ANDAMAN Edition Volume 18 Issue 22 May 28 - June 3, 2011 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 25 Baht Patong to purge timeshare touts By Atchaa Khamlo have anything at all, but they tell their clients that they have got A MULTI-AGENCY task force everything for them,” he added. will be set up to investigate time- “Many of these operators set share companies operating in up companies and ‘sell’ anything Phuket, especially Patong. they can, making anywhere from Tasked with investigating the 100 to 500 million baht. They then companies, their workers and any close their companies and run officials involved in allowing the away. timeshare companies to operate, “Later they open a new time- the “committee” is expected to Patong Mayor Pian Keesin called for share company, because it is easy launch an investigation by Octo- ofiicals to be investigated. to open such companies in Thai- ber, just before the annual tourism land, and cheat people all over high season begins, Vice Gover- At the meeting, Patong Deputy again. It is damaging our tourism,” nor Somkiet Sangkaosutthirak Mayor Chairat Sukkaban identified he added. announced at a meeting on Tues- three types of timeshare compa- Deputy Mayor Chairat called day. nies operating on the island. on other government departments The committee will comprise “There are genuine timeshare to help clamp down on illegal op- officials from agencies including companies that are registered and erators. the Tourist Police, Royal Thai Po- have their own offices, such as “Before issuing any work per- lice, Provincial Police, Public the operation run at the JW mits for such companies, the Prosecutor’s Office, Provincial Marriott [Resort & Spa in Mai Department of Employment needs Office and Patong Municipality. Khao] to look in detail at such operators, ‘FUND FIGHT’ “It’s a big problem. Tourists “But there are also people who such as checking whether they Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pekad Tantipong (in blue shorts) book holidays with timeshare com- rent hotels and properties for a have their own properties and of- went toe-to-toe with Thai boxing hero Somjit Jongjohor on Tuesday panies, but when they arrive in only a couple of years, but then fices,” he said. night to raise flood-relief funds. The 'fun fight' at Saphan Hin lasted for Patong, the companies don’t have offer clients use of the properties Supporting Patong Mayor Pian three rounds, with Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha as referee. any hotel rooms for them to stay over 10 to 30 years. That’s cheat- Keesin’s call for the committee to Somjit is best known for winning gold medals in the flyweight division at the 2003 World Amateur Boxing Championships and at the Beijing in. That is destroying our tourism ing,” Mr Chairat said. also investigate officials, V/Gov 2008 Olympics. Photo: Dean Noble reputation,” said V/Gov Somkiet. “Third are companies that don’t Continued on page 2 Candidates register as campaigning gets underway CAMPAIGNING for the July 3 national for at least five years as of election day and Mrs Anchalee and Mr Raewat are cam- election began in earnest this week as five a member of only one party for at least 90 paigning with the number “10”, representing candidates registered to contest Phuket’s days prior to election day, explained PEC the Democrat Party, while Mr Jirayus is two voting districts. Director Kitipong Thiengkunakrit. promoting ballot number “16” for the First to register, at 8:30am on Monday, was There is no requirement for candidates Bhumjaithai Party. Bhumjaithai Party candidate Jirayus Songyos. to live in Phuket in order to register and Mr Wisit and Mr Saman have the luck Mr Jirayus will contest Phuket Constitu- there are no minimum educational qualifi- of campaigning with the number “1” for ency 2, which covers more than half of the cations, he added. the Pheu Thai Party. island and includes Thalang District, Kathu Registration costs 5,000 baht. “Under election law, the candidates can District and Koh Kaew and Rassada in At the time of writing, the Democrats continue campaigning until 6pm on July 2,” Muang District. expected to drum up more support with Mr Kitipong said. Second to register was Pheu Thai Party Crowds gather to support candiates the scheduled appearance of caretaker “After 6pm on July 2 a ban on the sale candidate Wisit Jai-arj, who will run for registering at Phuket Provincial Hall. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at a rally at of alcohol will come into effect until mid- Constituency 1 seat. He was followed by tering as Democrat Party candidates con- Saphan Hin on Friday. night on July 3.” Pheu Thai Constituency 2 candidate Saman testing the Phuket 1 and Phuket 2 Voters can expect much of the cam- “Foreigners are prohibited from cam- Kebsap. constituencies, respectively. paigning to involve promotion of numbers paigning on any candidate’s behalf,” Mr Anchalee Vanich Thepabutr and Raewat To register as a candidate, an applicant representing the order of the parties listed Kitipong added. Areerob followed suit on Tuesday, regis- must be at least 25 years old, a Thai citizen on the ballot in the Party List election. – Pimwara Choksakulpan 2 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS May 28 - June 3, 2011 Bridge opening soon

A haven for pregnant teens What becomes of the island’s troubled youth Page 5 Willywatch Blair Christopher reminds us why nude is rude. Page 9 Food Hearty English food served in the heart of Phuket. Page 15 Construction will continue after the northbound lanes heading off the island open. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo Education By Atchaa Khamlo cent complete and the construction will continue to complete small The Gazette outlines and Chutarat Plerin contract ends on June 20,” Arun details such as the marking of the island’s education Sanae, director of the PPHO said. lanes,” Mr Arun added. options Page 16 THE new bridge connecting Phuket “After that, Italian-Thai Develop- Temporary signs notifying driv- with Phang Nga will be open to traf- ment construction company will ers of the coming change will be fic next week as planned, the Phuket transfer the contract to us,” he said. erected near the bridges soon. Property Provincial Highways Office (PPHO) The new bridge will be open “The official opening will oc- Keeping an eye on announced. next week to traffic leaving cur towards the end of the year. Known as the “Sarasin Bridge 2” Phuket. Its predecessor, the two- After the ceremony, the bridge will stimulating investments throughout the construction phase, lane Sarasin Bridge will be used be known as Srisoonthorn Bridge, in Pattaya. Page 26 the new roadway will be known by traffic entering the island, Mr a name provided to us by the Royal officially as Srisoonthorn Bridge. Arun said. Family at our request,” Mr Arun Sport “The new bridge is about 94 per In the meantime, construction said. Vagabonds get friendly with Roosters before Expat ‘Paddy’ dies in accident the 10s. Page 41 A PHUKET expat was killed on Rubble” among members. He also Monday morning when he lost took part in races with the Ao control of his 1,400cc motorcycle Chalong Yacht Club. on a notoriously dangerous curve Mr O’Mahony held vast motor- on Thepkrasattri Road. cycle riding experience. Patong timeshare touts Irish national Patrick “Paddy” “He’s an ex-Irish road racer. O’Mahony, who turned 57 on He’s the best motorcycle rider I’ve Sunday, was travelling toward the ever ridden with and I’ve prob- face close investigation Sarasin Bridge on his red Kawa- ably done 30 or 40,000km of saki ZZR 1400 when he crashed riding with him,” his friend Jock From page 1 were no rooms for them,” he said. near the turnoff to the JW Marriott Cromie said. The meeting on Tuesday was Resort & Spa. “From the lack of tyre marks Somkiet warned that any officials called after Patong business own- A funeral service will be held on the road at the scene and the found to be involved in any illegal ers filed complaints to the on Sunday, May 29. Patrick ‘Paddy’ O’Mahony disturbance of grass at the road- timeshare operations will be re- Damrongtham Center. Lt Col Watcharin Jiratthi- side, it appears that Paddy may ported to their office chief. The complaints alleged that karlwiwat of Tah Chat Chai Police “He was alive when we arrived have been forced into evasive ac- Also, timeshare cheats were not more than 100 foreign workers was notified of the accident at at the scene, but did not survive,” tion, slowed down considerably only affecting foreign tourists, V/ were on the streets of Patong sell- about 7am. he added. before leaving the road and suf- Gov Somkiet added. ing timeshare without work “He was riding at speed and lost Paddy, as his friends knew him, fering a low-speed crash,” Mr “Last week about 30 Thai permits. control of his motorcycle near the was from County Cork in south- Cromie said. people filed complaints at the The complaints, filed with de- Marriott. The area is very danger- west Ireland and had been based Irish Honorary Consul for Damrongtham Center. They said tails and photographs, explained ous and accidents occur there in Phuket for about 15 years. Phuket Helene Fallon-Wood con- a well-known company in Thalang that timeshare workers continu- frequently. In addition to owning Paddy’s firmed to the Gazette that Mr had cheated them of about 80,000 ally rode motorbikes around “I have even received reports Inn View Apartments in Patong, O’Mahony’s family has been no- to 100,000 baht each. Patong looking for potential “cus- that police have had accidents at Mr O’Mahony was an active tified of his death. “When they got to the hotels tomers”, who they stopped the same location,” Col Watcharin member of the Phuket Hash House – Chutarat Plerin where they had paid to stay, there mid-traffic to pitch their sales. said. Harriers, known as “Blarney and Michael DesPortes May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Volcano blast no effect on Don’t become dispirited Phuket – yet Aussie Ambassador voices support for Honorary Consuls THE eruption of the Grimsvotn By Stephen Fein At least two of the Australians volcano in Iceland has not af- were stabbed, one reportedly re- fected flights at Phuket Interna- AUSTRALIAN Ambassador to quiring ICU treatment. tional Airport, the Gazette was told Thailand James Wise had one clear Mr Cunningham characterized on Wednesday. message for the honorary consuls the assault as an unprovoked at- The volcano sent plumes of present at the sixth “Honorary tack by some 20 tuk-tuk drivers smoke and ash kilometers into the Consuls Meeting with Local Au- against the much smaller group. sky last Saturday, much as it did thorities” at Phuket Provincial Hall The police representative said last year, causing havoc for air on Monday: Don’t let the grind get he was familiar with the case, but travellers across Europe and you down. had to check to find out whether prompting many people to delay Amb Wise’s words followed any arrests had been made. or cancel long-haul holidays. several honorary consuls express- British Honorary Consul Mar- However, Flight Officer Passa- ing diminishing enthusiasm for the tin Carpenter called for the korn Surapipith, acting director at meetings, mainly due to a lack of distribution of leaflets to warn for- the airport, told the Gazette, “So follow-up action. eign tourists of dangerous riptides far no airlines have canceled flights Among the many issues of con- during the monsoon season and to or from Phuket.” cern raised by Phuket-based asked for help from the local me- “Our biggest problem is tourist honorary consuls was the issue of Honorary Consuls are feeling low about the post-meeting lack of action. dia in getting out the message in a safety. If our country is safe and drunk driving, which was by far ing pulled over by police for drunk variety of languages. secure, tourists will definitely con- the most common criminal offense driving and being told they faced On the issue of tuk-tuks, the tinue coming to Phuket as it is a among foreigners. deportation if they “didn’t pay”. standard fares now reportedly in global tourist destination,” he said. Of 162 foreign suspects in Phuket Immigration Superin- effect in Patong are to be extended The number of passengers criminal cases in Phuket in 2010, tendent Panuwat Ruamrak replied to tuk-tuk operators in Kata-Karon passing through Phuket Airport 64 were charged with driving un- that a conviction for drunk driv- “tomorrow”, Gov Tri said. from October last year through der the influence. From the ing does not require deportation He also called for a police March this year has increased by beginning of 2011 through until and is treated as a normal crimi- crackdown on dangerous driving. 13.94%, said Mr Passakorn. February 16 this year, 12 more nal case in the legal system. The following day Phuket The number of flights arriving foreigners were arrested and Immigration police can check Deputy Governor reportedly met and departing the airport during charged with the offence. the background of suspects on a with representatives of the Kata- the same period rose 18.91 per Australian Honorary Consul case-by-case basis when deciding Karon tuk-tuk and taxi association cent, comprising 36 airlines serv- Larry Cunningham asked whether whether to deport, he said. Australian Ambassador James Wise at the Phuket Land Transport Of- ing 31 scheduled ones and five convictions for drunk driving en- Mr Cunningham also asked the fice and told the drivers they had charter airlines, he explained. tailed automatic deportation. representative from the Provincial Australian tourists who were in- a two-week deadline to set stan- “The flights go to 60 cities in Mr Cunningham said he had Police whether there had been any volved in a fight with tuk-tuk dard fares and improve their 23 countries,” added the director. received reports of foreigners be- arrests in the case of four young drivers in Patong in late February. service. Rare 35kg turtle found Miss Bikini hits a snag THE highly anticipated visit to “The decision to postpone wounded on Layan Beach Phuket of the Miss Thailand Beach [Phuket] was made because the A FEMALE olive ridley sea turtle International 2011 finalists next organizers aren’t prepared,” she weighing 35.5 kilograms was month has been postponed. explained. found injured lying on its back on Scheduled to stimulate the The winner, to be selected at Layan Beach, in Cherng Talay, on streets of Patong from June 3 to the Millennium Hilton Hotel in Monday. 5 with a calendar shoot, fashion Bangkok on May 27, will go on to Rare for its large size, the turtle show and “Save the Environment represent Thailand against contes- had wounds on all four flippers on Earth Day” event, the girls will tants from 84 other countries for and was taken into the care of Ms have to wait for a later date, orga- the coveted title of Miss Bikini Patcharaporn Kaewmong, a vet- nizers have confirmed. International 2011. erinarian at the Phuket Marine Nittaya Wangpanya, a PR of- This will mark the first year Biological Center. Nets were blamed for the injury. ficer for the Jungceylon Shopping Thailand will be represented in the The turtle, measuring 66cm a blood sample was taken for Complex, where some of the annual pageant, which began in long and 67cm wide, is estimated analysis, she said. events were to be held, assured 1972. to be 15 years old. “Fishing nets seem to be the the Gazette that the bikini models This year’s host will be the Wounds to the base of the front cause of her injuries. We estimate will “definitely come to Phuket”. People’s Republic of China. Better late than never. right flipper were particularly deep, them to be about a month old.,” causing infection of the muscle Ms Patcharaporn said. but not disabling the animal, Ms “We will keep her under obser- Patcharaporn reported. vation until she is well enough to The reptile was given an injec- be released back into the wild,” tion of antibiotics, medication and she added. 4 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS May 28 - June 3, 2011 Shelters for ‘tourists Prisoners break out the handmade goods THE annual fair for inmates to sell in need’ win praise their wares made while serving prison sentences will return to TWO temporary shelters for Phuket from June 3 to 12, Phuket down-and-out tourists had already Prison Chief Rapin Nichanon has accommodated seven people since announced. opening a week before. Handmade products from 25 The shelters are located next to prisons throughout Thailand’s 14 the Tourist Police Headquarters southern provinces will be on sale in Phuket Town at Saphan Hin in Phuket Town at Pol Capt Siramate Thana- the 8th annual Southern Prison pansiri told the meeting of Products Fair. honorary consuls at Phuket Pro- Products, made of wicker, vincial Hall last week that two bamboo and wood, include every- Norwegians, two Koreans and one thing from small decorative items Prison Chief Rapin Nichanon tourist each from the UK, the US to living room furniture sets, din- and Switzerland had taken refuge ing room tables and much more. able for some people’s tastes, but at the shelters, which opened on Prices range from 20 baht to it is very sturdy and durable. May 17. 100,000 baht. “There is always a lot of food, The honorary consuls present Half of the proceeds from sales drink, entertainment and lots of were overwhelmingly in favor of go to the prisoners, who can use things for kids to do. I go every the shelters. the money to cover expenses year and always enjoy it. The rooms provide tourists while in prison or to save for use “If you want to get the best who fall on hard times with a “on the outside” after their sen- bargains, just wait until the last Phuket Prison chief Rapin Nichanon is looking forward to the public seeing free place to stay while they what talents some inmates have. tences have been served. night and see what’s left. make arrangements to return One Phuket resident who has There’s no way these prison home. who took refuge there. Work on the the station, which attended several past fairs voiced officials want to take all this stuff Both the Norwegian and Brit- Capt Siramate also invited ev- will serve as the regional Tourist his support for the event. back with them, especially given ish honorary consuls thanked the eryone present to attend the Police headquarters, was com- “It’s a good time and there are the overcrowding in these facili- tourist police for the hospitality official opening of the Tourist pleted last year. some good bargains to be had. The ties,” he said. they had shown to their nationals Police Station on June 27. – Phuket Gazette furniture may be a bit unfashion- – MCOT / Stephen Fein Body found, head nearly severed

Police and locals gather at the rubber plantation where the body of the man was found with its head nearly severed. Photos: Yodsak Jarana THE body of an unidentified man was discovered in a Phuket rub- ber plantation last Friday morning with its head nearly severed. The victim’s completely sev- ered right hand was found near the body, which was discovered on Koh Sireh in Rassada by a Bur- mese rubber tapper. Phuket City Police led by Charoon Plaiduang estimated the age of the victim at 40 to 45. A man points to where the body There was no evidence to indi- was found on Koh Sireh. cate whether the victim was Thai or Burmese. pected the man was killed else- Burmese living in the area num- where and his body dumped in the ber in the thousands, many remote location. working out of the nearby fishing Anyone with information that port or on rubber plantations. might aid in identifying the vic- However, local Burmese plan- tim and bringing his killer or tation workers and Thai residents killers to justice is encouraged to questioned so far have not been call the Phuket City Police at able to identify the victim. 076-216856. Lt Col Charoon said he ex- – Yodsak Jarana May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 5 Last stop for pregnant teens

AS MORE children in Phuket are engaging in sexual activity, more young women are becoming preg- nant. They often feel neglected, with nowhere to turn, and sometimes seek drastic measures to “solve” their problems. The Gazette’s Pimwara Choksakulpan reports on a government center that provides a refuge for these troubled youth, free-of-charge.

MORE than 1,000 young women, “The most important thing is mostly teenagers, turned up at teaching young people to practice Phuket hospitals last year with safe sex instead of teaching them unwanted pregnancies. to not have sex at all. Twenty-five of the girls were “I don’t advocate such young under 15 years old. people having sex, but we have to One girl was just 11 years old. accept that there is no way of Yet only 24 of the young women knowing what our children do sought – and received – assistance when they are out of sight,” she and counseling by the Phuket Shel- added. ter for Children and Families. The next step is to teach them Jeranan Cheamcharoen, the di- that there are options other than rector of the shelter, explained that abortion. the girls often do not tell their par- “They can continue their ents that they are pregnant. schooling and after giving birth, Instead, they confide in their the child can be taken into the care friends. of government organizations until “It was mostly teachers who the mother or parents are able to brought them to the shelter after raise the child on their own. If this discovering the unwanted preg- is not possible, there is also the nancies through option of entering their students,” the child into the ‘When I told him HELPING HAND: Jeranan Cheamcharoen (inset) is head of the Phuket Shelter for Children and Families in Koh Ms Jeranan said. adoption process,” Sireh, which operates under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. “What about I was pregnant, he Ms Jeranan ex- the rest? We don’t told me to get an plained. me to get an abortion and refused her so she could make a better “If a child falls pregnant, find- know how many Among those at to look after me and the baby,” decision, said Ms Jeranan. ing a solution is better than of them end up abortion and the shelter is she told the Gazette. Kate is now five months preg- blaming and criticizing them,” she harming them- refused to look after “Kate”. “I felt very depressed. There nant and happy with her decision said. selves or seeking Kate comes was no one to rely on mentally or to give birth. “I don’t support having sex illegal abortions,” me and the baby’ from a poor back- physically. She told the Gazette that after when one is unready, but when she added. – Kate, who became a ground and “I did not want to tell my the child is born, she will leave the pregnancy does happen, you need What is more suffered abuse at mother because she suffers child with the shelter until she has to find someone you can trust worrying for staff mother at age 15 the hands of her enough from her husband’s be- built a suitable life that will sup- with your problem,” Ms Jeranan at the shelter are stepfather. havior,” Kate said. port both of them, and she will said. the life-changing decisions made She married when she was 15 But she did eventually reach out tell her mother and family about “If there is no one to help you, by young pregnant women. years old and had a child with her for help. her newborn. the Phuket Shelter for Children and Ms Jeranan highlighted the im- husband. “In the end I decided that ev- Ms Jeranan stressed it was im- Families is open to everyone. portance of teaching young They later divorced and Kate ery problem has a solution and portant for parents to keep an open You can call our 24-hour people to practice safe sex, but recently became pregnant again called the government hotline mind and teach their children about hotline at 1300 or my mobile at was firm in asserting that the as- with a new boyfriend, who re- number 1300 that I saw advertised caution when it comes to sex. 081-8911643,” she added. sistance provided must take fused to support her and her on television,” she said. matters further. unborn child. Youths who call the hotline are “Once a teenager or child is The feelings of isolation and offered support and accommoda- pregnant, counseling and support helplessness struck deep. tion to help them get back on Best Promotion is a key step to keeping them safe,” “I wanted to kill myself. When their feet. In the case of Kate, ’11 she said. I told him I was pregnant, he told staff at the shelter helped calm for May

Patong Merlin Hotel

[email protected] 6 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS May 28 - June 3, 2011 Boy mangled by Tourists ‘beaten, shrimp farm rotor

A SEVEN-year-old boy was killed last Saturday after becoming stuck cheated, cursed’ in an aerator drive shaft at a shrimp farm. By Atchaa Khamlo Chonnakan “Thua Lek” (small child) Sae-lao suffered multiple TOURISTS being beaten, cheated broken bones, including a broken and cursed were among the top neck, when his clothing was problems plaguing the island’s snagged by the rotating drive critical tourism industry, Interior shaft. Ministry Deputy Permanent Sec- Chonnakan’s parents, Sommai retary Pranai Suwannarat heard Pengpaitoon, 37, and Piraphong from industry experts on May 19. Sae-lao, 41, are fruit vendors and Mr Pranai chaired a meeting at had gone out to work for the day, Provincial Hall attended by Vice leaving the youngster to play with Governor Niwit Arunrat and about his 10-year-old sister and nine- 20 other officials from provinces year-old brother at the shrimp along the Andaman coast. farm, near Phuket Villa 3 in Wichit. Sommai Sae-lao holds a photo of The meeting was called to dis- About midday, Mrs Sommai her late son, Chonnakan, who was cuss what action to take about nicknamed ‘Thua Lek’, meaning returned home to feed her children ‘small child’. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo tourists being cheated while on and left again to visit her husband, holiday. who was selling fruit in a nearby “I feel horrible. We have lived Terayout Prasertphol, who re- residential estate. here for four years and nothing cently took up the position of When she left, her kids were happened, and then three days ago director at the Phuket Land Trans- playing with two other children in the farmer moved that machine to port Office, told Mr Pranai, “I the neighborhood, as they had on where it is now – only 10 meters worked in Phuket as a chief of the many other days. from where it was before. It must Academic Division in the Phuket Just as she arrived to meet her have been his time to go,” Mrs Land Transportion Office five husband, Mrs Sommai received a Sommai said. years ago. phone call from a neighbor telling Capt Virat Thanthong of Phuket “At that time, I tried to solve Tuk-tuks line the beach road in Patong. Tuk-tuk drivers bore the brunt her that her son had been involved City Police said that after the fu- the problem of tuk-tuk drivers of much heavy criticism at the meeting. Photo: Pimwara Choksakulpan in an accident. neral he will ask them if they want leaving tourists stranded at their mese and Sri Lankan people work- She rushed home to find her to seek compensation from the destination. ing in tailor shops, coerce tourists. son’s battered body stuck in the farmer. “The drivers didn’t bring them “They are rude and sometimes drive shaft. However, the boy’s father, back because they had a deal with they beat tourists if they don’t buy She said that her son had been Piraphong, said, “It’s our fault. other drivers who would go and anything from their shops,” he sitting on the rotating shaft, play- My son went onto their land and pick them up. said. ing, as it gradually moved him played on the machine, so it’s not “Sometimes the drivers offer- Other figures at the meeting told toward a joint, which caught his the responsibility of the farmer. ing the return trip left the tourists Mr Pranai that illegal tour guides clothing. The farmer and the landowner little choice but to pay more than were still a problem. His sister, Ploy, told the Gazette gave us 50,000 baht to help with they paid the driver who took them Koreans and Russians were that she and the other kids were his funeral.” there,” he said. named as the main culprits work- playing when she saw Chonna- “He was our dear son. He was “This problem is still going on,” ing illegally as guides, an kan’s body spinning in the a good boy and easy to take care he added. occupation reserved for Thais. machine. She ran to the neighbors of. Bhuritt Maswongsa, a Vice Deputy Pranai told the meeting for help. “I’m still in pain and I think we President of the Phuket Tourism Pranai Suwannarat that he will compile a report of the The neighbors rushed to stop will stop working for a while to Association, relayed to Mr Pranai “We have heard many reports abuses and hand it to Permanent the machine, but knew it was too console ourselves,” Mr Piraphong reports of a dire scenario many that illegal workers in Phuket, Secretary Vichean Chavalit next late. Young Chonnakan was al- said. tourists face. such as Nepalese, Pakistani, Bur- week. ready dead. – Atchaa Khamlo PPAO Hospital set Postal vote to open next month farce avoided THE Phuket Provincial Administra- PHUKET Election Commission tion (OrBorJor) Hospital is set to Director Kitipong Thiengkunakrit open on a trial basis next month. has confirmed that Thais who cast The hospital, located on Sri ballots by post in the general elec- Sena Road in Phuket Town, will tion four years ago will not have begin offering limited services to return to their home provinces from June 1, said Hospital Direc- to cast regular ballots in the July 3 tor Yee Yitathasiri. general election. A grand opening ceremony is “People can cancel the ‘request’ scheduled for May 31 to mark the to cast postal votes by visiting considerable accomplishment. The new hospital building on the their local district office or mu- lower-east side of Phuket Town. The building, originally built by nicipality before June 2. They the Phyathai Hospital group, was including cancer screening for the must do this in person or have a abandoned for over a decade af- first 300 applicants, will be avail- person with a power of attorney ter that facility went out of able at discounted rates. act on their behalf,” he said. business in 2000. Pending a successful trial He reminded Thais that they The ceremony, to be presided month, the hospital will begin of- must always have their ID card over by OrBorJor President fering its full range of inpatient and and at least a copy of their house Paiboon Upatising, will start off outpatient services by July. registration document (tabien with a blessing ceremony. Services offered in June will be baan) with them when dealing Also featured will be exhibitions limited to outpatient treatment in with local authorities. explaining the hospital’s services, order to assess and improve qual- Early voting will be held on advice about care for the elderly, ity. Service hours in June will be June 26, with polls open from and public health care law. Monday to Friday, from 8am to from 8am to 3pm, said Mr On that day, medical checkups, 5pm. Kitipong. May 28 - June 3, 2011 NATIONAL NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Polls show Pheu Thai Party ahead of the rest OPINION polls are showing the Pheu Thai rated Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s lead- day of party-list candidate registration on Party as more popular than the ruling Demo- ership skills as superior to those of Pheu May 19. crat Party with six weeks to go until Thai prime ministerial candidate Yingluck The Pheu Thai Party drew number one, Thailand’s next general election on July 3. Shinawatra, the gap was closing. while the Democrat Party got number ten. A Suan Dusit poll of 3,584 voters re- Of the total, 59 per cent wanted to see a Lifting a single digit to the media, Mrs leased on May 22 showed 41.2 per cent of debate between Mr Abhisit and Mrs Yingluck said she was glad to get the num- voters favoring Pheu Thai against 37 per Yingluck so they could have more infor- ber as it reflected victory. cent preferring the Democrats. mation on which to make their decision. The Democrats’ chief advisor Chuan No other party was supported by more Mr Abhisit has challenged Mrs Yingluck Leekpai said Pheu Thai was lucky to get than 4 per cent of voters, with 6.5 per cent to a televised debate, though the Pheu Thai number one as it was easy for voters to saying they remained undecided on who to candidate has so far refused to accept the remember. vote for. proposal. “But it does not reveal the size of vote Meanwhile, an ABAC poll of 2,300 people The results followed the drawing of po- you will get, the size might be as small as LOOKING GOOD: Mrs Yingluck on her way to in 17 provinces showed that while voters litical parties’ ballot numbers on the first the number,” he said. register for the elections. Photo: The Nation Cops nab Reds gather one year tiger-trader ‘kingpin’ POLICE in Udon Thani last week after Gov’t crackdown arrested a man suspected of be- ing a key player in one of Thailand’s largest tiger trafficking rings. Sudjai Chanthawong, 49, was nabbed after his bank account was allegedly used to receive pay- ment for the sale of a live tiger cub last year. The cub – now a 220lb Ben- THOUSANDS of anti-government gal tiger – was put on display red shirt supporters gathered at behind Mr Sudjai during a police Bangkok’s central shopping district news conference to announce of Ratchaprasong on May 19 for his arrest. the anniversary of the violent gov- Steve Galster, director of ernment crackdown that ended 10 FREELAND Foundation anti- weeks of protests last year. trafficking group, said Mr One year on, the authorities Sudjai’s gang had traded an es- have failed to show who was re- timated 1,000 big cats in recent sponsible for at least 91 deaths years. during the demonstrations, leav- “Thai police are to be con- ing grieving relatives in the dark. gratulated for following the In a report that criticized both money and finding one of the the government and the protest kingpins involved in cross-border organizers, New York-based Hu- wildlife trafficking,” he said. man Rights Watch recently pointed The number of tigers in Asia out that no government official had has plummeted in recent years due been charged in connection with to habitat encroachment and the violence. poaching. It also noted the presence Thailand is believed to be a hub among the protesters of well- for the illegal trade in big cats. armed men wearing black clothes Most of the creatures find their who staged deadly attacks on po- way to China, where their body lice and soldiers. PAY IT FORWARD: Red shirts gathered at Ratchaprasong intersection on May 19 joined a merit-making ceremony parts are used to feed a booming On May 19 this year, many of trade in medicine and souvenirs. the relatives of those killed re- for those who died in the protests. Photo: The Nation turned to the protest site to to discredit the red shirt movement. demand answers. The burnings resulted in a num- Among them was Phayao ber of red shirt leaders being Akkahad, the mother of a nurse charged with terrorism following who was shot while tending to a the protests. Many of those lead- patient in the grounds of Wat ers have now secured places as Pathum Wanaram. party list candidates for the oppo- In a press conference the day sition Pheu Thai Party in the before the anniversary, Mrs Phayao general elections on July 3, a move announced she would file a civil they hope will bring them immu- lawsuit against the government. nity from prosecution. “I have only half of an autopsy The red shirts have continued report on my daughter and I will to hold sporadic rallies since last use it as evidence to file the law- year. suit before the court to get justice The Democracy Without In- for my daughter,” she said. fringement Network, a group of Also unsolved is the burning of affected businesses in Ratcha- 39 buildings on the final day of prasong, is considering filing a the protests, including Central lawsuit against the government World, the country’s largest shop- and the UDD for more than 10 ping mall. billion baht for losses suffered by The fires are generally suspected businesses due to the protests. to be the work of the red shirts, A spokesman for the network though the United Front for Democ- said the most recent rally on May racy Against Dictatorship (UDD) 19 cost local businesses seven has claimed the army set the fires million baht alone. 8 PHUKET GAZETTE OPINION May 28 - June 3, 2011 Got the runner’s bug Another is the way the Burmese [fellow ASEAN members] can only find work Re: Gazette online, Aussie ‘mara- similar to slave labor, allowing thon centurion’ to run Laguna Consuls’ meetings the rich to get richer. Do the Phuket, May 21 authorities in Phuket feel neither There is a difference between shame nor compassion? staying fit and and having an Logic obsession. Gazette forum Running 10 marathons in 10 need to continue consecutive weekends is an obsession. THE latest meeting of honorary consuls with Running two marathons a Phuket authorities was rather unremarkable, Serious issues need year is enough for me. but as the gatherings remain the only official Sam serious people forum for tourists and expatriate residents of Gazette forum the island to have their views and concerns pre- comfortable guest house – and three times the Re: Gazette online, Honorary Con- sented directly to the people in charge, they need cost of renting a new motorbike for a whole day. suls tackle Phuket tourism’s Big to continue. Authorities are quick to encourage the public Bad Four, May 24 Honor amid tragedy Australian Ambassador James Wise, who at- not to drink and drive, but the situation here Trying to redirect the blame, tended the sixth meeting on Monday, was correct actually encourages it in the worst possible way: denying any wrongdoing and Re: Gazette online, Phuket young- to instruct the consuls not to get too discour- by pricing people who are drunk out of the pub- certain authorities not even ster killed in shrimp farm machin- aged over the lack of progress in tackling the lic transport option and forcing them to climb showing up for the meeting... ery, May 23 many issues raised. onto motorbikes. Well, it’s business as usual, isn’t Very sad. My thoughts go Unfortunately, some of the most serious is- A watershed moment in this narrative came it? out to Mrs Sommai and Mr sues, such as collusion in the public transport over a decade ago when a newly-launched Let’s be honest, they need to Piraphong. Hopefully they can sector, are deeply entrenched, endemic problems songthaew (pickup modified to serve as a pas- attack these very real and very take a rest for a bit to process that are not going to disappear overnight. senger transport vehicle) service linking Patong serious issues or expect Phuket this tragedy. That taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, registered or and Karon lasted only a few days before the driver to fall apart when it comes to If this were to happen in my otherwise, will stand up for their self-proclaimed was pulled from the cab and beaten senseless by quality tourists. home country, the parents “right” to overcharge for services is not a mat- a group of you-know-whos. Bill the Fish would sue the landowner, the ter of dispute. As many have pointed out in the Ever since, the concession for the route has Gazette forum farmer and anyone else they past, these collectives are keeping the tourism remained available for any party willing to take could find. industry, the proverbial goose that lays the golden it. Not surprisingly, none have. I respect very much the fact eggs, in a sustained choke hold. Given this fact and the particular circum- There is hope that they know this was just an Their actions cripple an industry that other- stances that apply in Phuket, we believe it is accident and not the farmer’s wise operates on free-market principles and time a state agency such as the Tourist Police fault. offers a wide variety of good-value-for-money launches such a service and provides undercover Last week the Phuket Gazette tonglen services – if tourists can afford to get to them. security in the initial stages. featured a letter regarding the Gazette forum The Phuket Gazette would like to know of an- Ideas like this, and others like it, need to be third-rate service one frequently other tourist destination anywhere in the world presented to the authorities who could actually encounters in Thailand. where a half-hour ride in a cramped, non-air-con- implement them. As this is the case, there is I could not agree more but feel ditioned contraption like the Phuket tuk-tuk costs still no better forum for doing so than the con- the need to speak out for some Tuk-tuk driver more than the price of a night’s stay in a clean, suls’ meetings. organizations that are setting a fine standard for others to follow. round-up A prime example is one of the they would be looked after until safe, our streets would be safe Equality, not pity major Thai banks. The customer I propose a “Soi tuk-tuk someone wanted to take care of and we could all take a stroll service at every branch I have vis- Driver Foundation”, much like them. without the hassle of a stubborn, ited has been impeccable and the Re: Gazette online, Phuket poor the island’s beloved Soi Dog Other taxi drivers could be yapping creature nipping at our get food, scholarships, May 21 same goes for their credit card Foundation, to take care of all allowed “freedom” as long as heels. It is especially sad to see the telephone support. the stray, unwanted tuk-tuk their owners took responsibility I guess most people would sea gypsies practically reduced It is always nice to see that drivers in Phuket. for them by training them, call such a place for stray to beggars with virtually no some companies truly value their We could round them up, ship keeping them clean and on a humans a “prison”. rights as previously reported by customers here. them off to a “kennel” at a leash. Simon Wargel the Phuket Gazette.This is one Jim central location on Phuket where That way, they would be Phuket Town of Phuket’s blights. Cherng Talay

Three’s a crowd This has not been a problem until now as she has taken advan- tage of the usual visa run to Do children not need to wear Ranong. helmets when riding on a motor- However, she is 86 and has bike? What is the maximum become very frail in the past few number of people allowed on a months. We wonder if there is any motorbike? dispensation given by the Phuket Tourist Immigration Department, perhaps Kata by allowing us to take her to their offices in Patong or Phuket Town Pol Sgt Teerapong Sangsoon of to have her passport stamped in Chalong Traffic Police replies: In my opinion, it doesn’t mat- the same way I do with my re- The driver and passenger both ter how close to home you are tirement visa must wear helmets. There are no because an accident can happen Ian Prior exceptions. at any time. Bang Tao If passengers aren’t wearing We are now trying to educate helmets, the police will fine them people who are driving unsafely Panuwat Ruamrak, superin- 500 baht per person not wearing that you can still be hurt travelling tendent of Phuket Immigra- one. a short distance and that they tion, replies: According to the Road Traffic should think about their lives. Elderly foreign residents who Act 2522 [1979 CE] Title 7, there are no more than two people al- wish to stay long-term in Thailand lowed on a motorbike. are advised to apply for a non- We distributed a questionnaire Are elderly required immigrant O visa at a Royal Thai to people living in Kata asking Consulate [outside Thailand]. them why they travel on motor- to do visa runs? In this particular case, the bikes with more than two people. woman’s relatives are welcome to The answers were mostly that My mother-in-law has a 12- discuss the issue at the Immigra- they went out to buy things at month non-immigrant O-A visa, tion Office in Phuket Town to see nearby shops, usually within 100 which requires her to exit the if the authorities can assist in any to 300 meters of their homes. country every 90 days. way. May 28 - June 3, 2011 OPINION PHUKET GAZETTE 9 Phuket youth face a WILLYWATCH: Keep it in your pants! nightmarish reality WHEN I wrote a column for this newspaper (Nipplewatch, January 22, Phuket Gazette) I thought it may By Blair Christopher Phuket native Charoen have gone some way to help deter Tonnam has been head of the displays of public nudity on Phuket. Do you have an opinion to voice? It didn’t, but the bare fact of Email [email protected] Phuket Provincial Semarak the matter remains: nude is rude in THE Semarak Center looks after Center since its inception in Thailand, and private parts should Thailand, and the East as a students when they are not at 2005. The center, under the be sheathed and left in the dark. whole, has a very different stance school and not at home – we are Ministry of Education and Lo and behold, a western man on nudity to the West – this is a like a teacher and a parent at the was spotted on Kata Beach earlier no-brainer for most of us, but not same time. overseen by Phuket Governor this week wearing nothing but it seems, for our willy-wielding Even though we’re authorized by Tri Augkaradacha, helps at-risk his birthday suit – that’s right, beachgoer in Kata. law to detain children and report youth stay out of trouble when naked head-to-toe, Expats and tourists them to the police for breaking the balls-to-bones. must acknowledge the law, the main purpose of the center they’re not at school or home. Let it be known to local customs of the is to help them with their education Here Mr Charoen explains all who read these countries they reside so they can have a better life and be how the Semarak Center words: If you see this and visit. successful. keeps an eye on kids by coordinating with parents, schools, man strolling around Denying our hosts I have never sent any children hospitals and other public agencies in Phuket. willy-nilly, furrow the courtesy of our re- to the police. your brow, point your spect threatens our Of course, if kids are involved finger and scold this reputation as foreigners. in something very serious, like Working in this position, I see for children among their peers. person for being a bur- Intimate nooks and murder, we have to report them problems facing Phuket much All we need to do is help them den to our beaches. crannies of our bodies to the police. more than other people. As a out by liaising between kids, their You have to won- should be kept out of the There are a lot of problems with teacher and a father, this worries parents and their schools. We let der what reason this limelight – there is no kids in Phuket. Some of them skip and frustrates me. I fear for the parents know what their kids are man would have for need to tan one’s penis. school, others are addicted to future of our country. up to and assist them in methods letting it all hang out. No one in their right computer games [outside the What if these were your children? to deal with the issues. Self-satisfaction mind would walk home]. There are fights, drug The youngest mother in Phuket The schools are opening up more for this exhibitionist through Phuket Town problems, kids having sex at a very last year was just 11 years old. We and are also working with the cen- may come in the form with their bits swing- young age, unexpected pregnancy try not to publicize these things ter to identify problems and work of exposing himself. He may revel ing around, so why on the beach? and even prostitution among chil- because it could create a problem through them without expelling in raunch or delight in daring Knowing what is expected of dren as young as 12 years old. – maybe the kids would be proud them. drop-trouser pranks. us when traveling or living abroad Now we are working seriously of their story being in the news. The governor also sees problems Perhaps he has noticed that the is the duty of all foreigners. on the prostitution problem in In the past, we sometimes with children in Phuket as some- shock value of nudity in the West A sure way to land oneself in Phuket. We’ve been working on it caught children misbehaving and thing that needs to be addressed. is in decline. trouble with the law here is to not for a while and we have a lot of reported them to schools, but the We’re going to try our best to Our eyes have seen it all before. take head of travel advice and reliable information. So far we know schools just kicked them out. help. If families or kids have prob- Nude is not rude in the West, it’s words of wisdom – no matter that both boys and girls between the I don’t feel this is a good way lems, we want them to feel free a part of our daily lives. how below the belt they may seem. ages of 12 and 18 are acting as pros- to solve the problem. to talk to us. Tacitly we condone nudity in The time for nudity is never on titutes – either for themselves or These are just children that we’re Above all, the family is the most the West. Seeing the naked human a beach in Thailand. It is never the working for “pimps”. dealing with – they’re innocent. important component in looking body on TV or in the press back done thing – I hope the man at If you would like to see this And some of them are proud for after children. Adults should re- home is as normal as blowing our Kata Beach takes note of this plea. serious problem with your own being known as “bad kids”. member to connect with their nose or hugging our friends – we Ask not what your (host) coun- eyes, just go to Suan Luang Park Doing “bad” things can often children and talk to them as just do it. We are numb to nudity try can do for you, but what you at night [King Rama IX Park]. earn respect and gain acceptance friends, not as “commanders”. and have been for some time. can do for your (host) country.

Monkey litter However, the work is endless, Thai law states that property as trash comes in with the water. developers are required to continue There are many migrant work- maintenance of “public areas” in I went to the monkey viewpoint their developments for one year near Koh Sireh the other day with ers living at the entrance to Klong following the transfer of owner- my husband and two children. Tha Cheen [canal] who just throw The children enjoy tossing their trash into the water near the ship to buyers. bread to the monkeys and watch- viewpoint. After that, a panel of residents ing them eat it. I will have the Public Health is selected to oversee the mainte- While we were there, we saw Office and Municipal Police take nance of parks and utilities within a man arrive with huge plastic care of the problems in that area. the development. bags filled with bread. Monthly fees are then collected He just threw the bags to the from all residents to support the monkeys, who know how to tear Grandview not so continual upkeep of the grounds. into them to get to the food. The lapse is due to residents Minutes later, I saw plastic bags grand not responding to our notifications all over the mangrove area at the and the subsequent lack of finan- viewpoint. I live in Srisuchart Grandview cial support for maintenance I don’t think people should be 2. The developer has abandoned work. allowed to do such a thing. their responsibility to maintain the Public utility oversight has been Where could I report this parks built within the compound. handed to the Rassada Municipal- problem? Unsold land plots are also be- ity and the developer is continuing Could someone please ask ing left unattended and foliage has occasional maintenance on parks whoever is responsible for this grown so high that if one catches and empty plots. area if they could do something fire the results could be disastrous. For more information, contact How do we get the owners to Srisuchart Grandview Co Ltd about it? Crab-eating macaques are known to take advantage of unattended food, Sarinya like this one helping itself to a snack at a Phuket restaurant. maintain these properties? sales office at 076-526097-9. Our Rassada Robert Fisher offices are open daily from 8am Looking after the monkeys is one We had a “cleaning day” Rassada to 6pm. Surathin Leunudom, Mayor of of our duties, even though the project before, when my team We will send maintenance per- Rassada Municipality, replies: mangrove area is under the For- and I went out and picked up trash A Srisuchart Grandview Co Ltd sonnel to the parks and empty plots Thank you for this information. est Department. in the area. salesperson replies: as soon as possible. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS May 28 - June 3, 2011 10 years of island tech

By Bruce Stanley again last year due to company growth. “We’ve developed our business as ISLAND Technology opened their first of- Phuket has grown, and the demand for fice in Phuket 10 years ago in what was media and communication technology has then the quiet beach community of Kamala. increased. Our primary business now is a “My partner and I were operating our one-stop service for computer networks and technology company out of Singapore, but communication systems targeting high-end we were coming to Phuket whenever we residential developments, hotels and busi- could as we loved the island atmosphere,” nesses,” said Mrs Gay. recalls Gay Autcharawan Pratumwan, “We also provide security and surveil- Managing Director of Island Technology. lance systems which include alarms, access “We decided to move our business to control and fire detection. And recently we the island as we could see the opportunities were proud to be appointed an authorized for our services,” she continued. reseller for Apple products for the education Initially offering web design, hosting and enterprise sectors,” she added. services, computer networks and serv- The company has enjoyed a successful Gay Autcharawan Pratumwan, managing director at Island Technology. Photo: Bruce Stanley ers to a small client base, the company 10 years in business and now employs multinational seafood export production in celebrating our 10-year anniversary mark- quickly grew and expanded their offer- nearly 50 staff. company, starting as assistant to the finan- ing a decade of successful operations in ings to provide the latest in internet Gay is one of Phuket’s most dynamic cial controller, and becoming a factory Phuket. We want to thank those who have connections and fiber optic technology entrepreneurs. She graduated from manager before finally being promoted to trusted us with providing the solutions so systems. Requiring larger premises, by Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok the position of regional operation manager. their businesses can develop. Our party will 2003 Island Technology moved to their with a degree in business and a major in “We are inviting our many clients and be held at the Thanyapura Sports and Lei- present office in Kathu, and expanded accounting. She worked five years for a suppliers from the past ten years to join us sure Club on June 4 at 7pm.” Construction companies reel in immigrants Tourism leaders BUSINESSES in Phuket continue low-wage foreign workers, while urge Thai focus to rely heavily on alien workers 1,567 work in Phuket’s fisheries on China market from neighboring countries. industry. This year more than 4,800 The island’s agricultural sector, firms in Phuket are looking to hire which includes the rubber indus- TOURISM experts are urging over 102,000 low-wage workers, try, employs 2,225 alien workers, Thailand to prepare specific strat- according to statistics released by according to the PPEO. egies and products to cope with the Phuket Provincial Employment This month show that currently the rise of China, which appears Office (PPEO) last month. there are around 6,276 highly set to become Thailand’s largest As of last month, a total of 50,332 skilled foreign workers in Phuket. market within three years. immigrants from Myanmar, Cam- From this group, 3,417 either They also urged Thailand to fo- bodia and Laos were legally living work in managerial positions or cus on the “RICHI” markets (Rus- in Phuket, but only 31,693 of them own companies themselves. sia, India, China and Indonesia). have been issued work permits. British citizens make up the Zhang Guangrui, professor and Construction firms are still the largest group of European employ- director of the Tourism Research largest employer of alien, and low- ees in Phuket, with 1,015 British Center at the Chinese Academy of wage workers in Phuket. nationals working on the island. Social Sciences (CASS) in Beijing, Since last year, the industry Data also shows 400 French, asked Thai officials and the pri- hired 16,224 alien workers, 51 per 369 Filipino and 368 American citi- vate sector to create new products cent of the total legal permit-hold- zens living and working in Phuket, and prepare specific strategies to ing workforce in the province. among other nationalities. cope with the China market. The retail sector in Phuket is also Chief of the PPEO, Noppodol The China market would be the a major employer of low-wage for- Ployudee, said there is still a severe The number of immigrant workers in Phuket is on the up. Photo: Gazette file biggest contributor in terms of num- eign workers, with 2,725 workers shortage of Thai workers on Phuket. son months. During these months, cause during the low season bers for Thailand within the next registered to work in this sector. “Phuket’s labor market is cy- demand for labor in Phuket is very months, hotels and firms tend to three years, he said. The island’s various service clical, with hotels recruiting lots high and we often see chronic lay off a lot of employees in order Sansern Ngaorungsri, deputy sectors also employ around 2,751 of workers during the high sea- shortages of Thai employees,” Mr to cut costs,” he added. governor for Asia-Pacific at the Noppodol said. Mr Noppodol explained that the Tourism Authority of Thailand “We often have to recruit work- high cost of living in Phuket is a (TAT), said that last year China ers from other provinces to meet major factor discouraging Thai was the second-largest market for demand from local firms in workers from the provinces to Thailand with more than 1.2 mil- Phuket. The problem is that there come and work here. lion arrivals, behind Malaysia. is no job security in Phuket be- – Anand Singh China is expected to reach the No 1 spot with 1.5 million visi- tors by 2015. Speaking at a seminar entitled “Thailand Tourism Marketing: Mapping the Future”, Zhang said Chinese people from different parts of the country liked to see and do different activities when abroad. To cater to their various needs, Thailand should promote the capi- tal or big cities to tap the upper market and use second-tier prov- inces to serve the rest. – The Nation May 28 - June 3, 2011 BUSINESS PHUKET GAZETTE 11 Going green to Chiang Mai

By Chutharat Plerin esses have been assigned to the route, which has stops in Phang THE Chaipattana Transportation Nga, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Chiangmai Company launched its Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetcha VIP “Green Bus” service linking Buri, Sing Buri, Nakhon Sawan, Phuket and Chiang Mai with a Tak and Lampang. party for the press on May 20. The service will open for the Managing Director Somchai public by the end of the month, Thongkumkoon said the com- Mr Somchai said. pany invested 45 million baht for Some 40 members of the a fleet of five buses, which are Chiang Mai press took advantage equipped with such amenities as of the company’s offer of a free television screens and massage round-trip to Phuket, where a chairs. launch party featuring “north and Seating is arranged with two south” cuisine and Lanna cultural reclining chairs on one side, and a performance was held at The single chair across the aisle. Metropole hotel. One-way fares are 1,770 baht Phuket Deputy Governor per passenger, including meals at (Palad) Chaiwat Tepee, the guest selected restaurants en route and speaker, welcomed the delegation snacks on board. to the island. Buses will leave Phuket Bus A similar trip for the Phuket press Terminal 1 on Phang Nga Road at corps is planned for September. 4pm daily, arriving Chiang Mai at The Green Bus service is well 2pm to 3pm the following day. known in the north, where it has The return leg leaves Chiang been in operation for 40 years. Mai at 3pm and arrives around The company also plans to open noon the following day. international routes in the future, To ensure safety, four drivers Mr Somchai said. based in various stopover loca- tions will work in shifts to cover For more information contact the the 23-hour journey, as will two ticket booth at Phuket Bus Terminal, hostesses. visit W:greenbusthailand.com or T: A total of 12 drivers and 8 host- 1141, ext. 8000. LONG HAUL: The buses make the one-way journey from Phuket to Chiang Mai in about 23 hours. Outbound tours unfazed by Japan crisis DESPITE the nuclear crisis in “South Korea on the other Japan, it is likely that many out- blooms for a short time around It is hoped that such campaigns Japan, outbound tourism from hand is a much more popular des- bound tourists from Phuket will February or March. will give a much needed boost to Phuket remained largely unaffected tination for tourists from Phuket. switch their tour plans to places Thai operators have already lost the country’s tourism. during its peak season in March “It is perceived as a cheaper like South Korea and Europe. five billion baht as a result of the Over the past few years Japan and April. alternative to Japan, with a simi- “Tourists who originally in- crisis in Japan, said Charoen has grown to become one of the “The crisis did not affect larly cool climate. tended to go to Japan during this Wangananont, president of the most popular tourist destinations Phuket’s outbound tourism “Even though distances to period might choose South Korea TTAA. for Thais. because Japan is not a large mar- both countries are similar, there instead to see the famous Sakura The TTAA , in co-operation with According to Mr Charoen, last ket for outbound tourists from are many direct flights a week flower, which happens to bloom a variety of Japanese agencies, is year over 300,000 Thais visited the South,” explained Sirikorn from Phuket to South Korea,” Mr in South Korea as well [as gearing up to launch promotions Japan. This year the figure is ex- Boonyasiri, owner of Phuket Narongchai said. Japan],” Mr Narongchai added. offering Japan tour packages dis- pected to drop to about 200,000. Sweetland Tour and president of “As a result of the crisis in The Sakura flower usually counted by up to 30 per cent. – Anand Singh the Thai Travel Agents Associa- tion (TTAA) Upper Southern Chapter. “We often have groups of tour- ists from Phuket traveling to Japan but the numbers are relatively few. “They have to merge with larger tour groups in Bangkok,” she said. “After the crisis, most custom- ers who had booked tours to Japan canceled their plans outright. “Some who had spent money on visa fees postponed their plans in order to wait and see,” Mrs Sirikorn said. Narongchai Chairaksa, out- bound tour manager for Phuket Jet Tour agrees that Japan is not a big outbound tourism market in Phuket. This is partly because there is no direct flight connecting Japan and Phuket. Outbound tourists in the upper southern region of the country use Phuket as their main aviation hub, so the most popular outbound Looking for a place to stay? destinations are often defined by the number of direct links with See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net Phuket. 12 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS May 28 - June 3, 2011 Still dreaming about 3G

THE easiest way to get 3G service in Phuket people buy 3G iPads and don’t realize that different technologies. Different networks. Computer Clinics run on Sundays from involves a trek to the True office in Phuket they need to go to True in order to get the You can call a salaeng a Bugatti, if you like, 10am to noon. They’re free, sponsored by Town, in the little building in front of 3G part to work. In my experience, most but that doesn’t make it roar. the Phuket Gazette and Khun Woody’s Robinson, Ocean Plaza. There you will find 3G iPad owners don’t realize that 3G only So the next time you see an ad for CAT Sandwich Shoppes. several people who understand 3G (believe works on the extreme west coast of the “3G” in a newspaper or on the side of a Everybody’s welcome, even if you can me, that’s quite an accomplishment!), and island (although it works all over Bangkok). tuk-tuk, you have my permission to shake just barely spell “PC”. Bring your questions they’ll set you up with 3G service. The same comment applies to people with your finger at the offensive copy and won- and don’t be bashful! If you already have a True SIM card, 3G phones, including the iPhone. der how many people have wasted their and a dongle, 3G iPad or 3G capable To reinforce the point: 3G is a waste of money on something that doesn’t – indeed, Live Wire is Phuket Gazette columnist Woody smartphone, you only need to enable the money unless you’re on the west coast of can’t – work. Leonhard’s weekly snapshot of all things internet 3G service from True. You can keep your Phuket, or you travel a lot to Bangkok – or in Phuket. Follow him on Twitter: @PhuketPC or old phone number. 3G will run about 800 outside of Thailand, where 3G is readily FOUR YEARS OF CLINICS visit his free computer clinics at Woody’s baht per month, in addition to your regular available, almost everywhere. Are you interested in this kind of informa- Sandwich Shoppes. phone charges. But you’ll be limited to three WHY I HATE THE TERM ‘3G’ tion? Wondering how to avoid wasting your gigabytes in total data transmission during money on technology that doesn’t work? any particular month. If you go over the I use the term “3G” in this column because We talk about mobile phones, iPads, allotment, True automati- it’s the common term. Internet access, TVs, and even some cally drops you back to But it’s very misleading. PC and Windows stuff, every week plain old everyday GPRS In fact, the technology is at the FREE Computer Clinics. service, which is pain- called “HSPA.” The 3G Hard to believe, but we’re fully slow. Three gig is iPad, iPhone, 3G coming up on the fourth enough for moderate web surfing and email smart phones, 3G dongles – all of them anniversary. On June 5 we’ll work, but won’t even scratch the surface support HSPA. have a Computer Clinic at if you download torrents or movies. There’s a phone company on the island the Sandwich Shoppe If you don’t have a True SIM card or that insists on calling its service “3G” even in Patong, opposite dongle, the folks at the True office will sell though the service won’t work with 3G Patong Language you what you need to get going. It’s best iPads, iPhones, 3G smart phones, or 3G School. to bring your computer, iPad or smartphone, dongles. That company is CAT. The pow- June 19 to make sure they get it right. iPads require ers-that-be at CAT insist upon advertising marks our a half-height SIM card, but the people at their CDMA/EV-DO service as “3G.” It fourth anni- the True office have sharp scissors. Bring isn’t. If you buy a CAT “3G” SIM card versary, and your passport and your work permit, if you (and they have them available now), it won’t we’re planning have one. If you don’t have a work permit, work in a 3G iPad, won’t work in a 3G a whole bunch and you aren’t Thai, bring a Thai national iPhone, won’t work in a 3G smartphone, 3G PHONE HOME: You of very special can get 3G on Phuket with you so they can sign as guarantor on and it won’t work in most 3G dongles. stuff at Sand- for your smartphone, the account. Why? Because the CAT “3G” is CDMA/ wich Shoppe but only on the west I’m amazed – stunned – that so many EV-DO, it isn’t HSPA. They’re completely Chalong. coast. Photo: Wikimedia Why Americans should be investing due North LEX LUTHOR spoke the words promise either of these, it may be “North, miss Teschmacher. Due worth having a quick look at the north,” in Superman II. However, country north of the United States he was aiming for somewhere that many people seem to forget – more northern than I am. But he Canada. myopic to realize there is actually did, like me, want to find some- Many Americans are either too a world outside of their country’s where he could secure his future loyal to Uncle Sam, too mistrust- boundaries. If Americans do not and make him rich. While I can’t ing of anything non-US or just too want to risk anything over the water or in a country which does Year-on-year growth from the S&P500. not speak the same language, then places they do not understand and Canadian government finances are Canada may be the option – yes, I have the potential to be a lot more fairly solid; US government fi- know an unfortunate few speak volatile than areas closer to home. nances are spiraling out of control. French but it is not their fault! Let’s Canada would seem to be a good Canadian inflation is tame; US in- face it, even Warren Buffet is look- solution as it has a different cur- flation is resurgent. ing abroad these days and if it is rency, favours wealth preservation Americans are not the only good enough for the Sage of and has an economy that is not people looking to invest in Canada. Omaha then it should be okay for shot to pieces. I know Canada has Last year, almost CA$120 billion the rest of us mere mortals. just had an election, but at least came in from abroad and, in Janu- Let’s face it, the S&P500 has they do not have generals appear- ary alone, over CA$13bn was only returned just over 11 per cent ing in the national media denying invested from overseas. in the last decade and this is, in the possibility of a military coup – Rosenberg continues, “The Ca- reality, only due to the incredible not yet anyway. nadian economy remained strong growth between April 2009 and As David Rosenberg, the Chief in the opening months of 2011. It April 2010 (see graph). Economist and Strategist at looks like the Canadian economy More importantly, diversifica- Canada’s Gluskin Sheff & Asso- could outperform the US economy tion away from anything to do ciates states, “In my three decades for the second quarter in a with the US dollar is vital. As many in the forecasting business. I don’t row...Canadian manufacturing people know, I am a great believer remember a time when the upside shipments jumped 4.5 per cent in not being greedy but always try- potential and downside risk to in- month-over-month in January, the ing to beat the bank. Never before vesting in Canada vis-a-vis the best monthly showing in over a has this been so true. By looking USA – from an economic, finan- year and a half.. The economy has at the multi-manager, multi-asset cial and political standpoint – was created 84,000 jobs in total in Janu- strategy you should be able to as compelling as it is today.” ary and February (adjusted for achieve this goal. Personally, I There are many reasons for this population, this would be equiva- would advocate placing money all statement but Rosenberg points to lent to about 800,000 US jobs!).” over the place – both sectorally a few salient facts to support his and geo-politically. The more fin- argument: Canada is a net oil ex- Graham Macdonald, MD of MBMG gers you have in as many pies as porter; the US is the world”s Group. E:graham@mbmg-inter- possible the better. largest oil importer. Canadian em- national.com. MBMG Group will not Despite this, I do understand ployment growth is booming; US accept any liability for errors or people’s reticence at investing in employment growth is moribund. omissions in above article May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 13 14 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011 May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 15

Apple pie with custard and ice cream

Carlton Club Lamb Chops served with herb mashed potatoes and mushroom wine sauce One of Namfon’s ceramic sculptures MULTI-TALENTED: Namfon Kanjanasaya designed and operates Ceramic Kitchen. Hearty British grub and ceramics By Bruce Stanley women at play accompanying. and mint yoghurt (240 baht). ermen which I serve grilled or Every Sunday, Ceramic Kitchen Her menu is a delightful surprise There’s a full selection of wrapped in thin rice noodles and offers an all day special of roast CERAMIC Kitchen is the latest for those expecting strict British steaks prepared to taste, includ- fried. Our Thai menu has the best meats, Yorkshire puddings and full creative venture by Namfon fare. Snacks include Jamie Oliver’s ing an Irish beef roast (260 baht) of our family’s recipes.” English fare for just 250 baht. Kanjanasaya, who directs opera- onions, which is a baked onion and a Birmingham beef curry (240 The wine list has over 60 mid- “I want families to have an en- tions at the family-owned Ceram- wrapped in bacon and stuffed with baht). A house specialty is the lamb range labels, each chosen by joyable place where they can come ics of Phuket factory in Cherng cheddar cheese and herbs (160 shanks simmered in olive oil and Namfon based on what she with their children and enjoy a full Talay. Situated exactly three kilo- baht), and a pate fromage; a home- tomato based jus served with thinks best matches her menu, English meal on their day off,” she meters from the Heroines’ Monu- made cheese delight made from cheese mash and salad (395 baht). with an emphasis on New World said. ment, Namfon decided to open a cream cheese, garlic and herbs Namfon offers a Thai menu for wines. When Namfon is not busy cre- restaurant with a British-themed served with freshly baked brown those who want to sample her Leave room for dessert as the ating new recipes for Ceramic menu as part of her sculpture park bread, pickle and salad (130 baht). local food. chocolate pot is said to be the best Kitchen, she is busy in her studio and ceramics showroom. All servings at Ceramic Kitchen “I’m working on a project on on Phuket and the fresh apple pie making new designs for her large “I studied for an advanced de- are generous, especially the Koh Yao Yai island and I pick up is served with both vanilla ice ceramic pots and charming gree in electrical engineering in England’s glory burger with im- fresh prawns from the local fish- cream and warm custard. sculptures. England for four years and really ported tenderloin beef topped with enjoyed English food. I love to cook fried bacon, egg and cheddar and developed recipes based on tra- cheese, served with chips and ditional UK cuisine that I offer at coleslaw (190 baht). Ceramic Kitchen,” she said. Namfon has created The tastes The restaurant is set around a found on the menu herself. The tropical garden that displays Ceramic Kitchen Royal Game Soup Namfon’s large ceramic sculp- features the goodness of venison, tures of women. The central pond lamb, beef, bacon and mushroom has a traditional Thai boat she in a gravy style broth (130 baht). brought from Nakon Pathom The Brick Lane fish curry is served with her figures of dancing with a relish platter, poppadum Northern delight in July IF YOU’RE hungry for northern delights, then don’t miss the North Phuket Resorts next offering on the menu coming in July. Over four nights, four wine dinners hosted by some of the world’s best-known winemakers will be held at the JW Marriot Phuket Resort & Spa, SALA Phuket Resort and Spa, Anantara Phuket Villas and the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa. From July 13 to 16, world-renowned winemakers Peter Kelly (Peter Lehmann, Australia), Erika Ribaldi (Marchesi di Frescobaldi, Italy), Peter Lynn (Majella, Australia) and Kathy-Lee Bird (Spy Valley, New Zealand), will converge on Mai Khao Beach to show- case their award-winning labels. Limited tickets are available from 2,200 baht net per person for each private winemaker’s dinner, or attend all four evenings for 8,500 baht net per person. For further information please contact [email protected] or view the website NorthPhuket.com. 16 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011 Back to school, but which one?

By Steven Layne

IF PHUKET is to become the ASEAN capital of tourism by 2015, we can expect standards – and prices – in all sectors to increase, including education. As Phuket already boasts one of the highest costs of living in the country, many parents are starting to question whether ex- celled internationalization will be sustainable. Recently the Phuket Gazette reported that during back- to-school season last month, government-run pawnshops made record high profits, as parents hawked their gold to meet rising school costs. A few months from now, Phuket’s handful of international schools will also begin session IN LINE: Deciding which school to send your child in Phuket is no easy task. STAIRWAY TO LEARNING: There are many options for your child’s education. after summer vacations. As the economic noose appears to be tightening across all tiers of soci- ety, one can only wonder what kind of sacrifices the island’s more well-off parents will be mak- ing this time around. Whether one’s household income is 30,000 baht or three million baht per month, most parents seem to agree that failure is not an option. SCHOOL TABLES: The following schools follow the international academic trimester calendar, tuition covers three terms: BIS, QSI, PIA, HIS, RPIS and From one perspective, our chil- KJ (international program). The other schools listed above (KJ, DS and SS English Program) follow the Thai two-term academic system. dren will embrace the inter- the options on the table this year other option) should be aware of supplementary foreign language nationalized utopia laid out before are varied. Here is some insight to the homeroom system. as most of the students’ first Key to schools them. The richness of cultural di- what’s in store for this Phuket A common practice in Thai language is not Thai. British International School (BIS) versity will manifest throughout school year. public schools is for each grade These schools run on an inter- Quality Schools International Phuket the economy providing an ideal to have one or two “smart” national trimester system, with the (QSI) environment to nourish the kind of GOING PUBLIC homerooms. The homeroom your first term beginning in August, Phuket International Academy (PIA) HeadStart International School (HIS) world view that most parents could While Thai public schools are the child ends up in will typically be second in January, and a short- Rawai Progressive International School only hope for. most affordable option, the high the same every year after. ened summer term. (RPIS) Yet on the other side of the coin, student-teacher ratios coupled This usually only benefits those Not only are the tuition fees Kajonkietsuksa (KJ) many of the heirs of this “prom- with the fact that English language who are fortunate to be placed in unfeasible by most locals, be Darasamuth Phuket School (DS) ise land” will fall short, without communication is a supplemental the smart homeroom who if not prepared to pay extra for VIP Sunrays School (SS) the tools and resources necessary subject offered several hours a physically, certainly psychologi- lunches, materials, uniforms and to benefit from such privileges of week at best, many parents will cally, are set up to succeed in the transport. Some, but not all, even competitive market tend to suggest an international society. not even consider the public route. public school system. ask for endowment and/or en- you will get what you pay for. For parents with children in Parents who do consider a Thai In a system where merit has trance fees to secure enrollment. school, or coming of school age, public school (or else have no little to do with a child’s abilities, This is not much different from ALTERNATIVES to gain preference over hundreds the concept of tea money. For parents who can’t afford the of other eager parents queuing THE MIDDLE PATH international or English programs, their child up to benefit from lim- but who don’t want to settle for a ited public resources, “tea money” Many Phuket parents simply can- Thai program, many public and pri- is a norm. not afford international tuitions, vate schools offer semi-English or yet still hold language education PRIVATE PRIORITIES mixed-English programs, including: at the top of their priorities. Darasamuth, Kajonkiet, Anuban With student-centered, English- To meet such growing de- Phuket, and Wittaya Sathid School. language instruction in higher de- mand, many Thai-managed Subjects taught in English typi- mand than ever, the ideal student- private schools offer “English cally include Math and English, to-teacher ratios in private schools programs”. Typically, this means while other subjects will be in Thai. provide a better alternative for the curriculum is an English trans- those who can afford it. lation of the Thai version. BRINGING IT HOME There are a handful of private Core subjects such as English, While equal education opportunities schools in Phuket which can Science and Math are taught by may not be abundant in Phuket (are be classified into three brackets as English speakers, while subjects they anywhere?), all parents must follows. like Thai, Art and Social Studies be careful not to downplay the im- are taught in Thai. HIGH-END portance of the “first school”. As you can see from the table Whether one is scraping satang Fully-fledged international schools above, Phuket is in no short sup- or piling up wads of cash to pay based on western curriculums ply of primary education options for schooling, the foundations of guarantee small classroom sizes to accommodate residents seeking our children’s world views (or lack led by certified native English- an affordable option. While tuition thereof) start at home, and all the speaking subject teachers. Thai fees are not a sole indicator of qual- money in the world won’t change language is typically taught as a ity, the principles governing a the fact. May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 17 Playing the name game Giving the class register a quick scan can be a confusing experience for native English teachers in Thailand. Here are a few things you need to know about Thai names

GETTING to know your Thai stu- strong storm blowing, whereas dents’ nicknames can often lead to “Faa” (sky) and “Dao” (star) better lessons. From nailing the cor- might indicate clear skies. rect pronunciation to understanding It’s important to pronounce the English translation, students will a student’s name correctly and be impressed by their teacher’s un- can’t go around changing the way the best way to do that is to derstanding of Thai language and names are spelled. always ask students to say their culture. Accurate pronunciation will And whatever you do, don’t names first. also reduce confusion and distrac- call “Anus”, “Anus”. The poor Never assume what you see KNOW YOUR STUDENTS: Taking the register can be interesting, amusing, or tion in your classroom. little guy’s name hasn’t been on paper is how the name should full of potentially insulting cultural faux pas. Photo: Suchart Changate The most obvious – and often transliterated properly and cer- be pronounced. Take a bit of time and show that But it goes both ways – teach- amusing – meanings of many Thai tainly isn’t pronounced as you It can be terribly distracting to you are a considerate and competent ers must make sure that their nicknames are those borrowed think it would be. It should be everyone when the teacher has no teacher who cares about your pupils can pronounce English from the English language. Names spelled, “Anut”, and this stems clue how to say a child’s name. students and their culture. names properly as well. like “Benz, Google, Santa, God, from the unique characteristics of Pepsi, and Pizza” might make us the Thai letter saw seua. Normally chuckle, but at least we can pro- represented by an “s”, it should nounce them correctly. be represented by a “t” when it’s The next time your student tells the final sound in a consonant. you she likes “Pancake”, she’s Seemingly simple names create probably telling you she likes the problems due to using the wrong superstar Thai actress – not the tone. “Yaa” seems like a simple super-tasty western dessert. name, but the teacher must ensure Other sources of potential “Medicine” isn’t getting called amusement are Thai nicknames that “Grandmother” and that “Mai” sound like words we would only isn’t being called “Wood” because utter in certain company – “Porn” his name is “New”. being the ultimate And remem- example. Although ber: Jim is a girl’s the name conjures Sources of poten- nickname as well up images we tial amusement are as slang for part won’t mention, of the female “Porn” is a tradi- Thai nicknames anatomy and the tional Thai word that sound like same tone is meaning blessing. used for both. If The names “Poo” words we would that seems odd, and “Wee” might only utter in certain just picture a also have us in Thai student stitches, but we company – ‘Porn’ learning the should know that being the ultimate nickname for “Poo” is an unfor- Richard! tunate transliter- example. A Thai per- ation of “Crab” and son’s nickname that “Wee” is the shortened form is often an indicator of certain cir- of many formal names. cumstances at birth. “Deuan” is a And remember that your stu- good indication the person was dent named “Fak” (pronounced born under a full moon. much more like that famous four- The girls’ name “Maem” is letter word), is named after a short for “madam” and suggests common vegetable, not after the she looked slightly western at English slur. birth. “Ae” (A) or “Neung” (One) Veteran teachers in Thailand will commonly be the first child know all too well that getting a and sometimes have a twin respec- student’s name wrong will be met tively named “Bee” (B) or with giggles from the class. “Sawng” (Two). “Ple” is a name any new Other names indicate ethnicity teacher in Thailand dreads. On its such as “Dtee” and “Mhuay” Address: 17th Fl. Vorawat Building, own, it seems like nonsense, but (common terms for Chinese boys 849 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 if you know the name is derived and girls, respectively) or origin, Tel: 02-236-9188 Fax: 02-236-9187 from the English noun, “apple”, as in “Aeung” (Northern) or as well as Thai pronunciation “Nien” (Issan). Thai-Muslims will rules, you’ll correctly pronounce often shorten their Muslim name, it “Pbeun”. but not always. Spellings such as “Kung” for Even weather conditions at the “Goong”, “Bum” for “Boom” and time of birth can play a role. “Oil” for “Oi” seem crazy, but we “Phayu” suggests there was a 18 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011 It’s a Patong kinda magic Looking for a night out in Patong to make you gasp? Here’s one place where you can find wonderment and amusement at the same time

By Marc Mulloy performed on a daily basis at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Although primarily aimed at tour- ELEPHANTS are disappearing in Patong, ists, with prices set at 900 baht for adults but it has nothing to do with a crack- and 600 baht for children under the age of down, global warming or animal 12, Phuket residents will have the oppor- smuggling. It does however have tunity to see the illusionist at a special something to do with magic. local rate. When Joe Conrad, billed as “We’re embracing the local Asia’s premier magic spec- community too and will give a 30 tacular, was booked for New per cent discount to locals and Year’s Eve 2009-2010 at the expats who can provide some proof Millennium Resort, tickets sold that they live or work here,” said out in just 24 hours, demonstrat- Mr Conrad. ing the appeal of an “At the other end of international act of his the scale we also calibre. Joe has over have a VIP option 30 years experience where, for a 250 and graduated from baht supplement, the acclaimed Chavez those in the first College of Magic. five rows center MAGICAL: Joe Conrad is winning hearts and minds in Patong with his magic show. Given that the stage will get a VIP anywhere in the world – rising to a height nearby Jungceylon kit, be able to of five meters with no wires or cables of Shopping Destina- meet me back- any kind! tion sees up to stage and have a “There are altogether about 70 people 25,000 people photo opportu- involved in the show which is also good passing through in nity with the for the local community as it creates jobs,” a single day, Joe animals” he added. said Mr Conrad. made a decision to Apart from the “My team and I will also be involved in relocate his show baby elephant, Joe’s local community work and aim to put there on a permanent menagerie includes on shows for local schools and charities,” basis. The custom- macaws (that trans- he added. built theater, housing form into women), Another first for Phuket is Joe Conrad’s US$1.5 million of ducks, doves, parakeets “Magic Box”, a magic store that sells equipment, is nearing and other exotic birds. everything from classic magic kits and bio- completion on the third The show also features degradable balloons to LED encrusted floor and will comfort- birds of a different feather umbrellas and T-shirts. ably seat 701 people – with five exotic dancers, In charge of the store is Phuket’s own although how they get the one of whom is sawn in half Coco the magical clown, who is excited at elephant up there remains every night with a huge being able to pass on a few tricks to the a mystery. chainsaw and presumably public. The 75-minute family- put back together again for “We have something for every budget friendly show opened the next show. and now magicians don’t have to go to QUACKERS: Ducking out for a quick snuggle. last weekend and was a Another assistant takes part Bangkok to buy their gear. We also have a umbrellas and T-shirts,” enthused Coco. huge success. It will be Phuket’s Coco the clown in the highest levitation act lot of ‘bling bling’ that All in all it now looks as though a magi- should prove popular cal holiday in Phuket can now be achieved with the Patong crowd as whether it is raining or not and even more we have LED and fiber people will get to see a real Asian elephant... optic belt buckles, until it disappears that is.

HOLDING TALENT: Joe Conrad and his assistant. Photos: Joe Conrad and Marc Mulloy May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Martin Holmes MARTIN Holmes is General Man- By 1997, he was ready for a home ager of Lee Marine, said to be on land. He wanted a car, a bathtub Thailand’s largest marine brokerage, and a wardrobe. Sunsail sent him to with headquarters at Phuket’s Boat Thailand to prepare boats for charter. Lagoon marina. He has been work- “When I joined Josh at Lee Ma- ing with Josh Lee, founder of the com- rine in 1997, we started with a fax pany, since they launched it in 1997. machine and a laptop where we could “I first came to work on Phuket list boats for sale. It was a steep with Sunsail in the summer of 1997, leader on a second trip and his love learning curve. We only sold four or but I really didn’t like living so far of sailing was established. five boats that first year but soon the away from Europe and the Medi- After finishing school, he spent the numbers doubled. terranean. I resigned after a few next couple of years traveling around “Even though we were facing im- months and planned to find work Southeast Asia and Australia. He port taxes of over 200 per cent, we back in the Med, but Josh ap- volunteered for six months in Sydney sold our first new boat in 1998 as proached me and offered me the on the HMS Bounty, which gave the market was beginning to discover opportunity to work with him in set- tours of the harbor, before returning Phuket. ting up the business. I was intrigued to Portsmouth, England where he “Over the past fourteen years, at the prospects as Phuket was be- obtained a Royal Yachting Associa- we’ve grown dramatically and intro- AZETTE coming more recognized in the tion certificate which allowed him to duced new brands of power yachts G

international yachting community as captain boats up to 24 meters. to the local market. We started with HUKET a great destination. So I stayed, and “I really wanted to see the world the Riviera and each year we have P THE 14 years later I have a very nice life so I applied to the world’s largest brought a new brand to our inven- FOR on the island.” sailing holiday company, Sunsail, who tory to give a full spectrum of what HILD

Martin spent his first 16 years in hired me to work in the South of is available.” C

Birmingham in Central England. His France rigging boats that were going Martin travels to shipyards in Aus- ETER P family then moved to Norfolk on to sail around the Mediterranean.” tralia, Italy and Germany to inspect Y England’s largest inland waterway. Martin stayed with Sunsail for the construction of boats ordered by his B He started working at boatyards dur- next few years. He worked as a customers and represents Lee Ma- ing his school holidays. cruising instructor on the Greek is- rine at the major boat shows in the “I was fascinated by sailing. One land of Paxos and was later Mediterranean. About Expat Gallery day when I was still 16 I was invited promoted to flotilla captain and re- “There is a busy market for those to join the crew of a three-masted tall assigned to Marmaris, Turkey. wanting to sell their yachts and for The individuals profiled in “Expat Gallery” are chosen on the basis ship which belonged to the Sail Train- “I had a fantastic couple years in those wanting to buy. So business is of their contributions to Phuket, and for having made those contri- ing Association. The boat carried 60 the Eastern Med. I was on the lead good now.” butions in successful partnerships with Thais. For many, the con- people to Amsterdam, Scotland and boat of a flotilla of 10 and we led one He married Oraphan in 2008 and tributions have entailed significant investment, often in the mid- back to London over two weeks. I and two week sailing holidays around spends much of his time enjoying their 80s and 90s when the rules of business were, ahh, not always recall it was cold, foggy and miser- the islands. We had to deal with ev- young son Mason. And on weekends clear. Some are not in business at all, but all have one thing in able, but I loved the experience.” ery problem you can imagine, from you’ll often find him sailing at the Ao common: if there were a Who’s Who in Phuket, they’d be in it. He was invited back as a watch engine breakdowns to sick sailors.” Chalong Yacht Club. 20 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011 Pirates cruise on stale tides RECENTLY released Pirates of Leave it to Disney to come up with the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides a plot that requires characters to could have easily earned the sub- extract a tear from something title On Stale Tides, because it’s trying to eat them. all “been there, done that” regur- Last but not least, there’s the gitated Hollywood fodder. Even Pirates of the 3D aspect. Suffice to say there Johnny Depp confessed he’s tired are a few too many scenes that of playing the now iconic role of Caribbean: On a character pokes his or her Jack Sparrow. sword at the camera. I didn’t Audiences, however, are signal- Stranger Tides feel like I was “inside” the ac- ing that stale pirates are better than Director: Rob Marshall tion, about to get stabbed. I felt no pirates. Not only did On Starring: Johnny Depp, Pene- like there was a fly in my face Stranger Tides have the best open- lope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian that needed to be swatted. ing of any film so far this year, its McShane Is all this puff what audiences international debut was the best in want? The numbers from the Genre: Action/Adventure history, raking in US$256 million opening weekend scream “yes”, Gazette Rating: 2.5/5 in its opening weekend. and it seems 18th century comedy- This will undoubtedly give The story is a search for the action involving pirates is a Disney more than enough reasons fountain of youth. The King of shoe-in for box office success. to go ahead with a fifth install- England wants it, the Spanish Loyal fans, however, are typi- ment. But considering that much monarchy wants it, and pirates cally the first to admit the original of the production on the Pirates want it. Jack Sparrow, true to his Pirates was fun because of the films now begin before a script insouciant nature, is kind of indif- camaraderie. It was similar, even exists, there’s no reason to ferent to the fountain, but is at the though inferior, to the characters expect anything more than the center of the search for it anyway. IN DEPP WATERS: Johnny Depp returns as Jack Sparrow alongside in the original Star Wars, bringing mediocrity provided by the latest So is Barbossa (Rush), who has new addition to the ‘Pirates’ franchise, Penelope Cruz. together an unlikely bunch of char- installment. been commissioned by King anorexic wife in 2001s Blow, and romance, of course, because mer- acters – all with their own amiable There’s nothing in On Stranger George to lead a ship to find the it adds a splash of fun dialogue. maids in this movie are actually traits – to create a fun and enter- Tides that fans have not already fountain first. But don’t expect too much vicious bloodsuckers that lure in taining dynamic as they embarked seen. It begins with intense mu- Two new additions are the romance to come from Sparrow, sailors with their lustful glances. on out-of-this-world adventures. sic and an action scene, then lines legendary pirate Blackbeard with his excessive eyeliner and They don’t really want romance That fun has been missing from up similar scenes like dominoes. (McShane) and the mysterious super-feminine stride. – they want to eat the men. What the Pirates series since the first They fall one-by-one as a story Angelica (Cruz), who provides a The two romantic heroes – Will a clever twist. film. Sure, two, three and now desperately tries to fit itself in, but sub-plot in the form of a past with Turner and Elizabeth Swan – are The mermaid is necessary to the four, have proven to be success- it feels like any character devel- Sparrow. Depp and Cruz have a gone. They’ve been replaced by a story. In order for the fountain of ful sequels, but they won’t hold opment in the film was a nuisance bit more chemistry than they did cheap romance between a minis- youth to work, its water needs to the admiration of fans the way the to the filmmakers. as the cocaine kingpin and his ter and a mermaid. It’s a forbidden be mixed with a mermaid’s tear. first one did. US director ‘Cannes’ the Palme d’Or gong US-BORN director Terrence Malick won the highly coveted Palme d’Or award for best film last Sunday at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival for a movie about a Mid- western family in the 1950s. The Tree Of Life, starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, was one of 20 films vying for the Palme d’Or, one of the most prestigious awards in cinema. “We felt that the size, the im- portance and the intention [of the film] served to fit the prize,” said actor Robert De Niro, who headed up the nine-person jury. But the reclusive 67-year-old director was not on hand to ac- cept the prize. Malick has rarely given a press interview over a movie career spanning more than BIG WINNER: ‘The Tree of Life’ four decades. He has directed, man suffering from cancer who among other films, The Thin Red is coming to terms with the Line and Badlands. prospect of death. The last US film to win the cov- The festival’s Un Certain eted Palme d’Or was Michael Regard is aimed at promoting new Moore’s satirical documentary and emerging filmmakers. Fahrenheit 9/11 in 2004. Headed by Serbian director Korean filmmaker Kim Ki-Duk Emir Kusturica, the Un Certain and German director Andreas Regard jury gave a special jury Dresen shared the top prize in one prize to Russia’s Andrey of the festival’s main sections. Zvyagintsev for Elena and hon- While Kim Ki-Duk won the ored imprisoned Iranian director main prize in the Un Certain Re- Mohammad Rasoulof with a best gard sidebar for his movie’s self director award for Au Revoir portrait Arirang, Dresen was (Good Bye). Rasoulof’s wife ac- awarded the honor for Halt Auf cepted the award on his behalf. Frei (Stopped on Track) about a – The Nation May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 21

cial discount on beverages. Venue: Navrang Mahal India Restaurant June 2-4. Primary FOBISSEA Games at BIS at Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa. Time: 7pm to 11:30pm. Res- As a member of the Fed- ervations call: 076-286464 ext 4. eration of British Interna- June 8. Tex Mex Wednesday at May 23-30. Central Home tional Schools in South Two Chefs in Karon Appliances Fair East Asia (FOBISSEA), Welcome to Tex Mex at Two The Central Home Appliances Fair BIS Phuket is proud to Chefs Karon. For only 495 baht is where design, function and host this year’s primary you can enjoy however much you convenience meet. Here, you can want from our big Tex Mex buf- get up to 30 per cent off small ap- FOBISSEA games from fet, which is probably the biggest pliances as well as other discounts, June 2 to 4, from 7:30am Tex Mex buffet in Phuket, from valuable gifts and reward points for to 5pm. About 288 pri- 6pm to 2am. We also have live purchases with participating credit mary school athletes from music and good prices on drinks. cards. There will also be 0 per cent Yes, that’s right, only 495 baht. interest on installments with mini- Thailand, Singapore and Contact Two Chefs in Karon at T: mum purchases of 3,000-5,000 Malaysia are expected to 076-286479 E:karon@twochefs baht. It will be held in the attend the games to com- .com or visit W:twochefs.com. promotion area, 2nd floor, Central pete in four disciplines: Festival Phuket. Contact 076- swimming, track & field, June 12. Laguna Phuket 291000 E:popanat@central. International Marathon co.th or visit W:centralfestival.co.th. t-ball and football. Have some friendly fun in the sun! The marathon course is set along May 26-31. ICC Megasale Contact Marketing & to the beautiful coast of Phuket. ICC International Company Lim- Communications at T: It runs from 4:30am to 12pm, and ited, has a new men’s apparel col- 076-238711 E:commun takes in a typical Thai village lection comprised of many lead- market, a rubber plantation, beach ing brands for you at the megasale, [email protected] and sea views as well as stretch- which will be held May 26 to June or visit W:bisphuket.ac. ing along buffalo-plowed rice 8, on the 1st floor Grand Hall, Cen- thPri_Fobisseaindex.html. fields – before finishing in the re- tral Festival Phuket from 10:30am sort of Laguna Phuket in the North to 10pm. Contact Siromanee at tainment with their lovely voices. art sculpture to be displayed at ent wines. Main course is: coffee West of the Island. Contact Ro- T:076-291111 E:KoSiromanee Contact Two Chefs in Kata at T: Brush from June 1-25. Anyone & herb crusted rack of lamb, man Floesser at T:02-2362931 @central.co.th or visit W:central 076-330065 E:katacenter@two who cannot produce their own sweet potato dauphinoise, sauteed E:info [email protected] or festival.co.th. chefs.com or visit W:twochef s.com. piece can submit their design by chanterelle and local mushrooms. visit W: phuketmarathon.com. the end of May to have it produced Price: 1,800 baht ++ per guest May 28 & June 4. Saturday May 28 - June 3. Kalim Kinetic by the Underwood Factory. Then, (exclusive of tax and service June 17. Phuket Property Dot brunch at Two Chefs Kata Art Fair on June 25, a finale event will un- charge). From 7pm to 10:30pm . Com Pro Am Invitational Every Saturday Two Chefs The Kalim Kinetic Art Fair will be fold at Brush to display all finished Contact Sylvie Y at T:076-333569 Phuket’s first charity pro am golf proudly presents their brunch held from May 28 to June 3, from pieces along with a performance E:[email protected] or event was launched last year and with a Scandinavian touch from 4pm to 1am, and will showcase by Panatta Design. Contact Able visit W:villaroyalephuket.com/cr. following the success of the noon to 3pm. Eat all you can for the talent in Phuket to promote Wanamakok at T:076-340348 inaugural event, it will take place only 395 baht. Add only the creativity, imagination and in- E:[email protected] or visit June 3 and 17. Curry Fridays again this year at the Laguna another 300 baht and you can ventive skills of children and W:facebook.com/brushphuket. Curry Friday is held every fort- Phuket Golf Club from 8.30am to drink as much as you want from adults alike. Brush Restaurant night. Here is your chance to 11am. This is your chance to play the wide choice of free-flowing along with the Underwood Fac- May 28. Top DJ at IndoChine enjoy a lavish Indian curry buffet. with the pros. Up to 30 beverages. During each brunch, tory has asked schools and com- Surin Beach Club: Stereolab Selections include all-time favor- touring pros from the Asian Tour MJ & Megan provide the enter- panies to design their own kinetic From 9.30pm to 2.30am at ites chicken tikka masala, very hot and OneAsia tours will be taking Indochine Beach Club, Surin mutton vindaloo, juicy kebabs, part. A great day of golf followed Beach. DJ Frank Richards from goan fish curry, chickpea curry by a gala dinner at B-Lay Tong Las Vegas will take to the decks. and much more. Served with nan Resort. Contact Graham Haslam Free Computer Clinics He has been a mainstay of house bread and basmati rice. All you can at T: 087-2791230 E:golf@phuket music in his hometown since eat for only 449 baht nett. Draught hasbeengoodtous.org or visit 1992 and a major force in by the glass just 50 baht nett. Spe- W:ProAm-Phuket.com. Is Windows driving you nuts? Want to know about the Vegas nightlife. DJ Frank has best Internet connections in Phuket? Need help finding played around the world, includ- a repair shop or a dealer that knows what they’re doing? ing Bangkok’s Q Bar. Contact Join For Dummies… author and local Windows guru Giuseppe Viva at T:076-380800 Woody Leonhard in his free weekly seminars. Sponsored E:[email protected] or by Woody’s Sandwich Shoppes and the Phuket Gazette. visit W:indochine-group.com. May 30. C tes du Rh ne Wine June 5 – Patong, June 12 – Laguna, Dinner June 19 – Chalong Walk along the Rh ne Valley Wine Starts at 10am. Dinner at Mom Tri’s Kitchen at Villa Royale, in Kata Noi. There For more info contact Woody at T:076–290468 will be a five-course dinner on offer, accompanied by five differ- 22 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011 For the love of Soi Dog THE SOI Dog Foundation’s event at the Evason last Sunday enjoyed near perfect coastal conditions for their drive to raise awareness and funds in the hope of con- tinuing their work on Phuket. Land that is currently being rented and used by the foundation will be sold unless five million baht can be raised to purchase the plot. John and Jill Dalley, founders of the foundation, were very pleased with Sunday’s turn out and hope that ef- forts will now increase to save the foundation. “It’s been a fantastic day and we hope to keep the ball rolling for the foundation and our opera- tions on the island,” John said. “It would be a terrible shame to have to leave Phuket, but if the land can’t be bought then we have no other option,” he said. Stephen Bridges, the former British Ambassador to Cambodia, was there to offer support for the event. “The foundation is a fantastic organization. I’m a big fan of their work. My hope is that people who love Soi Dog Foundation founders John and Jill Dalley dogs will help with this situation. Everyone should ap- preciate the work they do and the sacrifices John and Jill make,” said Mr Bridges. Those who attended the event thoroughly enjoyed a wide selection of buffet dishes with free-flow drinks. Entertainment was provided by several DJs and a trio of acrobats from the theater restaurant of Palazzo in Kathu.

For more information on how to support the Soi Dog Foundation and their work in Phuket, visit W:soidog.org.

Photos: Dean Noble May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 23 Arms out for music

Phuket is attracting some of the world’s superstar DJs. Adam Matson got the crowd moving last Saturday at Patong’s Seduction nightclub. DJ Adam grew up in Mallorca near the Caf del Mar scene and added dance music he picked up on his travels around the Caribbean, North Africa and the Americas. On Koh Samui, he’s based at the Ark Bar Beach Party on Chaweng On top Beach and is also a resident DJ at Beach Republic at Lamai Beach. But he loves flying over to Phuket to make the scene for special occasions. of Kee Resort The new 1.2 billion baht Kee Resort & Spa recently hosted the “Absolut Kee Sunset Party” to officially launch its hotel, shopping and entertainment complex. Guests partied at the resort’s Sky Lounge, and enjoyed traditional dance performances, fashion shows and live music performances.

Visiting the Vijitt The Vijitt Resort in Rawai welcomed the Meier’s hotel inspection group earlier this month. A few days earlier, hotel manager Peerawut Kunchorn, also hosted a Cathay Pacific ‘fam trip’. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011

Across 1. Folk singer Phil 5. American space agency 9. “Barnaby Jones” star 14. Cat’s nail 15. Keats creations 16. First prime minister of India 17. Bullfighters 1. Carl and the Passions changed their band name 19. Moan to what? 20. Eland 21. Forest make-up 2. How many rings are on the Olympic flag? 22. Most profound 23. Bark of a dog 3. What color is vermilion a shade of? 24. Anger 25. Malformed animal 28. Hard stone 4. King Zog ruled which country? 31. Goddess of tillage 32. Fly catcher 5. What color is Spock’s blood? 34. “Consarn it!” 35. Negates 6. Where on your body is your patella? 36. Actress Rowlands 37. Cabinet department 38. Paddled 7. Where can you find London Bridge today? 39. Mike Meyer’s friend in Wayne’s World 8. What is mixed with ginger beer in a Moscow 40. Fawning Mule? 42. Darlin’ 43. Ethereal 9. Who was the first man in space? 44. Gangplank 33. Exclamation of contempt 48. Capital of Ghana 35. Currency unit in Nigeria 50. Body of airplane 36. Criminal underworld 10. What would you do with a Yashmak? 51. Benefit 38. Imbricate 52. Continent SE of Asia 39. Dead duck 11. Who betrayed Jesus to the Romans? 53. Brainy bunch 41. Intolerance 54. Network of nerves 42. Hurry 12. Which mammal lays eggs? 55. Devices for fishing 44. Relish 56. Rascal 45. Strong Australian horse 57. Co-founder of PayPal___ 10. Deprived 46. Heartburn 13. In a popular television show, what was Flipper? Musk 11. Foot covering 47. Brewer’s need 58. “Darn!” 12. Ages 48. Opposite of sans 14. Who was the lead singer of band The 13. Convent dweller 49. Injectable diazepam, in mili Quarrymen? Down 18. Attentive, warning of danger tary lingo 1. Group of eight 21. Shades 50. Combustible matter 15. What was the name of the most successful 2. Doppelganger 23. Earth 51. Early hrs. 3. Poker Flat chronicler 25. Donnybrook 52. 100 square meters Grand National horse? 4. Decisive 26. Large jug or pitcher 5. Jointed or knobby at intervals 27. 1996 Tony-winning musical 16. Who starred as the Six Million Dollar Man? 6. Take as one’s own 28. Rx watchdog Provided by BestCrosswords.com. 7. Shrivelled, without moisture 29. Falls behind Used with permission. Quiz answers on page 39 8. Donkey 30. As to 9. Absorb 31. Like Shirley Temple’s hair Crossword answers on page 39

GEMINI (May 22-June 21): until you feel more organized. An- ready for more commitment, but to distant shores. Pisceans who are Some Geminis will other fire sign friend’s personal a water sign is easily distracted. finding this difficult to accept are have to work harder problems will affect you if you forecast to find consolation in a this week as a business allow them to. Monday is an aus- CAPRICORN (December 22- busier social scene during June. rival is forecast to move into the picious day for an honest discus- January 20): A work Where your earning capacity is fast lane. The stars predict that you sion about this situation. colleague’s inability to concerned, the stars advise that will know the right moment to take take matters seriously fresh potential is coming closer. An risks and the month of May is VIRGO (August 23-Septem- could be frustrating for many earth sign should be able to give forecast to end on a productive ber 23): Extra creativ- SCORPIO (October 24-Novem- Capricorns. The most auspicious worthwhile advice this weekend. note. Those with a birthday in the ity gives those born ber 22): Too much days to get to grips with this mat- week ahead will enjoy calmer under the sign of worrying could cramp ter are Wednesday and Thursday. ARIES (March 21-April 20): romantic relationships in the Virgo the edge this week. Scorpios’ style this Another earth sign is ready to sup- Arians who got hold of coming year. Achieving goals is highlighted to week. The stars predict that un- port your efforts to improve this the wrong end of the help you end the month of May resolved issues may take a little situation. Those who are unsure stick last week could still CANCER (June 22-July 23): in good spirits. The stars sug- longer to be sorted out. In the about where a romance is going be busy putting things right. The Problems with com- gest that keeping feelings to meantime, your skills can be put will take heart from information stars suggest that the month of June munication at work yourself could cause ripples in a to good use by trying something received this weekend. will bring clearer understanding and can best be solved by romantic relationship. There are different in the world of work. smoother progress at work. Take a brainstorming session. The signs that a partner is ready to Another water sign is ready to give AQUARIUS (January 21-Feb- time out this weekend to enjoy na- stars suggest that Cancerians will meet you halfway – make com- useful pointers this weekend. Your ruary 19): The stars ture and simple pleasures. Those find the right words to say on promise your main aim. chances of romance with a fire predict that Aquarians who are single could find that an- Wednesday or Thursday. Your sign could be affected by the will be making new other fire sign has similar interests. luck with money is affected by LIBRA (September 24-October reappearance of an old flame. friends during June, some of uncertain astral conditions; 23): Adjusting to whom could become very impor- TAURUS (April 21-May 21): mistakes are highlighted to be changing circum- SAGITTARIUS (November 23- tant in their lives. Business oppor- A low-key start to June made on Monday. Love is in the stances is forecast to December 21): Taking tunities are forecast to expand and could lead Taureans to air mid-week when an earth sign be an issue during the month of action brings respect life will be more rewarding than it believe that this will be is predicted to appreciate your June. A water sign is forecast to for Sagittarians in the has been in May. Opening up your a non-eventful month. The stars flirtation. suggest a way for Librans to capi- world of work. The stars suggest heart too early in a relationship suggest otherwise, with empha- talize on their skills this week and that your innovative approach to could cause an air sign to take dis- sis on unexpected progress in the LEO (July 24-August 22): you may consider a radical change solving problems will result in a tance this week. Aquarians are world of work. Your creative tal- Erratic energy could of career. Cupid is on your side happy conclusion. As the month advised to play it cool until the ents are highlighted to be in de- put those born under when trying to make a romantic of June commences your finan- romantic picture becomes clearer. mand and an approach made this the sign of Leo at a dis- impression on a fire sign. Those cial outlook benefits from a clearer week will set the scene for future advantage this week. The stars already in a committed relation- astral atmosphere. However, shar- PISCES (February 20-March success. Cupid keeps the wheels advice is to concentrate on what ship could find their partner’s ing your secrets of success too 20): It appears that spinning for a romance with a you know you can do well and enthusiasm for travel plans freely is not recommended. In the someone close to you is water sign, but chasing after Sag- leaving more challenging tasks overwhelming. realm of romance, Capricorn is on the verge of moving ittarius will be playing with fire. May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 25

Korean investors bid for light rail transport system

DOWN TO BUSINESS: Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha (left) discusses the light rail options with Kwang Sik The latest update in the light rail project Chun, CEO of Korean firm Jung Yong Development Corp. Photos: Pimwara Choksakulpan By Pimwara Choksakulpan the International Convention delegation to visit Korea to see and Exhibition Center (ICEC) first-hand other projects already PHUKET Governor Tri Aug- in Mai Khao. completed by the firm before karadacha received yet another A co-operative venture between inking any deal. delegation expressing interest in JYDC and an American company He noted that Phuket officials developing a light rail has earmarked a signing a contract with JYDC system on the island ‘JDYC wants to US$4 billion fund would mark his company’s first earlier this month. create a light rail for the project and endeavor in Thailand. Kwang Sik Chun, is prepared to use It would not be the company’s Chairman & CEO of system [in Phuket] part of it to conduct first international venture, however. Korean firm Jung with safety and an initial project JYDC has built a cement plant Yong Development study, said Mr and developed a golf course in Corp (JYDC), said the environment Kwang. Vietnam, and constructed a dam his company would in mind’ Researchers in Pakse province in Laos, he said. like to invest in could begin the “Phuket has good potential for the project, starting – Kwang Sik Chun study as soon as us to expand our business,” said with a pre-feasibility a memorandum of Mr Kwang. study on the two proposed routes: understanding (MoU) was signed, “JYDC wants to create a light from Chalong Circle to Phuket he said. rail system with safety and the Airport, and from the airport to Mr Kwang invited a Phuket environment in mind,” he said. One of the Korean investment partners at the meeting earlier this month. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY May 28 - June 3, 2011

Pattaya not a dirty word Waterpark wars: Phuket vs Pattaya

PATTAYA’S surging tourism market is set to have a new at- traction when the Ramayana Waterpark opens late next year. The project, which is touted to be Southeast Asia’s largest water attraction, is being developed by a Russian group together with an experienced Canadian firm. While Phuket’s Splash Jungle has received mixed reviews, the Pattaya project will benefit from a far larger catchment of tourists and its close proximity to urban PATTAYA PEAKS: The property market in Pattaya is on the up. Contrary to popular opinion, Pattaya has many opportunities for investment. Photo: J Bremer Bangkok’s large population base. THERE was a time not long ago prices in the Bangkok property Some analysts are saying that when just saying the “P-word”, market continued to skyrocket, this would push commercial and South Patong “Pattaya”, would cause your Pattaya’s own real estate sector office markets from infancy into audience to recoil like a yo-yo. has been a steady achiever. development mode and spur some sprouts new Mere mention of the word would One of the key drivers of this companies to actually relocate conjure up visions of debauchery be the second city of Thailand. was the opening of the Central from Bangkok to Pattaya. project and booze-soaked nights that made Its roots go back to 1978, when Festival shopping mall in 2009. As Of course the bar district re- Gary Glitter seem worthy of an it was created into a special admin- Southeast Asia’s largest ocean- mains as it has been so keenly THE southern headland of Patong’s outstanding citizen’s award. istrative area similar to Bangkok. front retail center, Thais from known. Driving though town at entertainment district is developing The only thing Phuket and That is when it became one of only Bangkok and elsewhere began to 9am in the morning I could not as Patong continues to burst at the Pattaya seemed to have in com- two areas in the country which arrive in droves. help but be amused by the assort- seams with development. mon was that they both started enjoyed a degree of political and Suddenly Pattaya was coming of ment of characters seen bellying Another new residential project, with the same letter. economic self-determination. age, with new branded hotels such up to the bar with a beer in one the 66-unit Jade Condominium, is Now there’s nothing wrong with Of course many know the his- as Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Centara hand and a coffee in the other. Old looking to attract both domestic a bit of naughtiness, but the east- tory of Pattaya as an “R&R” and most recently Hilton, arriving. habits die hard. and foreign buyers with splendid ern seaboard city definitely took the center during the Vietnam war. With nearly 45,000 condo- As for the two “Ps”, Pattaya views of Patong Bay. prize for Asia’s capital of sleaze. Though, as you may have noticed, minium units – according to and Phuket, in reality they are Featuring one and two bedroom Recently, when I was qualify- the 60s and 70s are long past. Colliers International Thailand – and chalk and cheese. Phuket remains units, the penthouses offer private ing a working trip to Pattaya, I With the expressway that today consistent absorption rates, the far more dependent on tourism and pools. found myself clearing my throat, connects Bangkok and Pattaya, market has a healthy mix of does not have the locational ad- Prices start at 6.5 million baht, uttering disclaimers and pleading travel time is a mere 90 minutes. domestic and foreign buyers. vantage of being a catchment for and sizes range from 65 to 183 out “Urgh, it was for business,” From Suvarnabhumi International Of course there is the mass mar- domestic property buyers its east- square meters. as eyebrows were raised by oth- Airport it’s even less. ket argument, with the destination ern seaboard cousin does. ers. “No, seriously,” I added rather To top it off, U-Tapao Interna- receiving an estimated seven mil- Though both do have similar Patong Ocean lamely, turning to flee the idle chat. tional Airport in Pattaya is able to lion visitors a year. While this mass-hotel issues share the clas- But truth be known, Pattaya accommodate domestic, interna- number includes Bangkokians and sic struggle between quality versus View Condos has been evolving for quite a num- tional and charter flights. certainly the new tourism darlings quantity, which looks to dominate ber of years into what could Over the past 36 months as of the moment, Chinese and Rus- our horizon for the decade ahead. from B3.9mn sians, ultimately the surge still It should be quite a storyline to comes down to selling hotel rooms follow as the two P’s find their PATONG’S low-price condo and property. Indeed the winds of own respective pathways. surge is continuing with The change have smiled on Pattaya. Charm Residence offering an en- There remains much specula- Bill Barnett is Managing Director of try price of 3.9 million baht. tion about the growth of nearby C9 Hotelworks and can be contacted Located at the north end of the industrial zones. through www.c9hotelworks.com. beach road, the 246-unit project offers completed studio units. A 10 per cent guaranteed re- turn is available for the first year only. Facilities include under- ground parking, a swimming pool and restaurant. 2010 Luxury Villa Update release

C9 HOTELWORKS has released their 2010 Luxury Villa Update. It explains what spurred property resales and why there was a pivotal shift in buyer’s profile last year. To download the update visit W:phuketinsider.com May 28 - June 3, 2011 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 27 Phuket still luxury villa hub of Southeast Asia Absolute win THE accolades continue for the WEALTHY foreigners prefer Bali is often considered Absolute World Group – one of Phuket over Vietnam and Bali Phuket’s prime contender in terms Asia’s leading property developers, for second-home purchases, of tourism, but the volume of resort and hotel operators – who according to a prominent inter- wealthy foreigners seeking were three-time winners at national real estate consultancy. property there does not compare, the recent global Perspective Speaking at a seminar in he added. Magazine Awards, held at the Phuket recently, David Simister, While whole-unit villa sales re- closing Gala of the GNEX 2011 Chairman of CB Richard main relatively low, compared to conference in the Bahamas. Ellis (CBRE) Thailand chapter pre-crisis period, he pointed out a The Perspective Magazine was optimistic about the island’s shift in customers’ preference to Awards are organized by Per- recovering villa estate market. buy completed “resale” units as spective magazine, the market- Citing a study conducted by his opposed to projects which have leading independent magazine for firm, he said there was a substan- yet to be built or are currently the global shared-ownership tial increase in transactions under construction. resorts industry. and inquires during the first quar- Mr Simister added that Following a nine-month search ter of 2011 compared to the projects managed and branded for the best in the global shared previous year. under reputable hotel brands ownership industry, the Absolute As a result of the global finan- have experienced the most World Group were announced cial crisis, villa sales in Phuket success. winners of “Best Fractional had slowed during the period Andara villa units, for Resort” for The Beach Samui, from 2008 through the third example, have grossed the their private residence club on the quarter of 2010. However, there highest sales in Phuket lately, Southern shores of Thailand’s was no negative impact reflected he said. Koh Samui. The resort was con- in Phuket property values, which Accounting this to ceptualized by world-leading remained steady during that their reputation for quality, design team Yoo, now reaching period, he said. luxury and close attention to de- over 30 per cent off plan sales. When compared to other mar- tail and standard, he reiterated The group also won “Best ABSOLUTE WINNERS: From left are Svetlana Kostromitina, VP of Sales; kets in Southeast Asia, Phuket the importance of such factors Fractional Unit” – the Absolute Vladimir Sucevan, COO;Charlotte Rose Melsom, Global Director of Brand continues to be a preferred loca- for high-end buyers. Bangla Suites, Absolute’s Development; and Bryan Lunt, Chairman & CEO. tion among foreigners seeking to Ocean-view units on the west fractional ownership resort, continued work over the past two attracting over 160 entries across buy ocean-view leisure homes, coast remained highest in located in the heart of Patong. years in refining all Absolute 20 categories. Entrants were initially especially high-end, luxury villas, demand, while an increasing Charlotte Rose Melsom, the products and raising the company voted for by their industry peers, in he said. number of buyers were seeking group’s London-based Global to unprecedented levels. a unique and transparent “social While many new developments ocean view property north of Director of Brand Development, Absolute World Group were up media” style first round. have emerged in Vietnam, most of the island in Phang Nga, was announced winner of the against some of the leading From there, an independent the sales there have been to do- he added. “Best Marketing Professional” hospitality brands in the world, judging panel confirmed the winners mestic buyers, Mr Simister said. – Krungthep Thurakij award for her and her team’s with the inaugural awards for each category. 28 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY May 28 - June 3, 2011 A lazy gardener’s delight The crown of thorns, or euphorbia millii, is a succulent plant that doesn’t require much attention. WHEN the word “succulent” is used, it is usually applied to juicy, delicious fruit such as ripe man- goes, oranges, or pineapples. But for horticulturists, the word has very different connotations: it thorns (euphorbia millii), for refers to so-called “fat plants” that example. store water in their leaves, stems, Euphorbias are one of the larg- roots or bulbs. est genera of succulents, rivaled These plants have an unrivaled only by the cacti. So let’s initially capacity for retaining moisture, concentrate on them. and, like the proverbial camel, can Euphorbias are often confused thereby survive in arid, with cacti, especially the desert-like condi- tropical and usually prickly tions. Naturally, varieties. All contain a most of them poisonous and milky grow in hot cli- sap which is typi- mates, where cally white and water short- sticky – very ages and dry much like soil condi- the latex that tions are the oozes from PRETTY AND PRICKLY: The Euphorbia milli may look innocent enough, but it packs a punch. Photo: Drew Avery norm. rubber trees. the plant’s immediate surface dark green, triangular-sectioned Many of them This sap environment. branches that carry reddish exhibit their is particularly Most Euphorbia are grown for spines all the way up from the Tip of the “succulence” by resistant to evap- their arresting and highly unusual base. An attractive cultivar with possessing swollen oration. If you cut off foliage, but the crown of thorns more pronounced red spines is week stems, or thick, a section of stem, sap has the added advantage of called “red devil”. It makes a fine leathery leaves and will exude from the attractive red, cream, or yellow house plant – if you can find it. outer skin. wound like blood, but flowers. And although it looks just like Ginger spice If precipitation will as quickly co- Its praises have been sung be- one, it ain’t cactus. falls on these waxy agulate and prevent fore in these columns. Suffice to A much larger member of the leaves, it often further dehydration say, it is perhaps the euphorbia family stays there as drops of the parent plant. best of all pot plants of succulents is – rather like wa- Most are armed for a terrace or patio, The prime lactea, sometimes ter on a newly with sharp spines, and can be relied on virtue of all these referred to as the polished car – slow- hence the occa- to flower more or caldelabrum cac- ing the process of sional confusion less all year round. succulents – apart tus on account of evaporation. with cacti. Two specimens in from their unusual its size and shape. Half an hour af- These not only containers by my As a specimen ter watering there provide a formi- pool have never been appearances – is growing on a side can still be drop- dable line of out of bloom. their resistance to road near Nai Harn lets of rainwater defense, but help And let’s not for- attests, it can grow on the leaves retain a degree get the flowering drought. up to 15 feet high. of humidity in of a crown of Photo: Mike Keeling variety, which pro- With its mottled Ginger (zingiber officinale) duces masses of tiny, scarlet green and white branches, and blooms, or the cultivar that has a brownish spines, it can look truly ANOTHER easy-to grow spice crown of large leaves surmounted spectacular. Moreover, it is (besides chillis) is ginger by a head of vivid scarlet flowers not averse to being planted in a (zingiber officinale). Although on top of a single, thick, thorny large pot. it grows wild in South Asia, stem. This one is not easy to find, The prime virtue of all these most of us recall ginger root in but it is worth the search. succulents – apart from their un- Western greengrocers: a tough, Other euphorbias may be totally usual appearances – is their fibrous and semi-dried version. different in appearance. Trigona, resistance to drought. These are Here in Thailand where it is for example, is a succulent shrub easy-going plants that are well known as khiing, edible ginger from Africa that occasionally puts worth considering if you want a is usually harvested when the in an appearance in nurseries here. minimum upkeep garden. rhizomes are young, and with It has an upright habit with several inches of its pink to If you have a garden that you would green stem still attached to the like to be featured on this page, please juicy, yellow root. email:[email protected] A member of the zingiber family, ginger is rich in the volatile oils that give the root its unique flavor. It can be pick- led in vinegar, or candied in sugar. Thais use it as a fresh ingredient in many savory dishes, sliced into thin strips, or grated or pounded to help release its unique flavor. Ginger is an attractive plant with long, reed-like stems that grow vigorously to four or five feet and has small white or pink flowers. The leaves are dark green. It does best in moist and partially shaded conditions. May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 29 30 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011

SEA VIEW LAND RAWAI LAND FOR SALE Properties RUBBER PLANTATION Beautiful land plot with stunning FULLY FURNISHED Near the main road to Baan BEST PRICE For Sale 48 RAI sea view, adjacent to Mangos- HOUSE SALE Don-Cherng Talay. 68sq wah. POOL VILLA teen Resort, 864sqm, ideal for 1.1 million baht. Tel: 089-472 private villa. Price: 8 million baht 9118. Email: honda.1437@ only. Several other options, larger yahoo.co.th THIDA HOUSE or smaller plots for urgent sale SALE 27 MILLION available. Tel: 076-289399, 081- 3-BEDROOM HOUSE 536 5846 (English), 081-539 62sq wah, 2 bathrooms, Villa 5373 (English & Thai). Fax: 076- Dowroong. 4.5 million baht. Con- 289389. Email: phuketresorts@ tact Khun Tar. Tel: 076-377052, For sale. Located on the gmail.com Chao Fah Garden Home 3 089-971 1268. main road to Laguna in Koh Kaew near BIS, 10 Phuket. Suitable for a FRONT SEAVIEW mins to Lotus. 2 beds, 2 LAND AT housing project. 4 million FOR SALE baths, 2 aircons. Nice living CHERNG TALAY baht per rai (Nor Sor 3 Gor). Mountain view at the back. & kitchen room, car park, 390sq wah, nice flat land, quiet Thai-style modern town- Please contact owner's 288sqm of land (Nor Sor 3 Kor), fully furnished. Ready to area, Chanote. In Pasak Soi 5 house with land. Size: representative. No agents Ao Por Marina. Price: 2.3 mil- move in. 2.85 million baht near Laguna Home. Price: 6 mil- 10.50m x 10.85m. 2 bed- please. Tel: 080-520 2989. lion baht. Tel: 081-979 1761. near Boat Lagoon. Tel: 081- lion baht. Tel: 089-472 9118, 086- Thai-Balinese style with L- rooms, 2 bathrooms with liv- Email: pakaporns@yahoo. 541 2025. Email: c.junlarat 709 2933. shaped design. 2 garden ing room, dining room, com LAND AT PAKLOK @gmail.com view bedrooms with open- kitchen and car park. Single 1 rai 13.6sq wah with Chanote. plan living and modern house on land size: 15m by BANGLA ABSOLUTE Located on Tha Ruea-Pa Khlok- GOLF VIEW LAND SHOPHOUSES kitchen, 2 en-suite bath- 10.85m. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- Muang Mai Rd 11km from Hero- IN KATHU rooms. Located near BIS. rooms with living room, dining BEACHFRONT CONDO Four shophouses in Bangla ines’ Monument, near Mission For sale: 17 rai with a view of Premium quality. Land size area/kitchen, terrace and car Foreign freehold luxury condo for sale or rent. Opposite Hills. Price: 3.9 million baht. Loch Palm golf course, con- 144sqm. Price from 3.7 mil- park. Soi Mountain View at Sireh Beach. Tel: 087-472 Rico Hotel. 16.5sq wah each, Tel: 089-472 9118. nects to main road, Nor Sor 3 lion baht. Tel: 084-293 7923, Kathu Waterfall. Tel: 081-535 7870 (English & Thai). Email: 4 floors each. Tel: 081-825 Kor. Price: 75 million baht. Tel: 080-648 9622 (English). 7585, 084-119 4262, 081-356 [email protected] 8961 (English & Thai), 081- 089-724 7211 (English). Email: Must visit us: www.phuket- 9754. Email: peecho74@ For further details, please see 825 8969. Email: amorn21@ SEAVIEW LAND [email protected] eurasia.com hotmail.com our website at www.nchantra- gmail.com property.com IN AO MAKHAM HOUSE & FURNITURE 2-STOREY HOUSE POOL VILLA 3 BED CHUAN CHUEN Single house, 60sqm. 2 floors, TWIN VILLAS At Dusitburi, behind Rajabhat In Rawai. Very private in a se- LAGOON 3 bedrooms and 3 toilets. In AT NAI YANG University. 51sq wah, with 3 cured estate with CCTV. Plots 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 Chaiyapruek Village at Land & bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully between 320sqm to 375sqm. aircons, fully furnished. In Chuan House, Chalong. Good location furnished. Tel: 081-970 5009. Price: 5.7 million baht with 60% Chuen Lagoon, Koh Kaew. and entrance from bypass road. financing. Tel: 087-893 8747. Price: 3.95 million baht. Contact Built 2 years ago. Tel: 084-627 LAKESIDE LAND PLOT Scott. Tel: 081-866 8716. 7001. LAND FOR SALE Lakeside land plot on Loch 1 rai with Chanote title. 5 min- Palm Golf Course. Great views PRIVATE SALE OF and peaceful location. Price: 15 utes to Rawai Beach in secure URGENT SALE! HALF A RAI area. Contact owner directly. million baht for 388sq wah. Tel: At Ao Makham. Land is lo- Only 600 meters from 081-273 6959 (English). Email: Tel: 089-472 9870. Email: cated opposite Port of Phuket [email protected] beautiful Nai Yang beach, [email protected] and next to Bel Air Cape this modern pool villa is Panwa Resort. Price 4.2 mil- HOUSE FOR SALE perfectly located. Featur- lion. Tel: 081-891 5932, 089- ing a chic, clean-cut de- HOUSE IN IN KATHU 035 6702. PHUKET VILLA 5 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, sign coupled with a choice Home and business in Phuket with a swimming pool, a gar- selection of quality materi- Villa 5. One living room, a din- den and 2 car parks. Price: 12 als and furniture, this villa is Nice plot at a good location SEAVIEW LAND ing room, 5 bedrooms, 1 of- million baht. Tel: 081-925 1730. FOR SALE a promising investment for near Two Villas project (Manik holiday seekers and per- fice, 4 shower/WC, 1 busi- area) with Chanote title. Price: Near Supalai Resort on the manent residents. Price: ness room, 1 storage room, 1 PATONG TOWER 1.5 rai at 6.9 million baht. The For sale. Chanote title, easy east coast of Phuket slope. kitchen. Plot over 500sqm. FOR SALE 10.2 milllion baht. Contact land has electricity, access access in and out with con- A 3-rai plot with road and Khun Penprapa. Tel: 087- Price: 7.7 million baht. Tel: Modern, 1-bedroom 70sqm and ready to build on. Tel: 080- crete road. Price: 12 million electricity access. Price: 898 9646. Email: pen 086-479 6685 (Thai), 086-682 condo, refitted and furnished. 520 2989. Email: pakaporns baht per rai. No agents! Tel: 3.6 million baht per rai. No [email protected] 4356 (English & Thai). Email: Price: 4.95 million baht. Tel: @yahoo.com 087-270 9093. agents please. Tel: 080-520 [email protected] www.thai- 081-088 8099. 2989. Email: pakaporns@ swiss.ch/Immobilien. yahoo.com BRAND NEW CONDO immobilien.0.html

TOWNHOUSE 2 STOREY HOUSE IN PATONG FOR SALE Located in Kathu, 5 minutes from Tesco Lotus and Loch Palm golf course. 10 minutes to Patong. 20sq wah, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and fully furnished. Mid Town, Royal Place WiFi internet. Price: 2.7 million. Project, 2nd floor, 37sqm. Monthly rent: 13,000 baht. Tel: Studio condo, fully fur- 076-512441, 086-267 5798 (En- nished, reasonable price. glish & Thai), 083-593 7553 (En- Tel: 086-476 9612. glish & Thai). Fax: 076-512441. Email: [email protected] SALE CONDO KATHU 1 bedroom 25sqm, with bal- NICE HOUSE cony, 1 bathroom, full furniture, 88 SQ WAH freehold, Price 400,000 baht. Tel: 081-367 0991.

BEACHFRONT CONDO 2 bedrooms on top floor. Freehold. On Nanai Road. 2 stories, North Patong. Price: 9.7 million 112.5sqm, 2 bedrooms, 2 baht. Also available for rent. Tel: bathrooms, bathtub, built-in 086-276 5117. For photos please cabinets, kitchen, aircon and email to [email protected] car park. 1km to Patong 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, beach, near Bangla Road 3 aircons, sofa, cable TV. and Jungceylon. Price 5.5 30 RAI IN TOWN Near Jomthong Village on million baht or nearest offer. Flat land near Dowroong Khwang Rd. 6.5 million baht. No agents! Tel: 087-270 School in Phuket Town. Tel: Tel: 086-774 2034. Email: 9093. 081-691 2526. [email protected] May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 31

HOUSE FOR SALE HOUSE IN KAMALA PATONG APT 2-STOREY HOUSE SURIN BEACH HOUSE FOR SALE OR RENT 2-bedroom apartment for rent IN PATONG Land on Soi Haad Surin 2 IN KATA Western quality, with new furni- or sale. 87sqm unit on the 5th for sale. 2.2 rai, 5 mins walk ture, whirlpool, LCD television and floor with sea view. Fully fur- to Surin Beach. Email: washing machine. In Kathu. 2 nished. Tel: 081-891 6502. [email protected] bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, Email: andrea.capucci@ dining room and living room. 2 gmail.com 12 RAI LAND aircons. Tel: 089-588 5692. IN NAI HARN AREA Email: [email protected] POOL VILLA FOR SALE 12 rai, with Chanote title, 178 In Land & House Park Phuket. meters of road frontage, priced to 12 RAI LAND 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, fully sell at 6.5 million baht per rai. Tel: Price 5.4 million baht. 3 IN NAI HARN AREA furnished. Price: 6.9 million 081-649 3557. Email: ken@ bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 12 rai, with Chanote title, 178 baht. Tel: 081-606 2284. phuketlifestyle.com For further fully furnished. Tel: 081- meters of road frontage, priced details, please see our website 476 4476. to sell at 6.5 million baht per NEW POOL VILLA at www.phuketlifestyle.com rai. Tel: 081-649 3557. Email: WITH FINANCE [email protected] For further details, please see For sale. 2 houses on land. Close to PIA. 3 bedroom pool SEAVIEW LAND PLOTS LAND FOR SALE our website at www.phuket 1 ngan 89sq wah. Chanote villa with office and separate BANG TAO lifestyle.com title, near mountain, peace maid's room. Beautiful pool and Amazing views, private commu- and safe, 10 minutes from gardens. Huge living area. Only nity, underground utilities, 3 the beach. 7.5 million baht di- 14 million baht. Tel: 083-968 phase electricity. Ready to build. GOLF VILLA FOR SALE rect from owner. Tel: 083-180 8938. Email: alwyn@phuket- Plots starting 4 million baht. Tel: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2143. Email: yaris.vios@ landandhomes.com 089-590 3665, 086-267 0157. 10m pool, stunning views. Tel: gmail.com Sea view. 50 Pi Road, 49sq Fax: 076-325294. Email: ban 081-537 9684. For further de- KOH YAO YAI wah. 4 bedrooms with bal- [email protected] tails, please see our website at LAND FOR SALE conies, 2 bathroom, aircon, www.vistaphuket.com fully furnished. Chanote. In Cherng Talay. 15 rai. Price: BAAN SAIYUAN A small plot of land for sale: 3 rai 3 BEDROOM HOME 10 million baht per rai. Con- VILLA and 22sq wah (4,888sqm) near Price 17 million baht ono. CLOSE TO PIA Tel: 087-270 9093. Email: tact K. Sunit. Tel: 081-787 MAI KHAO LAND Klong Son Beach. Asking Price: Large 3 bedroom home with 9021. 4.5 million baht. Nor Sor Sam Gor [email protected] large rear garden, including access document included. Tel: some furniture. Communal pool 087-887 7133, 084-848 7474. 2.95M RAWAI HOUSE and fitness club. Only 3.5 mil- PHUKET NEW HOME Email: kasina_navamachiti@ 50M TO BEACH lion baht. Tel: 083-968 8938. If you are looking for a single house or townhouse or con- yahoo.com Totally renovated house, 50m Email: alwyn@phuket-land dominium in Phuket: Tel: 081- from Rawai Beach in quiet, andhomes.com 677 7773. Email: phuketnew GUEST HOUSE PATONG safe street. Comes furnished. AO NANG / KRABI [email protected] For sale. 6 units, with partial Tel: 088-451 5540. Email: Holiday homes. 1-bedroom Visit our website at www. oceanview. Fully furnished, in [email protected] More 1 rai, ready to build. units: 2.8 million baht. 2-bed- phuketnewhome.com great condition. Call for details. info on this website: www. Within walking distance room units: 3.8 million baht. Tel: 084-898 1358. bbx3.be to beach. With Chanote Includes pool. For more infor- NEW VILLA FOR SALE 3 bedrooms, office/laundry title. Price: 4.9million Detached house in Rawai GUESTHOUSE mation please call 085-573 room, 3 bathrooms, 2 of which baht. Tel: 089-874 3004. 98sqm, 3 bedrooms. FOR LEASE 4734. NICE AND are en-suite. Open-plan living Email: ogg.consulting@ Price: 9.5 million baht. Tel: Nanai Road, Patong. 7.5-year SPACIOUS HOUSE area with western kitchen, gar- rocketmail.com 087-270 9093. Email: lease. Price: 950,000 baht. SINGLE HOUSE den, car parking, pool, sala. [email protected] Safety boxes in room, hot/ FOR SALE Price: 12 million baht. Tel: 087- cold shower, aircon, balcony, 265 0118. Email: ant_p_clark@ HOUSE FOR SALE internet, WiFi, TV sets, cable. yahoo.co.uk IN THE CITY KATHU Tel: 086-948 8593. Email: NEAR LOCH PALM [email protected] Completed in 2008, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 RAI, 3 bathrooms, 3 aircon units, pri- NATAI BEACH AREA vate pool. Land: 200sqm, house: NICE PLOT Right behind Millionaires Row. 170sqm. Features 2 salas, an 500m from the beach. Sale is electric gate, ADSL Internet and In Heritage project, Kathu. direct from the owner. Chanote alarm system. Comes fully fur- 2 floors, fully furnished, 3 title. 4.5 million baht per rai. nished, including 4 TVs, a safe, In Thanapa Park View vil- bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 1 Tel: 081-543 1581 (English & washing machine and refrigerator. lage in Koh Keaw. 57sq Thai), 088-878 0468. Email: maid room. 234sq wah. 18 Phuket. Three storey mod- Price: 7.9 million. Tel: 085-472 wah, with 2 bedrooms, 2 [email protected] million baht. Tel: 081-892 ern house, fully furnished, 3 4482 (English & Thai), 084-852 bathrooms, a kitchen, a 0190 (Warit), 089-646 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4380 (English & Thai). Email: carpark and a garden. 4823 (Rattana). Email: LAND 9 RAI FOR SALE near Supercheap and [email protected] Price: 2.4 million baht. Con- [email protected] Seaview land for all the main Rajabhat. Tel: 081-530 1276, Urgent sale. Behind Layan tact owner. Tel: 083-180 road to Promthep Cape. With 084-360 7200. Email: rwa Hill Estate (Manik-Bangjo 2143. Email: nana1225@ KAMALA RESORT gmail.com Chanote title. 15 million baht per [email protected] 5,000sqm land with 7 villas. Area). 1,364sqm. Original rai. Tel: 081-693 9571. Price: 49 million baht. Tel: 089- PHUKET VILLA price: 7.2 million baht. Now: 291 7733. See more details at CONDO PATONG 6.9 million baht. Tel: 080- www.phuket.ag/sale/ 520 2989.

GOLF VILLA FOR SALE KATHU LAND 1.2 RAI 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Hillside lake view, offered as a 10m pool, stunning views. Tel: whole with 2 separate Chanote 081-537 9684. For further de- titles. Price: 8.5 million baht. tails, please see our website at Tel: 087-900 8445. www.vistaphuket.com New condo. 1km to beach, NEW POOL VILLA near Bangla Rd and Jung- CHEAP LAND FOR SALE FOR SALE OR RENT ceylon, 1 bed, 1 bath, fully Located in Rawai. 2 bedrooms, Close to Phuket International furnished. 3.9 million baht for with private pool. High-quality Airport. 4 rai, Chanote title. 3.8 42sqm and 3.8 million baht furnishing. Price: 7.5million million baht per rai. Tel: 081-868 for 44.5sqm Tel:081-541 baht. Rent: 45,000 baht per 7676. Email: phuketann@ 2025. Email: c.junlarat@ month. Tel: 089-728 6242. gmail.com. gmail.com Email: [email protected]

Looking for land to buy? See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net 32 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011

PATONG TOWER CONDO QUIET 2-BEDROOM Properties THE GREENHOUSE 800,000 BAHT Luxury sea view condo. Low HOUSE IN PATONG HOUSE For Rent POOL BUNGALOWS YEARLY RENT price. Tel: 081-088 8099. See Located on walled-in, 1,500sqm our website at: www.select garden on Soi Kok Yang, 150m phuket.com from DaVinci restaurant. Price: 13,000 baht/month. Tel: 076- KATA WESTERN CONDO IN PATONG 288260, 085-474 8726 (Thai), APARTMENT for rent or sale. 87sqm unit on 087-986 0165 (Thai). Email: the 5th floor with seaview at [email protected] Patong Loft. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Fully furnished. BEACHFRONT In Chalong, 2 bedrooms, Please call 081-432 6587. CONDO KALIM fully furnished, cool, green, Email: [email protected] 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, pool, QUIET with ADSL, cable many facilities. The Point Delux and aircon. Price: 13,000 B.L. APARTMENT one-bedroom with pool and fit- baht per month. Contact New in Kathu. Big rooms, 1 bed- Newly build+40sq wah, ness center, near Central. Tel: 1- & 2-bedroom western- John. Tel: 081-979 1976. room, 1 living room, aircon, cable near Sea Pearl project, 081-892 0038. style apartments. 115sqm TV, ADSL, hot shower, garden, Patong. 2 stories, 3 beds, and car park. Rent: 8,000 baht 2 bathrooms, fully fur- inside, with 50-plus sqm POOL VILLA 4 BED 5-year lease: 3 million baht. FULLY FURNISHED covered terrace. Fully fur- per month. Tel: 081-692 3163. nished, 2 aircon, kitchen In Rawai, fully furnished, with No key money. Bar, pool, HOUSES nished, with a fully- fitted teak with hood, refrigerator, dining full aircon and private pool. hotel, 9 bedrooms, 9 bath- kitchen and bathroom. In- THAI VILLA AND POOL room, living room, hot water, 2-storey houses near Rent: 3,000 baht per day. Tel: rooms, WiFi, cable TV, big cludes granite top, seaview, Soi Naya, Nai Harn, Long-term cable TV and internet. Tel: Panwa Bay. Tel: 081-892 087-893 8747. pool. Good for profit. Email: 4311. For further details, parking, ADSL and cable. [email protected] rent: 45,000 baht per month. 086-476 9612. Long-term lease starts at Tel: 081-270 5126. Email: please see our website at 18,000 baht per month. Will LUXURY VILLA POOL [email protected] http://panwagreen. Near Laguna. Has everything. CHALONG STUDIO consider short-term lease for KATA SHOP FOR RENT APARTMENT weebly.com very quiet renters. Tel: 084- Rent on long-term lease: 22,000 A great location is now for rent - 1-2 bedroom, near Chalong baht per month. Daily, weekly On Chalong Beach. Can con- 840 1262. Email: north8 on Kata high street. Ideal for a PHUKET VILLA vert it into cafe or office. Close Bay. Tel: 081-892 4311. For [email protected] and monthly rates are avail- massage parlor, tailor, fashion, DOWROONG further details, please see our able. Tel: 089-594 4067. to the Lighthouse. Tel: 081-892 boutique, pharmacy etc. Be 0960. Email: danmilesmedia@ website at http://palaigreen. quick, this is the only shop for gmail.com weebly.com 3-BR POOL VILLA PATONG CONDO rent in the street! Tel: 089-731 IN PAKLOK FOR RENT 6814 (English & Thai). Email: NICE STUDIO GUESTHOUSE IN 3-bedroom villa in a peaceful lo- Furnished 2-bedroom condo in [email protected] SAKOO, THALANG cation close to the Heroines IN PATONG luxury complex with pool. Plus restaurant for rent. Area: Monument, available for long- For rent. Close to the beach. 28,000 baht / month. Email: 700sqm. Combination of modern term rent. Land area 800sqm, POOL VILLA FOR RENT Aircon, cable TV, kitchen, [email protected] and Thai-style house, with 2 big 5x14m pool with jacuzzi. Fully Fully furnished, with 3 bedrooms fridge included. Price: 8,500 rooms (26sqm),one Balinese- furnished with modern kitchen, near Lotus Rawai, in quiet and House for rent, 55sq wah, 2 baht per month on long-term style bungalow (28sqm),and land- laundry room and storage. Long- secure area. Tel: 089-4729 870. bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lease, or 7,500 baht per month 400 BAHT/DAY, scaped tropical courtyard with fish term rent: 78,000 baht/month. Tel: Email: [email protected] no phone line, unfurnished. short-term. Tel: 085-757 3240. 9,000 BAHT/MONTH pond and large terrace. Quest re- 081-273 0677 (English). Email: 15,000 baht per month. Tel: ception area: 120sqm. Close to [email protected] PATAK VILLA HOUSE 087-270 9093. CHALONG LUXURY SEA VIEW Nai Thon Beach and Nai Yang Fully furnished, house with 3 VILLA Beach. Rent: 2.3 million baht for TOWNHOUSE 3 years. Tel: 085-472 1506. IN PATONG bedrooms and aircon. For long- 480,000 BAHT Family home - situated high and short-term rent. Contact above Patong/Kalim in a Email: jenshenrikhofacker@ Townhouse with 2 bedrooms YEARLY RENT hotmail.com For further details, and 3 bathrooms. Rent: 25,000 Khun Kitipong. Tel: 081-677 beautiful gated develop- 8638. ment. Available for short- please see our website at www. baht per month. Yearly lease. phuketsunshinevilla.com Tel: 081-878 2199. Email: term rent from mid June for At Rawai Beach. Pool [email protected] URGENT RENT about 9 weeks. 3 bedrooms, guesthouse. 1 bedroom, TOWNHOUSE en-suite bathrooms, large 1 bathroom, aircon, COZY HOUSE In Karon. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath- open-plan living/dining room, HOUSE FOR RENT WiFi, cable TV. Car and lounge, pool, garden, ADSL, NEAR NAI HARN 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. rooms, fullyfurnished in quiet motorbike available for satellite TV. Five mins walk Fully furnished, with swimming area. Close to Karon Beach. cheap rent. Tel: 080-328 to the beach. One lovely cat pool and management service. Rent: 25,000 baht per month. 9986. Email: phuket7@ to care for. Very reasonable Reduced price. Must sell. Tel: Tel: 081-396 0880. Email: yahoo.com rate for right person/family. 081-939 0176. [email protected] Please contact Sofia as above asap. Tel: 087-474 1211 (English). Email: Classified Advertisements [email protected] Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. High-grade house, furnished In Rawai. Bar, pool, guest- HOUSE IN CHALONG and conveniently located. Then hand it to any of our agents. house. 5-year lease. 1.4 Near Palai beach. 2-3 bed- Minutes from Rawai and Nai million baht. No key money. rooms, with aircon, car park, Harn Beaches. 2 spacious 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| cable TV and WiFi. Fully fur- bedrooms with en-suite (heading) furnished, with WiFi, cable nished. Tel: 086-944 4885. bathrooms. 1 guest toilet. TV, 5 motos. Big profit. Aircons. Large living-dining |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Email: phuket7@yahoo. APARTMENT IN room. Telephone line with com PATONG ADSL. Free water supply 1-bedroom unit in Phuket Pal- and garbage removal ser- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| STYLISH PHUKET ace. Nice furnishing, pool and vice. Rent: 20,000 baht per TOWNHOUSE parking. Rent: 18,000 baht per month. Contact K. Nui. Tel: Teak-furnished, modern-style month. Tel: 081-892 1621. 087-383 0936. Email: |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| townhouse with 2-floors and 2 [email protected] bedrooms, a large kitchen, flat- screen TV, 1.5 bathrooms and 100,000 BAHT/YEAR a garden in a quiet neighbor- LAND FOR RENT |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| hood in the heart of Sam Kong, the food capital of Phuket. Rent: 14,000 baht per month. Move in from April 1. Contact Nicholas. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Tel: 081-892 5335 (English & Thai), 084-494 5725 (English). Email: [email protected] Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. BEDROOM IN Rawai Condotel. 30-year LARGE HOUSE lease. Sells for 1 million 8 rai in Chalong Bay. 35,000 All advertising must be paid for in advance. Shared house in a gated se- baht. Paid over 10 years. baht per rai per month. Mini- Rent: 5,000 baht per mum contract: 3 years. Tel: Deadline for Property Gazette page: Friday 3 pm. cure community. All ameni- ties, long term, non-smoker. month. With cable TV. 089-499 9455 (Thai), 081-802 Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. Tel: 087-077 9816. Email: Tel: 088-180 0351. Email: 4098 (English). Email: pk [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 33

TIMESHARE BEAUTIFUL HOUSE Property Accommodation 1-bedroom deluxe unit at Pa Fully-furnished, 3 bedrooms, 2 Accommodation Holiday Wanted Available tong resort hotel. 86 years 2 bathrooms, 1 toilet, big TVs, Wanted Homes & Villa weeks. Available for Christmas western kitchen, small garden. Rentals and New Year holidays. Tel: Long-term rent price: 33,000 LAND OR RESORT FREEDOM APARTMENT 084-745 5546 (English). baht per month. Short-term: WANTED: HOUSE FOR WANTED Patong European style, aircon, 35,000 baht per month. Tel: 6 WEEKS STUNNING 5 We are looking for a piece of el- wireless internet, cable TV, THE HEIGHTS 084-627 0788, 084-848 7474. Fully furnished, kitchen. Short BEDROOM VILLA evated land around 5 rai or a re- safe area, bathroom with hot KATA BEACH Email: kasina_navamachiti term contract: 1.5 month lease. Beautiful villa built to the high- sort with a seaview and 40-50 water. Price 7,500 baht/month. Great rent for great tenant. 5- @yahoo.com Start date: end of Dec. Rent: less est standard for rent or sale. rooms in the Patong area. Price Tel: 084-845 0541, 083-380 star luxury living. Panoramic than 20,000 baht per month. Tel: 087-882 3486. Email: upon negotiation. Tel: 081-901 6744. ocean view. Massive deck. ONE-BEDROOM Email: [email protected] [email protected] 4801, 081-803 5830. Email: Amazing pool. Gym. 2 bed- CONDO APT RENTAL [email protected] LUXURY HOUSE rooms, 170sqm. Price: 65,000 Quiet & scenic 1-bed apart- WANTED - HOUSE SUPERB 1 & 2-BED IN NAI HARN baht / month. Dates negotiable. ment with pool and gym. One LONG-TERM RENT APARTMENTS HOUSE IN RAWAI / Fully-furnished, 3 bedrooms, Contact Lillian. Tel: 083-833 minute minute drive to Tesco. We need an unfurnished house Penthouses with rooftop NAI HARN maid's room, western kitchen, 6863 (English). Or send email: Tel: +65-9-423 8994, 081-087 for long term rent from June, 2 plunge pools, a terrace and Looking for a house/villa in this private swimming pool, quiet [email protected] 1312, 081-968 4644 (English). bedroom, 2 bathroom, preferable kitchen also available for area on plot of 400+ sqm, ideally location, 24 hrs security, IP Email: [email protected] big garden, car park, not over short-or-long term rent. Email: 600sqm. Willing to pay up to 7.5 camera, wireless internet, big SMALL HOUSE AND 18,000 baht per month. Any of- [email protected] million baht. If it needs renova- TVs. Rental price long term: BIG GARDEN 1-BED APT AT SURIN fers welcome, renovation can be tion, that is okay, depending on 85,000 baht per month. Short- Fully-furnished, 2 bedrooms, 1 BEACH done by ourselves. Email: size and location. Needs to be term: 90,000 baht per month. bathroom, TV, wireless internet, 15,000 baht per month only, [email protected] Household close to a concrete road. Email: Sale price: 19 million baht. Tel: cable TV, big kitchen, washing plus electricity. 50 sqm. Fully Items [email protected] 086-276 2785 (English), 087- machine, indoor car park, furnished, satellite TV, intern, SOUTH PHUKET 887 7133 (English & Thai). aircons, warm water. Price: pool. Great restaurant. Tel: HOUSE FOR 1 YEAR RENTAL VILLA WANTED Email: kasina_navamachiti@ 14,000 baht per month. Tel: 083-280 9100 (English), 086- I'm looking to rent a house for NEW HOUSE ITEMS Family looking for a, fully fur- yahoo.com 087-887 7133, 084-848 7474. 746 4012 (Thai). Email: a year. Chalong area, though FOR SALE nished, modern villa to rent Email: kasina_navamachiti [email protected] For fur- interested in anything in the New sofa, new fridge, new TV long-term, within 15 mins of KATA ROOM @yahoo.com ther details, please see our south of Phuket. Minimum 2 LG (not flat screen), new table, PIA School in Thalang. Must FOR RENT-PRIVATE website at www.suringate.com bedrooms. 10,000 baht per 6 chairs. All worth 50,000 be child friendly as we have 3 6k WiFi, maid, laundry, POOL HOUSE month is my budget, though baht. Sell for 20,000 baht. young children and 2 small cable. Must be quiet & no NAI HARN PATONG LUXURY I can pay 6 months in ad- Contact for details. Email: poodles. Needed by June 1. bringing bar girls/boys home. Three bedrooms, 2 bath- At a very quiet place. 60sqm vance. Tel: 076-384577, 082- [email protected] Tel: 084-877 3566. Email: Tel: 087-888 9089. Email: rooms, 3 aircon units, furni- apartment with jacuzzi. 283 5842 (English). Email: [email protected] [email protected] ture, TV and parking space. Daily rent from 2,500 baht. [email protected] KING SIZE BED April - November low season Monthly rent: 35,000 baht. 4 King-sized bed bought from HOUSE OR RENT ROOM price: 20,000 baht per month, minutes' walk to beach, 2 PROPERTY WANTED Phuket Intercraft. Very little APARTMENT APARTMENT including the garden, pool and minutes to entertainment FOR PURCHASE use. Cost 35,000 baht. Email: Three-bed house or apartment Patong. Good quality, low price, internet. Please contact Frank venues. Tel: 081-894 8446. House wanted in Nai Harn [email protected] wanted at Laguna. Prefer golf day / month. Tel: 089-728 4005. for more information. You can Email: [email protected] area, for 500,000 baht or frontage but will consider all Email: [email protected] also phone the home number See: www.banglasuites.com less. Contact Shaun. Email: 2 AIRCON UNITS others in or near Laguna. Email: abroad: 0049 7119141325. Tel: [email protected] GOOD CONDITION [email protected] 96,000 BAHT/YEARLY 085-478 8010 (English). QUIET 2-BEDROOM Samsung AS18 of 18,778 BTU OR 9,000 BAHT/MONTH Email: [email protected] HOUSE VILLA IN PHUKET and a Samsung AS13 of 12,672 50-100 RAI, Studio room, full fur, aircon, fridge, Located on walled-in 1,500sqm AUGUST BTU. Quick sale. Contact Patrick. 50 YEAR LEASE hot water, cable TV, Internet, PATONG MONTHLY garden on Soi Kok Yang, 150m Looking for accommodation in Tel: 076-384258, 088-446 6658. For horse business, Phuket, maid, quiet place in Nai Harn WEEKLY DAILY from Da Vinci restaurant. Price: Phuket for 2 weeks from Email: [email protected] Krabi, Phang Nga. Qualifies Beach.Tel: 089-728 6242. Email: Rates: 9,000 baht/month, 500 13,000 baht/month. Tel: 076- around 9 August (4 adults and under the new zoning restric- [email protected] baht/day and 3,000 baht/week 288260, 085-474 8726 (Thai), 3 children - 4 bedrooms). Ideally tions as recreation and/or agri- OBO. Includes WiFi, cable/ 087-986 0165 (Thai). Email: a villa with pool. Send with info, Household culture. Bi-annual payment BEDROOM IN DVD, maid, 24hr reception. [email protected] photos and prices. Email: Services only. Commercial 50-year LARGE HOUSE Jacuzzi for 99 baht/night. Ten- [email protected] lease. Developers: Add Incen- Shared house in a gated se- ants also get 99 baht/day PATONG GRAND tive with first-class horse riding cure community. All ameni- scooter rate at Seablue CONDO NEED HOUSE facility. Tel: 084-842 4581. Or ties, long-term, non-smoker. WITH POOL DWF HOME SERVICES Phuket, Soi Banzaan. Tel: 076- Apartment for sale in Patong. 1 send email: christyksweet Tel: 087-077 9816. Email: We are looking to rent a house Built-in bars, counters, 344405, 089-474 6670. Email: big room, bathroom, balcony. @gmail.com [email protected] for one year starting June 15. If pools, kitchens, ponds, etc. [email protected] Fully furnished. Community you have a house that is not Contact: K. Noi. pool. Low rent. I also have 3 available until July or August, rooms on the beach road. Tel: Tel: 081-606 5746. Email: we would still consider. Please 087-882 1445. Email: peter_ DWF_homeservices Classified Advertisements email pics and details. Email: [email protected] @hotmail.com Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. [email protected] Then hand it to any of our agents. 18,000 BAHT / MONTH HOUSE IN THALANG Garden Place Thalang. 97sqw, 3 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 park- ing spaces, common pool. Tel: 085-887 7414 (English & Thai). |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Email: niminphuket@ gmail.com

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| BRIGHT APTS CHALONG Serviced studio apartments |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| now available. Rates from 9,000 baht/month. Includes maid services, internet, TV, full furnishings. and a rooftop pool. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Great location near Big Bud- dha. Please contact for more information. Tel: 086-282 6221. Email: info@chalonga part |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| ment.com Website: www. chalongapartment.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. Deadline for all other ads: Saturday 12 noon. See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net 34 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011

SCP LAW ASSISTANCE Paralegal services. Qualifica- tions: - Fluent in English, both written VIDEO PRODUCTION OFFICE SECRETARY OFFICE SECRETARY and spoken ASSISTANTS We are seeking an energetic Real estate agency requires - Excellent English communica- Travel video production assis- and proactive full-time office an office secretary. Experi- tion skills tants wanted by Internet Travel secretary/administrative assis- ence is a plus. Tel: 076- - Good attitude and works well TV station based on Phuket. tant. Candidates must have 384664, 087-898 8647 (En- under pressure Open training opportunities for good English and computer glish). Fax: 076-384665. Tel: 081-893 3212, 081-968 beginners with knowledge of skills. Tel: 086-004 3008. Email: Email: [email protected] 0230. Email: Rodriguez.l@scp- photoshop or basic video cutting [email protected] lawassistance.com softwares. Flexible working hours PHP PROGRAMMER and a good learning attitute is im- COOK / CHEF WANTED Wanted for full-time position in MAID/NANNY WANTED portant for the internet multi-me- Cook wanted for a private Chalong. Good salary. Tel: Required for live in-job near dia work. Tel: 082-323 9315 (En- house in Surin. Must have 084-628 2629. Send resume to boat lagoon.Great salary. Tel: glish), 082-784 7271 (Thai). good spoken English and a [email protected] 080-208 7454. Email: [email protected] For driving license. Good salary further details, please see our and benefits. Please contact website at www.web62.com Chitchamon for more infor- HOTEL POSITIONS SHOP ASSISTANT mation. Tel: 086-282 9449 AVAILABLE WANTED TEACHER AT PSU IN (English & Thai). Send email: For our bicycle shop at Kata - Engineer HAAD YAI [email protected] Salary 9,000 to 10,000 Beach. Thai female or male, Prince of Songkhla University, English speaking (not fluent is baht per month plus ser- International College, Hat Yai ADMIN + LITTLE vice charge. Working acceptable) for sales and rent- Campus is looking to fills En- als services. Good salary with ACCOUNTS hours from 8am to 8pm . glish-speaking lecturer position Young Thai female, good at En- commission. Immediate start. Work 5 days with 2 days in social science. Please email glish. Must be able to do withhold- Tel: 089-730 7520. off . Must be skilled in elec- cover letter and resume to ing fax forms and use Microsoft trical, plumbing systems & [email protected] office. Three months trial period. MARKETING JOB wood work. Position avail- Salary 12,000 baht per month. able now. Must be a Thai Looking to recruit English speak- 50,000 BAHT Tel: 076-271315, 081-895 6267. national, fluent in English. ing Thais for our marketing com- Fax: 076-271316.Email CV and PER MONTH - Bartender/Receptionist pany in Chiang Mai. Tel: 053- For low season we need En- photo to joinourcampany@ 282079, 085-473 4207 (English). glish-speaking marketing per- gmail.com Salary 8,000 to 9,000 Email: sastravelmarketing sonal. Work permit and visas baht per month plus ser- @gmail.com are provided. Tel: 081-607 vice charge & commis- SALES EXECUTIVE sion. Must have front 3434. Email for more info: NEEDED LOOKING FOR NANNY [email protected] desk experience. Shifts Sales Executive needed ur- alter from morning, after- Thai family is seeking a nanny gently in Phuket Town. Qualifi- who can speaks Chinese to our MAID AND GARDENER noon and evening. Must cations: Aged between 25-45 have knowledge in making kids. Full- or part-time. Live out. (THAI) years, male or female. Good Good salary. Tel: 089-159 3239. Wanted, with hotel experience drinks & bar beverages, command of written and spo- and be friendly and outgo- for farang-owned house in ken English.Minimum 2 years Rawai. Tel: 081-797 7898. ing with guests. Must NATIVE ENGLISH experience as sales officer, speak and understand TEACHER any construction experience English. Female caucasian to teach STAFF NEEDED will be considered favorably. class of 10,12 and 3-5 years One maid for cleaning and one Salary: 8,500-12,000 baht not Position available. old children in Chalong. Mon- motorbike mechanic/repair- including commission. Email: Tel: 076-333222. Or send Fri, 8am-4pm. Tel: 080-624 man. Experience needed. Tel: [email protected] email: sales@ccblooms 7060. Email: buds.span@ 083-634 5772 (English & Thai). www.phuket-stainless- hotel.com yahoo.com Email: [email protected] service.com Looking for a job? Looking for a better candidate? Find more Recruitment Classifieds at www.PhuketGazette.Net! May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 35

TEACHER WANTED NEED GERMAN- Charlemprakiatsomdet SPEAKING NANNY prasinakarin School Phuket Young Thai/German couple is looking for a native English with a 10-month-old baby speaker to teach computer boy is looking for a "live in" and English classes. Please nanny with good German email a cover letter and CV to language skills. A nice room [email protected] or pls and motorbike for personal see me about Clarke 084 use are available. Minimum 4463049. wage is 10,000 baht, depend- ing on German language SALES REPS skills. Nanny should take REQUIRED care of our boy and do some Great employment opportuni- house cleaning. Contact ties with limited vacancies. We Bernd with a photo. Tel: 089- need enthusiastic motivated 650 3038 (English). Email: individuals to join our success- [email protected] ful team. Full training, great commissions and start-up SHOP ASSISTANT packages are available. Email WANTED [email protected] For our bicycle shop at Kata Beach. Thai female or male, LEE MARINE CO LTD English-speaking (not fluent Bookeeper for the Service De- is acceptable) for sales and partment. Needs to have a rentals services. Good salary high vocational certificate, with commission. Immediate Bachelor's degree in account- start. Tel: 089-730 7520. ing, experience with Quick Book, experience with MS SALES CONSULTANTS Office software, good com- REQUIRED mand of English, systematic Club Asia Fitness requires thinking & be team player, Sales Consultants. Thai na- enthusiastic & hard-working. tional – English speaking an Tel: 076-225544. Email: advantage. Earn 20,000 baht [email protected] ++. Tel: 076-354027, 087- 275 3614 (English). Email: WEB DESIGNER [email protected] Experienced web designer re- For further details, please see quired in Ao Nang, Krabi. Thai our website at www.clubasia National only. Tel: 081-077 phuket.com 5698. Please send email to: [email protected] SWEDISH STAFF Part-time work for Swedish- MEMBERSHIP speaking female 20-30 years CONSULTANT old. Send your CV in English Phuket's Premier Health Club to [email protected] requires a self motivated and organized female Thai national TEACHER WANTED with excellent English, and QSI Phuket has a vacancy with previous experience in for the position of teacher. sales, membership role. Sal- For children 5-6 years old. ary plus commission. Tel: Requirements: native En- 076-360885, 089-926 5543 glish speaker with BA in edu- (English). Fax: 076-360887. cation, proper certification For further details, please see and experience. This is not our website at www.rpmhealth an ESL position. Write to club.com email your CV and [email protected] and covering letter to the GM at [email protected] [email protected] Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! 36 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011

RESTAURANT BAR BAR/RESTAURANT Articles Bar & SPONSOR A CHILD PARTNER FOR Located on main road in Nai IN PATONG For Sale Restaurant The Phuket International INTERIOR Yang. Full kitchen, pizza oven, Bar/ restaurant for sale on Bangla Women’s Club is a volun- BUSINESS seat 65,unique decor, owner Road, Patong, Phuket. Rare Equipment teer organization raising leaving country, Priced for quick opportunity, best location on funds for educational schol- BABY CHAIR sale. Tel: 087-891 2384. Bangla Road, Soi Patong Re- arships. We rely on the sort, a fashionable bar/restaurant For sale baby chair. Tel: 085- ABSOLUTE BARGAIN goodwill of donors and 069 0938. Email: nnorthwo@ SALE TATTOO on two floors with a large terrace Absolute bargain: Bangla beer sponsors – small and REMOVAL LASER which can serve up to 80 hotmail.com bar for sale for 1.25 million large. If you would like to put and business. Good income. customers.The kitchen is fully- baht firm price. Located in a BABY BED/PLAY YARD something back into the Tel: 080-718 1686. Email: fitted and the place fully- popular soi off Bangla Road, PATIO community in which you [email protected] equipped, ready to start the busi- Cool Kids brand, Suitable for 0 the bar comes with all fixtures live, contact us to find out ness. Price: 4.2 million baht. - 36 months old, Toy bar + and fittings and a 3-year, 2- more about giving a prize or Rent: 60,000 baht per month. month lease already paid. The being a sponsor. Please FREE BIRD BAR Rings to learn to stand up, FOR SALE Lease contract 8 years. Tel: mosquito net, compact folding monthly rent is low. This bar call K. Carol (Tel: 087-417 087-818 2098 (English), 084- has made me so much 8860) or K. Sue (Tel: 087- Seating for 70 people. Aircon + carry bag, Size 100x100 x79. stage and dance floor. 2x50 TV 758 7468 (English). Email: Only 4,000 baht, was 8,000 money over the past 3 years I 277 6948). Or email: info [email protected] have owned it, and has also @phuketiwc.com sets, 1-bedroom suite-tower. baht new . Tel: 089-996 2692. Restaurant fully equipped, with Email: sj.holmqvist@gmail. been a lot of fun. I am only selling it now as I am getting We are looking for a partner seats for 40. Parking spaces. EASY MONEY com Price: 3.5 million baht. Call Nok married and moving perma- to invest and work in our A fully established Phuket- nently abroad. Serious inquir- Business interior design-related busi- at 087-244 1322 or Chris at 087- WASHING MACHINE 884 8972. based business for sale. ies only please. Contact Bell ness. We are a long-estab- Very profitable, easy to 2,000 BAHT for more information.Tel: 084- Opportunities lished business operating Washing machine: 5kg, front manage, non-tourism re- 843 2667. (Thai & English). from Koh Samui wishing to CO LTD FOR SALE lated. High expansion po- loader, hot water, 6 years old, for Email: patty.bamert@gmx. open a branch on Phuket. 2,000 baht. It works. Call me RESTAURANT Capital: 2 million, founded tential. Interested? Email: net FOR SALE We are looking for some- [email protected] from 1pm to 6pm. You can see one who is experienced in in June 2010. 15,000 baht. Pasta n Noodles restaurant in it in Phuket Town and I have Phuket's real estate sector. Cash register (RTECH, Karon up for immediate sale. pickup for delivery. Tel: 083-525 Bulletins We have excellent exclu- PBM WD-1) 10,000 baht. Seats 60. Tel: 076-344922, 081- PHUKET BUSINESS 8914 (English & Thai). Email: sive brands and many Tel: 087-892 2335. Email: 978 4982. Email: jctailor@ FOR SALE [email protected] years of experience in furni- [email protected] loxinfo.co.th Please see our We have lots of businesses ture retail and wholesale SECONDHAND website at: www.bluewater for sale. Tel: 081-537 9684. business. Investment TREADMILL phuket.com TRENDY RESTAURANT See our website at www.aqua needed: 2 million baht. Tel: Secondhand treadmill for FOR SALE propertygroup.com 077-247675, 081-400 4678 10,000 baht. Please call Garry. Brand-new running restaurant BAR BANGLA ROAD (English & Thai). Email: Tel: 087-889 9064. Email: for sale in Patong. Profes- NEW MASSAGE AND Soi Tiger. 1.6 million baht. Tel: michaelsamui44@ [email protected] 082-810 9670. sional set up & design. Out- BEAUTY SHOP gmail.com For more de- door patio. Located next to For sale. In Patong. Fully JACUZZI FOR SALE tails. See our website at famous Patong attractions. equipped, large modern mas- ROOFTOP RESTAURANT www.oriental-living.net Mobile spa in good condition, FOR RENT Great earning potential. Seats sage parlor, hair salon and used only for 1 year. Price: On the top floor of Sinthavee 100. All government licenses beauty shop. Available for view- 70,000 baht. Tel: 081-667 1637 Hotel, Phuket Town. Conve- in place. Rent 120,000 baht per ing. Tel: 086-281 8883. (English & Thai). nient for a restaurant or bar. OFFICE FOR RENT month. Lease 3+3 years. Also, a discotheque on the 2nd Included tour c/t. Good loca- Owner relocating. Price: 10 PORTABLE SITE OFFICE MOVING! ITEMS floor (with license). Tel: 087- tion in Patong at low rent. Ready million baht. Tel: 080-474 0444 6mx3mx2.5m with aircon. 4 FOR SALE 270 9093. Email: a.pueng to start business right away. Al- (English), +971-50-244 2441 windows, 1 door. In good con- - Electrolux Coffee Machine, @gmail.com ready decorated. Tel: 087-626 (English). Email: aahmed244 dition. For sale or rent. Tel: 089- auto-drip coffee (includes fil- 6214. @gmail.com 731 7699. ters): 500 baht - Hanabashi Electric Stovetop BAR FOR SALE Cooker: 500 baht Under Bangla boxing sta- - Royal Phuket Marina Health dium, very cheap, fully fur- Club one month membership: nished, TV, cable, fridge, 6,000 baht value, open to any good situation. Price: offers! 500,000 baht. Tel: 082-256 Tel: 082-804 5506. Email: 5386. Email: fasa6075@ [email protected] hotmail.fr May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 37

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY Business Products & Services GM CURTAIN Dive Gear Brand new resturant in Patong, professional set up and design. Seats 100, close to popular tour- DIVING GEAR, 2 SETS ist attractions, rent 120,000 Bottles and regulators in baht/month. Lease 3+3. Run- great condition. Tel: 081-892 ning hotel, central location 0960. Email: danmilesmedia Patong. Rent 120,000 baht/ @gmail.com month. Lease 3+3+3 . Price: 8 million baht. Tel: 080-474 0444. BAUER JR Sells curtains, upholstery, COMPRESSOR and accessories domesti- As new. Price: 110,000 baht. BEAUTY & MASSAGE cally and internationally. We SHOP Tel: 081-892 0960. Email: offer design and an outdoor [email protected] Large, fully-equipped. Shop service installation in all prov- behind Jungceylon in Patong. inces around the country. Must see. Tel: 086-281 8883. We also give advice on the se- lection of material, equipment Miscellaneous SHOP FOR RENT and all types of installation For Sale On Soi Sansabai. Only 15,000 work by a well-experienced baht per month. 7 meters x 4 and capable team. Curtains, meters. Tel: 089-544 3555. sofa clothes, roller blinds, PROJECTOR/BEAMER Email: [email protected] wallpapers, accessories. Ad- NEC professional. Barely used, dress: 128/124 Topland like new. Price: 200,000 baht. LAUNDRY SHOP (Radsada) Prachautid Rd., Now 25,000 baht. Tel: 089-652 FOR SALE Muang Phuket. Tel: 076- 5664. 280,000 baht at a good location 610072, 081-891 8148. Fax: with a solid customer base. 076-610073. 2 PENN 130 SENATOR Fully furnished. Includes 2 bed- Reels, rods, lines. Includes 30 rooms. Tel: 086-115 2184. new repella lures. Tel: 081-892 RAINBOW 0960. Email: danmilesmedia PATONG BAR & ICE CREAM @gmail.com RESTAURANT Fruit sherbet ice cream bars. For sale. 231 Nanai Road. In- Safe, made to GMP stan- cludes a small bedroom and a dards, the Halal standard Personal bathroom with hot shower. and OTOP products. 15 fla- Services Fully-furnished. Sale: 250,000 vors to choose from, such as baht. Rent: 19,000 baht per Strawberry, Durian, Mango, month. Tel: 085-477 5935. Chocolate, etc. Retail - FREELANCE Wholesale - Delivery. Great PHOTOGRAPHER BAR ON BANGLA RD for ceremonies, birthday par- Bar at front of Soi Gonzo. Key ties, and many other types of Make a difference to your money paid, 4-year lease. gatherings. Tel: 086-191 images Rent at 10,000 baht per month. 6335 (Thai), 084-119 4094 - Pre-wedding Tel: 088-440 9324 (English), (English & Thai). Email: - Wedding 087-769 6229 (Thai). Email: [email protected] - Portrait [email protected] - Family memories BIG KAMALA - Party RESTAURANT / BAR Computers - Events Buy or lease now. Only 550,000 Contact : Tingnoi 081- 606 5746. baht, reduced from 1.2 million 15" MACBOOK PRO 2.2 baht. Tel: 082-807 2392. Email: www.facebook.com/ Needs new logic board. Best cash [email protected] tingnoidwf offer or swap for iPad2. Tel: 084- tingnoidwf.multiply.com 292 0008 (English & Thai). Email: RESTAURANT FOR robinsonkevin @mac.com QUICK SALE TRAMPOLINES In Patong Nanai center. Ready to For large trampolines at the best open with 30 seats. Price: prices. For a surcharge of 950 ENGLISH Personals 599,000 baht. Tel: 087-265 7937. baht, we deliver to your front door COMPUTERMAN in Phuket in 4-5 days. Email us or Sales, service, repair, WLAN, call 087-707 9461 (Sukanya), 081- used desktops. Tel: 076- ANY BRIDGE FREE RENT UNTIL 2012 720 6462 (Herve). Email: 384385, 084-625 7744 (En- PLAYERS? Busy Chalong restaurant. sukanya@trampoline glish). Fax: 076-384385. Email: We would welcome a few new Well equipped and fully-fur- thailand.com Website: www.tram computermanphuket@ players. We play at Da Vinci & nished. Price 280,000 baht, polinethailand.com gmail.com private homes. Tel: 087-470 7570. No key money. Tel: 087-852 2057 (English & Thai). Email: [email protected]

SMALL APARTMENT Offices and shop to rent. Near Chalong Pier. Start from 3,500 baht per month. Tel: 084-943 3574.

SALE OR RENT KATA 8-room guesthouse with WiFi and restaurant 5 minutes' walk BUDS NURSERY SIGN/ MEDIA/ from beach. With Chanote title. KINDERGARTEN ADVERTISING One of the busiest guesthouses Phuket oldest bi-lingual inter- Please contact K.Pu in Phuket the last three years. national child care facility. 086-698 6544. 80% occupancy even low sea- High quality time proven Email: son. Tel: 081-894 8446. Email: schedule and curriculum. Ex- [email protected] [email protected] perienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 - 6. Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm. Bus PITTA BREAD TOUR DESK FOR SALE service available from Patong, Pitta bread for kebab and 5,900 BAHT Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai We are located behind "Bar buritos. Pitta is the perfect and Chalong. Please contact ONE" near the Christin Mas- choice of flat bread. You will like for more information. Tel: sage complex. Tel: 076- our home-style pitta bread with 076-282 232, 080-624 7060. 341774, 088-443 3451, 084- a fresh flavor for your orders. Please see our website at: 443 6085 (English). Email: Tel: 089-221 4483. Email: www.buds-phuket.com [email protected] [email protected] 38 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011

TOYOTA WISH 2007 CHEAP CAR RENTAL Saloon Cars CHRYSLER NEON 4 x 4s 80,000KM Rentals From 11,000 baht per month, 2.OL Fully equipped with leather including insurance. Contact TOYOTA ALTIS seats, rooftop, DVD-GPS- BRAND NEW CAR Chalong car service. Tel: 076- Full optionals, with air bags, JEEP WRANGLER back camera, electric seats FOR RENT 384060. ABS breaks, automatic gears, and automatic Tiptronic gear. Honda Jazz. Top sport model, power windows and digital When new it cost 1.42 million with first class insurance and 4-DOOR PICKUP aircon. Dark blue. Price: baht. Will sell for 860,000 delivery service. Rent: 7,000 FOR RENT 429,000 baht for a quick sale. baht. One owner. Tel: +46-76- baht per week. Long-term rate New Mitsubishi Triton, automatic, Tel: 084-184 1856. 850 9157 (English), 082-278 available. Tel: 081-343 0777. fully insured. Tel: 081-970 3136. Manual, excellent condition, 7377 (English & Thai). Email: Email: [email protected] [email protected] VOLVO V40 new 17" alloys, tyres. Only CAR FOR RENT 103,000km. Runs well. Year 2002, only 1 owner, well Original 4-wheel drive Honda Jazz sports car model Price: 230,000 baht. Tel: 087- A1 CAR RENTALS serviced, blue color, accident Jeep Wrangler 4.0, 6 cyl- ISUZU D-MAX CAB4 compact car for rent with first- 893 1753. free. Engine and car in very inders. Sahara beach ride. 4X4 AT class insurance. Delivery good condition. Tel: 02-662 48,000km. New price in Isuzu D-Max Cab4 LS 4x4 service available. Tel: 089- 2447, 081-638 6757. Email: HONDA CITY Thailand: 3.2 million baht. Nov'09 (2010 Model). Auto- 727 1548. [email protected] 1997, 155,000km, automatic, Selling for 950,000 baht. In matic, 3.0Ddi VGS Turbo, full CD-player, good condition. top condition. Call Edwin. options: navigation, reverse NEW VIOS FOR RENT camera, Lenso wheels. 19,000 Price: 180,000 baht. Tel: 081- Tel: 086-786 6350. Comes with first class insur- 1991 DAIHATSU MIRA km, Asking price: 790,000 271 8635 (English & Thai). ance. Special rate for long term For sale. Price: 65,000 baht. baht. Tel: 087-278 7427. Email: rental. Tel: 083-690 9159, 086- Fully insured. 12,000 to 200,000km, 2 previous fe- TOYOTA HILUX VIGO [email protected] 2004 HONDA JAZZ 476 9598 (English & Thai). 20,000 baht per month. male owners. With registra- D-4D. 6 years old. 90,000 km. tion book. Tel: 081-081 3137. Price: 320,000 baht. Black. In Email: [email protected] Tel: 089-831 4703. Email: good condition. Tel: 081-476 Manual gears. Well main- 2005 TOYOTA AVANZA [email protected] 3242. Email: natthapornw@ tained. Price: 395,000 baht. Tel: AUTO 1.3 087-993 8737. ISUZU D MAX TOYOTA ALTIS 1.8 hotmail.com Good condition, 69,000km, any FOR RENT trial, full service history, full insur- Automatic, top model, with 600 BAHT/DAY TOYOTA VIOS ance, 7-seater, new tyres and 4-wheel drive. For short- and OR 14,000 BAHT/ TOYOTA suspension. TV, DVD, surround MONTH For sale. 4 years old with only FORTUNER 2006 long-term rent with first-class 67,000km. ABS and airbag. sound. 360,000 baht o.n.o. Tel: insurance. Tel: 089-971 3.0 diesel, 2006, auto- Black. In good condition. Tel: 087-265 8845 (Thai). Email: 5664. matic. Black. 70,000km. 089-588 5692. [email protected] Recent battery, tyres and paint. Great inside and HONDA CLICK I Sport pack. 2008. Auto- MAZDA 323 FOR SALE out. Price: 870,000 baht. Motorbikes FOR RENT matic. Leather seats. Low 1997. 150,000km 1.8 engine. For more info. Tel: 087-893 Honda Click I for rent, brown- km, 1 owner. Price: 750,000 5 doors. In good condition, ac- 5795 (English & Thai). grey, new, 3,000 baht per baht. Tel: 087-265 8002. cident free. Price: 160,000 baht. Fax: 076-238721. Email: month. Customer must be Tel: 081-667 1637. [email protected] HONDA over 25 years old. Tel: 081- Cars for rent at Rawai SILVERWING 6370 424 (English & Thai). beach. Proton, Yaris, 2010 TOYOTA VIOS Send email: davidrwarburton Aveo, with insurance and 1.5G Pickups 4X4 FOR SALE @hotmail.com delivery. Tel: 080-328 9986, Automatic, limited edition. Excellent condition, Suzuki 088-180 0351. Email: 10,000km. White and black Vitara, red/silver. Need quick TOYOTA [email protected] leather seats. Price: 614,000 NICE NV FOR SALE sale as I am leaving Phuket. Tel: 11,000 BAHT / MONTH baht. Tel: 081-612 4187. Email: With matching shell, very low 080-693 3830 (English). Email: Automatic transmission, de- [email protected] use, Farang owned, perfect [email protected] livery service and insurance. conditon, Price: 175,000 baht. Vans 600cc, 2008 original, with Tel: 081-607 8567. Email: Tel: 080-040 6230. TOYOTA VIOS E 2008 SUZUKI CARIBIAN book, EC. Very fast. [email protected] SALE/RENT 1990, sporty, 1.3 engine, in fair 26,000km. Price: 280,000 MINIVAN 2003 Price: 125,000 baht. Financ- NISSAN FRONTIER 3.0 condition for age. Price: 65,000 baht. Tel: 087-893 1753. Looks like new. Can carry 11 ing possible at 9,300 baht/ 2004 baht. Rawai. Tel: 083-641 9327. VIOS, JAZZ people. Only 1 owner. Price: month. Condition like new. Nissan Frontier 3.0 diesel for FOR RENT 199,000 baht. Financing: Rent 18,000 baht/month, sale.133,000 km, 2004 manual, HONDA CRV LOW KMS 1997 HARLEY 6,000 baht. Tel: 082-419 long term. Bike 3,000 baht/ 4 doors, music. Price: 250,000 2003. Silver. With leather DAVIDSON 0106, 086-474 9591. month. For more details. Tel: baht. Tel: 084-527 2172 (En- seats, new tyres and battery. DYNA Low Rider. The best in 089-008 5801. Or send email: glish). Email: johann@dive- Price: 480,000 baht. Tel: 085- Phuket, according to Scottie. [email protected] and-cruise.com 691 1039. Price: 400,000 baht. Tel: 081-892 Wanted 0960. Email: danmilesmedia@ gmail.com Short-or long-term rent. MOTORBIKE WANTED Looking to buy a Honda Click or Wheels & Motors HD XR 1200 Includes insurance deliv- a Yamaha motorbike. 1 - 3 years Carbon fibre & many extras. In ery service. Tel: 081-607 old. Must have green book. Tel: immaculate conditon, 2 years, 8567. Email: suksavat@ 081-079 5248 (English). Email: 900km. Price: 750,000 baht. hotmail.com Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Tel: 085-475 1033. [email protected]

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading)

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| 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. May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 39

BOAT FOR SALE HIPOLON DINGHY GENTLEMAN'S New Power Catamaran, fiber- 20M YACHT BERTH SUNNAV F.B. 72 Fiberglass bottom, 5Hp en- DINGHY 4.5M glass, 36 feet in length. Email: 20 meter Royal Phuket Ma- 1630 gine, just serviced, works per- Formerly sailing boat and [email protected] rina berth to let by private fectly. Price: 50,000 baht. Tel: yacht tender. Glass-over-ply owner. Please email for 087-620 8420. bottom with tongue and SELLING BOAT more information on flexible groove redwood top. Suzuki With many spares. Yanmar, terms and discounted rates. YAMAHA JET-SKI 5Hp 4-stroke. Spruce mast, Yamaha o/b 15Hp, pumps, Tel: +44-7866-588395. Cruiser VX. Safe and new, with boom and rudder. 3 sails. fans, blocks, anchors, chain, Email: [email protected] only 14 months of use. Has Price: 150,000 baht + 20,000 rope. Too many to list! Reason- warranty. In excellent condi- for trailer. Tel: 074-442170, ably priced. Call Greg or email. Luxury charter. Low season tion: only owner has used it. 90 089-466 1130 (English & CHALOMARK DINGHY hoursreels.Price: 350,000 Thai), 081-896 9319 (En- Tel: 087-385 4018. Email: 40Hp and 5Hp engines, can promotion. One-day tour [email protected] 150,000+ baht. Price in- baht. Tel: 089-819 9650. glish). Email: pygmysperm seat 8 people, like new. Price: Email: [email protected] [email protected] 180,000 baht, o.n.o. Tel: 089- cludes captain, crew, cook, LUXURY YACHT 652 5664. snorkeling & fishing equip- 25m luxury motor yacht for ment. Tel: 085-352 1942, YACHT TENDER / 55-FOOT 089-476 7443. Email: NOVURANIA CATAMARAN sale. Construction 95% com- SPEEDBOAT FOR SALE plete. Price: $420,000. For fur- [email protected] Yacht Tender/Novurania 6 double cabins, 105sqm. Sessa Key Largo, 140Hp. ther information please visit Website: www.sunnav.com 430DL, 50Hp Tohatsu, full Sails. Built 2010 in composite. Mercury outboard. Used for www.argusyachts.yolasite.com options plus trailer. 299,000 Price: 1.4 million baht o.n.o. fewer than 100 hours. Comes baht or trade. Tel: 081-003 Tel: 087-461 8089. with 9Hp Yamaha backup en- PACIFIC TRIP PERCEPTION KAYAK 6902. Email: contact@ gine. Free mooring + trailer + Touring sea kayak. Original purist.biz This is your opportunity to sail dinghy + GPS fishfinder. Price: romantically across the Pacific owner, USA import. 17' long, 600,000 baht with accessories. 63 pounds. Good for begin- 15HP YAMAHA SOLUTIONS TO Ocean. We are looking for some- Tel: 087-620 8420. OUTBOARD one to sail a Catalac 900 in July ners or advanced. Two avail- THIS WEEK’S Old, not used for the past 2 years, from Curacao to Phuket. You will able. Tel: 089-999 7597. was running before that. Price: PUZZLES need a skipper experienced in FIBERGLASS BOAT Email: [email protected] 36 feet with 2 Yamaha 200Hp 9,500 baht. Tel: 083-388 3145 tidal waters and crew. Contact For further details, please Crossword puzzle: engines. Just reconditioned. (English). Email: sy.tombatu@ Voytek as above for more informa- see my website at http:// Email: [email protected] gmail.com tion. Tel: 084-457 3574 (English). classifieds.russbo.com Email: [email protected]

46FT OFFSHORE CRUISER-RACER for sale. Please contact to Khun Gerrit. Tel: 081-842 3961, 087-276 7997. Email: gj.bijlsma @gmail.com Website at: www.phuketbutler.com/node/ 1544

INFLATABLE CANOE Sevylor Colorado. New in bag, includes paddle and two infla- tors. Price: 8,480 baht. Tel: 087- 077 9816 (English). Email: [email protected]

16M KETCH SAILING YACHT Cutter ketch rigged, center Impossibly Possible Quiz answers: cockpit, fully equipped 1. The Beach Boys 2. Five 3. Red VanderStad sailing yacht for 4. Albania 5. Green 6. Knee (it’s the kneecap) sale. Tel: 081-842 3961, 087- 7. USA (Arizona) 8.odka V 9. Yuri Gagarin 276 7997. Email: gj.bijlsma@ 10. Wear it – it’s an Arab veil 11. Judas Escariot gmail.com Website at: 12. Platypus 13. Dolphin www.phuketbutler.com/node/ 14. John Lennon 15. Red Rum 16. Lee Majors 1238 40 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011 May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Roosters crow 10s warning By Neil Quail nents their tackling was courageous and support play rarely faltered. AS A warm-up for the 2011 Heineken Organizer for the 10s Pat Cotter enjoyed Phuket International Rugby 10s tourna- the first friendly on Phuket rugby’s new ment, last year’s champions Kriel flagship pitch at TSLC. Roosters, from South Africa, took on “These games were good warm-ups and Phuket’s Vagabonds at Thanyapura Sports hopefully both teams will do well in the and Leisure Center (TSLC) in a trio of 15- competition. TLSC’s new synthetic rugby minute games. pitch is a great development for sports on Tuesday’s game was the first to be held the island and we look forward to many on TSLC’s International Rugby Board (IRB) years of rugby at Thanyapura,” Pat said. endorsed synthetic grass pitch. Coaches for the Kriel Roosters, Rudi The Roosters traveled with a full team, Koekemoer and Carel Schutte felt privileged including last year’s player of the tourna- to have their team play the inaugural rugby ment Vicky Muy. While the Vagabonds had match on the modern rubber-filled surface. good numbers they found themselves lack- “This is our third time to visit Phuket ing in the speed and weight departments. for the 10s. It’s a fantastic event and we Vagabonds did start well with Alex are delighted to return as champions to de- Cressard scything through a Roosters de- fend the title. The pitch and facilities at fense, still acclimatizing to the new surface, TRIPLE CROWN: Rudi Koekemoer, George TSLC will certainly benefit rugby in the to touch down after only two minutes. Grecia (TSLC) and Pat Cotter. Photo: Neil Quail region,” Carel said. Three minutes later Vicky Muy began platinum-blond Johan Van der Walt soon “To travel and participate in the Phuket shortening the odds as to whether he would scavenged the loose ball to score try num- 10s it costs [Kriel Roosters RFC] a total of reclaim player of the tournament. A sharp ber three in the ninth minute. 4.6 million baht which we raise ourselves. turn of pace to cut inside the mid field left Probing phase play and solid tackling Playing in the tournament is great prepara- him a clear 45-meter run to score beneath from both teams prevented further scores tion for our domestic league in South Africa the posts. for the next five minutes until Vagabonds as there is a lot more running involved. It A clean take from the resulting kick-off bravely attempted to run the ball from in- was a pleasure to play at this facility and gave the Roosters time to form a lengthy side their 22m line. Their attack was caught hope we have opportunities to return here flat back line while a staggered Vagabonds just short of the 22 as the Roosters flocked in the future,” Rudi added. defense advanced. Straight lines and accu- to the ensuing ruck and turned over The Roosters are also heavily involved rate passes awarded the Roosters an possession. with the Children’s Scholarship Program, inevitable gap which Muy exploited and A try was eventually scored by the South HOISTED: Roosters claim clean line-out ball. highlighted by the 10s event and help spon- Photo: Dean Noble charged another 40m unchallenged for his Africans, but referee Pat Cotter disallowed sor and promote the charity. second try. the score for a knock on. Vagabonds pen- similar pattern with the Roosters running The Heineken Phuket 10s starts on Fri- Vagabonds needed to stem the flow of alty clearance did not make touch and the in a total of eight tries for both games. day at Karon Stadium and will see some tries and a soaring kick-off gave them time resulting counter-attack gave the Roosters Vagabonds performance was not as exciting running rugby. Entrance is free for to chase and gather in numbers. Initial han- a final try in the dying seconds of the game. weak as the scoring suggests. Faced with spectators with an abundance of food, bev- dling let the Phuket side down and the The second and third games followed a considerably larger and experienced oppo- erages and evening events to enjoy. Australian Thorn aims for 115th marathon at Laguna COMPLETING one marathon is cope with the heat and sudden Rotorua in New Zealand 14 Debbie Dionysius, Laguna certainly on the to do list for transition from running in the Aus- years ago and Julia fittingly re- Phuket’s assistant vice president many people, but Australian, tralian winter,” said Julia. turned there in May 2010 to gain of Destination Marketing is Julia Thorn has gone 100 times Julia’s tactics are very impor- her centurion title, the first Aus- delighted to welcome this inspira- better than most and will com- tant and not just for this event, but tralian woman to achieve this tional athlete to Phuket. plete her 115th Pheidippides- in consideration of the next five accolade. “Julia has a fascinating story to inspired distance run at the marathons she must run. Passion for Distance, the Story tell and she will be of great inter- Laguna Phuket International “I’ll be taking it as easy and my of my 100 Marathons was pub- est to all our participants. Marathon (LPIM) in June. aim is to enjoy the atmosphere lished earlier this year and is the “The day before the marathon Not content with adding an- rather than run a fast time. inspirational account of Julia’s (June 11), Julia is scheduled to other notch to her belt, the “I previously ran this marathon transformation from non-runner give a presentation at the LPIM 53-year-old Melbourne native in 2006 and it has been my to marathon veteran and her ex- marquee on mental preparations has set herself the joint-jarring slowest so far. periences during that time. required for marathon running, task of running 10 marathons in “I suffered with the heat and Julia has also participated in and she will also autograph 10 cosecutive weekends. LPIM humidity, but I have wonderful longer events and has run 30 ultra copies of her book,” said Ms will be her fifth marathon in the memories of the scenic course marathons, including recently run- Dionysius. sequence. and the friendly support,” she ning 152 kilometers during a – Neil Quail “I expect this race to be the recalls. 24-hour track race and has sev- For more information visit W: Pounding the pavement in hardest of the 10 as I will have to Her first marathon was at eral triathlons to her name. phuketmarathon.com preparation for her 115th marathon. 42 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011 ACYC says ‘Hello Moto’ By Neil Quail Victron Energy Series Race 4 RACE four of the Victron Energy Series results: endured erratic wind conditions last Sun- day which provided a blistering pace for Racing: the lead boats, while others in the six-strong fleet experienced a more casual jaunt around Boat Name Place Chalong Bay. Skipper and owner of Moto Inzi, Roger Babe Mark Mizner 1 Kingdon competing in Multihull Class put Minx Kevin Gillow / Mick Kealy 2 Linda Patrick O’Mahony 3 the Firefly through her paces and exploited strong winds to earn a deserved victory Cruising: while Merv Owen skippered Silk Purse to second in the same class. Boat Name Place The win was somewhat historic for the Kingdon family. This was their first race of Chetak Jim Kane 1 the year and they had three generations on Multihull: board to help crew the catamaran, includ- ing Roger’s son, Jonathan, and grandson, Boat Name Place Harry. The older Kingdon’s smooth sailing GENERATION GAME: Jonathan, Harry and Roger Kingdon on ‘Moto Inzi’ in their Victron debut. clearly rocked the boat just enough as the Moto Inzi Roger Kingdon 1 Members of Ao Chalong Yacht Club Next on the ACYC sailing calendar is three-year-old lad enjoyed a nap through- Silk Purse Merv Owen 2 were saddened by the news of Patrick Race five of the Victron Energy Series out the action. O’Mahony’s passing as a result of injuries which will be held on June 5 following the In Racing Class, Babe skippered by late Patrick O’Mahony came in third hav- received from a motorbike accident (see Koh Samui Regatta on May 30 to June 4. Mark Mizner got off to a flier and led Minx ing hit a pocket of little wind which deflated page 2). Patrick skipperedLinda on Sun- Race Officer Chandran is deservedly and Linda from start to finish. Minx skip- any ambitions of a win. day and was returning home when the credited for getting the fleet around while pered by Kevin Gillow and Mick Kealy Chetak skippered by Jim Kane breezed accident occurred. ACYC offer their con- the ACYC crew exemplified hospitality with paced second and Linda skippered by the home to take first in Cruising Class. dolences to Patrick’s family. a much needed buffet. BIS to host FOBISSEA games next month BRITISH International School (BIS) operation and friendship between School in Kuala Lumpur, Tanglin Phuket are nearing the end of prepa- British Schools in different coun- Trust School in Singapore, Brit- rations for the prestigious Federa- tries and include a range of ish International School (Jakarta), tion of British International Schools activities such as sport, perform- Bangkok Patana School, Harrow in Southeast Asia (FOBISSEA) ing arts and community service. International School and Shrew- 2011 Primary Games. “For the students, the event is sbury International School in Group A of the Games will be not only an exciting opportunity to Bangkok. held from June 1 to 5 at the compete against peers from other A special gala dinner will be laid grounds of BIS and will include parts of the world, but also an op- on for students in the school’s competitions in track and field, portunity to make new friends. The refectory on June 4 at 5.30pm football, swimming and tee-ball (a games are played out in a friendly during which the final presenta- variation of softball). spirit and it is the meeting of people tion of awards will be made. The FOBISSEA is an organization of from other places that makes students will be invited to a spe- 37 British-styled international these games so special for all in- cial celebratory student disco put schools which offers a network volved,” said Christope Espouy, on in the school’s auditorium. of professional support for teach- Marketing and Communications For parents, a special gala bar- ers and staff while students benefit Executive at BIS. becue (6:30 to 8:30pm) will be from participating in the games Eight schools from the region catered by the Metropole Hotel. and interacting with children from will be represented by 288 pri- – Neil Quail different cultures and countries. mary students at this year’s games Dubbed as “The Friendly including; British International Fore more information contact event Games”, FOBISSEA competitions School (Phuket), Alice Smith co-ordinator Kate Newns at E: ON TRACK: Primary students gearing up for FOBISSEA at BIS. are a chance to celebrate the co- School and Garden International [email protected]

Find more Recruitment Classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net! May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET GAZETTE 43 FC Phuket caught by Hares

By Steven Layne Other Division 1 matches RECOVERING from their disap- played last weekend: pointing home loss against Saraburi Warlords last week, FC Phuket trav- eled to Thailand’s eastern region to take on Chantaburi FC for a late af- Chiang Mai 2 - 4 Songkhla ternoon game last Saturday. Drawing with Suphanburi FC PTT Raoyong 1 - 1 Rajapracha 2-2 in an away game last week, th 12 placed Chantaburi “Hares” Buriram 2 - 1 Suphan Buri were not to be taken lightly on their home turf. A lethargic 45 minutes and sev- Thai Honda 3 - 3 RBAC eral poorly missed opportunities from both FC Phuket and Samut Prakan 0 - 1 JW Rangsit Chantaburi FC saw the squads retreat to their dressing rooms, Bangkok FC 1 - 3 Bangkok Utd undoubtedly for a dressing down after a scoreless and uneventful Saraburi 0 - 1 BBCU first half. The scoreboard eventually flashed to life in the 50th minute to Sakdiwong picked up on the loose Air Force Utd 1 - 3 Chainat the dismay of the home crowd. ball and drilled his header home to FC Phuket’s Sarach Yooyen put FC Phuket a goal in front. KONE ADAME: Assisted FC Phuket’s goal. Photo: Apinun Saithong swung a dangerous free kick in FC Phuket held their lead for fectly weighted pass and side- crowd, the equalizer could not in- are preparing for a challenging from the left which caused a flap only 17 minutes, when in the 67th footed his effort past the spire victory and the score match this Sunday with Buriram among Chantaburi’s defense. minute, the Hares Phromphong outstretched Phuket goalkeeper to remained 1-1 until the final whistle. FC, currently in 2nd spot. The game Kone Adame managed to deflect Kransumrong outpaced Phuket level the scores. With 19 points, the Southern kicks off at 6pm at Surakul the cross into space where Sutee defenders, latched on to a per- While livening up the home Sea Kirin now sit in 8th place and Stadium. Big 4 Live Soccer Cup calls teams for registration RASSADA Municipality have opened registration for their inau- gural Big 4 Live Soccer tourna- ment, which will start June 18 and run each weekend until July 9. The host venue will be Laem Chan Health Station Sports Field in Wichit sub-district, and the tourna- ment will have more than 200,000 baht prize money for finalists. Deputy Mayor of the munici- pality, Amphon O-at stated the reason for organizing the event. “We hope to raise funds for the Wichit Public Health Fund and to promote beneficial use of leisure time amongst teenagers instead of being preoccupied with allure- There will be big prizes at the Big 4 ments that lead to ruin, as well as Live tournament. Photo: NormanVogel staying away from drugs,” he Cash awards will be given to said. top placed teams (100,000 baht for “The tournament will also give 1st, 50,000 baht for 2nd and 20,000 these athletes an opportunity to each for 3rd and 4th places) and the show their abilities and gain expe- team showing the best conduct rience in the advancement to the during the tournament. next stage of athletic excellence,” Highest goal scorer, Most Valu- he added. able Player and Best Goalkeeper Two categories make up the awards will also be recognized tournament: the first section is for with a 2,000 baht cash prize and the general public and will consist trophies. of 32 teams. Registration costs To register a team or for more 6,000 baht per team. information contact: Big Five Shop The second section will include (near Wat Thep temple) T:080- 16 Senior teams. Registration 2553999; Fern Sport shop on Mae costs 4,000 baht per team. Luan Road T:089-6492198; The format for the tournament Phuket Tourism and Sports Pro- will be seven aside and teams can vincial office T:081-5372990 or register up to 12 players plus a Mick Sport T:081-9790477 non-playing manager. – Steven Layne 44 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011 Snooker stars take their cue

By Janpen Upatising the opening match while 87- ranked Issara Kachaiwong will SNOOKER is back in the frame play the last of the second round from June 6 to 11 when 19 pro- matches. fessional players will compete for President of the Patong Hotels the 2011 SangSom Phuket Cup at Association, Dr Jirachai Amorn- the Royal Paradise Hotel and Spa pairoj, said that the competition Patong. last year was a great success as a The tournament is part of result of wonderful support from Thailand’s Ranking Circuit the people of Phuket. The venue Snooker Championship and will will accommodate 200 seated include two English profession- spectators and admission is free. als: Stuart Bingham and Alfred “SangSom will award prize- Burden. Thai star Ratchapol Pu- money of 147,000 baht to any Ob-Orm, or James Wattana as his player who achieves a maximum western fans would know him, break of 147. The winner of the will also compete. Phuket Cup competition will re- Burden, ranked 57 in the ON THE BALL: World no. 67 Wattana ceive a purse of 100,000 baht,” BREAKING CONCENTRATION: World no. 17 Bingham addresses the cue ball. world, was a football talent in O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and said Sakda Rattanasuban, Vice tourism during the low season in a variety of activities to offer. his youth and played in the same John Higgins. He is currently President of the Billiard Sports Phuket. “We are hosting many sports Arsenal junior team as Frank ranked at 17, one place behind Association of Thailand. “Admission is free so we hope competitions such as the Na- Lampard. However, a bad tackle Hendry and six behind O’Sullivan. Phuket Director of the Tourism this will attract many people in- tional Youth Games in March resulting in a horrific injury Ratchapol (Wattana) has won the Authority of Thailand Bangornrat terested in the sport. We expect 2012 and the Asian Beach Games ended any possibility of a career Thailand Open on two occasions Shinaprayoon commented on the to generate about 50 million baht in 2014. in football. and is ranked 67 in the world. advantages of hosting such a high through the event,” she said. “Snooker is another great com- Bingham’s career has seen him Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon is profile competition. Governor Tri Augkaradacha petition to have marked in Phuket’s defeat the likes of Ronnie ranked 82 and will face Burden in “This event will help boost said he wants Phuket to have event calendar,” he said.

Looking for a place to stay? See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net PHUKET PROPERTY REVIEW May 28 - June 3, 2011 PhuketGazette.Net Strength in numbers INSIDE

Market resilience is proving to be a domestic-led effort Pages 4-5 North By Bill Barnett Phuket retains the crown as Asia’s resort destination king with Page 10 AS THE world crawls out from 2.84 billion baht in upscale villa East the shadows of the global sales last year. economic crisis, and last year’s The highlight of the year was political events in Thailand start the Allan Zeman “Andara effect” to fade from memory, changing cover story, twinned with a west- Pages 6-7 faces and places characterize side slant. West Phuket’s real-estate market. Meanwhile a strong Thai Interest from the emerging baht is helping to keep many tourism markets of Russia, China potential purchasers on the Page 9 and India is rising as traditional sidelines. Market conditions Inland European buyers continue to retract. that favor buyers are expected As the market has matured, to push the short-term trend resales have come to the forefront towards secondary sales, where in the once-dominant overseas the negotiation power lies. sector. Another success story in the Thailand’s thriving three-year making is Patong’s push toward domestic property surge has urbanization, which has resulted headed to the south of the island in land prices pushing the 40 with a flurry of both listed to 60mn baht per rai point of developers and low-cost entry- no return. level products enjoying the highest Meanwhile, the rush on land Page 8 trading volumes. banking speculation has pushed South This can be seen most clearly into Mai Khao, Koh Sireh and up in two polar opposites: inland to higher elevations inland. Page 2 properties priced from two to four Increasing competition from million baht and luxury villas at other Asian resort destinations Baht Bites Hard 65mn baht and above. such as Bali and the promise Page 3 of stabilized yields in dev- eloped markets such Financing for Foreigners as the United King- Page 11 dom and United States is bringing Personality increased com- petition for Phuket. Pages 12 & 13 Luxury Living

PHUKET PROPERTY: Page14 PATONG PUSH: Rising land prices in Patong has been one of the major Market share break- success stories in the property market this past year. Photo: Phuket Gazette down by country Looking Forward ),1'<2851(:3523(57<:,7+3+8.(7.%5($/(67$7(

:H DUH \RXU 3KXNHW UHDOHVWDWH 7KLV ORYHO\ YLOOD LV ORFDWHG LQ DJHQF\ KHOSLQJ \RX WR ¿QG D QHZ WKH YHU\ KHDUW RI 1DL +DUQ GUHDP KROLGD\ RU UHVLGHQWLDO KRPH FORVHWRIDFLOLWLHVVXFKDVUHV LQ 3KXNHW :H KDYH RQO\ WKH EHVW WDXUDQWVVKRSVDQGPRUH,W¶V KRXVHV YLOODV DQG FRQGRPLQLXPV RQO\ D WKUHHPLQXWH GULYH WR WR RIIHU \RX :H DUH ³LQ WKH PDU WKH SULVWLQH 1DL +DUQ %HDFK 7KHUHLVDORWRISULYDF\ZKHQ NHW´HYHU\GD\±VRZHNQRZZKDW¶V \RXDUHUHOD[LQJLQWKLVYLOOD,W JRLQJ RQ :H UHSUHVHQW \RX LQ WKH FRPHV IXOO\IXUQLVKHG :DWHU YHU\EHVWDQGVHFXUHZD\ZKHQ\RX VXSSO\ FRPHV IURP D SULYDWH EX\SURSHUWLHVWKURXJKXV:HDOVR ZHOO+HUH\RXFDQEHSDUWRI RIIHUWRKHOS\RXZKHQUHQWLQJ\RXU D VPDOO DQG XQLTXH ERXWLTXH 7KLVIDEXORXVFRQGRPLQLXPKDVDQLQFUHGLEOH RZQ SULYDWH YLOOD RU KROLGD\ DSDUW GHYHORSPHQW ± DV WKHUH DUH VHDYLHZRYHUORRNLQJWKH$QGDPDQ6HD7KLV RQO\ ¿YH YLOODV 7KH YLOOD KDV WZRVWRUH\ SHQWKRXVH VXLWH IHDWXUHV WKUHH PHQW :H KDYH PRUH WKDQ  RQO\ EHHQ XVHG IXOOWLPH E\ EHGURRPV RQ WKH ORZHU ÀRRU DQG D IDQWDVWLF GLIIHUHQW SODFHV WR UHQW &KHFN RXW UHVLGHQWLDORZQHUV RSHQOLYLQJDUHDRQWKHWRSÀRRU(QMR\\RXU RXU³5(17$/6´VHFWLRQ SULYDWHVZLPPLQJSRRODQGJHWWKHIHHOLQJWKDW 3ULFHPLOOLRQEDKW \RXDUHVZLPPLQJWRZDUGVWKHVHD7KHIXUQL WXUHLV)UHQFKGHVLJQHGIURP3DULVE\3KLOLSSH 6WDUFNDQGLVLQFOXGHGLQWKHSULFH$OOZLQGRZ .%5($/(67$7( FRYHUVDZQLQJVDQGDLUFRQGLWLRQLQJXQLWVDUH 3URSHUW\IRUVDOHV UHQWDOV FRQWUROOHGHOHFWURQLFDOO\ 0RR%=(17(575DZDL$0XDQJ 3ULFHPLOOLRQEDKW 7KDLODQG 1H[WWR'D9LQFLUHVWDXUDQW  www.kb-realestate.com 7HO  (PDLOLQIR#NEUHDOHVWDWHFRP ZZZNEUHDOHVWDWHFRP 2 PHUKET GAZETTE BAHT BITES HARD May 28 - June 3, 2011 Strong baht can help and hinder How the baht’s rising value is affecting property investment

By Graham Macdonald this is far from being a certainty. have seen a decline of about Nevertheless, over the long term one-third over the same period. TO BUY or not to buy, that is the the baht will get stronger against If you are in this boat and plan question. And what currency to the dollar. to stay in Thailand or the region use? From a fundamental point of Hedging against a baht for the foreseeable future, you view, in the short term it can be correction is another option, but need to take a position which gives argued that the US dollar may be this requires expertise in both you the best return for your baht. technically oversold and so due timing and selecting the correct Holding on to Western currencies for a bounce. However, the long- hedge. There are a number of indefinitely is increasingly unlikely term trend is down for the dollar products on the market that hedge to deliver this. The golden rule is and up for most Asian currencies. in baht, the Singapore dollar that your income-producing assets There is also the chance of and most of the major currencies. should be held in or hedged to a financial They have your currency of expenditure. Armageddon While the strength of the the ability to Expats planning to return to their over the med- access off- home countries could benefit from ium term. If baht has certainly been shore assets investing in emerging market this happens having some negative in baht. Also, currencies now, assuming these there is a good there are will continue to appreciate at a chance of a impact on the appetite for covered bond faster rate than dollars or euros. massive re- Thai property among funds which Another investment option is adjustment of foreign buyers, it is no currently yield property. The dollar-to-baht the dollar. about seven exchange rate is about 30 at the Should this longer a new issue and per cent a year moment. If there is a market EYE ON THE BAHT: Traders monitor share prices at the SET in Bangkok. Thai occur then the many investors have come in baht. correction of about 20 per cent investors are eyeing offshore investments due to the strong baht. Photo: AFP peak for the By taking then that would be a good time helped to restrain the breakneck are taking the opportunity dollar may well to terms with the new level. exposure to bring money in to buy pace of launches. presented by the Thai baht and the coincide with to globally property. Keep it for a few years Executive chairman Simon easing of offshore remittance the trough for asset prices in Asia, diversified portfolios in this way, and, provided the baht has got Landy said: “While the strength rules by the Bank of Thailand to resulting in the perfect buying baht investors are able to diversify stronger again, even if you only of the baht has certainly been invest overseas. This has opportunity. risk across global assets without sell it for what you bought it for having some negative impact on accelerated with increased People based in Thailand and taking currency risk. then you could make a nice profit the appetite for Thai property demand for residential, com- remunerated in baht should focus Perhaps the investors facing the in the base currency. among foreign buyers, it is no mercial and hotel properties.” on the local currency as the baht toughest decision now are those Colliers International Thailand longer a new issue and many So, it all depends what you is expected to continue to who live and work locally but has just announced that any investors have come to terms want to do. strengthen over the long term. But, have their salaries, savings and concerns over an overheating with the new level. As a result A strong baht can help, but it as said, there is a risk that we will investments in their national condo market have been allayed of this and the cooling of the can also hinder. see a flight to the greenback at currencies. For example, in the as there was a drop of about 46 political temperature since last some point in the next two years, past four years the spending per cent in new launches. They year, there has certainly been Graham Macdonald, MD of MBMG presenting a better opportunity to power of British expats based in also cite the Bank of Thailand’s more foreign interest in Thai Group. E:graham@mbmginter sell dollar or buy baht at something Thailand who are remunerated in new loan-to-value curbs on property, but not back to the national.com. MBMG Group will not like a 20 per cent lower rate against sterling has declined by about 40 mortgage lending and the steady levels pre-2006. On the other accept any liability for errors or the dollar than today. However, per cent. Those earning in dollars rise in interest rates that has hand, many Thai-based investors omissions in above article May 28 - June 3, 2011 FINANCING FOR FOREIGNERS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Taking advice on credit

Financing for foreigners seeking to buy retirement homes in Phuket is notoriously difficult, but not impossible, to obtain. Here Phuket Gazette news editor Stephen Fein discusses the issue with Campbell Kane Managing Director Peter Hamilton about his firm’s credit terms for foreign buyers of luxury villas at the company’s The Bay project at Cape Yamu in Pa Khlok.

Stephen Fein: What sort of finance are SF: So what minimum down payment that’s why we think developer finance is a you able to offer foreign buyers? would they have to come up with to se- really important differentiating factor, because Peter Hamilton: The financing that we are cure financing on a property like that? a lot of buyers are taking long-term leases. able to provide is financed by the devel- PH: The villas are half-built anyway, but We know that foreign banks are reluctant to oper, which enables people to make a down the sort of payment structure we are able lend into Thailand, whereas Thai banks are payment and pay off in installments over to work with is about 10 per cent down reluctant to lend on leasehold premises. a period of time, whether it is five or 10 payment. Our preference is that the buyer We are lucky that we are backed by Lippo. years. make a serious commitment. So a 10 per They have a very strong balance sheet and cent down payment, then installments while large organization with businesses through- SF: What percentage of the total cost is the villa is completed so that 50 to 60 per out Asia. They understand Asian property, so required for down payment. Is this just cent is paid off. Then we can provide the they understand the risk management and for properties that fall under the Con- financing for the rest, under terms which realize they can help, in a market where it is dominium Law? need to be tailored to meet the needs of the very difficult to get finance, to stimulate de- PH: No. We only build stand-alone villas. individual buyer. mand by creating opportunities for people We have a number of projects here. We’ve who don’t necessarily have the cash but who got The Bay at Cape Yamu, which is a joint SF: How many foreign buyers have want to buy into the Phuket lifestyle. venture with Lippo, which is a publicly- taken advantage of this finance option? One of the challenges the Phuket mar- listed company out of Hong Kong. So we’re PH: Out of the villas we built, three out of ket faces is that so many international people building out the whole development in one the 12 buyers have taken advantage. Some come out to live and work here. A few de- go, and the villas are already under con- have wanted to pay in full upon comple- cades ago, those people would have retired struction. For us, the ability to provide tion, with finance through the construction to their home countries. Now, these people finance to the buyer through their [Lippo’s] period. Others have ongoing finance. want to retire in Asia. In many countries balance sheet is something that can be quite they would be able to buy retirement homes attractive to potential buyers. SF: Are there any obstacles to obtain- on a mortgage. The great thing about hav- ing the finance here? And if so, what ing Lippo as a partner in our development SF:What would be the price range on are some ways to get around them? is that they understand the shift and can these properties? PH: The challenge is only in freehold land, support us by enabling us to access their PH: The prices would start at about because under Thai law foreigners can’t balance sheet to extend financing options 45 million baht upward, into the 90s, at own freehold land. But the banks would for buyers who recognize Phuket as the The Bay. prefer to lend on freehold structures. So great international destination it is. Campbell Kane Managing Director Peter Hamilton 4 PHUKET GAZETTE NORTH May 28 - June 3, 2011 Convention Center plans inch forward

By Steven Layne forums and an Environmental Impact Assessment report, con- PLANS for the 2.6-billion-baht struction is expected to take 30 Phuket International Convention months. and Exhibition Center (ICEC) to The plans accepted include a be built in Mai Khao at the world-class convention and exhi- northern tip of Phuket are slowly bition hall as well as a 100-room taking shape with KAED103 accommodation facility for gov- winning the government tender as ernment officers, staff and event architects for the project with their organizers. tortoise-inspired design. This latest delay, expected to be PLANS A PLENTY: There have been numerous plans proposed for Phuket’s North Property The firm inked the concession reviewed by month’s end, comes International Conference and Exhibition Center over the past two decades. contract on April 27. after more than two decades of plot bordered by mangroves in many other major develop- Listings They were selected as archi- indecision over whether Phuket Tah Chat Chai, was confirmed in ments on the island. tects for the project due to their needed such a center. July 2008. When investors met with Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao relevant experience, having Initial plans including a hotel National government approval Governor Tri Aukaradecha about Shared villa ownership already designed the Queen Sirikit were scaled back with some came in October 2009, with the building of a light rail link in (Price not specified) Convention Centre in Bangkok and leading figures citing there the Cabinet approving funding in Phuket from Chalong to the air- www.anantaravacationclub.com the Muang Thong Thani Conven- are already 60,000 rooms in September last year. port, he confirmed that he plans tion Centre in nearby Nonthaburi. Phuket in addition to 7,000 By the end of March, a to include a link from ICEC to the Sava However, a call for the center rooms available in neighboring tortoiseshell design by KAED- airport as well. Natai 7 villas to be made “tsunami-proof” has Khao Lak. 103 was selected. Mai Khao After two decades of hype sur- Starting from 60mn baht prompted a review of the current After a decade on the drawing is renowned for leatherback rounding the ICEC, many residents www.sava-natai.com plans, resulting in the target boards, consistently delayed and and other turtles returning to lay on the island will no doubt completion date being pushed postponed by debates over poten- their eggs. welcome this latest step forward Les R sidences back from November 2013 to tial sites and whether Phuket was While the center’s design is in the saga. Khao Lak May 2014. equipped to handle such an inter- being reviewed, momentum for 20 villas Starting from 23mn baht Under the current plans, ap- national expo center, the final site, the project is being maintained For updates on the ICEC, visit www.lesresidenceskhaolak.com proved through several public a 141-acre government-owned through constant referral with PhuketGazette.net Villas The new project in Ao Por: “The Sunrise Ocean Villas” View Living room

Living room

THE new project currently being landscape, local people and their short, a truly idyllic setting. launch of the first 5 villas at 14.9 be expected due to the proximity constructed in Ao Por called “The smiles show a real authenticity you The owner and developer, a million baht, three of them have with the white sand beaches and Sunrise Ocean Villas” is a unique can not find anywhere else in German engineer team, with 18 already been sold unspoiled islands. and luxurious escape from the Phuket. years of experience in building in For those who own a boat, Ao Come to Ao Por and visit “The mass tourism sweeping the island. Being located 3 minutes away Europe and Asia, chose only the Por offers the ability to moor your Sunrise Ocean Villas”, you will be The new Ao Por Grand Marina from the marina, 10 minutes from best materials that can be found boat in its picturesque bay in front wonderfully surprised by the qual- is growing in strength, and is pro- the Mission Hills golf course, 15 for construction. The large win- of your home at no additional ity of the project as well as the jected to become the most popular minutes from the airport and 20 dow panels open fully to create a cost. For those who do not have quality of life you can find here. port in Thailand due to its prox- minutes from shopping centers great open space on a 10m swim- one, “The Sunrise Ocean Villas” Become one of the owners, and be imity to the most beautiful and and hospitals, “The Sunrise Ocean ming pool, and on a breathtaking also provides a 26 foot speed boat the privileged witness of incredible untouched islands of the country. Villas” is a perfect place to live. view.“Each villa has a living area to all home owners so that you sunrises in the Bay of Ao Por. In fact, it is easy to find white This 10 villa development is of over 300 sqm, has 3 bedrooms, may have quick and easy access sandy beaches and turquoise wa- being built on the hillside, just 60 all sea views, 4 bathrooms, a 10m to Phang Nga Bay and surround- For appointment or more details, ters within 5 minutes by boat! meters from the beach, facing the infinity pool, an office/library and ing islands. For living as well as contact Khun Montha at 081 343 Ao Por has the slow and relaxed Bay of Phang Nga. This project is covered 2 car-parking. The investment, “The Sunrise Ocean 0777 (Thai, English & German) lifestyle of a real Thai village. One particularly aimed at those seek- houses are specially designed to Villas” is the best choice. For non- E: [email protected], can find a true escape here as fish- ing tranquility and relaxation in an guarantee complete privacy, with residents, the company can [email protected] ing remains the main source of environment with no traffic, no an open panoramic view of the sea. arrange a rental program, where income for the villagers. The food, pollution and no mass tourism; in The project’s “Phase 1” is the a high return of investment can Advertisement Feature May 28 - June 3, 2011 NORTH PHUKET GAZETTE 5 North rising in stature North Amy Koh, sales manager at Engel & V lkers, gives us the low-down on what’s going on in the north of Phuket NORTH Phuket is probably the popular deep-water marina, with fastest-growing area on the island, a berthing capacity of up to 200 in part because there is a con- vessels and on-site facilities befit- stantly rising number of interna- ting an international port-of-call. tional and locally branded hotels Also calling north Phuket home is concentrated in the northwest area Blue Canyon Country Club, one of Mai Khao Beach. This beach is of the most prestigious golf clubs the longest pristine in the region. Set white-sand beach Some major future on 720 acres, this in Phuket, and is golf club offers 36 flanked by Sirinat developments include challenging holes National Park and the Phuket Exhibition as well as club- other relatively un- and Convention house and resort spoiled features. facilities. There is a lot Center, and this year’s All this consid- going on now in expansion of Phuket ered, it’s easy this area. Some to see why north major future dev- International Airport. Phuket is growing elopments include so fast. the Phuket Exhibition and Conven- The downside appears to be a tion Center, which is scheduled to lack of housing for both the Thai complete in 2013, and this year’s and foreign markets. But that is expansion of Phuket International changing, and the local Thai hous- Airport, which will enable it to ing market has been active of late cater to 15 million arrivals and with big-name developers from What’s in the north: departures a year. Bangkok trying to get a slice of the Mai Khao Beach, Sirinat National With all this in the pipeline, land pie. In the meantime, it will be Park, the up-and-coming Phuket prices – especially beachfront land interesting to see which developer Exhibition and Convention Center, from Mai Khao to Sarasin Bridge makes it out there first. Phuket International Airport, – have been rising steadily, with Sarasin Bridge (connecting both local and foreign investors For more information about Engel & Phuket with Phang Nga), Blue Canyon Golf Course, international land-banking for future projects. V lkers, contact their Phuket office brand resorts flocking to the area. The northeast is home to Ao Por at T: +66-76-271751 or see W:engel Much more is also underway. Grand Marina, Phuket’s most voelkers.com/th IN THE OFFICE: Amy Koh, sales manager at Engel & V lkers Phuket. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE WEST May 28 - June 3, 2011 B2.2bn Moringa rises in Patong WORK is underway on laying roads part of the resort to target five- that will meander through the star guests. The name of the 100-rai at the southern end of project is inspired by the Moringa Patong that will become the Centara trees found naturally flourishing Grand Moringa Resort & Spa. at the site. “There is very little landscap- “Moringa trees are known as ing involved as the whole project ‘the trees of life’. People around aims to have minimal effect on the the world since ages past have natural surroundings,” explained known of the health benefits of Klaus Rauter, managing director these trees,” he said. of Mai-BS, which is Owner Rep- A top priority for the develop- resentative for the 2.2-billion-baht ers is to preserve as many trees project. as possible and leave all aged trees The development, to comprise untouched, said Mr Rauter. CENTARA VISION: Highlighted is the land in Patong where the Centara Grand Moringa Resort & Spa will be located. 65 villas and a 350-room resort, is Unique features of the project Other major resorts in the area are also highlighted. scheduled for completion late next include a lake covering 4,000 Key to the resort’s success will few actual five-star hotels. Some and places great value on devel- year, in time to open early 2013. square meters serving as the be its focus on human resources offer close to five-star services, oping staff through human “At this stage the villas are not resort’s centerpiece and the resi- and staff development. but they’re branding is perceived resources, which will be reflected slated for sale,” said Mr Rauter, dences being built inside a “We will be targeting the ‘true by guests as closer to four-star. in the quality of service at the re- adding that they will instead form man-made cave, he added. five-star’ market. Patong has very “The owner understands this sort,” Mr Rauter said. West Property Listings

The View, Kata The Charm, Patong, Mandala Condominiums, Bang Tao Laguna Lofts, Layan Anchan Villas Phase 3, Layan 36 apartments 246 apartments 24 condos 25 apartments 9 villas Starting from 9.5mn baht Starting from (not specified) Starting from 17mn baht Starting from 8.9mn baht Starting from 20.7mn baht www.theviewphuket.com www.thecharmphuket.com www.baanmandala.com www.lagunalofts.com www.anchanvillas.com

Chic Condominium, Karon L’Orchidee Village Phase 2, Patong Sai Taan Phase 3, Bang Tao, Wings, Layan Malaiwana Residences, Nai Thon 122 condos 10 apartments 13 villas 14 villas 12 apartments, Starting from 2.9mn baht Starting from 14mn baht Starting from 27mn baht Starting from 5.5mn baht Starting from 85mn baht www.phuketchiccondo.com www.lorchidee-village.com www.sai-taan-phuket.com www.twovillas.com www.malaiwana.com

Sea + Sky Condominiums, Karon Cyan Resort, Kamala Layan Tara, Layan Royal Estate Tanode Phase 3, Layan Istana Phuket, Nai Thon 53 condos 18 apartments 17 villas 8 villas, 19 villas Starting from 2.9mn baht Starting from 8.9mn baht Starting from 6.3mn baht Starting from 17.75mn baht Starting from 127mn baht www.seaandskyphuket.com www.cyanresorts.co.th www.layantara.com www.erawana.com www.istanaphuket.com May 28 - June 3, 2011 WEST PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Why west is the best West coast Is the west of Phuket the best place to invest in property? Prakaipeth Meechoosarn, director of CB Richard Ellis Thailand Phuket office, thinks so... PHUKET’S tourism and property offer the best beaches in Phuket, industries had their beginnings on it is also easily accessible from the west coast. The process be- Phuket International Airport and gan in the 1980s, concentrated on the main amenities of the island the southwest coast in Patong, including golf courses, restau- Kata and Karon. This was followed rants, shopping and entertainment. by the opening of Dusit Laguna The west coast offers something Phuket in 1987 and the Sheraton for everyone, whether you prefer Grande in 1992 at Laguna Phuket, a quiet night out in Bang Tao, Surin which kicked off development or Nai Thon or the lively activities in Bang Tao. in Patong, Kata and Karon. The opening of Phuket’s first For this reason, the west coast luxury development, Amanpuri, in continues to be preferred by prop- 1988 helped position the Bang Tao erty investors. It also offers variety and Surin area as a prime destina- in terms of property selection and tion for high-end investment. price range – everything from Today, Phuket’s west coast re- good-quality condos located mains the key area of interest for within reach of the island’s ameni- property investors, with the high- ties at five million baht to 15mn est concentration of top-end baht, to top-quality prime sea view properties, including five-star villas ranging from 90mn baht to PROPERTY INSIDER: Prakaipeth Meechoosarn, director of CB Richard Ellis What’s in the west: Thailand Phuket office. resorts, standalone villas and 300mn plus. Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, branded and non-branded villa With limited prime beachfront properties in the area, specifically will continue to be the most ac- Karon Beach, Patong Beach, developments. Capital appreciation and seaview land available for fu- for the luxury villa segment. We tive area in terms of property sales Patong Hospital, Jungceylon of prime west-coast properties has ture developments along the west expect to see continuous develop- across a broad range of property Shopping Center, Kalim exceeded other areas of Phuket. coast, the area is well positioned ment in the area with several types and prices. Beach, Kamala Beach, Surin In some instances owners have for medium-to-long-term capital luxury villa projects in the pipe- Beach, Layan Beach, Nai achieved capital gains of as much appreciation if one invests in the line due to be launched later this For more information on CB Richard Thon Beach, Laguna as 100 per cent after reselling right developments. In the past year, all offering exclusivity and Ellis Thailand, contact their Phuket five-star resort complex, limited units. office at T: + 66 076-239967 or visit prime luxury villas. six months, we have seen a more golf course and much more Not only does the west coast active resale market for completed The west coast has been and W:www.cbre.co.th 8 PHUKET GAZETTE SOUTH May 28 - June 3, 2011 Down south is swell South Richard Lusted, CEO of Siam Real Estate, opens his door to the Phuket Gazette for a rundown of the south

FOR A long time, the property 212 long-term rentals and 96 market in the south of Phuket holiday rentals, which gives you was overshadowed by the some idea of the thriving property northwest. market in the south. But this is no longer the case, Prices are better value than the and the area has become highly north, and of the 178 properties popular with expats. Siam Real Estate has on sale, Chalong, Rawai and Nai Harn 149 are less than 20 million have developed considerably, baht and 100 are less than now boasting convenience 12mn baht, with land size and shops, bakeries, bars and all quality to match anything on the sorts of restaurants. island. Take Rawai Beach promenade The property market is for example, most definitely with its many ‘More visitors are bouncing back in fish restaurants the south. Siam that are far taking a cautious Real Estate’s cheaper than approach to buying sales are well anything you up and property What’s in the south: can find in property and booking viewings have Chalong Pier, Nai Harn Beach, the north of the long-term rentals while doubled over Rawai Beach, Ya Nui Beach, Ao island. they look around.’ the same time Sane Beach, boat taxis to Coral The south is last year. More Island, Phi Phi Islands and more. also conven- visitors are taking HomePro and Villa Market, great iently located, just 15 minutes a cautious approach to buying restaurants, large number of from Phuket Town and close to property and booking long-term WORKING ON THE SOUTH: Richard Lusted, CEO at Siam Real Estate. expats live in the area. the major shopping malls, rentals while they look around. hospitals and beautiful Nai Harn We are confident that Phuket South and Inland Property Listings Beach. has a bright future in terms Chalong Bay is a major marina of property sales, albeit at a The Scene Villoft The Royal Place and stepping-off point for boat slower pace than a few years Chalong Rawai Kathu trips, fishing and dive trips, with back. 5 villas 5 apartments 105 apartments Starting from 16.5mn baht Starting from 6.9mn baht Starting from 2mn baht a customs office and tourist Foreign buyers had stopped www.thescene-phuket.com www.villoft.com www.theroyalplace.com police station as well as the local buying off-plan over the last yacht club. two years due to the potential Eva Saiyuan Estate Kathu Golf Condominiums All this makes the south a great risk. Rawai Nai Harn Kathu place to live among a thriving Now, they are once again 46 villas 21 villas 63 apartments expat community. prepared to buy off-plan now Starting from 6.9mn baht Starting from 8.3mn baht Starting from 4.1mn baht www.thai-evagroup.com Major hotel chains are soon to that the global market has settled www.twovillas.com www.kathu-golf-condo-phuket.com start construction in the area, down. Villa Suksan Phase III 88 Land + Houses Miracle with several new large off-plan Rawai Chalong Kathu villa and condo projects already For more information about Siam Real 9 villas 48 villas 165 villas and condos underway. Siam Real Estate has Estate, contact T:+66-076 288908 or Starting from 9.5mn baht Starting from 15mn baht Starting from 5.9mn baht 178 properties in the area for sale, see W:siamrealestate.com www.villasuksan.com www.lhphuket.com www.miraclepropertyphuket.com +273523(57,(6$7%$5*$,135,&(6 :HDUH\RXU3KXNHWUHDOHVWDWHDJHQF\KHOSLQJ\RXWR¿QGDQHZGUHDPKROLGD\RUUHVLGHQWLDOKRPHLQ3KXNHW:HKDYHRQO\WKH EHVWKRXVHVYLOODVDQGFRQGRPLQLXPVWRRIIHU\RX:HDUH³LQWKHPDUNHW´HYHU\GD\±VRZHNQRZZKDW¶VJRLQJRQ:HUHSUH VHQW\RXLQWKHYHU\EHVWDQGVHFXUHZD\ZKHQ\RXEX\SURSHUWLHVWKURXJKXV:HDOVRRIIHUWRKHOS\RXZKHQUHQWLQJ\RXURZQ SULYDWHYLOODRUKROLGD\DSDUWPHQW:HKDYHPRUHWKDQGLIIHUHQWSODFHVWRUHQW&KHFNRXWRXU³5(17$/6´VHFWLRQ 7KLVYHU\QLFHIRXUEHGURRPSULYDWHSRROYLOODLVORFDWHGLQDYHU\TXLHWDUHDLQ1DL +DUQ7KHYLOODFRQVLVWVRIWZREXLOGLQJV7KHPDLQEXLOGLQJSURYLGHV\RXZLWKDELJ RSHQOLYLQJGLQLQJDQGNLWFKHQDUHD7KHPDVWHUEHGURRPDQGVHFRQGEHGURRPERWK KDYHHQVXLWHIDFLOLWLHV7KHVHFRQGEXLOGLQJKDVWZRJXHVWEHGURRPVZLWKHQVXLWH IDFLOLWLHVDQGDVHSDUDWHHQWUDQFH(YHU\WKLQJLVNHSWYHU\SULYDWH,W¶VMXVWDWZR PLQXWHGULYHWR1DL+DUQ%HDFKDQGQHDUE\VKRSSLQJDUHDV7KHYLOODFRPHVIXOO\ IXUQLVKHG5LJKWQRZWKHSULFHLVDUHDOEDUJDLQ7KHRULJLQDODVNLQJSULFHZDV PLOOLRQEDKWDQGQRZWKHSULFHLVGRZQWRPLOOLRQEDKW %DUJDLQSULFHPLOOLRQEDKW

7KLVORYHO\WKUHHEHGURRPSULYDWHSRROYLOODLVORFDWHGLQDYHU\ 7KLVYLOODLVORFDWHGLQDYHU\QLFHDQGTXLHWDUHDRQO\¿YHPLQXWHVIURPERWK5DZDLDQG TXLHWDUHDZLWKDORWRISULYDF\7KHWKLUGEHGURRPLVDVWDQG 1DL+DUQEHDFKHV7KHEXLOGLQJLVYHU\KLJKTXDOLW\EXLOWZLWKRQO\WKHEHVWPDWHULDOV DORQHHQVXLWHEHGURRPZKLFKLVSHUIHFWIRUDQ\JXHVWYLVLWV SHUFHQWSULYDWHSRRODUHDZLWKVKRZHU,W¶VDWZRVWRUH\YLOODZLWKWKHXSSHUÀRRUFRQWDLQLQJ ,W¶VMXVW¿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ay 28 - June 3, 2011 INLAND PHUKET GAZETTE 9 In the mix Inland Nitchapak Panjamakitti, Phuket branch manager at Plus Property, explains why the “inland” property market is on the up WHILE Phuket is known as the luxury urban living on the island. “Pearl of the Andaman”, Phuket Over the past two years, most Town is gaining its own reputation of the real-estate transactions in as a “hidden treasure”. Phuket have been in the Phuket The area bustles by day and can Town area. According to the be breezy and tranquil, trendy and Phuket Land Office, last year saw exciting by night. The original around 40 billion baht in Sino-Portuguese architecture transactions, showing increased of Old Phuket demand for Town is being ‘Properties in the central residential reproduced in inland area, priced from one and com- modern design in mercial prop- other areas of to five million baht, are in erties from Phuket. The city demand. Many property both Thai and has hilltop views developers are also focusing foreign buy- and harbor ac- ers. The ma- cess, too. on the budget market and jor increase This inland condominium units.’ was in Mu- location, as well ang district as the main roads that lead to it (Phuket Town). Many of the from every direction, is known as buyers live and work in Phuket. a tourism, retail and cultural Local business is still moving What’s inland: destination. It’s also well-served forward. More and more gated PLUS ONE: Nitchapak Panjamakitti, Phuket branch manager at Plus Property. Great shopping, food, nightlife by hospitals, gourmet dining, Thai developments are being intro- local residents and foreign buyers, one-and two-story single houses, and many festivals held and foreign fast food, upscale duced to the market this year to and have schools, golf courses semi-detached houses and year-round in Phuket Town. townhouses. Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Phuket shopping malls, local markets, golf comply with the increased and shopping. International Hospital, Vachira courses, international schools and demand. Condominiums are Properties in the central inland Luxury condominiums are Hospital, international schools, an ever-growing business and ideally suited for residents’ area, priced from one to five available, as well as smaller units. Central Shopping Center, investment environment. modern lifestyles. Of course, million baht, are in demand. Many We find that the main factors that Tesco Lotus, Big C, Bypass Many seasoned residents hotels and businesses are also property developers are also influence the sale of a property Road, Heroines Monument, and guests have discovered springing up in the area. focusing on the budget market and include location, price, design, the Rassada Ferry Pier, go-karting, facilities and amenities included wakeboarding, Loch Palm Golf Phuket’s inland area as an Elsewhere inland, the Thalang and condominium units. Houses Course and much more. ideal location for convenient, Kathu areas are very suitable for popular on the Phuket market are and the developer’s experience. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE EAST May 28 - June 3, 2011 East coast sales boom East Wayne Graham, managing director at East West Properties, on why the east of Phuket is an attractive option for investors - and what there is to do for fun OVER the past 30 years, Phuket has Sapam Bay, with the renowned Boat La- developed from a relatively unknown and goon Marina and Royal Phuket Marina. The hidden paradise into one of the most vis- near-shore islands also host some fine re- ited international resort islands in the world. sorts. Coconut Island, for example, has The In the early years, Phuket was mainly a Village at Coconut Island and Jindarin Beach winter vacation spot for Europeans, ea- Club & Resort; Rang Yai Island features ger to get away from the cold and snow. Rang Yai Resort; and Sireh Island, just east For this reason, the west coast of Phuket, of Phuket Town, boasts Westin Koh Sireh, with its lovely beaches and tranquil seas Four Points Panwa and The Regent. in the winter season, became the focus of The appeal of the east coast is two fold: resort development in Phuket. But over the First, it is the gateway to the more than past 10 years, Phuket has evolved into a 3,000 magical islands of Phang Nga Bay, year-round resort community. which include majestic escarpments jutting The bay side (east coast) of Phuket, without of the sea, the Hong Islands, with their its calm waters and magnificent islands, has stunning interior lagoons, and thousands of become increasingly popular. With year- uninhabited, exquisite little beaches. Sec- round resort living and vacationing now the ond, the east coast has easy access to the norm, the appeal of Phuket’s east coast con- island’s international schools, international tinues to rise dramatically. airport, Phuket Town, major shopping malls Today, high-quality resorts line the east and boat marinas. These benefits make coast. From the northeast, there is: the Ao Phuket’s east side well worth consideration. Por area and its islands, featuring Ao Por Grand Marina, Chandara Resort, Six If you would like to find our more about Senses and Best Western; the Cape Yamu East West Properties Co Ltd, contact area with Cape Yamu and The Bay; and T: +66-0817970358 East Property Listings What’s in the east: Tawan Views, Ao Po Alanna, Cape Yamu Six Senses Residences Koh Sireh, Yamu, Ao Por Grand 24 apartments 12 duplex villas Ko Yao Noi Marina, Cape Panwa, Yacht Haven Starting at 18.9mn baht Starting from 22mn baht 9 villas Marina, Mission Hills Golf Course, www.tawanproperties.com www.alannayamu.com Starting from 36mn baht Boat Lagoon, Royal Phuket Marina, www.sixsenses.com Coconut Island. The breathtaking Baan Yamu, Cape Yamu Nchantra, Sireh Beach privateresidences/yao-noi Phang Nga Bay is also off the east 68 condos and villas 41 condos coast of Phuket with hundreds of Starting from 12.8mn baht Starting from 15mn baht islets to visit on a day trip. There’s also much more to discover. Wayne Graham, managing director at East West Properties. www.baanyamu.com www.nchantra-property.com

7+( 6$3+$0 %$< 9,//$6 &2035,6( 2)  640 2) ,17(5,25 /,9,1* $5($ 7KH%D\#&DSH

.SOXV.$VVRFLDWHVDUHWKHPDVWHUSODQQHUVDQGGHVLJQ 7KLVVW\OHRIYLOODKDVWZRGLVWLQFWOLYLQJDUHDVRUSDYLOLRQV $UFKLWHFWVIRU7KH%D\#&DSH

$GYHUWLVHPHQW)HDWXUH May 28 - June 3, 2011 PERSONALITY PHUKET GAZETTE 11 One-on-one with architect Gary Fell Breaking architectural boundaries from London to Asia

By Bruce Stanley University College in London. He gained international recognition for his design GARY Fell is one of Southeast Asia’s most for the Cardiff Opera House that edged celebrated architects, having designed some out some of the world’s most noted of the region’s most upscale villa and resort architects. projects. This attention opened the door for him He has a distinctive formula for his work. to work as project architect in Bali at the Rather than simply copying or adapting Four Seasons Sayan before he opened his traditional regional design concepts for his own practice, Gfab in 1999. buildings, he studies the landscape and For the past twelve years, the focus of topography for each project and creates a his design practice has been in Indonesia, building and landscape design to suit the Cambodia and Thailand and his work is natural features bringing the ultimate in currently expanding into projects in India environmental sustainability to his work. and Vietnam. Gfab’s design work has set a He is well-known for bringing flat-roof strong visual standard. architecture to his many projects that allows Each design deserves to be studied for for passive solar features such as a green roof the clever orientation and statement about with a water element to provide insulation and contemporary tropical living. cooling. Also, much of his covered building He regularly visits his project on Phuket, spaces are open to invite the natural elements Istana, set on the west coast of the island to cool and refresh interior spaces decreasing overlooking Nai Thon beach. the dependence on air conditioning. The Phuket Gazette sat down with Gary Gary graduated and then taught at the Fell recently to learn more about his work. PHUKET VISION: Architect Gary Fell, at his Phuket project Istana recently.

Bruce Stanley: What have natural pools and water courses been some of the challenges and positioning the houses to you’ve faced designing and suggest they are a natural exten- building at Istana? sion of these features. Gary Fell: Each villa has a specific design to fit the landscape. We Are you involved in the interior started with a large and designs with fixtures, app- topographically varied site, with liances and fittings? lush dense vegetation. The We are intimately involved in all challenge is to create these aspects of the design of Istana. houses and return the landscape The property features the use of to its former state. high-end brands such as Varenna I’m constantly amazed at Poliform (fitted furniture) and nature’s ability to regenerate and we are working closely with bounce back from the hand of the manufacturer and their man. As the building sites local liaison A2Zen to develop themselves the interiors. are unusually Our design large, we ‘I’m constantly makes heavy use should be able amazed at nature’s of fitted furniture to preserve in the production the intrinsic ability to regenerate of spaces and qualities on and bounce back from to this extent this site. the hand of man.’ one may think of the interior Are you in- – Gary Fell, architect as being in- volved in the extricably linked landscape plan to fit your to the architecture we produce. design? In past projects the quality of Certainly, the landscape is very manufacture has let down the much an extension of the villas. project and so here, we elected to We are pursuing an approach of bypass this problem by working using mostly native flora which with one of the world’s leading will flourish in this environment brands. without needing constant This approach was taken attention. The site is essentially a throughout the development and jungle type setting and the houses extends to lighting, sanitary aim to assimilate with this. We wares and much more. The fix- spent a long time considering tures and fittings are of the how we wanted the project to highest standards of quality and look from the sea. design. The last thing we wanted was Much of the bathroom fittings to create the usual fare – insensi- are from Antonio Lupi, kitchen tive impositions on the landscape equipment is by Gagganau – completely out of sync with everything has been selected for their sites. its exceptional quality, and no area Instead, we sought a series of has been neglected. terraces and platforms which would have a minimum visual im- For a list of projects Gary Fell pact when seen from afar. Within has worked on and more, see the site itself we are developing W:gfabarchitects.com. 12 PHUKET GAZETTE LUXURY LIVING May 28 - June 3, 2011 Six cool things to fill your

WITH an endless stream of new tech gadgets, funky and innovative furnishings and fixtures constantly hitting the market, making your new Phuket home look more sophisticated and cool only really depends on your budget. Thailand is already a furniture hub in Southeast Asia with many of the world’s hottest designers and manufacturers represented in Bangkok and Phuket. And for those that aren’t, the glory of online shopping makes access to international products easier than ever. Here are a few items that will get your neighbors asking, “Where did they get that?” – Duane Lennie

ATMOSPHERE GLOBE: LAMONT LAMPS: NEW WORLD ORDER LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

GREAT redesigns can invigorate TRADITIONAL craftsmanship is still alive in even the most mundane items the Thai design studio Lamont. With several found in the home. A perfect UNESCO awards for their support of example is this new globe by traditional craft methods, Lamont’s latest Italian designer Fabio Luciani. creation, the Cicada Lantern collection, are The Atmosphere Globe is made pieces of art that also function as indoor and of die-cast aluminum and bright, outdoor lighting. transparent, shatter-resistant Made of Peking Glass, using a blown-glass thermoplastic. The sphere process created during the Qing Dynasty, the diameter is 30cm and is available lanterns radiate strong, exotic mood lighting. in four very bright colors: Available in two sizes; one powered by yellow, green, mauve and red. electricity the other by candle.

Price: 6,900 baht Price: 50,000 baht fabioluciani.it lamont-design.com May 28 - June 3, 2011 LUXURY LIVING PHUKET GAZETTE 13 Phuket home this season

ANTONIO LUPI TUB: MERCEDES AMG: IMPROVE YOUR DRIVEWAY BATHING IN ART

THE Mercedes SLS AMG is a sports car of breathtaking design and unmatched performance. You certainly won’t need expensive Italian furniture or priceless art in your villa to impress your friends if you have this beauty parked in your driveway. Created by Mercedes AMG – the high-performance brand of the Mercedes Group – this machine holds a 5.5 liter Bi-Turbo V8 engine with a peak output of 570 horsepower and a whopping top speed of 317 kilometers per hour.

Price: 25 million baht (approximate) autoexpress.co.th

TEATRO: ENTERTAIN YOUR HOME THE gang at AVC Engineering in Phuket are pretty suave. Their new Teatro home entertainment DEDON PLAY CHAIR: system is so slick and easy to CARRYING THE WEIGHT use, local luxury villa and FROM Dedon, the leading producer of hand-woven resort owners are lining up for outdoor furniture, comes the Play Chair designed demonstrations. Television, by Philippe Starck. Based on a concept of PRODUCED in the Tuscany region of Italy, Internet, music, videos, movies, interchangeable chair parts including materials and Antonio Lupi’s products are often used for creating games, are all controlled by one colors, Play opens the horizon to a future of specially- the world’s most opulent bathrooms. remote control with intuitive customized furniture and an array of possible Their Dune bathtub is characterized by its on-screen menus. combinations. Elastic and durable, extremely minimalist, circular shape made from acrylic resin. lightweight and stackable, Starck defines the Play This bath tub transcends trends, as all great iconic Chair as “an idea that gives plenty of room to human pieces do, and is large enough to enjoy with friends intervention”. and family.

Price: 112,000 baht Price: 15,900 baht Price: 550,000 baht digital-lifestyles.net chanintrliving.com antoniolupi.it 14 PHUKET GAZETTE LOOKING FORWARD May 28 - June 3, 2011 Only way is up Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, looks to the future of the Phuket property market with optimism

PHUKET PEAKS: Oceanfront property on the island will remain a sought after commodity. Photo: Jim Welch THE demons of a self-proclaimed can’t remember the number of is more to come. I could take the property guru are far too many to times someone has stumbled into vantage point, of course. Yes, list in this 500-word article. my office or leaned across a there are problems: infrastruc- Throwing off the shackles of board table and posed the ques- ture, the growing pains from inside knowledge is more of a tion: “When will things return to mass tourism, traffic, environ- curse then a blessing. the way they used to be?” mental issues and continuing In predicting what the future Ah, I think silently, “just where uncertainty up in a small town holds in store for Phuket, even is that ‘kill switch’ when I need called Bangkok. FORWARD THINKER: Bill Barnett has a weekly column in the Phuket Gazette. Nostradamus would not be able it?” But of course I smile back For property buyers in every perfect world. If someone can is going to go from slow to back- to keep up. and recount what Phuket real corner of the world, stories of both come up with a better place to ward: it isn’t going to happen. Doom, gloom and those odd estate has got right. success and failure are common. live, raise their children, own a Property is set to continue as moments between when many a It is the birthplace of the mod- For all those who point fingers at business, and enjoy a casual a major industry in Phuket for developer and property broker sat ern hotel pool villa, home to the the uncertainty of Thailand, I lifestyle please let me know. I’ve a very long time. Players, silent and sullen next to the “kill world-class destination resort always pose the question: is it been globe-trotting for about 50 places, prices and products switch” need not be recounted. complex Laguna, boasts enough really any worse than America, years now and for me Phuket is will inevitably shift. We don’t live in a communist golf courses to keep committed Spain or Ireland? as good as it gets. The steering wheel of the car country, so there is no need to duffers from ever getting bored, Come on, you know the an- At the same time, I do under- is in the front, facing forward for rewrite the tales of our ghosts of offers hospitality and plenty of sun swer to that. Capital appreciation stand that the island is changing a reason. past and present. and sand with our diverse beaches. might have slowed to a snail’s day in and day out. It won’t The road may have a few Today is indeed the rest of It’s also easier to get here than ever pace and resale listings are mul- be the same place in 10 years bumps along the way, but it’s our lives and like Groundhog by international direct flight, tiplying faster than the wrinkles as it is now, just as it is vastly going to be ride you won’t easily Day, could very well be filled including some from destinations around my eyes, but if you different now than it was when forget. with joy – or grief. Hope does you may or may not care to travel bought on strong fundamentals, I moved here 10 years ago. indeed spring eternal. to some day. real estate here remains a solid in- So to answer that annoying Bill Barnett can be contacted through Over the past three years I We’ve got a lot here, and there vestment. We don’t live in a question on whether the market www.c9hotelworks.com. May 28 - June 3, 2011 PHUKET PROPERTY GUIDE PHUKET GAZETTE 15 16 PHUKET GAZETTE May 28 - June 3, 2011