Four Square Kilometers of Coral 'Unique in Thailand'

Volume 13 Issue 9 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 March 4 - 10, 2006 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 25 Baht

The Gazette is published in association with HUGE REEF IN THIS ISSUE

NEWS: Suwat pushes for action on Phi Phi; Tsunami test causes consternation. Pages 2 & 3 DISCOVERED INSIDE STORY: Out-of-this- world plans for Ao Phuket. Pages 4 & 5 Four square kilometers of coral ‘unique in Thailand’ AROUND THE REGION: Wrecked roads result in By Sylvie Yaffe ructions. Page 8 AROUND THE ISLAND: Valley of PHANG NGA: Marine scientists the Dolls. Page 11 inspecting coral reefs along the Andaman coast have discovered PEOPLE: Life’s a non-stop an uncharted reef off Tai Muang song for VJs.Pages 12 & 13 covering, they say, at least four LIFESTYLE: Music: Iggy pops square kilometers – larger than in; Cocktails: Piña Colada. any known reef in the region. Pages 14 & 15 The discovery, made in the AFTER DARK: Up the hill to first week of January, was docu- Ratri Jazztaurant. Page 18 mented by Songpol Tippaya- SPA MAGIC: Royal Spa & wong, Head of the Thailand Health Club. Page 19 Marine and Coastal Conservation Unit (MCCU) of the WWF (for- ALL AT SEA: Small is beau- merly known as the World Wild- tiful. Page 20 life Fund). The MCCU were sur- FIRST PERSON: ‘Crashes an veying a reef nearby when they occupational hazard,’ says were tipped off by local fisher- limo leader. Page 25 men. MONEY TALKS: Alternatives to “We never thought the reef oil. Page 31 would be so large,” said K. Songpol, a Phang Nga native. SPORT: Rugby 10s and “I have never even seen a Cricket Sixes; Supermodel reef that is one kilometer wide kick-boxers. Pages 32 & 33 by one kilometer long in Thailand, PROPERTY: Home of the and so far we have surveyed only Week: Laguna; Construction: four square kilometers of this Untouched by humans – indeed, unseen by all but a handful of people – the coral of the newly-discovered reef is truly spectacular. – Photo by Songpol Tippayawong Baan Thai Surin Garden; De- new reef. It is actually bigger, we cor: Mirror, Mirror. have yet to survey the exact from the [reefs at] the Similans, hard corals, 112 species of fish would have been degraded [be- Pages 34-37 boundaries.” Surin or Richelieu – it is not slop- from 56 families, including the cause of the run-off from the The discovery follows a ing, and it is home to species parrot fish Chlorurus rakaura, mining],” he said. PLUS report in January this year that never before seen in Thai wa- which has never been seen in For now, K. Songpol is about 13% of reefs inspected ters as well as species [that be- Thai waters before. keeping the location of the reef AROUND THE NATION 6; QUEER along the Andaman coast in the fore were] only seen in the K. Songpol, who has a secret in order to protect it. NEWS 7; HOROSCOPES 13; HAP- weeks after the tsunami had 50% Similans, such as a rare type of worked at the Phuket Marine “Right now I’m not telling any- PENINGS 16; MOTORING 17; TAKE or more of their coral destroyed sweet lips. Biological Center at Cape one exactly where it is,” he said, A BREAK 21 & 22; OUTSIDE IN, by the waves. “We also found one rock Panwa for the past eight years, adding that the reef must first be BOOKS 23; EDITORIAL, LETTERS, Describing the reef, K. formation with over 20 lobsters explained that tin mining in the surveyed, the coral’s condition ISSUES & ANSWERS 24 & 25; Songpol told the Gazette, “It was in it. We named that site ‘lobster area was the likely reason that assessed and the boundaries of YOUTH ’N A SIA, LAW 26; MOMMA great – very big and healthy. It is condo’,” he said. the reef remained undiscovered the reef established. DUCK, THE TIME MACHINE 27; in good condition and only about Although the MCCU has for so long. “We believe it will have the TOON TOWN, PHUKET D IARY 28; 1% of it was damaged by the tsu- yet to complete its assessment of “I think that because of the capability to boost tourism in the COMPUTERS 30; GARDENING 37; nami. the reef, the team has so far re- tin mining many years ago, people CLASSIFIEDS 38-47. “It is completely different corded more than 30 genera of assumed that coral this area Continued on page 2 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS March 4 - 10, 2006 Suwat pushes for fast action on Phi Phi By Anongnat Sartpisut “Why doesn’t the EO care about the noise pol- PHUKET: In an abrupt govern- lution caused by the gen- ment about-face after more than erators?” a year of blocking rehabilitation Officials from the of Koh Phi Phi Don following the EO agreed to reconsider tsunami, Deputy Prime Minister allowing cables to be laid Suwat Liptapanlop has urged re- underwater if Krabi Pro- development be pushed ahead to vince sends them a re- hasten the island’s return to its vised Initial Environmen- former status as a tourism hot- tal Examination (IEE). spot. The project IEE is At a meeting held at the now undergoing a re- Royal Phuket City Hotel, govern- view, for resubmission to ment representatives from Phu- the EO. Finally, V/Gov Chai ket, Phang Nga and Krabi dis- The reef teems with marine life. – Photo by Songpol Tippayawong cussed redevelopment progress said that although locals in the three provinces. agree to a 20-meter-wide strip of shoreline to be ‘DISGRACEFUL’ designated a no-con- Huge reef discovered struction zone in order to From page 1 or with just one or two govern- Krabi Vice-Governor Chai Pa- preserve the beachfront, the Land Department and area [but only] when there is a ment bodies. Without participa- nichpornpan complained that con- good management plan. We are tion from local people, dive op- struction has been started on only the EO have already approved a 30m-wide zone, doing a field survey and we are erators and tour operators, we three of the planned 50 houses Suwat Liptapanlop: Swept aside objec- collecting scientific data in order won’t have an effective manage- for tsunami victims on Koh Phi tions about coral damage. causing anger among some island residents. to zone the area and put down ment strategy,” he said. Phi Don. some mooring buoys.” For the dive communities in V/Gov Chai said, “Can you underwater cables, the Environ- He added that, with the tour- mental Office (EO) – under the ism season in full swing, hotels K. Songpol expressed con- Phuket and Khao Lak, the dis- imagine this – that tourists can cern that enforcement of environ- covery came as both a bombshell approach to within sight of Koh the Ministry of Natural Resources and other tourism businesses and Environment – has not au- were irked because no develop- mental conservation laws was and a cause for joy. Jeroen Dek- Phi Phi Don, yet they cannot dis- lacking, which might jeopardize natel, managing Director of embark due to boat congestion in thorized this project, claiming that ment of land by the beach can the necessary construction work start until the dispute is resolved. the reef. “There are a lot of good Fantasea Divers, told the Gazette, the bay? It’s disgraceful that re- laws in Thailand, but enforce- “I’m absolutely delighted. Any development plans still have not would destroy or damage sur- Deputy PM Suwat ordered rounding coral reefs. the Vice-Governor, the Land De- ment needs to be more effect- new dive site means that it takes been approved.” ive.” the pressure off existing dive He also commented on two Currently, people on the is- partment and the EO to discuss land use generators to produce the issue further and reach a fi- He explained that a man- sites. It’s also great news for the key problems the island faces: agement strategy was crucial to Khao Lak diving community, who supplies of water and power. electricity. nal decision. However, no dead- Deputy PM Suwat asked, line was set. protecting the reef. The strategy have been hard-hit. It’s a special Thailand’s Provincial Wa- should include: raising awareness gift for them.” terworks Authority has agreed to among local people; zoning and However, like K. Songpol, produce water using reverse os- Phuket gears up for polls the reintroduction of some rare he also made a plea for the mosis technology to sell to Phi species of marine life; promoting newly-discovered reef to be Phi Don residents, depending on PHUKET: Voters in Phuket and candidate for Phuket’s Parlia- tourism, with participation from treated with due care to ensure government funding for the across the country will be busy mentary District 1 while Wisut local villagers; and continual coral that it is not damaged. The great- project. in April with two national elec- Santikul stand for District 2. restoration. “We have already est amount of damage done to Despite a 620-million-baht tions: the Parliamentary election Whether the Democrats – introduced 100 giant clams [at the reefs these days, he said, was by budget approved on September 6 slated for April 2 and the Senato- who held both seats in Phuket until new reef],” he said. inexperienced divers. last year by the Provincial Elec- rial election on April 19. Parliament was dissolved – will With a good management “Let’s do what they do in tricity Authority to link the island Dr Sriyada Palimapan will field candidates is not clear. strategy in place, K. Songpol did Malaysia and keep inexperienced to the mainland power grid via be the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party The Democrats, the Maha- not see see tourism and diving as divers away from all that brittle chon Party and the Chart Thai a threat to the reef, “…not if we coral until they have developed Party have decided to boycott the have regulations like the United the underwater skills that ensure April 2 election as part of the Nations Environment Program’s that they don’t accidentally bump growing drive to force Prime (UNEP) Green Fins [guidelines] into things and break things off.” Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to and a code of conduct. We can This would have to be policed by resign. control the carrying capacity [the the dive companies themselves, Candidates for election to number of divers diving on the he added. Parliament must register between reef] and set some regulations,” In Khao Lak, initial reaction March 4 and 8. he said. has also been excited. “We know Candidates for the Senato- “Dive operators love nature only what we have seen from the rial race must register between and are willing to help in all kinds announcement by the WWF,” March 24 and 28. of conservation activities,” he said Wolly Woermer of Subaqua The unofficial list of sena- added. “I also understand they Club. “So far there have been no torial candidates for Phuket now have to make a profit. But we details about the location and includes: Dr Prasit Koeysiripong, need to get all interested parties depth of the coral. Thanyarat Achariyachai, Prawat involved in managing natural re- “But we are excited about Suwannadithakul and Uthai sources. the new reef, as it may offer new Suksirisamphan. “We cannot do it ourselves options for diving daytrips from March 4 - 10, 2006 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Plan to relax license rules for yacht skippers Employers BANGKOK: The Ministry of Tourism and are under 16 meters (52 feet) in length. The French expertise in marina management, it threaten strike Sports (MoTS) is planning to put before Cabi- boats must also have motors of a limited size. added. net a proposal to allow people with foreign The move follows a joint declaration Bunjird Sonsuwan, Section Manager of over labor captain’s licenses to skipper Thai-registered entitled “The Plan of Action of Franco-Thai the Tourism and Sports Ministry’s Public Re- sailing yachts. Tourism Cooperation”, signed on February 18 lations office, told the Gazette that if there crackdown The proposal, intended to give a boost by Thai Tourism and Sports Minister Pracha are no political changes and if the proposal is to the marine tourism industry, would do away Maleenont and his French counterpart, Leon approved by Cabinet, it would go into effect PHUKET CITY: Some 200 an- with an existing regulation that requires for- Bertrand. on October 1. gry employers descended on eign skippers wanting to sail boats in local The declaration was one of a number Not everyone is happy with the proposed Phuket Provincial Meeting Hall waters to obtain Thai licenses from the Ma- of initiatives agreed to during a three-day state rule change. Surin Tirakulpisut, Head of the on February 27, threatening to go rine Department. visit by French President Jacques Chirac. Phuket Marine Office, questioned how Thai- on strike if their demands for an It would also open up the market for According to a press release by the land would benefit from a relaxation in regu- easing of rules on foreign labor- bareboat charters. At present, any foreigner MoTS, those who stand to benefit most from lations that he believes are already fair. ers are not met. who charters a boat in Thailand, and who the relaxed restrictions would be international- “How many people sail in here on big Key representatives of the does not have a Thai license himself, must standard marinas, of which, it said, there are yachts and don’t stay in our hotels? These Phuket Provincial Fisheries As- also hire a skipper with a Thai license. four in Thailand – two in Phuket and two in people are rich – they’re millionaires. But I sociation, the Phuket Provincial The new regulation, if approved, would Chon Buri. The agreement would also help don’t see how Thai people benefit from them Construction Association and apply only to Thai-registered sailboats that the marine industry to grow further by using coming here,” he said. other Phuket businesses handed Phuket Governor Udomsak Us- warangkura a petition urging him to reduce the fines imposed on Seaweed employers caught hiring illegal Tsunami tower test laborers from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. causes a stink They made three demands: • An amnesty allowing em- in Patong causes consternation ployers not to register laborers until a new government has been installed. PATONG: Nipawan Bussarawit, By Ananya Hongsa-ngiam That apart, he said, the • A freeze on the compul- a marine biologist at the Phuket test was a success. “We sory 1,000-baht-per-laborer good tested all 12 warning towers. behavior bond until Memoranda Marine Biological Center PHUKET: Officials declar- The trial was satisfactory.” of Understanding that the Thak- (PMBC), has confirmed that the ed a test of 12 tsunami warn- In addition to the 12 sin administration was in the pro- rising level of “organic contami- ing towers on February 22 a tested on February 22, four cess of completing with Myan- nants” in Patong Bay has con- success, but residents of more warning towers are in mar, Laos and Cambodia have tributed to the explosive growth some parts of the island said various stages of construc- been signed. of stinking brown seaweed that they were terrified as they tion. An end to arrests of em- has been washing up on Patong had received no warning of • Vice-Governor Wora- ployers and illegal laborers in Baech for the past month. the trial, during which full pot Ratthasima told the Ga- cases where an extension to pay K. Nipawan said that the emergency messages were zette that the tower on Koh the registration fee has been water quality in Patong Bay was broadcast. Lone, off Chalong, is ready, granted by the Phuket Provincial still at acceptable levels, but the One woman living in but has not yet been linked Employment Services Office rise in its organic content may Chalong said, “The warning to the NDWC. (PESO). have spurred the growth of the tower kept broadcasting a Two more towers are If these demands were not seaweed, which she identified as message telling us to get out to be built at Nai Harn and met, the petition stated, all em- being Cladophora. and run for higher ground. Kata Noi, funded by dona- ployers who have signed the pe- “Cladophora grows natu- Cars were roaring up the hill tions from Thai TV channel tition would suspend all work. rally, but the factors that cause past our house. It was very iTV. They are expected to The following day, at a meet- this seaweed to bloom so much frightening.” be completed in March. ing chaired by the Governor, it was like this are high levels of nutri- “In the end, I called my The ODPM’s Arun Keodsom: apologies. “Recently, Governor decided to accede to the employ- ents and high temperatures. husband and he told me that and TV stations about the test,” Udomsak Uswarangkura went to ers’ third point, though K. Boon- “The high organic content it was just a drill,” she said. he said. Koh Racha,” V/Gov Worapot chock warned afterwards, “If comes from wastewater. If we The Gazette was at Saphan “I told the NDWC [the Na- said. “He observed that this is a [unregistered] laborers are found had a good wastewater treatment Hin for the test there, during tional Disaster Warning Center in tsunami danger area and assigned wandering at large, the police can system, the water going into the which the broadcast message, in Nonthaburi] to broadcast ‘This is me to contact iTV to request [still] arrest them.” bay shouldn’t have organic waste English, was, “Attention please! a drill’ at the beginning of each funding for one more tower.” As for the first two points, – or inorganic waste – that would Attention please! There are tidal warning. But they didn’t do that. K. Arun said that the bud- he said that these had been re- cause the seaweed to grow.” K. waves from storm winds. Please They broadcast that message just get has already been approved by layed to the Ministry of Labor in Nipawan added that the weed is leave the beach as far as possible once, right at the beginning of the iTV and the tower will be com- Bangkok, which is considering not harmful to people. for higher ground urgently.” test,” he added. pleted in April. them. Patong Deputy Mayor Chai- The Mandarin version men- rat Sukkabaan defended Mu- tioned a “typhoon”. nicipality efforts to deal with the Arun Keodsom, Chief of problem. “We send workers to the Phuket Office for Disaster clean up the weed every day, and Prevention and Mitigation test the water quality every week. (ODPM), apologized to those “The water quality is not who were frightened by the test. that bad, and even the PMBC has “I want to apologize to told us that the seaweed grows people [who were panicked]. We not just because of the organic informed the tambon administra- material but also from the weak tion organizations, the district of- current and the amount of sun- fices, the Phuket Provincial Pub- shine – and it’s not harmful.” lic Relations Office, and the press 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY March 4 - 10, 2006

t a February 22 meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minis- ter Suwat Liptapanlop at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, only about half of the Patong Bay Development committee’s A36 members – all appointed by embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra – bothered to attend. The poor attendance may have been related to the fact that Saphan Hin had served as the site of an anti-Thaksin rally just days AO PHUKET: before. But despite the poor turn- out at the meeting, the idea of sit- ing a mega-project in Phuket Bay Just days before the dissolution of Thailand’s lower seems to enjoys strong support in province, even from the Demo- house, Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop crat Party-controlled Provincial chaired a meeting on the long-discussed Phuket Administration Organization Bay (Ao Phuket) Development mega-project, which (OrBorJor). Among those in attendance would transform the city’s drab seafront into the was Phuket Governor Udomsak gateway for a futuristic international convention hall Uswarangkura, who briefed and marina complex, which, its proponents say, DPM Suwat on the project’s history, which dates back 17 years would serve as an icon for Thailand. The Gazette’s to 1989, when it was first con- Anongnat Sartpisut and Stephen Fein report. ceived by the OrBorJor of that time. After 13 years in the con- total project cost at a staggering firm understood to be that of re- ceptual realm, the project took a 63.5 billion baht, with the govern- nowned University of Tokyo Pro- small step toward becoming re- ment making an initial 4.9-billion- fessor Tadao Umezawa and his ality in 2002, when the Interior baht investment in infrastructure. firm Umezawa and Partners. Ministry’s Department of Public According to the 2003 This Umezawa group has Works and Town & Country study, the break-even point would already produced a detailed Planning commissioned consult- be three years and the pay-back- manual and CD overview de- ing firm BBMT (Thailand) to con- period as short as 13 years, as- scribing its vision of a project, duct an 11-million-baht feasibility suming optimal conditions. The which would start with a resort study on the project. basic internal rate on return called “Anabasis”, to be “based That study, completed in would be 8.64 % a year; 10.77% on the supposition that a space- 2003, was incorporated into the under optimal conditions. The net ship has traveled through space updated plan put before the com- present value over 30 years and time and landed in Phuket mittee members. It calls for would increase more than 10-fold, Bay”. Thailand’s largest Meetings, In- from 2.8 billion baht to over 24.5 When finished the project centives, Convention and Exhibi- billion baht. The offshore com- would also include a “media tion (MICE) center, a 37-billion- plex would require 14,300 cubic wall”; the world’s largest video baht facility with seating for meters of water per day, while display screen, measuring 90 x 30,000 delegates; and a 26.5-bil- daily producing 5,805 cubic 180 square meters, which would lion-baht marina complex. The meters of wastewater and 45 dominate the skyline like a scene marina would be on such as scale tonnes of trash and garbage, the out of Bladerunner with images as to dwarf existing marinas on study said. visible from Phuket City. the island and immediately pro- Gov Udomsak said the pel Phuket into a premier posi- state-owned waterfront land re- onspicuously absent from the tion in Asia’s marine leisure in- quired for the project is currently CFebruary 22 proceedings dustry. The entire project would tied up in a tin-mining concession was OrBorJor President Ancha- cover some 3,200 rai of mostly held by Tongkah Harbour Pcl, but lee Vanich-Thepabutr, whose She also expressed concerns we will shelve it. If we enjoy pub- reclaimed land. that will expire at the end of this agency was represented by her about the project’s effect on traf- lic support, however, then we can Other facilities would in- year. deputy, Sutin Uthaitamrong. He fic and its environmental impacts; take the next step and begin to clude restaurants, hotels, apart- Gov Udomsak revealed the told the committee that the project according to the feasibility study, look at the legal and environmen- ments, office buildings and retail names of four groups interested stood to benefit the country and all of the garbage generated would tal issues involved, as well as fi- areas, an information technology in investing in the project: Tong- province as well as bring jobs to need to be burned by the munici- nance,” he said. center, leisure and entertainment kah Harbour; an investment com- local people. pal incinerator at Saphan Hin that The DPM downplayed the center, sports center and a hos- pany controlled by Thai investor “However, Phuket residents is already working well over its possibility of adverse environ- pital. Premchai Kannasut; an unnamed do not want the project to consist capacity, she concluded. mental effects from the project, The feasibility study puts the Canadian firm and a Japanese of gambling and entertainment Although there have never such as damage to the remaining venues, such as bars and pubs,” been any public hearings about tracts of mangrove forest that he said. the project – nor are any planned once flourished in the area, and Phuket City Mayor Somjai – DPM Suwat concluded that the damage to marine life though Suwannasuppana said that the viewpoints of those committee sedimentation. project was a good idea – as long members who bothered to attend “Environmentally, there isn’t as it did not have a negative im- seemed to constitute public sup- much to worry about. It can be pact on local people’s way of life. port for the project, which he de- designed to ensure that water cir- Saphan Hin has long served as a scribed as being still “at the culation is not impeded. sports and recreational area for groundwork stage”. “We are taking an ugly local people; this continued role “We have a lot of experi- piece of land and beautifying it for the area should not compro- ence,” he said. “If local people and, at the same time, turning a mised, she said. don’t agree with the project, then useless area into one that will March 4 - 10, 2006 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5 Since the From eyesore to icon?beginning

such as by getting special ap- this can help organize housing and proval for the work despite exist-of environmentalthe year, control systems, it ing regulations that forbid back- will improve the area,” he said. filling of the sea. Such permission However, he stressed that can be granted if the workan is the averagedevelopment would have to viewed as being “in the public in- be carried out in strict accor- The marina terest”, he said. dance with the terms of the complex • Guiding the course of ofthe project’s2,000 Environmental Impact currently development in such a way as to Assessment. envisioned by the ensure that appropriate facilities He added that the govern- Public Works and are provided, while still allowing ment’s limited budget and limited Town and enough flexibility to investors.day-trippersexperience of projects of this Country Planning MICE facilities (with seating for scale and nature made seeking Office includes a minimum 10,000 delegates) and private investment and expertise an observation a marina would need to be parta daythe preferred have option. tower far higher of any development plan, he said. But that might not be easy. than anything its • Clear investment guide- “In my opinion, it’s going to be own building lines and incentives would havevisiteddifficult because Phi investors want codes would ever to be put in place, such as by al- a clear idea of when they will see allow – if it were lowing investment on land con- a return on investment, and that’s to be built by the cession for an appropriate length not so easy to provide,” he said. private sector. Phi – the of time, such as 30 or 60 years. This would require further study, lso in favor of the project is he said. A Phuket Chamber of Com- “This project is suitable anddemandmerce President Eam is Thavorn- the local people agree with it,” he wongwongse, who is a member said, adding that no project can of both the main Phuket Bay succeed without the supportclearly of Development committee and the build 300 man-made locals. public relations sub-committee. islands which, com- To this end, a 12-member He sees the project as hav- bined, will take on panel, headed by Gov Udomsak,thereing the potential to give a new the shape of a world was formed to handle public re- direction to tourism development map. lations, which will include inform- on the island – one that could help According to ing the public about the project change the seasonal nature of the DPM Suwat, Thai through local government bodies Phuket tourism industry by at- tourism needs a si- and relaying public concerns to tracting visitors year-round. milar focal point – the main committee. Again, there K. Eam said the only sce- and it should be lo- was no specific call to arrange nario under which the project is cated in the muddy local public hearings listed in the likely to happen in the foresee- waters of Phuket sub-committee’s mandate. able future is through massive pri- Bay, into which Another progress meeting vate sector investment. Like K. generate income through tour- petitors by using innovative ideas flows much of the untreated on the issue would be held in two Thanan, he thinks that, to make ism,” he said. to make their country interest- wastewater from Phuket City weeks’ time, said DPM Suwat, this possible, the government must In what was seen as a ref- ing,” he said. and its environs, including parts “but I think it’s better if we hold it make the investment terms clear erence to the Petronas Towers DPM Suwat was also clear- of Kathu. in Bangkok,” he added. and attractive. in Kuala Lampur, DPM Suwat ly impressed during his visit to the “Phuket can do it, but we Thanan Tanpaibul, whose Like most of the people the decried Thailand’s lack of a mod- United Arab Emirates city of will need to improve our infra- company holds a 30-year conces- Gazette spoke to, K. Eam sees ern, world-class icon to promote Dubai, where an internationally structure, such as by expanding sion to operate Rassada Harbor the environmental impact of the tourism. acclaimed resort and a huge the airport to accommodate more at the north end of Phuket Bay project as a secondary concern. “Thailand doesn’t have any property development have been and larger aircraft as well as in near the mouth to Klong Tha “If we get investment in this tourism landmarks. Apart from built on reclaimed land in the improving the waste management Chin, attended an earlier meeting area it might even help conserve structures built by our ancestors, shape of a palm tree. This project system,” he said. on the project organized by the environment…there is no most of our tourist attractions are is so huge that it is clearly visible DPM Suwat summed up the BBMT Consultants. He said he need to worry about the effects natural, not man-made. Malaysia in satellite images taken. way forward for transforming is in favor of the project, as it of backfilling the sea floor as this doesn’t compare with Thailand in Now Dubai investors are Phuket Bay from eyesore to icon could help develop the entire type of thing has already been terms of natural beauty, but now going even further, investing as follows: Phuket City waterfront. done in Penang and Singapore,” they have become our big com- US$3 billion (120 billion baht) to • Overcoming legal hurdles, “If a huge project such as he noted. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE NATION March 4 - 10, 2006 Suspect shampoos come up clean ests by the Food and laysia, who allegedly supplied the Drug Administration drug to both “mules”. found nothing wrong Choe lived in a Bangkok Twith samples of a lead- apartment, where he supplied the ing anti-dandruff shampoo that heroin and “dressed” the two two people claimed made them other suspects with the drug be- go bald. fore they flew to Taiwan. The FDA director Dr Paijit three have been charged with Varachit said the FDA’s Medical possessing heroin and attempting Sciences Department tested two to traffick it. samples and found the ingredi- Police Maj Gen Suwat Jan- ents used were in accordance itthikul, a deputy chief of the with what was on the labels and Royal Thai Police’s Narcotics that there was no contamination. Suppression Bureau (NSB), said One of the two samples the arrests resulted from intelli- tested was taken from a bottle gence cooperation with Taiwan- bought in Samut Prakan by ese police. The suspects had Samran Saipromyat, who com- smuggled heroin from Thailand to plained that he lost most of his Taiwan before, he said. hair within weeks after using the shampoo. The other was from a Water policy runs uphill: The bottle bought from a convenience former Director-General of the store in Kamphaeng Phet Prov- Royal Irrigation Department said ince by Ploy Sampao, aunt of he thought experts from abroad well-known singer Netchanok lack the necessary geographical, Panpure, who claimed the sham- climatic or social understanding poo had an odd smell and that An old man from Lampang demonstrates his own invention, a bamboo violin, at Chiang Mai’s Sunday to be able to allocate Thai water there was a condom inside its Walking Street. His offer to teach violin free of charge attracted many people. resources appropriately. container. Speaking at a public forum In the case of K. Ploy, who organized by the National Eco- said she went bald after using the they would face charges.The Phithak’s wife Chanida said had failed to mention that dozens nomic and Social Development same shampoo three times, doc- FDA plans a public campaign to her husband had been in the busi- of animals had been born at the Advisory Council, Senator Pra- tors found she suffered from a educate people about shampoo ness for 10 years and had spent night safari, including lions and a mote Maiklad said he feared the skin disease called alopecia allergies, he said. all of that day making fireworks number of species of deer. previous Thaksin administration’s areata, which causes hair loss. for an international conference in “Is this a result of good care, policy of inviting foreign compa- FDA Secretary-General Blaze of gory: Chon Buri fire- Chon Buri Province. then?” he asked sarcastically. nies to play a crucial role in wa- Pakdee Pothisiri said he would works manufacturer Phithak ter management would waste advise doctors to check if Sam- Yajanthra suffered severe burns Wild accusations: Supoj Meth- Smackdown: Lin Po Ching of time and money. ran’s hair loss had been caused and died at a local hospital after apiwat, the director of the Chiang Taiwan and Malaysian Yang Sen Pramote suggested the by a skin disease. two packages of fireworks he Mai Night Safari’s Animal Man- Chien Ting were arrested by anti- government should embark on a K. Pakdee has asked pro- was lifting onto a pickup truck agement Office, defended the narcotics officers at the depar- national study of all the factors vincial health offices countrywide exploded. park in the face of allegations by ture terminal of Bangkok’s Don relating to water and its supply. to inspect shampoos sold at The blast threw him 10 foreign animal-rights activists that Muang Airport while checking in cheap prices at fairs. meters from the vehicle. Debris many animals had died there be- to board a flight to Taiwan with Around the Nation news round- If sellers were found car- from his home, which housed the cause its staff was inadequately heroin packs attached to their up is sourced from the pages of rying fake shampoos or failed to fireworks plant and also ignited, trained to care for the animals. legs and bodies. Police earlier The Nation and Kom Chad Luek identify where they were made, was found 100 meters away. K. Supoj said the activists arrested Choe Wan Hoi, of Ma- newspapers. March 4 - 10, 2006 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Q u eer News The crack of doom PATHUM THANI: Readers liv- we seal up, the snakes always ing in Thailand may occasionally find new ones from which to es- experience the frustration of hav- cape.” ing to deal with a sudden infesta- The night of February 22, K. tion of red ants, roaches, or ter- Jom and his neighbors caught and mites. What can be more annoy- killed another seven cobras. ing than discovering that savory “It’s dangerous,” he said, breast of barbecued chicken you “we have to carry sticks around left on the table moments ago is all the time. I’m afraid one of the swarming with feisty red ants? children, or even an adult, will get Discovering your house hurt. In just three nights we’ve swarming with glistening, newly killed at least 50 snakes.” hatched cobras, that’s what! K. Jom said he thinks earth Residents of Baan Suan beneath the housing estate is hon- Laem Tong, a suburb to the north eycombed with hollows: “That of Bangkok in Pathum Thani’s makes the cobras want to go in Tambon Klong Neung, have been and lay their eggs.” confronted with that rather fright- Residents say they have ening situation, and, finding them- complained to officials that the selves at a loss how to deal with situation is “a threat to life and the problem, called on the gov- limb,” which is true, and asked ernment for help. Government for help. They probably find the experts, however, told them methods suggested so far some- merely to put on knee boots and what disappointing. get out their brooms. According to government As is well-known, cobras veterinarian Dr Alongkorn Ma- are an especially dangerous fam- hannop, they should spread kero- ily of snakes: their poison acts not sene or other strong smelling on the blood, but on the central chemicals around their homes: nervous system – so is more “They need to pour it out all over swiftly mortal unless a large shot the place; it’ll drive the snakes into of anitvenin is given immediately. the forest or other place where The denizens of Baan Suan there are no people, because they Laem Tong probably never gues- don’t like the smell. ” sed they would have to worry Alternatively, he suggested about the proximity of antivenins they might want to catch the when purchasing their homes. snakes “and then release them in “For the first three months the national park.” I lived here, life was normal,” said A snake expert with the Tanongsak Jantsaneh, 28, “but on Thai Red Cross Council said the February 20 baby cobras about cobras were indeed attracted to the thickness of my thumb emer- moist hollows beneath the earth, ged from a crack in the road be- and explained they typically lay side by house. I called the neigh- seven to 30 eggs at a time: “Af- bors and together we beat them ter that they abandon their nests, to death. But the cobras kept leaving the eggs to hatch about coming out of the crack in the two months later. road. We killed nearly 20, and had “Residents needn’t fear the to take turns sitting up at night on mother snake will guard the nest. the look-out for more. Cobras don’t care about their off- “The next morning, we spring.” That statement, however, broke into an old fish-farm tank is not in consonance with the ex- next to our homes and found it perience of Baan Suan Laem seething with baby cobras. We Tong resident K. Jom, as related killed at least another 20. After above, and also diverges from the that I sealed up the crack in the opinion of some Western snake road outside my house – but the experts. snakes found another crack in the Be that as it may, the Red house next door, and started com- Cross herpetologist’s advice to ing out of it. So residents have worried residents was to “wear had to seal every crack in and knee-high boots and use a broom around their houses.” to sweep the creatures into a Another resident, Jom Nu- dustpan. After that, pour them into aljant, explained that the crack in a gunny sack. Anyone who the street runs about the length doesn’t want to kill them is wel- of three houses: “We’ve been hit- come to bring them to the Red ting at snakes that emerge all Cross’ Saowapa Institute for along the crack. I found a spot safekeeping.” next to one house where the con- Cobra venom is used in crete opened up to about the making antivenins. It was not re- length of your hand – from the ported that the Red Cross offered earth subsiding – and bent down to send their own personnel out to look inside: I saw a pile of to collect the cobras. snake eggs. Perhaps the ultimate solu- “So I reached in and scraped tion to the problem will be com- up a handful; but suddenly the mercially based; when news of mother cobra showed herself. the infestation got out, merchants She reared up and spread her began turning up to buy adult co- hood, which was about the width bras caught by the villagers, pay- of an adult’s palm. It was pretty ing about 300 baht each for snakes scary. I called the neighbors and in the five-to-seven-kilogram we closed the crack with cement. range. But no matter how many cracks Source: Kom Chad Luek 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE REGION March 4 - 10, 2006

FROM THE which will be funded through the Municipality Office and built di- GULF OF rectly behind the island’s main THAILAND Anger follows tourist strip in Chaweng. Officers will be drafted in By Barry Singleton from other parts of the country to man the new station, including he Governor of Surat a second Chief Superintendent, Thani Province, Vichit and construction is expected to inaction on start within the next month. Vijaisarn, has reacted angrily to questions In addition to these new fa- T cilities, the Samui Police Depart- from the media about the state of Samui’s flood-scarred roads ment also has been granted a and the fact that few repairs or budget of around 6 million baht improvements are in progress. Samui’s roads to install CCTV cameras in sev- Widespread flooding in No- enteen locations around the island vember caused serious damage to facilitate more efficient crime to the island’s main thorough- prevention and detection. fares, and months later this still The new Chief will also leads to traffic chaos. spend around 800,000 baht fitting To further add to the prob- special electronic checkpoints in lem, since the New Year the 160 different places on Samui. island’s main ring road has flooded Officers, using swipe cards, will again on several occasions in vari- document their presence at each ous locations, even after relatively of these checkpoints. light showers. The new equipment is expected to be in place by the end TRANSFER of March 2006.

In response to questions regard- Fake passports and stolen ing the budget promised for checks: A man who tried to cash much-needed repairs, the Gover- traveler’s checks with a fake nor chose to criticize both the passport may lead the Samui po- Samui Municipality and the is- lice to a larger crime ring. land’s Highway Department for Filipino Alexander Soriano their lack of response to the situ- Rodriguez, 32, was apprehended ation. when the teller at a branch of the Later, unconfirmed reports Bank of Ayudhya in Chaweng suggested that Gov Vichit even noticed he was having difficulty went so far as to transfer one of signing his name in Japanese. the senior officials responsible for road maintenance. SOURCE An emergency meeting was scheduled for February 24, The teller called the police, who with representatives from all the arrested the man and later dis- island’s main public departments ROAD TO RUIN: People on Samui are angry at the lack of action to repair flood-damaged roads. covered he was in possession of requested to attend. two Japanese passports with his Meanwhile, Gov Vichit in- media. “Unfortunately, as we However, the Governor’s plans to expand and improve its photo inside. Rodriguez claimed structed Buramee Patanasiri, the have said before, this kind of reaction was seen by certain lo- services by increasing the num- to have bought them in Japan. head of the construction and funding can only come directly cals as an attempt to divert at- ber of officers on the island and It later transpired that he maintenance section of the High- from the provincial governor.” tention from his own lack of re- installing electronic equipment had also bought US$1,000 (39,381 way Department on Koh Samui Improving the quality of the sponse to the island’s growing and new facilities, including a new baht) of American Express trav- to prepare a budget and action roads is now one of the biggest transport woes. police station. elers checks for just 10,000 baht plan before the meeting. issues facing the island, and will The island’s recently-ap- (US$254) from a man in Soi Green Mango, in the heart of “I would need a budget of require cooperation between a Police force to expand: Fol- pointed Chief Superintendent, Pol around 1 billion baht to fully deal number of public departments as lowing the appointment of three Col. Chakkrit Srisuwan recently Samui’s entertainment zone. with the damage to Samui’s well as assistance from the driv- senior officers on Koh Samui ear- announced the location of a new Police are continuing the roads,” K. Buramee told local ing public. lier this year, the police force now 100-million-baht police station, investigation and will try to estab- lish the source of the traveler’s checks.

DVD crackdown: On February 17 a police team comprising officers from the Koh Samui Po- lice Department, the Tourist Po- lice and officers from Bangkok, arrested a man for smuggling and selling illegal DVDs on Koh Samui. A police informer notified officers that Saesan Somsuk, 24, was selling copied DVDs of current movies from a side road off the main tourist strip in Chaweng. When they arrived at the scene, they found only a catalog of titles and a number of empty DVD sleeves. Further investigation revealed that the man was renting a small shop nearby, and collecting the discs as customers ordered them. Inside the shop, police found more than 30,000 DVDs some 300 of which con- tained obscene material around 10,000 computer games and almost nearly 2,000 music CDs. The total street value of the merchandise was estimated to be just under 1.5 million baht. March 4 - 10, 2006 PHUKET GAZETTE 9

Find more Property Classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net! 10 PHUKET GAZETTE March 4 - 10, 2006 March 4 - 10, 2006 AROUND THE ISLAND PHUKET GAZETTE 11

By Nattamon Ratcharak anyalak Pirrera has a passion for fashion. Barbie fashion, that is. TK. Tanyalak owns EQ Kids at Big C, where you can find Barbies, Barbie accessories and dresses and even have your Barbie’s hair done. She explains, “When I was young I dreamed of running a business like this and now I’m able to fulfill that dream. “I graduated with an MBA from Khon Khaen University 10 years ago and at first I had to ask myself what I really wanted to do and what I was familiar with. When it came down to it I had to admit that I really liked dolls and toys, so here I am. “It’s part of my character to express myself flamboyantly so my dolls and their clothes are like an extension of myself. “I’ve been running this business for six years now. At first I had another company import the Barbies but then I realized that there was more potential in managing the whole thing myself. “Sometimes I ask friends to bring Barbies back with them when they go abroad, too.”

SKILLS

EQ Kids’ shelves also feature remote control airplanes and toys expressly aimed at improving children’s manual and learning skills, but the shops mainstay is THE DOLLS good old Barbie. “I focus on Barbies and even make clothes for them. Each Barbie is different – their faces, the different editions through the years – and yes, I love them. They’re a big part of IN THE MALL my life. “It’s important to me to use Main picture: Tanyalak the best fabric and that it’s soft Pirrera with some of her so it fits just right, because I want dolls. ‘My dolls and their to see each one look her best and clothes are like an extension to see each ‘come alive’.” of myself,’ she says. The K. Tanyalak loves different other pictures give an idea dress styles. “I also design re- of the care she lavishes on gional costumes, such as south- her Barbies. ern-style outfits and other traditional styles and this takes a lot of patience and elaborate work. I also set the dolls’ hair in a bun or a coil on request.” EQ Kids sells Barbies at prices ranging from 850 to 1,100 baht.

EQ Kids is on the 2nd floor of Big C Supercenter. Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. 12 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE March 4 - 10, 2006 Happily Life’s a Ever After vibe for

Recent Two MTV Thailand video jockeys, or veejays, weddings Janesuda ‘Jane’ Parnto, in Phuket 24, and Rowena ‘Ro’ Kennett, 26, enjoyed three days of rest and relaxation at the Sri Panwa estate recently. There, they shared a few of their favorite things with the Gazette’s Nattamon Ratcharak.

ane Parntohas been work- Above, Leanne Riddock and ing as a VJ for MTV Thai- Kerry Taylor were married on land since she was 19, and Koh Bon on that most romantic it’s still a dream job, she of days, Valentine’s Day, in a J says. ceremony organized by the Evason Phuket Resort and Six “Listening to music makes Senses Spa. me feel happy,” she says. “I love my job because it allows me to exchange ideas with teenagers. I feel close to them and really understand our audience. “My favorite Thai bands are Pru and Modern Dog. I have been lucky enough to interview members of the Thai band named Flure; I respect them because they think out of the box. “Jeff Buckley and Tori Amos are my favorite foreign musicians. I would like to inter- Left, Ninlakate Poothong and Sanit view Scarlet Johanson some Limjanon were married day. in the Phrapitak Grand Ballroom She keeps busy. In addition at The Metropole hotel, to her veejaying, she is studying Phuket City, on January 8. English at Bangkok University, and she also loves traveling. to sustain my enthusiasm and “I’d like to travel around the energy. world. I frequently visit London, Jane has been to Phuket a where I have been to some won- number of times to enjoy scuba derful parties. Other things I have diving and sunbathing. “I love to enjoyed doing are bungee jump- get a tan because it looks health- ing in Turkey and going the ier than pale skin,” she explains. Glastonbury music festival in En- “I admire Phuket City’s gland. charming Sino-Portuguese archi- “I wish I had more time for tecture and I love all Phuket cui- snowboarding. Although my job sine; it’s so delicious. I would like keeps me busy – I take it seri- to see Phuket’s traditional culture ously and do my best – I still need and old buildings preserved.” some free time to relax in order Both Jane and her Singa-

Don’t miss.... Issues & Answers phuketgazette.net/ issuesanswers/index.asp March 4 - 10, 2006 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 13

In The Stars by Isla St ar

PISCES (February 20-March 20): Remember that trend you embarked on at the end of February by your wish is not necessarily someone else’s com- putting yourself first. Those closest to you have non-stop mand. As March begins, your confidence is high – already noticed that they can’t count on your sup- but this could cause you to be uncharacteristically port whenever they demand it, and this will enable bossy. You begin to see a long-standing difficulty in personal relationships to be better-balanced. If a more positive light, and a solution will be revealed you’re still searching for a suitable soulmate, a brief before the week is out. Scorpio would like to get to encounter with Aquarius on Saturday looks prom- veejays know you better, but you will need to stay alert and ising. Wear olive green to promote the feel-good keep your eyes wide open. factor.

ARIES (March 21-April 20): Many Arians are so LIBRA (September 24-October 23): It’s not usu- caught up in the drama of their own lives that they ally easy for Librans to get to the point, but you will fail to see the bigger picture. Using physical dis- need to set work-related matters straight this week- tance to gain a clearer perspective should help end. The most auspicious day for this is Sunday, lighten your mood this weekend. Your good deeds when the stars will support success in tricky tasks. of last year are about to be repaid, and finances Next week, traveling out of your usual environment Rowena (left) should look much healthier by the middle of the provides proof that things could be worse. This rev- and Jane, month. Wear the color ruby red to encourage more elation will encourage you to be more generous relaxing at Sri wealth to flow your way. toward those close to you. Panwa. Both are frequent TAURUS (April 21-May 21): If you feel you are in SCORPIO (October 24-November 22): Your plate visitors to danger of burning out from life’s pressures, take a appears to be full this week, so resist taking sec- Phuket break this weekend. Other people are far more ond helpings. If you agree to do a friend a favor on capable than you give them credit for, but as long Sunday, it is sure to necessitate giving up more time as you continue to shoulder all the burdens they than you can afford. A rocky relationship benefits will happily let you do so. Where romance is con- from celestial assistance, but the course of true love cerned, don’t let the grass grow under your hooves. isn’t predicted to run as smoothly as you would like This is an auspicious time to take the buffalo by the this month. The number 4 is lucky on Monday. horns and lay your feelings on the line. SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21): If GEMINI (May 22-June 21): The stars are encour- you are determined to give up a bad habit, you will City. I hope the people of aging you to aim for the sky now. There is no rea- receive support from an unlikely source. As the Phuket will continue caring son to listen to anyone who advises you to keep temperature soars you feel inclined to take a break for one another to enhance your feet on the ground. You have done a lot of that in cooler climes, and planning a trip will take your the spirit of unity in the re- lately, and it’s high time you chased some dreams. mind off problems at home. Those who have been gion,” she added. The spotlight shines on personal relationships mid- waiting for an answer to an important question will Ro has a degree in week – those who haven’t been taking their part- hear good news on Tuesday. If you’re single and film production from the ners into consideration recently will receive a wake- don’t want to be, the color rose pink enhances your London College of Commu- up call. appeal. nication (formerly the Lon- don College of Printing). CANCER (June 22-July 23): Someone you’ve been CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20): A social She was an MTV Thailand trying subtly to impress will finally notice. If you outing this weekend will be more enjoyable than veejay for two years, until aren’t sure which way this relationship should you expected. You will have the urge to get out the end of last year. Now, progress, you are advised to scuttle back into your more after this, but curtailing your expenses re- she is a director at St hole and let the other person take the initiative in- mains high on the list of priorities during March. A George’s International stead. Work matters are subject to ups and downs way to earn extra cash is revealed on Monday, but School – her family’s busi- mid-week, when Aries will not be as accommodat- don’t sell your talents short. Pisces can offer help- ness in Bangkok. ing as you might hope. Wear the color copper brown ful tips if you’re interested in a complete change of “I would like to take to encourage a mellow mood. career. Expect an overdue package in the post on an interior design course at Wednesday. the Alliance Française and LEO (July 24-August 22): A business matter reaches a ballet course at Bangkok boiling point early this week. If you aren’t sure how AQUARIUS (January 21-February 19): Your thirst Dance Academy so that I much commitment you are prepared to give, it may for adventure is activated this weekend when a pore-born colleague, Ro – also a have more skills and knowledge be time to stop back-pedaling; you won’t be able to friend suggests going on a trip. But before you frequent visitor to Phuket – are to pass on to the students at St prolong a decision any later than Wednesday. For- agree, make sure you know exactly what you’re impressed by the natural beauty George’s,” Ro says. eign travel could be on the agenda before the middle letting yourself in for, as there could be hidden dan- of the region. “I am focusing all my en- of the month when a surprise invitation is too tempt- gers. Where finances are concerned, one door “I would like to see the ergy on the school, so I don’t ing to resist. The number 3 holds promise on Thurs- opens after another has closed. However, this is Andaman Sea area, including have time for acting at the mo- day. not the right time to agree the loan that a Sagit- Phuket, sustain its fascinating ment. I did recently finish a role tarius friend is about to request. The color purple environment forever,” Ro says. in a film called Ta Wan Ching VIRGO (August 23-September 23): Continue the brings luck on Wednesday. “I love scuba diving at the Plob, but it is not out yet. Similan Islands with their beauti- “I am not sure if I will con- ful coral and vibrant environment. tinue to develop my acting career “This time I am here espe- for a while. But I won’t give up cially to relax and I have been performing until my fans don’t enjoying dining out a lot in Phuket want me any more.” 14 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE March 4 - 10, 2006

hat Iggy Pop – James will help to sell their respective Jewel Osterberg Jr to products. The G.T.O., by the way, his family, the Godfather was produced by Pontiac... Tof Punk to some – is still Lust for Life was used fa- alive is little short of a miracle. IGGY BIGGIE: mously as the theme song to the Whether stagediving (a 1996 film Trainspotting, which practice many credit him with in- led to Iggy being “discovered” by venting) onto broken bottles or a new generation. It also led him “beating his brains with the liquor to appear on the final edition of and drugs” – the lyric from Lust a retrospective the UK’s Channel 4 show The for Life is No more beating my White Room wearing naught but brains… – he has survived. He a pair of see-through PVC jeans. will – good Lord willing and the Broadcast live, Iggy’s er, … creek don’t rise – be 60 next year. EAR CANDY with Andy Johnstone excitement on the raised stage Virgin Records has recently Gimme Some Skin, I’m Sick Of was clear for all to see, except released A Million in Prizes: The You and Raw Power from the when he appeared to be getting Anthology a two-CD, 38-track critically acclaimed but commer- up close and personal to a woman retrospective of his career from cially unsuccessful album of the in the audience whose head was 1969, the album of the same year same name are perhaps for die- level with his crotch – and for by The Stooges, full circle to hard fans only. The latter tracks some time. Skull Ring from 2003, which saw do, however, mark the beginning The 90s found Iggy embark- Herr Pop recording again with of the fruitful collaboration being on a sideline film career that The Stooges, with the almost-fa- tween Iggy and David Bowie. began almost by accident in the mous Mike Watt taking the late Skipping a few tracks and 80s with minor roles in Sid And Dave Alexander’s place on bass. years takes the listener to per- Nancy and the Scorcese-New- Watt, who founded indie- haps the golden years of Iggy’s man-Cruise film The Color Of punk bands The Minutemen and career, and the albums The Idiot Money. fIREHOSE, and features the Red and Lust For Life. Bowie pro- Iggy could be seen in the Hot Chili Peppers as just one duced and co-wrote both of these post-apocalyptic Hardware, John band among many who cite him albums – they were released in Waters’ Cry-Baby with Johnny as an influence, recorded The 1977 – some five years after pro- Depp, Tank Girl, Jim Jarmusch’s Angel’s Gate as a tribute to ducing Lou Reed’s seminal surrealistic cowboy, Dead Man Alexander. Transformer. Again, that Bowie (again with Depp), the Spanish Iggy’s influence is legend- collaboration marked what many sci-fi spaghetti western Atolla- ary: The Ramones, The Damned, see as Reed’s most proficient dero, The Crow: City Of Angels, The Sex Pistols, Ian Curtis, Plas- release, and the period of Bowie’s Depp’s American Indian thriller tic Bertrand, REM, Henry Rollins, greatest creativity. The Brave (with Marlon Brando), Rage Against The Machine, The years 1976-1978 saw the Chris Elliott comedy Snow Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, Green Iggy trying to control his multitu- Day and opposite Tom Waits in Day (also to be found on Skull dinous drug habits. His attempts Jarmusch’s all-star collection of Ring) and current darlings, The didn’t succeed, and he booked vignettes Coffee & Cigarettes. White Stripes, have all taken cues himself into a psychiatric hospi- of which Bowie performed on his ent marques in the space of six In their short, Somewhere in from him. Actually, I was joking tal, where Bowie was reportedly own albums later. The other clas- years. California, Iggy and Waits pre- about Plastic Bertrand. one of his few visitors. sic songs featured are Nightclub- That’s not to denigrate it. tend to play themselves, smoke The album also, naturally Bowie went beyond this, bing, Some Weird Sin, The Pas- The chiming four-chord guitar cigarettes to celebrate that they enough, features nine tracks from however, and invited Iggy along senger and Lust for Life. leitmotif, courtesy of Carlos quit smoking, drink some coffee Iggy’s two “Berlin” albums, The on the his Station to Station tour, The Passenger, a song Alomar and Tony Sales’ ripping and have an awkward conversa- Idiot and Lust For Life, which giving Iggy his first exposure to widely taken to be about the basslines, still excite today. To be tion. Lunatic brilliance from the also provides the compilation’s large audiences. quasi-nomadic existence of a played at maximum volume, par- auteur Jarmusch (a founding title. More on those albums later. The two then relocated to ripped-to-the t*ts rock star, has ticularly in – of course – the car. member of the secret society The The raucous opener 1969 Berlin, ostensibly to wean them- almost become a parody among If The Passenger excites, Sons of Lee Marvin, to which gives way to No Fun with John selves off drugs, but ended up advertising agencies. then Lust for Life shocks. Hunt Iggy, Nick Cave, Neil Young and Cale – then recently ex-of The writing and producing Iggy’s The A quick search on www. Sales’ (Tony’s brother; the two Waits also belong, allegedly). Velvet Underground producing Idiot and Lust For Life. commercialbreaksandbeats.com, worked some years later on Iggy’s musical career dur- and playing viola on a track Songs from those albums which lists nigh on every UK TV Bowie’s Tin Machine project) ing this period consisted more of lauded as being one of the proto- that appear on this compilation – advert and accompanying music, drumming opens the song like a misses than hits, although his punk songs. recorded mostly at Hansa Studios reveals that The Passenger was vein, trashing and crashing the cover of Real Wild Child from Blistering Fender riffs and – include China Girl, Tonight used to advertise – oh the origi- senses. 1986’s Blah Blah Blah, produced manic vocals on I Got A Right, and Neighbourhood Threat, all nality of it all – cars; three differ- Again, this track has been again by Bowie and with ex-Pis- used in many TV ads, everything tols’ guitarist Steve Jones play- from “branding” – God help us – ing lead, charted globally. The Sunday People to promot- For many, the years after ing the lowly Ford Fiesta. this are Iggy’s lean years, until Imagine the scene: a group Skull Ring with The Stooges of coked-up sniffling advertising came along. The title track, which types telling The People and Ford is on this compilation, boasts The that a song with the lines: Stooges’ trademark loud and “Here comes Johnny Yen proud sound, with the chorus, again/With the liquor and “Skull rings/Fast cars/Hot drugs/And a flesh machine/ chicks/Money/Skull rings/Fast “He’s gonna do another cars/Hot chicks/Fancy things,” strip tease…” It sounds as if they have and never been away. “I’m worth a million in prizes/With my torture film/Drive A Million In Prizes Iggy Pop: The a G.T.O./Wear a uniform/All on Anthology. Virgin Records government loan…” 09463-30898-2-2 March 4 - 10, 2006 LIFESTYLE PHUKET GAZETTE 15 A RUM DO AT CHALONG rriving at Chalong Pier late in the afternoon, just before sunset, I feel instantly relaxed gazing out at the boats bob- bing in the bay. It’s high time for a frozen Piña Colada, Aand the Tamarind Bar & Restaurant, near Jimmy’s Light- house, is just the place to plan an escape. Sisters Sodsai “Fahsai” and Lakkana “Moo” Chanaphat, owners of the Tamarind, started up their business four years ago, naming the SUNDOWNER place in honor of the tamarind tree out with Anongnat front. Although they serve a variety of Thai, European and Vietnamese dishes, Sartpisut their cheese burgers and Thai-style fried pork are the most popular dishes among their repeat customers. “Aside from the good location and good food, the main thing that makes our customers come back time and again is our friendly service,” K. Fahsai says. Following the success of their original Tamarind Bar & Restaurant, the sisters have since branched out: Tama- rind Junior can be found near Wat Sawang-arom in Rawai and Tamarind Bar Fahsai is located in Chalong Plaza. But the original venue has the ambience I’m looking for. K. Moo says, “Ours is a friendly bar where families and friends come to talk and have a drink. And twice a month, we offer live music.” Cocktails are served from 5 pm – the ideal time to enjoy the sea breezes and the romantic nautical view. Minutes after placing my order, I savor the sweet flavor of chilled coco- A warm welcome and a cold drink are both on offer at Tamarind Bar. Inset, K. Fahsai and K. Moo. nut milk and a telltale warming splash of rum. Yum…

INGREDIENTS White rum (Malibu/Bacardi) 1½ oz; Dark rum (Captain Morgan) ½ oz; Lemon juice ½ oz; Coconut milk 1 oz; Sugar syrup ½ oz; Coconut flesh 1 oz; Crushed ice cubes 4-5.

METHOD Blend all the ingredients at high speed and pour into a tall, stemmed glass. Garnish with slice of pineapple or lemon, cherry and an orchid blossom on a cocktail stick.

Tamarind Bar & Restaurant is open daily from 9 am to 1 am. For more information,call Tel: 076-383543 or 01-657-1319. 16 PHUKET GAZETTE HAPPENINGS March 4 - 10, 2006 This week

HRH Princess Ubol Ratana Rajakanya (right) takes part in a prayer ceremony at the Mingmongkol Buddha being built atop the Nakkerd Hills in Chalong. As part of the ceremony, Princess Ubol Ratana placed lotus pollen on nine lotus leaves encircling the base of the monument. The nine leaves symbolize the peace and mindfulness of the reign of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX.

RESEARCH RETURNED: Phuket Vice-Governor Pongsak Praivet (left) hands a 2,500-baht scholarship to one of the 78 Pa Khlok students who recently received a scholarship donated by RADI Medical Systems.

Following the latest release of the 2006 Gazette Guide, Gazette Distribution Manager Phatsara “Yui” Raktammakit (left) delivered 350 copies for the guest rooms at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. CITY ART: Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwannasuppana (left) and guests tour the Phuket Art She is seen here with the resort’s Resident Manager, Theera Kanjana. Gallery’s “We Are Not Alone” art exhibition after the official opening.

HEI HEI! Baan Paradise and Priority Village staffers and guests enjoy a family beach party FIT TO PARTY: Club Asia Fitness members enjoy a belated New Year “Red & on Koh Hei. White” party at the Royal Phuket City Hotel. March 4 - 10, 2006 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 17 HOME ON THE RANGER BEHIND Still going strong after 18 THE years: the Ford Ranger leads its THE class in the US and is making WHEEL giant strides in Thailand too. By Jeff Heselwood 20%, and both Ranger models little more than 10 have side-impact beams fitted to years ago, Ford Thai- their doors. land called a news Dual front airbags are fit- A conference at a hotel ted, while the braking system – in Bangkok to announce its am- front discs, rear drums – incor- bitious plans for the Thai market. porates ABS and EBD (elec- Although Japanese pickup mak- tronic brake-force distribution) to ers dominate the market, with compensate for heavy or light Isuzu and Toyota accounting for loads. The double-cab is also fit- more than 70% with their com- ted with an immobilizer key. bined sales of one-tonne pickups, New US-built Rangers will Ford’s Ranger has by no means this year have two-tone paint jobs, disgraced itself in the past decade. something Thailand might con- Ford set up a new plant at sider. The fenders are also color- Rayong and initially produced matched to the main body paint. around 135,000 pickups a year, Ford sold 19,258 Rangers in exporting more than half of these. erica’s best-selling compact pick- 20% thicker than on most pick- est power output compared with Thailand in 2005 – 445 of them The firm also set up an impres- up for the past 18 years, and ac- ups for increased protection. its competitors in the same range, in Phuket – and it seems the sive research and development cording to Ford, it also has the They open from the inside, but while at the same time offering Ranger will continue its sales suc- center in Thailand, and has plans highest ownership loyalty. The only after the front doors have al- excellent fuel economy. cess. The 2006 model is definitely to introduce more new models. company says many Ranger ready been opened. The Ranger has a full safety worth a close look: it is a stylish, The 2006 Ford Ranger, owners simply visit their local Both models are equipped structure that can absorb frontal solid and reliable pickup. while visually little changed from dealer and order a new one ev- with a sturdy 2.5-liter turbo inter- impact energy in the event of a Prices start at 400,000 baht the previous model, has a whole ery few years – without even cooler diesel motor, producing an crash, protecting occupants and for the standard, base “WL” host of improvements. Some of checking out the opposition. impressive 277Nm of torque at preventing injury. model. The top-of-the-range the features mentioned below In Thailand, Ranger buyers the modest engine speed of just The Thai Ranger also mat- model, the double cab 4x4 with may not yet be available on the have the choice of a four-door 2,000rpm. Power is inevitably a ches the highest safety standards automatic transmission, will set Thai-built Rangers, but the Min- double-cab model or the open-cab little tame at 114bhp (84kW) at applied in Europe, the US and you back 753,000 baht. nesota-produced vehicles that will version, which has rear-hinged 3,500rpm, but in Phuket, with its Australia. In the double-cab kick off the line will inevitably fil- back doors for ease of access occasional steep inclines, it is the model, the center B-pillar in- Jeff Heselwood may be con- ter down to the Kingdom. and a feeling of airiness. The torque that counts. Ford claims creases rigidity of the passenger tacted by email at jhc@ The Ranger has been Am- doors on the open-cab model are the turbo engine offers the high- compartment by as much as netvigator.com 18 PHUKET GAZETTE AFTER DARK March 4 - 10, 2006

By Adrian Byzant ics, the venue’s “sufficient reason”. n a variety of episodes of the Other establishments can Johnny Hart comic strip, boast of good food or appealing BC, the main character décor; but only Ratri has a band struggles up a mountain to such as this. All members are I first-class musicians with long ex- consult the Great Guru on a question of sublime importance – perience in the fusion genre, as – only to receive a corny send- typified by artists such as Stanley off. Jordan, Keith Jarrett and David At Jay Ujjin’s Ratri Jazztau- Sanborn. rant in Kata, the results are rather It is high-energy music, up- more promising. beat and danceable (unlike, say, Nevertheless, there remains bebop). Leader Eddie “Auto- that mountain to be scaled. bahn” Makaranond led a popular The buzz has been on about touring jazz group in Europe Ratri since the middle of last year. (named “Autobahn” – thus the A first-rate jazz club was under name) for 15 years before return- construction, those interested in ing to Thailand, where he put to- such things murmured, with top gether his “Faction.” They be- talent from Bangkok on their way. came one of Bangkok’s premier We’ve heard similar promises bands, and as such attracted Jay’s before, only to be disappointed. notice. Since Ratri opened, however, on “I love jazz,” he said, and December 29, the general im- explained that after seeing Eddie pression is that the dramatic and and the boys he realized they spacious new club –– which was were the only band for him. “It fully 10 months in gestation –– took me two years to get this exceeds expectations. band.” “Jay has put Kata Beach on They were worth the wait. the map,” said one devotee dur- Eddie is a consummate guitarist ing a visit in January, and then and vocalist, and his fellows are enthusiastically reiterated the as- Spectacular music in a spectaular setting: Ratri Jazztaurant is worth the climb. no less impressive. sertion. While some may feel Pianist Robert Paggao is Kata always had attractions simply dazzling; multi-woodwinds enough for any “map”, Ratri no virtuoso Yongyuth Piusuwan is a doubt adds to them. brilliant soloist and showman; and To behold it is to love it – GETTING HIGH bassist Pol Chalanon drives the architecture and taste are impec- band’s irrepressible rhythms cable; no anachronistic kitsch, no accented by blond wood flooring; pealing menu. Penniless hunger- to Phuket. They feel really part along with the constantly shim- Disney-derived wonders, obtrude broad sofas; and black lacquered ing scribes and similar riff-raff of it and they need something dif- mering sounds of drummer Su- on the eye. Design is Thai-Chi- tables. The electric jazz band must beware, however, of the ferent than the tourist scene.” khum Liupichart. nese throughout, yet modern too. plays on a special extension sus- temptation to blow all their sav- Ratri, he thinks, is the an- Ballads occupy the dinner It is bold. The two-level pended above the dining room – ings in one delicious night of ex- swer – and crowds of guests hour; but the band fairly erupts in cantilevered structure sits high and visible therefrom. travagance. agree. fully fused panoply after 10 pm. on a hill above Kata: its steep White dominates the color Owner Jay Ujjin, 38, a The venue’s open exterior On a recent warm night in Janu- driveway, hillside parking lot and scheme; the place is well-lit. No former investment banker, says hides a less visible concept – no ary, they played tunes by Grover twisting concrete stairway are external walls, save at the rear, he opened Ratri because he saw more long boring waits. Dining at Washington Jr and Tower of ultra-intimidating. One must be support Ratri’s huge concrete Phuket as “a rich man’s play- Ratri is civilized. One enters and Power, among others. But as Ed- wary making the approach. shell. Despite having space for ground with no place for the rich ascends to the bar; has cocktails; die himself observed, “It doesn’t Proper attire is “smart casual”, several hundred persons, there to play.” peruses the menu, orders dinner; really matter what the song is, but with designer hiking boots. are no windows. The view is dra- A passionate yachtsman, enjoys the frankly astonishing because we play it our way, and Once at the summit, the ef- matic, to say the least. and secretary of the Ao Chalong musical performance, then de- never play anything the same way fect is of understated and wel- But much more can be said, Yacht Club, Jay retired to Phuket scends to one’s repast when it is twice.” come luxury, along with (pant, not least about Eddie Autobahn, five years ago, leaving the cut and ready. Now that’s jazz in my book. pant) cold drinks. Downstairs is the guitarist, and his band. Dis- thrust of banking to indulge his That, folks, is living. In Phuket, where the the main restaurant; up another criminating diners might also love of yacht racing. The proprietor is keen on earth’s surface ferments in con- small flight of stairs is a large loft. deepen their enjoyment by con- “I asked my girlfriend,” he letting people know that his res- stant change, landmarks come There the impressive bar is templating the restaurant’s ap- recalled, “what can we do to taurant serves mostly “home- and go; but Ratri Jazztaurant will make money while still staying style” cooking “as they eat in remain memorable for its el- free enough to enjoy life?” After good Thai houses.” He makes the evated approach – both up the giving the matter some thought, point that most of what’s palmed mountain, and as an aesthetic. he reasoned: “People with 60- off on tourists as “royal Thai cui- million-baht vacation homes don’t sine” is only distantly related to Ratri Jazztaurant, at 74/1 Patak feel like tourists when they come what aristocrats eat at home. It Rd in Tambon Karon, is open is the latter that Ratri aims at. from 2 pm to 1am daily. For But, in fact, nothing more more information call Tel: 09- tempting than the Eddie Autobahn 8745286 or visit the website: Faction, Ratri’s fusion jazz band, www.ratrijazztaurant.com, or is needed to pull one up the hill. Email: spicythaijazz@yahoo. They are, in the language of phys- com. March 4 - 10, 2006 SPA MAGIC PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Spa MAGIC Following the bliss

By Nattamon Ratcharak Royal Spa & Health Club

ournalism can be confusing, stressful work – so stress ful in fact that sometimes Jremoving oneself from the crazy world of deadlines and surly editors is just about the only way to preserve one’s sanity. Fortuitously located just a few steps from the Gazette offices on a lush hillside is a per- Serious pampering at the fect hideaway, The Royal Spa and Royal Spa, from massage and Health Club. Time to take a body scrub (main picture) to break. facials (above). Through the grand en- tranceway and past large earthen Below, left: idyllic garden vessels, I notice the warm scent surroundings set the mood as of the spa’s aromatherapy oil The skilled K. Nam gently mas- soon as one walks in. slowly burning amidst tropical sages the green tea and aromatic greenery. Although just steps from oil mixture into my lower back, entire body to gently work away our editorial offices, I feel I have shoulders and legs. any remaining vestiges of un- passed through a portal to a new When that’s finished 45 min- wanted stress and tension. world of relaxing tranquility. utes later, my entire body feels My mind drifts amid the I am welcomed with a cup softer, more relaxed, radiant. sounds of trickling water and soft of hot herbal tea and the warm As I caress myself luxuri- bird calls. smile of Wichien Juthamongkol, ously and take in the scent and When it’s all over, my face the Royal Spa’s Financial Con- sounds, K. Nam explains that the is aglow and I feel relaxed, yet troller. He explains that the spa Green Tea Scrub detoxifies as it energized. After savoring my fi- lomi Hawaiian massage, green tea relaxes. I then shower off the nal cup of sweet herbal tea, I has 40 therapists, all certified by and kaffir lime. scrub, to name just a few. rejuvenating oil surrounded by leave my private kingdom feel- the spa’s own Phuket Spa Acad- After the soporific effect of Many are offered as part of nature in the open-air bathroom. ing brand new. emy, who take great care to cre- the steam, I am invigorated and packages that range in duration Now that my skin is aglow ate a sense of luxury and exclu- refreshed by a cold shower and from two to five hours. and I feel like a princess, it is time The Royal Spa & Health Club, sivity for each guest through the I walk with lifted spirits along a The 4,500-baht Men’s Se- for the Royal Experience Mas- on Yaowarat Rd in Phuket City, time-honored Thai traditions of path with carefully laid out stones cret package, for example, starts sage. is open daily from 8 am to 10 grace and refined manners. to the privacy of my sala-shaped out with an herbal steam or sauna Starting with the neck and pm. For more information visit Explaining that the spa uses treatment room, the interior of for the circulation, followed by a shoulders, K. Nam uses her the website www.theroyalspa. a holistic approach on all the sen- which is simple yet elegant – and “floral foot bath”, “Andaman salt palms and bodyweight over my com or call Tel: 076-236663. ses as a way to soothe mind, body full of traditional charm. scrub”, “gentleman’s delight fa- and soul, K. Wichien encourages K. Nam, my therapist, cial”, “Oriental dream massage” me to sniff samples of the spe- greets me with a gracious wai and, like all the packages, ends cially blended oil used in the Royal and a cup of herbal tea. I lay back with a “sweet herbal tea and re- Spa’s signature treatment, the on the massage bed, and the bliss laxation” period. That particular Royal Experience massage. begins, starting with a full-body course takes three hours. Called the Royal Spa Blend, green tea scrub skin treatment. the oil is a heady mixture of pure As happiness is always a essences from ylang ylang, fran- worthwhile pursuit, I decide to try gipani and jasmine flowers bal- the three-hour, 4,500 baht “Bliss” anced with citric aromas of course, one of two “Relaxing pomelo and Mandarin orange. Treatment Packages” offered at As every guest is unique – the spa. and has unique treatment needs Crossing a quintessentially – the spa offers a wide variety Asian wooden footbridge, I am of services and treatments: Thai led by a receptionist to the steam massage, aromatherapy, facials, room, where my journey to bliss lymphatic drainage massage, begins with 20 minutes luxuriat- body cleansing scrubs, aloe vera ing in warming vapors scented wrap, royal creamy bath, lomi with lemongrass, camphor laurel 20 PHUKET GAZETTE ALL AT SEA March 4 - 10, 2006

Above, the chubby Merry Fisher 655 Marlin belies its looks with speed and stability, and every amenity the serious fisherman could wish for. Right, hard a’starboard in the Leader 545, with its flowing lines. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL By Andy Johnstone their size, ease of handling and fisherman in mind – spacious- Factor in the weight of the just chilling out on the water agility also makes then suitable as ness, ease of movement, and 110hp Volvo Penta D3 diesel unit around Phuket. ll At Sea took to the day boats, perfect for zipping safety in all conditions – so the mounted squarely amidships and Bucket seats, tinted wind- water this month in a from one island to the next, or, as large open area aft, with its re- it takes most conditions in its shield, wide aft bench seat or duo of vessels from the name of the 655 suggests, for movable bench seats, high comb- stride. luxurious sun deck, Bimini, op- AJeanneau, both sup- a day gone fishing. ings, lockers and rod holders all Underlying the Merry Fish- tional cockpit table, comfortable plied by Lee Marine. The new Merry Fisher 655 correspond to these desires. er’s practical qualities is the in- and airy interior, large storage The boats in question – the Marlin (2.7 million baht) incorpo- The deckhouse, with its two- clusion of a trolling valve. Bait the lockers with deep shelving, prac- Merry Fisher 655 Marlin and the rates all the essentials of a boat person steering bench, double hooks, set the rods up in the hold- tical anchor locker … the list goes Leader 545 – may not be in the designed specifically for fisher- sliding doors aft and to starboard, ers, engage the tolling valve and on. multi-million-baht category, but men. The experience of the handrails, rod storage and for- one can happily putter around all The 545 is 5.43m (17' 1") in precisely the same attention to Jeanneau design team has pro- ward glass windscreen em- day at just a few knots. length overall and has a beam of detail is put into their design and vided a fast and stable hull with phasize comfort, mobility and Attractively rugged, and 2.33m (7' 8"). Remarkably, for a build as goes into Janneau’s big- good water deflection and excel- safety. most certainly dependable, the boat that draws just 30 centime- ger boats, and they have a wealth lent lateral stability. Coupled with The sliding windows also Merry Fisher 655 Marlin is top ters (1') – which affords occu- of creature comforts crammed the hull, the Merry Fisher Marlin’s allow good ventilation. of its class. pants the luxury of being able to into them. inboard diesel offers exceptional The foredeck with the large The new Leader 545 (1.5 get into places others cannot The undoubted value that performance. anchor locker and electric wind- million baht) comes from the reach – the boat is also stable and these crafts offer makes them On the deck, everything is lass, the exterior bench and the same renowned Jeanneau tradi- comfortable. ideal entry-level vessels, while designed with the experienced deep side deck all afford a safe, tion. Great fun, and practical – insulated and comfortable space. It is conceived, above all, to the boat has a two-person berth At a devilishly compact 6.66 provide full enjoyment of the – the Garroni-designed Leader meters (21' 10") overall length pleasures of fast cruising speeds, 545 is an excellent choice for and beam of 2.62m (8' 7") – more while at the same time offering Phuket. than a third of its length – this boat exceptional comfort under way or Lee Marine are also offer- is a remarkably stable platform. at anchor. ing the delightful Cap Camarat By design a vessel of many 755 WA for sale at 4 million baht. uses and applications, the Leader 545 has extended flowing lines Contact Lee Marine for more that make it not only attractive information at Tel: 66 (0) 76- but also ideal for those who ap- 238803, Fax: 66 (0) 76-273319 preciate water skiing, fishing or or Email: [email protected] March 4 - 10, 2006 TAKE A BREAK PHUKET GAZETTE 21 PPUZZLESUZZLES The Cryptic Crossword

ACROSS 1. After market’s in, I drink. (7) Spot the Difference 4. Re rib, by corruption. (7) 8. Spring vegetable? Can you find the seven Sounds like it. (4) differences between the 9. Djiboutian of old, a long two cartoons below? And way away. (4) can you find them faster 10. Bruise chap with elec- than the rest of the family? tronic mother. (5) 12. Wastrel may hand over cash with care. (11) 14. They’re in the bowels of English paths. (8) 17. Way to get a penalty, way to run. (5) 20. A note, either way. (5) 21. Disturbed, bite a cad to step down. (8) 25. Cleverness at study, and its reward. (11) 28. I breathe heavily around color. (5) Compiled by Tortuus. © 2006 31. Sea animal close up. (4) Cuban leader. (7) carry. (8) 32. Male, or a female? (4) 4. Places in boats – or 15. Sets off and falls over. (5) 33. Resistance in queen with where to place boats. (6) 16. Resort in Cyprus part. Maria’s accompanist. (7) 5. Kill coldly. (3) (3) 34. Landmark of a thousand 6. Electronic exhaust – it 18. A single girl from Rome. Merlin reshaped. happens! (5) (3) 7. Pines for and – yes – gets 19. Renegue on chap from DOWN money. (6) Cardiff, maybe. (8) 1. Maurice and the girls – 11. I’m the lag reshaped the 22. Jeer soldier’s place. (7) sticky stuff! (8) big stone. (8) 23. Islands double 2. Staggers dances. (5) 13. When aloft, a little letterman’s letter. (3, 3) 3. He doesn’t believe in information is easy to 24. A thousand pavilion back in northerly state. (6) 26. Container is able. (3) Scribble Space 27. Maybe sell cycle. (5) 29. Anger reduced fire. (3) 30. Pharaoh’s expression of annoyance. (3) Solution on next page. Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com Brain Buster!

Use all 26 letters of the alphabet to complete the EZ TRIVIA QUIZ following 11 words, but use each letter only once 1. Charon is a moon of 6. If two identical aircraft left what planet? the same airport, one fly- in the course of this ing east and one west, at puzzle. 2. What do we call a solid the same speed, which 1. __ a __ z object with six equal would arrive back at the 2. __ u i e __ square sides? airport first? 3. __ u __ c a 7. For what genre of litera- 3. What did USSR stand ture is author Stephen 4. e __ t r __ for? King famous? 5. __ i o __ __ n 4. What does the word 8. Which cartoon dog is fa- 6. __ a __ __ f u l “diablo” mean and from mous for being red and re- 7. __ r o __ __ what language does it ally big? 8. __ e __ __ a t come? 9. What university did Isaac Newton graduate from? 9. __ __ a l a 5. What synthetic material, 10. __ o l a __ Sudoku is very simple: each row, each column and each “box” of produced by the DuPont 10. How did Felix the cat al- nine squares within the puzzle must contain all the numbers from Company, is best known ways get out of a fix? 11. __ o r c __ p i n e 1 to 9 with, naturally, no repetitions. Beware: there is only one for its use in bulletproof solution to this puzzle, which is on the next page. vests? Answers on next page Answers on next page 22 PHUKET GAZETTE TAKE A BREAK March 4 - 10, 2006 Get your brain in gear with The Monster Quiz Kids! Ask Mum and Dad to help you find the answers to these questions. They’re not easy but, if you do some research, you should be able to find the answers to all of them.

1. Which alleged war 7. Which artist’s most recent saw 60,000 troops killed criminal was the leader album is titled Late on the first day? of the Army of the Registration? Republika Srpska (VRS) 14. Who was called Kal-El during the 1992-95 war 8. Which country has bob as on Krypton? in Bosnia? a national dish? 15. What’s the official animal of Canada? 2. Detective Roderick 9. In which country is the Alleyn is a creation of town of Fray Bentos? which author? 16. What does a phobophobe fear? Quick Crossword 10. Which Sokolnicheskaya 3. Which Norwegian Line station in Moscow 17. Where did the Rolling was called Kirovskaya ACROSS 19. Periods of light. saxophonist was born Stones recently play to a March 3, 1947? from 1935 until being reported crowd of 1.2 1. Declaim violently. renamed 1990? 4. Much of the Middle East. DOWN million people? 7. “Camelot” family name. 4. Who wears the Number 2. Premier sailing competi- 11. Which famous Duke was 18. What kind of people are 8. Measure of electrical 10 jersey for Bundesliga the son of a White House tion. listed in Crockford’s? current. team FC Köln? butler? 3. Capable of being touched. 10. 3.1415 etc. 19. Who wrote Voyage au 11. Locks up. 4. Total. 5. What is the nickname of 12. What was the name of bout de la nuit? 12. Went fast on horseback. 6. Right now! FC Köln? 9. Weighed down. Sherlock Holmes’s 14. Morning. smarter brother? 20. What was the first man- 15. Five after May. 13. Typically tropical trees. made insecticide? 16. Quick looks. 17. Six, to a Roman. 6. Who created the cartoon 13. What World War 1 battle 18. Greenflies. Solution below, right. strip Monty? Answers below, left

Puzzle Solution to this week’s Cryptic Solutions Crossword Brain Buster EZ Trivia Answers Solution 1. Pluto; 2. A cube; 3. Union of Soviet Socialist Repub- 1. jazz; 2. quiet; 3. yucca; lics; 4. Devil, from Spanish; 5. Kevlar; 6. Because the 4. extra; 5. violin; 6. bash- rotation of the Earth is toward the east, the plane going Solution to this ful; 7. grown; 8. defeat; 9. against that rotation, to the west, would return to the week’s Quick koala; 10. molar; 11. por- airport sooner; 7. Horror novels; 8. Clifford; 9. Trinity Crossword cupine. College, Cambridge; 10. By reaching into his bag of tricks. Monster Quiz Answers Solution to Cartoon Puzzle

1. General Ratko Mladic; 2. Dame Ngaio Marsh; 3. Jan Garbarek; 4. Lukas “Poldi” Podolski; 5. Die Geißböcke (The Billy Goats); 6. Jim Meddick; 7. Solution to this Kanye West; 8. Bulgaria; 9. Uru- week’s Sudoku guay; 10. Chistye Prudy. 11. puzzle Duke Ellington; 12. Mycroft; 13. The Battle of the Somme; 14. Superman; 15. The beaver; 16. Fear; 17. Copacabana Beach; 18. The clergy; 19. Louis Fer- dinand Celine; 20. DDT. March 4 - 10, 2006 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 23

Accomplished voice OUTSIDE Colds, men with of Western Australia IN By Lis Kinswoman no necks and t 46, Tim Winton is renovates his mother’s aban- probably the most ac- doned house and rekindles a Hello once again, boys and complished Australian friendship with his old football girls. This is Lis with her A writer of his genera- coach and the coach’s wife, only weekly look from the outside squeezable girls tion – two of his seven novels to be confronted with the return have been shortlisted for the of their daughter, his high-school in at Phuket’s quirks, urban Booker Prize. The Turning (Pica- sweetheart and recovering heroin myths and funny facts. ket’s airport and a 40 minute taxi tion never ceases to amaze me. dor, Sydney, 2005, 317pp) is his addict. He soon finds himself Actually, not strictly Phuket’s ride to our hotel. Somewhere Something that entirely infuriates third book of short stories. trapped in a vicious game of emo- – but all around the region along the way, a bug got through bargirls is any kind of platonic, Like William Faulkner’s fic- tional blackmail. from a-go-go bars to the my formidable defenses and wholesome or intellectual rela- tional Yoknapataw- Then there is symptoms began to appear. But, tionship with somebody else. pha County, Winton the rivalry between common cold, men with no if you gotta have a cold, Phuket “Lack of education means works his own liter- two brothers, Jack necks and those squeezable is a great spot!” (2) bargirls are in no position to com- ary patch: the little and Max, from their bar girls. It’s all here. pete, if the one thing they do of- coastal towns of An- childhood to adult- More truisms, same site: fer doesn’t work. Bonking some- gelus and White hood. Jack ends up “They have huge speakers pump- body else is far more acceptable Point south of Perth becoming a Perth A long, long time… “Ago Go ing out American urban black hip to a bargirl than talking about in Western Australia, football star nick- Bars are alive and well in Patong hop music complete with objec- world affairs over coffee.” (4) a fertile land of great Off the named Leaper. Max Beach. You will find many of tionable lyrics. scenic beauty stays behind in White them located within a very small “As far as I am concerned Phuket’s loss is Samui’s gain: “I have just returned from boom squeezed between Point, a drunken, radius of each other. this is the final nail in the Thai- the Indian Ocean SHELF wife-beating fisher- “Many of you who have not land coffin. I do not save my island. A few months ago I was bemoaning the massive develop- and the outback des- man. The two have a traveled to Thailand before might money and wait to fly half away By James Eckardt ment of one small tropical island. ert. There are miles bitter reunion years well be wondering exactly what around the world to Thailand to of deserted white sand beaches, later while surfing on a deserted is an Ago Go Bar. An AGo Go hear American urban hip hop “But now I find myself in a tenuous position because whilst and the young people of his tales beach. Bar is a bar where you watch black music. all that development looked hor- spend much of their time fishing When it comes to describ- young Girls, clad in G-Strings, “Good bye the Thai experi- and surfing. They are also a ing nature and action, Tim Winton Gyrate around a shiny steel poles ence. It used to be that when you ribly overdone it now almost looks like ‘not enough.’ It is a very long lonely and tormented lot. rivals Ernest Hemingway. Here to the beat of modern music. An went into a bar in Thailand that time since I have been anywhere The Turning is not so much he describes Jack on his surf- Ago Go Bar is not a massage there were about 6 signature Thai a collection of short stories as a board as he watches Max being parlour or whore house… songs that told you that you were and only met businessmen who are happy with their lot. Koh severely fragmented novel. As is attacked by a shark: .“Anyway if you have a back in Thailand. Now I do not Samui is thriving with bar, hotel true of all small towns, the people “A surge of turbulence broad mind then visiting an Ago hear even that anymore. Now the in these stories know passed between Max Go Bar is really quite an enjoy- music in the bars is mostly or and restaurant owners barely believing their luck. After so each other and inter- and him, a sudden fat- able experience. If , however, you completely American rock music. many years of no real high sea- act constantly, so you tening of the water subscribe to very strict code of “What happened to the wind up with a multi- that caused Leaper to moral behaviour then this little bragging nationalistic jingoistic son, Samui’s peak season is only now just beginning to turn into a faceted narrative of blink. His brother had outing is probably one that you Thais so convinced that Thailand high season. many perspectives – his back to him, was should skip... was special? More empty talk. high-school students, still paddling away, “There is a wide variety of Thailand is not special when they “Of course most will point to the tsunami sending people cops, fishermen and when a bronze flash bar sports to play with any of your do not even play their own ex- from Phuket. Needless to say that abused wives. jerked him sideways new found friends. Games such cellent pop music in the bars. Too At the narrative on the board and as bang the nail into the lump of bad.” (3) has been a contributing factor, but I am told things were pretty good center of these 17 sto- drove him high in the tree stump are popular.” (1) in the run up to Christmas and it ries is miserable teen- water, spinning him Double or quadruple stan- ager Vic Lang. He round so that Leaper Phuket – not to be sniffed at: dards? “A quirk of self-dignity is was not just the events of De- cember 26th that created the has moved from “the saw his open mouth “It’s almost axiomatic that airline their possession: in Thailand a boom.” (5) city” (Perth) to White within the streaming travel promotes colds and other man is licensed to have one and Point, where his father has been beard and the shark moiling be- maladies, but we’d both managed only one female friend, in any (1) http://www.phuket-tourism.com/ posted as a police constable. In neath him. A second later he was to avoid this drawback since start- capacity. Bargirls as acquaintan- where_to_go/nightlife.htm high school, he has no friends and all flailing arms that went under ing our adventure two years ago. ces often feel humiliation and ang- (2) http://www.trv.net/trv98/nightlife/ is tormented by his love for a girl a moment until he surfaced in a “However, a trip to Phuket er, and will vent it, if a man is seen foxagogo1.htm in the class ahead of him, a beauty pink smear.” (silent ‘h’), a tropical island off as much as walking up the street (3) http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/ marred by a strawberry birth- There are plenty of lyrical the west coast of Thailand, is a with another women. Weekly/weekly192.htm long haul, even from Europe. “The ownership may arise (4) http://www.thaiconnections.co.uk/ mark that covers half her face. passages about the stunning natu- site/thai-experiences/an-account-of-a- His father is falling apart. As ral beauty of the coast, and also From Istanbul, it was 3 plane seg- from a casual conversation on the mans-stay-in-bangkok.html heroin filters into high school great flashes of humor between ments and nearly 24 hours cli- street and the bargirl may have (5) http://samui.baronbonk.com/ circles in the 1970s, he suspects the characters, but the overall maxed by 30 minutes in a slow- slept with umpteen men in that business_boom_in_koh_samui_chaweng_ a quartet of police detectives are mood is glum. Winton’s heroes moving immigration line at Phu- time. The hypocrisy and convic- beach.shtml behind it. Tormented and sleep- are invariably lonely and tortured less, he develops a drinking prob- souls. For a country supposedly lem and finally deserts his fam- awash in mateship and beer, they ily. Vic moves back to Perth with never darken the door of a pub. his mother, who manages to put In middle age, Vic follows him through law school by clean- his father into brooding introspec- ing houses. Twenty-six years tion, hauled back into the world later, as his mother is dying of only by his irrepressible wife Gail. cancer, Vic tracks down his fa- Two of the stories in The Turn- ther in the outback. ing are told from her comical point That is one narrative trunk of view. The final story, when Vic in this book of stories, but there is 46, ends on a note of hope. are many branches that shoot from it. There is the life-long friendship of the brilliant high school student Jackie with the town mis- fit, Boner McPharlin, who winds up abandoned on a beach with both legs broken – somehow involved in drugs. Vic Lang’s father enters the picture here. After his wife’s suicide in Perth, another character, Peter Dyson, returns to Angelus with his six-year-old son, Ricky. He 24 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS March 4 - 10, 2006

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] Back to bedlam in Patong After the Gazette published the online version of the story about the stinking seaweed on Patong Beach (see News, this issue), we received an email from a Scandinavian engineer specializing in water and wastewater technology. “The problem is directly linked to excessive nutrients being dis- charged into the bay because of faulty or non-existent wastewater treatment,” he wrote. In May 2004, there was a similar incident with green seaweed suddenly appearing. On that occasion, the experts declared the seaweed harmless. Indeed, one could even suggested a seaweed eating festival. The most recent seaweed incident is rather less pleasant than the last one. The reek from the rotting seaweed is unlikely to compel anyone that they should scoop it up and serve it in restaurants. What a sad indictment this is of the authorities in Patong. The town has a long history of greed distorting decision making. Not so long ago, a mayor was fired by the then-Interior Minister after trying to extort 2 million baht from a contractor building the town’s wastewater system. The ex-mayor is still serving a five-year exile from politics for “conduct likely to bring the Patong Municipality into disrepute”. Letters When the tsunami arrived, it apparently scoured the bay; many people said afterwards that they had not seen the water so clear for The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- your views for publication in our next issue. a long time. On the reverse side of the coin, the tsunami also did ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseudonyms serious damage to the town’s infrastructure, including the wastewa- Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 are acceptable only if your full name and address ter treatment system. or send an email to [email protected] with are supplied. Any delight over the clear water was short-lived. Now Patong is back where is was two years ago, with untreated sewage con- A negative idea quality guide knows about the in- somehow have no connection to taminating the bay, as evidenced by the invasion of stinking seaweed. terrelationship of all living beings the dire situation along Phuket The wastewater system took years and years to install – far I have often read in the Phuket and can relate the facts to tour- beaches, where hardly a week longer than it should have – and at least some of the blame lies with Gazette that local hospitals are in ists. Furthermore, a guide should passes without a jet-ski accident those who put private gain ahead of the public good; those who take urgent need of A-negative type be knowledgeable about the glo- – the latest death from which re- the view that contractors who pay the most under the table should blood. Why don’t the hospitals bal struggle to gain protection of portedly came at the end of Janu- get the contracts, regardless of whether they have sufficient experi- start to pay money to donors? fragile ecosystems, as well as the ary. ence, know-how and funding to complete the job without running out Maybe even the Immigration De- environmental politics involved in The Gazette should take a of money. partment could give A-negative the conflict. close look at the sponsors of this Surely it is time for a more farsighted view, one that sees the donors some visa benefits. In the more than 13 years event to see if they are not the bigger picture: if Patong is clean and pleasant, then the tourists will In any event, something that I have lived in southern Thai- jet-ski manufacturers them- come. If it is not – as a result of people trying to pocket 2 million baht should be done to build up the land, I have yet to find a Thai selves, who have every interest in bribes – then the tourists will go elsewhere. blood bank. In Thailand this blood guide who could debate environ- in promoting their products on Everyone will lose, including those who think they can make a type is worth more than gold. mental politics, describe relation- Phuket – an island that claims to quick baht or two. I know many farangs who ships between different environ- be trying to phase out jet-skis. – The Editor are worried about visiting Thai- mental systems, or chat about The primary target of jet-ski land because of the lack of A- some of the champions of the manufacturers remains the more negative blood. Is it possible to fight to preserve nature, both in attention-seeking individuals store one’s own A-negative blood Thailand and abroad. among the idle rich, but in a place in any of the hospitals in Phuket, The reality of the situation like Phuket, where influential fig- is that there is a need for foreign ures enjoy the upper hand, they In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL and how much would they charge? guides in certain branches of also enjoy an important second- Just think of the reaction if tourism. Truly great nature guides ary market: the “jet-ski rental” in- Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet there was a big accident involv- are rare, even in the West. Hav- dustry. ing lots of farangs and many of ing the hurdle of a complicated Jet-ski manufacturers and Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes language like English is more than this rental industry will both no Deputy Editor: Chris Husted them dying because of inadequate supplies of this type of blood. This most Thais will be able to clear, doubt see the provincial go-ahead Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn would not be good for the tourist but – even if the language bar- for this event as good news. I Editorial Team: Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone, Anongnat Sartpisut, business. rier is defeated – there are cul- wonder how the family and Sam Wilkinson, Ananya Hongsa-ngiam, Shiona Mackenzie Tom Berg tural traits and behaviors in the friends of jet-ski victims will feel By email West that are foreign to native about it. Thais. As for how far this event Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet Grilled guides To say across the board that will go to promote tourism, don’t General Manager: Oranee Pienprasertkul I would have expected Panom- foreigners should not be allowed expect much. Jet-ski racing is the Marketing Manager: Natthira Susangrat phol Thummachartniyom, the to be guides is racist and, more very epitome of a “trash sport”, Classifieds Manager: Phatsara Raktammakit president of the Phuket Profes- importantly, the highest end of the created by the manufacturers and Events & Public Relations Manager: Athipa Bunnak sional Guide Association, to have tourism industry simply cannot cable television broadcasters to proceed without foreign guides. fill late-night air time on second- Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd been vehemently against allowing just anyone to be a guide [Ga- I bet if K. Panomphol went ary sports networks like ESPN2. zette February 25]. In the follow- on vacation to the US, he’d To the extent that this event ex- Contact us ing I will refer only to nature search out a Thai guide to tell him poses Phuket to a foreign view- Advertising Sales: [email protected] guides. all about it. ing audience, which won’t be Dave much, expect it to turn off more Classified Advertising: [email protected] Even the best Thai nature guides do not match global stan- Kata potential tourists than it attracts. Website Services: [email protected] dards. This situation is not merely The harms race When will our government Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] a product of the Thai educational realize that the key to a sustain- able tourism industry lies in envi- Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 system nor the culture of this In supporting the province’s de- great land; It goes much deeper. cision to host the Asian Jet-Ski ronmental protection and not There is more to being a top- Championships here, the edito- shameless spectacle? The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors notch guide than simply regurgi- rial of the Gazette of February Somchai Huasaikul and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the Samkong directors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. tating learned names. A true high- 25 argues that this event will Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government Copyright © 1994-2006 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd officials and/or business owners are published in Issues & Answers on the facing page. March 4 - 10, 2006 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 25 Not driving recklessly ach case must be exam- the worst punishment we mete out ined individually, and FIRST is a three- to- five-day ban from people should realize driving for the company. Realis- Ethat our drivers don’t PERSON tically speaking we cannot be want an accident to happen as it stricter than this because even one costs [the drivers] money. It day off work means a lot of in- means a loss of income if the car ver the past six weeks alone, come lost. needs repairing and sometimes it three people have been killed in Today, we have 135 mem- takes up to a month to fix a car if O bers and most of them own their a lot of repairs are required. three separate crashes involving lim- own car. On an average day they Crashes are an occupa- ousine drivers on Sathienthapanakij will make six- to- seven round tional hazard because we use the Rd (also known as the airport road). trips to the airport. A one-way trip roads frequently. The roads in On January 22, an airport limousine from Patong usually takes about Phuket are not good and there is an hour; a trip from the Tesco- much too much construction go- driver died in a high-speed smash on Lotus superstore about 30 mining on, as well as too much other the outskirts of Phuket City. On Janu- utes. traffic. The roads are also too ary 26, a pedestrian was struck and We always tell our passen- narrow and this creates traffic gers to fasten their safety belts jams, which waste a lot of time. killed by a limousine on the airport and each car has first-class in- So when our drivers are not road, and on February 2 a limousine surance, but I must repeat that hindered by these factors, they smashed at high speed into the rear we do not wish for any accident drive faster; This does not mean to happen, either for us or for our that they are negligent, but some- of a water truck on the airport road, killing the car’s driver. passengers. times accidents will happen. Not surprisingly, many people have started to wonder just how safe this service really If passengers are not happy Our drivers are always is, and why the drivers feel the need to endanger other road users by hurtling along the with the driver then they are free careful and especially so after to contact our office. Conversely, picking passengers up. [Acci- island’s highways, pedal to the metal. Road users on Thepkrasattri Rd and elsewhere passengers sometimes specifi- dents] are not always our fault – often report being passed at unnecessarily high speeds, sometimes recklessly, by limou- cally ask for a driver to go faster sometimes other drivers pull out sines. The Secretary of the Phuket Limousine and Business Service Cooperative, Niphon than normal as they may be late without even looking. for a plane or an appointment. In I have noticed that the be- Piromrit, a Phuket native, pleads the limousine drivers’ case. this case, what can we do? havior of drivers in Phuket is not At the moment we’re look- so good. Some people insist on jams here, which do slow us The second death, on Janu- how he learned this, bearing in ing into installing a Global Posi- driving slowly in the outside lane down. ary 26, was because the person mind that the driver died. – tioning System receiver in each when they should be keeping to Let me explain the three was drunk and jaywalking. What Ed,). of our cars to find out exactly the left lane. accidents that happened recently: can we do about people like that? We always remind our where they are and how fast they However, I accept that As regards the first case on Janu- The accident with the wa- members – verbally and in writ- are traveling. In addition, we plan some of our drivers do go faster ary 22, in which the driver was ter truck happened because the ing – to be careful while driving, to introduce “better driving than 90kmh [the supposed na- killed because he was driving too truck was in the right-hand lane to respect traffic laws and to keep courses” so that our employees tional speed limit] but only when fast, well, he was not even a watering the grass in the median to the speed limits. If we get com- will appreciate their work more. the road is empty and conditions member of our cooperative, yet strip and did not have properly plaints from tourists about certain We made merit at the beginning are safe. But we cannot really be people automatically assumed he functioning rear lights. Our driver drivers going too fast, then we ask of this year to make sure that this, accused of going too fast be- was when they saw that his car could not tell if it was moving or [the tourists] to tell us more. We the Chinese Year of the Dog, will cause there are so many traffic had green [taxi] license plates. not (K. Niphon did not explain then issue a warning letter and be a good one. Letters Special visas Issues& for pregnant ANSWERS The immorality of a I love Phuket and its people, and they certainly deserve a bet- foreigners? monumental waste ter deal than this. Want to know how to get something done? Guido Jouret My sister plans to study in Thai- Want to pitch an idea to Phuket’s authorities ? I recently read that a tsunami Belgium land under a postdoctoral fellow- Submit your queries or suggestions to us and memorial is slated for completion ship. She is, however, pregnant. we’ll ask the appropriate people to respond. in December 2007 and will cost Bypass operations What is the procedure with re- 1.5 billion baht (US$36.75 mil- gards to pregnant women enter- Write to: The Phuket Gazette, 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, lion). Now that work is coming to an ing Thailand (from India) for stud- Muang, Phuket 83000. Fax 076-213971, or submit your I could hardly believe my end on the bypass road, with well- ies? issue at www.phuketgazette.net eyes! 1.5 billion baht for a monu- laid out and clearly marked U- Kurrinji Koman ment? Can anyone explain where turns, will the “unofficial” ones, By email such a large amount of funding is like the one in front of Courts coming from? Megastore be removed? It is Pol Col Witawat Burana- I have been coming to dangerous to have vehicles sud- sompop, the Superintendent Are boats barred from Kata? Phuket for the last 12 years and denly braking from 80kmh to zero of Phuket Immigration, re- my friends and I in Belgium have in the outside lane, and I have al- plied: Why do the authorities in Kata-Karon not allow guests – even those helped with the building of fish- ready had two near misses with There are no special proce- from charter companies – joining a tour boat to be picked up directly ing boats for fishermen whose cars taking last-minute evasive dures for pregnant women. Your from the beach? vessels had been destroyed in the action. sister can follow the normal en- John Hook tsunami. As very little north-south try procedure. Students from In- Kata We were able to help a traffic appears to turn right (west) dia can ask for a “Non-immigra- Tawatchai Tongmang, Chief of Karon Municipality, replied: dozen families from a total of at the Central Festival Phuket tion ED visa” at the Thai Em- The policy for many years has been to keep the beach and the bay 500,000 baht that was raised; traffic lights, has thought been bassy in India. clear of tour boats because if we allow tour companies to transfer some of these funds were col- given to having “ahead only” Please be aware that air- tourists direct between tour boats and hotels, it would create a mess. lected by schoolchildren in my green lights operating for longer lines will not allow women who The potentially hundreds of tour companies anchoring their boats home country. periods, and then “right-turn only” are more than seven months preg- off the beach and transfering guests to and from the shore all day To think that 1.5 billion baht lights operating together for a nant to fly. would cause too much disturbance to the other tourists who want to is going to be spent on a monu- much shorter period of time? This Incidentally, babies born to enjoy their time on the beach. ment rather than helping people will speed up the traffic flow at foreign parents in Thailand do not This policy will stay, and tourists who want to join a tour boat who are alive, and this in a place this junction and reduce conges- get Thai nationality. The birth must board at Chalong Pier or Rassada Pier. where there is not even a decent tion. should be registered at the appro- We have had no complaints about this policy because all the garbage collection/disposal sys- John priate embassy of the parents’ tour companies know about it, and they want to keep the beach clean, tem. Regular bypass road user nationality. too. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES March 4 - 10, 2006

eek! 5:37 pm: Ella receives a procrastination. The air around me is heavy reminder from the Gazette edi- and stifling with it. Caffeine is the ambro- tor that the deadline for her ar- sia of today’s teenagers, and I’ve known ticle is, believe it or not, today! THE TEETH one or two who would even eat dry in- E stant coffee to get them through the all- 5:38 pm: Ella opens a new Word document. She stares at the blinking cur- nighters. If we weren’t so lazy, we would sor for a few seconds, then gets dis- probably organize an award for the great- tracted by the rerun of a sitcom on est procrastinator. TV. There is another solution to the prob- OF TIME lem of procrastination – find a scapegoat. 9:25 pm: Ella checks her email for the We are simply weak-willed primates held 564,238th time, then decides to take Being a born procrastinator, be doing now, but you have in thrall by the real culprit: the computer another stab at the article. She re- by the way, I missed the to prioritize and choose only and its minions Minesweeper, Pacman and wards herself with a half-hour break deadline for my birth by two one or two things to do. Tetris. Then came the Internet, bringing for coming up with a headline. weeks. Instead of writing this with it MSN Messenger, and online games 10 pm: Perhaps another half hour... In the past few de- article, for example, I could in which you can beat up penguins. I’m 11:46 pm: She obsessively checks the cades, there has been an be learning how to belly late? It’s all the computer’s fault. word count and decides to reward increase in the numbers of dance, write a best-selling One benefit of procrastination is that herself again for having written 10 people admitting to being novel, or run off to the big it has spurred companies into exploiting more words. Another “half”-hour procrastinators. A study in city to find myself a sugar huge market opportunities – after all, ev- break. the US showed that in 1978, daddy. eryone procrastinates. 1:57 am: Ella ponders ways of stopping it was 15%. The figure rose If psychologists have A vicious cycle is created: the more time. She gets out her physics text- to 60% in 2002. Of course, the time to study the phe- products there are available for procrasti- book and finds that the easiest way this also raises the question Youth ’n nomenon of why songs get nation, the more procrastination occurs, to stop time would be to approach the of whether we’re becom- stuck in your head, then they which makes the market larger, creating event horizon of a black hole. She ing more honest, or simply certainly have the time to demand for new products. chucks the physics textbook at the lazier. study procrastination, and, One product still missing is an The earliest reference ASIA more importantly, how to unmessy way of injecting caffeine straight wall, and her head soon follows. to procrastination I’ve man- By Ella Micheler cure someone of it. All of into the vein to keep you running during 1:58 am: Head protests at being banged aged to find was by a them would more or less all-nighters. And much evil has also been against a wall. Greek poet in 800BC, who said, “A man agree on 10 basic tips, which include think- born from this vicious cycle – sitcoms and 2.01 am: She deletes the 34 words she’s who puts off work is always at hands-grip ing positively, being organized, and start- Tamagochis being prime examples. written so far, and decides instead to with ruin”. ing with the easiest task. For the absolutely desperate procras- write about what she knows best – The Hindus went further and in All of this may be very nice in theory, tinator, there is another way of stopping procrastination. 500BC described the most evil kind of per- but it rarely works in practise. Teenagers time. As Einstein’s Theory of Relativity son, those they called Taamasika agents, who have turned procrastination into an explains, because of the dilation of time, it Paul Ringenbach publicized his work-in- “undisciplined, vulgar, stubborn, wicked, art are motivated by something completely is theoretically possibly to slow time al- progress Procrastination Through the malicious, lazy, depressed, and procrasti- different – the threat of consequences. most to a stop if you travel quickly enough. Ages: A Definitive History, in 1971. Of nating”. Taamasika were denied rebirth and If there is no danger to life or limb, a Even if you zipped along at 7.7 kilometers course, being an expert procrastinator, he sent to hell, which must have had a long job is put off indefinitely. Also, many tasks, a second, however, you’d still slow down never finished it. The first real historical waiting line because of all the procrasti- if postponed for long enough, will take care time by only three nanoseconds. analysis came in 1992, with Procrastina- nators. of themselves, which means that you don’t Yet there is still hope – Albert Einstein tion: A Malady of Modern Time by “To procrastinate” basically means really have to write that letter to your great himself was a procrastinator. Some day, Noach Milgram, which addressed this putting off work that you could be doing uncle because he’ll die soon enough any- our saviour will come and provide us with question: have humans been lazy since the now. This actually means that everyone is way. a way to halt that pesky thing called Time. dawn of time, or is it an ailment of more procrastinating all the time, because there Being in my final year of high school, In the meantime, I’ll stick to playing on- recent generations? are always hundreds of things you could I am a keen practitioner and observer of line games and day-dreaming. I can imagine Neanderthals playing tic-tac-toe on cave walls and putting off the hunt for another few days. But we have something they never even Payback time for a ‘friend’ thought of – deadlines. The late Douglas Adams he following is an ex- also loaned him seed money to saying that the prevailing busi- once said, “I love deadlines. I love ample of what can hap- get the business going. LAYING ness climate did not permit him the whooshing sound they make pen when financial help From having nothing at DOWN to make a one-off settlement as they fly by.” In most cases, is rewarded with abso- all, the recipient soon found of the total amount. He was T himself with four different THE LAW willing to pay installments over however, this lovely whooshing lutely nothing by way of appre- noise develops into a 12 on the ciation, despite there being an successful businesses – and as With Friedrich a period of two years instead. Beaufort Wind Scale – a hurri- agreement between the parties. many private cars. But he ne- ‘Sam’ Fauma Both parties, therefore, cane. Mr R, a long-time resident glected to show his apprecia- were able to reach agreement Nowadays, with increased of Phuket, aided a “friend” – not tion; he failed to pay back the ini- This move appeared to using court arbitration, and the competition and a fervent desire for the first time – by setting him tial loan he had received to kick- work. After being contacted case was closed. for efficiency in business, there up in business and drawing up a start these successful ventures. through the court, the “friend” fi- The advantage Mr R gained are deadlines for everything. proper business plan for him. He The “friend” made Mr R nally telephoned Mr R to talk by using arbitration was that he many promises, all the while com- about repayment. saved himself having to go plaining about how bad business Subsequently, however, he through a full court procedure was, and about how much pres- unwilling or unable to honor the potentially lasting one or two sure was on him to make other final payment schedule he had years – or even longer if the payments he owed. himself drawn up. “friend” decided to contest a de- Mr R was, therefore, \A Court Arbitrator was cision against him through the forced into finding another way then appointed to negotiate a re- appeals system. of communicating with him, and payment schedule for the loan – Arbitration also meant decided to appoint a law firm to plus accrued interest. that, if the debt remained un- demand payment officially. This A totally different attitude paid, the court ruling could be went unanswered, so he filed a emerged during arbitration, with used for immediate enforce- case through the courts in an ef- the “friend” demonstrating that he ment; as long as the “friend” had fort to retrieve his money. was willing to make payments, but enough assets, Mr R could get his money back. In Mr R’s case the court even ordered that he receive a refund of a large proportion of the legal fees he had paid, as the case was settled before any witnesses had to be heard. This case shows that court arbitration can lead the parties in a dispute to talk to each other and to reach a settlement, without either too much time or money being wasted. March 4 - 10, 2006 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 27 Patong lobbying for Do non-Buddhists have promotion to ‘town’ to convert on marriage? From the Phuket Gazette, issue of March 1-14, 2001. PATONG: Patong Municipality is “The extra resources and lobbying for an upgrade from the streamlining of procedures Dear Momma Duck, dren in tow may be considered This is usually followed by tessabaan tambon (village) to direct to the Governor’s Office What is the procedure in outside traditional dowry require- a sit-down dinner, with hundreds tessabaan muang (town) status [as opposed to going through Thailand for a foreigner marry- ments, especially if the groom of guests, complete with master as a way to cope with the town’s Kathu District Office] will facili- ing a Thai girl? Does the cer- agrees to take re- of ceremonies and rapid growth over the past few tate foreign investment in Pa- emony have to be held at a Bud- sponsibility for the speeches. dhist temple? What happens if the children, although Nowadays, years. tong,” he added. man is of a different religion? Is each case is subject gifts are usually in According to Mayor Pian Apart from being able to he expected to convert? to negotiation. the form of cash in- Keesin, the tourism boom in present projects direct to the Legally, a serted in the enve- Phuket has posed Governor’s Of- Akgun Kiciman problems for the fice, Patong Mu- Istanbul wedding ceremony lope the original THE TIME is not a require- wedding invitation local municipality nicipality would Dear Akgun, ment, but culturally, came in. With hun- because the re- also get an extra The legal procedure for a it is nearly always dreds of guests at- sources available machine municipal coun- at tambon level cilor and expanded foreigner who wishes to marry a considered neces- tending, this may News from the past Thai is as follows: sary. Normally, the seem like a lot of have not been powers for admin- • You will need a certificate ceremony is held ei- money for the enough to enable istering the town. of “non-impediment” issued by ther at the bride’s Momma couple, but the re- the local municipality to manage Patong Municipality has al- your home country’s embassy in home or at a public ception dinner is a Patong’s development. ready submitted its request to the Bangkok (this means that as far facility such as a ho- major expense that On February 12 at the Governor of Phuket. If approved, as the embassy is aware, you are tel, communal hall DUCK may “eat up” most Royal Paradise Hotel, Mayor the request will be passed to the Pian chaired a public forum at- Ministry of Interior for consid- not already married). or restaurant. The By Wanida Hongyok of the cash gifts. You will also need your location is up to the Finally, Bud- tended by 200 people, including eration by the Cabinet. The pro- • [email protected] passport, and your fiancée will families of the bride dhists do not “con- politicians, business owners and cess is expected to take a year. need her national ID card and and groom. vert” others to their beliefs, and, Patong residents, at which the A door-to-door survey con- house registration document In rural areas, most wed- therefore, do not expect non-Bud- impact of the proposed upgrade ducted at the end of January (tabien baan). dings are held at the home of the dhists to change their religion was explained. found that Patong has 12,701 Thai • With this paperwork and bride, and may take some days upon marriage. Buddhism recog- “It wasn’t necessary to have residents, 8,110 houses and 2,149 on paying a small fee, a marriage to prepare. Thais who live in cit- nizes all other faiths, so do not the forum but I wanted people to families. The population density may be registered at the District ies usually prefer to have wed- worry about your own religion if understand clearly that we will is 775 people per square kilome- Office. ding ceremonies at hotels. you want to marry a Thai. have to change,” K. Pian said. ter. It is probably wise to bring A full ceremony in an urban along a friend to the wedding who area often consists of two parts. is able translate from Thai to En- First, there is a morning ceremony glish and vice versa, as well as to at the bride’s house during which be there as an official witness. alms are given to monks. This is Now we can turn to the in- essentially to bring luck and an teresting and complex cultural auspicious start to the union, but aspects of such a marriage. there is no Buddhist ceremony di- Traditionally, it is normal for rectly related to the act of mar- the man to give a dowry to the riage. This ceremony is usually bride’s family, which can be any- restricted to the couple’s relatives. thing from US$50 to US$2,000. In the late afternoon or However, this practice, although evening is the traditional “mar- still common in rural areas and riage” reception for everyone. with girls whose families have This usually starts with a water- strong rural roots, is dying out pouring – or a bai-si or string- among the more educated urban tying – ceremony when people middle and upper classes. older than the couple give their Divorced women with chil- blessings to the marriage. 28 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES March 4 - 10, 2006 Patong loses a fine entertainer

bring sad news this in Welsh and subse- magazine showed the record sliding down “In 1989 he teamed up with Saga week: the island has quently was banned by the charts after a promising start and A&M members Jim Gilmour and Steve Negus in lost one of its great the BBC because it was US pulled all promotion on the record. GNP, under the pseudonym Robert Bevan. I characters with the OON deemed blasphemous. “In the 1970s The Raes were nomi- They released one album for Virgin death on February 10 of lo- “While in England, nated for two Juno Awards and became Records. In October 1999, Rae moved to cal legend and singer at Tai TOWN he met Cherrill Yates, a hosts of CTV’s popular Circus show and Thailand (Kamala Beach – Phuket) and ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS Pan, Robbie Rae, from al- By Konrad Stalin member of the Comic were offered a chance at a firm five-year invested in his own outdoor bar as well as cohol-dependency-related Soap Opera, from St TV contract of their own – which they singing at Tai Pan with his band. The bar complications. ([email protected]) Thomas, Ontario. After turned down because the record company itself was destroyed and Robbie Rae’s I first met Welshman moving to Canada, he felt it would effect sales. whereabouts were briefly a mystery fol- Robbie shortly after his arrival on the is- and Cherrill married and moved to her “Cherrill and Robbie divorced in the lowing the devastation of the tsunami on land and have enjoyed many jams with this hometown, and after hearing a version of early 1980s. Following the demise of the December 26, 2004, but he turned up safe powerful entertainer, normally with him Doris Day’s 1956 hit Que Sera Sera they disco act, Robbie tried to make a go of it and sound. behind my shoulder on stage pulling faces decided to pursue the disco phenomenon on Quality Records in 1983 with a song “He began to have some serious or generally acting up. He was a very that was blossoming in Canada. Finger On It, which the label hailed as a problems with drinking a few years back funny man and a very talented musician. “The duo were signed to A&M new direction for him – the B-side, Rachel, and everyone rallied to try to get him off As you’ll be able to tell from the bio Records and charted with three succes- was written by future Refugee exponent this path of self-destruction. To their credit, below, compiled by a close friend of Robbie, sive singles in the Top-10 including Que Myles Hunter. his employers at Tai Pan, Bob and Darren, his achievements were not insubstantial. Sera Sera and 1979’s A Little Lovin’ However, the following year he and Tai Pan’s other singer, Harry K, went “Robbie found infamy early in his (Keeps The Doctor Away). The latter found himself on Mel Shaw’s Music World the distance with him and never gave up. singing career in his home, Wales where song narrowly missed hit status in the US Creation touting another Hunter tune, Hold They checked him into several detox clin- he recorded a version of The Lord’s Prayer after a typographical error in Billboard On To The Night, also to no effect. ics at their expense but in the end his de- mon got the better of him. “In rock ’n’ roll there is say- PHUKET DIARY of coming events ing, ‘Live fast, die young and leave a beautiful corpse,’ and this is reflection of the inherent he- March 4-13: Tao Thepkrasat- head-shaving ceremony at 1 pm ing at 1:30 pm, while riders in Cat- New Year – Public Holiday). donism in the industry. Robbie tri & Tao Sri Soonthorn Cul- on March 4 for men entering egory B will race over a 25km Also known as the Water Festi- was a true rock ’n’ roll guy who tural Fair. Held every year to monkhood, followed by ordain- course, starting at 11:30 am. val, and held during the driest lived life to the full, was always commemorate the role Phuket’s ment at 8 am on March 5. Category C, for children un- months in Thailand, Songkran is the center of any crowd, was heroines played in the victory over On March 11, 12 and 13, der 13 years of age, will cover celebrated by Thais throughout quick to smile and even quicker a Burmese incursion in 1785, the starting at 7 pm, actors will reen- 10km, starting at 10 am. the country by pouring – tradition- to make you smile. And I never fair this year will be bigger and act the battle. ally only a little, but these days spent a bad minute in his com- better than ever. On March 13, remembered March 10: Miss Lily Super more playfully a lot – of water pany.” Pattama Rujeewong, of the as the day of the battle, a wreath- Model Muay Thai Champion- on other people to bring them As a tribute to Robbie and Phuket Provincial Cultural Office laying ceremony will be held at ships 2006. Five professional good luck through the coming to support his family during this (PPCO), said that the celebra- the Heroines’ Monument at 8 am. women kickboxers from the US Thai Year. difficult time – he was the sole tions this year would be the big- Sport competitions, includ- will show off their prowess at a breadwinner – a fund-raising night gest yet, to mark HM King Bhu- ing takraw, Muay Thai, Muay female fight night at the Saphan April 11: Mawlid al-Nabi. This featuring many of the island’s top mibol Adulyadej’s 60 years on the Thai talay (boxing while sitting Hin Gymnasium, starting at 3pm. is the day when Muslims mark musicians, along with Harry K, throne. on a horizontal pole over a pool Admission is free. See sports the birthday of the Prophet and Johnnie and Steve from the Festival activities will take of water or mud) and greasy pole pages for more details. Muhammad. Not an official holi- UK performing sax and percus- place between 8 am and 10 pm climbing, will be held as part of day, but expect activities in Mus- sion, will be staged at Tai Pan on each day, at Thalang Chanasuk the festival. Until March 31: Art Exhibi- lim communities. March 4. Memorial Field, in Baan Kian, The main sporting event, on tion. YArt! is presenting an ex- I sincerely hope that we, as where the battle took place. March 12, will be a mountain bike hibition of paintings exploring April 12-16: Phuket Bike a community, get behind this event The battlefield covers 96 rai, race, with off-road sections, tak- themes of self, inner spirituality Week. Phuket Bike Week 2006 to show our support and to re- one kilometer west of the main ing in historical sites en-route. and man’s relationship with the will be held from April 12-16, member a man who has become intersection in Thalang Town, on Riders in Category A of the outside world, by Thai and Bur- 2006. part of the history, if not of the the road to Cherng Talay. race will cover the full 35-kilo- mese artists, at the Crowne Plaza The Grand Dinner by Ride island, then at least of Patong. The fair will start with a meter course, with riders start- Karon Beach. Thailand and Phuket Riders Club If there is any justice God’s A “Mind Raft” meditation will be on April 14 at Thainaan great jam session the sky now workshop will be led by Michael restaurant, opposite Central Fes- reads, Hendrix on lead, Bonham Stephens on March 10 and 11. tival Phuket. on drums, Pastourias on bass, Call 076-286359 to register. Tickets are for sale at 300 Kossof on rhythm, Ray Charles baht each and include dinner, a on keys, Coltrane and Davis on April 6: Chakri Day (Public show and competitions. Seating Brass and the special guest to- Holiday). Chakri Day commem- is limited and early bookings are night on lead vocals – Robbie Rae orates the origins of the Chakri recommended. … So long, rock ’n’ roller. dynasty, founded by Rama I, who There will be an “OTOP The Lion roars: Soi Lion off established Bangkok as the Market Party” on April 14-15. Bangla seems to be going from nation’s capital. Visit www.ridethailand.com strength to strength, I think it must or www.phuketbikeweek.com be something to do with the size April 13-15: Songkran (Thai for more information. of the place. An attempt to wan- der down to the bottom of Soi Easy or Soi Eric often peters out about half way with closed or barren bars deterring further venture, but Soi Lion is half the size and is typically packed to the end. David Brooke led the charge away from the now almost dead Soi Seadragon and his Phuket Island Lager Bar is rock- ing every night. The music is not your typical rubbish, either, and the toilets at the end of the soi are worth the five baht. Back to work: So pleased to see that Jungceylon’s problems are nearly over. Construction should be back underway by the time this goes to press. Woohooooo! March 4 - 10, 2006 PHUKET GAZETTE 29

Looking for a job? www.phuketgazette.net 30 PHUKET GAZETTE PEOPLE & COMPUTERS March 4 - 10, 2006 ON THE MOVE

Stanley HC Pao, 56, from Pichai Tangnavarad, from Londoner Ben Da- Bangkok, has been appointed Bangkok, is the new General niel, 38, previously of General Manager of Arahmas Manager of the Pavillion the European office Resort & Spa at Nai Yang Queen’s Bay hotel in Krabi. He of Lighthouse Inter- Beach. He graduated with a graduated from the Tailor Busi- national in Spain, has degree in business administra- ness Institute in New York and been appointed Gen- tion and hotel and restaurant has worked in the hotel business eral Manager of the management from the Univer- for more than 20 years, both in Tamarind Hills De- sity of Hawaii and the Hawaii America and Thailand. K. Pichai velopment, another Entrepreneurship Training and worked at the Hilton in Bangkok Lighthouse project in Development Institute. He was for five years and for 10 years Phuket. Mr Daniel previously Managing Director of was the Marketing Director of will coordinate sales Rawi Warin Resort & Spa at Dusit Thani Group, in Bangkok. and business devel- Koh Lanta, Krabi, and also He recently spent one year at opment in Phuket, sepnt time as General Manager Rawi Warin Resort & Spa at working with strate- of the Dusit Thani Hotel in Koh Lanta, Krabi, as Group Di- gic partners and ag- Bangkok. rector of Marketing. ents. How do I see Clipboard in XP? Is the Clipboard Viewer still KHUN WOODY’S program’s icon will appear near swer my question – of course, for Also, how do I back up my Qavailable in Windows XP? the top. the required fee. Bookmarks in Firefox to safe- I can’t find any reference to it in Whenever you want to see It makes me wish I never guard against losing them again? your Windows XP All-in-One COMPUTER exactly what’s being stored on got into computers. And this is my On a different note, how do Desk Reference for Dummies. your Clipboard, click Start | third Dell PC… I do run Scan Disk in Windows If it is, how can I access it, 1. Click the Start menu but- Clipbrd. The ClipBook Viewer Warren Seeke XP Pro? please? ton and open My Computer. will appear, allowing you to see David Susan & John Crawford 2. Open your “C:” drive its contents. You are not going to like the UK listed in the Hard Disk Drives The new Office Clipboard Aanswer. The spell checker It’s easier than it looks. section. Viewer, in the latest version of in Outlook Express uses the dic- AFirefox bookmarks are sav- Microsoft screwed up the 3. Double-click on the Win- Office XP, works much better. tionary installed with Microsoft ed in an HTML file. To import Aold Clipboard Viewer, and dows folder. You might have to For a non-Microsoft solu- Office. bookmarks from a file, here’s now, for instance, you can’t tell it to let you see what’s inside. tion, Karen’s Clipboard Viewer You can install almost any how: “stockpile” multiple clips or swap 4. Double-click on the Sys- works well. version of Office – Office 97, Start Firefox. Click Book- clips with networked computers. tem32 folder. Again, you might Download a version at: http: 2000, XP or 2003 – or any of the marks | Manage Bookmarks. Oddly enough, though, the Help have to tell it to let you see what’s //www.karenware.com/ Office applications – Word, Ex- Click File | Import… Click the menu still says you can do these inside. powertools/ptclpvue.asp cel or PowerPoint – and you’ll button marked “From File”, then things… 5. Scroll down the page un- get the dictionary. But you have click “Next”. Choose the file, That said, if you just want til you locate a file named Clipbrd I just bought a Dell E310 to buy it and install it. click Open. When Firefox is to see what’s on your Clipboard, (Clipbrd.exe in full). Qwith Windows XP Home Microsoft should have done, click OK. the new, stripped-down Clipbook 6. Drag and drop the Media Center pre-installed. It made this plain, up front. To create a backup of your Viewer works fine. Clipbrd file onto your Start but- also has Word Perfect 12 pre-in- In future, if you have ques- Bookmarks in Fire fox: Windows XP’s Clipboard ton. stalled. tions like this, get to my website Start Firefox. Click Book- Viewer is called the “ClipBook Just let go of your mouse When using Outlook Ex- (www.askwoody.com) and click marks | Manage Bookmarks. Viewer” and although it’s flawed, button when it’s pointing at the press I cannot activate the spell- the tab to “Ask a Question”. Click File | Export… Select it lets you see what’s on your Start button; that drops a short- check – it is grayed out. What We have hundreds of vol- where you want the backup file Clipboard. Here’s how to put cut to the Clipbook Viewer onto can I do that won’t cost me a unteers ready to help. And it’s all saved, enter the name you want Windows XP’s Clipbook Viewer your Start menu. When you next fortune (like buying Microsoft free. to call your backup file, and click onto your Start menu. open your Start menu, the Clipbrd Word for US$219)? Save. I hope you can answer this I recently lost my Mozilla You can still run Scan Disk for me as it seems that Dell has QFirefox Bookmarks using a in Windows XP Pro. Click Start | changed its policy. clean-up utility. I have found the My Computer, right-click on the I paid for a four-year home old ones by using Windows drive you want to check, and warranty, but Dell now tells me Search, but now my dilemma is choose Properties. Click the Tools that the warranty covers only how to get Firefox to recognize tab, then under Error-Checking, hardware. If I want to get their them. click Check Now. software support, it will cost on a I have checked Mozilla- You will probably need to call fee basis. Zine’s Lost Bookmarks webpage re-start your computer, but when I called Microsoft and they for directions on how to do this, you do, Windows will run a full wouldn’t help me either. They said but I am finding the actual prac- Check Disk. that Dell probably tweaks MS tical procedure somewhat con- – Woody Leonhard software and only Dell can an- fusing, to say the least. [email protected] March 4 - 10, 2006 B U S I N E S S & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 31

ne of the greatest risks nancial media can hardly have to continuing global failed to notice recent predictions economic expansion is that the US dollar will collapse in Othe supply of oil. West- value against other currencies. ern industry analysts estimate that As oil prices rise, The reasons cited for this around 42% of total oil produc- include the large US current action is in countries that are con- count deficit, budget deficit, considered either politically hostile or sumer indebtedness and a fall in unstable. the domestic housing market. The reason alternatives alternatives look There are two major rea- have not been developed is quite sons why the US dollar maintains simple – until recently the price its poise, however. of oil was low, and therefore the First, economic growth in economic incentive to diversify the US is robust and interest rates was absent. The situation has continue to rise, so the rewards obviously changed now, and it is more attractive of holding US dollars remain at- reassuring to note that not every- tractive. body has simply been relying on had its stamp on the business, also sugar cane. This can be refined Second, as Stephen Jen, traditional sources. had to include one Sasol pump on to produce ethanol, and has be- head of foreign currency re- There are two interesting its forecourt. And this was not come extremely popular. Almost search at Morgan Stanley, states, examples of solving the supply some low-grade product; the oc- every gas station in Brazil now many countries, mostly Asian, are problem that are already operat- tane figure for Sasol is given as offers two choices to its custom- excellent at producing manufac- ing and that, when compared with 100+. ers: gasoline or ethanol. tured goods, but their financial current oil prices, offer cheaper South Africa is now ac- Car manufacturers have institutions and markets are much alternatives. cepted as being a “politically cor- long been aware of the situation, less well developed and are un- The first, which has been in rect” country, but Sasol still ex- and now incorporate dual tech- able to absorb the enormous cash commercial use for around 35 its. It is a publicly quoted com- MONEY nologies in many of their vehicles. surplus. years, is of South African origin pany on the Johannesburg Stock Ford in Brazil, for example, Faced with vast amounts of and is managed by a company Exchange, and – helped by rising TALKS makes more than 80% of its cars cash to invest, they are naturally called Sasol. This oil prices globally – with dual technology, while attracted to the largest and most was a South Afri- its profit jumped By Richard Watson Volkswagen’s production is even liquid of all financial markets – can government Car manufacturers 80% in 2005. higher, at 95%. the US. initiative in the late There is even a potential for this method of ex- Every time the world oil 1960s. At that in Brazil have long small city called tracting oil quickly becomes ap- price exceeds US$38 a barrel, Richard Watson runs Global time, from a South been aware of the Sasolburg about 60 parent. Brazilians simply switch to etha- Portfolios Co Ltd, a Phuket- African perspec- situation, and now kilometers south of The second example of di- nol, since it is at this point that based personal financial plan- tive, the world was incorporate dual Johannesburg. versification involves Brazil, ethanol becomes cheaper. ning service. He can be reached a hostile environ- One of the which approached the oil supply at Tel: and Fax: 076-381997, ment with an ever- technologies in guest speakers at problem from a completely dif- The US Dollar hangs on: Any- Mobile: 01-0814611. Email: increasing ten- many of their the recent World ferent tack – making fuel from one who pays attention to the fi- [email protected] dency to levy eco- vehicles to handle Economic Forum, nomic sanctions. at Davos in Swit- Pretoria was both gasoline and zerland, was the concerned that the ethanol. CEO of Sasol, Pat United Nations Davies. He gave a would pass resolu- very revealing in- tions restricting the flow of oil to terview to the media. South Africa, in an effort to in- Today, Sasol sources its flict economic paralysis and gasoline from different resources thereby force political change. It – coal and natural gas. The com- therefore became an imperative pany is not just looking at South to pre-empt such a situation by Africa, its traditional market, but developing a cost-effective alter- is also in advanced negotiations native. with Nigeria – as that country’s South Africa is extremely Foreign Minister, Oluyemi Aden- rich in a vast array of mineral iji, readily admitted. resources, but in the 1960s it was However, it is in Qatar that totally dependent on imports for Sasol is making its first global pro- oil. duction shift. Later this year the The country developed, Gulf state will start production in through Sasol, a method of ex- a joint venture with Sasol, at a tracting oil from coal, and found facility that will immediately be- that it was comparatively simple gin producing 250,000 barrels of and cheap to produce. And coal oil a day (bpd). is a mineral that South Africa has Two further Qatari plants, in abundance. in a joint venture with Sasol and To distribute Sasol output China, will each start producing was also simple; the government 80,000 bpd from 2009. made it a legal requirement that When one considers the every gas station in South Africa, high amount of coal and natural regardless of which oil company gas reserves in the world, the 32 PHUKET GAZETTE SPORTS March 4 - 10, 2006 Rainbow Warriors return to defend rugby tens title KARON: The Rainbow Warriors and two multinational sides, the a move on. “There are a couple from South Africa have con- Flying Elvises and Magnum RFC. of teams that are interested but firmed they will be back to de- Key organizer Patrick Cot- have yet to confirm,” he said. fend their title as reigning cham- ter explained to the Gazette that Entry fee is US$400 per pions in the 8th Phuket Interna- the tournament will go ahead team, and teams must register by tional Rugby 10s, to be played at without a major sponsor. “Air- April 30. “Don’t forget we need Karon Stadium on May 27 and Asia, due to budget constraints, a team pic and team ‘bio’ for the 28. were not in a position to sponsor program,” Mr Cotter added The Warriors are one of the this year’s event,” he said. Money raised at the Phuket 20 teams from at least nine coun- Rugby 10s will be donated to the tries that have confirmed they will HIGH LEVEL Ronda Butler Memorial Fund to take part in this year’s Rugby support continuing education for 10s. “It will have no effect on the com- children orphaned by the tsunami In addition to the home side, petition, but if sponsors want to in Phuket and Khao Lak. the Phuket Vagabonds, former step forward they will benefit Four teams have signed up champs the Moorabbin Rams from the tournament being shown for the “Blooming Old Codgers There was no mistaking how much these two competitors were (formerly the Melbourne Cruiser around the world on ESPN Star Comp”, for players over 40 years enjoying themselves. Rams), and the 2003 champions, Sports, which covered the event old: Phuket’s own Viagrabonds, British Club Bangkok (which this last year. It was on the Rugby HKFC (Hong Kong Football year will field two squads), will Show, Sports Center and even on Club), Bangkok Bangers and The be competing for glory. CNN Sports,” he added. Old Bill from Hong Kong. Fun at Surakul for Other teams also confirmed He said that he expected a They will compete for the are, from Thailand, Bangkok high level of rugby to be on show inaugural Weasel Trophy, in honor Japanese, Southerners Bangkok as reigning champions Rainbow of long-time Phuket resident Pe- Down’s athletes and Thai Babarians; Selangor Warriors are expected to return ter Froadsham, from Canada – Dog and Penang All Blues from with former Springbok players in also known by his Phuket Hash PHUKET CITY: The Ministry of cer team, led by singer Johny Malaysia; Asian French Baba’s their team. In addition, the Thai House Harriers moniker “Lord Social Development and Human Unwa, and including Mathew from Vietnam; Bucks RFC, Wan- Babarians team is fielding mostly Weasel Tits” – who died last year. Security, in conjunction with the Dean, Doe and Sayan Doksadoa, derers RFC and Bedock Kings Thai national squad members. For more information about Special Olympics, Thailand, ar- beat a Ministry of Social Devel- from Singapore; Pot Bellied Pigs However, Mr Cotter said sponsoring or entering the Phuket ranged a “Unified Sports” meet- opment and Human Security from Hong Kong; Flying Kukris that the program still has room for Rugby 10s, email Mr Cotter at: ing at Phuket City’s Surakul Sta- team 4-2. from Brunei; Al Ain Amblers four more teams, though he urged phuketvagabondsrfc@yahoo. dium on February 22 and 23. In the Division A soccer RFU from the UAE; Tulsa USA, teams thinking about joining to get co.uk The event aimed to improve tournament Phuket Panyanukul athletic skills in Down’s syndrome School beat Ranong Special Edu- people and attracted 310 such cation Center (SEC), while in people, aged between 12 and 22, Division B, Phuket SEC beat from all over the country. Pattani SEC. Soccer and badminton In the Badminton doubles teams, made up of a mixture of competition, Phuket Panyanukul Down’s people and celebrities, School prevailed over Satun. competed in an event character- The event drew a big crowd ized by its lighthearted atmo- of spectators, many of whom sphere. were hoping to snap pictures of In a fun-filled highlight on the entertainment stars. the second day, the RS Stars soc- Amigos extend lead PATONG: Amigos stretched out February 21 results: Dog’s Bollocks 8 their lead with a three-point win Valhalla* 1; Amigos* 6 OffShore 3; Shak- at home against OffShore in the ers* 6 Two Black Sheep 3; Piccadilly 5 Queen Mary* 4; Coyote Bar 5 Didi’s* Patong Darts League. The only 4. (* = Winner of beer leg) other side to take all three points was Shakers. Standings: 1. Amigos (22 points.); 2.= Piccadilly, Didi’s (19); 4. Queen Mary All games involving the (17); 5.= Dog’s Bollocks, Valhalla (16); now-defunct Winchester team 7. Shakers (14); 8.= Coyote, OffShore from now on will be counted as (13); 10.= Two Black Sheep, The Boss three-point walkovers. Teams Bar (6). with matches against Winchester March 7 fixtures: Dog’s Bollocks v in the original schedule get an au- Queen Mary; Valhalla v Amigos; Didi’s tomatic bye, and there will be no v Shakers; Coyote Bar v The Boss Bar; further mention of these results OffShore v Piccadilly. (Home teams in this column. first.) March 4 - 10, 2006 SP O R T S PHUKET GAZETTE 33 Cricket Sixes to be bigger than ever By Andy Johnstone Australia, Singapore, Bahrain, Event Director Poonpun India, Pakistan, Taiwan, Macau, ‘Nui’ Jangrugsa of The Green KARON: The surging interest in mainland China, Hong Kong and Man said, “The Phuket Sixes is cricket on the island will reach its Malaysia – with the remainder growing ever more popular and zenith between April 12 and 16 coming from Thailand, including we are looking forward to wel- with the third Phuket International local Phuket teams. coming a record number of [play- Cricket Sixes tournament, to be Michael “Cat” Maher, Chair- ers] to Phuket this year.” played for the third year at Karon man of the Asian Cricket Sixes Spectators will be wel- Stadium. Tour, noted, “Cricket is one of the come to come and enjoy this The tournament has ex- highest-profile sports in the world, year’s tournament, which will panded hugely. This year 28 and the Phuket International include a number of nighttime teams are expected to play, com- Cricket Sixes really showcases matches. Hours of play will be pared with 18 last year and 10 in the island to millions of cricket from 2 pm to 6 pm on the open- 2004, the event’s inaugural year. lovers across the globe as a won- ing day of the tournament while The teams set to play will derful destination.” play will be between 10 am and again demonstrate the popularity Tournament Director Brad 10 pm on the remaining days. of the game, which, arguably, Tarr said, “We’re delighted that Entry is free. comes joint second with rugby in only the third year of the tour- For further information behind soccer as the world’s most nament, we’re expecting 28 about the Phuket International popular team game. teams to compete at this year’s Cricket Sixes 2006, see the event Twenty-four of the teams Phuket Sixes,” adding, “The re- website at www.phuketsixes. will fly into Phuket from the UK, sponse has been tremendous.” com Boonsak dominates BCIS hosts Norwegian badminton tourney swim camp SAPHAN HIN: Chiang Mai na- the previous day and, as a result, tive Boonsak Polsana won the was tired. PHUKET: Eleven swimmers men’s singles in the first round of As to the champion’s back- from the Norwegian national the Master Thailand Badminton ground, he explained, “I started team recently visited Phuket for Professional 2006 series held at to play badminton when I was an intensive training camp held at Lisa ‘The Black Widow’ King, one of the boxers coming to Phuket, the Saphan Hin Sports Complex nine years old and come from a the British Curriculum Interna- has a record of five wins, one draw and one loss. She has been from February 23 to 26. sporting family. My parents sup- tional School (BCIS) February 10 described as being ‘armed with a killer smile and good right cross’. K. Boonsak, 24, also paired port and encourage us. If things to 28. up with his sister Salakjit to take go on like I hope they will, I hope Petter Lovberg, coach of the mixed doubles. to break into the top 10 in the Norway’s national swim team, WHAT Phuket was the venue for world this year. explained to the Gazette that the first round of the competition, “I would like to see badmin- the team enjoyed training six to organized jointly by the Badmin- ton better known and for more eight hours a day amid Phuket’s ton Association of Thailand and people to take part in the sport, beautiful scenery and warm A KNOCKOUT! Sports Authority of Thailand to both professionally and in ama- weather, which is in sharp con- SAPHAN HIN: NS Sport and Also at the event will be a “discover” the best badminton teur circles. trast to the February climate in online flower delivery service Hollywood production crew players in the country, region by “As for me, I have a week Scandinavia. Misslily.com will jointly host the who were involved in the in the region. in which to relax and then I’m The camp was organized to Miss Lily Super Model Muay Charlie’s Angels movies, shoot- Three more venues are playing in the Chinese Masters in prepare the athletes for the Nor- Thai Championships 2006 on ing scenes for an upcoming slated to host the talent search: Chendu. This year I have about wegian National Swimming March 10, featuring five female movie. Khon Kaen (March 16-19), 20 tournaments lined up. One Championships. kick-boxers from the US. The boxers, who will ar- Rayong (May 18-21) and Chiang thing I can say about Phuket is Six of them –Alexander The event will be held at the rive in Thailand on March 2, are Mai (July 13-16 ). The final round that it’s very hot here.” Hetland, Aleksander Dale Oen, Saphan Hin Sports Complex, Ardra Hernandez, Gina Carano, will be held in Bangkok in Sep- Yard Kvale, Anne-Mari Yulbrand- starting at 3 pm. Lisa “The Black Widow” King, tember. Results: Men’s singles: Boonsak sen, Lise Fadnes and Elisabeth Organizers Surasak Mook- Christine Toledo and super- Boonsak, currently ranked Polsana; Woman’s singles: Sorajja Farland – will also train for three pradap of NS Sport (Thailand) model Ariana Ramirez. 15th in the world, told the Gazette Jansrisukod; Men’s doubles: Thiti- weeks in their home country be- and Rawat Chindapol, Managing The match will be broad- that the match had gone better pong Lapoh & Jakkaphan Thana- fore going to Shanghai to com- Director of Miss Lily (Thailand), cast live by Thai TV Channel 5 than he expected. thiraphan; Women’s doubles: Saisa- pete in the Federation Inter- said the aim of the female fight and by NS Sport to 170 coun- Maybe, he said, his oppo- morn Chattanupakorn & Wathu nationale de Natation (FINA) night will be to promote Phuket’s tries, the organizers say. Admis- nent in the final, Chaipong Laem- Wangthiraamnuay; Mixed doubles: World Championships from April continuing post-tsunami recovery. sion is free of charge. khaothong, had played too much Boonsak Polsana & Salakjit Polsana. 5 to 9.

ASK KHUN WANIDA! MOMMA DUCK

Problems with an extra-marital affair? Questions about Thai culture? Having communications problems? Need somebody to Love? Read her advice in the Phuket Gazette

Fax 076-213971 or email [email protected] 34 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY March 4 - 10, 2006

Construction by Anongnat Sartpisut

BANG TAO: Surin Hill Devel- opment Co’s eight new villas, planned for a location convenient for both Bang Tao Bay and Surin Surin Hill goes for the double Beach, will offer contemporary Thai-style elegance and privacy. Sales Director Wanwipa Horbut explained to the Gazette that Baan Thai Surin Garden’s freehold villas cover four rai. Construction started in April last year and all units should be complete by June next year. She said that the show house is now ready to be viewed and that three villas are already under construction. Prices start at 19 million baht. After the success of Baan Thai Surin Hill, the company wished to develop another similar project in simple, white, black and brown tones to complement all styles of furnishings, she said. Each three-bedroom villa is The show home at Baan Thai Surin Garden in now ready for viewing, and three more of the eight villas are under construction. to provide living space of 450 square meters on plots ranging dining and kitchen area; another sunken bathtub, and all bathrooms The kitchen will sport black rate of 13 baht per square meter from 740sqm to 996sqm. The vil- wing will comprise three en-suite will have garden views while slid- granite countertops, imported of the respective lot. las will include built-in furniture, bedrooms, each with a “full-moon ing doors on two sides will open Teka brand appliances, such as K. Wanwipa said, “From a sala, a 40-sqm infinity edge balcony” – a deck made from from the bathroom to the bed- refrigerator and oven, and a the Baan Thai Surin Garden lo- swimming pool and two car park- reclaimed railway sleepers. “It room to, as K. Wanwipa com- double sink. cation, there is easy access to the ing spaces. will be an ideal spot to enjoy clear mented, “… heighten the sense All internal floors will be laid neighborhood’s five-star facilities, K. Wanwipa said that the views of the night sky,” K. of spaciousness.” with premium-grade tiles, and the such as restaurants and sport single-story L-shaped villas will Wanwipa explained. American Standard sanita- built-in cupboards are to be con- centers. highlight openness. The front door The master bedroom will ryware will be used for bathroom structed of solid wood and ply- “Our target customers are will open to an open-plan living, feature a handmade terrazzo fittings. wood with teak veneer. people who look for a holiday Sliding doors and windows home with the convenience of a will be made from black alumi- rental management service.” num with tinted glass, and come Baan Thai Surin Garden, with sliding insect screens. which represents an investment The project will have its own of 120-million baht, will be man- underground well, and each villa aged by Surinhill Regent Co will have an additional 3,000-cu- Ltd. bic-meter reserve water tank with pump. For more information, contact Management services, such Tel: 076-326035 or 09-590- as 24-hour security, garbage col- 3067. Fax: 076-270699. Email: lection and a gardening service, [email protected] or visit are to be provided at a monthly www.surinhill.com

March 4 - 10, 2006 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 35

Decor by Ananya Hongsa-ngiam MIRROR

Who’s the fairest of them all? Wherever a mirror is placed, it will catch the eye.

ver since Narcissus fell The Eagles sang about an- teak-framed mirrors for 3,200 in love with a beautiful other unorthodox use for mirrors baht, as well as carved framed nymph he glimpsed in a but I’ll be blowed if I shall waste mirrors fashioned in the north of Efountain – a nymph that lines over that subject on this Thailand. turned out to be his own reflec- page. Designs range from flowers tion – mirrors have played a big For this week’s décor sec- to elephants and they cost 3,400 role in the history of self-esteem, tion the Gazette went along to baht. décor and the razor industry. Loong Chai at Big C and Phuket Believe it or not, pocket mir- Golden in Kathu to reflect on their For more information: Loong rors also figure in the banking goods. Chai, in front of Big C. Call world: When asked by a clerk to Loong Chai specializes in Sopittha Anuchart at Tel: 05- produce ID in order to cash a teak frames and can make mir- 8857199 or 06-9492261. Phu- check one lady reportedly pulled rors to order; prices vary accord- ket Golden, 46/42 Moo 6, Phra out a hand mirror and confirmed, ing to size and design. Barami Rd, Kathu. Tel: 076- “Yes, that’s me.” Phuket Golden also retails 323861. Fax: 076-323860. 36 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY March 4 - 10, 2006

Home of the Week Laguna

great feeling of space pervades this property at Laguna. Aside from Athe attraction of its location in a secure and peaceful estate, the sense of roominess is Living to the fore this villa’s outstanding feature, making it both an ideal family resi- breezes mean that the air-condi- dence and a great home for en- tioning is needed only rarely. tertaining. Each of the four bedrooms The grand entrance opens is designed with space and com- onto more than 550 square meters fort in mind, allowing the cross- of internal living space, which in- flow of light and ventilation. cludes four bedrooms and three The master bedroom en- bathrooms. suite bathroom also incorporates Upon entering, you cannot a whirlpool bath – the perfect help but feel a sense of solidity way to unwind after a stressful and permanence. The builders’ day with the golf clubs. attention to detail is evidenced by Downstairs, the living and the impressive staircase, marble formal dining areas are positioned flooring and timber doors. to enjoy views of the pool and The Set on a plot of 3,340sqm, yard, while the kitchen and break- imposing the property also boasts double fast area were designed for less front of the parking and a spacious back formal entertainment. home (right) yard. Each of the rooms opens gives way Security is provided by onto the pool deck, and the sala to light, airy Group 4 Securicor, whose guards is the perfect place to enjoy a rooms cocktail before a night out. inside patrol the perimeter of the estate, (below). roads and golf course. A separate maid’s quarters The villa offers all the at- and storage room can double up tractions of the Laguna lifestyle as a secure room or perhaps to and is also a good investment house a wine cellar, depending on opportunity, according to agents preference. Knight Frank. Location is every- Demand for properties in thing, and nestling between the the Laguna development is ex- picturesque fairway of the 5th ceptional, and with such a short- hole and the 6th tee box of the age of supply, this villa should Laguna golf course, this home has certainly rent well – both short- it in abundance. and long-term. Built by the current own- The villa is available for im- ers, the villa was designed to al- mediate occupancy for 32 million low as much natural light as pos- baht. The land title is Chanote. sible into the living areas without compromising the privacy of For further information, contact those inside. Stephen O’Brien of Knight Large upstairs balconies off Frank Phuket Co Ltd at Tel: 01- the master bedroom and second 8255126, or Email him at: bedroom offer panoramic views [email protected]. of the fairways, and constant cool com

Right: the pool and sala in the spacious gardens. March 4 - 10, 2006 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 37

Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert

s there anyone from the Western world who doesn’t like Fawlty Towers? What I does that possibly have to with gardening? To be frank, noth- FAWLTY FLOWERS ing. I just like Fawlty Towers, that’s all. itching and even loss of voice. you) or use the air-layering For the uninitiated, it’s a This makes the “delicious mon- method of a plastic bag of soil on British sitcom from the 1970s that ster” epithet somewhat bizarre. the side of the stem. is probably one of the most hi- It takes a full year for the If you decide to grow the larious shows ever to appear on fruit to ripen, at which point it is Swiss cheese plant in a pot, the television. Sadly, they only made safe to eat. Me, I’d rather not. container needs adequate drain- 12 episodes. This plant abhors bright age holes, as it does require a lot I don’t suppose mentioning light. In fact, the young seedlings of water and feeding. Before you Spanish waiter Manuel saying grow towards the darkest area put any soil in the pot, place a few “Ees not rat! Ees filigree Sibe- they can find until they find a tree shards of broken pot above the rian hamster” will mean anything to latch onto, at which point they holes to allow the water to drain. if you have not seen the show. start to grow towards the light, Monstera deliciosa is a Or how about hotel-owner creeping up the trunk. popular houseplant in cooler parts Basil shouting the following at an There are 22 species in the of the world, typically in hotels, elderly lady with hearing difficul- genus, native to tropical rain- restaurants and offices, as well ties who wouldn’t turn on her forests from southern Mexico to as in private homes. Even my hearing aid because it drains the Panama, and all are robust, mum has one of these things in batteries... strong-growing climbers, with her living room in the UK. “Might I ask what you ex- thick, sparingly branched stems. All it needs is a temperature pected to see out of a Torquay As the plant climbs, which between 20°C and 30°C (not re- hotel bedroom window? Sydney it is eager to do, it puts out long ally a problem in Phuket), high Opera House, perhaps? The pencil-thick aerial roots, many of humidity and some shade. Flow- Hanging Gardens of Babylon? which never reach the ground. ering is rare when it is grown in- Herds of wildebeest sweeping Even though these vertically- doors, though. majestically...” challenged roots may look daft, How would Basil Fawlty In one episode, the parents don’t cut them off, as they take have described this plant? He of a particularly obnoxious child in nutrients. might well have reacted to it in apologized to Basil by saying, The plant is happiest in hu- the same way as he did to Sybil, “He’s highly strung,” to which mus-rich soil, moist but well his domineering wife, when she Basil replied under his breath, “He drained. Compost made from shouted, “Basil!” certainly should be.” coconut husks that you see in “Yes, my little nest of vi- Or his immortal lines, after white sacks outside every Phuket pers?” a contretemps with some German garden center is ideal. Propaga- I’m more than willing to bet guests, “Don’t mention the war. tion is easy – pinch a cutting from that there were Swiss cheese I mentioned it once, but I think I a neighbor (wear gloves, or those plants lurking somewhere in got away with it.” Classic stuff. nasty oxalic acid crystals will get Fawlty Towers. I could write about Fawlty Holier than thou: the Swiss Cheese Plant’s leaves are unmistakable. Towers all day, but I ought to get to the inevitible tenuous link breadfruit, ceriman or monstera tween 25 and 90 centimeters long to something green that grows. deliciosa (“delicious monster”). by 25cm to 75cm broad. I remember one episode in In Thai, it’s a hoo chang, or On young plants the leaves which Basil was chatting to the elephant’s ear. start smaller and entire, with no Major, and they were complain- Let us start with what it is lobes or holes, but older plants ing about women. Basil re- not. One of this plant’s alterna- soon produce lobed and holed marked, “They have minds like tive names is the “split-leaved leaves. Those characteristic split Swiss cheese”. philodendron”. But though it looks edges and holes appear between The Major responded with, similar to a philodendron, it is ac- the main lateral veins of the “What, you mean hard?” tually a separate genus, so is not leaves. “No, full of holes,” Basil a philodendron at all. More on The fruit is up to 25cm long replied. what a philodendron really is in and 3cm to 4cm in diameter, look- Swiss cheese, surprisingly, the coming weeks. ing rather like a green ear of corn is a plant that is abundant in The Swiss cheese plant has lined with hexagonal scales. Ini- Phuket. It doesn’t take a master’s a thick stem that can grow up to tially, the fruit contains so much degree in botany to figure out 20 meters in height, and large, oxalic acid that it is poisonous, and where its name came from. It’s leathery, glossy, heart-shaped can cause immediate and painful also known as the Mexican leaves that can be anything be- blistering and irritation, swelling, 38 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS March 4 - 10, 2006 Property Gazette

Properties For Sale

THE BEST, NO JOKE, THE BEST NEW VILLA FOR SALE BEACHFRONT LAND

The old song goes: “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot...” (Sound famil- 4 bedrooms, office building, 63 rai, 300m beachfront iar? This is what Phuket is be- total 350sqm living space. land in Chalong. Price 185 coming.) We refuse to do Ready to move in. Price million baht. Please call for this; our land is right beside 15.9 million baht. Tel: 01- more information. Tel: 01- a national park with the best 8916143. 8916143. sea view of Phang Nga Bay I have ever seen (considered by many to be one of BEACH NEW VILLA FOR SALE the 7 wonders of the APARTMENTS world). We are going to keep the park-like atmo- Spacious, modern, 2-bed- sphere, so no street lights room apartments, some and minimal paved roads. If with a sea view, a 2-minute you like giant original- walk to the beach, gardens, growth trees behind you pools, clubhouse, gym, and Phang Nga Bay in all its sauna. Prices start from 8.5 wonder in front of you, call million baht. On-site sales 240sqm living space, pool, me. Chanote title, sea office. Tel: 06-2806624. 3 bedrooms. Absolute pri- views. Starting at 3.8 mil- Please see website: www. vacy. Price 9.9 million baht. lion baht per rai. Also, flat bangtaobeachgardens. Please call for more details. land with some sea views com Tel: 07-8896074. available for 2.4 million baht per rai. Tel: 07-2747470. LAND FOR SALE Email: [email protected] CHALONG 5 RAI 2.5 rai at Loch Palm, good location and view. Tel: 06-279- NAI HARN – 1 RAI 0837, 01-7196998. Walking distance to the beach. 6 million baht. Few HOUSE FOR SALE plots left in Nai Harn. Please in Phuket City. 2 stories, 91 sq contact for more details. Tel: wah, 5 bedrooms, fully fur- 01-5376866. nished. Tel: 01-8928740. Seaview land for sale. 3.5 million baht per rai. Please call for more details. Tel: 01- SEAVIEW HOUSE 1 RAI – CHALONG 8916143. LAND IN in Rawai. 4 bedrooms, 4 bath- 500m from beach. 4.5 million CHERNG TALAY rooms, pool, sala. 7.9 million baht. Nice for houses, Chanote 3 rai with Chanote title near baht. Tel: 01-8941660. Email: title. Tel: 01-5376866. NAI YANG – PHUKET Laguna Phuket. Prefer sale [email protected] For of whole 3 rai but may con- details, please see our website HALF A RAI – RAWAI Small development of 5 sider division. 3.5 million at: www.homesinphuket. houses. Display home now Near beach, perfect spot. 2.5 baht ono per rai. Please com/saliga.htm million baht. Tel: 07-8938747. open. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- contact for information. Tel: rooms, large living + dining 01-8925478. Email: SALE OR RENT KATA SEA VIEW room, European kitchen, [email protected] laundry, all-round veranda, 4 bungalows, 1 restaurant at 400sqm, good plot for house, boundary wall, electric gate, Bang Tao Beach. Tel: 01-894- top location. 2.5 million baht. carport, landscaped garden. LAND IN PATONG 6686. Tel: 09-6525664. Living area 153sqm, land Stunning sea view. More than 532-740sqm. First house for 1,000sqm. Private road. 4.4 LAND FOR SALE SEAVIEW LAND 1 RAI sale at 7.5 million baht. Tel: million baht. Please contact Natai Beach. Last piece on the 4.2 million baht. Road, 3- 076-328424, 01-895- for more info. Tel: 076-296- beach with Chanote title. Ur- phase electricity. Chanote 3481. Email: golddigger_ 555, 07-8893838, 09-291- gent sale. Tel: 01-9561077. title. Tel: 06-2670898. [email protected] 1112. Email: lovephuket@ hotmail.com STUNING SEA VIEW CHALONG Rawai. 3 rai, 4.9 million baht Nice location. 1,200sqm. 2.3 per rai. 3-phase electricity. million baht. Chanote title. Please call for more info. Tel: Please call for more details. 07-8938747. Tel: 06-2670898. March 4 - 10, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 39 Property Gazette

PATONG APARTMENT COURTHOUSE HOMES FREEHOLD FLAT KAMALA HOUSE/ Sea views, private pool, POOL 40sqm, fully furnished. Only 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. 2.7 million baht. Please call for Living area: 152sqm. Land info. Tel: 07-8893838. size: 360sqm. Swimming pool, 2-car garage. One year KATA BEST LOCATION old. Great area in Kamala. Best price. 2 stories, near 5.1 million baht. Tel: 01-273- beach. Please call for further 2 detached bungalows at Phuket Palace Condo- 4212. Email: coasters@ information. Tel: 076-284065, Loch Palm, set in a safe, se- minium, 300m from beach. earthlink.net 06-5958512, 01-9704638. cure complex with swim- Fully furnished, 1 or 2 bed- ming pool, terraces and gar- rooms, 1 or 2 bathrooms, 3 RAI, FULL SEA VIEW BEAUTIFUL PATONG dens. Prices 5.9 to 7.5 mil- plus kitchen, living room. Chalong, amazing spot, 3 mil- condo. Phuket Palace private lion baht. Tel: 076-345081, 120sqm. Asking 5.9 million lion baht per rai. Please call for condo: 10th floor, 50sqm, sea 01-9241447. Email: mail@ baht. Tel: 09-8719739. more info. Tel: 06-2670898. views, fully upgraded, fantas- villa.co.th tic pool, comes ready with LAND IN RAWAI LAND IN RAWAI company. No purchase taxes, LAND IN RAWAI 1, 2, 4, 9 rai. 4.5 million baht per for quick sale. 3 rai in good lo- perfect for investment or 7.75 rai, good location,50% rai. Please contact for more cation for 3.3 million baht per home. Only 2.5 miliion baht. sea view: 38 million baht. Tel: info. Tel: 04-8374429. Email: rai. Tel: 04-8374429. Email: Please contact for more info. 04-8374429. Email: sales@ sales@chokechaiproperty. sales@chokechaiproperty. Tel: 06-9453450. Email: chokechaiproperty.com com com [email protected]

NEW HOUSE RAWAI IN PATONG SHOP HOUSES

Brand-new, deluxe house, 2 new, connected shop- with a swimming pool, on a houses in Rawai, on Wiset Patong hillside, on Soi Rd are for sale. Ground Maneesi. 2 floors, modern floor: sales office, staff Thai-style architecture, room, kitchen, dining room completely furnished, and toilet. Second floor: ready to live in. Ground master bedroom with sepa- floor: big living room, West- rate bath and 2 separate ern-style kitchen and dining bedrooms with connecting room; guest toilet. Second bath. Third floor: living room floor: big master bedroom and en-suite bedroom. Liv- and bath with Jacuzzi, 2 ing area 200sqm, freehold bedrooms and a separate land: 100sqm. Price 4.5 bathroom. Each room has million baht. (US$113.000). an air conditioner and a bal- Please contact K. Peter for cony. Living area: 200sqm; more information at Tel: 01- freehold land 150sqm. 8928526 or visit our Price: 8.5 million baht. website at: www. phuket- (US$210,000). Please con- besthomes.com tact K. Peter at Tel: 01- 8928526 or visit our website at: www.phuket- LARGE HOME, besthomes.com land and pool. 4-5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 aircons, 30sqm kitchen, furniture, se- PANORAMA SEA VIEW curity, 4 shaded areas, 1.25 62 rai in Rawai for sale. All rai w/landscaping, good wa- plots have sea view. For sale at ter, 5mx10m saltwater pool. 370 million baht. Please con- Priced to sell at 14.5 million tact for further information. baht. Please contact for more Tel: 04-8374429. Email: information. Tel: 076-388525, sales@chokechaiproperty. 06-8934235. Email: com [email protected] 40 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS March 4 - 10, 2006 Property Gazette

NAI HARN RAWAI CHALONG/RAWAI HOUSE FOR SALE HOUSE FOR SALE PRIVATE HOUSE WITH SEA VIEW VILLAS FOR SALE!! IN VILLA 5

in Boat Lagoon. Big garden 3 minutes’ drive to the 704sqm with building plot, Fully furnished Thai-style Phuket Villa 5, 90sqm, 3 house, 300 sq wah. Price beach, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- all island furniture included. villa with indoor swimming bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 25 million baht. Please con- rooms, aircon, fully fur- Aircon, TV, 2 en-suite bed- pool and gardens leading to large living area and kitchen, tact for more information. nished, carport, shared pool, rooms with Jacuzzi. Return- own sandy beach! Asking 3 air conditoners, built-in Tel: 01-7475622. Email: tropical garden, beautiful ing to UK, so offers for 23 million baht. A large, wardrobe, 5-piece rattan patthai_phuket@hotmail. view, quiet area, 160sqm. quick sale. Please call for lovely new villa in half a rai lounge suite and a phone com Condition as new. For sale at info. Tel: 076-388157, 01- of landscaped gardens with line. Only 5 minutes to Cen- 9583513. swimming pool for 11.5 tral Phuket Festival and only 5.9 million baht. Tel: 07- 1.5 MILLION BAHT 2660228 (Helene), 01- million baht. Spacious new 15 minutes to Rawai. For Fully furnished house in quiet 7192467 (Tuk). family home set in lovely sale by owner. Asking 4.3 NEW HOUSES gardens with terraces and million baht (negotiable). No soi in Kathu, aircon, very IN PATONG swimming pool. Price: 14 agents! Tel: 04-1868531, clean. Chanote. Please contact for more info.Tel: 076- HOUSE IN KATA million baht. New detached 01-5988725. Email: bungalow fully enclosed [email protected] 202446, 07-2786439. Email: with lovely kitchen, terraces [email protected] and swimming pool, gardens, etc. Plus much, much Properties more! Asking 8.9 million baht. Tel: 076-345081, 01- For Rent 3 new connected deluxe 9241447. Email: mail@ villa.co.th The house is located about houses on Patong hillside, 800m from Kata Beach, in Soi Thamdee, for sale. a quiet safe area, with no Ground floor: Garage and separate one-room apart- NAI YANG traffic. 3 bedrooms, one DETACHED HOUSE with balcony. 2 bathrooms ment with toilet. Second and 4 air conditioners, UBC floor: 2 bedrooms and bath, and telephone line. Asking balcony. Third floor: living 3.8 million baht. Tel: 07- room with balcony, built-in 0297590 (English) 06- kitchen and dining room, toi- 7612511 (Thai). Email: let. Fourth floor: big roof gar- [email protected] den with Jaccuzi. Usable area: 200sqm; freehold land: 100sqm. Price: 6.2 A large 110sqm house with million baht. (US$155,000). 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, SEAVIEW APARTMENT Please contact K. Peter. Tel: a kitchen and garden with a 01-8928526. For details fountain. Located near the UNCLE CHAI DETACHED HOUSES please see our website at: airport. For sale. Contact K. www.phuket-besthomes. Gae at Tel: 01-9202527. com Email: sivapatt@hotmail. com

HOUSE for sale in Sai Rougn, IN PHUKET CITY IMMACULATELY Patong residence, 85sqm, 184sqm, 2 bedrooms, bath- PRESENTED Phuket Private Home, a spe- Four new detached houses 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, room, kitchen, storeroom, APARTMENT cial style for the discriminating for rent at Pa Khlok, just 1 kitchen, 1 terrace about large living area, 2 air condi- renter. 1 bedroom. Long lease 5km from an international 25sqm and a swimmimg tioners, and a well supplying preferable. Average 15,000 school. Each has 3 bed- pool. Asking 5 million baht. water for all seasons. 5 baht per month. Chalong rooms and 2 bathrooms in a Tel: 04-8505413. Email: minutes to Lotus, 25 min- Area. Tel: 01-4926883. quiet area with clubhouse [email protected] utes to airport. Contact for www.unclechaihome.com and 24-hour security. Ask- more info. Asking 2.7 million ing 13,000 baht per month. KATA LAND PLOTS baht. Tel: 06-6861119. KAMALA BEACHFRONT Please contact for more information. Tel: 04-851- 900m to the beach. Priced Email: thaisproducts@ with stunning decoration Fully-furnished, 3-bedroom 6115. Email: suksavat@ from 1.3 million baht. Tel: 07- hotmail.com and design throughout. houses for rent. Long-term hotmail.com 8852969. Email: junekata@ Bright, airy atmosphere, set lease available. Aircon hotmail.com NEW POOL VILLA in tropical garden surround- throughout. Swimming pool. in Land & Houses Park. 4 bed- ings, only one minute to La- 70,000 baht per month. KATA LUXURY APT KAMALA: SALE/RENT rooms, 3 bathrooms. Price: guna Beach. Located in safe, Please call Keith for more in- Fully-furnished, 2 bedrooms, 2-story house with 3 bed- 6.2 million baht. Please con- secure private compound. formation. Tel: 01-6777185. huge terrace and garden, rooms and 3 bathrooms, air tact for more details. Tel: 07- Convenient road access. aircon, 2 bathrooms, parking, conditioning, a pool, walled-in 8852969. Email: junekata@ Price 16 million baht. Please TROPICAL GARDEN teak kitchen en suite. Available garage, and a garden. Asking hotmail.com call for more info. Tel: 076- homes. 2 minutes from Cha- March 1. Long-term pre- 35,000 baht per month or will 354016 or 01- 8923633. long Pier. Houses with 2 bed- ferred. Please call for more sell for 6.2 million baht. Call af- ABSOLUTE BEACHFRONT rooms, 1 bathroom, phone, info. Tel: 09-5926890. ter 5 pm. Tel: 03-1753996. for sale. 2.2 rai of absolute KATA EXOTIC SEAFRONT satellite TV and access to a beachfront land with Chanote Aspasia 5-star luxury 1-bed- big swimming pool. From RAWAI HOUSE PATONG TOWNHOUSE title at Khok Kloy. Please call room furnished apartment 14,000 baht plus 2 months’ for lease. Has 5- to 10-year 16m x 6m, 2 stories, 2 large for details. No agents please. with a swimming pool, spa, deposit. Please contact for full lease. Asking 250,000 baht. bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Tel: 07-8891717. Email: gym, ADSL and a view, in a details. Tel: 01-0808557. Please contact for more infor- carpark. 3.45 million baht. wayne_phuket @yahoo.com very quiet area. Yacht moor- Email: [email protected] mation. Tel: 06-6865567. Tel: 076-296206, 01-084- ing available. Price: 7 million Email: [email protected] 2831. Email: bax_winsor@ FOR SALE OR RENT baht. Tel: 09-9726017. KARON H2O FRONT hotmail.com House for sale at 2.7 million Email: [email protected] Luxurious condo, 1 bedroom PATONG APARTMENT baht or for rent at 15,000 50m. from beach, 270-degree Sea view, kitchen, cable TV, PILAI BEACHFRONT baht per month (short-term MISSION HILLS: 1 RAI sea view. All brand-new 10 mins to beach. 600 baht 25 rai. Nice flat with coconut only). Located near Don’s 1 rai close to Mission Hills. 2 Western appliances. Long- per day, 14,000 baht per trees. 4 million baht per rai. Mall in Rawai. Please call for million baht. Tel: 076-239- term rental only. Please con- month. Please contact for full Email: ek_phuket@hotmail. more information. Tel: 09- 432, 01-0879237. Email: tact for more info. Email: details. Tel: 04-0514003. com 7291391. [email protected] [email protected] Email: [email protected] March 4 - 10, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Property Gazette

FULL SEA VIEW VILLA FOR RENT FUENG FAH CONDO Seeing is believing the view ROOMS TO LET Accommodation Fully furnished room for rent from this newly-decorated 2- Wanted in a quiet area, near Dao bedroom, 2-bathroom house Rung School. With an air with air conditioniong, ADSL, WANT TO RENT conditioner, bed, dresser, UBC, pool, phone and big- 3-bedroom house or bunga- fridge, washing machine and screen TV. Long-term let. Can low, fully furnished, with pool, hot water. 5 minutes from also be a 3-bed, 3-bathroom from June16-August 30, in- Phuket City. Only long term- house. 65,000 baht per clusive. Will pay up to rent. Asking 7,500 baht per Lake-view apartments in 275sqm living space, 3 bed- month. Tel: 076-292279, 07- 125,000 baht for the right month. Please contact the Kathu. Fully furnished with rooms, 10m pool, 1,200 8821963. Email: benlee53@ property in Chalong, Rawai or owner. Tel: 04-0586086. aircon, fridge, cable TV, hot sqm of land. Fully furnished, hotmail.com Nai Harn areas. Tel: 151-648- Email: tabbychiro26@ water and car park. Stan- Nai Harn. 70,000 baht per 2258. Fax: 151-6050806. hotmail.com dard room is 6,000 baht month. Please call for de- BUDGET APARTMENT per month or 500 baht per tails. Tel: 07-8896074. w/Internet. Modern studio apartment off Nanai Rd. day. Delux room is 8,500 Building HOUSE + BIG GARDEN Newly renovated, fully fur- baht per month or 700 baht Products & 2 bedrooms with air condi- nished incl. TV, fridge, hot per day. Tel: 076-202585, LAKEVIEW 09-1968449. Email: Services APARTMENT/LOFT tioners, hot shower. Located shower, fan and kitchenette; in a quiet area at Palai Green, 6,500 baht/month for long- ketmaneeclayton61@ 3 floors, 2 bedrooms, near Chalong. Tel: 01-8924311. term rent; ADSL Internet avail- hotmail.com Tesco-Lotus, aircon, phone, able. Tel: 07-2650652. Email: The Stone Doctor table, TV. 20,000 baht per [email protected] month. Tel: 01-8928208. PATONG CONDO Household APARTMENT Good room in Patong Condotel Specialist European stone- Services with seaview. Condo for long- Property with “everything”. 500 baht/ care products and services: SEAVIEW APARTMENT term rent in Rawai. Asking night. Tel: 01-8948446. • Restoration Located in Kata. Includes air 8,000 baht per month. Please Wanted Email: [email protected] • Sealing/Protection conditioner, furniture, ADSL, contact for more information. • Maintenance LOCKUP STORAGE Tel: 04-8505413. Email: cable TV. Rent: 10,000 baht RENTAL VILLA All your maintenance, Household goods, car & mo- per month. Tel: 06-6916525. [email protected] BUNGALOW, KARON protection & cleaning needs torbikes. 24-hr security. or apartment wanted in Phuket Beach. Available now. Tel: for natural and manufactured Please call for more info. City, Rawai, Karon or Kata. A NEW 2-BED HOUSE 076-333-242, 09-6517818. stone. Tel: 01-0825707. LAGUNA RENTAL good, 2-bedroom place, in a Unfurnished house, big garage, Fax: 076-333243. Email: • Marble • Sandwash Resort desig, furnished, with 3 quiet location with parking, a quiet area, Muang Tong Soi 1, [email protected] For • Granite • Terracotta bedrooms, air conditioning, a telephone line, kitchen and ter- • Slate • Terrazzo 3km to town, 2km to beach. further details, please see our pool, spa and garden on ½ rai. race, for about 15,000 baht per • Sandstone • Ceramics, etc Property 5,000 baht per month. Tel: 05- website at: www.capt- Asking 40,000 baht per month for an apartment or Prevent: rust, stains, mildew, Services 8855415. horst.com month. Tel: 09-5944061. 30,000 baht per month for a algae, scratches villa. By contract, willing to pay Remove: builders’ residue, PATONG APARTMENT incorrect sealants, rust, stains, HOME CARETAKER BEACHFRONT CONDO NEW HOUSE, CHALONG 2 months rent in advance and Close to beach, clean and mildew, etc. Daily care & Caretaker for your home by Kalim, Patong. Pool, kitchen, Brand new 2-bedroom town- pay monthly in cash. Tel: 01- comfortable, with air condition- cleaning products also available. weekly or monthly service. 2 bedrooms, many facilities, house to Western standards, 3610358. Please send a photo ing, TV, a big fridge, double Tel: 07-2824930, 076-271217 Good reference. Call for free short- or long-term. High stan- near Chalong Circle. Has 2 to [email protected] bathrooms, air conditioning, bed, pool and parking. Tel: 01- Fax: 076-271218 estimate. Tel: 09-9829460. dard. Please call for more de- Email: tails. Tel: 01-8920038. telephone line, carport, hot 0825707. Please see our [email protected] Email: phuketcaretaker@ water, etc. Tel: 076-280- LAND WANTED website at: www.phuket- hotmail.com I’m ready to buy small plots 9 RAI 466. accommodation.info of land in Chalong, Rawai or SECURITY SYSTEMS Plot with a nice view – good Nai Harn for up to 1 million PATONG LUXURY STOP BLEACHING Guardian Alarms Phuket, the for a resort, spa, etc – next to 3-BEDROOM HOUSE baht for land only, or 2-4 mil- apartments. Central Patong YOUR KIDS! leading security system spe- Pae Ma Nam, for long-term Furnished, with own well, lion baht for land with a 1- and 2-bedroom apart- Swim in “Drinking Water” cialist for all your security rent. Close to hospital, about safe, quiet, near Chalong house. I’m not an agent. Tel: ments. For information and CARIBBEAN CLEAR needs. Hard-wired and wire- 1.5km from Big C, Tesco-Lo- Circle. Asking 15,000 bhat 01-7930862 (English) or 06- photos, Email: suites247@ Water Treatment Systems less alarms, CCTV, fire sys- tus, and Central Festival. Tel: per month. Tel: 04-8484344. 8928108 (Thai). 01-8675084. yahoo.com for pools and spas. tem and automatic doors and QUALITY HOUSE *No salt - No corrosion gates. Rental alarms avail- WANT TO BUY ROOMS IN PATONG able. Whatever your quote, BIG SHOPHOUSE in Patong. Stunning 3-bed- a house. either in the Rawai- *Almost no chlorine needed located in Soi Patong Resort, room, detached home in quiet Close to beach. Ground floor we can do better. Call today Nai Harn or Chalong area. rooms with your own hot Call Andy at: 06-6822639. for a free quotation. Partner off Soi Bangla, the commercial soi. Full aircon, fully furnished. Price range is 3 to 5 million hub of Patong Beach. Nearly Tel: 04-8507170. Email: shower. 24-hr security. Please Email: company of Group4Securicor baht. Viewing should be contact for more info. Tel: [email protected] ISO9000. Tel: 076-218327, 170 square meters on two [email protected] within the next 2 days. Email: 076-342280, 01-9781956. www.caribbeanclear.com 01-8954480. Email: Guardian open floors. Not suitable, as it [email protected] is, for residential use. Please KAMALA APARTMENT Email: [email protected] @loxinfo.co.th contact for further details. Tel: Furnished, includes ADSL, WANTED 076-340290. Email: wireless network. Long term: Nice 3-bedroom house in good, 25% Discount on Classifieds for Shopper Card Holders [email protected] 8,000 baht per month. Please quality area, required by re- contact for full information. sponsible and careful expat. RAWAI CONDO 4 LEASE Tel: 01-5385285. Email: Need for minimum of 6 IF YOU... Has 5- to 10-year lease. Ask- [email protected] months, permanent if suitable. ing 150,000 baht. Please con- Must be furnished, preferably Place your ad in these pages; tact for more information. Tel: NEW STUDIO SUITES with pool and close to Royal 06-6865567. Email: chotip_5 Chalong. Furnished serviced Phuket Marina. Tel: 01-968- Present your Shopper Card; and @hotmail.com apartments. Roof-top spa, 1927. pool. Aircon, Wi-Fi, satellite Pay for the ad at our offices, MAI KHAO LAND TV, kitchenette, hot water Cheap. Rent 2 rai at 7,000 shower, housekeeping. From Accommodation you’ll enjoy a 25% discount* AND have your ad appear free of baht a month for 30 years. 9,500 baht/month long term. Available charge in the Phuket Gazette Online. Please contact for more infor- Please contact for more de- mation. Tel: 06-9769560. tails. Tel: 01-8938592, 06- Email: webmaster@asia- 2826221. Email: saneroad@ PHUKET SEAVIEW With more than 10,000 visitors a day, the Island Trader Online is tourservice.com yahoo.com Apartments. Luxury apart- Thailand’s most active classified marketplace. ments on a hillside in Patong, rooms of 82-200sqm, large *Ads may be submitted in person or online (phuketgazette.net/classifieds), but terrace, kitchen, swimming must be paid for at the Gazette offices. The discount is not available when pool. Affordable long-term payment is made at our agents. Looking for land to buy? rates. Tel: 076-296888. Fax: See more classified ads at 076-297021. Email: contact The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd @prince-edouard.com For fur- www.phuketgazette.net/classifieds ther details, please see our 367/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket City website at: www.prince- Tel: 076-236555 Fax: 076-213971 edouard.com 42 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS March 4 - 10, 2006 Boats & Marine

BOSTON-WHALER WINDSURF BOARD WINDSURFER 21ft fiberglass central con- BIC Veloce, 101 liters, WANTED sole and twin 4-stroke Honda 278cm, 8.6kg, complete rig, Windsurfer – complete – 50hp engines. Trailer, Thai UP sail ultraprofile 6sqm and 150 liters and not too old. registration. As new, made in 4.60m carbon mast. Every- Tel: 07-2760141. Email: 2004. For sale in Pattaya for thing comes in separate bags kat_stockleclark@yahoo. just 420,000 baht. Contact. for board, mast and sail. co.uk Email: carlossecretgarden 15,000 baht. Please call. Tel: @yahoo.com 076-281034. March 4 - 10, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 43 Island Job Mart

MANAGER CUSTOMER We are looking for a foreigner INTERNET STAFF SERVICE to take care of our customers E-COMMERCE in Rawai. Looking for Thai Representative. A fast- and staff. Please call for more MANAGER women, 18-35 years of age, growing Internet garment information. Tel: 04-8478352. A fast-growing Internet with fair English skills & com- retailer needs a fluent En- garment retailer needs a puter knowledge: 1 full-time, glish-speaker who is highly SECRETARY native English-speaker who 1 part-time. Please call for computer literate, a perfec- to Manager. Female Thai na- is highly computer literate, more information. Tel: 076- tionist, experienced, and a tional. Competent in English. a perfectionist, a leader, 288808, 01-8924282. fast typist. Salary 15k-35k. Computer literate. Smart. and experienced. Salary Email: [email protected] Office organization skills. Ser- 40k-80k. Email: holyjob@ SECRETARY vice-minded. Valid car driving gmail.com for project & land business. license is an advantage. Tel: Very busy, good future, good SALSA 076-239111. Fax: 076-238- salary. Must have perfect En- INSTRUCTOR 974. Email: suporn@ COOK WANTED, glish, accounting, computer Salsa and hip-hop DJ wanted thaimarine.com GOOD SALARY skills, sales experience and on Phuket. Please contact To assist farang in small have a car license. Please call for more information. Tel: ACCOUNTING restaurant. Must speak for more information. Tel: 09- 076-341116. Thai national. Core tasks are 6525664. to Input Hotel rates from con- reasonable English. Good salary. Please send your CV tracts and work with IT. Re- GENERAL MANAGER quirements: good with num- or contact for more informa- CAPTAIN WANTED tion. Tel: 076-294330. a Phuket-based hotel. Please for 60ft-plus motor cruiser, bers and happy to learn. Please contact for more information. send your CV or contact for Email: sgb.fishnchips@ must speak English. Please gmail.com Tel: 076-239820, 01-737- contact. Please contact for more information. Tel: 076- 3720. Fax: 076-239828. more information. Tel: 04- 236616, 01-8952206. Fax: Email: [email protected] 1885828. Email: 7@ 076-236617. Email: jobs@ TEFL LANGUAGE 7123000.com globalonlinereservations.com school. Service and hotel staff needed now. Certificate WANTED: F/O MANAGER Course plus on-the-job train- STORE MANAGER, OPERATIONS MANAGER The Mangosteen Resort & The Mangosteen Resort & ing. Learn Thai, English, Rus- BAKER Spa, the 5-star luxury boutique sian, French, and many more Khun Woody’s Bakery and Spa, the luxury 5-star boutique resort in Rawai, is looking for resort in Rawai, is looking for languages. Take the 120-hour the Sandwich Shoppe in a Front Office manager. Enjoy International TEFL Certificate, Patong are growing fast, an Operations Manager for working with our motivated BOAT BUILDER 37FT WOODEN our young and motivated approved by the Ministry of with a new production facil- SPEEDBOAT HULL team, setting the highest ser- Education. Monday March 6, ity and another shop com- As Takean Tong dive or pas- team. Enjoy working in a suc- vice standards. Please send senger boat on the stocks, Designed for people trans- cessful resort, setting the 2006. Improve your life, im- ing on-stream next month. CV by email or call for inter- prove your business. Tel: 076- We need experienced Thai and can complete to your port; 5 years old but never highest service standards. view. Tel: 076-289223. Fax: personal requirements. Tel: stayed in the water; half-re- Thai nationals preferred. 219241, 076-219251. nationals who are commit- 076-289389. Email: hajo@ Please see our website at: ted to outstanding service 077-828183, 04-735- furbished, already covered Please send CV by email or mangosteen-phuket.com 8247. Fax: 077-828183. with epoxy; includes trailer: call for interview. Tel: 076- www.teflschool.com and great food. We’re look- Email: thaiboatbuilder@ 120,000 baht. Extra parts 289223. Fax: 076-289389. ing for a baker, preferably yahoo.com e.g. tanks, hydraulic steer- Email: hajo@mangosteen- JOB OPPORTUNITY CHIEF ENGINEER with high-quality bread ex- ing, pumps, solar panel, seat phuket.com The Mangosteen Resort & perience. We’re also looking Role: airport customer ser- for an experienced store covers 30P, etc: 85,000 vice staff Spa, the 5-star boutique resort SPEEDBOAT baht. 2 x outdrive (Z-Drive) URGENTLY in Rawai, is looking for a tal- manager – a customer-ori- 24ft imported American Volvo 290, 20 years old required. Operations/Reserva- Qualifications: ented young Chief Engineer. ented leader with good En- sports boat for skiing, wake- (need refurbishing), im- tion staff work in office (8hrs/ - University diploma The resort has been built to glish skills. We offer excel- boarding or fast cruising. ported from the US, with all day, 2 days off/week). Good - Speak English very high Western-quality lent pay, good bonus, solid New 420hp, 8.2-liter high- papers: 120,000 baht. English, able to use PC, Word, - Experience working in an standards and there are sev- training, and a chance to performance V8 petrol engine Please contact for more Excel, Internet, and to com- airport a plus eral expansion plans. Thai grow professionally with the “Khun Woody” family. with stern drive (Bravo 1). information. municate with foreigners. Interested persons should nationals only. Please send CV Excellent condition. Price: 1.65 Tel: 01-8924282. Please contact for more infor- contact. Tel: 09-9266115. by email or call. Tel: 076- Tel: 076-340066. million baht. Tel: 01-619- Email: mation. Tel: 076-246468, 09- Email: baekjb@koreanair. 289223. Fax: 076-289389. Email: 8626. Email: ttrail@loxinfo. [email protected] 8734589. Fax: 076-246469. co.kr Email: hajo@mangosteen- [email protected] co.th Email: [email protected] phuket.com 44 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS March 4 - 10, 2006 Island Job Mart

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Personal Assistant/Office Manager (1 position) * Female, over 25 years of age * Good written & spoken English * Computer and bookkeep- ing skills Architectural Inspectors (4 positions) * Male/female, over 25 years of age * Graduate in relevant field * minimum of 3 years’ project experience * Relevant computer skills * Own transport Mechanical and/or Electrical Inspectors (4 positions) * Male/female, over 25 years of age * Graduate in relevant field * 5 years of project experience * Relevant computer skills * Own transport Please contact. Tel: 076- 325401. Fax: 076-325403. Email: bee@dmg-thailand. com

HÄAGEN-DAZS Sales Manager -Male/female, aged 25-35 THAI PROGRAM Employment years old. leader needed. International -BA in any related field. Student Volunteers (ISV) Wanted seeks qualified candidates to -Experience in sales & mar- lead groups on our 4-week keting, hospitality, hotel, volunteer and outdoor adven- restaurant or related field. GERMAN WOMAN/ ture programs in Thailand. MANAGEMENT -Good English communica- Must have experience in tour German woman, 33, is tion skills. leading and community devel- looking for a job on Phuket. -Pleasant personality. opment, Masters or PhD pre- 11 years’ experience in ferred. Commences with a -Own car or car drivers’ li- fashion/textile industry, HR few weeks training in Austra- cense is preferable. management and training of lia in May 2006, followed by Please contact for more in- sales staff, and motivating/ the program season in Thai- formation. Tel: 076-292- managing branch manag- SURVIVAL EXPERT ASIA-PACIFIC land from June to the end of 801. Fax: 076-292808. ers. I speak German and TROPICAL HOMES August 2006. Interested per- Colona Diving & Tours Co Email: sales@avantika- English. Email: muenchen1 sons should email Kieran Ltd is seeking a Survival Ex- The region’s most widely phuket.com @gmx.net pert to play a crucial role in distributed lifestyle maga- Dowling (ISV Thailand Pro- a new adventure holiday zine, is produced from gram Manager). Tel: 66-293- that we will be adding to our Phuket. It is looking for an PHOTOGRAPHER 695556. Email: kieran@ CIVIL ENGINEER current range of trips avail- Editorial Researcher with required. Opportunity for a isvonline.com Thai, 48, experienced as able. Tel: 076-398364. strong Internet skills. Thai Thai with a genuine interest in Project Manager in condo- Email: james@liveaboard- national with good English. photography to work with real MANGOSTEEN TEAM minium, housing projects for thailand.com For further de- Please send your CV to estate company. Use of En- Due to high occupancy, we project owner-contractor, tails, please see our Email: newjob@aapress. glish preferred. Good starting are seeking to fill the following seeks position as Project or website at: www.diving- net For furthur details, salary with potential for positions. Only qualified, expe- Construction Manager (per- thailand-phuket.com/ please see our website at: more. Tel: 076-264460, 01- rienced staff wanted. manent or contract basis). survival.htm www.aapress.net 8337836. Email: T.Ross@ Office Languages: Thai, English, baansiamrealty.com - Accounting German (fluent). Please call Tel: 01-8031780 for details. CARTOONIST/ARTIST OFFICE ASSISTANT STAFF URGENTLY - Storekeeper We need a cartoonist to pro- wanted for property agent in required. Distribution Man- - Cost Controller MANAGER duce some illustrations for a Cherng Talay. Must have ager, female, age 28-35, Thai - Income Six years in Patong. Will man- book project. Good pay. 3-5 good command of written and national, good written and spo- F&B age your bar/restaurant while days work. Please send your spoken English, good com- ken English, PC experience in SECRETARIES - Chef de Partie you have holiday or are over- wanted. Calypso Divers at CV or contact for more infor- puter skills. Please call for Word, Exel & Internet, good ad- - Waitresses seas. Call Bob now! Tel: 01- Kata Beach is looking for 2 mation. Tel: 09-7308566. more information. Tel: 07- ministrator, car driver with li- 3672366. secretaries (Thai). Applicants Email: meteve@meteve- 8813521. cense. Contact Khun Nit, Im- - Pool Attendant phuket.com age Asia Events. Tel: 076- must speak English, be able to - Stewards HOUSEKEEPER handle basic accounting, and VILLA COOKS WANTED 264491-2 for further details. Housekeeping Work experience in a luxury have basic computer skills. SPA MANAGER A high-end villa estate is look- - Room maids villa, now seeking a job. I can Driving license for car is a Spa Manager – with 3-5 ing for 3 cooks with a good JUNIOR SECRETARY Tel: 076-289223. Fax: 076- speak English and have com- bonus. We offer a warm work- years’ experience – urgently knowledge of Thai food and We are looking for female w/ 289389. Email: myfuture@ puter skills. Email: bijoraken ing environmet and good sala- required. Must be confident the ability to speak English. fair English skills, bright per- mangosteen-phuket.com @yahoo.com ries. Please send your CV to and able to manage and moti- Good salary and benefits are sonality. Salary 8,000-10,000 Steffen or contact for more in- vate staff. Good earning po- offered to successful candi- baht. Please contact for more formation. Tel: 076-330869, tential. Please send your CV dates. Please send your CV information. Tel: 076-264442, 06-6827818. Fax: 076- or contact for more informa- or contact for more informa- 01-5354108. Fax: 076-264- Looking for job? 330544. Email: steffen@ tion. Tel: 076-396205. Email: tion. Tel: 01-8959144. Email: 443. Email: recruitment@ www.phuketgazette.net ! calypsophuket.com [email protected] [email protected] bowentraining.com March 4 - 10, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 45 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

BODY BOARD Articles New body board, used 3-4 MASSAGE SALON FISH RESTAURANT SERIOUS NIGHTCLUB For Sale times. Paid 4,500 baht; will Very nice restaurant and bar INVESTMENT FOR SALE sell for 2,500. Tel: 06-120- for sale, specializing in fish Thai company since 1998, Exclusive nightclub in Phuket. 6934. Email: go2spoon@ ’n’ chips but serving a large with two work permits, and Can accommodate 300 35,000 BTU AIRCON yahoo.com international menu. Fully-fit- includes 2 rai of seaview people and situated in central Mitsubishi, 3 months old, 2- ted, large kitchen with all land (Chanote). Unique of- location with ample parking. year warranty and free latest mod cons. 20 seats fer, investment opportunity. Comes complete with a top cleaning service. For quick Bulletins outside + 6 bar stools + 4 Tel: 01-3652020. quality live band and DJ. Is in sale: only 29,000 baht. Tel: Established 3-story mas- sofa seats and 2 tables. full operation and fully 01-0808557. Email: info@ sage salon for sale in the Townhouse with 2 rooms staffed, ready to take over. no1visa.com CLUB AND TRADE heart of Patong. Excellent upstairs, 2 bathrooms, and Want partners for buying Owns all legal licenses. Cur- furnishings, fully equipped; extra kitchen. Good busi- O’Malleys, on Montri Rd, to be rent owner need to sell due L-SHAPE SOFA has long-term staff. For ness and growing, but ill to business relocation. Sell- Cream and dark brown color, used for business and clubs. more information, call Khun health forces reluctant Starting a Phuket people club ing price 5 million baht only. with cushions. 4 months old. Arunee. Tel: 07-8947985. sale. Tel: 076-294330, 07- Inquiries by email only. Email: 5,000 baht. Tel: 07-624- like www.pattayapeople.com 8960235. Email me for de- with cultural information, [email protected] 5321, 01-4154043. Email: tails and price. Email: [email protected] travel, society, history, busi- O’MALLEYS IRISH PUB [email protected] ness, etc, in connection with RESTAURANT GOLF GLUBS Small business, big opportu- experience at Club Pattaya, for sale. Restaurant for sale in BAR FOR SALE Rawai, includes everything. Driver, new condition, graphite nity! Recently refurbished Koh Samui and Chiang Mai. Bar with pool table and apart- Please contact. Tel: 01-456- shaft: 3,000 baht. 5 wood, pub & restaurant, located in Please contact K. Tarjei ment on 2nd floor. 13,000 baht 0868. Email: mou_oasis@ graphite shaft: 2,000 baht. Phuket City. Package in- Lodden. Tel: 06-2672161. per month; no key money. yahoo.com Wilson irons, new grips: cludes all paperwork, visas, Email: [email protected] 900,000 baht. Tel: 09-902- 3,000 baht. Putter, new con- 2 work permits and all li- www.pattayapeople.com 4402. Email: benny66@telia. dition: 1,000 baht. Tel: 076- censes for a smooth take- TAILOR SHOP com 288491. Email: diverdongould over. 400sqm, live music BAR FOR SALE for immediate sale. 8m x 25m @aol.com stage, sound and light sys- Patong. Close to Soi Bangla. fully furnished, located on tem, UBC TV, 3 new pool BUSINESSES Long lease. Tel: 07-8817600. Patong Beach road, near for sale. Great businesses in METAL SHELVING tables (including pool room), Please see our website at Thara Patong Hotel. A 5-year 15 tables, 40 bar stools, 5 one of the best locations in www.homebarphuket.com lease. Tel: 09-6656195. units. One-year-old conve- Patong are for sale, including: nience-shop-type metal shelv- fridges and freezers, new ing units. 4 double-sided and 3 Business kitchen equipment and over - a 15-room guesthouse KAMALA POPULAR & COZY single-side units. All are blue Opportunities 300 taxi-bikes with - a tour agency restaurant & bar. Famous for B&B (Bed & Breakfast) for with multiple, white, adjust- O’Malleys vests driving - a 60-seat restaurant pizza + Texmex: 40 seats, air sale. Lonely Planet & others around the city! All offers conditioning, equipment, rate this charming teak & red- able shelves and in new con- - a rental business considered. Please contact. stock, and furniture. For sale wood hotel in Phang Nga. dition. Must sell within a month - an Internet café for the best offer. Can be BUSINESS Tel: 09-7292846. Email: at 500,000 baht + rent 6,000 “Best in town”. Only 9.9 viewed at Nanai Whisky, op- OPPORTUNITIES [email protected] Tel: 01-0820039, 01-091- baht per month. Call after 5 millon baht. Tel: 01-0882179. posite the Nanai market, or Certified business opportu- 1662. Email: ilan_75@ pm. Tel: 076-385940. hotmail.com SMALL INVESTMENT call K. Nuch at Tel: 076-341- nities. Excellent quality and KATA HIGH STREET value for money. Well- HOTEL – HOT SALE for big return. Landowner look- 079, 01-0822968. Email: Single-unit bar for sale. In- trained staff are available. 3 NEW HOTEL LEASE Patong 200m from beach. ing for investor(s) for building [email protected] cludes 2 fitted bedrooms, fit- months support guarantee. 4-year hotel lease for 2.5 mil- Comprises hotel, restaurant project in Kathu. Please con- ted kitchen, full-size pool table, Wash up to 100 cars a day. lion baht. 22 rooms, Air condi- and Internet café. 18 million tact for more information. PLAYSTATION 2 UBC TV. 3-year lease extend- Clean and safe by German tioning, cable TV, bar, elevator, baht freehold. Please call for Tel/Fax: 076-209424, 01- in good condition. Comes with able at no additional cost. carwash technology. Starts maid service, refrigerator, tele- more information. Tel: 01-894- 9683120. Email: nikkie@ 2 controllers, 1 memory card Asking price 1 million baht ono. from 3.2 million baht. For phone, hot & cold water, sun- 0580. csloxinfo.com and 10-12 games. Price: Call for more details. Tel: 01- more information contact set viewpoint. Easy to run, good 6,000 baht. Tel: 06-1206934. 4160047. Email: couttsd@ us. Email: phuket_carwash staff. Tel: 06-9427318. Email: Email: [email protected] gmail.com @hotmail.com [email protected] www.vikingresidence.com SECONDHAND GYM BAR-RESTAURANT equipment for sale. Full range BE AN ENTREPRENEUR Separate pool room, 2-room FRANCHISE of free weights, multi-station, If I can work from my home in guesthouse, all fully aircon- opportunities. “Thailand’s Fin- 2 x benches (flat and inclined) Bangkok and make over US$ ditioned, well established, with est Massage Boutique”. Own and bars. Needs attention. 4,000 per week, so can you. long-term lease. Located on a dream business in paradise. 15,000 baht ono. Tel: 076- I will prove it. Go to my busi- Nanai Road. Asking 1.35 mil- Franchise opportunities for 270752. Fax: 076-270751. ness website, then call Der- lion baht. All genuine offers one of Thailand’s most profit- Email: [email protected] rick at 02-2629287. Serious considered. Tel: 01-747- able business are available inquiries only please. If you do 7520. Email: phuketpete@ anywhere in Thailand. Please LEFT-HANDED not go, enjoy what you are yahoo.co.uk contact for more information. golf clubs. Titleist steel-shaft presently doing. You will prob- Tel: 07-2982033. Email: lob wedge, 60º, as new, 3,500 ably be doing it forever. Tel: BUSINESSES [email protected] baht. IS 300 driver, 3,500 02-2629287, 01-7543731. for sale. 3 businesses – baht. Please contact for more Fax: 02-6611148. Email: beauty salon, Thai massage KARON BAR information. Tel: 09-909- [email protected] and Internet café – priced for for sale. includes pool table, 1917. Email: porter20022@ For more details, visit: www. quick sale at 2.8 million baht TV, hi-fi, bar, etc. Tel: 09- yahoo.com lifechangingearnings.com or nearest offer. Tel: 076- 5879551. 281078, 64-021667215. BOSE STEREO GUESTHOUSE Fax: 076-383674. Email: system. Lifestyle 3 (1 base for sale. Guesthouse and res- [email protected] speaker with amp) and 2 cubes taurant, located opposite the with CD/tuner. Bought 4 years main entrance to the Royal SHOP OR EQUIPMENT ago for 66,000 baht; will sell Paradise Hotel, for sale. Six for sale. Beauty, skincare and for 20,000. Great for bar – big luxury guest rooms with slimming center in Krabi Town sound. Please contact for shower, aircon and TV. Beau- has closed. We have salon, fa- more details. Tel: 09-909- tiful restaurant with kitchen. cial, body slimming and sports 1917. Email: porter20022@ High standards. 14 million equipment all in very good yahoo.com baht. Tel: 01-5385322, 01- condition for sale. Products 8956587. Email: rudolfpanz also for sale. Please contact BABY COT @hotmail.com Erin. Tel: 075-623839, 06- and car seat. Baby cot made 6820069. of wood for baby up to 5 years RESTAURANT old and Maxi Cosi car seat for Restaurant business for sale LARGE SUCCESSFUL child up to 13kg. Good condi- in Karon. 3 years on con- established bar in Soi Bangla tion and safe. 8,500 baht. Tel: tract,10 months paid, fully for sale. Pool table, darts, own 076-323486, 09-9710550. furnished, 30 seats. Please sound system. 5-year lease. Fax: 076-323486. Email: contact me at Email: gomikki Please call for more details. [email protected] @yahoo.it Tel: 09-8677969. 46 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS March 4 - 10, 2006 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

TREADMILL & STRIDER PERSONAL TRAINING Business Products & Services Computers Super condition. 15,000 baht. Tailor-made physical training Call quickly; it will sell fast. at all levels. Scheduled ses- COMPUTER REPAIRS Tel: 01-6919679. Email: sions at home or outside area. English technician, new or [email protected] First lesson free. Please call used computers. GPRS, for more information. Tel: 07- 2808077. ADSL, WLAN and Internet ac- Miscellaneous cess without a phone. Tel: 09- Wanted 4735080. Personals APPLE POWERMAC desktop. Dual processors, POLO SHIRTS I require a price for 50 plain, BACKGAMMON 450MHz with OS 9 (OS X not Retired businessman looking installed yet) (180GB hard good quality polo shirts with SELLING YOUR pocket, in L and XL sizes. Email: for backgammon players on disk, 1.25GB RAM). All pro- Phuket Island. Please call for property? Come experience [email protected] grams for image and video more information. Tel: 076- the best in sales and support. editing as well as web design 386113, 01-5778443. Please contact. Tel: 076- and Microsoft Office. Sold SURF/BOOGIE BOARD I want buy a surfboard (6'8" or VISA & LEGAL 345081, 01-9241447. Email: with 17-inch Acer monitor, SAILING CREW SERVICES [email protected] Apple keyboard and Apple longer) and must have leg rope or plug for fitting rope, and/or a wanted. For a trip to the mouse. 30,000 baht or best Andamans and Chagos. Mid- RENOVATION offer. Tel: 076-282311,06- boogie board (adult size). Can be well used; will look at any- to late March for about 3 Tiles, floors, painting, mainte- 7423437. Email: marcduncan months. Single male, female or nance, plumbing, satellite dish @hotmail.com thing. Please advise make, size, condition and asking price. a couple. Experience desir- installation, maid service and able. Owners are a couple babysitting available. Email: LAPTOP Email: clarkstar888@hotmail. com with baby. Please contact. Tel: [email protected] BTO H01. Intel Centrino Mo- 01-2729355, 01-2737326. bile Technology, Intel 855 Email: keithmarshall747@ HEALTH INSURANCE GME Chipset, Intel Pentium M yahoo.co.uk New product but not new Processor (1.6GHz). Inter Pro Personal company. You must have it! wireless 2200 BG network Services ESCORT, COMPANION, For free info please call me. connection. 512MB Kingston tour guide. Looking for a Thai Tel: 07-2674342. Email: EVE VISA RUN TO Company Registration RAM. 12.1 1280x800x lady, pretty, 20-30 years old, [email protected] WXGA TFT LCD display, 16M HOME SCHOOLING RANONG 2,229 baht; One Year Visa Any families interested in English-speaking, to share my 5,999 baht; Retirement Visa colors. DVD Combo optical Only 1,350 baht for the DRAGON ENGLISH sharing cost of small profes- vacation in Phuket beginning 5,999 baht: Work Permit drive. 40 GB Seagate HDD. in April for about 10 days. I am best service. Includes: visa, Learn English for 2,000 baht sional home schooling 5,999 baht; UK & US Visa Small and light design – only 50 years old, slim, sportive, boat transport, minibus for 20 hours. Enrol now. Thai classes? All subjects taught 16,999 baht. No more visa 1.95 kgs. 35,000 baht. Tel: generous. Please mail with transport, lunch and soft lessons given. A registered in English. Ages 8-14, Chalong runs – get a one-year visa 076-263926. Email: info@ photo via email to Email: drinks. Contact for more company. Tel: 04-6618530 lisaconstruction.com area, 1-5 days a week. Tel: 01- info. Tel: 01-5352637. for only 5,999 baht. Estab- 5362069. Email: pat@ [email protected] lish your Thai company today (English) or 076-319066, 06- Email: info@evevisarun. 3817138 (Thai). projecttrang.org com For more details, visit: to buy land or start your busi- Miscellaneous SPECIAL LADY ness for only 2,229 baht! www.evevisarun.com for Sale SIGN LANGUAGE Sincere farang with good quali- Property title search, sales Cameras & Tuition for anybody who ties and healthy lifestyle contract and land registra- Equipment wishes to enhance their inter- seeks special lady on this is- THANIT STONE tion. Thailand’s LARGEST le- HIGH-END AUDIO national communication skills land to love and care for. FACTORY gal service network. Al- Magneplanar flat panel speak- and communicate with deaf Please contact for more infor- State constructions tender ways your low price by our li- POLAROID DIGITAL ers excl for music or movies. people. Qualified tutor. Tel: 06- mation. Email: ackroydee@ offer & bidder (certified by censed Thai lawyers. camera with memory card, Tel: 01-7888535. 7392630. yahoo.com all government divisions and Please contact. Tel: 076- 3.2 megapixels. 2,500 baht. the private sector): asphal- 345277 (24 hours). Email: Call for further details. Tel: 07- tic concrete road, drainage [email protected] For 8896758. Email: ukdj007bond and dams, infrastructure, further details, please visit: @yahoo.co.uk building construction, earth- www.siam-legal.com works and landscaping. Fa- UNDERWATER cilities and equipment: plant PERSIAN CARPETS photography. For sale: Sea & asphalt concrete, pavers, Oriental hand-knotted car- Sea DX-5000G housing, Sea pay loaders, excavators, pet, rug and kilim dealer (spe- & Sea YS25 auto strobe plus rollers, motor graders, cializing in washing and re- fiber-optic sync cord and flex- trucks, other heavy ma- pair). Free pick up and deliv- ible light arm set. Hardly used, chines. Contact Maytinee. ery. Tel: 01-9563061. Email: still under warranty. Tel: 04- Tel: 01-8952990, 09-724- [email protected] 9928016. 4102, 01-9584076. Fax: Please see our website at: 076-224969. For details, www.mister-carpet.com NIKONOS 5 vist our website:www. Underwater camera with thanitstonefactory.com BIG JOHN LAUNDRY flash 60 or 120 Sea & Sea. In Co Ltd. Free delivery. Tel: 04- good condition. Please contact 6369819. Khun Steve Tel/Fax: 076- SECURE WIRELESS 388256, 06-6821310. Email: networks. Long-range links. [email protected] phuket-data-wizards.com Tel: DAY TRIP TO 076-383575, 06-682-7277. RANONG New double-decker tour bus Club UK & WORLDWIDE (not minibus), non-smoking Memberships visa service. UK rep in Thai- and smoking areas, toilet, Wanted land, 100% success rate. Es- films/music, snacks and tablished for more than 10 drinks, on-board buffet lunch. years. Thousands of success- No extras to pay, all-inclu- BLUE CANYON ful visas. Call today! Tel: 038- sive. Only 1,500 baht. Every Loooking to buy an individual 428520. For further details, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sunday. membership in Blue Canyon please see our website at Tel: 04-7457024. ASAP. Tel: 01-9249935. http://www.visaNo1.com Email: [email protected] Need help finding a lawyer? www.phuketgazette.net March 4 - 10, 2006 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Wheels & Motors

HONDA WAVE 125 I Saloon Cars 4 x 4s Honda Wave 125 i (injection), LOW PRICE two years old, 25,000km, Many types of well main- first owner. Price new: tained new cars, with CD 4X4 CHEVY TRUCK 53,500 baht; will sell for player and insurance. Low 2004, 4-door, c/d custom 30,000 baht. Can be seen in price for long-term rent. tires and wheels. In perfect Khao Lak. Tel: 076-443149, Please contact for details. condition. A ‘must see’ at 06-2811945. Email: mike@ Tel: 01-6078567. Email: 700,000 baht or best offer. ethailand.com [email protected] Please contact for info. Tel: 07-6292279, 07-8821963. HONDA WAVES Email: benlee53@hotmail. 125cc, silver color, 6,950km, BP RENTALS electric starter, disc brake, com Suzuki Caribians for 11,000 helmet compartment under baht per month. Discount for seat, 4 years old but used only long-term rental. Full insur- SUZUKI JEEP 1994 4 months per year. Accident ance. Tel: 09-4727304. Suzuki Caribian, very good free! In excellent condition. car, in metallic silver color, 28,000 baht. Tel: 076-281- with air conditioning. 95,000 034, 07-2807451. Email: BP RENTALS baht. Please contact for de- [email protected] tails. Email: mma.thailand@ Honda Dreams for 2,500 gmail.com HONDA PHANTOM baht per month. Good condi- Excellent condition. Always tion. Tel: 09-4727304. BRAND NEW garaged – a fine-weather bike. Ford Ranger 2.5 Turbo, air HYUNDAI TURBO Just had 1,000km service. TOYOTA VIOS 1.5E conditoning, 2 air bags, full ac- Tax & insurance. Selling due CAR RENTAL High performance, Hyundai cessories, Pioneer stereo and Automatic, 7 months old, body, 2000cc Mitsubishi VR- to new bike. Offers over Honda Civic 4-door. Excel- only 8,900km. Relocating 70,000 baht. Tel: 076-239- lent air conditioner and ste- 17,000km, leather seats, 4 turbo engine, 5-speed trans- soon. Must see! Please con- many options, gold color. mission, Koni shocks, 7.5" 432, 06-2708727. Email: reo with 12-CD changer. tact Tel: 04-7467304. Email: [email protected] Long-term rental at 12,000 Price: 550,000 baht. Tel: rims & low profile tires. [email protected] 01-3670991. Handles like a true sports se- baht per month. First-class dan. Very fast. Asking HONDA PHANTOM insurance. Contact Tel: 076- 100,000 baht. Tel: 01-538- Motorbikes 200cc. With customized ac- 283388, 01-5362069 or NEW 2005 BMW 330 4870. Email: asiawine2003@ cessories (side box, crash Email: siamtexas@hotmail. convertible. Black, white or yahoo.com guard, etc) for urgent sale at com silver color – many in stock. All MTX125 FOR SALE 70,000 baht. Bought new in Mercedes models in stock. CAR FOR SALE July 2005; less than 7,000km Phuket’s Most Trusted & We have every luxury car you Old, but in good condition, on it. No accidents, driven or rent. Mitsubishi Cedia with Wanted Reputable Supplier of the Finest can imagine. We have the best 15,000 baht. Offers consid- within Phuket and well-main- automatic gears. Driven for 2 Quality Used SALOONS, prices worldwide! Please con- ered. Please call for more tained by foreign owner. Can years by lady, never in an acci- SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS tact for more information. Tel: details. Tel: 01-7882342. send pictures if needed. Leav- dent. Premium insurance. Must WANTED TO BUY 702-9857523. Email: sales@ ing Thailand third week of sell or rent due to moving Honda Dream & Phantom New cars or trade-ins – hotexoticluxurycars.com or March. Please contact for abroad. Tel: 06-9908171. motorbikes. Tel: 076-388- we have what you’re see our website at: www. SUZUKI BANDIT details. Tel: 66-4847 8009, Email: [email protected] 191, 09-6486849. looking for hotexoticluxurycars.com 4OOcc 01-9563683 or Email: For more info please call us at in excellent condition. Regis- [email protected] WANTED Tel: 076-224632, 216243 DAIHATSU MIRA 1997 Pickups tration and green book. Ask- www.suremotor.com 3-door blue saloon, in very ing 45,000 baht. Call Tel: 87-04 Ford Mustang with good condition, 65,000km. 06-6871245 or Email: Rentals registration. Must be a V-8 I've owned it for the past 3 NISSAN NV [email protected] For engine, and prefer standard years; regularly serviced, no Nice car, well maintained. further details, please see transmission. Body and inte- A1 CAR RENT HONDA CIVIC 2004 problems. Cheap, economical 140,000 baht ono. Tel: 076- our website at http:// rior condition not important as town car. 110,000 baht. 282653, 09-4735080. Email: album.romerun.com/ Best price for long-term rent. I want the mechanicals only Satellite. Metallic silver Please contact for details. Tel: computermanphuket@ amnuay_r/folder/27037/al- From 12,000 baht per as a project donor car. Tel: 04- color. 1.7L, electric win- 09-9091917 or Email: myway.com bum/45423/html/index.html month. Tel: 09-8314703. 8096610. Email: rgstraghan dows/mirrors, radio/CD. [email protected] @yahoo.ca Service history with Honda Phuket. Only 15,000km. 97 NISSAN NV PICKUP Driven by foreign owner. 2002 HONDA ACCORD Nice condition, excellent run- The car stands out as new. 2002 Honda Accord Limited ning, straight and clean. Reli- Wheels & Motors Cash down payment plus Edition VTEC, fully loaded, able. Has removable shell on monthly installments. corporate car. Service record back. Power steering and ste- Advertisements Please contact for details. available. 800,000 baht. Tel: reo, and very cold air condi- Tel: 076-258343. Email: 076-296881/4, 09-667- tioning. 145,000 baht ono. Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. [email protected] 3687. Fax 076-296885. Email: ricocmilo99@hotmail. Email: [email protected] com Then hand it to any of our agents. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) Agents for Classified Advertising |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

PHUKET |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| K.L. Mart Tel: 076-280400/3 Patak Rd, Chalong Fax: 076-280403 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Earth Language School Tel: 076-232398/9 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-232398 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Sin & Lee Tel: 076-258369 Thalang Rd, Phuket City Fax: 076-211230 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Taurus Travel Tel: 076-344521/2 Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Fax: 076-344523 Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 85 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. 41 Minimart Tel/Fax: 076-324312 All advertising must be paid for in advance. Srisoontorn Rd, Cherng Talay Deadline for Wheels & Motors page: Saturday 12 noon. 48 PHUKET GAZETTE March 4 - 10, 2006

See ISSUES & ANSWERS at www.phuketgazette.net