THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

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Friday, March 26 – Thursday, April 1, 2021 Since 2011 / Volume XI / No. 13 20 Baht PHUKET GOES TO THE POLLS FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS > PAGE 2 NEWS PAGE 3 Crocodile hunt moves to the TOO SLOW west coast

LIFE PAGE 8 Young stars shine at ‘Lean on Me Fest’

A medical staffer at Vachira Phuket Hospital prepares to administer a COVID vaccine injection. Photo: PPHO

HEALTH MINISTRY CALLED OUT FOR SLOW MASS VACCINATIONS, HOLDING JULY 1 REOPENING IN JEOPARDY

The Phuket News by the association itself before then. be administered in order to launch Mr Yuthasak said. [email protected] Likewise, as of Monday no officials a safe reopening, Mr Yuthasak said. He said long-haul markets were PAGE 14 in Phuket had made any mention of According to the proposal, Phuket likely to visit Thailand in the initial SPORT plan for Phuket to allow vac- the plan to reopen the island to tour- must vaccinate at least 466,587 people, stage. Post-pandemic travel needs extra cinated tourists to arrive on ism from July 1. which requires 933,174 doses. To reach requirements, such as a COVID-19 Mercedes and A the island without quarantine Mr Yuthasak said the plan, called the immunity goal within the time test and insurance, meaning travellers Red Bull ones from July 1 is to be presented to the “Phuket Tourism Sandbox”, will frame, the first round of vaccinations will choose to stay longer and spend the Centre for Economic Situation depend largely on vaccine allocation must start by April 15, followed by a more, he added. to watch in F1 Administration (CESA) for approval to Phuket, as 70% of the island’s second round from May 15, reported Public Health Minister Anutin today (Mar 26). population must be vaccinated by the Post. Charnvirakul also on Monday told the Tourism Authority of Thailand that date in order to achieve herd “Previously, Phuket set the ‘Phuket press in Bangkok that his ministry is Governor Yuthasak Supasorn broke immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus First October’ for quarantine-free speeding up vaccinations in Phuket the news to the press on Monday before allowing foreign tourists in. entry. But the new sandbox with an and Koh Samui to prepare them both (Mar 22). There were no previous The plan will include a vaccina- earlier starting date will benefit the for the anticipated return of foreign mentions of the plan announced by tion rollout proposal, including the whole country as we can evaluate tourists in July. Bhummikitti Raktaengam, President number of doses needed and a time- this programme first before Thailand He confirmed that Phuket’s “pri- of the Phuket Tourist Association, or line of when the vaccinations are to reopens all its borders in October,” vate sector” had requested 900,000... CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews 2 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

[email protected] Patong algae bloom mired News in denial > p5 Pressure mounts over vaccines Continued from page 1 ute at least B84.3 billion to should be lifted for a July 1 set up nine vaccine centres …AstraZeneca doses, saying the island’s economy, which reopening. across the island with 20 the request would likely be ap- he said was higher than the “From the meeting last teams of staff. proved since the government previous reopening plan set Friday with the Deputy Prime “However, we still have to had secured 5 million doses for October that expected to Minister, the Prime Minister’s wait for clarity from the Public for June and 10mn more each generate B55bn. economic advisor and the Health Ministry,” he added. month after that. At present, the private sec- Secretary-General of the Office Mr Bhummittiki admitted Mr Anutin insisted there tor and provincial government of the National Economic and that mandatory quarantine would be sufficient doses of are confident about the plan, Social Development Council was initially a reasonable the vaccine in the country and but the success factor is based (NESDC), we all together precaution, but said that was Thailand would have over 1mn on the vaccination programme shouted out to accept the no longer the case. doses if it could secure more which is the only unclear di- challenge,” Mr Bhummikitti “Of 7,000 people living doses next month. rection. Local operators still Health Minister Anutin assured there enough doses of the wrote. in Scandinavian countries The minister said the lat- want the central government vaccine would be availabale . Photo: NNT “The main factor is to vac- surveyed by the TAT office est batch of 800,000 doses of to make a decision, Mr Bhum- cinate enough of our people in Stockholm, 48% said they the Sinovac vaccine had been mikitti said. rollouts within the timeline,” that quarantine restrictions to reopen the island. We need wanted to come to Phuket. Of allocated to at-risk provinces Under the sandbox plan, Mr Bhummikitti said. on all new arrivals will be about 900,000 doses to vac- those, 68% said they would not such as Samut Sakhon and tourists who want to join the In a pre-emptive strike last gradually eased from Apr 1 cinate to 460,000 people on come if they had to complete “other” tourist destinations, but quarantine-free programme Sunday, PTA President Mr and, depending on the situa- the island within three months a quarantine, while 26% said Phuket would receive 100,000 are required to show a vaccine Bhummikitti through a post tion at the time, all mandatory by starting in April under the they were okay to quarantine doses and Koh Samui 50,000. certificate, vaccine passport on his personal Facebook page quarantine requirements are #phukettourismsandbox plan,” for 10-14 days. Phuket Tourist Association or IATA travel pass. They criticised the Ministry of Pub- to be lifted from Oct 1. (See Mr Bhummikitti said. “The question is, does our President Mr Bhummikitti still have to take a PCR test lic Health for its slow schedule page 6.) “Phuket medical staff, led government want the 68%, or consistently declined to talk at the airport and activate the for mass vaccinations, which Mr Bhummikitti in his by our new PPHO chief [Dr the 26%?” Mr Bhummikitti to The Phuket News about any ThailandPlus tracing applica- he says is preventing Phuket post said that the Ministry of Kusak Kukiattikoon, Chief of posed. such plan to reopen tourism tion while in Phuket. from reopening tourism as Tourism and Sports and the the Phuket Provincial Public “The Ministry of Public in July before the news broke “Both the private and pub- soon as possible. Tourist Authority of Thailand Health Office] and Vachira Health has many smart doc- on Monday, but he did tell the lic sectors in the province are The post was in reaction (TAT) had challenged the Phuket Hospital Director [Dr tors, so it may not be so hard Bangkok Post that the tourism ready. But to proceed with to the CCSA in Bangkok last Phuket tourism industry over Chalermpong Sukontapol], for them to find the answer,” sandbox will help contrib- the plan, we need vaccine Friday (Mar 19) confirming whether tourism restrictions together have made a plan to he added.

Phuket goes to the polls THE SALE OF ALCOHOL WILL BE banned in 12 municipal areas across Phuket from 6pm Saturday night through to 6pm Sunday night (Mar 27-28) as the island heads to the polls for its municipal elections. The alcohol ban is required under elec- tion law, Phuket Election Commission (PEC) Director-General Passakon Siripakayapon Volunteers promote the two ballot forms explained to The Phuket News. to be used in the municipal elections on “Bars and nightclubs can be open, but Sunday (Mar 28). Photo: Kathu Municipality they must not sell alcohol. Drinking at private homes is allowed, but not for big celebration as confirmed attending to vote before they events,” Mr Passakon said. actually cast their votes. The app also has “Whoever breaks the election law must information about the candidates running for face the penalty, which is up to six months office in each municipality,” he added. in prison or a fine up to B10,000, or both,” The ‘Smart Vote’ app also allows people he added. who are unable to return to the municipal Phuket is home to 12 municipalities: Phuket area where they are registered as living in City, Patong, Kathu, Wichit, Chalong, Rawai, order to vote to be able to electronically file Rassada, Srisoonthorn, Karon, Cherng Talay, the official form giving their reason for not Thepkrasattri and Pa Khlok. voting, Mr Passakorn said. The alcohol ban will be in effect in each Under Thai election law, people who do of 12 municipal areas. not provide an accepted reason for not voting All other provinces in the country will hold lose privileges in running for public office their own municipal elections on the same day. for two years. More polling stations than in previous Mr Passakon also expressed his concern elections will be set up in municipal areas about any confusion that may arise among across Phuket to help ease congestion, in voters over the two forms to be used as ballots. accordance with COVID-19 precautions, Mr “The purple one is cast a vote for the po- Passakorn noted. sition of mayor, and the pink one to vote for “To also help reduce congestion [at polling councilors,” Mr Passakorn said. stations], voters can easily check their name “Voters can enter only one number on and the polling stations where they can cast the purple ballot, but they can vote for up to their votes by installing the ‘Smart Vote’ app, six different candidates on the pink ballot,” which they can check for election law and he explained. other information,” he said. “I have already ordered staff who will “This way they do not need to wait to be at the polling stations to remind people have their name checked off the electoral roll before they vote,” he said. The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 3 Crocodile hunt hits west coast Expert croc hunters call for local help in finding elusive reptile

The Phuket News for Phuket’s latest crocodile at large. [email protected] Yanui took just days to make her way up the west coast to where huket Vice Governor Pi- she was caught off Layan Beach a chet Panapong on Monday week after she was spotted at the P(Mar 22) asked all people, southern end of the island, stop- especially local officials, to keep ping off at Kata Noi and passing an eye out for the two-metre-long Patong en route. crocodile that remains at large more After an extensive 11-day hunt, than a week after it was seen near Yanui was finally caught at Leypang the Chalong Pier marina on Mar 13. Beach, right next to Layan and V/Gov Pichet delivered his plea Bang Tao Beaches, in Cherng Talay, at a meeting held to come up with halfway up Phuket’s west coast. ideas on how to catch the croc. The search for the crocodile Present at the meeting was Nikhom shifted to Rawai, Nai Harn and Suksawat, leader of the ‘Kraithong Yanui on Phuket’s southwest coast Lumnamtapi’ of expert croc catchers last Friday (Mar 19) after exten- from the Department of Fisheries in sive efforts to catch the croc in Surat Thani, which were called in Chalong Bay, including having catch the croc. team members walk out into the The ‘Kraithong Lumnamtapi’ shallow waters with a large net in team have yet to locate the croc, the hope of catching the croc, failed which so far has yet to be given a to snare the reptile. nickname, V/Gov Pichet confirmed. The croc-hunting team is using any technology The ‘Kraithong Lumnamtapi’ “The croc was last seen around at their disposal. Photo: Kraithong Lumnamtapi team are now using whatever cam- Yanui Beach in Rawai. The team tried eras are available along the coast to keep track of the croc throughout “The crocodile submerges quick- “The Phuket government and contacted during government of- to help them with their search, and both the daytime and the nighttime,” ly when it realises it has been seen, relevant officers will catch the fice hours at 076-212460, and the last Friday briefed lifeguards at Nai he said. so we need help from local people to crocodile as soon as possible,” V/ Kraithong Lumnamtapi team can Harn and Yanui on what to look for “The Phuket Provincial Govern- help coordinate and find it,” he said. Gov Pichet assured. be contacted directly through their when searching for the croc. ment has ordered local administration “If you see the crocodile, please No 24-hotline numbers were Facebook page. Where appropriate red flags have officers and village heads to inform inform your village head or the provided to report any sightings Unlike in the hunt in 2018 for been posted on beaches to prevent local people about the crocodile and Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office, of the crocodile. The Phuket News the female crocodile now named people from entering the water, to ask them to help keep an eye out so that the team will go to the area notes that the Phuket office of the ‘Yanui’, no beaches have been though at this stage none of the for it,” V/Gov Pichet added. as fast as possible,” he said. Department of Fisheries can be closed while the search continues beaches have been closed entirely.

PM order halts govt vehicles abuse Experts confirm dolphin found OFFICIALS AT EVERY foremost called for the chiefs government office across the of all government offices to island have been ordered to “Control and check the usage slashed open died from illness not use government vehicles of the government vehicles.” SIRINATH NATIONAL for private use, following an “The cars must be used Park officers confirmed on order from the Prime Minis- only for officials’ duties under Monday (Mar 23) that the ter’s Office. Vice Governor Piyapong the criteria set up by each of- spotted dolphin found dead The message was delivered Choowong handed down fice. Do not allow any officers with severe slash wounds loud and clear by Phuket Vice the order from the Prime to use the cars as their private across its body last week Governor Piyapong Choowong Minister. Photo: PR Phuket car,” said the notice. was actually dead before at a meeting of the Phuket Any use of a government any cuts had been inflicted. subcommittee on the imple- notice asking for cooperation” vehicle must be first approved The body of the female mentation of the National from each government office in writing, and officers are to dolphin was found on the Strategy on Anti-Corruption in the country about the use check when the vehicles were rocks in the Sakhu section at Provincial Hall on Mar 15. of government vehicles. actually used and to closely of the national park last V/Gov Piyapong explained The five-point notice, monitor petrol receipts for re- Wednesday (Mar 17) with Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub that the Office of the Prime which asked officers to “strict- imbursement, the notice added. deep cuts across the back Minister had issued an “official ly follow the rules”, first and The Phuket News of its head and another long washed ashore or cut. for making the cuts and we gash all the way to its tail. Officers at the PMBC must allow police to do their Initially it was believed did not, however, confirm work,” he added. that the wounds and the sub- which illness exactly had However, Mr Chaiphat sequent death of the dolphin caused the dolphin’s demise. did state that the suspects had been administered by It appears that the dol- would no doubt face charges humans, a suspicion en- phin had then been discov- when found by police. hanced when a local resident ered and the cuts adminis- “In a case such as reported to police seeing tered – whether this was by this, the suspect(s) will be four Myanmar nationals in the four the witness alluded charged with possession of the area, one of whom was to or not is unknown at the dead body of a protected carrying a blood-stained this time. wildlife species,” Mr Chai- knife, who fled when he “We have already in- phat noted. confronted them. formed Sakhu Police, and “Spotted dolphins are However, after further they are still investigat- classified in Thailand as examination by the Phuket ing,” assistant park chief protected animals under Marine Biological Center Chaiphat Chuaidaeng told the Wildlife Conservation (PMBC) it was confirmed The Phuket News. and Protection Act 2019,” that the dolphin had already “At this stage we do not he added. died of illness prior to being know who is responsible Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews @thephuketnews 4 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST www.foreca.com

FRI MAR 26 SAT MAR 27 SUN MAR 28 MON MAR 29 TUE MAR 30 WED MAR 31 THU APR 1 CONTACT US [email protected] 076 612 550

PURIYA BEAVAN High: +35° High: +35° High: +34° High: +33° High: +33° High: +33° High: +33° Editor Low: +27° Low: +28° Low: +27° Low: +27° Low: +27° Low: +27° Low: +27° Wind 11 m/s Wind 11 m/s Wind 7 m/s Wind 4 m/s Wind 7 m/s Wind 7 m/s Wind 7 m/s

CHRIS HUSTED Executive Editor 084 307 7408 [email protected] M-Society helps vulnerable families The Phuket News be “at risk” of extraordinary such as homeless, people with [email protected] hardship, Mr Juti said. HIV, people with chronic ill- Phuket Vice Governor nesses, people with mental BEN TIREBUCK News / Sport Editor total of 320 families Piyapong said plainly that the illness, and people who have 061 806 8132 [email protected] with young children COVID-19 crisis has had a no health insurance; and A in Phuket and nearby huge impact on the economy • Indigenous people who provinces considered to be nationwide. are in dire need of help. ‘vulnerable’ during the cur- He defined the people rec- “The provincial govern-

CHUTHARAT ‘UM’ rent economic crisis have ognised as vulnerable as: ment has collected information PLERIN Thai Editor received direct assistance People who are suffering on vulnerable people, in a 088 766 1615 [email protected] from the Ministry of Social financial problems, having project that local government Development and Human insufficient income to make organisations across the island Security (M-Society) under a Minister of Social Development and Human Security Juti a living; have coordinated with, so that project that has also assigned Krairiksh stands with leading representatives of the project People in need of special relevant government agencies funds to support 30 shelters for in Phuket at the ‘Early Childhood Promotion’ event at Phuket support as they are caring for or other private organisations KIATTIKUL ‘JOM’ CHUMANEE homeless people in provinces Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town on Mar 13. Photo: PR Phuket children, disabled or elderly can provide them help with Translator 082 729 0270 along the Andaman coast. family members; transparency,” Vice Governor [email protected] The project involves 12 are the Prime Minister’s Of- lic Health; and the Bangkok • Disabled people who Piyapong said. ministries and one government fice; Ministry of Interior; Min- Metropolitan Administration, have no caretakers, no jobs, “The Thai People Map and agency with the goal to provide istry of Social Development Mr Juti explained. and no income Analytics Platform (TPMAP) vulnerable people assistance and Human Security; Ministry All local government ad- • People who could not has been used as an informa-

JASON BEAVAN through the six provinces of Education; Ministry of ministrations (municipali- access to state welfare rights tion resource for analysis and General Manager 086 479 7471 Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Phang Defence; Ministry of Tourism ties and OrBorTor) had been (as they have not been issued planning to help vulnerable [email protected] Nga, Ranong, and Satun, and Sports; Ministry of Higher asked to report the number a government welfare card); people to receive welfare sup- Social Development and Hu- Education; Science, Research of vulnerable people in their • Elderly from poor fami- port from the government... man Security Minister Juti and Innovation; Ministry of areas so that the information lies who live alone with no According to TPMAP, Phuket Krairiksh explained during Agriculture and Coopera- obtained is correct, and that work and no income; has 4,551 people recognised

SIRIPORN (NOK) a visit to Phuket on Mar 13. tives; Ministry of Commerce, effective action could be taken • People who are physically as vulnerable according to the SEANGMAS Sales Support The 12 ministries and one Ministry of Labour; Ministry to help families, and especially unable to access free services definitions provided,” Vice 086 479 7470 [email protected] government agency involved of Culture; Ministry of Pub- young children, deemed to provided by the government, Governor Piyapong noted.

NIRAVIT ‘MOS’ VORAVANITCHA THANAPONG ‘OAK’ KHAO-AMPHAIPHAN Graphic designers Warning issued over Phuket wildfires Warehouse caretaker sells 20 THE PHUKET GOVERNOR HAS The Phuket News issued a general burnoff ban and a @thephuketnews tonnes of secondhand steel general fire warning as dry condi- A 41-YEAR-OLD MYANMAR tions continue across the island. The man has been arrested for selling warning came as fighters in Rawai an estimated 20 tonnes of discarded were called to douse a blaze at a snake steel items from a recycling ware- show storeroom on Mar 17. Firefighters were unable to prevent house that he was hired to look after “There are forest fires every year in a fire from gutting a storeroom at a while the company remains closed the dry season, especially in national snake show venue in Rawai on Mar due to the ongoing economic crisis. park areas, wildlife sanctuaries and 17. Photo: Rawai DDPM Wichit Police, led by Lt Col protected forests. These fires can have Thammasan Bunsong, arrested the a deep impact on the forest, animals to come and monitor the fire,” the order Myanmar worker, Mao Win, at the and local people’s health,” Governor added. Naka Recycle Co Ltd warehouse Narong explained in the warning. “District chiefs, subdistrict chiefs on Chao Fa West Rd on Mar 17. “The government has spent a lot [Kamnan], village chiefs Phu Yai Ban], Lt Col Thammasan revealed to of money to resolve the fire problem,” mayors and heads of tambon administra- The Phuket News’ Thai-language Photo: Wichit Police Governor Narong continued. tive offices [OrBorTor] are responsible sister newspaper Khao Phuket that However, he pointed out, “Forest to keep their eyes open for forest fires Mao was hired to take care of the the missing items, and he confessed fires are mostly caused by people who and are to inform local residents to company warehouse, which had that he sold them. burn trash and other waste, including follow this warning strictly from now been temporarily closed as a result “Mao explained that he sold the agricultural burnoff, near natural on.” the order added. of the COVID-19 economic crisis. items to an old customer of the com- forest areas, as well as those who go The order noted that any persons The thefts came to light after a pany, most recently on Monday [Mar to find the wild things in the forest.” found guilty of starting a fire in a cleaner came to the warehouse and 15],” Lt Col Thammasan explained. The warning marked that “To protected forest area stood to face four sent photos to the company owner “Police have already questioned prevent forest fires and reduce the to 20 years’ imprisonment or a fine of as evidence of her work on Mar the buyer, who said that he had PM2.5 pollution, the governor will B400,000 to B2 million, or both. 9, Lt Col Thammasan explained. known Mao for a long time. He did use the authority under the Disaster The order also warned that any “The company owner saw the not know that the warehouse owner Prevention and Mitigation Act 2017”. person caught starting an illegal fire photos and noticed that a lot of had no idea about the items being As such, Governor Narong or- also stood to be charged for arson under steel items were missing,” Lt Col sold,” he said. dered a ban on all unapproved, and Section 220 of the Criminal Code, which Thammasan said. “Mao told us that he spent the unsupervised, burnoffs. can incur a penalty of up to seven years “A week later, on Mar 16, the money on drinking with friends and “Those who need to burn some in jail or a fine of up to B14,000. owner came to the warehouse and buying a gold necklace. Now he has areas to prepare for another planta- All people who see a forest fire confirmed that the steel items were only B40,000 left,” he added. tion must inform their village head were urged to first try to douse the fire in fact missing. The items missing Lt Col Thammasan confirmed [Kamnan or Phu Yai Ban] before by themselves, then inform the local were valued at about B100,000,” that Mao was taken to Wichit Police conducting the burn,” the order noted. DDPM office or Phuket Forest Fire he added. Station and charged with theft. “They must also contact officers Control Station by calling 081-2715949 “The owner asked Mao about Eakkapop Thongtub from the Department of Disaster or the national hotline 1362. Prevention and Mitigation [DDPM] The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 5 Algae bloom claims dissed Patong waste chief denies wastewater causing algae bloom

The Phuket News all my personal idea,” he said. during the pre-COVID tourism [email protected] “However, I can confirm high season as much as 20% that the wastewater that we of Patong’s wastewater flowed he chief of the Patong release has been treated and untreated into the bay. Municipality Sanitation tested. The wastewater has The rise in effluent being TDivision has dismissed passed all standard tests,” Mr released into the bay consist- the notion that wastewater Nattawut assured. ently led to algae blooms, the flowing into the bay in any Asked again if he were health officials admitted. way contributed to the macro certain that wastewater could A mass clean-up operation algae bloom along the Patong not be a contributing factor in led by Patong Municipality beachfront that led to masses of the ongoing algae bloom, Mr environmental health officers red sea urchins being stranded Nattawut said, “Yes. Maybe collected some 70 tonnes of washed ashore in past weeks. you have to ask the centre algae at Patong Beach last It’s a natural phenomenon, [the PMBC] again why they Sunday (Mar 21). Nattawut Thepthon, Chief of explained that way.” An officer at the Division the Patong Municipality Sani- Photo: Patong Municipality Of note, Mr Nattawut would of Public Health and Environ- tary Works Division, told The only explain the wastewater ment told The Phuket News Phuket News. “The phenomenon of sea “I don’t see untreated amount of wastewater has been that is treated by the Patong that a campaign now had been Marine life expert Dr urchins stranded on the beach wastewater released to the sent to our treatment plant, as Municipality WasteWater Plant. launched to clear the algae from Kongkiat Kittiwatanawong, is explained by the phenomena sea. All the wastewater has we have only a small number He did not entertain the the bay. “Our staff collect the Chief of the Phuket Marine of these algae blooms, together been treated before being re- of tourists. much smaller than impact of wastewater from algae two times every day. Biological Centre (PMBC), with this period being the leased,” he said. normal,” Mr Nattawut added. homes and businesses in Patong The first time is 8-10am and which is operated by the De- spring tide with high tides,” Mr Nattawut also assured “As for many urchins being not connected to the municipal- the second time is 2-3pm,” she partment of Marine and Coastal he added. that wastewater released into washed ashore, I have searched ity’s sewerage system flowing explained. Resources (DMCR), on Mar “For algae to be able to the bay is tested regularly the internet to find out the cause untreated into the bay. “If we do not collect the 15 pointed out that the sea bloom, it needs food like fer- for higher concentrations of of the phenomenon. The algae Phuket officials at all levels algae, it will start to rot and urchins were being attracted tilizer we use to feed plants,” contaminants. need nutrition, good weather for more than a decade denied make a bad smell along the to the shallow beach water in Dr Kongkiat said. “We collect and test sam- and suitable sunlight to grow that wastewater being released beach,” she said. Patong by an ongoing bloom “These fertilisers do not ples of the treated wastewater well. into Patong Bay was a consist- The algae is collected from of “macro algae”. come from just anywhere, but every week, and the result has “Right now, it is summer ent contributing factor to algae where it washes up onto the “These algae are the food of are elements of the wastewater shown that the water has passed season, so there is good sun- blooms at Patong Beach. sand, and some officers ven- the sea urchin. Algae thrive and that we release into the sea,” the standard required for treated light for the algae. For the However, Patong Munici- ture out into the shallow water are carried by the water cur- he said. wastewater,” he said. nutrition, I believe that Patong pality health officials in 2016 with a net and haul the algae rents, as well as sea urchins,” Patong sanitation chief Mr “After the COVID-19 pan- Beach is on a closed bay which finally admitted that during caught up onto the beach, the he explained. Nattawut disagrees. demic began, only a small is full of food for algae. This is the heavy influx of tourists officer added.

Woman dies after head run over by van A 48-YEAR-OLD WOMAN from Phang Nga died after she fell from her motorbike and her head was run over by a van at a busy intersection on the outskirts of Phuket Town on Mar 17. Capt Wichit Nokkaew of the Phuket City Police was called to the scene, the locally named ‘Kwang Tung intersection’ in Wichit, at about 7pm. Police together with Ku- soldharm rescue workers arrived to find the body of Dueanpen Leesakul on the The dashcam footage showed Ms Dueanpen veering road in the middle of the lightly into the left side of the van before falling from intersection. the motorbike. Image: Eakkapop Thongtub Beside her body was the dark-blue Honda Click driven by Mr Prai. wheel of the van. i motorbike she was riding Both were surrounded by The dashcam footage at the time of the accident. other cars and motorbikes, showed that Ms Dueanpen About five metres away waiting for the traffic lights was wearing a helmet at was a white Phuket-regis- to turn green so they could the time. tered Toyota van stopped in continue their journey north- Capt Wichit explained the middle of the road. The bound along Sakdidet Rd. that police had yet to con- van driver, Prai Khamtok, After the lights turned clude their investigation. 61, was waiting at the scene green, as the traffic pro- The body of Mrs Deun- for police to arrive. ceeded through the intersec- pen was taken to Vachira Dashcam video footage tion Ms Dueanpen can be Phuket Hospital for further from a car at the intersec- seen veering lightly into the examination, as is due pro- tion showed Ms Dueanpen left side of the van before cess in police investigations. on her motorbike stopped falling from the motorbike. “We still need to question at the intersection along- As she hit the road her head witnesses more,” Capt Wichit side the white van being went under the back-left said. Eakkapop Thongtub

@thephuketnews 6 BUSINESS NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 Quarantine ease starts Apr 1 CCSA moves to lift quarantine for some tourists from October

The Phuket News land had already received 200,000 [email protected] doses of the Chinese-made Sino- vac vaccine, to be administered rom Oct 1, quarantine will to frontline medical workers and not be required from tour- “at risk” people already suffering Fists arriving from specified from medical conditions by the countries, Center for COVID-19 end of April. Situation Administration (CCSA) “A further 800,000 doses will spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin arrive tomorrow,” he said, adding announced last Friday (Mar 19). that the delivery tomorrow is to The news came at the national be “distributed to provinces of briefing on the COVID situation economic importance”. broadcast from Government House Thailand is to receive 2 million in Bangkok following a general doses of the Sinovac vaccine, he meeting of the CCSA chaired by said, with 1mn to be administered Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. by the end of April, and the remain- “From October on, we will not der to be administered by Oct 1. have quarantine anymore, as most From June through Aug, Thai- people will be vaccinated. However, land is to receive 26mn doses of we will ‘close observation’ which the AstraZeneca vaccine, receiv- we will arrange a place to monitor. CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin making the key ing 6mn in June, 10mn in July and “We will use the measure that announcements last Friday (Mar 19). Screenshot: CCSA 10mn in Aug. we call ‘bubble and seal’, such as A further 35mn doses of the ‘bubble areas’ in airports, ‘sealed the quarantine choice,” he said. will have to face only 10 days in from countries not recognised as AstraZeneca vaccine is to arrive routes’ in transport, and ‘bubble The activities arrivals will be quarantine. having the variant strains will be from Sept through Dec, Mr Nata- routes’ to tourists attractions and allowed to enjoy will be expanded “In Phase 3, there will not be subjected to two tests during their panu added, with 10mn arriving in communities nearby,” he said. from Apr 1, Mr Taweesilp said. quarantine in some areas where 10-day stay, he said. Sept, 10mn in Oct, 10mn in Nov Quarantine measures will begin “For the activities during the more than 70% of the population “Of course, the list of countries and the last 5mn in Dec. easing from April 1, Mr Taweesilp quarantine, in Phase 1 from April has been vaccinated. At that time, deemed to be classified as not having announced, starting with the relaxa- to June, foreigners can use fitness those areas can welcome foreigners COVID variant strain has yet to be NORMAL BUSINESS tion of certificates required to enter centres, do outdoor exercise, swim, from low-risk countries,” he said. determined,” he added. The emergency decree has been the country. ride bicycles in the control areas, “However, those who come from Mr Natapanu was not as clear- extended for the 11th time “to allow “At this stage, foreigners coming and order foods or products from the countries where there are the cut as Mr Taweesilp in saying there interagency cooperation” in the fight to Thailand need to have a ‘Fit to outside to be delivered to them. mutated strains of the COVID-19 will be no mandatory quarantine against the spread of COVID-19, Fly’ and ‘COVID Free’ documents, “In Phase 2, July to September, virus must face the full 14-day from Oct 1. Mr Natapanu added. but from April 1, they only need to two more activities – having meals quarantine,” He would commit to saying only The latest extension will be in have the ‘COVID Free’ certificate,” at the hotel restaurant and having a Natapanu Nopakun, Deputy “possibly no quarantine” for people effect from April 1 through to May he said. massage – are allowed. Those who Spokesperson for the Ministry of arriving from countries deemed 31, he said. The easing of quarantine meas- come for a seminar or to operate Foreign Affairs, in the English sec- to not have the mutated strains of The upcoming Songkran festival ures will be rolled out in phases, a business will be allowed to join tion of the briefing explained that the virus. to celebrate the Thai New Year with the quarantine venues available meetings in meeting rooms. the mandatory 14-day has been Further, the lifting of quarantine will not include water splashing, reduced in stages, Mr Taweesilp said. “In Phase 3, from October on, approved to be reduced to 10 days requirements would be “according powder smearing or foam parties, While no changes will be made the quarantine will be only for those for people coming to Thailand from to the criteria we will be setting at he added. to quarantine venues available from coming from the risk areas set by countries with no cases of COVID that time”, he said. “The focus will be on merit April through June, from July 1 the Ministry of Public Health,” Mr variant strains. “It depends on the situation at making, such as pouring water on through Sept 1 “ASQ, LQ, ALQ Taweesilp added. People arriving from countries that time,” he repeated. Buddha statues and on the hands [Alternative State Quarantine, Local “For the length of the quarantine with the variant strains will be sub- of elderly people. Quarantine and Alternative Local Phase 1 and 2, both foreigners vac- jected to three RT-PCR tests while VACCI N ES “Strict anti-COVID measures Quarantine] will be removed from cinated and those not vaccinated in quarantine, while those arriving Mr Natapanu also noted that Thai- will still apply,” he said. New Krabi airport terminal to open in October A THIRD TERMINAL dling capacity, according to eral Somkiat Maneesathit, tour on Mar 18. at Krabi Airport is expected the Department of Airports who was briefed on various He inspected a newly- to open in October to double (DoA). construction projects at the built airport apron equipped the airport’s passenger han- Deputy Director-Gen- airport during an inspection with a lighting system. The construction of the structure was completed on Jan 21. The DoA deputy chief also monitored the progress of a new runway being built at the cost of B941.9 million. The construction contract runs from Oct 29 last year to April 16, 2023. The runway project is expected to finish on time. Once completed, the new A third terminal at Krabi Airport is expected to open in runway will accommodate October. Photo: KBIA / Facebook 24 aircraft per hour, up from eight aircraft per hour, accord- These projects are estimated pandemic and the start of the ing to the department. to be worth B2.9 billion. high tourism season. Also under construction The third terminal is likely The terminal is expected is the third terminal building, to be up and running this Oc- to double the airport’s current an upgrade for the first and tober, in time for the recovery handling capacity of 1,500 second terminal buildings as of the travel and tourism sec- people per hour, or 4 million well as a car park building. tors affected by the COVID-19 people per year. Bangkok Post

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 THAILAND NEWS 7 Human trials of Thai-made Songkran hit with water splashing ban COVID vaccine underway ALL WATER FIGHTS have been banned during the Bangkok Post Of the 210 volunteers, the upcoming Songkran festival first group of 18 would be for fears of COVID-19 being onday (Mar 22) given the smallest amount spread, it has been officially signalled the start of vaccine which would be announced. Mof the first human increased gradually while “Water splashing will not trials of a domestically de- testing would be conducted happen this Songkran. We veloped COVID-19 vaccine, on the other 192 volunteers, must ask you to cooperate with No water splashing will be with the rollout expected to Dr Banchong said. us,” Taweesilp Visanuyothin, allowed this year. Photo: begin next year. Phase two is expected to spokesman for the Centre for Bangkok Post The vaccine, consisting of begin in July, with testing on COVID-19 Situation Admin- an inactivated virus to trigger 250 volunteers aged between istration (CSSA), said last of older people and religious immunity, is being developed 18-75. Results are expected Friday (Mar 19). activities. Travel between by the Government Pharma- to be known by the end of Foam parties and powder provinces to visit relatives ceutical Organisation (GPO) the year. smearing will also be banned, would be allowed, he added. using egg-based technology. A nurse administers a jab to a volunteer in the country’s Dr Punnee Pitisuttithum, he added. Bhummikitti Raktaengam, The GPO has been working first human trials of a domestically developed COVID-19 head of the Vaccine Trial Cen- The Songkran festival president of the Phuket Tourist on the project with Mahidol vaccine on Monday (Mar 22). Photo: GPO tre at Mahidol University’s holiday this year runs from Association, recommended University’s Tropical Medicine Tropical Medicine Depart- April 12-15 inclusive, preceded the government come up with Department, the Programme reliant and it would not need president of Mahidol Univer- ment, said that the first human by a weekend. This will be measures to encourage people for Appropriate Technology in to depend on vaccines from sity, said the first and second trial was conducted on four the second year that festivi- to travel to the island during Health (PATH), an American foreign countries. phases of human trials will be volunteers on Monday. ties have been curtailed after Songkran, because water non-profit organisation, and The information from the to test the safety of the vac- After 30 minutes of re- similar cancellations last year. splashing in Phuket usually the Icahn School of Medicine human trials will be used to cine and its ability to trigger ceiving the vaccine, they were The decision was made takes place only on April 13. at Mount Sinai, New York. apply for registration with the immunity. observed for another four after a Culture Ministry com- Sarayuth Mallam, presi- Together they have developed Food and Drug Administration A total of 460 volunteers hours before being allowed mittee overseeing Songkran dent of the Phuket Tourism a pilot NDV-HXP-S vaccine (FDA) for industrial produc- would be recruited for the hu- to go home, Dr Punnee said. activities discussed the guide- Council, said that people and lab tests have been show- tion at the GPO’s vaccine man trials, 210 of whom are Withoon Danwiboon, lines with the National Secu- prefer to go out and enjoy ing promising results. production plant in Saraburi’s aged 18-59 and would take part managing director of the rity Council and the Tourism the natural beauty of Phuket Public Health Minister Kaeng Khoi district. in the first phase. They must GPO, stated that if the first and Sports Ministry. rather than engaging in wa- Anutin Charnvirakul said The plant already has egg- be in good health and free of and second phases of the Culture Minister Itthiphol ter fights during Songkran. the development of the home- based technology to make COVID-19. Volunteers will human trials are successful, Kunplome explained that this Therefore, a ban on water grown vaccine is a very sig- flu vaccines, which will be be screened and have their the third-phase trial would year would focus more on splashing would have no direct nificant step for the country’s adjusted to produce COVID-19 backgrounds checked and need more volunteers, which the traditional aspects of the bearing on local tourism in public health, as it would vaccines, he said. undergo health and blood may include people in other festival such as merit-making, Phuket, he said. enable Thailand to be self- Banchong Mahaisavariya, checks. countries. pouring water over the palms The Phuket News

Police defend strong-arm protest tactics POLICE HAVE DEFEND- ed their harsh actions against protesters at Sanam Luang last Saturday (Mar 20) amid mounting criticism from activists and academics. The violence left 20 peo- ple injured, including three Police maintain protesters reporters and 13 police, started the violence. Photo: AFP according to the Erawan Medical Centre. A reporter One of the protesters masat University who is a from Channel 8 TV was hit was hit after he fell down legal scholar, said authorities in the head with a rubber with others fleeing police shooting rubber bullets “was bullet. About 20 protesters in riot gear. Some protesters problematic”. were arrested for breaking abandoned their motorcycles. He said their method public gathering laws and Another video showed peo- of shooting rubber bullets insulting the monarchy. ple taking refuge from tear violated a universal guide- Police insisted on Mon- gas in a restaurant. Police line on deploying kinetic day that their operations said they fired tear gas af- impact projectile weapons using batons, rubber bullets, ter some protesters hurled by the Office of the United tear gas and water cannon Molotov cocktails at them. Nations High Commissioner were in accordance with However, protesters for Human Rights (OHCHR). international standards. slammed police for caus- On Monday, 16 protesters “Violence originated ing the violence. arrested during Saturday’s from the protesters’ side “Violence came from Sanam Luang rally were and police have to defend them [police] as they used each released on B35,000 the law and protect state tear gas and water can- bail. assets,” said a deputy com- nons before protesters did The protesters had bro- missioner and spokesman anything,” said activist ken the law prohibiting the for the Metropolitan Police Rukchanok Srinork, 27, gathering of 10 or more Bureau. who was at the rally. “They people to cause disturbance. Police faced a firestorm have helmets, shields, crowd They defied police orders of criticism after a video control training. If there is to disperse and instead ob- clip showing police chasing a stone thrown, raise your structed police performing protesters and hitting them shields.” their duty, police allege. with batons to subdue resist- Prinya Thaewanarumit- The suspects have denied ing protesters went viral. kul, deputy rector at Tham- the charges. Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews 8 COMMUNITY THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 Rockin’ in the real world PHUKET MUSIC SCENE

By Andy Tong Dee

welve local bands took to the stage at Blue Tree Arena last Saturday (Mar 20) to take part in the Lean On Me Live Fest, for which we need to thank Gary Crause of Legend Music for staging this charity event which served as a showcase for some of Phuket’s leading performers. TFunds raised by the concert went to the One Phuket effort to provide food relief to people across the island unable to sup- port themselves. I felt particularly sorry for my Thai friends in the opening act Gypsy Sun, playing Classic Rock. The arena was empty and the sun hot, but they played admirably well nonetheless. Things were not much kinder for the following acts until it cooled down and people started Dasha D’Aria, just 17 years old, gives her all at the Lean On Me Fest last Saturday. Photo: Stephane Audiger to arrive in numbers during Rob Cooke’s band Black and Blue, perhaps to hear over, my friend and veteran rock guitar- the angst of a teenage relationship “as Venus shines bright in the night.” his fine, sizzling guitar solos. If this ist Alf Hodges singing what I consider breakup, the lyrics suggesting a lack of And ‘Then I found You’ is another event is repeated, it should be a two- the best original song of the night, confidence: “Will I ever be good enough? slow, sad song. It starts with the lyrics, evening event rather than a one-day one Millionaire. The NAUGHTIES wound I’m running around in circles again.” “I was lost and alone on a lonely path, to be fairer to such great musicians. up a great day with tight and exciting Mmm… It’s clear Blaze isn’t holding I was the only one.” When it comes to Colin Hill with Jimmy Fame were songs, their last just having to be ‘Lean back on his emotions in his songwriting. the chorus we hear, “And then I found next, followed by the Bebop Bar Band on Me’, where they invited 40 people to Finally, we came to the grand finaIé. you,” but without much sense of joy where Khun Boy played what I believe sing along on stage, ending the day on a I loved ‘Rockstar’, which he started and empowerment. This is a song with to the best rock guitar solo of the day high but emotional note. playing when just 17, with a glorious potential, but in need of an uplifting – not a bad achievement for a jazz musi- As it’s just not possible to say some- riff, the lyrics full of teenage rebellion chorus if it is to be more commercial. cian on his day off! Then it was Dasha thing in any depth about so many and excess. Then I caught him back- ‘Circles in My Head’, is a well-crafted D’Arai with a short, powerful set with bands here, I want to focus instead on stage to ask a few questions. song about love and inner confusion, full Gary’s son Blaze on guitar. Perhaps the just two promising young singer-song- of tension and which ebbs and flows won- band of the day was Gary Crause’s own writers at the event: Gary’s 20 year-old So Blaze, who is the real you? derfully between verses and choruses. band Dark Fibre, playing an all-original son Blaze and Dasha D’Aria from Rus- The Blaze of your songs or the Blaze Now we were hearing hit song quality. set with strong vocals from Rannze sia. Both have been groomed by The outside writing them? Then I met her after her set to ask her: Davies and terrific gritty guitar from Phuket Academy of Performing Arts Blaze: “It depends on the song. I Rob Cooke. My only disappointment was (PAPA), and both plan to move to North started to write N.E.E.T. and Tidy Did you collaborate much with anyone watching an empty drum stool and hear- America in search of fame when studies songs as a therapeutic creative outlet, in writing these songs? ing electronic drums when there were here end, Blaze fancying Austin, Texas. whereas earlier songs I’ve written in the “I often collaborate with Gary in so many fine drummers there that day! Blaze played 12 songs with N.E.E.T. past were more just to have some fun. In writing my songs.” Blaze Crause was then up with N.E.E.T. and Tidy, all but one original. While his songs, you can write the situations to and Tidy before the FUZZtonez took father encourages him to write com- reflect yourself in any light you want.” There is a lot of sadness in your songs. mercially viable songs, Do you think you’ll need to write some Blaze prefers an “edgier, Are you able to express yourself freely happier ones to balance things out? unhinged sound”. His and genuinely while still assisted by “I have thought about writing hap- songs were mostly aggres- your music producer father? pier songs, but I want my songs to reflect sive, tacking hard-hitting “There is still some distancing me and my state of mind.” subjects of depression, required, which I find healthy when song- self-doubt and abuse. This writing. Lately, I have been writing songs Are you doing much songwriting at is not the kind of stuff by myself in my bedroom. Only after post- the moment? you’re likely to hear on a ing them online did I show them to my “I started writing songs and song compilation of love songs. parents. This showed them I was going to ideas for a new album during the lock- The band started with start to take music more seriously.” down in 2020. Whenever I get time, I a manic, one-minute write more songs.” song called ‘Seasonal Dasha D’Aria, today just 17 years Depression’. You can’t say old, has been ambitious to be a singer/ As English is not her first language much in a minute, so it songwriter from an early age, so her and she’s just 17, it’s not surprising she was very much a wake family moved to Phuket in 2015 so she often needs some support lyrically from up song. The songs that could attend PAPA where she recorded her mentor and co-songwriter Gary followed built in quality. her debut album in 2019. Crause. However, in everything co-writ- It’s normal, every band Dasha has a terrific voice – warm, ten she makes the decisions on chordal plays their best songs slightly dark and perfectly controlled, choices and, presumably, melody. last! By the time I got with faultless vibrato and pleasantly To sum up a great day, it’s said that to ‘Melodrama’ halfway restrained when needed, powerful when you need three things to succeed in the through, I was getting not. It speaks of confidence and maturity; music industry: Potential, motivation and drawn in. Some words a singer needs to know when and where good fortune. Young Blaze and Dasha stood out: “Judge me by not to try too hard. She sang two excellent undoubtedly have the first two, but the the songs I write and not covers in her set, but I was particularly last is always uncertain. So I’ll end by just the person that I am.” interested in her three own offerings. thanking these two youngsters, soon to This got me thinking, is ‘Venus Rising’ is a slow number with begin their musical careers, for their time, Blaze somehow escaping a chorus with the lyrics, “Is there any- and by wishing them…. GOOD LUCK! from this world into that body out there to carry me home?” It’s of his songs? Another full of the melancholy of homesickness, Andy Tong Dee is a live music enthu- heart-on-a-sleeve song perhaps for her native Russia in these siast and musician living in Phuket. was ‘Holding Out Hope’, times of COVID. I can easily imagine her Follow him on his Facebook page Phuket a gentler song about looking wistfully into a darkening sky Music Scene.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 COMMUNITY 9 Strokin’ in Phuket to maintain optimal fitness, fight off BLAZING PADDLES the ravages of ageing, and avoid the injuries which come from the overly re- petitive use of the same sets of muscles. Baz Daniel [email protected] A convivial bike ride primarily targets the legs and lungs combining aerobic es, you read correctly, it’s not a and endurance fitness with the mental typo. This week Blazing Sad- health benefits of being outdoors in dles is taking to the water, Phuket’s increasingly clean and regen- which as we live on an island erated environment, while being bathed surrounded by the stuff, isn’t in sunshine which promotes the produc- very difficult to do. Mixing tion of Vitamin D. cycling with other forms of Combine this with a kayak trip exercise has proven to be the through a stunning maritime environ- best way to maximise overall health ment, followed by a sea swim to cool off andY fitness, plus abundant scientific and stretch out your well-worked body, research supports the notion that ex- then a superb breakfast in a lovely Baz ready for action. ercising in, or near, water is excellent beachside location and you’ve probably for both mental and physical wellbeing. discovered the Elixir of Life! away from the luxurious Nai Harn tomato, chestnut mushrooms, granary So, combining a bike ride with activi- I recently cycled from my home at Resort. Here you’ll find one of the best toast and fresh eggs, poached, scram- ties which take advantage of our island 6:30am up and over Promthep Cape, breakfasts in Phuket served in one of bled or fried just as you like them. home’s proximity to beautiful maritime then down to charming Yanui Beach, the island’s most stunning waterside Sitting at Rock Salt overlooking environments make a lot of sense. where local entrepreneur Khun Wan locations. that wondrous beach looking south Phuket’s beaches are now cleaner, sets out his kayak rentals from about Pulling my kayak up onto the sands from whence I’d paddled, I rewarded emptier and more relaxed than I’ve 8am. A B100 for an hour will rent in front of the enticing white-walled myself with another cup of home- ever seen them and many local entre- you a kayak, paddle, life-jacket and portals of Rock Salt, I found a lovely brewed cold drip coffee which Rock preneurs seem to have set up kayaking, abundant local advice about prevailing beachside table, ordered my break- Salt bottle themselves – and which canoeing, snorkelling and paddle- winds and where to paddle. Out you go fast and enjoyed watching the happy proved to be very refreshing on ice. boarding rentals around the island. The around the beguiling rocky headlands throng of beach-goers, paddle-board- Then I set off for my leisurely pad- particularly beguiling corner of Phuket below the famous viewpoint and wind- ers, dog-walkers and sun-worshipers dle back to Yanui Beach and my trusty which, in my opinion, offers the most mill, skipping around the abundant enjoying the beach. mountain bike. Nibbles, paddles, ped- interesting topography around which to moored pleasure craft and sheltering The healthy breakfast menu is als and saddles had formed a perfect paddle, is from Yanui Beach in the deep squid boats which occupy the bays at served from 7am to 10am and includes partnership to create an unforgettable south of the island adjacent to Promth- this time of year. such favourites as wild Scandinavian start to an unforgettable day! ep Cape, with Koh Bon island and Nai An enlivening 30-minute paddle salmon and creamy scrambled eggs on Harn Beach close by. takes you around the headland below granary toast, or their signature Eggs ‘Bicycling Baz Daniel’ has been penning Reams of research supports the the Windmill viewpoint, then across Benedict, or the full Rock Salt break- his Blazing Saddles column, chronicling fact that training across many differ- Nai Harn Bay to the lovely beachside fast comprising homemade English his cycling adven­tures in Phuket and ent types of exercise is the best way Rock Salt restaurant set a few steps pork sausages, chargrilled bacon, plum beyond, since 2013.

@thephuketnews 10 TIME OUT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 51. Bow 25. 007 1. Accord 54. Little Jack 26. Drawing 6. Flub Horner 1. In 1960, which country experienced the most powerful medium earthquake ever recorded? 10. Certain reptiles 58. Cave 27. Reprimand, with 14. Birthplace of 59. ___-Altaic “out” 2. A tablespoon measure in the UK contains a volume of exactly Columbus languages how many millilitres? 28. Arch type 15. Parrot 60. Fiats 29. “Blue Velvet” 3. Carlos Irwin Estevez is better known by what stage name? 16. Islamic division 61. Meets director 4. What was Mary Read famous for during the early 18th century? 17. Mary 62. Gerbils, maybe 31. Trades 20. “Mârouf” baritone 63. Senior member 32. Aggressiveness 5. The bombardment of which sea fort started the American 21. ____ pendens Civil War? 33. Away from the Answers below, centre 22. Gives up Down wind 23. Turn to crime? 1. Eastern pooh- 34. Goes with 26. “ ______Row” bah mobile 27. Treat for the idle 2. Buffet 36. Cut surgically Hard rich? 3. In a snit SUDOKU 37. Cutlass 29. Singer Lenya 4. “Sesame Street” 38. Sinuous dance 30. “Encore!” watcher 42. Conforms 31. Harmony 5. Cry of disgust 32. Andy Warhol 6. Arctic 43. Balcony section painting 7. Wood sorrels 44. Alliance 35. Jack and Jill 8. Law man? 45. Metallic sounds 39. Affranchise 9. Clock for the 46. Mites 40. Clip pocket 47. Move, as a plant 41. Whimpered 10. Radiant 48. Barbecue fuel 42. Beth’s preceder 11. Treat rudely, in 50. Beach nuisance Solutions to last week’s puzzles: 44. Misrepresents a way 52. Ending for disc- 45. Presidential 12. Pied one 53. __berry favors 13. Pert 55. Fury 48. Traction aid 18. Flamboyance 56. Like some 49. 2002 film 19. Lean to one socks 50. Baby’s first word, side 57. Duran Duran girl

maybe 24. Final notice of song

Answers toSumter thisFort 5) week’sPiracy; 4) Sheen; PopCharlie 3) Quiz:

15; 2) scale); magnitude moment the on (9.4-9.6 Chile 1)

GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW NUMBER -0.2 magnitude earthquakes release the energy equivalent to 30 matches being lit. 10 hours on average is how long people slept every night before the invention of the lightbulb. 15 US dollars is how much Robert Frost was paid for his first published poem in 1894 – the equivalent of $458 today.

39 Sunflower near Tri Trang Beach. Photo: Sutharat Khaodee percent of people in their 20s achieve Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to [email protected] their New Year resolutions each year, while 14% of people over 50 achieve theirs, according to a study. This week in history Mar 26, 1169 Mar 28, 1979 cert Society riot during a per- 110,000 Saladin, a Sunni Muslim of A coolant leak at the Three formance of modernist music bees were removed from Rockwood Kurdish ethnicity, becomes Mile Island’s Unit 2 nuclear by Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Hospital in Cardiff in 2016 after honey the first sultan of Egypt and reactor outside Harrisburg, Berg, Alexander von Zemlin- started dripping from the ceiling. the founder of the Ayyubid Pennsylvania, in the US, leads sky, and Anton von Webern, dynasty. to the core overheating and a causing a premature end to partial meltdown. Asymptomatic carrier of typhoid the concert due to violence; Mar 27, 1915 fever, ‘Typhoid Mary’ Mallon, in 1909. the concert becomes known ‘Typhoid Mary’ Mallon, Mar 29, 1973 as the Skandalkonzert. 4 the first healthy carrier of Vietnam War: The last United the first time, in an opera- billion years in the future, the Milky the disease ever identified States combat soldiers leave tion by American surgeon April 1, 1976 Way will merge with the Andromeda in the United States, is put South Vietnam. Dr Crawford Long. Apple Inc. is formed by Steve galaxy. in quarantine, where she Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Source: Uberfacts would remain for the rest Mar 30, 1842 Mar 31, 1913 Ronald Wayne in Cupertino, of her life. Ether anesthesia is used for Members of the Vienna Con- California. Source: Wikipedia

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 CLASSIFIEDS 11

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@thephuketnews 12 EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

28 10 SUN MAR SAT APR

Sunday Brunch at Pine Beach Bar Try exciting new items including organic truffle poached egg, lobster house made pasta and unagi don. Enjoy complimentary use of pool and beach Masters Adventure Golf facilities before and after your brunch with a bottle The 18-hole tournament is played over four rounds. of sparkling, a selection of delicious dishes, funky Start 5pm both days, prize ceremony 8pm Sunday tunes of our DJ and beach activities. Intercontinental 11th. To enter thet ournament register at Mini Golf Phuket Resort, Kamala, 076 629 999. and pay fee of B700. After registration all practice rounds are half price (B175) Open for everyone... PhuketAdventureMiniGolf.com 076 314 345. 1 APR THU 13 TUE APR

Dress Down Day Island wide 1st April for One Phuket ISLAND-WIDE, FREE DRESSDAY TO COMBAT HUNGER. Your funds will feed the vulnerable IMME- DIATELY. Donate B100 on April 1 to join in! Join face- Songkran Splash Jungle book.com/groups/onephuket or email onephuket@ gmail.com today for more on how you can help. Pool Paty Whip out your tropical shirts and swimsuits because it’s The Deck Beach Club Songkran Splash Jungle PROPERTY FOR RENT Pool Party. Get ready for an afternoon of fresh and fruity drinks, bikinis, chill tunes by DJ Nicola Vega, MEMBERSHIPS and cool splashes in the pool. Free entry. More information Website: https://bit.ly/bookthedeck or Kata Gardens Private Pool Golf membership for sale message us on Facebook. The Deck Beach Club Pa- Kata Gardens Private Pool Penthouses. Walk to Beach Ocean View 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Units Loch Palm lifetime golf membership for sale - THB230,000. tong, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Available. 2 Common Area Pools. [email protected], +66909959767, Graham Herdman 50/50 on transfer fee. Call Mr. on 089 594 4067. Resort, [email protected], 076 645 999 CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE PROPERTY PROPERTY FOR RENT FOR SALE

HALF PRICE CONDO LAGUNA AREA Land for sale near 18 Seater Mitsubishi Bus x 2 200m to Bangtao, 2 pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, BBQ, 140 Mission Heights 18 Seater Mitsubishi Bus (2 buses), Year December 2011. sqm. Free: bikes, electric scooters, drinking water, coconuts, Land is 1,656 square meters approx on Yellow Registration Plates. THB 950,000 (each). Contact: 3TVs, Netflix, 200TV channels. HALF PRICE 076 324404 3 Chanote titles. Has concrete road, Robin Lee on Mobile ‪ 061 829 8293. [email protected] water and electric. Small quiet village close to Mission Heights. I’m looking for 4.5 million Baht, negotiable. Call 093 629 4400.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 ISLAND SCENE 13

LEAN ON ME LIVE FEST FOR ONE PHUKET Fantastic afternoon and evening of live music from 12 outstanding local bands. The event, on Saturday Mar 20, 2021, in support of One Phuket was held at Blue Tree Phuket and organised by the Phuket Academy of Performing Arts. Hundreds of Phuket people came together to help those in dire need. A substantial amount of funds were raised that will go a long way towards filling and delivering the daily Life Bags to those that need them all over Phuket and surround- ing islands.

@thephuketnews 14 SPORT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 Red Bull get ready to rumble Verstappen has Mercedes in his sights on eve of new season Red Bull Racing’s car should of course what they are do- FORMULA ONE have seen Mercedes do like- ing,” he told Dutch TV. “They

Michael Lamonato wise after winning all but four did their fastest lap with less [email protected] races in 2020 on the way to power… so they are fast, no a seventh consecutive title. doubt. fter seven years of However, some minor “So I still see Mercedes F1 domination, has but meaningful regulatory as the favourite.” AMercedes finally un- changes have been enacted Number crunching – in- veiled a car with a beatable to slash downforce on safety exact though it is – suggests weakness? grounds by reducing the size the off-track mind games The pre-season is infa- of the floor. One paddock and on-track subterfuge are mously fickle for forecasting theory suggests Mercedes’ actually hiding a genuinely season-long form in Formula aerodynamic approach relies closely matched duel, with 1, but Red Bull Racing will be heavily on its long floor to Red Bull Racing quicker at the hoping that for once it’s bang generate performance, whereas ragged edge in qualifying but on the money after ending Red Bull Racing has always Mercedes more capable with testing atop the order ahead of operated with a shorter floor tanks full for a race. the first grand prix in Bahrain at a more aggressive attack It is the dream scenario this weekend. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes go head-to-head once angle and is therefore less for Formula 1, and with team Max Verstappen concluded again as the Formula One season starts in Bahrain this weekend. Photo: AFP adversely affected. resources set to switch almost the three-day test with the “I think Red Bull are immediately to the seismic quickest time in what the the final race of 2020 in Abu Racing garage is worlds away over the three days. looking particularly strong,” rule changes of 2022, what we Dutch prodigy described as Dhabi, handled sweetly out of from the quiet introspection “Probably everywhere,” Hamilton reflected. “They are see in Bahrain is likely what his team’s best-ever pre-season the box and was rapid around next door at Mercedes. Hamilton said when asked to going to be a different machine we’ll get for the duration of campaign. In stark contrast Bahrain’s testing desert circuit. The reigning constructors identify the car’s most serious or animal this year.” this record-breaking 23-race to this time last year, when “Definitely I think it has champion endured a torrid trio struggles. “It just seems glob- But for some the excuse season. Red Bull Racing started the been the best,” Verstappen of days. Seven-time champion ally through the lap – there’s is too convenient for a team Never before have Lewis season with a temperamental said of his preseason campaign Lewis Hamilton and teammate not one particular point more that has a habit of appearing Hamilton and Max Verstappen car prone to random slides relative to previous years. “I Valtteri Bottas completed than the other.” undercooked in testing only gone toe to toe for a champi- and spins, Verstappen and think from our side it was very the fewest laps of any team to light up the track at the onship, and with Hamilton in new teammate Sergio Perez smooth, and we are happy with through unreliability, and REGULATORY first race. the final year of his Mercedes enjoyed three uneventful days our progress throughout the when the car was running it CHANGES Verstappen, Hamilton’s contract and hunting for a behind the wheel. whole test.” was snappy and unpredictable. The team’s trials come as chief title rival and heir ap- record-breaking eighth crown, The RB16B, a honed ver- The quiet confidence ema- Hamilton even uncharacteristi- a surprise given the stable parent, isn’t buying it. the stakes are as high as they sion of the machine that won nating from the Red Bull cally beached himself twice regulations that have enhanced “You can see on the data come in 2021.

Heartbreak for Thai ace Pornpawee Overseas fans barred from Tokyo Games OLYMPICS PORNPAWEE CHOCHUWONG’S BID for her first major title ended in disappoint- OVERSEAS FANS WILL ment as she lost to in the be banned from this sum- final of the All England Open Badminton Pornpawee Chochuwong (left) and winner mer’s pandemic-delayed Championships in Birmingham on Sunday Nozomi Okuhara. Photo: AFP Tokyo Olympics, organis- (Mar 21). ers confirmed on Saturday The 11th ranked Thai, who was seeded sixth, The Japanese also dominated the doubles (Mar 20), in a bid to reduce went down to world No.4 Okuhara 21-12, 21- events as and Yuta Watanabe virus risks and convince a 16 in the 44-minute women’s singles decider. defeated and sceptical Japanese public the It was Okuhara’s fifth win against Porn- to lift their second straight men’s doubles title. Games will be safe. Tokyo’s National Stadium seen from the Shibuya Sky pawee in six meetings. The women’s doubles crown went to The unprecedented de- observation deck. Photo: AFP With the victory, Okuhara, 26, claimed second seeds and Wakana cision will make the Tokyo her second title at the sport’s oldest tourna- Nagahara who defeated top seeds and defend- Games the first ever held into Japan will be guaranteed this summer has yet to be ment. She won her first All England Open ing champions and Sayaka without overseas spectators, this summer for people from decided. crown in 2016. Hirota. Bangkok Post as organisers scale back their overseas,” they added. “It has never happened ambitions for the pandemic- As a result, “the parties that foreign spectators were decimated event. on the Japanese side have banned from entering the The Games are shaping come to the conclusion that host country at the time of up to be largely a television they (overseas fans) will not the Games, even during the event for most of the world, be able to enter into Japan at Spanish flu at the time of with little of the interna- the time of the Olympic and the Antwerp 1920 Olympic tional party atmosphere that Paralympic Games.” Games,” said Jean-Loup usually characterises an The International Olym- Chappelet, a Lausanne-based Olympics. pic Committee and Interna- professor who specialises in In a statement issued tional Paralympic Committee the Olympics. after talks between local “fully respect and accept this The year-long delay and organisers, Japanese officials conclusion,” the statement virus safety countermeasures and Olympic and Paralympic added, saying refund details have helped balloon Tokyo chiefs, Games officials said would be released soon. 2020’s already mammoth the virus situation in Japan Authorities estimated budget to an eyewatering and abroad remained “very that about 600,000 tickets 1.64 trillion yen (B463bn), challenging”. have been sold to people making the Games poten- “Based on the present outside of Japan. Just how tially the most expensive situation of the pandemic, it many domestic spectators summer Olympics in his- is highly unlikely that entry will be allowed in venues tory. AFP

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 SPORT 15 Foxes outwit United Game changer for women’s football to reach FA Cup semis FOOTBALL Since replacing the sacked FOOTBALL Frank Lampard in January, FOOTBALL CHIEFS ON

AFP Tuchel is unbeaten in 14 Monday (Mar 22) announced games in all competitions. a “game-changing” three-year eicester City sent Man- Chelsea have kept 12 clean broadcast deal for the English chester United crashing sheets in that period, shutting Women’s Super League (WSL) Lout of the FA Cup last out the opposition in their that will inject millions into Sunday (Mar 21) as Kelechi last seven matches. the game and boost exposure. Iheanacho’s double sealed a Pep Guardiola’s team Sky Sports will show up The TV deal is a landmark 3-1 win, while Chelsea will booked their semi-final berth to 44 games per season, with moment for women's face Manchester City in the thanks to late strikes from the BBC screening 22 matches football. Photo: AFP semi-finals after beating Shef- Ikay Gundogan and Kevin free-to-air in a deal reported field United. de Bruyne in a 2-0 triumph to be worth around £7 million prime slots on television, big Brendan Rodgers’ side against Everton on Saturday (B300mn) per year. audiences, week in, week out, can look forward to their that keeps the Citizens on The Football Association’s and I think it’s such an exciting first FA Cup semi-final since course for an unprecedented director of the women’s profes- step for the women’s game.” 1982 thanks to Iheanacho’s Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho scored twice against quadruple. sional game, Kelly Simmons, It is the first time the rights predatory finishing at the Manchester United to help his side progress to the FA “Manchester City is not said the deal was “a game- to the WSL have been sold King Power Stadium. Cup semi-final.Photo: AFP a normal team, they are the changing agreement that will separately from those to the He put Leicester ahead in best,” said an exasperated transform” the WSL. men’s game, with the 12 top- Rodgers’ 100th game in charge It was a great performance. potentially thrilling showdown Everton manager Carlo An- She said she believed it flight clubs receiving a propor- before Mason Greenwood Every aspect of the game was against quadruple chasers celotti post-match. was the biggest domestic com- tion of the revenue. equalised late in the first half. complete,” Rodgers said. Manchester City by beating Earlier on Saturday, mercial contract ever agreed Clubs in the Women’s Youri Tielemans restored “We showed courage to Sheffield United 2-0. Southampton beat local ri- for women’s football rights, Championship will also ben- Leicester’s lead and Nigeria play against one of Europe’s Oliver Norwood’s 24th min- vals Bournemouth 3-0 thanks describing it as a “landmark efit, with 25% of the funds fed striker Iheanacho wrapped greatest teams. I told the play- ute own goal and Hakim Zi- to a Moussa Djenepo strike deal” for the whole of the down to the second tier. up only their second win over ers they were three games yech’s late strike were enough and a brace from Nathan women’s game. The WSL has begun to United in 23 years and their from history. Now it’s two.” to see Chelsea advance to the Redmond. “When we look at the follow in the footsteps of first since 2014. FA Cup semi-finals for a fourth It meant the Saints have benchmarks around audience, England’s Premier League Leicester, who have never CHELSEA SET UP time in the last five seasons reached the FA Cup semi- this without doubt will take by attracting top talent from won the FA Cup and last CITY CLASH after losing last year’s final finals for just the second time us to be the most-watched around the globe with Chelsea reached the final in 1969, At Stamford Bridge on Sun- against Arsenal. in the last 18 seasons, last women’s sports league in the signing Pernille Harder from will head to Wembley to face day, Thomas Tuchel’s much- Chelsea won the last of the doing so in 2017-18 before world,” she said. Wolfsburg for a world-record Southampton in April. changed side were below club’s eight FA Cups under being eliminated by eventual “It is transformational. fee for a women’s player last “I’m obviously delighted. their best but still earned a Antonio Conte in 2018. winners Chelsea. This is mainstream, this is September. AFP

Pathum United crowned new T1 champs FOOTBALL

BG PATHUM UNITED’S 2-0 home victory over Ratch- aburi served as the icing on the cake as the Rabbits lifted their first-ever Thai League 1 trophy on Saturday (Mar 20). Pathum had secured the top league title early this BG Pathum United celebrate with the Thai League 1 month with a record six trophy. Photo: Bangkok Post matches to spare. The win also extended the Rabbits’ 15 people, including eight accused of paying bribes, unbeaten run in the league former Thai Premier League were each given four years to 29 matches. footballers, to between one in jail and fined B2,000 They need a draw in and five years in prison, in each. Wanlop Saman and their last fixture against a major match-fixing case Kittiphum Paphu-nga, also SCG Muang Thong United that started in 2017. a former well-known foot- to match the feat of winning The crime involved the baller, were each given two the league title without losing paying of bribes on several years and fined B2,500. a game previously achieved occasions by five people bet- Phummarin Khamru- by Sunday’s opponents and ting on Thai Premier League en, a former FIFA referee, Buriram United. football matches. Bribes was given two years, while The Rabbits’ points tally were paid to the players, Wira Koetphutsa, a former stands at 77 points, 20 more a referee and an assistant goalkeeper, was given one than second-placed Buriram. referee. year. Seksan Chaothonglang, Pathum United got their Thirachit Sitthisuk, a Sutthiphong Laophon, Su- first goal from Pathomphon former assistant referee, witthaya Namsinglaek and Charoenrattanapirom in the was sentenced to five years Narong Wongthongkham, 37th minute of the match while and ordered to pay a fine of former footballers, were Diogo Luis Santo netted their B2,000. Choetsak Bunchu, each given two years. second in the last minute. a former director of Sisaket Thirachai Ngamcharoen, FC, was given four years and Thotsaphon Khamengkit, MATCH-FIXING fined B2,500. and Ekkaphan Chandakon Meanwhile, on Mar 18, the Phakphum Phannikun were each given one year. Criminal Court sentenced and Manit Setthapasit, both Bangkok Post

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