ANDAMAN Edition PHUKET’S LEADING NEWSPAPER... SINCE 1993 Now NATIONWIDE Hope floats for Rohingya rights

Special in-depth report on their plight and Thailand’s response

INSIDE TODAY January 26 - February 1, 2013 PhuketGazette.Net In partnership with The Nation 25 Baht ‘YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US… I LOVE YOU’ Family mourns executed mum Exclusive Police suspect Mrs Jintana interview DUTCH Ambassador to was a victim of a revenge Thailand Joan Boer sits down with the Gazette to killing for firing an employee review his concerns for from a well-known resort tourists on the island. Full story on Pages 4-5 By Chutharat Plerin Police release THE family of hotel executive Jintana Mahattanapak, executed last Friday night by a single gunshot to the head, are still coming to terms with their loss. sketch of resort Mrs Jintana, 42, was slain while waiting at the traffic lights at the intersection of Chao Fa West Road and safe box robber Kwang Road at about 8:10pm. She was driving home POLICE continue their search for from work at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa in two men who allegedly drugged Karon, where she was the human resources director. a front desk guard at a popular Husband, now widower, Winyoo Mahattanapak on resort before making off with over Monday posted on his Facebook in Thai, “Sleep well 3 million baht worth of guests’ my only love. You are now in the embrace of the Father. valuables. You will always be with us… One day I will be with Based on CCTV images and the you in the afterlife. I love you. I miss you so much.” description provided by the Mrs Jintana’s shocking murder left her two daugh- guard, police have created a ters – one a teenager, the other under 10 years old – composite drawing of one of the motherless. two criminals. At last report, police were investigating the likelihood Anyone with information that that Mrs Jintana was murdered for revenge after she may lead to arrest is urged to con- sacked several employees who were… tact the Phuket Provincial Police. Continued on page 3 Jintana Mahattanapak, 42, was followed from work and then assassinated. Photo: Hilton PR Full story on page 2 2 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS January 26 - February 1, 2013 Police release sketch

Business Government’s first-car of safe box heist thief buyer scheme increases traffic, debt. Page 11 By Kritsada Mueanhawong POLICE released a composite Finance image last Friday of one of the two suspects involved in allegedly Drilling down on the theory drugging a front desk officer at of Peak Oil and the global Karon Place Hotel and then rob- economy. Page 16 bing the guests’ safe boxes of nearly 3 million baht worth of valuables on January 14. Health An arrest warrant has been Diving into a new brand issued for the man, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Com- of holistic fitness with mander Arun Kleawwatee told a AQUAZEN. Page 39 press conference on Friday, add- ing that the suspect goes by many aliases, including Robert, Michael, History Tony and “Mr Pheilpes” (sic). Discover the forgotten “The image is of the man who past of Phuket’s ‘Sea was seen breaking into the lock- People’. Page 41 ers. We are still working on the composite image of the other Based on CCTV images stored in a separate system than the one stolen, man,” Col Arun said. police were able to create a composite image of one of the suspects. Charity The sketch was derived from CCTV images captured during the order to carry out the robbery, re- James Mason’s weight robbery, and on the description gained consciousness to see the loss takes him to Bangkok given by Siam Kamya, the front wanted man breaking into the by bike. Page 42 desk guard on duty when the rob- lockers while the other one kept bery took place. lookout, he added. “The image is of the man seen “After seeing Mr Kamya had Sport breaking into the resort’s safe woken, the man breaking into the Dutch and Italian Olympic boxes,” Col Arun said. boxes went into the manager’s of- Police were no- fice and stole the swimmers training at tified of the robbery CCTV Thanyapura. Page 49 by hotel manager ‘The suspect goes by recording Keerati Prugsa- many aliases, including machine. thammamowit at The CCTV 5:30am on January Robert, Michael, Tony images we have 14. were stored The burglars allegedly drugged the and Mr Pheilpes (sic)’ guard before breaking into guests’ “Mr Keerati said – Col Arun on another the robbery took machine,” Col safe boxes. place between 3am Arun explained. may help lead to the arrest of ei- and 5am,” Col Arun explained. “We are also continuing the ther man is urged to contact Mr Kamya, the staffer allegedly search for the other robber,” he said. Phuket Provincial Police at 076- drugged by the two foreigners in “Anyone with information that 369140,” he added. French chef arrested Taxi driver dies in speed-driven for alleged 2004 rape car accident A TAXI driver speeding from JW of disabled woman Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa at A FRENCH chef working in Mai Khao Beach to pick up a Phuket’s premier party town, Pa- passenger at the airport died after tong, was arrested on January 16 losing control of his car on for the alleged rape of a disabled Thepkrasattri Road last Friday. woman in his home country in Witnesses reported that 2004. Warongsak Rungsawang, 29, Christopher Pierre Verdino, 28, entered one of the sharp curves slipped into Thailand in 2007, in Baan Mak Prok at high speed, three years after French authori- lost control and hit a power pole. ties issued an arrest warrant. His Capt Santi Prakobpran of the whereabouts became known to Tah Chat Chai Police was called the French Embassy in Bangkok to the scene at 12:45pm and found after he made a request for a name Mr Warongsak, bloodied and change on his passport. unconscious, pinned behind the The Embassy then notified steering wheel of the taxi he was Phuket Immigration, who made Christopher Pierre Verdino lived in driving. the arrest at about 9:30am. Thailand for over five years before The car was registered with the “He told us that he planned to French police caught up with him. authorities as belonging to change his name in his passport been charged with overstaying. Sasiprapa Kitroongrot. first, and after that use his new He will be handed over to Im- “Mai Khao and Kusoldharm res- name to get a new visa,” Phuket migration officials in Bangkok, cue workers spent an hour cutting Immigration Superintendent who will in turn hand him over to him out of the car, but he died Looking for a place to stay? Sunchai Chokkajaykij said. officials at the French Embassy before he could be freed,” Capt See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net Mr Pierre’s visa expired on to be deported, Col Sunchai ex- Santi said. December 31, 2012 and he has plained. – Orawin Narabal – Thawit Bilabdullar January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Police pursuing revenge as motive for Jintana murder

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Swedish tax fugitive Eriksson was caught stealing from the hotel. arrested on Patong Beach. One of the staffers whose employ- ment was terminated was in a Cigarette tax “senior position”, police said. “She was a strict person at cheat caught work. She was straight, and so some employees at the hotel lost their jobs. In a previous incident, The assassin fired through the over B100mn she had to fire some employees driver’s side window. SWEDISH Police ended a two- because they were found cheat- year hunt for a tax exile on Janu- ing their employer. This probably ary 14 when they arrested Bernt was the motive for her murder,” Olov Inge Eriksson at Patong Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Beach. Mr Eriksson was wanted Commander Col Arun Kleawwatee in Sweden on a 100-million-baht explained. tax evasion charge. After reviewing CCTV footage A task force of Swedish offic- from 11 cameras and question- ers began their hunt in Thailand ing witnesses, police believe they after learning Mr Eriksson, 67, now have descriptions of the gun- Police CCTV footage shows Jintana Mahattanapak’s white Chevrolet Gen Choti says police are closing was in the country. man and his driver accomplice, Captiva (left) at the intersection where she was murdered. in on the killers. After scouring Pattaya and as well as the motorbike the kill- then Chiang Mai for their suspect, ers were riding. we have enough evidence for the have been killed because of a con- police, and we will cooperate fully the Swedes arrived in Phuket with “We now believe the gunman courts to issue arrest warrants,” flict with people not related to her with them. As the investigation is the Swedish Ambassador Janu- was a passenger on a motorcycle Gen Choti said. work,” he added. ongoing, we are unable to com- ary 12 to seek help from Phuket following Mrs Jintana home Mrs Jintana was killed at close- In a statement issued to the ment further.” Immigration officials. from work,” Phuket Provincial range by a shotgun blast through Gazette, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Mrs Jintana’s body was at the Mr Eriksson had allegedly Police Commander Choti the driver’s side window, Gen General Manager Andre Gomez Christian Church Thakreng imported and sold cigarettes in Chavalviwat said. Choti added, noting that police had said, “We are deeply saddened by Phuket in Phuket Town from last Sweden, but failed to pay excise “The suspects followed her collected a shotgun cartridge at the death of Jintana Mahattana- Sunday through Tuesday for taxes on them, they said. when she left the hotel at about the scene. pak, and our heartfelt condolences friends and family to pay their re- The Swedes hit the jackpot in 7:45pm right up until the time of “We have yet to identify the go out to her family and friends spects. The funeral was to be held Phuket, as officials had both his the murder at around 8:10pm. motive for murder… We ques- during this difficult period. She near Mrs Jintana’s family home in photo and a local address. Immi- Witnesses, drivers on the road tioned more than 10 of her was a valued employee at our ho- Khanom District, Nakhon Sri gration officers apprehended him and people at the scene gave us co-workers and her husband, and tel and will be deeply missed by Thammarat, on Wednesday. at Patong Beach at 4pm. information about the shooting we have now ruled out ‘family her team and colleagues. We are As his visa expired on and a description of the killer,” conflict’ as a possible motive,” he reaching out to her family to of- Additional reporting by Kritsada November 21, 2012, police he added. explained. fer assistance… Mueanhawong and Dean Noble. detained him on overstaying “However, we cannot reveal “However, we have yet to rule “The incident is currently un- Photos by Kritsada Mueanhawong, charges. – Orawin Narabal the description of the killer until out the possibility that she may der investigation with the local Chaichana Keowkaew. Woman collecting recyclables finds body of baby in garbage POLICE are searching for the mother of a newborn baby girl whose body was found dumped in a garbage heap in Wichit on January 16. A woman collecting recyclables discovered the three-day-old’s body stuffed into a rubbish bag The body of the newborn child was among a heap of trash along Chao found in a roadside pile of trash. Fa West Road, said Sub Lt Suporn Muangkai of the Wichit Police. “The baby girl had bruises all “Wan Rattanawilai, 57, told us over her body and was dressed in that she was on her bike collect- a pink shirt and covered with a ing recyclables along the road. blue towel,” he said. When she arrived at a garbage Officers believe the baby died heap on Chao Fa West Road, she only hours before being discovered. saw a big blue bag. Unzipping it, Police are continuing their she found the body of the infant investigation into the case. inside,” Sub Lt Suporn said. – Kritsada Mueanhawong

+66 (0) 76 325 419 [email protected] www.oriental-living.net 4 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS January 26 - February 1, 2013 Safety blitz nets drug, gun Exclusive: arrests in first seven days Joan Boer is the Ambassador of the THE first seven days of the month-long police safety boost in Kingdom of the Netherlands to Thailand. Phuket has yielded eight arrests on gun and drug charges in road A former deputy director-general of the checkpoint stops alone. Dutch Foreign Affairs Department, Amb Maj Gen Kittisan Detsunthon- wat, Deputy Commander of Boer was recently in Phuket with his Provincial Police Region 8, announced on January 17 that so Canadian and UK counterparts for a far his officers had seized over first-of-its-kind meeting with Governor 300 grams of ya ice (crystal meth- amphetamine), 2,031 pills of ya Maitri Inthusut to discuss tourist safety bah (methamphetamine), more than a kilogram of marijuana and issues. Before leaving Phuket, Amb Boer three guns. talked exclusively with the Gazette. Gen Kittisan believes the arrests may lead to information about drug networks in other provinces and SPEAKING at the Gazette offices, different countries that were ex- money laundering. STRANGE BREW: 13 men at student dormitories were found in possession Amb Boer explained his efforts to periencing similar problems. We All suspects were transferred of marijuana and ‘4x100’ cocktails, which include the mild narcotic kratom. galvanize the international made an overview of the issues to Phuket Provincial Court for Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Soi Patchani in Bang Chee Lao, diplomatic community to jointly and agreed that we wanted this detention, Gen Kittisan said. Krabi, Chumphon, Surat Thani north of Phuket Town, where they deliberate with authorities in both to be a multilateral effort The campaign, which contin- and Nakhon Sri Thammarat – found 13 men in possession of Bangkok to bring an end to the and not just pointing the finger at ues until February 7, aims to have received special training for marijuana and “4x100” cocktails various scams that have done so the Thai authorities.” reduce criminal activity in the the campaign,” Gen Kittisan – a drink made from kratom, a mild much damage to the tourism Since that time, Amb Boer and popular tourist areas of Phuket, explained. narcotic. industry in Phuket and other his fellow diplomats have held Pattaya and Samui. On Wednesday night, local Civil All 13 suspects were handed destinations in Thailand. three high-level meetings with “A total of 163 police officers Defense Volunteers also uncovered over to Phuket City Police. Amb Boer, now in the second Ministry of Tourism and Sports from Region 8 – which includes drugs in a raid on dormitories on – Kritsada Mueanhawong year of a four-year posting in officials and other authorities in Thailand, told Bangkok. the Gazette that The Minis- it was not long try recently after his arrival issued a num- in Thailand ber of that he began conclusions receiving com- based on vari- plaints from ous concerns Dutch tourists the diplomats in Phuket. had presented “I first them with. came here one One of the and a half important con- years ago to clusions is that discuss with jet-ski and mo- then Gov Tri torbike rental Augkaradacha The Evil Man From Krabi video has operators the future of more than 500,000 views on YouTube. would hence- tourism, the social climate for forth face prosecution if caught [expat] residents, et cetera. That in possession of a foreigner’s was after a couple of incidents passport. of scamming… people who Operators have long demanded rented jet-skis and then got back that tourists hand over passports and were [unjustly] charged for as surety when renting out ve- damages, or people who rented a hicles. In the future, the operators motorbike and left it at their ho- would have to accept a copy of tel and then found it gone. But the renter’s passport, because the even more serious, we also had a document is the property of the couple of incidents where people issuing country, he explained. were beaten with iron bars [fol- Asked about the likelihood of lowing disputes over] just 200 or enforcement, Amb Boer said the 300 baht. That’s when it really group of countries would carefully gets nasty,” he said. monitor events on the ground in He asked Gov Tri in Septem- tourist destinations like Pattaya, ber 2010 what he was doing on Hua Hin – and especially Phuket. these issues and asked him what While the scamming phenom- he could do as an ambassador to ena in Pattaya rivals that of Phuket, support his efforts. “intransparencies” in the transport “The Governor said, ‘You sector in Phuket make public know I am here as Governor un- transport here the most expensive der circumstances that are too in Thailand – and a common cause strong for me. I need support of conflict between drivers and from central authorities in visiting tourists, he said. Bangkok. Can you help me?’” “Labor costs are the same here “When you get a question as in Bangkok, as are petrol and like that, then it is on your shoul- vehicle purchase costs, so I don’t ders. I can’t tell my taxpayers know why taxi costs have to be that… ‘it is his problem, not my three times as much here. We have problem’.” to look at the system behind it, Amb Boer took it upon himself why one has to bargain so hard to try to initiate such change. for each meter – and why if you “At that point I began coordi- don’t reach an agreement, people nating with ambassadors from ten can get very aggressive. I can’t January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 5 Dutch Amb guides reform accept people from my country getting beaten up over 200 baht, and if I were to accept it my gov- ernment should withdraw me from the post,” he said. Amb Boer said high-profile cases like rapes and murders tended to be resolved in a few days. However, the sheer volume of less-publicized cases of scamming and price-gouging in the transport sector, and the authority’s inability to deal with them satisfactorily, indicated these problems were systemic. Only about two per cent of Dutch tourists return from Thai- land dissatisfied with their experiences here, but he stressed that in the “brave new age” of social media just one of these people could do immense harm to a country’s tourism image. In terms of the way informa- tion is propagated, he said the emergence of the social media was as revolutionary a change as the invention by Gutenberg of the printing press in the early stages of the Renaissance. DOUBLE TROUBLE: Dutch holidaymakers taking taxis and renting jet-skis COMMON GOOD: Ambassador to Thailand Joan Boer believes that collective “One person with a PC or a blog are just two scenarios that often led to trouble. Photos: Gazette file action by the diplomatic community will help alleviate tourists’ woes. can… seriously affect a destination’s reputation. Like it or when they are researching trips, not, I now have a case on my he noted. hands with over 500,000 YouTube “Thirty per cent uninsured is hits [The Evil Man From Krabi irresponsible behavior. That’s what video]. That’s new to me; I have I tell my tourists: ‘You are irre- not been trained for it, but it’s the sponsible if you go without new world we have to face. I un- insurance for the cost of a beer’,” derstand the [alleged victim’s] he said. father. I also understand some of The jet-ski insurance program the concerns elsewhere. I do not was a “good start”, but it has also want to mingle in the justice pro- revealed a good deal of “creativ- cess, but I do want a justice ity” on the part of renters, who system that is transparent and can now demand compensation of two be explained,” he said. days for a jet-ski being out of ser- Amb Boer stressed that the al- vice following an “accident”. This leged rape that inspired the video compensation is not covered un- was an isolated case and that he der the current insurance package, still encouraged Dutch people to but should be in the future, he said. holiday in the Kingdom. “Regulators are always one Many Dutch tourists who get train late. I understand that we are into trouble here do so because not ahead of the scammers, but they are naive and we should be fail to heed the closely behind many warnings ‘We also had a them, not off over about scamming couple of incidents the horizon,” he and other potential said. problems that are where people were He described clearly stated on the beaten with iron bars his work as the foreign ministry’s [following disputes “start of a process”, website, he con- one that acknowl- ceded. over] just 200 or 300 edges a set of facts “I don’t know baht. That’s when it and figures that how it happens. As weren’t available a soon as they get off really gets nasty’ year ago. the plane… they – Amb Boer “So we can now seem to lose some enter into a conver- of their normal reflexes. I have sation where, on both sides of the been out with the Tourist Police line, we take our responsibilities and in Patong and seen a lot of behav- try to move forward. Again, I am ior of the kind that invites not a player in this process in the scamming. So it’s a double-edged sense that I am not at the wheel or sword and we have a role in edu- in a position to change the tourism cating our own people,” he said. industry in Thailand. Together with Among the irresponsible behav- colleagues I am trying to set things ior displayed by about 30 per cent in motion. of Dutch tourists is failing to get “If people don’t feel secure travel insurance before travelling there is no progress. In the tour- to the Kingdom, even though ism sector, the sense of security packages are available for the is extremely important, because if equivalent of about 80 baht per people do not feel safe they will day. Advertisements for such even not return to a destination,” he pop up on their computer screens said. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS January 26 - February 1, 2013 Blood bank grateful for emergency donations, calls for more THE Phuket Regional Blood Center (PRBC) “There are patients in other provinces who received two units of Rh-negative blood and need A-negative blood. Please come to the cen- two single-platelet donations on January 17, ter to donate at your convenience,” she added. in response to urgent requests on behalf of a The PRBC is located on Rattanakosin 200 foreigner due to undergo heart surgery. Year Road, next to the Phuket Provincial “We do not know what condition the patient Employment Office in Saphan Hin. is in. However, I think the patient will be okay… Donations are accepted from 8:30am to ‘Stressed’ monk “The hospital itself has seven units of O- 4:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, negative blood type plus the two units from from 8:30am to 8pm on Tuesday and Thurs- us,” PRBC director Pornthip Rattajak said. day, and from 9am to 3pm on Saturday and in abbott attack While grateful for the donations, she Sunday. For more information, call the PRBC A MONK in Samut Prakan has stressed that there is a continuing need for Rh- at 076-251178 or 081-9588854. The blood bank is calling for more donations been defrocked – and is facing negative blood donations. – Chutharat Plerin of Rhesus-negative blood. Photo: Gazette file criminal charges – for kicking a senior monk in the neck during a ceremony attended by almost 100 other clergymen. Bang Ya Phraek Temple monk Phra Thongthip, 52, attacked Phra Triple homicide suspect Khru Sunthon Suttasan as the older holy man presided over a ceremony appointing a third monk as abbot of the temple. The pugnacious clergyman claimed he attacked Phra Khru flees Phang Nga Police Sunthon because he was “stressed”. By Kritsada Mueanhawong cross their land to access his plot. Phra Khru Sunthon, chief monk The country music star said of Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict, PHUKET Police are on the look- her family and the families of the showed up at Samrong Tai Police out for a man wanted for triple other murder victims are in fear Station on the evening of January homicide in Phang Nga. for their lives while Somsak 13 to lodge a complaint. The news follows the Takuapa remains at large. Phra Khru Sunthon, 56, told District Court issuing an arrest “We are scared because the po- officers he had been viciously warrant for Somsak Wongsri, lice have yet to catch Mr Somsak, attacked during a ceremony to ap- who according to an eyewitness and now we have heard that he point Phra Samu Prasatphorn as executed three people on wants to kill two more people. We abbot of Bang Ya Phraek Temple. December 22. are frightened because we have no After the ceremony was The three men allegedly shot idea who they [the next alleged vic- finished, he had prostrated him- dead by Somsak were Prajuab tims] will be,” she added. self in front of the principal Choojit, 24; Sarawut Boonklin, 31; Maj Gen Chalit told the Gazette Buddha image of the temple. and Somboon Kimtin, 69, who is on Monday that he was unaware At this point, Phra Thongthip the father of Treechada Kimtin, the of any deaths against other poten- stood up, walked towards him and Thai country music singer better tial victims until he saw a report kicked him in the neck and body. known by her stage name “Ice R on television. Other monks were forced to get Siam”. Gen Chalit would not confirm up and separate Phra Thongthip The executions took place in or deny that police were search- from his victim. a rubber plantation in Takuapa ing Phuket for the murder suspect. After being taken to the police District. “Police in Phuket have been station by his fellow clergymen, “My father was a good man and alerted to be on the lookout. We Phang Nga Provincial Police Commander Chalit Kaewyarat said he believes Phra Thongthip confessed to the our family is familiar with Mr his officers will be able to arrest the suspect ‘soon’. Photo: Gazette file know the general area where we attack. Somsak. We have never had any believe Mr Somsak is in hiding, He said he was “stressed” and argument with him,” Ms have been murdered over a land Somsak,” she said. but at this stage I cannot reveal “could not control himself”. He said Treechada told the press. dispute. “My father was not The alleged dispute concerned any more information,” Phang Nga he had been getting treatment for Ms Treechada said she did not involved in the dispute between Mr Mr Prajuab and Mr Sarawut Provincial Police Commander his condition at a local hospital. understand how her father could Prajuab, Mr Sarawut and Mr refusing to allow Mr Somsak to Chalit Kaewyarat said. Police charge ‘real driver’ with manslaughter over van crash POLICE on Tuesday confirmed vehicle at the time of the accident. they have charged the “real “However, as I carried out my driver” of the Phuket tour van investigation I learned that Tuan involved in the accident on Russala was in the front passen- November 29 that claimed the life ger seat when the accident of a 9-year-old schoolgirl, occurred,” Sub Lt Kraisorn said. Kunnarree Lattuada-Lancini. “Makeesan has reported himself “Makeesan Samae has been to police and acknowledged the charged with gross negligence charges against him. He is now at causing death under Section 290 home, awaiting trail,” he said. of the Criminal Code and with However, the case had yet to reckless driving under Section 43 be transferred to the Public Pros- of the Land Traffic Act B.E. ecutor. “We are now waiting for 2522,” Sub Lt Kraisorn Boon- the forensic report of the accident prasop of the Chalong Police said. Kunnarree Lattuada-Lancini, 9, died to be attached to the case file so Section 290 of Criminal Code in the crash. Photo: Gazette file we can transfer it to the public states: Whoever, causes death to and recklessness that it may cause prosecutor for further action,” the other person by inflicting danger to persons or property. Sub Lt Kraisorn said. injury upon the body of such per- Any persons found guilty of con- “I do not know how long it will son without intent to cause death, travening Section 43 shall be take to receive the report from the shall be punished with imprison- punished not over 1,000 baht. Phuket office of the Forensic ment of three to fifteen years. Sub Lt Kraisorn explained that Police, but I will pass the case to Section 43 of the Land Traffic he was originally informed that the public prosecutor as soon as Act states: No drivers shall drive Meekasan’s older brother, Tuan possible,” he added. a vehicle with such carelessness Russala Samae, was driving the – Chutharat Plerin January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 7 8 PHUKET GAZETTE NATIONAL NEWS January 26 - February 1, 2013 Red leader jailed for lese majeste meant HM The King. On January 23, another lese majeste suspect, Somyot Pruek- sakasemsuk, was set to receive a verdict following the end of his trial in May. Mr Somyot was charged over articles published in the maga- A RED-SHIRT leader received a zine he edited, Voice of Thaksin. two-year jail sentence after Earlier this month, Amnesty becoming the latest person to be International released a statement convicted of insulting the calling Mr Somyot a “prisoner of monarchy. conscience” and called for The Criminal Court on, urgent action from supporters. January 17, found Yossarawis The rights group claimed that Chuklom guilty of lese majeste Article 112, the lese majeste for a speech he made in front of law, was being used to silence red-shirt demonstrators on peaceful dissent. Lese-majeste March 29, 2010. cases have increased sharply Mr Yossarawis, who serves as since a 2006 coup toppled an adviser to deputy commerce populist premier Thaksin minister and fellow red-shirt Yossarawis Chuklom received a two-year lese majesty jail sentence for a 2010 speech. Photo: The Nation Shinawatra. leader Nattawut Saikua, was political interference. York Times reported. Tinsulanonda as being among The lower courts have heard given bail. Mr Yossarawis’s lawyer, In his speech, Mr Yossarawis them, saying there was another 397 lese-majeste cases since The court ruled that Mr Thamrong Lakdaen, said the had said a number of powerful person whom he was not able 2006, a 1,500 per cent increase Yossarawis, also a comedian court convicted his client forces opposed the dissolution of to name. in the number of cases from performing under the stage name through “speculation” because the government of Abhisit Vejjajiva. A number of witnesses told 1990 to 2005, according to Jeng Dokjik, had accused HM the speech had not named HM He had named the military the court they thought Mr David Streckfuss who has writ- King Bhumibol Adulyadej of The King explicitly, The New and Privy Council head Prem Yossarawis could only have ten extensively on lese majeste.

Senators reject Chumpol death sparks infighting call to intensify THE death of Chart Thai Pattana beating for 45 minutes before the Chart Thai Party are banned from Party leader Chumpol Silpa-archa doctors could resuscitate him,” he politics for five years. Southern arms last week has renewed infighting said. Culture Minister Sonthaya among coalition partners for his “His condition had appeared to Kunplome, from the Palang Chon SENATORS on Monday objected coveted tourism and sports Cabi- improve slightly… but he finally Party, is said to be unhappy with to Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm net post and is also likely to lead drew his last breath this morning,” his current post. He reportedly met Yoobamrung’s call to issue to a reshuffle of some ministers. Mr Banharn said on Monday. former prime minister Thaksin machine guns to subdistrict and Both the ruling Pheu Thai Party Mr Chumpol was the de-facto Shinawatra over the New Year village chiefs in the three and the coalition Palang Chon leader of the Chart Thai Pattana holiday to lobby for the tourism southernmost provinces. Party have been keen to take the Party, which has been part of a and sports seat. Senator Weerawit Khongsak tourism position from Chart Thai coalition government with the Key Pheu Thai members and said such highly destructive weap- Pattana, while Chumpol’s brother Pheu Thai Party since its election coalition partners also met Thaksin ons should be given only to Banharn, a former prime minister victory in July 2011. in London last week, sources said. officials well-trained and well- Banharn, wants to keep the lucra- Mr Chumpol had served both “If we can really take the post disciplined in shooting to prevent tive post with his party. Abhisit Vejjajiva and Yingluck back from Banharn, why do we harm to innocent people. As many Mr Chumpol, who was also Shinawatra as the Minister for Chumpol Silpa-archa have to give it to Sonthaya? Isn’t officials’ weapons have been serving as a Deputy Prime Minis- Tourism and Sports. it better to keep it with us? We stolen or are missing, introducing ter, died last week at the age of Holding a law degree, Mr cessor to replace his late brother, always want to supervise the min- more high-powered weapons 72. He had been hospitalized since Chumpol worked as a civil ser- a party source said on Monday. istry because it can generate high could aggravate the unrest, Mr December after collapsing from a vant and political science lecturer It was likely that the successor revenue for the country,” a source Weerawit said. heart attack. at Thammasat University before would be an outsider because from Pheu Thai said. The government should work “On December 17, Mr entering politics in 1979. Banharn has only a few close and The source said Pheu Thai may on limiting the number of war Chumpol collapsed at the Govern- Banharn, the Chart Thai Pattana trusted allies. He and the former ask Banharn to swap the tourism weapons in the region rather than ment House and his heart stopped patriarch, has decided on a suc- members of the now-defunct post for labor or education. increasing them, he proposed. Honest Abe shoots for Dawei JAPANESE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last week told Thai premier Yingluck Shinawatra that his coun- try was interested in investing in the massive Dawei Port project in Myanmar. The discussion was not the first time Japan has expressed interest in the development, though its mention at such a high-level Dawei Port project Photo: The Nation forum indicated a seriousness of to participate in Thailand’s infra- intent. structure development in order to The project, aimed at opening enhance economic cooperation a new trade route to the Indian with The Kingdom and Asean. Ocean, will include a deep-sea port Japan is Thailand’s biggest and a huge industrial estate. investor and trading partner. At a joint press conference Critics of the Dawei project with Mr Abe, Ms Yingluck said a claim that Thailand is taking tri-party mechanism involving Ja- advantage of Myanmar by mov- pan, Thailand and Myanmar ing polluting chemical industries would later work out the details off its own turf and into that of for cooperation in the project. its less regulated – and much Mr Abe said Japan was ready poorer – neighbor. January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 9 10 PHUKET GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL NEWS January 26 - February 1, 2013 In brief… Canadian coordinated China unveils plan to control Beijing air pollution problems BEIJING is to unveil unprec- edented new rules governing how Algeria gas field attack China’s capital reacts to hazard- ous air pollution, the official By Lamine Chikhi raiders, PM Sellal said. Xinhua news agency said, as de- The In Amenas gas plant prob- teriorating air quality threatens to THE Islamist attack on the ably felt impregnable to those who become a rallying point for wider sprawling desert gas complex in worked there – fenced in, hun- political dissatisfaction. southern Algeria that triggered one dreds of miles from anywhere and The rules will formalize previ- of the worst hostage crises in with the Algerian army patrolling ous ad-hoc measures, including years was conceived in Mali and its desert approaches. shutting down factories, cutting coordinated by a mystery Cana- That was a mirage. Libya, an back on burning coal and taking dian named only as Chedad, the ex-police state turned arms bazaar certain vehicle classes off the Algerian prime minister said. and now open for jihad, lies just roads on days when pollution hits Five days after about 40 jihadist 50 miles away. unacceptable levels. fighters raided the facility not far At least some of the Islamist from the Libyan border and Alge- guerrillas who stormed in before ria responded with a full-on military dawn on Wednesday had driven Ivory Coast charges operation to kill or capture them, along smugglers’ tracks across the military youth leader a picture of what happened is Libyan border, an Algerian secu- emerging. rity official told Reuters, citing with war crimes While some hostages escaped evidence from mobile phones in the early stages of the crisis, traced to the militants. A MILITARY youth leader and hopes soon faded for dozens of The ease with which they en- close ally of Ivory Coast’s ex- others once the army decided to tered the fortified housing president Laurent Gbagbo was take on the raiders. compound and nearby natural gas charged with war crimes and Workers from the United plant left Algerians in little doubt murder, a spokesman for the state States, Britain, France, Japan, the gunmen had allies among prosecutor said January 21. Romania, Norway and the Philip- people at the site. Charles Ble Goude, the former pines were either dead or missing, The gas field recently attacked in Amenas, Algeria. Photo: Reuters “They had local cooperation, head of the Young Patriot street with the overall death toll among mouth. Another man hid for more through Niger and Libya before I’m sure, maybe from drivers or militia, was arrested on an inter- hostages and militants put at 67 than a day and a half under his bed slipping into Algeria. security guards, who helped the national warrant in neighboring and potentially rising by up to five. as jihadist fighters searched the The jihadists were said to terrorists get into the base,” was Ghana last week and was handed Those who escaped had harrow- workers’ residential complex. come from Egypt, Mauritania, the immediate reaction of Anis over to Ivorian authorities at the ing tales to tell. One Briton recounted Algerian Prime Minister Niger, Tunisia, Mali, Algeria and, Rahmani, editor of Algeria’s weekend. how the attackers had strapped Abdelmalek Sellal said the plot had in one case, from Canada. The Ennahar newspaper and a writer Semtex plastic explosive around his been hatched in war-ravaged Mali Canadian, identified initially as on security issues who said he was Russia sending neck, bound his hands and taped his and the attackers had travelled Chedad, was coordinating the briefed by officials. –Reuters aircraft to evacuate citizens from Syria Winter weather threatens UK ‘triple-dip’ recession RUSSIA is sending two planes to A WINTRY burst of weather hit show the economy shrank again weather which keeps people from Lebanon on Tuesday to evacuate businesses and travellers across in the fourth quarter of 2012. The going shopping is very bad news,” more than 100 of its citizens from Britain for a fourth day on Mon- snow-induced loss of working said Richard Dodd from the Brit- Syria, the Emergency Ministry day, threatening an unprecedented days for manufacturers and build- ish Retail Consortium, a body said, in the clearest sign yet that “triple-dip” recession that could ers, allied to falls in business for representing the country’s major Moscow may be preparing for knock the government’s economic shops, pubs and restaurants, could chains. President Bashar al-Assad’s pos- plans further off track. now push the first quarter of 2013 Economists said that while re- sible defeat. Commuters fought to get to into the red also. tailers may be able to make up Russia has been Assad’s main work as airlines and train opera- Even if the economy does turn the lost sales as customers come foreign protector during a 22- tors struggled to deal with a around later, it would leave the gov- back to buy later what they month uprising against his rule, blanket of snow and ice, while ernment seeking to dispel fears of would have bought anyway, the but a diplomat conceded last month some 3,000 schools were closed, slow growth well into next year - impact on construction and the government had lost territory forcing parents to stay at home to with an election due the year after. manufacturing is harder to and the rebels fighting Assad could look after children. “At a time when retailers are smooth over quickly. win the war. Figures this week look set to already under pressure, bad – Reuters Heavy snow rocks UK. Photo: Reuters Mexican president vows to end hunger for millions MEXICAN President Enrique community Peña Nieto launched a campaign action, local against hunger on Monday, pledg- government ing to transform the lives of nearly responsibility 7.5 million of the country’s poor- and pledging est, though he gave few details, to strengthen prompting criticism that the plan agricultural was a “rehash” of old policies. production in Tackling the poverty that blights afflicted Mexico has been a priority for areas. many presidents of Latin America’s However, second-biggest economy, and it he did not President Nieto was one of the first pledges Peña detail the cost of the plan. Nieto made when he launched his “I would say it’s a disappoint- election campaign at the end of ment because it’s very thin on March. details,” said Susan Parker, an The 46-year-old president out- economist at Mexico City’s CIDE lined a four-point plan to tackle university, adding that it failed to hunger in 400 of Mexico’s roughly address what would happen to older 2,500 municipalities, urging poverty-fighting programs. January 26 - February 1, 2013 BUSINESS PHUKET GAZETTE 11 In brief… New car owners due B1.2bn Thailand denies US The government’s first-car buyer child labor claims THE Commerce Ministry has rebate scheme put thousands of new denied a US allegation that the Thai fishery industry employs automobiles on the roads, as well as an children and exploits alien labor. unexpected dent in the national budget The US claimed that the Thai frozen-foods industry employed By Steven Layne eligible period, a total of 5,745 children and exploited alien work- were classified as vehicles that ers, which resulted in a campaign MORE than 14,300 new car own- had been reserved and due to be for American consumers to boy- ers in Phuket took advantage of delivered to respective car cott Thai frozen foods. the government’s first-car rebate owners in 2013. Piramol Charoenpao, director- scheme, with the combined value Rebates for this category are general of the Trade Negotiations of due rebates amounting to more valued at just over 500 million baht, Department, said the accusations than 1.2 billion baht. which equates to an average rebate arose from misinterpretation of a According to figures from of roughly 87,000 baht. video showing parents bringing WORTH THE WAIT: Officials at the Phuket Excise Department process their children to their workplace. the Phuket Excise Department As per conditions of the rebate applications from first-car buyers. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong (PED), a total of 14,327 eligible policy, the car owners will be The US is one of the largest applications were filed in the entitled to their rebate after Ratchasima and Nonthaburi with first implemented. import markets for Thai fishery province from September 16, 2011 possessing the vehicle for one 38,885 and 33,386 applications, According to a recent report products, particularly shrimp. to December 31, 2012. These re- year, counting from the day the respectively. by Kom Chad Luek, the number More than half of Thai shrimp are spective rebates had a combined vehicle is delivered to owner. All in nationwide, it is estimated of rebates paid out nationwide so shipped to the US each year. value of 1,212,995,675 baht. Wipada Daroonpong, PED policy that more than 1.2 million eligible far, was about 47,000, which had Broken down, the applications specialist, said that as of the begin- new cars were sold. This includes a combined worth of more than Eight goods subject consisted of 10,662 cars, repre- ning of 2013, 523 rebates have some 687,000 cars delivered in 3.4bn baht. senting rebates worth 987,584,059 already been paid out in Phuket. 2012 and another 568,000 due to The report estimated that in to import scrutiny baht, or roughly an average of Nationwide, the number of be delivered in 2013. 2013, a total budget of 20bn baht IN AN effort to protect its farm- 92,626 baht per rebate. rebates paid out was 31,064, with Rebates for these cars are esti- will be needed to pay out due ers and enterprises,Thailand is A total of 1,342 applications a combined worth of more than mated to be worth more than 90 rebates, pointing out that the enforcing stringent rules on the were submitted for new single- 2.3 billion baht, she noted. billion baht – three times the initial initial annual budget estimate in the importation of cassava, red cab pick-up trucks, eligible for a And though the PED was over- target set when the policy was government’s plan was 7bn baht. onions, oranges, pork entrails, total of 25,316,416 baht, equat- whelmed with rebate applications, first implemented. Upon surging demand, the rubber tyres, electric fans, rice ing to an average rebate of just as reported in the Gazette last Of the total, about 740,000 projected budget was later ad- cookers and incandescent lamps. under 19,000 baht. month, the province was far from were passenger cars; 258,000 justed to 18bn baht, which is still Foreign Trade Department direc- Meanwhile, applications were being the busiest. were single-cab pickup trucks, not expected to be enough. tor-general, Pranee Siriphand, said: submitted for a total of 2,363 new Not including Bangkok, the while another 257,000 were As for the 2014 budget, an “The department needs to have double-cab pick-up trucks worth province with the most applications double-cab pickup trucks. additional budget of 30 to 35bn stringent regulations in place to 200,095,200 baht – averaging processed was Chiang Mai, which Rebates for these cars are baht will be needed to pay out re- manage goods imported from other 84,678 baht per rebate. reported processing a total 39,763 estimated to be worth more than bates, in which case, money ASEAN countries; these products Of all the new cars and trucks applications. 90bn baht – three times the initial allocated for the 2015 budget will must be closely monitored because bought in Phuket during the This was followed by Nakhon target set when the policy was have to be used to compensate. of high competition...” Importers of such goods need an import licence from the depart- ment; to provide certification on sanitary and rules-of-origin grounds; standard certification of goods; Domestic auto demand ‘absorbed’ meanwhile, the location where the LAST year was a golden year for goods are to be stocked has to be Thailand’s automobile industry, separate from other products, while which achieved record sales and importers will also be required to production figures due to piled-up notify the authorities of their distri- demand as well as the government’s bution and stock every month. first-car buyers’ scheme. This year, increased demand in the export market is expected to continue the country’s production momentum. According to figures from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, auto sales in Thailand during the first 11 months of last year reached 1,277,287 units, grow- ing 72.9% compared with the same period last year. For that period, Toyota was the best-selling brand with sales of BEYOND RECOVERY: Even excluding data from December, 2012, Thailand’s automobile industry in the first eleven 475,820 units, followed by Isuzu months of last year out-performed the previous nine years in all aspects. Image: Gazette Graphics (191,897), Honda with (150,745), Mitsubishi (114,624) and Nissan The severe flooding in late 2011 up to 100,000 baht being offered This increase will support (108,825). had caused disruption in the per vehicle, the scheme dramati- domestic car sales that may Another year of brisk sales is supply of parts, and auto plants cally increased the demand for contract by as much as 7%, since expected this year with domestic were idle for months, but domes- locally produced passenger cars much domestic car demand has production projected to reach 2.5 tic sales are expected to reach with engine sizes of not over already been absorbed by the first- million units. 1.4mn units, while overall produc- 1,500cc, as well as pickups, car rebate program. Because of Globally, car production is fore- tion is estimated to hit 2.4mn units. priced under 1mn baht. this [absorbed demand], domes- cast at 82.8million units with As for the first-car scheme, According to the research arm tic car sales in 2013 may decline estimated demand slightly less at Somchai Poolsawasdi, director- of Kasikorn Bank (KResearch), from those seen in 2012. 81.9mn units. general of the Excise Department, 2013 will be another record-break- Nonetheless, an expected In Thailand, piled-up demand said about 1.3mn applications ing year for the Thai auto industry. increase in car exports should help due to the halt in production (worth around 90 billion baht in KResearch said it expects car offset lower domestic demand and caused by flooding in late 2011, rebates) had been filed as of the makers to ramp up production for bolster overall auto production to and the implementation of the deadline on December 31, 2012 – export orders, projecting demand a new high of up to 2.6mn units, first-car buyer scheme, were the at least 500,000 higher than of up to 1.29 million units, or as thus rising by as much as 9%, biggest driver behind domestic initially estimated. much as a 26% year on year y-o-y, the center said. sales last year. With excise-duty rebates of (y-o-y) growth. – Kingsley Wijayasinha 12 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS January 26 - February 1, 2013 Virtually exposed The Gazette speaks to Phuket.net about the past, present and near future of 360-degree geo-profiling

A BROADER HORIZON: A panaromic shot of Jungceylon shopping center in Patong is part of a 360-degree view. By Steven Layne around before actually coming. some platforms.” However, StreetView can’t go Now, web browsers have ALTHOUGH the concept of 360- everywhere,” he said. become more advanced, while degree virtual tours has been Such a limitation turns out to new industry standards, such as PARTNERING FOR THE FUTURE: Phuket.net GM Kit Fordham and CTO Richard around for almost as long as the be an opportunity. HTML-5, have emerged. Jones in front of their recently opened office in Cherng Talay. world-wide-web itself, such Building on the virtual floor-plan “This allows users on iPads, hundred 360-degree virtual tours “With complex floor plans, we technology has only recently platform, Phuket.Net for the past iPhones, Android and other across the island, including some are able to do multiple shots for begun to yield its true potential. year has been taking 360º shots smart-phones and tablets, which 250 villas & condos, 50 businesses larger businesses such as hotels, Thanks to the advent of of properties, businesses and other have gyroscopes, to physically and 100 tourist attractions such as shopping malls and hospitals, and developments in global position- attractions across the island. pan around in virtual reality, beaches, viewpoints and temples. are investing in more equipment ing systems (GPS), camera The shots are embedded onto which is the next best thing to A recent benchmark for the and hardware to keep up with technology and improved user the website’s business directory, being there.” project was shooting Jungceyclon increasing demand. interfaces, businesses the world its recently launched 360º Richard added that StreetView, shopping center in Patong, which “In the coming year, we will over are poised to reap a plethora portal, and also uploaded onto by itself, still has a number of included a total of 30 360º shots shoot and index more of these of benefits. YouTube. Meanwhile, clients can other limitations. integrated into the site’s multi- larger projects as well as other Speaking to the Gazette about embed the finished shots onto “We’ve found that there are tiered floor plan. interesting spaces such as such new-found opportunities, their own websites or other often inaccuracies with geo- Other large projects include yachts, surrounding islands and Phuket.Net Chief Technical preferred web-based media coordinates. Google still hasn’t Serenity Resort & Spa, Panwa going further off the beaten Officer Richard Jones highlights channels. made it convenient for anyone to Beach Resort and Phuket Interna- track. For example we have just two key catalysts: Google Asked how online virtual tours update data or information. tional Hospital. shot the interior of Hong Island StreetView and the explosion of are more viable now compared When we do a 360º shoot, we Commenting on strategy for in Phang-Nga Bay.” smart phones and tablet usage. to a decade ago, Richard also update the company’s the coming year, Kit Fordham, “StreetView allowed companies explained: “In the past, such 360º exact coordinates and heading – general manager, said: “In our For more information and examples, to start opening themselves up, virtual tours were dependent on the starting view.” first year, our focus was mostly see the Phuket.Net 360 portal allowing potential clients, wherever downloading additional plugins So far this year, Phuket.Net has on real estate – which didn’t (360.phuket.net) and YouTube they are in the world, to have a look or were simply incompatible on shot and indexed about four require so many shots. channel (youtube.com/phuketnet). Auditors to expand tax Luxury auto dealer aligns brand base by 350,000 with international football lovers THAILAND’S Revenue Department (RD) looks to enhance the PHUKET FC players recently country’s revenue pool by roping in an estimated 200,000 new visited the TSL Auto Corporation taxpayers into the tax base this year. (TSL) premimum imported car Dr Satit Rungkasiri, the RD’s director-general, said in a statement showroom to thank the company on the the RD website that there are about 350,000 undocumented for officially sponsoring the team corporate or individual businesses. in the upcoming Thai Yamaha One “The existence of such a sizable untaxed economy offers a great (Division 1) 2013 season. opportunity to expand the tax base, and the RD has made attempts to Phuket FC’s head coach Panipol bring these sectors into the tax net. In the current fiscal year, the Kerdyam made a personal appear- Revenue Department has set the target of 200,000 new taxpayers, ance, alongside players Nontaphan leaving the remaining 150,000 businesses for the next fiscal year. Jiensathawong, Nenebi Tre Sylyee Affiliated public and private institutions have agreed to share relevant Tre, Luiz Eduardo Purcio, Girogi information in order to track these businesses,” ,” the statement said. Tsimakuridze, Kritsada Sakaew and Ninuruddin Nide-ha, among others. The players had their photos taken with the luxury cars on offer as a way to say thank you to TSL. TSL Auto Phuket branch GM Anek Tipparak told the Phuket NICE SHOT: Nenebi and Dudu as brand ambassadors. Photo: Phuket FC Gazette that TSL wants to sponsor and support local football in Phuket, I think more people will learn to initially unable to identify the as well as promote his brand to recognize the TSL brand across company, which had only officially the international community, many the league.” opened its Phuket showroom early of whom are passionate about Indeed, the club’s marketing and in 2012. the sport. PR activities have increased this year, In addition to live exposure, “Our company wants [to attract] with the club operating under a bud- sponsors can enjoy national clients who are interested in pre- get of more than 90 million baht, exposure of their brand with mium cars,” said Mr Anek. the largest amount so far since its many of the 34 league matches Mr Anek clarified that his brand official incorporation in 2009. also due to be televised on awareness building strategy was not The official logo of TSL, a national cable television, although limited to Phuket fans. Bangkok headquartered firm, first exact broadcasting details have “Phuket FC played well in Thai appeared on the club’s jersey late yet to be finalized. Yamaha League 1 last season and last season, with many local fans – Phuket Gazette January 26 - February 1, 2013 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 13 New development targets beginners

RELIEVING much anticipation of the property market just north of Phuket Town, lifestyle home developer LH Muang Mai Limited (LH), the local subsidiary of trusted property giant Land & Houses, recently unveiled its third housing development on the island: Inizio – Koh Kaew. Pre-sales for the 590.8 million baht development were launched at the project’s site behind Phuket’s main Isuzu Showroom on Thepkrasattri Road, on January 19 and 20, with units being offered at a promotional price of just under 4mn baht. Leading up to the project’s of- ficial curtain-lifting, the developer reported taking in unit reservations totaling about 60 per cent of avail- MODERN CONVENIENCE: The 128-unit subdivision’s plots will range in LH Muang Mai MD, Pittaya Tantipiriyakij (left) and GM Raksaphong able units in the first of three area from 200 to 340 square meters. Photos: Steven Layne Khamkhuancham, at the recent project launch. scheduled phases. derives from the Italian word a kitchen and living area. Thepkrasattri road puts it within security system complete with Once completed, the subdivi- meaning ‘to begin’, as our target All in, the houses’ utility space 20-25 minutes to the airport and 24-hour CCTV. sion will have a total of 128 market is young professionals, comprises about 125 sqm, which a number of other commercial Early reservations will be two-storey, detached houses aged 27-35 years old, who are includes parking space for two and tourist locations on Phuket. offered a complimentary air spanning an area of just under ideally starting a family, perhaps vehicles. The project will provide three conditioning system. 27 rai, or roughly 43,000 square even with a child.” Available plots range in area entrance/exit points for conve- meters. The project’s “modern-design” from 200 to 340 sqm (50 to 85 nient access. For more information call: 076- LH Muang Mai MD Pittaya units will all feature a single, square wa) with the most expen- Facilities of the subdivision 651121-2, or visit the sales office Tantipiriyakij revealed the project’s uniform layout consisting of three sive off-plan unit priced just over include a swimming pool and located off Thepkrasattri road at Koh concept and name origin: “The second-floor bedrooms (one six million baht. kid’s pool, clubhouse, land- Kaew Soi 33, just behind the Isuzu project was named Inizio, which master bedroom), two bathrooms, The project’s ideal location on scaped park, exercise room and Showroom. – Phuket Gazette 14 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY January 26 - February 1, 2013 Flying the not so friendly skies Jesus fashion, the former is still around as a twice in India: on badly executed takeoffs wet lease provider and the latter is another and landings; stranded in Nepal when parts resurrected incarnation of Orient Thai. came off the plane and no one could say if Over the last few months another new set they were required or not. of start-up airlines have hit the market, I survived flying around Vietnam, be- including the ill-fated PC Air, who promoted fore the US embargo was lifted in the early their Ladyboy flight attendants. The new 90’s in those crashworthy Yak-40’s and airline ended up stranded with a plane full of Tupolevs. I’ve flown with chickens in passengers in Seoul. Due to financial issues Cambodia and Laos, and sheep in Namibia. the airline still is grounded as I write this. A few years ago the sheer panic of it all Next in the roll call became too much and is Thai Regional I became absolutely Airlines (TRA), who terrified to fly. At the lured customers to height of the madness pre-buy cheap tickets I took a train from to Phuket and up Jakarta to Yogyakarta country to Chiang (I was almost struck Mai. Reportedly the by lightning) and over anxious carrier drove from Surabaya started to sell the ATR72s are also still in use by Lao Airlines. to Bali rather than go tickets before they Photo: Jean-Michel Baud airborne. even had an operating license. Stay tuned It was madness. So on a trip to Los on this story. Angeles I visited a hypnotherapist, though A KLM plane passes over Maho Bay Beach, Virgin Islands before landing. Photo: Richie Diesterheft With the friendly skies now filled to the I was afraid she’d program me to bark like CERTAINLY this quote airline surge. Everyone brim with new start-up airlines and a dog when I was under. Things calmed from the movie Almost and anyone can fly. because of pilot shortages, I have to down after that, but my mantra has eluded Famous sums up the As in every business admit my pulse starts to race whenever a me the past few years. inherent apprehension of boom once we start to plane I’m in hits the taxiway. Yes, flying those ATR72 overgrown the experience of flying climb the cycle and get up The term “near-miss” is not unfamiliar, rollercoasters to Koh Samui on Bangkok for many readers: “I’m flying high over to where the air starts to thin, that’s when be it clipping a tree top with the landing gear Airway still brings out the worst in me. But Tupelo, Mississippi… with America’s hot- things get crazy. This means that borderline on an Air Molokai flight in the wake of an I refuse to give in, or back down. test band… and we’re about to die.” entrepreneurs and business people, that per- oncoming tropical hurricane or aborting a The mere act of trying to find a parking Perhaps I’ve gone a bit too light on the haps have neither the experience nor the last minute landing in the Canadian wilds as place at Phuket airport is worse than any descriptor. How about going with abject financial backing, start to pile on in to what a herd of moose decide to take up residence in-flight emergency. terror or heart-stopping fright? becomes a chaotic ready-to-rumble fest. on the only landing strip within 50 miles. In this age of everyone flying this Now we are squarely in the right frame Take a glance into the mirror and remem- Or being stuck up the Sepik river in includes me, for better or for worse. of mind to talk about air travel. Asia’s ber the glorious upturn last decade, with Papua New Guinea when our helicopter economic boom has brought about either a such high flying airlines as Phuket Air or pilot shouts out, “We need to land NOW”, Bill Barnett is managing director of C9 blessing or a curse, depending on your own One-Two-GO. Both of these ended up as our fuel gauge hit empty. Hotelworks and can be contacted through particular point of view – the low-cost being blacklisted by the EU. Though, in I have been down the emergency slide C9hotelworks.com. January 26 - February 1, 2013 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 15 Ramada wins top award RAMADA Resort Khao Lak achieved the honor of being a first-time two-time winner of the Top and Luxury Hotel categories by TripAdvisor in its 2013 Travelers’ Choice awards, announced last week. NEW BEGINNING: The Dewa Karon Resort. Photo: Dewakaronresort.com Now in its eleventh year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s Dewa Karon changes best hotels, earning their distinc- tion from those who know them best – real travellers. Unlike any name, management other hotel awards, TripAdvisor MAI-BS (Thailand) has taken months and the resort is poised to Travelers’ Choice winners are BEST IN SHOW: Ramada Resort was recently voted best hotel in Khao Lak. over management of what used to be a leading accommodation based on millions of valuable ing news of both awards, was ‘We outstanding hotels with the help be known as the Dewa Karon provider with trend-setting and reviews and opinions from rock!’ “Of course it’s a great team of more than 75 million reviews Resort Phuket. exciting service concepts ready by travellers around the world. effort, and I want to thank all of and opinions from travellers The resort is currently going November 2013 at the latest,” says This follows the receipt of our valued guests who took the time around the globe. through a re-branding and repo- Mr Klaus R Rauter, managing the prestigious HolidayCheck to write such glowing reviews. “From the best bargain hotels sitioning period and will now be director of Mai-BS (Thailand). Award, also decided by positive “These are important awards, to top luxury properties, outstand- known as Karon Sovereign All Mr Stefan Hermansson, the reviews of satisfied guests, you can’t buy them or fake them, ing service, value and quality are Suites Resort. authorized director of Sovereign which lists Ramada Resort Khao because they are decided by the the hallmarks of our Travelers’ The high-potential All Suites Company Limited, owners of Karon Lak as Thailand’s number one most important people in our Choice winners.” Resort offers 49 luxurious one Sovereign Resort, added: hotel for positive customer feed- industry – travellers themselves. A HolidayCheck spokesman and two-bedroom suites and “We are very happy to have back and one of the top 99 hotels “Ramada Resort Khao Lak has said Ramada Resort Khao Lak was penthouses sized between 63 and found an enthusiastic straightfor- in the world. received more than 600 reviews on a worthy winner. The presentation 140 square meters, with en-suite ward thinking partner in Mai-BS The HolidayCheck Award was TripAdvisor alone, and we are of the HolidayCheck Award will bathrooms, private terraces and (Thailand) to manage and develop bestowed in recognition of the often rated number one on take place at the opening event for private kitchenette. our resort even further for the resort’s “extraordinary dedication TripAdvisor among resorts in Khao the ITB in Berlin, on March 5. Due to high demand for this benefit of all guests and stakehold- as well as the commitment of its Lak. I’m delighted that track record To be eligible for the award, property, about 20 per cent of ers. We knew from the beginning staff to exceed the expectations has been recognized with this award. hotels and resorts had to receive the stunning deluxe suites will be that our resort offers an excellent of its guests with a great prod- “I want to thank my brilliant a recommendation rate of 90 per offered to selected clients, product and we realize that it’s the uct and an excellent service on a and hard-working team for their cent or more, at least five ‘suns’, through a prime vacation club perfect time to reposition our prop- daily basis – a performance efforts, because all good reviews and the reviews were vetted to ownership concept, catering to erty and work even harder on which is reflected in numerous begin with great service. Oh, and make sure there were no detect- guests who appreciate tranquil- ‘software’, such as services and satisfied guests and their positive did I mention that we rock?” able manipulations. ity, space, luxury and privacy for offerings to increase our market- hotel reviews.” Christine Petersen, president, a reasonable price. share in the very competitive Ramada Khao Lak Resort Gen- TripAdvisor for Business, said: To see 2013 Travelers’ Choice “The re-branding and reposition- luxury suite market on Phuket.” eral Manager Michael Vorderleitner “TripAdvisor is once again thrilled winners, go to: tripadvisor.com/ ing process will take about three – Phuket Gazette said his first reaction, upon receiv- to recognize the world’s most TravelersChoice. – Phuket Gazette 16 PHUKET GAZETTE FINANCE January 26 - February 1, 2013 Exploring the theory of Peak Oil very strongly. An econometric Obviously I don’t think any of model is basically an attempt to this is going to happen tomor- By David Mayes quantify a country or the entire row, but the current economic world’s economic activity into a slump will not go on forever and mathematical equation or func- there will be another period like I READ a fascinating report tion. While obviously it could be the late nineties’ boom. recently from a Harvard researcher argued that even God, Allah, Just like the ‘tulip boom’, and that shatters the common view of Krishna and Buddha working every other preceding one in how quickly oil is becoming a together would have trouble history, up to the most recent prop- scarce resource. It essentially with this task, the models are erty bubbles, those who can see states that – given new technol- generally very useful in under- the writing on the wall early enough ogy – the idea of “Peak Oil” is standing relationships between have often made their fortunes long fundamentally flawed. the variables that help or hinder before the general public hops on Peak Oil is a theory that at economic growth. at the very end, just in time for the a certain point in history bust part of the cycle. (approaching very quickly), ‘One thing I am very skeptical of, I am not sure what the next humans will reach the peak catalyst for a boom will be, but amount of oil production where energy is concerned, is that I am always trying to think capabilities, and from that point the major players, with their vast ahead. One thing I am very on, oil will become scarcer skeptical of, where energy is while demand will continue to oil reserves, would not likely concerned, is that the major grow. Obviously this would be allow for any circumstances to players, with their vast oil a huge conundrum for human- come about that would decrease reserves, would not likely allow ity, yet this theory ignores for any circumstances to come increases in our technological the value of their oil stocks.’ about that would decrease the capabilities, especially in going value of their oil stocks. TO THE LAST DROP: Crude exports as a percentage by country. Source: MIT after the hard-to-get oil. What I find most fascinating, Collectively, they have enor- I am not qualified to give an is the general prospect that a game mous power and influence, and opinion on whether this report is changing “rock bottom price of are widely believed to buy up and correct or incorrect, but since I energy” could happen in our life- shelve any patents for potentially also recently read another article time. It may not necessarily even competitive technologies. So, about some chaps in the UK who be oil, but perhaps a substitute there is a definite reason not to have apparently successfully energy source, which could be be too optimistic about super created gasoline out of thin air, it developed, stored, distributed and cheap energy coming around really got me thinking. incorporated into the various soon, but, I think the commonly Again, I have no idea if this factors of production at a price accepted pessimistic view that is something that will be drastically cheaper than today. we are on the verge of an en- successful commercially, or Just consider the mind boggling ergy crisis may not be grounded rolled out on a large enough scale rate of change in technological in reality either. to affect global macro-economic capabilities over the last 20 years. dynamics. However, it is very Looking forward 20 years, it is David Mayes MBA, lives in Phuket interesting food for thought. hard to know what the world will and provides wealth management If you look at most academic be like. Plug a price close to zero services to expats around the globe, econometric models of the world for energy into one of those mod- focusing on UK pension transfers. economy, you will find the price els I mentioned earlier and the stage He can be reached at 085-335-8573 of oil is always weighted very, would be set for a global boom. or [email protected] BLACK GOLD: Peak Oil may prove to be a fallacy. Photo: Mike Baird Exporters fear rapid appreciation EXPORTERS recently urged the year, the baht situation is based on Bank of Thailand (BoT) to cut the market demand and supply. policy interest rate as a measure Deputy Prime Minister and to divert foreign capital and halt Finance Minister Kittiratt Na- the appreciation of the baht. Ranong said recently that the As the baht continued its upward currency is “not at a good level” trend, gaining nearly 3% since the and exporters will face difficulties end of 2012 until recently, Paiboon should it strengthen further. The Ponsuwanna, chairman of the Thai Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong government has “no plan to use any National Shippers Council, urged speculation. He added that the drastic measures to interfere in the the government to take action. central bank would closely moni- market,” he said. “The government should come tor the currency’s movement. While economists expect further up with urgent and concrete “Overall, the baht/dollar exchange inflows and appreciation of the measures to manage the currency rate has moved in line with other baht, Prasarn said it was based on rather than talk,” said Paiboon. regional currencies. The trend could positive economic fundamentals. Virabongsa Ramangkura, somewhat reverse. Last year, the However, he said Thailand is economic adviser to Prime baht appreciated less than other promoting overseas investment by Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, currencies, but this year the appre- Thai companies. Last year, direct earlier said that lower policy rates ciation is more rapid. It is natural. overseas investment reached would deter inflows. The central However, those in the foreign US$19bn (565bn baht), against bank has amassed over 300 billion exchange market should be careful, US$20bn (595bn baht) inflows. baht in accounting losses, due to as there are signs of speculation. Kittiratt admitted that the export past interventions. The baht has Given the current movement, it sector would be challenged if the appreciated by 2.6% since the end seems risks in the foreign-exchange baht went under 30 to the dollar. of last year, making it the biggest market are overlooked,” he said. He hopes that overseas investment gainer among Asian currencies. He added that the central bank would reduce the pressure while tax Current BoT Governor, Prasarn has measures in place to handle measures should also encourage Trairatvorakul, conceded that the capital inflows. However, he industrialists to import new Thai currency has appreciated too declined to comment on whether the machinery. The 2.27-trillion baht rapidly and reiterated his readiness central bank would intervene in the infrastructure investment project to launch measures to stem the market, saying that the bank’s main should also spark imports of raw inflow of “hot money” into the objective is to ensure movement in materials. “The government’s policy bond and equity markets. He noted line with fundamentals. is not to resort to any means that that most of the inflows are for Prasarn also said that unlike the will cause volatility in the financial short-term investment, a sign of attack on the Hong Kong dollar last market,” he said. – The Nation January 26 - February 1, 2013 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 17

The KEE Resort & Spa in Patong was one of the first independent hotels to adopt Wide Discovery’s online booking system. The pool area at the Kee (left) and lobby. Thai hotels benefit from local software ABOUT 1,000 member hotels of the Thai Our direct booking system also gives Hotel Association (THA) are benefiting independent hotels more control over from a locally developed room reservation marketing strategies and room reserva- technology that is changing the way tions by putting them in direct contact hotels in Thailand do business online, with their guests. keeping them ahead of the game in the The Kee Resort & Spa in Patong is one global hospitality industry. Phuket hotel that has benefited from The new ‘Software as a Service’ for using Wide Discovery’s online booking independent hotels is the result of a system, since it opened almost three years recently formed exclusive partnership ago. between THA and Phuket-based hospitality “We began using the booking system IT specialist, Wide Discovery Co Ltd. The through our website about six months service will provide direct online room res- before the hotel opened, in the last quar- ervations, which allows member hotels to ter of 2010. We have seen a 30 per cent accept online bookings directly through THA increase in direct bookings, which gives websites,thaihotels.org and thaihoteldeal.com our guests more flexibility and choices, This innovation is seen as a massive as well as reducing the commissions paid boost for independent hotels in an indus- to third parties,” said Executive Director try that has been dominated by online Tanapong Somnam. travel agents (OTAs), which can demand “Our guests get more value and flexibil- high discounts and commissions for ity, with more choice of promotions and group bookings collated through popular privileges, as well as a guaranteed room travel websites. reservation. For us, the system means more Wide Discovery Managing Director flexibility. We can control room allotments Parkphoom Thamperakul said their Soft- more easily, get better feedback from our ware as a Service offers more flexibility guests and we ultimately pay much lower for guests booking online as well as boost- booking fees,” said Mr Somnam. ing profits for independent hoteliers. According to research by Forrester, air “There is a growing global trend in direct tickets account for the largest share of the VALUE AND FLEXIBILITY: A sea view suite room at the KEE Resort and Spa. online bookings in the hospitality industry online travel booking market, closely cruises and tours (1 per cent) has remained rise from 28 per cent to 32 per cent in 2014. rather than hotels solely relying on OTAs, followed by hotel bookings, car rental, stable since 2008. However, online air ticket because it offers more choices for guests cruises and tours. sales have taken a dip from 59 to 55 per For more information, visit: widediscovery.com. and fewer losses for hoteliers,” he said. The ratio of car rentals (11 per cent), cent while hotel bookings are expected to – Phuket Gazette 18 PHUKET GAZETTE OPINION January 26 - February 1, 2013 Stateless visitors need more than hospitality THE plight of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar’s Rakhine State during the current “sailing season” (see pages 44-45) clearly shows the need for Asean and other international bodies to come together to help solve, or at least alleviate, the root causes of the problem inside Myanmar as soon as possible. This will of course be no easy task. Few international humani- tarian issues on the planet have more confounding range of underlying problems, dating back to colonial times, than that of the Rohingya. These people have faced a long history of official persecution inside Buddhist-majority Myanmar, which steadfastly refuses to accept the Muslim Rohingya as its citizens and effec- tively leaves them stateless – illegal immigrants in a land many have occupied for generations. In a perfect world, statelessness might seem an attractive situ- ation: no immigration hassles, no taxes, the list goes on. It’s not hard to imagine the many benefits that might accrue from being able to fly completely undetected under the nose of “Big Brother”. But in our highly imperfect world, the reality of statelessness is a living nightmare few of us can imagine: no freedom of move- ment, no legal way to make a living or gain a basic education, even denied the most basic rights that so many of us take for granted. This might be something for Gazette readers to consider next time they are complaining about the need to make a “visa run” or report themselves at Immigration every 90 days. Worst of all, statelessness is the most vicious of spirals. Children of stateless people are almost always doomed to the same fate, as the path to citizenship invariably involves a consid- erable paper trail that starts with proving the citizenship of one Fair, balanced taxi recollection or both parents. Re: Gazette online, Phuket Island Stop using this term [death Of course the Rohingya don’t have a monopoly on stateless- View: No taxi experience impos- bend]; it is silly and takes the re- ness. Here in Phuket they make up only a small fraction of the sible, January 19 sponsibility [of the accidents] number of stateless people living on the island. Some Rohingya Thank you for creating a bal- away from the drivers. eke out a living selling roti while others find work down by the Mike ance for the history of Phuket taxi Do you have an opinion to voice? docks in Rassada. Whatever their numbers, they are no doubt Gazette forum drivers. I read your news regu- Email [email protected] dwarfed compared to other stateless Burmese, many of whom larly, as Phuket is my primary were born and raised on the island, are fluent in Thai and have holiday destination and I like to see never known any other home. Yet here in Phuket, the authori- what’s happening. Can’t cope with ties cannot even come up with a reliable estimate of their It’s time for all authorities to Yes, there is a lot to point your stand up for the rights of all citi- possible motive numbers. The business community, at least, appreciates the vast finger at when it comes to taxi riches many of them have accrued as a result of the backbreak- zens and tourists – not thugs! drivers in Phuket, but on the other Agree 100 Per Cent Re: Gazette online, Phuket Police ing work of the Burmese. side of the coin my best holiday In addition to international humanitarian organizations, the Phuket forum investigate ‘work conflict’ as motive experience on the island is because for Jintana murder, January 19 Gazette calls on international Muslim organizations and their mem- of a Patong taxi driver. ber states to do more to help the Rohingya, perhaps by setting up I really hope it turns out to be Two years ago, I met a driver Speeding on full some other motive, as it’s just too a quota system to help absorb some of these people into their in Patong. I wanted to take a own nations and cultures. To enable this, the Thai government tanks of fuel sad to imagine that in this world driving tour of Phuket. During the something as small as sacking must allow access to these asylum seekers by representatives of day we started to get along and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Re: Gazette online, Phuket taxi someone from their job would on the way home he invited me to result in such an action. I pass my dinner with his family. As is driver rushes to his death, Janu- ary 18 condolences to her family, as well normal, I was skeptical in the as her two children, who have lost beginning, but I do not regret Many times when I take a taxi from Phuket Airport to Kata, the their mother. Very, very sad to read accepting his invitation. this story. After dinner, I was invited to drivers first stop to refuel and then drive very fast – over 130kmh. Mark join the family as they watched one Gazette forum of their friends be ordained as a And when driving like this they are monk at Wat Kathu. For me as a talking on their phones and mess- Norwegian, it was a once-in-a- ing with text messages. Most of Ain’t no hate when it lifetime experience – for sure a the drivers don’t respond if I tell holiday that’s not going into the them to slow down. This accident comes to helping out blender. is sad, but it was bound to hap- I will be back in Patong next pen. Daily police radar control Recently, I ran out of petrol on week, and I hope to get in con- near the airport would be helpful the bypass road well past 10pm. tact with my taxi driver friend in preventing these accidents. This was the second time I’d run again. WK out of fuel on that road late at Andreas Nyborg Gazette forum night. Once again, within minutes Patong a motorbike driver slowed after he Death Bend: No passed me and then pulled over. No “ghost riding” to the near- Free market taxis such thing est petrol point for me this time… the man had thin medical tubing Re: Gazette online, Phuket Opin- Re: Gazette online, Two Phuket and with a great deal of effort, ion: Curing the festering sores of motorcyclists die in separate which included a couple mouth- ‘public’ transport, January 20 accidents, January 17 fuls of petrol, he siphoned enough Agree 100 per cent! Some There is no such thing as a fuel from his tank to get my people think the real issue is the “death bend”, not on Phuket or motorbike running again. high prices being charged by anywhere else. After establishing where in transport mafia. There are a lot of people on this Thailand he was from and that I No! island who are driving way too was from the States, he was off. It’s about a free market for all fast. Sometimes they kill others, Haters are always going to hate, Thais, like in every other province sometimes kill themselves. but let’s put another knot in the in Thailand. I am really sorry for the rope for the good deeds and good- Volume 20 Issue 4 It’s about the right of all Thais deceased, may they rest in peace, will of the people in Phuket. to offer transport services with- but it was speed that claimed their Alex Stone out fear of thugs. lives, not the road. Chalong January 26 - February 1, 2013 OPINION PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Wise words to mark Australia Day 2013

Australian Ambassador James Wise arrived in Thailand to take up the post AUSTRALIA Day 2013 is an as Head of Mission at the opportunity for Australians Australian Embassy in everywhere to reflect on our Bangkok in August 2010. By FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE: Not all Russians are dangerous, but it seems nation’s achievements and future. many of them are landing in trouble in Phuket. Photo: Johan Oomen Australia is an economically November that year he had prosperous country filled with tal- already met the Phuket ented people, optimism and ideas. Governor to discuss critical We are the birthplace of some of issues affecting Australian Cold truths from the world’s greatest inventions. We produce some of the world’s expats and tourists in Phuket. finest food. We are home to the Here, as Australia marks 60 world’s oldest continuing culture. years of bilateral ties with We are a great sporting nation. the eastern front Thailand, Ambassador Wise shares a special message To all Australians holidaying, RUSSIANS have been getting a lot living and working in Thailand, I to mark Australia Day 2013. of bad press lately. Some of them wish you a happy and safe are allegedly running escort ser- By Chris Hudon Australia Day. vices, massage parlors, taxis and Australia Day is also a time for tour companies in Phuket – and if Do you have an opinion to voice? us to reflect on Australia in the glo- that were it, I wouldn’t mind. It Email [email protected] bal community and our important doesn’t upset me when one relationships, including with Thai- “mafia” steals from another, but But still the question remains, land. Australia and Thailand have that’s not it. “Why are there so many incidents a relationship as broad as it is deep. It seems this demographic is with Russian tourists here?” Our shared geopolitical location in more prone to aggressive confron- In a condemnation of the the Asia-Pacific region provides tation than most. It’s not an assault at Catch Beach Club, and in the basis for our mutual interests isolated belief, as evidenced by the defense of his fellow countrymen, and shared goals. Last year we abundant forum comments in Serg wrote on the Gazette forum: marked the 60th anniversary of our local media. Anti-Russian senti- “This is a terrible incident. I regret diplomatic ties. ment is growing. that my countrymen behaved inap- In particular, our trade and One recent report of violence propriately. [You] cannot beat investment relationship is strong sparked condemnation. The as- women under any circumstances. and continues to prosper, under- sault of DJ Tom Travers and his These people should be punished to pinned by the Thailand – Australia Thai girlfriend Jen, whose nose the fullest extent of the law! Free Trade Agreement and the Boats take to Sydney Harbor to celebrate Australia Day. Photo: Amy Barker was broken by Russian men at “However, I ask you to not for- Asean-Australia-New Zealand tinue to warmly welcome about in the arts shows that Australians Catch Beach Club, enraged the get that ‘every family has its black Free Trade Agreement. Australia 20,000 Thais who choose to study and Thais work well together. We Phuket community at large. sheep’ and please do not compare is now Thailand’s eighth-largest in Australia each year. This is help- value working with Thailand as a There are many bad apples all Russians with these monsters.” trading partner and Thailand is ing to build our Australian alumni member of Asean in the East Asia among the other nationalities of He’s right. Australia’s ninth-largest partner. In community in Thailand. The Em- Summit and in the Asian-Pacific expats living in Phuket: one of But the “why?” persists. Maybe 2011-12, two-way trade was val- bassy is proud to support Australian Economic Community. Belgium’s most wanted men was the Russians in Phuket are not a ued at over 503 million baht. Thai Alumni, led by the Australian-Thai On this special day, the Austra- arrested in Phuket for murder, representative segment of Rus- investment in Australia has grown Chamber of Commerce. lian Embassy invites everyone to British national Lee Aldhouse was sians in general. Thailand has long in leaps and bounds in recent Australians continue to value the participate in our latest initiative to extradited to Phuket for the been known as a haven for years and now stands at over 406 warm and generous hospitality of share Australia and Australian cul- murder of US Marine Dashawn criminals wanting to go unnoticed. billion baht. We are working to Thais, with over 950,000 Austra- ture with Thai people. Please visit Longfellow and Norwegian Stein In my opinion, what is needed encourage more Australian invest- lians arriving in Thailand in 2012. and “Like” our new “Australia in Dokset was charged with killing now is for decent Russians to ment in Thailand, currently valued Broad-ranging cooperation in Thailand” Facebook page. We also his girlfriend and hiding her stand up and fight for acceptable at just over 62bn baht. defense, law enforcement, customs, encourage all Australians to regis- decomposing body in an acid bath behavior. In that we can all be In education, Australians con- agriculture and transport, as well as ter at www.smarttraveller.gov.au. – to name just a few. united.

Getting the old bags out of the house High and dry Is there a collection place for plastic bags throughout Kamala. Our housing estate used to be plastic shopping bags? There’s a We are currently still designing connected to a local water-sup- local bin for plastic bottles, but no what the bins will look like. When ply system. Twelve months ago place to bring the many plastic that is done, we will place bins in we were connected to the mains shopping bags I have collected front of Kamala Police Station, in water system, and now the houses over time. Please help. front of the Big C store, and two at higher locations have low Drowning In Plastic Bags, more on Kamala Beach. water pressure or no water at all. Kamala We are currently looking for When we called the water- sponsors for the project, but we works authority, they said. “There Supasima Sungval of the Green expect the bins to be in place are too many people using the working to find solutions. We Grow Network at the Kamala within the next two weeks. water right now.” have installed new pipes and fixed Tambon Administrative Orga- In the meantime, we have set Should we accept that answer? water mains release valves, and nization (OrBorTor) replies: New bins for recycling plastic bags up black plastic bags next to the RM we will continue to do so until the The Green Grow Network is a are on their way to Kamala Beach. plastic bottle collection bins in Irawadee, Kathu system works well for everyone. collection of government officers idea at the OrBorTor general meet- Kamala. You may use the black I invite anyone with a water at the Kamala OrBorTor who work ing on January 11. plastic bags to recycle the plastic Pisak Chonlayut, Director, problem to call my cell phone together to promote recycling. At the meeting the Green Grow shopping bags you have collected. Phuket Waterworks Authority, directly at 087-0120295 so that I We already have a plan in mo- Network was granted permission For more information, call me replies: can instantly dispatch workers to tion to set up bins for recycling to go ahead with its project to at 089-6483603 or contact the Many areas in Kathu have wa- solve the problem. I am available plastic bags and we presented our place several recycling bins for Kamala OrBorTor at 076-212464. ter-supply problems and we are 24 hours a day. 20 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013

KANOM THAI PHUKET

CENTRA SENDS NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO

Wilawan Chiammanasombut (right), general manager of GOVERNOR OF the Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong, and Sudawan Koliyanon (left), assistant Sales/PR manager, paid a visit to Phuket’s Governor Maitri Inthusut, to wish him a happy and PHUKET prosperous New Year.

Vachiraya Thitalohakul (left) and Yen Vachira Thitalohakul (right) of Kanom Thai Phuket, present their authentic Thai desserts to PGTV SANSIRI MEDIA TRIP producer, Simon Hands as a New Year’s greeting.

Sansiri invited media from Phuket to spend a weekend in Hong Kong. I LEAF TOWN NOW OPEN i-LEAF Town sales have officially opened with a promotion offering “fully furnished” units starting at 1.95 million baht. 130 units have already been booked, after only three weeks on offer.

Mr Hasakorn Boonyoung, assistant to the managing director of Kanda Property Co, Ltd. (The New Generation of Kanda.)

ABLE ARCHITECTS CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS’ BUILDING SUCCESS

Leading Phuket architecture firm Able Architects celebrated its fifth anniversary with a prestigious 'white corporate' event at the Blue Elephant Restaurant in Phuket Town, Wednesday, January 16.

22 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013

HOUSE CHALONG D CONDO 1, KATHU Properties Fully furnished, 400sqm, 3 WOULD YOU LIKE LUXURY -29.94sqm, mountain view, SINGLE HOUSE For Sale bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, TO ENJOY? PANORAMA SEA & price 1,278,000 baht. FOR SALE/ RENT european kitchen, 4 aircons, ISLAND VIEW -29.70sqm, mountain view, 8x2m swimming pool, jaccuzi, price 1,280,000 baht. car park for 2 cars, lake view. RAWAI VILLA SALE -29.79sqm, pool view, price Price: 6.2 million baht. Tel: 082- 1,330,000 baht. ONLY 4.9MB 809 2873. -29.70sqm, pool view, price 1,365,000 baht. 3 GORGEOUS LOTS, CLEAN TITLES Contact Vutdy on 081-892 3709. For sale or long lease. 2 lots Only 9.8 million baht from For sale. 3-storey villa, 1 In Thanapa Park View vil- on island beachfront (bungalow/ German private vendor. Tel: rai, Yamu Hills, 560sqm, lage in Koh Kaew. 57sq housing-estate) and 1 big main- 089-868 6842. Picture living area, 6 bedrooms, HOUSE IN wah, with 2 bedrooms, 2 land mountain-property all in choices and further infor- 3 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, VILLA DOWROONG bathrooms, a kitchen, a very quiet, secure, well main- mation please see www. infinity pool. Sale: 34.7 Phuket Town. 3 bedrooms, 3 carpark and a garden. 400sqm land, 3 bedrooms, tained locations, near Krabi. flickr.com/photos/thai million baht. Tel: 089-582 bathrooms, 47sq wah. Tel: 089- Sale: 2.25 million baht. 3 bathrooms, garage, gar- Must see. For further details, stylevilla 8401. Email: pbbronze@ 909 2771. Rent: 11,000 baht per den, furnished. For quick please see our website at gmail.com month. Contact owner. sale. Tel: 081-691 3029. www.sackenheim.net FREEHOLD CONDO Tel: 083-180 2143. Email: Email: kris_silanachai@ FOR SALE CHALONG PATONG [email protected] yahoo.com PRIVATE SALE OF VILLA Patong Condotel, 7th floor, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, SEAVIEW PENTHOUSE HALF A RAI FOR SALE 28sqm. Fully furnished, kitchen, PATONG CONDOS At Ao Makham. Land is located large lounge and family room, new bathroom and aircon. Sea- FOR SALE kitchen. 800sqm plot, in very ZENITH@CHALONG opposite Port of Phuket and side, 800m to the beach. Price: Several beautiful modern fur- next to Bel Air Cape Panwa quiet location. Tel: 084-745 1.35 million baht o.b.o. Tel: 084- nished apartments with sea/ Resort. Price 4.2 million. For 5546 (English). 844 7693 (English & Thai). mountain views and swimming more information please call: Email: [email protected] pools for sale. 35-67sqm. 081-891 5932, 089-035 6702. LAND FOR SALE Priced from 2,450-3,650 mil- Nai Yang. 2,630sqm. Chanote. lion baht. Tel: 087-819 2162 Price: 9.5 million baht. Tel: 089- 30 RAI IN TOWN (English & Thai). Email CHALONG VILLA 724 1140. Flat land near Dowroong [email protected] ON 1 RAI 360º panoramic sea view School in Phuket Town. Tel: and mountain view. 310sqm, 081-691 2526. 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Email: info@thenetwork tiful views. 13.5 million baht. lage at Land & Houses Park, bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Good Tel: 081-868 7676. Email: property.com www.thenet Tel: 084-304 7775. Email: Chalong. Good location and for stay! 2.85 million baht. Tel: [email protected] workproperty.com/ [email protected] entrance from bypass road. 083-506 9155. Email: sumitra. phuketproperty-phuket Built 2 years ago. Tel: 084- [email protected] agency/Rawai-Detached- 627 7001. house-with-2-bed HOUSE IN PHUKET EXCLUSIVE OFFER LAND NEAR KATA VILLA 5 FOR SALE rooms.html CENTER BEACHFRONT Great location, road access, BEACHFRONT VILLAS LAND FOR SALE 5 mins to Kata Beach and Delightful beachfront pool vil- main road, 1,450sqm with title las on Koh Lanta. Only limited deed. Contact Lychee. Tel: units available. 9.95 million 081-891 3048 (English & Ger- man). 110sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- baht. Interest Free Financing rooms, living room, kitchen, available. Tel: 089-839 8255 diner + furniture, restaurant & (English & Thai). Email: info@ Own a top-class luxury LAND AT bar. Plot fully built so foreigner lantaestate.net studio for 5 million baht and CHERNG TALAY can own. Must see! Ad- 46sq wah, furnished, 3 double your money in 5 390sq wah, nice flat land, quiet dress: 24/7 Pisitkoranee bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, SEAVIEW LAND PLOT years! East coast. Janu- 2 rai, absolute amazing area, Chanote. In Pasak Soi 5 Road, Patong. Tel: 081-124 3 aircons, carpark. Only BANGTAO ary only promotion. Tel: beachfront, few minutes near Laguna Home. Price: 6 mil- 8051. Email: mingrestau 3.5 million baht. Tel: 081- Upscale development. Ready 080-882 1377 (English). boat ride from Phuket, fac- lion baht. Tel: 089-472 9118, 086- [email protected] 787 7675. to build single villa,1,026sqm. Email: beachprojects1@ ing west to sunset and 709 2933. Chanote. All utilities, last plot gmail.com For further de- views of Phuket. 13 million available only 7.5 million baht. tails, please see our baht per rai. Tel: 086-278 Tel: 086-267 0157. Email: website at www.beach 8300. Email: izzy.serenity [email protected] projects.com [email protected]

2 UNITS PATONG PARADISE COMPLEX Good location, central walkway. Only 19.95 million baht. Con- tact William. Tel: 090-153 6720.

KHOK KLOY 8.5 RAI LAND

Beautiful land, 1km to beach, 2km from Sarasin Bridge. 750,000 baht per rai. From owner. Tel: 083- 388 8036. January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 23

CONDO SALE PATONG HOUSE FOR SALE Prime location, deluxe apart- SALE BAR HOTEL+ Karon Beach. Great view. TOWNHOUSE PLOT FOR SALE POOL VILLA ment, pool, gym, sauna, 1 SHOP RAWAI 100sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- IN KOH KAEW Palai Soi 2, behind Phuket NEXT TO PIA 43sqm, 3.5 million baht. rooms. 400sqm land, car Zoo. Tel: 086-375 4884. Freehold. Tel: 087-2258 311. park. Tel: 082-538 5909. Email: darunee55@yahoo. Email: [email protected] com RENOVATED VILLA Chalong, 3 bedrooms, 3 BANGLA SUITES bathrooms, pool. 4.750 mil- APARTMENT LAND FOR SALE lion baht. Tel: 082-420 7052. Unique investment opportunity. Soi Salika, Rawai, at the top www.stayonphuket.com Owner needs to sell his 60sqm view of Chalong Bay and the luxury apartment. Tel: 081-894 Big Buddha. Does not need Land plot 700sqm + build- landscaping. 477sq wah or Brand-new, luxury villa with APARTMENT SEAVIEW ing: 10 bedrooms, 10 bath- 8446. For more info, please visit 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, KARON www.southernfriedrice.com 1,908sqm. No brokers please. rooms, 2 restaurants, Tel: 084-745 4132. 12m swimming pool, guest 4th floor, 600m to beach. newly renovated, private, fi- bungalow, ready to move 130sqm, freehold, 2 bed- nancing by owner. Down RAWAI LAND SALE in. Perfectly located in a rooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 swim- payment 2 million baht + 13 1 rai in Soi Suksan, flat land, NEARLY 4 RAI development with under- ming pools, fitness center. yearly payments of 1 mil- freehold, concrete road and Chanote title. Safe area. Sub- ground electricity and secu- 9.98 million baht. No agency. lion baht. Own forever, land electric access. Quick sale! divided into 6 plots (Chanotes) rity, only 800m from Mis- Tel: 080-033 3733. Email: title. 60m to Nikita. Tel: Tel: 089-472 9870. Email: each ca. 1,000sqm. Only 6.75 sion Hills Golf Course, less [email protected] 084-242 8914. Email: [email protected] million baht per rai, negotiable. than 10 minutes to airport, [email protected] Tel: 089-647 4875 (English & Phuket International Acad- GOLF VIEW VILLA Thai). Email: chanchira.p emy and Ao Por Grand FOR SALE KAMALA HOUSE Corner unit, 3 bedrooms, 3 [email protected] Marina. For sale: 14.9 mil- LOCH PALM LUXURY FOR SALE Near British International School. POOL VILLA bathrooms, fully furnished. lion baht or long-term rent: 4 bedrooms + maid's room. 17 Near BIS, 2 bedrooms, 2 3.5 million baht. Tel: 089- 5 RAI THALANG 2.7 100,000 baht per month. million baht. Tel: 089-724 7211 bathrooms, ready to move in. 472 9118. MILLION BAHT Tel: 081-343 0777. Email : (English). Email: julien@phuket 8.8 million baht. Tel: 089-724 Beautiful flat land near PIA, [email protected] immo.com For further details, 7211 (English). Email: julien@ public road access, Chanote please see our website at http:/ CONDOS FOR SALE phuketimmo.com title, 2.7 million baht per rai. Tel: /phuketimmo.net Andaman Beach Condo, KAMALA LEASEHOLD Patong, Phuket. 19th floor, 081-737 8624 (English & Thai). Hotel room, no kitchen, 17 BEAUTIFUL VILLA 269.69sqm, 38 million baht. Email: [email protected] years left, 30sqm, 2 pools, KARON 15th floor, 126.43sqm, 18 mil- jacuzzi, full resort facilities. URGENT SALE/ Near Phuket FantaSea. RENT Open, an easy-living villa. lion baht. 7th floor, 132.43sqm, Price: 750,000 baht. Tel: 084- Enjoy the private pool. 3 Price: 3.2 million baht. Ne- 18 million baht. Transfer fee OCEAN FRONT 7160 502. bedrooms. Covered park- gotiable. Tel: 081-719 1041. duty stamp and taxes included. LAND ing. Secure estate close to Email: teddykong0222@ Contact Songpan for details. GOLF VIEW LAND beach, a true piece of art. hotmail.com Tel: 081-737 8662. Email: FOR SALE Price: 13.9 million baht. Tel: [email protected] Near BIS 1,020sqm, ready to 081-719 4688. Email: elbej@ build. 5 million baht. Tel: 089- hotmail.com NEW CONDO: URGENT LUXURY CONDO 724 7211 (English). Email: SALE/RENT Freehold, 114sqm, in Nai Thon [email protected] LAND FOR SALE Beach. 13,950,000 baht. Di- Karon Beach. Seaview. 400sqm. rect from owner. Contact Ben. 4.5 million baht. Tel: 082-538 Tel: 084-305 4753. LARGE HOUSE + 5909. Email: [email protected] 7 rai with 185m of sea 1 RAI frontage. Water, electricity, PATONG/ KALIM BAY road, and boat access, 3 bed, 2 bath with large ga- House in Patong. Newly BEST LAGOON VIEW! CONDO located 800m from Yacht rage and separate storage room. Nice pond and large built 40sq wah, near Sea Fully modernized 1-bed- 30m to beach, sea view, sec- Haven Marina, perfect site garden in Thalang near Pearl project, Patong. 2 room condo (freehold!) sec- ond floor, best location, freehold, for small beachfront devel- PIA. 8 million baht. 0% fi- storeys, 3 bedrooms, 3 bath- ond floor Allamanda 1 for Special price, modern 110sqm, terrace, 2 bedrooms, opment. For quick sale: nance available over 5 rooms, fully furnished, 2 sale by owner. European style, 30sqm, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, west- only 5 million baht per rai. years. Tel: 076-621200, aircon, kitchen with hood, re- style kitchen, marble and 1 living room, 1 pantry. In ern kitchen, pool, car park. 9.8 Tel: 081-343 0777. Email: 080-141 8292 (English & frigerator, dining room, living granite bath with 2 sinks, Kathu, 3km to Patong. million baht. Tel: 081-824 1385 montha_phuket@ yahoo. Thai). Email: davestacey room, hot water, cable TV wood floors, new closets. Full set of built-in furniture. (English). Email: jbiwo@cs com [email protected] and internet. Tel: 086-476 Asking price 8.3 million Ready to move in! Contact loxinfo.com 9612. baht. Email: [email protected] Ya. Tel: 081-797 5138. OCEANFRONT VILLA Classified Advertisements Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Then hand it to any of our agents.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Luxury brand-new villa, fully furnished and ready to move in, 3 bedrooms 4 bath- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| rooms with 10m long infinity swimming pool and truly beautiful sea view. Located |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| in a small developement, only 50m from the sea and 3 minutes from Ao Por Grand Marina. For sale: |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| 19.9 million baht or long- term rent: 150,000 baht per month. Tel: 081-343 0777. Email: montha_phuket@ |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| yahoo.com

Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Looking for land to buy? Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. See more classified ads Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. at www.phuketgazette.net 24 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013

ORCHID KATHU Properties NICE HOUSE HEIGHTS POOL / LAKE VILLA For Rent IN CHALONG Serviced apartment. Studio, 1 FOR RENT bedroom, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- rooms, rooftop pool, free WiFi. HOUSE BANG TAO Tel: 081-892 0038. For further BEACH details, please see our website Fully furnished, many houses at www.orchidkathuheights- available, start from 12,000 phuket.com bath per month. Short or long term. Tel: 089-795 6363. Email: LOVELY APARTMENTS [email protected] Single house (74sq wah) with FOR RENT lovely garden for long-term http://pukeyomefc2.web.fc2. com/phuketcondorent.htm POOL VILLA FOR RENT rent in Soi Parichart, Land & Houses Park. It has 3 bed- 4 bedrooms, pool, 5 bath- rooms and 2 bathrooms, 24 rooms. Bungalows, houses THAI WOODEN HOUSE hr security + clubhouse facili- and apartments also available FOR RENT ties. Price: 25,000 baht per in Bang Tao. Tel: 081-538 2110, fully furnished, WiFi, daily, month or special price of 087-279 6532. monthly, yearly. Tel: 086-375 20,000 baht per month with- 4884. Email: darunee55@ Spacious 150sqm, 2 bed- out furniture. Contact the yahoo.com rooms, 2 bathrooms, fully BIG HOUSE FOR RENT owner. Tel: 081-867 6466 furnished villa on 500sqm Long pool, yard, fully furnished. (English & Thai). Email: land on peaceful lakeshore in Short or long-term rent. 65,000 [email protected] 2-BEDROOM the heart of Rawai, Phuket. baht per month. Available on 26 HOUSE, BANG TAO Multilevel design with ample January. View now. Tel: 090- KUTA GOLF patio, balcony, and BBQ 071 7163 (English). space surrounding the 2 bedrooms penthouse: house right on your own pri- 45,000 baht. 1 bedroom pent- vate lakeshore, very pictur- KATA OCEAN VIEW house: 35,000 baht. Contact NEW FULLY esque and peaceful at the 1-2 BED VILLA CONDO Dennis. Tel: 085-994 0364. FURNISHED HOUSE end of a quiet cul-de-sac FURNISHED RAWAI Fully furnished, seaview and villa, boasts 150sqm living non-seaview apartments, avail- CHEAP KAMALA space + large garage/work- able for long-term rental. From Rent house, 2 bedrooms, 2 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- shop with complete bath- 15,000 to 40,000 baht per bathrooms, 1 kitchen, fully fur- rooms, kitchen, terrace, room, cable, internet, and month. Located on Kata Hill.Tel: nished, free cable and internet. living room, parking, fully water supply included. Rent: 076-330641. For further details, At least 6 months - 1 year. furnished, cable TV, 40,000 baht per month + please see our website at 14,000 baht per month. Con- internet, 2 aircons, hot wa- electricity charge. Minimum www.oceanic-global.com tact Sak. Tel: 081-826 7287. ter. Only 5 mins to Surin 1 year contract or buy for 8 Beach, Bang Tao Beach million baht. Must see this Shared pool, WiFi, parking, LAST MINUTE 2-storey house, 2 bedrooms, CHEAP KAMALA RENT and Lotus Cherng Talay. rare gem, more pictures avail- available on February 7. House-Patong: 16,000 baht. 3 bathrooms, 20,000 baht 1 bedroom, 1 kitchen, fully fur- Tel: 089-470 7488. Email: able by email: Vespaphu Daily 1 bedroom: 1,000 Thai villa-Nai Harn: 77,000 per month, quiet area. Ao nished, free internet and cable. [email protected] [email protected]. Contact baht. Daily 2 bedrooms: baht. Villa-Rawai: 124,000 Ma Kham Bay, 4km from 7,000 baht per month. Long- Roberto 084-902 4256, 2,000 baht. 200m to beach. baht. Tel: 082-420 7052. town, 2km to beach. Tel: 081- term rent: 6 months - 1 year. Tel: Dungyai 080-146 1393. Ger- www.stayonphuket.com HOUSE FOR RENT Tel: 084-242 8914. Email: 892 4311. For further details, 081-826 7287. man, English, Italian spo- [email protected] please see our website at Phuket Country Club. 4 bed- ken. THAI WOODEN HOUSE panwagreen.weebly.com rooms, swimming pool, secu- FOR RENT BEAUTIFUL THAI HOUSE, rity cameras, electric gate. SURIN CONDO NAI HARN fully furnished, WiFi, daily, 65,000 baht for long term. Con- RENT APARTMENT, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom, pool, safe, monthly, yearly. Tel: 086-375 Common pool, 2 bedrooms tact Dennis. Tel: 085-994 0364. PATONG CONDO 300m to beach, low density. with furniture, modern kitchen. 4884. Email: darunee55@ HOUSE AT PRIME Pool, security, 46sqm, fur- Emal: [email protected] yahoo.com PLACE VILLAGE For rent from 15 February - 15 KOH SIREY nished. Tel: 089-728 4005. December 2013. Price for long DETACHED VILLA Email: [email protected] term, please ask owner. Tel: 3-BED HOUSE PATONG CONDO 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, THALANG 50SQM 086-277 8166, 083-388 8036. maids quarters. Beautiful prop- For further details, please see CONDO IN PATONG 2 storeys, fully furnished, price Long-term rent, located on erty. 100,000 baht for long term. Large 50sqm studio, nicely from 15,000-18,000 baht per the 9th floor.com Restaurant. our website at www.phuket Contact Dennis. Tel: 085-994 qualityhouse.com furnished, pool and parking. month. Tel: 089-795 6363. Tel: 088-181 1965. Email: 0364. Long term. Tel: 081-892 1621. Email: [email protected] [email protected] POOL PENTHOUSE HOUSE TO LET SEA VIEW Chaun Chuen Lagoon, near Near Heroines’ Monument. Holiday rental, fully furnished, Furnished, aircon, 3 bed- British International School. 3- kitchen, pool, 5 minute stroll to 4 bedrooms, 4 lounges, 3 bath- rooms, cable TV, kitchen. 2 beaches + Kata town. Email: Tel: 086-607 7493. rooms, kitchen, parking, park [email protected] area. Tel: 076-239435. January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 25

Property Accommodation Holiday KAMALA BEACH Building Products & Services Services Available Homes & Villa Private, quiet, guest house. 2 bedroom apt at Rentals 2,600 baht per night, or 1 PRO SERVICE bedroom house at 1,800 AND RENOVATE ROOM AVAILABLE baht per night. Kitchen, @ BB CORNER - Water leaks SURIN BEACH RENTAL European bathroom, - Sanitation Fully serviced apartments, vil- aircon, cable TV/DVD, las holiday rental. Bang Tao & ADSL, swimming pool.Tel: - Sinks 076-385 909, 087-277 - Grease Tanks Surin Beach. www.surin beachrentals.com 5216 (English). Fax:076- - Water Heaters 385 909. - Sprinkler Systems LAGUNA HOLIDAY - Pressure pumps CLUB RENTAL - Water Treatment Holiday rent at Laguna Holiday 4 BEDROOMS IN SAIYUAN, NAI HARN - Piping Free WiFi. Siam BB Re- Club Resort for new year week sort. Rawai Beach. From from 29 Dec 2012 - 5 Jan Rock Style house. 4 bed- - Deep wells standard to family room ELECTRICAL SAFETY 2013. 1-bedroom suite for 4 rooms, 5 bathrooms, big FURNISHING & Data Water Work Ltd., Part. with double bed. Long persons, only 70,000 baht. garden, big kitchen. For rent INSPECTION REPORTS term, fair price, aircon, DECOR FOR Home safety electrical checks. Tel: 081-396 5050. Tel: 089-795 6363.Email: at 40,000 baht per month. YOUR BIZ pool, bike rental, 60m to [email protected] See Sale at 9.8 million baht. Tel: BS7671. Tel: 081-606 0200. Furnish your bars, restau- PROPERTY/VILLA beach. Tel: 084-242 at www.laguna holidayclub. 081-787 2201. Email: Email: info@phukethome 8914. Email: rawai4@ com [email protected] rants, hotels. Wholesale services.com MANAGEMENT prices available. Tel: 081- Established company, man- yahoo.com SWIMMING 899 5375 (English & FARANG HANDYMAN aged by hoteliers, with indi- POOL VILLA KATA BEACH 3 BED Thai). Email: akanek vidual and condo property 3 BATH Clear communication, all CENTRAL PATONG Rawai, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- shopping@l ive.com See management portfolio seeks High standard apartments for types of work on time and rooms. Available on 17 Decem- Big new family home with 180º our selection at http:// estates/condos and villas to rent at discounted prices. done right! Tel: 081-787 ber 2012. Short-term rent: 3,000 Ocean View from every room. akanekshopping.com manage and/or rent. Email: Daily/weekly/monthly. Art 9767. Website : www.farang- baht per day. Tel: 085-787 3046. 150,000 baht per month for rental [email protected] Patong Condo (swimming handy man.com Email: patrickmeo @ gmail.com long term.Tel: 081-003 6902 pool, fitness center) 10 min- 085-274 8626 (English & Thai). Household utes to beach. Bangla suites APARTMENT RENTAL Email: [email protected] HOME NEW REAL ESTATE (rooftop, pool, bar, restaurant) SURIN BEACH Services MAINTENANCE PROJECT? 3 -minute walk to beach. Tel: The Lofts apartments are situ- ASC Phuket Co Ltd offers 081-894 8446. www.southrn Experienced Project ated on the beach road in Surin Household full home maintenance ser- friedrice.com Manager. Contact for free which is fast developing into Items vices. Gardeners, maids, initial advice. Tel: 087-975 one of the trendiest areas of pool service, urgent minor 2326. Email: info@smart KARON OCEAN FRONT Phuket. Overlooking the Kings repairs (electricity, plumber, homes-thailand.com LUXURY APT Park, location of Phuket's first etc). Give us a call and we'll 5-Star 1 Bedroom. Pools, quiet golf course, now a public park, SOURCE OUTDOOR KING ALL take care of your villa, condo area. 30,000 baht per month. these apartments put you on or office. Tel: 076-388 065, RENOVATIONS, Available 5th February. Tel: the front step of all that the area 081-693 1509 (English & HOUSE REPAIRS 087-531 1124 (English). Email: has to offer. The apartments Thai). Email: bytonyk@ [email protected] For are accessed through a code gmail.com Renovations, house re- further details, please see our panel lock with remote entry pairs, construction, elec- website at http://karonhill. possible from the apartment for tric installations, mold de- altervista.org visitors. One bedroom from contamination. Free 33,000 baht. Two bedrooms Household quotes and warranties from 35,000 baht. 2-bed pent- Help offered. English, Ger- ROOMS FOR RENT house from 60,000+ baht.Tel: Weather Wicker Sofa. man, Swedish and Thai IN KARON 076-386537, 086-120 0298 speaking personnel. Tel: Conversation set, 3 months Fully furnished, cable TV, (English), 080-995 8609 (Thai). HOME HELP WANTED 085- 880 3728 (English), old. New: 205,000 baht. aircon, Wifi. Daily/weekly/ Email: info@rentalproperty English- speaking housekeeper 080-141 4577 (English & Sale now: 120,000 baht. monthly. Tel: 082-270 phuket.com For further details, wanted in Laguna, immediate Thai), 083-394 8337. Patio exclusive outdoor 6385. Email: tkoschig please see our website at start, live out. Contact Brian. Email: mattias@zionpro furniture-sofa. Tel: 089-043 2000@hot mail.com www.rentalpropertyphuket. 2954. Tel: 084-877 5001 (English). perty.com com Email: [email protected]

Classified Advertisements Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Then hand it to any of our agents.

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Looking for land to buy? Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013

SENIOR ARCHITECT COOK, MAIDS, DRIVER SWEDISH / FINNISH RUSSIAN STAFF HEAD OF ENGLISH ACCOUNT MANAGER Phuket-based architectural Villa staff needed. Live in or live TOUR GUIDE Russian manager requires. Good DEPARTMENT Experience as account man- practice urgently requires a out. Pay negotiable plus good Swedish/Finnish speaking spoken English. Responsibilities: We are looking for a Thai ager for over 5 years - native Thai, senior architect to oversee tips. Tel: 089-005 0700. Email: tour guide wanted for cruise marketing, management, PR, female with teaching skills for and with excellent command of design of luxury villa and hos- [email protected] boat. Tel: 087-897 1761. translating. 25,000 baht per four English teachers and our English - experience dealing with pitality projects. Proficiency Email: [email protected] month+premium. Contact Kiki. security guards. Tel: 076-336 foreigners would be helpful. Tel: in written and spoken English CONSTRUCTION Tel: 082-938 7748. Email: phuket 084, 081-607 6637, Fax: 076- 081-979 9911. Email: vrit@boat required. Please send CV MANAGER [email protected] 336 085. Email: pornthip@ lagoonyacht ing .co.th and expected salary to: COOKS, MAIDS, sgsphuket.com Or civil engineer with experi- MANAGERS info@imedge concepts.com ence. Any nationality. Estab- LOOKING FOR STAFF ADMIN MANAGER lished company. Tel: 087- Luxury villas looking for (4 POSITIONS) STAFF WANTED FOR Admin at cable ski required cooks, maids and man- BEACH BAR good spoken English, water HOUSEKEEPER 897 0501 (English). Email: Phuket Wake Park is look- agers. Live -in and live -out All staff needed for new beach sports experience. Good sal- For 6 months in Australia. An [email protected] ing for Chef of Thai Cuisine, positions available. Tel: bar on Surin Beach. Competi- ary. Tel: 082-938 7748. Contact aussie man with 2 young Cook / Waiter, Operator of 080-699 2436. Email: tive wages, good hours and a Kiki. Email: phuketwakepark daughters require help of young Cable Ski Line, Cashier. Tel: THAI ADMIN WANTED [email protected] fun place to work. Please e- @gmail.com Thai woman to assist house- Organizing paperwork, docu- 084-889 4942 (English). mail your resume. Everyone keeping. The candidate must ments and computer-based Send CV to office@phuket considered. Email: jessezurn REAL ESTATE REPS have an English skills, passport information.Taking care of inven- NEGOTIATOR wake park.com @hotmail.com NEEDED preferably, age between 25- tory and stock levels. Providing We are looking for well-qualified and motivated individuals to Phuket Condos & Homes, 35,enjoy children. Contact Jum secretarial support to the Direc- STAFF WANTED one of Phuket's leading Real Tel: 087-095 9274. tor. Basic accounting. Dealing join our dynamic Residential EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Receptionist, good written Experience as executive assis- Estate Agencies, are now with customers. Tel: 085-331 Sales team in Phuket. and spoken English is a tant/PA to MD for over 3 years - looking for new property con- 0295. Email: m.hill@phuket The ideal candidate will be: MANAGER - must. Word and accounting native Thai, excellent command sultants to join our sucess soccerschools.com - Thai Female Thai nationality. PROPERTY experience is a plus. Must of English, good computer and full team. You should have MANAGEMENT - A Bachelor’s degree holder. have a friendly outgoing per- internet skills, own and drive experience in Sales and Experienced manager re- ANDAMAN CRUISES - Fluent in spoken and written sonality. Salary: 12,000- personal car, great administra- have your own car to be able quired to manage 30 private COORDINATOR English. 20,000 baht depending on ex- tive skills and secretarial work, to apply for this position. perience. residence in Krabi. The man- Looking for coordinator who is - Service oriented, with good ability to "manage" situations French and Russian speak- ager is responsible for manag- responsible for working with communication skills and able - Office admin, good computer make decisions. Tel: 081-979 ing is a plus. Tel: 076-341 ing all teams for maintenance, crew to organize the cruise, to work with demanding interna- skills, Excel, and accounting 9911 (English & Thai). Email: 045, 081-459 0152 (En- housekeeping, office, rental manage bookings, provide tional clients. is required. Good written and [email protected] glish). Email: andres@ administrative assistance. spoken english is a must. phuket-condos-homes.com and security. Operate all prop- - Computer literate (MS Word, For further details, please see Excellent benefits provided. 15,000-22,000 baht monthly Please contact us by mail or erty in a 5-star manner for both Excel, PowerPoint, Office Ac- our website at www.boatlagoon Tel: 076-316 537, 081-370 depending on experience level. call for an appointment owners and guests. Appli- cess, email and the Internet). yachting. co.th cants need to have strong 5689. Email: hr@twinpalms- - Office manager, must be pro- leadership skills, excellent group.com - Fast-learning, enthusiastic, ficient in Excel, written and WEBSITE / SOFTWARE command of English, hotel hard working and dedicated. spoken English. Prior experi- SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMMER and/or property management ESTATE / RENTAL Candidates must have their ence required. Salary: 25,000+ LOOKING FOR Bayshore Group is looking for experience. Applicants will be MANAGER own transportation and be will- baht monthly depending on Thai male/female wanted Web or Software Programmer/ required to have their own car Intira Villas is looking for a Thai ing to work in the Patong area. experience. Please send your to work in our office. Must Developer (Java, C) and driving licence, and to be person with a happy and posi- We offer great opportunities for resume to smartbusiness have good English (speak- (numbersign).NET) Require- able to work both in Krabi and tive attitude. Must be able to candidates, including new [email protected] ing and spelling) and good ments: Phuket. Tel: 081-968 3140 communicate in English and graduates, who are looking to computer skills. Job in- 1. Have good knowledge of OOP (English), 081-797 3401 Thai, both in speaking and writ- grow with the Company and volves talking with clients, and RDBMS with past working (English & Thai). Please send ing. Experience in management develop their skills in sales. WEBSITE recording, keeping, and experience. CVs to: manager@engchuan. and rentals. Tel: 081-472 4925 Qualified applicants please PROGRAMMER doing quotations. Univer- 2. Good understanding of current com, www.engchuan.com, (English). Please send CV and send your resume to Solid HTML and CSS cod- sity degree desired, but web and software technology www.krabisunset.com and salary requirement. Email: [email protected] ing experience with knowl- not required for right appli- such as HTML5/CSS3, Ajax , www.krabihideaway.com [email protected] edge of JavaScript and PHP. cant. Thai male wanted to MVC, etc. Design and English skills work in Phuket. Must have 3. Ability to code in Java or are an advantage. Start im- good English (speaking C(numbersign). NET as well as mediately. We are located in and spelling). Job involves Ajax, JQuery. mechanical/electrical en- Karon. Tel: 085-758 3780 4. Good understanding of frame- gineer work within the ma- (English). Email your CV to works and IDE in Java or rine industry, preferably shotham.hari8888 @gmail. C(numbersign).NET com For further details, with experience. 076-239 5. Fluent English. Tel: 081-968 please see our website at 112. Email: damian@ 5963 (English). Please send www. paroot.com electrical-marine.com CV to f@bayshoreprojects. com

Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 27

STAFF WANTED Rawai Pub requires Thai Bar and Kitchen staff. Tel: 081- 396 8707. Email: kanthasin@ gmail.com

RESERVATIONS ASSISTANT Full time. Western. Must have excellent written English, organizational and computer skills. Self motivated / good communicator. Send CV to [email protected]

ARTICLE WRITER SITE ENGINEER OUTGOING SALES Bayshore Projects is looking PERSON Will work for Bayshore for article writer on freelance Projects Co.Ltd. Thai Na- Two Chefs is now looking basis. Experienced and well tionality: Minimum 5 Years for an outgoing sales formulating writing skills in experience in residential person that is very good perfect English required. Tel: development. Must hold at speak English and 081-968 5963 (English). Send national diploma in civil or used to work with com- CV to c@bayshore projects. structural engineering. Tel: puters. Thai national be- com 081-968 5963. Email: c@ tween 25-35 years old, bayshoreprojects.com salary starting from NEED CAPTAIN 23,000 baht plus ben- FOR YATCH efits. Tel: 087-276 6796 Looking for Thai and foreigner (English). Email: jon@ LOOKING FOR captain. Tel: 076-37796, twochefs.com STAFF 081-893 4122. Fax: 076- Aroi-Corner Restaurant in 377962. Email: koy@ water Rawai is looking for staff. STAFF FROM markgroup.eu, hr@ water Waitress and bartender PHILIPPINES markgroup.eu Bayshore Projects Company with experience. Working is looking for Filipino staff. Must hours: 3pm-11:30pm, one CHEF REQUIRED be female. Contact Mariane. RUSSIAN COOK day off, good salary. Con- Tel: 081-968 5963 (English). With experience and knowing Small international restaurant tact 084-442 8330. Khun Send CV to c@bayshore English. For more information in Kalim Seeks for indepen- Peter. Email: hp.sch ranz projects.com please contact Maxim. Tel: dent working kitchen chef with [email protected] experience in preparing Thai 089-728 2037. and international dishes. Tel: THAI TEACHER 080-555 2377 (English & Wanted full-time Children's RESTAURANT Thai). Email: 55inkalim@ YACHT SALES Thai Teacher for private resi- MANAGER gmail.com EXECUTIVE dence. Good salary based on New restaurant, Surin Beach, – Experience dealing qualifications and experience. needs front of house manager. with luxury MOTOR Tel: 081-929 6975. Please call Must be fluent in English, have SPA STAFF AND for more info or send your CV MANGER NEEDED YACHTS for at least 3 experience in managing large years to [email protected] restaurant, will be responsible Newly remodeled spa and for management of bar and massage parlor hiring – Fluency in English. Any other languages would be SALES wait staff, including high -level staff for immediate Start. training, recruitment. Good Competitive salaries and very helpful (Russian, CONSULTANT French, Chinese). REQUIRED salary plus generous incen- accommodation offered! tives. Tel: 076-325 755. Tel: 083-391 0291. Email: – Proven track record and Club Asia Fitness requires a kamal.mail2000@ good understanding of Sales Consultant. Appli- gmail.com motor yachts cants should be fluent in ADMIN & COORDINATE STAFF – Excellence with com- English and a Thai national. Small real estate agency based puter and Internet Excellent remuneration offered.Tel: 080-698 5021. in Chalong. Seeking Thai staff. Tel: 081-979 9911. For fur- Excellent in both written and ther details, please see spoken English. Computer lit- our website at www. MARKETING REPS erate, photoshop skills with ad- boatlagoonyachting. co.th NEEDED vertising design is advantage. EZYSTAYS looking for mar- Outgoing personality, can work keting representative. No ex- VILLA MANAGER under pressure. Start immedi- perience required, full train- ately. Tel: 086-940 2266. Fax: Experienced Villa Manager re- ing provided, work permit quired to manage an 8-bedroom 076-374270.Email your re- and good income. Email: sume to sales@18excelsior- private residence in Kamala. The [email protected] VM is responsible for managing property.com an in-house team for mainte- ARCHITECTURE nance, housekeeping and Thai national wanted. Ability FILIPINOS WANTED F&B. Operate the villa in a 5-star to use AutoCAD, Sketch-Up Phuket's leading Real estate manner for both owners and and 3D-Max is a must. Tel: agency is looking for Filipino guests. Applicants need to 081-788 1639. Email: sec@ females to join our teams. have strong leadership skills, phuketawnings.com We have office positions and excellent command of English, marketing positions available. hotel experience. Applicants will WHITEBOX Please send your CV or con- be required to have their own car Restaurant manager with tact us by phone for an inter- and driving licence and to be strongly experience Thai or view. Tel: 076-341045, 081- able to live-in when required. Tel: foreigner and 2 Russian host- 459 0152 (English). Email: 076-527633, 087-881 0003. esses. Tel: 076-377961, 081- andres@phuket-condos- Please send CVs to: hr@ 893 4122 (English & Thai). homes.com Please see our phuketvillasandhomes.com, Fax: 076-377962. Email: website at www.phuket-con- www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com [email protected] dos-homes.com

Looking for a job? Looking for a better candidate? Find more Recruitment Classifieds at WWW.PhuketGazette.Net! 28 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013

Audio / Video Education Business Opportunities Equipment BAR FOR SALE BAR FOR SALE RESTAURANT NEED A TUTOR NEW TIGER SOI TIGER FOR SALE HOME OFFICE HANDYCAM SONY IN ENGLISH High Roller Bar. Third row Beer bar for sale, Soi Tiger. 6 years on contract, great FOR SALE / RENT HDR PJ760VE Need a tutor in English from the front. Two-year con- Contract: 2 1/2 years. Tel: location, Patong Beach 6 months old. Carl Zeiss and a tutor in Thai for a tract. Books avaliable. 4 mil- 084-848 4229. Email: morgan Road, full furniture and lens + tripod with remote child, both with experi- lion baht o.n.o. Tel: 085-654 [email protected] equipment. For more infor- control. VCT-50AV + ence working with kids. 8510. Email: typhoon_st mation please call 087-075 wide-band circular filter Please call: 085-576 [email protected] 2166, 090-175 9126. Email: (polarized 52mm) + 9139 (English). Email: INCREDIBLE omaralquraini@hotmail. Sony bag. 30,000 baht. Vanyamordred@gmail. KATA NIGHT PLAZA PROJECT com For more information com In an expanding develop- INVESTMENT please call Rainier. Tel: ment. 5 minutes walk from RESTAURANT + BAR 084-851 1961. Kata Beach is guesthouse Phuket Town, 30 seatings, with restaurant for sale (free- TVs, music, furnished, living. CHILDREN'S Rent: 10,000 baht per month. ENRICHMENT CLUB hold title). www.southernfried rice.com Sale: 470,000 baht. For more SPEAKERS JBL "Take Care" service, information please contact PROFESSIONAL day-time classes, skill RUNNING Phil. Tel: 085-297 4002. New, USA, 500w, stand development. Birthday RESTAURANT parties. Amusement and bag. For more infor- For sale. Kata, Tai Na Road. Luxury project for sale. Perfect location in com- Park. Tel: 088-819 2526 GOOD mation please call 086- Tel: 090-176 7364. 50% process done. Only mercial area at The Royal (English & Thai). COMMERCIAL 815 9103. 5 million baht. Tel: 080- Place, Tesco Lotus, by- RESTAURANT IN KATA 891 1611. Email: patrik pass road. 3 floors for liv- Very busy street food restau- [email protected] ing home and business Bulletins rant in main street, 10 tables, office, 2 bedrooms, 2 equipped kitchen, low rent, bathrooms, 4 aircons. no key money. Tel: 086-940 GUESTHOUSE, Ground floor install with 4801. Email: marcellospizzi KARON BEACH glass frontage, granite SPONSOR A CHILD [email protected] Very nice guesthouse with floor and kitchen area. The Phuket International 12 rooms and restaurant/bar. Sale or long-term rental Women’s Club is a volun- 100m to centre, 300m to Space for sale at Bang- 35,000 baht per month. teer organization raising WAREHOUSE beach. Fully booked every Tao Beach. On main Call now. Tel: 084-293 funds for educational FOR RENT year Nov to April. Contract: road. 156sqm, currently 7923 (English & Thai), scholarships. We rely 1+3+3 years, running. Rent set up as a restaurant 081-854 0061 (English). on the goodwill of donors included. Key money 54,000 and bar. All equipment Email: mrgeoffcurry@ and sponsors – small bath per month. Price: 3.9 and furniture included. yahoo.com and large. If you would million baht. Serious specula- Sale: 1,800,000 baht. like to put something tors only. Tel: 083-590 3862 Rent: 15,000 baht per back into the community (English). Email: guesthouse month for 10 years con- in which you live, contact [email protected] tract. Tel: 081-733 9498, HOTEL FOR SALE us to find out more about 080-700 3775. PATONG BEACH giving a prize or being a PATONG RESTAURANT 10 apartments & 14 sponsor. Contact Carol. At Sapam, Phuket. AND BAR rooms, 1km from sea, good location, 49 million Tel: 087-417 8860 or con- Sizes: 130 - 210sqm, This commercial property DESIGN baht. Chanote. For more tact Sue. Tel: 087-277 7,000 - 18,000 baht per is located on famous Soi RESTAURANT information please call 6948. For more informa- month, for storing yachts Post Office, 80m from For sale. Popular restau- 076-292596. Email: nc. tion please email us at or goods. Tel: 086-689 Thaweewong Road. Fully rant pizzeria in excellent [email protected] [email protected] 3289. fitted and equipped, ready to location with patio. 100 open. 1.2 million baht key seats on over 300 sqm. money and 60,000 baht per Fully equipped, fully op- monthly rent. Lease for 9 erating, high volume, NEW BAR WITH years. Contact landlord for high profit, low rent. Mo- 4 ROOMS ACCOM viewing. Tel: 081-271 5811 tivated seller looking for Next door to 350 rooms (English & Thai). Email: as quick sale. For more in- Centara Hotel Resort in [email protected] formation please call Karon Entertainment 082-534 6658. Email: District. Newly reno- PATONG RESTAURANT lorenzobortolotti@gmail. vated, 3 storeys, all fully Once in a lifetime oppor- com furnished with brand-new tunity! One of Patong's first bar and furnishings. Ask- restaurants with more than ing 290,000 baht. Walk- 20 years in service. Now for in, walk-out. Email: sale! Only double unit in Soi RESTAURANT & shotham.hari8888@ Patong Resort, on Bangla SPORTS BAR gmail.com Road. Perfect for big sports bar and etc. For more infor- mation please call: 081-737 GUESTHOUSE 5085. + RESTAURANT Small guesthouse + restau- KRABI DIVE SHOP rant, 3 years contract, 750,000 baht. Negotiable. 3 work permits, registered Tel: 082-270 6385, 081-891 limited company, 25 school Newly renovated sports 4019. Email: tkoschig2000 sets, retail stock & fixtures, bar, 45 seats. Newly built @hotmail.com 600,000 baht. Email: krabi kitchen. 5 rooms on 2nd [email protected] floor. Sale includes all MINIGOLF BAR furniture and pool table NAI YANG and 5 flat-screen TVs. 9-hole minigolf and bar with HOTEL + Location: Soi Taina 11 RESTAURANT one bedroom, kitchen, and (Kata Center). Rent: 2 bathrooms. Ready to move For sale. Chanote title, 30,000 baht per month. in and you are good to go. central position, new No key money. Contract Cheap price for quick sale: building, 4 years old, 20 runs until 30 April 2015 500,000 baht. Email: swe rooms, reception and (can be renewed after or [email protected] restaurant all fully fur- already now) - Rent paid nished. Price: 38 million until 30 April 2013. Sale: baht negotiable. Contact 1.1 million baht. Call or NICE RESTAURANT & Stefano: 086-279 8175 email for more info and HOUSE FOR RENT (English or Italian). Con- pictures. Tel: 080-530 In Kamala. Good furniture. tact Ning: 084-840 1566 5950. Email: allstarkata Only 15,000 baht per month. (Thai). [email protected] For more information please call 089-289 1508. January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 29

Business Products & Services Club Computers Fitness Memberships Equipment BUDS INTERNATIONAL Available ENGLISH KINDERGARTEN COMPUTERMAN SHOP Phuket's oldest interna- Sales, service, repair, and ROWBIKE tional child care facility. High- accessories. Also tuition in GOLF MEMBERSHIP Ultimate exercise bike. quality, time-proven sched- English/Thai. For more infor- Loch Palm for sale and Snop 8,000 baht o.n.o. Tel: ule and curriculum. Now in mation please call 076-384 Blue Canyon / Laguna. Cash 089-020 4331. www.row brand-new purpose-built 259, 084-625 7744 (English). eitherway. Contact Dennis. bike.com school. Experienced native Tel: 085-994 0364. English teachers to teach ages 1.5-8. Monday-Friday BCC FAMILY Dive Gear 8am-5pm. Bus service avail- MEMBERSHIP Personals able from Patong, Karon, 830,000 baht dues includes, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and spouse paid for two years UW VIDEO HOUSING + Chalong. Tel: 076-384638, CAMERA + BOX (worth 40,000 baht). Transfer BACKGAMMON 080-624 7060. www.buds- included. Tel: 081-893 3462 UW Housing Equinox with phuket.com (English). Email: voute.a@ Panasonic GS120 Mini- Players wanted. Tel: 081- gmail.com DV with 2 batteries, remote, 577 8443. Email: phuket charger, wide angle, box [email protected] LOCH PALM pelican. Package for sale at MEMBERSHIP 15,000 baht. Tel: 084-527 Available at 550,000 baht 2172 (English). Email: johann Personal o.n.o. Tel: 086-277 2691. @dive-and-cruise.com OC&A FISHING TATTOO REMOVE Email: davidinasia@hotmail. Services CHARTER com We remove your tattoo. Extreme sport fishing ser- DIVING EQUIPMENT Wanted Tel: 083-362 4144. vice. Tel: 084-320 2252. For sale, comp1, cons, 3 Please see our website Email: thanikulnut@hot BLUE CANYON CC reg, many accessories. at www.tattoo-remove. mail.com, please see our SWEDISH SPEAKING Corporate membership 10,000 baht. Tel: 081-895 info website at http://oceansand BABYSITTER for 2 persons. Yearly fee 6112 (English & French). anglers.com Looking for Swedish speak- paid for 2 years. Free ing babysitter for a few times transfer. Price: 1.3 mil- during our holiday from 22 DETOX LEGAL TAXATION lion baht. Tel: 081-737 20 NEW January to 15 February. TO YOUR DOOR SERVICE 5085. SCUBA TANKS Email: tilak_24@hotmail. 9,500 baht for 7 days. Tel: We can arrange and Unused 12 litre scuba com 084-100 6274. www. submit all forms of tax re- tanks with valves, all clearercleanse.com turn to the Revenue Of- LOCH PALM cheaper than trade. Sale: Pets fice. Contact Pondsee. MEMBERSHIP 6,000 baht. Please con- Tel: 086-595 2594. tact Will. Tel: 080-595 For sale or trade mem- NEW SUGAR WAXING Email: mem_pondsee@ 0458. At Chalong. Men - Women. yahoo.com bership plus money for No pain! Tel: 082-456 6791. Blue Canyon Family Membership. Price: 550,000 baht o.n.o. Tel: Miscellaneous INDIAN / THAI 081-090 4113. Email: COOKING CLASS [email protected] For Sale Learn how to cook au- thentic tasting Indian/ Thai dishes with us at LAGUNA GOLF CLUB Kata. Group of 2-6 24-year family member- SNUFFLERS people per class. Free ship, free transfer. 750,000 Set of five. Rounded pick-up Kata, Karon and baht. Tel: 083-680 4041. edges with alloy spleen Patong. Special offer, call Email: annedonald13@ tables. Only 3 yrs old, no us for details. Tel: 081- gmail.com glinkle. Can be used 710 5250, 081-869 8293 without bessors or BRTs (English & Thai), 081- but not in tandem with 403 3832 (English & GOLF cleester bins. Price new: AMERICAN Thai). Fax: 076-333303. MEMBERSHIP 4,200 baht each. Will BULLIES Email: thaicookingkata Loch Palm and Country sell now at 12,000 baht Available: 1 male and 2 @hotmail.com, please Club, 1.1 million baht. No for full set. Located female, ears cropped, see our website at discount. Buyer pays for Rawai, pics available. UKC pedigree, shots www.indianthaicooking transfer. Tel: 083-388 Email: jackmartin3@ and dewormed. Tel: 086- atkata.com 5566. gmx.com 120 6934. 30 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013

Saloon Cars Motorbikes Rentals

YAMAHA RAPTOR 700R MAZDA 3 FORD MONDEO TMAX 2011, AS NEW Top of the range 2012, SPORT MAXX 1998 Yamaha Raptor 650cc. In brand-new condition only used 4 hours. Suit new ATV buyer. 420,000 baht o.n.o. Email: clem@ wdrace.com

KEEWAY TMX 200 1 owner, still on war- Model 2009. Full options. For sale, immaculate, ranty, and serviced by 2,000cc. Only 17,283 automatic, airbags, ABS. Yamaha. Sale: 400,000 km. Tax. Insurance. Full 150,000 baht. Contact baht o.n.o. Green book service history. Immacu- Peter. Tel: 085-253 4429. and tax all ready. Tel: late condition. Sale: 084-054 8122. CHEAP CAR RENT 749,000 baht. Tel: 084- Brand-new car rental, top NEW JAZZ 850 7170. model, year 2012. Small car, FOR RENT NISSAN MAXSYM 400 I For sale. TMX 200cc. medium car, family car, first- ALMERA 1.2L Just 4 months old. 2,500km. class insurance, delivery, 24hr MIRA 65,000 BAHT Perfect conditions. 189,000 New guarantee 1 year. 892km. Inclusive GPS roadside assistance, GPS, Daihatsu Mira, in good baht. Contact Ivan. Tel: 084- baby seat. Short or long-term condition, comes with DVD 848 6004. and box. Sale: 60,000 baht. Tel: 089-971 6799. rent. Tel: 089-772 7012, 081- player, cool aircon, runs 326 3233. good, very economical. Tel: 084-184 1856. YAMAHA DRAGSTAR 400CC FIRE EDITION PICK-UPS 12,000 Black. End of 2006. 18,500 BAHT/MONTH Short or long-term with in- NISSAN TIIDA 2011 For rent. Mazda 12,000 baht Sedan. Silver color. 1.6L. km. Looks very nice. Has surance and delivery ser- saddle and a horn that can per month, Toyota 11,000 vice. Tel: 081-607 8567. Auto transmission. 23,000 Sale down payment be heard. Price: 63,000 baht. baht per month. Good condi- Email: suksavat@hotmail. km mileage approximately. 150,000 baht, automatic, Tel: 086-683 1499. tion, insurance. Tel: 087-282 com, for further details, Perfect condition. 499,000 perfect condition, 15,000 3724 (English). Email: ta please see our website at baht. Tel: 089-730 7172 (En- km. Tel: 088-765 6756, KAWASAKI ER6N 2009 chibana-hiroki@hotmail. www.phuketcarsrent.com glish). 081-667 1637. Email: 650cc. 4,300km, like new, co.jp [email protected] Good condition, location: tank and engine protector, BMW 320I SE orange. Sale: 155,000 baht. CAR FOR RENT MOTORBIKES FOR Chalong. Sale: 155,000 Brand new, insurance and baht. Tel: 081-080 0265. Tel: 081-895 6112 (English & RENT 2,200 BAHT SALE FORD French). delivery service, special price Monthly rental: ESCAPE 495,000 for long-term rent, expatriate Honda Dream: 2,200 baht, prefered. Tel: 088-768 9411. Honda Wave: 2,400 baht, YAMAHA FINO 4 x 4s Email: maxlivingmanage Honda Click auto: 3,000 baht, [email protected] Honda Click I: 3,400 baht. TOYOTA HILUX 4X4 3L Tel: 086-683 7162 (English & CHEAP CAR Thai). Email: yosompetch@ Automatic. Double cab FOR RENT hotmail.com September 2011. As 39,000km. Sale: 650,000 new. 14,000km. Black baht. Email: nong.kudee with beige leather uphol- [email protected] Info: http:/ CAR & VAN RENTAL stery. All extras. 1.9 mil- Ford Escape 3.0 XLT. /phuket-segeln.com lion baht. Tel: 076-613 Year 2004. 140,000km. 269, 081-084 9566 (En- Price: 495,000 baht. 2008. Lady owner, ridden glish), 081-698 5780 Contact Noppadol. Tel: only in Phuket Town, with SUZUKI (Thai). Fax: 076-613270. 089-589 5453. Email: green book. Asking price CARIBBEAN Email: nicholas@idec sopasalon@hotmail. 23,000 baht. Tel: 084-889 For sale. 1 lady owner net.com com 2676. (from new), 4x4. 1,300 cc. 2005. Black. Full tax and insurance. Low mile- age. Excellent condition. Short or long-term rent, Wheels & Motors Price: 175,000 baht. Tel: with insurance and deliv- 086-280 2492. Email: Available now in Chalong. ery service. Tel: 081-538 martine_street@hotmail. Tel: 087-689 9679. Email: 8567. Email: suksavat@ com [email protected] hotmail.com Please use this form to write your classified advertisement.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 31

A STEAL FOR A QUICK SALE

2007. Italian demo yacht. Cranchi 47ft. Hard top. Fully loaded with tropical aircon, genset, electrical winches, garage, roof. Ray Marine premium navy, BBQ, ice maker, 3 fridges, "Bose" sound, neon light. Twin 570hp with reliable shaft drive, under 300hr. LODESTAR RIB Brand-new condition. 3.8m, 40hp Tohatsu engine, 385,000 euros. Tel: 089-971 trailer, skis, tube, lifejackets. 0278. Email: eddyelan@ 140, 000 baht. Tel: 076-271870, yahoo.com 080-073 5371, 087-079 0650. Email: mlcberg@netvigator. com 17 FEET YAMAHA SPEED BOAT 115 HP Yamaha outboard en- YACHT FOR SALE gine, new trailer, unsinkable fiber- glass boat, GPS, fishfinder, sports equipment, radio, MP3, 2 anchors,100-Watt search light, and a lot of extras. 370,000 baht. Call for details. Tel: 089-645 4848 (English & Thai), 086-603 9268 (Thai). Email: germanwater [email protected] Beautifully maintained Wauquiez cruising yacht. SPEEDBOAT FOR SALE 41ft. Price: US$199,000. 21ft speedboat with 85hp Can be seen in Phuket. Yamaha outboard engine (Very Contact Robert. Tel: 087- good condition). Includes fish 632 8259 (English). Email: finder & plotter. This is a very [email protected] beautiful low-priced speedboat. Specs and photos at www. Tel: 081-415 1075 (English & wauquiezforsale.blog Thai). Email: frankrichard spot.com [email protected]

SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S

NEW ALESSANDRO FREE 30FT YACHT NEW KARNIC 2052 CrypticCrossword MARCHI I am willing to give away my Deep V Hull, 140hp 4-stroke MOONSOON FOR "Carenalunga 21". Hypalon RIB Thai registered 10m 30 ft. Suzuki O/B. Bimini and marine SALE (LOA 24'). Composite construc- yacht. All books are available heads. 1,299,950 baht. Now in tion, strong and fast. 140hp 4- and in order. It is moored in Ao stock at our Boat Lagoon Show- stroke Suzuki O/B. Bimini and Chalong. All I ask is that I can room. For details contact Alan trailer. 1,795,000 baht. Now in use it when I am in Phuket 4- Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. Tel: stock at our Boat Lagoon Show- 5 times per years just for 2 087-2831 674. Email: boats@ room. For details contact Alan days each time. The boat is andamanboatsales.com Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. Tel: called Tabata and is located 087-283 1674. Email: boats@ about 500 meters due east of SAILBOAT FOR SALE 28ft, registered for 15 pas- andamanboatsales.com the yacht club. Tel: 087-273 Sunbeam 44ft - 1995. Quality sengers. 200hp/ V6 Mer- 8162 (English & Thai). Email: and look likes new. Located in cury motor, only 240 hours, NEW ALESSANDRO mmarston@infocon-tech Phuket. Excellent condition recently totally restored. MARCHI nology.com and fully equipped. 136,000 Perfect for snorkeling, diving "Carenacorsa 18". Hypalon RIB, euros. Tel: 089-875 5169. trips, island hopping or water light and fast. 90hp lean-burn, 4- taxi. Navigation system + NEW KARNIC 1851 fishfinder. 5hp spare motor. stroke Suzuki O/B. Bimini. Deep V Hull, 90hp lean-burn, 4- BOAT PEGASUS 8.2M 999,950 baht. Now in stock at Boat and motor in very good stroke Suzuki O/B. Bimini and Fiberglass, 225hp Suzuki 4str condition. Located at Boat our Boat Lagoon showroom trailer. 999,950 baht. Now in 130hrs + 8hp 4str. Jack plate, For details contact Alan Giles. Lagoon. Priced for quick sale stock. For details contact Alan 220L tank. Electric winch an- at 330.000 baht. Tel: 086- Andaman Boat Sales. Tel: 087- Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. Tel: chor. Perfect condition. Price: 283 1674. Email: boats@anda 747 9292. Email: claud 087-283 1674. Email: boats@ 750,000 baht. Tel: 081-891 [email protected] manboatsales.com andamanboatsales.com 3095. 32 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013

Aircraft HAVE A PASSION AIRPLAY ALTIS 1999 ROBIN 2160i For Sale FOR AVIATION? MICROLIGHT I would like to sell my Robin If you have an aircraft for Superb trike with Konig ra- aircraft or trade it for a 4-seat sale or an interest in avia- dial engine. Great economi- Cessna or Piper (based in tion and wish to learn cal fun. Little used. Please Hua Hin). The Robin: TTAF YOUR HELICOPTER how to fly or buy an air- contact for more informa- 300hrs. SMOH 60hrs. This Flying and owning your own heli- craft or arrange a private tion. Tel: 089-111 6457 (En- is a well-equipped, two-seat copter has just become possible. flight, etc. Website: glish & Thai), 081-397 7598 aerobatic aircraft. Has the Free complete flight instruction www.aeropromgr.com/ (English & Thai). Email: Christen inverted oil system. course with your purchase. newsletter [email protected] Excellent inside and outside. Email: [email protected] King KMA24 audio panel, KX155 nav/com, KI203 vor, KY197A comm, KN64A dme, KR87 adf, KT76A tran- sponder, CSPA400 i-com, FP5 fuel computer, CHT, OAT, Pitot heat. Price: 4 million baht. Please contact Thom. Email: thos_w@ hotmail.com

TECNAM P-92 - Price: 1.5 million baht - Registration: U-B08 - Year of Manufacture: 2002 - Equipment: Full stan- dard equipment - Engine: Rotax 912- 80HP 350hrs. Please contact for more in- formation. Aircraft is based at Klong 15. Tel: 081-840 8418.

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 33 BIKRAM HOT YOGA

Bikram Choudhury, founder of the world's fastest growing yoga – Bikram Hot Yoga – took time out from his short stay in Phuket to conduct a challeng- ing class at his studio in Kathu. From Left: Sono Yasumoto, Phannipha Bunpheng (Koy), Bikram Choudhury, Lies Sol and Dylan Niall Haddock Photo: danmilesmedia WELCOME ‘DER KAISER’ PHUKET TO SOFITEL KRABI PROPERTY PHOKEETHRA SHOW 2013 GOLF & SPA RESORT organized by Phuket Real Mr Robin Deb, general manager, had the great pleasure and honor of welcoming “Der Kaiser” – Mr Franz Beckenbauer (right), an influential Estate Association figure in German and international football, and his family, to the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. "IT'S GREAT TO INIZIO KOH HAVE A DAY AT LADY KATHRYN" KAEW PRE- Roberto Di Matteo (back row, fifth from left) LAUNCH a former Italian footballer and manager brought his family and friends for a fun day out on the ON JANUARY Lady Kathryn, Dec 29 2012. During his play- ing career as a midfielder, he played for Swiss Phuket Real Estate Association President, Mr clubs Schaffhausen, Zurich and Aarau, before Thanusak Pungdetch (center), and a committee 17, 2013 joining Lazio of Italy and Chelsea of England. of special VIP guests. 34 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013 January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 35

February 3-4, 6:30 to 10pm: Apr 13 to 15: Songkran Festival Baan Kata Arts Fest at Mom Songkran is the Thai New Year Tri's Villa Royale Festival. Also known as the You are invited you to join the Baan ‘Water Festival’. Held during the Kata Arts Fest 2013 at Mom Tri's driest month in Thailand, Villa Royale. Sunday February 3 and Songkran is celebrated by Thais Monday February 4. On February throughout the country pouring January 26, 10:30am to 3 there will be an opening exhibi- – traditionally only a little, but 11:30pm: Phuket Family & tion of paintings by Mom Tri these days a lot – of water on Gourmet Festival at Royal Devakul at the VR Gallery, and on other people to wish them good Phuket Marina February 4 ML Usni and his luck for the New Year. This charity event is the first of ensemble will perform a classical its kind, combining a family concert at Villa Royale. Tickets for May 5, Coronation Day fun-packed day out for children the concert are 500 baht each. Coronation Day commemorates with gourmet dishes prepared by Contact Sylvie on: 66-76-333 5368 the accession to the throne of some of Phuket's best chefs HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej on using the finest ingredients February 25: Makha Bucha May 5, 1950. supplied by Jagota Foods. Day (Public Holiday) Activities include Birdman Jari Makha Bucha Day, which falls May 6, Substitution for Coro- Kuosma dropping in and world on the full moon of the third nation Day (Public Holiday) record breaking stuntman Ian lunar month, commemorates the Jamieson pulling his stunts. In Buddha's ordaining of 1,250 May 24, Visakha Bucha Day the evening there will be live monks who had arrived unan- Visakha Bucha Day is observed blues and rock with internation- nounced from afar only seven on the day of the full moon ally renowned Australian Blues months after the Buddha began during the 6th lunar month, which band Vdelli, Thai alternative rock his teachings. It is also the date usually falls in either May or early band Modern Dog, and Phuket's the Buddha delivered his Funda- June. It is a day to commemo- own Legends of Siam. Tickets mental Teachings – just months rate three important incidents: the range from 100 to 3,000 baht with before his death. birth, the enlightenment and the proceeds going toward 10 local passing away of the Buddha. charities for children. This event March 15, 5:30 to 10pm: Global Miraculously, these events fell in is proudly sponsored by the Battle of Bands the same month and on the same Phuket Gazette and PGTV. The Global Battle Of Bands date in the Buddhist era. Segments of the event will appear (GBOB) is coming to Thailand! on the Gazette's 'Phuket Today' In its 9th year with 40 countries May 24, Arsarnha Bucha Day show, the island's only national participating, it is the largest such This full-moon day of the eighth television program, seven times competition in the world. Bands lunar month commemorates the Informal Sunday computer clinics per week (see below). must perform original songs. Buddha's first sermon to his first Thailand will have regionals in five disciples after attaining Every Sunday morning, starting around 10am or Feb 1, 8, 15, 22; 7 to 11pm: Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Enlightenment more than 2,500 so, a group of computer savvy locals meet for break- Indian Curry Buffet at Navrang Bangkok. National finals will be years ago. Evening candlelit fast at the Chalong/Fisherman’s Way Sandwich Mahal in Karon Sea Sands in Bangkok in June, and world processions are staged in all Thai Shoppe, 1 km north of Chalong Circle on Chao Fah Resort finals also to be held in Bangkok Buddhist temples. All you can eat, authentic Indian in December. Valuable prizes are East road. Sponsored by the Phuket Gazette and Curry Buffet at 449 baht net per given to national winners and the August 12, Her Majesty the Khun Woody’s Sandwich Shoppes. person. Come enjoy our cold world winner receives a package Queen's Birthday Mango and Strawberry Lassi worth US$100,000 and a world Her Majesty's Birthday is a Contact at 076-282403, [email protected] with our delicious Mutton tour contract. Amazing opportu- public holiday in the Kingdom. or visit KhunWoody.com Vindaloo, Dal Makhani, Bombay nity for young bands. Entrance Aloo, Mutter Paneer, Butter to the show is free, so don't miss October 23, Chulalongkorn Chicken and mouthwatering it – March 15th. Location yet to Memorial Day Chicken Tikka, Samosas, freshly be announced. Please check back Chulalongkorn Day commemo- baked Naans and more. For for updates! This event is rates the reign of Rama V, who reservations contact Jaspal sponsored by the Phuket Gazette is best remembered for abolish- Singh on: 66-76-286464. and PGTV. ing slavery in Thailand.

November 17, Loy Krathong Festival Traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls in November. A Krathong is a banana-leaf cup, which will be floated in a canal or river. 36 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013 A tale of internet worry and woe TWO weeks ago in Live Wire, I tell me nothing about my usage so produced a list of all the avail- far that month. able internet packages in Phuket Furthermore, I have determined – at least, all of the packages I that TOT sends a steady stream know about. of unsolicited “administrative” Last week, I explained that expected to start receiving invoices traffic down the 3.9G connection. most people in Phuket will want for 850 baht per month, as per the I have no control over this to get a “3G” (I still hate that original contract. Instead, on traffic, nor do I have any way term, because it’s meaningless!) November 30, I received an invoice of knowing if it is counted package for their phone(s). Most for 4,555 baht. On December 20, I toward the 6 gigabyte cap. I do probably don’t need to get wire- received a second invoice for an know that the administrative less 3G for their tablets/iPads, as additional 8,907 baht. download traffic happens about long as they can tether the tablet After receiving the November 30 once per second, 24 hours a day, from their phones – a process invoice, I eventually figured out that 7 days a week. That adds up to that’s fairly easy from most TOT was billing me for 3.9G usage about 0.4 gigabytes per month.” phones. And most folks need that exceeded the 6 gigabyte cap. The reader goes on to propose some sort of landline – ADSL, This was a great surprise, because a (very reasonable!) solution to TEST THE WATERS: Subscribers in Phuket should be cautious when Fiber, DOCSIS, Airmax – for TOT had never informed me that the problem. signing a contract with an internet service provider. Photo: bixentro their homes or offices, although there would be additional charges My first reaction upon reading is about 200 pictures – or just a still stay within your limit – but there 3G can work in a pinch, particu- for usage beyond the 6 gigabyte cap. the letter – in addition to the usual handful of video clips, if they’re won’t be much room to do larly if you buy a MyFi box. There is certainly nothing written in TIT (This is Thailand) observation incessant. For downloaded music anything else with the account. This week, I want to drill the contract or in the TOT brochures – was to compare the price charged in typical MP3 format, figure on Most internet service providers down on one particular internet that specifies any such additional for additional data with industry 200 songs. Your email, minus in Phuket offer “unlimited 3G” service that you don’t want. I’ve charges. The contract and brochures norms. TOT charged the reader pictures and huge attachments, packages. While the ads say mentioned the new TOT 3G are completely silent about what 500 baht per gigabyte (GB) for won’t even put a blip on the they’re unlimited, they aren’t service – TOT calls it “3.9G,” happens when the counter. Same for web really. In this case “unlimited” thus reinforcing my contention 6 gigabyte cap is browsing, if you don’t means you can go up to a that the term 3G doesn’t mean exceeded. click to play videos. specific amount of data in a anything here. I’ve never recom- Several days after You can go for monthly billing cycle – typically 3 mended it, because I don’t have receiving the Novem- about 50 hours with or 4GB – and after you hit the cap, any experience with it, haven’t ber 30 invoice, I Skype “talking heads” your line is throttled way, way seen any speed tests reported for stopped using the video calls and stay back, so it’s painfully slow, until it (phuketinternetspeed.com), and 3.9G service entirely. under about 1GB – but the end of the billing cycle. don’t know anyone who’s actu- I also attended a if your camera is Caveat emptor (Let the buyer ally used it. series of meetings following something beware!) That all changed, very abruptly, with TOT staff and that’s moving, the a few days ago, when I received the director of the data stream goes way Starting this month, a German- an anonymous copy of a letter main TOT office in up. YouTube videos language group will hold informal computer clinics at the Sandwich sent from a reader in Phuket to Phuket, the most A flyer advertising TOT’s new ‘3.9G’ service. Source: TOT vary not only in TOT’s Senior Executive VP, in recent of which, was length, but in quality Shoppe in Patong on Sunday Bangkok. Here’s what the letter on December 19. additional data. Singtel in Singapore – from the lowest quality videos mornings, at 11am. Sehr gut! Our says, with a few minor edits: During those meetings, I was told charges 120 baht. Verizon in the US being sent to the smallest regular weekly computer clinic “I recently tried to become a for the first time that there was a charges 450 baht for each 1GB screens, up to 1080p high def roundtables continue every Sunday customer of TOT’s 3.9G service, usage charge of 0.5 baht for each overage, although customers can going to desktop computers. On morning, 10am at the Sandwich with very unhappy results. I hope megabyte that exceeded the 6 buy 2 GB in advance for 300 baht. a tiny screen, you can watch Shoppe, Chalong. If you have a this letter will help you to improve gigabyte cap in any calendar month. Prepaid 3G in Cambodia works about 10 hours of YouTube Windows problem that needs to be the success of TOT’s 3.9G prod- I assert that these 0.5 baht/ well, by all accounts, and costs videos and stay under 1GB. But solved, or a question about internet uct, and to improve TOT’s public megabyte charges are unfair and 450 baht for 5 GB per month or 90 if you run at full HD, that goes service in Phuket, drop by and ask image in the process. unjustified because they were baht per GB. down to about one hour before one of the assembled gurus. It’s On December 22, I sent this never specified in any paperwork Which begs the question: How you exceed 1GB. always free. Sponsored by the information to TOT’s director of provided to me by TOT – and they much is one GB? Of course, there’s Put another way, if you have a Phuket Gazette and Khun Woody’s customer service, but I have had still have not been provided to me no definitive answer (this is the 3GB data cap on your 3G account, Sandwich Shoppes. no response. Please forward this in writing. I do not believe it is computer industry, after all), but a and you use the account to watch to the correct executive for acceptable for TOT to bill for good rule of thumb goes like this: full-screen TV, you’ll get about Live Wire is Phuket Gazette prompt action. charges which have never been If you download or stream a one three hours of TV per month columnist Woody Leonhard’s My complaint is that I have explained to or agreed by me. hour TV show, it’ll run about 1GB, before blowing the data cap. Watch weekly snapshot of all things been excessively overcharged for Please note that (according to the or less if you go with a lower YouTube videos on your iPhone or internet in Phuket. Shoot him mail TOT’s 3.9G service under false Phuket TOT office) my October 8 quality (720p) picture. Full high Galaxy, and you can go for 30 hours at [email protected], follow pretenses. My attorney thinks this 2012 contract was the very first sale definition movies can run 3GB to per month. If you talk on Skype all him on Twitter, @PhuketLiveWire, or may constitute illegal coercion of 3.9G service in Phuket – so it is 5GB each. If you receive good the time, you can run video calls 24 “like” his page at facebook.com/ under section ‘A’ violation of not surprising that there was confu- quality photos in your email, 1GB hours a day, 7 days a week, and SandwichShoppe. section 341, Chapter 3, Title XII sion within TOT and between TOT of the Penal Code of Thailand. and customers of the new service. On October 8, my assistant, Also, please note that TOT has acting on my instructions, signed not provided 3.9G customers with LINE draws 1 million users a contract for TOT 3.9G service. any way to tell when they are LINE, the world’s leading mobile messenger Since its release in June 2011 as a smartphone The contract specifies a monthly approaching (or have exceeded) the with social network service, has announced that messenger service, LINE has offered free calling charge of 850 baht. The contract monthly 6 gigabyte cap. It does not it achieved 100 million users recently. and sticker features. The platform has achieved also refers to a service level seem like fair business practice to At the celebratory event in Japan for hitting 10 million users in both Thailand and Taiwan, called LOAD PLATINUM, which charge customers for stepping over the 100 million milestone, NHN Japan’s CEO claiming the title as Thailand’s and Taiwan’s most includes 6 GB of download data an invisible line. Akira Morikawa said: representative mobile messenger. Not only is the per month. There were no other I have called the 1711 number “We have striven to always be one step ahead number of users joining the LINE community marketing or explanatory 3.9G on multiple occasions concerning of users’ needs and have offered a wide variety rapidly growing, but also the frequency of use is materials provided to us on that this problem. After waiting several of services to meet their quickly changing wants. worth highlighting. Currently, LINE is recording date or since. minutes on each occasion, I spoke Our efforts have paid off, evidenced by the an average of 3 million new users subscribing per Shortly thereafter, I started to use to a customer support person who continuous upward trend of users joining LINE, week and maintaining an impressive 80.3 per cent the 3.9G service to access the was entirely unfamiliar with the resulting in reaching our 100 million user mark.” monthly active user figure. – The Nation internet from my home computer. I new 3.9G service, and who could January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 37

Cheurchan Panvikarn IF YOU were to read Cheurchan during weekends. But Cheurchan Panvikarn’s CV, the section loves her work and prides herself ‘personality’ would read some- for being part of what she calls a thing like: confident, responsible, ‘responsible’ enterprise. organized, pragmatic and tena- “As a company, Phanason cares cious. For that is more or less how about the environment,” she says. she describes herself. “The word Phanason means The poised Cheurchan is forest and we try hard to live up marketing manager of Phanason hospitality in the early 1990s to our name. As a rule, we always Group – one of the major working for a five-star hotel in leave a sizeable green space in all property developers on the island Hua Hin. For the next 20 years she our residential estates. We also and nationwide. Their diverse rotated between Hua Hin, Phuket support local environmental housing projects range from and Samui, working in hospital- projects wherever we can.” seafront and city condominiums ity, tourism and property in many A competent businesswoman to home offices, resorts and capacities, ranging from human who credits her success with family-style homes. resources, public relations and being in Phuket, Cheurchan says she Haad Yai-born Cheurchan, management to marketing. is in debt to the town and its people holds a degree in education with a In Phuket, she has worked for for opening up her world and major in Thai literature. the Thavorn Group Hotels and the offering many career opportunities. Having started her career as a Boat Lagoon, among others. She “Compared to Haad Yai, where school teacher and developed a joined Phanason Group as its I grew up, Phuket is a veritable love for teaching, she reveals that marketing manager in 2011. land of business opportunities. working in educational institutions However, she admits that Many people find themselves here did not provide the kind of stimu- establishing herself in the new job and I am one of those. I love living lus she had in mind. However, was not easy to start with and here, it’s safe and sabay and I have there was one particular skill and there were times she felt like great friends and colleagues.” passion developed from the whole being thrown in the deep end. During her free time Cheurchan learning-teaching experience that “This is a competitive market and loves to take long walks on the has become her ‘tool of the trade’. I have to look after many things and beach with her dogs. Being a dog That skill is drama and acting. even stuff that’s outside my remit. lover means that Cheurchan “I have always been interested Usually, my work is to streamline aspires to having a house of her About Thai Gallery in dramatic arts,” she explains. promotional packages so that the own. “I need space for my dogs The individuals profiled in “Thai Gallery” are chosen on the basis of “Studying education I became quality of our homes and their and therefore a house suits me their contributions to Phuket as an international community, and, interested in the subject as a teach- after-sale maintenance come across better than a condominium.” often, for having made those contributions through successful social ing tool but I also love acting. This strongly for the public. In between Working for a property devel- and/or working relationships with foreigners. This implies some is a skill that helped develop my there’s working out marketing oper means that Cheurchan has foreign language skills and an interest in interacting with different confidence as a person and socially. strategy and brand building.” many choices available to her. cultures. They are people who in our experience help make the lives of And that was why I turned to All these responsibilities require “But I still have to take out a expats far more enjoyable here than might be the case without them. public relations instead of teaching.” promotion and networking and mortgage like everybody else,” she Cheurchan started her career in keep Cheurchan on her toes, even says lightheartedly. 38 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013 The grand old farce writer TOM Sharpe can be described as his ghastly wife and just as loud the heir of PG Wodehouse, the and overbearing as she was. No, master of English farce. His first more loud and overbearing than satirical novels, Riotous Assembly she was, given the combined and Indecent Exposure, were effect of their quadruple efforts. written about South Africa to All four girls were inexhaustible OCTOGENARIAN: Tom Sharpe, 84, is a master of farce. Photo: romannets.co.uk where he had moved, after attend- in their petty squabbles and of the townsfolk, who seemed not who seem overly fond of the ing Cambridge University, to work inter-sororial battles, and he was to accept the argument that if their quads. But they get off scot-free as a teacher and social worker in pretty sure that the demise of his children would trespass on the and return to their posh boarding 1951. A decade later, he was get-up-and-go had pretty much estate then they only had them- school to wreak more havoc. deported for “sedition”. coincided with their arrival.” selves to blame. A lot of silly fuss There are a host of stock char- In 1976, he scored his biggest “Ghastly” is the most over- about nothing really. After all, what acters: the retired army colonel, success with Wilt, a hilarious novel worked adjective in this book. were a few stitches here and there? the bumbling police inspector, the about Henry Wilt, a cynical Everyone is ghastly. Eva befriends And it wasn’t as if the child was petty village vicar. The vicar hates drunken lecturer at a mediocre the ghastly Lady Clarissa, a drunk good-looking in the first place.” Sir George for spreading the English university. The highlight, and a nymphomaniac, who is Now, however, Eddie has gradu- rumor that he was “a pervert who and the cover cartoon, has a married to the ghastly Sir George ated from stones to Sir George’s interferes with small boys”. The frantic Wilt stuffing an inflatable Gadsley, a gun nut and philanderer high-powered hunting rifles. The inspector thinks this over and sex doll down a piling hole. Why? after fat ladies. Lady Clarissa problem is that the author hasn’t asks: “And are you?” Don’t ask. ersuades Eva to move her family to bothered to develop the character “How dare you! Of course I’m Wilt inspired four sequels, the her country estate for the summer, of Eddie at all. We don’t even know not. You can ask my wife, if you latest of which is The Wilt Inher- so that Henry can tutor her son, the what he looks like. don’t believe me. I don’t even like itance (Arrow Books, London, ghastly Eddie, so he can pass his In fact, Tom Sharpe is 84 and small boys . . . nasty, vicious little 2011, 328pp). Despite the 35 years exams to get into Cambridge. Eddie showing his age. Many of his things. Or big boys, come to that.” that have passed since the first shows no interest in anything jokes are lame and the plot The whole novel is covered with novel, Wilt is still middle-aged, still Samatha and Penelope – the except for throwing stones at wanders about witlessly. An aged this sort of fustian air. The coun- dissatisfied with his dead end job “quads” or quadruplets. trespassers on the estate. uncle of Lady Clarissa has died of try has moved on but this sort of as a mediocre university profes- Wilt contemplates his middle- “Nothing, be it animal or small drink. The quads hid his body. genteel comedy has not. Perhaps sor, still saddled with Eva, his aged lack of ambition: child, was entirely safe when Eddie Eddie discovers them and manages satire is a game for young men who hare-brained and bossy wife, and “Wilt’s spirits sank even lower was around,” Lady Clarissa to shoot himself to death. The are angry enough to sustain it. The afflicted with four teenage daugh- when he thought of his daughters, reflects. “There had been a couple quads hide his body. The police octogenarian Tom Sharpe is just ters – Josephine, Emmeline, all four of them exact replicas of of unfortunate run ins with some search the estate with sniffer dogs telephoning his satire in. January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 39 A new holisitic hang-out

Fitness trainer Adam does repetitions of the bench press on the ground floor of AQUAZEN. AQUAZEN offers members access to at 100 per cent and it goes down again free weights and cardio machines, medita- to sixty/forty and so on. It has been tion classes, Zumba, personal training and clinically proven that this is the best way something called “prescriptive exercises”. to clear the arteries and flush out all the “Prescriptive Exercises allow you [to triglycerides and arterial plaque.” ENLIGHTENED EXERCISE: Running machines face outward for a more open feel. Photos: Chris Hudon help] treat conditions such as depression AQUAZEN Holistic Gym is located half By Chris Hudon year as a new lifestyle project. or high blood pressure... and that’s a kilometer west of the Heroines’ monu- “We thought, we’d like to create some- something that I don’t see other gyms ment on road 4025 to Surin next to Kate’s MILLIONS of people visit the Pearl of where, where people can work out that’s [in Phuket] offering,” says Ross Brunton, hairdressers. The gym has a back porch the Andaman each year, but when you get not intimidating, where you can come, AQUAZEN’s detox director. area that turns into an ideal place to right down to it – the island is smaller get a workout, have a sports massage, According to Alex and Ross, prescriptive socialize at night and comprises three than you’d think. do some meditation and everything is exercises have been proven by research stud- floors including a weight room, juice bar, This is because long term expats tend on-site,” says Managing Director Alex ies to treat certain mental illnesses such as locker rooms and massage area. to localize their habits based on the area Botley. “We wanted a change of lifestyle, depression. They elaborate that depression The gym’s holistic style of fitness they live in – Kata, Chalong, Phuket and there really isn’t anything in the area responds really well to exercise because it training is supplemented by detox flushes, Town, Surin – due mainly to the diffi- [Cherng Talay] like this.” causes the release of dopamine. So, instead which help remove your body’s toxins in culty of traversing long distances here. Construction work on the project was of using drugs, patients can seek fulfillment order to feel healthier. It is also slated to Although there is an abundance of completed in four months and more than through working out. be a distribution point for Pura organics, certain businesses across the island, a few 20 members have already signed up in the But this kind of holistic exercise can also another island staple of healthy living. of which include massage parlors, restau- first few days since the gym’s opening. be used for physical ailments they say. “One of our concepts here is to be an rants and gyms, generally, many businesses Owners Alex and Ross have vowed not “Heart disease for example,” continues alternative to going out to the pub every can survive if they focus on servicing a to allow more than 200 members total – Alex, “You exercise in ten minute blocks. night. Instead of going to the pub drink- particular area and local market segment. with no signing fee for the first 100 people Maybe the first couple of minutes would ing and destroying your body, you can That idea is what the newly opened – at a starting cost of 1,500 per month. be at thirty per cent. The next couple of come here and you’ll have a big group of AQUAZEN Holistic Gym is banking on Keeping the numbers lower will help minutes would be at sixty per cent, then friends who train here every night,” adds to see them through their first intrepid ensure a personal atmosphere, they say. you have a minute or a minute and a half Ross. “It’s a nice place to hang out.” Women and menopause WITH the incidence of ovarian, death among American women uterine and breast cancer all on the and this is caused by the reduc- rise, a women’s reproductive tion of estrogen, which affects organs probably receive more the LDL cholesterol. An impor- medical attention and care than tant warning sign is numbness any other organs in her body. or weakness on one side of the But other illnesses pose a silent body, including the face, arm, or threat to women, especially those leg, for about 30 minutes (and of menopause age. From the time a then the body returns to normal). woman begins menstruation up until To prevent heart disease and she reaches menopause, she’s stroke: quit smoking, control your protected by the hormone estrogen, diet, stop eating sweets and starch which helps reduce cholesterol in (if diabetic), reduce or stop eating the blood. But at menopause, that fatty meat (if you have high cho- protection fades and the risks are Changing times. Photo: Tafari Anthony lesterol), reduce salt intake (if you the same for both sexes. include fatigue and tiredness, sleep have high blood pressure), increase This loss of estrogen is respon- disturbance or insomnia, difficulty intake of vegetables and fish. Take sible for thinning of the bones in in breathing, pain in the neck and up exercise such as aerobics, brisk women every year. shoulder, abdominal pain, nausea walking, running, swimming and Heart disease is also a problem and vomiting. Fifty per cent of biking. Consult your doctor if you for post-menopausal women. those who suffer from heart suffer from fatigue, dizziness or Despite suffering symptoms and disease do not have chest pain unexplained swelling in the legs. warnings for several months, during a heart attack while those Osteoporosis doesn’t show women are often unaware that who do complain of chest pain any symptoms if the bones are they are suffering from ischemic constitute no more than 30 per cent not fractured. Go for a a bone heart disease, where blood of those who suffer a heart attack. density test every two years supply to the heart muscle Statistics indicate that stroke after the age of 65. is reduced. Common symptoms is the third leading cause of – The Nation 40 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013

GLOBE TROTTER: Lantana, originally from South America, has clusters of tiny florets. Photo: Kevin Harber Above: Wedelia trilobata, Below: Another variety of Lantana. Photos: Here to stay Joseph Wong and Virginia Sanderson A look at Phuket’s naturalized plants

MANY plants here give every is hardy, puts up with poor soil appearance of having been fixtures and semi-drought conditions. Not since vegetation appeared on the blue like the European periwinkle, island. In fact many are not indig- the five-petaled flowers are typi- enous but have been introduced, cally magenta in color, though mostly by design but sometimes ductions. They can become inva- there is a white variety. The foli- by accident. In many cases, these sive. The lantana is a obvious age consists of glossy oval leaves, plants have done so well that you example. Thais appreciate this which sprout from reddish stems. might be forgiven for believing South American shrub because its It seems disease-free, though the clusters of vivid cerise or red nally by sea, since the berries can them to be native to Phuket, or at large clusters of tiny florets come caterpillars of the oleander hawk flowers. Easy to grow? Naturally. float, unharmed, for long periods least to Thailand. in a range of colors – orange, moth are partial to it. Another sensible choice for the in salty water.. Take wedelia trilobata. A yellow, white or pink. It blooms Jatropha multifida is a native lazy gardener. Less in evidence, the sea grape herbaceous plant, which creeps repeatedly, and thrives every- of the West Indies, but shows Phuket inevitably attracts or coccoloba uvifera is doubtless along and roots as it goes, it is where. Local horticulturists are signs of becoming naturalized plants that can endure salt-laden here for the same reasons. An useful for providing rapid adept at grafting different colored here. I can only assume that it winds: hence the popularity of the altogether more impressive shrub, groundcover. A member of the varieties on to a single rootstock was introduced by some horticul- sea-lettuce, or scaevola. This with large, plate-like, olive- aster family, it produces a dense and producing an attractive turist years ago, since it is shrub is grown for its fleshy, pale colored, deeply veined leaves, and mat of glossy green leaves and potted specimen. But, given the established around Phuket, both green foliage. Superficially, the long clusters of green berries, it masses of yellow, daisy-like flow- right conditions, it is a rampant as a hedging shrub and in garden leaves resemble those of a lettuce, is used as an ornamental in ers. Right now, and profiting from grower, and in parts of Australia beds. Widely available in plant though these clumps of foliage gardens exposed to saline winds. the wet weather, it is covering the it is considered invasive. nurseries, it is also beginning to appear on woody stems. Scaevola Already, this American native can waste ground opposite my house Another import that gives put in an appearance likes full sun and sandy soil; it is, be seen growing wild along the at a rate of knots. In fact you can every appearance of being happy on scrubland, a sure sign that for these reasons, being increas- shoreline in isolated parts of the find it everywhere in Phuket, to stay, is the tropical periwinkle. it is spreading. As one variety ingly used here as a seaside hedge island. Here to stay? Maybe. But even trailing down walls. The Native to Madagascar, it has come (jatropha curcas) has in India or barrier behind which other beware developers. surprise? It originates from a long way from its African roots, where it lines hundreds of miles plants can shelter. Again it is not, tropical America where it is but it has adapted to life here so of railway track. In Brazil it is strictly speaking, a native, hailing If you have a question or a garden often regarded as a weed. well that has become a feature being grown as a commercial originally from the Pacific Islands. that you would like featured, That of course is one of the of Phuket’s coastline. Like most source of bio-fuel. A tall, some- But it is already well-established you can email me anytime at: problems with these floral intro- surviving visitors, cantharanthus times scandent shrub, it bears in Phuket. Perhaps it came origi- [email protected] Tip of the Week

Garden Pests: Millipedes are useful in that they are detritivores, feeding (like Millipedes termites) on dead organic matter, EVERY gardener in Phuket will especially leaf litter. But they are have encountered giant millipedes. also a minor pest in that they can Far larger than European ones, and do attack young seedlings by they are up to five inches long with stripping off the outer stem hundreds of pairs of legs beneath layers. There is also anecdotal metallic, brown or black, cylindri- evidence that they prey on earth- cal bodies. Attacked, they curl into Millipede. Photo: James Gaither worms. Moreover, they contain a tight coil, and rely on their during wet weather, moving slowly cyanide and should not be tough exo-skeleton to deter over the ground in search of damp handled. Personally, I put them predators. They tend to appear and concealed places. on waste ground. Scaevola is often used as a seaside hedge. Photo: David Eickhoff January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Finding the ‘Sea People’ Tracing the roots of Rawai Beach’s earliest settlers, 700 years ago THE Chaolay, literally Urak Lawoi in Thailand translated as ‘sea people’, today still refer to were one of the earliest Koh Lanta Yai as their settlers on the island of original home but regard Phuket. Although today Gunung Jerai (Langkawi) they are a minority ethnic group, their as their sacred place and ancestral home. history in Phuket dates back several Today, a small population of Urak Lawoi hundred years. The people the Thais have and Moken also live in Phuket. Of the few come to call the Chaolay are actually of villages that remain, one of the most Austronesian decent and have maintained a notable is the settlement near Rawai Beach. nomadic lifestyle on the open sea for In one of his articles, writer Montri centuries. Throughout their history they Thipsak interviews Ri, the village doctor have managed to populate much of the of the Chaolay villages in Rawai, to find islands and coastlines of the Andaman sea. out more about their history. The Urak Of the Chaolay ethnicities that still live Lawoi people have no written language and along Thailand’s coastlines and islands, no recorded history. They hand down their the two main groups are Urak Lawoi and history by telling stories, from generation Moken. Both groups have different to generation. It is their way of keeping origins and traditions. The Urak Lawoi their history alive. in particular, are found scattered on the Ri said that the first Urak Lawoi settled coasts and islands of the Andaman Sea. in Rawai around 700 years ago at the tip No one really knows for sure how they of Rawai cape. Not long after, their village managed to reach the Andaman Sea began to grow. Other ethnicities, such as centuries ago, or where they came from. the Moken also came to live in the area. NOMADS: Kabang are sturdy vessels, traditionally used by the Chaolay as fishing boats. Some theories suggest that the Urak During that time there lived a doctor named Lawoi are descendants of Chinese nomads, Yung Lawai in the Chaolay village. He was who sailed from China’s Yangtze River all a selfless man who did much to help his the way to the Malay peninsula. Others have community. His main contribution was to suggested that they may have descended help the sick, using his magic spells to heal from the Sea Dyak of Borneo. them. Doing it sincerely in the hopes of In stark contrast, another theory has helping to cure his fellow villagers made suggested that they are more closely related him very popular with the Urak Lawoi and to the Melanesians of the South Pacific. Moken alike. Finally, it is also possible that the Urak According to Ri, when Yung Lawai died, Lawoi are descended from a group called he was buried on Koh Hay (Coral Island), the Orang Laut Kappir. The word kappir not far offshore from where he had lived. comes from the Arabic ‘kafir’, or non- After his death, the beach that was near the believer. Legend has it that the Orang Laut Urak Lawoi settlement became known as Kappir had previously lived on Langkawi Lawai. In time it corrupted to Rawai. island, until it was conquered by the invad- Ri says that there are two main ethnic A quaint Chaolay village located on Surin Island. Photos: Anand Singh ing Malays of Kedah. groups of Chaolay that live in Rawai: the from Thai society in general. The Princess Mother also granted many After the conquest, the Sultan of Kedah Uruk Lawoi and the Moken. According The Chaolay may have been one of the Chaolay families Thai surnames with mandated that the locals must convert to to a 2007 census, the Chaolay population first settlers on the island but today they meanings that linked to Chaolay traditions, Islam. When the Orang Laut Kappir in Rawai number around 2,600 people, are often seen as maintaining a foreign including Chang-nam (water expert), refused to abandon their own religion and living in 220 households, on an area culture. For this reason, the Thai govern- Haad-Sai-Thong (gold-sanded beach) and convert to Islam, they were forced out covering 19 rai, that Ri says was granted ment has made several attempts to Kla-Talay (brave sea). of Langkawi. The survivors sailed away to his people by HM the King. assimilate them into mainstream Thai These surnames can sometimes be and ended up on Koh Lanta, east of The different Chaolay ethnicities have society, sometimes with limited success. used to identify their origins. The Phuket Island. Since then, they have taken maintained their own unique customs, Ri said that in 1965, HRH the Princess Chaolay people living on Tarutao, Adang, up a nomadic lifestyle, living off the sea religious beliefs and even their own Mother coined the term ‘Thai-Mai’, or Rawi and Lipe islands bear the surname for sustenance. language for centuries. ‘new-Thais’ to refer to the Chaolay, in Kla-Talay, or Harn-Talay. If this theory is correct, it would mean However, their language is more closely order to remind people that the different In Phuket, many Chaolay bear the that the Urak Lawoi are the first people to linked to Malay than Thai and their unfamiliar ethnicities that live within Thailand are surname Pramongkit (fishery) and on Lanta settle on Koh Lanta and their history there customs are considered very unusual. For this nonetheless Thais, regardless of their island, a lot of the Chaolay bear the surnames would date back more than 500 years. Many reason, they have been somewhat alienated cultural differences. Talay-luk (deep sea) and Changnam. Discovering Australia Day THIS Saturday, January 26, millions renamed Port Jackson, and is now January 25, the gale was still of Australians will be celebrating better known as Circular Quay, in blowing and only the HMS Sup- Australia Day, marking 225 years Sydney’s central business district. ply, carrying Capt Phillip, made it since the First Fleet led by Capt At this stage, all these first out of the bay and up to Sydney Arthur Phillip rowed ashore at forays onto Terra Australis were Cove, where they anchored in the Sydney Cove, claiming Australia. nothing more than site explorations, afternoon.Early on January 26, The fleet, comprising 11 ships possibly the country’s very Capt Phillip, a few dozen that left England on May 13 that first beach picnics. Capt marines, some officers year, actually arrived off Botany Phillip had yet to claim and some ‘obliga- Bay somewhere between January Australia. It wasn’t tory’ oarsmen 18 and 20, but immediately found until the British rowed ashore the area unsuitable. Botany Bay spotted the French Source: and took posses- later became a penal colony. ships; the Astrolabe rotaryaust.org sion of the land in On January 21, Capt Phillip and and the Boussole at the the name of King a handful of officers made their way entrance to Botany Bay George III. After to Port Jackson, which they that Capt Phillip realized enduring their intro- thought was a much better place to the beach party was over, and that duction to the Australian habitat, the live, much like the aborigines who he had to move quickly. However, ships finally managed to clear were already there to greet them. a storm had blown in and the Botany Bay and sail to Sydney Two days later, Capt Phillip British fleet could not find a way Cove. The last ship anchored just ordered the fleet to move into out of Botany Bay, just as the two in time for tea. The rest, as they Sydney Cove, which he had now French ships could not get in. Come say, is history. – Phuket Gazette 42 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013 Full cycle James Mason arrived in Thailand as a morbidly obese young man with five years to live unless he changed his ways. This week he will cycle from Phuket to Bangkok to raise money for children.

By Marc Mulloy weeks and surgery was able to save his leg. It should be men- WHILE a certain Mr Armstrong tioned at this point that in the may have brought shame to the same leg he has no anterior world of cycling following recent cruciate ligament (ACL), which revelations to a certain Ms Oprah, is a hinderance for an athlete. a certain Mr Mason will be doing When another of his sponsors, just the opposite by using his Phuket Pro Nutrition, joked that, bicycle to help raise funds for given the amount of cycling he needy children. was doing anyway, he should On January 29 James Mason consider riding to Bangkok he took will leave Tiger Muay Thai camp it as a challenge. in Chalong (one of his main spon- “You can do anything if you put BANGKOK BOUND: James is looking forward to putting all of his training sors) and cycle 890 kilometers to your mind to it. Many would have into practice and will likely shed a few more kilos on the way. Rainbow House, a home for given up. I think of those less three weeks and is now fighting disabled or abandoned children, in fortunate than me that have no fit and ready to roll. The Phuket Gazette is James’s main Bangkok. arms and legs who still compete He aims to cycle the 890 media sponsor and will update This is no mean feat for even at an Olympic level,” says James. kilometers to Nonthaburi in nine readers on his progress both online the most accomplished athlete but Having succeeded in losing days with stopovers roughly 100 and on PGTV’s weekly TV show the challenge becomes even more over half of his body weight, he kms apart except for the last 205 ‘Phuket Today’ on TrueVisions incredible when you consider that ‘You can do anything if you now inspires other people to do km leg from Hua Hin which he channels 99 and 58. Other sponsors 18 months ago James Mason put your mind to it. Many the same including local DJ Tom will do in one day. include: TKO Bike Rentals; 02 Beach could not even mount a bicycle ‘The Tank’ Somsanuk – a work His nutritionist, from Phuket Club; Celebrity Ink Patong and Lotus let alone ride it. would have given up. I in progress. Pro Nutrition, will be monitoring Medical International. At that time he weighed 235 think of those less fortunate James believes that being in him from a support vehicle and kilos and had been given five Thailand has made all this possible other supporters will ride with him You can follow James’ progress years to live by a doctor in the than me that have no arms so he is now ready to give some- some of the way. on Twitter (@masonweightloss), UK. James opted to lose the and legs who still compete thing back. The charity he has And, in case you were wonder- Facebook or on his blog: weight the hard way by joining at an Olympic level.’ chosen, called ‘For Life’, helps ing how James will be returning weightlossthailand.com. Donations Tiger Muay Thai and MMA to disabled or abandoned children in to Phuket he will be flying back can be made at justgiving.com/ literally slug it out. challenge: “The hardest thing for Thailand and supports four after a well-deserved rest. jamesmasonbikeathon. In an interview he gave to the me was hearing the comments, day-care centers, a residential Phuket Gazette in 2011 he was both here and back home, about home for up to 50 children and a happy to announce that he had my appearance from those who project that works with 600 already shed ten kilos. did not know what I was going children in rural communities. Fast forward to 2013 and through. I just blocked them out James’ goal is to raise over 29-year-old James is now rela- and persevered”. 100,000 baht for the charity. tively svelte, weighs in at 99 kilos If losing 138 kilos in 18 He set a departure date for and is about to lose another few months wasn’t hard enough, January 29 and started training during his nine day ride to the James has also been beset by five hours a day. But, a few days capital. other medical problems. before Christmas, which he In a recent Gazette interview at Four months after arriving in celebrated back home in the UK, his home in the plush Little Hill Thailand his leg became infected James caught Dengue Fever, Resort, jogging distance from the with a rare flesh-eating bacteria another potentially life threatening camp, he shrugged off any notions called Necrotizing fasciitis, which mosquito-borne disease. that this was a tough undertaking is fatal in 40 per cent of cases. Through sheer will power and and spoke of his earlier weight loss He was hospitalized for over two stamina he was able to recover in

LOSING IT: Whereas most people would stop after reaching their desired weight, James Mason just keeps on going. Photos: Marc Mulloy January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 43

Learn to speak Aussie Land of smiles commemorates Australia Day with this quick guide:

Ankle biter: A child Piker: Bore, party pooper Arse about face: Back to front Prang: Accident Arvo: Afternoon Rafferty’s rules: No rules Bender: Heavy drinking session Rapt: Very pleased Billabong: Watering hole Reckon: To agree Buckleys: No chance Ripper: A term of approval Budgie smugglers: Men’s swimwear Rip-snorter: An excellent thing Bun in the oven: Pregnant Roo: Kangaroo Bush pig: Very unattractive Rotten: Drunk Chuck/chunder: To vomit Rug rats: Children Hong Kong signs Chuck a wobbly: Throwing a tantrum Sanga: Sandwich Cop a squiz: Take a look Shelia: Girl, woman Dog’s breakfast: Absolute mess Slab: A tray of beer, usually a total of Drongo: A fool 24 cans or ‘stubbies’ Esky: insulated portable cooler box Snag: Sausage Fairdinkum: Is that right? Spit the dummy: see “Chuck a Flat out like a lizard drinking: wobbly” Doing absolutely nothing Spunky: A sexy guy or “sheila” G’day: Hello Stroppy: Cranky or irate Good sport: Easy going person Stubbie: Small bottle of beer Grumblebum: Complainer Taswegian: A person from Tasmania Hard yacka: Hard work Tea: Third meal of the day Kark it: To die Technicolor yawn: To vomit Knackers: Testicles Tinny: A can of beer Knickers: Underpants Togs: Swimming clothes Longneck: Large bottle of beer True blue: Genuinely australian Mad as a cut snake: Used to U-eee: U-turn describe a fearless person Unreal: Excellent Maggot bag: Meat pie Ute: A utility truck Meat wagon: Ambulance Wharfie: A dock worker Mystery bag: Meat pie Whosiwhatsit: A term for a person No worries: Term of reassurance or when their name is forgotten acknowledgement Wig-warmer: A hat Ocker: Uncouth Australian Within cooee: Close by Old cheese: A friendly term given to Wowser: Spoilsport a mother You beauty: Wonderful (exclamation) SELFISH SOAP: That’s out of order. Photos by Marc Mulloy during a recent trip to The good news about death Hong Kong. vacation. But to keep me dead for pizza, but, hey, you’re dead. You all eternity seems an unreasonable don’t have a mouth, you don’t imposition on my time. have a stomach. What would you Many people believe in an do with a pizza? There would also afterlife, but convincing evidence be the awkwardness of paying the is hard to come by. The afterlife, delivery man, because you don’t taught by some religions, sounds have any money either. DEATH has received very bad wonderful – an eternal idyll in the You might want to see a movie. press. Nobody has a good word gardens of paradise – but it goes With what eyeballs, pray? You to say about it, and everybody’s on forever. Most people would be might want to listen to music. With afraid of it. Fairness requires that bored silly after two weeks. what ears? You don’t have a body, somebody should point out the The idea of reincarnation, too, so you can’t do anything. You good points of this much- is a dreary prospect. If you could don’t have a brain, so you can’t maligned condition. remember the lessons you learned even WANT to do anything. It’s I’m told that death can signifi- in this life, so as to do better in an ideal setup. cantly impact your life. It’s a tricky the next life, there might be some In fact, death is such a splendid topic to write about, because chance of making progress. But condition that I can’t understand nobody knows what it’s like. It if you don’t remember anything why everybody isn’t eager to may be one big long sleep. We get and have to start all over again embrace it immediately. Aside from a foretaste of it every night. from scratch. The whole business the personal advantages, there’s an Nobody is afraid of sleep. Most seems pointless, especially altruistic motive. The planet is of us enjoy it. I certainly do. I because it’s an unending cycle. overpopulated; there are too many sleep all the time. I am sleeping as The idea of death as an eternal of us. We’d be doing the rest of I write this – you can probably sleep makes sense, and it has our species a favor by selflessly tell – so why do we fear death? advantages that nobody thinks of. sacrificing ourselves and getting Well, it’s because death, so far You don’t have to get up in the out of the way. You first. as we know, lasts forever. We morning. You don’t have to shave. don’t fear sleep because we know You don’t have to go to work. You Ye Olde Curmudgeon confesses that we’ll wake up. We don’t wake up don’t even have to mow the lawn. he’ll probably want to phone out for a from death. I wouldn’t mind The main advantage is that you pizza even after he’s dead. You can being dead for a few days, or even don’t need anything. You might scold him for this inconsistency c/o a few weeks. It would be a nice think about phoning out for a [email protected]. 44 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013 Rohingya: a people

By Leslie Porterfield

THE Andaman coastal provinces of Phang Nga and Ranong, to the north of Phuket, are facing a growing humanitarian crisis as Rohingya refugees, fleeing Officials struggle with the burden violence in their homeland, of Rohingya refugees on the crowd detention centers and government. Photo: Gazette file strain local facilities. As officials deal with the day- Thailand calls to day issues of providing food, shelter and medical aid, one of the for Asean help refugees explained why so many are increasingly willing to risk their lives traveling 15 days in open to deal with boats with little food or water in the hope of a better life. ‘boat people’ “It’s not our goal to come to ETHNIC Rohingya fleeing Thailand,” Mr Samirusen, a refu- from Myanmar deserve the gee, said through a translator. “We attention of Asean as their just wanted to get away from problems are huge, a panel of Burma. We left home because Bur- the National Human Rights mese soldiers forced us out. They Commission (NHRC) says. killed some of our relatives. During “This issue is big. It should the trip over, many of us were sepa- be addressed at the Asean level. rated from family members who Myanmar is also a member traveled in different boats.” of the regional grouping,” The Thai policy continues to be panel chairwoman Angkhana one of trying to dissuade refugees Neelapaijit said. from coming ashore and repatri- Angkhana said the Thai ating them if they do. government must also discuss Royal Thai Armed Forces the Rohingya with the United Supreme Commander General Thanasak Patimaprakorn last Fri- Nations High Commissioner This season has seen boatloads of Rohingya flee their homeland, including women and children. Photo: NoDirectionHome for Refugees (UNHCR), the day, said that standard procedures International Organization for in dealing with illegal immigrants, tinue their voyage; if they land, we Kapoe and Suk Samran District On January 17, 20 officers from Migration, the Red Cross and which stipulate that they be repa- provide them with fuel and coastlines; and in Phang Nga prov- the Takuapa Border Patrol Police UNICEF. triated, should be maintained or humanitarian aid,” he said. ince in the districts of Kuraburi, along with Kuraburi District Police Senator Jate Sirataranont else the illegal entry of Rohingya This policy was first laid out Takuapa and Tai Muang. Superintendent Col Weerasil argued that Thai authorities must into Thailand would continue. last March, entiteld, “Protecting Kwanseng arrested 171 Rohingya send the Rohingya refugees to The next day, last Saturday, the Andaman”. RECENT HISTORY offshore from Koh Phra Thong. a third, Muslim country as fast the Thai Internal Security Opera- Under that policy, the fore- “We were told by fishermen as possible. However, as the tions Command (ISOC) held an most goal of Thai authorities is Phuket saw the first group of there were two boats with many process may take time, he emergency meeting to address to keep the Rohingya from land- refugees this year on January 1 people on board floating in the sea believed the government should the problem. “Abnormally high ing on Thai soil. when 73 people were appre- 10 nautical miles west of Koh set up more temporary shelters numbers” of refugees have been Gen Manas noted that ISOC had hended floating in an open boat Phra Thong,” Col Weerasil said. for them. arriving since the southwest repelled 21 Rohingya boats and the off Koh Bon. Phuket Governor “On the boats, we found 171 Army chief General Prayuth monsoon eased, leaving calmer Third Naval Area Command had Maitri Inthusut reported that Rohingya from Rakhine State. Chan-ocha, however, expressed waters for them to cross, said turned away seven in the two these Rohingya had voluntarily There were 139 men, 12 women concern about creating more ISOC Region 4 Commander Maj months after the southwest mon- agreed to be repatriated to and 20 children between 2-8 shelters for the Rohingya. “We Gen Manas Kongpan. soon eased last year, from October Myanmar, a statement which years old,” he said. can’t take in too many people Gen Manas outlined the proce- to early December 2012. came under fire by the New “They were on their way to otherwise problems will arise in dure for dealing with Rohingya Increased vigilance has been York-based organization Human look for work in Thailand or the long run. We have to take arriving by sea: “We send out ordered for the points at which the Rights Watch. Malaysia. All of them were tired care of our national security,” patrol boats to dissuade them [sic] Rohingya tend to enter: In Ranong On January 14, hundreds of and hungry. We gave them food he said. from coming close to shore. If province the islands of Koh Sinnai, Rohingya were spotted in nine boats and water and turned them over they come close, we talk to them Koh Chang, Koh Payam and Koh off the coast of Lam Kaen in Phang to Phang Nga Immigration,” – The Nation and persuade them [sic] to con- Kam Yai, which stretch along the Nga’s Tai Muang District. he added. Humanity and kindness first: Phuket Governor I DID not make the Rohingya policy. It humanity and kindness. This includes with your own eyes to understand. is a national policy and it is my job and voluntary deportation. They were very exhausted because of that of other authorities on the island to Phuket dealt with more than 70 their long journey. implement it. Rohingya when a boat came ashore on Janu- It was as though you planned to ride a The Thai Government sees the ary 1. They asked for food, drink and fuel bicycle with flat tyres to Chiang Mai. You Rohingya as people in need, like patients so they could continue their journey. wouldn’t do that, would you? And I who need treatment. At first we planned wouldn’t let you. Our mandate is to give ‘The Thai Government to give them fuel to On that day, their leader was the one them food, drink, fuel sees the Rohingya as people continue to Malaysia. who decided that “repatriation” was the and health care. However, the sea was best choice. It was a voluntary deporta- We are responsible in need, like patients who very rough that day. tion. Safety with humanity was our for helping the Rohingya need treatment.’ More importantly, their guiding principle. only when they reach boat was not in good We want to deal with this issue Phuket waters. Once they do, we will take enough condition for them to travel that humanely, but also smoothly, in order to care of them case by case, depending on far, especially considering they had maintain tourist confidence in Phuket as a the condition of the people and the boats. already been at sea for two weeks. world-class tourist destination. I believe in treating the Rohingya with You would need to have seen them – Chutharat Plerin Governor Maitri Inthusut Photo: Gazette file January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 45 stuck in Thai purgatory

STRAINING CAPACITY to stay and sufficient food. BROTHERHOOD OF MAN On Monday, Dararat Suthet, The growing numbers of refu- the head of the welfare shelter Islamic Officials from Phuket Brief history of the Rohingya gees are straining the immigration in Khukkhak, just north of Khao and Ranong have also called for THE Rohingya are a persecuted minority group from Rakhine detention facilities in Phang Nga, Lak, told the Gazette that Public donations. Komon Doomluck, of according to Phang Nga Gover- Health officers were in the shel- the Central Islamic Council of State, Western Myanmar, ethnolinguistically related to the people nor Thamrong Charoenkul. ter vaccinating 46 refugee Thailand and the Phuket Islamic of India and Bangladesh. They number approximately 800,000. “While they are waiting to be women and children and giving Committee said, “I would like to deported, we do not have enough medical checkups. ask everyone in Thailand to lend a 1430s First Bengali settlements in Arakan State (Rakhine State). space for them,” he said. Volunteers were bringing dona- hand to help these people who left The Phang Nga detention tions of dried food and personal a troubled place for a better life.” 1800s British colonials allow free migration from Bengal to center, already housing refugees items, she said. “We are grateful for Surachet Prasongpol, of the Arakan – thousands migrate. brought in last November, cur- the donations but we still need more Ranong Islamic Subcommittee, rently has 214 people in it, he said. – dried food, especially food marked led a team to donate food, drink 1947 Rohingya attempt to join newly formed Pakistan. “But it was built halal.” Personal and daily personal effects, and 1962 Burmese military restrict Rohingya freedom and try to drive to house 150.” ‘When our brothers and necessities, called for more aid. “We have sent including tooth- “Anyone in the area who is them out of the country. over 40 women sisters are in trouble, we brushes, willing to help, please come and 1970s Emergency Immigration Act denies Rohingya citizenship. and children, must lend a hand. We are toothpaste and lend a hand. We are concerned 1977 Government anti-foreigner program leads to attacks. including one sarongs, were about them as they are our broth- pregnant woman, looking after these people also needed. ers,” he said. 1978 200,000 Rohingya flee to Bengal. to Takuapa, 22 because we are all equal. Officials are 1982 Citizenship Law requires Burmese ancestry established men to Ranong, in particular THE FUTURE and we have Everyone should have the need of transla- back to 1823, denies Rohingya and other ethnic groups citizen- moved others to chance to live equally.’ tors in order to If anything is certain it is that ship, and therefore education and freedom of movement. Phang Nga Pro- – Sgt Maj Komon Doomluck communicate Thailand will get plenty of prac- vincial Police with the refu- tice dealing with refugees in the 1991-92 Widespread repression and abuse force 260,000 Ro- Station near the gees so that the coming days and weeks. hingya to flee to Bangladesh. provincial immigration office,” officers can provide better care. A refugee on Monday foretold 2012 Violent conflict between Rohingya Muslims and ethnic he said. Khukkhak Mayor Sawat to officials that five more vessels Touring detention centers last Tankeng said, “Since the shelter were allegedly at sea and heading Rakhine lead to state of emergency – Rohingya are targets of Friday, Governor Thamrong is at near capacity, I ordered this way, reported The Nation. mass arrests and arbitrary violence. Rohingya are not included urged his officers to take good municipal staff to bring public care of the refugees, ensuring the facilities, such as mobile toilets and Additional reporting by in the Myanmar Government’s list of ethnic groups. migrants, especially the women water trucks to enable the women Chutharat Plerin and Kritsada Source: UNHCR and children, had adequate space and children to shower.” Mueanhawong 46 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013

SUDOKU: Each row, column and 3x3 sub-grid must contain the number 1-9 once only. © Kevin Stone (brainbashers.com) 23. Anne hides previous husband in a separate building (6) 25. Farm vehicle in piece of land round river (7) 27. Chore I’m working on for the Across: heroic in character (7) 8. Actuality I forward in 30. Personal Assistant to no good clique (7) Phuket nightlife center (6) 9. Characteristic shows a mere 31. Possibly roots verse in Black part (9) Sea port (6) 13. A mob, a gathering, 32. Shut up, pounded (5) Down: 10. Company left round New moving out, note! (9) President! (5) 35. Raging, I raid the lines leaving 1. Mate, skillful sportsman in the York settlement (6) 29. Remains at home, say isn’t 14. Oporto loses nothing supplying the center (5) Royal home! (6) 11. Warrant Officer, note out (5,2) a group of soldiers (5) 36. Learner moving eye round 2. A time girls produce reference bachelor, went in front, was not 30. Work up, ours may be full of 15. Gossip may possibly alter river is wary (5) books (8) steady (7) holes (6) cover of teetotaller (7) 37. Ere doe turns right, see small 3. A binding arrangement, no I 12. Cavort, maybe caper about 32. Call Eric out of the priest- 16. Honest, South East Asia has graceful animal (3,4) turn up shortening the original around the North (6) hood (8) blue water (4,3) 39. Strip into ordinary uniform (7) phrase (11) 19. Get me in as arranged to 33. Doctor has maybe more in 17. Forbid little Josephine to have 41. I bail out of proof that I was 4. Mother, I write right, first class gathering (7) the window (6) an instrument (5) not at the scene of the crime (5) Thai, it doesn’t matter! (3,3,3) 21. Gassy dear, eat carefully (7) 34. Clasp, it may be flexible (7) 18. Color of melon (5) 42. One Frenchman with girl’s 5. Warning, I.O.U. can’t sort it 24. Open car, cover in, belt 38. Girl, boy, levelled (6) 20. Unknown eras, possibly name (5) out (7) around (11) 40. Challenge a red unwisely (4) ages (5) 43. Credits Pa maybe ran through (9) 6. Silence, pet, about the 26. Study ten nice moves to 22. Partner maybe not right for a 44. More comprehensible class epidemic (10) indicate chastity (10) Cryptic crossword compiled by surgical procedure (6) note could be rare (7) 7. Leap into ring! (4) 28. Housewife in residence. Mark Patong Bill. Answers in page 31. AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19): thinking will help you to rise to VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 23): sign will benefit from waiting Closure is forecast to new challenges in the world of Financial gain can come until next month; the stars suggest come as a relief for work. Romance with an earth sign from an unusual source at that new information can shed many Aquarians. If this blooms, but too many differences the end of January, but the helpful light on this matter. Hot relates to business, the stars become apparent where a possible stars show that you will need to days for romance are Wednesday advise reading between the lines relationship with another fire sign think outside the box. It would not and Thursday. Number six can before signing important agree- is concerned. Number nine shines be wise to share this development bring good fortune this week. ments. If a romantic relationship for Arians this week. with anyone who hasn’t proved is on the rocks, there are hints that CANCER (June 22-July 23): their trust in the path – another earth SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21): you will be glad to leave this TAURUS (Apr 21-May 21): Home is where the sign has no qualms about profiting Where possible new situation behind. Those with a A series of minor heart is for those born from your success. Dazzling days employment is concerned, birthday in the week ahead should irritations at the start under the sign of Cancer for romance are Sunday and grasping at straws can find it easier to have fun in the of the week may make this week. There are signs that Monday. Virgoans’ lucky number put Sagittarians at a disadvantage. coming year. Your lucky number some Taureans suspect that the recent stress in your life has this week is four. The stars advise waiting until the start this week is five. tide is against them. However, the caused you to creep into your of February as your negotiating stars indicate that the astral clouds shell and the stars advise that this LIBRA (Sept 24-Oct 23): skills will be stronger then. Friend- PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20): will lift as January draws to a close, is no bad thing. Time out will The stars suggest that ship with an air sign could be put A calmer outlook on life with most things going your way recharge tired batteries and Librans need to put more to the test when you learn that this helps Pisceans to end the in February. Romance with encourage clarity. Romance with effort into relationships as person has been talking behind month in a more peaceful another earth sign is smooth, but a a fire sign partner picks up pace January draws to a close. In the world your back. Fortunate days for frame of mind. Those who missed fire sign’s behavior could make you this weekend. Your lucky number of work, another air sign is finding it finances are Monday and Tuesday. out on a work related opportunity see red this weekend. Number two this week is six. hard to understand signals you have The number three can lead to good earlier this month could get a can lead to good luck this week. been sending – Wednesday is the luck this week. second chance, but timing will be LEO (July 24-Aug 22): most auspicious day for reaching the key. The stars advise being GEMINI (May 22-June 21): Money matters are well mutual understandings. Where CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20): especially alert to opportunities on There are signs that starred at the end of romance is concerned, joint Capricorns who have Wednesday and Thursday. Possible Geminis might not have January, with the spot- finances can cause arguments with been considering radical romance with another water sign considered all options light shining on compensation a water sign this weekend. Number relocation should get a can be affected by misleading where a work related issue is finally being paid to those who five comes alive this week. green light at the end of January. information. Number seven looks concerned. The stars advise have been waiting for this. The There are hints that lack of family fortunate this week. listening to an earth sign as this stars advise Leos looking for love SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22): support might make you wonder person could have valuable insight to cast their nets wider. There are Technology is forecast to whether this is the right thing to do – ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20): and the right contacts. Your luck hints that you could meet your be tricky at the end of Tuesday is the most auspicious day Breaking news early in in love peaks at the end of January soul mate beyond the usual January and Scorpios for honest talks. Creative hobbies will the week will take some – those who have wanted to get social circle. Lost objects are could have to cancel or delay help you to release stress this of those born under the closer to another air sign should likely to come to light during the appointments at the last minute. weekend. Best days for romance are sign of Aries by surprise. The stars soon see how to do this. Number days ahead. The number eight Those who were hoping to finalize Sunday and Monday. Number seven indicate that your quicksilver one stands out this week. can bring good fortune this week. an agreement with another water looks lucky this week. January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Football league seeking new backers By Keith Weir pean soccer’s ruling body, UEFA. Energy company npower, part of WHILE the Premier League generates Germany’s RWE, is in the final few months recession-busting revenue increases, times of its three-year Football League sponsor- are tougher for the 72 football clubs out- ship, but change looks inevitable after the side the elite as they battle for media expo- exclusivity period for renewal ended with- sure and commercial deals. out agreement. Those clubs comprise the three-tier “We’re negotiating with them, [but] Football League, which features such we’re also negotiating hard with new part- illustrious names as former champions ners,” Heaselgrave said in an interview. Nottingham Forest and Leeds United in “There are a number of companies its top division. who would like to buy in to this enor- Condemned to the role of poor relation mous fan base.” since the Premier League teams broke away For its part, npower said that talks were MONEY GOAL: West Ham’s Vaz Te scores in the Championship Playoff final. Photo: Reuters two decades ago, the Football League is continuing. that began in 2012. Leeds United were bought last month by polishing up its own marketing act, Premier League and Football League Though less than a year into the current a Dubai-based financial company, while emphasising its ability to reach millions of executives work from the same building in agreement, Heaselgrave wants to make an Kuwaitis own former European champi- supporters across the country. London’s West End shopping district. early start on negotiating the next TV deal, ons Nottingham Forest. It is negotiating with new sponsors and The neighbours, however, are separated saying that the entry of BT into the sports Heaselgrave says that foreign investment plans an early start on television contract by a growing chasm when it comes to tele- rights market has changed the landscape. allows the Football League to tap in to over- renewal talks to tap in to the growing sport- vision revenue – the main driver of the “We’ll start conversations this year. seas markets that already pay a premium ing rivalry between BSkyB and BT. Premier League’s commercial success. There is a buoyant market there,” for top-flight English football. “We have a very interesting year ahead. Premier League clubs will share an Heaselgrave said. The increase in foreign ownership has en- We have our title partnership and the rene- annual bounty of more than 1 billion pounds The riches on offer through winning pro- abled the Football League to identify gotiation of our television contract,” the (US$1.6 billion) thanks to a new domestic motion to the Premier League have encouraged several new potential audiences, with over- Football League’s Chief Commercial Officer TV deal with pay television company wealthy overseas investors to buy clubs push- seas fans keen to watch their adopted teams. Richard Heaselgrave said. BSkyB and telecoms heavyweight BT, ing for promotion from the Championship, “That’s an opportunity,” Heaselgrave said. The sponsorship is the most pressing which begins in August. as the second tier is now known. “It’s a menu of games we suddenly have. item on the agenda for Heaselgrave, who By contrast, the Football League’s TV Championship leaders Cardiff City are You have to be able to sell TV on a more has been in the job for a year after working deal with BSkyB is worth only 65 million owned by Malaysians, while second- bespoke market-by-market basis, and that is for American basketball’s NBA and Euro- pounds a season under a three-year deal placed Leicester City have Thai backers. what we are doing now.” – Reuters Betting and match-fixing threaten football MATCH-fixing and illegal betting Platini also discussed racism, are the biggest threats to the praising AC Milan midfielder future of football, UEFA president Kevin-Prince Boateng for walking Michel Platini said on Monday. off the pitch during a match this Although racism and incidents month in protest against abuse. of crowd violence have also “It was wonderful. I really liked plagued the sport, Platini said the it a lot. I even called AC Milan to end of uncertainty about results congratulate them,” he said. would kill passion for the game Asked about the threat posed and even the sport itself. by doping in the light of former “Racism, violence do not affect cyclist Lance Armstrong’s con- just football but the public. On the fessions, Platini said such an other hand, we are directly con- organized cheating system was cerned by match-fixing,” he told not possible in football. French radio RTL when asked “You can never say never. But about the main threat to football. I think we would know,” he said. “For me, this is the big shame. The three-times world player of If tomorrow, we go watch a game the year, head of European foot- already knowing the outcome, ball governing body’s for six football is dead.” years, refused to comment on his Match-fixing and betting have plans for the future and reports long been a concern for football that he might try to become the authorities who have had to deal next FIFA president. UEFA President Michel Platini speaking in Dubai. Photo: Reuters with high-profile recent cases, He said he wanted to “keep the 2022 World Cup during the Eu- It was a celebration but I did not see including one which cost Napoli, fighting in order for football to ropean winter. anything ... We have to play the World second in Italian Serie A, a two- keep being a game” and reiterated “In 2010 in South Africa, the tem- Cup at the best moment to stage the point penalty. that he will fight for Qatar to stage perature was five degrees at 5 p.m. World Cup,” he said. – Reuters Robshaw chosen to be England rugby captain

ENGLAND have re-appointed “There are other leaders in the Zealand last year. Chris Robshaw as England captain squad that Stuart could have “We have a number of leaders and ahead of the Six Nations tourna- turned to so I am really honored. I know they will all take this team ment, the Rugby Football Union said I am really pleased to be asked forward with Chris as we look to in a statement on Monday. again,” Robshaw, who was won kick on from that result,” said Forward Chris Robshaw, 26, 12 caps, said in the statement. Lancaster. captained Stuart Lancaster’s Lancaster said the other lead- England, who two years ago England side to second in last ers in the squad would combine ended a Six Nations drought dating year’s tournament and also to a with Robshaw to help England back to 2003, open this year’s surprise win over top-ranked New improve following their 38-21 campaign against Scotland at Zealand in December. defeat of world champions New Twickenham on February 2. 48 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013 Vanessa-Mae swaps bows for poles

Nicholson, would be only the second Thai to compete at a Winter Olympics if she qualified. Academic Prawat Nagvajara represented Thailand in cross- country skiing at the 2002 Salt By Belinda Goldsmith Lake City Olympics and the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. VIOLINIST Vanessa-Mae has put “I wanted to compete for Thai- music on hold for a year and is land because there is a part of me rehearsing for a new role – skiing which I have never celebrated – be- for Thailand at the Winter Olympics ing Thai,” said Vanessa-Mae. “My in Sochi, Russia, in February 2014. father, like most Thais, has never Vanessa-Mae, 34, is in training skied but he’s really excited about with the aim of competing in at least me doing this as is the Thai Olym- five internationally recognized pic Committee.” events to qualify Vanessa-Mae for the giant started skiing at slalom and pos- the age of 4 but sibly the slalom music has al- at the Sochi ways been her Olympics. priority. She “People are made her inter- surprised when national they see me ski- professional de- ing – a classical but aged 10 and violinist, Orien- made her mark tal, who has on the world FIRE AND ICE: Russian ice dancers Tatyana Navka (R) and Ilya Averbukh hold the Sochi Olympic torch. Photo: Reuters lived in the city Vanessa-Mae on stage in Prague. stage when she resort of Zermatt in 2009, where plenty of options still,” said Rakic. podium or even being in the top all her life,” broke from tra- she is now in training for the A National Olympic Committee 100 in the world,” she said. Vanessa-Mae told Reuters in a tele- dition and became known for her Olympics. She hopes to compete of Thailand spokesman said “Of course there is a risk that I phone interview. sexy, glamorous style and for mix- in her first event by April. Vanessa-Mae would be welcome could break something but life is “But it has been my dream to be ing classical music with pop. International Ski Federation to race for Thailand if she quali- short and you have to go for it. a ski bum since I was 14. This is Her first techno pop-style spokeswoman Riikka Rakic said fied. So far, no Thai athlete has Just to qualify for the Olympics what I am determined to do.” album, ‘The Violin Player,’ was Vanessa-Mae was one of five qualified for Sochi. in my hobby would be a dream The violinist is a British citizen released in 1995 and reached No. actively registered Thai athletes, so Vanessa-Mae said she knew it come true for me.” but she also holds a Thai pass- 11 in the UK albums chart and she she has a license to compete for would be tough to make the Once Sochi is over, she intends port. She was born in Singapore has not stopped touring since, Thailand but she needs a minimum Olympics but she had given to return to music. to a Chinese mother and a Thai although she has not released a of five starts in FIS (Federation herself a year sabbatical from “It’s time for a new album, but father, but she was brought up in new album since 2004. Internationale de Ski) competi- music to do this – and always doing this will give me a new per- England when her mother Vanessa-Mae said she had tions and certain points to qualify worked better with a deadline. spective. Living my dream of being remarried a Briton. always wanted to spend more for the Olympics. “When it comes to music, I am a ski bum is great but the best job in Vanessa-Mae, whose full name time on her other passion, skiing, “She has a full year to qualify and a perfectionist but when it is ski- the world is being on stage, making is Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn so she moved to the Swiss alpine there are many events so there are ing, I have no delusions about a music,” she said. – Reuters Deaf tennis player has high hopes

KOREAN youngster Lee Duck-hee dreams was determined to return. of life at the top of the tennis world. It is a “I am really happy to be here for the dream shared by elite junior players the first time,” he said. “It’s a really good op- world over, but what makes Lee different portunity to judge my ability against other is that he is deaf. players in the world. I am really happy and In a sport in which players lean heavily hope to be here next year again.” on their hearing to calibrate their timing, Lee’s coach, Hoon Park-kyung, said the gauge levels of spin and power and feed pair have a special relationship because of off the support of the crowd, Lee’s the disability. disadvantage is greater than might first “Communication between players and be suspected. coaches in Korea is usually quite simple But the 14-year-old who has been deaf because the players think that they should from birth, refuses to make a big deal of obey what they are told,” Hoon said. his disability. Lip-reading, then speaking “I just wanted us to play together, not through an interpreter, Lee told reporters just teach him, but say small things and if at the Australian Open that, in fact, he KID KOREA: Lee Duck-Hee at a press conference after his Australian Open exit. Photo: Reuters there are any difficulties, say everything would rather not even mention his deaf- [that needs saying]. That’s the priority.” ness to opponents or officials. “The chair umpire already called “Wait” if anything, not hearing anything from the At 14, Lee is an outstanding prospect “The one thing that’s difficult is the but I couldn’t hear that, so there were a lot crowd makes life easier on court. and his ambition is to finish in the top 10 in communication with the umpires, both of lets. I wanted to see big [gestures] from “Actually I don’t care about my juniors by the end of this year. chair umpires and linesmen,” he said. “I the umpire during the match.” disability at any time, and on the court In the longer term, he wants to be world don’t hear the calls, especially the out calls, According to the Australian Open, it’s easy to focus on my match because I Number 1. so sometimes... just continue. That’s kind officials received no specific direction before can’t hear anything,” he said. “So it’s “I actually played with (Roger) of difficult but it’s nothing special.” the match to let them know Lee is deaf but more convenient to play.” Federer,” Lee said, pulling out a photo on It happened a number of times during on a number of occasions, umpire Thomas Lee has already proven that he may his phone of him at an exhibition in Ko- Lee’s second-round clash with Chile’s Sweeney used his hands to communicate. have what it takes to succeed against the rea, aged eight, sandwiched between Christian Garin in the junior event on Mon- For most players, hearing the sound odds, having won the Eddie Herr Inter- Federer and Rafael Nadal. day, a match Lee eventually lost 6-3 6-3. their opponent’s racket makes when they national, a top under-12 title held each “Actually, yesterday Federer passed by “I do worry about that because today strike the ball is crucial to judging how year in Miami. in the hall and he didn’t recognize me. I it happened a lot of times,” said Lee, who hard it will be and how to react to the In Melbourne, he qualified for his first was very disappointed. I really wanted to gets around his deafness in doubles by spin on the ball. grand slam event and though he was beaten take a picture with him. Maybe I can in lip-reading his partner. Lee copes well, however, and said that in the second round on Monday, he said he the future.” – Reuters January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 49 The party that sails around and around

THIS year’s Bay Regatta, Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Resort in five different classes: Bareboat sleep on one’s yacht, since the comforts of home can be drawn organized by the Ao Chalong & Spa for the evening’s party. Charters, Multihull, Cruising B, fleet move to a different anchor- up from the bellies of the heavy- Yacht Club (ACYC), will be held On the second day out, Febru- Cruising A and Racing divisions – age each day. But most serious weights, the laughter of the from January 30 to February 3. ary 1, there will be more sailing with over 200 sailors coming from racing yachts, to save on weight, cruising and classic boat crews Rows of colorful spinnakers will around Phang Nga Bay before the as far away as Canada, Australia, have neither accommodation, nor rolls across the anchorage. sail through some of the world’s fleet heads back to Koh Yao Noi in Russia, Germany and Switzerland. most other luxuries on board. Since its inception in 1998, this most famous cruising grounds, the evening, but this time the party The regatta started life as “The Some dedicated racers neverthe- regatta has also been tagged as the allowing sailors the chance to enjoy is at the Villaguna Resort & Spa. Phang Nga Bay Regatta” but since less want to join a lifestyle regatta “fun” regatta. Nothing’s changed; the spectacular scenery and party For the third day of racing, the it spans three provinces – Phang such as this one, and their crews it just keeps getting better. well into the night at some of the yachts head off to Krabi where the Nga, Krabi and Phuket – organiz- often have to rough it with blankets The start boat is being supplied region’s most beautiful resorts. fleet has a free night as no regatta ers felt it best to change the name on deck and forage for breakfast by the Royal Langkawi Yacht The regatta takes place over four party is scheduled. to simply “The Bay Regatta”. Early and lunch from cardboard boxes Club and the event management racing days. Registration is on Janu- The competitors head back from on, the regatta was strictly held and ice coolers. The experience is being handled by Regattas Asia. ary 30, along with a skippers’ Krabi to Ao Chalong for the finish, during the Chinese New Year, but leaves memories of more than just Krabi Boat Lagoon and MontClair briefing and the opening night party on the last day of racing, with the again wanting more flexibility, spectacular scenery. Wine are the other key sponsors. at Ao Por Marina. regatta participants celebrating at a organizers made the switch to in The heavier, slower boats might Racing starts the next morning. big bash and final awards ceremony and around that holiday. get thoroughly trounced by the The Phuket Gazette and PGTV’s The yachts will head out towards at the 02 Beach Club in Chalong. Part of this regatta’s special speedsters during the day. Come Phuket Today are media sponsors Koh Yao Noi, stopping at the Forty plus yachts will compete flavor comes from the need to evening, however, when the of the event. – Phuket Gazette Europe’s best swimmers train at TSLC Ranomi Kromowidjojo Three time Olympic champion Pieter van den Hoogenband (left). WITH thoughts firmly on the tremendous facility.” touched the wall at the end of my Dutch swimmers will be compet- of his fellow Dutch swimmers. upcoming 15th FINA World Cham- The Dutch team also invited re- race, looked up at the scoreboard ing in Barcelona doesn’t add any “I have always been looking for pionships to be held in Barcelona, tired Olympic hero of the Sydney and heard the roar from the fans rivalry to the training sessions. In the best facilities and my coach and Spain from July 19 to August 4, and Athens games, and one of the as I had finished in 47:84. But then fact, Jacco Verhaeren sees it as a team manager told me they’d Dutch swimmers, Ranomi greatest swimmers of all time – I had to do it all again in the final.” positive thing: found something special and you Kromowidjojo and Femke Pieter van den Hoogenband – to Ranomi Kromowidjojo and “We are not really battling as have to see it,” Pieter told the Heemskerk, along with Italian Thanyapura. Hoogenband is there Femke Heemskerk both admitted we are actually quite good friends Gazette. “It will inspire you to swim swimmers, Federica Pellegrini and primarily to pass on his experience that they took a long holiday after with them [Federica Pellegrini and a little bit they told me. I find my- Filippo Magnani, are currently and knowledge of what it takes to their exploits at the London Olym- Filippo Magnani]. It’s exciting for self swimming two times a day.” training at Thanyapura Sports and become an Olympic champion to pics and did things that their the swimmers as they get to see Pieters’s training schedule is a Leisure Club (TSLC). the other swimmers. One of those grueling training schedules in the each other train and luckily swim- bit more relaxed than the 10 pool The Dutch national team coach experiences was breaking the 100m lead up to the Olympics prohib- ming is an open community where sessions, three weight sessions and Jacco Verhaeren explains why the freestyle world record in the semi- ited them from doing. people learn from each other.” three dry land sessions a week the Dutch swimmers chose Phuket: finals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. “I had a long break after the The facilities at Thanyapura im- swimmers preparing for the World “We came here because now in “I faced Alexander Popov and Olympics, went on holiday and pressed the Dutch Olympic swim Championships are currently Holland it’s winter and people tend I knew that to beat Popov, I had spent time with friends. I did things team so much that they have undertaking at TSLC. to get sick this time of year. It’s to swim under 48 seconds, which I have not had the chance to do in signed a deal to use the facility for healthier for the athletes to be out- to do at that time would be a world the last few years,” Ranomi said. the next three years. Pieter van den Watch these interviews in full on doors in the sun training at this record. It was fantastic when I The fact that the Italian and Hoogenband echos the sentiments ‘Phuket Today’. – Phuket Gazette TNT blow the Village away THE Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) crease. TNT débutant Andrew restricting the Village to 164 when hosted another enthralling game of McMillan gave his team their first the 10th and final wicket fell. cricket between two teams vying break-through, sending Platts Simon Wetherell and Anthony for honors in this year’s Jones waltzing back to the pavilion with Dupont took center stage when the Lang LaSalle Hotels (JLL) Phuket the score on 60 in the 15th over. TNT batting innings commenced. Cricket League. When the third wicket fell, with With the score on 123 for 3 in TNT Cricket (TNT) and the the score on 94, TNT picked up only the 18th over, it was clear to all Village Cricket Team (VCT) were the pace. Through some inspired attending that TNT wanted the both looking to secure their first fielding and overall good bowling, match to end by scoring a bonus victory of the season on January 20. they started plucking through the point victory. TNT secured the The Village, by virtue of Village line-up one by one, with bonus point victory in the 25th over. winning the toss, decided to start only Murphy showing any The Village will be hoping to the day’s proceedings. . mentionable resistance. change their fortunes when they The Village openers were on Bowlers, Andrew McMillan (4 take on Jabu days Island Cricket song and by the first drinks break, for 34) and Roshan Jayasuriya (2 Club in the next fixture on January both openers were still at the for 25), played a big part in 27 at 9am. – Phuket Gazette 50 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013 Islanders draw with Trang

By Steven Layne

ABOUT 1,000 fans chanced the looming threat of rain last Saturday evening to come out and see the new-look Phuket FC in action against an unexpectedly strong Trang FC, in a friendly match in Phuket Town. Played under overcast skies at Surakul Stadium, the pre-season friendly did not end up getting washed out by the rain, nor did it reward fans with any goals, with both sides unable to break the scoreless deadlock. Nonetheless, scoring chances were enjoyed by both sides, with Phuket FC rat- Phuket FC line up before their friendly. tling the crossbar a few times and Trang missing a number of glorious opportunities. Aside from an all-star line-up of both old and new players, Phuket fans were espe- cially pleased and surprised to see local keeper Kampon “Ice” Phatomakkakul suited up for action. As previously reported, Ice was selected to represent the Thailand national squad in the 27th SEA Games to be held in Myanmar SPECIALIST: French midfielder Geoffrey Doumeng strikes a free kick. Photos: Steven Layne Giorgi Tsimakuridze challenges for the ball. later this year, and he was expected to be at systems or communication between the combination plays... Either way, the team season, Bako was clear: “We need to make the national team training camp in Chiang Mai. positions, as well as defending. played well and we will need to improve on it to the Champions League again [by However, due to a rotating training “It’s a good thing that we drew today... a lot of things so we can hopefully win the finishing as one of the top two teams in the schedule, Ice will still be available for Phuket When we face a big team, we need to be 100 [Division 1] championship this year.” Division 2 Southern Regional League], so some of the time, the Gazette has learned. per cent ready. In any case, I know where Bako, Trang FC’s Cameroonian coach, we can get promoted to Division 1 and After the game, Phuket Head Coach we’re at and we’re still planning to bring in said he was satisfied with his team’s perfor- beyond next year.” Panipol Kerdyam told the Gazette: “Today more players before the season begins.” mance. “Many of our players had just joined Phuket FC veteran Nenebi was in good was a good opportunity for me to assess The Gazette also spoke with Brazilian but we did good to stop Phuket and even spirits despite the draw. “This will be my our team. The players were a little striker Luiz “Dudu” Eduardo, who said: “We had a few chances to score. As for Phuket, fourth year for the team and I’m happy to exhausted from training everyday, but I had many chances. We’re just beginning to I was impressed with their midfield, but I continue to play here. We have a good team was able to assess the areas we need to work together. The coach had a hard time think they had trouble finishing the score.” this year and have a lot of work before us improve on, whether on running the getting us to successfully execute some Asked about his goals for the upcoming to reach our goal and get promoted.” Mid-season success Two Andaman

THE island’s pro futsal team, Phuket United, who leads the league with 23 goals. Pearls picked advanced from the round of 32 of the Thai- And while Phuket were effective in stop- land Futsal FA Cup after defeating ATP FC 3- ping Romualdo in this match, it would prove 2 in a tough match up on January 19. to be another Brazilian opponent who was The match was contested at the Fashion the menace for Phuket. Island Futsal Arena in Bangkok with goals Francisco Edson opened the scoring in the by Teerachi Janmas, Jardel and Akkadet 4th minute and doubled his side’s lead eight Chuaiklai narrowly securing passage for the minutes later. Andaman Pearl. Phuket’s Brazilian leading scorer, Jack- After the match, Assistant Coach Patt son Santos put Phuket on the board shortly Korawit Sae-ngow Saharat Inpan “Tum” Sriwijit said his team did not play after that. Jackson Santos drives towards goal. so well. “We were tired from the travel and Play shifted back and forth with intense under the cross bar and the crowd went TWO Phuket United players, Korawit the busy league schedule, but luckily we pace, but the visitors would extend their ecstatic, celebrating Santos’ 15th goal for Sae-ngow and Saharat Inpan, have were able to win this match. advantage with Si Saket’s Pakorn Samipak the team. made Thailand’s preliminary futsal th It is still not known who they’ll meet in scoring in the final minute of the second Santos is now the fifth best scorer in squad for the 4 Asian Indoor & the Round of 16 on January 24, as the draw half to put his side up 3-1. the league. Martial Arts Games from June 29 – July takes place at the time of going to press. With lighting speed, Phuket’s Benjarong With the clock winding down, Sisaket 6 at Incheon, South Korea. Phuket United came from behind to Panphob answered on the other side of the adapted a power play formation, bringing The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) beat Sripatum Sunrise Sisaket Futsal Club pitch to bring the score 3-2 going into half- their head coach/goalkeeper, Setthakornchai held the first Asian Indoor Games in 4-3 in a fantastic and exciting GMM Thai- time. Chuenta out of the nets in a final attempt to 2005 in Bangkok, the second in Macau land Futsal League match in Phuket Town A serious half time talk from coach equalize. in 2007 and the third in Hanoi in 2009. on January 16 Suphol seemed to be effective as Phuket However, the Andaman Pearl’s defense The OCA then decided to merge the Played in front of an energetic crowd of took control of the game in the second half, was solid, and they held on to win 4-3. Asian Indoor Games with the Asian about 1,000 fans at Phuket’s 4,000 seat- enjoying many close shots on goal. After the game, Sisaket’s coach and Martial Arts Games. This merger cre- Indoor Sport Complex in Saphan Hin, the Topping off many missed opportunities, keeper, Setthakornchai Chuenta told the Ga- ated the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts match was Phuket’s seventh home match Phuket’s latest Brazilian signing Marcos zette that he had enjoyed the game, and did Games, which will be held every four of the season and 15th of 30 overall. Vinicius finally found the equalizer halfway not feel so much pressure [in needing to win]. years starting from 2013. Before the game, Phuket head coach through the half, bringing the crowd to their The victory ensures that Phuket move back The Indoor Games feature popular TV Suphol Senapeng told the Gazette that the feet with a 3-3 score line. into 5th place and thus achieve their goal. and viewer-friendly sports, which are not match would be important as it would Si Saket pressed Phuket’s goal but were The Andaman Pearl travel to commence on the Olympic Games schedule. The decide if the team would achieve its first unable to find the rhythm that they enjoyed league play for their 16th fixture of the GMM Martial Arts Games is a multi-sport half season aim of finishing as one of the in the first half. Thailand Futsal Premier League 2012-2013 event that allows athletes to compete top five teams in the 16-team league. The Andaman Pearl continued to please season, set to take on table toppers, TOS in various martial art disciplines that Prior to the match, Phuket were sitting their fans, many of whom also sported RBAC Chonburi FC in a tough away match are not featured on the Olympic in 7th place, while their opponents in 5th. Phuket FC green. on January 26. Games schedule, such as Kurash, The goal of winning the match and thus In the 32nd minute, Phuket’s Santos Chonburi, with its all-star national squad Kabbadi and Pencak Silat. swapping rankings with Si Saket would not making the most of a counter attack, line-up, only narrowly prevailed 4-3 over the Korawit Sae-ngow and Saharat Inpan be easy, and coach Suphol was adamant that perfectly timed his strike to beat his Pearl a week ago in Phuket, but whether the will be hoping they make the cut when his side would have to stop Si Saket’s and marker just outside of the area. scoreline will be so close on away turf has the squad is dwindled down from 22 the league’s top scorer, Romualdo Namorato, The shot pierced the top of the net just yet to be seen. – Phuket Gazette players to 14 at a later date. January 26 - February 1, 2013 PHUKET GAZETTE 51 52 PHUKET GAZETTE January 26 - February 1, 2013