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WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF OBSERVERS WERE NOT THERE? ‘ ’ List alleges extortion of migrants A LIST, circulated on social media, accuses Provincial, Tourist, Immigration, Border, Patong and Phuket City Po- lice officials of extorting mi- grant workers as the Employ- ment Office wraps up work- ers’ registrations. Province leads Full Story Page 4 the south in support BUSINESS of draft constitution

By Gazette reporters

MORE than half of Phuket’s eligible vot- ers turned out to cast their ballots in the August 7 draft constitution referendum, Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipaya- pongtada told the Gazette this week. The Pokemon Go craze Almost 90 per cent of last Sunday’s teaches a valuable market- 150,326 voters in the province voted to ing lesson. accept the proposed draft constitution, the Page 11 highest percentage out of any province south of the Isthmus of Kra. PROPERTY Provincial Election Commission offi- cials said they had hoped for an 80 per cent turnout at the polls, but Gov Chamroen said that rain and heavy traffic may have pre- vented some from making it to the province’s 370 polling stations. The governor cast his own vote on Sun- day at the Phuket City Municipal Hall polling station. Gov Chamroen speaks with reporters after voting at Phuket City Municipal Hall polling station, Phuket Marriott Resort & “A total of 150,326 (54 per cent) of the while voters cast their ballots behind him at Sapan Hin Sports Complex. Photo: Phuket PR Spa, Nai Yang Beach gets province’s 274,407 eligible voters turned revamped. out to vote on August 7,” he said in a state- the day after the vote, 118,969 (85 per cent) According to the Election Commission, Page 19 ment prepared by the Phuket Provincial of local voters said ‘yes' to the Senate be- as many as 15.5 million (61.4 per cent of Public Relations Office. “Out of that, ing involved in the selection of the Prime total voters) approved the draft charter, LIFE&STYLE 125,643 (88 per cent) voted ‘yes’ for the Minister; 20,022 (14 per cent) voted ‘no’. while 9.7 million (38.6 per cent) voted draft charter and 17,801 (nearly 12 per A total of 3,181 (2 per cent) of the ballots against it. Thailand’s Northeastern prov- cent) voted ‘no’.” were voided. inces, which comprise the red-shirt Voters in Phuket also overwhelmingly Leaders within the NCPO have stated stronghold of Isarn, was the only region approved a second ballot question that that they expect the draft constitution to carried by ‘no’ votes. would allow senators to join parliamentar- be ratified within 30 days of the vote. On Sunday evening, the leadership of ians in selecting the country’s Prime Phuket’s seemingly wide-spread support the opposition Pheu Thai Party, acknowl- Minister. According to the now-passed for the referendum echoed voting results edged defeat, stating that the vote for the draft constitution, the ruling National around the country. At press time, the Cen- referendum was indicative of a clear de- Council for Public Order (NCPO) would tral Election Commission had counted 94 sire on behalf of the majority of Thais to Miss World Australia 2016 be allowed to appoint 250 seats in per cent of ballots cast, with initial turn- return to the democratic process. speaks to the Gazette on her Thailand’s 500-seat parliament. outs across the country projected at 58 per visit to Phuket. According to official figures released cent of all eligible voters. Continued on Page 4 Page 24 2 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016 Jungceylon re- Truck flip scatters shrimp opens after inspection fixes JUNGCEYLON shopping mall in Patong was given permission Teens threaten on August 3 to reopen a sec- tion of the complex that had riders with gun been closed to make repairs to TWO men filed a complaint crumbling columns discovered against two unidentified teen- in June. agers who allegedly threatened After an inspection on August them with a gun in Cherng 3, Phuket Governor Chamroen Talay on the night of August 4. Tipayapongtada announced that Satja Kongrat, 20, and the mall had followed all of Ekkachai Chaidam, 19, were Patong Municipality’s recom- both riding on a bike on mendations and could now be Srisoonthorn Road, heading to reopened. Bangtao, when the incident Patong Mayor Chalermluck occurred. Kebsup said Jungceylon will Cherng Talay police re- continue reporting to Patong ported that Mr Satja and Mr Municipality. Ekkachai said they arrived at – Chutharat Plerin Cherng Talay fresh market at about 6pm when two men dressed in black, both about 17- 19 years of age, started riding Five Chinese their bike really close to them. Mr Satja said he asked the tourists rescued teenagers why they were star- FOUR Chinese tourists aboard ing at them, when one of the a sinking longtail boat were res- teenagers took out a gun and cued from Phang Nga Bay on told them to stop. A pick-up truck loaded with fresh shrimp flipped over in front of the Agricultural and Development Office on its way into Krabi Town, spilling its cargo all over the road on August 3. Rescue workers said that the the evening of August 3. The two then sped away, driver and passenger survived the accident with barely a scratch between them. A rescuer stated that The Nateesup was on its straight to the police station. locals helping to retrieve crustaceans were thanked with handfuls of shrimp in return. Photo: Winai Sarot way from Koh Ngai to Koh – Winai Sarot Lanta with two women, a man est at Mu Ko Phi Phi National The pile of trash comprised distress. and a child on board. They Park, may actually get a re- about 10 tonnes of construction Mr Teerawat said that the were navigating through heavy sponse from officers in charge debris, wires, broken toilets, tourist went into the water surf when the captain noticed Illegal dumping of the area, after outrage over mirrors, wheels, as well as vari- around 11am with his life that the boat’s hull had cracked repeated illegal trash-dumping ous other items including the jacket on. Shortly thereafter, and that sea water was flow- garners outrage incidents spread across social head of a mannequin. Mr Tang had cried out for help ing in faster than they could LOCALS and tourists com- media during the week of Au- Locals took to Facebook, before he was retrieved uncon- pump it out. plaining about a mangrove for- gust 6. stating that the trash threatened scious. Several boats responded to the natural ecosystem of the Mr Teerawat said crew- the Nateesup’s distress call, res- area, including hundreds of members attempted to re- cuing the tourists and the boat’s monkeys that live in the forest. suscitate Mr Tang before he captain. Park chief Sarayuth Tanth- was transferred to Phi Phi Hos- In a separate incident, an- ien, after seeing the post, pital, where he died. other Chinese tourist was dispatched officers to clear out – Winai Sarot rescued after being dragged out the trash. to sea from Kata Beach in “It will take some time to Phuket on the morning of the take care of the trash,” said Mr same day. Lifeguards rescued Sarayuth. Phuket Town the man, who was swimming in “We will not just do a clean a red flag zone in heavy surf. up this time. We will find the serial robber – Kritsada Mueanhawong people responsible, so that le- gal action can be taken against apprehended them,” warned Mr Sarayuth. PHUKET City police re- – Kritsada Mueanhawong ported on August 3 that they Man run over believe they have caught the man responsible for a wave of before family robberies across Phuket A FATHER of two on holiday Elderly tourist Town. with his family was run over Jakkarin Seesong, 27, re- and killed in front of his wife dies swimming portedly could not remember and children while crossing AN ELDERLY tourist is dead how many robberies he had Thepkassattri Road during a after reportedly suffering health committed in the past month, stop-off to shop at 7-Eleven on complications while swimming but confessed to police that it the night of August 9. off of Koh Phi Phi on August 8. was “at least 10.” The 54-year-old man, iden- Krabi tourist police reported Mr Jakkarin was charged tified as Shengbin Lu, was part that 67-year-old Hongzhu with robbery using a vehicle, of a group of Chinese tourists Tang, a Chinese national, was which carries a sentence of up on their way to Phuket Airport swimming with a life vest on to five years imprisonment and to fly home after being picked Loh Mu Di Beach at 1pm, a 10,000 baht fine. up from their hotel in Patong. when he reportedly cried out in – Kritsada Mueanhawong – Winai Sarot August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 3 Axe-wielding Imam chases down, runs motorbike thieves caught

PHUKET City Police on the over drive-by shooters night of August 6 captured rob- bers who stole a bag from a A MUSLIM cleric was injured Slovakian tourist at Phuket in a drive-by shooting in Koh Downtown Fresh Market the Kaew on the night of August night before. 4, after which he attempted to Riding a motorbike, the rob- chase down his attackers, seri- bers snatched a bag from ously injuring both. Domonkoso Vaniko, 28, after Weerachat Kahapana, 49, an pulling up beside her. Imam at Bang Pae mosque, re- It was initially believed that ceived one bullet wound in his the suspects threatened their rib-cage, while his 3-year-old victim with a small hammer. son, who was in the car with However, it was revealed fol- him, escaped unscathed. lowing their capture, that the The perpetrators were seri- pair used an axe. ously injured as Mr Weerachat Police traced two brothers, reportedly tried to run them over Somchai Buraphut, 29, and in the aftermath of the shooting. Sompong Buraphut, 20, to a “We received reports of the house in Phuket Town with the shooting at 7:45pm and rushed help of CCTV footage and ap- to the scene with Phuket City prehended them the night after Police officers,” said Phuket their attack. Provincial Police Deputy Com- The two confessed to the mander Peerayuth Karajedee. The Imam chased down his attackers in his car and ran over their motorbike. Photos: Kritsada Mueanhawong crime after police raided their “Mr Weerachat’s car, sprayed residence and found Ms with multiple bullet holes on added. and his son were both taken to due to the severity of their in- Vaniko’s purse, a mobile the passenger seat glass, was Witnesses told the police the hospital. juries.” phone, 5,000 baht in cash, a parked at the scene with a dam- that Mr Weerachat and his son It was also reported that the When being questioned by driving licence and the motor- aged motorbike stuck under the left their house to attend attackers later stole a motorbike the police, the suspects denied bike used in the robbery. front. Two helmets, a mobile evening prayers at the Bang to get away from the scene. any involvement in the shoot- The brothers reportedly told phone and footwear were also Pae mosque, when the two men “With the help of CCTV ing. However, police are police that they planned to use lying nearby.” on a motorbike pulled up and footage and witnesses’ ac- closely monitoring them while their ill-gotten gains for travel- “Mr Weerachat had already shot at his car. counts, we found that the they receive treatment at the ling. been taken to Vachira Phuket A short chase ensued, which shooters ended up at Vachira hospital. Police charged the pair with Hospital by the time we arrived, led to Mr Weerachat attempt- Phuket Hospital at about mid- Mr Weerachat has reportedly committing theft at night and while witnesses claimed to ing to run over the shooters night,” said Col Peerayuth. been threatened once before, at using a motor vehicle to com- have seen the two shooters es- with his car. The two managed “They had been transferred his house. mit a crime. cape to a nearby forest,” he to flee on foot. Mr Weerachat there from Thalang Hospital – Kritsada Mueanhawong – Kritsada Mueanhawong Police called in to quell riot at juvenile facility A GROUP of 35 juvenile de- linquents, including at least one charged for involvement in the Thalang riot last October, wreaked havoc at the Phuket Juvenile Observation and Pro- tection Center (JOPC) at Saphan Hin on the afternoon of August 5. Phuket City Police were called in to control the situation The incarcerated juveniles were subdued. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong by JOPC Director Rawee under control, everyone was fed ers and inciting others to join Kuhapimook. and gathered together on the in the destruction,” said Ms “The group grabbed hold of second floor,” said Col Komol Rawee. fire extinguishers and sprayed Osiri of Phuket City Police. The incident, which took them into the building’s ground The instigator of the inci- place during visiting hours, has and pond. They also destroyed dent, a 17-year-old brought in pushed JOPC officials to in- property on the premises, in- on drug charges and identified crease visiting frequency from cluding in the canteen, as one of protesters in the three days a week to daily. Ms behavior therapy room and Thalang Police Station riot last Rawee said that frequent inter- grounds,” said Ms Rawee. year, has been temporarily action with family members Looking for a place to stay? Police subdued the unruly moved to Phuket Provincial will help prevent such incidents youths and rebuked them. Prison, Col Komol confirmed. in the future. See more classified ads at www.phuketgazette.net “Once we had the situation “He was bullying newcom- – Kritsada Mueanhawong 4 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016 List alleges widespread corruption A LIST of 20 officers allegedly workers. Chamroen said. “However, to Phuket votes extorting bribes from employ- The list purportedly showed this day, I’ve never received ers of migrant workers has that officers would take 2,000 any complaint or evidence of prompted Phuket’s Governor baht per month from migrant bribery from them.” and the Provincial Police Chief employers on the tenth of ev- “If the employers of mi- to condemn corruption and ery month. grants feel like they’re being ‘yes’ on draft vow investigations into the al- Implicated in the allegations bullied or treated unfairly, I legations. are Patong Police, Phuket City encourage them to please come From page 1 including the United States and The list – which details offic- Police, Thung Thong Police, to see me,” he added. “I will the European Union urged the ers’ names, department and Wichit Police, the Tourist Po- personally oversee the investi- …This week, organizers of We NCPO to end restrictions on phone number – went viral lice, Provincial Office gation.” Watch – an independent watch- freedom of speech, and to al- across social media sites like personnel, Immigration Police, Major General Teeraphol dog – reported numerous ir- low inclusive discussion on the Facebook and Line on August 3. Region 8 Police, Border Patrol said his office will be investi- regularities at polling booths new constitution after Sunday’s Governor Chamroen Tip- Police, Phuket Provincial Po- gating the allegations in two during Sunday’s referendum referendum vote. ayapongtada urged police lice, Special Branch, as well as stages. vote. EU Spokesperson Federica departments to investigate several divisions of the Central “Our first priority is to find Chompunut Chalieobun, Mogherini stated that during whether there was any truth to Investigation Bureau. out if those officers are real, the coordinator of We Watch, the campaign period before the the extortion allegations and to The list also shows whether then to find out where this list said the watchdog’s volunteer vote, there were serious limita- report back to him their find- the transaction was to be made came from,” he said. observers found than an indi- tions on political debates and ings. in person or via a wire transfer. “I personally have never got- vidual in Phuket voted on campaigning. Phuket Provincial Police It alleges that 3,000 baht a ten involved in any form of behalf of someone else, and “It is essential that the cur- Commander Teeraphol Thip- month goes to the Bangkok bribery or extortion. If the em- staff at a polling station in rent restrictions on freedom of jaroen told the Gazette he was Office of the Anti-Trafficking ployers of migrant workers feel Bangkok’s Jomthong district expression and assembly are aware of the list, saying that in Persons Committee. “I’d that they've received unfair did not seal ballot boxes before lifted to allow for an open, in- “justice will be served.” heard about some bribery treatment from any officer, voters inserted their ballots. clusive and accountable The allegations came a day schemes over some migrant please file a complaint with The problem at Jomthong political process,” Ms after a crowd of more than a employers a long time ago and us.” was fixed after observers Mogherini read in a statement hundred employers of migrant I sent out a letter ordering them Commander Teeraphol said pointed out the problem, al- after the vote. workers gathered at Phuket to collect all the evidence they he will appoint a deputy com- though Ms Chompunut asked, “The EU continues to call Provincial Hall to protest diffi- have and to file complaints mander to handle the case. “What would have happened if upon the Thai authorities to cre- culties in registering their against those officers,” Gov – Kritsada Mueanhawong the observers were not there?” ate the conditions for a genuine Ms Chompunut also said democratic transition leading to that observers early general found that six We strongly urge the elections. All polling stations government to lift main stakehold- in Chach- ‘ ers in Thailand oengsao restrictions on civil need to engage in province, east liberties, including the an inclusive dia- of Bangkok, logue and work counted votes freedom of expression together peace- at a coordina- and the right to peace- fully towards this tion center at ful assembly. aim.” the district In her daily – Elizabeth Trudeau, US level, rather press briefing on State Department’ than at polling August 8, US Spokesperson stations, as State Department stipulated by Spokesperson Election Committee guidelines. Elizabeth Trudeau said that the Without identifying the loca- US remains concerned that the tions, she also said some drafting process for the consti- polling booths were preparing tution was not inclusive. Ms to count votes before 4pm, Trudeau also stated that open when polling stations were debate was not permitted in the scheduled to close. Observers run-up to its adoption. stepped in and asked staff to “As part of the process to follow the rules and start count- return Thailand to democracy, ing after 4pm, she said. we strongly urge the govern- In a polling station in ment to lift restrictions on civil Kalasin province, she said, the liberties, including the freedom number of ballots counted was of expression and the right to different from the number of peaceful assembly, so the Thai people who voted. Staff did not people can engage in an open, perform a recount, Ms unimpeded dialogue about the Chompunut said. country’s political future,” she She said two stations in said. Bangkok were moved to differ- Ms Trudeau also criticized ent locations without notifying the ability of the NCPO to ap- voters and staff at a dozen poll- point lawmakers to parliament. ing booths did not read aloud “We’ve raised concerns the names of voters when they about it not being inclusive, not registered, as the rules speci- being open. And in terms of the fied. reservation for the military Staff at many stations, in- seats, as I said, we continue to cluding in Bangkok, did not urge Thai authorities to return show the ballots to the public Thailand to an elected, civilian- while they were being counted. led government as soon as Meanwhile, western powers, possible.” August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 5 Pair leaps off V/Adm wants to limit, Sarasin Bridge A 51 year-old man died after he and a 15 year-old girl jumped off the Sarasin Bridge at about 7pm on August 7. register tourist visits The Thai pair, who police believe to have been father and PHUKET’S top Naval officer daughter, were rescued by fish- criticized local officials’ man- ermen passing by on a boat. agement of tourism in the Police said that the man, Andaman at a meeting held on named as Ruab Duangjan, August 3. was unconscious at the time Royal Thai Navy Third Area of his rescue, while the girl Commander Sayan Prasong- was reportedly in hysterics. samrej was particularly critical The Gazette is withholding of the Phuket Marine Office, the minor’s name. saying that officials there Rescue workers from needed to do a better job of Phuket and Phang Nga were documenting international ves- originally unable to locate the sels anchoring or docking in pair, until receiving word that Thai waters. they had already been picked “A major concern of mine is up by the fishing vessel. that we’re not controlling The two were rushed to yachts from other countries Takuatung Hospital in Phang coming into our region, espe- Nga for treatment, where Mr cially those coming to Phuket,” Ruab later succumbed to his V/Adm Sayan said during the injuries. conference. “On arrival, the man was V/Adm Sayan listens to reports from Marine Offices around the Andaman. Photo: Chutharat Plerin “I was told that Phuket has unconscious, but the girl was a yacht control center and as- order to preserve the yet to get a clear picture of ists. Moreover, I want to see not seriously harmed,” said Mai sured that they have a good Kingdom’s natural resources. when the island will reopen,” how they’ll make sure that all Khao rescue worker Nattawut system in place already, but I V/Adm Sayan told the Ga- said V/Adm Sayan. tourists come back to shore Plukmaidee. “Unfortunately doubt that because it’s much zette that the meeting was The Vice Admiral’s proposal safely and for them to have we haven’t been able to get any harder to monitor traffic at sea called so he could get a better dates back to September last records of when tourists and information about why the two than on land or air. idea of what problems tourist year, when he first raised the boats leave for the islands,” jumped from the bridge, as “I want to urge every officer departments in the region were idea of controlling the number said the admiral. she’s been crying a lot.” to ensure that they do their job facing and to ensure that tour- of visitors to the Andaman “When tourists spend the The Sarasin Bridge is his- correctly. The more we record ist areas are preserved. region’s tourist attractions, in- night at one of the islands, of- torically known as the ‘love tourist and yacht-related data, “One of my suggestions was cluding Phi Phi Don, in order ficers must have a record of bridge’. In February 1973, a the better we will be able to to have a maximum of 200 tour- to promote environmental where they’re staying. couple bound their hands to- control and document who ists at the same time on Ta Chai sustainability. “Although we cannot di- gether and jumped off the comes in or out of our terri- island,” he said. “Controllers at There is no clear indication rectly command every tourism bridge. Since then, a number tory.” the pier would make sure of this." of when – or if – the vice office in the region to imple- of people have jumped from Officials from tourist man- Ta Chai Island and the sur- admiral’s proposal will be ment these measures, we can the bridge to their deaths. Ear- agement departments through- rounding waters were closed to adopted. call them in to discuss their lier this year, a brokenhearted out the region discussed the tourists and members of the “Marine officers are sorting progress and have them update girl also jumped off the possibility of limiting the num- public on May 16 with no out details of the plan, but I us to make sure we are on the bridge, due to a failed rela- ber of tourists visiting islands scheduled reopening date. want to see a clear picture on same page.” tionship. and other fragile habitats, in “In the meantime, we have controlling the number of tour- – Chutharat Plerin – Winai Sarot Tour guide admits to attempted rape A TOUR guide confessed on friends was also staying, and at- August 4 that he attempted to tempted to sexually assault her. rape a receptionist in Cherng The victim reported to police Talay earlier that morning, po- that Mr Wongsathorn tried to lice confirmed. bribe her with 2,000 baht to Cherng Talay Police officers have sex with him. responded to a call from the Im- She refused, and tried to perial Ocean Palms apartment escape from the room, shout- complex at about 4am, and ques- ing for help. tioned the victim, whose name Mr Wongsathorn confessed the Gazette has withheld. to the police, apologized to the The 24-year-old receptionist victim and paid 5,000 baht in told officers that she was alone compensatory damages. at the apartment’s front desk at As the two reached a private the time of the attempted assault. agreement, police said they will She reported that a visibly not be pressing any charges drunk tour guide, named as Mr against Mr Wongsathorn, but Wongsathorn, 29, dragged her noted the incident. to his room, where one of his – Winai Sarot 6 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016 Phuketians join nationwide well wishing for HM Queen

THAIS across the country opportunities to enable celebrated Her Majesty, women to improve their eco- Queen Sirikit’s 84th birthday nomic and social welfare. on August 12. The day also Her Majesty has advanced saw the passing of a national supplementary occupations holiday and Thailand’s official for Thai women to earn ex- Mother’s Day. tra income through the In Phuket, officials and SUPPORT Foundation since well-wishers offered food to 1976, providing them oppor- monks at Saphan Hin and tunities to earn additional signed a congratulatory book, income. extending their regards to HM Her leadership has re- the Queen at Rajabhat Univer- ceived recognition world wide sity. A crowd paraded at in the form of awards and Sanamchai in Phuket Town honorary degrees from many and officials brought deco- institutions and organizations, rated items to HM’s portrait at including the UNICEF Rec- Saphan Hin. ognition Award and the This year’s royal birthday is UNIFEM Award of Excel- a particularly auspicious occa- lence. sion, as it marks HM the The Tourism Authority of Queen’s 7th cycle of the 12- Thailand (TAT) has designated year Chinese Zodiac. August 2016 a month for HM the Queen is the old- women travelers, in celebra- est reigning consort of a tion of Her Majesty the monarch. Queen’s birthday. Activities are held annually Various activities are being throughout the country during held throughout August, as the month of August to cel- part of the “Women’s Journey ebrate the Queen’s birthday, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit turned 84 years of age on August 12. Photo: Gazette file Thailand” program. and in 2003, Thailand’s Cabi- Ministry of Social Develop- the Auspices of Her Majesty who is recognized as the Special offers, discounts, net designated August 1 as Thai ment and Human Security in the Queen,” and concluded ‘Mother of the Thai Nation,’ and privileges are aimed at Women’s Day. celebrating Thai Women’s Day with an awards ceremony, has given immense support to women travelling in Thailand Each year, women’s groups in honor of Her Majesty. honoring the work of Thai the cause of Thai women, alone or with groups of in the public and private sec- This year’s theme was the women. sponsoring programs and or- friends. tors nationwide join the “Power of Thai women under Her Majesty the Queen, ganizations that provide – Phuket Gazette Chumporn weightlifter wins Olympic gold OLYMPIC weightlifter Sopita in Wroclaw, Poland, where she Tanasan was awarded took home the bronze medal in Thailand’s first Olympic gold the 53kg category. medal on August 6, at the be- In the weightlifting event, ginning of the 2016 Rio de competitors’ total weights are Janeiro Olympic Games. combined after performing a The 21-year-old, Chumphon ‘snatch,’ in which a lifter must Province native took first in the raise the barbell from the 48 kilograms women’s weight- floor over their head; and a lifting category, lifting an ‘clean and jerk,’ in which aggregate 200kg. competitors lift a usually A total of 12 weightlifters heavier weight from the floor took part in the event at the to their collar bones, then Riocentro – Pavilion 2, but above their head. powerhouse China’s world Ms Sopita snatched 91kg champion Jiang Huihua could and lifted 109kg in the clean not compete due to a reported and jerk. injury. Ms Jiang was expected The world record for to be arguably the strongest women’s 48kg snatch is 98kg, contender in the 48kg cat- and for clean and jerk is 121kg. egory. Her closest rival, Indonesian Ms Sopita, for whom this is Sri Wahyuni Agustiani, lifted the first time competing in the 192kg for silver, and Japan’s Olympics, made her presence Hiromi Miyake took home felt in the 2013 World bronze at 188kg total. Weightlifting Championships – Phuket Gazette Sopita Tanasan was the first Thai athlete to win a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics. Photo: Reuters August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 7 Chonburi girl Thai Gov’t to wins Thailand limit Pokemon second gold hunters SUKANYA Srisurat handed CELLULAR service providers Thailand the second Rio have agreed to draw up play Games gold medal when the zones for Pokemon Go while 21-year-old weightlifter from Niantic Inc, the US developer Chonburi set the Riocentro Pa- of the wildly popular mobile vilion 2 in Rio de Janeiro alight phone game, will be asked to with her new Olympic record make certain places off limits on August 9. to ‘monster hunters’ for secu- The resounding success made rity and safety. Ms Sukanya the fifth women’s Government House will be weightlifter from Thailand to win one of the no-entry locations the Olympic gold medal. She for hunters, as well as other lifted 105 kilograms in her first public offices, temples, hospi- attempt in the snatch (in which tals and private property. a lifter must raise the barbell Dangerous areas such as rail- from the floor over their road tracks, roads and head), before raising 108kg suc- riverbanks will also be consid- cessfully. In her third attempt, ered ‘red’ zones. Ms Sukanya lifted a new Olym- Takorn Tantasith, secretary- pic record of 110kg, erasing the general of the National old Olympic standard of 108kg Buppamatanang, 28, were de- Broadcasting and Telecommu- established at the London Games tained the same day. Media uproar nications Commission, said four years ago by Chinese Li “Police suspect the group that telecom firms also backed Xueying. carried out the offence without as students a suggestion that Pokemon Go In the ‘clean and jerk’ event, the victim’s consent, as she only fans should not be allowed to Ms Sukanya lifted 130kg in her knew Mr Khanakorn through shackled play the augmented reality second attempt, but failed in Facebook,” Gen Charoen said. THE National Human Rights game at night in order to avoid her third effort of lifting 132kg. “A pill was found under the Commission (NHRC) has rec- ‘untoward incidents’. Due to the combined lifts of girl’s tongue, which may have ommended corrective measures “True Corp, a local licencee 240kg, Ms Sukanya was been a sexual stimulant. The 3 soldiers in after authorities used shackles to of Pokemon Go, will send a awarded the gold medal. medical examiner has said that restrain seven university stu- written request to Niantic ask- After winning gold medal in the girl’s death resulted from Yala wounded dents as they were brought to a ing for its cooperation,” Mr the Rio Games, Ms Sukanya has heart failure.” A SERIES of attacks rocked military court last month. Takorn said, adding that the been guaranteed of claiming 10 The accused men were ini- the southern border province of “Such use of restraints vio- game developer would also be million baht cash in incentives tially charged with raping a Yala on August 8, including a lates both human rights and informed of Thailand’s re- from the National Sports Devel- defenceless woman and gang- grenade attack at a military human dignity,” NHRC repre- stricted areas and other places opment Fund. Sponsors and raping her to death. They were base, wounding three soldiers. sentatives said on August 9. that are out-of-bounds for game private sectors are expected to sent to apply for a court order for The area was also hit by a The students were arrested players. offer a large sum of cash incen- detention on August 5. Police number of arson attacks, with tar- while campaigning against the Police said motorists would tives to Ms Sukanya upon her objected their release on bail. gets including a telephone pole, charter draft, accused of violat- be fined 400-1,000 baht if return to Thailand. a power pole and four security ing an order by the National found playing the game while No royal par- cameras. Firefighters also took Council for Peace and Order. driving, while police will also Gang-rapists several hours to control a blaze The students, now freed, be subject to disciplinary ac- dons for drug set by arsonists at a logging plant were photographed while being tion if they are caught denied bail, in at 1am, which was finally extin- taken to Military Court wear- engaging in the game while dealers, thieves guished at about 8:30am. ing ankle shackles. on duty. police custody A 19-YEAR-OLD girl who died and rapists during an alleged gang rape in a CONVICTED rapists, robbers Bangkok hotel on August 3 may and abusers of authority are have been drugged and taken to among the inmates not eligible the hotel against her will. for royal pardons on two impor- Four young men are in cus- tant occasions. tody following the assault in the Pardons were granted to hotel on Soi Paholyothin 11. mark the 70th anniversary of The men reportedly confessed His Majesty the King’s acces- that they invited the girl to a sion to the throne and on HM party in the hotel and admitted the Queen’s 84th birthday, but having sex with her after they criminals jailed for many of- got drunk but denied killing her. fences don’t have the right to Metropolitan Police Division apply. 2 Maj-Gen Charoen Srisasalak “Inmates convicted of said that the footage showed that sexual assaults are ineligible,” the group met the girl elsewhere permanent secretary of the Jus- and that she was carried by the tice Ministry Chanchao accused to the hotel room. Chaiyanukij said on August 9, Suspect Khanakorn Thong- regarding the royal decree pro- aim, 19, surrendered to police mulgated on August 8. at the scene on August 3. Sus- “Drug offenders given a jail pects Khongkrapan Sangmee- term of no fewer than eight noi, 21, Khettawan Wiwattha- years don’t get royal pardons nanon, 21, and Tha-watchai either,” he said. 8 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016

Getting back on track THE passage of the national referendum on the proposed constitution last weekend indicates a national desire to get back on track and resume our effort to develop a more civil society, even if it means once again placing trust in the military as the unlikely shepherd to lead us to the prom- ised land of a truly functional democracy. Results differed on a regional basis, with parts of Lao- speaking Isarn and the Malay-speaking majority in the Deep South opting to reject it. The overall result never- theless indicates a clear show of support for the efforts of Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha, et al, since taking power in May 2014. Most notably, most of the provinces in the north, which have traditionally been loyal to former populist premier Thaksin Shinawatra, voted in favor. Given that there have been no major allegations of bal- lot fraud, we hope that the result can be widely accepted – even by those who voted against it. The collective ability of a society to respect voting re- sults, even when they go against personal preferences, is a cornerstone of any functional democracy. This aspect has also been one of the major ‘missing links’ in our start-again, stop again experiment with democracy, which dates back to its inception in 1932. Thailand needs the tourist dollars While it is very easy for ideologues to find flaws with Re: Opinion: Tracking tourists ists per boat? the military’s pre-referendum tactics, especially its arrest for ‘national security’, Aug 9 We are talking about 400- of students who came out in public opposition against the It would never work. Some- 500 yachtsmen who are very proposed charter, the bottom line is that a rejection of the one coming to Thailand with ill environmentally conscious, charter would have been a major step backwards. intent would simply get some- Do you have an opinion to voice? compared with thousands of The last thing we need after a full decade of political one else to get the simcard. Email [email protected] Chinese who can’t swim. divisiveness is to take another step backward into the kind The best thing to do is pour kanaloa of political uncertainty that Brexit supporters in the UK more effort into the airport Gazette forum screening of passengers com- It should be an automatic are now grappling with – and one which US residents could criminal offence. Women’s also experience after their elections in September. ing to Thailand, especially from countries with high instances of rights are sadly lacking in Thai- Never say ‘never’ In this context the passage can be seen as a positive call land, as in other Asian for national reconciliation. terror related problems. Regardless of views, Thai- countries where rape appears to Nevertheless, we need to keep in mind that we have had be acceptable behavior. Re: Phuket prepared for floods more than 20 national charters since the original in 1932, land needs tourist dollars, or Mister Ree with B433.5mn budget, offi- averaging out to about one every four years. many people will be left in pov- Gazette forum cials say, Aug 8 It is the collective willingness to abide by the rule of law erty, and this would result in I have two things to say that will determine our future as a society. Constitutions higher crime rates. about this. can always be amended; human social behavior is not so Tez Officials deserve 1) People in office should easily changed. Gazette Forum never, ever claim that a natural credit when its due phenomenon, albeit partly man So what about the people made, will not happen. If it who don’t have a phone? Or Re: Police arrest bag-snatch- rains hard enough, Patong will have a flat battery? Or pin ing brothers, recover stolen flood. Look at it; it’s in a hill- locked and unconscious? items, Aug 6 bounded basin, and it is An Australian company in- over-developed already. vented a wrist band that can be Good job, we always criti- 2) It is a real shame that the linked to a person’s profile. cize the police, but when they north end of the beach is now This was specifically de- do a job like this quickly, well to have a sewer installed. signed for activities such as earned praise is due. This is tragic. At least keep those in Phuket. It is in Phuket Ricky Black the toilet outflow to the south and being used now with very Facebook end (under the bridge) only. good results. Geoff Affordable, works everytime Yachtsmen not cau- Gazette Forum and water proof. Maurice sing damage Gazette Forum Phuket crime rate Re: V/Adm wants to limit num- Need more focus on ber of tourists visiting islands, steadily on the rise August 5 women’s rights So what is the impact on Re: Gun-toting teens threaten the environment from a few bikers in Cherng Talay, Aug 6 Re: Tour guide apologizes for hundred yachts per year that I had never seen or heard of attempted rape, Aug 4 visit the whole of the Thai any crime in Phuket 15 years This is absolutely disgust- waters, with an average of two ago. ing– getting out of an attempted persons on board, compared It seems to be a common rape by paying 5,000 baht. with the scores of tourist problem now and it’s is only Volume 23 Issue 33 People really need a kick up the speed boats that arrive at going to get worse. backside if this is considered nearly every island every day, Paul Frank ‘justice’. packed with around 50 tour- Facebook August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 9 Keeping Patong safe Burma border run rates to have one of the touts exchange it for you. Col Chaiwat Auikam, It’s also good to have a pen By Nick Davies originally from Saraburi, is on you to fill in the Immigra- tion forms and TM card when PATONG is one of the most currently the superintendent Do you have an opinion to voice? leaving and entering Thailand. popular areas of Phuket. of Patong Police Station. He Email [email protected] Directions are straight for- Countless tourists visit and assumed the role two years ward. Head off Phuket into many locals work here as well. ago. Col Chaiwat has been BEING relatively close to Phang Nga on route 402 until Within a 16 square kilome- Phuket (about 350km), the Bur- it joins Highway 4 (Phetkasem ter area, we have more than 300 working as a policeman for mese border is a destination of Road). Hang left and stay on hotels and resorts, as well as more than 27 years. He choice for visa runs and can be that road as it hugs the coast more than 500 nightlife venues. grad-uated from the Armed done by car in a day. and winds its way up and down On average, including both tour- Forces Academies When you drive yourself you through dramatic mountainous ists and locals, we have more can stop and snack or stretch scenery until you get to than a million people entering Preparatory School and Royal Police Cadet Academy. out whenever you want, or even Ranong. the Patong area per month. That Here, he talk about the current project to improve spend some time at one of the Once past Ranong Airport, makes it quite difficult for us to safety measures, especially for tourists, in Patong. many beaches along the coast it’s a few more kilometers to monitor and control. as you pass through Phang Nga the Ranong Immigration check Being a popular tourist area and Khao Lak. point at Saphan Pla Pier, where has both its advantages and dis- one. The private sector only has points in the Patong area, with at Google tells us the journey you can park up at the PTT gas advantages. The high number to spend a small amount of least three checks a day. Last each way should be under three station for 40 baht. of tourists boosts the economy money, but it brings long-term month, we arrested drivers of at hours, but the winding roads and As soon as you park, a tout and helps develop Patong. On benefits for everyone. It will least about 20 vehicles without the occasional slow-moving lorry will offer to take you across the the other hand, more people also make tourists and locals plates and confiscated more than can make it anything between water to Kawthaung in also means more crimes are feel more secure. 100 weapons, such as knives, four to six hours each way. Myanmar, which takes about likely to be committed. The second project is Puen axes, swords and others. I once tried starting out ex- 20 minutes. Haggle if you like, As per last year’s statistics, Baan Tuen Pai (neighborhood The police cannot do every- tra early with the aim of getting but the average price is 500 Patong had more than 4,121 alert). This is for high-risk ar- thing alone; we need help and back to Phuket in the early af- baht for a private return trip. Or complaints filed, which is quite eas where there aren’t many cooperation from locals. For this ternoon, but a 4am start meant you can wait and pay 50 baht high compared to other areas. people or CCTVs, as well as purpose, we have a project I was trundling along dark, un- to get on the next long-tail ferry Most of them were drug cases, areas with a high crime rate. To called Jai Prasan Jai (heart to lit roads in Phang Nga for the packed with locals. First while assault cases also ranked deal with such areas, we will heart) to connect locals from dif- first part of the journey, and no though, get copies of your pass- high on the list. assign special officers to keep ferent communities and build a amount of coffee could shake port at one of the shops in the In order to fight crime, we a closer lookout and patrol the good relationship between them my body’s desire for a few more gas station forecourt. have to work hard and maintain area more often. and the police. We will have fre- hours’ sleep. There are a few stops along close vigilance. We will make daily calls to quent meetings with local So a 6-7am start will likely the way as you leave Thai wa- This year, there are 16 safety check with locals in the area representatives to hear out prob- get you to the border by around ters and then cross a patch of projects planned to improve about any suspicious activities lems and discuss solutions. midday, travelling mostly open sea before entering safety in Patong. they have witnessed. We will also These are just the projects within the speed limit. Myanmar’s waters. These are The first project is Pan Ta alert them to be careful, lock their that were launched this month. Apart from your passport – what the photocopies are for. Saparot meaning ‘thousands of doors and cars, and turn on the However, there are still many hopefully with your white TM Your boat driver will take care pineapple eyes’. As you know, lights. We request people in the others, such as 100 per cent hel- card still stapled to one of the of it. we have a limited budget to in- area to cooperate with us by call- met, traffic control, encouraging pages – the only thing you re- Once across the water, hop off stall CCTV cameras. There- ing and informing us of any negotiations rather than sending ally need to prepare in advance the boat and walk to the fore, we will ask for help from suspicious activities. the issue to court and regular is a crisp US$10 bill to hand Myanmar Immigration office. A hotels and nightlife venues in The third project, which is al- checks on hotels and nightlife over to Myanmar Immigration few local lads will offer to es- the area. If each of them installs ready in action, is called Tat Mue venues, among others. when they stamp your passport cort you and help buy duty free. at least one CCTV and turns it Tat Thao (cut hand, cut foot). Another important project in and out. They are harmless and genuinely around to face outward, there ‘Hand’ refers to the firearm or besides this is to get rid of brib- There is a Bangkok Bank in helpful, but will ask for a few will be more than 800 public weapon used to commit a crime, ery. If police keep receiving Ranong, directly opposite the baht in return for their assistance. CCTVs in Patong. So, if a crime whereas ‘foot’ refers to the ve- bribes, there will never be a border crossing, where you can And if on the return journey is committed, suspects are less hicle used in any incident. We are change. We are working to change your baht for dollars, you find your boat driver has likely to escape unnoticed. working diligently on this one make Patong Police as trans- but if you go on a weekend, you picked up a couple of extra This project benefits every- and have set up random check parent as possible. will have to pay over the top fares, roll with it. Words from the Wise “All you need in this life is ignorance and Why does underpass ceiling have wires? confidence, and then success is sure.” MY FRIENDS and I spotted a Highways replies : progress. – Mark Twain mass of colorful wires on the Thank you for informing us, We have yet to take them out top of the Samkong Underpass but do not worry about it as the of the ceiling and manage the “In a time of universal deceit - telling the tunnel last week. wiring system is still a work in wires properly in order to avoid We were wondering if this future electricity problems. truth is a revolutionary act.” is due to some kind of mistake Do not be alarmed, as it is – George Orwell during the construction pro- not dangerous in any way. cess? We are trying our best to “Others have seen what is and asked why. Dining Free ensure that all systems in the Samkong tunnel will be perfect by the I have seen what could be and asked why time the underpass is com- not.” Mr Chalermpol Wongkiat- pleted. tikun, the project engineer Please do not hesitate to – Pablo Picasso from the Department of contact us for further queries. 10 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016 Hold on to stocks: more rallies coming tors and individual stocks still fighting to reach their old highs while defensive gold has begun to weaken and pull back a bit. Given that the Dow and THE past one and a half years S&P 500 have both hit new have been anything but a highs, there is a good chance smooth ride for investors, given for most sectors and many in- that the market’s seen two rapid dividual stocks to follow. 10 to 15 per cent pullbacks, and Moreover, my 17 years of we’ve seen entire sectors (such money management experi- as biotech, oil, industrials) and ence tells me that when soon take some hard knocks. markets are at new all time For investors exposed to un- highs with strong price action lucky sectors, it’s been difficult (like we have been seeing), to keep pace with the S&P there are long-term opportuni- 500’s performance, as bad ties for investors. news or uncertainty (such as My personal feeling though plummeting oil prices, Euro- The S&P 500 has rallied from January’s Brexit shakes. Photo: Gazette file is that the market is not going pean debt crisis, uncertainty in to pull back much, but will in- China, Federal Reserve rate record highs. On the other hand, big January plunge. The hitting higher highs while the stead keep rallying, with most hikes, US elections jitters and the stock market, bonds and gold NASDAQ’s recent performance Market Vectors Semiconductor sectors hitting all of those old increasingly deadly terror at- have spent much of July rallying is especially important and is due ETF (NYSEARCA: SMH) hit a highs again. Any pullback that tacks in western countries) at the same time. This makes for in part to leadership stocks form- higher low back in January and does manifest will likely be largely overshadow any posi- a confusing mess for investors, ing in the tech sector, but there also after Brexit, before power- bought, as many institutions are tive news (such as steady as all three are not supposed to are still two previous highs that ing ahead in recent weeks. sitting on high cash levels and progress in the US economy, a be rallying at once, because gold the index needs to clear. Semiconductors are leading the are missing out on the rally. Stay more benign Federal Reserve, and bonds are considered to be The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF US markets higher – very impor- diversified in the top industry market-friendly policies from more defensive or safe havens (NYSEARCA: XBI) was abso- tant to see this. groups, sectors and leading overseas central banks, oil from the riskier stock market. lutely slaughtered during the last The iShares North American stocks and remain patient. price stability and a sound bot- Here is a quick rundown of two-year period, but it looks to Tech-Software ETF (NYSE- tom formation). the latest price action for the be finally bottoming. This bodes ARCA:IGV) has also broken Don Freeman, BSME, is president Positive price action of US sectors I am watching. well for the NASDAQ. out and hit an all time high. of Freeman Capital Management, and global stocks is showing us The S&P 500 has broken out The iShares MSCI Emerging The iShares Transportation a Registered Investment Advisor the bull market is still alive, of its near two-year consolida- Markets Index ETF (NYSE Average ETF (NYSEAR- with the US Securities Exchange climbing a wall of worry built tion pattern and has had roughly ARCA: EEM) and iShares CA:IYT) tracks a very Commission (SEC), based in by the news media, with no two weeks of new highs (or at FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index economically sensitive sector Phuket. He has over 15 years shortage of sectors and leader- least staying above its pre- ETF (NYSEARCA: FXI) have and could be on the verge of experience working with ship stocks emerging on a breakout price level), but we bottoming formations on their breaking higher. If IYT were to expatriates, specializing in portfolio weekly basis. need to remain cautious as an- technical charts that are starting instead rollover and retrace management, US tax preparation, However, stock market price other pullback is still possible. to look pretty solid. Both have Brexit lows – something that financial planning and UK pension action is improving, new leader- The Dow Jones has also bro- also broken out without a pull appears unlikely at the moment transfers. Call for a free portfolio ship stocks appear ready to take ken to new highs on broad-based back – another positive sign. – that would tell me that a reces- review. Don can be reached at off. The struggling S&P 500 In- buying pressure while the The Technology SPDR ETF sion could be coming. 089-970 5795 or email freeman dex has once again reached new NASDAQ has finally cleared is (NYSEARCA:XLK) has been There are a number of sec- [email protected]. Thai bourse rises after vote Fitness fad brings in US Co THE Stock Exchange of Thai- the US federal funds rate is land (SET) responded positively raised by the end of this year. PHUKET is part of the expan- into branching out its stores. to the approval of the referen- The SET Index rose 23.57 sion plans of Under Armour, a “The company wants to con- dum, resulting in an influx of points or 1.55 per cent to close US-based company that makes centrate on its core apparel fund flows thanks to investors’ at 1,542.26. The same day’s performance sportswear and products and is emphasizing that confidence on August 8. turnover was 76.29 billion baht apparel. The company has de- training is a key fundamental in SET recorded the highest with foreign net-buys of 6.89bn cided to make its presence improving all kinds of sport per- market capitalization of 14.95 baht. Most trading volumes known in Southeast Asia. They formance,” Mr Binger said. trillion baht. However, broker- were stocks in the banking, plan to add at least two Thailand is a new market for age firms warned that the fund telecom and communication, branches per year in Thailand, Under Armour, but there is inflows could revert to devel- and energy sectors. to cash in on the fitness fad. more room to grow. “After launching six stores at Last year, Thailand’s apparel oped-country stock markets if – The Nation The current fitness trend is driving strategic locations in Bangkok, the company. Photo: Gazette file and sports-gear-related business the company is opening two represented about a quarter of the stores in Central Festival at an anniversary event of the Southeast Asian market, which Pattaya in October and company’s business in Thailand. was worth about US$1 billion, Jungceylon, Phuket in Decem- The distributor also operates (35 billion baht). This market is ber,” said Michael Binger, chief the brand’s biggest house in expected to grow by 7-10 per executive officer and co- Southeast Asia at the Siam Cen- cent a year. founder of Singapore-based ter shopping mall. The 480-sqm “Our business growth in Thai- Triple Private Ltd, the exclusive flagship store stocks a wide land is now higher than the distributor of Under Armour in range of products, apparel and region’s. We expect this year, to- the region, on August 9. sports accessories. With the tal sales should [expand by] 15 “Each location will occupy growth in interest in sports and to 20 per cent, mainly driven by 200 square meters and cost 20 fitness in Thailand, the company its growing distribution,” he said. million baht,” Mr Binger said will continue to put more money – The Nation August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 11 Market it right and they will follow helping others. Secondly, give them with the chance to spend money with you. Use promotions and dis- plays. Take advantage of up-sell AS AN avid fan of marketing, opportunities. Use the database it’s always interesting to see the to maximum effect. Understand next big global trend emerge and appreciate its value. and to watch it evolve into a Once successful your loyal successful operation on a customers can help gain peer macro and micro scale. Right acceptance with testimonials now, here in Phuket, we are and referral programs, multi- witnessing one of those global plying success. phenomena. The message is, once you get Have you recently seen ma- your audience’s attention, plug in ture adults chasing invisible potential customers to your sales objects, using strange terminol- funnel while providing them ogy and just generally behaving with quality support and informa- weirdly, while others look on tion. Giving away something for but don’t find it strange? free, or even as a loss leader, can With this new trend comes a make very sound business sense. slew of hard-to-follow social When done well, the result is media posts that appear to refer If you can connect with your target audience, they will do anything you want: Pokemon Go London Massive increased revenues. Word of to an outbreak akin to Gremlins. Lure Party on July 23. Photo: John Lubbock mouth marketing and market Welcome to Pokemon GO. positioning will take your busi- This latest installment from hardy children with reckless ad nauseum – is that they have from this? ness to the next level. the Pokemon stable was abandon for the law. built a massive database and First, make sure you find It doesn't matter what your launched in Thailand on Au- One of the companies be- then offered in-app purchases. something that appeals to your business is, as long as you fol- gust 6 and is taking the country hind it, Nintendo, doubled in Better for them that they do not target market. If you can con- low the principles of attraction by storm. People use their mo- market value almost overnight. actually sell anything real, only nect with them the way marketing; building a database bile phone to hunt down and As marketers, there is so virtual products, so it is all Nintendo and other big brands while providing quality and capture virtual animated mythi- much we can learn from this profit; players spend money to have, they will literally do any- value. cal creatures and get rewards to and how to apply it to our own achieve better results in the thing you want. advance in the game. The goal circumstances. game more quickly. Ask yourself, what am I of- Simon Wetherell is a Digital Media is to catch all 151 Pokemon Firstly, Pokemon GO is a There are also real-world fering and what problem does Expert, Trainer and Lawyer. He now characters. free app. As there is no cost to revenues through merchandis- it solve for the consumer? resides in Thailand where he shows What’s fascinating is that the download and play it, how can ing as well as spin-off revenue Learn how to package it cor- businesses and individuals on how craze has transcended demo- this generate billions of dollars from increased traffic, branding rectly and you are bound for to profit from the Social Media graphics across all nation- in value for the app maker? and user awareness. success. The more people who industry. For more information go to alities, genders and age groups. The lesson for all businesses So what can we as business need that problem solved, the PhuketOnlineMarketing.com or call It’s making adults act like fool- – what I have banged on about owners and marketers learn more money you will make him on 095 085 3355. Phuket businesses cash Looking for a place to stay? in on Pokemon craze See more classified ads at PHUKET tour operators are among some of the local businesess cashing in on the www.phuketgazette.net worldwide Pokemon Go phe- nomenon following the August 6 launch in Thailand of the new promotional campaign by Niantic. Phuket Tour Holiday man- Pokemon Go has garnered ager Yongyuth Chankol told the worldwide attention. Photo: Gazette his business was capi- Iphonedigital talizing on the popularity of the game by adding Pokemon tours new element of fun to our regu- to their regular tour program. lar tours,” said Mr Yongyuth. “Our customers will have The company has jumped on opportunities to catch Poke- the Pokemon bandwagon by mon at some of Phuket’s iconic offering Pokemon tours to lo- landmarks,” he said. cal landmarks such as Khao Pokemon Go is a free mo- Rang, Thalang Road, Promthep bile application that uses your Cape and Karon View Point phone’s GPS tech to know your and Chalong Temple. location. Mr Yongyuth said tourists The premise is to catch crea- were charged depending the tures called Pokemon, that can number of people in their group be found anywhere, at any time. and the duration of the tours. “This idea will add a whole – Chutharat Plerin 12 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016

Phuket gets ready to host new Ironman triathlon To the heart Phuket representatives visited Cebu in the Philippines to observe Sunrise Events Inc’s management processes for the Ironman 70.3 Philippines 2016 on Aug 7. The aim of the visit was to learn more about the Ironman event before it is staged in Phuket on Nov 27. of the matter Bangkok Hospital Phuket recently hosted the Southern Cardiac Confer- ence Meeting to present new techonology and methods for the treatment of the heart and atherosclerosis .

Phuket Vice Governor Dr Prajiad Aksornthammakul (center right) presents gifts from Phuket to event organiser Wilfred Steven Uytengsu (center left) and his wife, to thank them for a warm welcome. The visiting group also included (L-R): Virat Patee, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office; Phuket Town Deputy Mayor Kawee Tansukatanon; and Pol Maj Thaweeb Dr Somrit Jantarapratin, Director of Bangkok Hospital Phuket (center) with the Muangsuwan of Phuket Police. heart and atherosclerosis specialists who spoke at the conference. August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 13

Miss World Australia has HKT to HDY with love Phuket International Airport (HKT) staged a Mon Rak Lookthung theme party at Kiss Garden Home Chic Hotel in Hat Yai for AOT staff from Phuket and Hat Yai, and for the press. Bangkok Air- a barbie at Banyan Tree ways flew the partygoers to Hat Yai (HDY) to find out more about the international airport’s expansion. The evening flight between Phuket-Hat Yai is to launch this September. Banyan Tree Phuket welcomed the Miss World Australia 2016 winner and runners up with the organizing representative from TAT Sydney for an in-villa barbecue on the evening of August 6.

Deputy Director of the AOT’s Phuket office Amnuay Sarachart (left) Banyan Tree Phuket’s General Manager Sriram Kailasam (right) and Ludovic Gallerne, Area Director of and Phuket International Airport Director Monrudee Gettuphan dressed Sales and Marketing (left), corral the Miss World Australia 2016 winner and runners up in the gardens. in colorful southern-style attire for the party. 14 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016 Treat yourself to Sunday Tapas By Sahar Aftab Paliwala aspect of the meal was the di- versity of the cuisine – GREAT food, great company Mediterranean, Spanish, Mexi- and relaxation is what Sundays can, Middle Eastern, Thai and are all about. The Sunday Tapas Western, to name a few. This is lunch at Banyan Tree Phuket not surprising, given the star- provides all that and much studded cast working behind more. This weekly feast is a the scenes. Executive Chef three and a half hour affair, Alfonso De La Dehesa from which starts at noon and re- Spain, Executive Western Sous places the company’s signature Chef Kreaton Crutajar from Sunday Seafood Brunch. Malta and Executive Thai Sous The ambience at the newly Chef Pittaya Suppanarm have relocated ‘The Watercourt’ is worked at some of the world’s perfectly complementary to the best five-star hotels, resorts and meal. A live jazz band, a spar- restaurants and bring unique kling view of the lagoon, and elements of their own experi- friendly, attentive servers. ences and cultures to the table. The meal begins with a va- Guests can also enjoy lagoon riety of ‘cold tapas’ including activities (weather permitting), sushi, sashimi, salmon and as- neck and shoulder massages paragus frittata and my and a kids’ corner to keep chil- Cold tapas include sushi, as well as a variety of other items including salmon and asparagus fritata, and personal favorite in the cat- prawn and avocado ceviche. Tea, coffee and dessert are included with every meal. Photos: Chutharat Plerin dren happily occupied while egory, a prawn, avocado and parents dine in comfort. chili ceviche. The tapas were at Banyan Tree. was just as impressive as the tato wedges. Prices start at 2,000 baht net served with a variety of sides, By the time we were done first. Specialties included fine de There is also a rather unique for food only, 2,500 baht net for including hummus and mari- with our first course, I was al- claire oysters, seared and glazed way to ‘take a break’ if you feel food and unlimited beer, soft nated stuffed olives. And, of ready feeling full. Tapas are foie gras, banana leaf steamed too full to carry on eating. drinks and a selections of cock- course, you must try the chef’s traditionally considered finger seabass, zucchini-stuffed ricotta “You can place a little white tails, 3,000 baht net for food and recommendation, pata negra – food and served in small por- with parmesan, fish cakes with flag [that the restaurant pro- unlimited White Sangria and cantaloupe wrapped in ham. tions, but these elaborate, sweet chili sauce and falafel vides at each table] to indicate 3,500 baht net for food and a “The meal is designed so sophisticated dishes are a far with yogurt mint dip, to name a that you don’t wish to be served bottle of champagne per couple. that guests can relax at their cry from finger food. few. This was followed by the just then. Three other flags – Dilmah tea, coffee and dessert tables rather than having to go “By the time you’re finished wonderfully diverse main tapas, blue, red and green – indicate are included. serve themselves like you do with dessert and coffee, I doubt including lemon and garlic that you’re ready for your cold For more information, call at a buffet,” says Michelle you’ll have room for dinner,” chicken sous vide, snow fish, tapas, hot tapas and main tapas Banyan Tree Phuket Food and Alejo, Assistant Manager of Ms Alejo says through a smile. rice noodles and angus rib eye respectively,” says Ms Alejo. Beverage Concierge Desk at Marketing Communications The second course, hot tapas, with chimchurri sauce and po- For me, the most appealing 076-372 400, ext 5463. Magical tattoo: Belief, knowledge and money WITH the answer to any ques- well-known to westerners, par- “During my monkhood in tion just a few taps away on a ticularly after actress Angelina Ratchaburi Province, I met a mobile phone, why do certain Jolie received a tattoo in 2003 magic tattoo artist called Ajarn superstitions and beliefs in the by Ajarn Noo Kanpai. Kan. He was famous for suppos- supernatural still exist? If In Phuket, Ajarn A is one of edly having his tattoo protect you’re one of Phuket’s magic the most famous Sak Yan tat- him after he was shot in the tattoo masters, the answer is in tooists. From his shop near head. I started to get along with the currency of belief. Siam Niramit on Bypass Road, him and learn from him. “Things exist only because Ajarn A tattoos Sak Yan for “Many unbelievable things people believe in them,” said good luck in wealth, work or have happened to me since Bunphet Limlai, who goes by love, either with visible black then, which made me continue the name ‘Ajarn A’ – where ink or with a non-visible oil. pursuing this field by learning Ajarn means teacher or master The holy oil-based tattoos fortune telling, bone healing – one of Phuket’s masters of disappear after a week, but sup- and love spells.” magical tattooing. posedly maintain their magic Sak Yan, or magical tattoos, originated thousands of years ago in ancient “My life goal is that I am “In contrast, if no one believes properties. They have gained Cambodia. Photo: Kongleaphy Keam going to use the money I earn in something, it’s as if that thing popularity among those who do years. enough, he brought his busi- from this to build a Sala [pa- never existed,” Ajarn A said. not want tattoos to remain on “Whether or not it has real ness to Phuket. vilion] in my hometown. The tattoos, called ‘Sak Yan’, their body forever. magic, all that really matters is On an average day in Phuket, Inside, I will build a shrine and their process, ‘Yantra’ tat- “In a captious world, every- whether you believe in it,” he Ajarn A has around 40 custom- dedicated to each of the 108 tooing, originated thousands of thing is about money,” Ajarn A said. “If you believe in some- ers, both getting tattooed and hermits, so people do not have years ago in ancient Cambodia. said. “We all need money, and thing, it exists. Magic tattooing receiving blessings. An average to go many different places to Sak means ‘tattoo’ in ancient when you only have a little bit, has been present in Thai soci- tattoo costs 500 baht. pay their respects. I will also Khmer, and Yan means talis- you will do whatever’s neces- ety for years. If there were no “Even though it’s a business, write down all of this knowl- man. Together, the words mean sary to earn more money. But results, it would’ve died out. it takes a lot of knowledge, and edge there on the wall, so the that the tattoo is imbued with a when you cannot work any People believe in magical tat- there’s a culture at work behind next generation can go there supernatural power. harder than you already are, toos because it makes their the Sak Yan. I have been work- and learn,” Ajarn A said. “It is Sak Yan have been popular human nature makes us turn to lives better,” he added. ing hard to learn it since I was part of our heritage of ancient among the native populations of the supernatural for help. Tat- Ajarn A started his Sak Yan 17 years-old. It is a very rare Thailand, and I don’t want it to Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar tooing stems from that belief.” business in his hometown when form of knowledge and is disappear from Thai society,” and Laos for years. However, Ajarn A has been interested he was around 20 years old, and growing increasingly esoteric,” he added. the tattoos started to become in the supernatural for over 23 when it became popular Ajarn A said. – Kongleaphy Keam August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 15 Bicycles can be agents of change Amsterdam, Copenhagen, that traffic to this day. Brisbane, and even post Boris- The point is, that as an agent Bikes London, to the daily of changing the way we live, in- commuter hell in which teract and move about, bicycles AS SO often happens in the fre- Phuketians are mired. could have an enormously posi- netic super-connected era in Last week I planned to use my tive impact on the lives of all which we now live, new terms bicycle as I always do, to run a Phuketians if only we gave them and expression go from obscu- few errands around the Chalong a chance. rity to inhabiting the tips of our area where I live. Exciting visits Of course not all journeys globally-connected tongues, al- to the laundry, Home Pro, Villa could be switched to bicycles most overnight. Market and my favorite wine overnight, but a lot of them So it is with the term ‘change shop were on my agenda. Imag- could be, and the effects on our agent’ which Bill Clinton ine my chagrin then, when upon health, well being, environment memorably used to describe his trying to get out onto Wiset Road and overall contentment would wife Hillary at the Democratic Bicycles can beat the traffic tailbacks. Photo: Baz Daniel I found a tailback of almost a ki- be dramatic. Convention last week. Bill let lometer, stretching back well past The two key progenitors of us in on his secret that his monumental agents of change about are highly positive, if you Fisherman’s Way where I live. such a positive change in Phuket missus was, ‘the best darn and many bicycles would, in my don’t get involved in an acci- Undeterred, I plunged into the are clearly marked cycle-paths change agent he had ever met’. opinion, make better presidents dent… which is a big ‘if’ in the stationary traffic replete with its separated from vehicular traffic If I was being unkind, I might than the candidates we are cur- current Phuket environment. retinue of fuming drivers and and a pay-as-you-go bike rental suggest that Hillary might apply rently being offered. Bicycles can also act as im- tailpipes and cycled down to the scheme, both of which are simple her amazing talent for change to Bicycles change those who mensely positive change agents traffic-clogged Chalong turning and inexpensive to implement. her ubiquitous dowdy pant-suits, regularly ride them in all sorts of for the environment in which circle and managed to complete Sadly, though it seems that the or that if Bill’s friend Monica had wonderfully positive ways. From they are deployed and for the my errands in about 30 minutes. likelihood of such a positive been a better ‘change agent’ of physical health benefits, to men- social and organizational struc- While I had to endure the hor- agent of change being introduced her dresses, he might not have tal outlook and focus, to better ture of communities. This rible pollution being pumped out into Phuket is about the same as got caught. But then I’m not un- eating and sleeping patterns, to becomes abundantly clear if you by all those stationary vehicles, a sane billionaire property devel- kind, so I won’t. sociability and camaraderie, all compare commutes in bicycle- had I tried to do the same errands oper becoming the next Bicycles are without doubt the changes that cycling brings friendly cities, such as by car, I might well be stuck in incumbent of the White House. Get your geek on

School children get hands-on science experience at Rajabhat University’s Science Week. Photo: Rajabhat University RAJABHAT University is in- ence and Technology at the viting the public to visit its university, Rangsan Polsamak, Phuket campus for ‘Science said on August 5 that the goal Week 2016’ August 17-19. of Science Week was to moti- The annual exposition of the vate youngsters, students and university’s science education the general public to learn facilities is part of an initiative about new ideas and get hands- sponsored by the Ministry of on experience at scientific Science and Technology to research. motivate interest in science “The more people seek out subjects. and gain knowledge of science, University students are put- the more Thailand’s own tech- ting on demonstrations of the nology can be updated and the institution’s science tech in an country can become a trend- edutainment-style format from setter of innovation that can be 8:30am to 4:30pm over the integrated into real life,” said three-day event. the dean. Dean of the Faculty of Sci- – Sukawin Tanthavanich 16 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016 Outstanding mother recognized Cyclists By Chutharat Plerin pedal for A HARDWORKING single mother from Phuket was pre- sented the ‘Phuket Outstanding Mother 2016’ award on August charity 12. Suksan Promthong, 68, trav- elled to Bangkok for the ceremony, where HRH Princess Somsavali graciously presented awards to her and other win- ners. The awards were part of an annual event to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on her 84th birthday, which is cel- The event raised about half a ebrated as National Mother’s million baht. Photo: skeeze Day nationwide. The National Council on MORE than 1,000 cyclists an- Social Welfare of Thailand swered last month’s call from (NCSWT) is the main organizer budget airline Nok Air to join of tribute-paying activities for the charity rally ‘Ride for Life,’ HM the Queen. The National to raise funds to treat kids with Mother’s Day event is now in heart disease through the Car- its 40th year. diac Children Foundation of The ‘Outstanding Mother Thailand, under the Royal Pa- Award’ is presented to recog- tronage of HRH Princess nize and honor outstanding Galyani Vadhana. The event contributions by mothers to- raised 460,872 baht. ward their children. For the cyclists, in addition Suksan Promthong, a single mother who raised three sons, was awarded for her dedication to her children “I worked very hard to raise in a ceremony held in Bangkok on August 12. Photo: Chutharat Plerin to travelling from Bangkok and my three sons by myself. The elsewhere to participate, the best thing I could give them is neighbors for a small amount thy and discipline. I showed them break, they would give their bike ride was also an opportu- education. Money comes and of compensation. how hard I worked to raise them savings to me. They even used nity to attend Nakhon Sri goes, but knowledge will al- She did this for 20 years, all, selling food everyday for to take their own lunch to Thammarat’s annual Khanom ways help them. It does not until all three of her sons had years and years, come rain or school, as they knew our fam- Festival, as well as sample matter how much trouble I had graduated. She only stopped shine,” she said. ily could not afford to spend a some delicious Southern fare. to go through for my children – working after her sons begged “All I asked of them was to lot of money.” Participants included Win I was willing to do so,” said Ms her to, as they had all settled be good boys. They have ful- Ms Suksan has also been Sirivongse of Sqweez Animal Suksan. down in their own lives and filled my wishes and made me working with the Phuket Red and GMM Grammy’s young Ms Suksan mainly made a could afford to take care of her. immensely proud. They Cross since 1997, and says she artists Phurikoolkrit Chusak- living by selling food and des- “It’s not easy to raise your worked as laborers during loves doing volunteer work to sakulwiboon, Tawan Vihok- sert on her motorcycle around children to be good people. You school holidays in order to save help people. ratana, Weerayut Chansook and Phuket Town. In her spare time, have to be a great role model and up money for their own educa- “Long live HM the Queen,” Atthaphan Phunsawat. she did housework for her strike a balance between empa- tion. At the end of the school Ms Suksan added. – The Nation Gazette Crossword Across 5. Guarantee issued by manufacturers 6. Beach close to Phuket International Airport 7. Starter or hors d'oeuvre 8. George ______, author of 1984 13. Rock Band ‘______Dan’ 17. An exceptionally smart person (informal) 18. Gesture to give silent assent 21. Relating to a city or town 22. Excite the senses Down 1. Historic bridge connecting Phuket and Phang Nga 2. Celebration to honor moms (2 words) 3. Pasta dish (eaten with meatballs) 4. US space organization 9. Recent vote held nationwide 10. A pleasing view 11. (A document stating) qualifications 12. Picturesque 14. One who has been taken prisoner 15. Vietnam’s neighbor 16. Leading cause of marine pollution 19. Ability to speak (and write) well 20. Leafy vegetable with cholesterol lowering benefits Solution on opposite page. August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 17 The flaws of nutritional science do we protect ourselves from so much misinformation? For one, we are all a bit different, which is why as Hippocrates said ‘one man’s food is another I RECENTLY had a session man’s poison’. So you need to with a gentleman, who from the start listening to how your body outset spoke about his frustra- responds to food – especially tion at the health industry, par- with regard to intolerances like ticularly in regards to the con- gluten, dairy, eggs and so on. stant opinion changing about Here are some general rules: what is healthy and unhealthy. 1. Focus on whole, real foods I agree with his sentiment – that we have been regularly con- seems every few years the ‘ex- suming for a long period of time. perts’ change their minds. I The longer the better. Fortu- remember eggs were bad, then nately, when the studies good again 10 years later accord- suggested eggs were bad I did ing to Harvard Medical School. not follow it – how could they The same can be said for butter, be, since we have been consum- coconut oil and so on – seems ing them for so long? especially these fatty foods mak- Every few years, experts seem to change their minds about what’s healthy and what’s not. Photo: pixabay 2. If it comes in a packet with ing a comeback of late. a label and multiple ingredients, Nutritional Science can seem gen-dependent tumors and cause standards – sometimes we study hidden agenda. be wary. Especially if there are like an oxymoron at times. Why? thyroid problems”. (Source: the effects on rats and other ani- We want the foods we like to ingredients you need a chemis- There are many reasons for New Zealand Medical Journal mals consuming the food; or be healthy so then look for the try degree to decipher. this, including the influence of vol 113 Feb 11 2000). long-term studies whereby par- research supporting these foods 3. The more advertising it MAJOR food producers. Any- While a researcher at the ticipants record their and then often love sharing this has, often, the worse it is. Look one who has read up on the American Institute of Cancer consumption, or short- term information – especially with at soft drinks and processed history of the design of the reports that the research she fol- consumption, with people stuck family and friends. Many people food like breakfast cereals. USDA’s food pyramid will see lows suggests soy lowers in confined labs. These varied do this without even reading the 4. Look at how much pro- that the recommendations were cancer risk: “These findings are research compiling techniques whole study but just the headline, cessing has it undergone. This not purely based on hard sci- great news for women who often lead to differing results. in order to support our choices. is why I often don’t recommend ence, but the food industry also want to use soy as a source of Some of the researchers are You like red wine – you will flour products (including most weighed into the recommenda- protein while cutting back on not as independent as we would find studies supporting the whole grain breads and pastas, tions that became the animal protein such as red and hope – it costs money to run health benefits of moderate con- which are still refined) as they guidelines nutritionists, dieti- processed meat for better health these studies and often a spon- sumption. Guess what? There can cause blood sugar issues. cians and the like were taught and lower cancer risk.” sor conducts a trial to hopefully are studies out there suggesting and told to pass on. (Source: Bette J. Caan, DrPH.) support their food – whether it that even moderate wine con- Craig Burton is a Certified Sports But why do we have so many Why are there so many is grains, dairy, vegetable oils, sumption leads to an increase in Nutritionist (CISSN) with a studies contradicting each other? mixed outcomes? I think it is a meat, wine, and so on – this can cancer. Same applies to many Bachelor of Science degree For instance, a recent article I combination of factors, some of then create a bias in testing. other common foods and drinks (Sports Science) and a National wrote on soy said “Soy foods can which are discussed below. This is a bit like what we do consumed. Academy of Sports Medicine stimulate the growth of oestro- Due to a lack of research as consumers though – have a So what is the answer? How (PES) certification. Crossword Solution Turn the page upside down to read the answers. 18 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016 Dream Hotel, Using social media to list property Duetto aim to predict profits

DURING the green season in THE Dream Hotel Group, Phuket, most real estate bro- which has resorts in Phuket, kers spend their time listing New York, California and new properties to boost up Florida, is aiming to fine-tune their listing stock ahead of the and predict its profit margins high season. Good & varied after teaming up with profit op- listings across the market seg- timization technology provider mentation of the property mar- Duetto. ket are ideal to appeal to a The new partnership be- wider spectrum of clients. tween the hotel group and the Property listings need not nec- hospitality solution provider essarily be large in numbers, was announced on July 29 with but being quality listings and Duetto saying it aimed to in accordance with the client’s implement their revenue strat- demands are crucial. egy solutions for the Dream The real estate market in Hotel Group to ‘bring new in- Thailand works on a mostly sights on pricing and demand ‘non-exclusive’ listing agree- The property business has been milking the online market lately. Photo: George Hodan to the company’s Dream, Time, ments and that is no exception and Unscripted hotels totalling in Phuket. Exclusive listing al- commission to the agent that and others is common nowa- quality or even thought provok- close to 2,000 rooms in urban lows the appointed exclusive completes the sale of the prop- days, with a wide global reach. ing. A short precise description and resort destinations’. agent the sole rights to sell the erty. As different agents have Some accounts even have fol- is all that is needed to accom- Duetto claims its cloud- property. It is normal for exclu- different clientele, this also al- lowers in the thousands and pany the photo. based predictive analytics sive agents to work with other lows the property to receive a millions. Photos are one of the first platform, GameChanger, al- real estate agents to list and sell wider exposure to the property If those followers were to gateways to introduce the prop- lows hotels and resorts to the property. In exclusive list- market. The downside to a non- share the post then even more erty to the market and we independently yield rates by ings, a commission is payable exclusive listing is that some people would see it. Informa- cannot stress the importance of channel, segment and room to the exclusive agent regard- agents have thousands of list- tion shared through social the use of professional photos. type in real time. less of which agent sells the ings and a property owner’s media is fast and it doesn’t cost A professional photogra- The new technology uses property and the agent who property may be ‘drowned’ in extra. A photo followed by a pher would be able to produce consumer-centric data, includ- sells the property also receives those listings and unless the caption not more than 140 char- signature shots for the prop- ing web shopping regrets and a commission. agent remembers your prop- acters may not immediately sell erty that can be effectively denials to help hotels gauge A non-exclusive listing is erty, the property might not be a property, but it may spark in- used in on social media, in their lost business. when a property owner is al- marketed efficiently, nor terest and a potential client can website listings and any other Duetto CEO Patrick lowed to list their property with viewed by any potential clients. post questions or request for printed media. Bosworth said on July 29 that different agents simulta- With the increasing use of more information to get the ball the agreement would allow the neously. This allows the social media, real estate agents rolling. Amy Koh is the sales manager of hotel group to implement ‘rev- property owner the ability and are resorting to social media as With the amount of content Engel & Voelkers Phuket. To enue strategy solutions’ to its freedom to market the property a tool to promote and market passing through social media contact Amy, or for more unique properties around the themselves and through differ- properties. The use of every second, the photo used information, visit www.engel world. ent agents and only pay a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram has to be eye catching, of good voelkers.com/en/phuket – Phuket Gazette Island’s Foreign buyers eye Asean homes FOREIGN investors have been was launched last year, has occupancy buying residential properties in achieved sales of 900 million Asean countries as prices re- baht to buyers from Hong main relatively low and their Kong, Singapore, mainland on the rise currencies are weak against the China and Taiwan, he said. ACCORDING to industry US dollar. The implementation of the analysts Smith Travel Re- Thai property firms have Asean Economic Community search (STR), resorts in been promoting their residen- this year and a weaker baht Phuket have experienced an tial projects overseas since have been seen as the main fac- 8.7 per cent increase in occu- early this year, and many have tors boosting foreign demand pancy to 70.3 per cent this closed sales with foreign buy- for condominiums in year, while revenue per avail- ers wanting a second or Bangkok’s central business able room (RevPAR) also vacation home in the Kingdom. districts. went up by 6.6 per cent to Sansiri sold 2 billion baht Meanwhile, Indonesia’s gov- 2,027.98 baht. worth of condominium units in ernment now allows foreigners American depositary re- the first half of this year to buy- to own landed houses as part of ceipt (ADR) in the market ers from Hong Kong, mainland efforts to boost the economy, af- was down 2.0 per cent to China and Taiwan. ter the release of a regulation 2,883.46 baht, stated the re- Last year, the company re- Thai property companies have been promoting local housing projects signed by President Joko port, which also revealed that corded 3.5bn baht in presales to overseas buyers this year. Photo: Alex Proimos Widodo on December 22, 2015, RevPAR for Phuket has in- from foreign customers, and it according to The Jakarta Post. creased year over year for six expects overseas presales of up luxury condominium projects said SC Asset Corp chief ex- The regulation stipulates that straight months, behind a 12.7 to 5bn baht this year. The in Taiwan, Hong Kong and ecutive officer Nuttaphong foreigners who hold resident per- per cent year-to-date increase company’s overall presales tar- Singapore this year, having wit- Kunakornwong. mits are allowed to own houses in demand. get is 42bn baht. nessed [foreign] demand to buy The company’s luxury under the Right to Use Title. – Phuket Gazette “We plan to roadshow our into these projects last year,” Saladaeng One project, which – The Nation August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 19 High-rises hit Marriott Nai Yang relaunched record high By Zohaib Sikander WHILE Phuket’s condo- minium market caters to mid- AFTER a multi-billion baht range buyers seeking accom- rennovation this year, the modation in the province’s cen- Phuket Marriott Resort and tral business district, buyers are Spa, Nai Yang Beach re- paying record prices for condo- launched on June 1, sporting miniums to reside along two brand new looks: one re- Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road, flecting traditional Thai-style where the more prestigious architecture, the other, a new high rise units are priced at contemporary style. more than B300,000 per square More than 2.3 billion baht meter. has been spent on sprucing up The latest survey by the the resort’s 180 guest rooms Agency for Real Estate Affairs overlooking the Andaman Sea. (AREA) revealed that The Dip- “In 2013, we signed an lomat condominium complex agreement with TCC Land As- by KPN Group Corporation on set World to develop seven Sukhumvit 39 has the highest hotels and resorts in Thailand. prices at B411,111 per square “We successfully opened meter. Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Nimit Langsuan by Pace Spa in March and are delighted Development Corp is asking to welcome this Phuket resort slightly less at B405,186 per under our flagship brand, said square meter, followed by The Marriott International’s Area Residences at Mandarin Orien- Vice President Karl Hudson, The resort overlooks the Andaman Sea and comprises 180 rooms, built in either traditional-Thai style tal Bangkok by IconSiam ahead of the new launch in or with a more contemporary decor. Photo: Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach Super Luxury Residence Corp June. at B400,000 per square meter. “This recent addition of in earthy tones, or they can opt year. They are mostly tourists each year. However, even these high Phuket Marriott Resort and for a more contemporary look from European and Asian “The opening of Phuket asking prices will be beaten by Spa, Nai Yang Beach increases with modern decor and other countries,” he said. Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai 98 Wireless by Sansiri, which our total portfolio in Thailand touches,” said the resort’s gen- “Phuket is one of the largest Yang Beach, will address the will open for presales next to 18,” he said. eral manager David Ippersiel. contributors to Thailand’s tour- needs of both local and inter- quarter at Bt550,000 per square “Guests now have a choice “Phuket welcomes approxi- ism industry, bringing around national travellers,” said Mr meter. of traditional Thai-style rooms mately 12 million visitors per 200 billion baht to the country Ippersiel. – Phuket Gazette / Nation 20 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016 PROPERTY FOR SALE

BEAUTIFUL KARON 2-STOREY POOL VILLA PA KHLOK HOUSE LAND NEAR LAND FOR SALE SINGLE HOUSE This very beautiful modern villa has FOR SALE - 2.4MB BIG BUDDHA 3-minute drive to Surin FOR SALE it all – sparkling salt water pool, 3 Beach. 1.4 rai. 36 million huge bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, baht. Tel: 081-868 7676. maid quarters. Fully furnished, secure estate close to the beach. G4S alarm system. Relax and enjoy all the hard work that has FULLY FURNISHED been done. A must see. Price: 12.5 POOL VILLA million baht. Tel: 081-719 4688 Superb condition 2-storey on (Thai). Email: [email protected] 440sqm plot. 2 large beds, 3 U-domsuk Village: 112/101, Over 3 rai. 6.5 million baht bathrooms, large living / dining, Burasiri Village. Koh Kaew. exercise room, kitchen & utility, Next to BIS. 3 bedrooms TWIN HOUSE FOR SALE Soi 6. Hot water, 2 aircons, per rai. Or smaller plots from 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1.7 million baht. Tel: 081-538 9m swimming pool. Full Cha- (master bedroom with en- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living note. Quiet but highly conve- suite and walk-in closet), 3 room, kitchen, laundry room, car 56sqw, Western kitchen, 4588. Email: info@purimas car park, 24hr security, property.com nient location. 8.7 million baht. bathrooms. Fully furnished, parking, garden with covered Located in Palai, Chalong. Tel: 4 aircons, kitchen with se- balcony & BBQ station. Price: 1.2km from Heroine’s Monu- ment. Email: pratup@hot 076-282522, 085-438 2289 (En- parate pantry. Parking for 2 2.8 million baht. Tel: 081-979 glish), 084-850 1701 (Thai). cars. Communal swimming 9825 (English). Email: stefans mail.com or LINE ID: h.pra tup THE ROYAL PLACE Email: [email protected] pool, garden and fitness. [email protected] CONDO - PHUKET 45sqm. Freehold. Corner room, BAN KHAO THONG 5th floor, 2 balconies (great view), 1 RAI 180° OCEAN VIEW BEACHFRONT KRABI 1 bedroom, living room, 2 air- POOL VILLA YAMU HILL cons, fully furnished, swimming 1.2 rai land plot, 15 min from Ao FOR SALE / RENT 1 or 2 rai, 180° ocean view. 24hr pool, gym. Price: 2.3 million Nang. Road access, water sup- security, water & electricity sup- baht. Tel: 084-249 0526 (English ply, electricity. Chanote Title. 2.5 ply. Freehold. 5.7 million baht/ & Thai). Email: h.jabary@gmail. million baht. Tel: 088-435 2742 rai. Tel: 084-625 5090 (English). com (English & Thai). Email: saran Email: yamu.hills.sunrise@ [email protected] For sale: 6.6 million baht or gmail.com sell down payment: 400,000 baht. Long-term rent:45,000 HOUSE FOR SALE PA KHLOK HOUSE TOP LAND VILLAGE baht monthly, 520,000 baht 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, west- yearly. HOT SALE ern kitchen, large living area, HOUSE IN RAWAI Chalong. 1 rai. 3 bedrooms, Tel: 089-840 5290 (Thai), large garden, laundry area, furni- 3 bathrooms. Tel: 089-649 094-579 5666 (Thai / Eng.) ture and sound system with 14 speakers included. Quiet gated 9939. Email: siri_phuket@ area near Mission Hill Golf Club, changrunner.com airport and BIS. 4.5 million baht. Tel: 061-238 0155 (English). Email: paulajlaydon@hotmail. com 45sqw. 5 million baht, 2 bed- BUY DIRECTLY rooms with big living room. FROM OWNER BUNGALOW FOR SALE 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Convenient area close to Apartments at Kata Beach. NAI YANG BEACH no pool. Price: 3.9 million Bangkok Hospital, Phuket Pay 30% and move in. Flex- 6 bungalows, fully furnished. baht. Tel: 085-873 0117. International Hospital and ible payment plan available. Home office. Restaurant. Car Tesco Lotus Samkong. For Tel: 081-618 7295 (English). KAMALA PROPERTY parking. 922sqm. For sale: 7 house inspection please Email: tvanhole@yahoo. million baht. Tel: 086-691 7858, call 086-198 1869. com 3-house property with 520sqm FIRE SALE PROPERTIES for quick sale at 8 million baht. 086-593 4946 (English & Thai). We have a number of Fire Sale Tel: 098-736 9588 (English & Email: [email protected] Properties for urgent sale at Thai). bargain price from 1.5 million HOUSE FOR SALE baht. Most are in Rawai and NEW KAMALA HOUSE Chalong. 36sqw, fully furnished, Nai Harn. Condos, houses and For sale new 60sqm house, fully 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom bunga- villas. Rawai. Tel: 080-124 1245. furnished with internet, TV and low. 3 million baht only. Tel: 076- Email: kay@phuketandaman cable. 2.5 million baht. Chanote 288988, 093-749 2277. Email: realestate.com title. Tel: 098-736 9588. [email protected] NAI YANG LAND QUICK SALE PROPERTY SERVICES Great investment. 8 rai. Prime piece. Nai Yang. Near airport. Road frontage. Chanote. 25 mil- lion baht/rai. Tel: 093-624 7487 (Thai). Email: supha2007@hot mail.com

CONDO FOR SALE THE BEST OFFER! By owner. 50sqm, freehold, sea view. Fully renovated, smartly decorated. Excellent condo- minium, safe, quiet, very well maintained. Close to everything and only 600m from Patong Beach. Tel: 093-663 2658 (En- glish), 088-036 3497 (Thai). August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 21 PROPERTY FOR RENT

CHALONG AREA PROPERTY SERVICES HOUSE 1-3 bedroom. Quiet area. Fully furnished. Tel: 081-892 4311. http://palaigreen.weeb ly.com

HOUSE FOR RENT OR SALE

ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE In Srisoonthorn, Thalang, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished. Rent: 15,000 baht/ month.Sale: 2.5 mil- 2 HOUSES FOR RENT lion baht with furniture. STUDIO IN PATONG 100.5sqm. Convenient loca- 2 BEDROOMS + POOL 1 bedroom: 6,000 baht. 2 bed- tion, 10 min to Laguna, 5 Special rates in March/April rooms: 8,500 baht. Quiet and min to Tesco Lotus Thalang. for studio, 2-bed apart- nice place. Please call 089-650 Contact Kaye. Tel: 061-956 KAMALA CONDO ments. Shared pool, WiFi, 5135 (English & Thai). 9622. FOR SALE OR RENT RAWAI - NAI HARN maid service included. Start- 1 bedroom, fully furnished, 2 VILLAS ing 9,000 baht/month. Also swimming pools, gym, restau- 2-bed pool villa available. LARGE LUXURY rant, tennis court, sauna, shuttle Chalong. Tel: 086-282 6221 ROOM FOR RENT KRABI POOL VILLA bus to beach and town, parking, (English). FOR RENT 24hr security. Rent: 18,000 baht New 200sqm villa, fully fur- per month. Sale: foreign free- nished, pool, European kitchen. hold, 3.9 million baht. Size 77.86 25,000 baht/month. Ao Nang. sqm. Tel: 061-238 0155 (En- Tel: 081-720 5119. Email: cam glish). Email: paulajlaydon@ RAWAI SEA VIEW [email protected] hotmail.com CONDOMINIUM Rent & sale. 1-6 bedroom, suites for all budgets. Tel: 081-538 4588. Email: info@ purimasproperty.com, www. The Windmill Phuket Hotel purimasproperty.com is offering rooms for month- ly rent. 50sqm with en-suite marble bathroom. Electric- ity, hot water, gym, swim- PATONG TOWER CONDO ming pool, daily breakfast For rent, only 1,000 baht/day. Short / long-term rental. 1 & and room cleaning is all in- 2 beds, 3 swimming pools, Pa- 2 bedroom apts, fully fur- cluded for 30,000 baht / tong Beach. Tel: 084-630 1770. nished. Stunning sea view, month. Located at Rawai / large swimming pool, lift. Naiharn-Yanui Beach. For Please call 093-574 2533. more info, please call 076- SEAVIEW 2-BED APT Email: reservation@alma 613860. Email: thewind Patong. Fully furnished, pool, liresidence.com [email protected] kitchen, WiFi. 16,000 baht/ month. Email: bricothailand@ hotmail.com

BEACHFRONT HOUSE FOR RENT HUGE VILLA GREAT CONDO Cape Yamu project. 250,000 LOCATION baht/month. Long term. Tel: 086- Long-term rent. DCondo 279 6283. Mine, 6th floor, new fully fur- nished, 2-bedroom, 2-bath- room condo with kitchen. 3-BEDROOM HOUSE 100m swimming pool, gym, 40,000 baht. Quiet location near internet, 2 cable TVs, 3 Wat Chalong. 3 bedrooms. 4 aircons, washing machine, bathrooms. Secure small es- parking, security. Close to tate. Uninterrupted lake and all shopping malls. Rent: Quiet location on Chao Fa mountain views. Parking for 28,000 baht / month. Lo- West Road. Short / long- three cars. Swimming pool. cated in Kathu. For photos term rental. 2 bedrooms, 2 Internet, cable TV, pool mainte- and more information, bathrooms, shared pool, nance, gardener all included please call 081-893 9127 cable TV, security camera. in price. Available until November (English), 087-886 7895 Tel: 089-724 3669. Email: 30th, 2016. Tel: 093-793 4258, (Thai). [email protected] 085-696 0078. 22 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016 GENERAL JOBS / RECRUITMENT CLASSIFIEDS RESTAURANT / EVENT SALES MANAGER Bachelor's degree. 5 years expe- BUSINESS PRODUCTS & SERVICES rience in sales/events. Excellent communication skills. Excellent selling skills. Mom Tri's Villa Royale, Phuket. Tel: 076-333 568. Fax: 076-333001. Email: [email protected]

MOTOR YACHT STEWARDESS Phuket-based charter yacht look- ing for an experienced steward- ess. Ideally a Thai national but will consider other nationalities. Must be able to speak English and have service experience. Email: [email protected]

TEACHER WANTED Home schooling, native English, female, Monday-Friday, 9.00- 2.30pm, 3 children, 7-9 years old. Salary 40,000 baht. Tel: 081- 343 0777. Email: montha_ phu [email protected]

REAL ESTATE AGENT / PROPERTY CONSULTANT We are looking for real estate agent/property consultant with good English to join our real es- tate company (Chinese national only). Tel: 093-575 5566. Please BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES send your resume to tati@the houseproject.info LUCRATIVE TRADING LAUNDRETTE FOR SALE BUSINESS FOR SALE 3 washing machines, 2 dryers, 2 EXPERIENCED The owner of Rice Husk Ashes ironing sets. Established client SALES REPS exporter wants to sell the com- base. Close to Bangkok Hospi- Outreach is all via email. No cold pany for 4 million baht. Customer tal Phuket. Price: 170,000 baht. calling. Must have minimum 5 is German steel factory. Profit 1.4 Tel: 081-633 6149. Email: jay years experience and be NES. million baht per year for last 3 [email protected] Located in Rawai. Email: lucy years on average. Please con- [email protected] tact Ake. Tel: 093-539 6665. BULLETINS CHINESE CUISINE CHEF WANTED: Brand-new restaurant is look- LIGHTING BUSINESS ing for a chef of Chinese cui- Relocating to Phuket and seri- sine. High salary. Working expe- ously looking for an existing rience in China would be a plus. lighting, electrical, lamps busi- Email: restaurant2016@out ness – supply, wholesale and look.co.th retail. Any existing such business owner willing to sell, please contact us in Kenya. Tel: +254- OFFICE MGR EVENTS 20-374 9559, +254-733-424 013, +254-724-255 786. Email: Phuket Weddings and karim@powerinnovationsltd. Events seeks an enthusias- com, www.powerinnovations tic Office Manager to join our ltd.com small team. Applicants must have good English and be proficient in Microsoft Office, PATONG TATTOO SHOP with knowledge of Mac soft- FOR SALE ware, be creative and willing Soi Lo-ma, Patong Beach. This to assist with invoicing, client is the Soi before Maximum Muay tracking, venue co-ordina- Thai Combat Center. The shop is tion and manage the office a 5-minute walk from Bangla efficiently. Previous experi- Road. There are 3 chairs, air- ence is an advantage but not conditioned tattoo studio. The essential. Located in Tha- price includes all equipment. The lang. Tel: 099-316 7023, new owner will be able to walk 089-973 2159 (English & straight into the shop and begin Thai). Please send your CV/ work. Everything you need to resume with an indication as begin trading is in place. Price: to salary to info@phuket 350,000 baht (negotiable). Tel: weddingsevents.com 098-393 7522, 087-382 0764. August 13 - 19, 2016 PHUKET GAZETTE 23 BOATS & MARINE

CLASSIC WOODEN BOAT 38' wooden sailing boat. Built 1982 in Malaysia. Excellent con- dition. Well equipped. Many spares. Proven race winner. Of- fers. Phuket Boat Lagoon. Tel: 081-882 7917. Email: p_brunn [email protected]

BOAT FOR SALE New RIB 6.80m PVC. For sale: 380,000 baht. Price includes new trailer. Located in Koh Sire, Phuket. Please call 090-071 7612. Email: dominique.gerardin@gmail. com

20M BERTH RENTAL AT RPM Private owner offers 20m, front line, E dock berth for rent at the Royal Phuket Marina. Berth will accommo- date yachts of up to 23m LOA and significant dis- counts are available for a long term agreement. Con- tact for further information. Tel: +44-7866-588 395 (En- glish). Email: james@shay ler.co GENERAL AVIATION DRY STACK BOAT STORAGE Royal Phuket Marina offers dry stack boat storage for boats up to 12m or 29ft. Safe and secure. Free lifts in and out. 1 call and your boat will be ready for you. Email: hello@ro yalphuketmarina.com Visit our website at www.royalphuket marina.com

LAST LOT 2015 SEADOO 260 1,503cc, 260hp. Last stock on sale. Hot promotion! (firm price) with 1-year warranty from Sea- doo. Full service from us (motor field). Located in Samut-sakorn. Tel: 092-269 6099, 081-754 7599 (English & Thai). Email: [email protected]

HANDMADE WOODEN KAYAK

Made to order. Size: 5m length, 20-25kg weight. Tel: 081-566 5155 (Thai), 081- 597 3377 (English). 24 PHUKET GAZETTE August 13 - 19, 2016 She’s beauty and she’s grace By Zohaib Sikander ally decided to follow this sadors here. Thailand will for- and answer just about any- queen, doctor, lifestyle. She then moved to ever have a place in our hearts thing. Sometimes you get lawyer or any- MADELINE Cowe, winner of Sydney to model, which is also and we will happily promote questions that are a little thing else, Miss World Australia 2016, vis- where she first tried her hand Phuket and Thailand as much as bit pushy and controver- just fight for ited Phuket last week as part of at pageantry. we can internationally,” she sial and you have to know it. There the Tourism Authority of “I did quite well and decided says. “Everyone has been gen- how to handle that.” weren’t Thailand’s ‘Women’s Journey that the Miss World competi- erous and amazing. I couldn’t Madeline’s message many oppor- Thailand’ campaign. Her entou- tion was the one for me,” she have asked for a better trip.” for young men and tunities rage included the runners up of says. Back in Australia, Madeline women is to always where I grew this year’s competition, along Madeline is very close to her is determined to make a differ- go for it and never up – I could with Courtney Thorpe, the win- family and her eyes light up ence. She helps raise funds for give up on chasing never have ner of the 2014 pageant, and when she talks about them. sick, disadvantaged and disabled your dreams. imagined all Deborah Miller, national direc- “I am very family-oriented. kids for a children’s charity “If there’s some- this before. It tor of Miss World Australia. My family celebrates Easter called ‘Variety,’ through the Miss thing you want to do, can happen for Madeline and her group and Christmas together, usually World pageant’s ‘Beauty with a you should know that anybody if they went to Bangkok first, followed with both my mom and dad’s Purpose’ program. you can do it. Whether believe in them- by Ayutthya, Hua Hin and then sides coming together for the “Our goal is to let these kids it’s to be a pageant selves and really Phuket. The newly crowned holidays. They were all in live, laugh and learn – we just try.” 23-year-old met with the Ga- Melbourne when I won, and I want to help them be like other zette at Cape Panwa Hotel to think both my sisters were in kids,” she says. talk about her life and how she tears when my name was an- Madeline says she’s very is dealing with the spotlight. nounced,” says Madeline. excited about the upcoming “I grew up on my parents’ She also managed to have an Miss World 2016 competition. cane and cattle farm in rural exciting time with her team in “The big night’s on Decem- North Queensland. When I fin- Phuket. ber 18 in Washington DC. I’ve ished school, I decided I “We’ve been snorkeling, been quite happy with what I’ve wanted to study law and moved which was quite enjoyable,” she learned from previous pageants to Townsville at the age of 17,” smiles. “We’ve been travelling and my law training to get says Madeline. through Thailand so fast, that this through to the nationals. But now When ‘Australia’s Next Top was the first time we got a chance that I’m going to the international Model’ came to town, she de- to kick back and relax.” competition, I’m going to focus cided to audition for it. She got “This entire trip has been ab- on my speaking skills. You need through the auditions as well as solutely amazing, and we’re so to be able to think really quickly the filming stages, and eventu- proud and grateful to be ambas- on your feet in these situations,