ANDAMAN Edition Volume 18 Issue 17 April 23 - 29, 2011 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 25 Baht Roadwork begins

A medic attends to a man who fell on Big Buddha hill off his bike drunk, but alive. Work starts after accident leaves six dead, 14 injured Seven dead on By Atchaa Khamlo People here could smell alcohol on Phuket roads his breath,” she added. WORKMEN on Wednesday began The Burmese workers, from over Songkran recalibrating the notorious ‘death the Thanason project at Baan bend’ on Big Buddha hill, three Borrae in Wichit, were returning THE accident on Big Buddha hill days after one the island’s most from paying respects to the giant brought Phuket’s road toll during lethal road accidents claimed the Buddha image, which was built by the “Seven Days Of Danger” road- safety campaign to seven dead lives of five people, including two Burmese laborers, when the acci- and 52 seriously injured. Burmese sisters: Cheet, age 13, dent happened. Last year, two people died over and Nanja, just four years old. In addition to Cheet and Nanja, the same period. Fourteen people were injured in a report by the Department of Di- However, the 43 accidents the accident, seven severely. saster Prevention and Mitigation reported this year marked a Eyewitnesses recounted to the office in Phuket (DDPM-Phuket) 28.3% fall year-on-year and the number of people requiring Gazette the head-on smash, be- named the other deceased as the hospital treatment from road tween a pickup carrying about 20 driver, 41-year-old Thongdaeng accidents was down by 18.6%. Burmese and a Siam Safari bus Piwjun, and three other Burmese Police inspected 60,000 cars at carrying tourists up the hill. passengers: Mr Bee, 25; Mrs Nor, checkpoints, with 4,207 people Australian tourist Alessia 25; Miss Yen, 25. charged or fined. Nuccitelli, 19, told the Gazette that The report identified brake fail- The most common infraction was unlicensed driving, with morning that she saw the pickup ure and overloading as the causes 2,597 failing to produce a license. speeding downhill toward the sa- of the crash, which occurred Forty-five people were fari bus. Brake failure and overloading were identified as the causes of the accident, about 11am. arrested for drunk driving. The two vehicles collided, which killed two Burmese sisters. Photo: Christian Mouchet A truck carrying felled rubber The most dangerous day was launching the Burmese out of the among the debris on the road. a little baby,” said Miss Nuccitelli. trees ran off the road on the same April 13, when Songkran water back of the pickup. Many were lacerated by shards The Australian tourist said the bend the next day. play was at its height. There were 11 accidents reported on the day No tourists travelling on the bus of glass. pickup was carrying far too many The driver of that truck report- but, remarkably, no deaths. were seriously injured, but the im- “It was horrible. I saw at least people. edly escaped with only light Photo: Sumpawat Wannasangkam pact left the Burmese scattered three people dead. One was just “The driver was drunk… injuries. Task force targets taxi, tuk-tuk blockades By Atchaa Khamlo Methee Tanmanatragul told the meeting at [hotel] in Karon. A representative from Provincial Hall that two transport-related Travel Spirit, one of the five biggest Aus- A TASK force of top provincial officials issues were tarnishing the island’s tourism tralian tour companies, was hit on the head expects a long-term solution to local taxi industry: the blockading of the Deep Sea by a taxi driver at the hotel entrance. He drivers repeatedly blockading the Phuket Port by Ao Makham taxi drivers and the [the driver] did not know the man’s com- Deep Sea Port to be in place by mid-May. physical assault of tourists. pany brings about 450,000 tourists to A meeting headed by Phuket Vice Gov- “From now on there can be no more Phuket each year.” ernor Weerawat Janpen on Wednesday blockades at the Deep Sea Port. Right now News of the assault has been sent to marked the first gathering of representa- the reputation of Phuket is absolutely ru- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, and Phuket tives from 17 government agencies and ined, as we can see from various websites,” Governor Tri Augkaradacha has expressed private sector groups which are to estab- Mr Methee said. concern about it, he said. lish a formal committee to deal with tuk-tuk Phuket Tourist Association Vice Presi- Mr Bhuritt said an internet search of and taxi issues that are harming Phuket’s dent Bhuritt Maswongsa said, “At the “Phuket” and “taxi” leads to at least 40 reputation among tourists. beginning of March, 120 people from tour websites with negative remarks about Phuket. Thai Hotels Association special adviser agencies held a meeting at the Grand Centara Continued on page 2 NO MORE BLOCKADES: Methee Tanmanatragul. 2 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS April 23 - 29, 2011 Warehouse gutted in

Jet-ski payout vs payback Sole insurer considers Phuket Town blaze pulling the plug on jet- By Yodsak Jarana ski policies. Pages 4-5 A WAREHOUSE blaze took firefighters over 30 minutes to ex- Tech tinguish early on April 11. Woody tells why you Phuket City Police at 2:30am received a report of a fire a few can’t find your 3G spot doors down from the Lotus Ex- on Phuket. Page 14 press shop on Wirat Hongyok Road. Health By the time Phuket City and Wichit Municipality firefighters All the reasons why you arrived, there was little they could should lighten up your do to save the warehouse, which had been filled with stored docu- workload. Page 16 ments and other flammable materials. Scuba Scuba doo Thanathip Kienphomart, owner Workers sift through the remains of the warehouse. Photo: Yodsak Jarana Pierre-Yves Cousteau of the Srisorndaeng Restaurant, said staff closed the restaurant at Phuket City Police duty officer ing were all used materials. It is in Phuket to highlight 2am and were preparing to leave Ekkasit Pinkaew suspected an where we kept documents and conservation. Page 26 for home when they noticed smoke electrical short started the fire. other items related to events that coming from the warehouse, lo- That would need to be con- have already taken place. Property cated behind the restaurant. firmed by officers from the “The building was insured. The Istana Phuket takes on The restaurateur rents the land Forensics Police office in Phuket insurance company representative from event-organizing firm BIC Town, he said. came to photograph the damage,” the world in international Phuket, owner of the warehouse. Tanet Kianpoteeramatr of BIC he said. awards. Page 29 Restaurant staff tried to put out Phuket told the Gazette, “I still Mr Tanet said he could not es- the blaze with fire extinguishers don’t know where the fire started timate the financial cost of the Sport and managed to pull some com- because I was not there at that damage. puter equipment from the time. Police are still investigating FC Phuket takes structure before it was engulfed the cause,” he said. Additional reporting by Janpen Chiang Mai to the by flames. “The items in the storage build- Upatising mountain and back with 4-0 drubbing. Page 45 Hanged man believed ‘suicide’: Police FAMILY are accepting as suicide the death of a man found hanged Govt tackles taxi blockades in a dense patch of jungle off Soi Nakok in Chalong on April 15. From page 1 To establish a long-term solu- Duty officer Chianchai “Right now tour groups from tion a committee will be set up to Duangsuwan of Chalong Police Scandinavia have already stopped consider all the issues involved. arrived at the scene at 10:30am to coming to Phuket, opting instead Possible solutions might include find the body of 47-year-old Samer for Khao Lak in Phang Nga,” Mr requiring all black plate taxis to Wongmuang hanging from a tree. Methee said. legally register and to set up a Tied around his neck was his The situation has deteriorated management system like the one pah kao mah, the traditional Thai to the point where Phuket faces at Phuket Airport. waistcloth worn by men. losing tourists to rival destinations Mr Methee said the long-term Near the body police found a such as Malaysia and Singapore, management plan would take a blue carry bag and a small plastic he added. few months to develop. bag containing clothes, a salary In the short term, local taxis “But at least it’s a start,” he said. slip, a packet of Mama instant will be given access to 50 per cent V/Gov Weerawat asked police noodles, canned fish and some of tourists disembarking at the to monitor taxi drivers in Karon. mechanic’s tools. Deep Sea Port, as agreed to in an The problem of taxi drivers Police say their questioning of Phuket Ruamjai Kupai Foundation rescue workers recover the body from emergency meeting following the harming tourists occurs much those who knew Mr Samer did the patch of jungle. Photo: Yodsak Jarana blockade of luxury cruise liner more frequently in Karon than in not reveal any known disputes or Silver Spirit earlier this month. Patong or Phuket City, he said. jungle, Lt Chianchai said. place instead of returning home conflicts with people, and there Mr Samer said he was going to each night. were no bruises on his body or drink alcohol in the undergrowth Other fellow workers of Mr indications of fighting at the scene. because it was cool there. Samer concurred that he had per- One of the dead man’s fellow The workmate said this was sonal issues that could not be workers said he spoke to Mr not unusual as Mr Samer often resolved, said Lt Chianchai. Samer two days earlier as he went into the area to relax on his They all believed he wanted to walked into the same patch of days off, as it was near where he end his life, the policeman said, worked. adding that Mr Samer’s family The workmate added that Mr members agree that suicide was Samer recently slept at his work- likely. – Yodsak Jarana April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Soldier faces court martial over pub shooting THE Thai soldier who opened fire in a Sgt Wisut is stationed at the 1st Infantry stumbling back to his own table to rejoin Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers Phuket pub early on April 14, killing one Battalion Camp in Joh-Irong District, in his his friends. rushed all five wounded, including one person and injuring four others, has been home province of Narathiwat. As the staff were collecting the bills to woman – Sumaporn Tontarn, 25 – to handed over to Military Police to face a court Joh-Irong is renowned as one of the hot close the bar, a war of words broke out Thalang Hospital. martial in Narathiwat. spots in Thailand’s troubled Deep South. between Sgt Wisut and the four men, po- Mr Suthin and Mr Weeradet were later The news was confirmed by Deputy Officers explained to the Gazette that the lice said. transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Commissioner of Region 8 Police Pisan shooting at the Return Pub, across the road One of the men allegedly walked over Phuket Town, where Mr Weeradet died. Chuldilok, who arrived in Phuket to per- from Cherng Talay Witthayakom School, and smashed a bottle over Sgt Wisut’s head, The two other men, Songwut Decharat, sonally oversee the handling of the case. ended an argument between Sgt Wisut and before his three male friends joined the at- 38, and Aran Jantawong, 24, suffered mi- “We will continue our investigation into the five people shot. tack, police quoted Sgt Wisut as saying. nor injuries. this as a murder case, but we will look into One of the men with the group of five That’s when Sgt Wisut pulled out his gun Officers at the scene reported that Sgt his claims of acting in self-defense,” Maj apparently “accidentally” bumped into the and opened fire, police said. Wisut did not try to escape. Gen Pisan said. table where Sgt Wisut was sitting with five Suthin Suekpamkij was shot in the head Instead, he waited for officers to arrive Sgt Wisut Duongkaew, 27, will be female friends, all friends of his girlfriend. and Weeradet Sanohkham, 27, from Surat at the pub so he could surrender, police said. charged with possession of his Army-issue The man allegedly slammed his hand Thani, was shot several times, one of his – Wichai Witthaya gun when not on active duty, he added. down on the table before apologizing and wounds in the chest. and Atchaa Khamlo Phuket raises B12.6mn for Patong to stage random Japan, South emergency-response drills THE Phuket provincial fund-rais- ing effort for victims of the Japa- By Atchaa Khamlo dom drills will be conducted to nese earthquake and tsunami and improve co-ordination among the flooding in the South totaled PATONG Hospital will soon start emergency-response crews. nearly 13 million baht. co-ordinating random drills so that “It will be different from the The handover, held at the Royal emergency response personnel past, when they [emergency Phuket City Hotel on April 10, was from a variety of different agen- crews] were instructed before- chaired jointly by Phuket Gover- cies will be better prepared to deal hand about what type of nor Tri Augkaradacha and with accidents. emergency they would be dealing Anchalee Vanich Thepabutr, Sec- The announcement follows a with and specifically what to do retary-General to Thai Prime review of the handling of the tour to best handle the situation,” he Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. bus crash on Patong Hill last explained. Representing Japan at the gath- month in which one man died and “Each team is trained by their ering was Japanese Embassy many others were injured. own organization, but when a real minister Takashi Okada. The review was conducted on situation occurs they need to work At 10pm, all present moved to March 11 at a meeting of the main together with members of many the nearby Queen Sirikit Park to agencies involved in providing different organizations,” he said. open a concert entitled “Spirits of emergency aid, including Kathu “There should be just one com- Phuket to Japan and the South”, Police, Kusoldham Foundation, mander to co-ordinate everything. which was broadcast nationwide the Department of Disaster Pre- The commander should be the on state-run Channel 11. vention and Mitigation divisions at head of the local authority, such Yuki Masahiko of Japanese rock Patong Municipality and Phuket as the president of the local band Lucifer performed as spe- City Municipality, as well as OrBorTor [subdistrict administra- cial guest, along with Thai Bangkok Hospital Phuket and tion organization], the mayor or performers including Blackhead, Vachira Phuket, Thalang and Better co-ordination among emergency-response agencies was identified district chief,” he said. Jetsetter, B Peerapat, and others. Patong Hospitals. as a top priority, starting with those at work in Patong. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo “If such a person is not able to After the concert, Gov Tri Leading the meeting was Dr on hand to help keep onlookers “The big difference between perform this duty, then it should handed over a total of 5.5mn baht Wiwat Seetamanotch, Deputy Di- clear so emergency crews can the bus crash in Malaysia and the be someone that person has as- in funding to Minister Okada. rector of the Phuket Provincial quickly attend to accident victims. accident in Patong was that in signed, someone in a high position Gov Tri also presented a cheque Health Office. “The situation [in Patong] was Patong only about five percent of of authority,” he added. to MP Tossaporn Thepabutr in the Dr Wiwat Seetamanotch was different from the bus accident in the people at the scene were emer- Dr Phumin confirmed that all amount of 6.1mn baht. instrumental in co-ordinating the Malaysia on December 20 last year, gency crews actually responding relevant organizations will be in- The funds will be distributed to full-scale tsunami evacuation drill where only officials involved in to the accident,” Dr Wiwat said. volved in the random rescue drills. victims of floods and landslides in in December, which required co- rescuing people could access the Patong Hospital Director Dr “But we’re not sure when we other provinces throughout south- ordination of no less than six accident site,” Dr Wiwat said. Phumin Silapunt agreed. will start conducting them,” he ern Thailand. different organizations. “Their officers restricted ac- “The important thing is crowd said. The remainder, one million baht, Identifying crowd control as cess to the accident scene, which control. When accidents happen, Although the drills will at first was used to pay expenses incurred one of the biggest problems at the made co-ordinating the emergency people like to come and see what be in Patong only, they are likely in organizing and staging the fund- bus accident scene last month, he response crews flow very well. is happening,” he said. to be extended to other areas in raising drive. called on local police to be first It was orderly and well-managed. Dr Phumin confirmed that ran- Phuket in the future, he added. 4 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS April 23 - 29, 2011 Tourist pays B180,000 for repairs to jet-ski Insurance By Pimwara Choksakulpan it collected in the first year. This is considered very poor perfor- By Atchaa Khamlo to negotiate a settlement for both parties, who assumed the cost of NOW in its second year, the in- mance, as loss ratios for combined BRITISH tourist Nicola Ross repairs would be covered by the surance scheme set up for the property and casualty insurance Morton in Phuket to celebrate insurance agreement they signed Phuket jet-ski rental industry is in packages typically range from Songkran on April 13 agreed to upon renting out the jet-skis. danger of collapse, the head of the 40% to 60%. pay 180,000 baht for damages to Patong Police called in a me- Phuket Provincial Insurance Of- Despite the poor performance, a jet-ski he rented out in Patong. chanic, who estimated the total fice has admitted. Ayudhya Insurance continued to The settlement came after ne- cost of repairs for both jet-skis at The scheme, the first of its kind offer the insurance for a second gotiations with police and the 320,000 baht – far more than the in the world, was launched amid year, beginning on November 17, jet-ski owner, and discovering that maximum 50,000 baht in damage great fanfare in late 2009. 2010. But despite the high num- the controversial jet-ski insurance coverage specified in the insurance The launch followed many com- ber of claims paid out in the first scheme doesn’t cover all repair agreement. plaints by tourists about systematic year, the number of operators opt- costs if a jet-ski is badly damaged. “I made a deal for the tourists extortion by jet-ski operators who ing to pay the second-year Mr Morton was among three by negotiating with the jet-ski made them pay excessive “dam- premiums dropped significantly. tourists who rented jet-skis from owner that Mr Morton would pay age fees” and threatened them if Ayudhya Insurance adjuster 54-year-old Sucha Petnuan-ong, 180,000 baht. They seemed happy they fail to comply. Jakkarin Noonrod told the Gazette said Patong Police information with that,” officer Somsak said. So widespread was the scam that as of March 22 only 162 jet- The damaged jet-ski after the that news of it took on interna- skis were still covered. Even officer Somsak Nguanson. accident in Kamala. Ms Gordon had to pay an extra The three paid 1,000 baht each 7,000 baht: 3,000 baht for each tional dimensions, with the worse for the company, the loss for 30-minute rides, he said. by the impact and its engine was of the two days the jet-ski would Australian government leading the ratio stood at 23.6% by that date, Mr Morton’s jet-ski first col- almost completely dislodged. be out of service plus a 1,000 baht way in calling for action. indicating it is on track to lided with another jet-ski, ridden Mr Morton suffered a broken deductible charge on the damages. Video footage of jet- grow to near 80% by 31-year-old American Christine leg in the crash, according to a Jet-ski owner Sucha Petnuan- ski operator Winai again by the end of Marie Gordon, before crashing British woman who was riding ong, 54, said repairing the machine “JJ” Naiman alleg- the year. into rocks off the coast of Kamala, with him at the time. would cost almost as much as edly threatening Given the he said. Patong Police described his in- buying a new one. British service- drop-off, the Ga- Ms Gordon’s jet-ski was lightly juries as “minor”, however. “I will be at an absolute loss as men with an air zette asked damaged, but the entire front of Ms Gordon went to Patong a new jet-ski chassis alone is about gun were broad- Bhuripat Mr Morton’s jet-ski was torn apart Police Station the following day 270,000 baht,” he said. cast in the Therakulpisut, television series chief of the Ma- “Big Trouble in rine Transport Tourist Thailand” that Region 5 Office in aired in the UK in Sep- Phuket Town, if a paid- tember 2009. up jet-ski insurance policy was All the resulting negative pub- actually a required document for licity led to the creation of what operators applying to renew their was initially described as a “man- annual jet-ski registrations. datory” insurance for all 219 “It is a required document. registered jet-skis in Phuket. Now they cannot renew their reg- The first set of 185 insurance istrations at offices in other policies were effective from No- provinces as they did before be- vember 17, 2009 to November 14, cause Marine Department 2010, during which time the “loss Director-General Thawanrat ratio” to insurance provider Ornsira already sent a letter to ev- Ayudhya Insurance PCL climbed ery branch office instructing them to just over 80% due to the high not to renew registration for jet- number of claims paid out. skis registered in Phuket. “Loss ratio” is defined as the “This forces them to take out ratio of total losses paid out in an insurance policy if they want claims, plus adjustment expenses, to provide a legal service, but this all divided by the total earned pre- is not mandated by law. We sim- miums. ply ask for their co-operation in This means Ayudhya Insurance improving our image as a tourist paid out 80 baht in claims for ev- destination. ery 100 baht in premium payments “And we have limited the num- April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 5 payouts about to run dry

“This jet-ski policy was the first to protect people from scams or of its kind in the world, but it is in the event they do have an acci- still just voluntarily, not required dent while aboard a jet-ski, she by law. said. “Ayudhya Insurance was the The insurance not only pays only company interested in offer- out for damages to jet-skis, but ing this insurance because they also covers medical treatment to wanted to improve Phuket’s im- injured riders and passengers, as age. But last year the loss ratio well as to aggrieved third parties. reached 80%, which means they (see table). had to pay out 80% of income on “For example, last year two damage claims. Chinese [honeymooners] died in “The remaining 20% isn’t all a crash and insurance company income for the company, but paid out two 50,000-baht claims needs to be used to pay the costs to their relatives. of the adjusters in processing the “I would like tourists to ride claims. only jet-skis with insurance poli- “If the loss ratio remains very cies. This is for their own benefit. high, the company might be So please look for the new insur- forced discontinue it next year. I ance sticker to make sure the can say there is a definite risk of jet-ski is covered by a policy.” that happening,” she said. “I would like every sector and Ms Suwimon asked the Gazette agency to pay more attention to this. to tell readers to rent out only jet- Hotels and tour companies should skis bearing the second-year tell their customers. Jet-ski opera- The high number of payouts is forcing insurance companies to consider no longer offering policies for jet-skis. sticker (inset, on opposite page) tors should be more co-operative to show they still carry the insur- and authorized government offic- The man, who operates four ance. ers should follow up the result. Claim Maximum payment jet-skis, said, “Illegal jet-skis [with This is important not only to “If this measure is successful, no insurance or registration] re- keep the scheme going, but also Pattaya may follow us,” she said. 1. Damage repair cost to jet-ski 50,000 baht for whole year policy mained in service. Why should I 2. Aggrieved party pay more with no additional in- - death, disability, loss of limb 50,000 baht / a person / a time - treatment cost 20,000 baht / a person / a time come? If I want to take out a - damage to aggrieved 25,000 baht / a time second policy, I have to pay 6,000 property * total payment maximum at baht more than the first policy due 200,000 baht for whole year to my claims history. policy “By the way, there is no gov- ernment officer in charge coming 3. Rider and passenger 50,000 / a person / a time - death, disability, loss of limb 20,000 / a person / a time to check whether jet-skis in the - medical treatment cost * total payment maximum at area have legal papers,” he said. 200,000 baht for whole year “If government officers want policy to set things right, they should turn this measure into an actual Note: Annual premiums depend on the number of boats insured and other law or regulation, or whatever to factors, but typically range from 8,000 baht to 10,000 baht. force jet-ski operators in every province to be insured. Here it ber of jet-skis in Phuket at 219, operating without insurance were seems they only paid interest in with no new registrations,” he in the Bang Tao Beach area. the scheme at the outset,” he said. said. One such operator told the Suwimon Sae-lim, director of With only 162 of 219 jet-skis Gazette on the condition of ano- the Phuket Provincial Insurance carrying the insurance in the sec- nymity that lack of enforcement Office, said the lower number of ond year, there could be as many in the area gave illegal jet-skis there operators taking out policies in the as 57 eligible boats operating with an unfair competitive advantage, second year, coupled with the high neither insurance nor up-to-date which was why he chose not to loss-ratio, makes her fear this registrations. renew his jet-ski registrations in could be the last year Ayudhya Mr Jakkarin said most of those the second year. Insurance will offer the policies. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS April 23 - 29, 2011 Brit arrested in Phuket tourist plays ‘To Catch a Thief’

GERMAN tourist Damian Patong coke bust Skrzypietz didn’t start Songkran on April 13 dousing fellow revel- By Atchaa Khamlo lers in water fights. He started his Thai New Year POLICE arrested 43-year-old chasing a burglar who had just Briton Paul Hanna for possession robbed his rented house in Cherng of cocaine at his home on Nanai Talay, tearing down the street af- Road in Patong on April 11. ter him barefoot and dressed only He was arrested at 4:45am with in his boxer shorts. 33 packages of cocaine weighing “I was sleeping in the bedroom 0.9 grams each. when my girlfriend woke me at The arrest followed a police about at 5:30am saying someone complaint by a Thai woman claim- was inside the house,” he told the ing to be Mr Hanna’s wife. Gazette. She told Patong Police he had “I went out of the bedroom to beaten her and was in possession check and found the front door of “lots of drugs”. open and the outside light on. When officers arrived at the “My girlfriend spotted a man Damian Skrzypietz rests his feet at home it took them some time to outside. When I looked at him, he after catching the thief himself. wake the suspect because he was looked back at me and then he 28, in possession of about 35 eu- quite drunk, Patong Police In- started running. I ran after him a ros and 2,960 baht in cash, two spector Akanit Danpitaksat told Col Arayapan Pukbuakao (left) confronts Paul Hanna with the evidence. long way down the soi. mobile phones, a lighter, a small the Gazette. “He threw my black bag at me, flashlight and a set of house keys. A urine test for drug use proved He sourced the drugs from about eight months, he said. but I kept chasing him. Sen Sgt Maj Suvarin positive, he said. Thai men on Soi Sansabai for A former partner in the bar who “He then ran into the bushes Maudmuang of Cherng Talay Po- Mr Hanna had been under in- 2,500 baht per bag and resold returned home four or five months along the side of the road, but I lice told the Gazette that Mr vestigation since January, he them at 3,000 baht each, he said. ago introduced him to the trade, caught him and dragged him back Khuanchai had been arrested pre- added. He was unable to provide the he claimed. to my house and told my friend to viously on drug charges and only The cocaine was found in a names of the Thai men he bought Mr Hanna now faces charges call the police. recently released from serving one black garbage bag in a bedroom the drugs from. of possession of a category 1 drug “Before the police arrived, he year in jail for attempted rape. cabinet, said Lt Col Akanit. Mr Hanna, who operates a bar with intent to sell. kept wai’ing us and saying sorry, Mr Khuanchai, who lives with Mr Hanna told Patong Police on Soi Bangla, said he was just His wife would raise money for but I told him not to apologize to his family at Surin Beach, appar- Superintendent Arayapan Puk- supplying friends and did not sell his legal fees and find a lawyer to us,” said Mr Skrzypietz. ently confessed to police that he buakao that he was living with his to customers at the bar. fight his case, he told Col Police arrived and found the had committed many break-ins in wife and son. He had been living in Patong for Arayaphan. thief, named as Khuanchai Ganpai, Kamala and Cherng Talay. Navy sailors lend Krabi a hand Suthep vows to target tourist cheats OFFICERS from the Royal Thai locales. Areas that received assis- Navy Third Area Command in tance included Nong Talay, Tab Deputy Prime Minister Suthep ist Fraud Prevention Committee isfaction over “unfair tour agen- Phuket distributed relief packages Prik, Klongya, Klonghin, Ao Luek Thaugsuban, who is also respon- that the problem needs to be elimi- cies”. The taxi and tuk-tuk drivers to flood and landslide victims in and Plaipaya. sible for national security, has nated. claimed the tour agencies tend to Krabi from April 12 to 17. The servicemen also installed vowed to save foreign tourists There are many forms of cheat- provide large buses for tourists, Group Captain Parinyatham toilet facilities for homeless vic- from being cheated during their ing, starting with Thais cheating leaving taxi drivers with no pas- Pulpitaktham, head of the Disas- tims taking refuge at a temporary visits to the country, including, foreign tourists, foreign tourists sengers. ter Mitigation Center’s civilian shelter set up near Chong Mai specifically, Phuket. teaming up to cheat other foreign- Mr Suthep has also set up four affairs and public relations depart- Reservoir in Klonghin subdistrict, Deputy PM Suthep said after ers, and Thais and foreigners subcommittees to work on elimi- ment, led the effort to badly hit Ao Luek. attending meetings with the Tour- working together to cheat foreign nating fraud. tourists, he said. He has assigned the Tourism From the year 2007 to 2010, and Sports Permanent Secretary around 6,000 Thais were arrested Sombat Kuruphan the responsibil- for cheating tourists, and 517 for- ity of preventing tourist fraud in eign gangs were arrested, Deputy Bangkok and at Suvarnabhumi PM Suthep added. Airport. Meanwhile, Mr Suthep said that At the same time, Interior Per- the recent mob of taxi drivers in manent Secretary Deputy Pranai Phuket province, who blockaded Suwannarat will be in charge of the Phuket Deep Sea Port to pre- towns frequented by tourists, vent tourists from using such as Phuket, Pattaya, and pre-booked tour company vans, Chaing Mai. was done to express their dissat- – Thai Asean News Network April 23 - 29, 2011 NATIONAL NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Chavalit resigns Pheu Thai chair THE chairman of the opposition Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha lodged Pheu Thai Party, Gen Chavalit lese majeste complaints against Yongchaiyudh, has resigned just three red-shirt leaders over re- weeks before Prime Minister marks they made during a rally in Abhisit Vejjajiva has proposed to Bangkok on April 10. dissolve parliament to pave the One of the three, Pheu Thai MP way for national elections. Jatuporn Prompan, said he would Gen Chavalit, a former Thai lodge a counter-complaint against prime minister himself, did not Kokaew Pikulthong rebuked the Gen Prayuth for libel and lese give a reason for his resignation claims, saying the general had majeste, denying he had insulted as both chairman and member of stepped down because he was dis- the monarchy. the party. appointed that the party would not The Department of Special In- It has been speculated that his endorse him as the prime ministe- vestigation has since served exit stemmed from his opposition rial candidate. summonses on 18 red-shirt lead- to the party’s close association “The real reason Chavalit is ers to face lese majeste and with the red-shirt movement. departing the party is because sedition charges in connection TNN Cable TV, which broke the Thaksin [Shinawatra] has made it with the April 10 rally speeches. story, quoted a source as saying clear he will endorse an individual DSI director general Tharit that Gen Chavalit resigned out of close to him and this is a case of a Pengdit said the 18 suspects his uneasiness that red-shirt lead- heartbroken old man,” he said in would face indictments based on ers mentioned the Royal Family an interview posted on Matichon Articles 112 and 116 of the Crimi- during their recent rallies. online. nal Code. Speculation is rife over precisely why Gen Chavalit resigned as chairman On Wednesday, red-shirt leader Earlier this month, Army Chief – Phuket Gazette of the Opposition party Pheu Thai. Photo: The Nation Brit trainee teacher dies in holiday waterfall plunge A BRITISH woman training to teach English in Thai- just swept off her feet by the water. She grabbed land was killed on April 15 when she slipped on sub- hold of a large rock and hung on for about two or merged rocks and was swept off a 300-foot water- three seconds,” he told Britain’s Daily Mail. fall. “I tried to get to her but I also slid and fell and Sarah Crutchley, 30, was wading through shal- grabbed on to another rock. She was about one or lows at Ton Nga Chang falls in Songkhla when she two feet from the edge but didn’t say a word. The Ministry of Culture webpage celebrating Songkran was later removed. lost her footing and was swept towards the drop. “I cried out for help and then the current of wa- She managed to grab a rock for a few seconds ter was just too strong for her and she lost her grip. Topless teenage dancers before she was swept over the cliff by a torrent of “She slid about 10 meters down the rocks and water. then fell over the edge. It must have been about a Mrs Crutchley, originally from Bournemouth in 100-meter drop. provoke Songkran outrage the UK, was studying TEFL at a school in Haad Yai. “It was just horrible to watch. I think she was THREE teenage girls dancing top- being removed from the website. She was on a day trip to the beauty spot with four knocked out cold during the first fall and she wouldn’t less during Songkran celebrations Two of the three women were British friends from her course. have known anything about it. She didn’t stand a in Bangkok have pro- on Monday presented Chris Penny, 21, witnessed her death. “Sarah was chance.” – Phuket Gazette / Agencies voked moral outrage in at a police conference Thailand. to apologize for their The incident last Fri- “reckless and obscene” day night on Silom action. The women Road reportedly began were charged with ex- when one Thai teenager posing themselves in began dancing on top of public and obscene be- a truck in front of havior, punishable by a cheering crowds. 500-baht fine. To the loud approval The move sparked a of the audience, she backlash, including gradually stripped off A screen grab of claims the authorities her clothes until she the video as shown were hypocritical in was dancing wearing on Channel 3. condemning the girls. only her underpants. Two more On commentator pointed out teenage girls soon joined her. the Ministry of Culture website Vidoe clips of the girls were up- featured an image of three topless loaded to YouTube, they received fairylike women on its homepage. tens of thousands of hits before The image was later changed.

$Q\SUREOHPV" &DOO0U1R3UREOHP  8 PHUKET GAZETTE OPINION April 23 - 29, 2011 Is Songkran really Tourist choice goes worth the trouble? out the window

I have lived, barely and with Greed, thuggery Re: Gazette, Holidays hijacked by little sleep, through six of these tuk-tuks, April 9 “festivals” and now stock up on provisions as one might do Getting tourists to choose preceding chaos. using tuk-tuks is not as easy as I do not leave my residence threats to tourism it sounds. Most tourists do not or spend any money and as far like tuk-tuks as they are consid- as I can see – through binocu- ered not safe. If you asked lars, mind you – most of the ISSUES affecting tourist safety and welfare in tourists whether they preferred a water-throwing drunkards, Phuket and other popular destinations in Thailand city sightseeing tour by non-air- foreigners and Thais alike, don’t have rightly dominated the news pages in this is- conditioned tuk-tuk or a do much spending either. sue of the Phuket Gazette. comfortable air-conditioned van, How can they while standing It is difficult to overestimate the importance of cater to them in honest, hospitable fashion – some- what do you think their answer in the streets? tourism to the Thai economy. The Tourism Author- thing sadly lacking in much of the transport sector. would be? How can you go to a cinema, ity of Thailand recently announced that it plans Another very serious issue is physical assault, Seatbelt fan a nice restaurant or a shopping for a record number of tourists, over 17 million, to including allegations of rape, of tourists by tuk- Kata mall while soaking wet? Sit in a visit the Kingdom in 2011. In recent years, about a tuk drivers in Karon. These drivers seem to share puddle ? That is if you are third of these have included Phuket in their travel a similar mindset to their counterparts in Panwa Stuck in first gear fortunate enough to not have plans. and have developed a reputation for thuggery that been killed or injured in the The TAT estimated that Phuket generated 800 has exceeded even that of their counterparts in Re: Gazette online. Phuket offi- scores of vehicle accidents million baht in tourism industry revenue over the Patong. cials tackle taxi, tuk-tuk block- brought about by this “New Year Songkran holidays alone. When tourists are not being beaten or extorted ades, April 20 2”, a tradition that does not even Former Phuket Governor Pongpayome Vasaputi on fares by the transport syndicates, they are taken I can’t understand why the slightly resemble its origin. once famously compared the tourism industry to advantage of in other ways. Many tourist attrac- government officials aren’t the Many residents stay indoors, glass, saying it could easily shatter. Yet the Phuket tions on the island, most notably jewelry shops, ones making the rules that the some go to lesser-affected Thai tourism industry continued to grow even after the pay drivers handsome commissions on sales of low- taxis must follow. Why is it the communities and some actually 2004 tsunami disaster, and despite political turmoil, quality, shamelessly overpriced adornments. taxi drivers (anyone who owns a leave the country or schedule last year saw a record number of tourist arrivals Then there are the infamous jet-ski scams. The car) that decide where they holiday trips to an earlier or later to Phuket: more than seven million. laudable effort to introduce “mandatory” insur- operate and how? date. But Phuket now faces a serious threat as one ance to prevent unscrupulous jet-ski operators The system at Phuket Airport Some wise merchants close fiasco after another stains its international repu- from demanding extortionate damage claims is now is not a very good one to follow. up shop as profits soon disap- tation. First are the illegal blockades of the Phuket also at serious risk due to lack of compliance and They should be doing the same pear as “cleanup/repair” costs Deep Sea Port by a collection of self-entitled taxi insufficient enforcement [see pages 4-5]. as the Bangkok Airports and increase. drivers at Ao Makham who demand – and are thus The Gazette fully supports Suwimon Sae-lim, have the taxis line-up for My ExPats club cancelled its given – access to passengers disembarking there. director of the Phuket Provincial Insurance Of- passengers instead of taking all mid-Songkran meeting and I The fact that the majority are unregistered fice, in urging all tourists to use only registered the parking near the terminals. have been told that Cambodia “black plate” taxis seemed to make little differ- jet-skis, otherwise the plan will fail and the situa- Tim several years back cancelled its ence to the negotiations. Once again, mob rule tion will simply revert to the pathetic status quo of Gazette forum version of this debacle due to trumped the rule of law in this land of protestocracy. the past that has done so much damage to the traffic fatalities. The losers, as usual, are tourists and those who island’s reputation. Tourists in their sights Thai officials boast, today that is, only about 300 were Fuming over airport size and is now without even a stacked in a corner making it My customers have never had killed and 10,000 injured. Tell single ventilation fan. smaller. any problems in Patong, but a that to a bereaved parent/ smoking room If revenue from leasing areas Wouldn’t providing a simple few times a month in Karon survivor. at the front of the airport is so nice smoking area at an interna- drivers have threatened my Custom and tradition are, Not long ago, the smoking important, then charge a nominal tional airport cost nothing customers with a gun, which I indeed, to be honored, but who room at Phuket International fee for smokers to use the back compared to the airport taxes suspect was a BB gun, but does this distorted version Airport departure lounge was portion and provide proper paid by air travelers? anyway… I stopped complain- benefit? large with a few electrical fans facilities, such as ventilation Just a thought, ing to police a long time ago… Don Aleman to blow off the smoke. fans, instead of a storage place Phuket my future home Jimbo Phuket Recently, it became half the with few used round tables By email Gazette forum

Where are the road Blinded by glare

signs for Baan Pa Can you suggest a company to Khlok School? put tinted solar film on my bed- room windows? On the road between Pa Khlok Tinted rooms and Baan Ruang there is no school Kathu sign or crosswalk markings for children or adults. People just drive Kanidta Kaenkaeo at Man Auto through there at 80-plus kmh. Sound Phuket, replies: They never slow down by the We install tint films on windows school and it’s mostly tour vans in cars and houses. Prices vary send officers to survey the area according to the type, brand and that speed through there. to determine whether any signs If speed bumps are placed in of course area covered. Call us at are necessary. 076-236613 or 076-236264. rural areas, why not on a main The next step is asigning prior- road near a school? ity to installing the signs, if indeed Nittaya Boonrod of Muang- Tom Notaro they are needed. thong Auto Sound replies: Pa Khok For example, in giving priority We install tint films for cars, between marking traffic lines on buildings and houses. Our office Aroon Saneeh, Director of the roads and fixing potholes, we give is located north of Super Cheap Phuket Provincial Highways priority to fixing potholes as they on Thepkrasattri Road. Call Ben Office, replies: may cause accidents. at 089-8730464 or 076-238426. To have signs posted in your We have to do this as we have area we need you to fill out an of- a limited budget. Sumipuk Poode at Jaroenchai ficial request form at the Phuket Anyway, the sad truth is that Film Car Accessories replies: Provincial Highways Office. traffic signs do little to save lives. Our office is near Phuket In a case like this, usually the What we need are more safety Rajabhat University. Call me at school, community leaders or lo- conscious pedestrians and motor- 080-9402757 from 8am to 6pm to cal authority file the request. Once ists who respect the traffic safety make an appointment and I’ll bring we receive the request, we will laws. a catalog to your home. April 23 - 29, 2011 OPINION PHUKET GAZETTE 9 Overfishing helping lionfish to coral buffet

Guy Lidureau, 58, is Managing Director of Seafarer Divers in Chalong and a dive training Course Director for TDA Diving MUCH has changed in Phuket, Association (Thailand). A dive tour- Phang Nga and Krabi over the past operator and dive boat operator for 32 30 years, with tourism evolving years with over 10,000 dives in Thailand, from handfuls of backpackers We need to curb, not curtial, enthusiasm during Songkran. Photo: The Nation sleeping in shanty bungalows in Mr Lidureau here talks about the the 1970s to today’s mass tour- problems caused by overfishing and ism with luxurious hotels and re- lionfish overpopulation on the coral reefs in Andaman Sea. Losing Songkran sorts of up to hundreds of rooms to cater all tourists from all over lionfish are voracious and effec- THE entertainment and activities the world. tive predators. They herd and put on by government agencies Feeding fresh seafood to these corner their prey using their pec- over Songkran was excellent. By Damian Evans millions of tourists and local fish- toral fins, then quickly strike and The festivities on the Sarasin ermen looking to feed their swallow their prey whole. Bridge was a brilliant idea. It was Do you have an opinion to voice? families have led to intensive fish- It was not unusual to observe first rate and with an unshakeable Email [email protected] ing all along the Andaman coast. a lionfish consuming prey up to underlying theme of togetherness Many local fishing boats were two-thirds its own length. Experi- epitomized by using the bridge it- certainly sent the message that destroyed by the 2004 tsunami ments have shown that lionfish self as the venue. was what authorities encouraged. and many European countries significantly reduce the net popu- Meanwhile in Old Phuket Many people bemoan overzeal- helped rebuild the fleet and the lation of coral reef fishes by an Town, the “Icy Road” event at ous water play during Songkran, fishing industry. estimated 80%. Queen Sirikit Park seemed to be and many are right – if the prob- The result was the fleet ended In studies on controlled plots, much enjoyed by all who attended. lem is revellers being “overzealous” up better equipped and more effi- scientists at Oregan State Univer- It seemed this year that Patong – anything short of that is fair cient than before. They can now sity determined that lionfish was the only place to miss out on game. fish deeper waters further out to NATURAL PREDATOR: The Lionfish. reduced juvenile fish populations any staged fun – but they did have Constraining water play to spe- sea, putting far too much pressure Photo: Sebastian Wallroth by 79% in only five weeks. One Bike Week just before the water cific areas is a no-go. The last on local fish stocks. large lionfish was observed con- started flying. thing I ever want to hear some- Now that large schools of fish predators of lionfish. Without the suming 20 small fish in just 30 But my worry is all these one ask is, “Where’s Songkran are quickly disappearing, many “normal” number of grouper and minutes. “venue-specific” festivities. this year?” And the answer being, fishing boats are more frequently sharks around to keep the num- Efforts to reduce densities of At the Icy Road event, the park “Over there…” coming inside marine national ber of lionfish in check, the lionfish lionfish at key locations may help was a designated safe haven from Songkran is a time, not a place. parks to poach at night and dur- are now out-eating the number of to reduce their ecological impact. water play. Any people breaking I understand those who prefer ing the monsoon period when juvenile coral reef fish. Recovering and maintaining the watershed were quickly re- to avoid the water play, but to criti- parks are closed to the public. Their aggressive behavior and healthy populations of potential monstrated by “water wardens”. cize it is to criticize the country Many fishing boats use large population explosion at some reefs native predators of lionfish, such This was great for parents with they have sought to live in. fish traps inside the parks, often give lionfish the potential to be- as large grouper and sharks, may babies or infants, as they could sit Water play at Songkran has placing 10 to 20 traps side by side come the most disastrous marine also help reduce the deleterious on the sidelines and watch the been zealous fun for Thais long to simulate large reefs. invasion in Thailand. By drastically effects of these voracious inva- water fights. before anyone under the age of 60 This intensive fishing around reducing the number of coral reef sive predators. But there was also a specified would have chosen to come to coral reefs has led to overfishing fish, they leave behind a devas- Steps must be taken to protect “water fight zone”, which with- Thailand. of certain species, including grou- tated ecosystem. grouper, sharks and other lionfish out any signs stipulating that water They should be old enough to per and sharks, which are natural Protected by venomous spines, predators from overfishing. play must be contained therein, know that by now.

Can I get insurance However, if the sidecar con- “RVP” to identify itself – Ed.] forms to our safety standards – When we insure a motorcycle for sidecars? and passes an inspection by our with a sidecar, we simply insure engineers – then we will allow it it as a motorcycle. Ten years ago, the Gazette to be registered. As such, motorcycle insurance posted an Issue & Answer asking premiums are calculated accord- “Are sidecars legal?” Sirima Koonkit, Insurance of- ing to engine size: Class A) The answer then from Somjit ficer at the Viriyah Insurance 1cc-70cc, premium is 161 baht Boonchaoy at the Phuket Provin- Phuket office, replies: per year; Class B) 71cc-125cc, cial Transportation Office was, We used to offer insurance for premium is 323 baht per year; “Yes, it is. There is no Thai law motorbikes, but we stopped of- Class C) 126cc-150cc, premium that allows a motorcycle with a fering policies for any motorcycles is 430 baht per year; and Class D) sidecar to be legally registered. last year. greater than 151cc, premium is This means they cannot be legiti- We now refer customers seek- 645 baht per year. mately insured. Therefore, all ing insurance for motorbikes to the However, before we can insure motorcycles with sidecars are il- Road Accident Victims Protection any motorcycles with sidecars, legal. Motorcycles are the only Co Ltd Phuket office located at the applicant must have a certifi- two-wheel vehicles that may be Phun Pol Night Plaza in Phuket cate from the Land Transport legally registered and be legiti- Town. Department verifying the vehicle mately insured.” passes all required vehicle-safety Now Tiger motorcycles have Sidecars can be insured of the modifications pass safety standards. Pakpon Thongbaipetch, Insur- standards. introduced a retro-style motorbike ance officer at the Road Acci- This usually requires an inspec- with sidecar. Tiger is a Thai com- Titima Yukuntorn, chief of the original manufacturer or do not dent Victims Protection Co Ltd tion by engineers at the local Land pany. These new motorbikes with Vehicle Registration Unit at the pass Department of Land Trans- Phuket office, replies: Transport Department office. sidecars are made and sold in Phuket Provincial Transport port safety standards. Our company was set up by the For more information, call us Thailand. Office, replies: We do not allow the registration government to ensure that all ve- at 076-246483/4 from Monday to Has the law changed? If so, are The Department of Land of rot salaeng (motorcycles with hicle owners have some form of Friday between 8:30am and motorbikes with sidecars now le- Transport will not register motor- privately-made sidecar trays com- insurance. 5:30pm. Our office located at gal on Thai roads? bikes fitted with sidecars or any monly used for transporting goods [The company is better known Phun Pol Night plaza or visit our Karsten bo Andersen attachments if the sidecar and/or or people) because they are not safe by foreigners as the “government website rvp.co.th (Thai language Kathu attachments are not made by the for the driver or passengers. insurance office” using the letters only). 10 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS April 23 - 29, 2011 Phuket to click with software alliance SOFTWARE Park Thailand has virtual office via technology, cive to software business). initiated a collaborative project to technology transfer, business The local software parks to be bring local software parks matching and co-branding included in the alliance are E-Saan throughout the country together activities. Software Park, Korat Software as the Thailand Software Park Al- In part, the alliance will follow Park (Thailand), Chiang Mai liance, in an effort to strengthen Software Park Thailand’s mis- Technology and Outsourcing the software industry. sion, which includes facility Centre and Software Park The alliance aims to facilitate management services (office Phuket. the flow of software-development rental, training-and meeting-room Thailand’s software market is resources and work among soft- rental and park clustering); expected to grow by 16.3 per cent ware parks located both in technology-enabling services this year to reach a value of about Bangkok and in regional areas. (providing technology platforms, 84.23 billion baht. It will also encourage a flow of collaborating with stakeholders to Within the overall software software development and jobs to provide the latest technology to market, embedded software and the Asia-Pacific region through alliance members); IT advisory mobile applications are expected Software Park Thailand’s regional (improving the standard of local to see high growth this year, of network, the Asia Oceania Soft- software companies to interna- 96.1 per cent and 54.8 per cent ware Park Alliance. tional level); technology transfer respectively. However, enterprise Software Park Thailand’s di- (promoting the transfer of rel- software will remain the largest rector Thanachart Numnonda evant technologies for the contributor, representing 63.5 per said the objective was to pool lo- software industry on both pro- cent of the software market. cal resources and build up the fessional and management levels); It is also expected that total core competency of local soft- and software-business enabling spending on software-as-a-ser- ware development to serve both (business matching, promoting vice in Thailand this year will be local and regional demands. the use of IT to all sectors, col- around 2.56 billion baht, repre- The concept of the collabora- laboration within the industry and senting growth of 22.9 per cent. tion is focused on four main pillars: creating an environment condu- – The Nation INNOVATIVE: Software Park Phuket opened in 2009. Gov urges control over hillside construction GOVERNOR Tri Aukaradecha voiced con- Ministry of Interior is also concerned with Committee, notes that Phuket lies in an how”, Mr Amnart explained. cerns over construction projects that have this problem”, Gov Tri said at the meeting. earthquake risk zone. Private constructors “To make buildings earthquake resistant, been planned on hill slopes on Phuket. During the meeting two new housing should keep that in mind when planning and foundation pillars have to be longer and dig During a meeting with the Phuket Hous- projects were announced to the commit- constructing buildings. deeper into bedrock. Such procedures en- ing Committee on April 8, Governor Tri tee. One of them was The Heritage “Buildings that stand 12 meters or sure more safety against natural disasters, said that recently there have been many project located in Kathu. The Heritage, higher should be engineered to cope with but they also increase the overall construc- cases of disasters causing substantial prop- still in its early stages of construction, earthquakes that are stronger than a mag- tion costs,” Mr Amnart said. erty damage and loss of life. He mentioned will consist of 58 land plots spread nitude 6. Unfortunately there are very few “Fortunately many private busi- the recent floods and severe landslides in across 23 acres of land. Sitharom specialists here in Phuket who can nesses and constructors agree with us the south of Thailand, as well as earth- Properties will also be starting a new advise constructors about building and they are willing to change their plans quakes that have recently occurred in New project soon. earthquake resistant structures,” Mr to make buildings safer. But the main Zealand, Burma and Japan. In January 2011, six housing projects Amnart said. problem is the lack of know-how and The governor urged the committee to be were approved by the Phuket Provincial “High rise buildings here are often not experts who can advise constructors more cautious when approving projects that Land Office. ‘geologically engineered’. Geological-engi- about building for earthquake resis- have been planned on hillsides, especially Geological experts have questioned neering means doing a carefully study of tance,” he added. projects that require extensive deforesta- whether Phuket buildings are ready to with- the underlying geological formations to de- Current Thai law, effective since 2007, tion. Governor Tri urged the committee to stand strong earthquakes, a phenomenon termine the required stability. This often requires buildings that are more than 23 be more careful when issuing building per- that is happening more frequently in the requires advanced scientific techniques meters in height to have earthquake- mits for such sites. region. like remote sensing. A lot of the buildings resistant design. However the law “With severe weather becoming more Amnart Tantitamsopon, a prominent here do not go through such a study only applies to five provinces in Central common, landslides can become a major Phuket geologist and a member of the before construction starts because Thailand. problem causing severe public damage. The Phuket Environmental Impact Assessment constructors lack the resources and know- – Anand Singh

Looking for a place to stay? See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net April 23 - 29, 2011 BUSINESS PHUKET GAZETTE 11 Businesses all in for organic meet By Pimwara Choksakulpan Commerce has supported organic ‘Since 2007 the Minis- agriculture. There are organic cul- TWO hundred Phuket business try of Commerce has ture networks in some 40 operators attended the “Organic: provinces, she said. Alternative Life” seminar orga- supported organic agri- Organic herbs and vegetables nized by the Ministry of Com- culture and there are are grown in the north of Thai- merce from April 20 to 21. land. In the northeast region Held at the Royal Phuket City organic culture networks organic rice is farmed while in Hotel, the seminar was chaired in some 40 provinces.’ central and eastern regions or- by the Deputy Permanent Secre- – Deputy Permanent ganic fruit is the main produce. tary for Commerce, Pimpapan Secretary for Commerce, The southern region is famous for Chansilpa. Pimpapan Chansilpa organic business products relat- The purpose of the seminar was ing to hotels, spas and restaurants. to promote organic food and re- to establish the island as an or- “Phuket is especially re- lated products and hopefully ganic products hub in the southern nowned for its spa industry introduce a domestic, then world- region to promote the products among tourists. There are many wide campaign, she said. among Thais and foreigners in organic products for use in spas. The seminar also offered hotel, southern Thailand. Many hotels now have good en- restaurant, spa and souvenir indus- The Ministry also intends to vironmental management and try representatives the opportunity connect organic businesses with plant homegrown vegetables. I to discuss organic-related prod- tourism by supporting initiatives suggest these hotels ask for ucts for their businesses. such as an organic farm for tour- organic guarantee certificates She also added that Phuket is a ism, organic hotels, organic from target countries such as famous tourism destination and restaurants, organic spas and or- those in Europe and Japan to with a great number of tourists ganic souvenir shops. confirm use of organic prod- PUSHING THE ORGANIC MESSAGE: Deputy Permanent Secretary for visiting Phuket, the Ministry aims Since 2007 the Ministry of ucts,” she added. Commerce, Pimpapan Chansilpa. Holiday Inn to open new Phuket resort HOLIDAY Inn will have a second Phuket allows us to cater to a different luxurious hotels under the five-star under an international and well-recog- property in Phuket when the Holiday Inn group of clients who are loyal to the Holi- category. It therefore raises the question nized brand name like the Holiday Inn,” Resort Phuket Mai Khao Beach opens this day Inn brand, but would like to enjoy a as to why our company would choose to Mr Anutin explained. September. quiet, natural and truly relaxing beach build a four-star hotel in an area mostly The newly-built hotel comprises eight According to Anutin Kraitong, Director holiday,” he added. dominated by ultra-luxury hotels,” Mr separate buildings, each three or four of Sales and Marketing for Holiday Inn The owners of Holiday Inn Resort Mai Anutin said. storeys high. The Holiday Inn Mai Khao Resort Phuket, the hotel is set to have its Khao also operate the Narai Hotel in “We think that there are many clients offers a wide range of facilities, including grand opening on September 9. Bangkok and have chosen Intercontinen- who want to holiday outside busy cen- a fitness center, restaurants, cafe and an The four-star property, comprising 245 tal Hotel Group as the management ters like Patong. With the Holiday Inn outdoor infinity pool situated on the rooms on a 22-rai plot, will face Mai Khao company. The Intercontinental group also Resort Maikhao, we are building a prod- beachfront. Beach on Phuket’s northwest coastline. owns the Crown Plaza and Inter-Conti- uct that is no less exclusive and In the coming high season the resort “Although this is the second hotel in nental brands. luxurious, but with a price gap that expects to welcome guests from Western Phuket under the Holiday Inn Resort brand, “Currently most of the hotels on Mai makes it more affordable compared to Europe, Russia, as well as regional tourists our hotel on Mai Khao Beach will cater to a Khao Beach, including the Anantara, Re- the other hotels in the vicinity. We aim from China and Korea. different market than our resort in Patong. naissance and the JW Marriot, are to provide guests with more options – Anand Singh The Holiday Inn Maikhao is quite exclusive and located far away from the busy town center, which makes it appealing for some cli- ent groups,” Mr Anutin explained. “Having a second property in 12 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS April 23 - 29, 2011 How assets lose the golden touch IN THE previous Retirement Years column on April 9, I explained the basics of how many investors misunderstand how they can lose money by investing in asset classes when the individual – starts to sell off to meet obliga- assets that make up the entire tions, the lack of buyers will cause class all seem safe from nearly any prices to drop. risk at all. It is important to note here that One example is gold. Right now the actual reasons for capital flows gold is on a path to the moon. really don’t matter: If capital flows Gold funds are making a killing for out of an asset class, prices will their investors. drop. This may go on for years more. What happens next in the cycle The marketing of gold as a safe is that the price drops themselves haven is helping to cause capital become a self-fulfilling prophecy inflows, but at some point all of because they cause people to lose the capital that is going to flow faith in the future of the asset into gold will have already arrived. class. Gold will not stop being a safe Stock market crashes occur haven at present, but capital will frequently enough for people who start to flow in the opposite are risk averse to stay away, direction at some but a boom-bust point. cycle in gold is What will hap- The more concen- not nearly as pen then is that trated in one asset common. there will no longer Capital flows be loads of buyers class, or especially out in greater vol- hanging around to in a single ume and at a snap up the invest- geographic area, the faster pace, and ment in gold being any fund that has sold by those look- more likely capital used leverage Gold is one commodity people invest in to safeguard their money, but it can lose its luster. Photo: Mykl Roventine ing to get their outflows are to cause (borrowed money above scenario plays out. pressures of supply and demand, asset class, or especially in a single money back, for to get a better re- This may happen a lot sooner behind which are the decisions of geographic area, the more likely whatever reasons losses not in line turn during the than some people think, though, human beings whose emotions capital outflows are to cause they may be. with the risk level good times) will this is no problem if you have swing back and forth on a pendu- losses not in line with the risk Gold is a shiny be forced to liqui- some sort of a “stop loss” or lum from extreme greed to level typically associated with the rock that people typically associated date first. “trailing stop” to allow you to get extreme fear, causing booms and underlying assets. flock to when they with the underlying Some funds out before the panic. busts. The real reason any market think the world will go bankrupt, Unfortunately, many people will An easy way to avoid problems moves up or down is the collec- seems to be falling assets. others will simply not have educated themselves is to think about what would hap- tive action of all the market apart, but there will close their doors enough to understand this, and will pen to a fund if suddenly participants. The reasons for their always come a time in the future and return their investors’ funds believe that gold is “safe” and will everybody lined up to get their actions do not need to be when people are again confident with however much of a loss they end up wondering,“How could money at once. This is how even grounded in any logic, and the world isn’t on the brink of col- incurred. this have happened?” banks can get into trouble, because human’s natural herd instinct of- lapse and that buying gold is no To be clear, I am not predict- Real estate and money markets they can’t just call in all of their ten causes markets to do things longer deemed critical for safe- ing gold funds are going to go are two very relatively safe asset loan portfolio on a day’s notice. that seem to completely defy logic. guarding their money. bankrupt in the next year. In classes where investors in funds Some funds are less susceptible Understanding this is the start- Thus, when the big money – fact, my personal belief is that have been burned by failing to to liquidity issues than others. If a ing point to understanding how the pension funds and institutions there is a good chance gold understand how capital outflows fund manager is trading across markets really work and protect- that control capital in amounts prices will shoot up to levels I on a massive level can affect the many markets (currencies, com- ing oneself from the consequences large enough to move big markets can’t even dream of before the fund they were invested in. modities, stock markets) and not of this herd mentality. Gold is likely to be another dealing in a significant amount of asset class to burn people in large the overall volume in any of them, David Mayes MBA lives in Phuket and numbers at some point in the then he can get out of his entire provides wealth management future. portfolio very quickly, without be- services to expatriates throughout Gold is an exchange-traded ing forced to liquidate at fire-sale South East Asia, specializing in UK commodity, and such commodi- prices. pension transfers. He can be ties’ prices are subject to the The more concentrated in one reached at [email protected] April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 13 14 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011 What’s all this 3G mumbo jumbo? I DO NOT like – and try very hard HSPA networks in Bangkok; one not to use – the term “3G”. The is owned and operated by TOT, scientific-sounding “3G” rates as the other is owned by CAT but a marketer’s dream come true. It operated by True and DTAC and reeks of sizzle and bling. a handful of smaller companies And, the way it’s being tossed Only one teensy-tiny problem. including iFox. about, it means absolutely nothing. CDMA isn’t 3G. At least, not ac- “But, but, but…” I can hear You would presume that 3G is cording to the definition that’s you say, “the Thai government has FYI: 3G internet connections are quite fast, and do exist in Thailand. better than 2G and not as good as widely accepted in the fragmented been trying to auction off 3G ser- Facebook 101 seminar is fully by the Phuket Gazette and Khun 4G, yes? It ain’t so. It’s not true and inscrutable communications vice, and there are lawsuits and booked. Facebook 101 takes at- Woody’s Sandwich Shoppes. in Thailand, and it’s not true in the industry. competing governmental agencies tendees through the basics, from rest of the world, either. Look at the graph on this page, that have blocked the auction. setting up a business (or organi- Apple/Mac/iPad/iPhone Clinic The photo in Live Wire last week and you’ll get an idea of the “Thailand’s the laughing stock zation or charity) page, designing I’m actively looking for someone showed a CAT CDMA dongle – a speeds you should expect from a of the international communica- it, drawing attention to it, and then to start an Apple Clinic. In a typi- USB “modem” that you plug into a 3G connection. tions industry – the only country using the page to reach out to cal month, dozens of people ap- computer that lets you connect to Some people say there’s no 3G with no 3G. Right?” Facebook users. proach me with questions about CAT’s CDMA/EV-DO signals. in Thailand. That isn’t true. There Well, no. That’s wrong. To un- Johan Lofgren helps with the their Macs, iPads and iPhones. The dongle is emblazoned “3G”. are two stable, reasonably fast derstand why, follow along with the more technical parts. No experi- The best solution would be to find rest of the story online, at W: ence with Facebook needed to an Apple fanatic – or an Apple PhuketGazette.net/LiveWire. attend the free seminars. dealer – who’s willing to give up Wireless internet access in Phuket right now: The Thai government owns The next set of three seminars a couple of hours a week to help TOT and CAT, both of which de- run May 7, 14 and 21. To attend, other Apple users. GPRS/EDGE. The old wireless Internet access you can get on almost rive a very large part of their sign up by going to W:face So far, I’ve heard of several any phone, from any wireless phone carrier. About 0.2 Mbps income from mobile phone conces- book.com/SandwichShoppe Apple user groups that started in international download, at least in Phuket. sions. When you pay your mobile and on the left click the link the past decade, but all of them phone bill to AIS, DTAC or True, marked Facebook Seminar. folded for lack of interest. That’s CDMA EV-DO. Available for years, only from Hutch in the 21 provinces a very large percentage of what you The seminars are sponsored by amazing to me, because there are near Bangkok, and only from CAT in the other provinces, including pay goes to either TOT or CAT. Khun Woody’s Sandwich Shoppes, so many Mac (not to mention iPad Phuket. Considerably faster than GPRS/EDGE, 1 to 1.5 Mbps. The very high concession rates AW PR and Marketing and and iPhone) users on the island. There’s good coverage all over the country, but EV-DO cards from were established many years ago, onsite.in.th. Able is planning a se- My guess is that 90 per cent of CAT will not work on the Hutch network, and Hutch cards will not when governments could demand ries of seminars in Thai, starting them don’t understand why “3G” work in the rest of the country. a whole lot of money for using May 28. Email able@awpr- on their iPhone or iPad runs so the mobile airwaves. phuket.com for details. slow – and why it’s ridiculous to HSPA. Available in Thailand for a year or so. Service is always called “pilot”, “experimental” or something similar. Good speed: clocked at CAT and TOT don’t want to lose pay more for “3G” for use any- 2 Mbps to 5 Mbps international download, here in Phuket. Both TOT their highly lucrative mobile phone FREE Computer Clinics where but the extreme west coast and CAT have towers. True and DTAC run their iPhone service off of concession. That’s likely to happen The next Computer Clinic will be of the island. the CAT towers. Apparently there are many towers in Bangkok proper, if HSPA takes hold. But that’s only on April 24, from 10am to midday If you want to help, email me: with good reception over much of the city. Only eight towers in Phuket; a small part of the problem. at Sandwich Shoppe Chalong, one Woody at Khun Woody dot com. all belong to CAT. True HSPA only available on the extreme west To read in depth the ins and kilometer north of Chalong Circle coast of Phuket, from just south of Nai Harn to just north of the outs of why 3G in Thailand is be- on Chao Fah East, in the Live Wire is IT guru and Phuket Gazette airport. ing held to ransom, stay tuned for Fisherman’s Way Business Center. columnist Woody Leonhard’s weekly Live Wire next week. As always, the clinic is free and snapshot of all things internet in LTE. Not yet available in Thailand. Runs considerably faster, say 20 open to anyone interested in (or Phuket. Woody’s written more than 40 Mbps, although speeds vary considerably in the US and Europe. Facebook 101 Seminar bothered by) computers in Phuket. computer books including Windows 7 Able Wanamakok’s second There’s a lengthy question and an- All-In-One For Dummies. Follow swer period, and lots of help from Woody on Twitter: @PhuketPC, or to kindred souls. If you have a ques- see what Woody’s up to in the tion about computers in Phuket – international press and to keep on or PCs in general – drop by and top of the latest patches and we’ll get you some world-class problems with Windows and Office, answers. The clinics are sponsored drop by AskWoody.com. April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 15 Stuff soap and save your skin By Stephen Fein coagulates and you scab up. Pro- is a potassium alum-based deodor- vided you don’t pick the scab, minor ant applied once a day after your JOHNSON and Johnson might not skin wounds will generally disap- morning bath or shower. These want to hear this, but I am now pear with almost no scarring. Your all-natural products are made in two months into a personal hygiene are, to a certain degree, born with Thailand, cost about 30 baht a experiment that has led me to one some Terminator-like qualities. stick, and last about a year. You simple conclusion: soap and sham- But soaps, shampoos and all can buy them at Supercheap and poo are generally bad for the skin. this other nonsense that is end- some pharmacies, but the other Each one of us is the end lessly touted in TV commercials major retailers don’t stock them product of millions of years of are really just the agents of a re- – probably because they want you evolution. Throughout that entire lentless, low-level assault on a to buy more-expensive deodor- evolutionary process how did our natural and highly complex cool- ants laced with noxious chemicals. ancestors keep themselves clean? ing and excretion system that is What’s best is they are true de- They just used plain old water, the designed by nature to interact only odorants. Odorless themselves, universal solvent. with clean water. they stop bacteria that cause body Your skin, which makes up vir- Even here in the tropics, all you odor in their tracks without impart- SOAPY BUBBLES: Is soap, ‘handmade’ or otherwise, really needed? Not in tually all of the human interface need to do to keep your skin clean ing that sickeningly sweet chemical our writer’s eyes. Photo: Malene Thysen with the environment, protects it- and healthy is to avoid too much smell that seems to be constantly shampoo. I suffered from dry will save lots of it. And you will self with natural oils that are exposure to the sun, maintain a around us in products ranging from patches on my skin for years, but find all the time wasted sourcing perfectly designed to keep your healthy diet and wash yourself air freshener sprays to WD-40. they are now almost completely and applying this stuff can be for skin soft and supple. They will do thoroughly several times a day Soap and shampoo are like na- gone after just a few months more productively used else- a great job of this, provided you with clean water. A shower will palm-light for your skin. Most of without soap. where. Another advantage is that don’t continually strip them away do, but if you have access to a us know this deep down. We are What I am writing here will the amount of household waste with the harsh offerings of the pool (non-chlorinated water is all quick to accept that we need sound like blasphemy to some, you produce will be significantly multi-trillion dollar “beautycare” best) or bathtub, total immersion to buy special “mild” soap formu- especially the female readers who reduced. industry. is better. Why is it that only the las for our newborns, ones that have been so thoroughly brain- Best of all, your skin will im- The skin is its own little Japanese people seem to under- are effectively half-strength, but washed by TV advertising. Yet I prove, natural balance will be biosystem, one largely designed to stand that? cost twice as much. invite one and all to give it a try restored and you will smell as na- take care of itself. If you acciden- All you need to keep any funk I suffered from dandruff for for yourself – what have you got ture intended – not like a car air tally cut yourself, the blood soon from setting in under your arms decades – until I stopped using to lose? Certainly not money: you freshener. 16 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011 Tell the boss you’re taking the day off Studies show that people who work overtime are prone to heart attacks, so it’s best we all head to the beach folks. Doctors orders.

GET OUT OF HERE: It’s official. All work and no play make us all very dull – and unhealthy – people. So go on, get out of the office and stop working so much overtime. Photo: Jim Welch

By Woody Leohnard ground and from most of the same authors, ish civil servants, aged 39 to 62, starting in say the authors, overtime hours aren’t was published last year in the European Heart 1991. Like the Framingham study, it in- as significant: “adjustment for type A THE IT industry abounds with Type A Journal (PDF; free). volves detailed medical exams and behavior pattern attenuated the hazard prototypes: ambitious, impatient, hostile, You have to understand the context of questionnaires, and long-term outcomes. ratios by 11-12 per cent, suggesting hard-driving professional workaholics. the study to see exactly what’s been Unlike the Framingham study, the ques- that part of the association may be ex- Raise your hand if that describes discovered. tionnaire asks participants (among many plained by such behaviors. Type A someone you know. Back in 1948, researchers started watch- other things) how many hours they work, behavior pattern…can be a risk factor The 1960s-vintage Type A/Type B ing 5,200 men and women in Framingham, on average, per day. Respondents can tick for CHD.” paradigm has all sorts of holes in it, not Massachusetts, using both medical exams “No overtime hours (7-8 working hours/ It’s important to understand what the least of which is its ability to predict heart and lifestyle interviews, correlating obser- day)”, one hour overtime, two hours study doesn’t say. In spite of what you attacks. vations over many decades with outcomes overtime, or three-four hours of overtime may have read in the popular press, it For example, a University of Michigan – originally, heart attack and strokes. per day. doesn’t say that working more hours will study shows that, statistically, Type A Boston University and the National Heart, After 10 years, the researchers found give you a heart attack or stroke. There’s people don’t have Lung and Blood that people who reported they were work- no cause-and-effect. There may well be more heart disease Institute have ing three to four hours of overtime per day other factors at play. than Type B, never If you’ve been concerned continued the were 56 per cent (in the European Heart Notably, the study in the two reports mind the problems about your glycerides study over the Journal) to 67 per cent (in the AIM) more didn’t take into account diet, activity lev- associated with years, adding likely to have Coronary Heart Disease els, the kind of work undertaken, or family characterizing an in- and sugars, diet and many more par- (CHD) events – primarily heart attacks or history of CHD. dividual as one of the exercise and stress, now ticipants and strokes. What it does say is that if you think binary types. Detailed other outcomes. Those who reported two hours of you’re working a lot of overtime, you’re and knowledgeable you have one more thing If you want to overtime, on average, came up with a 45 more likely to have a CHD event. reviews of studies to worry about. see how you per cent higher chance of CHD “after ac- Don’t know about you, but I think I’m prove inconclusive. stack up against counting for the effects of demographic going to take the rest of the day off. Some research the averages, the factors and several known theorizes that the hostility component of Framingham Heart Study site includes nu- risk factors for CHD. Simi- classic Type A behavior raises the chances merous interactive calculators and lar association was found of heart disease, but proof lies mired in a downloadable Excel spreadsheets that you with an outcome comprising thick web of definitions and fuzzy can use to predict your chances of coming only coronary death and non- observations. One person’s angry, hostile down with various forms of cardiovascu- fatal [MI 9 heart attack]. No techy is another’s quirky knight in white lar disease, diabetes, hypertension, and significant association was armor, eh? much more. found between overtime Now comes a study you can hang your Those calculators and spreadsheets are work and all-cause mortality.” hat on. Or at least your neck. all based on statistics derived from the If you’ve been concerned The American College of Physicians’ Framingham study, which you can see in about your glycerides and sug- prestigious Annals of Internal Medicine just great detail on the site. ars, diet and exercise and published a report (PDF; US$15) called The Framingham Heart Study measures stress, now you have one Using Additional Information on Work- many things, including physical activity, more thing to worry about. ing Hours to Predict Coronary Heart but it doesn’t take into account the num- Fifty years after it first hit Disease: A Cohort Study that includes sev- ber of hours a person works. That’s the talk show circuit, Type A eral disturbing results. An earlier version where these reports shed a lot of light. comes back into play. If you of the article, covering much of the same The study follows more than 7,000 Brit- factor out Type A behavior, EASY DOES IT: Work at ease. It could save your life.

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[email protected] Phone: 076-261-513 Mobile: 081-894-0462 April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 17 THAI to unleash the Tiger total tourist numbers to Thailand. One area in particular that will be affected by the earthquake fallout is Phuket’s meeting, incen- tive, convention and exhibition THAI Airways International’s an- (MICE) business, which hosts nouncement of a 15 per cent price around 40,000 Japanese visitors reduction on fares to Phuket per year. comes a year after a surprising – The Japanese are also, tradi- and widely condemned – 59 per tionally, big spenders compared cent increase in Bangkok-Phuket with arrivals from Western coun- fares in April last year, highlight- tries, spending as much as 70,000 ing how increased competition is baht per trip. forcing the national carrier to com- Still, Phuket – and for that mat- pletely rethink its fare strategy. ter THAI – are not holding back Leading THAI’s revival is hard- in attracting tourists to the island. driving President Piyasvasti At Berlin ITB 2011, in addition Amranand, who, now approach- to HRH Princess Ubol Ratana ing 18 months in the job, has Rajakanya gracing the event with shown he intends aggressively to her presence, Phuket was repre- reclaim a significant share of the sented for the first time by its Bangkok-Phuket route back from governor, Tri Augkaradacha. low cost carrier (LCC) competi- Also attending was Phuket Pro- tion, in particular, Thai AirAsia, the vincial Administration Organ- Thailand subsidiary of Malaysian ization (OrBorJor) president based AirAsia, arguably the THAI will take AirAsia on through a joint venture with low-cost carrier Tiger Airways. Photo: Marijn de Vries Hoogerwerff Paiboon Upatising. In total, 28 world’s most successful LCC. In addition to slashing airfares, billion-baht revenue last year. for the April-September season Phuket hotels were represented. THAI once had a near mo- THAI is attacking AirAsia through For example, 70 per cent of have been cancelled because of Such high profile presence at nopoly 80 per cent share of a “pincer” movement of creating outbound package tours from Ja- the devastating earthquake. the world’s largest travel market Thailand’s domestic market. a joint venture with Singapore- pan to Thailand worth 3bn baht Japan is usually fifth or sixth in is to be encouraged. Domestic flights at Phuket In- based LCC Tiger Airways. ternational Airport account for 42 THAI lost six billion baht in rev- per cent of all flights, so the mar- enue (US$186mn) in 2010 because ket remains highly important to of the red-shirt unrest, so it has THAI Airways. been forced by such circum- The whopping fare increases stances, as much as anything, to last year were, predictably, very move more quickly to redress an unpopular, but THAI held them. imbalance in its domestic service Now it has signaled the gloves route network. are off against Thai AirAsia with THAI Tiger would be the fourth the lower fares effective March domestic airline serving Phuket. 15 to September 30. According to Mr Piyasvasti, the THAI has also been hit in re- new venture will have “enormous cent years by increases in direct potential” as only six out of 65 mil- flights to Phuket, bypassing its lion Thais have flown before. ability to pick up passengers for “Low-cost is the fastest-grow- the Bangkok-Phuket flight through ing market and we want to take part its Suvarnabhumi Airport hub. in this market. We have been losing Currently THAI has 10 daily market share to low-cost airlines Bangkok-Phuket and 13 Phuket- and we think there is a lot of oppor- Bangkok flights. tunity for us,” he said last August AirAsia has eight flights each when announcing the joint venture. way. Other, smaller airlines, such THAI is going to need an in- as Bangkok Airways and Nok Air crease in its domestic flight (a THAI subsidiary), make up contributions, which accounted other flights. for 12 per cent of its total 200- Airlines cut services and hike surcharges AIRLINES have announced revised short-term strategies to cope with climbing oil prices. They have opted either to apply fuel surcharges or to simply discontinue some costly routes. The price of jet fuel has increased from US$114 (3,435 baht) per barrel last year to more than US$130 (3,917 baht) per barrel at present. Many airlines, including THAI Airways International, Singapore Air- lines and Air New Zealand, have announced increased fuel surcharges to offset higher fuel costs. Thai AirAsia has decided to stop flying its costly route between Bangkok and Taipei. An aviation industry source said THAI Airways International would increase its fuel surcharges on most international routes starting from Monday. The airline made its last adjustment to fuel surcharges on February 17 this year. THAI will raise fuel surcharges on services from Bangkok to destinations in Europe and Johannesburg from May 2. Charges on domestic routes will remain unchanged. According to the International Air Transport Association, an aver- age jet-fuel price of US$123.10 (3,709 baht) per barrel meant airlines faced the need to shoulder jet-fuel bills amounting to US$53 billion (1,596 bn baht). – The Nation 18 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011 April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Learning how to think like a dog

FOR LOTS of us, our dogs represent something very special. They are not just pets, but family members – lavished with love and affection, the very best foods and shampoos, and yet for some reason, they repay us with chewing our favorite shoes. We try our best, but just can’t figure out why. And lets be honest, for some strange reason, not everyone loves dogs. I don’t know how this is pos- sible. Maybe it’s because they chase your motorbike, or charge at you when you walk along the beach. The Phuket Gazette’s new Dog Whisperer column is for everyone (dog lovers or otherwise) and provides an invaluable insight into what dogs are thinking, and why they act the way they do. Here’s some of the things we’ll be looking at each issue: HEY GOOD LOOKING: Russell ‘The Dog Whisperer’ Russell’s German Shepherd, Kay. The two will be tackling dog issues in this newspaper. CANINE BEHAVIOR TRAINING dogs for those that are immobile Our lives, as much as we may and even service dogs who are wish otherwise, are never stress In the world of a dog, they sim- Simply put, training your dog is trained to detect the onset of “fits” free. From running out of cof- ply do what is best for themselves about communicating what is ex- in relation to epilepsy or diabetes, fee in the morning, to having a at any given moment. Whether pected from him and is also a are just a few of the areas in which baby, moving house or chang- that is sleeping, rolling in the great way to build a strong and SERVICE DOGS dogs are playing a vital role in ing jobs – there is always grass, or chewing your furniture. lasting relationship with your Fido. our lives. something that can affect us at No doubt your own dog has given While most of us seem happy with We often take our dogs for We’ll also take a look at the anytime. you some grief, whether it’s con- having our dog sitting nicely granted – they’re always there to developing role of how dogs are We often don’t realize the im- stantly barking, jumping up or whilst we hold the dinner bowl – greet us at the door, or cheer us helping children to learn through pact this is also having on our something else that annoys you. the real benefit is having a dog that up when we’re feeling down. But programs such as reading to dogs. Such problems are common with will respond to you in more pre- dogs are being trained for more dogs which has had a massive dog owners and the good news is carious circumstances, such as and more complex tasks which effect on improving reading Russell is a certified canine training that, largely speaking, they can be on a road with traffic, or on a can help us in society. Guide dogs skills and confidence in younger specialist T:089-5884050 E:canine quite easy to rectify. beach with lots of distractions. for the deaf and blind, assistance children. [email protected] W:tk9a.com Evason to host brunch for Soi Dog Foundation

AS THE old adage goes, charity ticket price to go directly to SDF,” starts at home, and for Phuket Mr Grassman said. residents there is no better way to SDF founder John Dalley reit- show support for the many wor- erates that continuous fundraising thy causes on the island than to and public awareness efforts are attend a glittering social event. vital to the ongoing prosperity of On May 22, the Evason Phuket the organization. resort will welcome Soi Dog “SDF currently runs at a cost Foundation (SDF) supporters to of nearly 1 million baht per indulge in a delicious brunch at month (33,000 US$). Our main their Into the Beach restaurant – outgoings are medical supplies, and it’s all for a good cause. staffing costs and food. Impres- The Evason management are sively, volunteers in several long-time supporters of this countries undertake the admin- Phuket-based stray animal charity. istration of the organization,” Mr “We are delighted to hold an- Dalley said. other event on behalf of this “This means that the majority invaluable local charity. The work of our expenses are part of the that they do not only benefits process of getting the job done. residents, but is also instrumen- SDF is totally reliant on donations tal to the Phuket tourism and receives no government finan- industry,” General Manager cial support,” he added. Frank Grassman said. The fundraising event will run “By eliminating diseases such as from noon to 4pm. Tickets, rabies from the island, we are a priced at 2,000 baht, include en- much more attractive destination tertainment, free-flow drinks and for holidaymakers,” he added. a delicious brunch. A plethora of The resort, which is part of the fantastic prizes will also be on of- Six Senses brand, will be support- fer for the charity raffle. ing the cost of the event from funds The official sponsors of the derived from their Social & Envi- event are The Evason Phuket, The ronmental Responsibility Fund, Phuket Gazette and Shine PR which represents 0.5 per cent of Phuket. Palazzo is also the the entire hotel revenue. entertainment sponsor. “We use this fund to support For tickets please contact Cristy many local, national and interna- T: 084-0544367 or E:suaysiam@ tional charities and activities. The gmail.com. fund allows 100 per cent of the – Natasha Eldred 20 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011 Dr Thurman on China and a free Tibet

By Stephen Michael Fein IN A second installment from American Buddhist scholar Dr Robert Thurman, Phuket Gazette News Editor Stephen Fein finds out what the first American ordained into the Tibetan Buddhist order has to say about the Tibetan people’s struggle for independence from China. He is one of the world’s best- known advocates on the subject. The two met at a Buddhist retreat at the Thanyapura Mind Center in Thalang recently and DEFIANT: The monks in Tibet, seen here demonstrating back in 2009, have been at the discussed Tibet’s current relationship with China. forefront of the region’s independence movement. Photo: AFP

Stephen Fein: Now that China built up a lot of cash, but they’ve which is very serious. let the Communists crushes its own people and is becoming so economically wrecked their environment. Then The Yellow River is dry about remain somewhat gets militaristic with its powerful, has that changed the you have the corrupt internal sys- 300 miles before the Yellow Sea, respected. neighbors and destroys its Tibetan people’s struggle? tem of the Communist Party, where floods and earthquakes are com- They dont want environment, and destroys the banks are owned by The Party, ing and polluted food and diseases them to go in some the Tibetan environment, and Dr Thurman: Not really. I am not and they led to their party relatives are arising. terrible way, like then fragments itself that’s the a believer in the economic power and they waste the money, or steal I am not at all favorable about Ceausescu in Romania last thing the Tibetans of China, personally. I think China it and send it to places like Hong them, which is not good. In the who was killed by want, actually. is kind of the ultimate bubble of Kong or Swit- Tibetan move- the people after People the unsustainability of industrial zerland. ‘In the Tibetan ment there is trying to hold on wrongly think capitalism. In a way they moved I think there movement there is not a wish for too long and too the Tibetans all the polluting industries over is going to be a China to suffer, hard. want to see there and they destroyed the big reckoning not a wish for China actually. Be- In a frag- China go unions and the middle classes in with China, to suffer, actually.’ cause a strong, mented China, down, so they the developed countries by getting frankly. And the self-confident the Peoples can somehow these slaves, basically. people there are tired of it. They China that wants to have world- Liberation break free, but Companies like Walmart and all want a share, and the party is hold- appreciation and good public Army (PLA) it would be the computer companies, Foxconn ing them captive and crushing opinion, they would be the ones would revert to harder for that makes all the Apple comput- down any form of self-expression. to be nice to the Tibetans, instead being warlords. them to break ers for example, with millions of I am not a big investor in China. of being repressive to them. The big PLA free with China employees paid two dollars a day I think it’s a big con job, They would be like Hungary or generals own all all fragmented. instead of twenty dollars an hour. personally. Especially the destruc- something; share and become a these big busi- That’s what people That export mercantilism has tion of the environment there, multi-party system in a nice way and nesses that do all dont realize. of the big busi- The Dalai Lama nesses in Tibet, understands this that rob the very well. The area wood in Tibet, he was born in, at do all the mining, the time he was born, sell the bottled was controlled by a water and all this warlord. That’s a side other nonsense. issue, but it is an It ruins the important point. steppe by doing We are pro-China, commercial-indus- in other words. We trial farming and want Tibet to thrive grazing animals in again and see Tibetan fixed areas, which culture rise again and therefore pulls up see Tibetan Buddhism the grass. become well known, all They would be over China. It’s very harder to dislodge popular in places like from Tibet than a Taiwan, where the Chi- central, strong Beijing nese are free. We want that was being demo- to see a thriving China that cratic and which really loves and appreci- decided it was ates Tibet. That would be nice to bring best for Tibet. in its minori- We don’t want to de- ties and have stroy China, but they are them enjoy be- destroying it [them- ing part of China, because they selves] right now with are being nice to them and their bad management. Looking for a place to stay? supporting them. That’s what we want MAN IN THE KNOW: Dr Thurman See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net from China. So if China wants Tibet to be free. April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 21 Ovadia Shicartzy OVADIA Shicartzy is the courtly Jewish cousins spoke different owner of The Family, Phuket’s languages and often competed for signature Mediterranean restau- the same jobs and education. rant, located next to Tesco Lotus Ovadia served in the Israeli on the road to Rawai. It’s an ori- army and became an instructor in ental restaurant with a menu that the use of machine guns. He lost offers not only favorites such as two fingers during a training mis- falafel, humus and mousaka, but hap but learned to shoot heavy also such exotic dishes as harime, the same time, he encouraged his artillery using his legs. He then a fresh fish served with Moroc- new Thai wife to learn to make a completed a two-year mechanical can sauce. traditional falafel. Under his super- engineering course. There’s also a full list of Thai vision, she became an expert. He worked from 1976 to 1999 food for those who want to mix “We opened our first restaurant in the copper cable industry as a their meals. across from the Chalong police maintenance technician in a mine The Family is more than a res- station in 2000. It was a small built by the Germans. When it taurant. It’s also an art gallery, place but we soon began to attract closed in 1999, he began his new which he calls the Hall of Fame both residents and tourists so we life by traveling to Asia, including and Shame, and a place to watch were able to expand. We stayed Phuket. AZETTE classic concert videos. Ovadia’s there until 2007 when we were Ovadia has a very big interest G gallery is filled with posters of his forced to move due to redevelop- in music. HUKET favorite musicians, large photos of ment. We were fortunate to find “My first wife, an American, P THE his early life, and often famous this new location next to what brought a lot of rock ’n’ roll mu- FOR quotes about the meaning of life. would become a major shopping sic from the States to Israel, There is no other place like it in which I found very exciting. Later, HILD

center in Rawai.” C the world. another girlfriend introduced me

Ovadia was born in Baghdad as ETER P

“I call my restaurant ‘The Fam- part of the Sephardic Jewish com- to the Blues. Now, I never miss a Y ily’ because we are really one big munity. In 1951, his family concert. I’ve seen Joe Cocker five B family which makes it possible. I decided to immigrate to the new times, BB King three times, and am happy that I am able to em- State of Israel which had been just recently went to see Eric About Expat Gallery ploy so many family members established in 1948. Clapton live for the third time in and provide them with housing and “We were part of 130,000 Jews Bangkok.” The individuals profiled in “Expat Gallery” are chosen on the basis an education.” who moved to Israel. We lived in Ovadia’s The Family continues of their contributions to Phuket, and for having made those con- Ovadia came to Phuket in 1999. a tent community for seven years. to grow due to his reputation for tributions in successful partnerships with Thais. For many, the He planned to work as a tour leader Finally the family bought a house the authentic taste of his cuisine. contributions have entailed significant investment, often in the mid- for Israelis who wanted to make near Tel Aviv in 1958.” “I import almost all the spices 80s and 90s when the rules of business were, ahh, not always dive trips around the island. He He remembers the difficulties that I use from Israel. It gives my clear. Some are not in business at all, but all have one thing in became a partner in the dive boat that immigrant Jews had when food the right taste. And we make common: if there were a Who’s Who in Phuket, they’d be in it. Colona VI, which he supervised settling in their new homeland. our own products such as pita and the construction of in Ranong. At Sephardic and their Ashkenazy sell them around the island.” 22 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011 April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 23 Phony classic a roaring bore THE three classic pillars of Modernist lit- mance with Maria, sharing her bed in a cabin The one constant, returned to again and erature are Ulysses by James Joyce, Re- behind the main house: “Then everything again, is a long tequila-fueled night in 1976 membrance of Things Past by Marcel turned into a succession of concrete acts when the two poets interview the aged poet Proust and The Magic Mountain by Tho- and proper nouns and verbs, or pages from Amadeo Salvatierra. They are on the track of mas Mann. Recently I’ve seen three criti- an anatomy manual scattered like flower a poetess from the 1920s, Cesarea Tinajero, cal articles taking potshots at Ulysses as pedals, chaotically linked.” who eventually disappeared in Sonora. being clumsy, overblown and humorless. One of the symptoms Quim Font has is And then we come at last to the novels I would like to take a an infatuation with a conclusion, again taken up in Juan Garcia blunderbuss to the phony prostitute named Lupe Madero’s journal in the car trip to Sonora masterpiece The Savage who takes shelter in his in the last 55-page section called “The Detectives (Picador, home in fear of her Sonora Deset (1976)”. Their mission now New York, 2007, 648pp). knife-wielding pimp is not only to keep Lupe from her pursuant Critics routinely call the author Robert Alberto. On New Year’s Eve, Lupe escapes pimp Alberto, but to find the long-lost Bolano “a genius”. But this sprawling novel north to Sonora in the family Chrysler, ac- Cesarea Tinajero. about Mexican poets is sloppy, self-indul- companied by Madero, Ulises Lima and The narrative strands come together in gent, meandering, turgid and terminally Arturo Belano. one final spasm of violence and the reader boring. The next 540 pages are entitled “The thinks: I endured all these meandering plot It starts out okay. The first section Savage Detectives (1976-1996)”. Now the twists for this? “Mexicans Lost in Mexico (1975)” is a 138- narrative torture begins in earnest. This To be fair, there are some rewards. The page journal kept by a young poet, Juan section is told in a series of interviews with story of how a hapless Ulises Lima is shang- Garcia Madero in Mexico City. A 17-year- perhaps a hundred characters, each haied on a plane full of leftist poets to old law student, he is invited to voice the marked with a street address, a city, a Nicaragua to attend a “solidarity” meeting “visceral realists”, a group of poets headed country and a date. with Sandinista poets is richly comical. by Ulises Lima and Arturo Belano. After they return to Mexico City, Ulises And the concluding pages of the de- Madero promptly quits school, leaves Lima heads off to Barcelona and Arturo tective section, when a terminally ill home, shacks up with a waitress and de- Belano to Paris. The interview motif is a DON’T BOTHER: It’s narrative torture. Arturo Belano finds a new life in Africa, votes himself to poetry, journal-keeping, very clumsy one, each character being re- are rewarding. The section on the Liberian cafe-hopping, booze and marijuana. We are quired to tell his or her lengthy back story STEER CLEAR: This is one to miss. civil war elevates the novel with traits that also introduced to the other members of before reaching the point when they en- decades of separate trails to Israel, had previously been lacking: Action, plot, the visceral realists, who oppose main- counter either Lima or Belano. This Vienna, Nicaragua, Los Angeles, Rome, dialogue and vivid description. A pity you stream poets like Octavio Paz. outside-looking-in perspective has the added Angola and Liberia. Each poet returns at have to wade through so many pages to Of these, two of the most prominent are disadvantage of distancing the reader from one point to Mexico City, where they dis- get there. sisters Maria and Angelica Font, daughters the two characters who are supposed to be cover that they have long been forgotten Before his death in 2003, Belano pro- of Quim Font, an architect who is slowly carrying the novel. on the trail from ardent youth to bitter duced another novel 2666, weighing in at going insane. Madero stumbles into a ro- The narrative advances through two middle age. 1,100 pages. I will give this a wide berth. Behold the royal Pulitzer prize winners announced WINNERS of the 2011 Pulitzer flow of celebrity to incisive dis- The prize for non-fiction was Prize were announced earlier sections of marriage and family to awarded to The Emperor of All this week. There were 17 prizes a provocative vision of where Maladies: A Biography of Can- jewels in a book for journalism and seven arts America is headed, A Visit from cer by Siddhartha Mukherjee. prizes doled out. Here’s a pinch the Goon Squad is unnerving, ex- The Guardian writer notes: THE first Thai book about the out a message that it was joining of what some international me- hilarating, and irresistible.” “He calls this great and beauti- Royal Family’s jewelry collection their ranks. dia said about the winning titles. The prize for biography went ful book a biography, rather than – most of it from Faberg and Rama V was the first Siamese The fiction prize winner was to Washington: A Life by Ron a history, because he wants his Cartier – is an opulent eye-popper. monarch to visit Europe, making A Visit from the Goon Squad Chernow, which chronicles the life reader to understand his sub- Changthong Luang Haeng two trips, in 1897 and 1907. While by Jennifer Egan. Set in New of George Washington. The Tele- ject not just as a disease, a Phramahakasat (“The King’s forging diplomatic links there, he York in 2020, the two main graph said: “This combination of scientific problem or a social Royal Goldsmiths”) by Rattakorn acquired many exquisite works of characters reflect on their lives, endurance and decency is a chal- condition, but as a character – Mongkolthum traces royal gems art, including jewelry from the recounting tales all the way lenge for any biographer, but this an antagonist with a story to since the reign of King Rama V House of Cartier in Paris and from back to the 70s. Random book brings a lost world to light tell through its eerie relation- in a series of beautifully illus- Peter Carl Faberg in St Petersburg. House said: “From a trenchant and skilfully places Washington – ships to the wider biological and trated articles. Along with his own purchases, look at the vagaries of the mu- statesman, general, family man, animal world that is also, in- “I have great respect for our there were the gifts of jewelry sic business and the ebb and lover – firmly in it.” exorably, our story.” monarchy, which inspired my from European royalty, among book,” says Rattakorn, who earned them Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. official access to the collection. Nicholas II’s gifts piqued inter- “I’m particularly impressed by est in Faberg gems among other Her Majesty’s profound interest in members of the royal family, so art, as reflected in her Silpacheep much so that Karl Faberg was initiative to support craftsmen.” invited to visit Siam in 1904. His King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) representatives were even on hand appointed Faberg and Cartier as to help celebrate King Rama’s 40th official Royal goldsmiths. Over the anniversary on the throne. years, the Siamese court fostered In 1911 Faberg mounted an ex- distinctive designs that combined hibition at the Oriental Hotel in Western and Eastern styles. Bangkok. There was an array of Rattakorn knows his subject remarkable items made for Rama well. He studied in France, obtain- V, including enameled pigs and ing a bachelor’s degree in elaborate Buddha statues and finely archeology and a master’s in art detailed bowls for his son. history with a major in the history Rattakorn reports that it is diffi- of jewelry from the Sorbonne. cult to find any Cartier pieces in the “The royal jewelry collection royal collection now, probably be- reflects Siam’s drive for moder- cause they were dispersed among nity,” Pharani writes. Rama V’s many descendants. “Faberge and Cartier [jewelry However, says Rattakorn, King pieces] were like the cultural sym- Chulalongkorn’s fine gold-enamel bols of the Western superpowers. work can be viewed at the And with their jewelry in its pos- Vimanmek Teak Palace. session, Siam itself was sending – The Nation 24 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011 Class in session with chef Danilo

Chef Danilo with his students. PIZZA PERFECTION: Making the perfect pizza pie is now an option for all of us. DAN THE MAN: Chef Danilo has started a pizza school on Phuket. IF YOU want to learn how to culinary adventure. Danilo, who spent most of his around the island will send make pizza and pasta like an Ital- But the 42-year-old said his life working in Switzerland as their junior kitchen ian chef, now you can. company doesn’t just specialize in a pizzaiolo, has won the staff to his cooking The island’s first Italian cook- teaching. Far from it. Food Ser- Pizza Acrobatics World school. ing school has opened in Kathu, vices Asia also deals in the Championship three “We want to in- and for budding chefs – or food production of homemade pasta times and operated crease the quality of fans with no cooking experience and pizza, as well as providing successful pizza pro- pizza and pasta ser- – you can learn tricks of the trade consultancy services to a number duction facilities. vices on the island first-hand from a professional of Phuket resorts. “Who would not want to help local busi- chef. “We are the first to do this on to learn how to make nesses. We will Italian chef and CEO of the Phuket, and I’m sure our profes- pizza from a three-time support of custom- newly opened Food Services Asia, sional service will mean World Champion?” Danilo ers with a competent Danilo Sangrigoli, is the man the company will be a success,” says. and serious partnership,” For more information, see W:food who will guide you in your new he said. Danilo hopes restaurants he adds. – Phuket Gazette servicesth.com The Spy uncovers a fresh food gem IT’S easy to drive past this bou- tique restaurant without ever no- ticing it. A make believe suburban cottage almost hidden by abundant foliage, it stands whimsically aloof, unmindful of the busy traffic on Her transition to chef was easy, Chao Fa Road West. as she modestly claims to have At the front gate a green oval learned everything about good cook- nameplate, evocative of a sense of ing from her mother Waraporn. wellbeing, announces it as Chanya Even more modestly she explains Healthy Cuisine. Inside, it exudes the restaurant is named after her a feeling of privacy with comfort- great grandfather who was the gov- able old style furniture, paintings ernor of Phuket in 1957. of epic scenes and a small collec- An incredibly talented young tion of antiques such as His Phuket chef, Toey cooks ever dish Masters Voice gramophone and a herself. From the 60-item menu, grandfather clock. almost everything priced under You are cordially greeted by the 100 baht, we ordered mushroom owner cum chef, Atiporn (Toey) spring rolls as a safe starter but Jittanonta, 24-year-old daughter of were lucky to also choose the Dr Suchon, who runs the Phuket more exotic shredded coconut Animal Hospital across the road. shoot salad with fried shrimps. Commenting on how as a Two separate vegetables – red graduate in multimedia design organic spinach and assorted from Silapakorn University in Japanese mushrooms stir fried Bangkok, she drifted into the noble with olive oil, green curry with art of cooking, Toey says “Our homemade fish balls and soy milk family had difficulty finding a de- and yellow curry with shrimps cent Thai food place around here. formed out main meal with every Most Thai food tends to have dish cooked to perfection. MSG, sugar and coconut milk and Alas, we had not left enough is cooked mainly in palm oil.” room for Toey’s signature desert So she started Chanya to cook of chocolate lava with homemade mainly seafood and organic veg- vanilla ice cream. But it was a de- etables using rice bran and cold light to have discovered a place press extra virgin olive oils, with a most friendly ambiance, un- soymilk and a minimum of sugar. pretentious prices and superb food. April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 25

ciation. All proceeds will be sent to the Japanese Rotary Club. Con- April 24. Easter Egg Hunt tact Mark Norris at T:080-5251400 E:[email protected] or Easter Sunday is “Family Day” at the Friendship Beach Resort in Rawai. For the kids there’s visit W:rawainaiharn.com. the “Great Friendship Beach Easter Egg Hunt”, starting at 3:30pm. There will be great prizes to be won, a fun child’s candy basket for every hunter, a special kids menu, and a beautiful April 29. Resort Property April 23-24. I Ching: Ancient beachside pool. For mum and dad there’s the April promo Happy Hour from 3pm-7pm. Draught Market Update Chinese Divination Workshop beer at 60 baht, plus our usual enticing menu of edible delights. AMCHAM Thailand’s Greater The I Ching (Book of Changes) is Phuket Chapter and Property Re- the foundation book of Chinese Residents: don’t forget your SCE port South East Asia (PRSEA) in- culture and the basis of most Tao- Card for 15 per cent off. Beauti- vite you to a seminar at which a ist systems, including Feng Shui. ful views, swimming pool, deli- group of Thailand’s leading prop- It is said to be the oldest oracle of cious food, refreshing drinks, erty experts will discuss the re- all, dating back 4,500-5,000 years. and happy kids. What more sort markets of Greater Phuket, This workshop is held by Dr could you want from an Easter Koh Samui, Pattaya and Hua Hin. Gerald Tur, a student of Diego Sunday? Learn who’s hot and who’s not, Gavelli under Chinese Grandmas- and share some insights into ter Chan Khun Wah. Sifu Gerald today’s real estate market. There teaches the art of divinaton from will also be a special update on more than nine years of personal hotel transactions – past, present, experience. He was introduced to and future. It will be at the Holi- the Confucian and Taoist systems day Inn, Patong. Speakers include of I Ching divination by his David Simister, Chmn, CBRE teacher. From 9:30am to 4:30pm Thailand, Patima Jeerapaet, at the Phuket Meditation Centre. Contact Charlie Maurer at Chmn, Colliers International Thai- Contact Tobi or Parn (English, T:089-7285304 E:michael@ land, Duangjai Kraus, MD, Engel German or Thai) at T:087-279755 friendshipbeach.com or visit & Volkers Thailand and Andrew E:info @phuket-meditationcom or W:friendshipbeach.com. Langdon, Sr VP, Jones Lang visit W:phuket-meditation.com LaSalle. Hotels Moderator will be day at Two Chefs, Kata Center. April 23. Wine dinner at The Brunch on the Boardwalk” every Andrew Batt, Managing Editor, April 23. TSLC IronKids Parking nearby. 395 baht only, Pavilions Sunday from April 24 onwards, PRSEA. Attendance is open to the The TSLC IronKids Phuket including VAT. You can also find Keep this date free and come to from 11am to 3pm. Mums and public. Admission is 200 baht, Triathlon, for children aged from Two Chefs on Facebook. Contact an evening with acclaimed wine- Dads dine on the buffet, includ- free for AMCHAM members. 6 to 15, offers age-appropriate Krister or Mattias from 12pm to maker Pascal Jolivet, from the ing one complimentary cocktail. Cash bar for networking cocktails races and training with an empha- 3pm at Two Chefs Restaurant, Loire Valley in France. The Pa- Kids can enjoy all their favorites. starting from 6:30pm. Contact sis on fitness, fun and safety. Kata Center at T:076-330065 E: vilions’ Executive Chef Alec Price: 795baht++ per adult, in- Sheree Tanpensuk, at T: 02- Swim, bike and run. Ages 6-8 yrs [email protected] or visit Lomas and his team will prepare cluding one glass of house wine. 2541041(ext 212) E:sheree old: 50m, 3km, 500m. Ages 9-11 W:twochefs.com a six-course dinner created 50 per cent discount per child age @amchamthailand.com or visit yrs old: 150m, 6km, 1.5km. Ages especially to pair with Jolivet’s under 12. Free for children under W:amchamthailand.com 12-15 yrs old: 300m, 12km, 3km. April 23. Wine Tasting @ Wine stunning wines. Hurry and book 5. From noon there will be face Sponsored by the Phuket Ga- Lovers Rawai because seats are limited and go- painting and balloon twisting, and April 29. Indian Feast zette. Contact: Claire Ratcliffe at This is the second edition of ing fast. Tickets are 2,600 each child will have the chance to Introducing an “Indian Feast” at T:076-336000 E:claire@iron monthly wine tastings from 6:30 ++baht and the event is from win fabulous prizes from Coco the Les Anges in RPM. Enjoy Indian kidsphuket.com for more infor- pm to 9:30 pm at the Fisherman’s 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Contact Clown. For reservations, contact cuisine every Friday evening from mation about the event. Way after mini Tesco Lotus. Red Francois Poletti at T:076-317600 Les Anges staff at T:076-360803, 7pm to 10pm. On April 29, and and white wines and tapas buffet E:fb.phuket@thepavilion or Chef Pascal at T:081-9680738. every other Friday night thereaf- April 23. Saturday Brunch @ 499 baht only. Contact Gumrai sresorts.com or visit W:thepa E:[email protected] ter, homemade Indian food will be Enjoy a delicious buffet and at T:076-384663 E:info@wine vilionsresorts.com or visit W:royalphuketmarina.com prepared and served by experi- drinks, and listen to live music loversphuket.com or visit W: enced Indian chef Padam Kahtri. with Mj and Megan every Satur- wineloversphuket.com April 23. RPM Salsa Night April 27. Party for Japan Come on down for a truly authen- Welcome all dance lovers. Let’s Party for Japan is a fundraising tic Indian food experience. Price: dance the Cha-cha, Bachata, event for the people of Japan from 495 baht net per person. Contact Samba, Rumba and more with DJ 7pm to 10pm at DaVinci Restau- Les Anges restaurant at T:076- Free Computer Clinics Miscaro & Oy from 6.30pm. Free rant in Nai Harn. Organized by the 360803 E:pascal @lesanges.com entrance. Snacks buffet available Rawai, Nai Harn Business Asso- or visit W:les anges.com from 8pm to 10pm at 350++ baht Is Windows driving you nuts? Want to know about the best per person. Dress code: Colorful. Internet connections in Phuket? Need help finding a repair Contact Anna at T:084-0517455 shop or a dealer that knows what they’re doing? Join For (Thai, English) or Didier at T:084- Dummies… author and local Windows guru Woody Leonhard 3062016 (French, English), or in his free weekly seminars. Sponsored by Woody’s contact Murat (RPM) at T:081- Sandwich Shoppes and the Phuket Gazette. 7973364 E:muratc@royal phuket marina.com or visit W:royal April 24 and May 15 – Chalong phuketmarina.com May 1 – Patong May 8 – Laguna April 24. Family Brunch on the Starts at 10am Boardwalk For more info contact Woody T:076-290468 Les Anges at Royal Phuket Ma- rina will be hosting a “Family 26 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011 Cousteau here all week to eye marine matters GUIDING the legacy of famed oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau is his young- est son Pierre-Yves who will visit Phuket from April 25 to 28 to promote the Cousteau Divers global initiative. Pierre, 29, has taken the reins of his father’s work to further drive environ- mental awareness of our oceans. While in Phuket he will meet with local divers, dive companies that promote marine resource awareness, schools and others interested in marine preservation. Known as the “Commander”, his father Jacques, pioneered new levels of ma- rine exploration by introducing new technologies such as the Aqua-Lung, which he developed with Emile Gagnan. Before he died in 1997, he made over 120 documen- taries, wrote 50 books and established an environmental protection foundation with more than 300,000 members so that future generations may enjoy our planet’s largest unexplored area. In this exclusive interview with the Phuket Gazette, Pierre-Yves answers ques- tions about key issues facing the Phuket diving community: coral bleaching, the Pierre-Yves Cousteau is coming to Phuket. killing of sharks, artificial reefs and pollution. Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Phuket Gazette: What is the purpose of One aspect of particular concern to people with raised awareness of our plan- forward that the whole world needs to your trip to Phuket? divers on Phuket is the killing of sharks ets beauty and fragility, the more power to make in the very near future. Pollution and Pierre-Yves: I am spearheading a worldwide for shark fin soup. What is your posi- impose the interest of our well-being and sewage from cities, industries and resorts program to unite divers for the protection of tion on this matter? ultimately survival, the more hope for a must be treated and re-used with industrial the oceans (www.cousteaudivers.org) us- Today, over 80 million sharks are killed each golden future of prosperity and harmony ecosystem applications before going to the ing divers as active agents for the study and year for their fins, to provide this delicacy with our environment. sea. The ocean is no longer a bottomless preservation of marine life which will allow to the Asian market. That’s 200,000 sharks well that we can throw everything we don’t us to obtain a near real-time diagnosis of the a day. At that rate, needless to say, it will Another issue is coral whitening be- like into. In searching for ways to ‘close health of oceans worldwide and to react to not be long before they become extinct al- cause of warm seas. Thai authorities are the loop’ on our waste products, we can environmental alerts – much like an immune together. Divers will go out of their way to planning to close some dive areas in na- discover respectful ways of living in har- system for the oceans. I come to witness dive with sharks. Fishing and marine prod- tional parks. The diving community mony with nature. Environmental con- the state of the diving community of Phuket, ucts play an important role in the livelihoods would like to see more artificial reefs sciousness is an engine of innovation. to explore potential partnerships, and I must and economy of the created to help off- admit, to have fun diving. Asian community. It is set this. Are you What other issues would you like to in their own interest to supportive of such a raise awareness about while in Phuket? Are you familiar with any environmen- protect sharks, which move? The importance of Marine Protected Areas tal issues relating to diving in Phuket? help keep the ocean Closing dive sites in for the resilience of marine ecosystems. Sci- If so, what? healthy and drive a lot national parks can help entists tell us that we need to have 20 per There are a number of environmental is- of money to the recre- the recovery of cent of the world’s oceans declared ‘no- sues related to diving that apply virtually ational diving industry benthic organisms. take’ zones (where fishing is not allowed) everywhere. Divers want to see a healthy each year. However, there are in order for the oceans to recover from all marine environment during their dives, and Eating shark fin examples of sustain- the pressure we are putting on them (pollu- the business of diving directly benefits from soup is a cultural behavior. It has no nutri- able and economically interesting exploita- tion, fishing, global warming, etc). Today, the health of the seas. Hence, it is in the tional value, and I have been told is quite tion of dive sites. Creating artificial reefs less than one percent of the oceans have interest of Thailand’s multi-million dollar rec- tasteless. The reason why this tradition is can help marine life develop in some areas. such a protection. Our survival depends on reational diving industry to create and en- having such a profound impact on global The most important thing is to create these that of our oceans. They provide us with force marine protected areas such as ‘no- shark populations is because so many reefs under supervision of qualified scien- 50 per cent of the oxygen we breathe, with take zones’, where all kinds of fishing is people are repeating that tradition. With tists, after assessing the potential environ- proteins that are vital to hundreds of mil- strictly prohibited. seven billion people living on this planet, mental impacts. lions of people living off the sea and with Beginner scuba divers regrettably, can we must ask ourselves which elements of climate regulation. pose a threat to ecosystems. Poorly trained our cultures and everyday lives have ne- Both pollution of the seas around or inexperienced divers who cannot prop- farious environmental effects when Phuket with run-off from the land and Pierre-Yves Cousteau’s visit is sponsored by: erly control their buoyancy can cause millions, or even billions, of people repeat plastic bags from tourism and shipping Indochine Group, The Adventure Club, serious damage to the delicate benthic (low- them each day. are problems. What solutions would you Calistoga Yacht Charters, All4Diving, Asia est level of a body of water) organisms, ‘The more people, the more power, the suggest for this type of issue? Yacht Agency, Headstart School and Phuket such as corals. more hope,’ my father once said. The more Eliminating throw-away plastic is a step International Academy. April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 27 Laugh a minute

The wonders of Wingman SKY HIGH: Phuket pilot Les Vorosmarthy has been a busy man of late. He awed revellers with a one-off acrobatic performance in the skies above Patong during the Songkran holiday, and last week hosted another death-defying display of sensational skills at Phuket Airpark. At the Songkran show, stunned locals and tourists watched as Les performed spins, stalls, slips, slides, barrel rolls, snap rolls, wing-overs, loops, waterfalls, and a host more spectacular stunts above Patong. Pictured above, Les sits on his beloved 300 horsepower, Extra 300L stunt plane. Keep your eyes to the sky for Les and his signature red plane in the coming months; there’s bound to be more awe-inspiring shows soon. Photo: Dan Miles

THESE three funny men sent Phuket expats into fits of giggles earlier this week at the Phuket Punchline Comedy Club’s latest event. Pictured from left: British compere David Morgan, Scotsman Vladimir McTavish and Dan Evans put on a laugh-a-minute performance at the Holiday Inn resort in Patong on Wednesday night. Good reason to splash out After the Phuket gig, the comedy trio were due to head to Hua Hin on Thursday and then Bangkok on Friday and Saturday as part of their Thailand tour. SALA Phuket welcomed the Songkran holiday with a “long drum procession” and dance The Punchline Comedy series is sponsored by the Phuket Gazette. See future issues performance, followed with water blessing and traditional Songkran games. of this newspaper for the next side-splitting night of comedy. Photo: Dean Noble 28 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011

Across 1. Baseball’s Sandberg 5. Slumbered 10. Queens stadium 14. Someone who isn’t closing their eyes 15. Stopwatch A Gazette staff member completed this 16. Price maze in 46 seconds. Can you can beat 17. Fruit filled pie their time? Make your way out of the maze. 18. Licorice like flavoring 19. Peter Fonda title role 20. Impossible to forget 23. Almost deer 24. Dine 25. Foundation 33. Wood nymph 34. Listen attentively 35. Skye cap 36. Electric fish 37. Grimy 39. Basic monetary unit of Ghana 40. Much___About Nothing, play by Shakespeare 41. Melt together 42. A critical___ 43. Rebellion 47. Besides 48. Sheet music abbr. 49. Intellects 33. Faculty head B A 56. Lump of earth 37. Like some ulcers 58. Destitute 38. AOL eg 59. Earthen pot 39. Dernier ___ 60. Hindu princess 41. Comic sans eg 61. First name in photography 42. French basic verb 62. Film___ 44. Frank 63. Tailless amphibian 45. Commando 64. Brit’s bottle measure 46. Sock pattern 65. Checked out 11. Gap 49. ___Isle in West Scotland 12. Compass point 50. Filmmaker Riefenstahl Down 13. Broke bread 51. For fear that 1. Queue after Q 21. Hollow grass 52. Nada 2. Bring forth young 22. Male deer 53. Satiate 3. Soft ball brand 25. Hives 54. Night author Wiesel 4. This, in Tijuana 26. Parachute material 55. Reddish. brown gem 5. Person of experience 27. ___Kapital 56. PC monitor 6. Passenger ships 28. Trio 57. Philosopher ___ Tzu 7. Expel gas or odor 29. Informer 30. In___(unborn) 8. Annoyance Provided by BestCrosswords.com. 31. Radioactive gas 9. Exchequer Used with permission. 10. Carve 32. Chieftain, usually in Africa Puzzle solutions on page 39

ARIES (March 21-April 20): to take action. Your creative SCORPIO (October 24-Novem- from people and situations that Arians are advised to be energy is strong at the moment and ber 22): Scorpios could could stir up your emotions. wary of a business this is the ideal time to consider a find it difficult to know Money matters are well-starred, proposal from an earth new pastime. Another air sign where to direct their at- with financial gain highlighted sign this week. There are signs has interesting suggestions this tention this week. Those who are midweek. A water sign is ready that this idea could prove to be pie weekend. regaining strength after being to tug your heartstrings this in the sky. Other fire signs can be under the weather should focus on weekend, but all is not quite as it relied upon and your chances of CANCER (June 22-July 23): their own needs. Another water appears to be. success in May are strong. As The atmosphere is VIRGO (August 23-September sign could try to send you on a April draws to a close, your mind clearer for Cancerians 23): Virgoans are guilt trip on Monday or Tuesday AQUARIUS (January 21-Febru- could be occupied with thoughts this week. Your luck in strongly advised to turn try suggesting tactfully that this ary 19): A missed of a relationship that ended earlier business increases and there are a blind eye and a deaf person should concentrate on their opportunity is forecast this year. The person in question signs that financial gain will come ear to something that is irritating own business. Keeping your to come back in an- is likely to reappear soon. by the end of April. The source or upsetting early next week. The romantic hopes realistic brings other form during the last week could be promotion or a new stars hint that there will be more satisfaction in a new of April. Aquarians are advised to TAURUS (April 21-May 21): enterprise if you are self-em- nothing you can do in this situa- relationship. remain alert for communication The stars are ready to ployed. Romance is likely to be tion and your energy is better put from those with influence – this encourage Taureans to sweet and sour – those who were to use elsewhere. The course of SAGITTARIUS (November 23- is not an auspicious time to head go in a more exciting hoping for a relationship with an true love may not be as smooth December 21): Events for a remote island. In the realm direction this week. Inspiration is earth sign are likely to be disap- as you had hoped for, but friends could be moving more of romance, a situation that you forecast to come from people who pointed, but an old flame is ready help you to put personal problems quickly than Sagit- did not see coming could cause you haven’t been in contact with to reappear in your life. in a healthier perspective this tarians would like this week. The some confusion this weekend. recently. A business deal that has weekend. stars suggest that an air sign could been in the pipeline for too long LEO (July 24-August 22): try to persuade you to make up PISCES (February 20-March 20): should now start to take shape. New challenges and LIBRA (September 24-October your mind before you are ready. Pisceans are advised to Those with a birthday during the opportunities are wait- 23): A fire sign friend or Business related decisions will be put less effort into last week of April can look ing in the shadows. partner could tempt you best taken in May as this is one of impressing others this forward to a year in which they Leos are advised to spend the last to spend more than you the luckiest months of the year for week. The stars advise that you can make their mark. week of April sorting through can afford this weekend. Librans you. Romance with an air sign concentrate on who you are and their lives and eliminating re- are advised to remind themselves looks hot, but a casual relationship what you can do and positive GEMINI (May 22-June 21): sponsibilities that are bringing which bills will have to be paid at with a water sign cools down. results will follow. Developing Geminis are advised to too much work and little reward. the end of the month. Your ideas more interest in the arts is fore- listen to their voice of Your financial outlook improves. for a summer holiday are forecast CAPRICORN (December 22- cast to occupy your time as April reason this week. Dur- Those waiting for Cupid to act to be altered by information January 20): Those ends and May begins. This could ing the final days of April you on their behalf should be pleased received from overseas. Those born under the sign of lead to travel to far-flung places could be likely to react too hastily by events this weekend. Your with a family should consider Capricorn could be par- during the summer. Lucky days to unconfirmed stories. The stars lucky number this week is everybody’s point of view before ticularly vulnerable this week. The for romance are Tuesday and indicate that May will be the month seven. making concrete plans. stars advise taking a step back Wednesday. April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 29

Istana scoops top award for Asia-Pacific PURE STYLE: The design, marketing and multiple residence aspects of Istana were voted best in the Asia-Pacific. PRISM Estates, developers of the able for sale at prices starting at property competition, the awards homes while remaining environ- Istana Phuket residential develop- US$4.25 million for the four-bed- are supported by Bloomberg Tele- mentally sensitive has resonated ment in Nai Thon, has won three room configuration, US$6.45mn vision, Google, The New York with the judges,” he added. Asia Pacific Property Awards in for the five to six-bedroom con- Times and its international edition Winners from the Asia Pacific the categories Architecture Mul- figuration and US$8.45mn for the the International Herald Tribune. Property Awards, now including tiple Residence, Development seven-bedroom Villa 19. The prime focus of the com- Istana Phuket, will compete Multi Residence and Development The villas bested entries from petition is to seek out the best real against other winning companies Marketing. a record 21 countries taking part estate professionals worldwide. from Europe, Africa, the Ameri- The presentation of awards will in the Asia Pacific Awards this “We are delighted that the inter- cas and Arabia to find the World’s be at a gala presentation dinner at year, including entrants for the national community has recognized Best in each category. The Longemont Hotel in Shang- Richard Cohen first time from Papua New our dedication and passion to the Both in 2009 and 2010, the Asia- hai during the Property Summit on world-renowned principal of Guinea, Tonga and Cambodia. quality design we’ve lavished on Pacific region scooped no less than May 30 and 31, to be attended GFAB Architects Gary Fell. They The awards are part of the In- Istana,” said Richard Cohen, seven World’s Best awards. by hundreds of leading property offer sophisticated architecture ternational Property Awards, Director of Sales at Istana Phuket. The industry is now watching professionals from across the based on intelligent contemporary which were established 17 years “We’re honored to represent with great interest to see if this Asia-Pacific region. design, ultimate quality and ago and cover residential as well Thailand in this regional competi- feat can be matched – or beaten – Istana Phuket features 19 indi- environmental harmony. as commercial developments. tion and pleased that our at the final awards at London’s vidually designed residences by Ten of the villas are still avail- As the world’s most prestigious philosophy of developing luxury Savoy Hotel on December 12.

2416_LP_LVHalfPageAd_10-5x7.indd 1 30/3/2554 8:59:12 30 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY April 23 - 29, 2011

Property 101: Teaching Hospitality giant Boutique Group going commercial dictators how to surf LEADING Thailand hospitality firm, the Boutique Group, is set to diversify into community shop- WHOEVER said “Charlie don’t ping malls. surf” must have not been to Lead by founder Prab Thakral, Phuket lately. It’s the crack of the expanding company operates dawn and drifting quietly on a four extremely popular Citadines surfboard, just past the point break Serviced Apartments and two at the northern end of Bang Tao Oakwood branded properties in Beach, is a sleepy Muammar Bangkok. Gaddafi. The latest development is into Despite being one of the most a retail center is called Rain Hill, despised leaders in the chaotic and will open before the end of pineapple upside-down cake of this year on Sukhumvit Soi 47. current affairs, for locals he’s known simply as Charlie. Stepping foot on the island only Anantara Vacation a few days ago, he decided a little “personal – me time” might clear Club targets Phuket the cluttered mess of domestic insurgency. SHARED ownership is looking to He came across an ad on gain market share in the challeng- Craigslist during some late-night ing resort property market and Internet browsing down in the new entry, Anantara Vacation Club bunker. The tagline “surf school (AVC), is targeting Thailand’s for dictators” beckoned the click resort islands. of his gold-plated mouse. Having launched two initial of- Of course other options were ferings for their branded resorts crying out from the screen, such in Phuket and on Koh Samui, the as Muay Thai training, meditation, firm is working on a flexible detox and Northern hilltribe culi- points-based system, as compared nary classes, but it was the motion SHOOT THE TUBE: High-end oceanfront properties appeal to all walks of market niches. Photo: Mila Zinkova to the old-school system whereby of the ocean that stirred a quick bar full of binge drinkers. if in fact Idi Amin were still alive weeks are offered. click to action. Yes dark times emerged, but or when Noriega was due for pa- The group has announced plans Growing up in a tented camp let’s just put the specifics aside and role, one thing was for sure – that for expansion this year in Bali. Also deep in the desert, the young dic- leave it at that. the catchment of high-net-worth- in the pipeline are robust regional tator-in-waiting was tending to Sobriety was a new-found call- soon-to-be-Xboxed head honchos plans which include China. camels when he first heard the Dummies (not to be confused ing card and during one late-night was on the upswing. Members are able to use points Beach Boys’ Surfin’ USA on a with the neo-Nazi movement for relapse with multiple bottles of And with Phuket’s ample sup- for stays at both Phuket and Koh small transistor radio for the very Dummies), is the brainchild of Sang Thip whiskey littering the ply of ready-to-buy ultra villas, a Samui while destinations are ex- first time. a trio of ex-surfers turned real floor like fallen toy soldiers, a plan plan was hatched. pected to quickly expand. While that was indeed many estate brokers. was hatched to tap into an emerg- Soon the parade of private jets AVC has also teamed up with years ago, it is a memory he clings Though the three amigos, as ing property market: relocating were queuing for clearance to exchange provider RCI (formerly to all these years later, just like the they call themselves, Mick, Chet deposed dictators. land at Phuket Airport and the Resort Condominiums Interna- Hauser automatic pistol he grips and The Bruiser were at the top But of course, just like twisted rest as we know is history. Well, tional), which offers a wide variety tightly each night when he falls of their game living the dream a songwriters, the guys understood sort of. of international destinations. asleep. few years ago, the global finan- that a clever hook was needed to It’s bowling night as the mot- SSD, or Surf School For cial crisis came like last call at a first get prospective purchasers to ley crew board their minibus and Bali condotels draw Phuket. head down to the alley at Fishing where the fish were Jungceylon. Charlie has dressed mass local buyers made absolute sense and while the for the occasion, swapping over resort property market had tanked his trademark robe for a pair of ASIA’s popular tourism destina- faster than yet another Adam Quiksilver boardshorts, Sanuk tion Bali is experiencing huge Sandler movie, the opportunity to sandals and sports some new growth in its real estate market. create a niche segment made their cornrows in a reggae theme. Recent research found that eyes grow larger than flying sau- For some this may seem like sales pace for 2010 and for the cers – or it may have the other a scene out of the Theatre of first quarter of 2011 remains high. chemicals they were using at the the Absurd, but on this island One key segment is the condo time. the guys fit right in. After all, it’s hotel (commonly referred to as Brainstorming sessions ensued just another way to sell real condotel) segment, with over and while no one could figure out estate. 4,000 units in the market. Indonesian buyers, mostly from Jakarta, are flocking to these both for investment and lifestyle/usage.

Do you have any breaking news about Phuket property? Email [email protected] April 23 - 29, 2011 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 31 Demand grows for ultra-luxury at Surin Beach SURIN Beach, on Phuket’s west coast, is a small, unassuming beach town that has slowly – and quietly – evolved into one of Asia’s hottest tropical property markets. With luxury buyers now returning to the Phuket market after the world economic crisis, local experts suggest demand for exclusive Surin Beach real estate will soon surpass supply. Helping to alleviate this supply shortage for high-end properties is Yang Som, a newly completed five-bedroom, six-level estate villa recently listed on the market for US$5.8 One of the completed Yang Som ‘ultra villas’. million. massive 1,530sqm of living space and sub- Last year, adding to the Surin property stantial 20m pool. market mystique, a local five-star residen- This six-level home is serviced by two ENDLESS SUMMER: Luxury buyers are returning, seeking those priceless villas and views. tial resort sold over 15 luxury homes elevators and is ideal for those wanting one tions, Surin Beach showcases luxury Asian To say this growing “Asian Rivera” and off-plan at prices ranging from US$6-8 of the most sophisticated villas in the Surin icons including the ultra-exclusive Amanpuri the surrounding Andaman region offers million. area. and Twin Palms Resort. lifestyle choices is an understatement. “There is already a very limited amount Built in the Northern Thai architectural The area also continues to host a grow- The region is consistently rated as one of of high-end inventory for sale in the Surin style, every level of the home soaks up the ing number of the island’s best restaurants the world’s best sailing, diving and golfing Beach area,” says Tom Travers, Managing afternoon sun with vistas over Surin and and beach clubs, such as the trendy Catch playgrounds, plus there are many superb Partner of Indigo Real Estate. Bang Tao beaches. Beach Club and hip Stereo Lab. beaches and natural wonders to explore. “There are no projects in the planning The villa is part of an established Located a 30-minute drive from beach Factor in Phuket’s range of world-class stage for the area, so it will be years before residential development with on-site man- cousin Patong, Surin Beach is sandwiched hospitals, restaurants, nightlife and shop- supply catches up with the demand,” he agement, security, clubhouse, tennis court in the middle of one of Thailand’s most ping choices, and the reason soon becomes added. and restaurant. exclusive and expensive real estate regions, clear why Phuket has long been on the road Yang Som is set on a double-size sea- Already recognized as one of the world’s which includes the Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, to becoming Asia’s leading tourist and view plot of 2,458 square meters with a most beautiful and hippest tropical destina- Laguna and Nai Thon areas. second-home destination. 32 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY April 23 - 29, 2011 Unearthing soil Tip of the pH level woes week

TORRENTS of unseasonable rain in recent weeks have pro- vided an opportunity to test the soil in my garden. Good soil tester sets are, in my experience, not easy to find in Thailand, and this one came cour- tesy of an American friend who had recently been back to California and remembered my soil-testing grievances. The set consists of four sepa- rate testing kits: One for testing the pH level and three smaller kits for testing Nitrogen, Phosphorus GETTING YOUR HANDS DIRTY: It’s best to check soil conditions before planting. and Potash (or N, P and K for a pH preference, and an ideal pH els are an indication of an acid, short). The letters, incidentally, are helps them to better utilize nutri- neutral or alkaline soil. Soil condi- often all you get when buying bags ents in the surrounding soil. tions in Phuket are likely to veer of artificial fertilizer. All plants have As readers will know, pH lev- towards alkalinity (a pH of 7 or higher), especially if the property is newly constructed and the plant- ing area has not been redressed THRIVING: Soil testing kits are hard come by in Thailand, but if you can get Tip of the week with some top soil. your hands on one, it’s worth it. Photos: United States Department of Agriculture One of the good things about ter in containers which can be raised walls had inevitably run into this very thorough kit is that it also maneuvered around to change the surrounding soil. The addition provides a list of more than 400 their sunlight ration, and where of plenty of top soil had probably Trimming and shearing plants and their pH requirements. you can ensure that the potting mix reduced the alkalinity somewhat, Top of the acid soil needy list are: is suitable. Moss or sphagnum but it was, and still is, no place MANY gardeners confuse Thai gardeners are skilled at azaleas, rhodendrons, hydrangeas, peat, by the way, is highly acidic for any of the plants mentioned pruning with trimming or creating these geometrical pat- heathers, most lilies and orchids, (about 3.5) so it is particularly above. shearing. In general, pruning terns, using shrubs that tolerate mountain laurel, camellias, mag- useful stuff to have around. Other results were more unex- benefits the plant by helping it this draconian treatment such nolias, cardinal flowers, hybrid tea Among tropical plants, insec- pected. Phuket has a reddish, to grow more effectively, and as ixora, pigeon berry, and roses, and some ferns. None of tivorous ones such as the pitcher clay-based subsoil that is not very should not obviously compro- small-leaved, evergreen holly these will enjoy soil with a pH plant and the venus-fly trap are supportive of plant life. Usually a mise its natural shape. and privet. Topiary represents much higher than 6.0, and will acid loving. So too are certain few inches below the top soil, it Trimming and shearing on this art at its highest level. react adversely if there is lime in trees such as mangoes, pomegran- sometimes – and especially after the other hand, are used to cre- There are two potential draw- the soil, especially if it is present ates and figs. Even the humble the excavations of building work ate formal hedges and borders backs. One, shearing new as a result of cement spoil or other potato prefers a lime-free environ- – lies on the surface. Tested, this that significantly alter the shape growth means a reduction in, waste that has been buried under- ment. And if you think about it, sub-soil gave a reading of 7.0. of the shrubs that are used. or absence of flowers. Two, ground by the builders. most tropical shade plants such as Neutral, but with a pH still not Normally, the hedges created the process will result in thick Most of these plants are from those in the Dieffenbachia genus ideal for many shrubs. And of are rectangular in appearance, leaf growth on the outside of temperate climates anyway, many are partial to such conditions, course, it lacks much goodness. their symmetry a triumph of the shrub and may lead to die- originate in North America. So if since they replicate the moist, But the really unforeseen result man over nature. back within the crown. you do decide to cultivate them in humus-rich ones in the rainforest came from one of those propri- Phuket, they will generally do bet- undergrowth area. etary bags of compost we all use. First, the pH kit was tried in Instead of being acidic, it had a border soil near the swimming pH of between 6.5 and 7. So this pool, where the test reading was stuff won’t significantly lower the 7.5. Definitely on the alkaline side. alkalinity of your soil. Surprising. But this was a predictable result, Next week we’ll learn more about since here, cement-laden water testing for nutrients. from the construction of the pool’s If you have a garden that you would like to be featured on this page, please email [email protected]

Find more Recruitment Classified ads at

www.phuketgazette.net! April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 33

in a in

“The Sixth Phuket” is the first lifestyle shophouse in Patong, the most vibrant retail location in Phuket. It is designed in a Chino- Portuguese style which is part of Phuket’s unique architectural heritage.

Sawatdirak Rd. It is located on the best corner of Bang La Rd.

Bangla Road, Patong, in a 3-storey Junceylon Phuket of L-shaped building with 42 units Andaman Sea rental space and 90 car parking Patong Beach lots. The Sixth Phuket is a highly promising commercial property ideal for café, restaurant, spa, salon, service office, bank and etc. 34 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011 April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 35

800SQM LAND PLOT Properties 2 RAI OF LAND Very nice land plots in secure OCEANFRONT VERY LOW PRICE LOVELY HOUSE For Sale NEAR LAGUNA developed estate. 500 meters PLOTS FOR SALE 8.5M from golf course. For sale at only 1.55 million baht. Tel: 081- 343 0777. TOWNHOUSE IN KAMALA STUNNING SEAVIEW Overlooking Patong Bay. Townhouse with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and lock-up ga- At Manik. The Valley project Just over 2 rai of land for rage. Asking for 8.8 million 12 oceanfront plots with 15 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2.2 bedrooms, 2 bath- sale near Laguna/Tinlay baht. Tel: 076-341618, 086-691 meter water frontage. 1 gallery, 2 living rooms. Total: rooms. Price: 2.7 million Place. Ready to build. 9657. Each 600sqm and ready 320sqm, with garden. Teak baht. Tel: 085-095 0599. Peaceful area but good to build. They’re in a peace- furnishing. 3 Chanote titles. choice of bars, restau- PENTHOUSE ful, natural area opposite For sale or rent. Tel: 080-893 Near Phuket FantaSea. 2 rants and golf nearby. Di- Yacht Haven Marina. Di- 3208, 0041332510034 (Swit- 7 MILLION BAHT BRAND NEW CONDO bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, rect sale from owner. Two entire floors in a very pri- rect sale from owner. 3.9 zerland). Email: love. with kitchen. Price: 2.9 Price: Around 5 million vate setting with the best view million baht per plot. Tel: [email protected] million baht. Tel: 081-719 baht per rai. Tel: 087-278 in Patong. Great location. 081-343 0777. Email: mon 1041. 1393 (English), 081-968 Price: 9 million baht. Tel: 084- [email protected] 3707. Email: rawai2004@ 848 4876. HOUSE & FURNITURE yahoo.co.uk Single house, 60sqm. 2 floors, POOL VILLA NEAR BIS BEACHFRONT CONDO 3 bedrooms and 3 toilets. In Very private 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath- 2 bedrooms on top floor. Freehold. PATONG APT Chaiyapruek Village at Land & room, modern pool villa for sale. North Patong. Price: 9.7 million House, Chalong. Good location 2-bedroom apartment for rent Land rai. Villa 250sqm. High LAND FOR SALE baht. Also available for rent. Tel: and entrance from bypass road. or sale. 87sqm unit on the 5th Mid Town, Royal Place ceilings and open plan al fresco 086-276 5117. For photos please Built 2 years ago. Tel: 084-627 floor with seaview. Fully fur- Project, 2nd floor, 37sqm. living. 4x12m pool and large email [email protected] 7001. 150sqm deck. Nicely land- nished. Tel: 081-891 6502. Studio condo, fully fur- scaped. I am wanting to sell and Email: andrea.capucci@ LAND FOR SALE nished, reasonable price. lease back for 2-3 years creating gmail.com LAND AT Tel: 086-476 9612. Near the main road to Baan CHERNG TALAY a 5-6% ROI for the buyer. Price: Don-Cherng Talay. 68sq wah. 390sq wah, nice flat land, quiet 14 million baht. Tel: 081-893 2833. 1.1 million baht. Tel: 089-472 area, Chanote. In Pasak Soi 5 PENTHOUSE Email: [email protected] THIDA HOUSE 9118. Email: honda.1437@ near Laguna Home. Price: 6 mil- FOR SALE, KAMALA SALE 27 MILLION yahoo.co.th Panoramic mountain views, lion baht. Tel: 089-472 9118, 086- 3-bedroom penthouse in Kamala 30 RAI IN TOWN overlooking Laguna project. 709 2933. with private plunge pool and Size: 4.921 rai. Price: 7.9 sauna. Price: 12 million baht. Tel: Flat land near Dowroong SAI YUAN BUILDING 080-699 2436. Email: kokakat School in Phuket Town. Tel: million baht per rai. Tel: 089- PATONG 2-BED CONDO 729 2989. @gmail.com For further details, 081-691 2526. Large, 148sqm, 2-bedroom please see our website at www. luxury condo. Fantastic sea kingdomrealties.com PATONG TOWER views. Includes fixtures and fit- LOFT SEAVIEW CONDO FOR SALE tings. 20th floor. Tel: 076- VILLA Modern 1-bedroom, 70sqm 292150, 080-373 7741. Email: SURIN BEACH Thai-style modern town- [email protected] For fur- unit. Refitted and furnished. Land on Soi Haad Surin 2 house with land. Size: ther details, please see our Price: 4.95 million baht. Tel: for sale. 2.2 rai, 5 mins 10.50m x 10.85m. 2 bed- website at www.patongapart 081-088 8099. walk to Surin Beach. Email: rooms, 2 bathrooms with liv- Building at Sai Yuan. 28sq mentcondo.com [email protected] CONDO QUICK SALE ing room, dining room, wah, 3-storey. Price: 4.7 million baht. Tel: 081-606 Price: 3 million baht (nego- kitchen and car park. Single 7600 (Thai), 085-095 0599 tiable). Fully furnished + pool. house on land size: 15m by GREAT LIVING HOME LAND AND HYDRO FARM (English). Contact Khun Peter. Tel: 084- 10.85m. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- For sale. 17 rai (Nor Sor 3 Gor). 852 0338. rooms with living room, dining Price: 6.8 million baht. 30 minutes 2 bedrooms, beachfront, area/kitchen, terrace and car PRIVATE SALE OF from airport. Tel: 087-020 0191. park. Soi Mountain View panoramic view. All facilities, 3-BEDROOM HOUSE HALF A RAI including fitness clubhouse. Kathu Waterfall. Tel: 081-535 62sq wah, 2 bathrooms, Villa At Ao Makham. Land is lo- LAND AT PA KHLOK Price: 37 million baht.Tel: 7585, 084-119 4262, 081-356 Dowroong. 4.5 million baht. Con- cated opposite Port of Phuket 1 rai 13.6sq wah with Chanote. 084-837 4429. www.choke 9754. Email: peecho74@ tact Khun Tar. Tel: 076-377052, and next to Bel Air Cape Located on Tha Ruea-Pa Khlok- chaiproperty.com hotmail.com 089-971 1268. Panwa Resort. Price 4.2 mil- Muang Mai Rd.11km from Hero- lion. Tel: 081-891 5932, 089- ines Monument, near Mission 035 6702. Single house for sale or rent Hill. Price: 3.9 million baht. Tel: located at Phanason 3 089-4729118. 1 RAI LAND PLOT (Thalang). Land area 63.3 sq wah, 3 bed, 2 bath, large Located at Mission Heights living area, furnished, ADSL, Estate development with under- SEAVIEW LAND tel, landscaped garden and ground electricity and security. IN AO MAKHAM 24hr security. Sale price: On Highway 4027, only 500 2.85 million baht. For more meters from golf course. Ready info, call Phing. Tel: 087-278 to build. Sale directly from owner. 0067. Email: sweetpinky Price: 3 million baht only. Tel: @live.co.uk 081-343 0777.

For sale. Chanote title, easy access in and out with con- crete road. Price: 12 million baht per rai. No agents! Tel: 087-270 9093. 36 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011

PATONG TOWNHOUSE BAAN SAIYUAN In Baan Benjamas for sale. In a NICE HOUSE SEAVIEW LAND VILLA corner position, with 2 bed- 88 SQ WAH FOR SALE rooms. It's neat, light and airy. Near Supalai Resort on the Quiet, central location with east coast of Phuket slope. garden and undercover carpark A 3-rai plot with road and in maintained estate. Price: 6.7 electricity access. Price: million baht. Tel: 087-900 8445. 3.6 million baht per rai. No agents please. Tel: 080-520 SONGKHLA, YO ISLAND 2989. Email: pakaporns@ Best location, 4 rai, 212 sq wah. yahoo.com Former restaurant, villa, house. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, View lake, town, bridge. Tel: 054- 3 aircons, sofa, cable TV. FOR SALE AND RENT 223039, 084-608 3240 (En- Near Jomthong Village on 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, air- glish), 089-997 6606 (English & Khwang Rd. 6.5 million baht. conditioning, swimming pool, Thai). Fax: 054-323217. Email: Tel: 086-774 2034. Email: living room, kitchen, roof garden. Detached house in Rawai [email protected] [email protected] In Patong, 550 meters from 98sqm, 3 bedrooms. entertainment center. For long- Price: 9.5 million baht. Tel: VILLA WITH term rent: 50,000 baht per month. Sale: 20 million baht. Tel: 087-270 9093. Email: ROOM RENTALS NICE PLOT [email protected] Thai style villa including three one 087-267 7281 (Italian), 085-243 bedroom rentals and pool. Good 3878 (Thai). rental return. European quality. THE ROYAL PLACE Only 13.9 million baht. Tel: 084- LAND 0.5 RAI CONDO 838 7801 (English). Email: Thalang, east side. International Near Tesco Lotus. 1 bedroom, [email protected] school, Tonsai National Park. 2 balconies, fully furnished, with Airport and beach only 10 min- pool, gym and restaurant. SUPER CHEAP, utes away. 1.2 million baht. Tel: Price: 3.35 million baht. Con- 086-108 2745 (English & Thai), tact John. Tel: 081-083 0460. PATONG Now only 4.7million baht. New Urgent sale. Behind Layan 081-005 5701 (English & Thai). pool villa with seaview. 3 storeys, Hill Estate (Manik-Bangjo Email: [email protected] RAI 6 rooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 kitch- Area). 1,364sqm. Original NEAR LAGUNA AREA ens, 4 aircons. Tel: 087-053 6016. price: 7.2 million baht. Now: 3-BEDROOM HOUSE near Layan Hill estate & 4 Vil- 6.9 million baht. Tel: 080- Chuen Chuen Lagoon Soi 3 at las, easy access, quiet loca- 520 2989. Koh Keaw. 2 bedrooms, 3 tion. Price: 2.3 million baht. 2-STORY HOUSE aircons, fully furnished. Price: HOUSE FOR Tel: 081-078 0014. Email: IN PATONG 3.95 million baht. Negotiable. SALE / RENT HOUSE IN KAMALA [email protected] SEAVIEW VILLA Contact Scott. Tel: 081-866 8716. In Kathu. Western quality, with FOR SALE 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Seaview Villa in Rawai with IT KAMALA HOTEL Fully furnished. Price/rent ne- company for sale. Tel: 082-812 LAGUNA LAKE VIEW gotiable. Tel: 089-588 5692. New. 17 modern rooms. Suc- 2018 (English). Email: david cessful opening. Tel: 081-085 @phuketutopia.com For further 6715 (English). Email: surlamer05 details, please see our website LAND NEAR @yahoo.com at www.phuket-muay-thai.com/ NAI THON BEACH fisherman/fishermanway 3.04 rai, chanote title, on the way to Nai Thon. 7.5 million NICE AND baht per rai. Tel: 089-871 SPACIOUS HOUSE LAND AT NAI HARN 1km to beach. Total of 12 rai 7130 (English & Thai). Email: with Chanote title. Price: 12 [email protected] million baht per rai. Contact 1 rai plot for 7 million baht. 1/ Owner. Tel: 080-528 8578. 2 rai for 4 million baht. At a 180 DEGREE prime location. Good invest- OCEAN VIEWS KAMALA BEACH HOUSE ment. Tel: 081-187 3840. Big 155sqm, 2-bedroom, 2-bath- For sale. 2 houses on land. Very nice. 2 bedrooms, 2 room apartment with private roof 1 ngan 89sq wah. Chanote aircons. Price: 2.55 million baht. KAMALA THE CLUB, terrace, 5 minutes from Nai Harn title, near mountain, peace With garden and carpark. Call APARTMENT Beach. It is fully furnished with a and safe, 10 minutes from Simon. Tel: 084-852 8457. Located in the very popular "The pool. Price: 3.7 million baht. the beach. 7.5 million baht di- In Heritage project, Kathu. Club". 50-sqm, 1 bedroom fully- Email for more information. Tel: rect from owner. Tel: 083-180 2 floors, fully furnished, 3 sea view. 50 Pi Road, 49sq furnished and equipped apart- 087-897 4421, 359-897 4421. 2143. Email: yaris.vios@ bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 1 wah. 4-bedroom with balco- CHEAP LAND FOR SALE ment with kitchen. 5 mins walk Email: [email protected] gmail.com maidroom. 234sq wah. 18 nies, 2 bathroom, aircon, fully Close to Phuket International to the beach. Rental manage- million baht. Tel: 081- furnished. Chanote. Price 17 Airport. 4 rai, Chanote title. 3.8 ment service, maid service, laun- KAMALA 2 HOUSES PATONG APARTMENT 8920190 (Warit), 089- million baht ono. Tel: 087-270 million baht per rai. Tel: 081-868 dry service, big pool area with Only 8.6 million baht. Please Condotel 9th floor. 10 minutes to 6464823 (Rattana). Email: 9093. Email: a.pueng@ 7676. Email: phuketann@ jacuzzi, restaurant and more. see www.phuket.ag/yours/ beach. 28sqm. Fully furnished. [email protected] gmail.com gmail.com. WiFi, cable TV. Only 1.9 million Price: 1.4 million baht (fixed). baht! Tel: 082-807 2392. Email: Tel: 089-909 3882. [email protected] For fur- HAVEN LAGOON ther details, please see our PATONG PHUKET CONDO website at www.hyrahusphuket. FOR SALE se/Objekttillsalu_21.html 2-bedroom condo for sale. Price: 1.6 million baht. Contact LAND FOR SALE Khun Prisana for more details. 1 rai with Chanote title. 5 min- Tel: 076-263717, 081-676 4849 utes to Rawai beach in secure (English & Thai), 081-737 2968 area. Contact owner directly. (Thai). Email: n_amonoo@ya Tel: 089-472 9870. Email: hoo.com [email protected] 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, fully BIG PATONG BUYING REAL ESTATE? furnished with common pool and gym. Quick sale. Good SEAVIEW VILLA For honest straight up legal Free- or lease-hold 4-bedroom advice and Thai company reg- offer. Price: 4.1 million baht. Tel: 081-878 2199. Email: villa with private pool and jacuzzi. istration contact Garrit. Tel: 082- For private living or investment. 812 2018 (English). Email: sumonmarn@phuket reallife.com Tel: 080-802 3813. Email: sol@ [email protected] csloxinfo.com Looking for land to buy? See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 37

PATONG CONDO THAI VILLA AND POOL Properties 1-bedroom condo in Rat U Thit ULTRA MODERN Soi Naya, Nai Harn, Long-term KAMALA LUXURY For Rent Road for rent. 10 minutes' walk to HOUSE FOR RENT rent: 45,000 baht per month. POOL VILLAS both the beach and Bangla Road. Tel: 081-270 5126. Email: Rent: 13,800 baht per month, on [email protected] a long-term lease. Cable TV in- LAND & HOUSES cluded. Tel: 089-872 6895. Email: 3 BEDROOM HOUSE PARK [email protected] WITH POOL Beautiful, fully-furnished 3-bed- NAI YANG room house with a private pool. BEACH HOUSE Located in a secluded area Three bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, which is quiet and safe. In- 3 bedrooms, fully furnished 5 mins to Nai Yang Beach. For cludes a car port, dining area, and serviced. 10 minutes rent at 20,000 baht per month or aircon in all rooms. It is a great to beach. For 1-year lease. sale for 5.5 million baht. Tel: 089- family home for excellent Rent: 50,000 baht per 652 1751 (English & Thai), 089- value. Long-term rentals are month. Tel: 084-843 6837. 177sqm, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- 648 4703 (English & Thai). preferred. Price: 50,000 baht per Email: suchada_villas@ rooms, nice private garden Email: [email protected] month. Contact Khun Gai as hotmail.com with patio, in Chalong area. above for more information. Tel: Access to club facilities such B.L. APARTMENT 081-734 4324 (English & Thai). READY TO MOVE IN Email: ian.taylor.woodward as pool, gym and fitness New in Kathu. Big rooms, 1 bed- Fully furnished 3-bedroom @hotmail.com center, UBC, WiFi etc. room, 1 living room, aircon, cable CHALONG HOUSE townhouse in Phuket Inter Villa. Monthly rent (partly fur- TV, ADSL, hot shower, garden, Close to the sea. Brand-new Full aircon and European kitchen nished). 25,000 baht. Fully and car park. Rent: 8,000 baht house. 2 bedrooms and 3 bath- HOUSE WITH POOL with oven. Shared pool. Near to furnished: 28,000 baht. Sale: per month. Tel: 081-692 3163. rooms with aircon. Large Fully furnished, 2 bedrooms ONLY 13,000 British School and Boat Lagoon. 6 million baht. Available from walled garden. 15,000 per with aircon, 2 bathrooms, big New, fully furnished with aircon, South of the Heroines Monu- April 20. Tel: 087-283 0837. month or sale 2.1 million baht. western kitchen with wash- free cable TV & WiFi. Ready to ment. Long-term lease only. Email: nielsen_mathias@ NICE HOUSE Tel: 089-817 4864. ing machine, UBC and move in now. Tel: 089-475 1200 NEAR LAGUNA Rent: 15,000 baht per month. Tel: hotmail.com internet are included. Lo- (English & Thai). Email: info@ 084-690 9144. KATHU GOLF VIEW cated at Chalong. Tel: 081- welcome-inn.com 8234627, 085-7821200. PATONG CONDO PENTHOUSE VILLA 3 BEDROOMS Double unit, single bedroom. for rent. 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bath- IN PATONG rooms, quiet on a private hill. THALANG VILLA 3 bathrooms, kitchen, aircon. Fully furnished. Short or long LUXURY POOL VILLA AND THE POINT term rates available. Tel: 076- 330sqm, grand view on Loch By Laguna. Has everything. Fully furnished, with TV, cable, 319956, 086-269 8758 (English), Palm Golf, Valley, lake. Big Quiet and secluded, with jacuzzi internet and garden. Price: 085-591 7575 (Thai). Email: pool, furnished. Long-term: and spa. Rent: 24,000 baht per 25,000 baht per month. Tel: 086- [email protected] 65,000 baht per month. Con- month. Tel: 089-594 4067. 478 0201. Email: laongfa@ Fully furnished, 2 bed- tact Noi. Available now. Tel: 087- hotmail.com rooms, 2 bathrooms, with 269 8492. HOUSE IN CHALONG aircon and hot water. WiFi- POOL VILLA FOR RENT KATA HILL HOUSE Two-bedroom furnished house cable TV. 10 mins to the LUXURY APARTMENT Fully furnished, with 3 bedrooms Fully-furnished one bedroom with aircon, 1 bathroom, living beach, 15 mins to school IN PATONG near Lotus Rawai, in quiet and house with a bathroom, kitchen, room, kitchen and car park.Tel: secure area. Tel: 089-4729 870. & town. Rent: 15,000 baht/ Fully furnished with swimming terrace, cable TV, internet. Tel: 081-537 9878 (English & Thai), Email: [email protected] month. Tel: 089-795 6363, pool, daily maid service and 4 081-606 2827. Email: nij017@ 089-729 8472 (English & Thai). 089-874 2960. Email: types of rooms. Tel: 081-894 hotmail.com Email: [email protected] [email protected] 4730. Fax: 076-292149. Email: POOL VILLA RAWAI [email protected] For 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully CHALONG CIRCLE THAI VILLA AND POOL further details, please see our funished, with ADSL and Internet. 2-3 bedrooms with pool. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom town Soi Naya, Nai Harn, Long-term PHUKET VILLA website at www.nanaivilla.com Tel: 083-641 9327. Email: rawai Fully furnished. Near Lotus home with aircon, cable TV and rent: 45,000 baht per month. DOWROONG [email protected] Express, market and the Internet. Tel: 089-652 1473 (En- Tel: 081-270 5126. Email: LOFT STYLE KATHU beach. Rent: from 15,000 glish). Email: anandaestates@ [email protected] Large, secure, quiet and central. KARON HILL BUNGALOW baht per month. The point in yahoo.com Price: 12,000 baht/month, long Set in a quiet place with aircon, town: 1 bedroom, with pool. term only. Tel: 086-664 5575 fridge bar, satellite TV, free Rent: 25,000 baht per 3-BEDROOM COZY HOUSE (English). Email: hkmsn@ internet, and free WiFi. Access month. Contact K. Jan. Tel: CHALONG HOUSE NEAR NAI HARN yahoo.com to Meridien and beach. Rent: 088-826 4039. Email: Near Palai Beach. Fully fur- 6,500 baht per month. Tel: 087- [email protected] nished, with cable TV and 462 6490. ADSL. Tel: 086-944 4885. HOUSE IN RAWAI House for rent, 55sq wah, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, no phone line, unfurnished. Classified Advertisements 15,000 baht per month. Tel: 087-270 9093. Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Then hand it to any of our agents. High-grade house, furnished and conveniently located. STUDIO IN PATONG Minutes from Rawai and Nai Furnished studio apartment in |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) north Patong. Easy walk to Harn Beaches. 2 spacious 3-bedroom house for rent, beach and Bangla Rd. Mail or bedrooms with en-suite with seaview, swimming call me in Hong Kong: 852-06- bathrooms. 1 guest toilet. pool, and large parking/ga- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| 100 4034. Email: eddy.amaro Aircons. Large living-dining rage area. Fully furnished, @sc.com www.phuket-patong- room. Telephone line with with ADSL and cable TV. condo.com/ ADSL. Free water supply Rent: 35,000 baht per |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| and garbage removal ser- month. Tel: 085-781 1403. vice. Rent: 20,000 baht per QUIET 2-BEDROOM month. Contact K. Nui. Tel: HOUSE |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Located on walled-in 1,500sqm 087-383 0936. Email: THE GREENHOUSE [email protected] garden on Soi Kok Yang, 150m from DaVinci's restaruant. POOL BUNGALOWS 150,000 baht per year. Tel: 076- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| STYLISH PHUKET 288260. Email: markandjinda@ TOWNHOUSE hotmail.com Teak-furnished, modern-style townhouse with 2-floors and 2 APARTMENT PATONG |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| bedrooms, a large kitchen, flat- 140sqm. Fully furnished, with screen TV, 1.5 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a garden in a quiet neighbor- plus storage room. Spacious Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, hood in the heart of Samkong, living/dining area with Western- In Chalong, 2 bedrooms, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. the food capital of Phuket. Rent: style kitchen and large bal- fully furnished, cool, green, 14,000 baht per month. Move in All advertising must be paid for in advance. cony. Fully airconed. Includes QUIET with ADSL, cable from April 1. Contact Nicholas. free WiFi. UBC is ready. In quiet and aircon. Price: 13,000 Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. Tel: 081-892 5335 (English & location, near Nanai Rd. Long- baht per month. Contact Thai), 084-494 5725 (English). Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. term rent please. For more info, John. Tel: 081-979 1976. Email: [email protected] please call. Tel: 084-185 8536. 38 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011

LARGE BEAUTIFUL Property Accommodation 3 BEDROOMED APARTMENTS Accommodation Building Services Available HOUSE WITH POOL Large beautiful apartments for Wanted 3-4 people, available for short Products & and long term rentals with low Services prices. Tel: 076-342800, 081- HOUSE FOR RENT ISS PEST CONTROL BRIGHT APTS 810 4900 (English & Thai). Single person with small pet Complete pest control so- CHALONG Fax: 076-342800 or email to: looking to rent furnished private PROBLEM WITH lutions for residential, retail Serviced studio apartments [email protected] For house. 10,000-15,000 baht per BUILDING and industrial properties. now available. Rates from further details, please see our month. Email: Strawberryfields We can help you with alter- Tel: 081-958 6879 (Eng), 9,000 baht/month. Includes Beautiful, fully furnished 3-bed- website at www.evergreen- [email protected] ations and renovations, includ- 083-505 6667 (Thai). Email: maid services, internet, TV, full room house with a private pool. lodge.com ing carpentry and building, [email protected] furnishings. and a rooftop pool. Located in a secluded area 1 BEDROOM VILLA maintenance and any other Great location near Big Bud- which is quiet and safe. In- PATONG TOWNHOUSE WANTED problems. We can also provide dha. Tel: 086-282 6221. Email: cludes a car port, dining area, Nanai Road soi 9 hillside. 2 bed- 1 bedroom villa wanted for the stainless-steel gates, etc. Tel: Property [email protected] aircon in all rooms. It is a great rooms fully furnished with WiFi 19th april-18thmay, with pool 087-896 2431 (English&Thai). Website: www.chalongapart family home for excellent and cable TV. Price: 20,000 baht/ and wi-fi fully furnished pay upto Email: [email protected] Wanted ment.com value. Long term rentals are month long term. Tel: 081-270 30,000 baht. Email: leprechaun preferred. Price: 50,000 baht 5374 (English & Thai). Email: [email protected] Household HOUSE OR 1 BED APT AT SURIN per month. Contact Khun Gai [email protected] APARTMENT BEACH as above for more information. PATONG 2-MONTH Items Three bed house or apartment 15,000 baht per month only, Tel: 081-734 4324. Email: LOFT STYLE KATHU RENTAL wanted at Laguna. Prefer golf plus electricity. 50 sqm. Fully ian.taylor.woodward@ Large, secure, quiet and cen- I am looking for a 1 bedroom MOVING SALE frontage but will consider all furnished, satellite TV, intern, hotmail.com tral. Price: 12,000 baht/ apartment, villa or condo in – Sony Bravia 32" LCD, 5 others in or near Laguna. Email: pool. Great restaurant. Tel: month, long term only. Tel: Patong for the months of Au- months old, like new: 10,000 [email protected] 083-280 9100 (English), 086- 086-664 5575 (English). gust and September 2011. This APARTMENT & ROOM baht 746 4012 (Thai). Email: Email: [email protected] is Low Season so we are look- IN PATONG – Big Hitachi 2-door Fridge, 5 HOUSE IN RAWAI / [email protected] For fur- Apartment for long term rent. ing for the best price. Email: months old, like new: 8,000 NAI HARN ther details, please see our 8,000-20,000 baht per month. SHARE RENTAL [email protected] baht Looking for a house/villa in this website at www.suringate.com Room from 600-1,500 baht per 2-STOREY HOUSE area on plot of 400+ sqm, ide- night. Tel: 076-512151, 089-290 Very secure home, pool, cov- 2 BED HOUSE NEAR – 2-burner Gas Cooker, black: ally 600. Paying up to 7.5 mil- RAWAI HOUSE 9567. Email: info@brommathai ered parking, all utilities in- PATONG 1,500 baht lion baht. If it needs renovation, Two floors, two bedrooms, one house.com For further details, cluded 10,000 baht monthly. with an enclosed garden. – Many Curtains: 5,000 baht that is okay, depending on aircon. Good condition in a please see our website at Email: [email protected] Within a half-hour walk of – Carpet (Rug): 4,000 baht friendly area. 9,000 baht per size and location. Needs to be www.brommathaihouse.com Patong, preferably in a quiet Tel: 084-182 8228. Email: month. Must see. Tel: 089-592 close to a concrete road. NANAI PATONG area for under 8,000 baht. [email protected] Email: [email protected] 8905 (English & Thai). Email: POOL HOUSE APARTMENTS Must allow pets. Email: [email protected] NAI HARN Nanai 2 and Nanai 9. Two- [email protected] bed townhouse, 20,000 DINING TABLE POOL VILLA WANTED Three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 Good quality dining table with HOUSE WITH POOL baht per month. One-bed We are looking for investors aircon units, furniture, TV and ACCOMMODATION 4 chairs and 2 carvers. 16,000 ONLY 13,000 apartment, 12,000 baht per from Sweden for pool villas with parking space. April - November IN PATONG baht o.v.n.o. Tel: 088-168 New, fully furnished with month. Fully furnished, WiFi, 2-3 bedrooms in Rawai. Price: low season price: 20,000 baht per I am looking for either a 1 bed- 8145, 089-197 7438. Email: aircon, free cable TV & WiFi. TV. Tel: 081-270 5374. Email: from 5 to 10 million baht. Please month, including the garden, pool room apartment, villa or condo [email protected] send email to offers. Email: Ready to move in now. Tel: and internet. Please contact [email protected] in Patong for the months of Au- sales@chokechaipro perty.com 089-475 1200 (English & Frank for more information. You gust and September 2011. Thai). Email: info@ welcome- VILLA FOR RENT NEW COFFEE TABLES can also phone the home num- This is low season so we are AND LAMPS inn.com ber abroad: 0049 7119141325. 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 50-100 RAI, looking for the best price. New boxed and never used Tel: 085-478 8010 (English). swimming pool, mountain view. 50 YEAR LEASE Email: [email protected] lamps and coffee tables. Email: [email protected] Low season: 80,000 baht per For horse business, Phuket, LUXURY APARTMENT Lamps are 3,000 baht and month. 1 year contract: 100,000 Krabi, Phang Nga. Qualifies IN PATONG coffee tables are 3,000 baht. per month. Tel: 087-078 6379. under the new zoning restric- Fully furnished with swim- CONDO FOR SALE/ Building If bought together it will cost tions as recreation and/or agri- ming pool and daily maid ser- RENT RAWAI Products & 5,000 baht. We have lots. culture. Bi-annual payment vice. Tel: 081-894 4730 (En- Very good price for low season PATONG CONDO Call with offers. Tel: 087-881 ONLY. Commercial 50 year glish & Thai), 081-892 5983 long-term lease. Quiet and Fully furnished - 700 meters Services 8075 (English&Thai). Email: lease. Developers: Add Incen- (Thai). Fax: 076-292149. clean. Tel: 080-078 0931 (En- from Patong Beach. Email: [email protected] tive with first class horse riding Email: [email protected] glish), 086-112 1477 (Thai). [email protected] facility. Tel: 084-842 4581. Email: For further details, please see our Email: rawaireservation@ RENOVATIONS, AQUARIUM [email protected] website at www.nanaivilla.com yahoo.com 4-BEDROOM VILLA REFURBISHMENTS WITH LARGE POOL 800 Liter, 25x30x72 inches, Renovations, refurbishments, 1/2 inch glass. Comes with in Land & Houses Park avail- painting, repairs and mainte- stand, filter, water pump, air able for long or short-term nance. High quality services for a pump, etc. Cost 20,000 baht Classified Advertisements resident, or for daily holiday reasonable price. English, Swed- but will go for 7,000. Please rental. Email: william.amo ish and Thai speaking personnel. contact for more additional Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. [email protected] Welcome to contact us for a details. Tel: 086-266 3710. Then hand it to any of our agents. quote. Tel: 083-394 8337, 080- Email: leif@butterfly-it- KARON CONDO FOR 141 4577 (Eng & Thai). Email: service.com |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| SALE OR RENT mattias@zionpro perty.com (heading) 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo over- looking Karon Beach. Short or KATA LUXURY VILLA Household |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| long term. Condo also for sale. RENTAL Reasonable rent to mature per- 3-bedroom villa located on the Services sons. Email: [email protected] southern headland of Kata |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Beach. Built up area, 3400 BUILT TO BUILT HOUSE NEAR sqft, with spectacular Andaman Construction, renovation, CHALONG sea views. 6x15 meter infinity eletrics, awning, shop fitting. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Fully furnished house with 2-bed, pool situated on the edge of Tel: 089-068 9902. 2 bath. Long-term rent (min 1 rocks overlooking sea. The villa year): 15,000 baht per month. is surrounded by dense foliage, Tel: 087-026 1362. Email: has spacious balconies, out- DWF HOME SERVICES |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| cjitsomboon @hotmail.com door showers in natural settings Built-in bars, counters, and is very private. Thai, Japa- pools, kitchens, ponds, etc. PATONG SEAVIEW nese, & Balinese design influ- Contact: K. Noi. Tel: 081- With kitchen and DVD/cable. ences. Excellent Thai cook pro- 606 5746. Email: |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Rent: 800 baht per day, or vided. Tel: +65-09 621 0254. (En- DWF_homeservices 15,000 baht per month. Tel: glish). Email: seavest@signet. @hotmail.com com.sg www.housephuket.com Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, 089-532 7708. with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Looking for land to buy? Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 39

MOTORSAILER 24' CHRIS CRAFT 15HP YAMAHA 33ft ketch. 2 cabins + saloon. 275hp Volvo Penta, trailer, OUTBOARD URGENT SALE CHALOMARK 3 BOATS FOR SALE Sailed single handed from UK. GPS. Boat and engine both in Old, not used for the past 2 2 MILLION BAHT DINGHY New paint and varnish. Radar, top condition. Only 995,000 years, was running before that. VHF, depth, GPS, autohelm. baht. Tel: 089-932 5175 (En- Price: 9,500 baht. Tel: 083-388 Economical 95hp Diesel. New glish & Thai). Email: wojidkow 3145 (English). Email: sy.tom batteries and electrics. Many [email protected] [email protected] new parts. Blue water cruiser. Price negotiable. Tel: 081-968 16M KETCH SAILING VAN DE STADT 38' 1437. Email: bobedward1@ YACHT YACHT hotmail.com Cutter Ketch rigged, center Ashore at Langkawi Port, due for 2010 Speedboat for sale. 40Hp and 5Hp engines. - 24ft sailboat. Cal cockpit, fully equipped inspection in March. Photos and 35ft, fiberglass, 2x250,with Can carry 8 persons. Like 24,8Hp Yamaha VanderStad sailing yacht spec on request. Price: US$ Suzuki 4-stoke engine, all new. Price: 230,000 baht. autohelm. New roller. BOAT FOR SALE for sale. Tel: 081-842 3961, 087- 45,000. Tel: +60-125-531 4030 navigation systems, VHS, Tel: 089-658 5664. Tasker sail solar panel 1 MILLION BAHT 276 7997. Email: gj.bijlsma@ (English). Email: brianralph fully equipped for diving and include dinghy. gmail.com For further details, [email protected] fishing. Tel: 083-636 1758. Price: 220,000 baht. please see our website at: LIVEABOARD - 5m Chalamark www.phuketbutler.com/node/ Liveaboard 6x20 meter. 8 private hypocoin dinghy. 1238 NEW BAYLINER 255 46FT OFFSHORE cabins. Renovated October CRUISER CRUISER-RACER 2010. Price: 2.8 million baht. 15Hp Yamaha engine. for sale. Please contact for more Email: [email protected] YAMAHA 2011 Bayliner Cruiser for sale Price: 100,000 baht. information to K. Gerrit. Tel: 081- Please see our website at: JET SKI from an authorized dealer. - 25ft sailboat. Lifting 842 3961, 087-276 7997. Email: www.aidcdive.com Cruiser VX. Safe and new, with Only one unit. Price only 3.9 2010 speed boat for sale. gj.bijlsma @gmail.com Website keel. 10Hp Mercury Like new. 28ft fiberglass. 225 only 14 months of use. Has million baht. Tel: 081-754 engine. warranty. In excellent condi- at: www.phuketbutler. com/node/ ANGLER 2,600 CC Honda 4-stroke engine. All 7599. Email: csutivas@ New rigging on sails. tion: only owner has used it. 90 1544 SPORTFISHING navigation systems and ma- hotmail.com For further de- Price: 140,000 baht. rine audio systems. Ser- hoursreels.Price: 350,000 tails, please see our Nice 26ft American sport fishing viced by Honda specialist. baht. Tel: 089-819 9650. website: www.mfjetski.com SARINA BOAT YARD boat 2x225 4-stroke outboards. Please contact for Tel: 083-636 1758. Email: [email protected] New boat parking place. Khun Tel: 085-691 1837 (English). more information. Ped. Tel: 086-940 3927. Website: Email: mangeolsson@hotmail. Tel: 087-277 2355. www.sarinaboatphuket.com com

URGENT: SOLUTIONS TO BOAT FOR SALE THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES Crossword puzzle:

American speedboat. Year: 2005. Donzi-38-ZSF (Florida- Miami), 3 Verado 275CV. Slightly used. Maximum speed: 50 knots. Full op- tions. TUNA power. Better than the original, lots of im- provement made by owner. Ready to navigate. Available at Ao Po Grand Marina, berth no. S13. Free tackles. Origi- nal price on arrival in Phuket: more than US$400,000. Special price now: $198,000 or 5.99 million baht. Sold di- rectly by owner. Call Alain. Tel: 081-8935270 (French), 089-970 2121 (English & Thai). Email: mrdupouy @yahoo.fr 40 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011

YACHT SALES EXECUTIVE Requirements: Experi- ence as luxury motoryacht sales executive of over 3 years, fluent in English, and any other languages, excellent computer and communication skills, knowledge about luxury motoryachts, engineerings, maintenance, etc. Tel: 081- 979 9911. Email: vrit@boat lagoonyachting.co.th For further details, please see our website at www.boatlagoon yachting.co.th

PATTERN MAKER/ TAILOR Experienced clever pattern maker. Part time or consulting for simple designs. Tel: 076-383681, 087-380 0525 (English & Thai). Email: [email protected]

SALES MANGER A reputable tourist magazine is HEADSTART looking for an advertising man- INTERNATIONAL ager. SCHOOL - 28-40 years old. Male or fe- We are seeking qualified, dedi- male cated and caring teachers to fill the following positions by - Good personality August 1: Foundation, Pri- Applicants should have relevant mary, PE, English, ICT, Busi- experience and be able to ness Studies, French and speak English. Send resume to Thai. Tel: 076-612876. Fax: [email protected] 076-612877. Email: school@ headstartphuket.com DETOX WELLNESS MANAGER ADMIN CHERNG TALAY Seeked by Samui detox Young Thai female, good En- KINDERGARTEN ADMIN + LITTLE glish. Must be able to do with- resort.Tel: 088-491 1462 TEACHER NEEDED ACCOUNTS (English). Please send hold fax forms & use Microsoft Female teacher needed to Young Thai female, good at Office. 3-month trial period. Sal- CV via email: fasthealing@ teach 3-5 year olds. Native English. Must be able to with- yahoo.com ary 12,500 baht per month. speakers only. Love for children hold fax forms and use micro- Send CV & pic by email. Email: and dedication is a must. Tel: soft office. Three months trial [email protected] 076-521550, 084-847 0732. period. Salary 12,000 baht per 50,000 BAHT Email: [email protected] month. Tel: 076-271315, 081- PER MONTH 895 6267. Fax: 076-271316. For low season we need En- HOTEL POSITIONS RECEPTIONIST/ Send a CV and picture to AVAILABLE glish-speaking marketing per- Email: joinourcampany@ FRONT DESK - Engineer sonal. Work permit and visas gmail.com are provided. Tel: 081-607 Salary 9,000 baht per month. Salary 9,000 to 10,000 baht 3434. Email for more info: Thai female, English speaking, per month plus service [email protected] hotel experience. Tel: 076- MANAGER charge. Working hours 344701, 085-523 1772 (En- GUESTHOUSE PATONG from 8am to 8pm - Work 5 glish). Fax: 076-344488. Email: We need a manager and tour days with 2 days off - Must SALES & [email protected] seller. Thai, English speak- be skilled in electrical, MARKETING ing with experience. Salary: plumbing systems & EXECUTIVE KINDERGARTEN 15,000 baht + commision. wood work - Position avail- TEACHER WANTED Tel: 089-932 5175. Email: able now. Must be a Thai Requirements: Experi- Female, native English teacher [email protected] ence as sales & marketing national, fluent in English. for 4 kids, 3-5 years old, on a 4- - Bartender/Receptionist executive of luxury high- month contract. Salary 40,000 RUSSIAN SPEAKER end products of over baht per month. Tel: 081-343 WANTED Salary 8,000 to 9,000 baht 4 years (ideally in Phuket), 0777. Food supply company is per month plus service fluent in English, and any looking for a Thai national charge & commission. other languages, excellent Must have front desk expe- STAFF REQUIRED TO with good Russian language computer, communication skills to be manager. Tel: rience - Shifts alter from and social skills, PR & MARKET morning, afternoon and The Village-Coconut Island. 089-054 4176. marketing knowledge and evening. Must have knowl- If you have experience pro- skills, knowledge of luxury edge in making drinks & moting tours around quality yachts and islands around MAID WANTED bar beverages, and be resorts in either Europe or For cleaning the house, in- Phuket, boating industry friendly and outgoing with Asia, please contact us. We side and out and doing the and lifestyle would be help- guests. Must speak and are seeking staff that can laundry. Some English is a ful. Tel: 081-979 9911. understand English. Posi- work well with cold prospects must. Three days a week, Email: vrit@boatlagoon tion available now. yachting.co.th For further making bookings for sales four hours a day. Please details, please see our presentations on Coconut contact Mr Beat for more Tel: 076-333222. Or send website at www.boatlagoon Island. Contact Khun Kurt for information. Tel: 081-085 5765 email: sales@ccblooms yachting.co.th futher information. Tel: 082- (English). Or send email to: hotel.com 806 5739. [email protected]

Looking for a job? Looking for a better candidate? Find more Recruitment Classifieds at www.PhuketGazette.Net! April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 41

SALE EXECUTIVE PHP PROGRAMMER NEEDED Wanted for full-time position in Sale Executive needed ur- Chalong. Good salary. Tel: gently in Phuket Town. Qualifi 084-628 2629. Send resume to -cations: Aged between 25-45 [email protected] years, male or female. Good command of English in writing ADMIN CHERNG TALAY and speaking skills. Minimum 2 Young Thai female, good En- years of experience as sales of- glish. Must be able to do with- ficer, any construction experi- hold fax forms & use Microsoft ence will be considered favorably. Office. 3-month trial period. Sal- Salary: 8,500-12,000 baht not in- ary 12,500 baht per month. cluding commission. Email: Send CV & pic by email. Email: [email protected] [email protected] www.phuket-stainless- service.com NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHER BOAT REFIT PROJECT Female Caucasian to teach MANAGER class of 10-12 children, 3-7 Hands-on, good organizational years old. Located in Chalong. skills, team player. Duration 2 Work hours: Mon-Fri (8am- to 3 months. Tel: 081-270 4pm). Start immediate. Tel: OFFICE SECRETARY TELEPHONE SEVICE FEMALE TEFL HOUSE MAID WANTED 9006 (English). Email: 080-624 7060. Please send We are seeking an energetic We are seeking to hire a Thai TEACHER To clean pool villa. Easy work. [email protected] email to: phuketpreschool and proactive full-time office woman for our phone customer The English Activity Centre No previous experience is nec- @yahoo.com secretary/administrative assis- service. High salary. Send re- seeking a female TEFL essary. Please contact for CUSTOMER SUPPORT tant. Candidates must have sume to [email protected] teacher. We are offering a full- more details. Tel: 083-641 WANTED ADMIN STAFF WANTED good English and computer time job with salary plus ac- 9327. We are the leading travel Admin staff required by real skills. Tel: 086-004 3008. Email: MARKETING commodation. Tel: 082-303 agency in Phuket. We cur- estate agent in the Laguna [email protected] EXECUTIVE 6781. MAID / COOK rently want to fill 2 positions area. Must be Thai national, Wanted for an educational or- Need two (2) staff for Patong for customer support. Start- female and have some experi- 1 COOK / MAID ganization. Must be a Thai MAID Holiday Villa. One maid and one ing salary ranging from ence in admin and accounts. Must speak English. Female national. Duties include devel- Must speak English. Female maid who can also cook Thai food 12,000-15,000 baht. Please Must also live locally. Good Thai national. At least 1 year oping and executing marketing Thai national. At least 1 year and some easy farang food. contact for more additional salary and immediate start. Tel: experience working for a private plan. Proficiency in English experience working for a private Full-time job. Room available. details. Tel: 076-367120, 076-271315, 081-895 6267 residential villa. Tel: 089-195 required. Basic salary, plus residential villa. Tel: 089-195 Thai national only. Must speak 086-950 6945. Or send email (English). Email: info@phuket- 0578. Email: manager@villa commission. Tel: 076-522292, 0578. Email: manager@villa English. Tel: 080-699 2436. : [email protected] landandhomes.com changrajang.com 087-454 8820. changrajang.com Email: [email protected] Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! 42 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011

BABY STROLLER 3 IN 1 MASSAGE FOR SALE PORTABLE SITE Articles Baby stroller Chicco Cortina Bulletins SPONSOR Nice, new, in good area. Tel: 089- OFFICE For Sale 3in1 (Travel System). a child. The Phuket 544 3555. Email: farfar1979 6x3x2.5m with aircon. 4 win- Pushchair +Carrycot +Car International Women’s @hotmail.com dows, 1 door. In good condi- seat. Best choice for active NORWEGIANS Club is a volunteer APART.COM tion. For sale or rent. Tel: 089- parents and comfortable for organization raising 731 7699. Annual get-together in Pattaya LEASE THE LEGENDS COFFEE MACHINE infants.Excellent condition! funds for educational on April 19 at 13.00. At Baan Nor- Patong beach sportbar, restau- PROFESSIONAL Used several times, almost scholarships. We rely KARAOKE BAR way in soi Norway. New mem- rant and part of guesthouse. new.Still on warranty, check bill, on the goodwill of IN KATHU bers are welcome. Khun Borge Lease up to 5 years on offer. manual, box. 12.500THB only. donors and sponsors – Busy location. Fully staffed. 2 at 087-085 1296,or Tarje at 086- Location: opposite IBIS. Tel: Tel: 083-102 0070. Email: small and large. If you rooms, plus 2 staff rooms. Price: 267 2161. 085-000 7511. [email protected] would like to put 170,000 baht. Tel: 087-993 8737. something back into SKIPPERS PUB QUIZ BAR ON BANGLA RD ELLIPTICAL TRAINER At Royal Phuket Marina. Last the community in which Bar at front of Soi Gonzo. Key 12 ROOMS FOR LEASE For sale, Vision Fitness Wednesday of each month at you live, contact us to money paid, 4-year lease. IN PATONG X6100HR, in good condition. 7.30pm. Happy Hour and find out more about Rent at 10,000 baht per month. 12 lovely rooms for lease with a 1 group new. Price: 55,000 Asking price: 20,000 baht, in- prizes. Tel: 076-360890-3. giving a prize or being a Tel: 088-440 9324 (English), common pool. Initial payment baht. Contact Bruno. Tel: cludes a free Ab Trainer. Tel: sponsor. Please call K. 087-769 6229 (Thai). Email: for take over of this business is 080-525 5805. Email: 086-941 5500 (English). Email: Carol (Tel: 087-417 [email protected] only 1 million. Tel: 089-648 [email protected] [email protected] 8860) or K. Sue (Tel: 1739 (English & Thai). Email: 087-277 6948). Or [email protected] HIGH PRESSURE email: info TRENDY MOVING! ITEMS WASHER @phuketiwc.com COFFEE SHOP/ FOR SALE RESTAURANT Zinsano 100-bar high pres- FOR SALE RESTAURANT - Electrolux Coffee Machine, sure washer, as good as new. Brand new running restau- For rent or sale. Completely auto-drip coffee (includes fil- Used only once for 10 min- set up, at very good location in ters): 500 baht Business rant for sale in Patong. Pro- utes. Five months old with full fessional set up & design. Kathu. Near attractions. Price: - Hanabashi Electric Stovetop warranty. Payed 3,600 baht; Opportunities Outdoor patio. Located next 450,000 baht. Or rent: 16,000 Cooker: 500 baht asking 2,400. Tel: 087-263 to famous Patong attrac- baht per month. Tel: 087-271 - Royal Phuket Marina Health 0701. Email: gekdeneire@ tions. Great earning poten- 1627. Club one month membership: hotmail.com SHOP FOR SALE tial. Seats 100. All govern- 6,000 baht value, open to any Patong Beach Road. 55sqm. ment licenses in place. MY THAI GUESTHOUSE offers! 2 storeys. 2.5 million baht. Rent 120,000 baht per In a great location. Rat-U-Thit Tel: 082-804 5506. Email: Bar & Tel: 081-956 1042. Website: month. Lease 3+3 years. Road, Aroonsom arcade. 16 [email protected] Restaurant www.fish-spa-phuket.com Owner relocating. Price: 10 rooms (12 of them with aircon), bar and kitchen. 3 million baht. Con- Equipment million baht. Tel: 080-474 JACUZZI FOR SALE BARS BANGLA 0444 (English), +971-50- tact Colin. Tel: 083-388 4300. Mobile spa in good condition, FOR SALE 244 2441 (English). Email: used only for 1 year. Price: Bar complex on Happy Rd, [email protected] GUESTHOUSE AND 70,000 baht. Tel: 081-667 1637 P.O.S. SERVICE Bangla for sale. Complete with COFFEE SHOP (English & Thai). FOR IPAD four bars. Unique details. Call or High-class coffee shop. Fully GHBS POS is an iPad email for more information. Tel: ROOFTOP RESTAURANT equipped and furnished to a high based, affordable, simple- 083-391 2695 (English & Thai). FOR RENT standard. 6-room guesthouse: SECOND HAND Email: [email protected] TREADMILL to-use, web-based point of On the top floor of Sinthavee 3 rooms with aircon and fully fur- Second hand treadmill for sale (P.O.S.) solution with Hotel, Phuket Town. Conve- nished, 3 rooms partly furnished. 10,000 baht. Please call Garry. Business Intelligence SHOP FOR RENT nient for a restaurant or bar. On a main road in Patong. Tel: 087-889 9064. Email: (B.I.) features that make it At Soi Sansabai. Only 15,000 Also, a discotheque on the 2nd Cheap rent on a 3-year renew- [email protected] ideal for restaurants, baht per month. 7 meters x 4 floor (with license). Tel: 087- able lease. Tel: 088-168 8145 guesthouses, resorts, ho- meters. Tel: 089-544 3555. 270 9093. Email: a.pueng (English), 089-197 7438 (Thai). @gmail.com Email: [email protected] WASHING MACHINE tels, bars, nightclubs and Email: [email protected] 2,000 BAHT country clubs. This service Washing machine: 5kg, front will put your company on loader, hot water, 6 years old, for cruise control. You can 2,000 baht. It works. Call me start using this service to- from 1pm to 6pm. You can see morrow for 1,900 baht per it in Phuket Town and I have month. Tel: 085-784 3043. pickup for delivery. Tel: 083-525 Email: prod ders@gmail. 8914 (English & Thai). Email: com Website at: www.b- [email protected] structures.com April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 43

CHINESE Business Products & Services Musical TRANSLATION Add Chinese to your website, Instruments menu, brochure.English to Chi- nese, Thai to Chinese transla- GRAND PIANO tion. Chinese translation by FOR SALE native Chinese translator. We "Royale." Old but with good can also create a Chinese sound. Price: 125,000 baht. website. For more details, pls Tel: 086-120 7375. email or fax inquiry. Fax: 076- 524687. Email: phuketibles@ gmail.com Personal Services Personals

CHALONG TEACHER PLAY BRIDGE TRAINING Couples in Rawai area who Last change for new year. would like to play social TEFL, TESOL, TTT school. games. Please contact for Ed visa stay in Thailand. more information. Tel: 083-648 Please visit our website at: ttt- 9695. RAINBOW tefl.com ICE CREAM CASH FOR ASSETS Fruit sherbet ice cream bars. South Thailand auctions is DA (ATINUT) TRAMPOLINES Safe, made to GMP stan- receiving goods now for our FREELANCE BUDS NURSERY dards, the Halal standard May auction: cars, boats, I MISS YOU For large trampolines at the best PHOTOGRAPHER KINDERGARTEN and OTOP products. 15 fla- furniture, machines, tools DA DA DA come to me prices. For a surcharge of 950 Make a difference to your vors to choose from, such as etc. Tel: 076-313 235-6. Da (Atinut). I miss you baht, we deliver to your front door Phuket oldest bi-lingual inter- images Strawberry, Durian, Mango, Email: account@south very much. I hope I will in Phuket in 4-5 days. Email us or national child care facility. - Pre-wedding Chocolate, etc. Retail - thailandauctions.com see you again. Listen to call: 087-707 9461 (Sukanya), High quality time proven Wholesale - Delivery. Great - Wedding the YouTube song "jim 081-720 6462 (Herve). Email: schedule and curriculum. Ex- for ceremonies, birthday par- - Portrait Croce". Big kiss and sukanya@trampolinet perienced native English ties, and many other types of hug. Tel: +31-635-245 hailand.com Website: www.tram teachers to teach ages 1 - - Family memories gatherings. Tel: 086-191 Computers 161 (English). polinethailand.com 6. Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm. Bus - Party service available from Patong, 6335 (Thai), 084-119 4094 (English & Thai). Email: - Events Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai Contact : Tingnoi 081- SIGN/ MEDIA/ and Chalong. Please contact [email protected] DESKTOP PC SINGLE WESTERN GUY ADVERTISING Good working order (no moni- 606 5746. Educated, stable, romantic, for more information. Tel: www.facebook.com/ Please contact K.Pu 086- GAUI QUAD FLYER tor). Tel: 076-384385, 086- nice looks. Seeks a good fam- 076-282 232, 080-624 7060. tingnoidwf 698 6544. Email: iamton Please see our website at: Can make aerial photos. 941 7733 (English & Thai). ily lady for love. Please [email protected] www.buds-phuket.com Please see our website at: Fax: 076-384385. Email: tingnoidwf.multiply.com conatct via by email: toby20g www.phuket.ag/gaui/ [email protected] @yahoo.com 44 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011

Saloon Cars 2005 MITSUBISHI MIRA FOR SALE 4 x 4s Motorbikes Rentals EVO 9 MR LANCER 65,000 BAHT HONDA CRV LOW KMS NEW CAR FOR RENT Mitsubishi, in very good con- 2003. Silver. With leather HONDA PC800 Honda City, with first-class in- dition, with good drive and en- seats, new tyres and battery. VTWIN surance and delivery service. gine. Gasoline economical. Price: 480,000 baht. Tel: 085- 7,000 baht per week. Tel: 081- Tel: 084-184 1856. 691 1039. 343 0777.

2005 BMW 323I A VIGO 3.0 4WD AUTO MOTORBIKE Silver. 90,000km. Expat 4-DOOR FOR RENT owner. In good condition, with One owner, 2006, 68,000km, Honda PCX and Airblade. Best service records. Price: 1 mil- silver with beige leather. price, no passport deposit, lion baht. Tel: 086-272 2810. 685,000 baht. Tel: 089-475 Pacific coast sport cruiser. delivery to your hotel. Tel: 087- 0636 (English). Email: paul- 2004. 18,000kms. Price: 075 2166 (English). Email: Yellow Dahatsui Mira for [email protected] 90,000 baht. VGC. Tel: [email protected] MERCEDES BENZ sale, 85,000 baht. Serious 085-691 1039. 300E offers only. Contact Sarah. In best condition, full recorded Tel: 081-081 3137. Email: 1996 LAND ROVER MOTORBIKE 3,000 service from 1991 til now. Tel: [email protected] DISCOVERY 2006 YAMAHA MIO BAHT/ MONTH 080-060 1990 (English). 128,743km. Dependable. 4 36,000 km, w/ books and helmet. New motorbike for rent. Tel: Email: [email protected] Imported from Japan. WD, automatic, well main- Runs perfectly. Price: 15,000 baht. 089-544 3555. Email: farfar1979 tained with all service records. @hotmail.com Price: 1.55 million baht. HONDA CITY Tel: 085-882 9529 (English). VOLVO V40 - 2005 Mitsubishi Evo 9. Excellent stereos. Expat best Email: [email protected] Year 2002, single owner, well Price: 1.35 million baht. offer. Tel: 087-981 0918. CHEAP CAR RENTAL serviced, blue color, accident Tel: 087-589 5784. Email: HONDA AIR BLADE With insurance. From 11,000 free. Engine and car in very [email protected] RANGE ROVER HSM FOR SALE baht per month. Tel: 076-384060. good condition. Tel: 02-662 1996 3 years old, 36,000 km. Serviced 2447, 081-638 6757. Email: Engine head just reconditioned regularly. New insurance. 30,000 [email protected] NISSAN SUNNY by authorized dealer. Interiors baht or best/nearest offer. Tel: 083- A1 CAR RENTALS 4 DOOR newly refurbished. Spring sus- 596 0018 (English). Email: New tyres, battery, stereo, 5 CHEAP CARS Type Z, 2001. 104,000km. pensions (maintenence free). [email protected] Mitsubishi Lancer 1995 price: speed, well maintained with all CD. Price: 230,000 baht. Xenon headlight. Engine fully 69,000 baht and Hyundai Ex- records. Price: 65,000 baht. Please call Mem. Tel: checked and maintained. LPG cel 1994 price: 74,000 baht. Tel: 084-844 4504. Email: 081-979 3900. with "donut" tank from Italy (op- [email protected] 4 MOTORBIKES Tel: 082-412 7100. Email: tional). New Nakamichi.HiFi FOR SALE [email protected] Photo on request (car is green). Yamaha Nouvo - 25,000 Fully insured. 12,000 to TOYOTA VIOS 1.5G Pickups Tel: 02-662 2447, 081-638 6757. 20,000 baht per month. A/T LIMITED Email: [email protected] baht, Mio - 24,000 baht, NISSAN 250XY V6 Honda Airblade 25,000 baht, Tel: 089-831 4703. Email: Top of the range. 2010 model. Save 100,000 baht on 10-month- [email protected] old car with 8,000km 2010. TOYOTA VIGO 3.0 Suzuki Step - 22,000baht. Automatic, with GPS and MITSUBISHI PAJERO 3-4 years old. Work perfectly White and black leather seats. Top model. 2-door x-cab. In rear camera. Only 18,000km. Sport 4x4, black. Only 2 and serviced. Tel: 085-158 Price: 614,000 baht. Email: perfect condition. Low kms. In very good condition. Price: months old with 6,000km. Top 7638. Email: pierre_ham Wanted Nicolaas [email protected] No accident. Full service his- 1.39 million baht. Tel: 086-278 model. 1.25 million baht. Tel: [email protected] 0007. tory. Quick sell for 539,000 085-781 9167. HONDA CITY baht. Tel: 086-950 7788. WANTED HONDA PCX MAZDA 323 FOR SALE 1997, 155,000km, automatic, 2005 TOYOTA AVANZA HONDA PHANTOM Second hand. Tel: 087-267 1997. 150,000km. 1.8 engine. CD-player, good condition. NISSAN NAVARA-2007 AUTO 1.3 Harley style, in excellent con- 8389. 5 doors. In good condition, ac- Price: 180,000 baht. Tel: 081- 4 doors. In excellent condi- Good condition, 69,000 miles, dition. GR 8K. Price: 25,000 cident free. Price: 160,000 baht. 271 8635 (English & Thai). tion. Expat owned, with full any trial, full service history, full baht. Tel: 086-943 6716. Tel: 081-667 1637. Email: [email protected] service history. Price: 435,000 insurance, 7-seater, new tyres Others baht. Tel: 080-745 1333. and suspension. TV, DVD, sur- HONDA AIR BLADE COLLECTION’S CAR HONDA CIVIC Email: [email protected] round sound. 360,000 baht o.n.o. Honda Air Blade PGM FI. Well FOR SALE AUTOMATIC Tel: 087-265 8845 (Thai). Email: taken care of, precious golden ATV 700CC 2010 1950 Fiat coupe as seen at 1993, 4 door, power steering, TOYOTA VIGO 4X2 [email protected] brown colour, excellent shape, no Phuket car show. Asking very good condition, paint Top of the range. 3 years old. accidents, 2 years old, 8,000 price: 400,000 baht nett. Tel: faded. Price: 115,000 baht. 86,000km. Automatic, with MERCEDES MUSSO km. Price: 42,000 baht.Email: 076-248988, 081-273 9227. Tel: 086-948 8139. Email: many extras. Price: 590,000 4X4 DIESEL [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] baht, o.n.o. Tel: 087-276 0529. Great condition inside & out. Registered May 2011, recon- TWO YAMAHA NOVO ditioned motor, new head gas- ELEGANCES 135 Wheels & Motors ket & more with warranty and 1. Novo Elegance, 1,700km, 1,000km. Yamaha Raptor. paperwork. Price: 220,000 44,000 baht. 2. Novo Elegance, Quick sale. Good offer. baht. Please contact for more black and silver with mag Tel: 080-525 5805. Email: info. Tel: 086-276 9174. Email: wheels, 42,500 baht. Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Please use this form to write your classified advertisement.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 45

DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL

Phuket trounce Chiang Mai

ON FORM: FC Phuket forward Kone Adama (green) takes aim as two Chiang Mai players lunge for the ball in last Sunday’s match. Photo: Apinun Saithong By Stephen Fein capitalize on the few chances they card, left wing Nirun Phunthong Thus far teams in the 18-team had to counterattack, and Nitirot was named man-of-the-match. Division 1 have won 26 home FC Phuket rebounded from two Sokuma, who had just stepped on Two Chiang Mai players were also matches, compared to just 19 tough away losses to demolish the field to replace Sarach, scored yellow carded in the match, which away wins. Chiang Mai FC by a score of 4 – another from close range at 77 was relatively clean, but once FC Phuket is among six teams 0 at Surakul Stadium last Sunday. minutes. again marred by excessive simu- who have yet to win on the road. Crowd favorite Sarach Yooyen, Watcharapong Jun-ngam, sent lation of injury and stoppages on After the match FC Phuket coach returning to play after a suspen- in to replace Kone Adama at 75 both sides. Surachai Jirasirichote told reporters: sion, got the scoring underway at minutes, concluded the rout by The win moved the Southern “Our lads played extremely well and seven minutes after a deft pass heading home the final goal three Sea Kirin into fifth place on 14 completely stuck to the plan. It from Rapeepan Poonsawat. minutes before the end of full points, but with a game in hand made a big difference having Sarach Just before the end of the first time. due to the cancellation of the and Choi Jai Won back in the start- Last weekend’s results: half, Nirun Phunthong set up Nene To view all four goals, go to: Songklha match due to flooding. ing lineup, which gives us more Bi Tra Sylvestre, who found the www.siamsport.co.th/Sport_ The two top teams, Big Bang strength up the middle. I believe it Rajpracha 2 – 1 Chantaburi Air Force Utd 2 – 0 Samut Prakarn target with a close-range header Football/110417_248.html (Note: Chulalongkorn University and makes a big difference.” Chainat 5 – 1 Thai Honda to put FC Phuket up 2-0. scroll past the Thai text to the Buriram FC, both collected three FC Phuket’s next match will be Suphan Buri 2 – 2 Bangkok FC Despite the comfortable lead, video player at the bottom of the more points on home wins another home fixture, this time FC Phuket continued to press and page. It might take a few minutes last Sunday. against Thai Honda next Sunday, Buriram FC 2 – 0 Saraburi stayed on the offensive at the start to load.) Hard-luck RBAC FC earned their which is also National Labor Day. BBCU 1 – 0 PTT Rayong of the second half. Despite being the only FC first points of the season by draw- Kickoff is at 6pm. Admission: 50 JW Rangsit 1 – 0 Songkhla RBAC 2 – 2 Bangkok Utd Chiang Mai were unable to Phuket player to pick up a yellow ing at home to Bangkok United. baht (adults), 20 baht (children). Brazilian Soccer Schools to bring World Cup footy to Phuket BRAZILIAN Soccer Schools (BSS) has children aged 6 to 14 years. BSS World Cup 8 sees the U-12s and U-14s compete for Registration for both the BSS World announced they will hold their football medals are up for grabs and registration is their respective titles. Cup and Champions League 3x3 tourna- World Cup at Thanyapura Sports and a mere 500 baht per player. Term three of BSS Phuket’s schedule is ment can be made via telephone or email. Leisure Club (TSLC) at Phuket Interna- Also announced this week are details for now available for bookings and will avail of – Neil Quail tional Academy. the BSS Champions League 3x3 tournament facilities at TLSC, Quality Schools Inter- The tournament will kick off on April to be held at TSLC. On May 7, the U-8s national (QIS) and British School For more information contact Tracey on 081- 20 from 9am to 1pm and is open for and U-10s will take to the pitch while May International (BIS). 5393371 or E:bss [email protected].

Looking for a place to stay? See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net 46 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011 Sidewinder storms to first Victron win Reaching the channel marker the buffet,” she added. ACYC RACE SERIES mark six minutes ahead of her ri- ACYC Commodore Grenville val, Linda stopped sailing and Fordham is calling for volunteers By Neil Quail looked as if she was more inter- to help organize the club’s Open ested in packing her wardrobe. Day on April 24 RACE two of the Victron Energy Emerald Blue sailed past and ges- “It’s shaping up to be a fun Series organized by Ao Chalong tured to move forward. day when we expect to intro- ON COURSE: ‘Linda’ races into second place during the ACYC Race Series. Yacht Club (ACYC) was held on By the time Linda resumed the duce a lot of new people to the April 10 through variable wind course she was trailing the ketch club – and hopefully gather in a What’s coming up at ACYC... conditions that evoked plenty of and crossed the line almost nine few new members. emotions among the minutes behind “We desperately need volunteers. fleet of six. ‘It was a great Emerald Blue. We plan to have an ACYC booth The course, set day with spinnakers Simone finished dealing with membership inquiries/ by Australian Scott third in Racing applications, RYA course informa- Duncanson, fol- gracing the bay class, suffering the tion and t-shirt/polo shirt sales. lowed a route under mainly sunny effects of a “dirty “If you could spare some time around the island skies.’ bottom” (growths during Open Day to man this and concluded with on the hull) which booth please email me at a “sausage”, or – Leslie Hand of clearly slowed her [email protected] – or grab “link to link” leg, in out of the race. me at the bar and let me know. If ACYC April 24. Ao Chalong Yacht Club Open Day & Family Fun Chalong Bay. The only boat in we get a few keen volunteers, we First off the line in the down- Cruising class was Chetak, which can organize shifts,” he said. COME and enjoy Ao Chalong Yacht Club’s fantastic waterside bar/ wind start was the catamaran sailed a comfortable yet good race “There will be other work to restaurant, gardens and clubhouse from 11am to 9pm. The club Sidewinder, which sped off to to complete the course. be done, especially during setup always has a warm welcome for non-members and guests. We can take line honors in an uncontested “It was a great day with spin- on Saturday, April 23, so if you’re promise a fun-filled afternoon of dinghy sailing, kayaking, a bouncy win against Ni a, her sole com- nakers gracing the bay under not up for manning the booth, but castle, Easter egg hunting, a BBQ lunch (250baht, kids: 100baht), petitor in the Multihull class. mainly sunny skies,” said Leslie would like to get stuck into help- live music, raffles, prizes and silent auctions. Go aboard a 40ft cata- The battle of the day was in Hand of ACYC. ing set up, please contact Mick at maran and view our exhibitions. You can browse the many things to Racing class, and the competition “Thanks to Race Officer Scott [email protected],” he buy or relax at the full bar with fresh coffee. Park on the main road between newcomer Linda and Duncanson for setting the course added. at the entrance and catch our songthaew up the short road to the long-time ACYC racer Emerald and for Kathy de Cruz for getting Race three of the Victron Energy Yacht Club. We will have a temporary “bus stop” sign. Please do Blue. Although Emerald Blue the fleet around. Series is scheduled for May 8. not park on the access road. This upsets our neighbors, who we managed a better start, Linda soon “Cheers to the ACYC crew for love. Contact Grenville Fordham (Commodore) at T:081-7979754 passed her and led at the turn their hospitality and for keeping For more information on all events E:[email protected] or visit W:acyc-phuket.com/so cial.htm. around Koh Bon. the drinks cold and the providing visit W: www.acyc-phuket.com Patong CC clinch league title by an inch THE Island Furniture League played out to for 38. Laguna CC withdrew for lunch Cole kept ticking off the runs, and at 164 of the most astonishing turn of events ever a dramatic conclusion on April 10 when having bowled Patong CC out for 169 runs for six the match as a contest was all but witnessed in Phuket cricket history. Patong CC faced arch rivals Laguna CC in after only 25 overs. over and the fat lady began the warm up Cole finished on 57 not out after a sterling the 35-over final. After the break, Laguna CC knew it was for her aria. performance batting from the second over. Captain of Laguna, Stuart Reading, won imperative to bat out the 35 overs. Com- The Patong CC players needed a miracle Anthony Van Blerk was ecstatic with his the toss and elected to field, a decision that pleting this task would surely give them the and It was Joshi Naresh whose dislike for team’s performance. quickly paid dividends. Patong CC kept the title, but a decisive 30 minute spell from opera became clear by bowling a stunning “Laguna certainly played well, but they run rate at a decent level, but valuable wick- Patong CC took three wickets and a glim- triple wicket maiden. didn’t lose the game; our boys won it ets fell quickly, and the responsibility of mer of hope appeared. Nine wickets down, Laguna CC needed through determination,” he said. anchoring the innings fell to Anthony Van Andrew Cole partnered his captain well five runs to win from the last over and Richard Folds of Patong CC put his Blerk, who top scored with 58 runs before until Reading was dismissed for 43 runs. Marish took the ball for the last over. Two team’s comeback in perspective: “He who his demise at the hands of Joji’s bowling. Joji was next to the crease and by the time nervy singles began the over and a refusal dares wins – I can’t believe we won from Anil Rawat entered the fray at number his wicket fell the score had jumped to 143 to run two on the fourth ball meant an that position.” seven and just failed to reach his half cen- runs for five wickets. opportunity to tie the game was lost. Rawat was awarded man-of-the-match tury before being bowled for 46 runs by Requiring only 26 runs for victory, Raju The penultimate ball gave Cole a chance for his 46 runs and two wickets for 14 runs. Sameer Khan. Seemant called for one last effort from his to push for one, but Tariq failed to back up The meeting of both teams again on April Patong CC’s tail enders could not influ- seemingly defeated crew. Rawat had one his partner and was run out by a matter of 24 to challenge for the T20 title at Cherng ence the score to any great degree and Joji over remaining and used this to dispatch inches attempting to ground his bat. Talay school promises yet another thrilling polished off a fine performance with five Sammy for nine runs. Patong CC had retained the title in one match. – Neil Quail April 23 - 29, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Young shows his mettle at Sepang Circuit IN FOCUS: Phuket race driver Dylan Young is still focused on a career in F1. By Neil Quail Switzerland, Austria, India and just over half a second from a top Korea. 10 position. PHUKET’S Formula One (F1) Dylan got off to a flier in race Although his season did not have hopeful Dylan Young reacted well one, but an error later in the first an ideal start, Dylan is still positive. to technical problems in his first lap caused him to drop several po- Race data analysis shows his per- JK Racing Asia Series event in sitions. Dylan drew on his formances consistently improved. Malaysia and is raring to get back experience, and with a spirited “I closed the gap on the lead- in the drivers seat. drive, finished in 15th place. ers each time, so we are getting In his first practice session on “I got off the line well, but was better. Seat time is crucial and the Sepang International Circuit cautious to avoid contact. After looking at the data after each ses- in Kuala Lumpur on April 9, the that, I just put my head down and sion indicates where we are 22-year-old Australian lost passed a few drivers. I’m starting gaining. We have to find the bud- all power his car when his to feel more confident now that we get to keep improving. I am master switch turned off have more seat time,” Dylan said. confident we can crack the top after running over a curb. The The next day, prior to the 10 pretty quickly and then we will mechanical failure meant he could Petronas Malaysian Formula 1 be pushing for podiums as the complete only two laps. Grand Prix, F1 bosses watched season goes on,” Dylan said. “I was pretty frustrated, but Dylan in action for race two. Again Sponsored by EMCT Romania, I quickly regrouped and mentally he accelerated well from the start, Dylan is also very proud to have prepared for the afternoon quali- but jockeying for positions ahead adorned his car with the Phuket fying session,” Dylan said. of him caused Dylan to lose logo for the race, but is still Despite the disastrous start, ground near the end of the lap. searching for a major corporate Young qualified in 14th place on the Dylan picked his battles, and me- backer. grid for both races out of 18 top thodically worked his way caliber drivers from countries through the field to finish a fine For more information visit W: WHITE ON TRACK: Dylan Young in his white car at Sepang in Malaysia which included Malaysia, Russia, performance in 13th position and www.dylanyoungracing.com earlier this month. Photo: Dylanyoungracing.com

AwesomeAwesome twosometwosome VOLLEYBALL ACES: Tanarattha Umdomchawee and Yupa Phokongpoly FRESH from her training on Phuket, nationally-renowned volley- ball player Yupa Phokongpoly and new partner Tanarattha Umdomchawee demolished the field at last week’s Songkhla round of the 12th Samila-Chang Asian Beach Volleyball Tour 2011. After some partnership rearrangements, Yupa and Tanarattha were ranked as Thailand’s number three team. They proved rankings are not always right, winning the tournament outright without losing a single set. Victories over pairings from Hong Kong, Singapore, Ma- laysia and Australia took them to the final, where they comprehensively defeated Thailand’s number one team in two sets: 21-14, 21-12. “I am absolutely thrilled. I feel like all the hard work in Phuket has paid off. The goal is getting to the Olympics in London and I couldn’t have wished for a better start to the season,” Yupa said. Bob Selznick, who coaches Yupa during her training retreats to Phuket, is delighted with the recent result. “Yupa deserves this win and it’s a fantastic boost for important upcoming tournaments. We know the sands of Karon Beach pro- vide an ideal training ground, and winning last week is a great advertisement for volleyball in Phuket,” Bob said. This week sees Yupa and the Thailand teams head to Batam, In- donesia for an Olympic qualifying tournament. From there they will head to Vietnam and China for further FIVB tour competitions. – Neil Quail 48 PHUKET GAZETTE April 23 - 29, 2011 Time for the Rugby 10s INTERNATIONAL RUGBY

By Neil Quail all the family. The event will also raise funds for the Children’s TEAMS for the 13th Phuket Inter- Scholarship Program, which is national Rugby 10s have been con- run in conjunction with the Asia firmed, with Phuket’s own Center Foundation (ACF). Vagabonds intent on providing Director of ACF, Mr Roelien stiff opposition for would be Muller, said the relationship be- challengers in the event. tween the Phuket Vagabonds, ACF Karon Stadium will again play and the Rugby 10s event, was an home to this hugely popular event important one for the community. from May 27-29. And after “The relationship started during recently hosting the Phuket 2004 by invitation of Patrick Cot- International Cricket 6s, stadium ter who knew about our work ground staff are busy preparing with disadvantaged students in for a massive influx of rugby fans a slum area of Patong,” Mr and players. Muller said. Phuket Vagabonds rivalry “In 2005 we began the Schol- with the Bangkok Bangers will arship Program to help students certainly entice local support, affected by the tsunami and the while two more teams from teams that arrived for the Rugby Thailand, the Asian Japanese 10s that same year brought Photo: Robert Brewer Dragons and the Thai Legends, donations that immediately will fend off opposition from benefited the program,” he Australia, South Africa, the added. Middle East and Asia. The efforts of Mr Muller and from teams and individuals that Mr Muller said. events, yet to be scheduled, and Last year’s champions the Kriel Mr Cotter were recognized in participate each year in the Phuket One major boon for rugby fans of course the now iconic “Tour Roosters (RSA) will be back to 2008 when they both received International Rugby 10s tourna- on the island, is the waiver of en- Virgin Beauty Pageant”, held on defend their title as will last year’s the “Spirit of Rugby” award for ment. We are extremely grateful trance fees for spectators for the the Saturday evening of the Coffin Dodgers Veterans champi- their contributions to the com- for all the support the local entire event. tournament. ons, Morrabbin Rams (AUS). munity through rugby. and International teams gave in In addition to the action on the The tournament promises three “The majority of the financial the past and continue to give field, players and their entou- For more information visit W: days of great rugby and fun for support for the Program comes to the ACF Scholarship Program,” rages will enjoy a range of social www.phuketrugby10s.com

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