Volume 12 Issue 42 News Desk - Tel: 076-236555 October 15 - 21, 2005 Daily news at www.phuketgazette.net 20 Baht

The Gazette is published in association with Bar busted Mom Tri plans for under- age male IN THIS ISSUE prostitution NEWS: Brit jailed for six years to open school drug offense; Gov orders halt PATONG: Kathu Police raided to construction of hillside College to be similar to Chiang Mai’s Prem Center the Uncle Charlie’s Boys night- homes. Pages 2 & 3 club on Soi Paradise on the night INSIDE STORY: Pier pressure of October 8 and arrested two in Rawai. Pages 4 & 5 By Andy Johnstone employees on charges of procur- AROUND THE ISLAND: Culture KATA: Famed architect and de- ing, including arranging the pro- comes to Phuket City streets. veloper ML Tridhosyuth Devakul vision of sexual services by boys Page 8 has unveiled plans to establish a under 15 years of age. new International Baccalaureate The bar owners, a father- AROUND THE REGION: Rock- and-son team, were later arrested ing on Samui style. Page 9 (IB) school in Phuket. Mom Tri, as he is widely on six charges, including viola- PEOPLE: Getting on famously: known, was speaking at the tions of the Penal Code and La- Keith Floyd; Weddings. bor Act. Pages 10 & 11 groundbreaking ceremony on October 6 for the Villas Grand Police have also requested LIFESTYLE: Backing out in Cru, a new residential project in the Governor to close down the Fein form. Pages 12 & 13 the Kata Hills. club permanently. In 2001, Mom Tri founded Pol Lt Pratuang Pholmana SPA MAGIC: Evolve@Spa. of the Kathu Police said the raid Page 15 the Prem Tinsulanonda Interna- tional School (Prem Center) in began with an operation by un- GOOD LIVING: Phuket a food Chiang Mai, an IB school with a dercover female officers who and wine backwater no more. student body of around 400. entered the bar posing as cus- Page 16 Various sites are being look- tomers seeking to buy sex. AFTER DARK: Calling Danny ed at in Phuket for the school, SEXUAL SERVICES Boys and Girls in Patong. planning of which Mom Tri de- Page 17 scribed as being “in the early In the bar they found some 20 alleged male prostitutes, some FIRST PERSON: Why hotels stages” and subject to a feasibil- ity study. He did suggest, how- lined up on a dancing stage wear- should give up rooms for tsu- ing only white shorts affixed with nami victims’ kin. Page 25 ever, that a 600-rai parcel of land near the Trisara resort in Cherng employee numbers. BUSINESS: Oil pressure af- Talay is a likely contender. Using banknotes with pre- fecting building costs; Money recorded serial numbers, the of- Talks. Page 27 APPROACHED ficers paid for sexual services SPORT: Ballroom blitz; Phi Phi from six boys under 18 years of sailing rally. Pages 28 & 29 Mom Tri said that when Dulwich ML Tridosyudh Devakul: Dulwich parents suggested the idea. age, including two 14-year-olds, International College – now the and then made the arrests. PROPERTY: Home of the British Curriculum International ations could involve a merger be- Primary, Middle and Diploma Police arrested Ritt Tang- Week: Nai Harn; Decor: School (BCIS) – was experienc- tween Horizons and the Prem Programs for children from three sab, 40, and Direk Jongchareon, Chairs; Construction: Lagu- ing difficulties earlier this year, a Center, with current Horizons to 18 years old. 23, on procuring charges as de- na. Pages 30-33 number of parents of pupils ap- pupils studying at the proposed “The IB is the cutting-edge fined in Section 282 of the penal proached him to suggest that he school. international curriculum these code. When it involves prostitutes PLUS develop an IB school in Phuket She said that although they days, and it’s also the one that’s not over the age of 15, this is pun- along the lines of the Prem Cen- are very much on the drawing in place at Mom Tri’s Prem Cen- ishable by up to 20 years in jail; QUEER N EWS 6; AROUND THE NA- ter. board, initial plans for the school ter in Chiang Mai, so I think it and fine of up to 40,000 baht. TION 7; HAPPENINGS 14; PHUKET He said that negotiations – which would eventually take as would be a good ‘fit’ for our two The fact that the boys DIARY, TSOWNDINGS 18; TAKE A are currently taking place with many as 680 students – include schools to get together in some willingy engaged in prostitution BREAK 19 & 20; OUTSIDE IN, Pamela Kelly-Wetzell, the Direc- an “integrated community” with way. has little bearing on the charges, BOOKS 21; YOUTH ’N ASIA, tor of Phuket’s Horizons Learn- the school as its heart, as well as “These things are very flu- including such Labor Act viola- MOMMA D UCK 22; HOROSCOPES, ing Center. a residential development, sports id, but both parties are discuss- tions as employing service staff THE TIME MACHINE 23; EDITO- Mrs Wetzell confirmed to facilities and a library. ing possible development plans under 18 years of age and failing RIAL, LETTERS 24; ISSUES & AN- the Gazette that “active discus- Mrs Wetzell said, “It is my and designs for, hopefully, [con- to keep personnel files, he said. SWERS 25; COMPUTERS 26; sions” are taking place, and add- plan to offer a full IB program struction to start] late next year,” Both men carried the gov- CLASSIFIEDS 34-43. ed that the results of the negoti- and school, which means the [IB] she said. Continued on page 2 2 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS October 15 - 21, 2005 Briton, 33, jailed for dealing in Ecstasy pills By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn After Crosby sold 30 hits of ya E for 800 baht apiece to a man BANGKOK: The Bank of Thai- The reverse side, however, will PHUKET: Briton Jason Crosby the police had pose as a buyer, New banknote land will launch a new 100- feature a picture of HM King pleaded guilty to charges of pos- Capt Pongsak, who was work- issued to baht banknote on October 21 Chulalongkorn Rama V, who session of 50 ya E (Ecstasy) tab- ing undercover, moved in and to commemorate the abolition reigned from 1868 to 1910, lets with intent to sell and was made the arrest. commemorate of slavery in Thailand 100 standing above the slaves he sentenced to nearly seven years “He admitted that the drugs years ago. freed. in jail and fined 390,000 baht by belonged to him and that he had the abolition The side of the banknote feat- The launch will come two days Phuket Provincial Court on Oc- smuggled them into the country of slavery uring HM King Bhumibol Adul- before Chulalongkorn Memorial tober 5. from Britain. yadej will remain unchanged. Day, on October 23. The court initially sentenced "When we searched his him to 13 years and eight months room on Nanai Rd we found 20 in prison and a 780,000-baht fine more tablets in a large bottle. but, in accordance with standard “Based on the large size of Businesswoman murder probe draws a blank practice, Judge Somsak Lak- the bottle, I actually think he PATONG: Police say that so far fingerprints. We have also inves- gunman wearing a full-face mo- sanasomboon halved the sen- smuggled in about 1,000 pills. We there has been a lack of concrete tigated the cellphone number [the torcycle helmet. She was hit in tence because Crosby had also found a lot of other drug results in their hunt for the killer suspected gunman] used to the chest, in the left shoulder and pleaded guilty. paraphernalia in his room,” said of Nilasnuch Tongnun. speak to one of the guesthouse twice in the back. The killer was Crosby, 33, was arrested on the officer. K. Nilasnuch, 27, was gun- maids. It turns out that the sus- then driven away by an accom- April 22 last year at the Scott Bar Crosby immediately began ned down while chatting with her pect used a non-registered SIM plice, also wearing a full-face in Patong by Pol Capt Pongsak serving his sentence at Phuket uncle and neighbors outside the card. We have written to AIS [the helmet, on a blue Honda Wave Petchnongkhum, Deputy Inspec- Provincial Prison, where he has Ericsson Guesthouse on Patong’s telephone company] asking them motorbike. tor of Investigation of Police Re- been in custody since his arrest, Nanai Road on the evening of July for information on the number, but After the murder, Pol Lt Col gion 8. the court having denied his at- 8. they have not replied.” Boonlert Onklang, of Kathu Po- Capt Pongsak, who testified tempts to get bail. Pol Lt Col Boonlert On- He said that he could not lice Station, told the Gazette the in the case, told the Gazette af- The time already served klang, of Kathu Police Station, estimate how long it might take victim had been planning to open ter the sentencing that he had since his arrest more than 17 told the Gazette, “We have con- to track down the murderer. a spa and silk shop in the new arrested Crosby in a sting opera- months ago will not be deducted ducted a search of our files but K. Nilasnuch, from Udon Jungceylon shopping complex in tion at the bar. from his sentence. have not come up with matching Thani, was shot four times by a Patong. – Athiga Jundee Bar busted in prostitution raid SCAM ARTIST SPARKS KAMALA ALERT From page 1 One of the arresting offic- KAMALA: Police are warning baht for his services. After being work had been contracted and ernment’s “bail insurance” and ers, Pol Maj Serm Kwannimit, people to beware of a scam art- given a 1,000 baht note, he de- who was required to pay for it. were released on bonds of said the arrest came as part of a ist posing as an electrician after parted swiftly on a motorbike “In this case they lost only 200,000 baht. government crackdown on bars one foreign resident was bilked without giving change. 1,000 baht – but they could have Police later arrested bar that provide child prostitutes to out of 1,000 baht by the man. The victims described the lost their lives,” he said, reiterat- owner Tawee Kingjampa, 59, customers. Pol Capt Pongnarin Sutin of con artist as probably Thai, over- ing that it was unwise to allow and his son Tiwa, 35, who were Kathu Police Superinten- Kamala Police Sub-District told weight, bearded, short-haired and strangers to enter one’s home. not in the venue at the time of dent Pol Col Teeraphol Thip- the Gazette that a man posing as wearing a red shirt. Police said When asked by the Gazette the raid. They were charged with jaroen said an inspection of bars an electrician went to the home that many Kamala residents had if there had been any progress in one violation of the Penal Code, in Kathu revealed Uncle Charlie’s of a foreign resident and told the fallen for the same scam. the investigation, Capt Pongnarin for procuring, and five violations Boys was the only one offering man’s Thai wife that he was there He warned residents to ask said, “We have notified both the of the Labor Act. After an initial the services of underage male to inspect the wiring in the house. workmen for identification before Kathu Police and the Kamala court hearing on October 10, both prostitutes. Capt Pongnarin said the allowing them to enter their homes Sub-District, but have been un- were released on bail, the amount Kathu Police have filed a couple, who live in a rented house, and also to check with their land- successful so far in our efforts to of which was not disclosed. request that the bar be closed may have believed the con man lords to confirm whether any track down the culprit.” Lt Pratuang said that the permanently. The decision as to had been hired by their landlord, pair denied the charges and re- whether to close, and for how which is why they allowed him fused to comment further, say- long, rests with the Governor, who to enter the premises. Cheaper landing fees for charters ing they would speak on the mat- has yet to inform Kathu Police After the cursory “inspec- ter only in court. of his decision. tion”, the man demanded 200 PHUKET: In an effort to attract 747 to a maximum of 25,000 baht more flights to the island, Airports per landing. of Thailand (AOT) has halved About 40 charter flights are landing fees for all international expected to land in Phuket dur- charter flights arriving at Phuket ing the three-month period. until December 31. The reduc- Most will be from Russia, tion lowers the cost for a Boeing South Korea and Scandinavia. October 15 - 21, 2005 NEWS PHUKET GAZETTE 3 HRH presides over opening Mystery of royal room at hospital surrounds HRH Princess Soamsavali visited the Bangkok Phuket Hospital on October 10 to preside over the official opening of a new facility at the hospital – the King Carl Gustaf bizarre Conference Room. She is pictured in the hospital’s Tsunami Memorial Gallery examining photographs of the tsunami and the death hospital’s role in helping people during the immediate aftermath. PATONG: Bizarre theories sur- Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf agreed to allow round the fate of Rassamee his name to be used for the conference room during an Pholrat, 22, from Udon Thani, official visit to the hospital on February 18, accompanied who was found dead on the morn- by Queen Silvia, when the Royal Couple thanked staff ing of October 5 at the Safari El- for their efforts in treating victims of the tsunami. ephant Camp on Siriraj Rd, be- tween Karon and Patong. Police have speculated that IN BRIEF she may have been assaulted by unknown assailants who tried to rape her, and was then crushed Gov halts work on Sales of gasohol to death by one of the elephants. K. Rassamee was found soar in Phuket with the right side of her chest PHUKET: Vichitpong Chean- and rib cage crushed and a blunt- thongsub, Petroleum Authority of trauma injury above her right eye. 80-house project Thailand (PTT) Phuket Depot There were also injuries to Manager, told the Gazette that her back and legs, consistent, since September 16, when Phu- police said, with her having been By Ananya Hongsa-ngiam ket PTT gas stations launched dragged along the ground. gasohol on the island, some 80% Her body was found at 7 am RASSADA: Phuket Governor of 95-octane gas users have by Sompong Pinthong, 28, and Udomsak Uswarangkura and switched to the new fuel. Sutin Pheta-wut, 37, both ma- Muang District Chief Wirawat He was speaking during a houts at the camp. Six elephants Janpen on October 5 went to Soi visit to the island on October 9 live at the camp, which closes at Siang Tai to order a halt to the by Energy Minister Viset Jupiban, 5:30 pm every day. construction of an 80-unit resi- who stressed that gasohol saves She was clothed only in a dential housing project on Toh Sae users money and also reduces brown singlet and one shoe. A Hill, citing seven different build- pollution. Gasohol is made up of pair of trousers, underpants and ing code violations. pure ethyl alcohol derived from another shoe, all of which police Gov Udomsak said his in- sugar cane, blended with gaso- believe belonged to her, were spection of the site followed com- line in a 1:9 ratio. found near her body. plaints by Soi Siang Tai residents, A small silk purse, also lodged with the Damrongtham Four Phuket hotels found near her body, was empty Center, which serves as the pro- apart from four one-baht coins vincial ombudsman’s office. get five-star rating and two condoms. The complaints alleged that Pol Lt Pratuang Pholmana, inadequate safeguards had caus- PHUKET: The JW Marriott Phu- of Kathu Police Station, said that ed flash-flooding and mudslides ket Resort & Spa, the Dusit La- guna Resort, the Sheraton Grand she may have been injured or to the densely-settled area below Gov Udomsak (right) instructs the project engineer to stop work. killed before being dumped at the the project during the heavy rains Laguna Phuket and the Mangos- elephant camp. He added that the of September 18 and 19. Governor informed a project en- Phuket Park Hill Co, assembles teen Resort & Spa have each cause of death had not yet been The mudslide passed though gineer, who agreed to halt work all the required paperwork. been awarded a coveted five- established, nor whether K. Ras- the homes of some residents, and without argument. It was not clear whether the star rating. samee had been raped. floodwater blocked one of the The violations found were: company would be required to The accolade was awarded However, he added that K. two inbound lanes on Thepkra- • Failure to terrace the hill to ac- compensate the residents of the by the Foundation for Standards Rassamee’s parents refused to sattri Rd, onto which the narrow commodate building foundations; area whose homes and property and Human Resources Develop- allow her body to be sent to soi empties. • Failure to carry out piling work; were damaged by the illegal con- ment in the Service and Tourism Bangkok for more extensive “A subsequent inspection • Failure to construct a barrier struction. – Editorial p24 Industry (Hotel Standards). tests, and had their daughter cre- found the project in violation of wall to prevent mudslides; mated on October 9. seven building codes aimed at • Failure to include a sediment – Anongnat Sartpisut environmental protection,” the collection pool for surface runoff; • Failure to install zinc fencing; • Failure to place metal plates over the gap at the project en- Viagra overdose may have trance to divert runoff away from the soi below. caused death of Finn, 47 The Governor added that the project had never been ap- PATONG: Pekka Juhani Laakso, tong Hospital, said death was proved by the Rassada Tambon 47, from Finland, was found dead probably caused by overdosing on Administration Organization. in his room at the Sun Sea & Sand Viagra, resulting in heart failure. Despite the damage caused, Hotel on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd Lt Padungpong said there and the Governor’s own strong on October 6, seemingly from an was no evidence of violence, but statements about cracking down overdose of Viagra. police are waiting on results from on illegal developments, he said Pol Lt Padungpong Suk- Patong Hospital to confirm the the project would be allowed to kaew told the Gazette that he had cause of death. go ahead once the developer, received a call at 3:30 pm from Preecha Nuwongsri, the hotel’s manager, telling him that a corpse had been found in one of the hotel’s rooms. In the room, investigators found evidence of used Viagra and stomach medicine in a bin. Mr Laakso was estimated to have been dead for about 36 hours when he was found, his hands still tightly gripping the bedsheets. A doctor, called from Pa- 4 PHUKET GAZETTE INSIDE STORY October 15 - 21, 2005

Much of the attention on Phuket’s rehabilitation since the tsunami has focused on Patong and Kamala, but other parts of the island were damaged – though much less severely – and these, too, are well along with plans for Chalong and improvements. Sangkhae Leelanapaporn looks at two of these areas: Chalong and Rawai-Nai Harn.

halong and Rawai are “It will be less expensive Rawai to get a about to become more than other marinas in Phuket be- attractive for tourists cause it will be government- Cthanks to new plans by owned. We will send the master the two areas’ Tambon Admin- plan, expected to be completed istration Organizations (OrBor- in the coming three months, to the Tor). Budget Office in Bangkok, and Although Chalong and Ra- request a budget increase. 45m-baht boost wai are relatively quiet, many “The government favors a tourists go to Chalong Bay to state-owned marina in the Cha- board transport to outlying islands long area, even if there are al- Lake public park, improvements lion baht. A further 11 million baht Sea Gypsy village at the north end such as Koh Hei (Coral Island) ready many private marinas to the beachfront, a new 300- has been allocated to develop the of Rawai Beach. This will re- or Koh Racha, or pass by Rawai around,” K. Dechakanee said. meter pier to replace one that was Rawai beachfront. This plan will place the old cement-and-wood Beach en route to Laem Phrom- While the marina plan smashed by the tsunami and, big- include making a special area for pier, which was built some 30 thep, prompting plans to raise the seems to find favor with Bangkok, gest of all, a massive botanical food stalls at the south end of the years earlier. Over time it had profiles of these two areas. this is not the case with the fish- garden, bigger than any in Asia. beach, a promenade and a park- deteriorated, and it finally disap- In Phuket, the sea may ing pier. “We got 3 million baht The total cost for these ing lot. peared with the tsunami. beckon, but Chalong Bay’s shal- from the government’s tsunami projects, should they all be real- “We used to get a lot of “The cost of the new pier, low water is not good for swim- recovery budget for a new pier ized, will be well over a billion baht. complaints from tourists and resi- about 300m long and 3m wide, is ming and conceals dead coral in the Soi Palai area, near a man- Justifying the amount of dents about the number of ven- covered by a central government below. It is seen, however, as a grove forest, to replace one that development in Rawai, Aroon dors selling food on the beach, budget of 37.9 million baht. We suitable place for a new yacht received another 11 million baht marina and a fishing pier. from Governor Udomsak Dechakanee Leelanont, [Uswarangkura, which was given Chief Administration Officer of View from above of a model of while he was visiting] Japan last the Chalong OrBorTor, explained month. that the proposed 300-berth the proposed botanical “The donated money was to Chalong Bay Marina, financed by gardens, with Nong Harn Lake be allocated as he saw fit and he the central government, will be chose to put it toward this pro- built over an area of about 15 to (light blue) to the left and Nai ject,” K. Aroon explained. 20 rai near the Kan Eang Res- A mooring will be created taurant. Harn Bay to the right. next to the pier for fishing boats He said the main target and tour boats. market for the new marina will “We plan to have all the fish- be boat owners who already fa- ing boats and speed- boats moor vor Chalong Bay as an anchor- had been used mainly by fisher- Soros, President of the Rawai blocking the view. After a few over there because we would like age. men before it was destroyed by OrBorTor, told the Gazette, “The years of discussion, the vendors to see the beach clear. “I believe yachties will be the tsunami. Rawai population, based on reg- were moved from the beachfront “The ropes that tie the boats happy to use the planned marina “We are looking for a con- istration, is 12,000 people, but to an area we set up for them at to the shore at the moment make because it will be more comfort- tractor now, but it is difficult to counting the number of expatri- Klong Pakbang, at the south end it difficult for tourists to enjoy a able than mooring out in Chalong find one because of the low bud- ates and other Thai people who of the beach,” K. Aroon said. stroll on the sand,” K. Aroon ex- Bay and it will be easier for them get,” he said. Twice already, the have recently moved to the area “In the near future we can plained. to come ashore than by dinghy. OrBorTor has called for tenders, but have not registered, the popu- start to improve the beachfront,” “There will be benches on We plan to build fuel and water without any takers. lation is probably about 40,000 he added. “We plan to move all the pier, where people can relax supply facilities there, too,” he “We are considering people.” the vendors from their current or fish,” he said, “and near the added. whether to increase the budget K. Aroon said the Nai Harn temporary location and, later, de- pier, there will be shops where “This is a long-term project. or reduce the planned length of Lake park is nearly complete. It velop a parking lot there. We will tourists will be able to buy sou- Although we requested a 70 mil- the pier because the cost of con- includes a playground and a jog- clear the beachfront for the tour- venirs. That is expected to gen- lion-baht budget, the central gov- struction is so high now,” K. ging track around the lake. “Con- ists and build a well-lit promenade erate income for the locals.” ernment allocated just 45 million Dechakanee added. struction is already about 70% for people to use. We have al- At the end of this year, the baht. While the Chalong OrBor- complete. I see that place as a ready hired a private company to OrBorTor will sign up a private “We are now developing Tor has proposed two projects, hub for Rawai people to relax and design it.” contractor and the pier should be the master plan and looking for a Rawai is pitching in with four – exercise.” Once complete, the Nearly 50 million baht is to finished before high season next company to design it. the nearly complete Nai Harn park is expected to cost 40 mil- be spent on a new pier near the year, he said. October 15 - 21, 2005 INSIDE STORY PHUKET GAZETTE 5

Boats will be moved away from the beach to leave it clear for strollers, says Rawai OrBorTor Chairman Aroon Soros.

By far the biggest and most ambitious plan for the Rawai area, however, is a proposal for a hor- ticultural garden similar to Singa- pore’s Botanic Gardens, but much larger – as conceived by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The OrBorTor is seeking a budget of a billion baht for this project, to be constructed on 271 rai atop the promontory at the south end of Nai Harn Beach, where the three white power- generating windmills now stand. The biggest hurdle to this project is likely to be obtaining the necessary funds from central government which, in recent months, has been taking a scythe to just about every budget pro- posed by Phuket. A set of steps is all that remains of the old pier at Rawai Beach, but a 300-meter-long replacement is on its way. 6 PHUKET GAZETTE NEWS October 15 - 21, 2005 Queer News We Love Phuket! campaign Not so sty-lish behavior KHON KAEN: A man accused by villagers of having sex with a neighbor’s pig has agreed to pay the owner 500 baht in compen- sation. Sa-ngad Hapanna, 39, a resident of Baan Tonnoi in Muang district, filed a complaint with the village headman after neighbors alerted her the night before that they saw the man having sex with one of her pigs. When she went to see what had happened, K. Sa-ngad said she saw the man, identified only as Chid, 30, taking a bath beside her pig pen, wearing only underpants. “One of my sows was found walking nearby outside the pen with swollen genitals. My Vilairat Santitanasarn (left) collected her prize of dinner for two at Aree Cheewamaitreewong (right) collected her prize of a two- neighbors insisted they saw the the Phuja Nirvana Restaurant from Angkana ‘Koy’ Kaewpradit, night stay for two at the Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort, Patong, man having sex with the pig af- Gazette Sales Rep – Website Products. from Puwanart ‘Billy’ Pogsakul, Gazette Accounting Officer. ter they came out to see why it was squealing,” she said. A handful of lead-tree leaves was found nearby. The neighbors said they had been used Scam artist sparks alert in Kamala to lure the pig out of its sty. Chid denied having sex with KAMALA: Police have warned people to be- they allowed him to enter the premises. landlords to confirm whether any work had the pig. He said he was only wash- ware of a scam artist posing as an electrician After the cursory “inspection”, the man been contracted and who was required to pay ing his feet beside the pig pen after one foreign resident was bilked out of demanded 200 baht for his services. After for it. after having gone fishing that 1,000 baht by the man. being given a 1,000 baht note, he departed “In this case they lost only 1,000 baht – night. It was not reported why he Pol Capt Pongnarin Sutin, of Kamala swiftly on a motorbike without giving change. but they could have lost their lives,” he said, chose the pig pen as a place to Police Station, told the Gazette that a man The victims described the con artist as reiterating that it was unwise to allow strang- bathe. posing as an electrician went to the home of probably Thai, overweight, bearded, short- ers to enter one’s home. After negotiations, moder- a foreign resident and told the man’s Thai haired and wearing a red shirt. Police said When asked by the Gazette if there had ated by village headman Pramuan wife that he was there to inspect the wiring that many Kamala residents had fallen for been any progress in the investigation, Capt Laobaankhor, Chid agreed to pay in the house. the same scam. Pongnarin said, “We have notified both the K. Sa-ngad 500 baht to settle the Capt Pongnarin said the couple, who live He warned residents to ask workmen Kathu Police and the Kamala Police Station, matter. in a rented house, may have believed the man for identification before allowing them to en- but have been unsuccessful so far in our ef- Source: The Nation had been hired by their landlord, which is why ter their homes and also to check with their forts to track down the culprit.” October 15 - 21, 2005 AROUND THE NATION PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Govt to scrap medical malpractice law

arliament has approved in await a decision as to whether to principle an amendment Residents of Ban appeal the verdict. to the National Health Na Tapho in Security Act that would Tak’s Sam Ngao Ambitious plan: Ministry of P District cut free doctors from medical mal- Education Permanent Secretary practice liability. coconut trees to Kasama Varawarn na Ayudhya The Act in its current form build a temporary said a new strategy to promote states that victims of malpractice bridge across Mandarin and improve the teach- should receive compensation Nam Yan Canal ing of the language would soon from a fund earmarked for that after floodwater be submitted to Education Minis- purpose, the fund having the right from the Wang ter Chaturon Chaisang for ap- River swept to demand repayment from doc- away the old proval. tors proven to have been respon- bridge. The plan calls for each edu- sible for damage to a patient’s cational district in the country to health. have at least one high school with Even before it became law, a Mandarin class by 2007, and for doctors protested the Act and all high schools to offer classes threatened to begin practicing in the language by 2008. “defensive medicine” if it wasn’t K. Kasama said the govern- removed from the statutes. They ment would help the schools with said the article left them profes- regard to Mandarin teachers and sionally insecure and under con- teaching materials during the first stant risk of litigation. three years. After that, she said Consumer rights advocates they would have to start running worry that the removal of the ar- the Mandarin classes on their ticle will adversely affect pa- own. tients’ rights. They also point out onlookers began hurling rocks and mer bar hostess, had claimed sic expert appeared to testify at A “Mandarin Teaching that the proposed changes would bottles at the accused. Cryne killed Henry because he the trial, the last day of which the Fair” will be held in December, free doctors at private hospitals was jealous and wanted her for public prosecutor also failed to when Chinese President Hu from any liability for malpractice Domestic front: On “World himself. Police said they found attend. Jintao visits Thailand, she said. or professional negligence. Habitat Day” some 2,000 Thai Henry’s blood in Cryne’s car, Cryne, who is listed in the The Cabinet has long fa- slum-dwellers converged on the which he had suspiciously sent to Guinness Book of Records for Around the Nation news round- vored scrapping the liability stat- UN Building in Bangkok to pro- a garage to be re-upholstered becoming the first person to ever up is sourced from the pages of utes. Parliament is now finalizing test forced evictions of 33 slum shortly after the murder. complete a 24-hour underwater The Nation and Kom Chad Luek details of the changes to the Act. communities to make way for Neither Wilai nor a foren- swim, was sent back to prison to newspapers. large infrastructure projects. Pilot plan sinks: A pilot project At a seminar held in the to replace diesel oil with natural building the same day, Deputy gas in fishing boats has failed, the Prime Minister Surakiart Sathi- Southern Fishery Association rathai said Thailand had set a goal (SFA) said. of building one million houses for SFA Secretary-General slum people within three years, Suraphol Seeprasert said an indi- in line with Prime Minister cator of the project’s failure was Thaksin Shinawatra’s pledge to that the state oil and gas company rid the kingdom of slums by 2008. PTT was unable to supply natu- Anna Tubaijuka, Director of ral gas to two boats taking part in the UN’s Habitat agency, praised the project, intended to keep Thai Thailand’s solution to the slum fisherman at sea in the face of problem, saying it would trans- rising oil prices. form slums into urban communi- Another major obstacle the ties. She also praised the govern- project faced was that it required ment for its non-violent practices. considerable investment to re- During the protest, a scuffle place oil tanks with gas tanks, and broke out between the protesters that most fishermen were not pre- and security forces outside the pared to make the switch with- building; no injuries were re- out financial support. ported.

Brutal assault: After his arrest Toy store: US retailing giant Toys in Petchabun Province, a con- ’R’ Us will open its first Thai struction contractor who con- branch in the Central Bang Na fessed to sexually assaulting a 14- shopping mall in Bangkok, a com- year-old schoolgirl in Lop Buri pany official said. province and leaving her uncon- The store will become one scious by the roadside said he felt of the US$11-billion New Jersey- no remorse. based company’s 1,500 outlets Wirat Rakseenil, 37, said he worldwide. The company is mar- became overcome with lust at ket leader in both the United seeing her cycling to school and States and Japan. forced her into the woods, where Store operator Toys Retail- he hit her over the head with a ing (Thailand) was established last stick “more times than he could November with registered capi- count” until she fell unconscious. tal of four million baht. Thai Dr Supoj Samritwanicha, shareholders hold a 70% stake in Director of Yanhee Hospital, said the local company, with foreign- the girl would survive the injuries, ers owning the remainder. which included a broken jaw and smashed cheekbones. Diving for justice: The Pattaya “The attacker probably tried Court acquitted British diving in- to rape her but could not,” he structor Paul Cryne on charges said, adding that no seminal fluid of murdering compatriot Robert was found in her vagina despite Henry, whose bullet-ridden body bruising to her pubic area. was found in a ditch outside A police re-enactment of Pattaya in October 2003. the crime had to be canceled Henry’s girlfriend Wilai when some of the 1,000 angry Chiewcharn, a 26-year-old for- 8 PHUKET GAZETTE AROUND THE ISLAND October 15 - 21, 2005

Cultural life on the street Revitalizing Phuket City

By Athiga Jundee From October 14-16, visi- tors get the chance to sample a & Sam Wilkinson huge variety of local cuisine from even weeks with seven street-side food stalls, as well as styles: you’d be forgiven in the restaurants along these for thinking that is the three sister roads. title of a fashion pageant, On the fifth weekend, Oc- S tober 21-23, there will be a but in fact it’s Phuket City’s theme for its first-ever cultural tourism “Baba” (Straits-Chinese) mass project entitled “Cultural Street wedding, when organizers hope Revitalization”. that a full contingent of 48 couples Starting at 5 pm, each will trade vows at what promises weekend evening until November to be a unique event. 6, Thalang, Krabi and Deebuk The penultimate weekend of roads are the location for histori- Oct 28-30 features a Li-Key (tra- cally themed shows, ice-carving ditional Thai song and dance) competitions, traditional costume competition. and ornament exhibitions and At the closing ceremony, even a mass wedding. during the weekend of Nov 4-6, Minister of Culture Uraiwan the organizers are planning to Thienthong said, “Phuket Cultural stage an international show com- Street Revitalization is the pilot for prising Chinese musicians, repre- cultural tourism in Phuket Prov- sentatives from Portugal, Holland, ince. Iran and Indonesia – and to in- Tourists can experience the ject some “oompah” into the breadth of Phuket’s culture event with a brass band from which is just as beautiful as the England. area’s natural surroundings.” Each weekend during the On the weekend of Octo- festival there are stalls selling tra- ber 7-9, there were demonstra- ditional handicrafts and local deli- tions of the island’s traditional cacies. All in all, it’s a great professions – fishing, tin mining evening out with the family and a and agriculture. wonderful photo opportunity. October 15 - 21, 2005 AROUND THE REGION PHUKET GAZETTE 9

FROM THE GULF OF THAILAND Samui rocks and on a roll

By Commander Sammy Swan he second Koh Samui Music Festival (KSMF) took place from Sep- Ttember 23 to October 2, with artists arriving from all over the globe to play at the largest public event ever held on the is- land. Although audience numbers were lower than expected, the main stage, by Chaweng Lake, drew large and enthusiastic crowds, and all the artists com- mented on the success and spirit of the event. “This is a place where bands will definitely want to play,” said Brian Travers, saxophonist with UK dub reggae veterans UB40. “Festivals like this have a positive effect on the places that host them. Local artists get to Jools Holland and the Wailers showed festival-goers why their acts have stood the test of time. Photos: Alasdair Forbes perform with other musicians from around the world and that to enjoy the sound of two of the Originally, the government transform the archipelago still tation ensued when police refused way, the music starts to travel. genre’s legendary bands. had proposed to build three such further into a mainstream inter- to stop the search. “From a band’s point of Staging KSMF 2005 re- centers, one in Pattaya, one in national tourist destination. During the scuffle, a police view, you really want festivals like quired a serious feat of planning Phuket and one on Samui, but be- captain apparently drew his pis- this to succeed,” he added. and organization, combined with cause of Samui’s size and stage CD copyright arrests: Officers tol and fired warning shots into Big Thai names like Sek sizeable investment and co-spon- of development, the Minister now from the Criminal Investigation the air. This later prompted ac- Loso and Modern Dog flew the sorship from the likes of Bangkok feels a nearby island should be Department in Bangkok con- cusations of excessive force, musical flag for Thailand, enter- Airways and the Tourism Author- chosen. ducted a series of checks for from two women who were taining audiences with their ity of Thailand (TAT). Both the mayor and the copyright infringement on Koh standing close to the officer and home-grown talents. As a well-received interna- head of the TAT office on Samui, Samui on September 15. who claimed that he had threat- Musicians from further tional event, it has placed Samui Panuk Woramit, agree in principle From a total of 11 locations, ened them with his handgun. afield, such as Jerry Lee Lewis, firmly on the musical map, and with the proposal. four establishments in Chaweng The officer denied the alle- Laurence Cottle, Jasco and the will hopefully also establish the They feel that illegal gam- were found to be selling illegal or gations and said he had all the British Blues All Stars demon- island as a venue for other world- bling is already a huge problem, pirated CDs and DVDs. The po- correct identification papers and strated their enviable skills and class performances in the years with many people traveling to lice confiscated 7,000 discs worth a search warrant, which gave him delighted audiences with some to come. Myanmar and Laos to play with around 100,000 baht and also ar- every right to prevent the situa- slick and soulful performances. lady luck. rested three people. tion from becoming more serious. The final weekend saw fa- Island casino near Samui? Legalizing it would, it is At one CD stall where po- Samui’s Chief of Police is mous acts such as Jools Holland, During recent discussions with thought, remove some of the hid- lice found pirated discs, local shop conducting an inquiry into the in- the Wailers and UB40 proving the Mayor of Samui, the Minis- den dangers, as well as generate owners challenged the officers’ cident. Meanwhile, the police say exactly why their popularity has ter for Tourism and Sports raised tax revenue for the region. right to confiscate CDs while the they will continue with the clamp- stood the test of time. the idea of an entertainment com- A casino would not deal with owner was absent. down. The latter two groups played plex and casino that would be lo- the gambling problem at a local As a small crowd gathered, two gigs each, and many die-hard cated in the Gulf of Thailand, not level, but once an appropriate is- neighboring stallholders tried to Cdr Swan is a writer with Koh reggae fans attended both shows far from Koh Samui. land is chosen it seems certain to block the officers and a confron- Samui’s community magazine. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PEOPLE October 15 - 21, 2005 Happily Ever After FLOYD Recent weddings in Phuket ON

FORM Photos: Boonrat Apiwantanakorn t was John Donne who, in his Meditation XVII, said, Keith Floyd is one of those people traditionally “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece introduced as “…a man who needs no I introduction”. This can be quite helpful to a writer, of the continent.” Some 400 years later, “Will as Floyd – to give him his usual appellation – tends Freeman” (free man, geddit?) in to avoid pigeonholing himself as a chef or a Pongnatee Ampaipetch and Yuki Zawakachi were married the novel About a Boy – by recently at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa, Mai Khao. Britpack writer and chronicler of restaurateur, and woe betide anyone who calls him male obsessions Nick Hornby – a “TV celebrity chef”. Eschewing this tradition is the riposted by saying, “I am an is- land. I am bloody Ibiza!” Gazette’s Andy Johnstone, who met him over Whether one considers this lunch and a pleasant bottle of wine recently at the to be utter Balearics or not, it isn’t easy to say which island Keith Burasari Resort in Patong, when the cook and Floyd – known generally as traveler visited Phuket to see how the “Floyd” – would be. development of his brasserie in the Burasari In fact, Floyd, who was born in Somerset, southwest England, Jungceylon was progressing. in 1943, would not be an island, but, rather, an archipelago. Ireland would also be part in Floyd’s books and TV series became bored of the food that of the chain, as of course would on the subject close to many was served up in the Officers’ the British Isles. A few of the is- people’s hearts – food. Mess, there’s no truth in the ru- lands dotted around the Norwe- Floyd explains that his first mor that I used to dive behind a gian fjords would be thrown in for foray into the creative side of stove in the Mess kitchen and good measure. Madagascar food, after a brief stint as a jour- rustle up gourmet dishes.” would be there too, as would a nalist in Bristol, was when he “All I did was to suggest to whole host of Greek and Medi- joined the British Army on a Short the cooks that instead of serving terranean islands. Service Commission. ‘lamb and two veg’, that they Kamol Parinyanusorn, a doctor at Patong Hospital, married Going further east, one can He was not, however, dol- experiment a bit and produce Wanida Patan on September 24 at The Metropole hotel, add Koh Samui, Malaysian is- ing out the ubiquitous “mystery Gigot d’agneau Romarin. And it Phuket City. lands and Hong Kong, for all of fish” as a “cabbage mechanic” worked.” these destinations have featured – as members of the the es- Anything to prevent a teemed Army Catering Corps are Compo Anaconda, after all. occasionally known – but was, in Floyd acknowledges that his fact, “canned veg”, another way progression from armored ve- Need a telephone of saying he was in tanks. hicles to AGA cookers was not “I was actually a 2nd Lieu- a typical one, especially 40 years number on Phi Phi? tenant in the 3rd Tank Regiment, ago. See deployed in West Germany and “Back in the middle ’60s, equipped with Conquerors [the England didn’t have a lot to offer phiphi-businesses.com contemporary British Army main in terms of food. Many people for complete battle tank]. didn’t have the opportunity to “Joining the Army just travel abroad a great deal, but listings. seemed the right thing at the when I was posted in Germany, I time,” says Floyd. “Although I was able to quite comfortably go October 15 - 21, 2005 PHUKET PEOPLE PHUKET GAZETTE 11 to France, Holland or wherever cades of hosting his television and discover a variety of foods shows, nor in the nigh-on four that didn’t exist in the UK. decades of being involved in “I said to myself, ‘This is cooking. what I want to be involved in In addition to the brasserie when I get out [of the Army].’” in Phuket, two new books, The well-traveled Floyd, Floyd’s China and Floyd’s Thai- dapper in – among other things – land, are set for release in No- a bow-tie and a pair of ostrich- vember 2005 and 2006 respec- skin shoes, says that after he tively. A new TV series, Floyd completed his commission, he set Around Pakistan, will be broad- out on an enforced apprenticeship cast in the UK in the Spring of of work in any kind of hotel, res- 2006. taurant and bar. Although he has tackled “I forced myself to be a Scandinavia with Floyd’s Fjord short-order cook, bottle-washer, Fiesta – “The old jokes are the barman… anything, until little by best ones,” he says... “And it little I built up my skills and was Floyd entertains the Phuket International Women’s Club over a lunch at the Burasari Resort in Patong. worked,” adds Tess – the sug- able to open my first restaurant is cooking on a beach in India – “It will be an immensely ters of excellence if developed gestion is made to him that an- in Bristol, around 1969 or ’70,” before he appears again looking exciting project, my first one out- properly, where the major benefi- other series could be filmed in, he says. “And I’ve been involved calmer. side the UK,” Floyd says. ciaries are not just visitors or say, Antarctica. in food and its allied subjects ever This is the result of him de- “It was first due to open in shoppers or diners but the local The title is even presented since.” ciding that the ingredients were February this year, then, of course, people, who will gain from a huge to him, Floyd on Freezing. He Floyd is happy to see that in not quite so good after all, and that was sadly delayed by the terrible number of job opportunities. raises an eyebrow and says, the 35-odd years since his first a minion needed to be dispatched event that took place here, and “I visited [Jungceylon] yes- “Now that’s an idea…” restaurant, Britain has diversified to buy better ones. all the havoc that created,” he terday, and in my view – not as a Summing up Floyd – and his its appreciation and enjoyment of The camera, more often says. retailer but as a restaurateur or style – is perhaps best left to food from around the world. than not operated by “Clive”, oc- He foresees that the mix- cook – I can see it happening Marcel Boulestin, reputedly the casionally gets in the way, usu- ture Jungceylon will bring to here.” first TV cook, who had a show STYLE ally as Floyd is throwing some- Phuket, and Patong specifically, Floyd says that Phuket was entitled Cook’s Night Out on the thing into an already-steaming of a self-contained mini-metropo- chosen as the site for his brasse- BBC back as far back as the He attributes much of this to wok, resulting in the lens steam- lis amid the hustle and bustle of rie “…because we love it here”. 1930s. Britain’s multi-ethnic society, the ing up. Floyd often has a glass of the island’s nightlife playground, “My wife Tess and I now Boulestin, who died the year relative ease that more people something refreshing and alco- can only be a good thing. have the valid excuse to come Floyd was born, once said, have to travel abroad, and the holic close to hand, too. No stranger to Phuket and here even more, not just sitting “Cooking is not chemistry. It is popularity of cookery programs Once, while cooking ostrich Thailand – he has been visiting on the beach but actually contrib- an art. It requires instinct and on television. “But I have no time stew in the Drakensberg, South the country for at least 15 years uting something [to Phuket].” taste rather than exact measure- for the cult of the celebrity TV Africa, he was besieged by – – he says, “I’ve just returned The energetic Floyd’s en- ments.” chef,” he warns. what else? – a depilation, as AA from Beijing, where they have thusiasm for cooking seems not That is Floyd’s inimitable At first hearing, this may Gill calls it, of ostriches. such centers, which can be cen- to have diminished in the two de- style down to a “T”. sound hypocritical – even a case Through 19 TV series and of biting the hand that feeds – 22 books, Floyd’s casual style has coming from a man whose popu- won him fans around the world, larity and fame has been spread whether he has made a TV show around the world via that medium, in a particular country or not. as well as through books, for 21 From Latvia to Israel and years. from Hungary to, of course, Thai- Floyd’s style, however, re- land, his shows garner viewers as mains different to that of the ce- much for his ready wit as well as lebrity chef. At one and the same his appreciation and respect for time, he takes his food seriously the places where he is cooking, while not taking himself too seri- the ingredients and the people he ously. meets. His style of cooking in TV The opening of Floyd’s shows may appear to be haphaz- Brasserie, which will be in the ard, similar in a way to the broad- mammoth Jungceylon develop- casting style of the late British DJ ment in Patong that was due to John Peel. A quick fade to black have opened earlier this year, is ensues, for example, when Floyd now scheduled for next February. 12 PHUKET GAZETTE LIFESTYLE October 15 - 21, 2005 Back pain:

nyone who has ever experienced severe lower back pain Aknows the meaning of the word misery. I suffered from chronic back pain for most of my adult life, from my university days all the way into my late 30s. The pain ranged from peri- ods of stiffness to complete in- capacitation. I remember having to lie on the floor – sometimes for up to a week – dreading the agonizing knife-in-the-back Gazette Desk Editor shooting pain that would accom- pany a sneeze or any other sud- Stephen Fein had long den movement. suffered from bouts of Stephen Fein demonstrates (above) hyperextensions on the equipment he designed and had installed in No medication, no matter severe lower back pain. his home. Below: correct foot positioning. how strong, came close to allevi- ating the pain, which was turning Here he explains how he me into a cranky old man before got rid of the pain by my time. getting to the bottom Even when the pain was less severe, I knew it could flare of things. up at any time. It was like being stalked by the Grim Reaper. the magic, if comically direct, When the back pain was at its words “Phrao waa mai mee worst, I even wondered what the toot, ka” (It’s because you have point of living was. no ass). As she started rubbing Desperate, I tried every- my feet and toes, relaxation set thing to try and make it go away: in and I began to consider what Thai and Western chiropractors, she had said. hydrotherapy, even yoga. But It was true. I had no ass, or even as my flexibility improved at least I had a pathetically small to the best it had been in years, one for my 189-centimeter height. the back pain remained. I started thinking of the people I SAVIOR knew who also suffered from back pain. Most of them had small My savior came in the form of a butts, too. traditional Thai masseuse – but My thoughts then shifted to not in the way you might think. the people I knew with big pos- Noticing that it took me about a teriors – and here I mean natu- minute to work my way down rally big, as opposed to just lard- into a prone position on the mas- bottomed. None of them ever sage bed, she asked what the seemed to complain about back problem was. pain. It was then that it hit me: it “It’s back pain,” I snapped, was time to get some ass. “and I am not here expecting you It dawned on me that this to cure it. So you don’t need to was to be the type of ass-acqui- crack my back or do anything else sition exercise that couldn’t be as that will add to the misery.” easily accomplished as making a It was then that she uttered trip down to Soi Bangla. October 15 - 21, 2005 LIFESTYLE PHUKET GAZETTE 13

other free-weight exercises. It strong if you want to keep back cost 1,200 baht and was built by pain at bay. a company in Songkhla that turns Later, when you can do 12 pickups into songtaew buses, as repetitions (reps) comfortably, the bottom line they had both the welding capa- with no arm assistance, try cross- bility and their own cushion-mak- ing your hands behind your butt ing team. and do as many reps as you can I consider it the best invest- before going back to the push-up ment I have ever made in my position. life. Given practice – and as the Hyperextensions are as muscles strengthen – you may simple as they are effective – even reach a point where you provided that they are performed need to put your hands behind correctly. It is good to cushion the your head in order to get the cor- two bench legs against which rect tension in your back. your feet will be braced, as oth- When you get to this point erwise it can be painful. it may be time to start thinking I did this by simply duct-tap- about other back-strengthening ing some old sport socks around exercises, such as deadlifts and them. lunges. You might want to con- First, lie face-down on the sult a professional fitness instruc- bench. Just put your hands on the tor for these, however, because floor as if you are doing a push- they can cause more problems up and do a controlled fall, until than they solve if they are per- your head is hanging down at formed incorrectly. about a 90º angle. Then, using your back, butt, CAUTION hamstrings – and arms as neces- One note of caution. hyperexten- sary – try to raise your upper sions are really a misnamed ex- torso back up to the horizontal po- ercise. You do not want to over- As the muscles strengthen you may reach a point where you need to put your hands behind your head. sition. extend past the position that your Don’t try to be Superman. spine would be in were you It was going to involve a included as part of a universal bench from around the navel. Think of this as a strengthening standing normally. Your goal is to well-researched effort. But, de- gym. Most flat benches in hotel and stretching exercise at first. do away with back pain, not join termined to get this evil monkey If you suffer from back gyms or sold in department stores Make sure you feel some tension a Chinese acrobat troupe, right? off my back, I eventually discov- pain, avoid these like the plague. are unsuitable. They are too low, in your lower back and butt, but I am not a doctor and this is ered the one exercise that streng- The hyperextensions I describe not long enough, and do not have not too much. not medical advice. I want only thens the lower back, butt and here need to be performed on a the bottom legs positioned in such Over time, as you get used to share what has helped me with hamstrings like none other: hyper- flat bench, one which you can a way as to allow for the correct to it and as your back strength- any readers who may be living extensions. brace your legs around so that grip. (see photos) ens, you can start to experiment through the misery of lower back Most gyms have some kind your feet and legs can firmly I designed my own bench with your leg grip, thus shifting pain. Feel free to send any feed- of hyperextension apparatus, support your upper body, which to do hyperextensions, but it is emphasis onto your upper ham- back to: steve@phuketgazette. most commonly a set of two pads should be suspended off the also suitable for a wide range of strings, which also need to be kept net 14 PHUKET GAZETTE HAPPENINGS October 15 - 21, 2005 This week

AN EDUCATION IN STORE: Big C Foundation gave 3,000-baht grants to 50 secondary students from Phuket and Phang Nga on October 1. There to help hand out the grants NO TROUBLE AT MILL: Kata Beach Resort Sales Manager Pensri Kammung (center, were (2nd row, from right) Big C Phuket Store General Manager Paul Rochel; Phuket in pink top) and Marketing Manager Piyada Kohsakul (3rd from right) give a warm Educational Area Office (PEAO) Deputy Director Chalam Attatham, PEAO Chairman welcome to the Pegasus Solutions travel company from Singapore, at the resort’s Dr Prasit Koysiripong, and Big C Human Resources Division Manager Pornsuk Ekachai. Coffee Mill during the visitors’ recent inspection tour of the island.

MIND THE CRAIC: Molly Malone’s Manager Peter Moran (back row, 3rd from right) FINISHING TOUCH: Tom Keator (2nd from right), Project Manager at Development with Chef Vitoon (in hat) and other Molly Malone’s staff raise a big cheer the Management Group (DMG) – Thailand, enjoys his farewell party with fellow DMG October 1 soft re-opening of the popular Irish Pub in Patong, which has been closed members (from left) Peter Tucker, Charles Pulaski, DMG Director OB Wetzell and Alan since it was damaged by the tsunami last year. Matthews (right), at Pepper’s bar & restaurant in Cherng Talay.

A FIT FAREWELL: Wayne Lunt (center), who was Manager at Club Asia Fitness at the WINE, WOMEN AND SONG: Suchart Rattanadilok Na Phuket, Manager of Phukana Royal Phuket City Hotel, poses for a farewell photo with his staff and friends before he Wine & Music, on Mae Luan Rd, in Phuket City, and staff celebrate the wine headed off to join the Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa on Koh Samui as Guest Service Manager. bar’s soft opening on October 1. October 15 - 21, 2005 SPA MAGIC PHUKET GAZETTE 15 Spa MAGIC Healing both

By Sangkhae Leelanapaporn Evolve@Spa body & mind

volve@Spa, in Treetops therapist, as I had never before seemed that the spa had miracu- Arasia at Surin Beach, fallen asleep “on the job” – I’m lously turned back time. offers a unique combi- always too busy taking notes. “You really do look years Enation of the physical Our massage room, with a younger,” my friend remarked, pleasures of massage and the view of lush foliage outside the and I accepted the compliment tranquillity of meditation. window, had two single beds and gracefully. I felt thoroughly reju- The owners, Nikorn Ban- a small fridge with drinks in case venated and very grateful for the jerdlert and his New Zealander we became thirsty. Inside the en expertise of the spa’s staff. wife Dorinda Rose Berry, were suite rest-room was an irresist- K. Nikorn, whose spa ex- determined not to let anything ible private steam room. perience spans more than a de- stand in the way of their vision, We steamed for 20 minutes, cade, and Dorinda, who has stud- despite the tsunami just one followed by the massage, fore- ied and has taught reiki, kinesiol- month after the spa opened. going oil in favor of sweet-smell- ogy, numerology, Chinese medi- A good friend and I recently ing “Blue Camomille” balm. cine, Hellerwork, yoga, and enjoyed some treatments there, K. Supaporn warmed the aromatherapy, among other heal- and the one-hour massage was balm between her hands before ing arts, have also created an so lovely that she slept through gently caressing my skin, allow- original line of spa products called our entire time under her ther- ing it to penetrate. Her sustained “Oils by Roseberry”, which are apist’s deft touch. healing touch over various energy used to great effect at the spa and K. Nikorn, a former Bud- points on my body caused all can be ordered through the dhist monk, told me that the spa stress to ebb away, leaving in its company’s website. tries to encourage people to take place a profound sense of peace. better care of themselves by, for Then we indulged in the 30- Evolve@Spa, at Treetops Ara- example, eating properly and ex- minute “Baby Face” treatment, sia in Surin Beach, is open ercising more. He advocates a comprising cleansing, hot com- daily from 8 am to 8 pm. For simpler lifestyle. Considering his presses and a deep pressure-point more information, call Tel: words, and with the patter of light massage. This costs 900 baht per 076-271271, send an email to rainfall outside, my mind began person or 1,500 baht for a couple. [email protected], or to wander until I was jolted awake At last the echo of a gentle visit www.treetops-arasia.com. by a raucous snore – my own! tap on a metal bowl roused us For details about Oils by I like to think of it as a trib- from an almost dreamlike state. Roseberry, visit: www.oils-by- ute to K. Supaporn, my massage When I looked in the mirror, it roseberry.com/ 16 PHUKET GAZETTE GOOD LIVING October 15 - 21, 2005

ot so many years ago holiday visitors to Phuket who wanted a A food and wine backwater no more Ngreat meal or bottle of wine had to cook it themselves or bring it with them. A defining moment for the island came when the Amanpuri opened and early quality restaurants, such as The Pushing culinary Top Chilean winemaker Boathouse and Baan Rim Pa, boundaries: Tatonka Gonzalo Francisco Perez opened their doors. Restaurant Chef Harold of Anakena Vineyard Today, Phuket’s wine and Schwarz creates a novel considers Phuket one of dining scene bears little resem- green tea butter sauce to Asia’s most important blance to its past. Many exciting accompany tempura- wine markets. new restaurants and wine pur- crusted sea bass at a veyors have enhanced the dining recent winemaker dinner. scene; the gourmand society Chaîne des Rôtisseurs now has a local chapter, top winemakers fly to Phuket to present their lat- est vintages, and enormous wine cellars stocked with the best vin- rate of change in the past few ferings to local favorites. Sure, “These places are usually never think of Phuket as a food tages grace many villas. years. wine isn’t cheap – unless you run by people who are in it for and wine destination.” Still, there is a lingering feel- Robert Falls, General Man- compare it with dining out in Eu- the money.” Stuart Bird, General Man- ing among many that the island’s ager of Silk Restaurant & Bar, rope, the UK, Singapore, Hong Critics of Phuket’s dining ager of Watermark Restaurant, food and wine scene should be says, “Phuket used to be a back- Kong or Japan. scene also point a finger at echoes K. Theera’s sentiments. better than it is, and that Phuket’s water wine and food destination, “We are totally spoiled. advertising’s role in influencing “It was once common reputation as a sophisticated des- where the chance of getting a Thailand is tops for wine and din- restaurant reviews. knowledge that much of the wine tination might be unwarranted decent glass of wine was remote. ing,” he adds. David is to the point: “The coming to Phuket was undesir- when it comes to dining. That’s changing now with the Not everyone is so flatter- fact that a restaurant critique is able or discarded vintages. Many insiders acknowledge arrival of more affluent expatri- ing. David Hamilton, Executive determined by how much adver- Thankfully, that has changed and – off the record – that the public ates from Asia, Europe and the Chef at Trisara, says forcefully tising you do is damaging Phuket we now see better-informed and lack food knowledge or interest United States. that many Phuket restaurants, because it does not help to im- more discerning wine drinkers in cuisine, and that perceptions “Expectations are increas- whether Western or Thai, disap- prove the general quality of the and suppliers. are often based on price rather ing, and guests don’t mind pay- point by turning out “average-to- food here, nor does it hold any “The influx of more ‘inter- than quality. ing more for quality.” terrible food”. weight with expatriates. national’ people – who have an The challenge, the insiders Long-time resident and According to David, “Many “They, like me, have read international view and who are claim, has always been for res- wine connoisseur Neil Cumming, Phuket restaurants provide great the reviews and know better.” cosmopolitan, more worldly and taurateurs to motivate themselves founder of Phuket Dot Com, says seaside settings to dine in, but Theera Kanjana, Director aware – has helped to improve to improve, despite being able to he is happy to live in Phuket would fail in an instant in West- of Food & Beverage at JW Mar- the wine and dine scene in Phu- get along doing less. where “…the food offers quality ern countries due to their poor riott Phuket Resort & Spa, is ket, as well.” Those with a more optimis- and tremendous value at every service, quality and badly thought- more sanguine. Stuart, perhaps, sums it up tic view point to an accelerating level, from five-star gourmet of- out menus. “I believe we are on the best: “Most people want to be in way to becoming a destination for the mainstream, content to get by serious food and wine lovers. making a few quid selling the bare Some of our resorts and restau- minimum. rants can compare with any in the “Those who dare to aspire world. to higher standards will inevita- “Winning international bly shift the conventional way of awards such as the Wine Spec- the past, and credit should be tator’s Award of Excellence given to those who are pushing proves we can get the attention the boundaries, daring to bring in of people who otherwise might a new cutting edge.” October 15 - 21, 2005 AFTER DARK PHUKET GAZETTE 17

he night air is humid and there’s nary a breeze stirring as we park and Thead toward the center of town. A bare-chested, sun-red- dened tourist walks by, shirt in hand. A few steps on, an Indian tailor offers his hand, calling me “Chief” in a pseudo-cockney ac- cent. We pass hookers and hawkers, good lookers and gawkers, then head down a soi After where there are several men in dresses on a pedestal strutting DARK their two-year-old implanted sili- by Sam Wilkinson The ‘craic’ is good and the drink is flowing, just as it should... ‘Slainte’ from the heart of Patong. cone hooters. A swirl of tourists takes in the spectacle – the women amused, the men con- fused. In this Aladdin’s cave of Scruffy Murphy’s law – Thairish style trinkets, baubles and pirated goods it’s hard to believe that anything along this street can be genuine. Patong on a Friday night – or on any night, for that matter – isn’t exactly the place to take the vicar out for tea and crumpets. He’d more than likely be dis- tracted by a certain other sort of crumpet, much of which is wob- bling by in skin-tight shorts and platform shoes.

FIDDLING

Still, like the vicar, there are oodles of “normal-looking” couples ambling around looking as though girly bars and peep shows are the last thing on their nocturnal itinerary. So where do Japanese office girls, Spanish eyes, Middle Easterners, hefty they all go? Europeans, Scruffy Murphy’s is a cosmopolitan watering hole. Seconds later we find out. upturned beer barrels, exposed – is not averse to a pint or two is smiling and having a whale of break. “It’s a full-on job, this,” he A peal of laughter followed by a brick walls, HP Sauce bottles and during the course of what must a time. laughs, and explains that he had burst of applause, then the sound the occasional bottle blonde, it not be a very thirsty evening. Forgive me for stating the his own band for a while and of manic fiddle-playing drifts out only looks like an upmarket Brit- The other main feature that obvious, but I don’t see this par- writes his own material. onto Soi Bangla and like ants to ish boozer, it sounds like one too, Scruffy Murphy’s shares with its ticular brand of down-home jocu- But pub standards and ev- honey, we are drawn in through with a hundred different conver- counterparts back in Britain is larity in many other bars around ergreens are the order of the day the doors of Scruffy Murphy’s. sations going at full tilt, all at the that there’s every color and race Bangla. The main difference be- with such a broad swathe of hu- It’s another world in here. same time. under the sun in here, and the tween Scruffy Murphy’s and manity to entertain. A musical Outside, the pace had been lan- Up on stage the fiddler is place is as cosmopolitan as a Sat- most other Patong watering holes gilded cage, if you will. guid; inside the music is fast and now playing a guitar and belting urday lunchtime Finchley Road is that both male and female Scruffy Murphy’s also does furious. I feel as though I’ve out pub standards – U2, Police, pub. punters are magically released great pub grub and English break- walked through CS Lewis’s Beatles – and all at a fair rate of Hefty Europeans converse from the cut-the-air-with-a-knife fasts. You won’t be able to order wardrobe not into Narnia but knots at that. He’s accompanied loudly next to a couple of shy- sexual cauldron that pervades strained tomato soup with golden Barnia and accordingly I order a by a nifty drummer and it’s obvi- looking Middle Easterners. A “out there” on the mean streets. trout roe and crab meat here, but lion-sized Beernai. ous what the pair do most after- group of young Spanish lads eyes A well-known Patong lumi- that doesn’t complement the Looking around I’m sud- noons – they must practice like up a giggling trio of Japanese of- nary once commented, “The Irish Guinness in quite the same way denly inspired to explain to my Billy-o because they’re as tight fice girls. pubs in Patong are there for us as bangers, mash and beans do, partner that there’s no need to go as can be. Next to them, a gaggle of to escape to for a sense of nor- so who cares? to the expense and time of visit- Not in the alcoholic sense, buxom British lasses is howling mality.” ing Britain any more. “It’s all mind you, although the singer – I along with Neil and – I’m seri- And still the party goes on Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub, 5 here, tee-rak.” What with the later learn he’s Neil from Wigan ous here – absolutely everyone while Neil takes a well-earned Soi Bangla. Tel: 076-292590. 18 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES October 15 - 21, 2005 Metrosexuals v neandersexuals

mor, insteada soccer in them Tex: Yeh, an’ insteada drinkin’ We’re thinkin’ of callin’ ourselves betic or something? pansy shorts. beer, those wusses drink wine. the “new real men”. What the hell is a Merlot? Bubba: That’s testosterone. Three TSOWNDINGS Bubba (seething even more Me: That doesn’t sing. How shots a day to keep his levels up. seethingly): Yeh! Ah wuz readin’ Bubba: That ain’t a wine, Tex, about “neandersexuals”? a article about those wusses. that’s a rodent. Like a groundhog. Tex (bellowing): Durn right! By S. TSOW They go in fer fancy blow-dried Tex: Say! That do have flair. Man’s gotta be a man, even if he mong my many qual- haircuts an’ designer clothes an’ Me: You’re thinking of a marmot. do have to take a few shots from ity friends are the custom-made pointy-toed Eye- Bubba: Yeah! Neandersexuals time to time. See, Ess, the way brothers Tex and Bub- talian shoes an’ facials an’ skin Tex: Marmot or Merlot, it vexes don’t even use deodorant, ’cuz me ’n’ Bubba figure it, this here Aba Hogwaller, from lotion an’ manicures an’ pedi- me mightily. Now, Ess, me ’n’ they know the natural male smell metro-swishyboy crapola is all Possum Creek, Oklahoma. These cures an’ gosh-knows-what-else- Bubba here got an idea we want attracts women same way it at- part of a plot by the bulldykes to gentlemen are what we in the US icures. Next thing, ah bet they’ll you to popularize in your column. tracts flies. Nothin’ like a good castrate real men. They’re tryin’ call rednecks, and they hang out be usin’ eye liner an’ lipstick. whiff of a man’s armpit to turn a to turn us into faggots by degrees. in the Pubic Hare Saloon in Me: Won’t work. Nobody reads woman on. ’Specially after he’s Bangkok’s Washington Square. Me: Maybe they’re just trying to my column. been rasslin’ hogs fer a week or Bubba: Yeah! They want us to Tex and Bubba have many communicate with their “inner two. Cover up the stink, an’ the be warm an’ sensitive an’ carin’. ideas for reforming contemporary female”. Tex: Well, shoot, boy, if nobody women will all turn into lesbians. Even want us to cry. Shoot, the society, which they regard as reads it, why do they print it? only time a real man cries is when hopelessly effete. Recently I ran Tex (roaring): If they got a inner Me: That a scientific fact, Bub? the Dallas Cowboys lose the into them in the Pubic Hare, and female, let’em keep it inner. Ah Me: They don’t know nobody Superbowl. ’Cept that Tex has they were seething because of don’t want to even look at it. It’s reads it. Don’t tell anyone. Bubba: Durn right, boy. Why, the been known to cry if he can’t find metrosexuals. high time us real men stood up to reason we got so many lesbians his needle and misses his test- be counted. What evuh happened Bubba: Ess, me an’ Tex wanna comin’ out of the woodwork is osterone shot. Tex (seething): Hot darn, ah get to the good ole days when men bring back real men. Start a new because all the real men have dis- mighty frothered readin’ about were men and the sheep were trend. Make it cool to have a appeared an’ all they’ve got left Tex: Yew shut yore face, boy, or these gosh-darned metrosexuals. nervous? handlebar mustache an’ wear a are these swishy metro-faggots. ah’m a-gonna slap you upside the Styrofoam soccer players like stetson an’ drive a pickup truck head. David Beck-Ham, with his kew- Bubba: Why, some of these pan- an’ chew terbacca an’ drink Tex (looking at his watch): Oops, pie-doll haircut an’ his faggy ear- sies use perfume. Real men don’t rotgut whisky an’ have a beer time fer mah shot. (Pulls out a S Tsow can be flamed at stsow rings. Shoot, if he wuz any kind even take a bath, ’cept maybe belly an’ beat up the ole lady just syringe and injects himself.) @yahoo.com, except when he of real man, he’d be playin’ one every few months to keep the fer the hell of it every Saturday is conducting in-depth socio- Amurcan football in full body ar- flies away. night. But we need a name. Me: What’s that, Tex? You dia- logical studies like this one.

October 16: The Soi Dog built in 1906. Briefing at the November 26: Phuket Inter- PHUKET DIARY Foundation’s Puppy Day will ACYC clubhouse in Chalong at national Women’s Club’s An- take place at the SDF Clinic in 7:30 pm on October 21. Entrants nual Gala 2005. The Phuket In- Every weekend until Novem- the Netherlands and Britain are Phuket City, from 11 am to 6 pm. can expect to arrive at Phi Phi ternational Women’s Club Annual ber 6: Seven Weeks of Cul- all represented. Fun for all the family – including about 3 pm on the Saturday, then Gala this year is titled “An tural Roads. Thalang Rd, Krabi pets. There will be a puppy show, return to Ao Chalong the follow- Evening with the Stars”, a movie Rd and Dibuk Rd, the hub of Until October 17: F&B Show a demonstration by the Phuket ing day. The event will end on the theme. It will be at the Hilton Phuket City’s Old Town, are the 2005. The Hospitality Supplies International Dog School, and Sunday with a barbecue at the Arcadia Resort & Spa, and starts center of attention for a melange Exhibition, Royal Phuket City refreshments. Visit www.soidog. ACYC clubhouse, starting at 5 at 6:30 pm. Come dressed as if of arts, crafts, performances and Hotel, Phuket City, 10 am to 8 pm. org for more information, or pm. Entries should be confirmed you were going to the Oscars. food. The festival begins at 7 pm The exhibition is showcasing Email: [email protected] in advance by calling Tony Knight Tickets are 2,500 baht each, and ends at 11 pm every Friday, more than 100 companies in the at Tel: 01-7470074. including a four-course meal and Saturday and Sunday. China, Sri 2,000-square-meter air-condi- October 22-23: Ao Chalong drinks. A well-known Lai Thai Lanka, Indonesia, Iran, Portugal, tioned exhibition hall. Exhibits in- Yacht Club (ACYC) rally to October 23: The Phuket In- orchestra will provide entertain- clude supplies for hotels, spas, the Phi Phi Islands. Free for all ternational Mountain Beach ment throughout the night. There restaurants, bakeries, bars, pubs, types of vessel, but entrants must Marathon will comprise a full 42- will be many prizes to be won, discotheques and shops. For fur- pay for their own food and drinks. kilometer marathon, as well as while other items will be auc- ther information contact Thanet There will be a limited number of 21-km and 10.5-km mini-mara- tioned off. All profits will go to Traiwut at Tel: 076-258417-9, or berths provided free aboard Ser- thons, and a 5-km fun run/walk. the PIWC education fund. For email [email protected] aph, a 57-foot Danish schooner All participants will receive a T- further information contact Nor shirt, a souvenir medal, free food Moorhouse at Tel: 01-9581383, and drinks, and the chance to or Email: normoorhouse@yahoo. enter lucky draws. com The run starts at 4 am from the Karon Circle Pond (Nong November 26: Turtle Fun Run Harn) and goes along the beach and Beach & Reef Clean-up. road right up to Kata Noi Beach The annual five-kilometer run and and Kata Viewpoint. For further clean-up – to raise funds and information, contact K. Jeerasak awareness about the plight of or K. Jaspal at Tel: 076-333362, Phuket’s critically endangered Email: [email protected] or leatherback turtles – will start at check www. katakaron.com 7:30 am and 9:30 am respectively. They are organized by the November 26: Phuket Inter- JW Marriott Phuket Resort & national Soccer 7s. The 3rd Spa in conjunction with the Mai Phuket International Soccer 7s is Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. an invitational tournament that Registration will be from 6:30 to provides a socially competitive 7:30 am. Entry costs 100 baht for environment for players who ap- adults and 50 baht for children and proach the game with the right students. Entrants may also buy attitude and in the right spirit. a commemorative T-shirt for 150 It attracts about 20 teams baht, with all proceeds going to from all over the world and is set the Marine Turtle Foundation. to become a major attraction for Tickets will be on sale at the ho- expatriate soccer players. Teams tel from November 14. come not only from Asian coun- For further information con- tries, but also from Australia, tact Samart Damrongkul (Recre- New Zealand and Europe. For ation Manager) or Siripun Petchai further information call Tel: 06- (Public Relations Manager) at 9998839 or Email: alain@ Tel: 076-338000, or by email to reperages-thailand.com for more [email protected] or information. [email protected] October 15 - 21, 2005 TAKE A BREAK PHUKET GAZETTE 19 PPUZZLESUZZLES The Cryptic Crossword ACROSS

1. Stands in for, in the matter of gifts. (10) Spot the Difference 6. Effeminate tents. (4) 9. Director’s hat on sun Can you find the seven god. (5) differences between the 10. Make disapproving two cartoons below? And noises about loud can you find them faster clump of hair. (4) than the rest of the family? 12. Transportation for poach-er’s gear. (4) 13. Under it, not well but doing well on course! (3) 15. Notices agents. 16. Back-up soccer side and liar in a bend, yes! (9) 18. Drink fuel. (4) 20. Destroyed Ford’s wish for a good catch. (9) 23. Spread support with an entrance. (9) Compiled by Tortuus. © 2005 25. Goat product in chain, it’s said. (4) 37. Therefore hesitate and tronic circuits take 28. On beach, tumber then take off. (4) time. (6) timer. (9) 38. Paradorn after game 4. Surplus former wife 30. Are cross – I am in gets appropriate gets art back. (5) time zone. (5) equipment. (6,4) 6. Ready clique. (3) 32. Secret digits in stop 7. Bit of hair for breath- indicator. (3) DOWN ing. (3) 33. Alphabetical workers. 8. Somtam essential for (4) 1. Scrum before bag dad? Yes! (6) 35. Ada has left Alan. (4) travels behind. (8) 11. Dance Reynard is hot 36. Sequence of com- 2. Rival 18. (5) to do. (7) mand. (5) 3. We hear that elec- 14. Musical annotation is key to a Parisian. (4) 17. Wight, perhaps, in the EZ TRIVIA church? 19. Akron might be mis- 1. What international 6. In what year did World taken for west-coast agency goes by the War I start? town. (5) initials WHO? 7. Why are there small 21. Does dog do this to 2. Which US President gaps between bridge find bird? (7) Solution, tips and was assassinated in a sections? 22. Beyond oral – it’s computer program at theater? rural! (8) www.sudoku.com 8. What team name occurs in both the US National 24. Call for attendant. (4) 3. What metal is liquid at Basketball Association room temperature? 26. States can be employ- and English Premier able. (6) League soccer? 4. What is the name of the 27. Themes for singers. large molecule that 9. What is the most (6) carries DNA genetic common paper size? 29. Spa in the country. (5) information in living 31. Ina gets 501 in repub- cells? 10. What is the title used before the name of lic. (5) 5. What is the name of the Thailand’s top monk? 34. For example, note silly dog that Garfield ovum. (3) likes to kick? Answers on page 20 35. Do part of play. (3) Solution on page 20 Brain Buster!! Follow the clues below to get the 8-letter fifth letter is in FREE but not in BE. The mystery word. But this is tricky: for each let- sixth letter is in HIM but not in THEN. ter in the correct answer, you'll have two let- The seventh letter is in YAM but not in ters to choose from. THAT. The eighth letter is in SEAT but not in BEAM. Here are the clues: The first letter is in Sudoku is very simple: each row, each column and PEACE but not in CAR. The second letter Hint: The mystery word names a group of each “box” of nine squares within the puzzle must is in GIVE but not in VERY. The third letter people in American history. contain all the numbers from 1 to 9 with, naturally, no is in MILK but not in HIKE. The fourth let- repetitions. Beware: there is only one solution to this ter is in GOAT but not in BOTTLE. The The mystery word is ______. puzzle, which is on the next page. Answer on next page 20 PHUKET GAZETTE TAKE A BREAK October 15 - 21, 2005 Get your brain in gear with The Monster Quiz Kids! Ask Mum and Dad to help you find the answers to these questions. They’re not easy but, if you do some research, you should be able to find the answers to all of them.

1. What is the Greek word 8. Who developed the 13. Who wrote it? – meaning “yoked modern system of scien- 14. Which of Shakespeare’s together” – for the tific classification? plays was performed phenomenon whereby first? three celestial bodies are 9. Green & Black’s, Lindt & 15. Which similarly titled positioned in a straight Sprüngli and Valrhona play was the last to be line? specialize in the produc- performed? tion of what? 2. Who wrote The History 16. What is fewest number of the Decline and Fall 10. John Agyekum Kufuor is of notes required to form of the Roman Empire? the president of which a chord? Quick Crossword 3. Which land vehicle, on country? 17. By what name is Mary October 15, 1997, was Westmacott better ACROSS 2. Drool. the first to break the 11. Who wrote Leaving on a known? sound barrier? Jet Plane? 1. In addition. 3. Pay a call on. 18. When does the singer of 4. Female chicken. 4. What was the vehicle’s 3. Hindu god. 12. “I am a citizen of the Fairy Tale of New York 5. Oneness. fastest timed run? 6. Atlantic island group. United States of America. celebrate his birthday 7. Against. 7. Can’t breathe without it. 5. Who are the 2005 Nobel Our government has been and what is his name? 8. Delicate insect. 9. Pull along. Laureates in physics? overthrown. Our elected 19. A Fairy Tale of New 12. Night sky show. 10. Go wrong. 6. In which US state is President has been exiled. York was also a book. 16. Kick out of power. 11. Mode. False Cape State Park? Old white men wielding Who wrote it? 18. Imitations. 12. Too much water. 7. This insect belongs to the martinis and wearing 20. How many murder 19. One who owes. 13. Consume. 20. Burden. order Odonata, the dickies have occupied our weapons are there in the 14. Movie award. suborder Epiprocta and nation’s capital.” This is board game Cluedo (or DOWN 15. Talkth like thith. the infraorder the first line from what Clue)? 1. Astonish. 17. Underwater vessel. Anisoptera. What is it? book? Answers below, left

Puzzle Solution to this week’s Cryptic Solutions Crossword

EZ Triva Answers: 1. World Health Organization; 2. Abraham Monster Quiz Lincoln; 3. Mercury; 4. Chromosome; 5. Odie; 6. 1914; 7. To allow for expansion and contraction; 8. Spurs; 9. A4 (210×297 mm or, roughly, Answers 8.27×11.69 inches); 10. The Supreme Patriarch. Solution to this 1. Syzygy; 2. Edward Gib- Brain Buster Answer: Cross out the letters in each word that cannot week’s Quick bon; 3. The British Thrust be right. You will be left with two possible letters for each correct Crossword SSC; 4. 1227.99 kmh or letter in the word: P G M G F I Y S and E I L A R M M T. By trying out different combinations, you can get the answer: PIL- Mach 1.016 at sea level. GRIMS. The record still stands; 5. Roy J Glauber, John L Hall Solution to Cartoon Puzzle and Theodor W Hänsch; 6. Virginia; 7. The dragonfly; 8. Carolus Linnaeus; 9. Chocolate; 10. Ghana; 11. John Denver; 12. Stupid White Men; 13. Michael Solution to this Moore; 14. Henry VI; 15. week’s Sudoku Henry VIII; 16. Three; 17. puzzle Agatha Christie; 18. Christmas Day, Shane Mc- Gowan; 19. JP Donleavy; 20. Six. October 15 - 21, 2005 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 21 Wanna sleep over at her place, the airport or at the gay guy’s?

“July 2003 On 3rd day got chummy with blond-haired, blue-eyed people in one place The Peril of the Andaman: Ever get the some girl called Wanna doing surveys who since that Walmart in Utah... Phuket is the feeling that some people are drama also got me some rice in! Spent 3rd night OUTSIDE place to go. If you want to hit some hop- queens? “Ignoring the red flag and our pre- spent at the gay man’s house, his idea not ing [sic], beachside night-life, Phuket is vious warning, we waded up to our knees mine, it was 3am and i thought why not? your place. If you want to relax in a quiet in the clear, warm Andaman Sea. About fair play he did not try it on but shared a IN beach town, go to Phuket. If you want to sixty feet away, ten-foot waves heaved, bed. Back to the airport for his afternoon By Lis Kinswoman stay in an expensive resort, try Phuket. If curled, and crashed. Slightly diminished, shift and met up with a mad Scot who sup- you want to stay at a cheap place near the the white caps broke around and over us, plied me with as much beer as i could As everyone knows, this column is beach, Phuket. Phuket just has it all. Ev- pounding us with a roiling turmoil of froth handle so spent 4th night in drunken stu- dedicated to how the outside world erything except its tourist industry back.” and fury, before hissing in retreat and por outside Term 1 smoking fags... Mark sees Phuket. This week Lis can’t (3) launching another attack. After enduring xoxoxoxoxox” (1) a number of assaults, we made our way help but set her sights a little wider A fair cop: “Every time I throw a piece back to the beach on rubbery legs, feeling “May 2004 – Had to wait for 7 hours to announce that Bangkok’s Don of rubbish away in Thailand I have got six as if we had just completed an energetic at Bangkok for my connection to LHR. Muang Airport is the sixth most cops on my backside demanding a 1,000 workout. The smile of the ever-vigilant life- Within 5 minutes of lying on a bench I was baht fine (including this holiday) but when guard did not belie his feelings regarding pestered by a homosexual baggage han- slept-in airport in the world. Yes! I need a cop to help me there is never any the foolishness of two intrepid tourists... dler who made it clear he wanted to handle There’s a website dedicated to to be found. Eventually I found a police After negotiating the fare, we left the a little more than my baggage. He told me tales of people who have slept officer directing traffic on the other side Patong... and bounced and sputtered into he had slept with a bloke called Mark a of Patong beach and to my surprise he the blackness of the sultry night, our lives few years previously who he had met in over in the shadow of 747s, dropped everything and came to rescue in the hands of a speed demon, ever grin- the same place, and they had gone back Airbuses and the like. It’s a whole immediately. He spoke reasonable English ning tuk-tuk.” (5) to his place in Bangkok. I spent the re- new world, though not and he explained on the way back to the The smile of the lifeguard was prob- maining 6 hrs 55 mins locked in a toilet unconnected... as Lis found out. hire operator that the police spent far too ably puzzlement as to why farang cannot (alone). Thank god my flight was on time.” much time dealing with these unscrupu- see red flags, and the tuk-tuk driver was (1) lous hire operators who constantly ripped grinning because he’d made a killing. But let’s get back to good old Phuket. lier... The only thing about Phuket Town off the tourists. He went on to say that if that I don’t care for is that its a bitch to tourists kept getting ripped off then they 1. sleepinginairports.net Jai yen, jai yen. “You know that we have get around on your own. The streets are would not come back to Phuket. I couldn’t 2. mensasia.com/Travel/Thailand/Phuket/ said that Thais don’t like to get angry be- like a maze and too many accidents to talk believe what I was hearing and I thought I Phukettown cause it shows a lack of control and they about.” (2) was on another planet or perhaps in a par- 3. //basmati.blogspot.com/ lose face, hell go to Patong for a night and allel universe where things actually hap- 4. stickmanbangkok.com/reader/ you will see that tradition fly out the win- All I want for Christmas is... “If there is pen the way they should in Thailand and reader1017 dow very quickly. In Phuket Town, it is a life that’s better than the one on Phuket, people actually give a shit about one an- 5. thingsasian.com/goto_article/ar- much more Thai and I think much friend- I’d like to see it... I hadn’t seen so many other.” (4) ticle.1080

or many months leading up to the 2004 US presi- dential election, I was a The best and the worst of political prose Fcraven campaign junkie. In fact, many of his New Repub- battlefield soaked with the ink of Even more so than in the 2000 lic columns are just liberal newspapers living and dead. The election, I so desperately wanted boilerplate. It’s in his New Yorker casualties have been heavy. The George W Bush to lose. Lose? I pieces and a half dozen Esquire contestants carry old scars and wanted him dragged out of the stories that he truly comes into new wounds… White House, tarred and feath- his own. “The front page looks like ered, and flogged back to Texas Ten pieces on the media are the top half of an eye chart… The to hole up in his Crawford ranch, worth the price of the book, the back page is a front page, too, but corralled together with all his neo- Off the apotheosis being “Topless Tab- about sports. Inside is a version con minions. I wanted Washing- loids of Gotham” about the war of what appears in other daily ton purified of their stench. SHELF between the New York Daily newspapers, but with bigger The above is not good po- By James Eckardt News and the New York Post: headlines, shorter paragraphs, litical commentary, even though “They’re fighting it out to- tough-guy columnists, and heavy I mean every word. It is vitriolic, day and everyday, for the hearts emphasis on sensation, sports and over the top, strident and blatantly lic. Now he has put together his ermen do not take orders from and minds of readers – the kind entertainment. The writing, at its partisan. The art of political com- first book – a collection of col- anyone. They do their own un- of readers who like to read fast best, is as direct and riveting as a mentary works best behind a cool umns, features and profiles that thinking.” He even interviewed or have to read slow,” he writes. ransom note.” facade leavened with irony and stretch back over nearly 40 John Lennon and Yoko Ono about “Their war may be fought in an And so is the writing of humor. years. Politics is its unabashed their love of New York for – what eternal present, but it has been Henrik Hertzberg — about half Henrik Hertzberg is a mas- title (The Penguin Press, New else? – The New Yorker. going on for along time, on a the time. ter of the genre. During the 2004 York, 2004, 683pp). He follows this with incisive presidential campaign, he wrote Hertzberg approached poli- and sympathetic profiles of the lead column in the “Talk of tics down a well-trodden path. If Jimmy Carter and Robert Ken- the Town” section of The New he is not exactly a red-diaper nedy, and a corrosive one of Yorker. Each week, he would baby, he is certainly a pink one. Ronald Reagan. artfully demolish Bush. Not in the His father was Jewish, his mother In a section on speech-mak- clownish way of Michael Moore a Quaker; both were socialists, ing, he is much fairer to his con- and Al Franken, but with high of the anti-Stalinist persuasion. servative colleagues like William seriousness and deadly wit. Hertzberg grew up in New York Safire and Peggy Noonan, whom Among all the news sources that and went to Harvard, and he has he openly admires. fed my addiction, The New made a long career out of spout- There is an unfortunate 100- Yorker was pure Colombian co- ing his liberal political opinions. In page section on the 1988 Bush- caine. At 350 baht an issue, it any discussion of religion, he finds Dukakis campaign, which he cov- wasn’t cheap either. it difficult not to sneer. ered for The New Republic. He Besides being a long-time And he certainly covers the admits up-front that this was a contributor to The New Yorker, waterfront. In terms of the 1960s, mostly dull affair and, except for Hertzberg was a former chief he was there at the creation, cov- a ferocious pummeling of Vice speech writer for Jimmy Carter ering the Haight-Ashbury scene, President Dan Quayle (“Robo- and Chief Editor of the liberal Woodstock and the Weathermen: flop”), these columns lack the weekly journal, The New Repub- “Unlike the Stalinists, the Weath- punch and sparkle of his others. 22 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES October 15 - 21, 2005

loathe small talk with every fiber of my being, and even with some extra fibers that Iaren’t technically of my be- Small talk may be ing but are just lying around. Let’s face it; I gather fibers for the express purpose of loathing small talk. polite, but it’s also But that might just be be- cause I’m terrible at it. It’s been raining a great deal lately, but the local reservoirs haven’t been alone in benefiting totally pointless from the precipitation. After sev- Youth ’n eral months of dry weather, step,” claims one website, is to I use the phrase, “I’m fine, tion ball” to chuck around with people finally have something “cultivate contacts”. thanks, and you?” so often, that I them. new to chat about. I must admit that the first sometimes wonder why an acro- As with “IFTAY?” perhaps ASIA I’ve heard dozens of people image that flew into my head was nym hasn’t been developed in its “awkward silence” deserves a By Ella Micheler go on about how it’s raining cats, that of growing people in green- honor yet. word of its own, if only for the dogs, men, or three-toed sloths. houses – as the website’s method It would be so much sim- fact that there are so many of what you’re saying, or because Usually, I manage to change of cultivating these contacts dif- pler to say “IFTAY?” – particu- them. you sound like an annoying know- the subject by rambling on about fered very little from growing larly in today’s time-efficient cul- Perhaps there’s a word for it-all. low-pressure fronts, cloud forma- particularly stubborn plants. ture. it in German – after all words like Either way, you can’t win. tions and lots of other geeky I decided to find another Teenagers who despise zeitgeist and weltschmerz per- An alternative to small talk is weather trivia, but the inevitable source. Writer Susan RoAne ad- small talk see it as superficial and fectly sum up complex emotions witty banter. Of course, if you awkward silence that follows in- vises, “Be bright. Be brief. Be trivial, and are disappointed at the and feelings. haven’t the wit or the speedy dicates that it might not be the gone,” which is very succinct lack of sincerity shown when they In fact, one could even comebacks, don’t attempt it. best thing to do. advice, but it doesn’t explain ex- meet new people. make up a specific word for “The Your best shot is to appear What actually is small talk? actly how to be “bright”. You are often forgotten af- chocolate that gets stuck in your honest, sincere, and interested. When I was five years old, I Another writer, Deborah ter a brief conversation because teeth when eating glazed donuts.” Don’t waste your time hav- imagined a midget with a small Fine, suggests throwing the “con- the other person makes no effort There must be a specific ing meaningless conversations. speech bubble coming out of his versational ball” leading to images to listen to you and merely fol- term for the horror that is the Don’t simply cultivate contacts to mouth. Perhaps “small” talk isn’t of playing verbal monkey-in-the- lows the steps listed on so many Awkward Silence. gloat at your colleagues, “I culti- even the right term for it, consid- middle. websites: In defense of small talk, it vated four yesterday. How many ering how important it is to some She also suggests treating 1. Have a (mental) list of is a safe way to get to know did you get?” folks. small talk as a diet – perhaps questions ready; someone, if you truly find that The positive-thinking guru Sociologists conducted a people will begin counting their 2. Ask them; person interesting. Leo Buscaglia once said, “Too study at the Stanford University conversations the way they count 3. Cut off the conversation Although it might be fake, often do we underestimate the School of Business, tracking their calories. with a firm handshake and smile; saying, “Hi, I’m Ella. Beautiful power of a smile, a kind word, a down holders of an MBA some After the 20th website 4. Circulate and find some- weather, don’t you think?” it’s a listening ear, an honest compli- 10 years after their graduation. (which told me to talk to myself one else to cultivate; there are much better conversation starter ment, or the smallest act of car- It turned out that it wasn’t in the mirror every morning) I people whose shallowness is so than, “Hi, I’m Ella. I’ve lost my ing, all of which have the poten- their grades that mattered – it decided to ask other teenagers. thorough, it’s actually quite deep. job and my boyfriend has been tial to turn a life around.” was their ability to converse, in One fact that bothers many The teenagers who were doing naughty things with a goat,” Try to gain something from other words how good they were teenagers is the artificiality of more forgiving of small talk which will surely lead to an awk- every conversation you have: at small talk. small talk. When people say, “Hi, pointed out that it was a great ward silence of nuclear propor- whether it’s a new friend, or an Being able to communicate how are you?” do they truly want way to get rid of those darned tions. amusing story that brightens your with others is crucial in the work- to know how you feel? In most awkward silences. On the other hand, “Hi, I’m day. place. According to the research- cases, they don’t even bother While it’s amusing to see Ella. What are your opinions on And even if there is a ers, small talk is an acquired skill. waiting for the answer and how long it takes for someone to the imagery versus proposition dreadful awkward silence, be “Well, I’m not a lost cause simple give you a terse smile, start fidgeting, it’s tiring and un- debate in cognitive psychology?” comforted by the thought that the then,” I thought, as I began re- when you say, “I’m fine, thanks, comfortable to sit with someone will either scare off the person other person is probably as inept searching the subject. “The first and you?” and look around for a “conversa- because they haven’t a clue as you are at small talk.

Dear Momma Duck, I am interested in English Where do these Thai words come from? words which have been adopted by the Thai language and, in some Do you know of any other an English word as well (perhaps rot mae comes from the English cases, changed. interesting words that I may not one starting with a “v”), but nei- word “mail”, and I rather doubt it One example is the word be aware of ? Also, how long has ther I nor any of my language- because, in my experience, mail “serious”, which Thais seem to the word “freshy” (obviously from maven friends seem capable of has always been delivered by use to indicate a grave psycho- the word “freshman”) been in figuring out the etymology. hand, bicycle or motorcycle and logical state. Another is rot mae use? Can you help us out? not by four-wheeled vehicles. (bus), which, from the Thai spell- Also, I read in a news re- Word Wonderer You are right about “freshy” ing, one can see actually comes port about the hazing problem in (from the American word “fresh- from the English word “mail” Thai schools where the ringlead- Dear Word Wonderer, man”, meaning a first-year stu- (with the final “l” not pro- ers are referred to as “wagger”. There are many English dent at university) and it has been nounced), presumably because All Thai university graduates are words which we use in Thai, in use here for at least 35 years. Momma buses were often used as mail familiar with this word, and I as- technical words in particular, such Every time there is a wel- trucks in the past. sume that it must be derived from as “computer” and “generator”. coming hazing for freshies at the DUCK There are often proper Thai universities, there seems to be a terms (such as khreung pan fai spate of front page headlines on By Wanida Hongyok for generator – literally: a machine how badly some waggers (upper- [email protected] which makes electricity) but the classmen) treat their juniors. Haz- English versions are in much ing apparently was invented by as v or w because the true pro- wider spoken use. the English, and has a long and nunciation is between the two Somewhere in government not-so-glorious history in their English consonants. I used to or academia (I don’t know public (i.e. private) schools. spell my name “Vanida”, but was where), the official Thai vocabu- The word “wagger” is in- advised that the sound of my lary is created, but the vast ma- teresting because it is an Angli- name is closer to being pro- jority of people use the Anglicized cized version of a Thai word wag, nounced as W in English, so I version. which means to abruptly order changed it to Wanida instead. In my home town of Phuket, somebody to do something, shout- I hope this response helps. my generation commonly uses ing at the top of your voice (such Thank you: I enjoyed trying to English words, such as rot van as military drill sergeants training find out about the various words. (a van), sa-pare (spare part), too cadets). The word has been Perhaps other readers have some safe (safety deposit box) and given the English ending “-er”, interesting information about the lorry (“truck” in American). I turning it from a verb to a noun. use of English words in Thai or have not found anyone who could Wag is written ÇêÒ¡ in Thai. adaptations which have oc- substantiate your contention that The “Ç” can be written in English curred. October 15 - 21, 2005 FEATURES PHUKET GAZETTE 23 In The Stars by Isla St ar Protests cause park fee LIBRA (September 24-October 23): Some mud-slinging will affect you this week. If you are celebrating a birthday, make a point of not inviting fair-weather friends to the party. It is high time that you fo- cused on relationships that you can count on and eliminated those increase to be postponed that are using more energy than they generate. Wednesday is the most auspicious day for business deals; do not sell yourself short.

SCORPIO (October 24-November 22): You will finally be able to THE TIME relax and watch things fall into place this week. Just rewards are finally coming your way. As career matters are highlighted until the machine end of this month, do not hesitate before making new moves. The only downside will be that not everyone is happy that you have the News from the past golden touch. Jealousy will be a negative factor on Tuesday. The color rose pink encourages gentle romance. From the Phuket Gazette, October 15, 2000. SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21): If you have been dealing with an emotionally painful situation recently, you will see positive light at the end of the tunnel this weekend. A healing astral PHUKET: The Royal Forestry atmosphere will enable you to regard life with a lighter outlook. Where Department (RFD) has an- business is concerned, Leo can be trusted with important tasks but nounced that the planned in- Pisces are not as confident as they try to make everyone believe. crease in entrance fees to Thai- The number 4 can bring luck on Sunday. land’s national parks will be post- poned to October 1, 2001. CAPRICORN (December 22-January 20): If you are feeling under A dramatic increase in park the weather, you will benefit from a weekend at home. Spend some fees, which would apply only to quality time with your partner to rediscover the intimacy that has not foreigners, was announced by the been in evidence lately. If health continues to be a concern next RFD in late August, and was due week, a visit to the doctor should be made. Family overseas are to come into effect on Septem- planning to come and see you; expect to receive news of an impend- ber 13. ing arrival. The color apricot will soothe your nerves. The plan raises the fee for foreign adults visiting Phuket’s AQUARIUS (January 21-February 19): The Aquarian trait of believ- Sirinart National Marine Park, for ing you can change the world is strongly at the forefront this week, example, from 10 baht to 200 baht, but you need to remember just who you are dealing with. Alterca- and for foreign children from 5 tions are forecast that could lead to you being put in an awkward baht to 100 baht. Fees for Thais position. The cash-flow situation that was a problem last month is are to remain at 10 baht and 5 finally about to be resolved, but this is not an auspicious time to make baht. At Koh Lanta the fees are spontaneous business commitments. currently 20 baht for adults and 10 baht for children. PISCES (February 20-March 20): The misty landscape of last week Announcing the postpone- will clear completely for you by Monday. As soon as you can focus ment, the RFD said it was delay- Going into parks such as this one in Krabi is expected to become a on the immediate future, action should be taken. At work, the ball is ing implementation for a year in great deal more expensive for foreigners, though not just yet. in your court; this is the right time to ask for a salary increase or order to “encourage tourism” and other benefits. It is also a good time to embark on some kind of give tour operators and travel guests coming to Khao Lak and for their package before coming savings plan. Where romance is nourished, it will blossom. agents time to adjust their rates. Lanta Island this season,” said here,” he said. The increase in park fees Stefan Lindh, Thailand co-ordi- Foreign residents, who ARIES (March 21-April 20): If you are ready for a game of snakes sparked complaints from tour nator and destination manager of work and pay taxes in Thailand, and ladders, you should be the easy winner. Your competitive streak operators nationwide, mainly be- the Scandinavian tour company, have complained about the plan is ignited and remains strong until the end of the month. Make changes cause it was announced only two Apollo Resor. to apply the new rates to all for- to the interior of your house to activate better energy; the colors weeks before it was due to be “Yes, the guests can afford eigners. deep navy and sunflower yellow will encourage a healthier balance applied. the fee, but it’s not right to ask “The Government and Pri- of the books. Monday is the best day for a heart-to-heart discussion, “We will have hundreds of for it when they’ve already paid vate Organizations Committee but misinterpretation is likely after Tuesday. and the Phuket Provincial For- estry Office (PPFO) sent a let- TAURUS (April 21-May 21): Romantic interest comes right out of ter to the RFD to ask that it re- the blue. You may have given up on finding the perfect person to consider the decision in the case share your life with, but there is a surprise in store. Make the most of Bragging Leads To of foreign residents,” said PPFO wet and windy days by tidying up at home; be ruthless in throwing deputy chief Phol Pitprakij. out unnecessary items. The number 7 brings luck this Sunday. The RFD has not yet an- Arrest Of Bike Gang nounced whether foreign resi- GEMINI (May 22-June 21): An opportunity to move to a better job dents will have to pay the higher can be expected. This could be the chance of a lifetime and you From the Phuket Gazette, October, 1995 fee when it comes into effect next year. would be foolish to decline. The gossip grapevine will be active next AO CHALONG: As the result of He also named his accom- week; most of what you hear can be dismissed as hot air. Double- some misguided bragging on the plices and co-operated with law check invoices on Monday and Tuesday as a discrepancy will not be part of gang leader Sujih Puk- enforcement officers in their ef- in your favor. Aquarius makes an interesting suggestion this Sunday. sawad, 23, of Tai Muang in Phang forts to bring the thugs to justice. Nga Province, a motorcycle- Police then located the gun, CANCER (June 22-July 23): If you cannot get your head round a borne group of young bandits, as well as one of Sujih’s cohorts, romantic dilemma you will receive astral help this week. At work, whose activities at Chalong were at the boy’s residence in Phang your ability to be flexible is about to be put to the test when someone reported in last month’s Gazette, Nga. Another member of the asks a tricky question. Make this weekend a productive one by catching have been captured by the police. group was rounded up at a room- up with old friends; some of these contacts will prove useful in the Sujih was boasting of his ing house near the pub in Phuket not-too-distant future. The number 8 looks lucky this Sunday. exploits in a working-class pub where Sujih first surfaced. A when one of his listeners decided fourth suspect remains at large. LEO (July 24-August 22): You will first be impressed by someone’s that what he was hearing might generosity this weekend, but will soon realize that all that glisters is just be a matter of interest to the not always gold. Your independent spirit will help find a dignified way police. out of this situation. On Monday you learn of a potentially lucrative He duly informed the men job offer; do some checking before signing on the dotted line. The in the brown uniforms and they color dark chocolate will encourage a looser outlook on life. seized Sujih at his home without a struggle. VIRGO (August 23-September 23): A friend in need should be a He confessed his part in friend indeed early next week. If you are prepared to remember holding up the minimart in Rawai, occasions when this person has offered a shoulder to cry on, you will Somboon’s House; a mom-and- not hesitate to return the favor. Tuesday is the best day for inquiring pop grocery store in Chalong about new career prospects; the stars indicate that your work situa- where a gun was used to club the tion will be quite different by the end of this year. Wear an amethyst owner into unconsciousness; and to help combat stress. others. 24 PHUKET GAZETTE EDITORIAL & LETTERS October 15 - 21, 2005

367/2 Yaowarat Rd, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000 Tel: 076-236555 - Since 1994 - Fax: 076-213971 Email: [email protected] Time for more serious action against uncaring developers The one high-profile sector of Phuket’s economy that seems to have suffered little or no damage from last year’s tsunami is the property industry. Sales are still booming, and prices at the very top end of the market have already surpassed US$5 million, or 200 million baht, per home. Many developers take great care over environmental matters. Particularly at the top end of the market, they are aware that home- buyers are usually concerned about the environment, and would not want to live in homes the construction of which has caused environ- mental degradation. But there are still far too many examples of developers who plainly do not understand – or simply do not care – about the damage they are doing, so great is their desire to make big money fast. The 80-home development above Soi Siang Tai on the edge of Phuket City – to which the Governor recently called a halt – is only the latest example. This project violated just about every rule devised to mitigate environmental damage, and with predictable results; when it rained, homes in the soi downhill from the project were inundated with mud- Letters dy water. Not only that, but the project apparently had not even received The Gazette is pleased to receive mail from read- your views for publication in our next issue. a building permit from the local Tambon Administration Organization ers. Please write to us at 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, We reserve the right to edit all letters. Pseudonyms (OrBorTor). How work could have started and continued on a site Amphur Muang, Phuket 83000, fax to 076-213971 are acceptable only if your full name and address of that size without the OrBorTor noticing is indeed a mystery. or send an email to [email protected] with are supplied. The saddest fact is that probably nothing would have been done about the violations had they been perpetrated on a site that was not Air fares to Phuket blind. There are motorbikes on Kamala, Patong, Karon and Ka- directly uphill from where people lived. Soi Bangla every evening, parked ta. There have been dozens of examples of housing projects in too expensive outside Ocean Complex. I know that the bus compa- All it would take is a couple ny is very willing to provide such Phuket where everything green on the site was expunged in order to I have been advised by people in of motorbike bombs with a tim- a service but it had seemed there make construction easier and cheaper, resulting in serious ecological England and Europe that to come damage – the property industry’s equivalent of strip mining. ing device or a mobile telephone was resistance from the airport to Phuket for a holiday over the detonator and Soi Bangla is in taxis and tuk-tuks. Large scars have appeared on hillsides, reefs have been smoth- high season is now practically ered and killed by mud, and water catchment areas – vital on an tomorrow’s headlines. Now that K. Manod seems impossible. I was impressed by secu- to feel it’s not a problem I look island with a chronic shortage of water – have been destroyed. The reason? The very high rity staff at Big C last week when forward to seeing the new ser- The Governor ordered a halt to construction on the Soi Siang cost of air fares. Tai site until the developers obtain all the required paperwork, but no they stopped my motorbike and vice in action. My son and his wife told me checked under the seat. Have the Sefton Hanley further penalties have, as yet, been imposed. This is unlikely to deter that the two of them can fly [from Central Festival complex security Patong others from taking similarly disastrous short-cuts to riches. England] to the Canary Isles and If this form of rape of Phuket’s countryside is to be prevented, staff learned yet that terrorists stay in a hotel, with breakfast and place bombs inside cars and not OrBorTors must wake up, and serious penalties must be imposed dinner, for one week for the price Time for Lis to hang underneath them? Or do they just upon offenders. – The Editor of just one ticket to Phuket! like playing at comedians with up her tripewriter No airline can offer any- their mirrors on sticks? thing less than £800 sterling Why, oh why does the Gazette TM continue to print the inane ram- (nearly 60,000 baht) to Phuket, Patong and that is for the flight only. blings of Lis Kinswoman, the So do not expect too many Book him, Danno compiler of Outside In? Isn’t it In association with The Nation Multimedia Group PCL Europeans – the money spend- about time that the old girl was told to hang up her tripewriter and ers – to come over until there are It looks like James Eckardt is some much-needed reductions. retire gracefully? back on form again, reviewing Every week, she pokes fun Editor: Rungtip Hongjakpet Derek Priest books he does not particularly at people from around the world Managing Editor: Alasdair Forbes Kathu care for [“A lame sequel to a who have only one thing in com- Deputy Editors: Chris Husted, Stephen Myles genuine original”, from the Phu- mon – that they have made a Chief Reporter: Sangkhae Leelanapaporn Security needs much ket Gazette of October 8]. comment, admittedly foolish or Editorial Team: Stephen Fein, Andy Johnstone, Anongnat Sartpisut, I suppose he was obliged to grammatically incorrect, that has more consideration write about Bangkok Tattoo af- Athiga Jundee, Sam Wilkinson, Ananya Hongsa-ngiam, Shiona Mackenzie been published somewhere. I am pleased to hear that Pol Col ter Bangkok 8. But did he really Shame on you, Ms Kins- Teeraphol Thipjaroen has re- have to give away the ending? Managing Director: Rungtip Hongjakpet woman. Try thinking a little more ceived orders to increase secu- Frank Visakay charitably! Marketing Manager: Oranee Pienprasertkul rity in Patong, but what he said Rawai Kevin Broadacre Website Services Manager: Natthira Susangrat this week has not given me peace Taunton, England Distribution Manager: Passara Kaewbumroong of mind. Now let’s have a bus Publisher: The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd According to Col Teera- Time to raise the bar phol, all unattended bags should service on west coast be reported to security. That sys- It is interesting to read the posi- Among the fine statuary in Phuket Contact us tem worked with the IRA ter- tion of Manod Chusak, the song- celebrating important events and Advertising Sales: [email protected] rorists in the UK, but suicide taew co-operative’s representa- people of merit, I am surprised Classified Advertising: [email protected] bombers do not leave bags un- tive, who said, “Airport buses and that none yet exists to commemo- attended. That’s why they are VIP limousines have different Website Services: [email protected] rate that selfless group who have called suicide bombers. customers so this will not affect done so much to raise the profile Shopper Card inquiries: [email protected] Everyone who carries a bag our service.” and good fortune of this island. Gazette Guide inquiries: [email protected] in the evening should be screen- That’s good news. Because When, oh when, will a ed. they operate with different cus- statue to Phuket’s bar girls be Telephone: 076-236555 (10 lines) Fax: 076-213971 It was mentioned that ve- tomer demographics I assume, erected? I feel the public should hicles are not allowed on Soi then, that there is no objection to be told. The views expressed in the Phuket Gazette are those of the writers and contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, the editor, the shareholders, or the direc- Bangla at night. Excuse me, but a west coast bus route service, David McMurray tors of The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd. someone must be walking around perhaps running through Surin, Karon Letters conveying views and suggestions are published here. Those seeking comment from government Copyright © 1994-2005 The Phuket Gazette Co Ltd officials and/or business owners are published in Issues & Answers on the facing page. October 15 - 21, 2005 PERSPECTIVES PHUKET GAZETTE 25 Free rooms a big opportunity

t is, of course, quite common – by extension – the island’s ho- for people who have suffer- tel industry as a whole. ed the loss of a loved one to FIRST The Thais and foreigners Irevisit the place where they who will be invited here for the died, particularly on the anniver- anniversary commemorations will sary of that loss. PERSON receive free return flights and This December 26 will be two nights’ full-board accommo- no exception, and I agree com- he government has promised to provide a dation on December 26 and 27, pletely with the proposal from the free return flight and two nights’ accommo- which will be paid for by the gov- government to offer hotels rooms dation in a 3- to 5-star hotel in the region ernment. in Phuket to the relatives of those T But, of course, it is unlikely who died. for one immediate family member of every that they will stay for just those This event will necessitate victim of the tsunami, including those who were two nights; they will probably stay some sacrifices being made by injured (although it is unclear if Burmese, for for longer than that, and the ad- those in the region’s hotel indus- ditional nights’ accommodation try, but these sacrifices will reap example, will be included). will be paid for by the guest, not benefits: it will ensure that the Some hoteliers have questioned the wis- the government. hotel rooms are full. In addition, dom and the worth of the proposal, which could It is also unlikely that these after the tsunami, the government see as many as 11,000 rooms being appropri- people will want to travel here helped [local] hotels so it is only alone for the anniversary. Those right and proper that [hoteliers] ated by the government and paid for at rate yet who accompany a guest of the should agree to support this to be disclosed, right in the middle of the high Thai government must pay for scheme. season. their flights and accommodation Many dignitaries – royalty, Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) Vice- in full. heads of state and other VIPs, This will help to circulate around 64 in all – visited Phuket President Kitti Phatanachinda, however, takes more revenue through the local and the region in the aftermath a broader view. economy, and not just for this of the tsunami, and the govern- year, because the government’s ment is inviting these people back scheme should have positive for the first anniversary of the eas, they are not what I would I estimate that Phuket has welcomed by – most hoteliers knock-on effects for the future. Indian Ocean tsunami. call “real” tourist destinations in around 35,000 hotel rooms of because it will, one hopes, fill any If the guests of the govern- Even if only half of this the way that Phuket, Krabi and which approximately 20,000 fall vacant rooms, even if the hotels ment who come here [to com- number return, it will still be more Phang Nga are. in to the 3- to 5-star category. have to offer the rooms at a spe- memorate the first anniversary of than worth it, because Thailand The media may have pub- However, I do not believe cial rate to the government. It is the December 26 tsunami] are will not have to spend billions of lished or broadcast headline news that the full 10,000 rooms re- better to have a room occupied treated well by the hotels, then it baht promoting the region. The about the tsunami [when it hap- quested will be available; the at 500 baht a night than have it is certain that they will come back international media – who will be pened], but CNN and others have PTA’s projections for the Christ- remain empty. as “regular” tourists in the future. following the VIPs – will promote been slow to show what is hap- mas period suggest that hotels in Again, any hotel that has a I urge all hoteliers and other Phuket for us. pening here now. Phuket will be up to 90% full VIP staying in it, for example businesses in the hospitality sec- The media – and in fact We must make the most of [around 31,000 rooms occupied] former US President Bill Clinton, tor to work together to make this world attention – will focus on this – our only opportunity on the with regular tourists. will benefit by being able to say project a success, because we Phuket, rather than Sri Lanka or only date that matters, the first The government’s scheme that a dignitary has stayed there. can all benefit. Indonesia, for example. Although anniversary of the tsunami – to to invite guests here for the anni- This will be good not only – Compiled by Anongnat those countries have tourist ar- get the attention of the media. versary will be good for – and for the image of the hotel, but also Sartpisut Why do I repeatedly Issues& Aftermath ANSWERS of a traffic get power cuts? accident I live in a modern condominium placement must be paid for by the Want to know how to get something done? at Karon Beach. We have had owners of the building. Can’t understand some of the dafter things that While driving I hit two people and power cuts every three or four The two other buildings that seem to go on in Phuket? Want to pitch an idea both died. My insurance will pay days, on average, over the past share the main fuse box with your to Phuket’s authorities or institutions? Then this 200,000 baht per person and I am three months. condominium paid to have their is the forum for you. willing to add a further 100,000 They usually last from a own fuse boxes replaced. baht per person. One family has few minutes to an hour or two, The PPEA was contacted Submit your queries or suggestions to us and agreed, but the other wants more. although one recently lasted about by your building’s management, we’ll ask the appropriate people to respond to How can I settle this problem? five hours and another was about but we never heard back from them. Andre Syaiful ten hours long. Is this the normal them after we told them the cost Pattanakan level of service in Thailand? of replacing their fuse box – Write to: The Phuket Gazette, 367/2 Yaowarat Rd, St. John Campbell 14,104.74 baht. This is probably Muang, Phuket 83000. Fax 076-213971, or submit your Sam Fauma of Phuket Inter- Karon the reason for the blackouts you issue at www.phuketgazette.net national Law Office replies: have been having. In the case of an accident K. Pheera Pruksanan, Mana- in which a person dies, the police ger of the Phuket Provincial must arrest the party accused of Electricity Authority (PPEA) reckless driving causing death. replies: How do I get rid of fire ants? A case like this cannot be Often, three different build- It seems the fire ants are worse to sunlight can make it less ef- More common traditional settled at the police station be- ings have their own electrical fuse this year than in the past and have fective. methods that are not hazardous cause the charge is not “com- boxes connecting overhead wires forced us to be very careful if we Cabaril is a toxic liquid. It to use include spreading crushed poundable” – that is, it cannot be to their underground supply, but walk in the grass or near flower as ingesting it can cause vomit- citronella mixed with water withdrawn by the complainant. the power is also routed through beds. How can I deal with this? ing, stomach ache and diarrhea, around your home, or calcium Although the settlement is one shared, main, public fuse box. Lamsai inhaling it can result in a head- hydroxide, which is made by mix- a civil (not criminal) matter, it is As a result, whenever one Rawai ache, and contact with your eyes ing lime – the mineral, not the fruit important to show the court that of those buildings has a problem can damage your eyesight, so – with water. In Thai this is called agreement has been reached. with its fuse box – usually due to Songwat Tiew-tae of the Phu- wear gloves, a mask and goggles. Poon Kao. If the family of the deceas- water penetrating it – all three ket Agriculture and Coopera- Carbosulfan is another All these are available at Ko ed is asking for too much, you buildings are affected. tives Office, replies: chemical often used by pest con- Wit Karn Kaset on Mae Luan Rd, should lodge a guarantee for pay- These fuse boxes normally Azadirachtin is a non-toxic trol companies to poison ants. in Phuket City, and at Phuket ment with the court to show that need to be replaced every year. chemical that is available in This is put into small holes dug Kaset Kemiphan near Super- you are willing to reach a settle- If a building’s private fuse bottles. Spread this around your around the home. Carbosulfan is cheap, on Thepkrasattri Rd, on ment. This also can help to ob- box malfunctions, its repair or re- home in the evening, as exposure also toxic. the north side of Phuket City. tain a reduction in sentence. 26 PHUKET GAZETTE FEATURES October 15 - 21, 2005

ON THE MOVE

Rudolf Borgesius has Marcus “Gus” Over- Phuket-born Suchart Rat- been appointed the new man, from England, has tanadilok, 41, has been ap- General Manager for Le been appointed Yacht Sales pointed Manager of Phu- Méridien Phuket Beach Executive of Lee Marine. kana Wine & Music on Resort. Mr Borgesius, a With 12 years’ experience Mae Laun Rd, in Phuket Dutch national, has gained in the industry in Australia, City. extensive experience in the Europe and Asia, he has K. Suchart graduated from hospitality industry, having held a wide range of posi- the Open-Educational worked in Europe, the Car- tions including delivery School in Phuket. ibbean, South America, the skipper and fleet manager. He worked as Food & Indian Ocean, Middle East Recently, he managed the Beverage Manager for al- and Asia. Sunsail base in Phuket be- most 10 years at the Phuket Previously, he was the Gen- fore managing two new Arcadia Beach Resort be- eral Manager of Le Mérid- Riviera charters with Tawan fore moving to the Phu- ien Singapore. Cruises. kana. Process re-engineering: how to go with the flow ur company is cur- his job, a process or a policy and rently involved in a IT ISSUES another, usually an upper man- very interesting project By John Seebach ager, smacks his forehead and Owith a multinational ‘Ahas’ happen when one says “aha”, usually followed by here in Phuket. I will not mention some sort of new idea or revela- the company’s name in order to mation to track and a business tion of how to better the process respect its privacy, but I would model to enact. Some of the terms person mentions something under evaluation. It is extremely like to share some of the details that follow may sound somewhat productive when the group begins of this project, since it represents lofty, but I believe that if you back about his job, a process or a to identify specifically where and one of our most interesting MIS them up with hard facts and ap- when varying business processes (Management Information Sys- plicable examples they are no policy and another, usually and inefficiencies collide, and how tems) disciplines known as “pro- longer the generic intangibles that best to smooth the flow of work cess re-engineering”. many consultants like to use to while eliminating excess tasks The information that follows impress their clients. an upper manager, smacks and redundancies. is a cursory introduction to this The project we are work- sort of work. I hope you find it ing on is especially exciting be- his forehead and says ‘aha’, Mapping the work flow: This interesting and helpful; please feel cause it involves their entire op- is one of the most difficult and free to send me emails with any eration, and the task is to re-en- usually followed by some tedious parts of the overall con- questions or comments. gineer their entire business pro- sulting process, because it re- This will be the first in a cess including production, opera- quires a 100% clear understand- three-part series dedicated to a tions, sales, accounting, quality sort of new idea or revelation ing of every aspect of the comp- subject that is not only a new area control and also to redesign their any’s business processes. This is of consulting, but is also one of computer systems and informa- of how to better the process the deliverable part of the first the most productive uses of MIS. tion tracking systems. We expect round of work sessions mentioned It applies to production, account- this project will be completed under evaluation at the beginning of this article, and ing, sales, marketing, quality con- within six months, which, in the it is usually represented as a flow trol and finance. scope of things, is very quick. chart. We carefully break down The basics: Every company, Understanding the business that we put up on a poster board pressed with the fact that upper every process from every depart- whether it is a mom-and-pop process: This is an obvious first everything that is not optimal management has very little un- ment, and then create a compre- store or a multinational, has busi- step that requires hours of pains- about the business, including its derstanding of what middle man- hensive flow-chart consisting of ness processes to manage, infor- takingly detailed analysis. The cli- market, business procedures, in- agement and the rest of the a series of boxes, if/thens, arrows, ents spend a lot of energy show- ternal policies and daily job tasks. workforce must deal with every decisions and conditional re- ing us how their markets work, This may sound simple, but when day. This exercise alone is the sponses. how the business operates, what you really get into it, everyone is beginning of a process that edu- The level of clarity that this information is important to them, amazed at how many small, yet cates the company on its own brings to the overall business pro- and how they currently track it. cumbersome, things affect their procedures and inefficiencies cess is amazing. It is the map by The first step in this part of the everyday jobs, not to mention pro- and, most importantly, the redun- which we begin to redesign and/ project is to assemble top man- ductivity and profitability. dancy of work in its business pro- or confirm existing procedures agers and key employees into a There are several benefits cesses. within and between each depart- work session that can last be- to this exercise, including a gen- ment. It is also the beginning of tween two days and two months. eral sharing of each person’s ex- Identifying commonalities: the re-engineering of MIS, spe- The exercise begins with perience in his or her daily job and This is by no means the begin- cifically what information they the identification of UDEs (un- how this affects other people and ning of the actual work that will generate, how it is used, how it desirable effects). This means departments. I am always im- be done, but it is the first step in flows from the source to the end the business process re-engineer- user, and what systems and soft- ing exercise. Together with the ware best accomplish this. client, we begin to identify how certain influences, both inside and John Seebach has 25 years’ outside the company, either af- consulting experience in Infor- fect or cause UDEs. It is an en- mation Systems and Business tertaining experience, and very Process Re-engineering. His productive. The number of company, Island Technology, “ahas” that occurs is a clear in- offers IT solutions and broad- dication of the usefulness of this band services throughout series of exercises. Southeast Asia. For more infor- “Ahas” happen when one mation, send an email to person mentions something about [email protected] October 15 - 21, 2005 B U S I N E S S & MONEY PHUKET GAZETTE 27 Oil costs pump up price of building materials By Anongnat Sartpisut very volatile right now, and the prices see any signs that prices of building mate- tation to reflect the price rise, but we can- needed revising because the cost of con- rials will drop,” he added. not do so with government projects. PHUKET: The Provincial Office of Pub- struction materials has risen so much over As examples, he said that 6mm steel “Every time we take on a govern- lic Works and Town & Country Planning the past few months that the existing stan- rods now cost 22,408.88 baht a ton, 7cm x ment project, we either break even or lose. has revised its list of standardized prices dard prices are jeopardizing the number 16cm x 3.5cm bricks cost 2.52 baht apiece, The set government prices remain fixed for building materials used in supplying of contractors willing to tender for gov- and Elephant-brand 33cm x 42cm roofing while prices in the market do not,” she said. government contracts, and expects Phuket ernment contracts,” K. Nattawat said. tiles cost 12.85 each. Chartchai Kanlayanamit, manager of Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura to ap- However, he added, “We’re being However, local construction contrac- local construction material supplier Jenkit prove the price increases by the end of realistic. With government projects we tors are saying that the price increases are Enterprises Co, agrees. November. factor in all calculations, and we set our not enough. Prapasri Lapsuangsong, Chief “It works in theory, but not in prac- Natthawat Buaphut, of the provin- prices in line with real market prices.” Accountant of Leefong Co, said, “The tice,” he said. “The price of materials goes cial Public Works office, told the Gazette Thada Pitchayaporn, Chief of the prices of construction materials are erratic, up or down, depending on who you buy that the set prices of about one third of the Phuket Provincial Commercial Office, so how could a contractor get a supplier the materials from and how that company 400 building materials listed have been in- which is charged with setting prices for to commit to selling at government-stan- sets its profit margins. Each brand sets its creased by up to 1.5%. government contract supplies in Phuket, dard prices? It is impossible, even if the own prices, so we cannot use one stan- The prices were last revised in 2000, said, “Prices of construction materials in prices are set by the provincial Commer- dard price.” he said, and added that the current revi- Phuket are increasing, especially 6-milli- cial Office. What set prices encourage, K. sion comes after an order from the Minis- meter, 9mm and 12mm steel concrete-re- “Sometimes we contact suppliers for Chartchai explained, is contractors to se- try of Commerce to consider the knock- inforcing rods and cement. a quotation, and three days later the price lect materials according to what is avail- on effect of the ongoing oil price hikes on “The rises in the price of oil affect has changed. As a contractor, we need to able at the set price. “The fact is that the building materials. transportation costs, making building ma- accept this. If the materials were for a price comes first, the quality comes af- “The prices of building materials are terials more expensive, and I have yet to private project, we could change our quo- ter,” he said. Time to reconsider investments in India, Japan and Spain or some manager simply to moving in the opposite direction Hedge Fund managers do have The Spanish economy looks time this take profits on and pocketing the profits. one great advantage – if they like set to produce the best growth column much of the Indian The “Tankan” survey, an investment regardless of the figures of the larger economies F has fea- exposure and use which measures business confi- asset class they can invest, that in the Euro zone, probably grow- tured India as a the capital to invest dence and the state of the Japa- is “go long”. If they dislike an in- ing in the 2.5% to 3% range. Spain favored invest- in other markets. nese economy, was released in vestment they can sell it “short”. had a problem common to most ment destination Where the investor early October and the various Hendry sees the Japanese mar- Euro zone members – labor mar- and, for investors has used an Indian television business channels de- ket trebling in value over the next kets that were inflexible and who are erecting Fund to invest in scribed it as “disappointing”. 10 years. highly regulated. factories and so MONEY that market, then However, Seijiro Takeshita, a di- I strongly favor Japan; it has It also had unemployment on, it still has long- the decision can no rector of Mizuho International seen years of deflation, falling rates higher than 20%. More term attraction. TALKS longer be left to a and its strategist, had another asset prices and a host of other than a decade ago they came to However, for the third party. opinion. He said that if one read bad news. It is in situations such a very simple solution: don’t individual investor By Richard Watson It is in the the report in detail it was actually as this that substantial profits are change any of the laws, as this merely interested nature of stock very encouraging; the Japanese made when the situation turns would have met with enormous in the Indian stock market, now markets, and any other market economy was starting to fire on around. opposition from the unions; allow is perhaps a good time for a port- for that matter, to overreact both all cylinders and the outlook for Similar profits were made in companies to hire temporary folio review. on the upside and the opposite. corporate profits was good. He the aftermath of the 1997 Asian workers. Problem solved, and The Mumbai market has Investors should be aware of this also pointed out that most Japa- financial crises. In Thailand, by with it a large percentage of un- performed well, and 2005 has phenomenon and not let greed or nese exporters were basing their mid-1998 the SET index fell to employment. seen a series of record highs fear dominate their emotions. This currency figures on an exchange 208 from over 1400 the previous achieved. However, everything in is not to say that the Indian stock rate of 105 yen to the US dollar year. There is an old market ad- Richard Watson runs Global this world has a price and per- market will not rise further even – it is now at 113/114 – and this age that “the best time to buy is Portfolios Co Ltd, a Phuket- haps the Mumbai stock market in the short term, but investors would give profits an extra boost. when there is blood on the based personal financial plan- has become, in market terminol- are beginning to “skate on thin Anais Faraj, of Nomura, is streets”, but that should be tem- ning service. He can be reached ogy, “overbought”. Many fund ice”. Perhaps the wisest strategy also enthusiastic about Japan as pered by adding the old Japanese at Tel and Fax: 076-381997, managers have long since an- is to take profits and wait for a an investment destination. Cyn- saying “never try to catch a fall- Mobile: 01-0814611. Email: nounced that the market has correction in the market before ics may say that these gentlemen ing knife”. [email protected]. reached target levels for the year, considering a re-entry. work for large Japanese financial but the market has still risen sub- However, history shows institutions and are naturally bi- stantially. This is a period that that this is precisely the time ased. However, until recently often happens in stock markets when individual investors enter a neither of them waxed enthusi- when a market keeps rising above stock market. They have watched astic about Japan. its fundamentals. from the sidelines and seen a Even Hedge Fund manag- Where involvement in India market continue to rise and rise ers are very interested in Japa- by an investor is through a fund – this gives them a false sense of nese investment now; Hugh that covers a number of countries, security, combined with the feel- Hendry, who runs Eclectica, is a such as an Asian Fund, BRIC ing that they are “missing out”. perfect example. He is often a Fund (Brazil, Russia, India and When the majority of individual guest host on CNBC Europe and China) or similar vehicle, the in- investors are moving into a “bull” expressed enthusiasm for Japan vestor should rely on the fund market, the professionals are probably before anyone else. 28 PHUKET GAZETTE SPORTS October 15 - 21, 2005 Wakeboard Pro Tour set for Nai Harn RAWAI: Nai Harn Lake will be the venue next month for the Thailand leg of the 2nd Asian Wakeboard Pro Tour 2005. The November 11-13 competition is the final round of the tour, follow- ing previous rounds in Japan in September and Singapore this month. The first day will see prac- tice sessions for wakeboarders in the morning, and then youth train- ing sessions from 3 to 5 pm. Qualifying will take place from 2 to 6 pm on November 12, with Spectacular: a wakeboarder in action. the semi-final and final rounds being contested between 10 am and 5 pm on Sunday, November 13. Krabi are the champions on the dance floor The Nai Harn event is ex- pected to attract 150 professional PHUKET CITY: Krabi Province Thani, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Udom (Krabi); Latin: Chayatri Athit Ho-Thong and Chanikan wakeboarders from South Korea, swept the competition off their Phang Nga and Phuket provinces Prommol, Yada Thara-Udom Kanlayawanit (Krabi); Latin: Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, feet at the upper southern took part in the contest, with com- (Krabi). Athit Ho-Thong and Chanikan Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, regionals of the 27th student petition falling into two categories: Class B (under-16) Standard: Kanlayawanit (Krabi). Indonesia and Thailand. dance competition at Saphan Hin Latin and Standard. The Latin Kritawit Settachai and Atikan Class E (under-11) Standard: The top three finishers in the Sports Complex on October 9. category included Samba, Cha Sareekit (Krabi); Latin: Chit- Chadawit Settachai and Korn- Phuket round will receive tro- It was only a first-place per- Cha, Cuban Rumba, Paso Doble tapan Jeitongsri and Janyaporn chanok Kerabutr (Krabi); Latin: phies and 100,000 baht, 60,000 formance by Phuket pair Chit- and Jive, while Standard was Koisombat (Phuket). Chadawit Settachai and Korn- baht and 30,000 baht in prize tapan Jeitongsri and Janyaporn made up of Waltz, Tango, Slow Class C (under-15) Standard: chanok Kerabutr (Krabi). money respectively. Koisombat in the under-16 Latin Foxtrot, Waltz and Quickstep. Kritawit Settachai and Atikan The event is free of charge event that prevented the Krabi Sareekit (Krabi); Latin: Katak The nationwide finals are to to spectators. For more informa- team from a clean sweep. Final results Siriwan and Jirapat Pakdee- take place in Lampang Province tion, contact Tel: 076-236373 or Ninety competitors from Class A (under-18) Standard: vanich (Krabi). on February 3 next year. Fax: 076-236840. Chumphon, Ranong, Krabi, Surat Chayatri Prommol, Yada Thara- Class D (under-13) Standard: – Anongnat Sartpisut October 15 - 21, 2005 SP O R T S PHUKET GAZETTE 29 Youth success attracts top Karate-Do tournament By Anongnat Sartpisut Association of Thailand chose Competition will be sepa- am on October 15 in the follow- lowing weight classes: Men: un- Phuket to host the youth tourney rated into two categories: Kumite, ing age groups: 6-8; 9-11; 12-14; der 50kg; under 53kg; under PHUKET: Kicks and karate after 12 island youths bagged in which opponents spar; and 15-17. 60kg; under 70kg; 70kg and up. chops will be flying at Saphan Hin medals at the On Thailand Ka- Kata, in which competitors go October 16 will see some of Women: under 48kg; under 50kg; Sports Complex on October 15 rate-Do Gojukai championships through a sequence of moves the best male and female karate under 53kg; under 60 kg; 60kg and 16, when Phuket hosts the in Bangkok in May, just one year against an imaginary opponent. experts in Thailand competing in and up. On Thailand Karate-Do Cham- after the Phuket Karate-Do Club Boys’ and girls’ competi- open division action that begins All are welcome to attend pionship 2005. The Karate-Do was founded. tions will get under way at 9:30 at 9 am. It is divided into the fol- the event, which is free of charge.

Patong Darts League The Shakers dart ahead PATONG: In October 4 play, Shakers took all three points off Piccadilly to go up two points over second-place Amigos, who went down 7-2 at Nag’s Head. Didi’s is back in action, with a handful of unplayed matches to make up. Jerome of African Café is looking for new digs, possibly at the OTOP Plaza that doesn’t have any OTOP products, or maybe as a second team playing out of Shakers.

October 4 results: Coyote* 2 OffShore 7; Nag’s Head* 7 Amigos 2; Shakers* 6, Piccadilly 3; Two Black Sheep 2 Queen Mary* 7; Didi’s* 2 Valhalla 7; Af- rican Café v Dog’s Bollocks post- poned. (* = winners of beer leg)

Standings: 1. Shakers (27pts); 2. Amigos (25); 3. Valhalla (23); 4.= Queen Mary, Piccadilly (21); 5. OffShore (20); 6. Nag’s Head (19); 7. African Café (16); 8. Dog’s Bollocks (11); 9. Two Black Sheep (10), 10. Coyote (6); 11. Didi’s (5). Seraph under full sail. October 18 fixtures (home teams first): Nag’s Head v Weekend sailing rally to Phi Phi Islands Valhalla; Two Black Sheep v Piccadilly; Shakers v Dog’s CHALONG: The Ao Chalong “There are no fees, but people a sunset barbecue at the ACYC ommended that those interested Bollocks; African Café v Queen Yacht Club (ACYC) is inviting must pay for their own food and clubhouse, starting at 5 pm on the in taking part confirm in advance Mary; Didi’s v OffShore; Coy- sailors and passengers to join its drinks. Sunday. Mr Knight strongly rec- by calling him at Tel: 01-7470074. ote v Amigos. free weekend rally to the Phi Phi “We will raft up at Phi Phi Islands, to be held from October by about 3 pm on the Saturday 22-23. The rally is open to all [October 22], then have sun- types of vessel. downers on Seraph followed by Tony Knight of the ACYC dinner ashore.” said that the purpose of the rally Seraph is a 57-foot Danish- is to “promote and support the built schooner that will be 100 businesses on the Phi Phi Islands, years old next year. She under- which are suffering from a sig- went a complete refit in 2003. nificant drop in the usual number The event will begin on Fri- of tourists.” day October 21 with a 7:30 pm “Racing, cruising, power briefing at the ACYC clubhouse boats – all are welcome,” he said. in Chalong, and will wrap up with 30 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY October 15 - 21, 2005

Home of the Week Nai Harn

ith the festive sea- son not that far away, this is a home If you like entertaining... Wthat should be look- ed at by those who like to party. Situated in a peaceful area near beautiful Nai Harn Beach, this appealing three-bedroom, two- bathroom home has been de- signed expressly for entertaining and outdoor living. With a living room the size of a playing field, a resort-style spa and infinity-edge swimming pool, this spacious 210-square- meter property is ideal for the entertainer and party-lover. The single-story home sits on a large 1,600sqm fully fenced block with a lush garden, and is well designed for tropical living night and day. Double-block construction and fully screened doors and win- dows, and plenty of light and ven- tilation all ensure a comfortable environment. Air conditioning has also been installed.

QUALITY

The roomy living and dining ar- eas open to a big covered veranda overlooking the pool, and the Western kitchen is a chef’s de- light with ample storage, granite bench tops, a hob and built-in oven. The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom and the other two double bedrooms share a large bathroom. Quality ceram- ics have been used in eye-catch- ing patterns, and the fittings and fixtures include Häfele door handles, recessed 12-volt halogen lighting and marble flooring. The luxurious alfresco whirlpool bath has been custom-built in terrazzo. Two salas grace each end of the 40sqm pool. When the party’s over and it’s time for a little peace and tranquillity, step into the lush garden and enjoy your view of the sun setting be- hind the jungle-clad mountains nearby. The land title is Chanote and the price is 11 million baht.

For more information contact Richard Lusted at Siam Real Estate, at Tel: 076-288908, Email: info@siamrealestate. Front and rear views of a house com or visit the website at that's made for party people. www.siamrealestate.com October 15 - 21, 2005 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 31

Decor Ananya Hongsa-ngiam

The Flintstone costs 27,500 baht. A CHAIR WITH FLAIR esides the obvious com- fort factor involved in deciding what to buy to Bpark your posterior on, the style and design of the chairs chosen for a home can add that extra flair to create just the right ambience in a room. Art One in Phuket City has a range of different chair designs that break away from traditional styles. Perhaps the most intrigu- ing to the eye is the loopy “Infin- ity” design, invoking thoughts of the perplexing Möbius strip. Be- ing made of durable rattan, it can be used both indoors and out. In red, it costs 24,000 baht, and 21,000 baht in white. Not only of unusual design, the “Ikon” and the “Flintstone” styles make use of a less com- mon material – water hyacinth. The rounded shapes can be used to contrast with sharp angles from, say, a desk, table or side- board, to give a room a softer feel. The red rattan Infinity chair retails for 24,000 baht. The Ikon is available at 29,000 lying down. It costs 37,500 baht, Each chair will set you back baht, and Flintstone 27,500 baht. including seats. The base is made about 14,500 baht, and a table More functional is the “Eur- from woven rattan wood, and the costs 4,500 baht, but K. Kosol lets osia”, which provides a simple seats and pillow are made from a set of two chairs plus matching seating platform suitable for the cotton. table go for 28,000 baht. entrance hall or even in a com- For back out on the patio, mercial setting. Also made from Art One Managing Director and Art One Co Ltd is at 7/1-2 woven rattan, the Eurosia set, in- Interior Designer Kosol Serm- Suthat Rd, in Phuket City. Tel: cluding a bed, a desk and a bench, boonyasuk recommends the 076-217709. Fax: 076- costs 60,500 baht. newly arrived – and as yet un- 218082. Email: info@artone@ Art One also has a seat that named design – set of teak chairs yahoo.com. Website: www. can be used for either sitting or and a table. artonephuket.com 32 PHUKET GAZETTE PHUKET PROPERTY October 15 - 21, 2005

Construction by Anongnat Sartpisut Laguna branches out CHERNG TALAY: Laguna Re- sorts & Hotels Co Ltd has an- nounced plans to build a new de- velopment, called Laguna Village, comprising 300 units on 300 rai near Layan Beach, separated from the main resort plot. Stuart Reading, Assistant Vice President Finance & Ad- ministration, Allamanda Vacation Club Limited and Property Divi- sion, at Laguna Phuket, told the Gazette, “We are currently final- izing infrastructure design and applying for development approv- als for the initial phase, which comprises over 100 rai.” Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2006. “It will include our new product, semi-detached villas, as well as our popular Townhomes and Residences,” he said. The Townhome designs, the 450-square-meter Baan Anchana and the 438sqm Baan Bangtao, each comprise three bedrooms, three bathrooms, maid’s quarters and a 24sqm private pool, and are Luxury and seclusion: it’s all about the Laguna lifestyle. available at prices starting at 16 million baht. million-baht price range. The “People recognize and trust located by a lagoon near the en- Also under construction at The two-story Residences name of the style has yet to be the Laguna brand. We have a trance to Laguna Phuket, is ex- the resort complex is the 79-room are available in the 430sqm Chaba announced. dedicated estate services depart- pected to be complete by mid- Laguna Holiday Club, which is design or the 529sqm Banburi He expects to sell and build ment which oversees mainte- 2006. Eighty units have already expected to be complete by mid- style. The single-level Chaba lay- 70 units a year, with the 300 units nance of project common areas been completed and 20 are cur- 2006, and caters to families. It out offers three bedrooms, two completed within five years. and can arrange property man- rently under construction. will have its own pool with bathrooms, maid’s quarters, Mr Reading said that most agement services for individual “Currently, Allamanda and waterslide. 181sqm of patio and deck areas buyers at Laguna are Western- homeowners,” he said. Banyan Tree properties are prov- Mr Reading said that La- and a living area of 201sqm. The ers based in Asia or Europe, Benefits attracting buyers, ing very popular, Allamanda as an guna, a listed company on the two-story Banburi has three bed- though, he added, “In future we Mr Reading said, were that each entry level into the Laguna Thai Stock Exchange, entered the rooms, three bathrooms, maid’s will be actively seeking to pen- property has its individual land Phuket lifestyle, as they are free- property development market quarters, 204sqm of patio and etrate into other markets, such as title that can be sold as leasehold hold condos with golf member- three years ago. deck areas, and 277sqm of living the Middle East, Australasia and or freehold, and extended war- ship. Banyan Tree units are for “The core business of La- area. Both designs include a the Americas. ranties and deferred payment the more discerning buyer who guna Resorts and Hotels is ho- 48sqm private swimming pool. “Most buyers purchase terms are available. wants a luxurious holiday prop- tels, but property development is Prices for these start at 21 mil- property as a vacation home with In addition, early investors erty and strong rental yields,” Mr now also an area of focus with lion baht. a view to renting them out when have seen a 30-40% increase in Reading said. excellent growth prospects. A lot Mr Reading said that a new they are not staying in them, or property values during the past Prices for the condos start of people who have been in La- design of semi-detached villa with to retire in them in the future. couple of years, he said. at 4.5 million baht, and at 32 mil- guna Phuket return year after a shared pool will be available at However, there is an increasing He explained that the cur- lion baht for Banyan Tree prop- year, and many of those people Laguna Village, in the 10- to 15- number of permanent residents. rent project under construction, erties. buy a property because they en- joy Laguna,” he said. Looking to expand opera- tions, Laguna also has plans for future resorts in China and Thai- land, he added.

For more information about La- guna Village, contact Tel: 076- 324336, Fax: 076-324065 or send an email to: property@ lagunaphuket.com October 15 - 21, 2005 PHUKET PROPERTY PHUKET GAZETTE 33

Gardening with Bloomin’ Bert The A to almost Z of Gardening (Part 2)

must start this week with an apol- the base of some plants, which terminates ogy. Last week’s ramblings involving with a new offset plant. Spider plants have things green and growing involved these. The new plant may be severed from Ihaving a go at our transatlantic the parent after it has developed sufficient friends, for which I apologize. I will even roots. spell that with a “zee” for them. I was only trying to say that I can never under- Secateurs: Small pruning shears, often stand a word they say. Why can’t they spring-loaded, where a curved blade slides talk normally? against a straight blade. A week ago, I attempted to unearth Spore: The reproductive cell of ferns, some of the vagaries of the gardening fungi and mosses. These plants do not pro- world and tried to list just a few of those duce seeds, by the way. terms that proper gardeners like to use on Sucker: A growth originating from the a regular basis. rootstock of a grafted plant, rather than I cheated a bit by calling it the “A to the desired part of the plant. Sucker growth Z of gardening”. Cheated because I could should be removed, so it does not draw not come up with a word for some of the energy from the plant. letters, and because I ran out of steam at G. Hopefully, I will be able to get all the Tap root: The main, thick root growing way through to the end of the alphabet straight down from many plants. this week. Tendril: The twisting, clinging, slender part of many vines, which allows the plant to Heading back: Cutting an older branch attach themselves to a support or trellis. or stem back to a stub or twig. Layering in action: escaping from the pot to take root in the ground. Thinning: Removing excess seedlings, to Humus: The brown or black organic part allow sufficient room for the remaining of the soil resulting from the partial decay Mulch: Any loose material placed over the in plants from water and carbon dioxide, plants to grow. Thinning also refers to re- of leaves and other matter. Not to be con- soil to control weeds and conserve soil by the action of sunlight on the chlorophyll moving entire branches from a tree or fused with chickpea dip. moisture. Usually this is something coarse, within the leaves. Scientific stuff which is shrub, to give the plant a more open struc- Hybrid: The offspring of two plants of dif- such as coconut husks, clippings or bark. totally beyond me. ture, and what should happen to the waist- ferent species or varieties of plants. Hy- Pinching back: Using the thumb and fore- lines of certain gardeners. brids are created when the pollen from one Native plant: Any plant that grows natu- finger to nip back the very tip of a branch Topiary: A method of pruning and train- kind of plant is used to pollinate an entirely rally in a specific region or locality. A rare or stem. Pinching promotes branching, and ing certain plants into interesting shapes different variety, resulting in a new plant. beast in this part of the world. a bushier, fuller plant. such as animals. From the Latin for “too Naturalize: To plant randomly, without a Pollination: The transfer of pollen from much time on your hands”. Layering: A method of propagation, by pattern. The idea is to create the effect the stamen (the male part of the flower) Topsoil: The healthy, top layer of native which a branch is rooted – while still at- that man is not involved, as you would find to the pistil (the female part of the flower), soil. It may also apply to good quality soil tached to the plant – by securing it to the wild flowers growing. A particular favor- which results in the formation of a seed. sold at nurseries and garden centers. soil with a piece of wire. ite of mine, as absolutely no effort is re- This happens when the mummy and daddy Transpiration: The release of moisture Leaching: The removal or loss of excess quired. A great excuse for doing nothing. flower parts love each other very much. through the leaves of a plant. salts or nutrients from soil. The soil around Node: The part of a stem from which a Potting soil: A soil mixture designed for Transplanting: The process of digging up over-fertilized plants can be leached clean leaf or new branch starts to grow. use in container gardens and potted plants. a plant and moving it to another location. by large quantities of fresh water. This has Propagation: Various methods of start- Duh. happened naturally in some tsunami-af- Parasitic plant: A plant which lives on, ing new plants ranging from starting seeds Tuber: A flat underground stem which fected areas of Phuket where greenery is and acquires its nutrients from, another to identical clones created by cuttings or stores food and plant energy and from returning. plant. This often results in declined vigor layering. which a plant grows. Heliconias or pota- Loam: A rich soil composed of clay, sand or death of the host plant. Pruning: The cutting and trimming of toes, for example. and organic matter. Perennial: A non-woody plant that grows plants to remove dead or injured wood, or and lives for more than two years. to control and direct the new growth of a Variegated leaves: Leaves which have Manure: Organic matter, excreted by ani- Photosynthesis: The internal process by plant. multiple colors. mals, which is used as fertilizer. I believe which a plant turns sunlight into growing more colorful names for this stuff may exist. energy. The formation of carbohydrates Runner: A slender stem growing out from Nearly made it to “Z”... 34 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 15 - 21, 2005 Property Gazette

Properties NEW HOUSE For Sale FOR SALE

ANUPHAS GOLF VILLA BUNGALOW

A 250sqm house of Euro- pean standards, on 75 square wah of land with Chanote title, for sale in 83 sq wah corner plot, 140 Kathu, Phuket. It has a lake sqm house area, 3 bed- view , 3 bedrooms, 1 maid’s rooms, 2 bathrooms with room , 3 bathrooms with hot hot water, modern buit-in water, air conditioning, cur- kitchen, 1 living room, dining tains and a fitted kitchen area. Price: 4.2 million baht. with hot water. The location Please contact for more in- is 10 minutes to Patong and formation. Tel: 01-891- Phuket City; 25 minutes to 2926. Fax: 076 -273393. the airport. Two golf courses Email: vikundaq@loxinfo. are close by. Asking 6 million co.th baht. Please call Mr Geoff for more information Tel: LAGUNA AREA 01-8540061, 076-323214 New modern Balinese-style or Fon at Tel: 01-8937585 , ABSOLUTE pool villas will be completed in 076-323215. BEACHFRONT November. Minutes from the Laguna Golf Course, restau- rants, bars and beaches. For LAND FOR SALE sale at 6.9 million baht, sub- stantial pre-completion dis- on the bypass road, 27 rai, count. Also available to rent 180 meters wide. Tel: 07- from November, from 30,000 2670488. baht per month. Tel: 076- For sale 2.2 rai of absolute 288310. Mobile: 04-839- RAWAI CONDOS beachfront land with 1600. Email: terryblissuk with sea view. 27, 54 and Chanote title at Khok Kloy. @yahoo.co.uk Please see our 81sqm. Priced from 350,000 Please call for more details. website for info at: www. baht. Financing for 3 years No agents please. Tel: 07- phuketfourvillasresidencies. available. Foreign freehold. 8891717. com Tel: 09-4740227. Email: [email protected] CUSTOM BUILT 3 OR BRAND-NEW 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom 2-STORY HOUSE HOUSE home in Land & Houses Park, in Rawai, 140sqm , selling for with 5 air-conditioning units, 1.4 million baht, including PRIVATE POOL VILLA NEW HOUSE FOR SALE GATED, 4-BEDROOM a phone line and an Electrolux owning company and financ- for sale. New 3-bedroom villa, Large, new 2-story Western- Fully furnished villa has 4 bath- combination washer/dryer. ing for 3 years. 400m from fully furnished, ready to move style house in Rawai. 3 bed- rooms, a Jacuzzi, security, Satellite TV dish and system the beach. Tel: 09-4740227. in. Nice design with Thai sala rooms, 2 bathrooms, fitted phone lines and UBC. Price: included. Price: 8 million baht. Email: [email protected] in tropical garden. Less than 5 kitchen, furnished. 400sqm 7.9 million baht. Ref: Ref: # 0070005. Tel: 01- minutes to Rawai beach. plot with landscaped garden #0320012. Tel: 01-0875828. 0875828. Email: homes@ PATONG SEA VIEW Price: 10.5 million baht. Tel: and space for a swimming Email: homes@ phuketpp. phuketpp.com For details see 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms on 315.2sqm plot very near 06-6825156, 01-5711009. pool. Offers around 4 million com For details, see: www. our website at: www. on 500sqm of land for sale. Heroines’ Monument (1km Email: [email protected] baht. Tel: 01-7520275. Email: phuketparadiseproperties. phuketparadiseproperties. Asking 8.5 million baht. Tel: away), with 3 bedrooms, 2 For more information, please comfortablynumb_18@ com com 01-4775006. For more info bathrooms, kitchen, etc. see our website at: www. hotmail.com Asking 3.8 million baht. see our website at: www. twovillas.com RAWAI LUXURY VILLA findthailandproperty.com Please call for more infor- HILL-VIEW PLOT 2-STORY RAWAI 144sqm house with 400sqm 1 rai for sale: 25m frontage x mation. Tel: 01-7370038, BEACH APARTMENT 01-7474082. house. 130sqm house with or 600sqm of land for sale. 68m deep. A corner plot with PATONG CONDOS 124sqm and 240sqm apart- Chanote title, brand new, close Located 350m from the Chanote title on Soi Baan Condos with a sea view, 28 ments, a 2-minute walk to the to a school, 400m from the beach. Priced from 2.4 mil- Krang, in Chalong. Asking 4 and 56sqm, for sale. Priced LAND FOR QUICK SALE beach. Priced from 7.5 million beach; asking 1.3 million baht. lion baht. Tel: 06-6865567. million baht, negotiable.Please from 650,000 baht. Near ½ rai with Chanote title, 5 baht. Tel: 06-2806624. Tel: 06-6865567. Email: free_ Email: free_ holdprop@ contact for info. Tel: 076- bank and post office. Tel: 09- minutes from Rawai. Please Please see our website for [email protected] yahoo.com 216260, 07-8945321. Email: 4740227. Email: chotip_5@ call for more information. Tel: further information at: www. [email protected] hotmail.com 09-4729870. bangtaobeachgardens.com October 15 - 21, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 35 Property Gazette

PATONG CONDOTEL 2-BEDROOM Properties A cheap room, fully furnished, BUNGALOW For Rent with a sea view, is available for long-term rent at 5,000 baht per month. Tel: 09-4740227. 6-BEDROOM Email: [email protected] HOUSE FOR RENT LARGE 3-BEDROOM house on 800sqm plot with: a pleasant garden and shady with 1 en-suite bathroom, a trees, including various fruit large kitchen, a dining room trees; a safe child’s playroom; and a lounge, is for sale with 2 telephone lines; Internet and Chanote title in a nice loca- fax connections; pumped wa- tion in Chalong. Price: 3 mil- An excellent, top-quality, 6- ter supply from own well; a lion baht. Please call for bedroom house is for rent in driveway with parking more details. Tel: 07- Kamala, near Phuket Fanta- spaces. Please contact for 8811775, 076-280389. Sea. The house is fully fur- info. Email: [email protected] nished, with 4 large bed- HOUSE IN PATONG rooms on the 1st floor and RAWAI CONDO Furnished, 23 square wah 2 smaller bedrooms on the 27sqm room for rent at 4,000 house in Patong selling for 4.8 ground floor, all with en- baht a month. Please contact million baht. 3 bedrooms (all air- suite bathrooms. Large liv- for more info. Tel: 06-686- conditioned), 1 bathroom ing/dining room, pantry 5567. Email: bargainproperty (with hot water), a living room with bar. It has a Thai @hotmail.com and a kitchen. Located 1 km kitchen and a large garden from Patong Beach. Please with outdoor Jacuzzi, car PATONG APARTMENTS contact “Jasmine”. Tel: 076- park, electric gate, 2 phone Fully funished, for long-term 341724, 01-5690664. Fax: lines and UBC. Available rent, near Wat Patong, 2/56 076-344485. Email: sunsetap from December 1. Rent: Soi Khuanyang. Each has a @ji-net.com 100,000 baht per month small kitchen, refrigerator, Eu- 18-ROOM HOTEL, CHALONG for a minimum of 6 ropean-style balcony, air con- PALACE completely renovated in 1-year-old, beautiful 3-bed- GARDEN & PENTHOUSE months. This property is ditioner, cable TV, fan, hot WITH POOL 1999. Includes lease income room house with 2 bathrooms, Apartments just a 2-minute also suitable for business water and bathroom. Asking and key money from 5 bars. large living area and kitchen. walk to the beach. 124sqm purposes (not a restau- 8,300 baht per month. Tel: Price: 45 million baht. Ref: Open-plan with loft upstairs with additional 120sqm of rant). Please contact Franz 04-8450541, 01-8914561. #0120008. Tel: 01-0875828. overlooking the living area. private rooftop terrace. Price: Brun in Kamala at Tel: 01- Email: homes@phuketpp. Telephone line and own water 6.5 million baht to 8.5 million 4761415, 076-279075. WONDERFUL RESORT com For more information supply. Located in a central, baht. Ref: #0030019. Tel: 01- Email: [email protected] House and rooms for rent in a see our website at: www. quiet, European-style estate. 0875828. Email: homes@ very quiet area in Rawai, with phuketparadiseproperties. Only 10 minutes to Phuket phuketpp.com For more info, KATHU HOUSE 3 aircon bedrooms, 4 bath- A 5-bedroom home with a com City and Tesco Lotus, and only please see our website: www. with pool. For sale or rent: a rooms and 4 toilets. Big swim- living area of 500sqm, set 15 minutes to Rawai. Asking phuketparadiseproperties. good-quality, furnished, 2-bed- ming pool and security guard. in an outdoor area of 1,600 3 VILLAS, 400 SQM price 4.5 million. Telephone com room house, like new, with a Asking only 40,000 baht for sqm including a tropical Sea view with pools. 3 bed- 09-9085343 or email European-style kitchen, a ve- September and October. For garden, in a super location rooms, 4 bathrooms, Euro- [email protected] HOUSE FOR SALE randah, storage space and a more information please con- in Nai Harn. Selling for only pean kitchen, aircon, 2-car Phuket Pride house located on garden. Tel: 01-3673106. tact Lionel at Tel: 07-267- 8.5 million baht. Tel: 07- garage. 3m x 11m pool. Price: SECLUDED 12-ROOM, hillside, fully furnished, with air Email: martinkreutzinger@ 8389 or visit our website at: 8938747. 9.5-11 million baht. Ref: guesthouse with pool, private conditioner. Tel: 09-4736886. hotmail.com www.christianesblue.com #0130011. Tel: 01-0875828. lake, patio seating area, views Email: homes@phuketpp. of lake and mountains. CUSTOM-BUILT com For details, see: www. 1000sqm. Price: 15 million Find more Property Classified 2-bedroom villas with private phuketparadiseproperties. baht. Ref: #0150010. Tel: pool. Living area: 185sqm. com 01-0875828. Email: homes@ ads online at www.phuketgazette.net! Land area: 400sqm. Furniture phuketpp.com For more info, package available for 400,000 PATONG LAND FOR SALE see our website at: www. baht. Price: 6.5 million baht. 11 rai ( 4.4 acres) of titled land phuketparadiseproperties. Ref: #0220018. Tel: 01-087- with an Andaman sea view, com 5828. Email: homes@ 2km up a hill from Patong Classified Advertisements phuketpp.com For more infor- Beach. Asking US$200,000 BEST SEA VIEW Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. mation, please see: www. per. Tel: 01-6408670, 05- Nai Harn. 3-phase electricity, phuketparadiseproperties. 8148144. Fax: 02-3835512 a road and infrastructure on Then hand it to any of our agents. com Email: rsakornsin@yahoo. one rai of land. Only 1 plot on com the island. Selling for 7.5 mil- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| (heading) RAWAI, 2-STORY lion baht. If you do not have house. 200sqm house with BANG TAO BEACH cash, do not call. Tel: 01- Chanote title, brand new, close 124sqm and 240sqm fur- 5376866, 09-6525664. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| to a temple, 450m from the nished apartments, 1 min from beach; asking 1.8 million baht. the beach. Price: 7.5 million MISSION HEIGHTS LAND Please contact for moe de- baht and up. For details, please for sale with Chanote title. |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| tails. Tel: 06-6865567. Email: see our website at: www. Two attached plots, 1,770 free_ [email protected] bangtaobeachgardens.com sqm and 1,724sqm respec- tively, with concrete roads, un- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| APARTMENT FOR SALE LAND FOR SALE derground 3-phase electricity Fully furnished 2-bedroom 230 square wah on Luang Por and phone lines. 1km to Mis- apartment, with a fitted west- Chaem Rd, in Chalong. Asking sion Hill Golf Course. Alto- |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| ern kitchen, located in Surin/ 25,000 baht per wah. Please gether, asking 4.9 million baht. Bang Tao beaches area. call for more information. Tel: Tel: 01-8946855. Email: Please contact for info. Email: 01-6913351. [email protected] [email protected] |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| NAI YANG SEAVIEW LAND – CHEAP TOP SEA VIEW LAND and Muang Mai land. Nai Yang About 14 rai (5.6 acres) of Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 80 baht, 9 rai behind Mission Hills Golf plot of 2.75 rai, 5 minutes to the beautiful land at Ao Por with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. Club, selling for 3.6 million baht beach. Price: 6 million baht. Of- (Phuket) with sea view and per rai. Please contact K. Joe. fering an optional 15 rai at 1.5 mountain view, road access, All advertising must be paid for in advance. for more information. Tel: 01- million baht per rai. Asking electricity and water. Tel: Deadline for Property Mart page: Friday 3 pm. 6936437, 06-6841260. 5.25 million baht for a nice 5.5- 076-244562, 01-7979781. Email: joe_mooky@yahoo. rai plot with a creek in Muang Fax: 076-355326. Email: Deadline for all other pages: Saturday 12 noon. com Mai. Tel: 09-4741835. [email protected] 36 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 15 - 21, 2005 Property Gazette

LARGE, EAST COAST NICE CHALONG HOUSE PATONG MOUNTAIN-TOP villa with 4 bedrooms, 4 bath- for rent, with 2 bedrooms, air KATA-KARON SIAM HOME APARTMENTS SEAVIEW rooms, amazing sea views and conditioning, a big kitchen and BUNGALOWS & CAR SERVICES a pool, located on the top of a cable TV. Asking 8,500 baht Paradise awaits you. Fully Building renovation, hill in very quiet area on Cape per month, excluding utilities. furnished 1- or 2-bedroom repairs, maintenance Yamu. For rent at 80,000 baht Tel: 076-344487, 06-267- bungalows located in a quiet, per month. Tel: 06-2796283. 7245, 04-1901068. tranquil hillside location in
Electrical Kata-Karon. Within walking
Air conditioning/lights distance to white sandy
Woodwork/furniture Property Wanted beaches, shops and restau-
Stone, cement, sandwash in Baan Suan Kamnan. A Why come to Phuket and rants. Includes full cooking
Steel, aluminium, tiles quiet, green and safe area not have a great view? facilities, air conditioning, sat-
Glass, screen, fiberglass on a hillside, next to the Blue Book now for the high sea- ellite or Cable TV, a DVD Point viewpoint, just outside son and beyond. All that you player; a hot water shower, Contact Khun Chuat central Patong. Now several would need: a 4- to 5-bed- laundry service, free maid 01-4083800, 076-325391 apartments are available for room house with a 3-meter- service, free drinking water, long-term rental only. Prices deep pool, UBC, car park and a mini bar, a private balcony start at 12,500 baht per a separate guesthouse with with seating area and tropical month, including electricity. a private entrance is avail- gardens. Free resort facili- BURGLAR ALARMS Tel: 06-7866350. able. Email: pococonnor@ ties within walking distance, SECURITY hotmail.com including 5 swimming pools, Guardian Alarms – the one- tennis courts, a sauna, a stop shop for all your secu- PANORAMIC VIEW LAND: LONG-TERM health/fitness center and mo- rity needs. Burglar alarms, PATONG BAY rent. 9 rai on Soi Rattama- torbike rental. Free car park- fire alarms, CCTV and auto- ing. Please contact. Tel: 07- Patong Tower, high floor, 3 noon, in Kathu. Next to Pae- mated gates. Contact us 1055561, 07-8055476. today for a free quotation. mins walk to beach, very big Mae-Nam Restaurant. Lo- cated on a hillside, surrounded LOOKING FOR LAND HOUSE/APARTMENT Email: katakaronbungalows We offer a two-year war- balcony to enjoy panoramic I want to buy 15-20 rai of flat House or apartment wanted @yahoo.com.au view of Patong Bay and by tall trees, with good view – ranty on all alarm systems. land – quiet, with water and to rent by German husband Tel: 076-281327, 01- beautiful sunsets. One bed, an ideal location for a resort, spa, etc. Tel: 01-7191415, electricity – for building a pri- and wife from November 1 to 8954480. Fax: 076-383- 1 bath, 1 living room. Want vate house in the area of Ao April 30, 2006. Must have to rent out from October to 01-8675084. Accommodation 277. Email: guardian@ Po, Bang Rong, Pa Khlok. I will aircon, TV, cooking facilities loxinfo.co.th November at 38,000 baht HOUSE FOR RENT come to Phuket on October and telephone. Patong, Karon, Wanted per month. Tel: 01-806- with 3 air-conditioned bed- 25. Please contact me with Kata, Nai Harn or Rawai areas. 3946. Email: noinoiarporn@ rooms, 4 shower/toilets and a any offers/suggestions you Please contact with full details. yahoo.com swimming pool; in a quiet loca- may have. Thank you. Email: Email: w.ludwig.bbr@online. ACCOMMODATION Household tion. Asking 40,0000 baht per [email protected] de AROUND KAMALA Items LONG-TERM LEASE month. Tel: 07-2678389. 3 x 2-bedroomed or 2 x 3- Email: info@christianesblue. bedroomed houses wanted New, fully-furnished house in com Accommodation Available to rent for two months in FURNITURE Palai Green, with 2 air-condi- Kamala area from Decem- Bedroom suite: wardrobe, bed, tioned bedrooms, hot shower, KATA BEACH ber 21, 2005 to February mattress, chest of 4 drawers, kitchen, living room, garage apartment. Private, with hot PATONG LUXURY LUXURY ROOMS 27, 2006. Must be furnished and vanity with mirror and and beautiful garden. Located water and cable TV, for rent Apartments. Central Patong in a private villa. 5 rooms avail- and have aircon, kitchen fa- stool. As new condition: in a quiet area near Chalong at 8,000 baht per month as of 1- and 2-bedroom apart- able in German-managed Baan cilities, and satellite. Apart- 12,000 baht. Also UBC for Bay. Tel: 01-8924311. November 1. A house is also ments. Please contact for Ruan Thai Villa, located in beau- ments considered. Tel:+44 8,000 baht. Tel: 076-261- for sale. Tel. 06-5958512, more information and photos. tiful, quiet surroundings by 358, 07-2760529. Fax: 076- OFFICE & SHOWROOM 19645-32801. Email: 01-9704638. Email: suites247@yahoo. Chalong Bay. Tel:076-383- [email protected] 261358. Email: jmicchia@ space. The Plaza del Mar at com 468. Email: info@baanruan. yahoo.com entrance to Laguna has 2 su- KATHU GOLF CLUB com For further details, please perb 40sqm, first-floor offices Apartment. A fully furnished, APARTMENTS FOR RENT see our website at: www. Building HOUSEHOLD ITEMS in new purpose-built complex. 60sqm, 1-bedroom, 1-living- in Patong. Quality 1- and 2- baanruan.com For sale. 2 x 29-inch TV. Rent: 14,500 baht + VAT per room, 1-bathroom apartment bedroom apartments are Products Treadmill (new), weights and month. Fully fitted, including with a balcony for long-term available for long-term rent REOPENING & Services bench press, lawn mower (1 ingoing charge. Email for avail- rent only. Asking 9,000 baht along Nanai Rd, Patong. on the beach! Bar and rooms week old), grass trimmer, able units. Tel: 076-318111, per month. Tel: 06-7426265. Cable TV, telephone, air con- for rent, REOPENED after fridge, washing machine, 3 06-2715319. Email: grenville ditioner and full kitchen pro- renovation. In Patong, on the fans, kitchen utensils, Pioneer @layangardens.com HOUSE FOR RENT vided. Tel: 076-342601, 01- beach. You can also visit us The Stone Doctor home theater, sleeper couch, Completely furnished de- 2705374. Fax: 076-342- after-hours. Please contact for kids toys, etc. Please contact HOUSE FOR RENT tached home with 3 bed- 601. Email: orcella@phuket. info. Tel: 01-0881456. Email: Specialist in European stone- for more details. Tel: 04-065- 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, rooms +, in the Chalong area. ksc. co.th For more informa- office@viennasguesthouse. care products and services: 5804. Email: leondisley@ aircon. Located in Kathu. Tel: Tel: 076-283211, 04-848- tion please see our website at: com Please see our website • Restoration yahoo.com 01-8675084, 076-202047. 4344. www.orcella.com at: www.viennasguesthouse. • Sealing/Protection com • Maintenance HOME CINEMA All your maintenance, Technics SA-AX540 sur- KATA BEACH protection & cleaning needs The brand-new Southern Fried for natural and manufactured round-sound receiver plus 6 Rice Guest House and Restau- stone. Technics 90-Watt surround- rant is now open. Three min- • Marble • Sandwash sound speakers, in perfect utes’ walk to the beach, some • Granite • Terracotta condition. 12,000 baht. rooms with a sea view. Open- • Slate • Terrazzo Please contact for more info. • Sandstone • Ceramics, etc ing promotion: rooms from Tel: 01-7531903. Email: Prevent: rust, stains, mildew, [email protected] 300 baht per night. All rooms algae, scratches have air conditioning, cable Remove: builders’ residue, TV, fridge, safe and hot wa- incorrect sealants, rust, stains, VARIOUS ITEMS ter. Hi-speed wireless Internet mildew, etc. Daily care & - 3 wall fans: 1,500 baht throughout the building. Cheap cleaning products also - DiStar 20" pure flat screen available. motorbike rental for guests. TV with wall mounting Thai language lessons available Tel: 07-2824930, 076-271217 bracket: 2,500 baht in an air-conditioned class- Fax: 076-271218 Email: - Sanden Intercool chest room. Home of the Phuket [email protected] freezer with 3 year warranty Chess club, open every day. (30" high x 34" long x 24" Our restaurant has a top chef, wide): 7,000 baht Gee – one of the best on the is- SITE OFFICES - Superior hand safe (strong land. Kata Night Bazaar, 100/ insulated, with aircon. Rent box): 500 baht 14-15 Kata Road, Kata. Tel: for 4,950 baht per month, or 01-8948446, 01-5972213. buy a new office for 160,000 - Coolkeeper esky/cooler: 700 Email: [email protected] baht. Tel: 076-281283, 01- baht For more information, please 8924804. For more info - Various glasses and bin cups. see our website at: www. please visit our website at: Please call for more informa- southernfriedrice.com www.safewayphuket.com tion. Tel: 06-2703517. October 15 - 21, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 37 Property Gazette

20 RAI WITH 20 RAI WITH 4-BEDROOM 6 RAI ON THE 10 RAI WITH 3-BEDROOM PRIVATE BEACH HOUSE BEACH EAST COAST VIEWS SEA VIEW The land has a new sealed- HOUSE The land has a waterfall run- The house is located in a se- The land is located on the road access, electricity and The land has a nice square, with boat mooring. This is ning down one boundary and cured development in the east coast in Ao Por and has the some of the best views right-angle shape with an a lovely home, with a boat a small beach (accessible only heart of Patong and com- beautiful views of islands in in Phuket. The land would be access road, and electric mooring, located very by this plot) with white sand prises 4 bedrooms, 3 bath- Phang Nga Bay. The land is ideally suited for a condo/ and water supply are close to nice restaurants, and nice feature rocks. One rooms, living room, dining flat with a slope at the back. housing development or for available. Very interesting cafes, shopping, school of the last great plots and room, kitchen, carpark and a It has road access, and wa- the ultimate home. Price: as a villa project. and 20 minutes to the air- priced lower than all surround- garden around the house. ter and electric supply are 60 million baht. Tel: 09- Price: 50 million baht. port. Price: 8,900,000 baht. ing land. Price: 200 million Price: 7 million baht. available. Price: 40 million 8715192. Tel: 09-8715192. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 09-8715192. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 09-8715192.

6 RAI WITH 6 BUNGALOWS APARTMENT SEA VIEW & 2 HOUSES COMPLEX Only 5 minutes from Mai Comprises 6 spacious bun- 2 buildings, 2 carports, Pool. 3-BEDROOM VILLA 10 RAI Khao Beach, 10 minutes galows with 1 bedroom, 1 Building 1 – Ground floor: 3 BEACHFRONT bathroom, living-dining apartments; First floor: 1 Has a sound system through- 39 RAI OF VIEWS! from the airport, 10 minutes The land has a great from the Blue Canyon Golf room, terrace and 2 two- big apartment (174sqm). out the house, plasma TV in PRIVATE BEACH! course and 20 minutes story houses with 2 bed- Building 2 – Ground floor: 2 the living room with satellite shape and is ideal for a resort or high-end villa The views are beautiful! from Phuket City and Lo- room, 2 bathrooms, living- bedroom apartment; First TV. Around the house is a Price: 240 million baht. dining room, terrace relax well-designed tropical gar- development. tus. It has electricity supply floor: 3-bedroom apart- Tel: 09-8715192. and access road. Price: 12 room with a large terrace on ment, 4 phone lines, 7 den with Buddha image fea- Price: 80 million baht. million baht. Tel: 09-871- the first floor. Price: 18 mil- aircons. Price: 15 milion tures. Price: 14.9 million Tel: 09-8715192. 5192. lion baht. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 06-2726508.

1 RAI WITH UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE 14 x 1-rai plots of land (5 sold) at Ao Yon, with sea views to the east, south and west. All infrastructure is in place, including internal 6-meter-wide road with gutters, underground electricity (no power-line views), water supply and telephone. The land is ready to build on and the area boasts some 2 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHROOMS, of the most expensive housing on the PARKING island. A very good investment; a New development 2 minutes to Karon Beach. 2-bedroom beautiful area with nice, quiet townhouses, currently under construction. Some sea view BOUTIQUE HOTEL – 8 ROOMS beaches. 10 mins to major shopping glimpses. Well-priced and an ideal small investment. Prices Karon, Phuket. The hotel consists of 8 nicely furnished rooms, centers and schools, golf 15 mins from 3 million to 4 million baht. Once construction is finished, a bar and a laundry. The hotel is fully furnished and located away and great seaside restau- expect a 20% rise in sales price. Very good buy for location 2 minutes to the beach. Hill views. Price: 14 million baht. Tel: rants only 5 mins. Price: 8 million and quality. Price: 3 million baht. Tel: 06-2726508. 06-2726508. baht. Tel: 09-8715192.

16 x 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT BLOCK

This 16-unit apartment building is located in a quiet area in Chalong: 5 minutes drive to Big C and Central, 10 minutes to Phuket 2 APARTMENTS WITH SEA VIEW City and 15 minutes to Nai Harn, Karon and Kata The location of the apartments is in the hills near Patong, with Beaches. All apartments have 2 bedrooms, a bath- great sea views. The ground-floor apartment is 128sqm and 3-BEDROOM VILLA WITH SEA VIEW comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, Patong, Phuket. This Bali-style villa is located in the south room, kitchen, living and dining room, and are fully laundry room and a 32sqm terrace. Price: 7.2 million baht. The of Patong and has a beautiful sea view. It is surrounded by furnished. It has an office, manicured gardens and first-floor apartment is 128sqm and comprises 3 bedrooms, a tropical garden and has 24-hour security. The villa com- 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, laundry room and a stair- prises 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a Western kitchen, living- the property is very well maintained. 20 million case to a 64sqm roof area, where you can relax and enjoy the dining room, and 2 terraces where you can relax and see baht. Very good rental returns. sunset. Price: 7.5 million baht, Both apartments are fully fur- the sunset. It is fully furnished. Price: 15 million baht. Tel: Tel: 06-2726508. nished. Tel: 06-2726508. 06-2726508. 38 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 15 - 21, 2005 Boats & Marine

CATAMARAN Wanted ASAP: Sailing cata- maran under 20ft (6 meters). Hobie, Nacra, etc. Can pick up. Please contact with de- tails. Tel: 01-0816694. Email: [email protected]

USA AGENT TO SHIP yacht? Is there anyone out there who knows an agent or reliable shipping line on the US west coast (or Mexico Pacific coast) to ship my 35ft yacht to Thailand on a 40ft flatrack open container? Any help very much appreciated! Email: [email protected]

TAKEAN TONG DIVE boat. LOA: 24m, beam: 4.5m. Twin 420hp Hinos. 30kw gen- erator. 4.5 million baht. Please contact for more information. Tel: 01-789397. Email: [email protected]

UNDERWATER VIDEO For sale: Underwater video gear comprising: - Sony Handicam PC120 re- cently serviced by Sony - Ikelite underwater housing, recently serviced - red filter - Firewire, USB & TV cables - carry bag - 2 batteries - 1 cleaning tape Everything for 65,000 baht. TANKER VESSEL HOVERCRAFT FISHING BOAT Please contact. Tel: 01-788- Thai-registered tanker ves- OPERATION 19ft fiberglass, with trailer. 8912. Email: fabienbelleinguer sel for sale: Thai business partner/inves- Has center console with @fundives.net - Capacity: 50,000 liters tor wanted for a hovercraft permanent shade cover and - Length: 22 meters business in Phuket/Phang plenty of rod holders. Has a DIVE/CRUISE BOAT Nga. The flying craft can be very clever shade extension - Beam: 4.9 meters A one-time only opportunity to used as a rescue vehicle as too. As new for 250,000 buy a 53ft boat licensed for - Engine: 1 Hino diesel well as a tour boat, moving baht. Does not include mo- 40 passengers. It has twin - Price: 2.1 million baht. over all terrain (beach, wa- tors as I am selling the hull and Hino 265hp diesel engines. Looking for a boat? Please contact for more in- ter, swamp, rivers, etc). trailer only. Best value for Pay 2.25 million baht in cash formation. Tel: 076-244- Only serious offers will be money in Phuket. Please and 2.25 million Bartercard Check out 820, 01-8912333. Fax: considered. Tel: 01-078- contact for more information. trade baht, with trade baht 076-244823. Email: tailor@ 7795. Email: a.bolle@siam- Tel: 06-9724805. Email: interest-free, to be repaid from www.phuketgazette.net! loxinfo.co.th interact.com [email protected] charter income. Tel: 07-067- 3360. October 15 - 21, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 39 Island Job Mart

THE VILLAGE COCONUT ISLAND This exciting new project of luxurious villas in their own unique village on Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island, 15 minutes from Laem Hin Pier), is looking for highly mo- tivated, experienced and professional personnel to join our team. The following positions are now available: 1. General Manager (1 – Thai or foreign) 2. Project Manager (1 – Thai only) 3. Sales and Marketing Ex- ecutives (2 – Thai only) 4. Accountant (1 – Thai only) All positions require excel- lent English and computer skills with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar field. If you are interested in these exciting positions, you are invited to apply with full resume, stating present and expected salary and enclos- ing a recent photo to: Coco- nut Island Holdings Co., Ltd. 23/10 Moo 2 Boat Lagoon Phuket, Koh Kaew, Muang, Phuket 83200 Thailand. Pls contact for more info. Tel: 01-8912926. Fax: 076- 273393. Email: coconut@ thevillagecoconutisland. com

ACCOUNTANT A Thai national only, with a diploma or higher education and two years of experience in accounting. Stock control knowledge will be an advan- tage. Tel: 076-239111. Fax: 076-238974. Email: suporn @thaimarine.com

PEPPERS BAR PROPERTY SCOUT & restaurant. Female bar Thai person with good writ- staff required full time or part- ten and spoken English to time. Must speak English. follow up listings for houses Good rate of pay and benefits. and land. Must have trans- Please contact K. Gary. Tel: port, a pleasant personality 076-325112, Fax: 01-891- and enjoy traveling around 6879. the island. Good basic sal- ary plus commission. Tel: PERSONAL ASSISTANT 076-288908. Email: nice needed. Computer-literate @siamrealestate.com For Thai woman, under 30 years further details, please see old, with good spoken and writ- our website at: www. ten English, good telephone siamrealestate.com communication and one year CHIEF ACCOUNTANT of experience. Interested ap- THAI MARKETING Our client is looking for a oman plicants please send your CV STAFF WANTED MANAGER with at least 4 years’ experi- by email. Email: leondisley@ Career opportunity. Must yahoo.com An international company ence. English and accountancy have car and marketing ex- wants office staff, part- skills needed. Salary: 25- perience, and be available LAW FIRM PHUKET time staff and promotion 35,000 baht per month. Please soon. Having influential Looking for a secretary/para- staff (Thai only). Tel: 076- contact for more details. Tel: Phuket friends, family and legal/lawyer. Part- or full-time. 296295, 09-4499022. 076-263737, 01-5354108. contacts would be a definite Email: [email protected] Fax: 076-296- 295. Email: Fax: 076-224113. Email: advantage. Attach CV with premiumbsp1@yahoo. recruitment@bowentraining. mobile phone number to e- ACCOUNTANT/ com com mail for express interview. BOOKKEEPER Tel: 076-294486, 01-847- TRAVEL AGENCY Small hotel in Patong seeks MAID WANTED ENGLISH TEACHER LAWYER NEEDED 7248. Fax: 076-346188. needs Thai staff, who are female accountant with good NEEDED Dutch-Thai couple is looking Knightsbridge Law is extend- Email: tanabutr.careers@ able to speak English and command of English, com- for a young, hard-working, Urgently needed: part-time ing its Bangkok offices to in- gmail.com have good computer skills, to puter literacy, and ability to friendly, full-time maid. We Thai & foreign English clude an office in Phuket. We work in head office and our handle payroll and tax compu- live in Patong. Basic English teacher to teach children and are currently seeking staff for tour information center. tations. Please contact K. is a must. We offer a good adult classes. Please call Mr that office. Please contact for WEB GRAPHIC Please call for more informa- Jip. Tel: 076-340464, 076- salary. Please call. Tel: 07- Dusit at Tel: 09-6524747 or more information. Tel: 09- designer wanted part-time. tion or send resumé. Tel: 076- 340434, 07-8871733. Email: 2647544. 09-4745669. 0845704. Email: skheffe@ Please contact for more info. 282906. Email: info@ whharris042004 @hotmail. knightsbridgecredit.com Email: [email protected] phuket-excursions.com com 40 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 15 - 21, 2005 Island Job Mart

RESERVATIONS SALES EXCECUTIVE supervisor. Marine tour op- Requirements: erator seeks a reservations - Female, Thai national. supervisor. The ideal candi- - Bachelor’s degree; date is: - excellent speaking, reading - a Thai national; and writing of English; - fluent in speaking and writing - good administration skills English; and and ability to work indepen- - computer literate – can use dently; Microsoft Office. - a pleasant personality, in- Proven experience in reserva- spired attitude and service- tions and a Bachelor’s degree minded; would be appreciated. Send - computer literate, can use resumé by email or contact. Microsoft Office; Tel: 01-8945402. Fax: 076- 238974. Email: caroline@ - knowledge of insurance is thaimarine.com an advantage. Please send resumé by email or contact. Tel: 076- SENIOR ACCOUNTANT GUTTER FITTER ASS’T SPA MANAGER 239111. Email: olivier@ Wanted: Thai national with a Man with experience in in- AT KATA BEACH thaimarine.com Bachelor’s degree in account- stalling gutters needed. Assistant Spa Manager & ing or higher, and a minimum Good salary offered. Please Cleaning Attendants. All ex- of 8 years’ working experience in accounting. call for more information. perienced, reliable and En- SALES EXECUTIVE Tel: 076-264025, 01-737- glish speaking. Only Phuket - Good command of spoken Male, over 25, with good En- and written English; 2973. residents need apply. Please glish skills. Any experience contact for more informa- in a related field would be an - QuickBook literate a plus; WAITRESSES tion. Tel: 076-330914, 06- advantage. Please send - Can do closing of accounts, fi- wanted. Women, 20-26 years 5413629. Fax: 076-333- resumé by email or contact nancial statements, reporting, old, with English skills wanted 233. Email: terapi@post. for more information. Tel: and tax filing. for Patong beachfront restau- tele.dk For details, please 076-215710. Fax: 076- Please send resumé by email rant. Good salary offered. see our website at: www. 224368. Email: phuketsales or contact. Tel: 01-2718486. phuket-massage.com Gazette Classads – 10,000 readers a day! Please call for more informa- @somerville-siam.com Email: marine@thaimarine. tion. Tel: 01-8173190. com October 15 - 21, 2005 CLASSIFIEDS PHUKET GAZETTE 41 Tout, Trader & Trumpet

Articles Business Opportunities Business Products & Services Miscellaneous for Sale for Sale

MOVING SALE Mattress, 6ft fridge, aircon, beauty salon equipment and motorbike for sale. Please call for more information. Tel: 07-0079874.

PLAYSTATION 2 with 2 controllers plus 22 games. Asking 6,000 baht. Please call for more informa- PRO CARPENTERING tion. Tel: 04-8404317. We specialise in woodwork, home furniture, kitchens, built- Mobile Phones RRD KITEBOARD in or moveable bars, counters, work desks. Yes, anything RRD 160' kite surfboard that has to do with woodwork. with 15-square-foot kite, We also repair and rebuild WANTED: ORANGE control bar and lines, pump, houses and boats. Call or email SIM CARDS safety systems. Naish har- us. Pro Carpentering, who Our company would like to ness/impact vest. Perfect for never leave a job half-done. purchase several 100 pre- beginner to more advanced Tel: 076-243089, 04-051- paid SIM cards and airtime kite surfers. All equipment 1944. Fax: 076-243089. vouchers for Thailand. We hardly used as I have no time. Email: pro_carpentering@ prefer Orange Just Talk. Kite has small ding on the lead- yahoo.com We can pay via bank wire. ing edge, but apart from that WEDDING BUSINESS Please contact and put AT- it’s as good as brand new. Successful Co Ltd in Phuket, DAY TRIP TO PRINTING TENTION KEN in the sub- 45,000 baht ono. First come ject field. Tel: 858-2742- first served. Please contact established 5 years ago, run- RANONG and advertising. For all your ning mainly for the Japanese printing needs – from T-shirts 686, 85-8255755. Email: for more info. Tel: 01-367- New double-decker tour bus [email protected] For 5413. Email: wesleybaxter@ wedding industry, seeks (not minibus), non-smoking to brochures and caps to cata- business investment partner logs, any quantity. Call Dream further details, please see hotmail.com and smoking areas, toilet, our website at: www. to expand in the largest mar- films/music, snacks and Team Tel: 076-344366 or ket. We have many years’ ex- telestial.com BILLIARD TABLE drinks, on-board buffet lunch. visit us at 204/38 Rat-U-Thit perience and good manage- 200 Pi Rd, Soi Ladiva, Patong. 8x4 feet. In good condition. No extras to pay, all-inclu- ment. If interested, you are sive. Only 1,500 baht. Every BLACKBERRY 7230 Asking price: 15,000 baht. invited to an actual wedding Ask for Wolfie. Tel: 076- Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sunday. DO BUSINESS Never-used Blackberry 7230 on October 31 to observe. Tel: 04-7457024. in Thailand. Register your Thai still in the box, comes with 345015. Email: wolfies@ Tel; 07-2688159. Email: phuket.ksc.co.th limited company; apply for a belt clip, headset, travel [email protected] NICE BEER GARDEN work permit or Thai visa charger, desktop stand, 2 TAYLOR MADE R580 70 seats, fully equipped, low through Thailand’s largest le- USB cables, and software. investment on booming Surin VISA & LEGAL gal service network, Siam In- Price: 20,000 baht. Please Taylor Made R580 golf BAR FOR SALE SREVICES clubs. 1, 3 & 5 woods, 3 Good location in OTOP shop- Beach. Asking 1.1 million baht ternational Legal Group. Law contact for more information. through 9 irons, pitching ping complex. Please call Tel: and 12,000 baht per month. Office License No. 6155/ Tel: 076-330710, 01-597- wedge, sand wedge and Od- 04-8417339 (Eng) or 01- Email: phuketopportunity 2548. Business licenses, con- 4218. Email: raoulwildt@gmx. yssey 2-ball putter. Bag. Ex- 8671045 (Thai). @hotmail.com tracts and property transac- net cellent condition, never used. tions by legal professionals at 20,000 baht. Contact K. HOTEL FOR LEASE KATA BAR FOR SALE reasonable fees. Call 24 hours. Tel: 076-345277, 04- Howard. Tel: 09-2879196, 25-room hotel in Patong. in an excellent location, with BusinessPersonal 0219800. Email: admin@ 09-287919. Fax: 07-620- Good condition. 12 year con- new furnishings, UBC, a pool siam-legal.com For further Services 275. Email: howardgross@ tract. 160,000 baht per table – a good opportunity details, see our website at: mac.com month. No key money. Ready before high season. Please call www.siam-legal.com for the next high season. Tel: Tel: 07-9312916. 06-0043008. Email: info@ TRANSLATION Bulletins ayudhya.net See our website VISA SERVICES SERVICE HOTEL – HOT SALE • Company Registration at: www.ayudhya.net Tired of visa runs? Get a one- Available for a reasonable Freehold hotel-bar-restaurant- 2,229 baht; Internet café in a prime Pa- year Thai visa, or visas for any price. Please call K. Dusit. 2 BLACK SHEEP tong location for sale. Asking • One-Year Visa 5,999 other country – USA K1/K3 Please call for more infor- An award -winning pub/res- 18 million baht. Please call for baht; visas, UK Visitor and Spouses mation. Tel: 09-6524747. taurant in central Patong with more information. Tel: 01-894- • Work Permit 5,999 baht; visas. Free initial consultation at Thailand’s largest legal ser- a new Aussie owner, new 0580. • UK & US Visa 16,999 LEARN THAI, music gig, and big new promo- baht. vice network, Siam Interna- English, French, German, tion plans seeks an investor/ tional Legal Group. Call 24 O’MALLEYS IRISH PUB No more visa runs – get a Japanese, and Italian lessons partner to help take us to a hours. Tel: 076-345277, 04- Small business, big opportu- one-year visa! Establish your with TLS certificate. Qualified, new level of success. Long 0219800. Email: admin@ nity! Recently refurbished pub Thai company today! Prop- professional teacher and ma- lease and no rent for 2 years. siam-legal.com Website at : & restaurant, located in erty title search and sales terials. Call Tewi at Tel:076- Call Scotty. Tel: 01-0876339. www.siam-legal.com Phuket City. Close to major contract. Thailand’s LARG- 319066-7, 06-3817138, 06- hotels, shopping area and EST legal service network. 2661585, 04-0591155. RESTAURANT tourist attractions. Package Please contact for more in- Computers and guesthouse. Available for includes all paperwork, visas, formation. Tel: 076-345- 6-year lease in Karon. Euro- 2 work permits and all li- 277. Email: dennis_siamlegal Personals pean-style kitchen, 36-seat censes for a smooth takeover. @hotmail. com www.siam- air-conditioned restaurant, 400sqm, live music stage, legal.com COMPUTER two TVs, UBC & sound sys- sound and light system, pro- REPAIRS tem. Five air-conditioned guest jector UBC TV, 3 new pool English computer techni- LADIES ONLY rooms with hot water, TV and tables (including pool room), 15 cian. New or used GPRS, Tony – a good looking guy, full UBC satellite system. tables, 40 bar stools, 5 fridges TEFL PLUS ADSL, WLAN and Internet 32 years old – will escort PHUKET CHESS CLUB Small staff room and office. and freezers, new kitchen Teacher-training course access without a phone. you to any event. Call me at Open every day, at Southern Thai registered company in- equipment, 2 phone lines and starts November 14. Cost Tel: 09-4735080. Tel: 04-0511582. Fried Rice guesthouse in Kata. cluded, ready to start your over 300 taxi-bikes with 35,000 baht, but will sell Tournaments on Wednesdays business now. Tel: 09-591- “O’Malleys” vests driving for 25,000 baht. Please at 7 pm and Saturdays at 2 4044, 01-8936072. Email: around the city. Tel: 076- call for more information. pm. Please call Tel: 01-894 kanhathamyorm@hotmail. 220170, 09-7292846. Email: Tel: 04-8404817. 8446. com [email protected] 42 PHUKET GAZETTE CLASSIFIEDS October 15 - 21, 2005 Wheels & Motors

FORD RANGER 4 X 4 Saloon Cars Pickups Ford Ranger 4x4 2.5 turbo Rentals XLT. Nov 2000. Owned by 1998 TOYOTA PICKUP Hong Kong-based family, Mighty Plus with power steer- hence only 41,000km. Fully A1 CAR RENTAL ing, electric windows, remote maintained by Ford, records central locking and Carry Boy available. Full Carry Boy with back. Excellent condition. Also aircon – great for dogs and has available full fit-out for kids. 450,000 baht. Please Carry Boy back, including contact for further informa- aircon. 250,000 baht. Tel: tion. Tel: 076-273492, 07- 076-281283, 01-8924804. 2789908. Fax: 076-273492. Email: [email protected]. Email: [email protected]. co.th co.th Cars, trucks, jeep, 7-seat 4-SEATER CARIBIAN people carrier for rent; fully- 4 x 4s A blue 1994 Suzuki Caribian, insured. From 10,000 baht a in good condition, with air month; special long-term conditoner, is for sale at rates. Please call for more info. Tel: 09-8314703. RANGE ROVER 110,000 baht. Please contact 4.6HSE for more details. Tel: 01-607- 8567. Email: suksavat@ hotmail.com LOW PRICE Low price for long-term rent. HYUNDAI 2002 HONDA CRV Motorbikes Many types of new cars, ACCENT 1.3 with CD player and insurance, Very good condition. 49,000 and well maintained. Tel:01- 1996, for sale. In excellent kms. Fully serviced, no acci- YAMAHA SPECIAL 6078567. Email: suksavat@ condition, with new shocks, dents. 745,000 baht. Please hotmail.com clutch, good air conditioning, contact for more details. Tel: 400cc. Rebuilt from scratch. It has new paint and has been good runner, CD player, 06-2672462. Email: shall@ Metallic blue, 1996 Range fully customized. Has green tinted windows, very eco- loxinfo.co.th Rover, 4.6 V8, top spec, in registration book and can be nomical, etc. Asking price: immaculate condition with Wanted transferred easily. Asking 180,000 baht. Tel: 04-065- many extras. It has 18" 85,000 baht. Tel: 01-747- 5804. Email: leondisley@ wheels, a DVD player, 0610. Email: tammy_teacher URGENTLY WANTED! yahoo.com TOYOTA VIOS roofrack, rear view camera, TURBO @yahoo.com Looking for a jeep, car or pick- Phuket’s Most Trusted & lights, 2000 spec lights, cli- up to buy. Price range: up to Black TRD special turbo edi- mate control, memory seats Reputable Supplier of the Finest 94 COROLLA HONDA STEED 750 130,000 baht. Tel: 06-947- Quality Used SALOONS, tion. 143bhp, 4-wheel ABS, and is fully color-coded. 1.6L auto.131,000km, 2 lady chopper. 1994 Custom, black 8455. SEDANS, JEEPS & PICKUPS airbag, leather interior, full Drives very well. Always owners. CD player, tires, options, 1 year old with maintained by Land Rover. and chrome, 750cc Africa New cars or trade-ins – brakes, wheels, suspension – 10,000km only and looks Asking only 1.1 million baht. Twin engine. Phuket regis- MINI BUS WANTED we have what you’re all new, have all bills. First to like new. 2-year warranty. Tel: 07-8867360. Email: tered. 195,000 baht. Please Mini bus wanted urgently for looking for see will buy. Offers to Dave. Selling for 750,000 baht. No [email protected] contact for more info. Tel: 01- monthly lease, at resonable For more info pls call us at Tel: 07-8812638. offers. Please call Mr Leo for 0892308, 04-8445301. price. Tel: 04-7457024. Tel: 076-224632, 216243 more information. Tel: 04- Email: leadingedgeaviation@ Email: kingrw80@hotmail. www.suremotor.com 1995 ACCORD BLACK 0603477. 4WD FORD RANGER XLT hotmail.com com Honda Accord VTEC, auto- September 2001 2.5 XLT matic, with pop-up TV+VCD Ford Ranger Hurricane. Low JRD TORNADO 150cc WANTED: SUZUKI BLACK 2001 CRV +MP3 player. 180,000km. HONDA ACCORD mileage (55,000km) and in Brand-new, only 2400km, 3 Suzuki Hayabusa 1300 from Leather interior, 6-loader CD Asking 350,000 baht. In great EXI. 1994, black, automatic, very good condition. Double months’ old. Bought new for 2002 onwards. Has to be in player; all extras; 70,000km. condition. Please contact for in great condition. Please con- airbag, CD player, remote key/ 65,000 baht; selling at immaculate condition, and Asking 750,000 baht. Please further information. Tel: 01- tact for more information. Tel: alarm, 1st-class insurance, 55,000 baht. Please contact never rented. Please contact call K. Mai for more details. 4580295. Email: thongkul@ 09-1412092. Email: nicole@ etc. Will be for sale in Novem- for further information. Tel: me with full details. Tel: 09- Tel: 09-8713752. hotmail.com bluecanyonclub.com ber at 440,000 baht. Email: 04-0655804. Email: 4744156. Email: clickconnect [email protected] [email protected] @gmail.com Agents for Classified Advertising Wheels & Motors PHUKET Advertisements K.L. Mart Please use this form to write your classified advertisement. Patak Rd, Chalong Tel: 076-280400/3 Then hand it to any of our agents. Earth Language School |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-232398/9 (heading) Sin & Lee |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Thalang Rd, Phuket Town Tel: 076-258369 Taurus Travel |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_| Aroonsom Plaza Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Patong Tel: 076 344521-2 |_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

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Classified ads are charged per line. Each line is 80 baht, with a minimum of 4 lines (heading included) per ad. All advertising must be paid for in advance. Deadline for Wheels & Motors page: Saturday 12 noon. October 15 - 21, 2005 PHUKET GAZETTE 43 44 PHUKET GAZETTE October 15 - 21, 2005

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