THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

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Friday, July 30 – Thursday, August 5, 2021 Since 2011 / Volume XI / No. 31 20 Baht SURF WARNING ISSUED AS FOREIGNERS RESCUED > PAGE 4 NEWS PAGE 3 Protest calls for PM to resign over COVID handling

LIFE PAGE 9 10-year-old SANDBOX artist rises in Patong

A foreigner waits to be processed at the Phuket Check Point onto the mainland. Photo: PR Phuket STILL ON GOVERNOR ASSURES PHUKET SANDBOX WILL CONTINUE DESPITE RISING INFECTIONS

The Phuket News infections in one week” limit set by outbreak,” he added, referring to a raft infected with COVID-19 after con- [email protected] the the Centre of COVID-19 Situation of new COVID prevention measures firmed cases of infection were linked SPORT PAGE 16 Administration (CCSA) in Bangkok introduced in a new provincial order with the mall. huket Governor this week late last month as reason enough to issued on Monday. Concerns quickly shifted to wheth- ramped up COVID protection start reviewing whether or not the Under the order, effective Tuesday er the rising number of infections Panipak brings Pmeasures across the island Phuket Sandbox scheme should be (July 27) through Aug 2, all schools would affect the Phuket Sandbox home historic as the number of local infections halted. are to remain closed until Aug 16, all scheme as some Thai news reported started spiralling upward, but made “The Phuket Sandbox is still con- markets must restrict the number of that Central Phuket cluster involved Olympic gold no changes to the requirements for tinuing. The situation right now has visitors, all football and futsal venues more than 100 high-risk contacts. domestic travellers to enter Phuket and not disturbed the opening [of Phuket were closed, and the Central Phuket Phuket Provincial Public Health confirmed that the Phuket Sandbox to receiving fully vaccinated tour- shopping mall was closed for seven Office (PPHO) Chief Dr Kusak Kukiat- scheme will continue. ists without quarantine],” Governor days to undergo intensive cleaning tikoon on Monday night repeated the The assurance came on Monday Narong said during a live broadcast while officers from the Phuket Pro- criteria set out for revising the Phuket (July 26) as the island marked 114 on Tuesday (July 27). vincial Public Health Office (PPHO) Sandbox scheme as announced by local infections within the seven “We think that the measures to be conduct rapid antigen tests on all Natapanu Nopakun, Deputy Director- days ‒ easily exceeding the “90 enforced will be able to control the staff to determine whether they are General of the Department of... CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews 2 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

[email protected] PPAO looks to buy Moderna News vaccine > p5 Officials ramp up COVID measures Continued from page 1 locking down can reduce the already filed a request to the ...Information and Deputy number of cases, and right Ministry of Public Health to Spokesman of the Foreign now we also have strict entry ask for the doses of vaccine. Affairs Ministry, in English on requirements. We need to prioritise groups June 22 as part of the CCSA’s “We have strict entry re- of people to receive the third national COVID-situation quirements for new arrivals injection as we have done briefing. which we think helps a lot before,” he said. More than 90 persons for screening and protecting Dr Chalermpong Sukon- infected per week in Phuket our people from infection tapol, Director of Vachira constituted the main criteria from outside the province,” Phuket Hospital, added, “We for reconsideration of the he added. already provided a third dose Phuket Sandbox scheme, “For inside the island, we of vaccine to medical staff last “or for any adjustments”, Mr have clear measures. If we week. Next, [third] vaccine Natapanu explained. find any areas having many injections will be provided All three districts in new cases of infection, we to frontline staff, including Phuket affected, and in that immediately send our medi- those who work in disease more than six villages are af- cal staff to conduct proactive control and have contact with fected, or if there were COVID screening and take high-risk Sandbox arrivals. cases and no linkages found people into the local quaran- “These groups of people and no contact tracing was tine,” he said. will receive their third injec- possible were other criteria, “This is necessary because tion in early August. The he said. A woman has a swab sample taken at Saphan we need to keep Phuket Sand- general public will receive “Also, if the hospital bed Hin as part of the ongoing ‘proactive screening’ box going. We have reopened the [third injection] vaccine capacity exceeds 80%, that for COVID-19 across Phuket. Photo: PPAO the island [to tourists] for later,” he said. would be another criteria,” only a little while and already he added. ticular criteria, then it [the box scheme would be possibly to he added. received very good signs in HOSPITAL BEDS “If the situation becomes scheme] would be reconsid- decrease the level of business “Also as a worst-case sce- terms of economic recovery,” Dr Chalermpong said that the worse in Phuket after the ered,” Mr Natapanu warned. activity or to conduct ‘Sealed nario, they would have to he added. number of beds available in opening of the province on “Some of the reconsidera- Route’ travel, and also to halt the [Sandbox] scheme in “Today, we discussed dis- intensive-care units (ICUs) the 1st of July with these par- tion of the Phuket Sandbox have more hotel quarantine,” Phuket,” Mr Natapanu said. ease control measures that currently looked relatively Dr Kusak said on Mon- may affect some businesses. healthy. day, “If the situation meets I need to ask operators and “Right now, we have 17 all five criteria, we will start local people for understand- ICU rooms, and the number enforcing strict measures ing and cooperation. We need of beds occupied is not very respectively as follows: 1. to protect the benefits of the high because our people have allowing them to travel only overall people on the island,” been vaccinated and have very in the sealed routes; 2. can- Governor Narong said. low potential to become red- celling the sealed routes and zone patients [sic],” he said. allowing them to stay only in INFECTION Some 90% of the people hotel areas; 3. Allowing them SITUATION in Phuket currently receiving to stay only in their rooms; PPHO Chief Dr Kusak said treatment for COVID-19 infec- and 4. Cancelling the sandbox that the number of new infec- tion were what Dr Chalerm- scheme,” tions was expected to remain pong called “green-zone “If we have 90 new cases high for the immediate future. patients”. in a week, but we are still “In the coming week, I “About 3-4% of patients able to handle the cases, we expect that the number of new are considered to be red-zone will just consider following cases will remain at 20-plus patients,” he added, without the plan. We need to keep a because one infected case giving any specific figures balance between controlling can at the minimum infect for either category. the disease and economic five high-risk people. Right “At Vachira Phuket Hos- recovery,” he added. now, more than 440 high risk pital, we will increase the Governor Narong noted, contacts are in local quaran- number of ICU rooms to 27. “The situation outside of the tine [LQ],” he said. If combined with other hos- island is getting worse, so we “We need to work quickly pitals, we will have about 50 need to take care and control to have new infected cases ICU rooms on the island,” Dr our people to be safe.” entered into treatment and Chalermpong said. However, he gave no indi- take high risk contacts into “We have about 200 nor- cation that the requirements to the local quarantine,” Dr mal rooms for isolation and enter Phuket will face further Kusak continued. group-patient rooms, and we revisions after a slew of new “Right now, we have 450 can add an extra 100 rooms. measures tightening control rooms at LQ venues, and we At the field hospital at PSU over who may enter Phuket are looking for about 150-200 [Prince of Songkla University were rolled out last week. more rooms for future high- Phuket campus in Kathu], Asked whether the meas- risk contacts,” he added. we have 170 beds. Of those, ures to close the selected 75 beds are occupied,” he venues, all schools and Central ‘BOOSTER JABS’ continued. Phuket shopping mall, among Dr Kusak said that his office is “However, right now we others, will reduce the number pushing to further protect the have a lot of green-zone pa- of new infections, Governor public from infection through tients, so we need to prepare Narong said, “I would say third vaccination injections the PRU [ Phuket Rajabhat this is not the first time for a to help boost immunity to University in Rassada] as situation like this. The number the virus. another field hospital with 70 of cases goes up and down. “For the third booster beds in the first phase and a We have learned from the vaccines [sic], the PPHO and total of 195 beds in the second past that closing places and Vachira Phuket Hospital have phase,” Dr Chalermpong said.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 3 ‘Car Mob’ protest hits streets Crowd calls for PM Prayut to resign, better vaccines for everybody

Eakkapop Thongtub ditional resignation of Prayut “We would like to send this [email protected] Chan-o-cha letter to you and the citizens 2. Budget cuts for the under your care, including “Car Mob” dem- monarchy and the army with tourists who are deciding to onstration calling funds reallocated to combat come to Phuket in accordance A for Prime Minister COVID-19 with Phuket sandbox measures, Prayut Chan-o-cha’s resigna- 3. Replace the Sinovac to know that our activities are tion from office, budget cuts vaccine with a better quality not intended to cause chaos and better quality mNRA mRNA vaccine. and cause your citizens to COVID-19 vaccines took place One of the representatives lack confidence in making a at Saphan Hin last Saturday of the protest group added that decision to travel in Phuket or (July 24). the government had initiated affect the lifestyle in Phuket. The rally, organised by the the Phuket Sandox project to “We just want to send a Phuket People’s Party - Phuket stimulate the economy yet any distress signal and request of Liberation Group (Khana income received thus far has the people of Phuket to send it Ratsadon), saw hundreds of not been distributed fairly or to the Thai government with cars and motorcycles gather evenly and instead only finds 3 demands from the people around 3pm then proceed onto its way back to the same group as follows: Phuket City Hall where a let- of “capitalists”. 1. Immediate and uncon- ter stating their demands was Once the letter had been ditional resignation of Prayut delivered to Phuket Governor delivered, the group dispersed Chan-o-cha Narong Woonciew. and headed home. Police re- 2. Budget cuts for the mon- Around 150 protesters ported a number of small archy and the army to combat initially congregated at Saphan Photo: PR Phuket skirmishes en route with other COVID-19 Hin Park in Wichit where they groups although nothing seri- 3. Stop purchasing Sinovac were met by another group with around 150 officers both According to police sourc- banners stating their demands. ous of note was confirmed. vaccines and bring in mRNA requesting the group cease in uniform and undercover es, the protesters from Khana On arrival, their letter was Later in the evening, Kha- vaccines. People will strongly their protests, displaying signs stepping in. The officials re- Ratsadon refused to comply received by Vice Governor na Ratsadon posted a copy of remain defiant. with slogans such as “Save minded protesters that the unless their letter outlining Vikrom Jakthee who con- a letter they had distributed “We will continue to ex- Phuket” and “Phuket Wants gathering was illegal in that it their demands was delivered firmed he would deliver it to to all foreign consulates in pand and progress. Because Peace”. contravened the conditions of to Governor Narong. Governor Narong. Phuket on their Facebook of knowing that if we ignore The two groups clashed, the existing emergency decree They then took to their The protesters explained page explaining their actions. politics, we will end up with an resulting in police interven- on serious communicable vehicles and headed towards the three main objectives of “We are aware of the im- abusive government that will tion from the Department of diseases and asked the groups Phuket City Hall, honking the letter to the V/G Vikrom: portance of international rela- lead us to failure and disaster,” Provincial Administration, to separate. horns as they went and waving 1. Immediate and uncon- tions,” the letter said. the letter concluded.

Sandbox arrival to face charges for fleeing 14-day stay in Phuket AN 18-YEAR-OLD THAI WOMAN who arrived under the Phuket Sandbox scheme but left the island early to travel to Chonburi is to be prosecuted, Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) Chief Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon has confirmed. Dr Kusak last week confirmed that the woman left Phuket on July 20 having only PPHO Chief Dr Kusak. Photo: PR Dept spent nine days on the island instead of the mandated 14 days. Governor Narong explained that the Phuket health officials were alerted to manager at the SHA+ hotel confirmed the incident by the manager of a SHA+ the person had tested negative twice for registered hotel, Dr Kusak said. COVID-19 during the nine day period “After the hotel manager informed the spent there. The manager added that the Phuket Sandbox command center, officers person had not officially checked out from contacted the person only to be told they the hotel and when staff attempted to locate were already in Bangkok and on the way the person they were unable to. to Chonburi. “Our officers contacted the person only “All arrivals must follow the outlined to discover that they already left the island,” conditions of the Phuket Sandbox scheme. Governor Narong said. However, this person left before the re- “We have to punish this person as it sets quired 14-day window had passed,” Dr a bad example and may encourage similar Kusak added. cases in future. “The person must be prosecuted under “Previously there have been cases where the relevant law for breaking the conditions people requested to leave the island before of the scheme.” completing their 14-day stay, citing reasons Dr Kusak added that he had contacted such as being required to attend a funeral, the Chonburi Public Health Office who for example,” Governor Narong added. confirmed they had managed to locate the “However, we cannot allow them to person and place them into an alternative leave because they already agreed to adhere local quarantine (ALQ) venue. to the conditions and rules of the sandbox “In regards to the matter of any legal prior to coming. If they do not follow the punishment, police and administrative requirements we need to file a complaint officers will work on that at a later stage,” to police to pursue prosecution.” he said. The Phuket News thephuketnews @thephuketnews 4 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

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CHRIS HUSTED Executive Editor 084 307 7408 [email protected] Surf warning as foreigners rescued Eakkapop Thongtub [email protected] BEN TIREBUCK News / Sport Editor 061 806 8132 [email protected] ifeguards at Nai Harn Beach are urging all beachgoers Lto swim only between the red-yellow flags following a spate of foreigners needing rescue, with CHUTHARAT ‘UM’ an Irishman rescued from rocks PLERIN Thai Editor on Monday (July 26), a Polish man 088 766 1615 [email protected] rescued last week, and a South Af- rican man rescued at Bang Tao last Saturday (July 24). The initial warning came after

KIATTIKUL ‘JOM’ an Irishman was rescued from being CHUMANEE Translator dashed on rocks, and an exhausted 082 729 0270 [email protected] Polish man was in need of oxygen The Polish man rescued at Nai Harn is after being pulled back onshore from given oxygen to help him recover. Photo: a dangerous rip current at Nai Harn. Phuket Naiharn Surf Lifesaving Club Lifeguards were first alerted to 30-year-old Polish man at about “On Monday, we helped a 34-year- “He was brought ashore safely but eight people already this month,” JASON BEAVAN 11:30am on July 21 after he went old Irishman, who asked us to just he suffered some scratches along his Mr Nara said. General Manager 086 479 7471 [email protected] to swim where red ‘no swimming’ call him Paul, who jumped to swim body,” Mr Narong said. “Two years ago we had two people flags were posted, explained Nai from a rock near the hotel where he Fellow lifeguard Nara Ratthanarak die after being caught in the area Harn lifeguard Narongdet Senajutti. was staying. explained that there are three lifeguard where the vortex forms. I always “The man was caught in a rip “The area is marked as a danger- stations now posted along Nai Harn warn foreign visitors to stay away current which took him away from ous area to swim. He was caught in Beach to keep watch on swimmers from that area and we always post SIRIPORN (NOK) shore. We brought him back to the a vortex which pushed him onto the during the current dangerous swim red flags to prevent people from SEANGMAS Sales Support beach and gave him oxygen,” Mr rocks,” Mr Narong explained. conditions. swimming there,” he said. 086 479 7470 [email protected] Narong said. A lifeguard on a rescue board pad- “To all beachgoers, if we set “For those who come to the beach “The man told us that he went dled out close to the rocks so that the flag areas [marking where it is safe with children, do not let them swim to boxing training before coming to Irishman could swim just a handful to swim], please swim only in the alone. Take care of your children, NIRAVIT ‘MOS’ VORAVANITCHA THANAPONG ‘OAK’ KHAO-AMPHAIPHAN swim. He must have been exhausted of metres and clamber on board, and areas marked and follow lifeguards’ don’t just relax and eat, keep an eye Graphic designers from that,” he said. be brought safely back to the beach. suggestions, as we have rescued on them,” he said.

The Phuket News @thephuketnews Tour guide drowns after denied entry Thieves nabbed stealing underpass cables THE BODY OF A PHUKET TOUR TWO MEN HAVE BEEN AR- guide who slipped and fell into the rested for attempting to steal water beside the Sarasin Bridge after electrical cables from a power he was denied entry to the island was control room that controls the found in Mai Khao two days later. power system in the Sam Kong Sutep Sae Man, 42, was originally Underpass. from Chiang Mai but had been work- The men were caught cutting Phuket Highways Office Chief Mr ing in Phuket as a tour guide. He had cables from the power control Samak (right) inspects the power been denied entry to the island on room, located near the underpass, control room. Photo: PR Phuket July 22 and fell into the water beside on the night of July 20, explained the bridge shortly afterwards. Phuket Highways Office Chief in the nighttime while using a vehicle His body was discovered early Photo: Tha Chatchai Police Samak Luedwonghad to flee the scene and with causing last Saturday morning (July 24) by Two police officers on motor- damage to government property. local fisherman Cherd Suphap, 60, walk down to the foot of the bridge bike patrol saw one of the suspects Mr Samak revealed that the dam- who explained that while he was to do something, but then he slipped sitting near the control room. The age caused by the two suspects was fixing his crab net in his shack near and fell into the water. He shouted for officers then made another pass estimated at about B500,000. the shore in Moo 5, Mai Khao, he help twice, Ms Niaw said, although close to the room and saw the men “The control box is very impor- saw something resembling a ball she was unable to assist him as she cutting electrical cables from the tant for the lighting and electrical floating in the sea. could not swim. power system inside. system in the underpass. Most of He walked over to get a clearer “I shouted for anyone to help him The two men arrested were the cut cables were connected to a look which is when he realised it was and I saw him slowly sink under the named as Meechai Sopol, 37, generator that starts whenever there the body of a man. He alerted police water,” Ms Niaw said. By the time originally from Sakon Nakhon, is any problem,” he said. immediately. help came, Mr Sutep had disappeared and Prompong Pattaya, 30, whose “At this stage, we are in the rainy Capt Thanom Thongpaen of the under the water. province of origin was not revealed. season. If there is heavy rain and the Tha Chatchai Police arrived at the Rescue divers began their search The men were found with 39 system has no power, there will be scene around 7:30am. later that afternoon and continued lengths of cut electrical cable, each a problem with the water-drainage Police called Mr Sutep’s wife until nightfall made the search too about 50 centimetres long. system in the underpass,” Mr Samak and daughter who came to the scene dangerous. Police also seized two pairs of explained. and identified the body as Mr Sutep. After his body was found last wire cutters, a motorbike with side- “We will install CCTV cameras Mr Sutep had been denied entry Saturday it was then taken to Vachira car, and a Honda Click motorbike. to cover all power control boxes at at the Phuket Check Point because Phuket Hospital for examination. Once Meechai and Prompong were every underpass to protect against he had a Chiang Mai address listed this has been completed his body will taken to Phuket City Police Station any further attempts to steal the on his ID card. be released to relatives to allow them and charged with committing theft cables,” he added. The Phuket News A witness, 53-year-old Niaw to make funeral arrangements. Sae-ong, said she saw Mr Sutep Eakkapop Thongtub

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 5 PPAO eyes B98mn for Moderna The Phuket News as the third dose only, as medical personnel to receive [email protected] the central government has their third vaccination in an provided the first and second effort to “enhance immunity huket Provincial Admin- doses,” he said. and build confidence in serv- istrative Organisation “To receive the future ing people”. P(PPAO) President Rewat third dose, people will have The start of the booster- Areerob has confirmed Phuket to register online, through a shot campaign came after will receive 5,060 doses of the website like PhuketMustWin. Dr Chalermpong stated two Moderna vaccine from the com, but we will create our days earlier (July 21) that Thai Red Cross and is looking own new platform for regis- around 7,000 medical person- for more to make available for tration,” he added. nel would start receiving their Phuket residents. Meanwhile, the PPAO is additional jabs by the end of “I sent a letter to the Red continuing its door-to-door the week. The vaccine being Cross to buy 6,326 doses of efforts to ensure local residents administered was confirmed the vaccine on July 19, but are given the opportunity to as AstraZeneca. yesterday [July 22] they sent a be vaccinated, Mr Rewat said. The vaccination drive will letter back and explained that “We will work with medi- soon extend to a further nine they can arrange only 5,060 cal staff to knock on doors to hospitals across the island doses for Phuket,” Mr Rewat provide our people first and including the Public Health explained in a press conference second injections vaccinations, Office and the Tambon Health last Friday (July 23). especially for those who cannot Promoting Hospitals. The 5,060 doses of Mod- come to receive the vaccine Almost 100% of medical erna will be used to vaccinate PPAO President Rewat Areerob is pushing for vaccines ‘that our people desire to receive, injection at the vaccination personnel in Phuket have at-risk people who have not and of course not Sinovac’. Photo: PPAO stations. For more information, received two doses of the received any vaccination in- please call the PPAO’s Phuket Sinovac vaccine since the jections, Mr Rewat explained. public who are unable to be other frontline workers, and us more in the future,” he said. Provincial Hospital at 1131,” initial drive began in April but The priority list of recipi- vaccinated under the current to offer the people of Phuket “Meanwhile, I have also Mr Rewat concluded. will now start receiving their ents are: Bedridden patients, state-vaccination campaign. a choice in which vaccine to contacted a company that I Mr Rewat’s push to provide third shot to boost immunity. disabled people, pregnant “These people will receive receive. cannot reveal its name to buy extra vaccination doses in The Ministry of Public women; elders who are more the vaccine injection for free, “Actually, I have also al- vaccine doses as the third dose Phuket came as Vachira Phuket Health has confirmed a choice than 70 years old; doctors and we already have a list of ready explained to the Thai for our people,” Mr Rewat Hospital last Friday (July 23) of two vaccines – AstraZen- and medical staff who work people to receive these doses Red Cross that we want a total continued. embarked on its campaign eca, which is available imme- in rural areas; teachers in of vaccine,” Mr Rewat said. of 89,329 doses of Moderna “The vaccine will be Mod- to administer booster shots diately, or mRNA vaccination, kindergartens, nurseries and Mr Rewat also confirmed vaccine to provide to people as erna or Pfizer. Basically, they of COVID-19 vaccine to its such as Moderna or Johnson schools; and officials who must that the PPAO is looking to a third injection, but they can will be the vaccines that our frontline staff. & Johnson, which the Depart- come in close contact with secure many more vaccine give us only the 5,060 doses people desire to receive, and of Dr Chalermpong Sukon- ment of Health has confirmed infected and high risk contacts, doses in order to provide third for now. If they have vaccine course not Sinovac,” he said. tapol, Director of Vachira will be available in late July and members of the general ‘booster shots’ to medical and doses leftover, they may give “The vaccine will be used Phuket Hospital, led nurses and or early August.

CESA supports ‘seven day’ Sandbox stays THE CENTRE FOR ECONOMIC SITUA- tion Administration (CESA) has “approved in principle” to allow foreign visitors participating in the Phuket Sandbox scheme to visit other approved tourist locations in the country after staying just seven days in Phuket, starting from Aug 1. The other approved tourist locations are: Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao in Surat Thani; Koh Phi Phi, Koh Ngai and Railay A sign welcomes tourists at Samui airport Bay in Krabi; and Khao Lak, Koh Yao Yai in Surat Thani during the launch of the and Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga. Samui Plus travel scheme last week. Photo: CESA spokesman Thanakorn Wang- Bangkok Post boonkongchana on July 21 explained that the governors of the three provinces ‒ Surat Thani, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phang Nga and Krabi ‒ are required to work is expected to propose additional tourism with the private sector and civil services to seek spots to be reopened later for international cooperation from people living in those areas. tourists, he said. Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews 6 BUSINESS NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 Sealed tours vital for survival The Phuket News bring well-spending tourists transport boats. [email protected] to Phuket, and not only serve Imperatively, all boat just the dive industry, but also departures and divers dis- huket-based dive tour megayachts based in Phuket. embarking will have to be company Seafarer Di- “We already have a doctor done from Phuket Province Pvers has launched a and a lab, a clinic, willing to such as Chalong Bay Marina campaign in the hope of local help us, because we cannot Pier in order that the Thai dive tour businesses being push more onto officials, administration have an easy allowed to conduct sealed and we have an insurance and full record of all pas- dive tours to popular national team to help find a hospital sengers and crews in case of marine parks and dive sites in in case there is a cluster on a COVID cluster on any dive the area to support local dive any megayacht or liveaboard liveaboard boat. operators and safely support as well,” Kevin explained. All liveaboard dive boats Phuket’s tourism industry The urgency of the project will book and pay DNP [De- while the current COVID comes as the COVID outbreak partment of National Parks] outbreak is expected to spread. that has forced the lockdown before departures with the The project, called ‘Phuket of 13 high-risk provinces is planning of the dive trips to Diving Seabox’, aims to have expected to spread, but also national parks. local dive tour operators con- while Phuket maintains a To avoid the eventual duct sealed dive tour holidays special place in the country spreading of the COVID for tourists coming to Phuket, Sealed tours are vital to as the one entry point to the virus to rangers and people allowing tourists to land on saving Phuket’s dive industry. country under the Sandbox living on the islands, it will Photo: Seafarer Divers Phuket and be safely escorted tourism scheme, Seafarer be prohibited for the divers direct from the airport to the Divers said in a statement and crews to go ashore to SHA+ liveaboard dive tour “We will have an infor- more and more people to at a time, and will travel to issued last week. visit the islands. boat that they will enjoy the mal meeting with them in accept the project. We need popular dive sites and areas The statement pointed out first week of their holiday on. the coming days to look at public support for the project renowned for their natural that the suggested agreement Any suggestions from dive boat Under the project, the tourists the strategy we will use to and support from government beauty. would be: operators were welcomed. will observe their quarantine present the project to the Thai officials. If we don’t do it now, “We are looking to be Welcoming foreign divers People can contact Kevin and have their mandatory administration. the dive industry will be dead able to conduct tours to all to come to Phuket to book Lidureau, Marketing Director COVID tests conducted while “Next week we have an after this coming high season, marine national parks in the liveaboard dive trips in the at Seafarer Divers Co., Ltd on board the boat. appointment with a vice gov- because if we can get govern- Andaman, The Similans and Marine National Parks in the at (Mobile/Line/WhatsApp): “Now we are in contact ernor to organise presenting ment support for the project, Surin marine parks are more Andaman Sea. 081-9794911. Seafarer Divers with several marinas in Phuket the project to the governor, we can start getting bookings popular for divers, and we All dive liveaboard boats can be contacted through their and Krabi, and the Thai Yacht- and after that for the gover- now,” Mr Lidureau told The also go to Krabi, Koh Lipe will have to be certified under website Seafarer-divers.com ing association,” explained nor to present the project to Phuket News. and Tarutao national park,” Safety and Health Admin- or through their Facebook Kevin Lidureau of Seafarer Bangkok,” he added. The liveaboards will oper- Mr Lidureau said. istration (SHA) and follow page: Seafarer Divers Phuket Divers. “Now the goal is to get ate tours of seven to 10 days The project is expected to the official regulation about Thailand - Scuba & Kayaking Sandbox tourists not scared off, says Vice Governor PHUKET VICE GOVERNOR test positive for COVID-19. Piyapong Choowong has re- “The problem we have futed claims that almost a found with some of the tourists third of tourists who arrived who have entered Phuket under in Phuket under the Sandbox the Sandbox scheme and tested scheme have returned home positive so far is that the insur- due to escalating COVID-19 ance policies they have do not figures. Phuket Vice Governor cover COVID-19 treatment,” V/Gov Piyapong explained Piyapong Choowong. Photo: Director Nanthasiri said. She last Sunday (July 25) that an PR Phuket did not specify how many of article on the BTimes website the Sandbox tourists did not reported that 3,000 Sandbox of which 4,568 have already have the correct insurance. tourists had decided to go completed their 14 day manda- “Before applying for a home due to a combination tory stay, meaning 3,157 had COE [Certificate of Entry], of newly infected cases rising left the island to destinations tourists must have an in- and stricter land border entry elsewhere in the country. Of surance policy that covers conditions implemented to the 4,692 remaining, some COVID-19 treatment to ensure contain the virus. will stay in Phuket, some will they do not need to pay for “Between the opening of head elsewhere in Thailand any treatment themselves. We the Sandbox scheme on July 1 and some will return home, urge all tourists wishing to through to yesterday [July 22], he said. visit Phuket to ensure this is a total of 10,849 people have V/Gov Piyapong’s an- in place,” Director Nanthasiri arrived,” V/Gov Piyapong said. nouncement came just one continued. “Approximately 3,000 have day after Tourism Authority “The TAT Phuket office returned to their home coun- of Thailand (TAT) Phuket has contacted relevant officials tries as they had completed Office Director Nanthasiri at the Ministry of Foreign their holidays before or at the Ronnasiri issued a reminder to Affairs and Office of Insur- 14-day mark. any visitors under the Phuket ance Commission to clarify “I want to clarify that these Sandbox scheme to have the this condition and ensure we tourists left Phuket as per correct insurance policy to work together to find the best their original plans and not cover them in case of they be- solution,” she added. because of the higher number come infected with COVID-19 No additional information of infected cases.” while on the island. was provided on how COEs V/Gov Piyapong added Ms Nanthasiri raised the had been issued without an that of the total 10,849 arrivals issue after it was confirmed applicant having the correct since the Sandbox launched, that a British tourist at that insurance cover in place. 4,692 remain on the island, time had become the latest to The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 THAILAND NEWS 7 PCR result not needed for treatment, says CCSA BANGKOK macies so they could conduct self-tests at home. Health workers assist Bangkok Post Dr Somsak said City Hall’s the man. Photo: supplied COVID-19 situation adminis- OVID-19 patients tration centre has instructed who have undergone more than 60 public health Daughter dumps COVID Cantigen tests while in service centres and private community isolation venues clinics in the capital to take infected father at temple can seek medical treatment care of asymptomatic patients On Tuesday morning (July NAKHON RATCHASIMA under the kingdom’s healthcare and those with mild symptoms 27), the old man wandered system without first having who self-isolate at home. away from the temple and disease confirmation from Attaporn Limpanyalert, A WOMAN HAS COME was later found lying in the RT-PCR testing. deputy secretary-general of the under fire after she dumped rain on a nearby trail. Lo- The decision was made by A woman receives a COVID-19 test in Huai Khwang, NHSO, said 80% of COVID-19 her COVID-infected 80-year- cal health workers took him the Centre for COVID-19 Situ- Bangkok. May, 2021. Photo: Nutthawat Wicheanbut patients are asymptomatic and old father at a temple in Bua for a COVID-19 test, which ation Administration (CCSA) can receive home medical care. Lai district last Sunday (July returned positive. to speed up the coronavirus about the issue because antigen accurate results, Dr Apisamai Patients under home isola- 25) before driving off. The man was taken to a treatment process for patients tests can provide quick results, said, adding the government tion receive three meals per Luang Phor Sitthichai, ab- hospital in Khon Kaen as he in community isolation waiting though they may not always will provide 8.5 million antigen day, medication to treat their bot of Wat Pa Suan Thamma is a native of the province. for medical care, said Apisamai be accurate. test kits (ATK) to the public. symptoms and basic equip- Sawaddee, said that a woman Monks at the temple, health Srirangson, assistant spokes- Of note, the Centers for Somsak Akksilp, director- ment to monitor their condition, and her husband brought the workers and rescuers who were woman for the CCSA. Disease Control and Preven- general of the Department of he said, adding a doctor will 80-year-old man to the temple in close contact with the old Generally, antigen tests are tion (CDC) in the US has Medical Services (DMS), said check in once per day using a claiming that he knew the man were placed in 14-day used to screen people suspected now encouraged laboratories a total of 30,036 COVID-19 video call. monk and wanted to stay with quarantine. of contracting COVID-19. to consider adoption of a patients in Bangkok have vol- Infected people can register him at the temple. The village head said the Those who test positive must multiplexed method that can unteered to self-isolate at home. for home isolation services by The couple then left the daughter should not have then undergo an RT-PCR test to facilitate detection and dif- Of them, 28,785 have been contacting NHSO hotline 1330 man and his cloth bag at the treated her father that way confirm the results before be- ferentiation of COVID and covered by the medical care or scan its QR code online via temple, and quickly drove and that she had put others ing admitted to the kingdom’s influenza viruses in an effort system set up by the National http://crmdci.nhso.go.th/. away in their car. at risk of catching the virus isolation programme. to save time and resources Health Security Office (NHSO), Mr Attaporn said the NHSO Ban Nong Waeng village through her actions. Asked whether the RT- and provide accurate testing. with the rest by the DMS, Dr has set up a testing centre at its head Thongsuk Thaebtham Pictures went viral on PCR testing method should However, training sessions Somsak said. head office located on Chaeng learned from the old man that social media and the daugh- be scrapped completely, Dr may be held for communities The Public Health Ministry Watthana Road. Those who test his daughter had brought him ter was condemned for her Apisamai said the Public Health so people can learn how to con- previously allowed the public positive are asked to register for from Lop Buri province and maltreatment of her old father. Ministry is still concerned duct antigen testing for more to purchase ATKs from phar- home isolation, he said. left him at the temple. Bangkok Post

CCSA under pressure to reveal vaccine deal BANGKOK

SIGNATURES HAVE BEEN AMASSED calling for full disclosure of terms relating to the state’s vaccine procurement contracts and policy. A total of 333 academics, members of the press and individuals have backed the push to see details of vaccine procurement and distribution made public under the open-data principle. The CCSA is coming under increasing A joint statement released by the net- pressure over the national vaccine policy. work organising the campaign on Monday Photo: Chanat Katanyu (July 26) said the COVID-19 pandemic could be resolved more effectively with the ers want to exercise their rights under the unhindered dissemination of information. Official Information Act of 1997 to seek the The statement said the crisis has caused a disclosure of contracts and policy surround- loss of lives, damaged the economy, strained ing vaccine procurement and distribution. the public health system and shaken public They demanded that the Centre for faith in the government like never before. COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Efficient management and fair distribu- divulge details of the processes involved in tion of vaccines holds the key to tackling the proposing, approving and signing vaccine crisis. It insisted making data accessible to procurement contracts in the past and for people would dispel any myths and counter similar contracts in the future. fake news, the statement added. Important conditions associated with Also, it would speak of the govern- securing orders with vaccine manufacturers ment’s sincere intention to manage the must be made public, as must crucial details vaccine procurement and distribution with including the number of doses ordered, the accountability by letting people know what length of purchase contracts, deadlines for relevant action plans and policies it has vaccine delivery, penalties for late delivery put in place. and any waivers of liability for manufactur- The statement said the disclosure of ers which miss delivery deadlines. information would bring about coopera- The petitioners also said plans need to tion from the people and act as a source be disclosed about what the government of reliable data. intends to do should there be further vac- According to the statement, the petition- cine shortages. Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews 8 TRAVEL THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

Bang Wad reservoir is superb for an early morning ride.

A damGiven thefine hilarious mismanage- hancing powerride of the night’s torrential BLAZING SADDLES ment, U-Turns, contradictions and abundance. I decided a mountain-bike general mayhem surrounding the ride at Bang Wad Dam adjacent to Baz Daniel handling of the pandemic, I hardly the Loch Palms Golf Course in Kathu [email protected] expected that the “Showers that Pee” would be just the ticket to welcome in would get something as notoriously un- this new season of fruity mellowness am!” I thought, predictable as Phuket’s weather 100% and so creakily fell out of bed to get kit- “they’ve actually got correct. Yet, it was as though God, Bud- ted up! it right.” It was early dha or whoever’s in charge up there had Cycling during Phuket’s wet season on a sodden Sunday received instructions direct from City sees a veritable landslide of slippery morning in June and Hall and turned on a Celestial Garden leaf-mulch on the tree-covered six- that very weekend Hose exactly as ordered. kilometre loop road around Bang Wad the Meteorological It had poured most of the night and Dam, plus plenty of muddy puddles, Department had said at 7am, it was one of those gloriously drenched and sleeping soi dogs and with all-knowing solemnity that the verdant, sodden, Phuket mornings the occasional fallen branch, hence my day“D would mark the start of Phuket’s when the world seemed stunned into tough, mud-bespattered mountain bike “Rainy Season”. an adoring silence at the sheer life-en- was summarily hoist out of the shed where it had been slumbering for the past drier months, during which my Italian road bike had been my chosen instrument of genital torture. A quick grease up and my fat-tired friend was fit to go as I lifted it onto the car’s bike- rack. I parked below the dam wall itself, tion of 20 metres from other cyclists mounted my trusty steed and was on when riding in these viral times, and of my way as a self-conscious morning course riding in another cyclists’ slip- sun cast dapped pools of light between stream is now a very bad idea! the branches of the vaulting Casuarina As I looped the mainly flat, verdant, trees that surround the reservoir. cycling corridor with the turbid waters Walkers, joggers and other cyclists of the lake on my right, I couldn’t help were soon out in abundance this morn- but muse about the gloomy virally- ing, perhaps seeking a way of escaping challenging times which our society has the clutches of the viral depression unleashed upon itself. Yet, equally I by embracing the natural wonders of was struck by the collective spirit of hu- Phuket’s great outdoors with enthusi- man optimism on display, as families, asm. These happy hordes were being couples and ardent young athletes in- well-managed by the authorities, with the-making, ran, pedalled, strolled and loud-speaker vans blaring out advice laughed around the reservoir, or set up about the niceties of socially-distanced picnic tables by the lakeside. exercising and the importance of mask- I cycled for nearly two hours, loop- wearing. ing the lake and building in some hill So, a new Shakespearean dilemma descents and climbs at either end of the of “to mask or not to mask” became the dam wall, generating a good appetite topical question. Clearly mask wearing for a fresh coconut and some chicken is rather counter-productive to healthy skewers sitting in the grassy picnic and enjoyable exercising, yet cyclists area by the lakeside, while watching and runners alike seemed to have read the happy scenes around me. It was the same scientific studies as I and good to see so many enterprising stalls were keeping their distance from each and mobile eating stations doing a other, as is now recommended. thriving business and such a general Air flows emanating from the lungs feeling of pleasant sociability in these of panting athletes of various kinds stressful times. have been shown to project viruses We may well be in one of the darkest far further than when people are sta- periods of our island’s long and varied tionary. You can find various studies history, yet the indomitable spirit of attempting to quantify exactly what Phuket and its people was on abundant is now the safe distance to maintain display here and I thought, “What a from another cyclist or jogger, and this dam fine way to deal with a pandemic!” depends on a number of complex vari- ables including relative speeds of the “Bicycling” Baz Daniel has been pen- athletes, wind and air perturbation, ning his Blazing Saddles column, temperature, air density etc. A rule of chronicling his cycling adven­tures in thumb is to allow for at least a separa- Phuket and beyond, since 2013

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 ART 9

Young artist rises in PatongMost of her paintings are figurative Bruce Stanley images she gets from searching the ecently I decided to drive internet. She checks out well known over to Patong Beach to see artists and painters with a web pres- what excitement was happen- ence and then combines images. She ing with the opening of the loves colour and her vibrant creations island to the international are reminiscent of floating people and visitors. I hoped restaurants symbols common to the works of Marc and shops were open welcom- Chagall and Salvador Dali. ing guests for the first time Many of her paintings are of artist in well over a year. models or children at play. They are RIt was a stormy day with monsoon genuinely surprising as she uses varied rains preventing anyone, if there was playful images common to children but anyone, from leaving their hotel room. finished with a remarkably adept and Restaurants and shops were still closed competent touch. She has an impres- and the streets were empty as though sive body of work of varied styles, some some great disaster had occurred and with her own handmade frames and indeed it had, a pandemic. many where she has appliqued found So I fondly drove around looking for objects to give a painting added char- remnants of places I had once enjoyed Proud parents Bo Sungkong (left), Burke and Noi Malison. Photo: Bruce Stanley acter. reviewing for restaurant guides. Very Burke has also studied the piano few still exist. Sad to see that one of Sa Ket, to work as a laborer 24 years which he has transformed into an art- and continues to take lessons even as Patong’s best boutique restaurants and ago as a teenager and had managed to ist studio for his 10-year-old daughter, the family’s income has dwindled. Com- bars, the White Red near the beach at save enough money over the years to Burke, whose paintings once graced the petent with playing familiar classical the Dolphin roundabout was gone. It build his own restaurant. With his wife, walls of their restaurant. pieces, her music really comes alive was perhaps the most artful corner in Bo Sungkong, who directed kitchen op- Now that the restaurant is gone, sold when she plays her own compositions the area with outside panels of corru- erations, they managed a popular bistro to provide some income for the hard that again, are interpreted from what gated metal with bright red and white popular with many foreigners who vaca- working family, attention has focused she has learned. signs and interiors with furniture made tioned on the island. on developing Burke’s many talents as She is happy to sell her work to from repurposed wood with local art That was before the arrival of COV- an artist and musician. help her family get through tough on the walls. This was all made better ID, which saw their business falter like “Burke started with clay at just four times. Burke can be contacted at by some of the best Thai cuisine at the so many others. Their restaurant had to years old and moved to watercolors, [email protected] for more de- beach. close and they lost the benefit of many acrylics and pastel crayons since then. tails about her art. I stopped to explore if anyone was years of work that was to provide them She has had several art teachers who Noi and Bo do not have a clear idea still on the premises and found Noi with a secure future. have shown her how to use the materi- about their life on Phuket now that Malison moving what was left of his Noi had to sell White Red restaurant als, but she has her own ideas about their business is gone. They are waiting restaurant into storage. Khun Noi and now he and his wife and daughter what to create by combining materials,” for better times and a return to sharing originally came from deepest Isan, Si live upstairs in his former workshop says her mother. their cuisine and art with their guests.

@thephuketnews 10 TIME OUT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 52. Bit 21. Words of dismay 1. Omar of “Love & 53. Slice into cubes 22. Mistaken Basketball” 56. Major happening 26. Beguile 1. The Bayeux Tapestry of the 1070s depicts a man installing a 5. Neighbor of Minn. 60. Loving message in rooster weathervane on which building? 27. Doesn’t leave 9. Made eyes at a Dave Clark Five 29. Biblical suffix 14. Hero of Disney’s hit rom the 60s 2. What was the common name given to the burial grounds of 30. Pillow covering gunfighters? “Atlantis” 64. Camp craft 32. First name in the 15. Native American 66. Climb 3. What does it mean when a wine is said to be ‘hot’? tent 67. High flyer ‘’Pulp Fiction’’ cast 4. Why are the Dartmouth, Beaver and Eleanor historically famous? 16. Mazda model 68. Doll 33. “What ___!” 17. Patron saint of 69. Naval investigation 34. Board game 5. Which zodiac sign runs from November 22 to December 21? Norway show 35. Repeated 100 Answers below, centre 18. Concerning 70. “Combat” painter, mph trips..... 19. Cousins of ospreys William 37. Prefix with dermis 20. Upbeat Christmas 71. Orgs. 38. Tach readings carol 72. Sorority letters 41. Neighbor of Ger. Hard 23. Birthplace of the 73. Time pieces SUDOKU 42. One voting for Renaissance 43. Shack 24. Whole slew Down 25. A Cadillac 1. Smiley face, for one 48. Trimming tools 28. Fashion designer 2. Kitchen light 49. “It’s not over ___ Saint Laurent 3. Beach, in Barcelona it’s over!” 31. Bathroom tap 4. Piano 51. Brought forth 33. Checkup sounds 5. “P.D.Q., doc!” 54. Chili con ___ Visit: www.ilovecrosswords.com 36. Early anesthetic 6. Satellite receiver 55. Pronouncement 39. Sound from a 7. More fitting 57. 1996 Madonna nursery 8. Plains tribe role 40. Refrain from Pharrell Solutions to last week’s puzzles: 9. Mario Puzo best 58. Like lace 44. Dairy-free spread seller 59. Low Hold ‘em pair 45. Outdated copier, for 10. Demoiselle short 11. Scene 61. Lamenter’s sound 46. Space invaders, for 12. Berlioz’s “Les nuits 62. Where Bhutan is short d’___” 63. Marked down 47. Egg hodgepodge 13. Prosecutors, for 64. Civil War inits.

50. Except for short 65. Hung. neighbor

AnswersSagittarius 5) Party; toTea thisBoston the week’s at ships the of Pop names Quiz:the are They 4) 1) Westminster Abbey; 2) Boot Hill; 3) High in alcohol; in High 3) Hill; Boot 2) Abbey; Westminster 1)

GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW NUMBER 6 percent of all US households, accounting for more than 14 million people, do not have a bank account. 46 percent more often do speakers laugh more than their audience – other than at standup comedy – a recent study revealed. 100 toxic gases are released by lithium batteries found in products such as smartphones Slow exposure at Rawai Beach. Photo by Charlotte Rapids and tablets when they get Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to [email protected] too hot. This week in history 45,379 July 30, 1975 August 1, 1981 to Dom Perignon’s invention people in the United States have Jimmy Hoffa disappears from MTV begins broadcasting of Champagne; it is not clear a last name that starts with their the parking lot of the Machus and airs its first video, ‘Video whether he actually invented first name – more than 25% of Red Fox restaurant in Bloom- Killed the Radio Star’ by The Champagne, however, he those are John Johnson. field Hills, Michigan, at about Buggles. has been credited as an in- 2:30pm. He is never seen or novator who developed the heard from again. August 2, 1610 techniques used to perfect Henry Hudson discovers what sparkling wine. 500,000 July 31, 1948 is now known as Hudson Bay. Harry Houdini in Boston, 1908. feral and stray cats are USS Nevada is sunk by an August 5, 1926 estimated to be roaming aerial torpedo after surviving August 3, 1492 Southeast Asia) by sailing Harry Houdini performs his hits from two atomic bombs Christopher Columbus sets westward. New York City. greatest feat, spending 91 (as part of post-war tests) and sail from Palos de la Frontera, minutes underwater in a sealed Source: Uberfacts being used for target practice Spain, in the hope of reaching August 4, 1693 tank before escaping. by three other ships. the East Indies (South and Date traditionally ascribed Source: Wikipedia

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golfers in Phuket to Blue Canyon Country Club Lakes Course. Event Format - Team Stableford (Best 3 30 2 6 Stableford Scores Per Hole) and Individual Stableford JUL AUG AUG Mens Flight A, B, C and Ladies. Tee Time - 12.15PM FRI MON FRI (Shotgun). Cost - Phuket residents 2,250 Baht, Pegs members 2,100 Baht, Blue Canyon members 1,500Baht. Inclusions - 18 holes Green Fee, Caddie fee, Cart, Prize presentation dinner, prizes. To register - www.golfgenius.com/ggid/tatphuketaug

2 The Grow Boating Networking SAT OCT Evening for August 2021 The Grow Boating Networking Evening for August 2021 will be held at The Hardstand Café at the Friday Mussels night Monday BBQ night Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina on Friday the 6th of 1.2 Kg mussels served with French Fries Your choice, 6 PM onwards: All you can eat BBQ buffet cooked August 2021 from 5pm onward. There will be a Your style: Mariniere, Provencale, Garlic & cream or to order. Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, light buffet sponsored by The Hardstand Café and Thai style We have a kid’s playground zone. Price Prawns & Squids, salad buffet, Baked potatoes, as always, all your favourite beverages will be vary from 295 baht to 350 baht depending on choice potato salad & various sauces, Bread, Buns & garlic available. We are delighted to announce that The ordered. www.shakersphuket.com www.facebook. bread. We have a kid’s playground zone. Adults: Thailand International Boat Show and JAND Events com/shakersphuket 395 baht P.P. Kids under 12 years old: 195 baht will be the drinks sponsor for the evening. See www. P.P. www.shakersphuket.com www.facebook.com/ thailandinternationalboatshow.com Come and join in shakersphuket the fun, everyoneCANCELLED is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. 1 We hope to see you there and if you know anyone AUG you think would be interested in coming, please invite SUN 4 them along. To join our mailing list please send an email to [email protected] You can also A Night At The Popra JUL find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/ The event is a banquet style dinner and show. The WED growboating Grow Boating is kindly supported by money raised by ticket donations and auction items our media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio, will be directly used to buy and distribute Life Bag and Phuket News TV. See www.thephuketnews.com supplies through One Phuket. Ticket donations are B5,000 per seat for VIP and B3,500 per seat for standard. Both ticket donations include a 5-star 18 3 course meal and free flow beverages. gary@ WED AUG legendmusic.net

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14 SPORT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 Majestic Morgan electrifies ACG further 16 runs to the total to that traverse the ACG causing CRICKET finish on 190 in the 24th over umpire Adam Drew to signal

Neil Quail with Michael Thomas left dead balls on each occasion. aggrieved in being run out by With Morgan also unable to he Patong Penguins Paddy Ledeboer, whose throw take a catch earlier in the game pulled off a dramat- from deep long on was cer- for the same reason, it was an Tic last over victory tainly missing the stumps, but historic note to an exceptional against the Thalang Cows on somehow deviated obscurely to game with the cables being hit Sunday (July 25), with Craig beat Thomas’ outstretched bat. three times in one day. Morgan grabbing the headlines By the 23rd over and the and a deserved man of the VOCIFEROUS score on 172 for 2 and 8 wickets match award for his unbeaten Seenant Raju and Mushtaq remaining, the game still hung 88 not out in one of the more opened the run chase for the in the balance, but two more 6s exhilarating games witnessed Penguins, reaching 56 before from Morgan put the result in at the ACG this year. they were both back in the no doubt as the game entered While Morgan’s innings clubhouse by the 11th over. the penultimate over. will long be remembered as an Debutante Nishant Grover Fittingly, a boundary from exhibition of sublime timing and Morgan settled in sup- Morgan ended the game, with and power hitting that included ported by vociferous team Grover narrowly missing out seven 6s and four 4s off just mates on the side-lines, and on a maiden half century to end 53 deliveries faced, it was in by the 15th over drinks’ break his first game for the Penguins stark contrast to a personal the pair helped post a score of on 41 off 46. fielding display the Penguin 95, leaving them still 22 runs Such an enthralling end batting hero will undoubtedly short of where the Cows were to a game played with great wish to quickly forget. The Patong Penguins’ Craig Morgan and Nishant Grover after their match winning at the same stage. competitiveness and in good Boasting full strength partnership to defeat the Cows at the ACG last Sunday (July 25). Photo: Anthony Van Blerk Both batsmen on 23 runs spirits bodes well for the rest squads and introducing a were evenly matched as they of the series, with Morgan of ‘super-sub’ element to the was exit stage left for Flowers A smash and grab innings latter was caught by Mushtaq emerged for the last 10 overs, course claiming man of the competition, this first of a in just the third over, bowled from Ali Khan ensued as he off the bowling of Saju Abra- but it was to become the Mor- match. five game series was set to by Imtiyaz Mushtaq. Ninan hit 46 off 28 deliveries with ham to finish on 68 off 40 gan show as he pulled out a Special mentions must also be a good test for both teams, followed in the very next over Sameer Khan working a sup- including a barrage of six 6s repertoire of rasping drives go to Abraham for his 4-38 off but as the game entered the off the bowling of Sajal Gaur. porting role before he too and three fours. and hostile hook shots to 4, Ali Khan for his 68 off 40, second innings, the likely Ashan Fonseka fell next, found the waiting gloves of Hamilton and Bhanu Pratap destroy hopes of a Cows’ win. and Hamilton for scrapping outcome was very much in edging a Gaur delivery to Van Blerk for 18, thus ending cooked up a partnership in Indeed, the game should his way to 41 off 30. the Cows’ favour. wicket keeper Anthony Van a 69-run partnership. excess of 40 runs before the have ended sooner had a brace The second game of the Cows’ captain Joe Ninan Blerk, leaving the Cows three Stuart Hamilton joined former was caught by Rishi of Morgan’s efforts that were series is scheduled for this partnered Michael Flowers at wickets down in the first four Khan at the crease to forge a Sadaranghani. boundary bound not clattered Sunday (August 1), COVID bat to prepare the stage, but it overs on a score of just 20. 48-run partnership, before the Cows could only add a into the overhead power lines restrictions permitting.

Thai MotoGP cancellation confirmed MOTO GP Lions beat Springboks in first test RUGBY IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED THAT THE Thailand Moto Grand Prix has been cancelled BRITISH AND IRISH due to concerns around the increasing spread Lions coach Warren Gat- of COVID-19 in the country. land said a change of tactics Initially scheduled for the weekend of helped his team beat the October 15-17 at the Chang International Springboks 22-17 in the Circuit, this is the second year it has fallen Photo: AFP first Test in Cape Town last foul of the pandemic. Saturday (July 24). “Despite the best efforts of all parties Gatland said he was not th involved, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the 16 race of the season. concerned about his team and resulting restrictions have obliged the Further MotoGP cancellations due to trailing 12-3 at half-time. British and Irish Lions lock Maro Itoje wins a lineout cancellation of the event,” MotoGP said in COVID-19 have been witnessed in Japan, He felt the half had been during the first Test against South Africa. Photo: AFP a statement issued last Wednesday (July 21). Australia and Finland. The Styrian Grand evenly contested and could MotoGP added that it is working on a Prix, scheduled for August 8, has replaced have been closer if two was pretty important, then the dominance in the kicking replacement race for what would have been the Finnish race. Ben Tirebuck penalty kicks had been scrums started to stabilise and game in the second half goaled. we got a bit of dominance was a crucial factor. “I just told the players, there,” said Gatland. "We got the rewards let’s be patient and keep our “Once we started to take in the first half and in the composure, the opportuni- it through some phases, par- second half I thought they ties will come,” he said. ticularly when we got on the dominated the air. That Crucially, he advised front foot, they conceded a gave them territory and them only to kick at goal number of penalties.” broken play and we strug- from a penalty if it was “an Gatland acknowledged that gled from that." easy three points”. “It was a really tough, tight Gatland and Lions cap- Otherwise, he said, Test match. The bounce of the tain Alun Wyn Jones agreed “Kick for touch and put ball and a couple of tight calls that the second Test at the them under pressure in might have affected the result.” same venue tomorrow (July their 22”. But he thought the Lions 31) would be another major It was precisely that were the better team in the challenge. which led to the Lions’ only second half. “We got stronger “To beat the world try four minutes after the and stronger,” he said. “I champions in their own break, with hooker Luke thought the last few minutes backyard is very special,” Cowan-Dickie going over were excellent.” said Gatland. “Next week after a drive from a lineout. Springboks coach Jacques is going to be even tighter “The try from the maul Nienaber said a change of and tougher.” AFP

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021 SPORT 15 Tokyo Olympics opens without Muay Thai edges fans in low-key ceremony closer to Olympics MUAY THAI OLYMPICS Fukuhara arrived six hours early to grab a spot. AFP “Until now it didn’t feel THE NATIONAL SPORT like the Olympics, but now we of Muay Thai and its global he Tokyo Olympics are by the stadium, it feels like governing body have been fully were declared open the Olympics,” she told AFP. recognised by the International Tin an eerily empty Japan has spent nearly Olympic Committee, IOC stadium last Friday (July 23) $15 billion (B527bn) on the member Patama Leeswadtrakul after defying a year’s pan- Games, including $2.6bn in confirmed on July 20. demic delay and lingering extra costs after they became The acceptance of the Thai- coronavirus threats that will the first to be postponed in land’s traditional martial art A Muay Thai bout at the make them perhaps the most modern Olympic history in and the International Federa- 2019 SEA Games. Photo: unusual Games in history. March 2020. tion of Muaythai Associations Bangkok Post Japan’s Emperor Naruhi- The Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony. Photo: AFP Tokyo is also battling a (Ifma) came at the 138th IOC to made the announcement surge in virus cases, and is session in Tokyo, Khunying long road to become an event against the backdrop of A reduced parade of about Athletes are tested daily under emergency measures Patama said. at the Games. thousands of vacant seats 5,700 athletes, far lower than but they are performing on though they fall short of a “This is the beginning of Muay Thai is a sport at at Tokyo’s 68,000-capac- the usual numbers, filed into the biggest stage under the strict lockdown. the possibility of Muay Thai the SEA Games and has been ity Olympic Stadium, after the stadium, not all of them constant risk that a positive The pandemic has not been to become an Olympic sport,” recognised by the Olympic COVID-19 forced organisers socially distanced but all wear- test could wreck their Olympic the only hiccup, with scandals said Patama, who attended Council of Asia (OCA). to ban spectators at all but a ing masks. dreams. ranging from corruption dur- the meeting. Muay Thai was a dem- handful of venues. International Olympic ing the bidding process to Deputy Prime Minister onstration sport at the 1998 “I declare open the Games Committee (IOC) president NEW ERA STARTS plagiarism allegations over the Prawit Wongsuwon, who Asian Games in Bangkok and of Tokyo,” said the monarch, Thomas Bach acknowledged Fears the global gathering design of the Tokyo 2020 logo. is also president of the Na- received full recognition by wearing a white surgical mask. the Games would be “very of 11,000 athletes could be- The controversies kept tional Olympic Committee the OCA the following year. The stripped-down cer- different from what all of us come a super-spreader event coming right up to the eve of of Thailand, said the govern- However, it has since not emony, simplified to reduce had imagined.” have made the Games deeply the Games, with the opening ment would give Ifma its full yet made its debut as a medal coronavirus risks, unfolded in But “today is a moment of unpopular in Japan, where ceremony’s director sacked backing. sport at the OCA-organised front of fewer than 1,000 VIPs hope”, he said in an address. polls have shown opposition on July 22 for making a joke “I can assure you that the Asian Games. and several thousand athletes. The 16-day Games, with for months. referencing the Holocaust in Thai government will promote It has only been a disci- In one visual highlight, 339 gold medals across 33 But hundreds of people a video from 1998. Muay Thai and support Ifma,” pline at the unpopular Asian nearly 2,000 synchronised sports, have a surreal air af- gathered outside the stadium Insiders estimate the said Prawit. “We all have a Beach Games and the Asian drones formed a revolving ter the pandemic compelled cheering and applauding IOC would have been on the common goal – pushing Muay Indoor and Martial Arts globe over the stadium, to a organisers to make this the as the fireworks exploded hook for around $1.5bn in lost Thai to become an Olympic Games, both of which are cover version of John Lennon’s first Games with virtually no overhead. broadcasting revenues if the sport in the near future.” also under the umbrella of the “Imagine”. spectators. Tokyo resident Mako Games had been cancelled. But Muay Thai still faces a OCA. Bangkok Post

Games serve up plenty of surprises OLYMPICS

JAPAN’S MOMIJI NISHIYA became one of the youngest individual Olympic cham- pions in history when she won the inaugural women’s skateboarding gold at the age of 13 years and 330 days on Monday (July 26). Nishiya finished ahead of Brazil’s Rayssa Leal – who at 13 years and 203 days could Japan’s Momiji Nishiya, 13, gave the hosts a clean-sweep have become the youngest ever of titles in street skateboarding. Photo: AFP individual Olympic champion – and Japan’s Funa Nakay- nisian swimmer Ahmed first time the American men’s ama, 16. Hafnaoui produced the shock basketballers had lost at an Nishiya starred in the of the Games so far as he won Olympics since the 2004 Ath- tricks section to score 15.26 the 400 metres freestyle on ens Games, confirming they and give the hosts a clean- Sunday (July 25), overhaul- have a fight on their hands to sweep of the street discipline ing pre-race favourite Jack retain their title. as skateboarding makes its McLoughlin of Australia. Elsewhere, Australian Olympic debut. Hafnaoui only scraped world Number 1 and Wim- Her performance mirrored into the final after posting the bledon champion Ashleigh that of Japan teammate Yuto eighth fastest time in qualify- Barty crashed out in the first Horigome, who won the men’s ing but he delivered a sizzling round of the women’s tennis title with a stunning sequence last 50m to touch in 3:43.36. singles, losing to Spain’s Sara of tricks the previous day. Hafnaoui’s gold medal is Sorribes Tormo. US diver Marjorie Gestring only the third ever won by In a further shock, Japan remains the youngest indi- Tunisia in Olympic swimming ended China’s overwhelming vidual Olympic champion and the country’s fifth Olympic dominance in table tennis as after winning the 3 metre gold in all sports. Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito springboard at the 1936 Ber- The upsets continued on won gold in the mixed doubles. lin Games at 13 years and Monday (July 26) as the USA’s China won all four gold 268 days. men’s basketball team, led medals at the 2016 Rio de by 11-time NBA All-Star Janeiro Games and the team SHOCKS AND Kevin Durant, were shocked of Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen was UPSETS by France. a heavy favourite this time Elsewhere, 18-year-old Tu- The 83-76 loss was the only to crash to defeat. AFP

@thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2021

[email protected] Muay Thai to be Olympic Sport sport > p15 GOLDEN GIRL Taekwondo star Panipak makes history

Olympic champion Panipak Wongpattanakit shows off her gold medal at Phuket airport with national coach Choi Young-Seok (left). Photo: PR Phuket

her final successful kick that medal is for everyone. Thank but plan to do my best in every ments including the Youth “I hope everyone in Thai- OLYMPICS brought her a dramatic 11-10 you very much.” competition,” she added. Olympics, World Champion- land is happy with Panipak’s

Ben Tirebuck victory. She was greeted by a bou- After conducting the ships and Asian Games. win and I hope we manage [email protected] Cue ecstatic celebrations quet of flowers on her arrival, relevant COVID test at the Her latest gold medal tri- to win more medals at the for Panipak and her team at arranged by Phuket Governor airport, Panipak travelled to umph was celebrated nation- Games,” commented Tourism huket welcomed Olym- the Makuhari Messe center in Narong Woonciew at the re- Phuket Town where she will wide by proud fans seeking and Sports Minister Phiphat pic gold medal star Pa- Chiba prefecture, as she and quest of Her Royal Highness stay at the Novotel Phuket some joy during these trou- Ratchakitprakan. Pnipak Wongpattanakit her coach Choi Young-Seok Princess Sirivannavari Nar- Phokeethara. She plans to bled times of the COVID-19 He also confirmed that all on Monday (July 26) as the ran around the venue waving iratana Rajakanya. spend her 14 day stay travel- pandemic. athletes and staff returning Taekwondo star returned home a large Thai flag. ling the island and helping “Welcome Khun Panipak from Tokyo will come directly from the Tokyo 2020 Games She arrived at Phuket In- ‘COOKIES AND promote Phuket as a preferred and congratulations, You make to Phuket under the Sandbox a national hero. ternational Airport at 9am on CREPES’ tourism destination. It was Thailand proud!” commented scheme. The 23-year-old Surat Tha- Monday and will stay on the Asked what the first thing also confirmed there will be one fan on the Phuket News “I do not think it is a good ni native, nicknamed “Tennis”, island for 14 days under the she plans to do in Phuket is, a parade on August 5 to allow Facebook page. idea for athletes and associ- became an Olympic champion Sandbox scheme. She was Panipak answered: “I want to people to celebrate and extend “Thank you nong Tennis ated staff to be restricted to in dramatic fashion last Sat- joined on the flight by Tourism enjoy the delicious seafood their congratulations. for bringing happiness to the quarantine in a hotel for 14 urday (July 24) courtesy of a and Sports Minister Phiphat here, as I know it is very fa- Panipak’s triumph was country again,” added another. days after all the work and last-gasp kick in the women’s Ratchakitprakan, additional mous. I want to eat seafood, only the third discipline that Prime Minister Prayut effort they have put in for the 49kg Taekwondo final against staff and fellow athletes. grilled meat - and cookies Thailand has won an Olym- Chan-o-cha also congratulated Olympics,” he said. Spanish teenager Adriana “I’m really happy to receive and crepes!” pic gold medal in, having Panipak on her success. “It is a much better option Cerezo Iglesias. such a warm welcome on land- Asked about her future previously accumulated five “It is a reward for an athlete for them to come to Phuket In what was a nail-biting ing in Phuket,” Panipak said. plans, Panipak explained she in weightlifting and four in who trained hard with deter- under the Sandbox scheme conclusion to the contest, “It’s the happiest moment intends to compete at the next boxing. mination during this difficult where they can relax and Panipak was trailing 10-9 with of my life,” she added proudly. Olympics in Paris in 2024 “if For Panipak it completes a time,” government spokesman unwind. All athletes and staff only five seconds remaining. “I eventually managed my body is fit and ready”. collection of gold medals from Anucha Burapachaisri quoted will come to Phuket whether It was then that she unleashed to win a gold medal, and the “I will take it step by step major international tourna- Prayut as saying. they win medals or not.”

BISP alumni competing at the Tokyo Olympics Atuhaire swam in the men’s She won a silver medal at the nok Intanon opened her campaign OLYMPICS 100m freestyle which took place 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, with a comfortable win against on Tuesday (July 27). The 20-year- setting a personal best of 2:21:30 Hungary’s Laura Sarosi and Kan- PHUKET HAS AN INDIRECT old previously represented his in the women’s 10km open water taphon Wangcharoen, making his representation at the Tokyo 2020 country at the 2019 World Aquatics swim in the process. She also be- Olympic debut, beat Kai Schaefer Olympic Games as two former Championships in Gwangju, South came the first Singapore woman of Germany in the men’s singles. Chantal Liew of Singapore in action. pupils of British International Korea, the 2018 African Swimming to win a medal in the event. In table tennis, Suthasini Sawet- Photo: BISP Media School, Phuket (BISP) are compet- Championships held in Algiers, Elsewhere, Thai athletes con- tabut became the first Thai to ing as athletes. Algeria, and the 2019 African tinue to do well at the Games. reach the round of 16 after she beat Boxer Jutamas Jitpong secured Swimmers Atuhaire Ambala Games held in Rabat, Morocco. At time of press, mixed doubles Romaina’s 15th seeded Elizabeta an emphatic 5-0 win over Algeria’s (class of 2020) and Chantal Liew Chantal will swim in the wom- badminton pair Dechapol Puavara- Samara. Roumaysa Boualam in the women’s (class of 2017) both take to the pool en’s 10km open water event next nukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai Compatriot Orawan Paranang flyweight (51kg) round of 32 last in the Japanese capital to represent Wednesday (August 4) at 8am Tokyo secured second place in their group wasn’t so lucky after being stopped Sunday (July 25) and was due to their respective countries, Uganda time (6am Phuket time), becoming to advance to the quarter-finals. in the third round by Japanese face Irish Magno of the Philippines and Singapore. the first Singaporean to do so. Women’s singles star Ratcha- fifth-seed Kasumi Ishikawa. yesterday (July 29). Ben Tirebuck

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