Volume 11 Issue 12 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 March 20 - 26, 2004 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 20 Baht

The Gazette is published in association with Democrats Property leader in landslide

IN THIS ISSUE OrBorJor

NEWS: Expo center decision poll victory "up to Phuket people" – slams officials Chavalit; Mayoral candidate By Gategaeo Phetsawang disqualified. Pages 2 & 3 By Dhirarat Boonkongsaen INSIDE STORY: The fight to PHUKET: The ruling Thai Rak build more than sandcastles PHUKET CITY: The President Thai (TRT) party’s attempt to on the beach; Queer News. of the recently formed Phuket become a force in provincial Pages 4 & 5 Real Estate Club (PREC) has politics in Phuket received a slammed bureaucrats for con- major setback in the March 14 AROUND THE ISLAND: The stantly putting obstacles in the elections for the presidency of beach cleanup volunteers. way of the booming property the Provincial Administration Page 6 market. Organization (OrBorJor), with AROUND THE REGION: Second Announcing on March 12 the TRT candidate coming last Samui airport still in holding that the club plans to stage a pub- by a long way. pattern; Bus brigands. lic seminar on April 3 at the The winner, with 52% of Page 8 Royal Phuket City Hotel to ad- all votes, was Democrat candi- dress problems faced by those in date and former member of par- OFF THE WALL: Brucie pro- real estate development, Phum- liament Anchalee Vanich- poses an unusual opera. misak Hongsyok, former Mayor Thepabutr. She polled 59,639 Pages 10 & 11 of Phuket Town, said, “The real votes, followed by independents TALES OF A TRAVELER: Trek- estate market in Phuket has Wisut Santikul (34,505 votes) king among the suburban vol- boomed over the past few and Soratham Jinda (11,106), canoes. Page 14 months because many of the with TRT candidate Pol Col problems that plagued us in the Apirak Hongtong trailing behind DOWNSIDER: How to deal with early closing. Page 17 past are disappearing. with just 4,977 votes. “At the end of last year, The Democrats also man- BUSINESS & MONEY: Black banks started giving greater sup- aged to get 19 of their 20 gold found in Phuket's coffee port to real estate developers, OrBorJor member candidates boom. Page 21 and buyers began to trust the sell- elected, giving them an over- SPORT: Unlocking the secrets ers more. Also, property compa- whelming majority in the 24-seat of golf success; Sailing. nies started to do business prop- council. Pages 22 & 23 erly.” “I’d like to thank all those But bureaucrats are still people who voted for us,” K. GOOD LIVING: Going beyond holding things back, he said. Anchalee told the Gazette, “They bagels, bisque and a Nutty “The most common questions trusted us, so we will do our best Monkey. Page 25 [the club gets from members] are Phummisak Hongsyok: Government officers ‘are making the real to develop Phuket along the lines estate business very difficult’. PROPERTY: Home of the week about the various government we explained [in the election at the Boat Lagoon; Bloomin’ offices that are meant to provide “The shortage of water on academics from Chulalongkorn campaign].” Bert and the idle epiphytes; clear information, perform ad- Phuket is a lingering problem University. She said, “I’ve heard that Graham Doven cautions ministrative functions effi- and [so far] has been solved by “One of the main purposes someone filed a complaint with against becoming eroded. ciently, and offer equal treatment developers taking matters into of the PREC is to discuss and the Provincial Election Commis- Pages 26, 27 & 28 to all people. their own hands, rather than the find solutions to the problems sion (PEC) that I gave calendars “These offices are making government providing a viable faced by all those involved in the to people. PLUS the real estate business very dif- solution.” real estate business. It will assist “tThe PEC will consider if ficult with red tape, unclear in- The April 3 seminar will them in doing real estate busi- there’s anything wrong but we AROUND THE NATION 7; HAP- formation and unnecessary rules. consist entirely of questions and ness properly,” K. Phummisak are confident we have done noth- This blocks development, as the answers. Attempting to provide said. PENINGS 9; HOROSCOPES 12; ing to break the regulations.” real estate business requires or- the answers will be Land De- The seminar will be con- Wisut Santikul, the leader KIDS 15; MOMMA D UCK, YOUTH ganization and accurate informa- partment officers from Phuket ducted primarily in Thai and will of the recently-formed indepen- ’N ASIA 16; EDITORIAL & LET- tion.” and Bangkok, including the Di- cost 300 baht to attend, includ- dent OrBorJor Gao Mai – Khon TERS 18; FIRST PERSON, ISSUES He also called on the au- rector of the Land Department’s ing lunch. Registration will be at Baan Rao (New Step – Our & ANSWERS 19; COMPUTERS, thorities to take concrete steps Business Property Section, as 8 am. For more information con- People) Party told the Gazette BOOKS 20; MOTORING 24; soon to address water shortages well as a deputy managing di- tact the PREC at Tel: 076- that he believed he had lost be- CLASSIFIEDS 29-35. on Phuket. rector of Bangkok Bank and 218999 or 076-218747. Continued on page 2 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS March 20 - 26, 2004 Phuket people must Landslide win have their say on for Democrats From page 1 cause of the recent steeply rising expo center: Chavalit popularity of the Democrats in Phuket. “Another reason is that By Gategaeo Phetsawang people got the mistaken impres- sion that I was somehow repre- PHUKET TOWN: Phuket and its senting the TRT, even though I tourist trade are essential to kept telling them I was not,” he Thailand’s economy but what said. matters most is that the island’s At least one candidate was inhabitants decide their own fu- not beyond using dirty tricks, he ture, Deputy Prime Minister Gen noted. “A day before the poll a Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on leaflet was circulated, accusing March 12. me of raping a 13-year-old. The “I’d like to ask if Phuket leaflets were distributed every- people really want to build the where, even to my home.” International Convention and The TRT candidate, Col Exhibition Center (ICEC) or Apirak, declined to comment on THALANG: Phuket Vice-Governor Niran Kalayanamit plants a not,” he said of the controversial his performance, saying that he rare and endangered species of palm tree called Kerriodoxa 2.5-billion-baht project which would wait until after the results elegans Dransfield, more commonly known as the white elephant has yet to get off the drawing have been officially verified. palm. board. “Until the results have been ap- The palm was planted March 11 at the Khao Prateaw “Right now, we have the proved, nobody can draw any Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Center in budget – but what exactly do Gen Chavalit: ‘If people don’t conclusions,” he explained. Thalang in honor of HM Queen Sirikit’s 72nd birthday, which people want Phuket to be?” he agree, there will be a problem Phuket Election Commis- will take place August 12. asked. “It’s really up to them to later.’ sion (PEC) President Dr Prapa More than 80 students and goverment employees followed decide.” Kayee told the Gazette that the V/Gov Niran’s example and planted another 147 of the rare Observers saw Gen Chava- agree, there will be a problem PEC had received some com- palms. lit’s comment as an attempt to later,” he said. plaints about OrBorJor presi- overcome opposition to the in- Gen Chavalit and govern- dency candidates but none, so far, tended site for the ICEC project ment spokesman Jakraphop Pen- about member candidates. She Love boats on Phang Nga Bay on reclaimed land off Saphan Hin kair visited Phuket to meet me- declined to give further details. PHANG NGA: A day-long “Ro- tour of karsts and hongs, with the in Phuket City. dia from six southern provinces The OrBorJor election cen- mantic Canoe Wedding Project”, emphasis on true love. “Where the ICEC will be – Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, ter said that 114,322 people voted will see 18 couples – either re- Interested couples should built should be discussed with Ranong, Surat Thani and Chum- out of an electorate of 181,806 – cently engaged or newly wed, contact the Phang Nga Chamber local people to see if they agree phon – at a seminar at The a turnout of 63%. There were paddling out into Phang Nga Bay of Commerce at 076-411656 or with it or not. If people don’t Metropole hotel in Phuket City. 4,095 spoiled ballot sheets. on April 14 for an unusual free the TAT at 076-212213. Passion aplenty as ‘Tosca’ plays in Phuket CHERNG TALAY: The opera gods were risked emulating Ophelia – were capti- Tenor Nicholas Ransley made an im- Church of Sant’ Andrea della Valle with smiling on Phuket as the European Cham- vated by a delight that transcended the vi- pressive Caravadossi – his début in the particular charm and wit. For the benefit ber Opera (Echo) brought a dinner-scale sual and aural and became an exchange role – as Tosca’s lover, while Echo direc- of the non-Italian speakers and those new Tosca gloriously to life on March 13 at of energy between tor and baritone Stef- to Tosca, he gave an occasional puckish the Sheraton Grande Laguna. cast and audience. an Sanchez was commentary to the audience. There were, however, few smiles At times, one beastly secret police Mention must also be made of Kevin earlier in the day when rain almost stopped could sense the audi- chief Baron Scarpia. Macrae, who carried two roles as Spoletta, play. Such are the risks taken when any ence breathing as a He used his voice one of Scarpia’s aides, and the political open air production is staged. But the skies single entity, becom- with restrained mal- prisoner Angelotti. Director Darren remained clear and the only risks taken ing participants more ice to send a shiver up Royston and pianist Ian Ryan must also by the cast were from heat exhaustion and than spectators. the spine on the sul- be praised as excellent in their roles. exposure to mosquitoes. Soprano Con- triest of nights. Was Tosca a success? A resounding The resort’s Puccini Restaurant (how stance Novis did not Despite the con- “yes”. Echo vitalize the art of opera and enterprising of the great composer to have simply play the role fines of the arena, his return it to what it once was once: an im- branched out into the restaurant business) of Floria Tosca but rich voice carried mediate and sensual commune between provided an unusual backdrop of palm was, to many, the em- over the water to hit singer and audience. trees and tropical flowers to a tale of pas- bodiment of passion, home with menace. There is a rumor that Echo may bring th sion, revenge and sacrifice set in 18 cen- vulnerability, yet, ul- The evil Scarpia gets the point. The most powerful Rigoletto to Phuket within the year. It will tury Rome. timately, strength, people intimidate not be a welcome return for this dynamic and The keen audience of around 70 din- perhaps most notably in the 2nd act aria by shouting but by tacit threat. innovative company, who touched the ers – some of whom, with chairs perilously Vissi d’arte – and as her role dictated, the John Watts took a number of roles, hearts and souls of many. close to the edge of the swimming pool, most gifted and beautiful of singers. but played the aging sacristan of the – Andy Johnstone March 20 - 26, 2004 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Gazette launches Candidate barred home delivery from mayoral poll PHUKET: In response to increas- issue, versus the newsstand price ing demand from readers for of 20 baht,” noted Gazette pub- By Gategaeo Phetsawang “The CEC hasn’t delivered home delivery, as well as pres- lisher John Magee. “But we had a judgment yet. Until they do, I sure from advertisers for paid (vs to do something to ensure the loy- PHUKET CITY: The Phuket am not disqualified. I’d like the “give-away”) circulation, the alty of our advertisers at a time Election Commission (PEC) has CEC to check whether the PEC Phuket Gazette has launched a when they’re wary of unpaid cir- barred Thanapong Kho-udom, is doing its job properly and “Phuket Special Delivery” sub- culation. leader of the Pattana Baan Rao fairly. scription. “We had to get away from (“Develop Our Home”) Party “I was born in Phuket City. Available to readers in the clutter of the give-aways on from running for Mayor of Phu- All my family live in this area. Phuket Province only, the new the tables of Phuket’s shops and ket City in elections due to be We have four houses and have service promises hand delivery to restaurants. Most of the resorts held on April 4. done business in the area for homes and offices virtually any- booted out the give-away publi- Kittipong Thiengkunagrit, about 30 years.” where on the island, “every Sat- cations a couple of years ago.” Director of the PEC, told the He conceded that he had urday morning, rain or shine”. The Gazette took its first Gazette on March 15 that elec- paid taxes for four years in one The Special Deliveries step to fully-paid circulation five toral rules state that a mayoral lump, but pointed out that those started on March 13. Priced at years ago when it began distri- candidate must have lived within taxes had been accepted by the 1,560 baht for a full, one-year bution through newsstands. “We municipal boundaries for at least municipality, indicating to him (52-issue) subscription, the prod- learned quickly that a vendor will a year before registering as a can- that paying in this way was per- uct is tailored for a limited, high- cooperate – often allocating eye- didate, or must have paid taxes fectly legal. end market. level rack space, or prominent to the municipality every year for “I’ve paid my taxes. Yet “It works out to 30 baht per table or counter space – when the past three years. because of this I can’t exercise there’s a transaction, rather than He explained that K. Tha- my rights as a citizen living in the a ‘favor’, driving the merchan- napong had moved from Thalang Thanapong: ‘I can’t exercise municipal area?” dising,” Mr Magee said. my rights as a citizen living in Piglet deaths district to Phuket City less than a the municipal area?’ He added that PEC officers Because of the high costs of year ago and although he had knew the rule on paying taxes, ‘not because island-wide physical delivery, the paid taxes covering three years, Commission (CEC) in Bangkok, yet the rule was not mentioned newspaper plans to cap its local he had done so in one lump. contesting the PEC’s ruling. in the election handbook for can- subscriptions at 500. The PEC therefore consid- “The PEC dismissed my didates. “How could we know of bird ’flu’ Readers who wish to sub- ered him ineligible to register as rebuttal because I couldn’t make about this rule? Why didn’t they scribe may do so at www. PHUKET CITY: The recent a mayoral candidate. it to their hearing,” he said, ex- include it in the handbook?” phuketgazette.net/subscribe.asp. deaths of 60 piglets on a single But an angry K. Thanapong plaining that the PEC had tele- He said that members of his Alternatively, they may email farm from respiratory infection told the Gazette that he is not giv- phoned him on the day of the party would continue to cam- [email protected] were the result of hog cholera, ing up without a fight, and that hearing to inform him of it, but paign for votes though he him- or telephone Khun Jib at Tel: not avian ’flu, according to the he had sent rebuttals to both the that he was in Bangkok at the self could not do so until his dis- 076-236555. island’s top livestock official. PEC and the Central Election time. qualification is overturned. The Chief of the Phuket Provincial Livestock Office Blue Canyon suit (PPLO) Sunart Wongchawalit Broken leg foils car thief’s escape told the Gazette that the piglets gets go-ahead died after contracting hog chol- PHUKET CITY: A man sus- tion, told the Gazette that the two three in Chalong and two in era, also known as swine ’flu. pected of stealing two cars and stolen cars were found at the Phuket City, most of them the PHUKET (The Nation): The Phu- The deaths occurred on a electrical equipment tried to es- home of Adison Hongwiengjan, homes of foreigners. ket Provincial Court has decided farm on Soi Honsaitong, off Sri cape through a third-floor win- 26, in Soi Thanuthep, Chalong. The man confessed to steal- that a complaint filed by a found- Suthat Rd, in Tambon Rassada. dow at Phuket City Police Sta- “A Mitsubishi was stolen ing the cars and 183 electrical er of Murex Co, developer of the “The owner, Winai Chao- tion on March 11 and ended up about four months ago,” he said. items, including CD players, Blue Canyon Country Club, has yapraek, bought 30 pigs from a in Wachira Hospital with a bro- “The owner parked it on Poonpol computers and TV sets, found in sufficient merit for it to proceed. farm in Cherng Talay thinking ken leg. Rd [in Phuket City] and it disap- his house. Rawat Chindapol has filed they had already been immunized The man specialized in rob- peared. Yesterday, someone in- The brown Mitsubishi is two lawsuits against Singaporean against the disease,” said K. Su- bing the homes of foreigners, formed the police that the car was awaiting its owner at the police businessman Sia Leng Yeun and nart. police said. in Soi Thanuthep.” station while the owner of the Blue Canyon Holdings (Thai- “When the piglets fell ill, Pol Capt Akanit Danpitak- Police said Adison was also other stolen car, a black Honda land), alleging falsification of the owner called the PPLO for sat, Sub-Inspector of Investiga- suspected of carrying out burglar- Prelude, has reclaimed the ve- documents and concealment of help. That’s when we diagnosed tion at Phuket City Police Sta- ies at two houses in Kamala, hicle at Chalong Police Station. information, with intent to take the piglets as suffering from hog Vibeke Ulmann Weincke, control of Murex. The first hear- cholera. They all died within a 45, from Denmark, Managing ing has been set for March 29. week from pneumonia. Patong-Similans tour launched Director of Sun Orient Tours, “After the first group of PATONG: Seatran Travel has The cost, including meals, told the Gazette, “I got my car piglets died of cholera, K. Winai launched a full-board excursion water and soft drinks and use of back – nothing damaged. I’d like got 30 more from the same farm. package to the Similan Islands, snorkeling equipment, is 2,300 to say ‘Thank you’ to the police. We told him to get cholera bringing Thailand’s most remote baht for adults and 1,800 baht for They have done a good job.” booster shots for the second lot archipelago within easy reach of children. – Gategaeo Phetsawang of pigs, but he failed to do so, and tourists staying in Phuket. those pigs died in the same way,” The voyage is on Seatran explained K. Sunart. “Hog chol- Express 2, a 36-meter air-condi- era is very different from bird tioned vessel powered by twin ’flu. It can infect only pigs – not 1,300hp high-speed diesels and humans or birds,” he said. capable of making the journey PPLO Vet Weerapap Term- from Patong to the Similans in kietpaisarn confirmed that the less than three hours. piglets had succumbed to swine With a cruising speed of 25 ’flu, saying that they had the clas- knots, the new ferry brings the sic symptoms of the disease. islands within easy reach of tour- “They have difficulty breath- ists. It has a rated carrying capac- ing and develop bruises over their ity of 250 people, but limits each entire bodies. Finally, they go trip to 150 to prevent crowding into spasm and die,” he said. during mealtimes and when “Fortunately, all of the adult boarding the longtail boats that pigs on that farm and in the sur- transfer passengers to the islands. rounding area have been immu- The new service is sched- nized and are still healthy.” uled to operate throughout the – Dhirarat Boonkongsaen high season. 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY March 20 - 26, 2004 Queer News Caution: FIGHTI safety sign ahead! for PATHUM THANI: The mastermind behind a struc- ture promoting the government’s road-safety cam- paign has defended his creation from criticism that it is annoying passing motorists and is itself a haz- A highway official in Pathum Thani thinks these ard. dummies can teach drivers a thing or two about The structure features two life-sized dummies road safety, but local motorists are wondering astride real motorcycles mounted on a three-meter- who the real dummies are. Photo: The Nation high platform outside the Pathum Thani Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center on the 220 volts or fluorescent lamps,” said K. Somsak, BEACH Rangsit-Pathum Thani Road. who heads the center’s Mechanical Academic De- The dummies are wearing helmets and black partment. jackets and are illuminated at night by spotlights. “I don’t think the lights annoy passing mo- Many motorists and motorcyclists, however, torists and we don’t mean to cause trouble for SPECIAL REPORT by Gategaeo Phetsawang have expressed concern that the structure could people,” he added. and Sangkhae Leelanapaporn cause accidents because the motorcycles’ head- The government campaign aims to encour- lamps and brake lights are always on and annoy age motorcyclists to wear crash helmets and keep passing motorists, particularly at night. their headlamps on while riding. e shall fight the point where they become a Somsak Arrayabhun, 50, the engineer respon- K. Somsak said the structure cost 30,000 baht, them on the turn-off. sible for the structure, said stoutly that the lights took 20 days to complete, and was installed with beaches... The longer authorities al- used did not produce a strong-enough beam of light permission from the Highways Department. He with those low the encroachment cycle to to cause problems for motorists. added that 11 more sites are earmarked for similar words, develop, the harder it becomes to “The bulbs run off a 12-volt supply, which displays. British determine the rights and wrongs, produces a very weak light when compared with Source: The Nation wartimeW leader Winston Chur- and to restore a balance between chill inspired the Allies to fight the attractions of the beach and back and defeat Germany in the distractions of over-zealous World War II. vendors. Grim Reaper In Phuket, the war contin- Within close proximity, ues for the beaches – and it has three beaches on Phuket’s west already been running just as long, coast are now at different stages perhaps even longer, than the of the cycle. According to Kantee exposed as sexist four-year war against Hitler. Silapa, Chief of Thalang District, Lines are now being drawn Surin Beach is no longer under in the battle battle over whether siege. The beachside vendors RAYONG: Residents of Village nervous. Villagers are sure the K. Sayan said that, of the the sands should be covered with have signed contracts and are set 7 of Tambon Baan Laeng, Muang village is cursed and no man is males remaining in the village, umbrellas and lounges or left to move to a designated site away District, held a Buddhist sadao- safe. most are children. Adult females pristine, and whether female from the sand in April, after the khro merit-making ceremony on According to village head- outnumber their male counter- tourists should be allowed to go high season. March 11 to try to turn around a man Sayan Sripeuak, the worst parts 3:1. topless or be prosecuted for in- Virtually next door at Le string of untimely deaths that has year was 2003, when the village’s “I think this bad for our decent exposure. Phang beach, the situation is dif- caused the number of male resi- ranks of widows really began to community spirit. We are rapidly The jet-ski operators appear ferent. The vendors have yet to dents to plummet to the point surge. becoming a village of old wom- to be surrounded and wounded – be restrained, though the first where there are 141 males and “Sometimes it gets so bad en,” said the headman. but the cleaning-up operation blows are being struck; the beach 269 females. that there’s a traffic jam of cof- “So after discussion with could take seven years or more, area is now being surveyed. One might imagine that the fins at the temple waiting to be my fellow villagers, we decided allowing plenty of time for jet- The men with the theodo- surviving males might like the cremated,” he said. “It seems like to hold this merit-making cer- ski supporters to recover and lites and surveyor’s pegs have way the odds are stacked in their bad luck just begets bad luck. emony to break the curse. claim a surprise victory. already been at work further favor, but they’re actually quite Men are dropping like flies.” “We invited monks from all Yet these are just skir- north, on Nai Yang beach, which over to come and join in by sprin- mishes compared with the battles is definitely mid-cycle. Tourists kling the village with holy water some local vendors have been have begun to arrive there in in order to drive out the bad forced to wage for what they re- numbers – a third large hotel is luck,” he explained. gard as their traditional liveli- being built right on the seafront One of the many widows is hoods. – and there are nearly 50 shops 30-year resident Tawil Ampon- It has been a long, drawn- of one kind or another. maha, mother of 1984 Olympic out encounter, extending back But before it can be estab- boxing silver medalist Tawee years – in some cases even de- lished that the shop operators are Amponmaha. cades. Now, slowly but surely, interlopers, the boundaries have “It is very difficult to be- authorities are restoring order to be established beyond doubt. lieve what is going on here. and the vendors appear to be in Sirinath National Park was Something strange is happening, retreat. established in 1981 around the and that’s why I decided to attend Just about every beach on whole of Nai Yang Beach – or so the sadaokhro ceremony,” she the island is at one stage or other authorities believed. But four said. of the invasion cycle, which years ago, in a check of the origi- It was not reported whether works like this: tourist numbers nal survey, experts from the there would be any effort to keep build, one or two vendors ven- Royal Forestry Department the remaining men from riding ture onto the sands, and for a time (RFD) found that the land be- around drunk on motorcycles there’s a perfect balance between tween the Crown Nai Yang Suite without crash helmets over the commerce and nature. Hotel and the Pearl Village Ho- Songkran holiday. Then, as tourists continue tel is not part of the national park, This practice has been sta- to arrive – because the destina- but belongs to the local Sakoo tistically proven to take the lives tion is so perfect – vendor num- Tambon Administration Organi- of adult males relative to females bers explode and the sophistica- zation (OrBorTor). by a factor of – you guessed it – tion of their operations along the “If that land belonged to the around 3:1. Source: Thai Rath fringes of the beach increases to national park we could proceed,” March 20 - 26, 2004 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5 NG the ES

K. Kantee said. “But without the clarity of the law, the vendors can Hardly idyllic: the scene along the shorefront at Nai Yang where vendors await their fate. take the matter to court and a judge may rule that they have a a little more complicated. Eigh- park was a forest, with only four to live and do some business,” will dismantle the shops this year, traditional right to an income, teen of the shops are on national dwellings. she said. “Other beach operators even though we always pay taxes even though their restaurants are park land, and 30 are on OrBor- With the arrival of the tour- are being sued and are waiting for for our businesses.” on public land. It could be an ob- Tor land. ists, the houses became restau- court verdicts. We have heard The operator of the Kwanta stacle.” While the 18 can be relo- rants, although one was torn that the authorities have told the Seafood restaurant told the Ga- K. Kantee has spoken to the cated to a site provided by the down after the operator planted beach operators to move so they zette that the change from being vendors. Most, he says optimis- RFD, there is doubt whether the coconuts and erected a fence. can build a road.” accused of operating on national tically, have agreed to move to other 30 can also be moved to the Over time, more shops opened. She agrees that the beach park land to operating on Or- another site. same site. K. Jumpri hopes her fam- needs to be clean and comfort- BorTor land had only muddied ily can stay at Nai Yang. “I want able but she thinks the rights of the waters. to live here until my children shopkeepers should be consid- “Now we are confused ‘[The officers] said they will dismantle graduate,” she said. “Two of ered more carefully, too. about who exactly is responsible them are still in school. The old- “Some of them have spent for this area,” he said. “I can’t the shops this year, even though we est one has had to drop out be- as much as a million baht but they believe the officers any more cause we don’t have enough may lose everything.” when they say that they will dis- always pay taxes for our businesses.’ money.” K. Wanchai said that some mantle and rebuild our shops for She said that a recent visit shops have even been sold to new us,” he said. to the restaurant by the Director- operators, even though there So the cycle continues. And The Chief of Sirinath Na- “We are trying to solve this General of the RFD, Plodprasop were no land ownership papers. once the shops have been relo- tional Park, Thanapong Apaiso, problem now,” said K. Surapong. Suraswadi, proved to be a water- Another Nai Yang shop op- cated some distance from the told the Gazette that a budget of His deputy, Tawit Keuanoon, shed. erator, who would give only his beach, the tourists will keep on 15 million baht had been set aside said, “We’re still discussing this. “When he came to our res- nickname, Lek, said he had been coming. to provide alternative sites for the We can’t find a place that is le- taurant, my oldest daughter, who in business at the beach since The question is, will they be restaurants and shops. Planning gal yet still has tourists passing is deaf, gave him a letter that she 1988, and had invested 100,000 willing to leave the shelter of was now with the Public Works by. wrote there and then, explaining baht in his shop, only to have it their umbrellas to go in search of Department. “We have to let them con- that we don’t have anywhere else torn down by the local authori- food and drink? Or will a new The new site would be tinue doing business until we can to live. ties who promised him a new lo- breed of smiling invaders suc- closer to the main road, with find somewhere new for them.” “After reading my daugh- cation. “But they just dismantled ceed in carrying goods – and the room for 36 small shops, but con- The mathematics could also ter’s letter, he declared that the my shop and have done nothing battle with the authorities – back siderably further away from the be tricky. There are 48 shops to RFD must find a new place for since,” K. Lek said. onto the sand? beach than the shops are at be moved, but only 36 spaces in us before ordering us to move. His business is still open on It may be some time yet present. the national park project. “We are willing to move if the site, under a canvas awning. before the war for Phuket’s “We will start to plan the Wanchai and Jumpri Jen- the RFD can find a place for us “[The officers] said they beaches is over. layout soon and I believe that prai operate the Mae Jit Seafood everything will be finished by restaurant and have been living next year,” K. Thanapong added. at Nai Yang for decades. K. But Surapong Panyawai, Wanchai is 46 – twice the age of Chairman of OrBorTor Sakoo, the national park. told the Gazette that things were He remembers when the 6 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE ISLAND March 20 - 26, 2004 Clean beach is in the bag By Gategaeo Phetsawang guests.” K. Somjai said that there are many vendors and beach nce a week, about 80 chair operators on Surin Beach. staff from the “When they see the hotel staff TwinPalms Hotel collecting garbage, they also be- Owalk along Surin come more alert to keeping the beach to pick up garbage left be- areas clean,” she added. hind by environmentally-re- “The beach is a few kilo- tarded individuals. A far-sighted meters in length, alongside Surin hotel, indeed. public park, where people usually The hotel’s Sales and Pub- come on weekends for picnick- lic Relations Manager, Somjai ing. Tungkoo, told the Gazette that its “After we began, we hoped policy is to treat the that the amount of environment with re- garbage would re- spect and care and to duce – but that hasn’t keep the scenery 'The local happened yet. looking attractive. beach “Each week we “This project operators collect enough gar- aims to keep the ho- bage to fill a truck. tel and neighboring also help Most of it is plastic Something to sing about: TwinPalms Hotel staff start the day by cleaning up Surin beach. areas clean and beau- to keep the bags and glass bot- “In the future, we hope vista appealing for people who beach. The villagers also have tiful,” she said. area tles. After collecting more local people will take part come to visit,” he said. projects to keep the beach The project be- garbage along the in cleaning their environment,” “The local beach operators clean.” gan in December. Ev- free of beach, the staff sepa- she said. “If the area has nice also help to keep the area free of Nongnuch Makmool, As- eryone from house- trash.' rate the recyclable scenery, it will be good for ev- trash.” sistant Convention and Incentive keepers to adminis- materials to make it eryone.” Hotel staff generally kept and Public Relations Manager, trative staff take part easier for the Rawai Other hotels also do their an eye on litter along the beach, said that for about three years, in the beach-cleaning Tambon Administra- bit. The Assistant Personnel especially during the wet season. hotel staff cleaned the beach ev- each Saturday from 9:30 am un- tion Organization (OrBorTor) to Manager of Kata Beach Resort, Sudanong Samantarat, Hu- ery morning. From June to Oct- til midday. manage later. Rakse Kongkram, said the resort man Resources Coordinator at ober, more monsoon-driven trash “On Saturday morning, we “The hotel has asked the was part of the Magic Eyes (Taa the JW Marriott Phuket Resort cluttered the shore. don’t have any training courses OrBorTor to put out more gar- Wisate) project, whereby the Thai and Spa, told the Gazette that the She said that the staff col- scheduled for our staff and the bage bins so people won’t leave Environmental And Community hotel will begin a project in April, lect an average of about three hotel hasn’t been opened yet, so litter in the park. Development Association seeks involving about 150 hotel staff, bags of garbage along Nai Harn everyone comes to join,” she ex- “Another project that we cooperation from hotels and lo- to clean Mai Khao Beach during Beach every day. plained. “After the hotel opens, have started is recycling papers cal organizations to collect and the low season. “We have a meeting with we will continue this project, but and plastic material in the hotel. recycle garbage along beaches. “We want to participate in more than 10 beach operators the number of staff who pick up We also maintain large green ar- “We usually collect gar- keeping the beach clean,” she every three months, seeking their the garbage may be reduced be- eas in the hotel and care for some bage three times a year and when said. “Not only the section in cooperation in keeping the beach cause we have to serve the hotel plantations nearby. there are festivals. We make the front of our hotel but the whole clean,” she added. March 20 - 26, 2004 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Premier launches sequel toWar on Drugs rime Minister Thaksin The company has set up a Shinawatra launched hotline for dog owners who have another anti-drug cam- questions regarding the safety of P paign, insisting that Pedigree Dry and other company pressure must be maintained to products: 1-800-738227. prevent the drug scourge from “regenerating”. Dis-information: Doctors have Running from March 8 to warned that putting detailed per- June 5, the campaign is targeting sonal health information on gov- urban communities, border vil- ernment smart ID cards could lages, villages where use of nar- lead to discrimination. cotics is known to be spreading, The doctors said it would schools, entertainment places, be fine if a card contains only service enterprises, dormitories, general information, such as rented houses and slums. blood group and allergies, but The recorded deaths of they are afraid that cards might more than 2,000 suspected traf- also include a person’s genetic fickers and peddlers during the information or HIV status. With main “war” last year sparked out- advances in biotechnology and cry from human rights activists, knowledge of the human ge- who accused the police of acting nome, they said, modern medi- outside the law – a charge the cine is capable of easily identi- government has vigorously de- fying people using DNA. nied. Dr Somsak Chunharasmi, Secretary General of the National Desert isle: A village headman Health Foundation, demanded on Koh Samui said the island is THEY'RE OFF!: Competitors dash from the muddy start line in a female farmers’ buffalo race that the government survey pub- bracing for another water short- in Surin, held as part of the National Buffalo Fair in the northeastern province. lic opinion before implementing age and that local residents were the “e-citizen” project, a collabo- already expressing concern over ration between the Ministry of the expected heat wave in April, Information and Communica- during which the island can ex- strangers, do not hang out with the United Nations in a bid to rein wave of unconfirmed reports tions Technology and the Interior pect to run short of both stored “false friends”, do stay close to in drug abuse and HIV transmis- blaming Pedigree Dry for canine Ministry’s Department of Provin- water and tap water. parents, do not overspend, do not sion in Thai prisons, the Joint casualties in Thailand and other cial Administration. The first He said a number of tour- wander around, always go home, United Nations Program on Aids Asian countries, including Tai- batch of 10,000 smart cards are ism-related businesses had al- do not be swept away by materi- (UNAids) reported. wan, which imports the product to be issued July 1. ready arranged for shipments of alism and do not concentrate on “As a model country in the from Thailand. Manufacturer water from the mainland to pre- boyfriends. fight against HIV/Aids, what Effem Foods announced a recall Around the Nation news roundup pare for an influx of tourists in Thailand needs to do to maintain to pull the dog food from store is sourced from the pages of The April, the time of Thailand’s an- 100 clinics to be set up: The this status is to expose what is shelves in Thailand and else- Nation and Kom Chad Luek nual water-throwing festival, government will set up more than going on inside jails concerning where in Asia. newspapers. Songkran. 100 centers nationwide this year HIV and drug abuse problems,” In previous years, local so that women and children who Kathleen Cravero, deputy execu- communities and small hotels are victims of sexual and physi- tive director of UNAids, said af- that rely solely on tap water cal abuse can receive treatment ter a visit to Bang Kwang Cen- would bear the brunt of the short- and counseling. The initiative is tral Prison and a meeting with age, said the headman. budgeted at 106 million baht. Justice Minister Pongthep Thep- Public Health Minister kanjana. Ten Commandments: Through Sudarat Keyuraphan said an av- She said the ministry had his spokesman, National Police erage of 12 rape cases are re- agreed to cooperate with the UN Commissioner General Sant ported every day in Thailand, in- Office on Drugs and Crime to try Sarutanond ordered officers to be cluding two involving underage to resolve the problem of intra- vigilant and also to ensure safe victims. In a survey of just 21 venous drug abuse, which has transport for children during the public hospitals, 61 women died strong links with HIV transmis- Songkran holidays. in rape-related incidents last year, sion among addicts inside the He said that police stations K. Sudarat said. country’s jails. across the country were organiz- “It is shocking that 31% of ing activities for children and that news reports on crimes involved Pedigree retriever: The manu- officers would pay more atten- rape and murder cases,” she said. facturer of Pedigree Dry dog food tion to the safety of girls and A Public Health Ministry report advised its customers to stop giv- young women because they were revealed that some 3,000 women ing the food to their pets pend- often victims of sex crimes. sought rape and domestic-vio- ing laboratory tests and investi- Thailand’s top cop also lence treatment and counseling gations into reports that several Help us to help between 2001 and 2003. dogs become sick or died from urged young girls to follow 10 the animals do’s and don’ts to avoid trouble: kidney failure after eating the do not wear short skirts, do not Infected cells: The Justice Min- food. 076-263737 take drugs, do not depend on istry has agreed to cooperate with The advice came amid a 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE REGION March 20 - 26, 2004 PM pressures Bangkok Air on fares

he game of political ten- the general consensus was that a Samui is organizing a clean-up in rifling through bags during the on Samui include POD, a new bar nis started by news of a second airport was inevitable and the sea around Koh Tao, where overnight trip. designed by the owners of Q bar second Samui airport in many ways would be benefi- large numbers of divers are be- A clandestine operation is in Bangkok and Café Uno, a Eu- Tcontinued this month cial to the island, particularly for ginning to have a serious impact now planned, though publicizing ropean-style coffee shop serving when important personages from those owning land on, or close on the area. this may reduce its impact. Trav- pannini and café latte. Bangkok, Surat Thani and Samui to the island. The local authority does elers who are too mean to pay Branded boutiques are met to discuss again the pros and Such optimistic assess- send out street cleaners once a 500 baht for a government bus slowly replacing the old copy cons of the plan. ments are not echoed by many of week but they tend to expend are urged to sleep with one eye stalls that once lined the streets Dr Leekit Hirawengking those involved in the tourism most of their energy smoking open as they bump, grind and of Chaweng. On a more cultural delivered a mes- business on Samui, cigarettes while pushing around wobble along during level, an art gallery sage from the FROM THE who see the new roadside debris. the 15-hour journey opened recently, with Prime Minister airport as an at- High-profile campaigns by from the capital. an exhibition of con- saying that if GULF OF tempt to turn the is- individual companies, motivated The local temporary Thai Bangkok Airways land into a low-end by the wish to promote the com- Toward the trendy: authority does paintings from refused to reduce THAILAND package destina- pany image, seem to be the way As Samui becomes send out street around the country. the price of flights tion. forward. ever more diverse While Samui to Samui, then Such an out- Forward, that is, if Samui and international, cleaners once a waits – as it has done construction of the come would con- wishes to ensure that the bikinis parts of the island week but they for around three public airport tradict current de- and ambulant baht sources that are developing a tend to expend years – to hear if it would definitely velopment trends, currently cover its beaches are contemporary style. will be granted “spe- go ahead. and possibly create not permanently replaced by New venues, hotels most of their cial administrative In response an imbalance in de- cans, plastic bottles and oil spills. and houses are energy smoking region” status similar to the threat, mand and supply springing up all the cigarettes while to that of Pattaya, is- Pradith Peeka- that Samui is not Bus brigands: Low-cost bus time, many boasting land developers and khun, the assistant equipped to bear. companies offering cheap seats sophisticated design pushing around businesspeople seem director of the to the south will be the target of features and the lat- roadside debris. keen on the proposed only airline with Cleaning up: Cer- a Tourist Police campaign to re- est services. name change of the service to Samui, tain companies on duce crime. Concepts such island’s municipal said that his com- Samui have finally These companies offer tick- as “neo-Balinese”, “Ibiza-esque” district. Following an upgrade of pany was not in By Commander realized that dirt ets from Bangkok for as little as and ‘tropical urban chic’ are re- its status, the island once famous the least bit inter- and tourism don’t 179 baht, but allegedly bump up placing the old bamboo and co- for relaxation and remoteness ested in cutting its Sammy Swan mix. their profits by robbing passen- conut wood that once symbolized would carry the lofty title of prices, and that all of its prices At least one resort has been gers while they sleep. Thai paradise. “Samui City”, no doubt making and services, including the con- conducting occasional beach There have been many re- Even the locals are getting it more attractive to those seek- troversial 400-baht airport tax, clean-ups for several years, and ports of such thefts in the past, hip, with mobile Internet devices ing a tropical paradise. were well within government now the new Buriraya resort in and the Tourist Police once in most pockets, and blue LEDs regulations. Lamai is to follow suit. caught a gang who were hiding on the pickup trucks. Cdr Swan is a writer with Koh After much horse trading, Easy Divers operating from in the luggage compartment and Other examples of the trend Samui’s community magazine. March 20 - 26, 2004 H A P P E N I N G S PHUKET GAZETTE 9 T his week

BARTERING AND BONDING: Michael Massey (2nd from right) Brokerage Manager A ROARING SUCCESS: Singing star Nantida Kaewbuasai was both guest of (Phuket) of Bartercard (Thailand) Co Ltd, was guest speaker at a gathering of the honor and main attraction at a recent Lions Club of Phuket Pearl charity gala International Business Association of Phuket (IBAP) at The Watermark restaurant night at the Royal Phuket City Hotel. More than 550 guests raised over 460,000 on March 4. He is pictured with, from left, OB Wetzell, Vunlapa Khemthong, Michael baht for Lions’ Club projects. Weinstein and Neil Cumming.

OH HAPPY DAY: Mr and Mrs Johann Polt (wearing garlands), guests at the Layan BUSINESS IS BLOOMING: Kanit Yongsakul (2nd from right), owner of the Beach Phuket Aprime Resort, begin celebrating after their Thai-style wedding at the Boat Lagoon hands a bouquet to Banterng Tantivit, Chairman of National resort. Celebrating with the happy couple are resort owners Norahat and Rojana Raktae- Finance Services Public Co Ltd, at the recent opening of its Thanachart Ngam (5th from left and 3rd from right respectively), other special guests of the couple Financial Complex, (Phuket) on the bypass road. Around 400 people came and members of the resort’s management team. to the opening.

REVENUE-RAISING ROTARY RUN: Members of the Rotary Club of Patong FOND FAREWELL AND FEAST: Management and staff of Le Royal Meridien Phuket Beach (RCPB) and other fun-runners focus on the festivities and frolic at Yacht Club bid au revoir rather than goodbye to Assistant Financial Controller Jamchan the RCPB’s 3rd Annual BBQ and Family Fun Day Fun Run at Bang Wad Wangnirandh (front, gray shirt) as she departs for fresh but familiar fields – as Financial Dam, Kathu. Controller at the new Meridien Khao Lak. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE March 20 - 26, 2004 A JOB FOR

ever let it be said that His latest venture is a bit of Phuket is short of a departure, though – into the glamor, from the high glamorous world of transvestite Nbrow to the er, slightly cabaret. less than highbrow. “I was great friends with Last weekend, the cognos- Monsieur Helicourt who ran the centi donned their bow ties for Moulin Rouge in Paris,” recalls an evening of drama and haute Serge, “and when the former cuisine at the Sheraton, where the Andaman Queen on Soi Katoey Puccini restaurant was the venue became available late last year, I for the European decided to take Chamber Op- my love of era’s touring French burles- production of que and produce Tosca. a show that is a What’s tribute to the needed now is Moulin Rouge for someone to but with a very write an opera Thai character.” called Patong, He’s nam- complete with ed his cabaret all the drama, Moulin Rose and tragedy, pathos Off the involved himself and farce that in every aspect are daily feat- of the design. He ures of our most WALL has refurbished famous beach. With Bruce Stanley the cabaret using Perhaps sensuous paint- the man to do it would be Serge ings and interiors and has cho- Consani, the French gourmet reographed the dances and de- chef who has turned into one of signed the costumes for his Patong’s most exciting impres- troupe of performers. sarios. It’s a big, colorful, glamor- Serge came to Patong years ous show with lots of colored ago to head resort operations for feathers, sequins and skimpy cos- then-Mayor Pian Keesin, who tumes. It’s sexy and startling, owns the beachfront Patong Bay suitable for adults who like their Garden Resort. entertainment on the risqué side. Serge soon saw the possi- bilities to operate his own empire Nantida’s Night: I was at the re- of fine French restaurants and cent wonderful dinner concert by boutique resorts. He now heads Nantida Kaewbuasai, which a collection of properties includ- raised funds to provide support ing the well known Monte Carlo for Phuket’s autistic children and restaurant and hotel on Soi their families. Bangla, the Chez Serge restau- The event, sponsored by the rant at the Burasari Resort, the Lions Club of Phuket Pearl, rais- Ma Maison Thai French restau- ed almost 500,000 baht and was rant and the Saxo French Bistro, attended by almost all of Phuket’s among others. local high society. March 20 - 26, 2004 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 11 THE THREE TENORS?

generous donations by resorts the Caltex gas station at the bot- and restaurants around the re- tom of Patong Hill is open 24 gion. hours. OB Wetzell was a star, pay- Now with outdoor seating, ing 66,000 baht for Bill O’Lea- an expresso bar and a gourmet ry’s donation of a full day for 10 bakery, the Star Mart is pulling people on an Amancruises yacht. in crowds of locals buying their Proceeds will benefit Life Home beer after hours and partying by Project and other island charities. the pumps. After midnight, another What a gas: For those of you hot spot for fun is outside any worried about the threat of ear- of the island’s 7-Eleven conve- lier closing times for that island’s nience stores where those with entertainment venues, relax. a serious capacity for fun loiter This is Thailand and Thai with intent. people will never lose their love Stay tuned for more alter- of a good party. If the bars close native late night venues if the early, there will be other options. dreaded early-closing law is en- Already, the Star Mart at forced at island bars.

Serge Consani (the flat-chested one) with two of the stars of his new Moulin Rose revue.

concert were Martin and Lillian Carpenter and Allan and Claire Mossop, along with that interna- tional Man Of Mystery, Andy Street, who all headed over to the recently opened Seua Saming for a late cocktail after the Nantida show. I went to check out this lat- est addition to Phuket City’s vi- brant nightlife. Apparently, there’s a smart-casual dress code that requires patrons to wear dresses or nice long pants and a shirt with a collar. The doormen outside the club wear trendy all-black uni- forms but, oddly, the bosses in- side wear jeans and T-shirts.

Rotary whirl: The Patong Ro- Nantida Kaewbuasai with Chris ‘I’m too old for this’ Koppers. tary Club recently held its annual Dr Supaluck Kanchaname- “I’m just getting too old for this family picnic at Bang Wad Dam. thakul, MC for the gala event, sort of thing,” he said. In addition to the great food do- explained, “Autistic children live Mr Koppers made his for- nated by the Holiday Inn Phuket, in their own world, unable to re- tune in Hong Kong, manufactur- more than 400,000 baht was spond to the people around them. ing what he calls “popular junk”. raised through the auctioning of “The Lions Club Phuket But after years of hard work, he Pearl hopes to provide therapy found vacations in Phuket more for these children who often ... exciting than the factory office. Thought the days of cannot attend normal schools.” “I love Thai people because free love were over? they believe that having fun is the Think again! Kopping out: Backstage, Chris most important thing in life,” he Koppers of Soi Moody’s, known told me. “So I decided to move “Personals” ads for his uninhibitedly expressive to Phuket and enjoy myself.” But placed online are dancing and on-the-street Elvis I guess we all have to slow down Presley impersonations, told me sometime. free! that he was considering giving up his nighttime activities in Patong. After hours: Also seen at the FREE on the Island Trader online for 60 days. FREE in the Phuket Gazette. Go to www.phuketgazette.net/ classifieds and place your ad today!

Do Not Drink Tap Water! 12 PHUKET GAZETTE HOROSCOPES March 20 - 26, 2004

ARIES (March 21-April 20): grindstone since the start of the Your conscience gets the better In The St ars by Isla St ar year will finally reap some ben- of you this weekend. efits. This is a good time to think Most Arians will be of ways to thank those who have looking for ways to with the pace of life this week flowing in the wrong direction at SCORPIO (October 24-Novem- supported you. If, however, make amends for past need to streamline their respon- the moment; sensible Leos will ber 22): This week you will get you’ve barely climbed out of behavior, which will enable them sibilities and offload some. resist spur-of-the-moment buy- good news that shows your hammock during recent to clear the air. Next week, how- Something fresh and exciting is ing. you that recent worry weeks, this week offers real ever, offers up tropical bliss that growing in the jungle, but you has been unnecessary. temptation to move. will leave you wanting more. If will have to wait a while for de- VIRGO (August 23-September Scorpios who needed a you’ve been single, a new rela- tails. 23): Take care to tie up loose more positive balance in their AQUARIUS (January 21-Febru- tionship takes root, possibly lead- ends, especially if you lives will be happy to close the ary 19): The stars are lining up ing to the true love of your CANCER (June 22-July 23): are taking a trip out of door on a negative chapter. If to shower those dreams. Cancerians are likely to be on the town. Virgoans who you’re open to a new relation- Aquarians with ro- receiving end of a have assorted irons in ship, Cupid is due to come call- mance. As “irresist- TAURUS (April 21-May 21): shock announcement the fire risk leave to chance ing. If you’re already involved, ible” becomes your Your tenacious approach to busi- this week. You should something that will have negative there is a surprise in store. new middle name, you may even ness gets you noticed wait for the dust to consequences. Where romance is grow tired of all the attention and in the right places, but settle before making any rash concerned, your partner’s point SAGITTARIUS (November 23- seek solitude. But spending too this could mean that moves, no matter how itchy your of view is worth listening to – es- December 21): A situation you much time alone could mean that dissatisfied Taureans feet. On Tuesday, Virgo comes up pecially what they have to say thought had already you miss out on a once-in-a-life- will be on the move. You are get- with an offer that’s hard to refuse. about a mutual friend. On Mon- come full circle takes time opportunity to meet a soul- ting closer to finding out just how If you’re ready for some fun with day you are likely to find some- off at a tangent and mate. If you haven’t heard from strong and capable you really are, no strings attached, this could be thing that you thought was lost you will need to think an old friend, it’s likely they’ve so don’t be tempted to give up. exactly what you need. The num- for ever. on your feet. Going with the cos- lost your number. Some shaky moments mid-week ber 8 has special meaning this mic flow should come naturally; can easily be circumnavigated week. LIBRA (September 24-October if your instincts tell you not to PISCES (February 20-March with the help of a trusted friend. 23): If your zest for life is wilt- do something, you must listen. 20): Your luck is mainly good this Wear the color amethyst to make LEO (July 24-August 22): Holi- ing in the heat, plan to Financial matters are strongly in- week, with only a spiritual connections. day plans are subject to last- take it easy this week- dicated mid-week. You could be slight downward dip minute alterations, end. Friends who try in the right place at the right time on Monday or Tues- GEMINI (May 22-June 21): If and some Leos will to pressure you into to make a profit. day when a debt rears you’re tired of someone not pull- find it frustrating to being a social animal will just its ugly head. Although you may ing their weight at adapt to what cannot have to understand that you need CAPRICORN (December 22- feel that this bill should not have work, it’s time you be changed. Early next week, you time out. During the remaining January 20): Your hard work your name on it, you may just stopped dragging the will be introduced to someone days of March, many Librans should be rewarded in have to cough up the cash. buffalo cart on their who doesn’t make an immediate will be feeling at a low ebb and the coming days. Cap- There’s a lesson to be learned behalf. Those born under the sign impression, but you should re- should listen to their bodies and ricorns who have had from everything that doesn’t go of Gemini who can’t keep up serve judgment. Cash seems to be spirits telling them to slow down. their noses to the the way you think it should. March 20 - 26, 2004 PHUKET GAZETTE 13

pulleeeaze! If you have a radio, don’t take it to the beach! 14 PHUKET GAZETTE LEISURE March 20 - 26, 2004

The trails attract crowds at weekends but on weekdays, the hills are alive just for you. VOLCANOES in the suburbs After the exercise there’s the prospect of a spa or a public bath.

ithin spitting dis- Yang Ming Shan is also well- obvious treks. Some 1,120 day’s hiking just melt away. If you don’t have the bucks tance – if that’s not known for its hot springs, which meters, it provides the best views There’s usually a choice of com- to dive in here, there are a couple too touchy a meta- are a most acceptable antidote to over the surrounding countryside munal, single-sex pools or of amusing alternatives. Wphor – of Taipei, a hard day’s slogging up hills and and is the most rewarding climb. smaller and more private tubs The waters bubbling out of Yang Ming Shan park is the an- down dales. On week- that are suitable for families and the spring at Hell Valley, or Diyu tithesis of the polluted concrete The contrast ends and when- couples. Gu, would cause most thermom- labyrinth that serves as the Tai- is apparent as soon ever the cherry While the spas are often eters to go pop, so bathing is out wanese capital. as you leave TALES trees bloom, open 24 hours a day, the atmo- of the question. But if you want Consisting of a group of Taipei’s bland OF A most of Taipei sphere can get fairly raucous to- to blend in with the locals, take grumbling, semi-dormant volca- suburbs. The road seems to head wards the end of the evening along a couple of eggs to boil, noes, the 27,500-acre park is ac- winds up to alpine TRAVELER out here, but when the young bloods empty out which seems to be the major pas- tually within the city limits. On altitudes decked By Ed Peters during the week of the city’s clubs and discos and time here. a clear day, you can see the with dense bam- the park’s trails race up to Yang Ming Shan to Further up in the hills, mountain tops from downtown. boo forests, dark green lakes and are often deserted. round off their night. Chaoming Temple used to be The town and the park are numerous nurseries and farms. Hopping into one of the The back door to Yang known as Lovers’ Temple, and nothing alike, however. Fresh air, The hiking here falls into spas at Matsao or Chiku is an in- Ming Shan is Peitou, once a couples would trek up here to cherry blossom, flowers and the category of medium-difficult, tegral part of the Yang Ming Shan rather seedy hot spring resort swear their undying love to each green trails set Yang Ming apart with Seven Star Mountain experience. Except in the more which has been given a much- other. An attempt by the Taoist from its smoky urban neighbor. (Qixingshan) one of the most upmarket places, taking a dip is needed sprucing. Many of the authorities to scotch such dippy usually quite cheap and the wa- spas here were originally con- carrying-on – by renaming the ter is heated to around 40-50 Cel- structed during the Japanese oc- temple Bright Tomorrow – failed sius. cupation, and their clientele con- to stem the tide, but even if you With everything below sists mainly of well-padded ex- are travelling on your own it’s your chin immersed in piping hot ecutives with well-padded ex- worth dropping by to view the water, the aches and twinges of a pense accounts. exotic architecture. March 20 - 26, 2004 S M A L L W O R L D PHUKET GAZETTE 15 KKIDSIDS Get your brain the Fun Page in gear with the for all the Family Monster Quiz 1. What is the correct word 7. What is the Vatican equiva- 15. Which word, from the for an instrument that lent of an ambassador? Arabic for “the reunion of measures the sense of broken parts”, is used as touch? 8. In Catholicism, who is the the name of a mathemati- Spot the Difference patron saint of cooks and li- cal system? 2. Which three colors are brarians? Can you find the seven used to produce an image 16. What word comes from differences between the on a TV screen? 9. Who was the original the Roman army punish- two cartoons below? And éminence grise? ment whereby one in ev- can you find them faster 3. Which RL Stevenson ery 10 men was put to character said, “Many’s 10. When the Wateree and death? than the rest of the family? the long night I’ve Congaree come together, dreamed of cheese – what do they form? 17. Who was Secretary-Gen- toasted, mostly.”? eral of the UN from 1953 11. The dugong and manatee to 1961? are members of what or- 4. Who described Katherine der? 18. What substance allows Hepburn as running “the fireflies to produce light? gamut of emotions from 12. Which word can mean to A to B.”? sell, to hunt and to clear 19. Which part of Canada one’s throat? used to be known as 5. Pierre Abélard married Lower Canada? his student. What was her 13. Who or what is likely to name? suffer from loose smut? 20. In which country would you find the Shiluks? 6. Where would you expect 14. Which alphabet begins to find a Dravidian? with aleph, beth, gimel? Answers next week Never a Cross Word!

Across

5. Cruel rulers. 6. A place for flowers or sleepers. 8. Homework, maybe. 9. Desert waterhole. 11. Bin Laden’s home these days? 14. Its capital is Valletta. 15. Greenfly. 18. Win a point with a single Answers to last week’s Monster Quiz stroke. 19. Rotted. 1. James Ellroy; 2. All died of lung cancer; 3. Carrying fruit or vegetables; 4. Eye; 5. Pauldron; 6. Capybara; 7. Messrs; 8. Down Raw flesh; 9. Qiviut; 10. Nomen; 11. MCVII; 12. Krypton and 1. Not the nays. xenon; 13. Men; 14. A horse; 15. Samuel Foote; 16. Imp; 17. 2. How the pilot lands with- Sorghum; 18. Poppycock. 19. Mauna Loa; 20. Sir Vivian out his plane. Fuchs. 3. Consumed. 4. The R in EIIR. 7. Kangaroo or wombat, for example. 8. Expected time of arrival. 10. Wildebeest. 12. Corsica belongs to this country. 13. Agree silently. 16. Concept. 17. Wager. Solution next week Solution to Help us to help the animals. last Crossword week’s Call PAWS on 076-263737. 16 PHUKET GAZETTE F E A T U R E S March 20 - 26, 2004 Why work should be fun, too

Dear Momma Duck, For example, a large also born and raised dif- purchases in Bangkok? I am a bit ner- I am often confused by attitudes to- number of “northern” cul- ferently. Some, who are vous and looking for a reputable estab- wards work in Thailand. Many Thais re- tures around the globe seem born in a poor family, lishment. gard their work as important and strive to place an extremely high achieve their goals and David Kirk hard to succeed. However, I have also value on getting the job done are more “successful” met Thais for whom a job is just a job, (sometimes known as a “Pro- than those from well-to- Dear David, and nothing more. It is not that these testant” or a “Chinese” work do families. I talked to a few business friends people are lazy. They are hardworking. ethic). I think you and I are as well as consulting my mom amd all The difference is that they rate having a Other cultures, such as lucky to have the chance of them recommended a jewelry shop job as less important than I would ex- ours, while still getting the to meet and work with all named Sin Yu Chang in downtown pect. Of course, I have met foreigners job done, seem to place a types of people and, if Phuket City. It is at 49 Thalang Rd, op- who rate work as a low priority, but this higher value on relationships you are a “boss”, it’s a posite the small Sin & Lee grocery shop. attitude seems to be more common in and, therefore, tend to take challenge to get the best The place has a great reputation. Thailand. Or is it just the people I meet? longer. Momma out of your staff. For me, There is another branch called Tha- Randall Jennings, I have worked in many I think a good balance be- weesuwan, near the Pearl Hotel on Phuket countries (both “north” and DUCK tween getting the job Montri Rd. Their basic prices are simi- “south”) and have also seen done and relationships is lar to other shops but you don’t need to Dear Randall, big differences in attitude be- By Wanida Hongyok the most important. The worry about the quality of stones.They Like all other nationalities, Thai- tween the business, civil ser- best way is to learn how offer a wide variety of settings. land has people who regard their cho- vice and humanitarian sectors as well as to live with all situations but also not Bargaining is acceptable, but re- sen profession as the most important part between “bosses” (typically driven to allow negative things to bother you or member that underlying gold prices are of their lives (perhaps to the detriment succeed) and “employees” (whose jobs pull you down. Life is so colorful and fixed by the government. Most Thai cus- of their family) and those who regard may be boring and who often receive no we’ll never be able to predict all the out- tomers are careful to negotiate the per- their job as simply working to survive recognition). In Thailand, we have a say- comes. This is the wonder of life. centage re-sale value in case you want (sometimes to the detriment of their cli- ing about lazy civil servants, “chao cham to sell back the gold or ring to the shop. ents). Most of us fall somewhere in be- yen cham” (literally “a bowl in the morn- Dear Momma Duck, I do not blame you for feeling a little bit tween these extremes. But I do think ing and a bowl in the evening”), mean- As you are a long-time resident of nervous because you’re not buying a there are also differences in attitudes ing they just go to work to pass time and Phuket City, could you recommend a kanom (snack) but spending a signifi- towards “work” between different cul- earn their daily meals. jeweler for an engagement ring, or per- cant amount of money. Best of luck find- tures. As families and individuals, we’re haps your family prefers to make such ing a ring that suits your lucky lady. It’s wisest to invest in bonds ttending a basketball bond so strong ness of the relation- vistic animal instinct – would thinking about it. tournament on the that even after ship that seemed to normally force the two to be hos- Do you have any pet hates outskirts of Kuala abusing each have developed be- tile to one another, but that was that tend towards prejudice? ALumpur recently, I other on the bas- tween the two. not the case. Dog-eat-dog-style Then contemplate the harmony eavesdropped on a conversation ketball court to a These two were human nature played no part in that developed between these two between two young competitors. point just short of sent to KL to oppose this case. teenagers. One of them was schooled absolute warfare, one another in a sport People are generally much Such bonds between people in Borneo and appeared to be of they could walk that is all too often more open nowadays, especially of different backgrounds should Chinese lineage; the other, from away smiling, thoroughly aggres- the better-educated and those not be seen as miraculous, even a Bangkok school, seemed to each patting the sive yet they man- with international backgrounds, though there are many in this have Pakistani heritage. other’s back. aged to develop a which these two were. world who would never dream of They found that they had a One might genuine friendship. The pair in KL would have forming such a bond. lot in common. Obviously, they remark that this The two spoke been proud had they realized how Lack of travel or a poor shared an interest in basketball was simply testi- Youth ’n of their different symbolic their cross-culture con- education should not be excuses but within a matter of minutes mony to the fine backgrounds and versations were, but in the inter- for limiting the spread of toler- they found that their mutual in- sportsmanship how people in gen- national world such formal rec- ance and the expression of com- terests extended far beyond the exhibited at the ASIA eral were rarely or ognition is trivial – which is how radeship or sympathy. sport they were there to play. tournament, but I never exposed to oth- it should be. I felt I was witness- The word must be spread, Despite their cultural, reli- doubt that this By Eric Lacey ers who differed ing an allegory for the world. which is why I wanted to tell you gious, social and racial differ- alone could ex- markedly from them- Racism is illogical, prejudice has about the conversation between ences, they managed to forge a plain the close- selves. no justification and cultural in- these two young people. Each, instead of fearing the tolerance is nonsensical. But talking or writing is unknown and being intimidated There is competition never as important as doing. It is by a stranger, talked to the other among people in the world today, one thing to tell people not to be and embraced their mutual dif- but that should not form the ba- racist and quite another to be non- ferences. sis of discrimination against en- racist oneself. Biologists might argue that tire groups of people. These two So don’t just advocate tol- innate human nature – our ata- knew this naturally, without erance. Practice what you preach.

View Thailand’s PHUKET INTERNATIONAL LARGEST WOMEN’S CLUB

portfolio of Join us...to give Phuket’s children the chance Classified Ads – for a better future. more than 3,000 of them ! Come along to one of our monthly luncheons. New members and donations welcome. The PIWC is a social and charitable club for women See the of all nationalities who meet regularly and raise money Phuket Gazette for the education of needy children on Phuket. 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890 Online at 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890 Contact Linda on 01-8937749 or Joan on 07-2820422; www.phuketgazette.net Fax 076-381997; Email: [email protected] March 20 - 26, 2004 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 17 Come early or late, but just keep coming

retty soon, all entertain ment venues will have to close their doors at mid Pnight unless they fall within designated “Entertain- ment Zones”. Now I know that the gov- ernment has just delayed the whole thing a while, but it is com- ing, one way or another. The expression “Entertain- ment Zone” sounds like a repro- ductive organ, and that is clearly what this whole thing is about. The government seems to believe that if it removes all temptation and access to, er, en- tertainment, the young people of this country, with their roaring libidos, will be magically re- lieved of the urges of hormone- stirred indiscretion and bad be- havior forced upon them by the evils of modern society. I have lived in Thailand for about eight years now and a lot has changed. When I first arrived noth- ing closed at all, ever, not even doors or, for that matter, eyelids. I remember driving to work in the mornings. Half the bars were still full and revelers were still spilling onto the streets. The area around what was then the Shark Club was heavy size – if not the shape – of Man- cret: God knows you’re full of it out and about after the 10 pm with the reek of vomit. hattan and descriptions of what and to prove it she has sent the curfew. The embalmed Euro-trash they were prepared to do behind DOWNSIDER Thaksin government to drive the So is Thailand slowly be- congregating outside 7-Eleven those green doors? They would By George Bentick point home. coming the Utah of Asia? To be were constantly waving my car approach you and start barking The entertainment on my quite honest, I have no real ob- down, thinking that I was a taxi every sexual proclivity known to little morning drive is now well jection if it is. driver, albeit a very pale-looking man. something horrifying to me about and truly gone. If they want to close at mid- one. My favorite was nude tha- the sun coming up at the end of a Our Boss in Bangkok has night, then so be it. I don’t be- Ladies who had failed to lidomide jello wrestling, while long, dysfunctional night – the banished the unfettered libido lieve that anyone’s lifestyle will sell their charms by that time des- the next act, Phranee, waited in chirping of birds outside the win- and given us all what amounts to be that radically affected. perately yelled at me to stop and the wings with her razor blades dow as you try to recover from a trip to the woodshed. It’s all a question of timing. transact some well-discounted installed at the ready. whatever it was you were doing The watchword now seems Instead of going out and starting and well-marinated fun. But the most curious of in the preceding hours. to be “Abstinence”. late, you’ll have to make it onto Fights were everywhere, these, I recall, was the picture I The spinning ceiling was all The government is telling the scene a few hours earlier. with the most intense usually in- was shown that involved an el- too often the cause of desperate us to abstain from all that is evil, If your not sure about all volving ladyboys – satin-clad ephant. An interesting act to beseechings to The Maker along even going so far as to suggest at this, why not join us at the Crazy eye-scratching kick-boxers who catch, I am sure, if perhaps a little the lines of, “God, if you get me what age young women should Girl Bar this Saturday at 9 pm. would encircle their drunken vic- slow going. through this now, I promise I will be doing this and that and, fur- Our talented Phranee will be on tims like rabid jackals, squab- To be honest, I think we are never, ever do this again.” ther, warning that youth will be stage again, doing readings from bling for a chance to tear away all better off without this crap. It I’ll let you in on a little se- exterminated on sight if found the Bible. the flesh. would be alright if it was truly You might survive cheating underground on your wife, but if you knew But you know Phuket – if what was good for the family it’s not in your face, it doesn’t jewels, you would never ever exist. No chance of sexual subtle- anger a katoey. ty here. I would look forward to the In the long run, it adds noth- show every morning because I ing to the fiber of Phuket, or of never knew what to expect. the country, for that matter. I recall, too, the dueling The government’s clean-up sex show touts who, because of is a positive step toward elimi- the amount of competing enter- nating the country’s seedy under- tainments available, basically belly and toward ending the had to outgross each other to widespread negative perceptions attract attention and the tourist much of the world seems to have dollar. of Thai women. Remember the guys with Although I do miss the their books and cards with those morning show, the clean-up has illustrations and photographs de- otherwise vastly improved my picting women with breasts the mornings. There has always been 18 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS March 20 - 26, 2004

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] Deconstructing bureaucracy People in the property industry will tell you that the Land Depart- ment, once renowned as perhaps the most “flexible” of government departments when it came to rules and regulations, has gone a long way toward cleaning up its act since the land title investigation started and arrests of senior officials were made. But the Land Department is only one of the government organs responsible for issuing paperwork for land and buildings. Tambon Administration Organizations (OrBorTor), for ex- ample, are responsible for issuing building permits and registering ownership of new homes. Some OrBorTor are notorious for their eagerness to receive undocumented income in return for issuing docu- ments. Failure to pay results in long delays at best and outright refusal at worst. Other agencies at various levels are similarly difficult to deal with. That the President of the new Phuket Real Estate Club, Phummisak Hongsyok, felt moved to vent, in public, the industry’s frustration with the bureaucracy (see page 1) is an indication that something is seriously wrong. K. Phummisak did not address the monetary side of the prob- lem, but what he did say was damning: “These offices are making Letters the real estate business very difficult with red tape, unclear informa- tion and unnecessary rules. This blocks development, as the real The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- with your views for publication in our next issue. estate business requires organization and accuracy of information.” ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseud- Bureaucrats in any country tend to make things more difficult Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 onyms are acceptable only if your full name and than developers would like, and with good reason – an unregulated or send an email to [email protected] address are supplied. property industry has the potential to cause considerable damage to the environment. Though the vast majority of developers are honest people con- The law must treat Why not strike out and give Seven-year glitch cerned with preserving the environment, a small percentage are in- a genuine opinion where it’s terested in nothing but turning a swift and handsome profit. The job all riders equally needed (I assure you that a solid lets the ‘mafia’ rule of the bureaucrats, on behalf of society, is to prevent such excesses. attack on Thaksin’s recent cen- But what happens all too often in Thailand, and particularly in The letter from Ray Lukassen suring of the media would have I had to chuckle when I saw your Phuket, is that some of the bureaucrats forget this responsibility in (Gazette, March 6-12) reads as if elicited much more reader inter- online poll about the removal of their own hunt for swift and handsome profits. it is from someone who has bro- est) rather than toeing the gutless jet-skis from Phuket beaches This is not a problem for unethical developers and the current ken the law and is now looking line that having a subjective view within seven years. Seven years? system suits them very well. However, for developers who want to for someone to blame. No county is wrong or somehow not wor- If there wasn’t so much cor- do the right thing, and for society at large, it is a disaster. forms its legislation with a sub- thy of better or proper journal- ruption and “mafia” control of It is time for the government to put the other state and local clause stating, “This does not ism. tourist industries on the island, authorities under the microscope, the way it did with the Land De- apply to foreign tourists.” Michael Beljak this issue would have been re- partment. This will be a painful process in the short term. In the long Why should Phuket allow Muang Krabi solved in seven weeks. term, a more honest, transparent and helpful bureaucracy will be to people to ride motorcycles with- Just like tuk-tuk overcharg- everyone’s benefit. – The Editor out a licence? ing, or the gangs that run Chalong It is the driver’s respon- Dual-pricing brings harbor, or the police who offer sibility to comply with the law. more pain than gain “instant solutions” that involve a Anyone without a valid driving trip to the ATM for a foreigner, licence should be fined and also I thought the places where local the jet-ski issue is another clas- In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL have their vehicle impounded, to expats had to pay more than sic example of who really runs be released on production of the Thais were extinct. Phuket. correct documentation. I was wrong. I went to the It also demonstrates the Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet There are already enough gym in Sai Nam Yen Rd and was lack of control (and courage) of Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes problems on Phuket’s roads with- told the price was 1,500 baht a the authorities who are supposed Deputy Editor: Alan Morison out letting unlicensed tourists add month. Then they told my wife to make the necessary changes. Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn to them. she had to pay only 900 baht a Kirk Leader Investigation Team: Gategaeo Phetsawang, Dhirarat Boonkongsaen, John Lunn month because she is Thai. (former Phuket expat) Supaporn Sriprom, Siripansa Somboon Phuket I pay my taxes so I expect Vancouver, Canada Desk Editors: Chris Husted, Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone Reporters entitled the same treatment as Thais. Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet Boycott the businesses that use to their opinions this political and unfair practice. Marketing Manager: Oranee Pienprasertkul Hijacked? Why Sales Manager: Nashaya Mastanawattanakul Mathew Phuket Classified Advertising: Phatsara Phengnu Perapong Pholpramul of the Phu- we feel deflated Website Services Manager: Natthira Susangrat ket Reporters’ Club, (First Per- son March 6-12) seems to be de- Distribution Manager: Passara Kaewbumroong Post it, then turn On returning to our rented car at nying that the process of report- Robinson in Phuket City, we Financial Controller: Benjawan Lukthan ing necessitates the need for the on the cameras Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd were told by two car park atten- reporter to subjectively select dants that we had a flat tire. information then produce a report Kudos to the postal authorities Their “friend”, equipped Contact us or opinion piece. for dealing with the postal ban- with a carjack, appeared and of- Advertising Sales: [email protected] Journalists manipulate and dit. I and others living in Rawai- fered to change the wheel. We Classified Advertising: [email protected] redraw the metaphorical bound- Chalong have often failed to re- observed an exchange of smiles Website Services: [email protected] aries of what is good or bad jour- ceive registered and regular mail. and realised this was probably a Shopper Card inquiries: [email protected] nalism according to the vested Perhaps our mail suffers a simi- scam. interests they serve. Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] lar fate to that in Patong? It may We paid, the wheel was K. Perapong, use your po- be time to install surveillance changed, and we left. Scam or Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 sition to create journalism of dis- cameras in all of Phuket’s post good Samaritan? We suspect the tinct substance and insight, sorely offices. former. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors and missing in all of the English dai- Mark Brindle Phil and Claire Adams do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the direc- lies in this country. Rawai Nai Harn tors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. Copyright © 1994-2004 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government officials and/or business owners are published in Issues & Answers on the facing page. March 20 - 26, 2004 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Educators must learn the lesson have friends who used to teach in Last week in fied native-speaking English teacher as Thailand but they moved on to this column, head teacher of the Phuket English Pro- China, Japan and Taiwan. These were FIRST gram (PEP). This person would work with Ihighly qualified people and excellent foreign teach- the PAEO to establish a curriculum, write teachers. All left for the same reasons; PERSON ers in Thailand sample lesson plans, prepare contracts, more money and less hassle. came under fire hire teachers and report on the progress All of them report that students of of the PEP throughout the year. English in those countries are way ahead as being idle, When foreigners are hired, the head of students in Thailand. sloppy, underqualified and overpaid. The teacher will train them, help them to ad- Many Thais themselves will admit solution, as proposed by the Phuket Area just to living in Phuket, and place them in that Thais’ foreign-language abilities are Education Office (PAEO) is to bring in schools. poor. Even more disturbing, Phuket seems Invest serious money: Does Phuket to be near the bottom of the class. stricter standards to prevent unqualified want highly qualified teachers? It is not Given the number of foreigners who foreigners from entering Phuket’s class- going to get them just by being an exotic live here and the millions of English- rooms. Peter Meltzer, an American who tropical destination. Other countries offer speaking tourists who visit, Phuket should has worked as an English language teacher teachers good salaries and benefits, career be a leader in its English-language abili- prospects and better work environments. ties. The fact that it is so far behind sug- in Surat Thani and in Phuket, in private If Phuket is not willing to match gests that something is seriously amiss. and government schools as well as hotels, other countries, then it should forget about Accusing fingers are often pointed looks at the problems from the foreigners’ attracting good teachers. at the foreign teachers. To be sure, Phuket viewpoint and offers solutions. Slash the red tape: The Phuket au- has seen plenty of unqualified, unmoti- thorities seem committed to making it as vated, and unintelligent English teachers. difficult as possible to come here and teach These people probably shouldn’t be al- During my time in Phuket, I taught only to lead activities that reinforce what English. lowed in a classroom in any country. But in two primary schools. I was shocked. the students have already learned. Restrictions, requirements, teaching can all the foreign teachers be so bad? Or The facilities were the same in both: one So go ahead, come up with an activ- certificates, teaching licenses, visas, work is something else wrong? small whiteboard, one marker, one fan. ity which can be done in the withering permits, bureaucracy, paperwork, and a I taught in two government schools There were no desks, no chairs, no books, heat, which requires no materials, which lack of long-term prospects are just a few in Surat Thani, one primary and one high no paper, and 25-30 kids staring at me. can educate and entertain 25 screaming things teachers have to endure. school, each with a different bureaucratic Most couldn’t answer even the most ba- children who don’t understand a word you Many foreign teachers have reached system. The red tape was bad, especially sic questions in English. say, and which addresses the language tar- breaking point. I know qualified people the paperwork involved in trying to ac- A Thai teacher would sit in the back get for the day, which the students seem who are leaving because they are tired of commodate changes the school would of the class to “watch and learn”. His fa- to know nothing about. Now do this for dealing with the Thai school system. make to the grading system almost every cial expression was clear: “Well, go ahead 50 minutes, five or six times every day. The PAEO’s plan to create more day. and teach. I’m waiting.” It would be very easy to point fin- standards (that age-old bureaucratic solu- But they eventually left you alone According to the system used in gers but what would be much more valu- tion) will make life more complicated. In and let you teach. They provided a half- Phuket, students are already supposed to able, I believe, would be to make some the short term, this will succeed only in way-decent textbook, a workbook, and so know the “language target” for the day, suggestions as to how things could be frustrating the remaining good teachers. on. The kids already knew a fair amount taught to them by their Thai English improved. In the long term, no one of quality will of English. teacher. The native speaker is supposed Get help: Phuket should hire a quali- come here to teach. Speedboat driver’s Issues&& license for beginners ANSWERS Want to know how to get something done? Can’t understand some of the I recently read in the Gazette that Immigration Office confirming dafter things that seem to go on in Phuket? Want to pitch an idea to Phuket’s the driver of a speedboat must your address in Thailand. This have a Helmsman Level 2 li- letter must also be verified by a authorities or institutions? Then this is the forum for you. Submit your cense. What is this and how do I consulate or embassy of your queries or suggestions to us and we’ll ask the appropriate people to respond obtain one? Sao home country. Thais must pro- to them. Phuket duce their house registration pa- per. Write to: The Phuket Gazette, 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Muang, Phuket 83000. Fax 076-213971, Kittipong Wasukri, Officer, • A medical certificate veri- or submit your issue at www.phuketgazette.net Phuket Marine Office, replies: fying that your are fit to drive a To drive a speedboat in boat. Thailand, you must have a • Proof that you have at Helmsman Level 2 license issued least two years’ experience in Minimum by the Marine Office. basic seamanship. This requires Bans on noisy bars To get one of these licenses a signed and dated letter from the you must pass a written test of owner of a boat that you have wages for Thai Lately, bars have been popping erating legally. Bars not operated 40 questions and an oral exam of learned on. It is not necessary to up like mushrooms in Kata and legally will be closed down. five questions to prove that you have learned on a Thai-registered graduates I am starting to wonder whether Under the law, bars are al- understand boat operating regu- boat, but the boat must have been a bar can open in any road or lowed to open anywhere except lations in Thailand. registered somewhere for at least If a Thai national has studied soi? within 500 meters of academic A copy of these regulations two years. abroad and graduated with either Bars should be restricted to institutions or religious centers. is available in Thai only at the You will need to bring a a Higher National Diploma or a Tai Na Rd and the Kata Center Before bars or entertain- Phuket Marine Office. However, copy of the boat’s registration, BA, is there a minumum wage he area. They should be banned ment places are allowed to open, the written and oral tests can be signed and dated by the owner of or she should receive when em- from Patak Rd, Soi Ket Kwan they must ask for and receive the taken in Thai or English. the boat, as well as a signed and ployed in Thailand? and Kok Tanode Rd. approval of the people in the What can we sleepless resi- community. Potential bar owners When applying, you will dated copy of his or her passport Edward Chambers dents do to ban the bars from our must go around and gather the need to bring to the Phuket Ma- or Thai ID card. Phuket rine Office: Please note that while Ma- sois? Suzanne written approval (usually in the • Three two-inch photos rine Office regulations do not Wassana Kladngam, Records Kata form of signatures) of two out of • Either your passport or stipulate what type or size of ves- Officer at the Office of Labor, every three residents. If this has your Thai ID card. If you are a sels are appropriate for you to Protection & Welfare, replies: Tawatchai Thongmung, Palad not been done, the bar in ques- foreigner, you must also bring a have gained experience on, these If someone holds a BA or of Karon Municipality, replies: tion must close down. letter from a consulate or em- factors will be considered in the HND from any academic institu- I have received many com- If you are bothered by par- bassy of your home country veri- decision whether to issue you a tion, the minimum wage cur- plaints about this, so the Karon ticular venues, contact Chalong fying that the passport is genu- license. rently is 6,360 baht a month. Municipality, in cooperation with Police Station at 076-381974. ine, accurate and valid. You will also need to bring For more information, visit the Chalong police, have been Letting them know there is a • If you are a foreigner, you one copy of all the documents www.phuketlabour.org (in Thai checking entertainment licenses problem is a good way of ending must bring a letter issued by an submitted with your application. only). to ensure that bar owners are op- the noise. 20 PHUKET GAZETTE F E A T U R E S March 20 - 26, 2004 Scotsman runs amok decade ago, the Am- stroke of lightning when she erican owner of was six and has since been con- Phnom Penh’s only vinced that she is half dead. A bookstore, Bert’s “I have to try to explain Books, would run advertise- this,” Nott writes in his baroque, Word 2003 shows tracked changes and comments in balloons to the right of the text ments in the Phnom Penh Post hyper mode. “She doesn’t mean with lines showing where the change took place. If you hover your mouse over a showing his grinning bearded half dead in any trivial sense of tracked change, details appear in a box floating above it. mug and the caption: “Always being tired-out or tired of life carry a book with you and or anything like that, but half people won’t think you look so dead in a way unique to – and stupid.” only capable of definition by – Of course, this can be car- her own bizarre, self-made reli- ‘Invisible ink’ leaves ried to extremes. My dim-wit- gion, a belief system without ted photographer at Manager name, ceremony or teachings, I just read that a com- Changes | Highlight Changes, Magazine carried a which she cleaves pany called SCO filed a clicking the box marked Track book with him, the to with the airy ca- lawsuit against Daim- tear Changes While Editing, then same book, for sualness of the Q months: Iain truly convinced, lerChrysler. Some reporters clicking OK. found a copy of the lawsuit on In Word 2002 (the version Banks’ Whit. This not the funda- the Web showing that SCO was in Office XP) and Word 2003, and the stodgy mentalist intensity originally going to sue Bank of you just click Tools | Track black-and-white of those who se- stains covers of his 11 cretly guess they America (BofA). Changes. When the document Apparently the Word docu- comes back, open it. novels put me off Off the may well be ment had “invisible electronic Unless somebody turned Iain Banks. wrong. It’s a mad ink” showing that the original COMPUTER off Track Changes, the changes My mistake. concoction of lawsuit was for Bank of America, will be immediately visible: in Dead Air (Little SHELF Voodoo spiritual- but people had changed the Q&A Word 97 and 2000, they’re high- Brown, London, By James Eckardt ity and cosmologi- Bank’s name to DaimlerChrysler. lighted in different colors; in 2002, 408pp) is a cally intense phys- What gives? Where does this in- Ask the experts. Email Word 2002 and 2003, they appear screamingly funny, ics, like some- visible ink come from? [email protected] in balloons off to the side. If you over-the-top, wild-eyed mad- thing Stephen Hawking might want to make the changes visible, man’s rant about the evils of our have dreamed up on a really bad According to CNET, Word doesn’t have “invis- or bring up the toolbar that helps times post-September 11. acid trip.” SCO released a Word ible ink” but it does have a fea- you hop through them, in Word The ranter-in-chief is a There is another problem document that inadvert- ture called Track Changes, and 97 or 2000, click Tools | Track Scottish radio DJ named Ken with their romance. Celia is A Nott whose midday show in married to John Merrial, the ently showed the original target that can prove embarrassing. Changes | Accept or Reject of its litigiousness was BofA. All versions of Word allow Changes. In Word 2002 or 2003, London gives him a political li- most feared crime lord in Lon- Somehow the geniuses at SCO you to track changes made to a click Tools | Customize | cense to kill. A self-proclaimed don: “A quiet, even diffident put together a lawsuit against document. Typically, you tell Toolbars, check the box marked rationalist liberal “evangelical guy, by all accounts, with a half- BofA, then decided to go back Word to start tracking changes Reviewing, and click OK, then atheist”, Nott has the ear of mil- posh, vaguely southern accent, and change the lawsuit so it was when a document goes out for choose Final Showing Markup lions as he skewers conservative pale skin and black hair, usually directed at DaimlerChrysler – by edits. Each editor makes changes from the main dropdown box. cant and puts down deranged dressed in an unshowy Savile performing a search and replace to the document, and Word keeps Microsoft built solid, reli- call-in listeners. His is the per- Row suit and not at all the sort on the document, in effect, track of who did what. able (if not particularly pretty) fect job for the self-obsessed of chap who could have people changing “Bank of America” to When the author (or final reviewing capabilities into Word silver-tongued iconoclast. much more important than me “DaimlerChrysler”. (I’ve written editor) gets the document back, 97 and 2000. But the ’Softies The novel opens on the rubbed out as quietly and effi- about SCO before. Couldn’t hap- there’s a set of tools that make it changed the reviewing features in morning after a farewell party ciently – or as painfully and pen to a nicer bunch.) easy to hop through all the Word 2002, and botched them so for a couple who are moving messily – as he wants, any day Unfortunately, the explana- changes made to the document, badly that many experienced edi- from London to New York. of the week. And I’m screwing tions that have been floating and accept or reject each change tors won’t even try to review People have been his wife. I must be around in the press – including in turn. tracked changes with Office XP. drinking and doing f***ing mad.” on CNET – reflect a lack of un- In Word 97 and 2000, you Word 2003 brought some sanity drugs all night and Whenever derstanding about Word and its tell Word to start tracking chan- back, although it’s still harder to Nott instigates an Merrial is out of features. ges by clicking Tools | Track use than Word 97 or 2000. orgy of throwing town, Nott and Ce- Those news reports that talk furniture off the ter- lia make love at about “invisible ink” are actually race. London’s best ho- referring to tracked changes. Then suddenly tels. Is this con- You can get rid of all the everyone’s mobile nected to the night tracked changes in a document by phones start going a woman named clicking the Accept All Changes off and Nott “won- Raine picks up Nott button on the reviewing toolbar. dered hazily wheth- in a disco, drugs You can also get rid of all the er for some bizarre him and abducts tracked changes by copying the reason everybody him in a taxi? Be- text in the document into a new here had something fore a team of goons document. But you can’t get rid urgent that they had can snatch him, of tracked changes by telling set alarms for, a little after two Nott kicks out the taxi window Word to stop tracking changes, o’clock on a Tuesday in Sep- and escapes. But who is after or by hiding the reviewing tool- tember.” him now? bar. The day is the eleventh There are any number of The moral of this story: and it is in an atmosphere of plot twists leading to Nott’s ter- don’t release Word documents. If growing paranoia and hysteria rified confrontation with his you have to let a document out that the twisted plot-line ev- own mortality and an improb- of your hands, convert it to PDF olves. able redemption that leaves the format (using a shareware pack- Nott spends a large part of reader feeling cheated. age such as MakePDF, www. his off-air time drunk and But if Dead Air fails as lit- docauto.com), or send it in Rich stoned and careening about erature, it’s certainly worth the Text Format (RTF), or as text among various friends and lov- read for its laugh lines. And now only. ers. The great love of his life is I plan to read my ex-photo- – Woody Leonhard the exotic Celia Merrial from grapher’s discarded copy of [email protected] Martinique who survived a Whit. March 20 - 26, 2004 B U S I N E S S & M O N E Y PHUKET GAZETTE 21 On the Move Another cuppa java, anyone? Wanchai Wattanasiri, 56, from Kamphaeng Phet, has been ap- pointed as By Gategaeo Phetsawang where many people do their regu- “It’s still possible for new Chief of the lar shopping. The next branch coffee shops to open in Phuket Phuket Provin- PHUKET: Nine Western-style will open early next year in an- and make a profit, but in the near cial Highway coffee shops are already open in other high-traffic area, the Jung- future, competition in this mar- Office. He has Phuket and more are on the way. ceylon mall in Patong. ket will become more intense. a master’s de- The island’s newest coffee fran- He said that the local mar- “We don’t think of other gree in public chise, Coffee World, recently ket for coffee franchise shops is shops as rivals,” she added, “be- administration opened at Tesco Lotus and the very large and although he ex- cause we have our own opera- from Burapha company plans to open 10 more pects new shops to continue tional system and business mod- University in Chon Buri. Before branches on the island, at a rate opening at a steady pace, he still el. Most of our customers are moving to Phuket, he was in of one or two a year. believes there is enough room for tourists, so our business depends charge of the Project Engineer- Four of these will be owned all of them. on local tourism. ing Section of the Department of and operated by sub-franchisers “The market is big enough “The important thing for us Highways in Bangkok for more who want to invest in the grow- to share,” he said. “I think it will is to maintain the superior stan- than 10 years. ing Phuket coffee market. grow in line with the local econ- dard of our services and prod- Vitoon Supavatanakul, omy. Other coffee franchisers are ucts.” Sirikorn Johnstone, 38, from owner of the Coffee World fran- not our competitors; they are Nattanit Nathiwirun, Assis- Lampang, has been appointed chise, told the Gazette that inves- companions in the same line of tant Managing Director of Black Nurse Manager tors see Phuket as second only to business. We can all grow in this Canyon, Phuket, also believes of the Bangkok Bangkok in terms of potential. market and that will give the cus- there is still room for expansion Samui Hospital “Average income [in Phu- tomer more choices.” in the market. on Koh Samui, ket] is not much different from Nationwide, there are 39 Bean encounter: Vitoon Supa- She explained, “Each brand Surat Thani. Bangkok,” K. Vitoon explained. branches of Coffee World, Phu- vatanakul of Coffee World. is unique in regards to packag- She holds a “The chances of success in busi- ket being the newest. Each shop ing, taste, service and location. master’s deg- ness are better here than in other requires an investment of about “We continuously offer The competition between the ree in Human provinces. 2.6 million baht but the price can new coffee menus for our cus- brands isn’t that intense.” Management “That said, Coffee World vary depending on the area in tomers so they have various Competition does exist, from Chiang Mai University and does want to extend further into which it will be built. choices and come back to us however, especially since Black a degree in Nursing Science from southern Thailand at some point “We expect to get our in- again,” he said. Canyon also has a branch at Lampang Nursing College. She in the future, so that we can con- vestment back in about two Narumon Patabeesukchai is Tesco Lotus. worked in the Bangkok Phuket tinue to grow. years,” K. Vitoon said. “Cur- Manager of the Patong branch of K. Nattanit added, “Coffee Hospital for two years before “We plan on expanding to rently, we are doing better than the worldwide franchise, Star- World has just recently opened moving to Koh Samui. Koh Samui, Khao Lak and Krabi, expected because we have both bucks. The shop has been open and they are doing some promo- as well as Haad Yai and Song- foreign and Thai customers.” for three years on the beach road. tions, but many people are famil- Been promoted? Made a career kla,” he added. He added that the shop gets K. Narumon agrees that iar with us already and know we change? Know someone who K. Vitoon reasoned that the between 130 and 200 customers there is still room for more cof- provide excellent coffee. has? Let us know by email to best place for the first Coffee on a normal day. The record so fee shops on the island, but is not “Initially, [the opening of [email protected]. World would be in Tesco Lotus, far is 300 people in a day. as bullish as K. Vitoon. Coffee World] will affect us, as their location at the front is out- standing and customers will no- tice them easily. It may cut the number of people who go into the Building on solid foundations mall and find us,” she explained. “They also have promo- ast week we covered a solution – buy a fund in this produced good returns with tions to attract customers during number of investment sector. A fund offers inves- MONEY zero volatility. their opening period.” alternatives. Here are tors professional manage- The biggest problem She concluded, however, “I Lsome more possibilities, ment, economies of scale that ground rents and student am quite confident that there will all related to bricks and mortar: and, when necessary, almost TALKS accommodation funds have is be many more coffee shops in the immediate liquidity. their huge popularity. They future, but in the end people will Real estate: This category of in- Again, the track record By Richard Watson often have to deal with huge decide which shop they like the vestment offers a wide choice. of the fund has to be good. It amounts of incoming funds. most and only go there.” Most common is the purchase of should have low to zero vola- It’s not easy to in- Black Canyon will open a house or apartment for an tility. Commercial property funds mally for 99 years but in some vest huge sums in a short period, two more branches this year, at individual’s own use. are often listed and trade like any cases are for as long as 499 years. so the managers have closed Central Festival and in Patong. Many people are also at- other share. This is an extremely safe form of many funds to new investment. Like Starbucks’ Narumon, tracted to invest in property be- There is another variety investment because ground rents Only one remains open and it is the owner of Coffee Lovers, cause of the perceived safety. If known as Real Estate Investment must be paid or the whole prop- not as easily accessed as in the Waralee It-thisiri, believes her investors were frank, after the Trusts (REITS). These are also erty is forfeit. past. However, it does have the shop’s target market is different first housing purchase, subse- listed on stockmarkets and give The ground rent holder has advantage of a choice of invest- from the competition because of quent property investment offers investors access to a portfolio of first claim – before any other ment in Sterling, Euro or US dol- its location – at the Robinson de- an asset that one can actually see commercial properties. creditor. The only practical way lars. partment store. and touch. With other forms of Since these are, in effect, to invest in this area is to buy a Next week I shall complete “Customers will choose the investment, the investor usually stockmarket shares, they can ground rent fund. my roundup of useful investment most comfortable and convenient ends up with only a piece of pa- have advantages in times of vehicles. place to come and buy coffee,” per. stockmarket enthusiasm but in Specialist property invest- she said. “We will be expanding ment: The most attractive invest- There is probably also a bear markets, commercial prop- Richard Watson runs Global Port- to other areas – including Kata ment in this sector is student ac- certain element of status in own- erty is not immune. folios Co Ltd, a Phuket-based per- beach – and will open two more commodation. In Britain, univer- ing more than one property. sonal financial planning service. branches in Patong as well as a Ground rents: These allow an sities can offer accommodation Undeveloped land is an al- He can be reached at Tel and Fax: store called Coffee Express for investor to participate in land to only about 22% of the student ternative – but as with all prop- 076-381997, Mobile: 01- the wholesale market, selling ownership and benefit from an population and much of this ac- erty, the most important factor is 0814611. Email: imm@loxinfo. equipment and ingredients for income. They also avoid fluctua- commodation is of poor quality. location, location, location. co.th. making coffee.” I am deliberately not refer- tions in the price of land. Universities are already ring to real estate in Thailand. Ground rents have been stretched financially in trying to Investors – with some exceptions used for centuries and predate meet their two main objectives – – cannot own property in their stock and bond markets. The teaching and research – leaving own names here. Land title issues British nobility had the problem them unable to renovate or build have been well covered else- of owning land in towns and cit- student accommodation. where in this newspaper. ies. They did not want to sell this This task has fallen to the land, but they did want income private sector. It is a growing Commercial property: This is from their assets. They simply market – about 5%-7% every difficult for the average investor allowed development of this year. I am aware of only one because it requires both substan- land on a leasehold basis in ex- group that that has entered this tial amounts of capital and spe- change for a fixed return – market and they use unit trusts cial knowledge. ground rents. (mutual funds) as their invest- However, there is an easy These leaseholds are nor- ment vehicle. For investors, it has 22 PHUKET GAZETTE SP O R T & L E I S U R E March 20 - 26, 2004 SOME TIPS FROM THE GREAT GARY PLAYER Keys to winning

ractice makes perfect, win, even when his form on the the golf course. Don’t just learn letters. On the final day, he was they say. A better way to day was far from perfect. to hit robot drives. Tee the ball presented with the US Open tro- put it would be, “Prac- Player is also considered on different sides of the tee to phy. tice makes permanent – one of the world’s best practic- give yourself a different look. “Set yourself realistic prac- P Make it real. tice targets in each department, perfect practice makes perfect.” ers. I asked him what he thought Gary Player used to say that constituted “good “If you can’t stick to them and monitor them. golf was all about luck and the practice”. find the green with How else will you know if you’re more he practiced, the luckier he I was hoping the irons, then prac- getting better?” became. I once had the chance to for just one or two tice those. In be- “Above all,” he said, “work ask the South African legend brief pearls of wis- tween drives, you hard. Hard work is good for the where this quote came from. dom but his answer can choose what- soul and the conscience. It is a The reality, it seems, was was far more in- TEE TO ever iron you would license to succeed. If you’ve that Player was merely trying to volved. “Good prac- need to get to the worked hard to achieve the right find a way to deflect a journalist’s tice is working on GREEN green based on a to win, you will feel like you have remark that he had been lucky to your weaknesses. If Jon Morrow good drive. Again, earned it.” Blue sky and big hitting marked the Ch win after having hit the ball all you are only hitting set yourself a target. The harder Player worked, over the golf course. four fairways a round, go and You need to monitor if your prac- the steelier his resolve grew when This was not luck. In my work on your driver. Set up an tice is really helping. it came to the crunch. One sensed view, winning in this manner imaginary fairway on the range “Lay down a rope to repre- he felt cheated when he hadn’t takes far more skill than when and give yourself a target. sent the edges of a small green won, so great was his belief in Entry call one’s best game is on display. “Hit 14 drives, making sure (please don’t try this at Loch this aspect of his preparation. Player was such a great competi- to walk away from each drive so Palm’s lagoon driving range). “I don’t expect the average tor he seemed to find a way to you get a little of the rhythm of Don’t leave until you’ve hit your man in the street to practice like target number of greens in regu- I do,” was another of his favorite regatta in S lation. sayings. “But don’t expect any “Always practice your more out of your life or your golf short game. This is the easiest than you put into it.” way to shave strokes from your These are wise words in- KOH SAMUI: With two months score. First, practice holing deed from one of golf’s greatest to go, the organizing committee straight two-foot putts. This will ambassadors. is now back in full swing for the give you confidence, which is How do you decide what is 3rd Koh Samui International Re- everything in putting. the best way for you to practice? gatta, to be held from May 23 to “Hole three consecutive Of course, this depends on the in- 29, 2004. putts. Then move away one foot dividual. As a general rule, pay For the third year, the Re- at a time until you miss. Once you far more attention to the short gatta is organised under the aus- start nearing your game, especially pices of the Yacht Racing Asso- personal best, the ‘I don’t expect the chipping. ciation of Thailand (YRAT). element of pres- You may The Royal Thai Navy will sure comes in just average man have read that chip- once more lend the support that like on the course. in the street ping is a com- made the first two Samui Regat- “Then prac- to practice like I do. pletely different tas such a success. The format tice the same exer- But don’t expect swing. This is rub- will remain the same with the five cise on a sloping bish. The chipping days of competition featuring a section of the any more out swing is simply a mixture of passage races and green, but this time of your life mini-swing con- round the cans, followed by daily holing just one ball or your golf taining virtually all prize giving cocktail parties and from each of the the ingredients of the closing gala dinner awards four quarters of the than you the full swing. It is ceremony. clock. This will put into it.’ a wonderful way to Joining the existing main give you confi- teach your hands sponsors – Central Samui Beach dence on the breaking putts as and arms the correct striking mo- Resort, Coconut Land & House, well as uphill and downhill putts. tion. Santiburi Dusit Resort, Singha “Practice chipping, and Just as in the full swing, Beer and Strategic Catering – are don’t forget bunker shots,” he grip, set-up and alignment are all QBE Insurance and the Coco added. important. Once you have found Group of Companies. These ma- Player was considered the the correct position, with the jor sponsors, together with the king of bunker play. As a young weight slightly to the left side and many co-sponsors and participat- man he would set himself a tar- the ball in the center of the stance, ing outlets, will again come to- get of holing five bunker shots just swing the club back and forth gether to make the regatta a true per session. He would never on a slightly opening-inside-to- island event. leave until he had holed them. closing-inside arc, making sure Confirmed entries now “If you don’t finish strong, you brush the grass after the ball. stand at 20, with half of these be- work on your fitness. Walk, run As you go further away ing new participants, so the or- or even go to the gym if that’s from the target, the correct ele- ganizers expect the final number what you enjoy. For golf fitness, ments of the full swing (a turn of of competitors to match or ex- lighter weights with more repeti- the torso going back and a turn ceed last year’s 50 boats. tions are best. of the legs, hips and stomach go- Some of the early entries “And always follow ing through) will appear natu- include Frank Pong’s new Jelik weightlifting with stretching so rally. (the 75 ft. Reichel Pugh sloop, you don’t limit your range of Don’t question what is hap- ex-Pyewacket of Trans-Pac rec- motion. If you practice better pening, just figure it out based on ord fame), Neil Pryde with Hi than you play, work on your men- the club, the ball, the strike and Fidelity and the 80 ft. Swan- tal strength.” the target. The rest, as Gary Maligaya, all vying to take the Player told me the story of Player would say, comes down to Waterford Crystal trophy from how, in “the steaming hot St practice. Ray Roberts on Hollywood Bou- Louis Open,” he would go down levard. Another first-time con- to the scoreboard every day and Jon Morrow is a golf course de- tender will be Dr John Wardill on visualize his name at the top of sign and construction consultant. Australian Maid. The sports boat the list with the words 1965 US Tel: 01-7284492. Email: class will see the latest Phuket Open Champion next to it in gold [email protected] Sports 8, Alakazzam, joining March 20 - 26, 2004 SP O R T & L E I S U R E PHUKET GAZETTE 23 Golfer smacks ball 310 yards LAGUNA: Guests and visitors turned out to try a name- brand driver and enjoy several competitions at Laguna Phuket Golf Club recently. The new Cobra Driver 440 SZ (for men) and Cobra Driver 355 SZ (for women) inspired some long hitting on the second hole at the course, with member Lance Taylor belting the ball 310 yards – about average for Tiger Woods, but a long way for a non-professional. Results: Challenge: Paul Moorhouse and Norela Moorhouse, Ian Stewart and Betty Stewart, Allan and Shirley Peter (Dusit guests). Long Drive Contest: Ladies, Anita Peters, 220 yards; Don’t miss.... Men, handicap 0-10: Lance Taylor, 310 yards; handicap 11- Issues & Answers 20: Paul Moorhouse, 280 yards; handicap 21-plus: Mario phuketgazette.net/ Matinelli, 260 yards. Closest to the pin (hole 3): Lance issuesanswers/index.asp hallenge event at Laguna. Taylor. Straight drive (hole 4): Maggy Wigman. La Samudra for 3rd leads way in Samui ACYC opener CHALONG: Tony Knight and his crew on La Samudra made the most of winds of 7-10 knots to Somtam Express and Attitude 8. win the first race in this year’s This year will also see the Ao Chalong Yacht Club (ACYC) addition of an offshore multihull Keelboat and Multihull Series, class with the first Samui built on March 14. RB8000 Coco Blues competing Stuart Crowe aboard Cin- against the Farriers Cedar Swan ders came second in the Racing and Vivace. class, followed by Jim Ellis on Meanwhile, the beach cat Remington. class will again see the Nacras Al Boone on Blue Moon and Taipans going head to head, won the Cruising class, followed with a few new Hobies compet- by John Fenn on Four Winds. ing for good measure. No boats competed in the Capital TV will again be multihull class, with the lower- shooting a 25-minute video pro- than-normal number of starters gram to be aired via Star World attributed to the fact that most sports and UBC satellite net- crews were still recovering from works across Asia. a long week of racing at the Royal Langkawi International For details, visit the web site Regatta. www.samuiregatta.com or email The next race day in the [email protected] ACYC series will be March 28. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE M O T O R I N G March 20 - 26, 2004

SHAMELESS SUN WORSHIPPERS: From left, Opel’s new-ish Tigra Tin Top; the BMW Mini Cooper Cabriolet; and the dramatic-looking Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. TOPLESS FUN otor shows follow a seemed to have a definite open- V6 or V8 power, goes on sale Top is produced by Heuliez in auto maker showed a convertible pattern, whether top theme, with a number of auto almost immediately. Cerizay, France. As well as the version of its new 6-series, a in North America makers displaying convertibles. Another luxury car marque, roof, the Tigra’s trunk is operated sleek but expensive open-top M(the world’s larg- Most significant was the Rolls-Royce, showed a drop-top electro-hydraulically and opens sports tourer. The lines of the 635 est), Bangkok (one of the less much anticipated replacement for version of its Phantom, this one or closes at the touch of a button. look better in convertible form, popular events) or Europe. One the Mercedes-Benz SLK sports labeled 100 EX – 100 for the Available with a choice of 1.4 or though, but the cloth top does notable exception, however, can coupé. marque’s centenary this year, and 1.8 liter motors and manual or nothing for its appearance. be found in Geneva’s annual The SLK, introduced as EX for experimental. auto transmission, the Tigra is The Chrysler Crossfire also motor show. long ago as 1996, was the first The luxury car maker ad- likely to be the class leader in this lost its roof, but in this case its Geneva is considered neu- roadster to feature a folding metal mits the show car is unlikely ever segment of the market. looks actually improve quite dra- tral territory for major players be- roof. Now everybody is getting to see production, but it was an To digress from convert- matically. cause there’s no in on the act, with interesting exercise with a deck- ibles, there were a number of out- The Crossfire is an Ameri- local motor indus- several so-called planking rear rageous con- can sports car, Porsche-style, and try. Knowing that coupé-cabriolets surround and cept cars in- uses a great deal of Mercedes- no one auto com- on the market. solid alumin- cluding Vol- Benz know-how and compo- pany will domi- The sleek um hood. vo’s YCC, a nents, including a 3.2 liter V6 nate the show, a 2004 SLK coupé, Next to car “design- engine producing a stimulating large and diverse BEHIND although still rela- the Rolls- ed by women 218bhp (160kW) and 310Nm of collection of car- THE tively compact in- Royce, and for women”. torque. The top speed of the makers join in pre- side, has vastly also a mem- Rolls-Royce’s It features in- Crossfire Roadster is a healthy senting their latest WHEEL more trunk space ber of the centenary-celebrating terchange- 240kmh, while at speeds over creations. By Jeff Heselwood even with the roof BMW fami- cabriolet, the Phantom 100 EX. able seat 100 kmh a rear spoiler is auto- This year down, thanks to a ly, was a cab- covers and a matically deployed to increase Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes- new, more efficient folding riolet version of the Mini Coo- wrap-around rubber front bump- stability. It is a welcome addition Benz and BMW from Germany, mechanism. per, an attractive variant on the er for those unavoidable parking to the Chrysler lineup and one French auto makers Peugeot and Visually, it is similar to the Mini theme. Expect more devel- scrapes. which should raise both the pro- Renault, Ferrari, Lancia and Fiat SLR McLaren supercar intro- opments of the base Mini model DaimlerChrysler’s Jeep di- file and profitability of this part from car-mad Italy, along with duced at last September’s Frank- as BMW endeavors to exploit the vision showed a muscular off- of the DC empire. several American manufacturers, furt show, with a Formula One- brand’s strengths. roader with “go anywhere” abil- The 74th Geneva Show was unveiled new models. style nose. Sure to be a success, Meanwhile, over at Opel, ity, while Hyundai’s new SUV, a breath of fresh air – almost like This show, Geneva’s 74th, the new SLK, with a choice of the Tigra name has been resur- the Tucson, first seen at the 2004 coming out of a winter of hiber- rected with an electro-hydraulic Chicago show, is sure to be a nation. Seeing old friends, mak- retractable steel roof. Called the winner. ing new ones and, most of all, Tigra Tin Top, the little car will It is expected to take the greeting a great selection of de- seriously challenge Peugeot’s Korean marque past the two-mil- sirable motors. 206 CC and is, if anything, more lion-units-a-year threshold. attractive to the eye. Back at BMW and back to Jeff Heselwood may be contacted Ironically, the Tigra Tin another drop-top, the Bavarian by email at [email protected].

Don’t miss Phuket’s largest motor show! See our Wheels & Motors classifieds on page 28. March 20 - 26, 2004 G O O D L I V I N G PHUKET GAZETTE 25 Whole lot of Heaven he only bagel shop on 1 medium onion, chopped small; Phuket (and quite pos- 1/3 green bell pepper, chopped sibly in southern Thai- small; Tland) is a great place to 1 long green chili pepper, meet friends for a healthy snack. chopped small; Bagels & Beyond, a few 2 garlic cloves, minced; meters down the road to Chalong 10 sweet, ripe – but firm – man- Pier from the Chalong Circle, goes, cut into small cubes; was opened by Kirsten and Mark ½ teaspoon lemon juice; Kindermann last year after they A dash of white vinegar; moved to the island from Hua Salt and pepper to taste; Hin. 1 small bunch fresh coriander, There, Mark was sport-lei- finely chopped. sure manager at the Sofitel Cen- tral and Kirsten taught Ashtanga Method: yoga to ladies from the Royal Mix all the ingredients in a large Family. bowl, adding the cubed mango, Before that, they lived in lemon juice, vinegar, salt and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East, pepper last. Marinate for at least where Mark taught English at the 30 minutes in the fridge, then add UAE Naval Academy. “I’ve had ingredients to your taste. This a varied working life,” he says, salsa makes an ideal cool, fresh “which includes running an or- accompaniment. ganic farm in Hawai, where Kirsten and I met.” ‘Nutty Monkey’ Smoothie His colorful career pattern Makes 1 large glass includes having attended culi- nary school for two years, fol- Ingredients: lowed by varied restaurant expe- The taste tells the story at Bagels and Beyond, where Mark Kindermann and Sunee Sakduang 3 frozen bananas; (below) also turn out a great ‘Nutty Monkey’ Smoothie and a fine Pumpkin Bisque (below right). rience, so Mark decided to pro- ¼ cup coconut milk (fresh if pos- vide Phuket with something that sible); was lacking – bagels. 1 tablespoon ground cashew Apart from bagels with a nuts; wide variety of fillings, custom- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt; ers can also enjoy Mark’s home- 1 cup small ice cubes; made burritos. He also has plans 1 tablespoon honey; to offer a more extensive menu, ½ cup water; starting in low season. chocolate sauce. Helping him in the kitchen is Sunee Sakduang, whom Mark Method: and Kirsten met on Koh Samui Put all the ingredients, except the where she had a restaurant. chocolate sauce, in a blender and “When I heard on the whiz until you have a smooth grapevine that K. Sunee had consistency. Drizzle some choco- given up her business, I tracked late sauce down the inside of the her down and asked her to come glass and pour the smoothie in. and help us,” explains Mark. Fresh mint leaves make a good “Her friendly personality Guest decoration for this drink. Mark and skills in the kitchen meant 2 stalks Thai celery, chopped retain the stock. Put the veg- recommends peeling bananas that her restaurant on Samui was small; chef etables into a blender and add and storing them in a freezer in a always popular with foreign trav- 3 cloves garlic, minced; By Jenna Wise some stock after they have plastic Ziplock bag: a good idea, elers and she is a welcome addi- 1/3 teaspoon yellow curry pow- blended smoothly to get the de- he says, if you want to use ba- tion to our shop.” der; Method: sired consistency of the bisque – nanas in a blended drink or baked 1/3 teaspoon freshly ground co- Heat the oil in a large saucepan it should be quite thick. Add the recipe, because you always have Pumpkin Bisque riander seeds; and sauté the onions, garlic, cel- milk last. Decorate with fresh them to hand. For 4-5 people 1/3 teaspoon freshly ground rose- ery, herbs and spices until the coriander leaves and serve. mary; onions are transparent. Add the Bagels & Beyond is at 1/4 Ingredients: 1/3 teaspoon white pepper; chopped pumpkin and enough Fresh Mango Salsa Chalong Pier Rd, Phuket. Tel: 07- 1 kilo pumpkin, skinned, seeded 2 teaspoons salt; water to cover it. Bring to the For 3-4 people 8850020 and 07-2659969. Open- and cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 tablespoons soy oil; boil, cover the pan and simmer ing hours 8 am-4 pm except Sat- 2 medium-sized onions, roughly ½ cup milk; until the pumpkin has softened. Ingredients: urdays and Sundays, 9 am-4 pm. chopped; A few coriander leaves. Strain all the vegetables and 6 large tomatoes, chopped small; Closed on Mondays. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY March 20 - 26, 2004

Home of the Week Phuket City Watery playground at your doorstep

magine sailing your boat al- most to the door of your own waterfront residence. This Iunusual convenience can be found in a three-bedroom Sino- Portuguese condo at the Boat La- goon marina. On the east coast, only 22 kilometers from the airport, the marina is just a short drive from Phuket City, golf courses, hospi- tals and schools. Dulwich Inter- national College is less than five minutes away. The condo comes with free membership of the Phuket Boat Club, including access to restau- rants, a bar, swimming pool, gym, sauna, jogging track and tennis courts. It’s an idyllic lifestyle. Other facilities include a 30-foot mooring berth outside your front door, the capacity to secure craft of up to 120 feet in the lagoon, and a shopping ar- cade with chandlery and super- market. Only four condos remain. All have three bedrooms, four Evils of erosion his is not the first time eucalyptus tree is a very efficient washed away into the sea when the subject of land ero- hunter for water and grows rap- the rains come. A lot of small life sion has been discussed idly in Thailand’s tropical cli- disappears from the land – and Tin this column. In fact, mate. Unfortunately, almost the sea – when the brown soil any article about the destruction nothing else gets the opportunity spreads across the sea. of forests, and the massive flood- to live in the vicinity of the euca- For any developers who ing that can follow in low-lying lyptus tree, apart from a few may be concerned about this land is sure to mention erosion hardy scrub bushes and ferns that problem, there is a program in- several times. require very little water to sur- stigated by HM the King to fight Thailand was once covered vive. erosion. in lush jungle and tropical rain- In the Australian outback, OB Wetzel, a project man- forests, full of wildlife and mag- where the eucalyptus is native, ager in Phuket who has been in- nificent flora. Now the hills of the the tree survives and thrives in volved in several developments North lie barren. The great the arid conditions, with its abil- on hillsides, told me that the Ag- rainforests which once stood ity to search and find the avail- riculture Department office in there are almost entirely gone, able water. Phang Nga has seedlings to give thanks to the lust for teak and Much of the coastal regions – yes, free – to anyone who needs other hardwoods. of Australia, which are now con- to control soil loss. The planting of eucalyptus sidered to be “the bush” were These seedlings grow rap- is an even worse disaster. The once lush forests. idly, and within a The destruction of few days will start these forests for the PROPERTY to seal the soil, pre- magnificent timber venting erosion from the cedar & when the rains trees, and the de- HOMEZONE come. sire for more farm- By Graham Doven There is no land, has turned way to avoid some much of the coastal region into loss of soil during construction, dry bushland populated by euca- but from what I’ve seen, much lyptus gums and a few snakes, of the problem in Phuket has wombats and lizards. come from land that has been to- The lessons, it appears, tally cleared of vegetation. have to be learned again and There is no excuse for this again and again. In southern kind of behaviour. The local au- Phuket, where development is in thorities should be given lessons full swing, the erosion is still hap- on erosion and its consequences, pening, either through ignorance, and should prosecute offenders. stupidity or cynical lack of care. A little care from both de- The soil on huge swathes of velopers and authorities will go the island is just waiting to be a long way. March 20 - 26, 2004 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 27

bathrooms, teak staircases and with the benefit of hidden duct- The land title is Chanote. bedroom floors upstairs, marble ing downstairs. Total area is Prices for these units range from floors downstairs, roof terrace about 230 square meters. 8.5 million to 10 million baht. with sala and Jacuzzi, and balco- The Sino-Portuguese style nies on the first and second is in keeping with the rest of the Contact: Richard Lusted, Siam floors. Boat Lagoon. There is also a Real Estate, Tel: 076-280805; There is hot water, and all large rooftop terrace equipped email: info@ siamrealestate.com; bedrooms are air-conditioned with a Jacuzzi. Website: www.siamrealestate.com;

The badlands: Too many developers either don't understand or don't care aboiut the damage that can be done by stripping vegetation off of plot of land. 28 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY March 20 - 26, 2004

ome people are born idle. some bromeliads, the leaves are I should know; I’m one Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert arranged as a tightly-rolled fun- of them. While everyone nel, forming a water-tight con- Selse is enjoying a ram- tainer. bunctious game of soccer on the Rain and plant debris are beach, I’m much happier sitting trapped in these funnels or in the shade, trying my best not Freeloaders “tanks”, and absorbing tissues at to allow my beer to warm up in the base of the leaves take up the Phuket heat. both water and nutrients. If there’s a job that needs You can attach epiphytes to doing, I’m quite content to let the trees in your garden really someone else do the work, as of the forest easily. The best method is one long as they don’t mind. that doesn’t pierce the trunk of There’s a group of plants the host tree – how would you that have exactly the same species of orchids are epiphytic. sition where the light is better or feel if someone nailed a fern to agenda – epiphytes. Despite the The thing that sets these where it can avoid competition your arm? Palm trees, for ex- rather medical-sounding name, plants apart is their tendency to for light. ample, will never heal if the trunk this group of plants just can’t be lean on others for their existence. Most epiphytic seed plants is punctured and will always be bothered doing that much for Most people know what a para- and ferns require high humidity susceptible to invasion by fungi themselves. site is. A parasite attaches itself and are found in tropical and sub- or insects. Other trees will even- If they were human, they to another organism, and extracts tropical rainforests. They are tually heal over, but nails aren’t would be quite content to have nutrients from it. The host organ- therefore quite at home in Epiphytes perch on an old tree. a good idea. someone else perform menial ism suffers as a result, so para- Phuket. If we had 1,500-meter- Photo courtesy of Bob Black, String or thin wire is the tasks, such as lifting food to their sites are generally unpopular and high mountains here, they’d be Professor Emeritus at the best way to fasten an epiphyte. mouths, provided that having to unwanted. even happier as a group, because University of Florida. The fastening should stay on un- chew at the same time as having It’s important to note, how- that’s where they flourish best. til the plant becomes established. a massage was not too much of a ever, that epiphytes are not para- Having no contact with the roadsides all over Phuket at the This may look a bit ugly for a chore. sitic. They don’t directly harm soil, epiphytes get most of their moment – you’d think it was while because you need to use A large number of plants the host plant. (Who knows – the nutrients from the atmosphere. dead, with little chance of recov- plenty of binding to stop it mov- belong to this somewhat lazy plant they choose to attach them- Getting enough water and nutri- ery when the rains return. But ing – like a cast on a broken bone. group. Many mosses and lichens selves to might actually enjoy the ents this way can be a problem, like the grass, these mosses If the epiphyte is completely im- are epiphytes. So are some seed company.) so many epiphytes have adapta- bounce back when water be- mobile, roots will establish eas- plants and many ferns. But they do get a leg up on tions similar to desert plants, en- comes available. They are able ily. One of the best-known of life by taking advantage of other abling them to collect, absorb and to absorb it rapidly and resume In the “epiphyte for life” these is probably the bird’s nest plants. Epiphytes are not rooted store water and restrict its loss. growth. these plants are pretty half- fern. Others are bromeliads in the ground. They grow above Some epiphytic mosses and For epiphytes, major hearted in their determination to (members of the pineapple fam- the surface, using other plants or lichens take another route, shriv- sources of water are dew, mois- exist. You need to take on some ily, Bromeliaceae) and orchids. objects for support. By doing eling when water is short. They ture in the air and rainwater run- of that responsibility yourself – In fact, over half of the 20,000 this, an epiphyte can reach a po- act just like the grass you see at ning down the support tree. In they just can’t be bothered. March 20 - 26, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 29 Property Gazette

LAGUNA APTS Properties Laguna Allamanda apart- TAMAPRAO HOUSE RAWAI HOME LUXURY For Sale ments and Sheraton island vil- BUNGALOWS las for sale with prices from 8 IN PATONG million baht. Please call for SAI RUNG details. Tel: 01-8922113. Cape Yamoo. A private, tran- Email: [email protected]. quil estate on the east coast Indigo Real Estate Limited. of Phuket with 5-20 rai land Sound Advice, Premium Prop- parcels available for sale with erties. HOUSE FOR SALE ocean view and private lake, near Tesco-Lotus. 4 bed- orchard and untouched forest. Furnished Tamaprao A home/entertainment rooms, 4 bathrooms, swim- Tel: 09-8732042. Email: 3.5 RAI BEACHFRONT houses, built and designed to building. 4 bedrooms in large New 2-story bungalows ming pool, built-in furniture, [email protected]. Please 3.5 rai of beachfront – with Swedish standards. Com- 1.25 rai grounds. 15 million with carport, large living- Western kitchen, granite visit our website at www. Chanote title – for sale at Khao plete with pool, full marble baht. Tel: 06-8934235. dining room, kitchen, 3 and wooden floors, fully fur- sairung.com. Indigo Real Es- Khad beach, facing Chalong finish and aircon. Close to Please visit our website at: bedrooms, 3 baths, nished, 5 aircon , Chanote tate Limited. Sound Advice, Bay. Please email or call for golf course and airport. www.thaichanote.com 150sqm. Freehold land. 4 title. Price 5.3 million baht. Premium Properties. info. Tel: 09-7298365. Email: Prices from 2.5 million million baht. Contact Peter Tel: 01-9786099. Email: [email protected] baht. Tel: 09-2002497. [email protected] Please visit our website at: NEW HOUSE for details. Tel: 01-89 2- HOUSE FOR SALE www.phuketvillage.com FOR SALE 8526. Email: peterwesche House for sale in northwest @hotmail.com EXCEPTIONAL Phuket, located around 2km to JW MARRIOTT seaview awaits. An excep- golf course and beach. Has big vacation. 78 years’ worth of tional seaview from this 18-rai garden and swimming pool, 4 week-long, high season holi- FANTASTIC HOMES plot with Chanote on a gentle bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. days for sale. Email for details. for sale by owner: ocean slope with private road ac- Fully furnished. The price is 8 [email protected] view luxury south of Pa- cess. Located at Laem Sai, million baht or nearest offer. tong; affordable in Kathu; 3km north of Mission Hills Golf NATAI Tel: 06-2761506, 06-941- GOLF COURSE LOTS mansion in Laguna; and Course. Priced at 1.5 million BEACH LAND 2918. Fax: 076-385385. Chanote title, located on Exclusive lots available in a Chao Fa East Rd. 204sqm, Thai-style in Patong. Visit baht/rai. Please contact for West Coast. 2.25 rai with Email: nattakarn _aasa@ fully serviced golf community. www.tomkatconsulting. more information. Tel: 06-683- yahoo.com 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living 38 meters of ocean frontage 1-rai lots bordering Mission room. Price: 1.99 million com or call 01-7974413. 3487. Email: fenefc@hotmail. at Natai Beach. Fully ser- Hills Golf Course, only 5 lots baht. Contact Khun Ya at com viced and levelled. New left, ocean views. Tel: 09- Tel: 01-5973398. boundary wall and building 9725226. Email: bgbphuket permits. Enjoy your sala 20 @yahoo.com meters above high tide. 15 BEAUTIFUL LAND minutes from the airport. 25 for sale. Beautiful land for sale million baht. Email: nick@ 2 NEW LUXURY in Thalang on 3.38 rai with indigore.com. Tel: 09-873- CONDOS IN road, water, electricity and 2042. Indigo Real Estate Lim- PATONG Nor Sor 3 Gor title. 3.8 million ited. Sound Advice, Pre- baht (only 700 baht/sqm). Tel: mium Properties. 076-349050, 01-8957159, 02-2911112.

LOCH PALM GOLF view land. 2 rai of beautiful land with 2 access roads and all 85sqm and 106sqm. Fully services. Lovely location, furnished and high-class ready to build on. Total price of decoration, one and two 8.9 million baht. Inquiries to: bedrooms, large living/dining Tel: 09-6498703 or Email: room with pantry kitchen, [email protected] LAND FOR SALE super bath with Jacuzzi, balcony. Long-term lease of Land for sale at Kathu water- LUXURY VILLA 30-90 years. Security, ga- fall. Sizes from 800sqm to in Patong. Luxury fully fur- rage, swimming pool. Con- 1,760sqm, 5 minutes walk to nished 250sqm 3-story villa in tact Peter. Tel: 01-892- Loch Palm Golf Course, road Patong with swimming pool 8526. Email: peterwesche access, electricity ready. Pls and sea view. Price 10.5 mil- @hotmail.com call to inquire. No agents. Tel: lion baht. Tel: 01-8928526. 01-9035622. Email: peterwesche@hotmail. SEA VIEW HOUSE com LAND IN TAI MUANG for sale. 4-bed house with for sale. Chanote title, lake sea view, with 3 bathrooms, LAND IN PATONG front, 10 rai, close to Tai indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, for sale. Land in Patong for Muang golf course, 2km to and parking space for sale. sale with excellent seaviews. beach. Tel: 09-7288311. 18 million baht. Tel: 04-056- Price from 5.5 million baht/rai Please visit our website at: 8122. Fax: 076-294108. (3,450 baht/sqm). Tel: 076- www.emedicalbooksonline. Email: [email protected]. 349050, 01-8957159, 09- com/land.htm co.th 2911112. 30 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS March 20 - 26, 2004 Property Gazette

APARTMENTS HOUSES FOR SALE in Patong for long-term rent. 1 Only 4 units left. Brand new bedroom, 1 TV room, cable and ready for transfer. De- TV, aircon. Some apartments tached and semi-detached have a pleasant sea view. homes with 2-3 beds/2-3 8,000-20,000 baht per baths. Special promotion month. Tel: 09-2909567. includes garden and kitchen. PHUKET ISLAND 920,000 baht upwards. 5 REAL ESTATE QUIET APT WITH POOL min from Heroines’ Monu- and clean. Lovely, fully-fur- ment. Tel: 06-6822325, Specialists in House nished apartments, studios, 04-0575756. Sales, Rentals, Land and a sea-view penthouse in a Plots and Businesses, quiet and peaceful hillside loca- tion. Fan or aircon, interna- Properties for Sale or Lease, including Hotels. tional satellite TV, maid ser- For Rent vice, swimming pool, poolside For more details call bar, car park. Very reasonable 076-341871, 01-9241447, rent: from 10,000 baht/month PATONG VIEW HOUSE 01-5697616, 09-7762591. long-term, and from 500 baht/ 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, night short-term. Tel: 076- E-mail: sales@ large carport, furnished, ocean 296621, 01-9785501. Fax: phuketislandrealestate.com views, 12 months min lease 076-344689. Email: info@ only. 45,000 baht per month. Website: www. baansuanvilla.com. Please Call Peter at 07-0170135. phuketislandrealestate.com see our website at: www. baansuanvilla.com NICE HOUSE 4 RENT HOUSE 4 LONG-TERM Nice house for rent – just 3 Completely renovated house min walk from Nai Harn Beach in Baan Benjamas, in Soi – with 3 beds, 3 bathrooms, 3 Sansabai, Patong, for rent. 1st aircons and garden. Min 1- floor: living room, kitchen, year let. 25,000 baht/month. gueststoil, store and terrace. Tel: 01-3971835. OCEAN VIEW 2nd floor: 2 bedrooms, bath, PATONG balcony. All rooms with aircon LARGE FAMILY HOME and fans. 50m from swim- Very nice, furnished, 1-bed- in Kathu. Luxurious 3 bed- ming pool, with security. 3 room, 1-bathroom house rooms, 3 bathrooms on 3/4 minutes to beach. Tel: 01- with air conditioning. For rai, fully furnished, aircon, 8914561 (Thai); 06-2831674 long-term rent. 18,000 baht cable TV, phone, waterbed, (German/English). a month. Call Khun Som at leather sofa, washer and Tel: 09-2914848. dryer. Beautiful garden with lots of trees, part of garden HOLIDAY HOUSE in Chalong. Villa area, 3 bed- CENTRAL PATONG screened in with sunroof, sandbox for kids. Prefer long- rooms, 2 bathrooms, fully fur- condos. 1- or 2-bed apart- nished, equipped kitchen, ments with pleasant sea and term lease. 30,000 baht/ month. Tel: 09-8720708. UBC, swimming pool and gym. mountain views. Located at Price: 30,000 baht/month. the center of Patong. Price Tel: 06-2801009. start from 25,000 baht/ HOUSE 4 RENT month. Tel: 076-341369. in Kathu. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- Fax: 076-342016. Email: rooms, kitchen, living room, 2 PATONG BEACH [email protected], air conditioners, furnished. 1 studio apartment, kitchen, [email protected]. 10,000 baht/month for long- fully furnished, 350m from Please see our website at: term lease. Please call 09- beach. 500 baht/day, 9,000 www.patongtower.com 2909567. baht/month. Tel: 07-273- 8944. 12 am-6 pm. Email: NEW HOUSE 4 RENT HOUSE FOR RENT [email protected] Chalong, 2 bedrooms, 1 Karon. New, fully furnished bathroom, terrace, car park, house, with aircon and TV/ KATA HILL SEAVIEW aircon, fully furnished. Long- DVD, 5 min from the beach . Large Kata Hill bungalow for term rent. 15,000 baht/ Email: phuketmotors1@ rent. Please call for more info. HOUSE FOR SALE month. Tel: 09-7288311. hotmail.com Tel: 09-5944017. Single-story detached house with 2 bedrooms, 2 Agents for Classified Advertising bathrooms, 1 living room, 1 kitchen, 1 guests’ house, 1 NAI HARN sala and private swimming pool (size 4.5 x 10 m). Only PHUKET New house at bargain price 4.3 million baht, including for quick sale. Please contact Kata Pharmacy & Mini Mart landscaped garden and bed- for details. Tel: 01-7520275. Taina Rd, Kata Tel: 076-330898 room air conditioner. Please Email: comfortablynumb_18 contact 04-057- 5756, 06- K.L. Mart @hotmail.com Patak Rd, Chalong Tel: 076-280400/3 6822325. NAVA Language School LAND FOR SALE HOUSE FOR SALE Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-232398/9 directly on Banyan Tree golf SPECTACULAR 16 RAI course (Laguna property). in Land and Houses Park. seaview plot at Layan for sale. Sin & Lee 1,050 sqm/262.4 sq wah. 193sqm with garden, 3 Please visit our website at: Thalang Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-211230 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, Thai- 7.872 million baht. Tel: 076- www.phuketgazette.net/ Taurus Travel 239864. Fax: 076-239865. European style, swimming landlayan. Tel: 01-7371688, Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Tel: 076 344521-2 Email: [email protected] pool, 1 office room, 1 living 01-3973267. room, 7 aircons, garage. A la Carte Price: 8.5 million baht. Con- Kamala main road, Cherng Talay Tel: 076-278019 CONDO 4 SALE tact Khun Vena at 09-649- BLUE CANYON 1-room Patong Beach apart- 8378, 076-238251. condo for sale. Penthouse ment for sale. Cash sale for with three large bedrooms. PHANG NGA 450,000 baht or 150,000 Fully renovated and fully fur- Maew Internet Shop, Khao Lak Tel: 076-420627 baht deposit and 4 yearly LAND FOR SALE nished. Will consider any se- payments of 100,000 baht. 111sq wah of land for sale at rious offer. Please contact Avalon Creative Group Co Ltd, Khao Lak Tel: 076-420539 Tel: 09-4740227. Email: su_ Land & Houses. Price 1.9 mil- Dick Brown for more details. [email protected] lion baht. Tel: 01-6911986. Email: [email protected] March 20 - 26, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 31 Property Gazette

NEW LUXURY BEACH New luxury beach condos Properties Accommodation Building Services with 1-2 bedrooms. On the Wanted Wanted beach with ocean view and private spa. 40,000 baht/ month and up. Email for info NEED FROM JULY 1 We are looking for a 4-bed- FURNISHED and pics. Tel: 01-4961100. 2 BEDRM W/KITCHEN Email: [email protected] room house with pool and aircon for a minimum rental of Furnished 2-bed with kitchen, 1 year. Should be in the near Bangkok Phuket Hospi- CHALONG/RAWAI Chalong or Rawai areas but tal, required by April 1 or should not be furnished. Email: sooner. Will pay up to 16,000 Waterfront stephen.rutter@btinternet. baht. Contact with details. 2-bedroom bungalow. com Tel: 07-8852996. Email: Poolside/seaside. [email protected] Long- or short-term rent. Accommodation Tel: 07-7272296, RENTAL HOUSE 076-288996 Available I am looking for a nice house with garden, preferably in countryside surroundings, to SPECTACULAR VIEW ROOMS TO LET Apartment for long-term rent. rent long-term. I can do simple Best views of Patong and Fully-furnished rooms for rent maintenance if rent is low. Old Patong Beach. Fully furnished, in a new complex. Air-con, house no problem, as long as 2 aircons, 3 bedrooms, 4 bath- satellite TV, fridge, hot water area is nice. Tel: 07-2679780. rooms, TV, UBC, DVD. Tel: and car parking for 166 baht/ Email: [email protected] 09-5875653, 01-9035622. day. Yes, 166 baht/day. Lake Property View Apartments. Tel: 076- NICE HOME Services STUDIO APARTMENT 202585, 09-1968449. I am looking to rent a nice, PATONG CONDOS Brand new, fully-furnished stu- Email: ketmaneeclayton61 clean 1-2 bedroom home for 4- @hotmail.com HOUSE PAINTING for rent. Fully furnished 1- dio apartment, with aircon and 6 months starting October. Do you need any kind of first- or 2-room Patong apart- phone line, access to swim- Prefer Patong, Kalim and class quality painting for your ments with pool. 7,000 ming pool and gym, and close PATONG LUXURY APT Kathu, but will consider quality new house? Or repairs? For baht/month or 400 baht/ to all amenities on Soi Yen-Ar- 1- & 2-bedroom apartments in homes elsewhere. Email: more information, please call day. Just 300 meters from Kad. Long-term rent only. central Patong. Email for info [email protected] Tel: 072-868634. beach. Tel: 01-3645419. 20,000 baht/month. Tel:01- and photos. Email: suites247 Email: thesonbusiness@ 8931360. Fax: 076-385292. @yahoo.com 3-4 BEDRM HOUSE Email: [email protected] hotmail.com Looking to lease long-term a SPAS R US ATSUMI VILLAS 3- or 4-bedroom house with Steam room/sauna and ac- KAMALA GARDEN VILLA Atsumi Villas offers peace one ensuite bathroom plus one cessories, and portable hot Private 2-bed, fully furnished and quiet in a tropical garden other. House must be in the tubs from USA. Quality villa with 2 bathrooms, living in Rawai. 1 bedroom, lounge, southern part of the island. equipment, designed and and dining rooms, garden, kitchen, aircon and UBC. Tel: Email: peter_k9@hotmail. installed for your needs. phone line, UBC, and aircon 01-2720571. com throughout, available for long- Business and residential. term rent at 17,000 baht/ KARON BEACH Call us at 09-7939268. month. Tel: 01-8931360. Fully-furnished bungalows at NEEDED IN KRABI Fax: 076-385292. Email: Karon Beach and apartments I need to rent a house at Ao [email protected] in Kata-Karon now available Nang from Dec 21, 2004 to Find more classified ads for short- or long-term rent. Jan 10, 2005. Require 2 bed- KATA BEACH HOUSE Please contact for further rooms and 6 beds. Email: at www.phuketgazette.net! for rent. Fully furnished, 2 details. Tel: 076-333242, [email protected] bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 09-6517818. Fax: 076-333- aircons, and a car park. Please 243. Email: horstkaron@ Contact for details. Tel: 01- yahoo.com. Or see our 6062827. Email: nij017@ website at: www.capt- hotmail.com horst.com

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 60 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for Property Mart page: Friday 3 pm. Deadline for all other pages: Saturday 12 noon. 32 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS March 20 - 26, 2004 Island Job Mart

NEW 5-STAR BOUTIQUE RESORT Our luxury boutique resort seeks smart ladies with good English-language skills to fill the following positions: Restaurant Cap- tain, Bar Supervisor, wait- resses and bartenders. Please contact us to apply or for more information. Tel: 076-333031, 01- 9790513. Fax: 076- 333035. Email: alistair@ aspasiaphuket.com

EXPERIENCED STAFF ONLY Spa Aseyri in the Maldives is seeking to employ 2 ex- NEW 5-STAR NEW 5-STAR ACCOUNTS CLERK perienced spa therapists for BOUTIQUE RESORT BOUTIQUE RESORT A small resort is looking for a new spa, will be opening Chief Engineer wanted for is looking for Spa Thera- a Thai accounts clerk, pref- at the end of April. Based in new 5-star boutique re- pists, Supervisors, Recep- erably with a degree in ac- Male with all relocation sort. Thai nationality, ex- tionists and a Manager for counting, knowledge of costs taken care of by the perienced in all aspects of a small, designer spa in our QuickBooks accounting company. Only dedicated hotel engineering and resort. Smart ladies with software, reasonable En- If an event isn’t listed in the Gazette’s persons, please send your maintenance. A reason- good English-language glish, driving license and CV by fax or by email to ap- able command of English skills, please send your own motorbike. 5 or 6 Events Calendar ply. For more information, is required. Please contact resumé by fax or email to days a week. Salary will be it probably isn’t one. contact Tel: 960-776024. Tel: 076-333031, 01- apply. Tel: 076-333031, commensurate with quali- Mobile: 96-776024. Fax: 9790513. Fax: 076- 01-9790513. Fax: 076- fications. Please submit ap- List your event now - It’s free of charge. 960-310714. Email: 333035. Email: alistair@ 333035. Email: alistair@ plications by email only. duniyespasmanager@ aspasiaphuket.com aspasiaphuket.com Email: [email protected] phuketgazette.com/calendar meeru.com March 20 - 26, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 33 Island Job Mart

Employment Wanted

3D CAD EXPERT is available. I specialize in 2D CAD drawings, 3D solid modeling, photorealistic ren- dering, website creation and presentation. I am available for freelance architectural, boat building and mechanical design projects. Please con- tact for further information. Tel: 01-4760380. Email: [email protected]

JAPANESE GENERAL MANAGER MANGOSTEEN SPA IRISH EXPAT RESERVATION & HEAD CHEF BKK SUPERVISOR available for work immedi- WiredDestinations, an required for soon-to-open We are looking for a Spa ately on local terms. Experi- TEACHERS REQUIRED PART-TIME TEACHERS online hotel reservation upmarket English pub and Supervisor with a mini- enced in fields of sales, fi- Nursery and preschool assis- ELT Phuket urgently requires service, is currently seek- restaurant on Sukhumvit mum of 2-years’ experi- nance and insurance. Highly tants required. Mothers with qualified, native speakers of ing a Japanese Reservation Rd, Bangkok. Requires ex- ence as a therapist or su- motivated and excellent self- children aged 2-5 will be con- English to teach adult classes Manager (or Reservation perienced, energetic expa- pervisor, computer skills starter. Tel: 06-9507683. sidered. Must have good En- in Phuket City. Schedule: Staff). Open to Thais or for- triate GM (Brit or Aus pre- and good command of the Email: willyorwillynot@ glish-language skills. Please Monday-Friday, 8 am-9:30 eigners (Japanese pre- ferred) and head chef (any English language are re- hotmail.com call to apply. Tel: 076-282- am and 3:30 pm-5:30 pm ferred) aged not over 35. nationality). UK compa- quired. We also need 232, 01-9794140. and/or Saturday-Sunday, 9 The successful candidate rable salary packages. people for the following TRAVEL/DIVING am-noon and 1 pm-4 pm. will be a degree holder with Start date May 17. Postal positions: Certified Spa business. Do you have a THAILAND-HOLIDAYS Salary: 300 baht an hour. an excellent command of applications only with full therapists, Receptionist travel agency or a diving Our Phuket office has 2 po- Please contact us to apply. both written and spoken CV, photo and references with good knowledge of school? Then please contact sitions available: 1 German- Tel: 076-221940. Fax: 076- English with an outstand- to: Post Classified No. English. Please apply by me, as I have a very profit- speaking licensed tour guide 221940. Email: eltphuket@ ing record in sales/hotel 4276, c/o Bangkok Post, email or submit your CV to able proposal for you. If you and 1 English-speaking li- hotmail.com employment. They will Bangkok, 10110. our HR department. Tel: employ me and offer me a censed tour guide, both with possess strong leadership 076-289399. Fax: 076- work permit. I can assist you experience throughout FINANCIAL CONTROLLER qualities and people skills, 289389. Email: myfuture to get many, many new cus- southern Thailand. To apply, Asiadebit (Thailand) Co Ltd, be performance/result ori- ENGLISH SPEAKER @mangosteen-phuket. tomers. You have nothing to please send your written ap- Asia’s leading Internet pay- ented with a proven track We are looking to employ com loose by contacting me, plication with your resumé ment provider, is currently record. They will be famil- and train a Thai to be a right? Email: kris@csloxinfo. and a recent photo by email looking for a Financial Con- iar with the Internet as a Foreman for a modular com to [email protected] troller to join our dynamic sales medium and able to building company in Phu- MODELS REQUIRED and for more information see team. The successful appli- work shifts: our offices are ket. Must speak, read and Female and male models our website at: www. cant will be fluent in English open 24/7. Please apply by write English. Tel: 01- required for a modeling thailandholidays.de (spoken and written), a Thai email, including CV, salary 1251873. agency. Advertising, pro- Don’t miss.... national, have a degree in fi- expectations and recent motions, fashion and pho- SPA MANAGER nance or banking, and at least photo to: robert@wired- tographic work. For details destinations.com A new luxury spa is now 3 years’ work experience. EXPERIENCED CHEF on how to apply, please looking for a qualified Spa The major responsibilities in- Issues The Connect Restaurant in call Tel: 01-0856806 or Manager, with a minimum of volve dealing and co- STAFF REQUIRED Patong requires the ser- Email: anninphuket@ 5 years’ experience. Good ordinating with international Thai lady sought for a mar- vices of an experienced hotmail.com & salary plus benefits offered. banks and clients. Please keting and consulting com- chef to manage the Please call to apply. Tel: 01- send your CV by email to ap- pany. Must be fluent in En- kitchen and a small team. MAID AND TRAINEE 3708632. ply. Tel: 076-264445. Fax: Answers glish. An excellent salary is Must be able to speak En- Hotel maid and management 076-264447. Email: info@ guaranteed. Tel: 09-511 glish. Interested parties trainee wanted for Tik’s STAFF WANTED asiadebit.com 0423. should apply by calling Mr Place, Kata Center. Tel: 07- www.phuketgazette.net/ Phuket Programmers is look- Borje. Tel: 09-7310180. 8810750. Email: tigercom@ issuesanswers/index.asp ing for staff with accounting ACCOUNTANT phket.loxinfo.co.th knowledge, as well as English SALES REPS required. The successful can- and computer skills, to work REQUIRED didate must have a degree in in our Thalang head office. We are Whitebay Interna- accounting, possess com- Willing to train up. Good pros- tional, the most successful puter literacy and have 25% Discount on Classifieds for Shopper Card Holders pects and salary offered. vacation ownership com- knowledge of inventory con- Working hours: 9 am-5 pm, pany in Asia. We are cur- trol. Please contact us to Monday-Friday. Please con- rently recruiting Sales apply. Tel: 01-9563556. tact Khun Pern to apply. Tel: Reps to help us promote Fax: 076-264373. Email: IF YOU... 076-313137. Fax: 076- our product. No experi- [email protected] 313269. Email: admin@ ence necessary as full Place your ad in these pages; phuketprogrammers.com training will be given, but good communication skills HEAD TEACHER Present your Shopper Card; and RESERVATION STAFF are required. No fixed sal- REQUIRED The fast-growing online ary, but excellent commis- for ECC (Phuket branch). Pay for the ad at our offices, travel company Bluesky Al- sion – up to 15% – avail- Applicants must have a liance Co Ltd is looking for able for the right people. strong academic back- you’ll enjoy a 25% discount* AND have your ad appear free of reservation staff with good Full relocation benefits. ground, hold a degree and charge in the Gazette’s Island Trader Online. command of written and Open to all nationalities. a TEFL certificate. All de- spoken English. Please con- Please call, fax or email to tails are available on re- tact us to arrange an inter- apply. Tel: 076-341474. quest. Tel: 076-214498. With more than 10,000 visitors a day, the Island Trader Online is view. Tel: 076-248459. Fax: Fax: 076-290382. Email: Fax: 076-214498. Email: Thailand’s most active classified marketplace. 076-248754. Email: career [email protected] [email protected] @bluesky-alliance.com *Ads may be submitted in person or online (phuketgazette.net/classifieds), but must be paid for at the Gazette offices. The discount is not available when Problems with an extra-marital affair? Need somebody to love? payment is made at our agents. ASK KHUN WANIDA "MOMMA DUCK" The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd Fax your questions to 076-213971 367/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town or e-mail to [email protected] Tel: 076-236555 Fax: 076-213971 34 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS March 20 - 26, 2004 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

Articles for Business SUPER, NO-COST BusinessPersonal BusinessPersonal Sale Opportunities OPPORTUNITY Services Services Beautiful and unique hand- made solid silver neck- Wanted HANDMADE laces, bracelets and an- BEAUTY SALON klets made by locally- SILVER JEWELRY FOR SALE WEBSITE TRAINING based designer. We are I need a professional website Beautiful and unique, our Refurbished and ready-to- looking for selected outlets charming handmade solid operate beauty salon for builder to teach me how to where these very reason- build websites. Please con- silver necklaces, bracelets sale in Cherng Talay Vil- ably priced and highly de- and anklets are made by a lage, due to owner relocat- tact me with your proposals. sirable items may be sold I am available most times to locally-based designer. ing. Viewing highly recom- in return for 25% commis- These highly desirable mended. Price: 250,000 suit you. Tel: 09-8722752. sion. No cash outlay at all Email: [email protected] items are very reasonably baht. Please call or email and no stock purchases priced between 1,000 and for more details. Tel: 07- necessary. Tel: 09-504 HELP WANTED 3,000 baht. I can visit you 2773917. Email: stewcliff 3307. in your home or office for @myway.com Business owner in Thalang is personal viewing and se- looking for a housekeeper lection. Please call for fur- BAR/KAMALA 4 SALE and a Thai teacher to instruct ther details. Tel: 09- PRIME LOCATION Fully equipped bar with ac- a foreign student in Thai lan- 5043307. shop for sale. Build your fu- commodation. 400,000 baht. guage. Must have own trans- ture with your own shop. For Tel: 06-9474020. Email: portation. Please call Tel: 06- further details, please see our [email protected] 0760141. EQUIPMENT FOR website at www.rangrong. CLOTHING SHOP com or Tel: 01-6893194. RESTAURANT 4 SALE ITALIAN TEACHER Email: [email protected]. 35-seater, fully equipped res- I am looking for an Italian for sale. Everything for a com men’s clothing shop: hang- taurant in Patong for sale, LEARN THAI AT HOME woman to teach me conver- ers, display racks, manne- ready to work. 4 motor- From easy conversation to sational Italian. I already have quins (many different mod- SHARES FOR SALE cycles for rent and 6 comput- far more advanced learning. a textbook and speak a little els), cash machine. All 50% of well located and ers with Internet access. Tel: Coursework, cassettes and Italian. Email: ms_que70 items are only 1 year old. profitable restaurant in 07-0486254. home study materials pro- @hotmail.com Please contact for further Patong beach. 950,000 vided by Joy, a charming baht. Tel: 06-0043008. information. Tel: 076- PROPERTY OR LAND Thai lady and ready to help. Personals 346142, 01-7881466. swap. I am looking for an Please contact me for a chat. Email: richard_melen@ KAMALA BAR 4 SALE expat or local Thai interested Tel: 01-7971497. Email: hotmail.com Fully equipped Kamala bar in doing a property, land or [email protected] BACKGAMMON for sale for 250,000 baht. even business/investment players wanted for some ex- Rent: 6,500 baht/month. swap and looking to swap GENERATOR MAKEUP STYLIST citing games. Please call or Tel: 01-7374295, 01-892- my London property for land fax for more details. Tel: 076- from Germany, secondhand, 9524. Email: stevebragg28 or villas near a golf course, Makeup stylist available to 125KVA, 225KVA, top con- 386113 or 01-5778443. @hotmail.com any sort of commercial prop- show you the right way to Fax: 076-386114. dition (90%). Please contact erty or even some sort of use cosmetics for wed- for further information at MASSAGE BUSINESS business or land. I’m moving dings, parties and other Rothermann 1998 (Thai- THAI WIFE WANTED available. All new on 2-floors to Phuket soon. Tel: 852- special occasions. Tel: 076- A retired 51-year-old Austra- land). Tel: 02-6185925, 01- on main road. Has kitchen, 91629824. Email: jamesage 280363, 01-9334121. 6176313. Email: roterman@ lian businessman staying in outdoor bar, 3 aircons, beds, @yahoo.com Patong hopes to meet an cscoms.com, wattana@ chairs, stereo and supplies. rothermannthai.com honest, kind, attractive, En- Price: US$17,500. Please Business Services glish-speaking lady, aged 20- contact us for more details. AQUARIUM FOR SALE 30. She should be of good Tel: 06-6288010. Email: character, interested in mar- Including light, all fittings, [email protected] stand and fish. Price: 1,200 PHUKET/MARBELLA riage and a very good future. VISA RUN TO Must be a lady who loves to baht. Tel: 076-264191, 01- GUESTHOUSE 4 SALE VILLA MGMT RANONG 0914162. laugh and smile. Please email Newly built with 12 deluxe Our goal is to provide a 1,299 BAHT with photo and more details. five-star villa management rooms, 2 penthouse suites, Includes visa stamp fee, in- Email: bigmudcrab@hotmail. DIVE EQUIPMENT service at the most com- elevator and Chanote title. 5- surance, trip by boat and com for sale. Good condition. petitive prices. Choose minute walk to beach and 5- minibus (both in good con- Regulater and BCD. Tel: 09- Phuket/Marbella a com- minute walk to Soi Bangla. dition), and lunch with soft DEAF THAI LADY 8749147. pany backed by 25 years’ Price: 20 million baht. Will fi- drinks. Daily trip starts at 7 wanted. I am a deaf man experience on Spain’s nance up to 50%. Email: am at KFC at Tesco-Lotus from Europe. I am looking for FOR SALE Costa Del Sol. We can also [email protected] supercenter. Please con- deaf Thai ladies for friendship Rattan furniture: sofa with 2 offer a superb choice of BOAT FOR SALE tact us for reservation. Tel: and maybe for love. Please arm chairs and coffee table. rentals in either Phuket or 29-foot fiberglass motor GUESTHOUSE LEASE 076-289201 or 01- email me with details. Email: 2 Sony Trinitron TVs, 1 DVD Marbella, from studios yacht with Thai registration. for sale. 7 years remaining on 5352637. For further in- [email protected] player. Tel: 07-1689521. through to the most luxu- 2 x 280hp Mercruiser en- guesthouse with 10 ensuite formation, please visit our rious villas. Tel: 07- gines. 3.5 million baht ono. rooms. Registered Thai com- website: www.phuket dir. 2701387. Email: phuket Pets Articles Tel: 076-239864. Email: pany. Please email for picture com/expressvisaextension [email protected] and more information. Tel: [email protected] Wanted 076-342280, 01-9781956. Fax: 076-290383. Email: YORKSHIRE TERRIER Bulletins [email protected] TRAILER WANTED 10-week-old Yorkshire ter- Any kind of trailer to be rier puppies, 100% York- pulled by a car, not only a FREE BOOKLET PUB/RESTAURANT shire, no mix. Please call boat trailer. Could be flat or The Murder of the Animals is 40-seat pub and restaurant for more details. Tel: 09- a box or a car trailer. Tel: 01- the Death of Humans. The including 3 apartments in Soi 8749147. 2734000. Email: bbonello@ voice of the heart. Please or- Nanai for lease. With bal- web.de der free booklet from The cony, Patong view. 5-year Word, POB5643, D-97006, contract; 25,000 baht/ BENTLEY IS HOME Wuerzburg, Germany. See our month. Email: thomaspatong Thank you to Khun Tea and Boats & website at www.universal- @gmx.de her family, our dog Bentley Marine spirit.cc. Email: hansgerodetti has been returned to us. He @yahoo.de BAR & RESTAURANT was well taken care of in for sale. Two-story, 17-table Krabi for 2½ months. My TAMAPRAO YACHT MINI ENGLISH CAMP bar and restaurant in the best wife and I are very happy and for sale. Swedish-designed at Phuket Country Home, location near Robinson de- glad to have him back safely Tamaprao 36-foot fiberglass Chalong. For kids 6-12 partment store. Monthly rent with us once again. Khorp motor yacht with 2 x 200hp years, 10 days from Mar 29. 12,000 baht. No key money. Khun Khrap, Khun Tea. From engines. Please call for more Call Keseree at 01-5363096 Price 380,000 baht. Tel: 01- Mike and Rindy Seely. Email: details. Tel: 09-2002497. or Frances at 09-8682563. 6931391. [email protected] March 20 - 26, 2004 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 35 Wheels & Motors

OPEL ASTRA CAR RENTAL Saloon Cars Gold color, automatic, power Pickups 02 DISCO V8 HONDA VFR 750F We have 3 cars available for steering, runs very well and ES AUTO Honda VFR 750F Sport tour- long-term rental: Toyota looks like new. Tel: 06-682- NISSAN NV 4 SALE Black/beige color, 7 seats ing bike. Must be seen. pickup, 4WD, 4-door: 1,500 9191. Email: vagabond80 Nissan NV SLX, 1994 model. (leather), 23,491km. Full Book and plates 85,000 baht/day; Toyota 1.6L sedan: [email protected] Power steering, silver color, warranty. 2.10 million baht. baht. Tel: 01-4056588. 1,200 baht/day; Opel 1.3L: alloy wheels. Price 149,000 Call Khun Vitoon at Tel: 09- 800 baht/day. All cars have VOLVO 940 GL baht. Tel: 09-1689723. Email: 7295060, 076-236618. HONDA SHADOW full, 1st-class insurance and Very good condition, dark [email protected] Honda Shadow 400cc. Ameri- good aircon. Tel: 01-8927687. metallic blue, lady owner. 4X4 KIA SPORTAGE can Classic, 1998 model, Email: cheetah_th@hotmail. com Only 84,000km. No acci- ISUZU RODEO for sale. Dark green, 4 wheel 33,000km. Color is metallic dents. 380,000 baht or best Isuzu Rodeo 4-door pickup for drive. Good service record blue/cream white. The bike is offer. sale. Year: 2001/02, Engine: JEEP FOR RENT and no accidents. Only one in perfect condition and the Nice white Caribian jeep for Tel: 01-7541584. Email: 3-liter turbo diesel. Color: dark owner. Email: amorn9999@ bike reistration book is in- metallic gray. Options: electric rent. Ice-cold air conditioning, Phuket’s Most Trusted & [email protected] yahoo.com cluded. Price: 230,000 baht. tinted widows, full 1st-class Reputable Supplier of the Finest MERCEDES BENZ windows and mirrors, 70,000 Tel: 09-9715664. Email: km, 2 foreign owners since insurance. 10,000 baht a Quality Used SALOONS, 300SD. Automatic, cream - [email protected] new, no accidents, looks and month. Call 06-2725078. SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS color exterior and interior, Motorbikes runs like new. First-class insur- New cars or trade-ins – tinted electric windows, cen- YAMAHA QUAD 200 TOYOTA SPORTRIDER ance and tax paid. Price: we have what you’re tral locking and alarm, new Brand new Yamaha Quad for rent. Cheap terms on an 590,000 baht only (Price new: looking for engine and exhaust. A beau- HONDA PHANTOM 200 cc, 2 stroke, 33hp. Black- immaculate Toyota Hilux 850,000 baht). Seeing is buy- For more info pls call us at tiful, classic car in very good purple colors, imported from Sportrider for long- or short- ing. Tel: 06-2819200. Email: Honda Phantom 2-stroke Tel: 076-224632, 216243 condition. 320,000 baht, Japan. With all papers. Price term rent. Can seat 7 people, [email protected] with low milage and in beau- [email protected] taxed. Tel: 06-268- 9111. tiful condition for sale. in shop is 235,000 baht. Will many extras, easy to drive, full www.suremotor.com Email: ninagarcia 2004@ sell for 200,000. Email: leather, CD/VCD player (ex- TOYOTA MIGHTY X 45,000 baht. Pls call after yahoo.com 5 pm. Tel: 01-2713763. [email protected] cellent sound system). Call us Modified Mighty X plus Carry- with your requirements for a boy, seats 5+4. 2 aircons, 93 VOLVO special deal. Tel: 09-872- TOYOTA VIOS MP3/CD player. Perfect con- YAMAHA V MAX Others 940 GLE-A New Toyota 1.5L Sporty, 2752. Email: ukthai@procom dition. 90,000km. 300,000 Silver, mint condition. Only .in.th Gold/black, good condition. 2003 model, 42,000km, baht. Email: colombattofabio 100,000 baht. Tel: 09-874- Full Volvo service record, black, 1 owner, ABS, airbag, @hotmail.com 5286. Email: jnattapolu@ PORSCHE BUGGY one owner. 400,000 baht. CD, radio. 1st-class insurance. yahoo.com Wanted Please call or email Khun 100,000 baht down payment only. Finance available. Tel: Vitoon for details. Tel: 076- NISSAN NV 2 USED BIKES 4 SALE MOTORBIKE WANTED 236618, 09-7295060. 076-333043, 01-9681432. Late model, automatic, ideal Suzuki RC-100: 10,000 baht. My Thai friend wants to buy a Email: muangmaimkt01@ for the girls, Carryboy, mag Suzuki Crystal: 12,000 baht. cheap but good motorbike. phuketinternet.co.th MITSUBISHI LANCER wheels, 55,000km, no acci- Tel: 01-8927687. Email: Mail or call me for offers and 1997 GLXi Lancer for sale. dents, metallic silver. In mint cheetah [email protected] I will pass them on. Tel: 07- 1.5L, auto, silver color, full op- condition. Price 270,000 LUXURY CAR Perfect build with many 2679780. Email: lovinda1@ 1994 Ford Mondeo. Full-sized tions, alloy wheels, no acci- baht. Tel: 01-8916412. KAWASAKI BOSS hotmail.com dents. 370,000 baht. Tel: 09- Porsche parts and 120hp family car. 2-liter, fuel injec- Email: info@flamingo-resort Kawasaki Boss 175cc for 168 9723. Email: ganokitty@ engine. Please call for more tion, 5-speed manual, power .com sale. 1 year old (2003 model), hotmail.com details. Tel: 06-9429171. SIDECAR WANTED steering, central locking and 7,300km, always garaged, Looking for a safe and power windows. Luxury cloth very clean. Has crash bars strong sidecar with passen- interior, sunroof, and factory VOLVO S60 2.0 4 x 4s (front and rear), back rest, lug- Rentals ger seat and brake for my tinted glass. For quick sale at This one-owner car is 2 yrs gage rack and windshield. Dark Honda CB1 400. Tel: 075- 200,000 baht. Tel: 076- old, has 42,000km, and is green. No accidents or repairs, 631994, 06-8202663. 282363, 01-5696026. well kept. Superb color 02 DISCO V8 just serviced. Only 60,000 A1 CAR RENTALS Email: colombattofabio@ scheme: cappuccino-colored ES AUTO baht, firm. Location: 400km leather interior and arctic blue A1 Car Rentals present the hotmail.com TOYOTA COROLLA Silver/beige color, 7 seats south of Bangkok, approx 550 exterior. Asking price is 1.4 following vehicles for rent: Toyota Corolla 1.3 XLi. De- (leather), red plate, 14,116 km from Phuket. Tel: 032- million baht. Car still has war- cember 1993 model, green km. Full waranty. 2.15 mil- 548050. Email: klauszelm@ ♦ Isuzu Hi-Lander, auto 4 ranty through January next CAR WANTED color, new tires. 210,000 lion baht. Please call Khun hotmail.com door 28,000 baht/month year. Tel: 076-290- 318, 09- for long term. Wanted: re- baht. Tel: 09-1689723. Email: Cat 07-8944434. ♦ Toyata Altis, auto new [email protected] 0199988. 28,000 baht/month cent model (1 or 2 years SUPER HONDA BROS old, max) sedan car (not Guaranteed to be the best ♦ Toyata Vios, auto new Caribian) or pickup. Must be Honda Bros on Phuket. Com- 22,000 baht/month in good condition and have Wheels & Motors pletely modified, perfect 4- ♦ Toyota Soluna 15,000 1st-class insurance. For per- Advertisements cylinder engine, electronic baht/month sonal use, not to be used for carburetors, new tires and All insured, and special transportation of goods. battery. Price: 75,000 baht. prices for long-term rentals. Email: blueskies10000@ Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Email: phuketmotors1@ Tel: 09-8314703. hotmail.com hotmail.com Then hand it to any of our agents.

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 60 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for Wheels & Motors page: Saturday 12 noon. 36 PHUKET GAZETTE March 20 - 26, 2004

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