ANDAMAN Edition PHUKET’S LEADING NEWSPAPER... SINCE 1993 Now NATIONWIDE Paris Hilton not busting beats on Phuket Socialite and DJ Ms Hilton not booked for beach party

INSIDE TODAY December 22 - 28, 2012 PhuketGazette.Net In partnership with The Nation 25 Baht

‘THIS TIME I DECIDED TO RUN TO YOU ASKING FOR HELP’

Child exploitation Tanon ‘Non’ Chamroen Phuket Teen champion of The Voice caught in spotlight PHUKET teenager Tanon “Non” Chamroen, now known as “Non Tanon”, Human-trafficking victim won the national singing talent quest The Voice Thailand 2012 last runs to the safety of Patong weekend. The Mattayom 4 stu- officials, only tip of the iceberg dent at Satree Phuket School in Phuket Town says children’s rights agency won one million baht in prize money, a car and a By Chutharat Plerin recording contract. Full story on Page 2 A 12-YEAR-OLD girl fleeing her captors to the safety of officials on Soi Bangla last week, has raised the ugly specter of Phuket becoming a prime human-trafficking and child- MMA fighter exploitation destination, according an international comes out children’s rights agency. The girl, nicknamed “Aoi” to protect her identity, ran about broken up to Patong Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukban and about 10 other officers on night patrol on December 11, saying penis ordeal that she and some of her friends had been taken away MMA fighter Ray Elbe from their parents in Cambodia under the pretense that talks exclusively with they would be trained as nannies for high-society families the Gazette about the in Patong. penis injury he suffered “After we got here, the men forced us to steal tourists’ in his Kuala Lumpur bags. We had to steal one or two times a night – they condo earlier this month were always watching us, and if we didn’t steal some- during intercourse. thing, we weren’t allowed to eat,” Aoi said. A lot of men who in- “They said they would attack our parents back home if jure their penis don’t we did not do what they said,” she explained. seek proper medical “The men said anytime we see Mr Chairat we must run treatment and end up away… This time I decided to run to you asking for help. with permanent damage, I want to go home. I miss my parents.” he explains. ‘Aoi’ said she was forced by her captors to sell flowers and snatch bags from tourists as they Continued on Page 8 walked along Soi Bangla, Patong’s renowned party district (pictured). Photo: Gazette file Full story on Page 6 2 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS December 22 - 28, 2012 Phuket teen ‘Non Tanon’

Business wins The Voice Thailand Katathani Resort gives By Kritsada Mueanhawong a lesson in sustainable PHUKET teenager Tanon “Non” business. Page 11 Chamroen won the national sing- ing talent quest The Voice Thai- Finance land 2012 last weekend. Standing on stage in Bangkok last Saturday Don’t make these expat night, Non sang the Thai love song investing mistakes. Yung Mai Koey (“Still Never”) live Page 16 on Channel 3’s nationwide broad- cast of the finals. Now called “Non Tanon”, the History Mattayom 4 student at Satree Exploring the old trade Phuket School in Phuket Town won one million baht in prize route from south to money, a car and a recording con- north. Page 36 tract under the guidance of Thai singing-acting celebrity Saharat “Kong” Sangkapricha. In Focus A jubilant Non posted on his A super send off for Facebook fan page: “I want to the Asia Superyacht thank The Voice for this opportu- nity, and the four judges for their Rendezvous. Page 41 advice during the contest… I es- Prior to winning a million baht and a car, Non Tanon took his band to a second-place finish at the Yamaha ‘Battle of the Bands’. Photo: Phuketonline pecially want to thank my father Explore and my mother, and all my family national television. stopped when he was 12 because and friends, for their support Ms Kankamol explained that his voice was starting to break. For this holiday season throughout the contest…” Non Tanon was once a singer with “He started singing again when have a creepy crawly Backstage last Saturday night, the Superdance Samkong group he was 15 and started taking sing- Christmas. Page 42 Non Tanon showed his deep at Baan Samkong School in ing lessons at Siam Kolakarn reverence for his parents by Phuket Town. Music School at the Big C shop- offing a wai while prostrate at their “He started singing when he ping center [on the bypass road],” Sport feet, shown live to the country on was eight years old, but he she said. Futsal buzz: Phuket United find themselves Burmese worker exodus wins reprieve with no home. Page 50 THAI Labor Minister Phadermchai “We have yet to decide when Sasomsub on Tuesday said he will and how we will enforce this, as ask the Cabinet next week to con- we have yet to consult other agen- Brazen youths caught after sider postponing foreign worker cies,” she added. deportations for another three National reports estimate that months as many could not con- anywhere from 500,000 to bag snatch in front of police clude the nationality verification 800,000 migrant workers in Thai- THREE teenagers were arrested caught up with the youths about process by December 14. land face being repatriated to minutes after they snatched a bag 700 meters down the road, where The news follows the Phuket Myanmar for failing to have com- from a Chinese tourist right in they had stopped to throw the bag Provincial Employment Office Phadermchai Sasomsub pleted nationality verification. front of four Phuket police offic- into the bushes beside the road, (PPEO) chief warning that in line legally work in Thailand. In Phuket, officials have for ers in a patrol pickup truck last Capt Somnerk explained. with the national policy, any mi- “Anyone found to have not years estimated the number of Saturday night. The three suspects – Sutthinan grant workers found in Phuket completed this process, but who Burmese working illegally on the “The officers watched as the Pathan and Chalermpong without having completed the na- continues to work illegally after island to be around 100,000. young men on a motorbike with Nernsung, both 19, and a 14-year- tionality verification process will December 14 will be charged and In Bangkok, the Thai Chamber no license plate approached the old who cannot be named for legal be deported. deported, both Burmese workers of Commerce last week called on woman, Wang Ying, while she reasons – were each charged with “The deadline for migrant and employers,” she added. authorities to extend the deadline was walking by the side of the road “bag snatching by use of motor- workers to complete the national- Thai employers found hiring il- for nationality verification. with five friends near Phuket bike”, a specific charge particular ity verification process was legal migrant workers will be “Otherwise, the country’s ex- FantaSea,” Kamala Police duty to Thailand. extended by six months, from June fined, Ms Yaowapa said. port and economic growth will be officer Somnerk Dumkew said. “They are now being held in 15 until December 14,” PPEO Under the Alien Worker Act BE adversely affected,” chamber vice “The boys [sic] stole her bag, custody at Phuket Provincial chief Yaowapa Pibulpol said. 2551, employers found hiring mi- president Phumin Harinsut said, in but then noticed the police pickup Court. It is up to the court whether “During that time, migrant grant workers who have not been reference to the fisheries and re- behind them and sped off towards or not to allow them to be released workers must have completed issued valid work permits face a lated industries that generate 150 Patong,” Capt Somnerk said. on bail,” Capt Somnerk explained. the nationality verification process fine of 10,000 to 100,000 baht per billion baht in income from exports The officers gave chase and – Atchaa Khamlo and applied for permission to illegal worker. each year. – Irfarn Jamdukor December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Child rape case Crane rips roof off Phuket tour van in Chalong handed over to A RETRACTABLE crane arm hanging over Phuket International Hospital. Patak Road in Chalong ripped the roof off a “They all have bruises to the body and are Phuket Public tour van transporting seven Russian tourists suffering back pain,” a staffer at Phuket In- just after 9am on Tuesday. ternational Hospital confirmed on Wednesday. Prosecutor The west-bound tour van was about 200 “They have been asked to remain in the meters from Chalong Circle when it collided hospital until we run further tests” she added. with the arm of the crane. Chalong Police Sub Lt Kraisorn The van was not overturned in the acci- Boonprasob explained that he had not charged dent. However, all seven tourists, as well as anyone over the incident yet. the van driver and tour guide were immedi- “We have still have to question to driver of ately taken to hospital. the van and the crane operator to determine in Two of the tourists and the tour guide detail what exactly caused the crash,” he said. The tour guide, driver and tourists were able were kept under observation overnight at – Irfarn Jamdukor to climb out of the vehicle through the roof.

The young girl was allegedly raped Prison launches inquest by a neighbor. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo

THE Phuket Public Prosecutor will present charges after December 21 against a man who allegedly raped a 9-year-old girl in Mai Khao of alleged death beating on October 7. “This is a grave and serious By Kritsada Mueanhawong the prison officers,” she added. case. We have no choice but to Ms Saiyuth said that, after be- charge him to the full extent of PHUKET Prison officials are ing incarcerated at the prison, her the law,” Public Prosecutor Atikun investigating the death of a male husband had difficulty communi- Puangprom said last Friday. inmate following a grieving widow cating and had once complained The lead investigator of the case, alleging that her husband was of chest pains. Lt Col Rassada Kluengwong, con- beaten to death. “During visits by myself and our firmed that the rape test results Prison guards found Pranom relatives, Pranom could not speak from Bangkok, as well as the po- Duksukkaew, 48, dead from what properly and could not remember lice report were handed over to Mr they believed to be natural causes anybody. All he could tell me was Atikun. when they went to rouse the in- that he had chest pains,” she said. “The whole case is now with mates at 6am on December 11. Prison Chief Rapin denied that the prosecutor’s office,” Col Ras- Pranom was serving a 16-year sen- any assault took place. sada said. tence for raping a minor, Phuket “I talked to our officers. They “Once we arrested the suspect Provincial Prison Chief Rapin swear that the man died naturally. and filed the charge against him, Nichanon told the Gazette. There was no assault involved in we transferred him to Phuket Pro- Speaking to the press at Vachira the death,” he said. vincial Court,” he said. Phuket Hospital morgue later that “When he arrived at the prison Col Rassada confirmed that the day, Mr Pranom’s wife, Saiyuth on December 3, he was already suspect was free on court bail. Rakkarndee, 51, said she discov- weak and suffering from alcohol- “I am not sure how much the ered her husband was dead only ism,” Chief Rapin explained. suspect posted for bail, but I heard after she arrived at the prison to “We had nurses assigned to Saiyuth Rakkarndee did not know of her husband’s death until she it was about 300,000 baht. The visit him. attempted to visit him at Phuket Prison. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong monitor his condition as he was option for bail was granted by the “I arrived at the prison at about not eating properly,” he added. court,” he explained. 8am, but I was told that Pranom Mrs Saiyuth said. his legs, arms and chest. It looks “However, to ensure fairness, “I had no part in that decision,” had been found dead at around “After I saw his body, I do not as if he was beaten,” she said. I have set up a committee to in- he added. 6am and that his body had been believe that he ‘just died’. There “I do not believe that he just vestigate the incident and to find – Chutharat Plerin brought here to Vachira Hospital,” were bruises all over his body; on died in his sleep, as I was told by out the truth,” Mr Rapin said. Mum continues search for missing son, Brett Bean THE mother of missing American “I don’t Brett Bean, Lynne Bean, led a flier even want to posting campaign around the speculate why island last Friday in hopes that he is still in someone might recognize Brett’s Thailand if in- face and come forward. deed he is still “They made around 200 post- there,” Wayne ers of him and posted them around Bean, Brett’s Kata, Karon and Patong areas,” father said. Brett Bean Ananya Insumran, from the US Anyone with information that Embassy said. may help locate Brett Bean is urged Brett was last seen in Karon on to contact the US Embassy November 25. Bangkok at 02-205-4049. 4 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS December 22 - 28, 2012 Beach seafood vendors grilled By Chutharat Plerin on public beachfront land. “The raids on November 28 THE Karon Mayor has issued came after the Damrongtham Cen- another warning to Kata-Karon ter received a complaint about the seafood vendors with stalls set up seafood beach vendors. The com- IN NEED: Kevin Ashby along Kata Beach, making it clear plaint claimed that hotel guests in that they will be charged with the area were not only being ad- beach encroachment if they versely affected by seafood Island rallies continue to ply their trade on barbecues on the beach, but also public land. by fireworks, fire lanterns and fire for expat sailor The warning follows raids on dance shows on the beach,” Mr HUNDREDS of people turned out beach touts led by Phuket Vice Prapan said. at the Ao Chalong Yacht Club Governor Somkiet Sangkaosuttirak “On November 28, the opera- (ACYC) last Friday night to con- on November 28 – Loy Krathong. tors were warned to immediately tribute much-needed money for “We have repeatedly warned pull down their stalls and stop the life-saving surgery of beloved them [beach food vendors] about cooking seafood. We empowered Phuket expat sailor Kevin Ashby. setting up stalls and serving food Karon Municipality to remove the Kevin, 42, was recently diag- along the beach. Each time we raid vendors. If the vendors persist, nosed with stage three colon them, they pack up and leave – but legal action will be taken against cancer, but does not have the they keep coming back,” Karon them,” he added. health insurance needed to cover Mayor Tawee Thongcham said. The move to evict seafood ven- the critical surgery. “We needed the support of the dors from Kata and Karon beaches The ACYC will host a quiz night provincial authorities to get them comes in the wake of a “beach on Saturday December 22, start- to stop, because we alone [Karon cleanup” campaign that began ing at 7pm, to raise more funds. A Municipality] do not have the au- softly last month. raffle of donated items will also thority to force them to move,” “After issuing warnings, we Despite warnings beach barbecues keep setting up shop. Photo: PR Dept be running that night. he added. fined many vendors, with each “A big ‘thank you’ goes out to Prapan Kanprasang, chief of one facing a fine of up to 2,000 earned the food vendors a series tors remain unaffected. the whole of Phuket as a commu- the Damrongtham Center (provin- baht,” Mayor Tawee said. of raids by municipal officers However, all cooked food on nity. The support has been cial ombudsman’s office) at “However, some of them still evicting them from their usual food beaches and hawkers of any other tremendous, with people from all Phuket Provincial Hall, confirmed came back to sell food on the stations on November 1. items must go. over the world making donations,” that his office can do nothing to beach… They refuse to move,” Mayor Tawee explained that friend Ali Goebel said. protect the beach vendors who he added. vendors may continue to sell fruit Additional reporting by Irfarn – Phuket Gazette are illegally setting up their stalls The disrespect for the law on the beach and massage opera- Jamdukor Thai Embassy in Malaysia still issuing non-immigrant ‘B’ visas

There has been no formal change in policy concerning non-immigrant Business (‘B’) visas issued in Malaysia. Photo: Gazette file After a recent scare that the Royal ing to apply for non-imm B visas, Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur but then do not engage in business had stopped issuing multi-entry or take up employment after they non-immigrant Business (“B”) enter Thailand. These people are visas, the Department of Consu- likely to be denied non-imm B lar Affairs head office in Bangkok, visas,” Ms Naphaphatch explained. which coordinates policy for “Thailand is now opening up to issuing visas at all Royal Thai more foreigners, which is caus- Embassies around the world, ing more problems. We must now confirmed to the Gazette there has be very strict,” she added. been no formal change in policy. Officials at the Royal Thai Em- “However, they will be more bassy in Kuala Lumpur declined strict on issuing such visas,” to answer any questions about the Naphaphatch Piromkit at the issue, saying that only Somphong Ministry of Foreign Affairs head- Kangthong, Minister Counselor at quarters said. the embassy, could legitimately “There are several factors for respond to formal questions. which foreigners’ applications Meanwhile, any stricter en- for a multiple-entry non-imm B forcement of the visa application visa will be rejected. Nationals rules seem to have had little to no from a ‘risk group of nations’ effect at the Royal Thai Consulate will be required to return to their in Penang. homeland to apply for the visa,” However, foreigners making she said. visa runs to Penang have informed However, Ms Naphaphatch de- the Gazette over past few months clined to identify precisely which that a “letter from the Phuket La- countries were among the “risk bor Office” must now accompany group of nations”. non-imm B applications. “Some foreigners keep return- – Chutharat Plerin December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 5 Tsunami memorial shines on By Chutharat Plerin while in Phang Nga province, north of Phuket, the death toll numbered THE Phuket community will honor in the thousands. those who died in the devastating The ceremony at the Tsunami tsunami that struck the island eight Memorial Wall will start at around years ago with a ceremony at the 8:30am, said Bussarakorn Saeurng, Tsunami Memorial Wall in Mai of the Mai Khao Tambon Adminis- Khao followed by the traditional tration Organization. “Light Up Phuket” candle-lighting “The service will include Bud- Each year, the annual ‘Light Up Phuket’ tsunami remembrance service casts Patong Beach in a somber glow. ceremony on Patong Beach on dhist monks conducting a mass has fallen. “Last year only about and place lit candles within to Phuket Provincial Administration December 26. prayer, a Muslim service and a 50 people turned up at the memo- remember tsunami victims. Organization. Thai official figures state that Christian service,” explained Ms rial wall to remember those lost to Before attendees are invited to As part of the proceedings, stu- the tsunami killed 5,398 people and Bussarakorn. the waves in 2004,” Ms Bussara- place their lit candles in the sand, dents from Phuket Rajabhat that more than 3,700 disappeared “After the religious ceremonies, korn said. the island’s leading officials will University will stage appropriate in the waves that struck Phuket attendees will approach the wall At 6:30pm, the annual “Light Up hold a ceremony and deliver a few live performances, he said. in 2004. to lay wreaths in memory of those Phuket” candle-lighting ceremony key speeches, offering words to “After the formal ceremonies are In Phuket, hundreds of tourists, who died,” she added. will be held on Patong Beach, remember tsunami victims by, ex- complete, people will be invited to expats, local residents and migrant Over the years, the number of where thousands of people turn out plained Manop Leelasuthanon, place their candles in the sand along workers died or disappeared, people attending the morning event each year to dig holes in the sand Chief Administrative Officer of the the beach,” Mr Manop added. Disaster center launches warning app THE National Disaster Warning region, as well as tsunami alerts Center (NDWC) launched a and tsunami warnings issued by mobile phone application this the NDWC,” Mr Prasert said. month that allows iPhone and “Users can also report natural Android phone users to receive in- disasters to us in real time by stant notifications of any tsunami using the ‘Push to Talk’ function alerts and warnings. and selecting ‘Voice over IP The “app” was launched on the [VOIP],” Mr Prasert explained. online Apple App Store for “The application will help us to iPhones and iPads on December quickly broadcast news about 11, with an Android version natural disasters from the NDWC launched on the Android Market to users and help facilitate coor- on December 14, explained dination between the NDWC and A screen shot of the NDWC app. NDWC public relations officer relevant disaster-response organi- Prasert Kunneang. receive up-to-date notifications of zations,” he added. “This application is fully opera- natural disasters and phenomena Although the app is currently tional, but we are continually around the world. available in the Thai language only, updating the code, so users need “After registering as users [via Mr Prasert said that an English to maintain updates when they the app’s “login”], people can set version is expected to be launched become available,” he said. which phenomena they want to next month. Once people have downloaded receive notifications of, including Installing the app is free. and installed the app, they will earthquakes and storms in the – Orawin Narabal 6 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS December 22 - 28, 2012

French couple MMA fighter steps forward struck by tree over ‘fractured’ penis injury FRENCH tourists Thierry Tiguer, 65, and Catherine Arsaut, 55, were struck down EXCLUSIVE “My girlfriend was frantic. by a falling tree while enjoying a scenic mo- Here we are in a foreign torbike ride along the road from Patong to MMA fighter Ray Elbe has country where most people Kamala last Saturday. come forward about the don’t speak English. We had Mr Tiguer suffered only slight injuries penis injury he suffered in his to call the security attendant, in the crash, but Ms Arsaut suffered a head Kuala Lumpur condo earlier who called the Malaysian injury. Both were rushed to Patong Hospi- this month. equivalent of 911. tal, then transferred to Bangkok Hospital Ray, who founded and for “While we were waiting Phuket in Phuket Town. years ran the MMA program for the ambulance to arrive, “Mrs Arsaut suffered an injury to her at Phuket’s renowned Tiger there we were with all the jaw and to her right arm. She has to stay in Muay Thai training camp in security guards standing the hospital for further treatment,” a Chalong, urged all men who around us,” he recalled. Bangkok Hospital nurse said on Monday. suffer a similar injury to Speaking of his recovery immediately seek treatment. since the ordeal, Ray admit- “I came forward about this ted it had been a distinct test Pirate goods suffer injury because I want people of character. to understand the significance “As a process, it’s been ter- death by road roller of the emergency. The more rible spending my 30th PHUKET Customs destroyed pirated goods I researched this on Google birthday like this. For those worth an estimated 29 million baht on the more I found that many who’ve been making jokes – December 12. Fake copies of designer brand- men do not seek treatment it’s funny. I know it’s funny, name purses, sunglasses, shoes and mobile immediately. I’ve been making jokes, too. phones were among the items destroyed. “Some guys get to the “But [for] those who have “The 9,762 items destroyed are from 44 point that there is no repair sent compassionate emails closed cases related to pirated goods. They because they’re embarrassed. and words of concern, I just were seized on Phuket between October They don’t want to go to the wanted you to know that it’s 2011 and September 2012,” said Thai Cus- emergency room right away,” really appreciated,” he said. toms Director-General Benja Luicharoen. he said. “Keeping it safe during sex The counterfeit items were destroyed “I want to thank my girl- isn’t just wearing a condom,” through a variety of methods, including de- friend for how she handled the he added. struction by hammer and knife, as well as situation. We handled it the MMA fighter Ray Elbe is on his way to a full recovery after suffering what Over the years, several top mass destruction by way of a road roller. best we could, considering he calls “one of the most unimaginable injuries you could ever suffer”. UFC fighters, including Jon Photo: Aga L Photography the outcome,” Ray added. Fitch, Jake Shields and Phil Ray is recovering well, albeit still with a “I tore the urinary tract, tore some mem- Baroni, have trained at Tiger Muay Thai in Scythe robber arrested catheter. “The doctor expects a full recov- brane. You can imagine the shock and the Phuket. ery. The side that was torn was the side horror that was going on – jumping up from The training camp’s connection with after bag-snatch nab opposite the one that supplies the blood,” an intimate moment, blood shooting out of UFC also includes Ray appearing on the POLICE have arrested the man who alleg- he told the Gazette on Tuesday. my groin. UFC’s reality TV series The Ultimate edly robbed a 7-Eleven in Thalang with a Following a checkup on Wednesday, Ray “I immediately tried to run to the shower Fighter. scythe earlier this year. said he now hopes the catheter will be and felt myself losing consciousness. When his recovery permits, Ray will join Phuket Provincial Police Commander removed during his next scheduled checkup “I tried to walk back to the bed, at which Ole Laursen at the Legacy Gym in Boracay, Choti Chavalviwat said Winai Soimuea, 26, on December 26. point I collapsed – knocking myself out, the Philippines. also confessed to returning to rob the same Recounting the incident that caused the giving myself 10 stitches and fracturing a “Anyone who trained with me in Phuket 7-Eleven two more times: in November and injury, Ray explained that he was having couple of teeth. I came to on the ground is welcome to reunite,” he said. again only weeks ago. intercourse with his girlfriend on top. and saw myself in a pool of blood. I imme- – Phuket Gazette Mr Winai was arrested after snatching a “It came out at the top and as she came diately crawled along the floor to the bed French tourist’s bag near Wat Thepnimit down, it ended up breaking – fracturing – and elevated my feet and placed a towel To keep up to date with Ray’s latest news, visit temple in Wichit, Maj Gen Choti explained. my penis. over my groin. MagicalRay.com Phang Nga officials implicated in illegal palm plantation raid SEVERAL high-ranking Phang Nga officials have been implicated in the operation of an illegal 16-rai palm plantation raided by officers on December 14 after the site was deemed to be encroaching on protected park land. More than 70 officers cleared 420 palm trees in the raid. The offensive targeted a district border area at the tourist-popular Ton Pariwat Wildlife Conservation Area, north of Phang Nga Town. “The land is allegedly owned [sic] by investors from Phang Nga Kapong District Chief Prakob Thaweesri removes the last remnants of and neighboring provinces and one of the 420 palm trees uprooted during the raid. involves some high-ranking Phang Saman Chainarong, deputy involved in producing the land- Nga officials,” Kapong District commander of Phang Nga Provin- ownership documents for that Chief Prakob Thaweesri said. cial Police, said his officers were plot,” he said. “However, under the National working with associated agencies The colonel pointed out that Reserved Forest Act, BE 2507 in their search for the alleged over the past five years his offic- (1964), the occupation of the land transgressors. ers had taken action against almost [in question] is illegal as it is “We will take stern legal action 1,000 cases of encroachment inside the Ton Pariwat Wildlife against them, as well as the onto the Ton Pariwat Wildlife park. Conservation Area,” he said. government officers who were – Kritsada Mueanhawong December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 7 8 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET NEWS December 22 - 28, 2012 Sydictive Element Party: One night without Paris Officers moved the eggs so they could watch over them. GLOBAL celebrity Paris Hilton of strong opposition from some will not be attending the three-day local residents and businesses, but New Year beach party originally a mixed response from others. Hope floats of slated to be held on Surin Beach Patong Deputy Mayor Chairat from December 30 to sunrise on Sukban told the Gazette on Wednes- turtles’ return January 1. day, “The party organizer had a talk A SECOND clutch of leatherback The news of Ms Hilton’s im- with Phuket Vice Governor Sommai turtle eggs was discovered on Tai minent no-show at the event came Prijasilpa yesterday [December 18] Muang Beach in Phang Nga, north in an email from her lawyer sent about moving the party from Surin of Phuket, within eight days, rais- to the Phuket Gazette clarifying Beach to Patong Beach. ing hopes that turtles are return- that Ms Hilton’s name was not to “I have no idea right now if it ing to their traditional nesting sites be used in any promotion of the is going to be held in Patong be- along the Andaman Coast. event other than the event’s launch cause we still have to discuss with Park officers discovered the nest in Bangkok on October 22. other local organizations and agen- on December 11 after a leatherback The glamor-gilded launch was cies,” he said. turtle was spotted laying eggs on covered and broadcast across the “Usually, when we arrange con- the beach on December 3. world by global media agencies. certs or performances, they must “We found 109 eggs in the nest, However, Glenn “GG” Gulino, be free of charge. So how can you but we did not see the mother,” Esq of g2 entertainment wrote in Paris Whitney Hilton performs live at the India Resort Fashion Week at set up a restricted area and charge said park officer Witoon his email, “Your rights to use her Candolim beach in north Goa on December 1. Photo: AFP people for entry when you are Detpramuanphol. “The good eggs name ended weeks ago and since email was intended to be sent to was unravelling, Sydictive using public land? How can you have been transferred to a safe you cancelled her NYE appear- the party organizers. At the time Element also had yet to respond stop people from entering the place. We expect them to hatch in ance you cannot use her name. this issue went to press, Mr Gulino to reports that the beach party will beach when the beach is public?” about 60 days.” Thank you.” and party organizers Sydictive be moved to Patong. he asked. It is the first time these turtles As the Gazette at no time in- Element, despite many attempts by At last report, Sydictive “Just imagine the idea of clos- have been spotted laying eggs at vited or cancelled Ms Hilton’s the Gazette to clarify the situation, Element had been granted approval ing Patong Beach. I feel it would the beach since January 2010. attendance to the party, Gazette had yet to confirm this. by local authorities to hold the be very difficult and I think it is a – Kritsada Mueanhawong editors were left to believe the While the Paris Hilton mystery party at Surin Beach – after weeks very ‘big’ idea,” Mr Chairat added. Agencies launch campaign against human traffickers active in Patong From page 1 Mr Nutthawut expressed grave concern about the impact the AEC Aoi had been arrested on Soi will have on Phuket. “The Asian Bangla many times. However, Economic Community is coming. every time she was arrested, a Viet- I wonder how the government namese man claiming to be her will handle this issue. Phuket is a father would show up and take her top tourist destination that already away, explained Mr Chairat. attracts child-exploitation gangs “Many Vietnamese and Cambo- that force children to work as beg- dians are involved the alien-beggar gars and street peddlers. scams, and we are sure that the “I can see that government of- group of men that were holding ficers would like to pretend that Aoi [captive] are Vietnamese,” he Phuket is not a human-trafficking added. destination because it will affect Patong Police Superintendent tourism and might even prompt Chiraphat Pochanaphan on international pressure from other Deputy Mayor Chairat (left) speaks Wednesday told the Gazette that with Aoi. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar countries. But if the government his officers were searching for does not take serious action on Aoi’s imposter father. However, ther protect other children at risk this, there will be a lot more of Col Chiraphat gave no name or on the streets of Patong. these people coming in the next description of the man. The silence on the issue has three years – and the problem will “We are now searching for the prompted at least one children’s only get worse,” he said. man who claimed to be her fa- rights organization to speak out, Deputy Mayor Chairat, who is ther… Patong Police are warning that Aoi’s flee to safety often seen personally patrolling coordinating with Social Develop- might be the tip of the iceberg once the streets of Patong, told the Ga- ment and Welfare officers in the the Asean Economic Community zette that the role of municipality search for him,” he said. (AEC) comes into effect in 2015 officers in taking action against “At this stage, this is the only with its expanded allowances for such gangs of street peddlers was information I can reveal,” he added. worker migration. limited. An officer at the Social Devel- “I was not previously aware of “This issue is not only about opment and Welfare Phuket office this particular story [regarding children selling flowers on the told the Gazette on Wednesday that Aoi]. However, children selling street, but involves human traf- Aoi was now safe and under the flowers are found at tourist desti- ficking. We have passed news of department’s care and protection nations all over Thailand,” this to the police, Social Develop- program. Nutthawut Buaprathum, a lawyer ment and Welfare officers and “Officers are now working on at the Center for the Protection of senior officers at Provincial Hall sending her back home to Cam- Children’s Rights Foundation senior officers know about this as bodia. I don’t know how long this (CPCRF), said. well,” Mr Chairat said. will take. We can only take good “What I want to know is what “If we catch a child unaccom- care of her and coordinate with are they actually doing about it. panied on the streets and we take the relevant authorities on getting “I wonder if the police are tak- them in, there is nothing we can her home,” she said. ing serious action on further do if the child tells us that the per- However, the welfare officer also investigating the case, or whether son who comes to claim them is said she could not comment on what they just let the children go after their parent, uncle, aunt or other action was being undertaken to fur- the ‘parents’ show up,” he added. form of guardian,” he said. December 22 - 28, 2012 NATIONAL NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 9 Teachers executed in Deep South Thongsriprai said. A leaflet campaign promising more violence against teachers has ensured nerves remain frayed. The leaflets, which were not signed by any group, read “The war is not yet over, don’t count the teachers’ corpses yet”, AFP THE education system in reported. Thailand’s restive Deep South has Over the past six weeks, sus- reached a crisis point after more pected insurgents have killed an shootings of teachers forced the additional three teachers and closure of about 1,300 schools wounded another three. They earlier this month. also set fire to a school. New York-based rights group Sanguan Intarak, chairman of Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Narathiwat Teachers’ Federation, Monday issued a statement call- said at least 14 Buddhist teachers ing for an end to the killings. working in Narathiwat’s schools “Insurgents in southern Thai- had applied for transfer out of the land who execute teachers show area in recent weeks. utter depravity and disregard for However, the requested trans- humanity,” said Brad Adams, fers could not be granted because HRW Asia director. “These at- of possible effects on students tacks harm not only teachers and and teaching schedules. schools, but the Muslim students, Altogether 157 teachers have their families, and the broader been killed in the far south since Muslim community the insur- January 2004, when militants gents claim to represent.” New security measures were put in place as schools opened two days after the executions. Photo: The Nation stole more than 300 rifles from In the latest attack, on Decem- The murders prompted the clo- Schools re-opened on Mon- “We will see whether the im- an army depot, sparking a crack- ber 11, suspected insurgents sure of 1,300 schools in Pattani, day, with a new set of security proved safety measures can down on the region’s burst into a school in Pattani Yala, Narathiwat and four districts measures in place, though many protect teachers’ lives,” Southern long-simmering separatist move- Province and executed two of Songkhla for two days, on teachers continued to fear for Border Provinces Administration ment that led to an escalation in teachers during their lunch hour. December 13 and 14. their safety. Centre (SBPAC) chair Boonsom violence. Govt moving forward on charter amendment THE government has announced plans to move forward with the amendment of the Constitution, which will include a referendum as ordered by the Constitution Court in July. The process to amend the char- ter is likely to stir fresh political conflict, given the opposition by the Democrat Party. Interior Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan last week outlined the government’s road map for holding a referendum preceding, the third and final reading of the charter-amendment bill. “The referendum, to be held as per the verdict of the Constitution Red-shirt Interior Minister Jarupong Court, is the best option for defus- Ruangsuwan. Photo: The Nation ing the conflict over the rewriting of the Constitution,” he said. blocked the country from moving Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, forward, he said. meanwhile, in an open letter on his “Therefore I would like to call Facebook page, said the public on the public to jointly reject the should jointly overcome the politi- public referendum that Thaksin’s cal obstacle posed by former prime sister [Prime Minister Yingluck minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s need Shinawatra] is planning,” he to stay above the law. This has wrote. Dog lovers protest pooch killer ANIMAL lovers staged a protest They charged Mr Gatt with at the house of a German man causing loss of property. who allegedly stabbed a golden On December 15, about 20 retriever to death last month after people from a group called “A Call attacking his rottweiler. for Animal Rights Thailand” held Alfred Gatt, 65, is suing the a protest outside Mr Gatt’s house. owners of the dog he killed for They condemned him for kill- 300,000 baht because the retriever ing the retriever, calling for him bit him. to go back to Germany and to get Police summoned the pensioner his mental health checked. and the retriever’s owners, Petty They protesters said it was un- Officer First Class Kampol fair for Mr Gatt to seek such a Nuansilpa and his wife Wilawan, large sum of compensation after after the incident. brutally killing the dog. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL NEWS December 22 - 28, 2012 In brief… Schools re-open in Newtown South Africans charged with ANC bomb plot after 26 killed in US massacre FOUR white South Africans were By Edward Krudy charged with treason on Tuesday and Peter Rudegeair over a suspected plot to bomb a conference of the ruling African MOST students returned to National Congress (ANC) and school in the devastated US com- execute President Jacob Zuma and munity of Newtown on Tuesday other top government officials. for the first time since a gunman’s State prosecutor Shaun rampage killed 26 people in an Abrahams said the men wanted to elementary school, reviving the establish an independent Boer gun control debate in Washington. nation and that they were planning Breaking its silence for the first an assault on the ANC mass meet- time since the shootings, the pow- ing now under way in the city. erful gun industry lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA), said it was “shocked, saddened and Honduras passes heartbroken” and was “prepared to offer meaningful contributions” to law to purge police prevent such massacres. Sandy Hook Elementary, where of corruption Adam Lanza gunned down 20 6- HONDURAS’ congress passed a and 7-year-olds and six adults on law on Tuesday to purge the Friday, remained closed. It was a police of corruption. crime scene on Tuesday, with po- The law will require officers to lice coming and going past a line undertake lie detector tests, drug of 26 Christmas trees, one for each screening and a probe of their victim. The trees were decorated personal wealth to determine if with ornaments, stuffed animals Students exit a school bus outside Newtown High School in the aftermath of the shootings. Photo: Reuters they can remain in the police force. and balloons in the school colors of green and white. others to press for loosening con- 11 times. He also shot and killed was 6 years old. Funerals or The rest of Newtown’s schools straints on gun sales and his mother before driving to the remembrances were scheduled Ireland to revamp re-opened with grief counselors ownership across the US while school, and then killed himself. for six victims on December 19. and police present, while two promoting hunting and gun sports. Police have warned it could take “I think most Republicans are abortion laws after families buried their children. President Barack Obama called months to wrap up the investiga- willing to have a very, very serious The massacre prompted some for action at a Sunday night prayer tion, which was set back because conversation about what this means woman’s death Republican lawmakers to open the vigil in Newtown, and Democratic Lanza smashed his computer’s and taking a second look at what LAWS allowing limited access to door to a national debate about gun lawmakers have sought a new hard drive, preventing police from the Second Amendment means in abortion will be introduced in control, a small sign of easing in push for US gun restrictions, in- retrieving any data, The New York the 21st century,” said Ohio Repub- Ireland, the only EU member state Washington’s entrenched reluc- cluding a ban on assault weapons. Times reported. lican Steve LaTourette. that bans the procedure, follow- tance to seriously consider new The 20-year-old gunman car- A day after the first two chil- That amendment to the US ing the death of a woman who was federal restrictions. ried hundreds of rounds of dren were buried, funerals took Constitution guarantees the right refused a termination, the govern- The NRA uses political pressure ammunition in extra clips and shot place on Tuesday for James of Americans to bear arms. ment said on Tuesday. against individual lawmakers and his victims repeatedly, one of them Mattioli and Jessica Rekos. Each – Reuters Ghana’s future depends on resources GHANA’S recently elected presi- cause of the stable macroeconomic dent, John Dramani Mahama, said environment, I think that (Ghana) on Tuesday he will press foreign is attractive to investors,” he said. energy and mining firms for more Ghana was Africa’s fastest- revenue during his new term, won growing economy in 2011, its first in elections he said proved the full year of oil production from strength of democracy in the West the offshore Jubilee field operated African state. by British-based firm Tullow Oil, He said the cocoa, oil and gold- earning it a reputation as a exporting country would respect “growth gem”. existing contracts, but would seek President Mahama said he to convince companies to agree would seek to leverage the changes to boost the state take country’s appeal to wrest better from taxes and royalties. terms from resource companies. “There is a lot of work to do in President Mahama said he the next four years to consolidate expects new oil fields to come Ghana’s transition into a middle- online by late 2014 or early 2015, income country, and that’s where The recently elected President of further brightening the outlook for I will focus,” he told Reuters in Ghana looks to consolidate the production in one of Africa’s country’s transition into a middle- an interview. income country. Photo: Reuters newest oil exporters. “We’re partners in this and we Ghana was reviewing a con- abide by all international agree- burnishing the country’s record as tract with Chinese firm Sinopec ments we’ve signed,” he said. an bastion of stability in a region to build a US$700 million process- President Mahama – who known for coups and civil wars. ing plant for natural gas after served as vice president to John President Mahama said the elec- widespread criticism of the Atta Mills and replaced Mills after tion made Ghana an “example for project’s cost. The plant is meant his death in July – narrowly beat the rest for the continent” – in to come online next year, he said. his opposition rival Nana Akufo- stark contrast to crisis-stricken Ghana is in the midst of dis- Addo in December 7 polls plagued regional neighbors, such as Mali cussions with gold-mining by technical problems and marred and the Ivory Coast. companies to improve terms. by an opposition allegation the “I don’t think Ghana can get into Mahama said the state was seek- results were rigged. the kind of fratricidal conflict that ing to loosen up so-called “stability But observers praised the vote we’ve seen elsewhere,” he said. agreements” held by some firms as free and fair, and lauded “Because of the stability of our that lock in royalty and tax rates. Ghanaians for remaining peaceful – politics and security, and also be- – Reuters December 22 - 28, 2012 BUSINESS PHUKET GAZETTE 11 People, planet, profit Preserving the Pearl of the Andaman with the Katathani Beach Resort, who are in the business of environmental sustainability By Steven Layne mn baht through its fully integrated solar water heating system, which PHUKET’S own Katathani is powered by some 200 solar Beach Resort continues to lead thermal panels. sustainability efforts, having set “The water treatment plant was the benchmark through its active an investment of about 2-3 mn and effective pursuance of the baht, with the ROI (Return on economically sustainable Triple Investment) period in our case Bottom Line, the “Three P’s” being very insignificant due to the supporting “People, Planet and heavy volume our resort requires Profit” with conservation-related and presence of the reservoir.” savings exceeding US$1.2 million He added that as part of its for the previous year. in-house water treatment and To find out exactly how the production initiatives, the resort locally-rooted, luxury development produces about 90 to 95% of its saved more than 37 million baht own cleaning chemicals through through such initiatives the Phuket locally sourced bio-degradable and Gazette paid a visit to the 525 key organic agents processed from beach front property. Hotel Execu- fruit peel wastes on site. tive Jacob G Ritter was keen to “Last year we produced and share the resort’s green secrets: used about 24,000 liters of our own “With large hotels having more green, bio-degradable, organic than 500 guest rooms; water – soaps for cleaning purposes. This whether for showering, toilets, equated to about 600,000 baht in WASTE NOT WANT NOT: The ‘green garden area’ at Katathani is watered from the resort’s private reservoir. cleaning or landscaping – savings. In addition to this, the bigger picture. Thus, we survey the “TUI clients are given a question- assessing our responsible tourism represents one of the biggest hotel saved another 4 mn baht in guests, the hotel staff, and naire, which includes many inquiries efforts because it represents the opportunities to conserve.” energy initiatives. Such initiatives surrounding community while look- about the hotel... One of the key key non-profit organization formed Immune from the island’s short- included replacing 1,584 incandes- ing at the Travelife Audit results.” questions is: ‘How happy are you by Europe’s largest travel agencies ages of this needed resource, cent bulbs with energy-efficient Miss Petra explained that TUI with the implementation of environ- to improve or uphold CSR and Katathani utilizes its own 18- LED lights (200,000 baht), air has been monitoring and evaluat- mental measures in your hotel?’ environmental standards.” million-liter capacity rainwater conditioning efficiency upgrades ing partner hotels in Phuket for “That survey compliments the Petra noted that guests from reservoir situated (3 mn baht) and more than two decades. She noted on-site audits consisting of certain regions are extremely behind the resort. on-site production that in addition to Katathani, the extensive checklists for scoring concerned with environmental Through the uti- of biodiesel fuel prize was also awarded to the by the hotel and then an indepen- consciousness and thereby lization of some 120 (460,800 baht). Dusit Thani Laguna this year. dent, international inspector attracted to resorts, which are mn liters of water Finally, various “We have been awarding this based in the United Kingdom.” proven to be comprehensively green from the on-site res- waste manage- prize to hotels since 1997. Hotels Petra added that TUI currently by the esteemed Travelife body. ervoir, Katathani ment initiatives, have to apply for it via TUI and has 53 partner hotels in Phuket, “While we achieved it, purely and The Shore are which embody the Travelife, who developed the along with 17 in Khao Lak and saving money was never the chief able to fulfill nearly fundamental three criteria with responsible tourism 16 in Krabi. aim of our efforts. As a locally all of their day-to- Rs – reduce, reuse experts representing major Euro- Meanwhile, Jacob notes that owned hotel, our community love day water needs and recycle – have pean tour organizations” she added. nearly half of Katathani’s clients the home town while relying on with a calculated yielded an addi- In addition to surveying are supplied through major tour its pristine nature for more than savings of over 8.5 tional 3 mn baht in hotels, the selection process also companies such as TUI. prosperity – [it’s] for our health mn baht annually. annual savings. includes guest questionnaires. “Travelife is important for and happiness as well.” A water filtration system. Moreover, inter- Photo: NRDC media In 2008, Katathani nal water recycling was the first hotel and waste water treatment initia- in Asia to win the esteemed tives permit the resort to save Gold Status Award from the another 182.5 mn liters yearly, non-profit European Travelife Looking for a place to stay? which is yielding an additional 15.5 organization. This accolade needs mn baht in estimated savings. to be renewed every two years See more classified ads at “Our water treatment plant is following detailed audits by foreign also integrated with the local inspectors looking at the resort’s www.phuketgazette.net community’s waste water grid in environmental and social initiatives. which we treat an additional 10.9 The hotel’s environmentally mn liters equating to nearly a responsible practices were also million baht in savings [for the recently recognized with an community],” Jacob said. “Umwelt Champion” (German Through such diligent utility, for “environmental champion”) the Katathani saves hundreds of award from Europe’s largest millions of liters of water that travel agency, TUI. would have otherwise been a Such new plaques add to the strain on the island’s over-capac- hotel’s growing list of notable ity water grid. green achievements including the; However, the property is not Kuoni Green Planet Award, Green completely water independent. Leaf, ISO 14001, Apollo, Zero “The water we treat is mainly Waste Award and Thailand Tour- for irrigating our organic tropical ism Award among others. gardens and is not potable. After formally presenting Jacob “Therefore we source safe with the latest Umwelt Champion drinking water from outside plaque, TUI Service Manager in although we are constantly evalu- Phuket, Petra Glockner remarked: ating the possibilities of processing “In evaluating the hotels, we’re and certifying our own drinking not focusing so much on financial water in the near future.” savings... Katathani proves savings On the subject of water, the from environmental responsibility, company also saved more than 5 although we’re looking at the 12 PHUKET GAZETTE BUSINESS December 22 - 28, 2012 Ambassador urges Posco divests 10% in Thai venture signing of new US POSCO has sold a large stake – 779.57 million shares or about 10% of the paid-up capital of Posco-Thainox – to trade partnership Chalermchai Mahagitsiri at 1.35 baht per share, the By Achara Deboonme with China’s growing assertiveness company reported to the Stock in East Asia and America’s Exchange of Thailand recently. IN THE wake of US President “unrealistic” engagement in the According to the deal, Barack Obama’s recent visit to economically stagnant EU through Posco’s share in Posco- Thailand, the Kingdom’s ambas- the North Atlantic Treaty Organi- Thainox will reduce from sador to Washington is stressing zation, the US feels the necessity 79.53% to 69.53%. the need for Thailand to act fast to strengthen its relations with East and cash in on the United States’ Asia, particularly Asean, to promote Hyatt signs new manage- renewed focus on East Asia. trade and investment as well as ment deal “The US aims mainly to “American values” such as HYATT Hotels Corporation has promote trade and investment with democracy and human rights. signed a management agree- the region at this time when the While China has established a ment with Pioneer Property European Union is declining and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Co (PPC), a Bangkok-based China’s influence is rising, and ASEAN, the EU has opened talks real estate firm, for a new Thailand is in a good position to on similar pacts with a number of Hyatt Place hotel to be located attract American investors. ASEAN members including in the heart of the Thai capital. “Promoting trade and investment Thailand. In this scenario, Thai- Hyatt Place Bangkok, can be in the mutual interest of both land stands to benefit as a key Sukhumvit, which will offer countries,” said Thai ambassador to member of ASEAN. 220 guest rooms and seven the USA Chaiyong Satjipanon. “Based on the current growth studio suites, will join the Obama’s invitation for Thailand pace, China’s GDP could double Ambassador Chaiyong Satjipanon visits UC Berkeley to present a recently announced Hyatt to join the Trans-Pacific Partner- within eight years. The US can’t cheque to Dean Anthony Cascardi in support of the university’s Thai Regency Bangkok, Sukhumvit, ship (TPP), which already has 12 afford to be left behind. In this language program. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expected to open in 2017. countries in the Asia-Pacific region region, it has an FTA only with food and energy security. At present, the gas is available “As the capital, principal including the US, has raised fears Singapore,” Chaiyong said. A university in Maryland only to FTA partners, mostly its city and economic center of that Thailand’s economy might be Regionally, while Thailand is recently came up with research to South American neighbors. Thailand, Bangkok is strategi- at risk. Also, concerns that closer an old ally, Singapore is viewed identify potential areas in Thailand “It is a big question on how to cally important for both ties with the US would cause a rift by Washington as a strategic ally for American investors and vice place an old ally like Thailand in a business and leisure travelers in Sino-Thai relations linger. and Myanmar’s role is still in the versa. A few Thai companies position to benefit from this,” said and we are grateful to have the But ambassador Chaiyong says future, as the reopening process already invest in the US, including ambassador Chaiyong. “Things in opportunity to introduce Hyatt these worries were over reactions. will take time. Another approach Thai Union Frozen Products. Land the US move so fast. We have to Place to this part of the world,” “Both the US and China are is designed for Indonesia, a & Houses has also recently started catch up. Our officers [at the said Ratnesh Verma, senior happy with us. With China, we’re source of resources as well as buying properties state-side. embassy] also have to work fast.” vice president, real estate and bonded by people and location. being the biggest market among While the United States is a He said Obama’s visit signaled development, Asia Pacific, The US, though far away from us, Asean countries. major buyer of Thai shrimp, US confidence and strong Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. considers us as an old ally. Refocusing on East Asia has Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, support for Thailand’s demo- Promoting trade and investment is been hailed as an initiative of Kurt now imports furniture from Thai- cratic system. In addition, the Frasier & Neave appoints in [our] mutual interest,” he said. Campbell, the influential US assis- land for its outlets. Meanwhile, the visit raised the profile of Asean. new adviser Starting in the middle of next tant secretary of state for East Asia. US is confident that high-technol- He added that a number of Ameri- THE board of directors of month, the Commerce Ministry He was the one who influenced the ogy products will boost its exports. can politicians were keen on Asia Fraser and Neave (F&N) has will lead a delegation to the US to US policy towards Myanmar, On the energy front, the US and they very much welcomed appointed JPMorgan as an discuss bilateral issues under the which led to lifting of sanctions. has recently found success with meetings with Asian people. independent financial adviser Trade and Investment Framework In the ambassador’s view, in his the fracking technique to extract He also foresees another visit by to give recommendations to Agreement. The Foreign Affairs second term as president, Obama shale gas, and it is believed by the US president, noting Obama’s shareholders on two pending Ministry will play an assisting role. is likely to focus more on promot- some that this new energy source remark that “next time, I’ll come offers – OUE and Kirin. According to the ambassador, ing trade and investment, to ensure will force down global gas prices. with Michelle”, referring to his wife. Tourism: Investing in human capital THAILAND should put more fields to apply their professions in importance on investing in human the tourism industry. The organi- capital and not just in the “hard- zation now offers four classes per ware” of the tourism industry, if it year, each with 36 people for a wants to secure sustainable devel- one-week training program. opment and remain a leader in this “The free flow of skilled labor field, says Martin Craigs, chief from the opening of the ASEAN executive officer of the Pacific Asia Economic Community (AEC) in Travel Association (PATA). 2015 may not solve the shortage. Martin Craigs on a recent visit to It’s easy to build the hardware Myanmar. Photo: PATA To the contrary, it could create of the tourism industry – airports new problems, as the integration and hotels, for example. But given “The evidence is clear that there of the European Union did in the the boom in tourism and its key are large numbers of Russian tour- beginning. So opening up the role as a driver of the economy, ists pouring into the Kingdom, but region was not a panacea,” he said. Thailand is facing a labor short- there are not enough Russian- But Craigs is confident that age. Still, this is not yet a major speaking locals to take care of Thailand will maintain its leader- problem when compared with them,” he said. ship after 2015. Clearly, the other nations in Asia, he said. He raised the example of Chanin country is more advanced than its Labor shortages have become Donavanik, CEO of Dusit Thani. He rivals in hotel facilities and attracts common across Asia. China is one said Chanin had done a “great” job the largest number of foreign tour- example, where it is creating a big introducing professional graduates ists in the region, he added. headache for the fast-growing tour- to the industry, and not only to run “It is not essential for Thailand to ism industry. Meanwhile in the his hotel chain. This helps secure construct manmade projects as a Philippines, although it produces the industry in the long run, and also magnet to lure foreign tourists. In more than 26,000 graduates to serve promotes regional development. fact, the country can sell itself the industry annually, 90% of those Craigs says producing profes- naturally, with both social and graduates choose to go overseas. sionals for the hospitality industry cultural aspects of the Thai way of Craigs said Thailand should pro- is the focus of PATA. It intends to life, beyond the unique natural beauty mote foreign languages to students. help train people from different seen nationwide. – The Nation December 22 - 28, 2012 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 13 Supercars zoom to SMART Expo

THE Phuket Gazette caught up with Mr Hoi Cheung, Director of 3:C who are the DREAM MACHINE: SMART Property & Lifestyle Expo will feature the best of Phuket. Interior of a Ferrari on show at SMART. organizing the upcoming SMART Property & Lifestyle Expo to be held at the Royal nars and much more. In addition, we have a Could you elaborate on these offers? condos in Patong [US$199 thousand and Phuket Marina, from December 27-30, 2012. great kids area by British International School, Yes, visitors can take a luxury yacht up] to oceanfront villas around the island special food and beverage offers for visi- cruise fully inclusive of food/drinks and [US$1 million and up]. Additionally there Phuket Gazette: What makes Phuket a tors; you can even attend daily wine and rum activities for only 6,900 baht, or enjoy great are property projects from other parts of good destination for the SMART tastings for free. It’s a great way to see the coastal views via the helicopter tour for Thailand and Asia. Property & Lifestyle Expo? best of Phuket all under one roof. More im- 3,650 baht – the pricing is specially Hoi Cheung: Phuket in recent years has portantly entry is free. discounted for expo visitors. Tell us about the free seminars. You become known as the playground of the The idea is that you can literally spend a seem to have some good speakers? world’s rich and famous, attracting pop I understand you have supercars such whole day at the wonderful Royal Phuket The seminars are a very important part stars, celebrities, supermodels and multi- as Ferraris and Lamborghinis on display, Marina – perhaps have lunch, see some of the show. The aim is to educate prop- millionaires. According to the Airport are there any specific models that great properties, see some supercars, let erty investors on what they need to look Authority of Thailand (AOT), the “Pearl of really stand out? the kids play in the kids area, take a heli- out for before they buy, so we address the the South” has seen a 20 per cent growth We have both the official dealers of Ferrari copter ride direct from Royal Phuket Marina, legal, tax and finance issues, give market in tourism in 2011 from the previous year, and Lamborghini at the show.The highlights get on an open yacht (there are berthed overviews of real estate, and generally give with 4.2 million visitors. include the Lamborghini Aventador as well yachts for visitors as well as paid yacht an opportunity for the audience to ask ques- Simply, we believe Phuket will become as the Ferrari FF. cruises) and perhaps even have a drink at tions pertaining to property investment. It’s the next Monte Carlo of Asia and the show Both these cars are over 32mn baht and one the three available restaurants on site. free to attend and highly recommendable fits well. both have over 600 brake horse power It’s a great day out. for investors looking to buy property. Speak- (bhp). In addition, there are other models ers include billionaires, CEOs of property Tell us about the lifestyle elements at on display; including a race version of the What type of properties will be on offer companies, legal and tax experts and the expo. What can visitors see at the Gallardo, Lamborghini Super Trofeo, which at the expo and are there any amazing lifestyle gurus. show? is actually available for a test drive. deals that you feel would To hear the seminars and see, feel and The show is about “accessible luxury”. attract a lot of buyer attention? taste the luxury life, remember to visit the We have created a show where there is Other than what is on display, I You will see the best of Phuket and other exhibition. Entry is free. something for everyone. On site you can understand there will also be some destinations too. There are a number of see supercars, yachts, take helicopter tours, paid helicopter tours and yacht projects suitable for investors of all price To register for a free ticket, please visit: see luxury property exhibits, attend free semi- cruises, which visitors can register for. ranges in Phuket, from affordable holiday smartexpos.com/phuket. – Phuket Gazette 14 PHUKET GAZETTE PROPERTY December 22 - 28, 2012 A home for the holidays gave her the final ultimatum – wrap up your affairs you have six months left at most. Somehow in those dark hours, ‘TIS the season, here on the I was lucky enough to pay it sunny island of Phuket yet again. down, if only a fraction, a I’m not quite sure exactly when minuscule, a few grains of times’ the vanishing point starts to loom own sand. Crossing the Pacific over life’s passage. Ocean from Phuket to Los Could it be 40? That’s well Angeles came fast and furious, and truly passed like the after- as time doesn’t stand still. No taste of one of those deadly matter how much you wish it to tequila shooters that often ends be, or pray to whatever spirit is a long night of social drinking. at work in the universe. You can always recall those That clock on the wall just under the file named “bad ideas”. started ticking slower and slower Or do things start to ramp up despite four trips across the ocean once you pass that other mid- and this time there were the century milestone? Been there, done moments to say what needed to be that. My mind drifts off a bit, not said. Not big life-changing thoughts, unlike one of those summers spent or one absolutely defining moment. on a water colored palatial lake, with We strung together a chain of our wooden sailboats gently revolving shared lifetime of small remem- to destinations unknown. Blown brances, sharing meals and time along by fuzzy velveteen winds. outdoors in the sun just talking. Suddenly my mind is about to On a Friday in late afternoon, burst, crying out “get me out of BLUE CHRISTMAS: The holidays are a time for reflecting on the past. Inset: Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by the ghost two days before Christmas, I was here”. This was never my life. of former business partner Jacob Marley in Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. Photos: tat aka t; J Leech outside riding my bike. My sister My own journey bears a resem- Be it station wagon, or one of those there tends to be a brew of needed more. First into the and wife were at the house and a blance to an episode of the amazing flying machines, which are personalities and emotions. Pacific Islands and onto Asia. nurse was on call as we’d chosen Simpsons, blending in some larger than life when you stare at Good, bad, ugly and seemingly I’ve lived in more countries than to let my mother die in her own chaotic trauma-induced swerves, them with a child’s eyes. fragile. Yet they stayed together I care to remember, though the home. A strange feeling came over dives, climbs and ultimately Leaving home in my teens with for longer than I have walked the last 11 years have been spent in me as I cut the trip short, and ending up on a non-English a bad attitude, no money and a fatal Earth to this day. Phuket. Finally a lifeless ordinary headed back quickly. While night language channel’s travel and sense of adventure, which took My father still remains an found a second home. was close to falling we stood with lifestyle programing. many a wrong turn, the one thing unanswered question in so many It’s been ten years since I made our mother holding her hands as It’s all “lost in translation” and I could always count on was that ways. And my mom, who had the a trip home with my new wife for she passed on to a better place. even subtitles can’t explain the out there, far away, was a home. heart of a lion and spirit of a Scots- Christmas with my parents and A few weeks later, I was sleep- inexplicable. More importantly, were my man, was just too hard not to end my sister’s family. That trip gave ing in the bed where I had dreamt Growing up in a suburban Cali- parents who never quite under- up in a bitter conflict. Not weekly me my last living memory of my those wild adventures as a boy for fornia neighborhood, my wanderlust stood what it was that drove me or daily. I’m talking hourly. father who passed away less than the very last time. There was no came hard and young. Money or away, but always welcomed me My moves kept multiplying in a month later. A cold December going back, the emotional slipstream not, my parents always travelled back with unquestioning love. distance, from the metropolitan evening, with a decided chill for was almost too much to take. This from as early as I can remember. Whenever you pair up people, city of Hollywood nearby, to the California, together with a quick part of the passage would end the mountains of Reno, wilds of hug and mumbled words still next day, and there was no longer a Wyoming, Alaskan wilderness linger in my mind’s eye. home left to come to ever again. and on to Hawaii. What was never said, now Reflecting on the past, present A mounting number of Christ- never will be. After the event my and future with my own house, mases were missed in rapid sister and I were talking over old wife and two children in Phuket, succession, though phone calls times and she mentioned how I’m struck by just how many of were made and cards exchanged. every year, when the family us here have travelled through We were just a small family and would gather, my dad would life’s circle. Through the joys, my sister’s path kept her close always wrap some presents and sorrows, misadventures and to home, never venturing far. say perhaps this year I just might even the everyday to this island She, to this day, deserves more be home for the holidays. place that so many of us call credit for the vast amount of Life remains as cruel as it is home for the holidays. worry and strife I caused all. kind. Less than three short years Some 28 years ago I decided passed and I found myself Bill Barnett is Managing Director of that the world wasn’t flat, and sitting with my mother in her C9 Hotelworks and can be contacted Hawaii wasn’t exotic enough – I doctor’s office as he mournfully through C9hotelworks.com. The start of ‘Hobbit housing’ in Phuket JINGLE Bill, Jingle Bill. Is the very genius of this new niche market – merry season here again already? Hobbits. Smart money is flocking Apparently so, given the to Gen-H condos as clearly these greenscape in every retail space my people breed like rabbits and eyes come to rest on. This year the royalties from all those Lord of the epic film the Hobbit is upon us. Rings pictures have created a deep Hobbits and Asian real estate have market. Silly me. I’d been ponder- been simpatico for quite sometime. ing the rapid rise of the new LCC’s Phuket’s Shire. Photo: Steven Stehling Certainly, this year in Thailand, (Low-Cost Condos), and it had Mickey Mouse flats, politely called Everyone Can Fly”. For the plagued my downtime for most of ‘entry-level condominiums’ have property market it’s a case of “Now the year. Enter a lightning bolt of dominated the center sales stage. Everyone Can Own a Condo”. clarity. Problem solved. While no Whether it’s been idle chatter Recently I took a look at a new, one is sure how deep the market is, from developers in Pattaya saying ready-to-be-launched budget given the region’s property experts 20 square meters was far too big, condo project’s show flat and have yet to figure out the demo- or the recent spate of cheap small found my mind drifting to those graphics of the Gen-H market. condos, which have captivated dog kennels that the privileged class For now developers will be Phuket, Hua Hin, and Bangkok. A use to house their trophy poodles humming along with Randy few years ago AirAsia came into the way up in first class on a legacy Newman, about short people. limelight with that adage “Now airline. But then I realized the -Bill Barnett December 22 - 28, 2012 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 15 Tri Property launch Zcape X2 concept

ESCAPE: Zcape X2 will be located next to Boat Avenue Shopping Street. URBAN lifestyle condo concept the design, including inter- developer Tri Property launched changeable living space, plus a sales of Zcape X2 Condominium fully-equipped kitchen with in Cherng Talay on December 15, plenty of storage space. boasting unit reservations totalling On-site facilities include a large more than 60 per cent over the swimming pool with children’s play first weekend of the two-week pool and hydro jet area that has a pre-sales period. view of nearby hills, a pool lounge Touted as perfectly priced for recreational functions, a glass- condo units in a prime location, Tri walled fitness center with an Property CEO Adisorn Vivakanond all-round view, plus 24-hour manned said the Zcape X2 concept was security, a reception area and CCTV. aimed at offering affordable, up- “Making Zcape condo units market accommodation with stylish, practical and affordable for elements of energy-saving, eco the next generation of local resi- design in a cosmopolitan commu- dents in such a choice location nity near Bang Tao Beach. were decisive factors in the rapid NEW DESIGN: Movable, multi-purpose furniture and sliding partitions. CEO, Adisorn Vivakanond. “The Zcape X2, fully furnished sell out of all Zcape condo units mall, which is destined to become significantly year by year. Tri Property Executive Chair- one and two-bedroom units were in July,” said Adisorn. one of the island’s trendiest new “Joining the AEC in 2015 will man and Phuket native, Chaiwat very well received when they went “The Cherng Talay location of meeting places with shops, bring an influx of trade and invest- Tantiwiwat, said Tri Property’s on the market priced from just Zcape X2 Condominium was restaurants, entertainment venues ment that will further fuel the plans for Phuket include at least 1.49 million baht – a very afford- carefully selected to give resi- and a Villa Market,” he said. demand in Phuket for high-qual- two or three more condominium able option in such a prestigious dents the best balance possible to With the ASEAN Economic ity condominiums. Local and and residential projects to be location,” said Adisorn. meet today’s lifestyle needs. The Community (AEC) integration for international investors have already launched in 2013, located on other Rising seven–storeys, including architecture and north-south Thailand just around the corner, shown faith in the future of Phuket land plots with similarly high po- a parking level, Zcape X2 Condo- alignment of the project take full the Tri Property CEO said that as a regional commercial and tential. The company is also minium comprises three unit advantage of the spacious Zcape X2 was a highly attractive tourism hub,” said Adisorn. looking at other sites in southern designs: Lake View (26.55 – 31.09 natural surroundings to provide investment in high-quality hous- The Zcape X2 Condominium Thailand, including Haad Yai, square meters); one-bedroom Pool energy-saving solutions in the ing in a world-class tourist eco-design concept extends to Songkhla and Surat Thani. View (31.86 – 36.87sqm) and two- form of natural shade and destination. Phuket, he said, many aspects of daily life, such bedroom units (41.05 – 41.11sqm). ventilation. The condo is also continues to boom as a regional as bicycle parking to encourage For more information visit: z- Each unit features a variety of located within walking distance hub, where the residential and pollution-free travel and dedicated phuket.com or call: 084-444 0707-9. innovative, space-saving details in of Boat Avenue’s trendy new transient population is increasing storage for recycling rubbish. – Phuket Gazette 16 PHUKET GAZETTE FINANCE December 22 - 28, 2012 The worst expat investing mistakes LIVING in Thailand can be a income at least keeps pace with dream come true for many Thailand’s rate of inflation. expatriates, but as someone who Don Freeman has resided in Thailand since 4) Factor in currency risk 2008, I have also seen it become Those who intend to reside in a nightmare for unwary expats their investments. In contrast, Thailand on a permanent basis who make all-too-common many Exchange-Traded Funds need to be aware that over the investment mistakes. Luckily, a (ETFs) have no extra commis- past decade, the Thai baht properly thought out investment sions beyond normal brokerage has appreciated approximately plan can help you avoid making transaction costs and come with 28.75% against the US dollar, the following big mistakes: average annual expenses of just 43.67% against the GBP and 0.49%. The average stock 20.14% against the Euro. 1) Understand risk verses mutual fund costs investors If the Thai baht continues to return and diversification 1.57% in annual fees. appreciate, or should Thailand Many investors just look at decide to toughen the require- an individual investment’s ments for retirement visas, return and do not understand many expatriates could be WHEN BLACK TURNS RED: Avoid simple investment mistakes. Photo: Tax Credits that a high return could mean forced to either cut their living a high risk for losses. expenses or worse – they will Likewise, many investors need to leave the country. are also tempted to have too To avoid currency mismatch much of their investment between income and expenses, portfolio concentrated, rather expatriates need to think than diversifying their invest- beyond investments located in ments across multiple asset their home country or denomi- classes and sectors – includ- nated in their home currency. ing those that might not be Currency fluctutation in the baht to dollar Fortunately, there are “hot” at the moment. exchange rate over the last month. investments that invest in Ideally, investors should have foreign currencies, which can a portfolio with investments offset the risks associated with spread around because this will 3) Be sure that you consider having an income in a home produce a much higher overall inflation currency that is depreciating return in the long-term, and also Many expats in Thailand come against the baht. reduce the risk of large losses. from countries where interest rates are near zero, in part 5) Seek out proper professional 2) Understand the impact of because of low inflation. advice investment fees However, and as an emerging Expats living in Thailand Expatriates in Thailand are market, Thailand’s inflation rate should consult with insurance, often paying investment fees far since the year 2000 has ranged legal, tax and investment profes- beyond what they need to be from -4.4% to as high as 9.2%, sionals who have expertise paying, because they have with the average annual rate regarding such matters here in invested in a managed fund or in being 2.7%. Thailand and in their respective offshore investment products This means at a minimum, home countries. that come with high upfront fees expatriates here will need to achieve Getting good professional (often 5% or more), annual fees an after fee and after tax investment advice will be all the more of around 2% and a sales return of 2.7% on their investments critical for expatriates who have A thorough investment plan reduces exposure to risk. Photo: Steve Wampler commission when they are sold. just to maintain their current family both in Thailand and in Don Freeman is President of years experience and provides When these high investment standard of living. their home countries. Freeman Capital Management, a personal financial planning and fees are considered with taxes, And, if Certificate of Deposits Getting tax advice will be Registered Investment Advisor with wealth management to expatriates. inflation and currency fluctua- (CDs) don’t yield that much back especially critical for American the US Securities Exchange Specializing in UK and US pension tions, expatriates can easily be home, expatriates will need to find and Canadian expatriates in light Commission (SEC), based in transfers. Call: 089-970-5795 or left with little to no return on another way to ensure that their of specific tax rules. Phuket, Thailand. He has over 15 email: [email protected] December 22 - 28, 2012 PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 17 Plus Property gets boost from Sansiri market success SANSIRI subsidiary Plus Property, a buy units upcountry as holiday residences real-estate management and brokerage and for rental purposes. company, targets growth of at least 20 The additional service will generate a per cent next year, against expected 2012 return of 6 to 10 per cent a year for custom- income of 650 million baht. ers opening up their homes for rental, The unit’s revenue surge is due to depending on the location, Apichart added. Sansiri’s strong growth, which is Meanwhile, up to 50 per cent of Plus expected to continue next year, accord- Property’s agency and brokerage portfo- ANOTHER HALF DOZEN: Sansiri are launching six new projects this quarter. ing to Apichart Chutrakul, chief executive lio comes from Sansiri’s residential of both Plus Property and Sansiri. projects, and the rest from other prop- Sansiri targets presales of 42 billion baht erty firms. The company now has 16,000 this year and 50 bn baht in 2013. units under management nationwide, “The main driver of Sansiri’s business worth about 50 bn baht total. growth next year will come from our new This business has generated around 49 residential projects upcountry, which will per cent of its revenue this year. The account for about 30 per cent of our presales next-largest revenue contributor is the worth 42 bn baht this year,” he said. management of commercial buildings. Some Up to 90 per cent of the property 3 million square meters of buildings across management business of Plus Property the country have generated about 18 per comes from Sansiri’s residential projects, cent of this year’s income. which will total some 140 by year-end. “Plus Property has had revenue growth This business has generated about 33 per of 29 per cent this year thanks to our cent of the subsidiary’s revenue this year. parent company’s business growth,” “Our property management will focus on noted Apichart. Sansiri’s residential projects because we The company is substantially increasing want to create the best after-sales service its staff to support next year’s predicted for our customers,” says Apichart. 20 per cent growth, he added. “This is a value-added service for our The number of employees at Plus residential projects,” said the chief execu- Property will rise from the current 1,300 to tive. The property management service will 1,560 during the course of the year. “Staff add rentals for holiday business to its are the key to driving our business growth in portfolio next year, serving customers who the long term,” he concluded. – The Nation The new Quattro condominium on Thonglor 4 road in Bangkok was developed by Sansiri. 18 PHUKET GAZETTE OPINION December 22 - 28, 2012 Family, the best defense against technology risks WITH the holiday season upon us, we would like to encourage all of our readers to take a few moments to pause and reflect on how lucky we are to live in this incredible age of technology. Technology is perhaps the most notorious of double-edged swords. Shakespeare wrote famously in Hamlet that “…there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” That statement reflects a healthy skepticism, but it might be a difficult task to sell the idea that guns are “neither good nor bad” to the residents of Newtown, Connecticut, many of whom had to bury their beloved young children last week (see page 10). The incomprehensible murder of 26 people – mostly kindergar- ten students – at a school in that town continues to shock the planet. Most of the civilized world is united in disbelief at how easily US citizens, including the mentally-deranged, can acquire the kind of arsenals needed to carry out attacks like this and the others that came before it. The continuing incidence of random mass murders has also caused many to question the role of the media in reporting on such events. As impractical as it may be, some have even sug- gested that traditional media should somehow conspire to “play down” or even stop reporting such events in order to deny poten- tial mass murderers the “attention” they are said to be seeking when carrying out these attacks. Despite the planet’s unsustainable rise in population growth, we are nevertheless slowly developing a global popular culture based largely on the Internet. Quite often the trends are harm- less memes, like “planking” or dancing “Gangnam style”, but in A flying dream: Phuket International Airport many cases they can be dangerous, if not outright deadly. “Cyber- bullying” resulting in suicide, the empowerment of pedophilia Re: Gazette online, Phuket Prop- exception, speed on the way to rings, child abductions and the spread of bomb-making technol- erty Watch: Welcome to my night- and from the airport. ogy are just a few of the results that can arise when the nefarious mare, December 17 When will Phuket do some- become Internet-enabled. In response to Bill Barnett’s thing? I wonder how many deaths Here in Phuket, the case of Samudchaya “Nong Pin” Yanpunya, “Welcome to my nightmare” ram- Do you have an opinion to voice? these drivers are responsible for? who was only 12 years old at the time she went missing from an bling rant about Phuket Airport in Email [email protected] In the past couple of weeks it was internet café early last year, is just one example. Her mother fears last week’s issue of the Gazette, three. my girlfriend had absolutely no Richard she may have been abducted by someone she met online during a mas is just around the corner. A Facebook session – though her true fate remains a mystery. problems parking one evening last Gazette forum week when she came to collect lot of these items could – or should It might be easy to dismiss mass murder attacks as an inter- – have been donated to charities, nal problem for the US, but the reality is that the disease is me on my return from the UK. Further, I was able to collect school kids, hospital patients, Parking future lights spreading to Europe and China, through the Internet, of course, homeless and the needy. And we have all the ingredients right here in Thailand for simi- my hold luggage just five minutes after arriving at baggage reclaim. So many people could have up south of Phuket lar tragedies to occur – most notably the wide-open access to benefited, including Customs it- black-market firearms and the ease with which so many citizens I then queued for less than two minutes at immigration, whose self, if the Customs “officers” had Re: Gazette online, Phuket Opin- are influenced by others, as manifest in the spread of drugs, cor- just spent a little time thinking in- ion: Parking management not ruption and the spontaneous formation of mobs. desks were fully manned by at- tentive, smartly-dressed officers. stead of simply trashing ‘The Impossible’, December 16 As is so often the case, the first, best and maybe the only line of everything. In some parking garages in defense against these and so many other social ills is good parenting. After a quick visit to an im- The Sixer Malaysia, including one at a ma- With that in mind, the Gazette would like to extend the warmest of maculate men’s toilet, I was out Gazette forum jor shopping mall in Penang, there holiday wishes to all of our readers and their families. and past the taxi touts in less than 15 minutes after disembarking my is automated gate control entry to plane. the parking garage. My experience was a dream in The Grinch who stole If the garage is full, it will not comparison to Bill’s bad night- allow entry. Once access is gained mare, so well done to everyone at Christmas there are red and green lights over Phuket Airport. Keep up the good each parking space to indicate work! Re: Gazette online, Phuket Cus- where a free space exists. Just Andy Phillips toms deliver ‘crushing blow’ to look for the green light and you Phuket Town copyright pirates, December 13 have your parking space. It works Companies and tax-paying staff beautifully. and stores are impacted by the sale Of course, this doesn’t solve Cars driving Phuket of fake goods… This [destroying the lack of parking spaces. fake goods] is the only thing they Parking Space Cadet to a smoggy ruin should do with the fake junk sold Gazette forum on the streets. Re: Gazette online, Phuket first- It’s only wasteful if it is worth time car buyers overload Excise having, and nothing that’s fake is The Great Barrier to Office, December 14 worth having. Fake people buy or reef conservation With a tropical island already use fake products. suffocating in a cloud of carbon A Williams dioxide in the middle of a perma- Gazette forum Re: Gazette online, Phuket nent traffic jam, this would be in Diving: Building the reefs of the all the developed world the last future, December 16 thing to do. Putting the brakes As long people keep standing But here, with the help of a gov- on corals, and instructors feed ernment campaign, they are going on needless deaths bananas to fish while their cus- to make things worse. tomers/students watch as they Claude Re: Gazette online, Police to kick the last remaining corals, Gazette forum charge tour van driver today over while others take photos, we have lethal Phuket crash, December 13 no power to preserve the reefs It is remarkable, that people around Phuket. Ho Ho Ho hum.... must die before the police will Open your eyes and look around charge the tour van drivers for at what’s going on. Reefs are not Re: Gazette online, Phuket Cus- reckless driving. We all see, ev- made for standing on while tak- Volume 19 Issue 51 toms deliver ‘crushing blow’ to ery day, how they drive against ing photos. copyright pirates, December 13 red lights, make dangerous over- Stephan What a senseless waste. Christ- taking [maneuvers] and, without Gazette file December 22 - 28, 2012 OPINION PHUKET GAZETTE 19 Santa says: A smile is the best Christmas gift of all THERE are many foreigners living in and visiting Phuket, and I On December 25, Santa am sure that they are going to Claus will be attending a celebrate Christmas or at least take plethora of activities being part in some special event on When will there be an end to the carnage on Phuket’s roads? December 25 to mark the occa- held across Phuket, among sion. This is why having Santa on them will be the annual the island is so very important. Christmas celebrations at Righteous road rage Being Santa is very special for Bangkok Hospital Phuket. me because parents usually cel- DRIVING my son to school, I ebrate Christmas as a way of Here, the jolly “Hospital witnessed the carnage of the letting the kids enjoy the season. horrific crash involving a minivan Santa” explains what By Roy McAllum And as Santa, I get to help bring Christmas in Phuket truly and a pickup in which a young girl joy into the lives of the kids by means to him. of nine was killed and other Do you have an opinion to voice? making them feel special. children injured. It was a bright Email [email protected] At the hospital, I will give the sunny morning, the road was dry children candies and sweets and and it was early enough that island, generally do so at great small presents, such as dolls. traffic was relatively free flowing. speed. There is no respect for These are what my helpers Perfect driving conditions. other road users; I cannot count prepare each year. But we will If this were an isolated incident the number of times they speed also enjoy fun games and activi- there would be no point in me up behind me and flash me out of ties, and the children will be writing this, but this is not the first the way. An amber street light is encouraged to join me and my accident I have seen in Phuket, nor an invitation to speed up even helpers in singing carols. unfortunately will it be the last, and more, and the worst of it all is that You don’t have to buy presents the fact that a young girl died on such behavior goes unpunished. for children to bring joy into their her way to school brings the Add to the mix a huge number of lives. True Christmas presents insanity of it all into sharp focus. motorcycles, stray dogs, lumber- come in many forms, just making How have we come to this? A ing trucks and cement mixers, and them laugh and smile is a won- few decades ago, Phuket was a the insanity of driving at speed on derful gift. Even if it is just a small sleepy tropical island with very these congested roads is all too smile, which is so simple, but few cars and those that were here, obvious. which I consider to be the most mostly Suzuki Caribians, bumped Given the lack of policing avail- valuable of gifts. along dirt roads at a slow and able in Phuket, I propose two The children on Phuket do not dusty pace. simple solutions. First, station a smile enough, so if I can make Then mass tourism arrived and policeman at main intersections to them smile, it gives me over- suddenly buses, vans and tuk-tuks stop and fine anyone running a red whelming joy. were everywhere, shuttling tour- light or approaching the junction I usually drives a sleigh pulled ists between hotels, shops and the at speed. Purring with happiniess and Christmas cheer. Photo: C_Chan808 by flying reindeer, but since I will airport. Tourists have no choice Second, physically modify be the ‘Santa of the hospital’, I tients, showering them with gifts cious than money or any other but to take them, as public trans- these potential killing machines to might have to drive a wheelchair while singing carols. They are of- gifts. It is not easy to make people port here is pretty much have a maximum speed of 90 ki- down the halls instead. I’ll also ten in much need of some happy, and a chance to bring them non-existent. That we have so lometers per hour. have to check exactly which gifts Christmas cheer. happiness does not come often, many of these vans is not the prob- Yes, it will take longer to get to I have for the health and safety Being Santa is something that I so on this special occasion I am lem in itself, as it is testament to the airport, but people will get used board this year. am very proud of, as Santa brings glad to be the one to fill their hearts how well tourism is doing in Phuket to leaving a little earlier and arriv- While doing the rounds every joy and happiness to many people, with love and bring smiles to their The real problem is that these ing safe and sound. All our futures Christmas, we also visit outpa- and to me, happiness is more pre- faces. vans, ferrying people all over the depend on it.

T’was the tax before Christmas and Santa wasn’t about When my mother informed me that she was popping something small into the post for Christmas, she did warn me not to get too exited. However, when it arrived I still felt like a little boy on Christmas morning – until I was rudely told that I would have to pay 800 baht import duty. I argued and stomped, but it was to no avail and so I stumped up the cash. I opened my present (beautifully wrapped in gold paper) and it was a London 2012 t-shirt with the £5 sale sticker still on it! My point is this: I have no problem pay- ing import duty if I am importing something, but who decided that I should pay 800 baht? However, other fees and surcharges, How was it decided? Why can I not con- some of them set amounts, are levied in test the amount? And perhaps more determining the value of the goods as landed importantly, does Thailand really need to All legally imported packages are taxed, but does Santa import or smuggle? Photo: Jonas N in Thailand. Then Excise Tax and Value- raise import duty off Christmas presents? Added Tax (VAT) are calculated based on Nick Robinson ery item imported is subject to import duty. Passara Soontavareerit, an officer at the value as landed. Phuket Town This is especially so for popular brand- Phuket Customs House, replies: All these taxes, duties and surcharges are name items that are not available in Each item imported is charged a differ- added together to determine the full rate of Pacharatida Sukjit, an officer at the Thailand. ent rate of tax according to what type of import duty that you have to pay. Thai Post office in Phuket Town, replies: However, we only deliver the parcels. good it is and its condition. In your case of The Customs Department determines You can pay the import duty at the post importing a shirt, the import duty alone is The Gazette notes: For a full example visit the rate of import duty to be imposed on office, but that duty will only be transferred 60 percent of the value deemed by the Customs.go.th and click “Sample of Duty each item imported to Thailand – and ev- to the Customs House at a later date. officer reviewing the article for importation. Assessment” in the left-hand sidebar. 20 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012 PATONGPATONG CARNIVAL,CARNIVAL, DECEMBERDECEMBER 1515 20122012

The island's premier party town of Patong kicked off the tourism high season with its annual carnival held from December 15 to 20. Organized by the Patong Municipality, the annual festival draws thousands of visitors from all over the world to mark the start of the tourism high season in Phuket.

Photo: danmilesmedia

Photo: Christian Mouchet

Photo: Christian Mouchet Photo: danmilesmedia

SKAL INTERNATIONAL PHUKET

THE FULL MONTY, On December 8 at Bliss Beach Club, Bang Tao Beach.

22 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012

Properties CHALONG GOLF COURSE FOR SALE / RENT For Sale RESIDENCE PHUKET LAND FOR SALE

BEAUTIFUL VILLA KARON Open, an easy-living villa. Enjoy the private pool. 3 bedrooms. Covered park- ing. Secure estate close to beach, a true piece of art. Opposite Wat Chalong Near British International Price: 13.9 million baht. Tel: on the way up to the hill. School, 17 rai with public 081-719 4688. Email: elbej@ Fantastic sea view. 1 rai, road access. Suitable for hotmail.com Chanote, gross floor resort or housing project. space: 684sqm, 5 en- Can be divided. Price: 4.5 NEW CONDO suite bedrooms, com- million baht per rai. Contact FOR SALE pleted in 2011, pool with owner. Tel: 089-724 7211. Prime location, deluxe apart- over fall, sala, covered Email: julien@phuketim ment, pool, gym, sauna, carport, only 32.5 million HOUSE & FURNITURE mo.com Single house, 60sqm. 2 AMAZING SEAVIEW 43sqm. Sale: 3.5 million baht. Direct by owner. PENTHOUSE baht. Freehold. Tel: 087-978 Tel: 085-654 4011, 089- floors, 3 bedrooms and 3 1947. 404 0737. For further de- toilets. In Chaiyapruek Vil- LUXURY VILLA 400SQM lage at Land & Houses Park, tails, please see our web 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Chalong. Good location and site at www.chalong-re 10mx5m pool, modern kitchen, entrance from Bypass road. Short or long-term rent GOLF VIEW VILLA sidence.com car park for 2 cars, electric Built 2 years ago. Tel: 084- available. Fully furnished FOR SALE gates, filter. 1 rai, 7 minutes to 627 7001. sea view condo at Sunset PIA. 14.8 million baht. Email: Plaza, Karon. 1, 2-bed- 1.5 RAI NEAR [email protected] room and penthouse. LAGUNA PHUKET D CONDO 1, KATHU Gym and swimming Chanote title, quiet loca- -29.94sqm, mountain view, 360º panoramic sea view pool. Also 3 new beautiful tion, gentle slope, highest price 1,278,000 baht. and mountain view. 310sqm, PATONG TOWER houses with swimming 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms point of Pasak 8, easy -29.70sqm, mountain view, NEW 1 BEDROOM pool at Soi Samakki with option to convert into 3 access. 8.5 million baht. price 1,280,000 baht. Newly renovated 1-bed- 2,Rawai. Tel: 086-302 bedrooms. Spacious living Tel: 089-875 9609 (English), room condo. On the beach 9742 (Kae), 081-843 3990 -29.79sqm, pool view, price area and balconies. Tel: 086- 087-418 5924 (Thai). Email: in the centre of Patong. (Komol). Near British International 1,330,000 baht. 278 8300. Email: izzy. [email protected] Beautiful mountain view. School, state-of-the-art villa http://phuket-land-villas.blog -29.70sqm, pool view, price [email protected] overlooking the Loch Palm 1,365,000 baht. Tel: +45-523 9377 (En- spot.com/ glish). Email: deherder@ Golf Course: 4 bedrooms + Contact Vutdy on 081-892 maid's room; 485sqm. hotmail.com BEACHFRONT 3709. LAND FOR SALE Built on 1,860sqm land. 28 FOR SALE BEST FUNCTIONAL million baht. Contact PATONG TOWER HOUSE owner. Tel: 089-724 7211 Freehold condos, good rate, sea and mountain views. Tel: POOL VILLA - STUNNING (English). Email: julien@ SEA VIEW LAND phuketimmo.com 080-692 6114. Email: orso NAI HARN [email protected]

STUNNING VILLA SITE KATA SERVICE APT. Prime unique development BUILDING land including: Penthouse, 3 apartments. 2 rai absolutely amazing – 15 rai of chanote land @ 30 Bistro/bar, building, land, beachfront, few minutes million baht per rai. pool. Management com- boat ride from Phuket, fac- – Stunning sea views along pany. Forced sale. Best offer ing west with views of Karon Beach bay. for quick sale. Tel: 081-828 A wonderfully located Phuket. 13 million baht per plot measuring almost – Sloping to allow for views. 0972. Email: sbolls@hot rai. Tel: 086-278 8300. two rai, located near Email: izzy.serenity – Access from all units. mail.com Cape Yamu and giving [email protected] – Main road access. magnificent sea views – Beach access via right of way. RAWAI 9mx3m pool, open mod- across Phang Nga Bay. SEAVIEW CONDO ern design, 2 bedrooms, Only 4 million baht per – Last chanote titled land site 120sqm, freehold, 2 bed- from Karon to Patong. 2 floors, western kitchen, rai. Tel: 076-279280, 087- 30 RAI IN TOWN rooms, 2 bathrooms, fur- furniture, 320sqm land, 381 1485, +60-12-303 – Some infrastructure work al- Flat land near Dowroong nished. 7.8 million baht, Chanote. Tel: 085-473 0790. Email: jaekayjosh ready done. Rawai. Tel: 086-687 6251. School in Phuket Town. Tel: 7812 (English). Email: @hotmail.com For fur- 081-691 2526. Tel: 081-895 7727 (English). Email: adrian_troy@yahoo. [email protected] 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, ther details, please see Email: [email protected] com 1 office, 6 aircons, opposite our website at www. big common garden, 5 phillips-property.com/ minutes from Central Fes- phu ketproperty/869/ TOWNHOUSE tival Phuket. 5.9 million land-for-sale-cape-yamu IN KOH KAEW baht. Tel: 089-925 5486. -phuket-thailand/

Corner unit, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully furnished. 3.5 million baht. Tel: 089- 472 9118. December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 23

LAND AT LAND NEAR KATA PHUKET VILLA 5 CHERNG TALAY CENTER NEW CONDO: URGENT VILLAGE 390sq wah, nice flat land, Great location, road access, SALE/RENT quiet area, chanote. In 5 mins to Kata Beach and Pasak Soi 5 near Laguna main road, 1,450sqm with title Home. Price: 6 million baht. deed. Contact Lychee. Tel: For more information please 081-891 3048 (Eng & Ger- call: 089-472 9118, 086-709 man). 2933. APARTMENT, HOUSE IN PATONG For sale. 8 rooms with kit- Special price, modern LAND NEAR chen, aircon, fan, internet, MISSION HILLS style, 30sqm, 1 bedroom, TV, safe. Sale: 7.5 million 1 living room, 1 pantry. In baht. Tel: 086-283 1674. Kathu, 3km to Patong. Full set of built-in furniture. Ready to move in! Contact 3 & 4 BED POOL Ya. Tel: 081-797 5138. VILLAS For sale. Price 4.5 million LUXURY NICE HOUSE baht. No agents, no fur- PANORAMA SEA & 88SQ WAH nished, with 4 aircons, 3 ISLAND VIEW bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, HOUSE FOR SALE: kitchen and car park. Be- Pa Khlok. 2 rai 32sq wah, URGENT hind Kajonkiet International 60m wide. Chanote. Located School on Chao Fa West on Tha Ruea-Pa Khlok- Road, 5 minutes to Central Muang Mai Rd. 11 km from Festival. For short or long- Heroines' Monument. Price: term rent, 16,000 baht per 7.8 million baht. Tel: 089-472 Laguna/Layan. Luxury pri- month. Call to see 087- 9118. Email: honda.1437@ vate pool villas in secure de- hotmail.com velopment. Available now. For sale. 3-storey villa, 1 270 9093. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, All beds on-suite. Fully fur- rai, Yamu Hills, 560sqm, 3 aircons, sofa, cable TV. nished. Rental programme living area, 6 bedrooms, Near Jomthong Village on available. 12-20 million 4.9 million baht, 89sq wah 3 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, Khwang Rd. 6.5 million baht. HOUSE IN PHUKET baht. Contact owner. Tel: (includes furniture). Stone infinity pool. Sale: 34.7 HOUSE IN KAMALA Tel: 086-774 2034. Email: VILLA 5 FOR SALE 085-549 7110. wall around the house & fruit million baht. Tel: 089-582 [email protected] garden. 4 air conditioners, 8401. Email: pbbronze@ telephone and internet, 3 gmail.com bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 LAND FOR SALE FULLY FURNISHED CCTV. Located near the Near the main road to Baan HOUSE FOR SALE Heroines Monument, to- 1 RAI, SEA VIEW LAND Don-Cherng Talay. 68sq wah. wards to Tesco Lotus Opposite Wat Chalong on the 1.1 million baht. Tel: 089-472 Thalang. Tel: 080-520 2989. way up to the hill. Chanote 9118. Email: honda.1437@ Email: edc9designs@ (36m x 45m approximately). yahoo.co.th gmail.com Sophisticated hillside project, proratable. 8.5 million baht. 46sq wah, furnished, 3 Direct by owner. Tel: 085-654 HOUSE FOR SALE bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, COUNTRY ESTATE 4011, 089-404 0737. IN BAAN 3 aircons, carpark. Only Exquisite 7 rai, 3 homes, PROMPHAN 3.5 million baht. Tel: 081- Chiang Dao Estate with B&B. Chao Fah Garden Home 3 787 7675. Boutique Nature Resort po- 2.5 floors, 5 minutes to in Koh Kaew near BIS, 10 THIDA HOUSE tential for sale well below town, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- For sale. 2 houses on land. mins to Lotus. 2 beds, 2 SALE 27 MILLION market value. Tel: 081-724 rooms. Good for stay! 1 ngan 89sq wah. Chanote baths, 2 aircons. Nice living 9155 (English & Thai), 080- 2.85 million baht. Tel: CHEAP LAND title, near mountain, peace- & kitchen room, car park, 790 5506 (English). Email: 083-506 9155. Email: FOR SALE ful and safe, 10 minutes fully furnished. Ready to mychiangmaiproperty@ sumitra.saetan@gmail. from the beach. 5.5 million move in. 2.85 million baht Close to Phuket Interna- gmail.com For stunning de- com baht direct from owner. Tel: near Boat Lagoon. Tel: 081- tional Airport. 4 rai, Chanote tails, photos & maps, please 083-180 2143. Email: 541 2025. Email: c.junlarat title. 3.8 million baht per rai. see our website http://my [email protected] @gmail.com Tel: 081-868 7676. Email: chiangmaiproperty.com CONDO IN [email protected] SUPALAI PARK Thai-style modern town- house with land. Size: 10.50m x 10.85m. 2 bed- BEAUTIFUL HOUSE Classified Advertisements rooms, 2 bathrooms with FOR SALE living room, dining room, Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. kitchen and car park. Single Then hand it to any of our agents. house on land size: 15m by 10.85m. 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- rooms with living room, din- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) ing area/kitchen, terrace and for sale. Near Seng Ho car park. Soi Mountain View Bookstore in Phuket Kathu Waterfall. Tel: 081- Town. Studio, 30sqm, |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| 535 7585, 084-119 4262, floor 15, sea view, aircon, Fully landscaped, 3 air 081-356 9754. Email: pee furnished. Price: 1.9 mil- conditioners, telephone [email protected] |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| lion baht. Ready to move and internet, 3 bed- in. For more info call 089- rooms, 2 bathrooms, 472 9118. kitchen. Located near |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| PRIVATE SALE OF the Heroines Monument HALF A RAI towards Pa Khlok. Land At Ao Makham. Land is located HOUSE IN size is 53sqw. 3 million opposite Port of Phuket and VILLA DOWROONG baht (negotiable). Tel: |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| next to Bel Air Cape Panwa Phuket Town. 3 bedrooms, 3 080-520 2989. Email: Resort. Price 4.2 million. For bathrooms, 47sq wah. For edc9designs@gmail. more information please call: more information please call: com 081-891 5932, 089-035 6702. 089-909 2771. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, Looking for land to buy? with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. See more classified ads Deadline for Dec. 29, 2012 issue is on Tuesday 18 Dec. Before 5 p.m. at www.phuketgazette.net Deadline for Jan. 05, 2013 issue is on Friday 21 Dec. Before 5 p.m. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012

PATONG APARTMENT RENT APARTMENT PRIVATE POOLVILLA Properties NICE HOUSE HOUSE AT PRIME LONG-TERM RENT PATONG IN CHALONG AVAILABLE NOW For Rent PLACE VILLAGE 8,000 - 20,000 baht per month. Condo, pool, security, 46sqm, 3 bedrooms, full furnished, lo- Tel: 089-290 9567. furnished. 089-728 4005. Email: cated in security area. Tel: [email protected] 1, 2, 3-BED PATONG 089-472 9870. Email: dchai APARTMENTS THE WHITE HOUSE [email protected] FOR RENT Large pool, gym, parking, BIG HOUSE FOR RENT Please check out this wonder- CHALONG maid, free WiFi. Rates from 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully ful villa for rent. Tel: 081-968 BEACHFRONT 22,000 baht per month. Tel: furnished, over 2,500sqm, 2 rai, 9046 (English & Thai). Email: POOL VILLA 080-052 8082 (English & Thai). in Rawai. Long-term rent: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 110,000 baht. Short-term rent: Single house (74sq wah) with Near Heroines’ Monument. 185,000 baht. Call for more in- lovely garden for long-term Furnished, aircon, 3 bed- BOAT LAGOON HOUSE THAI WOOD POOL formation. Tel: 088-765 0886. rent in Soi Parichart, Land & rooms, cable TV, kitchen. bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Close VILLA Email: gm@thenetworkpro Houses Park. It has 3 bed- Tel: 086-607 7493. to Major Mall, beach and school. 3 bedrooms, fully furnished, perty.com 1 year minimum. 25,000 baht rooms and 2 bathrooms, 24 Bang Tao Beach. 70,000 baht per month. Tel: 081-958 7684. hr security + clubhouse facili- APARTMENT FOR for long-term. Short-term availa- PRUKSA VILLE - ties. Price: 25,000 baht per RENT IN PATONG ble. Tel: 089-795 6363. Email: THALANG HOUSE FOR RENT month or special price of Apartments for long-term rent [email protected] At Rawai. For rent. 3 bed- 3 bedrooms, fully furnished. Fully furnished, 3 bedroom, 2 20,000 baht per month with- in Patong. 25-80sqm. Some rooms, fully furnished. Land: 20,000 baht for long-term. bathroom, quiet area near La- out furniture. Contact the have balcony with seaview over 1 rai. Contact Siriporn. Tel: Tel: 089-795 6363. Email: guna, rental 13,000 baht/ owner. Tel: 081-867 6466 the city. 10-20,000 baht per CONDO FOR RENT 089-649 9939. [email protected] month. Tel: 084-051 1955 (En- (English & Thai). Email: month + electric. Tel: 089-290 glish & Thai), 080-521 9888 [email protected] 9567 (English & Thai). Email: NEW FULLY (English & Thai). Email: [email protected] LATE DEAL 4-BED sornin_s@yahoo .com FURNISHED HOUSE THAI STYLE VILLA LARGE HOUSE VILLA RAWAI FULLY FURNISHED In Nai Harn, 2 bedrooms, pool, KAMALA Due to cancellation, we have a HOUSE FOR RENT furniture, 3-month rent mini- Furnished, 280sqm, 2 bed- luxury 4-bedroom pool villa, re- 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, mum. 77,250 baht per month. rooms, 3 bathrooms, office, cently refurbished, available from kitchen. Near Tesco Lotus Call agent. Tel: 082-420 7052. sundeck, pool, jacuzzi, car- now to December 26. 8,000 Shopping Center, 10 minutes port. 25,000 baht per week. Just 10 minutes to Patong. baht per day. Willing to negoti- to Bang Tao Beach, Surin STYLISH - 35,000 baht per month. Mini- Studio 30sqm, fully fur- ate. Tel: 089-071 0169. Email: Beach and Kamala Beach. BANG TAO BEACH mum 6 months contract or sale nished, near swimming [email protected] 20 minutes to Ao- Po Marina, Newest, 1 bedroom, fully fur- 3.5 million baht lease hold. Tel: pool. Short or long-term rent. Boat Lagoon and Phuket In- nished. 40,000 baht for long- 084-716 0502. Tel: 081-607 8567. Email: 2-storey house, 2 bedrooms, ternational Airport. 10 min- term. Short-term available. Tel: [email protected] PHUKET VILLA 5 3 bathrooms, 20,000 baht utes to Phuket International 089-795 6363. Email: VILLAGE per month, quiet area. Ao [email protected] PERMSAP VILLA, School. Only 15 minutes to HOUSE FOR RENT Ma Kham Bay, 4km from Phuket Town. Available Now! town, 2km to beach. Tel: 081- PATONG STUDIO TOWNHOUSE Only 16,500 baht per month. IN KOH KAEW 892 4311. For further details, Tel: 089-724 2787. 50SQM please see our website at For rent. 14th floor, sea view, panwagreen.weebly.com BAR FOR LEASE pool, garden, bathroom, SURIN BEACH kitchen, terrace, parking, se- Area is about 100sqm inter- curity, fully renovated. Tel: 2-BEDROOM nally with patio out front. Prime 081-086 3586. HOUSE, BANG TAO location on Surin Beach, main High street overlooking King's 2 BEDROOM HOUSE Near CherngTalay. Plot Park, just yards from 5-star Brand-new house in quiet size: 520sqm with living resorts and restaurants (Twin gated community. 5 mins area 156sqm. 4 bedrooms Palms),100m to the beach. from shopping malls and and 3 bathrooms with gar- Fully furnished with sofas, pool Phuket Town. Fully furnished den. Semi-furnished. Auto- table, 2 x flat screen TVs, cable with TV and aircon in all matic gate. 50,000 baht and UBC, TrueVision TV, Hi rooms. 2 bathrooms. Hot wa- per month. More informa- For Sale. Price: 4.2 million Quality Denon Music System ter & washing machine. Car tion please call sales office. baht. No agents!, not fur- with 8 speakers built into ceil- port & garden. Sat TV & Tel: 076-527 869, 081-270 nished, with 4 aircons, 3 2 bedrooms, 2 bath- ing. Rent: 50,000 baht per Internet ready. Tel: 081-893 8940. Email: enquiries@ bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, rooms, kitchen, terrace, month. Email: stewartlees@ 9127. Email: duncan@eclipse richmondth.com kitchen and car park. Be- living room, parking, fully gmail.com marine.net hind Kajonkiet Internation furnished, cable TV, School on Chao Fa West internet, 2 aircons, hot wa- Road, 5 minutes to Central ter. Only 5 mins to Surin Corner unit, 3 bedrooms, 3 Festival. For short or long- Beach, Bang Tao Beach bathrooms, fully furnished. term rent, 16,000 baht per and Lotus Cherng Talay. 3.5 million baht. Tel: 089- month. Call to see 087- Tel: 089-470 7488. Email: 472 9118. 270 9093. [email protected] December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 25

Property Accommodation Holiday Building Products & Services Services Available Homes & Villa Rentals PRO SERVICE CHEAPEST ROOMS AND RENOVATE PATONG BEACH - Water leaks 'No Warrie Bar' has every- APARTMENT RENTAL - Sanitation thing. Tel: 084-053 4365 (En- glish & Thai), 090-031 8418. SURIN BEACH - Sinks Email: striker_1957@hotmail. The Lofts apartments are situ- - Grease Tanks com ated on the beach road in Surin - Water Heaters which is fast developing into - Sprinkler Systems RENT APARTMENT one of the trendiest areas of Phuket. Overlooking the Kings - Pressure pumps PATONG Condo: pool, security, 465sqm Park, location of Phuket's first - Water Treatment studio, fully furnished. Daily/ golf course, now a public park, - Piping monthly. Tel: 089-728 4005. these apartments put you on - Deep wells Email: thamad17@yahoo. the front step of all that the area has to offer. The apartments Data Water Work Ltd., Part. com are accessed through a code FURNITURE BUILT- Tel: 081-396 5050. panel lock with remote entry IN & SERVICE PATONG possible from the apartment for PROPERTY/VILLA LUXURY APT visitors. One bedroom from MANAGEMENT Paradise Hotel complex. 33,000 baht. Two bedrooms Established company, man- 150m to beach. Large, 1 from 35,000 baht. 2-bed pent- aged by hoteliers, with indi- bedroom, kitchen. Light, house from 60,000+ baht.Tel: vidual and condo property airy. Tel: 086-276 7608. 076-386537, 086-120 0298 management portfolio seeks (English), 080-995 8609 (Thai). estates/condos and villas to Email: info@rentalproperty manage and/or rent. Email: ROOMS FOR RENT phuket.com For further details, Phuket Furniture Built-in [email protected] IN KARON please see our website at Fully furnished, cable TV, www.rentalpropertyphuket. & Service (P.F.B.S.) aircon, Wifi. Daily/weekly/ com monthly. Tel: 082-270 6385. BUSINESS: NEW REAL ESTATE Email: tkoschig2000@hot -Furniture built-in and PROJECT? Household Services mail.com Household renovate for office, Experienced Project house, condo and hotel. Manager. Contact for free OCEAN VIEW Items -Decoration. initial advice. Tel: 087-975 PATONG CONDO HOME MAINTENANCE -Wood furniture and 2326. Email: info@smart Upgraded 54 sqm condo. ASC Phuket Co Ltd offers full wood project. homes-thailand.com Cable, WiFi, pool, parking. home maintenance services. Long term for 18,000 baht per SOURCE OUTDOOR Gardeners, maids, pool ser- month. Tel: +1-808-283 4188 KING ALL vice, urgent minor repairs FREE QUOTE: (English). Email: mauigreg (electricity, plumber, etc). Give Please contact: 089-292 RENOVATIONS, us a call and we'll take care of HOUSE REPAIRS @hotmail.com 9095. Email: phuketfur your villa, condo or office. Tel: [email protected] Renovations, house re- 2 BEDROOM 076-388 065, 081-693 1509. www.builtinphuket.com pairs, construction, elec- APARTMENT SURIN Email: [email protected] tric installations, mold de- Beautiful 100 sqm pool view contamination. Free apartment. 2 big bathrooms. PHUKET HOME quotes and warranties 4 air cons, ceiling fans, full MAINTENANCE Household offered. English, Ger- kitchen, washing machine Weather Wicker Sofa. Renovations, house repairs, Help man, Swedish and Thai and dry tumbler. High season painters, tilers, electricians, speaking personnel. Tel: Conversation set, 3 months 45,000 baht per month, or old. New: 205,000 baht. plumbers, carpenters, con- 085- 880 3728 (English), long- term 35,000 baht per struction. Fluent English- HOME HELP WANTED 080-141 4577 (English & Sale now: 120,000 baht. month. Tel: 081-677 5056 Patio exclusive outdoor speaking boss. Free quotes English-speaking house- Thai), 083-394 8337. (English), 0 86-940 3270 (En- given. Tel: 084-193 5124. keeper wanted in Laguna. Im- Email: mattias@zionpro furniture-sofa. Tel: 089-043 glish). Email: Cmlundqvist@ 2954. Email: phukethomemainte mediate start, live-out. Contact perty.com gmail.com [email protected] Brian. Tel: 084-877 5001.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Looking for land to buy? All advertising must be paid for in advance. Looking for land to buy? Deadline for Dec. 29, 2012 issue is on Tuesday 18 Dec. Before 5 p.m. See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net Deadline for Jan. 05, 2013 issue is on Friday 21 Dec. Before 5 p.m. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012

DO YOU WANT TO RESERVATIONS PART-TIME MAID MARKETING WORK AT HOME? ASSISTANT FOR VILLA MANAGER We are seeking telemarketing Full time. Western. Must have Experienced maid to work 3- Phuket Wake Park is looking staffs for our detergent sales/ excellent written English, 4 hours in the afternoon, 5 for a Russian English-speaking online shop. We are a Finnish organizational and computer days per week. Tel: 083-399 person. Salary: 25,000 baht per company and our operations are skills. Self motivated / good 1323 (English). Email: pruett. month. Tel: 082-938 7748, 082- located in Finland. However , you communicator. Send CV to [email protected] 415 4546. Please send your CV can work anywhere in the world. [email protected] to: [email protected] We are not requiring any expe- STOREMAN/SITE rience in this field of telemar CLERK keting. Please contact us at SALES CONSULTANT NATIVE ENGLISH REQUIRED Will work for Bayshore +358-19-751533 if you are inter- Projects Co. Ltd. Must be Thai TEACHERS Club Asia Fitness requires a ested and we will tell you more national Tel: 081-968 5963. Brainy House is an English- Sales Consultant. Applicants about this work. Email: c@bayshoreprojects. language school, which is should be fluent in English com committed to provide all of our and a Thai national. Excellent students with quality teaching SPA RECEPTIONIST remuneration offered.Tel: 080- SPA STAFF AND and prices that are affordable. Beautiful spa in Karon is 698 5021. Qualifications; looking for new receptionist MANGER NEEDED and cashier. Good salary. Newly remodeled spa and • Applicants must be native massage parlor hiring staff for English speakers. Call for more information. Tel: SITE ENGINEER 087-894 5585. immediate Start. Competitive • Bachelor’s degree and TEFL Will work for Bayshore salaries and accommodation are required. Projects Co.Ltd. Thai Na- offered! Tel: 083-391 0291. • Teaching experience would LIVE IN DRIVER tionality: Minimum 5 Years Email: kamal.mail2000@ be an advantage. experience in residential gmail.com AND MAID • Must be able to start in De- development. Must hold cember. Experienced live-in staff national diploma in civil or WAITRESS, SURIN wanted for a holiday villa in structural engineering. Tel: BEACH • We offer competitive salaries Surin start December. and work permit. Tel: 080-907 081-968 5963. Email: c@ New beach restaurant needs IT OR AV ENGINEERS WEBMASTER Driver must speak En- bayshoreprojects.com highly trained waitress, must 7466. If you are interested, Thai nationality, can speak Must have at least two years' glish. Tel: 084-689 4658 speak English and have a bub- please contact Sasi or send English. Please send CV to experience as a webmaster (English), 081-693 1621 bly personality. Top wages and your CV and recent photo to Email: info@techworx-pro and be able to create websites (Thai). Email: malinlson benefits. Contact Maya. Tel: [email protected] SENIOR ARCHITECT ject.com using flash and others. Good @hotmail.com 085-783 8938. Phuket-based architec- knowledge of computers, IT WINE & TAPAS BAR tural practice urgently re- GENERAL FOREMAN graphics/photoshop. Ability to MARKETING REPS Staff required in Phuket Town, SCUBA DIVE AND edit video would also be helpful. quires a senior architect Will work for Bayshore Projects NEEDED available on October 2012: TOUR SHOP Tel: 081-979 9911. Email: vrit@ to oversee design of Co. Ltd. Thai Nationality. Mini- EZYSTAYS looking for mar- luxury villa and hospitality bartender, helpcook, wait- We are looking for a Thai staff boatlagoonyachting.co.th keting representative. No ex- mum 5 years experience in ress. Tel: 083-969 7807. to book our scuba diving cus- projects. Proficiency in residential development as perience required, full train- written and spoken En- tomers when they come into ing provided, work permit site agent or construction fore- the shop, and also book the is- glish required. Please man. Tel: 081-968 5963. Email: CHEF REQUIRED RECEPTIONIST - and good income. Email: send CV and expected land tours we sell. Must speak, KATA [email protected] [email protected] Small international restaurant read and write English. Must salary to: info@imedge Bliss Boutique Hotel is in Kalim Seeks for indepen- be very happy and good with concepts.com looking for a receptionist. LOOKING FOR STAFF dent working kitchen chef with customers. Salary: 15,000 to STAFF WANTED FOR Good salary offered. Thai Aroi-Corner Restaurant in Rawai experience in preparing Thai 20,000 baht, depending on the BEACH BAR national only. Call for info. is looking for staff. Waitress and and international dishes. Tel: person. Tel: 076-388 684, 082- All staff needed for new beach Tel: 090-705 4373 (En- WEBSITE bartender with experience. Work- 080-555 2377 (English & 810 2443 (English & Thai). bar on Surin Beach. Competi- glish & Thai). Email: info@ PROGRAMMER ing hours: 3pm-11:30pm, one Thai). Email: 55inkalim@ Fax: 076-388 684. Email: tive wages, good hours and a day off, good salary. Contact blisshotelphuket.com fun place to work. Please e- Solid HTML and CSS cod- gmail.com [email protected] ing experience with knowl- 084-442 8330. Khun Peter. mail your resume. Everyone Email: hp.sch [email protected] considered. Email: jessezurn edge of JavaScript and PHP. @hotmail.com Design and English skills are an advantage. Start im- COOKS, MAIDS, mediately. We are located in MANAGERS LOOKING FOR Karon. Tel: 085-758 3780 (English). Email your CV to Luxury villas looking for STAFF cooks, maids and man- (4 POSITIONS) shotham.hari8888 @gmail. com For further details, agers. Live -in and live -out Phuket Wake Park is please see our website at positions available. Tel: looking for Chef of Thai www.paroot.com 080-699 2436. Email: Cuisine, Cook / Waiter, [email protected] Operator of Cable Ski Line, Cashier. Tel: 084-889 MANAGER - ESTATE / RENTAL 4942 (English). Send CV PROPERTY MANAGER to office@phuketwake MANAGEMENT Intira Villas is looking for a Thai park.com Experienced manager required person with a happy and posi- to manage 30 private residence tive attitude. Must be able to in Krabi. The manager is re- communicate in English and ANDAMAN CRUISES sponsible for managing all Thai, both in speaking and writ- COORDINATOR teams for maintenance, house- ing. Experience in management Looking for coordinator who is keeping, office, rental and se- and rentals. Tel: 081-472 4925 responsible for working with curity. Operate all property in a (English). Please send CV and crew to organize the cruise, 5-star manner for both owners salary requirement. Email: manage bookings, provide and guests. Applicants need to [email protected] administrative assistance. have strong leadership skills, Excellent benefits provided. excellent command of English, ARCHITECTURE Tel: 076-316 537, 081-370 hotel and/or property manage- Thai national wanted. Ability 5689.Email: hr@twinpalms- ment experience. Applicants to use AutoCAD, Sketch-Up group.com will be required to have their own and 3D-Max is a must. Tel: car and driving licence, and to 081-788 1639. Email: sec@ SECRETARY be able to work both in Krabi phuketawnings.com KINDERGARTEN and Phuket. Tel: 081-968 3140 Must have good English & com- (English), 081-797 3401 (En- JURISTIC MANAGER puter skills. Monday-Friday, glish & Thai). Please send CVs Dependable Thai national 7.30am-5pm. Chalong. Tel: to:manager@engchuan. com, needed for Juristic Manager 080-624 7060 Email: phuket www.engchuan.com, position. Tel: 088-413 8122 [email protected] www.krabisunset.com and (English). Email: phkrealestate www.buds-phuket.com www.krabihideaway.com @aol.com

Gazette Online Classifieds – 10,000 readers every day! December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 27

KINDERGARTEN RUSSIAN GUIDE TEACHER REQUIRES CASABLANCA SMALL BUSINESS Thai-speaking Russian or BARTENDERS AND Female caucasian native En- EMPLOYEE RESTAURANT LOOKING FOR Russian national. Urgent! Tel: WAITRESS glish speaking teacher with ex- We require an employee to Needs experienced cook Thai male/female wanted 089-618 6894. Thai national, English speak- perience to teach class of 10- promote the online store on and chef. High salary for to work in our office. Must ing, some experience, good the Internet. Tel: 088-838 qualified person. Tel: 081- have good English (speak- looking and manners. Train- 12 children, ages 2-6 years old. SALE / MARKETING Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. 3242. Email: zxigor.n 892 8208. ing and spelling) and good ing will start on 1st of No- Chalong. Tel: 080-624 7060. @gmail.com computer skills. Job in- Marketing employee ur- vember 2012 at Nai Harn. gently needed. Male or fe- Email: buds.span@yahoo. BARTENDER volves talking with clients, Tel: 084-509 1975(English). com www.buds-phuket.com recording, keeping, and male. Good salary. Tel: Email: laterrazzaphuket@ More bartenders needed for 089-618 6894. Elvis Rock & Roll Bar in Kamala. doing quotations. Univer- hotmail.com Thai only. Tel: 085-158 7638. sity degree desired, but PRIVATE TEACHER not required for right appli- Looking for private teacher for Email: info@husi phuket.se cant. Thai male wanted to teaching a 10-years -old child. work in Phuket. Must have Any nationality is entitled to TOUR STAFF NEEDED good English (speaking apply. as long as fluent in En- Thai staff needed at busy boat and spelling). Job involves glish and certified for teaching. charter and events company. mechanical/electrical en- Good salary. Tel: 081-728 8269. Duties include tour guide, wed- gineer work within the ma- Email: [email protected] ding & events host and more. rine industry, preferably Salary + commissions. Tel: with experience. 076-239 076-221 442, 081-956 9961 VILLA MANAGER 112. Email: damian@ (English). Email: info@coral WANTED electrical-marine.com seekers.com Villa manager for a six-bed- room holiday villa in Surin. DISTRIBUTORS / Live in or live out. Must be RESELLERS WANTED OPERATION/ADMIN MANAGER able to speak English. Tel: Thai national. Sales of manufac- Employment Luxury yacht charter company 084-689 4658 (English), 081- tured modular and customized is looking for an Operations/ Wanted 537 2549 (Thai). Email: activation, booth, display and Admin Manager. Thai nationality. [email protected] expo solutions. Network and in- Key tasks: yacht provisioning, frastructure in place. Thai/English cleaning control, staff coordina- HOUSEKEEPER speaking. Excellent earning. For 6 months in Australia. An STAFF WANTED tion for the charter, secretarial Email: [email protected] aussie man with 2 young -Receptionist, good written work and basic accounting. daughters require help of and spoken English is a must. Own car is necessary. Email: VILLA MANAGER young Thai woman to assist Words and accounting experi- [email protected] Experienced Villa Manager re- housekeeping. The candidate ence is a plus. Must have a For further details, please see quired to manage an 8-bedroom must have English skills, friendly outgoing personality. our website at fivestarsea private residence in Kamala. The passport preferably, age be- Salary: 12,000-20,000 baht VM is responsible for managing cruises.com depending on experience. tween 25-35, enjoys children. an in-house team for mainte- Contact Jum Tel: 087-095 - Office admin, good computer nance, housekeeping and SALES & MARKETING 9274. skills, Excel, and accounting is F&B. Operate the villa in a 5-star MANAGER required. Good written and manner for both owners and Luxury yachting company spoken english is a must. guests. Applicants need to looking for someone with ex- 15,000-22,000 baht monthly EMPLOYMENT have strong leadership skills, perience of at least 3 years in WANTED depending on experience level. excellent command of English, sales and marketing, espe- - Office manager, must be pro- hotel experience. Applicants will cially of high-end luxury prod- Reliable English-speaking ficient in Excel, written and be required to have their own car ucts. Industry knowledge of Thai woman with cooking spoken English. Prior experi- and driving licence and to be luxury yachts and marine experience in hotels and ence required. Salary: 25,000+ able to live-in when required. Tel: lifestyle, especially of Thai- villas requires fixed-term baht monthly depending on 076-527633, 087-881 0003. land and Southeast Asia, will cooking, childcare or experience.Please send your Please send CVs to: hr@ be an advantage. Tel: 081-979 housemaid work, live-in if resume at smartbusiness phuketvillasandhomes.com, 9911. Email: vrit@boatlagoon required. Contact Taew. [email protected] www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com yachting.co.th Tel: 081-084 2708.

Looking for a job? Looking for a better candidate? Find more Recruitment Classifieds at WWW.PhuketGazette.Net! 28 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012

Education Business Opportunities

THAI TUTOR BAR FOR SALE KRABI DIVE SHOP BAR FOR SALE STEP STUDIO A 5-years-old boy needs NEW TIGER 3 work permits, registered RESTAURANT OTOP MARKETS FIT & DANCE for Thai. Tutor must have ex- Bar for sale in new Tiger, limited company, 25 school + BAR Good bar, good location, all We invite you to: aero- perience working with kids. Soi Bangla. Third row from sets, retail stock & fixtures, keymoney and rent paid up bics, pilates, Latino and Tel: 085-576 9139 (English). the front. 2-year contract 600,000 baht. Email: krabi for next 2 years, nothing club, hip-hop. Tel: 091- Email: Vanyamordred@ remaining. 4.6 million baht. [email protected] more to pay, walk-in, walk- 042 2944 (English). gmail.com For more information please out, 1.8 million baht. Tel: 082- Email: andrey_date86 call: 085-654 8510. Email: 273 1282 (English), 089-713 @mail.ru typhoon_stjames@hotmail. WAREHOUSE 0184 (Thai). Email: kiwinoz_ Shop com FOR RENT [email protected] Equipment 40/30 seated restaurant with bar and pool area. CHILDREN'S MUST READ: This business is located PATONG BAR ENRICHMENT CLUB FOR SALE CAKE DISPLAY UNIQUE LAND in beautiful setting and "Take Care" service, Enormous Land, next has every last detail to Popular bar, open air. Beer day-time classes, skill REFRIGERATOR Brand Snow Ball, model door to the best project in open next day. Also 3 bar in busy tourist area, development. Birthday Phuket. Concept: “San- bedrooms, and living area fully furnished. Urgent parties. Amusement CKS-SD-90, 790x900 x1,350 cm. Rarely used, excellent siri” for the foreign mar- included. Price: 500,000 sale: 1.6 million baht. Tel: Park. For more informa- ket. International design. baht. Contact Steve. Tel: 081-550 7379, 087-893 tion please call: 088-819 condition, same as new. Now sale: 38,000 baht. For more Billion in profit! Looking At Sapam, Phuket. 210 088-097 1200. 1753. 2526 (English & Thai). for: Joint venture, inves- sqm, suitable for storing Email: annchik@me. information please call: 080- 526 1118 (English & Thai). tor/partner, loan capital yachts or goods. 18,000 com with security. One of the baht per month. Tel: 086- Email: [email protected] BAR FOR LEASE SMALL RESORT best locations on the 689 3289. COMPLEX, 24MB west cost, close to SURIN BEACH Bulletins beach and everything. Area is about 100sqm Land 250 million baht, RESORT BANGTAO internally with patio out plus development invest- 4 luxury villas, 2 pools, lush front. Prime location on ment of 100-150 million tropical setting secluded on Surin Beach, main High SPONSOR A CHILD baht. 15 years develop- 1-rai land. Money maker. 35 Street overlooking King The Phuket International ment. Structure for for- million baht. Tel: 089-594 's Park, just yards from Women’s Club is a volun- eign investment. 100% 4067. 5-star resorts and res- teer organization raising confidential. Email with taurants (Twin Palms), funds for educational info about yourself: west 100m to the beach. WINE & COCKTAIL BAR Here is for sale an excel- scholarships. We rely [email protected] Fully furnished with so- KAMALA lent opportunity to own a on the goodwill of donors fas, pool table, 2 x flat 90sqm, fully equipped. Sale: well-established busi- and sponsors – small screen TVs, cable and 800,000 baht. 48 months left ness with minimum 10% and large. If you would UBC/True Vision TV, Hi renewable. Rent: 8,000 baht return yearly on invest- like to put something BAR POOL HOTEL Quality Denon Music per month. Low investment, ment. Year lease also back into the community + 2 SHOPS System with 8 speak- great potential. Tel: 085-245 available on suitability. in which you live, contact RAWAI BEACH 8180. Email: siam.elab@ ers built into ceiling. 50,000 baht per month. MAIN FEATURES: us to find out more about 9 bedrooms. For sale or gmail.com
giving a prize or being a long-lease. Negotiable, Email: stewartlees@ 2 x 2-storey detached sponsor. Contact Carol. 80% owner financing gmail.com buildings. Total 7 apart- available, land: 700sqm. PATONG LAUNDRY ments which consist of Tel: 087-417 8860 or con- FOR SALE / RENT tact Sue. Tel: 087-277 60m to beach. For more 2 x 2-bedroom large Genuine Sale: 395,000 baht 6948. For more informa- information please call: FOR SALE PATONG apartments, 2 x 1 bed- o.n.o. Rent: 15,000 bath per tion please email us at 084-242 8914. Email: Phuket Palace, cheap in- room, and 3 studio month. No gold mine but solid [email protected] [email protected] vestment. For more informa- rooms, swimming pool, monthly profit. Contact War- tion please call: 080-692 jacuzzi, BBQ, land- ren. Tel: 087-265 4565. Email: 6114. Email: orsorealesta scaped gardens. All es- [email protected] [email protected] sential amenities close by.
Run by current man- NEW BAR WITH RESORT IN KHAO agement team on your 4 ROOMS ACCOM LAK FOR SALE behalf. Next door to 350 rooms 15-room resort with res-
Good existing cus- Centara Hotel Resort in taurant for sale at a cen- tomer base, ongoing oc- Karon Entertainment tral location in Khao Lak, cupancy. District. Newly reno- includes 1 rai land. 12
Perimeter wall sur- vated, 3 storeys, all fully million baht. Tel: 081-857 rounds the 880sqm com- furnished with brand-new 5881 (English). Email: plex. bar and furnishings. Ask- keeshuahinth@hotmail.
Excellent location at ing 290,000 baht. Walk- com in, walk-out. Email: Kamala Beach. shotham.hari8888@
Private road. gmail.com RESTAURANT
Thai limited company. FOR SALE Please contact with in- 6-year contract, great loca- quiries at Kamalarob@ GOOD tion in Patong Beach Road. yahoo.co.uk Tel: 084-837 COMMERCIAL Full equipment. Tel: 087-075 5985. Website link for 2166 (English), 090-175 further pic's on request. 9126. Email: omaralquraini @hotmail.com RENOVATION JOB, URGENT SALE! PATONG Nice hair salon and spa in Nai Harn. 2 floors with pro- European Standard: fessional equipment and Scandinavian villa owner products. Price: your budget needs help to repair Space for sale at Bang- possibility (make an offer). damage left by local Tao Beach. On main Tel: 089-622 0101. builder: Tiling, painting road. 156sqm, currently (outside and inside), car- set up as a restaurant pentry and all round and bar. All equipment KAMALA work. A foreigner with and furniture included. RESTAURANT & BAR good experience and ref- Sale: 1,800,000 baht. On going stock, pool table, erences is preferable. Rent: 15,000 baht per pizza oven, UBC, WiFi. Ready to start in 1-2 month for 10 years con- 12,000 baht per month. weeks. Contact by email: tract. Tel: 081-733 9498, Daddys Cafe. For more myhomephuket@gmail. 080-700 3775. infomation please call: 084- com 850 0568. December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 29

Business Products & Services Club Pets Memberships Available ARE YOU LOOKING TO ADOPT A DOG? PCC MEMBERSHIP For sale. Please call: 082- 287 5702.

BLUE CANYON CC Family membership. Price: 790,000 baht. Free transfer. Tel: 081-086 2690. Email: [email protected]

Computers BUDS INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN Phuket's oldest interna- ENGLISH tional child care facility. High- COMPUTERMAN SHOP Many homeless pups & quality, time-proven sched- Sales, service, repair, and adult dogs, all breeds & ule and curriculum. Now in accessories. Also tuition in sizes looking for a loving brand-new purpose-built English/Thai. Tel: 076-384 home & someone to take school. Experienced native 259, 084-625 7744 (English). care of them. Please con- English teachers to teach Email: computermanphuket tact: ages 1.5-8. Monday-Friday @gmail.com [email protected] 8am-5pm. Bus service avail- able from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Dive Gear Chalong. Tel: 076-384638, GOLDEN 080-624 7060. www.buds- RETRIEVER phuket.com VDO CAMERA & FOR FREE HOUSING DETOX Sony HDR HC1 + Gates Hou- TO YOUR DOOR sing. W/A port. Man W/B. 9,500 baht for 7 days. Tel: Pro set-up ready to go. 75,000 084-100 6274. www.clearer baht. Tel: 081-271 6250. cleanse.com Email: mattysiam@gmail. com SUGAR WAXING New sugar waxing, located at Personals Chalong. Men - Women. No pain! Tel: 082-456 6791. We have 10 years old BACKGAMMON Golden Retriever, calm, good watchdog, doesn't Players wanted. Tel: 081- bite. Because my health 577 8443. Email: phuket problems I have to leave [email protected] Thailand and we are look- ing for somebody to take care of our "Bee" (her Pool Tables name). Please give her a good home. Tel: 076- 278121, 089-970 8227 POOL TABLE (English & Thai). Fax: 076- BILLIARD - GAMES 278121. Email: mellaerts9 Pool tables, billiards, foot- @hotmail.com ball, touch screen, and air hockey for rent and profit sharing. All accessories AMERICAN BULLIES for sell & services. Call now. Available: 1 male and 2 Tel: 081-823 4627, 085-797 female, ears cropped, UKC 0202, 085-797 0303. Fax : pedigree, shots and dew- 076-264461. Email: ying@ ormed. For more details phuketpooltables.com please cal: 086-120 6934. 30 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012

Saloon Cars Motorbikes Rentals

LINCOLN STRETCH HONDA BROS 650 KAWASAKI ER6N 650 BMW 320I SE LIMOUSINE V TWIN A black beauty in new condi- Only Lincoln Stretch limo Retro. Naked 650cc V twin tion! Only 8,000km. Price: in Thailand. Year model motorbike, green book, tax, 199,000 baht. Tel: 089-195 2004. Perfect for A/P, hotel, vgc. Cool bike for Phuket! 4005 (English). Email: denny and nightlife transfers. Call 80,000baht o.n.o. Tel: 081- [email protected] for price and Info.Tel: 089- 968 0030 (English & Thai). 932 5175 (English), 080-145 Email: Oliver_paul_bates@ 0082 (Thai). Email: wojidkow hotmail.com TRIUMPH SPEED [email protected] TRIPLE SE-10 September 2011. As Arrow 3-1 sport exhaust, new. 14,000km. Black HARLEY XR-1200 flyscreen, bellypan, rear with beige leather uphol- MERCEDES ML320, 2002 seat cover, and etc. New stery. All extras. 1.9 mil- price with extras 900,000 lion baht. Tel: 076-613 baht. Sale: 735,000 baht, 269, 081-084 9566 (En- includes 11 months first- glish), 081-698 5780 class insurance. Tel: CHEAP CAR A1 CAR RENTAL (Thai). Fax: 076-613270. 076-384228, 084-246 FOR RENT Email: nicholas@idec 6608 (English), 084-246 net.com Harley XR-1200 for sale. 6605 (Thai). Email: adde 2009 model. Only 8,000 [email protected] km. Perfect condition. BMW 523I 110,000km, just ser- Fast and fun. Priced to 2002, one owner, excellent viced. Sale: 1.4 million sell quickly at 550,000 HONDA FORZA 250 baht o.n.o. Tel: 086-276 condition. Well maintained by baht. Tel: 081-734 8309 2007. Black, low mileage, in 5117. BMW. 65,000km approxi- (English). Email: duc need of repairs. Sale: 60,000 Fully insured, 12,000 to mately and only 650,000 [email protected] baht. Tel: 086-561 5597. 20,000 baht per month. baht. Tel: 076-239 423, 081- HONDA CIVIC Tel: 089-831 4703. Email: 893 0272 (English), 081-797 2.0LT 2004 [email protected] 0835 (Thai). Fax: 076-239424. 50,000km. 2 German own- KAWASAKI HONDA Email: info@deraniyachts. ers, in very good condition, all 125 dtracker. 5,100km, 12 MOTOCROSS com car options, all services. Gray month reg, green book, sport Available now in Chalong. muffler, 58,000 baht. For NEW JAZZ metallic, black leather, auto- Tel: 087-689 9679. Email: FOR RENT DAEWOO AUTO matic. Sale: 499,000 baht. more information please call: [email protected] 98,000 BAHT Tel: 087-060 8400 (English). 087-320 0725 (English). Daewoo Espero. Automatic Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] transmission, power steer- CARS FOR RENT ing, in very good running con- Cheap cars with first-class dition, cool aircon, CD/MP3 SALE FORD WANT TO BUY MOTORBIKES insurance and free delivery player.Tel: 083-252 5509. ESCAPE 495,000 service. Tel: 088-819 7028. Want to buy 1-3 years 250cc. Very well main- old; Click, Mio, Fino, tained with green book. 49,000 baht. Tel: 081-084 TOYOTA AVANZA 2011 PCX. Tel: 085-158 7638. Short or long-term with in- 5903. Email: rochinda Black, 7 seats, full options. Email: info@husiphuket. surance and delivery ser- [email protected] For rent: 18,000 baht per se vice. Tel: 081-607 8567. month or sale in cash pay- Email: suksavat@hotmail. ment. Tel: 081-892 8208. com, for further details, HONDA STEED 400 YAMAHA FINO please see our website at Ford Escape 3.0 XLT. Good condition, black, CHEAP CAR RENT www.phuketcarsrent.com Year 2004. 140,000km. comes with beautiful Brand-new car rental, Price: 495,000 baht. Con- plate number one. Ask- top model, year 2012. tact Noppadol. Tel: 089- ing 125,000 baht. Call for Small car, medium car, Others 589 5453. Email: sopasa seeing. Tel: 087-270 family car, first-class in- [email protected] 9093. surance, delivery, 24hr roadside assistance, GPS, baby seat. Short or CDT BUGGY 2008. Lady owner, ridden long-term rent. For more AS NEW Wheels & Motors only in Phuket Town, with information please call: Moses basket. green book. Asking price 089-772 7012, 081-326 Cost : over 22,000 baht. 23,000 baht. Tel: 084-889 3233. Email: gupri2955 Sale : 8,000 baht. 2676. @gmail.com Call : 084-054 8122. Please use this form to write your classified advertisement.

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|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 31

LUXURY 20M YACHT

Built in Spain. 235,000 eu- ros. 4 double cabins. Tel: 086-953 5357 (Thai), 087- 886 5425 (English & Thai). Email: allasiayachts@ gmail.com For further de- tails, please see our website at www.allasia yachts.com HUNTER 280 (LEGEND) SAILBOAT 1996 Yanmar 2GM20F, Ray 2009 POWER marine, windlass, mooring, CATAMARAN ready. 1.25 million baht or offers. Tel: 087-269 3743. (En- glish). Email: davidrwarbur [email protected]

FOUNTAIN 31R 2005

45ft. 4 cabins. Volvo D-4 IPS 300. Genset. Aircon. "Bose" surround. Ray ma- rine. Low hours. Fully loaded. Fast and economi- cal. As new. Bargain. Only 395,000 euros. Tel: 089-971 0278. Email: eddyelan@ 2 x 200hp Yamaha, 250hr, yahoo.com never been rented. Price: 1.9 million baht (VAT in- cluded). Quick sale. Email: NEW KARNIC 1851 [email protected] 90hp lean-burn, 4-stroke Suzuki O/B. Bimini and trailer. 999,950 baht. Now in stock. For details YACHT FOR SALE contact Alan Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. Tel: 087-283 1674. Email: boats@andamanboat sales.com

NEW ALESSANDRO MARCHI "Carenacorsa 18". Hypalon RIB, light and fast. 90hp lean- Beautifully maintained burn, 4-stroke Suzuki O/B. Wauquiez cruising yacht. Bimini and trailer. 1,150,950 41ft with two cabins with baht. Arriving mid-December. en-suite heads. Tel: 087- For details contact Alan 632 8259 (English). See Giles. Andaman Boat Sales. all specs & pictures at Tel: 087-283 1674. Email: www.wauquiezforsale. boats@andamanboat blogspot.com sales.com

SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S

SAILBOAT FOR SALE CrypticCrossword NEW ALESSANDRO Beneteau - Evasion 34 - 1981 HYPALON PLABIN 9, MARCHI motor sailer located in Phuket. DINGY 3.3M SPEEDBOAT "Carenalunga 21". Hypalon In very good condition. Only FOR SALE RIB, light and fast. 140hp 4- 1,490,000 baht. Tel: 086-2746 stroke Suzuki O/B. Bimini 272 (English & Thai). Email: and trailer. 1,795,000 baht. nihat_gunduz@hot mail.com Arriving mid-December. For details contact Alan YAMAHA VX CRUISER Giles. Andaman Boat Farang sells. 160hr warranty, Sales. Tel: 087-283 1674. dealer maitenance perfect. Brand-new with UV cover Email: boats@andaman 210,000 baht. Tel: 083-635 and storage cover, pump, Price: 850,000 baht. Tel: boatsales.com 2414. Email: pierrekojfer@ oars, kits. Only 125,000 081-894 2124. Email: gmail.com baht. Tel:089-971 0278. [email protected] Email: eddyelan@yahoo . com NEW KARNIC 2052 140hp 4-stroke Suzuki O/B. Looking for a boat? NICE BOAT Bimini, trailer and marine 26 foot center console. Good heads. 1,399,950 baht. Now See more classified ads condition twin outboards, trailer, in stock. For details contact and more. Mail for more pics Alan Giles. Andaman Boat at www.phuketgazette.net and info. Tel: 085-691 1837, Sales. Tel: 087-283 1674. 076-054 4141. Email: mangeo Email: boats@andamanboat [email protected] sales.com 32 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012

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

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

General Aviation • Aircraft for Sale • Aircraft Sharing • Aircraft Wanted • Aircraft Charter • Aviation Services • Flying Lessons

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 120 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 33

EMIRATES AIRLINE OPENS THE 15TH ANDAMAN MOTOR SHOW 2012 DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM The 15th Andaman Motor Show 2012 was held at DUBAI TO PHUKET Central Festival Phuket East (HomeWorks Exhibition Hall) between December 5 to10. Many car companies joined in to promote their vehicles and enjoy some fun activities.

Pictured are Mr Kritphanat Patwarasit, managing director of N.D. Production (center) together with his team.

Mr Salem Obaidalla (left), Emirates’ senior vice president, commercial operations, Far East & Australasia and Mr Manit Boonchim, executive director of Europe, Africa and Middle East region, Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Emirates Manager for Thailand and Indochina INDIAN Mr Jabr Al-Azeeby, poses together with CURRY stewardesses after giving an interview to BUFFET PGTV (Phuket Gazette Television) on the At the Indian Curry official opening day of Night held every direct flights between Friday evening with Phuket and Dubai on Emirates Airline. all you can eat at the Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort. 34 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012 December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 35

December 24 9am to 11pm: Christmas Eve at Mix Bistro Restaurant SmartSmart PropertyProperty Dinner includes four-course Christmas set menu and a first drink. Young children's choir will && LifestyleLifestyle sing beautiful Christmas songs December 22-28; 7 to 11:30pm: to bring you into the Christmas Robin Gillow's Contemplative spirit and a visit from Santa Oils at Boathouse, Kata Beach ExpoExpo Clause at 8pm. Price: Adults: 799 A month-long exhibition of oil baht net per person, and Children paintings of the rural Thai (6-16 years old): 400 baht net. landscape by renowned Australian Menu: Pan seared tuna roll, artist Robin Gillow. The pumpkin soup, lemon sorbet, exhibition, titled Contemplation, roasted turkey with apple stuff- presents Robin Gillow's quiet ing or grilled beef tenderloin and meditations on Thai traditional tiramisu with vanilla ice cream. rural life, particularly its less popu- Dress code to suit Theme: White lated corners and the local inhab- and gold dress. For reservations itants who make their lives there. contact Khun Kwang: 076- 349800 December 22-26; 8am to DecemberDecember 27-3027-30 11:30pm: Christmas at Oasis December 24-25, 9am to Restaurant in Patong Beach 11pm: Christmas with Two Join us for a traditional Christmas 11am to 6pm at Royal Phuket Chefs Bistros, Phuket Dinner at Oasis, Rat-U-Thit Rd, Marina Exhibition Hall Christmas time at Two Chefs South Patong near the Blue Ocean Bistros in Phuket. In our newly Resort. Enjoy starters, roast opened bistros we are going to turkey with all the trimmings, Classes for Optimist Open (born Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at Chill out with cool sounds on the serve a classic Christmas plate, Christmas pudding with brandy 1996 or after) Racing on Boathouse Wine and Grill, Kata beach over a welcome cocktail, one that will include pepper- butter or custard. Enjoy beers, Saturday and Sunday, and Watch the sun setting over the before enjoying an amazing four smoked salmon, different kinds spirits and our extensive wine list. Topper Open (Junior, Youth, and Andaman Sea with Christmas course menu by Chef Bryan of herring, Christmas ham, veal We offer free pick-up service within Adults) Beach Cats. cocktails in the sunset lounge, Burger in the stunning new RE KÁ pâté, meatballs, bread and so Patong. Please call 081-895 9568 Entry Fees (includes BBQ): followed by a sumptuous buffet TA Beach Club, overlooking Kata much more. You can't miss it! or 086-273 8978 to book. We look Members, 250 baht per person; dinner with abundant Christmas Beach. Our DJ line-up will heat It's only 695 baht and there are forward to sharing a very Merry Non-members, 350 baht per specials, regional specialties and up the pace with party music no extra charges. So welcome Christmas with you at Oasis. person. Crew needed and boats festive desserts along with Christ- until late. Welcome cocktail at to Two Chefs Bistros. Call 076 We are open every day, so enjoy available for charter. Come and mas carols, a visit from Santa and 6pm, Dinner from 8pm onwards. 333 239 the Holiday Season with us for join the club's Christmas BBQ for our Jazz Quartet. Cocktails at 7pm, Baht 3,800++ per person, paired traditional Thai cuisine, Western 150 baht. Cold beers and soft Dinner from 8pm onwards. Cost with wines. Baht 2,500++ per December 25, 1 to 9pm dishes and our famous pizzas. drinks available. Prize giving at is 4,500++ per person. For more person without wines. Christmas Dinner at Islander, 3pm. Enjoy sailing? Come join info contact Annie Sukanya Soi Patong Resort December 22-23, 9:30am to the Phuket Youth Sailing Chuaywang, tel: 66-76-330015. December 24, 6 to 11:30pm Enjoy our Traditional 3-course 4:30pm: Phuket Youth Sailing Watersports Club – open every Christmas Eve Dinner at Christmas Dinner at the Islander, Club Last Chance Regatta weekend. For more info contact December 24, 7 to 11pm Friendship Beach Resort Soi Patong Resort (off Bangla Open to all Dinghy Classes and Paul Firmin on: 082-814 6007. Chilled-out Christmas Eve at Friendship Beach Resort's Rd), Patong Beach. Beach Cats. Skipper briefing at RE KÁ TA Beach Club at famous Christmas Eve Dinner. A The menu includes a prawn 9:30am to start racing at 10am. December 24, 7am to 11pm: Boathouse fabulous night for the whole cocktail starter, main course of family. Great festive buffet, live roast turkey with all the entertainment. Drinks start from trimmings, Christmas pudding 6pm; buffet opens at 6:30. Live with custard for dessert, plus a music starts at 7pm. This glass of house wine – all for only dinner is a sellout every year. 895 baht. To be sure of a seat, Book now to avoid disappoint- please book early with our Informal Sunday morning computer clinics ment. Call Chef Charlie on cashier, or call Khun Kanha on Do you have a question about computers, Windows, or the internet in Phuket? 089-728 5304. 081-893 6072. Need to find out where to get things fixed, or the best places to shop for new computer stuff? Drop by one of our FREE informal computer clinics. Every Sunday morning, starting around 10am or so, a group of computer savvy locals meet for breakfast at the Chalong/Fisherman’s Way Sandwich Shoppe, 1 km north of Chalong Circle on Chao Fah East road. Don’t be bashful: introduce yourself to the group at the big table, and ask away. You might even find an iPad/iPhone, Android or Mac guru, if you’re lucky. Sponsored by the Phuket Gazette and Khun Woody’s Sandwich Shoppes. Contact at 076-282403, [email protected] or visit KhunWoody.com 36 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012 On the tin trail Lost treasure and an ancient trade highway to the Siamese capital TOWARDS the end of the 18th Storms would wreck countless century, trade and logistics was a ships and opportunistic pirates tough business. Phuket, or Junk infested the sea trade routes. Ceylon, during that time was rich However in 1785, the Burmese in tin, a semi-precious metal that invaded Siam and war broke out was highly sought after by Euro- of small rivers and canals until it between the two Kingdoms. pean and Indian traders. Tin reached the Siamese capital in the Whilst Junk Ceylon managed to mining was therefore an impor- central plains. Up until 1785, the fend off the invaders, the ancient King Rama I ordered the construction of a new trade route connecting tant source of revenue for the trail had been used by merchants land route to the capital that had southern towns of Siam with Bangkok. Photo: adaptorplug island. Because tin mines in Junk to transport goods to the capital been used for centuries was cut Ceylon were considered govern- since the Ayutthaya period. It was off by Burmese troops that had ment property, a large chunk of also used by traders who wished taken over parts of the isthmus. trade revenue had to be sent to to avoid sailing all the way around It soon became impossible to the capital on a regular basis. the Malay Peninsular to reach the transport tin and other revenues In a time long before banks Bay of Bengal. from Junk Ceylon to the capital and money transfers, revenue In order to ship tin revenues since major towns like Takua- collected in the form of silver, from Junk Ceylon to the capital, Pa, Takua-Thung, Chaiya and gold or bartered goods had to be the governor of Thalang would Chumporn had fallen under physically transported to the capi- arrange to send the cargo up to Burmese control. Stocks of tin, tal to be handed over to the King. Takua-Thung. The governor fabrics from India and an array A rare document dated around of Takua-Thung would then of weaponry bound for the capi- 1785 explained this process. arrange to forward the goods to tal began to pile up at the Khao It was mandated that tin Takua-Pa so that it could be Sok pass for years. Much of the revenues from Junk Ceylon and transported along the trail. cargo was lost, damaged or nearby towns, as well as merchan- The overland route was used stolen during this time. dise imported from eastern India for many reasons. It was an old After the war, King Rama I had to be transported to the route that had been used for years wanted to establish a new trade capital on a regular basis. by merchants, since the ancient route from the south to Bangkok. In the 18th century Siamese days when Takua-Pa, or as it was He asked Phraya Surintharaja, a high merchants used a route that called, Takola, was still a thriving ranking noble, to find a new ship- started from Takua-Pa, a town trade center. A network of deep ment route that would connect the just north of Junk Ceylon. Trav- canals had been dug so that coastal towns on the south-west elers and caravans would then merchandise could be transported with the capital. Phraya Surintharaja pass through Khao Sok in Surat by large boats to different towns. was the governor of eight coastal Thani, an area that is covered with The town of Chaiya on the Kra towns in the south of Siam, thick tropical rain forest and steep Isthmus was also a popular stop including Thalang (Junk Ceylon), hills even today. The caravans for merchants and traders. Takua-Pa and Takua-Thung, so he would have to penetrate the tropi- Using this route was hard, knew the geography of the area quite th cal jungle to get to Thaphanom considering merchants had to well. These towns made up a ROAD TO RICHES: The 17 Century trade route to Bangkok started from canal. From there government transport their heavy cargo for major part of the old route. The Takua-Pa, just north of Phuket (then called Junk Ceylon). Photo: davecito officials would arrange for the miles overland through harsh arrival of the Portuguese, Dutch and In return, he promised King needed replacement to the old one goods to be taken to Chaiya. The terrain. But it remained the English also meant that sea voyages Rama I that he would open a new that had been in use for centuries. cargo of tin and other goods preferred route because sailing were becoming safer and more trade route that would connect the Using the new route, it only took would then be transported by small around the Malay peninsular was advanced and can be utilized to a southern towns of Siam with three days for goods to reach boats sailing along a connection considered even more dangerous. greater extent. Bangkok. The King agreed and Bangkok from the south. Initially Phraya Surintharaja was Phraya Surintharaja set out to plan The journey was also much asked by King Rama I come to the new route. He asked the King easier and less prone to sudden Bangkok to meet with him. There to grant him the use of ten flash floods that had in the past the King told him that a high rank- elephants from Nakhon Si destroyed a lot of precious cargo. ing minister had just passed away Thammarat and another ten from The new route not only allowed for and that he wanted Phraya Chaiya, in addition to a large easier transportation of imports and Surintharaja to take the vacant workforce that will be recruited revenue to the capital, it also made position. Although highly honored, from the nearby villages. The King the administration of southern prov- Phraya Surintharaja did not want to approved of his request and the inces easier and more effective. stay in Bangkok and told the King large project to clear a new route that he’d lead a happier life if he was to Bangkok was underway. Anand Singh is an avid historian allowed to remain the King’s vice- The new route that Phraya based in Phuket. Contact him at: roy in the southern coastal towns. Surintharaja built was a much [email protected] The Portuguese and Siam IN 1961, then ‘Charge d’Affaires’ to Thailand Dr Jorge Torres- of Portugal in Thailand, Mr Inácio Pereira who is proposing to Rebello de Andrade wrote a 92 revisit the theme and underlying page essay on the Portuguese approach. presence in Siam, which he called Dr Torres-Pereira, who joined “Os Portugueses e o Siao no the Portuguese Diplomatic Contexto da Peninsula da Service in 1987, has been immersed Indochina” (The Portuguese and full time in “Portuketology” Siam in the context of the Evidence of the first westerners in (Portuguese in Phuket) since his Indochina Peninsula). Siam at Wat Pho. Photo: dhammajak.net arrival in Thailand at the end of His preoccupation throughout original typescript of that essay 2010, with objective of energiz- the text was to underline links is preserved at the Siam ing the Commemorations of 500 between events in Siam and Society’s Library where it was years of diplomatic relations what was occurring at the time found, fifty years later, by the between Thailand and Portugal. in the neighboring countries. The current Ambassador of Portugal – Phuket Gazette December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 37 Piyarat Kulvanich PHUKET-born Piyarat “Jiab” charitable works. As one of the Kulvanich grew up in a typically founding committee members of extended Thai family. Within the the Thai Peranakan Association, she circle of relatives, friends and takes part in its numerous activi- neighbors, she remembers that ties to raise awareness and preserve there was a strong community the heritage of old Phuket customs spirit where everyone looked out and traditions. She is also an for each other. active member of the Phuket Com- “On Thalang Road, where I grew A stalwart in marketing and munity Foundation, which is part up, my friends and I could play and public relations, Piyarat brings her of the global network of societies end up at any house where we would experience to bear on the complex dedicated to the social and educa- be as welcome as in our own home. business of hospital management, tional improvement of needy It was a safe and secure environ- but is quick to point out that mar- people, as well as being a Rotarian ment and that kind of spirit stayed keting is not just about advertising. attached to the Jungceylon sector. with me long after I left.” “It’s a question of ethics. “My hospital and charity work In her role as marketing manager Hospital work is a matter of life compliment each other but are not for Phuket International Hospital and death and therefore cannot be totally mutually exclusive. I (Siriroj), Piyarat strives to establish bragged about openly in the represent the Hospital, which the same sense of community media. In other words, the hospi- supports certain causes and among her staff and patients. tal can not and will not say that it society then learns about the work “Patients’ experience is important can cure such and such disease,” I do at the hospital. It’s a kind of as we like to think of the organiza- says Piyarat, adding that: ‘network marketing’ if you like.” tion as ‘the hospital of choice for “It is more about projecting For Piyarat, there’s always Phuket,’ so we must make patients confidence and professionalism to time left in the day to share a feel they are part of the family.” prospective and existing custom- passion or interest with others. Armed with a Master of ers, and about developing staff Recently, she has discovered a Science in business administration who are sympathetic, patient and special herbal product to help qualification, Piyarat started her capable. Our staff work hard to with a multitude of hair problems. career in the marketing sector in create trust in patients.” She is so impressed with it that Bangkok, where she remained for Even if she admits that her work she decided to open Mamma Hair 10 years. She came back to Phuket is detailed and complicated (“in the Spa on Chao Fah West Road. About Thai Gallery in the late 1990s and worked for service area it’s impossible to “My aim is not commercial The individuals profiled in “Thai Gallery” are chosen on the basis of Bangkok Hospital Phuket as its achieve zero defect”), Piyarat thor- but to share this extraordinary their contributions to Phuket as an international community, and, marketing manager. oughly loves what she does. product that is based on local often, for having made those contributions through successful social She tried changing her line “It’s all about viewing obstacles wisdom. The spa is also a place and/or working relationships with foreigners. This implies some of work once, working for a as opportunities and using creativ- where I meet up with friends and foreign language skills and an interest in interacting with different software company, but she ity to solve problems,” she says. relatives. This, and the charity cultures. They are people who in our experience help make the lives of returned to the healthcare Piyarat believes in giving back work I do give me that sense of expats far more enjoyable here than might be the case without them. business and joined Phuket to the society and for this reason community and belonging that I International Hospital in 2006. she is actively involved in many grew up with.” 38 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012 An Einsteinian speed anomaly LAST week I talked about Phuket, give wildly the best-known internet different results. In my speed measuring web sites case, using a True 10 – not the ones your Internet Mbps (megabits per Service Provider (ISP) second) ADSL line, I sets up and gooses to show impossible saw everything from 9 Mbps in tests to Los scores, but the sites that are internationally Angeles on OOKLA’s Speedtest.net, down to recognized as providing a reasonable indica- 1.6 Mbps on DSLReports’ test to LA. tion of the speed your line actually delivers. I tried using a different line – a nominal LIGHTSPEED LIARS: Some internet speed tests for Phuket show a ping that’s faster than Some of you wrote to me and said that 10 Mbps 3BB line – and the speeds were all the speed of light, which is impossible given Einsteinian physics. Photo: Randy Pertiet you don’t care about your internet speed. I a little slower, but not by much. On any downloads lots of torrents at night. I won’t international speeds dropped by about 80 per think that’s great: if you don’t mind missing single line, the speeds stayed consistent, justify his torrent predilection, except to note cent. One day, we were seeing 8 to 10 Mbps. out on news broadcasts and sports shows, regardless of which computer I was using that he can’t see the movies he wants to The next day it was down to 1 or maybe 2 YouTube and Skype, then I salute you and (including a Mac), which operating system see in Phuket, can’t read books he wants Mbps. The speeds have never gone back up. envy your isolation. But I’d also note in pass- (Windows 8, Windows 7, OS X), or which to read, can’t listen to or buy music he As a result, the TOT Fiber 2U service, ing that in a few short years, it’ll be possible browser (IE, Chrome, Firefox, Safari). wants to hear, so he turns to the pirate sites. which was once the fastest internet in to watch all of your favorite TV shows over To further confound matters, when I run Khun Roger has a 3BB ADSL connec- Phuket, is now just barely keeping up with a fast connection, for a tiny fraction of what a “ping” test on the OOKLA Speedtest.net tion, and he’s been tracking his actual ADSL lines that cost half as much. TV costs now. You’ll also be missing out on to Los Angeles, I get a result that shows download speeds closely with a piece of My guess is that somebody flipped a interactive college courses and free interna- the ping is running faster than the speed of software called NetMeter. NetMeter switch in Bangkok – that up until that fateful tional phone calls – and a thousand other light. Perhaps True and 3BB have had watches the data coming into the computer; day in October 2011, the Fiber 2U lines had applications that nobody’s dreamed up yet. consultations with Dr Einstein, but I rather it doesn’t try to measure how fast the line access to unthrottled international access. Others wrote to me and said that their doubt they’ve figured out how to make an can go, it just counts as the data comes in. Then somebody decided they better toss the internet connection is just fine, thank you very internet connection run faster than light. What Khun Roger has found is that his Fiber 2U international lines in with the ADSL much, and if I’m having trouble with mine, I It gets worse. If I use a downloader with 3BB line gives him about 1.2 Mbps until lines. As a result, it’s very hard to recom- should have the phone company check and multiple concurrent threads – basically midnight, and then at precisely midnight, the mend that people spend twice as much on see what’s wrong with my line – instead of different download sessions, all mashed download speed goes up to 12 Mbps. For TOT Fiber 2U as a plain-vanilla ADSL line. whining about it in the Gazette. That, too, is over the same ADSL line – I get 9 Mbps, whatever reason, 3BB is throttling his line until an admirable position to take, but I’m not just consistent with OOKLA. Which is incon- midnight, every night, and then suddenly We’re running informal computer clinic whining about my lines (I have four – includ- sistent with Einsteinian physics. increases his bandwidth by a factor of ten. roundtables every Sunday morning at ing 3G – and always recommend at least two, I still have no explanation – and can’t It isn’t clear to me if this is a throttling Sandwich Shoppe Chalong, located 1 km north from different service providers). I’m also recommend one testing site over another. performed on Khun Roger alone, or if it’s of Chalong Circle on Chao Fah East road. If whining about the lines attached to hundreds Phuket isn’t unique in having inconsis- indicative of 3BB download speeds (or at you have a Windows problem that needs to be of additional internet customers on the island. tent speed test results. Even the US Federal least torrent download speeds) in general. solved, or a question about internet service in Speed’s important for most people. My Communication Commission, which has a But the effect is very striking – and quite Phuket, drop by and ask one of the assembled two-year-old has been learning some English huge vested interest in monitoring broadband replicable, on the nights when he kept track gurus. Sponsored by the Phuket Gazette and language phrases lately. His latest: “The internet speed, have basically thrown up their hands in September and October. Khun Woody’s Sandwich Shoppes. is very slow.” It’s a refrain he invokes when and refused to choose one testing site over Here’s another anomaly. YouTube doesn’t play his Gor-Gai video, or another. Right now they’re hop-scotching When TOT rolled out its Fiber 2U Live Wire is Phuket Gazette columnist Woody the Gigglebellies. The internet’s become an between Speedtest.com and MLab, unwill- service, many of us were ecstatic. At last, Leonhard’s weekly snapshot of all things important part of many lives. ing to commit to one or the other, and unable we figured, we’d be able to get fast fiber internet in Phuket. Shoot him mail at Last week I left you with an agonizing to offer a third alternative. speeds for about 1,500 baht/month. [email protected], follow him on dilemma: the four internationally-best-known There are more anomalies in Phuket. A And we did. For a while. But on October Twitter, @PhuketLiveWire, or “like” his page at speed testing sites, when accessed from friend of mine, let’s call him “Khun Roger”, 7, 2011, quite suddenly, the average Fiber 2U facebook.com/SandwichShoppe. December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 39 The Cambodian book of the dead A VETERAN journalist on the corpse, which has been recently Asian beat, Tom Vater certainly deposited on the seafloor with knows Cambodia. In the crime his feet tied to stones. novel The Cambodian Book of Rolf knows who the victim is, the Dead (Crime Wave Press, it’s Sambat, the co-founder with Hong Kong, 2012, 287pp), his had then fled the burnt out, tired his twin sister of an orphanage in descriptions of Phnom Penh, country as quickly as possible.” Kampot. Kep and Siem Reap are spot on. Maier surveys his fellow plane We’re nearly a third of the way The hero is Maier (no first name) passengers now: “Young, self- into the book now and the plot who grew up in East Germany confident backpackers in search loses its wheels. under the communist government, of post-war adventures, a French There’s the mysterious Kaley where he worked as a foreign cor- tour group in search of temples who may be a reincarnated malevo- respondent in East Europe. He and a few old men in search of lent spirit; a mysterious German, slipped over to the West women, or children, or “The White Spider”, with a Nazi and before the Berlin Wall anything else that Yugoslav Communist past who had fell and became a war would be available in been an adviser to General Tep and correspondent for a hell for a few dollars, the Khmer Rouge, and a mysteri- German news agency had replaced the sol- ous Russian, Vladimir, who is holed for the next decade. diers and gangsters up in the old French hill resort of This career ended who alone dared to fly Bokor, an old, fat homosexual giant when his Cambodian into Phnom Penh a alcoholic who may possibly be a CAMBODIAN CRUSADER: Tom Vater weaves a grizzly tale of worry and woe. colleague Hort was few years earlier.” world-class professional assassin. killed by a Khmer In Phnom Penh, All these are jumbled together headquarters for a cadre of crop- with such style and promise Rouge mortar shell. Maier heads for in a plot of increasing complexity haired teenage orphan girls clad in degenerates into a ridiculous Maier then became a the Foreign Corre- and absurdity. Maier is captured, black pajamas and rubber-tire shambles, amid much pretentious detective for a Ham- spondents Club of drugged and tortured not once, sandals, who have been trained as verbiage about how Cambodia is burg agency that Cambodia and his not twice but three times. Khmer Rouge-style killers. There cursed, doomed and riddled with specializes in taking on description of the The story also moves, are heaps of bloody explosions and ghosts. international cases. riverside Sisowat Quay is brilliant absurdly, to an ancient temple in large dollops of violence and It is cursed by one seemingly The case he is on now brings as well as everyone’s favorite late the Angkor Wat complex, torture porn. skilled writer who actually turns him back to Cambodia. night dive of choice, The Heart hundreds of miles to the north, the The novel, which had begun out to be a hack. Maier is hired by the heiress to a of Darkness, throbbing with coffee fortune to report on her only disco music and wreathed in son and induce him to come home. clouds of marijuana smoke. Rolf Muller-Overbeck is running a He runs into an old flame, dive shop in the seaside town of Kep Carissa Stevenson, a Kiwi in the south of Cambodia. He is also reporter from the UNTAC days, involved with a beautiful Cambodian who leads him to meet Pete, an woman named Kaley. English wide-boy, who is Rolf’s On the flight to Phnom Penh, partner in the Kep dive shop. With Maier provides a thumbnail him at a table are Tep, a former history of Cambodia: medieval Khmer Rouge general, and his empire, French colony, an inde- murderous son who actually does pendent nation under Prince plug an obstreperous bar customer Sihanouk, the American B-52 that night. bombings, the terror of the Khmer The scene then shifts to Kep. Rouge, the Vietnamese invasion: Maier meets Rolf and accompa- “Finally, UNTAC, the United nies him on a drive trip to Koh Nations Transitional Authority of Tonsay or Rabbit Island. Cambodia, had shown up, There is a magnificent organized elections of sorts and description of sharks eating a Flowers for the King KNOWN for its fascinating landscapes and enchanting hill tribes, Chiang Mai – the Rose of the North – is also known for its annual flower festival. Spanning an area of 10 rai (4 acres or 1.6 hect- ares), HM the King’s Horticultural Exposition showcases over 100 varieties of flowers. This year’s horticultural show displays flowers, which are native to colder terrains, such as the rare Orange Lily or the famous Holland Tulips. Alongside architectural displays of major worldwide Holland Tulips. Photo: Brent Ozar tourist sites, there are also displays to the throne in 1950. of vertical gardens, as well as a Tasanee Srimonkol, Royal Park tower, which provides a vantage Rajapruek director, in Chiang Mai, point for a 360 degree view of the said this year’s show has been whole exposition. gaining more and more popularity. Another exhibition taking place Organizers suggest the event could is the renowned Royal Flora reach 300,000 visitors this year. Rajapruek Show, which is back once again displaying countless More information about entrance varieties of flowers. Graciously fees and other inquires can be granted the name by HM the King found at royalparkrajapruek.org or in 2010, this event celebrates the by calling 053-114-110-5. The 60th anniversary of HM King exhibitions are open through Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession February next year. – Mcot 40 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012 Flower power at Boathouse ANYONE who has ever tempted fate by It’s all very jolly, with cool jazz tum- trying the ersatz vegetar- bling out of the ian food at Phuket’s top-of-the-line speakers, annual Vegetarian Festival the odd thump and hiss will more than likely agree of the incoming waves that it’s all deep fried; it’s and the relentless whine not actually very good for you and it may of an American lady recounting her visit look like a sausage or a chicken drum-stick to the Holy Land to an unsuspecting Nor- but it actually tastes like soaked cardboard. wegian couple. So when word got out that Marco Scallops, lard anchovies, lime, oyster Westmass, a renowned vegetarian chef from and caviar are next and the salty tang of The Hague, was breezing into town and put- the dish leaps out and slaps diners hard in ting on some swank dinners at the mouth – it’s not dissimilar to a mouth- Boathouse and Trisara, to showcase his justly ful of seawater, albeit in a pleasant way. famed dishes, the urge to try vegetarian A tangy German Riesling washes it fare that didn’t down well. actually taste like the Langoustine, MARCO WESTMASS: Changing our perceptions of vegetarian food. Photos: Boathouse, Trisara Phuket Gazette was yoghurt, parmesan, irresistible. cabbage, rhubarb And lo, there’s the and lemongrass are great man himself, next prompting the serving up some tempting question: pretty meaty gin and Does Chef Marco tonics at RE KÁ TA’s Westmass produce upstairs bar on Kata these dishes, then Beach. The growing name them or does queue at the bar testi- he set out to create a fies to the fact that SWEET: A colorful dessert. laugoustine dish until the evening’s punters would much prefer a he gets the combination right? good slug of gin to the bubbly prosciutto But there’s no such doubt about the bottles standing forlorn to the side like so excellent wine parings of the evening – many rejected suitors. each a light and tasty accompaniment A posse of wait staff circulate, distrib- to these creations. uting amuse bouches from Boathouse until Next up is a sole, lobster, baby carrot, another wave introduces us to Marco’s dashi and lemongrass paired with a cuisine in the form of bitterball crispy Vacheron 2010. Dutch shrimp and dried lupine sausage Good stuff, and as I wander off to chat along with gin glasses of cherry tomato, with the resident DJ a sirloin ‘dry aged’ parmesan, yoghurt and basil. along with Enyingi mushroom, eggplant THE REAL DEAL: Dry aged sirloin with mushroom, eggplant and bok choy. It’s all very tasty and the fact that this and Shanghai bok choy is waiting for me food is made from common-or-garden when I return. lupines is actually quite incredible. But it’s This is incredible – such authenticity, true, so onward we plunge with a tasty such talent – it’s just like the real thing: treat of potato, caviar, Nori seaweed, That’s because it is – a genuine steak to bread, amaranth and mache lettuce. round the mains off. With hindsight I How far away can you get from deep-fried really should have known, but so much cardboard? A long way, we soon learn. magic was going down you could have told A notable taster is the watermelon ‘steak me that it was also made of lupines and I tartar’ which captures the taste, if not the would have believed you. texture, of steak with an uncanny resemblance. And so we all sit down to a wonder- RE KÁ TA is at 182-184 Koktanode Road, Kata fully decked out table in RE KÁ TA’s main Beach, Phuket, 83100 Thailand (next to SOLE OH MIO: Dover sole, lobster, green tea A LICK OF SALT: Scallops, lard anchovies, dining area. Boathouse). Tel: 076 330 421 with baby carrot, cabbage and dashi. lime, oyster and caviar. December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Rendezvous in retrospect

RED ROCKET: A new Ferrari FF at the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa. Friends and new Ferraris CAVALLINO Motors – the sole the occasion. official importer of Ferrari in The Ferrari test drive event Thailand – has joined the grow- was the fourth such event to be From left are Captain Charles Dwyer of Yanneke Too; Tanyuta (Jojo) Sutjacharee of Asia Pacific Superachts; Samantha ing list of car companies to choose held at Renaissance Phuket Caalsen, event organizer and Gordon Fernandes, GM of Asia Pacific Superyachts on board S/Y Silolona. Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa Resort & Spa, since its full open- Balinese-inspired artwork and traditional Indonesian music on as the luxurious setting in which ing in October 2010. The resort accessories throughout have an classic instruments, accompanied to showcase their latest models to was also selected as a partner for Asian flair to suit the theme of the by traditional Indonesian canapes. VIP clientele. the Thailand launch event of the After the first days racing, In December 2012, the Bangkok Ford Fiesta in August 2010, the participants headed to Xana Beach based luxury car importer allowed Thailand test drive of the Mazda club where all yachts, along with potential customers to test drive the 2 in August 2011 and the Thai- WATCHING the first fun race of host hotel and sponsor Angsana new Ferrari FF and Ferrari Califor- land launch of the 2011 Range the annual Asia Superyacht Laguna Phuket, entered their teams nia, this special deal also included a Rover in October 2011. Rendezvous from the 30-meter S/ into the popular Feadship Challenge. stay at the luxurious Renaissance “With its picturesque location Y Asia this week was a great way The Challenge involves teams Phuket Resort & Spa on northern on Mai Khao Beach and world- to experience the event up close. constructing a model sail boat from Phuket’s beautiful Mai Khao Beach. renowned blend of luxury, Sailboats Shamoun, Twizzle, a kit provided, which included items With Renaissance Phuket sophistication and chic style, Yanneke Too, Si Datu Bua, such as: sheets of paper, wood and Resort & Spa an official partner Renaissance Phuket Resort & Silolona and Asia raced on a FULL SAIL AHEAD: The striking drawing pins for sails and plastic for the event, Cavallino Motors’ Spa is the perfect choice for course in Bang Tao Bay, which shapes of several superyachts foam for the boat itself. VIP guests were treated to stays global brands like Ferrari, Range Twizzle comfortably won. dominate the vast Andaman Sea. Once the teams completed their in the resort’s stunning Pool Rover Ford and Mazda, when it S/Y Asia is crewed by husband beautifully decorated yacht. masterpiece, they then picked a Villas, a test drive of the Ferrari comes to creating ultimate expe- and wife Paul and Debbie Johnson The opening night of the member from their team with very FF and Ferrari California models riences for their VIP clientele. We along with a deck hand and Rendezvous, held recently, started strong lungs to blow their model sail from Phuket to Khao Lak’s Lam are extremely proud to be asso- hostess. The yacht has a cutter rig with a cocktail party on board the boat along the metal gutters, which Ru National Park and a luxury ciated with these prestigious sloop, is finished in Burmese teak classic Indonesian-style Phinisi were filled with water. motor yacht cruise on the events and look forward to stag- combining luxurious leather sofas ketch Silolona. It was a close call between crews Andaman Sea. They were also ing many more,” said Renaissance in the saloon with practical sofas in Sitting proud in the middle of the from Callisto, Helix and Samax, but presented with tailor made Phuket Resort & Spa’s General the pilothouse and cockpit. bay, the 50-meter wooden yacht the final race winner was Callisto. Ferrari-themed chocolates and Manager Jason Nuell. The many soft furnishings, played host to an evening filled with – Phuket Gazette cakes, produced exclusively for – Phuket Gazette 42 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012 Going for a ‘grubby’ Christmas By Baz Daniel

THE holiday season is here and the Phuket geese are getting nervous. But tropical heat and looking good on the island’s beaches may require something a little lighter than all that turkey and Christmas pudding. As an alternative consider a Holiday Season dinner comprised of the local creepy-crawlies that many Phuketians love to eat. The Locust Eaters

Insects are full of protein. A few of decades ago a large swarm of locusts blew clear across the Indian Ocean and started munch- ing on Thai crops. Scientists recommended that the farmers PICK N’ MIX: A healthy protein snack. Photo: ADwarf start eating the locusts in turn. Ant-i Pasta? chopped up very finely and served Fair’s only fair, if an insect eats with sticky rice. your dinner, the law of Karma If you want to eat ants with The result will not be an ant-i- almost mandates that you turn him your pasta, try the abundant red climax! into dinner in return thereby ones found in Phuket. These ensuring that what goes around deserve to be eaten, as they’re the Everybody gets a leg comes around. blighters that drop from vegeta- Thais have been enjoying tion onto unwary passersby and Tarantulas are mega-spiders that locusts ever since. In Phuket you try to bite a piece off their body have a leg span of up to four inches can buy a bag of tukataen – fried to carry back to their nests. and live in holes in the ground. locusts with dipping sauce. In fact REACH FOR THE STARS: (above) Starfish, scorpion and seahorse skewers You need to collect a lot of ants Experts can tease the spiders out of these days they’re considered a bit make a change from other seasonal treats. Photo: Marieke Kuijjer for a good feed, so go hunting for their holes and quickly grab them. of a delicacy and are pricey. Tarantula appetizer (below), locust satay. Photos: Istolethetv their nests. These are fairly easy to They’re actually a lot less venom- When eating your locust, pull off Stir fry kanoon, chunky little brown spot hanging off branches. ous than their scorpion cousins and the hind legs, which are rather them quickly beetles that emerge at Approach the nest with a bucket have plenty of meat on them. prickly. The rest is nice and crunchy and serve the of water, a stick Scorpions and goes well with a cold beer… in hot. The beginning of the and a sharp pair of have less meat fact the more cold beer you drink, outside is mon- scissors. Very and of course, an the better they taste. slightly soon carefully (unless outer carapace, chewy, sea- you enjoy being but once cooked As Smooth as Silk but son bitten by ants) are harmless the every position the and so can be The life cycle of the silk worm inside couple of bucket below gulped down involves a couple of months tastes years or the nest and snip sting and all. incarnated as a feeding machine, in like a so. it away from Mmmmm… the form of a caterpillar, munching fine egg Catching the branch so munchy, on Mulberry leaves. Once gorged, yolk and them is that it drops into crunchy and they spin a cocoon of silk around makes an easy. the water. with plenty of themselves and go into their pupa excellent During Quickly stir roughage! stage for a nice long sleep. appetizer. the day they the water with All joking This is when you pounce. burrow into the the stick to break aside, one of the Silk farmers dump the cocoons Beetle Bailey ground, but at night they up the nest and great benefits of into boiling water and boil off the emerge to feast on foli- drown the ants. Leave it for a while, eating insects and arachnids, as silk. This doesn’t bother the A lot of insects eaten in age. Take a flashlight as even drowning ants have a some locals do in Phuket, is that worms as they are undergoing the Phuket are fried. Simply drop your and shine it on bushes and remarkable ability to bite! You’ll they contain a very high concen- “big change” and inside are just creepy crawlies into a saucepan you’ll see the beetles because probably find lots of little white tration of protein. basically biological soup. with a little oil, chili and garlic and their eyes reflect the light with a blobs mixed in with the ants. These If you can get your head After skimming off the silk, the hold it over the heat, giving an lovely golden glow. are their eggs and are also highly around the aesthetics of their farmers are left with the pupae occasional shake to ensure that they Most will then make a beeline, edible. consumption, you are actually which look rather like a grubby are evenly cooked. When the last or a ‘beetle line’, for the light and Red ants are best eaten as larb, a dining on a very healthy food Nike running shoe, about a one stops kicking, it’s time to eat. can be easily harvested. They take Laotian style specialty, also found group indeed. quarter of an inch long. This is a good way to eat meng only a couple of minutes to fry, in northeastern Thailand. Mix the So as an alternative to all that but pull off their wing casings ants with mint, chilies, fish sauce turkey and Christmas pudding, before eating as these are hard and lime then add course-ground consider giving the “Bugger’s Diet” and have rather sharp edges. toasted rice. The whole mess is a try during the this festive season. Termite Time

Swarming termites erupt during the rainy season from huge underground nests and come in a variety of sizes, with the prized specimens having a massive wing- span of up to two inches. To catch flying termites place a bowl of wa- ter under the light on your balcony. Many of the termites, thinking that they have seen the moon, will dive straight into the water. The next morning separate the termites from their wings and you’ll end up with a very tasty meal. Fry ‘em up and EGGS AND EGGS: Ant eggs in a chicken egg omelet which is cooked inside chow ‘em down. a banana leaf cup. Photo: Takeaway December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 43

Watch THat Caps Lock. Photo: Fredrik Thommesen

Prime real estate for Optimus Prime . Photo: Isaac Stone Simonelli THE ACID TEST: Yup, it passed. Photo: pawpaw67 Vital Signs Still waiting for that bus? Photo: Fredrik Thommesen

One way to put on weight. Sorry to bring this up. Photo: Isaac Stone Simonelli Maybe it’s a brand name. Photo: McKay Savage Photo: Andy Mitchell Bah humbug: A Christmas advisory PLEASE be advised that any one Following last year’s well planning to dash through the snow publicized case, everyone is advised in a one-horse open sleigh, going that EEOC legislation prohibits any over the fields and laughing all the comment with regard to the way is required to undergo a risk redness of any part of Mr Rudolph assessment addressing the safety of the Reindeer. Furthmore, any ex- open sleighs for members of the clusion of Mr Reindeer from public. This assessment must also reindeer games will be considered consider whether it is appropriate discriminatory and disciplinary to use only one horse for such a action will be taken against those venture, particularly where there are found guilty of this offence. multiple passengers. Please note that While it is acknowledged that permission must also be obtained, gift-bearing is commonly practiced in writing, from landowners before in various parts of the world, their fields may be entered. To avoid everyone is reminded that the bear- offending those not participating in ing of gifts is subject to Hospitality celebrations, we request that laugh- Guidelines and all gifts must be ter is moderate only and not loud Mr Rudolph at the trial. Photo: istolethetv registered. This applies regardless enough to be considered a noise plan must be submitted to account of the individual, even royal person- nuisance. for known risks to the flocks. ages. It is particularly noted that Benches, stools and orthopedic The angel of the Lord is direct gifts of currency or gold are chairs are now available for collec- additionally reminded that – prior specifically precluded under provi- tion by any shepherds planning or to shining his/her glory all around sions of the Foreign Corrupt required to watch their flocks at – she/he must confirm that all Practices Act. night. While provisions have also shepherds are wearing appropri- Finally, in the recent case of the been made for remote monitoring ate Personal Protective Equipment infant found tucked up in a manger of flocks by CCTV cameras from due to the harmful effects of UVA, without any crib for a bed, Social a centrally heated shepherd obser- UVB and the overwhelming Services have been advised and will vation hut. An emergency response effects of Glory. be arriving shortly. 44 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012 Say it with flowers Christmas presents

IN THE SPIRIT: Norfolk Island Pine grows well in Phuket and is a great substitute for an artificial Christmas tree. Photo: Ian Page-Echols Poinsettias make the perfect Christmas gift. Photo: davidd everywhere in plant nurseries and Christmas. A member of the choice as a seasonal present and tolerate life in a container. You will can be kept indoors, provided it is solanum family (think potatoes has masses of large, glossy, round find young potted specimens in not in a draught – air-condition- and tomatoes), it is an excellent berries in shades of green, yellow local nurseries. I bought a small ing will cause both bracts and and orange. As a small plant with one years ago; it now stands leaves to drop. Put outside, it will deep green leaves, maybe eighteen about three meters tall. “SAY it with flowers” is a popular require some protection from inches high, it makes an attrac- Re-potted once, it would still do mantra of the florist business. the full tropical sun, but in tive table decoration. service as a Christmas tree if I had And for most occasions and the right conditions can Don’t over water, since the strength to carry it indoors. certainly for most ladies, a become a small tree. this will result in leaf and I am not a fan, but you might romantic bouquet of roses or Like the holly and berry loss, but do mist want to consider artificial flow- lilies speaks louder than words. mistletoe of Christian occasionally with a spray. ers as a seasonal gift. Their quality For Christmas though, and myth, the poinsettia is Whether the Jerusalem has certainly improved beyond for the keen gardener, something associated with reli- cherry will translate after- measure in recent years. The a bit more practical is the order gion. Legend has it that wards to your garden is Index store, for example, has a of the day. a poor Mexican girl, open to question, but I huge range, from neat pots of Indoor potted plants are unable to provide a would suggest filtered tulips, proteus, zinnias and the like, always a sensible choice. They Christmas gift for her sunlight or semi-shade. to large single- stemmed versions can grace the festive table and local church, gathered Need a Christmas of delphiniums, lilies and sunflow- afterwards be transferred out- weeds and placed them tree? My third, more ers. If you prefer the real thing doors. The number one choice outside the building. ambitious gift suggestion, is but want longevity, try dried world-wide is what Thais refer to Miraculously, they blos- the Norfolk Island pine. As arrangements of lotus seed-heads, as kistmas, a euphorbia called somed and became poinsettias. befits a conifer from the South teasles or straw flowers. poinsettia, which has huge red Of course the vivid hue is also Pacific, it grows well in Phuket. (sometimes yellow, green or associated with the blood of Christ. With its conical shape and layers If you have a question or a garden cream-colored) leaves, which Another American native is the Lotus seed-heads can be used of horizontal and profusely that you would like featured, are in fact bracts. Euphorbia Jerusalem cherry. As a child, I with straw flowers for Christmas needled branches, it looks like an you can email me anytime at: pulcherrima, are now appearing remember we always had one at decorations. Photo: Inthebug exotic Christmas tree and will [email protected] Tip of the Week

fleshy berry (mulberry), a Fruit types drupe with a hard interior pit THE term fruit refers to the or stone such as a mangos- product of a plant’s reproduc- teen, lansium or langsart, tive system. Most, but by no rambudan, to a pome (think means all, are produced by apples, guavas), There are trees. Shrubs that bear edible also nuts with a hard outer shell fruit include the caramba or such as coconuts, and legumes country gooseberry, the Pomegranate. Photo: Prato which produce pods (tama- roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa) rind, sator, senna). Oddly, the whose small red fruits are granatum) which is full of flesh- peanut is a legume. Not all are made into a refreshing drink covered seeds, and usually ends edible and a few are toxic: for popular with Thais, and up as vitamin-rich juice. example the drupe of the pomegranate (punica Fruits range in style from a thevetiana (yellow oleander). December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 45

Bas accepts a gift from the crew of Silolona at the Feadship challenge.

The Einstein-inspired concept boat Relativity. Photos: Asia Superyacht FLOATING PALACE: Feadship’s Helix, the fifth of the F45 series, was launched from the Royal Van Lent shipyard. Rendezvous A rendezvous with Feadship

By Andrew Scott other exciting destinations nearby. yacht offer? things that do. their different roles. The people here are so nice, At Feadship we like to be an A few years ago we introduced It is not meant to be a sales The Phuket Gazette was lucky there’s excellent food and the innovative player and six or a new propulsion concept, which driven event. For example, we have enough to catch up with Bas supplies are here. seven years ago we started we are now building for the first the ‘Feadship challenge’ where Nederpelt of Feadship recently to It is very different to the Carib- spending a lot of time and time, and also design concepts crews have to build a small yacht talk about the success of the bean, which is the most popular effort with our design teams and are adopted on certain projects. out of wood, which we would never recent Superyacht Rendezvous cruising ground in winter, but there naval architects and all that was These concepts are there to consider stopping as it’s one of the and his company’s commitment are now too many yachts and in-house. We have the biggest inspire us and our clients to come highlights. to the event. people and less to be discovered. naval architecture office in the up with a more advanced The sailing is not competitive world. We challenge them every product. either and we will certainly Why do you continually How did you start out at year to come up with an origi- continue to sponsor the event in support the Asia Superyacht Feadship? nal idea. What do like about the the near future. Rendezvous? I joined them five years ago. Although we don’t normally Superyacht Rendezvous? Feadship started to support Before that, I was in the industry make a concept for a client – we We want to keep it almost the For more information on Feadship the event because we thought it for five years. At some stage in a normally show them ideas and same as it’s spot on. It’s a visit: feadship.com or for more was a nice initiative 11 years ago. career it is great to be able to join directions – this year we decided gathering of clients and people information on the Asia Superyacht We felt that this would become the best builder. Feadship is an to create an idea for a client. active in the industry and those rendezvous visit: asia-superyacht- a developing market for yachts. international company that sells It was difficult as we had to who promote the industry in all rendezvous.com Recently we have been really worldwide. It is nice to sell a imagine a client who was no pleased that we aligned ourselves product where every deal, client longer alive and someone who with this event as this is the and project are different. really changed many markets most successful region for and thoughts. So we came up superyachts. How do you brand the Feadship with this idea of creating a name? design for Albert Einstein. Has the yachting potential for Feadship was the first to start this region been fully realized? superyacht building, well over a What does the boat feature? One of the reasons we joined is 100 years ago. The brand as such It features a floating platform so that we love the region and knew was created in 1949 after the that Einstein and his fellow great that it had to develop. I think the Second World War. There was no thinkers can enjoy spending time potential will grow exponentially demand in Europe at this time so on the yacht. It has a dedicated now and we are seeing a lot more we went to the US. deck for thinkers and families. yachts. The present name was created There are lots of areas to help with There are five or six to cater to the American market, thinking possibilities. Feadships in this region, includ- which has been our most There are always the techni- ing the three that attended the successful market. cal aspects. Our guys came up Superyacht Rendezvous – more Now we are a strong player, with a very green propulsion than any other year. Many people hopefully the leader in custom- package and in the end we from Europe who can’t go to the built motor yachts from 35 to over decided to stay away from Caribbean for winter look to this a hundred meters. We started hydrogen and we came up with region, and Phuket is an unavoid- selling in Asia 20 years ago and a green propulsion system that able stop. now we hope to sell a lot more. saves over 30 per cent in fuel.

Is this why you chose Phuket What can you tell me about Who do you plan to do a yacht to hold this event? Steve Job’s yacht Venus? for next year? Phuket is better equipped than Nothing. We never disclose I sincerely don’t know. We other areas in this region to host information about our clients. instructed our guys two weeks this event. Cruising in this area ago to develop an idea. What is is different as it is more Feadship unveiled Relativity at nice about these concepts is that adventurous in a way and the the Monaco Boat Show. Why they are rarely adopted 100 per rewards are huge as you have the choose a design for Albert cent. We make things that could Andaman islands, Burma and Einstein and what does the never work but we also make 46 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012

SUDOKU: Each row, column and 3x3 sub-grid must contain the number 1-9 once only. © Kevin Stone (brainbashers.com)

24. The Spanish ration out for a family member (8) 26. Upsets us, copies socially acceptable coach becoming sexy female demon (8) Across: 28. In a small laboratory, right to 9. Taking everything in across- make Thai spicy salad (4) the-board (9) 29. Brought out Editor, badly 10. Rushed, and these became cued (6) jumbled (8) 31. Extort press (7) Down: 11. Told to be watchful for the soothing liquid (8) 12. Bit of a theatrical role (4) 34. Frowned, possibly turn fifty. 1. Lose claims P.E. is out (8) French in free trade (7) 31. Staunch in awful last war 13. Tom’s Ma cooked a Thai Splendid (9) 2. One who scratched, one who 16. And rue becoming not versed in time (8) dish (3,3) 36. Pal, arctic reshaping is got a point! (6) a subject (6) 32. Signed up, lent side out (8) 14. Fundamental principle of common sense (9) 3. Made rapid return, stop, ride 19. Maybe either out East belonging 33. Figure hag mixed up with daughter in racial movement (7) 38. Turn past coach in railway out (8) to them (5) oxen (7) 15. In appearance, instrument for transport going into town (2,5) 4. Gambler streets ahead (6) 20. Sister, the Northern French one (3) 35. Idiot Margaret briefly gets make-believe rock music (3,6) 39. Graduate wail about African 5. Chap I’m on could be the 22. Habituate to ruin out East (6) spice (6) 17. Keep inside ring next to the country (6) outright winner (8) 23. Familiarly, stomach last month 36. The law enforcers keep in bull, Mine host (3,6) 40. Thousand rupees is for Malay 6. Can I, or most, become in uproar (6) order (6) 18. Gained access to tender out weapon (4) immense? (10) 25. Not clear fashionable fancy diet 37. Church of England has East (7) 41. Having brought about, earnest 7. Maybe reside out East, more fine (10) genuine breakfast food (6) 20. Am having none around not plea to return ten (8) sordid! (7) 26. Thus died a piece of turf (3) being a recognizable brand (2,4) 42. A bore can’t possibly make 8. Ace put out by cooking 27. A flat for a big party (4-3) Cryptic crossword compiled by 21. Lien discharged for a band (4) effervescent (9) measure (3,3) 30. Calm in a strange Eastern Patong Bill. Answers on page 31. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 20): return your interest. Those already LEO (Jul 24-Aug 22): realm of romance, playing the Where work and finances committed are forecast to learn that The week passes peacefully waiting game while a fire sign are concerned, the stars their partner has had a change of for those born under the decides what they really want can advise those born under heart concerning an ongoing sign of Leo, with your lose appeal. Those in a committed the sign of Capricorn to strike while disagreement. Wear sparkling plans for low-key celebrations relationship may be dismayed when the iron’s hot. This could cause silver to encourage a festive feeling. working out well. Financial worries they discover that their partner has inconvenience in the midst of the can be forgotten while relaxation is been on a spending spree recently. holiday period, but results will prove ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20): top of your agenda, and there are worthwhile. If your birthday is due Making new connections GEMINI (May 22-Jun 21): signs that the New Year will bring SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22): this week, there are signs that you is highlighted over the There are signs that welcome solutions to ongoing cash Scorpios who were will find it easier to get what you holidays and this can Geminis may be less than flow problems. Wear the color holly seeking solitude during want in the coming year. Wear the encourage Arians to discover skills enthusiastic about spending berry red to enhance your charisma the Christmas holidays color tangerine to make a statement they didn’t know they possessed. Christmas with certain family – an air sign is bound to see you in may find this difficult. Another this Christmas. The stars suggest that you will end members, but the stars advise a new romantic light. water sign won’t take no for an the year with different priorities. keeping your discontent quiet. answer, and family will do what it AQUARIUS (Jan 21-Feb 19): Romance remains uncertain until Emotions can run high and VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 23): takes to convince you to join in It may be difficult for the end of the year; too much disagreements are best avoided. Virgoans are predicted to with festivities. A forgetful mood Aquarians to feel the Christmas cheer can lead to a Where work is concerned, a bumpy enjoy themselves more on Monday and Tuesday can Christmas spirit, but the commitment being made that you road is forecast to become smoother than expected during the cause you to lose important stars recommend taking things at will regret. Exchanging gifts with as the year draws to a close. Your last week of December. The stars possessions; the stars advise your own pace. A fire sign friend friends may mean some awkward romantic outlook is affected by the suggest that surprises are in store, against being distracted on those could show you an escape route moments this weekend. seasonal spirit; an earth sign is ready one of which can be the sudden days. Wear the color cinnamon to out of the festivities. Disappointment to share celebrations with you. arrival of a family member in time encourage a sweeter mood. in the realm of romance should TAURUS (Apr 21-May 21): to share Christmas. Romance be put down to experience; Hard working Taureans CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 23): should bring some excitement; a SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21): Cupid is ready to show you the will be relieved to take a A weak link in the world secret admirer is poised to reveal Personal relationships way towards a meaningful break during the festive of work threatens to their identity during the festive fall under the spotlight relationship with another air sign season. A quiet time lies ahead, with disrupt your plans, but season. Those already committed during the remainder of early in the New Year. the focus on sharing simple pleasures the stars suggest that this matter will be touched by their partner’s December. Christmas can be the with close friends and family. Last can be left on hold until the choice of gift. ideal time to bury the hatchet with PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20): minute Christmas shopping is well- holiday period has passed. Meeting someone you fell out with lately; Persistence pays off for starred this weekend; you should under the mistletoe can be the ideal LIBRA (Sept 24-Oct 23): a water sign is waiting for you to Pisceans this week. There find the perfect gift to please a opportunity to make a romantic Your talents for creating make the first move. Sagittarians are signs that something partner. Those seeking romance can connection with an earth sign, but a party atmosphere are who have been caught up in a you have wanted to happen for a meet their match when an air sign another water sign is not forecast appreciated over the romantic dilemma start to see an long time is about to be realized. If makes contact. Money matters are to respond positively to your holiday period as there are hints that easy way out. The stars advise this relates to a romantic relationship, auspicious on Monday and Tuesday, approach. Finances are well friends could call for last minute putting your personal finances in expect another water sign to with unexpected gain highlighted. starred later in the week. help to organize celebrations. In the order before the end of the year. December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 47 Barca tie Messi down

By Mark Elkington over the peak of his playing ca- reer, injury permitting. BARCELONA secured the futures At 25, Messi has already set a of leading players Lionel Messi, number of club scoring records Xavi and Carles Puyol with re- and is favorite to win a fourth newed contracts on Tuesday. World Player of the Year award World Player of the Year next month. Messi’s deal has been extended by He has been the top scorer in two years to June 30, 2018, the world’s highest-profile club which ties him until he is 31, the competition, the Champions La Liga leaders said in a statement. League, for four years in a row, The 34-year-old Puyol, the and hit the headlines recently as club’s captain, has agreed a three- he racked up his 90th goal in 2012 year extension to June 30, 2016, for club and country. which would effectively see the Barca built their team around Spanish international through to the fleet-footed forward over four the end of his playing career at 38. trophy-filled seasons under coach Xavi’s existing deal ran until June Pep Guardiola until he stepped 2016 depending on appearances but aside last May, and the transition the 32-year-old midfielder’s new to former number two Tito contract would now end then re- Vilanova has failed to upset ‘the gardless of the number of times he flea’s’ rhythm. played, Barca added. Messi has already scored 25 The new contracts will be goals in 16 La Liga games this signed in the coming weeks. season, the latest being a double “It is with great satisfaction that against second-placed Atletico the board are able to bring continu- Madrid in a 4-1 victory on Sun- ity to this successful project with day which left Barca clear at the MAGICAL: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Real Zaragoza on November 17. Photo: AFP the renewed deals for Xavi, Puyol top, and 13 points ahead of their feel right I will stop whether I have and Messi,” Barcelona director Toni great title rivals Real Madrid. a contract in place or not.” Freixa told a news conference. Puyol has been a central figure Like Puyol and Messi, “Puyol, Messi and Xavi are at the heart of the Barca defence playmaker Xavi is a product of the three basic pillars. It was essen- for more than a decade, famous club’s acclaimed youth academy, tial to have our principal figures for his commitment and aggres- and has pulled the strings in tied to the club. sion. His return after a string of midfield for more than a decade. “The buy-out clauses remain injuries has settled a backline that With Cesc Fabregas settling the same until there is a financial looked distinctly shaky earlier in into the side more, and the talented improvement.” the campaign. Thiago Alcantara emerging, Span- Offering Messi a further two Speaking at a news conference ish international Xavi has years indicates how important the on Monday, Puyol said: “I want to increased competition for his place Argentine is to the club and en- play until I am 40. I want to con- but remains a vital part of sures they secure his services tinue playing... but when it doesn’t Vilanova’s plans. EPL weekend round up ASTON Villa turned on the style Tarabat was enough to ensure last weekend beating a resurgent victory. Liverpool side 3-1 at Anfield. Manchester United brushed Young Belgian star Christian aside a poor Sunderland team 3-1 Benteke bossed Liverpool’s de- at Old Trafford. The score line fenders all game and he was flattered Martin O’Neill’s team as rewarded with two goals. the hosts missed a number of Benteke’s cheeky back heel set up chances throughout the game. Anders Weimann for Villa’s sec- Robin Van Persie and Tom Clev- ond, in a game that left Liverpool erly scored in four first half minutes reeling after their manager claimed to seal the victory but Manchester before the match that his team United should have won by a larger could make a top four finish. score line. Brendan Rodger’s footballing United go into the Christmas philosophy seems to be taking period at the top of the league, and shape at Liverpool, but he will need after this sort of attacking display to add to a lean squad in January’s and the return from injury of transfer window if he intends to Nemanjic Vidic to shore up their make good on his audacious claim. defense, the red side of Manches- Aston Villa’s starting 11, with ter is looking good. an average age of 23, is the young- Manchester City helped push est team fielded in the Premiership Newcastle United closer to the this season. Paul Lambert’s bright relegation zone with a 3-1 win. young players have reached the The victory from City was the semifinals of the Capital One Cup perfect response after they lost Benteke celebrates. Photo:AFP and they continue to slowly move the Manchester derby a week ear- Other results: away from the relegation zone, lier to a late Van Persie goal. Norwich 2-1 Wigan currently sitting in 14th place. Arsenal beat Reading 5-2 in Stoke 1-1 Everton (Everton’s QPR moved off the bottom of the Monday night game thanks Marouane Fellaini has been sus- the table with their first win of the to a hat trick from Santi Cazorla. pended for three games after he season against Fulham. Arsenal banished the memory of headbutted Ryan Shawcross in this The 2-1 scoreline made it a their humiliating Capital One Cup match) nervy last few minutes for Harry defeat to Bradford and ensured West Brom 0-0 West Ham Redknapp and his team but an Reading stayed bottom of the Tottenham 1-0 Swansea inspired performance from Adel league. – Andrew Scott 48 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012 Year of the ‘Celtic Tiger’ By Mark Lamport-Stokes

RORY McIlroy’s dominance on both sides of the Atlantic and the clearest hint yet at the exciting potential in China were the big- gest storylines in what may prove to be a truly transformational golfing year in 2012. The coronation of McIlroy as the game’s leading player was confirmed in sensational fashion when the exciting Northern Irishman cruised to his second major title by a record eight shots in the PGA Cham- pionship at Kiawah Island in August. Dubbed ‘Boy Wonder’ in his homeland for the past decade, McIlroy fully justified his other nickname of the ‘Celtic Tiger’ as he ended the year being showered with vir- tually every accolade available to him. He followed in the footsteps of Luke Donald when he became the second player to win the money list titles in both Europe and the United States and he strengthened his position as world number one with an extraordinary run of form. Long regarded as heir-apparent to Tiger Woods as the game’s greatest player, McIlroy has smoothly taken over that role while Woods, despite triumphing three BOY WONDER: Rory: McIlroy has been the dominant golfer of 2012. Photo: Reuters times on the 2012 PGA Tour in a welcome Bradley as the only players to triumph in wanted to end it in real style,” he said after return to winning ways, has had to take a the majors using a long putter. spectacularly making birdies on the last five back seat. That trend, coupled with the growing holes to close with a 66. The 23-year-old McIlroy is almost cer- number of younger golfers opting to an- While the richly talented McIlroy is a tain to be a dominant figure in golf for at chor putters to their chin, chest or belly, gifted shot-maker, left-hander Watson de- least another decade but 14-year-old Chi- prompted golf’s rule makers last month to livered the ‘blow’ of the year with a nese Guan Tianlang gave a strong indication propose a ban on the technique, which miraculous escape from pine straw to win Guan Tianlang waves to the crowd at the Asia of the likely impact from his part of the could come into effect by 2016. the Masters in a playoff with South African Amateur Championship. Photo: Reuters world well beyond that time frame. However, McIlroy’s stellar play around Louis Oosthuizen in April. came at the Ryder Cup in September when Guan ensured he would become the the world gave golf fans their most stirring On the second extra hole, the long-hit- Europe overhauled a deficit of 10-6 going youngest player ever to compete at the memories in 2012. ting American ended up well right and deep into the final day to beat the United States Masters by winning the Asia-Pacific Ama- He recorded four wins on the US cir- in the tree line off the tee from where he by 14-1/2 points to 13-1/2. teur Championship last month, tantalizing cuit among 10 top-10s in just 16 starts had a narrow avenue to the green. Inspired by the spirit of the late Seve proof of the vast golfing potential in the before ending the season being named the Undaunted, Watson struck a stunning Ballesteros, Europe sent out their best Chinese market. PGA of America Player of the Year, the hook off the pine straw with a gap wedge, players early and rode a wave of blue The world’s most populous nation had PGA Tour’s Player of the Year and his ball bending 40 yards in the air to settle numbers to retain the trophy when celebrated another coup just five months winner of the Vardon Trophy for the low- 10 feet from the pin before he claimed his Germany’s Martin Kaymer defeated Steve earlier when Shanshan Feng, 22, clinched est scoring average. first major victory with a two-putt par. Stricker one up. the LPGA Championship by two shots in McIlroy clinched the Arnold Palmer “I got in these trees and hit a crazy shot,” “Seve will always be present with this Rochester, New York to become the first Award as the PGA Tour’s leading money said Watson, a self-taught golfer who team,” a teary-eyed European captain Jose person from mainland China to win a winner, with earnings of US$8,047,952, learned the game by hitting wiffle balls Maria Olazabal said of his fellow Spaniard, women’s major. and was delighted to follow that up with around his house. “I just hooked it up there friend and mentor. “He was a big factor for Remarkably, Feng was born just five the European Tour order of merit with two and somehow it nestled close to the hole.” this event, for the European side.” years after the first golf course was opened events remaining. In June, Watson’s good friend and fellow That same month, South Korean Shin in China. “Winning a second major already made American Simpson clinched his first major Ji-yai romped to a nine-stroke victory at There were several other highlights dur- it a fabulous season, but then to follow Luke title with a nerve-jangling one-shot victory at the Women’s British Open at Royal ing 2012 with Bubba Watson producing in becoming number one in both Europe the US Open after overhauling overnight Liverpool in England to complete a stun- arguably the shot of the year to win the and the States is the icing on the cake after leaders Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell. ning Asian sweep of the year’s four Masters in a two-way playoff and Ernie a fabulous season,” he said. The following month, 42-year-old South women’s majors. Els ending a decade-long drought in the Hardly surprisingly, McIlroy finished his African Els won the British Open at Royal Shin’s compatriot Yoo Sun-young won majors to claim his second British Open. 2012 campaign on a triumphant note when Lytham by one stroke from Adam Scott the Kraft Nabisco Championship in a The belly putter was also thrust into the he won the European Tour’s season-end- after the Australian agonizingly bogeyed the playoff at Rancho Mirage in April and Choi limelight when Webb Simpson, at the US ing DP World Tour Championship by two last four holes. Na-yeon, also of South Korea, claimed her Open, and Els, at Royal Lytham, joined 2011 shots in Dubai last month. Unquestionably the greatest comeback first major title by four shots at the US PGA Championship winner Keegan “I didn’t want the year to just tail off, I of the year, and perhaps of all time in golf, Women’s Open in Kohler, Wisconsin in July. Australians in isolation AUSTRALIA have put their squad the captain will recover from his Boxing Day is massively impor- into “quarantine” before next hamstring injury for the Melbourne tant, we want to quarantine the 13 week’s second test against Sri test, which begins on December players. We’re sitting with enough Lanka to make absolutely certain 26, but Tasmanian Hilfenhaus’s injuries as it is. there are no additions to their side strain means he will miss out. “We just think it’s in the best already lengthy casualty list, Mitchell Johnson, who should interests of those 13 players to according to coach Mickey replace Hilfenhaus in the start- get ready for Boxing Day.” Arthur. ing line-up, and Usman Khawaja, Hilfenhaus joins young quick Captain Michael Clarke and brought in as backup for Clarke, bowlers Pat Cummins, James pace bowler Ben Hilfenhaus were were withdrawn from matches Pattinson and John Hazlewood in injured in the first of the three in the domestic Twenty20 league the treatment room, resulting in matches against the tourists, when they were called up to the Tasmanian paceman Jackson which Australia won by 137 runs test squad. Bird getting his first call-up to Clarke and Arthur are confident “We feel the test match on the Australia squad. – Reuters December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 49 PSS U9 team wins group PHUKET Soccer Schools (PSS) with a 3-0 win. strong competition from took their Under 9 and Under 13 PSS U9s won their Samui United Academy Academy teams to British Inter- group with 10 points and and Youth Football national School last Sunday to found themselves up Home. Despite starting participate in the JSSL Arsenal against Headstart for a each game promisingly International Phuket 7s Soccer place in the final. After a the U13 were unable to Tournament. slow start PSS then took cope with their oppo- Special guest Paul Parker. In the morning, the Under 9s a grip of the game with nents’ movement and took center stage and the PSS Joe H scoring a long attacking play, losing Head Coach Martin Hill says: Academy team started their group range effort before he both matches 0-3. But, “A well run tournament with games strongly dispatching the popped up again to find in the final group game fantastic weather and good com- host team, JSSL Arsenal from the back of the net after against Headstart, PSS pany, PSS always looks forward Singapore, 5-1 and local team some excellent build up Academy had to win to to this tournament every year and Kajonkiet FC 3-0, with Micah D play by Luke C and THE INVINCIBLES: Victorious under 9 team. sneak into the semifinal we would like to thank JSSL scoring three goals, Joe H two and Daniel C. PSS won the in 4th place. Singapore for the invite. Our Luke C, Fard and Daniel C all match 2-0 and found themselves were hoping to emulate their U9 It was a cagey start from both Under 9 squad put on a fantastic getting on the score sheet. in the final against the same Samui club mates. teams as neither wanted to make show of football to go unbeaten Up next, the confident PSS boys United Academy team that they The U13s made an excellent mistakes and in the end both all tournament and were proud took on a strong Samui United tied with in the group games. start beating Kajonkiet FC 4-0 defenses held firm, and each team winners of their age group.” Academy and despite scoring early The PSS team, now brimming with goals from Jakk S, Koji M, had to be content with a share of Phuket Soccer Schools through captain Micah D, they with confidence and goals from Liam D and Danny P. the 0-0 tie. International Tournament for U8 were unable to hold their lead, Daniel C, Joe H and Micah D, went In their second group game, This meant that PSS Academy – U14’s will be held at TSLC eventually drawing the match 1-1. on to comfortably win the game PSS dominated possession U13s finished joined 5th in their February 9 and 10 from 9am- In their final group game, PSS 3-0 to be crowned the Under 9 against Darasamuth but were group and just missed out on a 2pm, with clubs from all over Asia knew that a win was important and Division Champions. Joe Hunter unable to get a breakthrough and semifinal place. Despite this disap- invited. Phuket Soccer Schools another local team Darasamuth was named man of the match for tied the match 0-0. pointment the boys had a great are running football camps for stood in the way of a semifinal spot. his excellent performance on and A single lapse of concentra- experience and learned a lot from ages 4-16 around Phuket over the But PSS again scored early off the ball and finished the tion cost them the result against each game they played. Ian Santos Christmas and New Year holidays. through Luke C before adding two tournament with five goals. JSSL Arsenal losing 0-1. was awarded the man of the match more goals through Joe H and Fard In the afternoon, the Phuket In the next two matches, the award for his strong and disciplined For more information please e-mail: to storm through to the semifinals, Soccer School’s Under 13 team PSS team were up against some performance in defense. [email protected] ROC fails to rock Bangkok

Romain Grosjean driving at the Race Of Champions. Photo: Reuters. LOCAL rising star Tin Sritai says but said that a F1 Grand Prix in hosting a Formula One race in Thailand would stir up huge poten- Bangkok would turbo-charge tial public interest in motor sport. Thailand’s interest in motor sports, “Local fans are unfamiliar with after a disappointingly small crowd the tournament as this is its first turned up for the star-studded Race time in Thailand. If we hosted an of Champions in Bangkok. F1 race here, people would defi- Less than 1,000 fans witnessed nitely be more interested in motor the opening ceremony last Saturday sports,” said the current Asian night at the 50,000-capacity Touring Car winner. Rajamangala National Stadium However, Tin says he would despite the appearance of the prefer a permanent F1 track for world’s best drivers including cur- any future Thailand Grand Prix, rent and former F1 world rather that the street circuit that is champions Sebastian Vettel and currently being mooted for 2014. Michael Schumacher and MotoGP Last Saturday night, Team legend Jorge Lorenzo. Germany’s Schumacher and Vettel But more fans showed up later added to their incredible run of and eventually filled almost half the success by winning their sixth arena in support of Tin and consecutive ROC Nations Cup title. Nattavude Charoensukawattana in Legends of world motor sport the ROC Nations Cup, which was teamed up in pairs to battle for won by the German team for a national pride. sixth straight year. They raced a mix of cars – Tin, a 23-year-old touring-car including the Audi R8 LMS, VW racer from Khon Kaen, commented Sirocco, Lamborghini Gallardo that the event was still new to fans, Super Trofeo and the Toyota GT86. 50 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012 Phuket United made homeless By Andrew Scott “Phuket City Municipality will with 43,000 baht to play at the not let us play [home] matches stadium in Saphan Hin. But, I PHUKET United narrowly defeated until we can find rubber to cover would like the people of Phuket Samut Songkhram 2-1on Sunday, the parquet floor,” says team to see our futsal team, which con- December 16 at a recent “home- manager sists of local away-from-home” game at Fash- Chalermpol young people. ion Island Stadium, Bangkok. Gerdsub, who This will encour- Phuket went on the attack early recently came age children to in the Thai Futsal Premier League back from take an interest in (TFPL) match, with two of Chiang Mai the sport.” Phuket’s three Brazilians, Jackson where he was Mr Chalermpol Santos and Rogerio Moreira, link- coordinating is upbeat about his ing up for the latter to miss a with the SAT team’s chances on chance in the 7th minute. to rent rubber the pitch after Natthapong Buachai made up for the pitch. back to back for that miss by scoring the first “So, now we Phuket United (blue) in action. wins. goal of the game with the help of are waiting for “All of the the post. the rubber to be transferred,” he players on our team are in good Samut Songkhram equalized in added. spirits and they are already 80 the 25th minute through Rattakorn Samak Rattanadilokna, direc- per cent fit. We have a new player Tubduang. tor of Phuket United says the from Brazil on loan, Jardel, who The Andaman Pearl’s Brazilian team were given the opportunity is a friend of our two current imports were a constant threat, as to play as the home team at Brazilian players.” Jardel played in Jackson Santos to Fashion Island Stadium in score the winning goal. Bangkok, but have chosen to Both teams continued to attack, remain in Phuket for the fans. with Rogerio Moreira and Korawit “If we want to make everything Sae-ngow each missing opportu- RED TAPE: The newly built stadium at Saphan Hin is currently unusable. much easier we could play all of nities for the hosts, and Rattakorn 4,000-seat Indoor Stadium in Municipal officials have asked our games at the central futsal Tubduang wasting chances for Saphan Hin. that the parquet surface not be pitch at Fashion Island in Samut Songkhram late in the game. Phuket City Municipality used until it is relayed with Bangkok,” says Mr Chalermpol. The island’s only pro futsal officials banned them from using rubber, but have yet to set a date “To rent the field in Bangkok is team have recently been forced to the stadium last week, citing fears for that to happen, as reported about half as expensive, 20,000 relocate from their home at the the players could damage the floor. online by the Phuket Gazette. baht for one match, compared Jardel during a training session. Phuket FC unveil trio of new players THE Islanders have signed 27- year-old Cameroonian center back, Moudourou Swa Moise, on loan from Suphanburi FC. Moise played for Thai Port FC and scored a penalty during the Thai Com FA Cup in 2009, which ultimately won the game for Thai Port. He also helped Thai Port to win the Toyota League Cup in 2010, when they beat Buriram PEA FC. In 2011, Moise signed for Suphanburi FC, who then sent him out on loan to Chainat FC. Moudourou Swa Moise. Georgian Giorgi Tsimakuridze. Korean Yagin Chun. Team manager Jakkapop Soo-ngan. Moise told the Gazette he thinks Georgian Giorgi Tsimakuridze Team manager Jakkapop ing to sign one more Thai player In their build up to next Phuket will win promotion to the from Thai Premier League team Soo-ngan told the Phuket Gazette and one more foreign player to season, Phuket FC are training Thai Premier League in 2014 and Bangkok Glass FC, and Korean that Moise is a good center back, help the club secure promotion to everyday at the 40 million baht he wants to help Phuket achieve this. Yagin Chun, who is the twin who he hopes can help the team the Thai Premier League. FIFA pitch in Panwa, that was Phuket FC have also signed two brother of Phuket FC’s Boas next season. The team currently competes opened in 2009 by FIFA President attacking midfielders, 29-year-old Chun, from PTT Rayong FC. However he says he is still look- in the Yamaha League 1. Sepp Blatter. – Wisuwat Romin ICC beat Patong

JABUDAY’s ICC took on TNT in flow dried up. This was predomi- the third match of the Jones Lang nantly due to a good bowling LaSalle (JLL) League on Sunday display by Imtiyaz Mushtaq, 2 for Bowling attack by ICC. December 16, with both teams 21 and Ali Ahmed, 2 for 13. looking for their first win of the Besides a solid innings by the charge to victory, 54 off 67. season. Anthony Dupont, 47 not out, no He was supported by S Kumar, After winning the toss, the TNT other TNT batsmen really 32. In spite of a sprawl of wick- boys strode out to face the on- troubled the ICC attack, scoring ets falling towards the end of their slaught of the ICC bowling attack. 165 after 35 overs. innings, ICC scored the winning Despite losing two early wick- With a relatively low total the runs in the 31st over. ets, TNT were able to post their ICC run chase would always be a The next game in the JLL first 50 runs in quick time. comfortable one. league will be played January 6 After drinks, ICC started tight- Despite the TNT bowlers giv- when Patong take on The Village ening the screws and the TNT run ing it their all, Imtiyaz Mushtaq led at the Alan Cooke Ground. December 22 - 28, 2012 PHUKET GAZETTE 51 52 PHUKET GAZETTE December 22 - 28, 2012