types of cars for rent. NEW JAZZ Short- or long-term rentals at running shape. This wonderful 41,000km. Price: 590,000 HONDA PHANTOM 1995, 800cc. Good condition. FOR RENT beast has registration and insur- baht. Contact for more de- 200CC Price: 90,000 baht. Tel: 086- special rates. Please contact 15,000 baht per month. for additional details at Tel: ance up to date and will get you tails at Tel: 081-7191790. Very good condition, 2 for- 2773872. Contact for more details at where you need to go. Leaving eign owners, well cared for. 081-6078567. Email: Tel: 084-8516121. Email: [email protected] Phuket, so must sell. 75,000 Price: 44,000 baht. Tel: MOTORBIKES [email protected] baht. Tel: 087-3865734. Email: MITSUBISHI 085-0648681. 2 Honda Wave 125s and a [email protected] G-WAGON Tiger Smart 125. Contact me P.M.P. CARS 2004 Evolution 2. This is a for details and photos at Tel: MOTORCYCLES FOR RENT YAMAHA R1 1000CC Honda Wave 125: 1,950 baht 2.8L turbo. Only 3 years 087-5912811, 087-5912811. Special rate for green season. Blue, 2003, includes green per month. Auto. Yamaha FORD RANGER old, 80,000km. Just ser- Email: [email protected] Starting from June 15 until book. Price: 390,000 baht. Mio: 2,100 baht per month. 4-DOOR viced with 2 new tires. One September 30. Toyota Vios: Contact Tel: 085-7840980. Please contact K. Suwan at 4x4, Carryboy, 1 owner, very owner, one year tax and in- 14,000 baht per month. Honda HARLEY FATBOY Tel: 081-9781793. good condition. Price: 325,000 surance. 725,000 baht. 2007. Harley Davidson Fatboy Jazz: 15,000 baht per month. baht. Please contact for addi- Contact for additional de- YAMAHA NOUVO 96 Qb, 6-speed, 1,580cc. Suzuki Caribian: 9,000 baht per tional information. Tel: 084- tails at Tel: 081-0854514, 30,000km. Price: 21,000 month. Tel: 083-1743880, Only 800km. Black color & NEW CARS FOR RENT 4413633. 089-4584143. Email: baht. Please contact for 200mm rear tire. Includes 087-2646808. [email protected] additional details at Tel: registration. 1.06 million baht. TOYOTA FORTUNER 081-2945441. Please contact Sumon at Tel: Others "EXCLUSIVE" 081-6913460. Email: sumon White, 15,000km. Chip tun- JEEP BARGAIN BUY @rudethailand.com ing and many more extras. 1967 Willys, Toyota rear HONDA PHANTOM CAR TRAILER Best you will find on the gears,registered with blue- 2003, 200cc, gray color, YAMAHA MIO New Brenderup, 204 x 116cm. market. This powerful ride is book. Runs well, great fun. good condition, 29,000km. TOP CONDITION New cars for rent. Special 40% import tax paid. Includes for sale at 1.2 million baht. Contact for more information. Price: 50,000 baht. Contact 8,700km, mag wheels, wea- price for long-term rental. fittings. 56,000 baht. Tel: 076- You save 400,000 off new Tel: 086-2766626. Email: Tel: 087-2753614. Email: ther cover & helmets, runs Tel: 081-5388567. Email: 296231, 089-970 5265. Fax: price. Tel: 087-8914466. [email protected] [email protected] great. Price: 30,000 baht. [email protected] 076-296454. Email: info@ Email: [email protected] Tel: 084-6284851. wildkingdomtours.com 52 PHUKET GAZETTE July 28 - August 3, 2007

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