THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

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Friday, January 11 – Thursday, January 17, 2019 Since 2011 / Volume IX / No. 2 20 Baht FISHING FLEET DODGES ECONOMIC HIT > PAGE 9 NEWS PAGE 4 Island readies for mass fun on Children’s Day

LIFE PAGE 11 SAFETY Using Eco-Logic: New trends in voluntourism A tour boat returns to Phuket with hundreds of tourists who were stranded on Phi Phi Island. Photo: PR Dept FIRST PRECAUTION PRAISED AS BAN ON BOATS LEAVING SHORE ENFORCED AMID PABUK FALLOUT

The Phuket News No reports of serious damage or on high alert. Emergency services the ‘Phuket Model’ format as a work [email protected] landslides were recorded anywhere were on standby and Phuket Gov- guide for coping with all kinds of across Phuket. ernor Phakaphong Tavipatana last disasters and future events as well, PAGE 32 eople across Phuket breathed Nakhon Sri Thammarat on South- Wednesday (Jan 5) ordered local which requires the integration of the SPORT a collective sigh of relief last ern Thailand’s east coast, however, authorities to take steps to ensure that work of all sectors in order to help Pweekend when the worst of suffered greatly with winds belting up essential services such as electricity the people and for tourists to have Darren to ‘bike Tropical Storm Pabuk missed the to 89km/h and a monstrous 270.5mm supply remained available. maximum security,” he added. island entirely. By that time Pabuk of rainfall recorded in just the 24 hours “In this operation, to be prepared However, by then the news of Everest’ for had already been downgraded to a of last Friday (Jan 4). (See page 7). and to monitor the progress of the impending calamity had spread and Phuket charity ‘tropical depression’. Krabi, just across Phang Nga Bay storm Pabuk, all sectors must be Governor Phakaphong was informed At the height of the foul weather from Phuket, also escaped serious fully integrated in their work and that 17 flights had been “affected” by passing over the island, Phuket last havoc, with recorded wind speeds last they must make continual announce- the weather but that only one flight, a Friday (Jan 4) suffered no more Saturday peaking at 29km/h and 51mm ments to the public so the people are China Southern Airlines flight from than 54.9mm of recorded rainfall at of rainfall drenching Krabi Town, aware of the storm’s movement and China, had been cancelled. the airport and 22.6mm in Phuket the highest wind and rain recorded are alert (to any danger),” Governor That number stood at odds with Town, but with winds gusting up throughout the storm’s passing. Phakaphong said. photos posted online by the Phuket to 35.2km/h, according to the Thai Multiple repeated warnings by “For the government to be pre- Tourist Police, which showed at least Meteorological Department (TMD). the TMD already had local officials pared is a good thing, so please use 25 flights to or from Phuket… CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews 2 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

[email protected] Relief arrives as Southern Thailand recovers in wake of News Pabuk > page 7 Taking cover as Pabuk passes Continued from page 1 than 100 stranded at Koh Racha, The ban on all boats leaving …International Airport on Jan 4, south of Phuket. shore, lasting two days and which and a further three direct flights The Royal Thai Navy ship HTMS was lifted last Saturday, received from China on Jan 3, as cancelled. Hua Hin along with a large boat from support from both Phuket’s main Questioned as to the estimated Asean Cruises were dispatched from tour and ferry boat operators at impact on Phuket’s tourism industry, Phuket last Friday and returned to Rassada Pier and from Phuket’s both Tourism and Sports Phuket the Deep Sea Port at 7pm with 232 commercial fishing fleet amid Office Director Sirawee Waloh and tourists from Phi Phi Island safely concerns of dangerous weather on Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) on board. the water. (See p9 “Boat ban has Vice President Sarayuth Mallam Governor Phakaphong along ‘minor’ impact’) insisted to The Phuket News this with Rear Admiral Vithanarat Ko- Both the Haad Nopparat Tara- week that the effect was negligible. chaseni, Chief of Staff at the Royal Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park and Both assured that tour operators Thai Navy Third Area Command the Similan National Park closed to had “made their own arrangements” based in Phuket, were both on hand visitors last Friday and Saturday as to ensure that “tourism was not to welcome the tourists. a precaution. affected”. Tourists stranded on Phi Phi Island arrive in Phuket on board HTMS The remainder of the estimated “There were a few tourists still “Tour operators just re-organised Hua Hin last Friday (Jan 4). Photo: Royal Thai Navy 500 tourists stranded on Phi Phi stuck on Phi Phi Island this morn- their tours to arrive on different Island by the boat safety ban were ing, so I urged officials and relevant flights. I spoke with operators about prevent disaster has instilled con- and issued an order banning all boats taken back to the mainland in Krabi business operators on Phi Phi to get this at the time and they realised the fidence among tourists in travelling from leaving port for three days. by a large private ferry, confirmed the tourists off the island and back situation and were willing to manage to Phuket,” he added. Governor Phakphong last the Krabi office of the Public Rela- to the mainland as quickly as pos- it by themselves,” Mr Sarayuth said. Regardless, the clear focus from Wednesday also repeated the order, tions Department. sible,” Park Chief Worapoj Lomlin “I don’t think there has been officials was on safety, with Act- only to be superceded by an order The Royal Thai Navy boat HTMS told The Phuket News last Friday. any major impact on the tourism ing Phuket Marine Chief Wiwat issued directly by Prime Minister Tor 991 earlier that same day, along “I have also banned all kinds of industry in Phuket, Phang Nga and Chitchertwong last Wednesday Prayut Chan-o-cha for all boats in with boats from some private op- boats from entering the park until Krabi, including Phi Phi (Island),” (Jan 2) ordering all small boats to affected areas to remain in port. erators, had brought safely back to the weather improves,” he said. Mr Sarayuth added. stay ashore. The ban left an estimated 500 Phuket a total of 124 tourists who Both national parks, key attrac- “I think the situation was handled Krabi Marine Chief Chaisiri tourists stranded on the tourist- were stranded on Racha Yai Island, tions in Phuket’s nature tourism very well and the steps taken to Khundam the next day followed suit popular Phi Phi Island and more a Navy spokesman confirmed. industry, reopened last Sunday.

Snorkeller tourist drowns on day-trip A CHINESE TOURIST has drowned while snor- kelling during a day trip to Racha Island, south of Phuket, on Tuesday (Jan 8). Lt Sakrin Saengcharoen of the Chalong Police was notified of the incident at 3:30pm. The body of the tourist, Zhu Kai, 31, from Tian- jin, was brought back to Chalong Pier, and trans- ported to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town. Mr Zhu had booked a day trip to Koh Racha Police bring the body of Chinese tourist Zhu Kai, 31, through tour company Simi- from Tianjin, back on shore at Chalong Pier late Tuesday lan Pro Dive on board the afternoon (Jan 8). Photo: Phuket Tourist Police boat Chot Somporn 18, Tourist Police noted in their the instructions,” Mr Sae “The boat crew rushed report. Lo said. over to help him and brought Mr Zhu was travelling Mr Wanchai explained him on board the boat, but alone and was staying at that while other tourists he was already unconscious. a hotel in Patong, police stayed on the beach, Mr They tried to revive him, added. Zhu walked further along but could not,” he added. The tour guide leading the beach and went snorkel- Capt Ekkachai noted the group, Wanchai Sae Lo, ling alone, Capt Ekkkachai that police were now work- told police that the boat had Siri of the Phuket Tourist ing with Chinese consular moored in Patok Bay and Police told The Phuket News officials in reporting the the tourists had lunch before Wednesday morning (Jan 9). death and arranging for being set off on a free time “Then when they called his body to be repatriated period of the tour. the tourists back to the boat, back home. “Before we let them go they could see where Mr Eakkapop Thongtub I explained everything to Zhu was, but he was not them about safety and they responding to any their Additional reporting by all said they understood shouts,” Capt Ekkachai said. Tanyaluk Sakoot

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 PHUKET NEWS 3 Marine Dept invites complaints Meanwhile, dangerous Phuket speedboat report left floundering

The Phuket News Wiwat Chitchertwong, Acting The complaint, filed on (pic3) at a distance - it was [email protected] Chief of the Phuket Marine Dec 27 and addressed “To sitting between two rocks. Office, praised the launch Phuket Harbourmaster”, re- “Same logo on the free- he Marine Department of the complaints portal via ports alleged reckless driving board, red roof. I am sure the of Thailand on Mon- Facebook. Photo: PR Dept by a speedboat operator off driver can be identified easily Tday (Jan 7) launched a Koh Mai Thon, located just when your authority contacts Facebook page for people to over eight kilometres from the business owner. file complaints about marine the tip of Cape Panwa. “We would like to report tour services, and especially “A speedboat of a tour this incident to Phuket Har- marine safety. operator [...] almost ran over a bourmaster and the relevant The launch of the webpage, snorkeller at Koh Maithon. Me authority and also bring aware- called ‘Notification of Com- and my friends just happened ness to the surrounding - a lot plaints to the Marine Depart- to be at anchor at this bay and of incidents including fatalities ment’, aims to allow people the incident unfolded right in on water in Thailand are due to to file complaints instantly, front of us, the speedboat was the tour operators’ reckless and with photos, Phuket Marine flying into the bay at full speed ignorant behaviour towards Office Acting Director Wiwat to show off to the tourists people and the environment.” Chitchertwong explained to onboard and only our frantic Mr Wiwat confirmed to The Phuket News. screaming at them made it stop The Phuket News that he had “It will be easier for for- at the last second, the swim- taken no action so far about the eign tourists and other people ming man luckily emerged complaint as he was unaware to inform us about bad marine unharmed from under their of the incident. services or unreliable services bow!!” reported the complaint. “I have not yet received in Phuket,” Mr Wiwat said. “This was the most reck- any notification of this com- “Also tourists can change less driving we have ever seen plaint. I am waiting for the the language from Thai to with an absolute disregard to Marine Department to send English with a single click operator or even revoke their five years ago. the Marine Department’s safety and our hands are still this information,” he said. (using the built-in Facebook license. “But Facebook allows Facebook complaints page shaking from witnessing this Mr Wiwat also offered translation service). “We can even force them people to file complaints in today comes while a serious incident. no explanation as to whether “After that the Marine to undergo training after they English, and there is even a complaint filed in English “Two boats of this tour the new Facebook page will Department (head office in have been handed down pun- QR Code that people can scan through the formal website operator arrived to the bay, the improve how complaints are Bangkok) will record the ishment or a warning,” he said. to access it,” he said. about a tour speedboat alleg- logo of the operator is shown handled, and why. complaint and send the infor- Mr Wiwat noted that peo- Alternatively, Thai speak- edly nearly running over a on the pic2 but the boat that Yet Mr Wiwat did claim mation to us. Then we will go ple can still file complaints ers can still file complaints by snorkeller off Phuket remains nearly caused a fatal accident that he had no authority to take to work on the complaint, and through the Marine Depart- calling the free hotline 1199, not even being passed to the went hiding behind the rocks any action on any complaints depending on the situation we ment’s existing complaints he added. Phuket Marine Office after right after the incident and posted without first receiving will warn or charge the boat web portal, which launched However, the launch of after 11 days. I could take only one photo a formal notice from Bangkok.

Beer truck heading to Patong overturns A 10-WHEELED TRUCK DELIVERING a load of beer to Patong overturned in Kamala last Saturday night (Jan 5). Capt Jarus Laemphan of the Kamala Police was informed of the accident at 10pm. Police and rescue workers arrived to find the truck on its side near the turnoff to Kamala Waterfall, with many boxes of San Miguel beer spilled – and crushed and broken – by the side of the road. The truck driver Pichet Seththaka, 24, The truck overturned on the coastal road Witnesses heard from Pathum Thani, was still at the scene. in Kamala while delivering beer to Patong. the motorbike rev He had suffered only minor injuries. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub before the man lost The truck had come to a rest on its side control and hit the after hitting two trees, and levelling a ‘Reduce into the accident before pressing any charges, power pole. Speed’ sign, Capt Jarus noted. Capt Jarus noted in his report. Police were continuing their investigation Eakkapop Thongtub British man, 32, dies in horrific motorbike crash on Soi Ta-iad A BRITISH MAN DIED OF of the man, later identified as Witnesses told police that head injuries last Thursday David Dingwall Macdonald, they saw the man riding the night (Jan 3) after the motor- 32, of Scotland, lying beside motorbike toward Chao Fa bike he was riding crashed it. Already at the scene were West Rd at speed. They heard into a power pole in Phuket’s Phuket Ruamjai rescue work- the engine rev high before renowned Muay Thai and ers, whose headquarters are the man lost control of the MMA training street, Soi also based in Soi Ta-iad about motorbike and struck the Ta-iad, in Chalong. 100 metres away. power pole. Lt Col Kanan Somrak from Mr Macdonald died at the Col Kanan noted that Brit- the Chalong Police was noti- scene of fatal head injuries ish consular officials had been fied of the accident at 8:30pm. from the impact. He had also notified of Mr Macdonald’s Officers arrived to find a suffered a broken arm and a death. wrecked green Kawasaki Ninja broken neck, police reported. His body was taken to the 250SL motorbike beside a Police made no mention of morgue at Vachira Phuket power pole in front of the Unit whether or not he was wearing Hospital in Phuket Town. 27 training centre and the body a helmet at the time. Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews @thephuketnews 4 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST www.foreca.com

FRI JAN 11 SAT JAN 12 SUN JAN 13 MON JAN 14 TUE JAN 15 WED JAN 16 THU JAN 17

The Phuket News offers flexible advertising options both online and in print. High: +34° High: +34° High: +34° High: +34° High: +33° High: +34° High: +34° Low: +25° Low: +25° Low: +26° Low: +25° Low: +26° Low: +25° Low: +25° Wind 2 m/s Wind 2 m/s Wind 2 m/s Wind 2 m/s Wind 2 m/s Wind 2 m/s Wind 2 m/s Hooray for Children’s Day! Phuket prepares for annual day dedicated to kids

The Phuket News lucky draw prizes for kids. [email protected] Patong Municipality will host a fun event at Loma Park, on the Patong ocal municipalities across beachfront, with more than 4,000 the island are getting ready prizes for kids. Also 16 small stages Lto celebrate Children’s Day will be set for live performances and GENERAL MANAGER this Saturday (Jan 12) with a host of activities and free food and drink. fun activities for kids. Chalong Municipality will host Jason Beavan Children’s Day, in Thai called its fun event at the municipality of- 086 479 7471 [email protected] Wan Dek, is celebrated throughout fices, with live shows, performances the country on the second Saturday and activities, gifts and free food of January every year. and drink. The national day, although not Srisoonthorn Municipality will a public holiday, gives children the host its fun event at 87 Nawaminto- opportunity to have fun and to cre- laracha Park (also called Khun Nam ate awareness about their significant Bang Maruwan), with live shows, role towards the development of the Children’s Day this Saturday (Jan 12) will see a host of performances and activities, as well country. The day was set as a national activities especially for the kids. Photo: The Phuket News / file as gifts for children and free food day to be observed in 1955. and drink. Phuket, along with the rest of the people to board and view the Navy Phuket International Airport, Wichit Municipality will host its country, will host activities at many base’s hostage rescue military ship. operated by Airports of Thailand fun event at the public park opposite government offices and hotels across Meanwhile, the Phuket Provincial (AoT), will host a fun event at the the Laem Chan Health Promoting the island on Saturday as follows: Office and the Phuket Provincial Ad- X-Terminal building, with magic Hospital on Patthana Thongthin Rd The Royal Thai Navy Third Area ministrative Organisation (PPAO, or shows, live performances, games and from 8:30am, with more live shows Command, based at Cape Panwa, will OrBorJor) will hold their Children’s free food and drink. and fun kids’ activities. host its traditional activities from Day events from 9am to 3pm at Phuket Phuket City Municipality will hold Phuket Rajabhat University (PRU) 8am to 3pm, which will include a Provincial Hall, where children will its activities at Saphan Hin from 8am will hold their Children’s Day activities SALES SUPPORT military weapons display, a live air- be able to sit in the Governor’s chair to midday, including live children’s at the PRU campus north of Phuket Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas sea rescue display, and a chance for among other fun activities. performances and activities, and Town from 5pm to 8pm. 086 479 7470 [email protected] Dangerous driver, brakes blamed Drugs, guns seized in Pa Khlok raids for pickup landing in jungle ditch A SERIES OF RAIDS BY A PICKUP TRUCK LOADED WITH Thalang Police last Friday (Jan tiles rolled some 40 metres backwards down 4) targetting three addresses a side street off Kata Hill last Saturday in Pa Khlok netted seven morning (Jan 5) after the brakes failed to suspects along with drugs, hold the heavily laden pickup on the steep guns and ammunition. slope, according to the 25-year-old driver. Thalang Police, led by Lt Rescue workers were called to the Col Theerawat Liamsuwa, scene, in Soi Suksan 1, on the east side first raided workers’ accom- The raids led to seven of the hill between Chalong and Kata, at modation for Care and Clean suspects arrested for drugs about 10:50am. The brakes could not prevent the pickup (Thailand) Co Ltd in Moo 4, and illegal possession of At the scene was a white Bangkok- truck from rolling backwards down the Pa Khlok, at about 4pm. ammunition and firearms. registered Toyota pickup truck on its side hill, said its 25-year-old driver. Mumaspaowee Chae, 22, in a ditch some 10 metres from the roadside and Wanshan Lehleen, 23, both thawut Sampo, 27, from Surin down the steep hill. Sarawut explained. from Narathiwat, were found in province, after he was found in The pickup’s driver, Sarawut Samran- He quickly applied the brakes, which possession of 178 red, orange possession of two .22-calibre wong, had escaped serious injury, suffering forced the pickup to a halt. From there and green methamphetamine bullets, two .38-calibre bullets, only scratches to his left knee in the incident. the pickup’s front wheels pitched up off (ya bah) pills all embossed two 9mm bullets, and one Mr Sarawut explained to police that he the road as the vehicle tilted backwards, with the letters “WY”, and .45-calibre bullet, for which was delivering the tiles from Phuket Town then the pickup started rolling backwards 500 grams of kratom leaves. he was charged with illegal to Karon when the accident happened. down the hill. In another room at the workers’ possession of ammunition. Mr Sarawut, who has a heavy vehicle The pickup rolled some 40 metres accommodation, Busri Saemsa, Payungsak ‘Dam’ Phet- licence issued in Samut Prakan province, backwards before Mr Sarawut was unable 28, also from Narathiwat, was thong and Anikul Reksin, on the outskirts of Bangkok, said he was to prevent it from veering off the road – still arrested after he was found in 26, were arrested at two other using the GPS for directions to Karon going backwards – and down into the ditch. possession of five ya bah pills. separate locations. Payungsak and ended up using Soi Suksan 1, which The pickup came to rest only after hitting In yet another room, of- was found with 500ml of joins Patak Rd (Route 4028) halfway up a sator tree. ficers arrested Isma Apo, 23, kratom juice and a home-made the Kata Hill. Mr Sarawut reported the incident to his also from Narathiwat, after he air rifle. While the pickup truck was slowly employer, who made arrangements to have was found with one red ya bah Anikul was found with making its way up the steep gradient on the pickup truck recovered. pill, and in the fourth and last 146 ya bah pills, all embossed the hill, a car passed and “cut him off”, Mr Eakkapop Thongtub room raided at the first target with “WY”. address, police arrested Nat- Eakkapop Thongtub

thephuketnews

6 OPINION THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews [email protected] EDITORIAL TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com Getting safety right Phuket Airport prepares t is easy to think that the for a whole month from early simply was not worth risking 1 for tropical storm Pabuk heavy repeated warn- Dec 2016 through to early Jan more lives for the sake of mak- Don’t panic about ‘Pabuk’, CONTACT US ings by the government 2017, killing at least 85 people ing money. And it wasn’t just [email protected] 076 612 550 I 2 says Phuket weather office of Tropical Storm Pabuk and in the process. tour boats that were banned, its impending devastation last The most heart-wrenching even the island’s commercial Phi Phi tourists stranded KODCHANAT THINSEPON week and the fast response by of those deaths was that of a fishing fleet was also forced to 3 until blanket safety ban on Editor officials and military to evacu- 5-year-old girl in Prachuap stay in port instead of risking boats leaving port during ate tens of thousands of people Khiri Khan who was swept potentially deadly wind and ‘Pabuk’ weather is lifted to shelters was initially nothing away as her family tried to waves on the bay. That’s more CHRIS HUSTED more than an overreaction in a scramble onto the roof of a pas- than just Thai lives kept safe, Phuket heavy rain warning Executive Editor public display of ‘preparedness’ senger van they were in while that kept many poor migrant for the weekend 084 307 7408 4 for the international arena – but trying to escape the floods. workers safe too. [email protected] Governor warns Phuket Fifteen years working in news and it was not. The weather warnings for Safety in Thailand’s marine to brace for Pabuk fallout covering local issues and events The reaction was not even Pabuk were appropriate, and industry, and especially among 5 in Phuket, with 18-month hiatus spent working for the Brunei Times for tourists’ confidence in the did not overplay the severity the tour boats and speedboats, Pabuk makes landfall on Borneo. From Queensland, wake of the Phoenix tour boat of the storm, unlike many re- have a long way to go before 6 Australia; 10 years living in the UK Koh Samui on alert as storm before moving to Phuket in 2000. Degree in business manage- disaster last year. ports in foreign media. But it reaching international stand- ment. Spare time spent sailing or with family. Short memories have to did warn people of what might ards, namely the designs of 7 Pabuk nears reach back just two years to well happen. And for Phuket, large boats still allowed to put Pabuk to cross Phuket recall Prime Minister Prayut Pabuk did come close. Krabi to sea and even the so-called 8 Chan-o-cha and his administra- Town, just across Phang Nga “life jackets” in use that force British man dies in motor- DAVID JACKLIN tion being panned heavily by Bay, suffered heavy flooding their wearers to float face down. 9 bike crash on Phuket Muay Lifestyle Editor the Thai media for bungling for from rains dissipated before But the action taken by Thai street, Soi Ta-iad [email protected] the lack of warning and lack the storm system passed us by. the government over Pabuk Twenty years experience in the of response to the immense But most importantly, ban- potentially saved many lives, 10 Russians race to Thailand International media market, flooding that caused wide- ning all boats from leaving and that’s a good start. Now creating content for Paramount Visit thephuketnews.com spread havoc across the same shore in the face of uncertainty let’s see what they can do with Pictures, Marvel and the BBC. for all the latest news Having previously lived on the island, east-coast southern provinces was the right thing to do. It the relief effort. David returned to cover regional lifestyle and cultural stories. He originates from the UK. HAVE YOUR SAY Help at hand information of the complaint. or dangerous situations to this every minute of every day, TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ Re: Phuket calls for dona- You couldn’t make this stuff Facebook page. Include time, most with exhaust pipes loud SAKOOT tions for Pabuk victims up. What exactly IS this guy’s date, location, and as many enough to rattle your fillings. Reporter Yes, and start building job? details as possible, plus a few I wonder if the police fine 091 165 0260 real houses, not these ‘sheds CaptainJack69 photos. It is documentation themselves for ghost riding [email protected] for living’, destroyed by wind with a time stamp, and hope- down Bangla Rd to get to their force BF-8 already. Photos of I hope it works, really. But fully a photo. In very short box on beach road? destroyed ‘houses’ tell it all. taxi complaints (call 1584) order, if the Facebook page Discover Thainess don’t work. They speak only Lift housing standards for the is kept online and running, Thai (on Phuket!). Hope this poor to level 4.0. Good idea? there will be no choice other The “target” deaths on the boat thing is language-wise an Houses of the rich in affected than to address them faster. road should be NONE! NATTINEE ‘MILK’ upgraded idea. Tourists don’t areas hardly have damage. Daren Jenner Jane Varley KITTISITTO speak Thai. In most countries Kurt Translator boats like this have a large 082 422 7933 Use of such a website to Re: Dangerous driver, registration number on both [email protected] A good cause, to be sure. report alleged wrong behav- brakes blamed for pickup sides of the hull. Start with iour about some marine or landing in Phuket jungle But maybe less money should that. And after complaints, be spent buying submarines tourism service can be seen Thailand, second only to check skills boatman. Easy! as defamation under the Com- Libya in highway fatalities and spent, instead, on the Kurt NITAD ‘TAE’ MANEE people. puter Crimes Act. You have per capita and most certainly THANAPONG ‘OAK’ KHAO-AMPHAIPHAN to think twice before using the HUB of brake failure Foot I once messaged the expat this service. worldwide. NIRAVIT ‘MOS’ VORAVANITCHA police Facebook page if anyone Alf Galong Graphic designers Re: Royal Thai Navy dis- could speak English to lodge patch ships to safely return a complaint. Three to four storm-stranded tourists days later they answered me Life on the road Ah, the mysterious “cut Well done Thailand for yes… and blocked me from Re: Total six dead in Phuket off by another” defence. Ac- The Phuket News looking after tourists. messaging further. during Seven Days of Dan- countability, responsibility, Steve Lacey Jeff PS ger New Year 2019 maturity? 0 for 3, how novel. @thephuketnews “227 fined for driving MartinK Troubled waters Right when I thought they without a licence.” This is only a half day’s work for Chalong “From there the pickup’s Re: Marine Dept launches were finally onto something, front wheels pitched up off Facebook complaints por- it turns out no decisive action Police in Rawai… ADVERTISING tal, as dangerous Phuket can be taken immediately. Nasa12 the road as the vehicle tilted speedboat complaint left No good. HOWEVER: This backwards.” This in itself tells 076 612 550 ext. 605 floundering is a step in the right direc- I don’t understand how us about the vehicle’s load and “Acting director of Phuket tion. Beach visitors and tour only 18 illegally modified why it should not have been Fax: 076 612 553 Marine Office” is waiting for vessel passengers SHOULD motorcycles were found. More on the road. [email protected] “Marine Department” to send ALWAYS report complaints than 18 go past my apartment Rorri_2 thephuketnews.com 99/7 Moo 1 (Billion Plaza), T. Kathu, A. Kathu, Phuket 83120 Have an opinion? Comment on stories at thephuketnews.com

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 THAILAND NEWS 7 Standardised senior home care en route BANGKOK

Phusadee Arunmas People looking to enter the monkhood will now be subject he government is set to upgrade to criminal background checks. Photo: Bangkok Post / File and standardise senior home Tcare services and products as Police to vet novice monks the proportion of elderly people in the country grows. The results will be sent Commerce Minister Sontirat Son- NATIONWIDE back to the NOB or its pro- tijirawong said Deputy Prime Minister vincial offices within 15 days, Somkid Jatusripitak is scheduled to talk Thailand has already be- THE ROYAL THAI POLICE free of charge. with representatives of the Japanese come an ageing society, (RTP) has agreed to help the The move is in response to government during his visit to that as the number of people National Office of Buddhism a NOB request asking police country at the end of this month about aged 60 and older exceeds (NOB) block people with to run background checks on the development of elderly care services, 10% of the total. criminal records from being people seeking ordination. especially the standardisation of home ordained. According to the NOB, care services and products. and make preparations. land had 11.2 million such people – 17% In a letter sent to the NOB, the checks are to ensure that Japan has vast experience in manag- After the brainstorming session, of the population – in 2017. national police chief Chakthip monks participating in ordi- ing an ageing society, he said. the ministry will propose strategy and By 2036, the state planning unit Chaijinda said the RTP has nation ceremonies comply “Thailand needs cooperation from policy to develop elderly services to the predicts the segment to rise to 19.5mn put in place guidelines for with standards stipulated by Japanese government agencies to develop Cabinet, Mr Sontirat said, adding that people, or 30% of the total population. its officers to run background the Sangha Supreme Council. standards for home care services for the Thailand is projected to become an aged There are an estimated 800 elderly checks on applicants seeking The move is part of an at- elderly here,” Mr Sontirat said. society by 2020, with 20% of the total nursing homes registered with the Busi- to join the monkhood. tempt to put in place a stronger “The cooperation should be developed population aged over 60 years. ness Development Department, and the In Bangkok, the NOB is screening system for those on a government-to-government basis.” The UN defines a society as aged number is increasing given the growing advised to send the applicants’ seeking to join the monkhood. He said the Commerce Ministry will when 20% of people are over 60. number of elderly in Thailand. ID numbers to the police Earlier, the government hold a joint meeting with related govern- Thailand has already become an age- “Thailand has a strength in the qual- Criminal Records Division floated a proposal for monks ment and private agencies such as the ing society, as the number of people aged ity of workers to provide services to the (CRD) for background checks. to have smart ID cards that Social Development and Human Secu- 60 and older exceeds 10% of the total. elderly and has high potential to develop In the provinces, details of show their backgrounds to rity Ministry, the Labour Ministry, the An ageing society has at least 10% a hub for elderly care services, as well as those seeking ordination are enable scrutiny by authorities Public Health Ministry and the Industry of people aged 60 and older. a production base for medical or elderly to be sent to police forensic as part of attempts to address Ministry to brainstorm the development The National Economic and Social care products,” Mr Sontirat explained. offices for further submission a series of temple scandals. of elderly care businesses in Thailand Development Council reports that Thai- Bangkok Post to the CRD. Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews 8 THAILAND NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 After the storm has gone Southern Thailand reels in recovery effort after Pabuk SOUTH Pharadon Ketchat, 35, was Felled electricity poles lie across the road in the after- killed when a tree fell on his math of tropical storm Pabuk in Nakhon Sri Thammarat The Phuket News house in Chian Yai district last Saturday (Jan 5). Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP [email protected] while Pricha Chankaeo, 66, drowned in Pak Phanang. In elief efforts are under- Pattani, two fishermen were way along Southern killed after their boat was RThailand’s east coast capsized by large waves. in the aftermath of tropical Nakhon Sri Thammarat storm Pabuk which swept officials were kept busy last through the region with winds Saturday (Jan 5) as they sur- of up to 89km/h and waves as veyed affected areas and high as 16 feet. braced for a mountain torrent The storm, which de- which threatened to flood its veloped in the South China municipality area, the latest Sea, made its way towards target after municipalities in the Gulf of Thailand and Pak Phanang and Pak Nakhon eventually made landfall on in Muang district were put Nakhon Sri Thammarat’s under deep water last Friday Pak Phanang coastline by due to the inshore surge. late Friday (Jan 4). Electricity workers, mean- The Thai Meteorological while, tried to finish repairing Department (TMD) had is- damaged power poles, which sued severe weather warnings caused blackouts and affected prompting a ban on boats nearly 60,000 residents in leaving the shore, whilst air- Muang and Pak Phanang ports and coastguards were district. “The number of fallen on high alert, with Bangkok electricity poles is 32 in this Airways cancelling all flights province,” Chayaphon Thiti- to and from Samui on Jan 4. sak, chief of the Department Tens of thousands of tour- of Disaster Prevention and ists fled the popular resort is- Mitigation said on Saturday lands of Koh Tao, Koh Samui (Jan 5) as he announced an and Koh Pha-ngan whilst the initial estimate of the damage Royal Thai Navy dispatched in the seven provinces. ships to Phi Phi Island and Nakhon Sri Thammarat’s Koh Racha to safely return six seaside districts of Pak hundreds of stranded tourists Phanang, Muang, Hua Sai, to Phuket. Khanom, Sichon and Tha Sala Although downgraded by were hardest hit by severe the TMD to a tropical depres- gusty winds, he said. sion upon landfall, the storm However, officials ear- PM Prayut Chan-o-cha talks to residents affected by Residents fix their flooded house still managed to kill at least lier tried to curb the impact tropical storm Pabuk in Pak Phanang district of Nakhon in Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Photo: four people and cause B3-5 by evacuating villagers out Sri Thammarat on Monday (Jan 7). Photo: Bangkok Post Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP billion of economic damage. of risk areas. In these six Authorities in hardest-hit districts alone, more than in Trat’s Khlong Yai district. ment said. backed dolphin were killed centres in their provinces, Nakhon Sri Thammarat said 30,000 people were taken A similar situation was also But its departure also by strong waves. “The young he said. they could make only rough to safety in just a few hours. reported in some areas of caused rainfall in the upper calves struggled against four- On a visit to storm-hit estimates of the damage as Pak Phanang municipality Chang resort island off the southern region, including to five-metre high waves as areas of Nakhon Sri Tham- the number of uprooted trees bore a heavy brunt as its Trat mainland. Prachuap Khiri Khan and they emerged to breathe on marat, Prime Minister Pr- and fallen electricity poles on 26,000 householders were all Pabuk slowly left Thailand Phetchaburi, department chief the water’s surface,” Thon ayut Chan-o-cha promised many roads are considerable affected, its Mayor Phichet on Saturday (Jan 5). By 3 pm, Phuwieng Prakhammintara Thamrongnawasawat, a ma- that all houses ravaged by and they need time to assess Klasukhon said. it was about 55 kilometres off said, adding “even parts of rine scientist who serves as storm Pabuk will be quickly what they described as “flat- The storm’s impact was Phang Nga’s Takua Pa district Bangkok are shrouded with the deputy dean of Kasetsart repaired. tened” fruit plantations in all also felt in Trat and Rayong. and kept moving north-west dark clouds.” University’s Faculty of Fish- Gen Prayut told residents 16 districts. According to officials, 50 across the Andaman Sea, the The Disaster Prevention eries, wrote on his Facebook in Pak Phanang district that In Nakhon Sri Thammarat, seaside houses were flooded Thai Meteorological Depart- and Mitigation Department page. surveys of the damage done on Monday (Jan 7) said flood- Mr Thon believed the will be completed within 15 ing persists in some areas in dolphins were separated from days, and all will be repaired Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat their respective pods. “They within a month after that. Thani and Chumphon. Six died as Pabuk departed,” the The Prime Minister also shelters remained open in Pak marine scientist lamented. explained that revenue from Phanang where 970 residents “We can’t help them. But the royally initiated winter had decided not to return to nature is indeed always im- fair, ‘Un Ai Rak Khlai Kh- their damaged homes. More partial – no mercy.” wam Nao’ will be allocated than 720,000 people in 23 Long-term solutions to all to support efforts to restore provinces were affected by the affected provinces are being the damage dealt by Pabuk storm, the department said. planned to help villagers’ “His Majesty the King has As the surveys to quantify lives return to normal. The told the government to use the the damage to private prop- government wants to “absorb revenue for the rehabilitation erty and public infrastructures their tears and increase their missions," Gen Prayut told continue, authorities are start- revenues”, Commerce Min- storm and flood victims dur- ing to count the casualties ister Sontirat Sontijirawong ing his Monday (Jan 7) visit. among wildlife. said after an urgent meeting. Animals were also among Officials will help villagers The above article was com- the casualties claimed by sell their remaining farm pro- piled from reports by the Pabuk. At least one finless duce in Bangkok, as well as Bangkok Post and other porpoise and one pink hump- grocery stores and shopping agencies.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 BUSINESS NEWS 9 Boat ban has ‘minor’ impact Tour boat operators, fishing fleet take small losses for safety MARINE A tourist poses for a selfie with officials on a tour boat at Rassada mercial fishing fleet, also grounded Pier last Sunday (Jan 6), after the ban was lifted. Photo: PR Dept during the Pabuk weather ban, lost more than a B1mn a day in lost Tanyaluk Sakoot [email protected] catches over the two days. “I agree that the ban should have huket dodged major disrup- ban introduced for safety, even if it tions to its keystone tourism did cost some operators lost revenues. Pindustry as tropical storm Safety must be the top priority for Pabuk passed by last weekend, yet the captains and the crews, and not the safety precaution of banning all leave them to face such weather boats from leaving port last Friday conditions,” he said. and Saturday (Jan 4-5) did take its “Our calculations estimate that toll on the local marine tour opera- the commercial fishing fleet as a tors and commercial fishing fleet. whole lost about B1mn a day, but this Phuket Governor Phakaphong does not include the revenues lost Tavipatana last Thursday morning by smaller fishermen who directly (Jan 3) initially issued a ban on all supply smaller fresh markets,” Mr boats under 12 metres in length Paisal said. from putting to sea amid concerns The halt in commercial fishing of strong wind waves reaching up did have an unforeseen effect: the to three metres tall, in line with a total haul registered last Sunday – directive issued by Phuket Marine Phi Phi Island, estimated that the ban “Of course that does not include just the major destinations of Phi after the two-day ban was lifted – Office Acting Chief Wiwat Chitch- had cost local tour and ferry boat lost revenues suffered by sales at Phi Island and Racha Island, south was triple that of the Thursday, the ertwong less than 24 hours earlier. operators some B6 million in lost tour counters, small shops and taxi of Phuket. day before the ban was introduced. However, by last Thursday af- revenues over the two days. drivers who all work at the pier, “Many other tourists were stuck On the Thursday (Jan 3), the total ternoon, Prime Minister Prayut “We have six companies operat- which had no customers over the on small islands near Phuket, not catch recorded as landed by the fleet Chan-o-cha overrode that directive ing round trip ferries from Phuket two days,” he added. only Phi Phi Island,” Mr Arun said. was valued at about B1,194,195, Mr by banning all boats from putting to nearby islands, totalling about 20 Mr Arun said he and the tour “Officials have to think more Paisal pointed out. to sea along the Andaman Coast for round trips per day. We also have operators all agreed that closing the carefully about this. Representatives But last Sunday (Jan 6), the safety concerns. The ban was not five speedboats companies and three piers during the impending storm from two major tour boat operators total haul recorded on the day was lifted until midnight Saturday night. dive tour companies operating out weather was a necessary precaution went to raise this issue with the registered with an estimated value Arun Iamimsamran, General of Rassada Pier,” he said. for safety, but also called on the Governor,” he added. B3,098,884. Manager at Rassada Pier, Phuket’s “In total, they have reported a government to better oversee the Meanwhile, Acting Phuket Fish- “At this value, the fleet pretty major departure point for all boats loss of about B3mn per day over the safe evacuation of tourists from eries Chief Paisal Sukhapunnapun much broke even, despite the ban,” heading to nearby islands, including two days,” Mr Arun said. many of the smaller islands, not told The Phuket News that the com- Mr Paisal said.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket appoints new general manager HOSPITALITY

DUSIT THANI LAGUNA Phuket has announced the ap- pointment of Benjamin Perera as General Manager, effective as of December 2018. The Malaysian-born pro- fessional graduated with a NTC-2 Certificate in Food and Beverage in Singapore. Prior to joining the Dusit family, Mr Perera gained experience while working for the Hyatt International hotel brand as Food & Beverage Director in various locations such as Indonesia, Singapore, Russia and Thailand. Mr Peera has 30-plus Benjamin Perera – General Manager. years of experience in the hotel industry. Dusit Thani tality career rapidly developed renovated rooms. Laguna Phuket first welcomed under the Dusit International Also, he is responsible Mr Perera in March 2014 as umbrella. for the resort’s six dining Executive Assistant Manager, Mr Perera once again was outlets, including the award- in charge of Food & Beverage. promoted to the Hotel Man- winning Italian restaurant La Within five months he had ager role at Dusit Princess Trattoria, the Michelin-star been promoted to Resident Srinakarin Hotel in April recommended Royal Thai Manager. 2017. cuisine - Ruen Thai, the Casu- In his role as Resident Now, he’s back again to arina Beach Restaurant, the Manager, he has been working re-join Dusit Thani Laguna all-day international dining diligently and devoting him- Phuket as General Manager. venue Laguna Café, the chill self to numerous successful Mr Perera’s responsibili- Poolside Café and the best events throughout the past ties in his new role as General sundown getaway Horizon three years. Manager include overseeing Lounge. His success in his hospi- and managing the 253 newly The Phuket News

@thephuketnews 10 BUSINESS NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 Developers cautious of 2019 Property developers anxious about residential presales, transfers Mr Atip said land prices residential prices in 2019 will PROPERTY this year will continue rising, rise by 3-5%. Kanana Katharangsiporn particularly in locations near “As costs will continue ris- mass transit lines. This will ing and make housing prices roperty developers affect condo prices by 5% for higher, developers should should be more cautious every 10% rise in land prices. be more careful of new sup- Pabout financial liquid- For a single house and town- ply launches amid a forecast ity and new supply launches house, the price will increase slowdown in home purchas- because residential presales by 3% this year. ing power,” Mr Issara said. and transfers are unlikely to “Some condo developers “Developers should adjust be as robust as previously avoided higher land prices by products and sales strategy to expected this year. moving to develop projects in match demand, which will be Atip Bijanonda, president locations where land prices impacted by the new lending of the Housing Business As- are cheaper but the sales rate curbs that require buyers to sociation, said that if the global was not good,” he said. make a higher down payment.” economy does not improve, “Condos should be close A source in the property there will be an adverse impact to mass transit lines.” sector said there are concerns on the Thai economy. US poli- Issara Boonyoung, the as- about condo transfers in 2019 cies will slow investment in sociation’s honorary president, among some Japanese partners China, which will affect sup- said land prices will remain a that have joint ventures with plier countries like Thailand. Newly built condominiums along the future MRT Blue Line extension from Bang Sue key factor driving development local developers in condo “Consequences of the US- to Tha Phra. Photo: Bangkok Post / Seksan Rojjanamatakun cost, particularly in locations projects, as many such projects China trade war may cause near infrastructure projects. are scheduled for completion some layoffs and slow new double-track railway lines, the ers will have a lower budget compete with new residential In the three EEC prov- this year. investment,” Mr Atip said. high-speed rail to link major for further spending as in- supply. This will have an inces, land price increases this “Though foreign partners “If the global economy affects three airports and the new terest rates rise. For every impact on new supply launch. year will cool after soaring in are from different firms, they the Thai economy, purchasing mass transit lines in Bangkok. 25-percentage-point increase “Developers should be the past few years. Megapro- often meet after work and power will diminish.” Lending curbs and rising in interest rate, a cut in bor- more careful of their liquidity, jects will help boost new share their condo sales rate As the property sector interest rates will dampen rower’s loan principal will as company expenses will be supply in suburbs, vicinities with each other,” the source usually relies on infrastructure the purchasing power of new reduce by 2%. Repayments fixed but earnings may miss and the three EEC provinces. said. “Some are concerned projects, it will depend on homebuyers. They will receive will take longer periods. their targets,” he said. Mr Issara said cement over unit transfers at their joint whether the next government a lower credit line, while Mr Atip said the land and “Sales and transfers will prices this year will rise by venture projects this year. If will continue key policies on banks’ mortgage loan rejection buildings tax that takes effect not be as good as expected. 5%, the same rate of increase the transfer is poor, they may megaprojects like the Eastern rates will be higher. in early 2020 will boost the They may need capital re- as last year. Together with reconsider new investment.” Economic Corridor (EEC), Existing mortgage borrow- amount of second homes to serves for healthier cash flow.” land and development costs, Bangkok Post

KBank expects 10 times digital lending FINANCE

KASIKORNBANK (KBANK) HAS SET an ambitious goal of 10 times growth in digital lending this year, targeting low-income earn- ers who are not bank customers. The bank expects its digital lending out- standing to expand aggressively to B10 billion in 2019 from B1bn last year, said president KBank estimates that its digital lending Kattiya Indaravijaya. volume will grow by 10 times this year as KBank plans to reach new borrowers low-income users come on board. Photo: through the partnership model, Ms Kattiya said. Bangkok Post / Pattarapong Chatpattarasill A full array of consumer lending products, including mortgages, auto loans, credit cards tion focus to the lower-income segment, where and personal loans, will be available via strong demand for financial services remains. K-Plus, KBank’s mobile banking app, this Ms Kattiya said KBank plans to recruit year, she said. 100-200 local and foreign IT staff, in accord- For digital mortgages, the bank will priori- ance with its plan to adopt a wide range of tise homes priced below B3 million per unit, digital banking services. The bank is hunting shifting focus from units B3mn and higher. for new employees from tech bases such as The self-employed and freelance buyers Silicon Valley, Israel and China. are the new target customers. The bank’s China network is helping sup- Take KBank’s collaboration with Grab port IT staff recruitment, she said. Thailand as an example. The partnership is a “As part of the intensified headhunting springboard for the bank to access taxi driv- for IT staff, the bank is offering new recruits ers, a new customer base, Ms Kattiya said. living overseas job options,” Ms Kattiya With the expansion to low-income earn- said. “For instance, they can work overseas ers, a group considered a higher risk, the and engage in jobs on a case-by-case basis.” bank expects an increased level of payment The bank’s technology subsidiary, Kasikorn defaults initially. Business Technology Group (KBTG), has a KBank hopes it can use artificial intelli- total staff of 1,200. gence and machine learning to analyse data KBank aims to increase users of its K-Plus and learn consumer behaviour, providing more app to 100mn in the near future from 10mn accurate lending predictions in the future, now, developing it as a business platform and Ms Kattiya said. expanding to the regional market, Ms Kattiya The move underscored a recent remark by said. The bank has 14mn customers, of which Patchara Samalapa, another KBank president, 10mn are K-Plus users. that the bank is shifting its customer acquisi- Bangkok Post

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

Wearable devices Best of movies, TV FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 with medical features 13 and screen in 2018 14 VOLUNTOURISM A ‘Holiday for Charity’ ethos from the Eco-Logic resort in Paksong

David Jacklin [email protected]

huket is blessed to be sur- rounded with a wealth of wonderful places to visit in our southern region. From the beauty of the national park at Khao Sok to the wondrous seascapes of Phang Nga, there is much to explore in the neighbouring provinces off the island. PFor those searching for something a little bit different that mixes our need to explore, our desire to relax, but also has a ‘feel good’ factor that will have us glowing on our return… Eco-Logic, Resort for Charity, near the city of Ra- nong, may be just the ticket. Eco-Logic is a family-friendly nature retreat located over 40 rai in the mid- dle of the jungle in Paksong (Chumphon Province) on the west coast, around a five-hour drive north of Phuket. Eco- Logic stands in a stunning ‘return to nature’ setting, but the experience is so much more. The resort promotes the mantra ‘Relax, Experience, Learn’, and it is the ‘experience’ and ‘learn’ aspect of their offering that sets the resort apart from anywhere you are likely to have visited Respectful, Loving, Self Sufficient - The core before. values of the school founded for local children Eco-Logic is an inherent part of the with learning difficulties. Photo: Uma Jacklin Thai Child Development Foundation (TCDF), a charity that provides special from the village and wider community jungalow also comes equipped with its medical care and education for children at large. own little garden, sitting area and fire with physical disabilities, learning disa- To begin with, it is an idyllic setting. pit. But the resort also offers a range of bilities or social problems. The founders The resort and foundation are nested activities that enhance the nature-seek- and their teams work both aspects into within the landscape and cover of the ing visitor’s experience, including yoga a symbiotic relationship and unique ex- surrounding jungle. Areas open out sessions, massage, detox programs, jun- perience for visitors and residents from naturally to the sunlit river that winds gle treks and natural hot spring visits. the same location. itself around the estate. There’s an im- The resort restaurant is a friendly Invited by the co-owners, Ingrid van mediate community atmosphere and hangout space with open terrace views der Straaten and Rosalie Tieges, I took we’re duly welcomed by passing staff across the estate, as well as providing my family up for a two-night stay over and visitors alike. both a communal dining option along- the festive break, excited to hide out in You get a sense of a self-sustaining side personal a la carte and beverage The school’s program includes educational the jungle, intrigued by the new wave of resort as you pass the organised agri- needs. curriculum, vocational skills and healing massage. ‘voluntourism’ and its growing appeal. culture plots, farm animals and energy- If not satiated enough by this much Photo: Uma Jacklin Even the trip north calms the nerves production systems. There is an air of a natural indulgence, just wait until you from the tumult of Phuket with qual- well-oiled natural machine. see the vast night sky, stretching out to discuss how this incredible project ity roads, minimal traffic and a scenic There are a range of accommodation across the mountain tops with the most unfolded. Ingrid and Rosalie origi- backdrop that makes the road trip pass options at the resort, and my daughter, stunning cast of uninhibited stars, and nally came to the area to teach in local in a jiffy. Khao Lak provides an ideal Uma, and I are placed in a fantasti- a supporting actor of the Milky Way if schools. They felt compelled to work pit stop for lunch and a stretch. And for cally spacious and artistically decorated you’re lucky. with the community to provide support those without a car, the on-foot traveller ‘jungalow’ (see what they did there?), Even the early morning has its treat, and facilities for children in need of spe- can jump on a bus from Phuket Town hugging the mountain, and looking out as the thick mountain mist rolls across cialist education and medical attention. for a six-hour ride, and the resort will from its vast windows across the wind- the river, enveloping our jungalow in From their own investment they pick you up from the nearby main road ing river just a stone’s throw away. dense cloud, before clearing away to re- bought the land, an old plantation, in junction. If it’s your penchant, you could while veal the source of the surrounding cries 2006, and developed the infrastructure On arrival you get an immediate away your entire stay here entranced and squawks… the ever-present jungle. and facilities organically, as time and sense of a well organised co-operative. with the wonderment of nature and All in all, it’s a perfect family getaway. finances could afford… Not just from the staff and visitors, but your undisturbed proximity to it. Your I met with the co-owner, Ingrid, Continued on page 12

@thephuketnews 12 COMMUNITY THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

The site has a range of accommodation A visit to the Eco-Logic Resort has a options from backpacker dormitories to self- community feel and a range of activities to contained bungalows. Photo: Uma Jacklin support the foundation. Photo: Uma Jacklin

In 2010 Ingrid and Rosalie were of the venture as their ‘Vision Mis- ganic food source for plants, and able to start an education program sion’, with 100% of all funds raised the plants naturally filter the for special needs children, which via a range of programs, sources water for the fish, a recycling today covers the essential needs and investments going directly to bank which services the entire for children within a 45-kilometre support the children’s needs. local community, ground coffee radius, and a school that has 25 The entire ethos of all aspects production and a traditional clay children enlisted as students. The of the working resort is based on hut building project that provides education program and occupa- the ‘Permaculture Flower’ model, homes as well as an education into tional training includes skills such developed by David Holmgren in this forgotten, but environmentally as farm maintenance, craft mak- the 1970s, which integrates ethics, friendly building process. ing, guest house and restaurant design systems and ecological solu- If Ingrid and Rosalie aren’t services… all providing vocational tions into a sustainable culture. busy enough, they have plans to learning and future work opportu- Eco-Logic and the TCDF is expand, and they would love us all nities. an incredibly efficient and em- to get involved. “We started Eco-Logic as an op- powering example of a working “We’re planning a community portunity for all to come and live community under these principles. garden, where TCDF parents and in the real Thailand environment, The charitable intention and care locals have their own organisation to get involved in our project,” of the entire team of 20 people who and garden to grow produce. TCDF explained Ingrid, with the ever- work the land, teach the children can purchase products from them present passion and warmth that and support the activities is inspir- for the restaurant and they then comes with her exchange. “The ing alone. have additional sources of income,” integration of local staff and vil- Seeing how this all permeates said Ingrid. “We’re also going to lages, children, visitors and the to the success of running their own develop a pool area around the natural surroundings are an im- agricultural program and self- restaurant, steam sauna and build Ingrid van der Straaten, Co-founder. Photo: Uma Jacklin portant aspect of our resort. It’s a sustainability adds another level of tree houses to support the growing ‘Holiday for Charity’ idea; support inspiration. An on-site farm that interest for people to spend time at grams for local schools and people, as well as more a great cause whilst enjoying the feeds the restaurant and school, the resort.” developed courses for the international community.” unique experience that we have to chicken excrement that is turned “For further learning, we’re TCDF requires continual financial support to sus- offer.” into a methane gas resource (yes looking to develop a Creative Com- tain their adventurous ‘Vision Mission’ program, and Ingrid terms the ideology be- really), an aquaponic system in munity Learning Centre, with the ‘Holiday for Charity’ ethos is the ideal opportunity hind the entire commercial aspect which fish waste provides an or- a wide range of educational pro- to support an incredible cause whilst benefiting from this unique resort-stay experience and its surround- ing environment. Every single person that comes to stay financially supports the program, but there are also greater opportunities for longer-term involvement and invest- ment. The ‘Adopt a Bungalow’ scheme invites individu- als to invest money in a time-share style approach to building new accommodation or renovating current buildings. Investing in a ‘home away from home’ pro- vides the ideal holiday location for family and friends, as well as funding for such a good cause within the foundation. Eco-Logic are also calling out to companies with a Corporate Social Responsibility plan to get involved with the foundation for team building or away days, which the resort can either organise or host. However we want to be involved, Eco-Logic and TCDF is a glowing example of two people’s vision and their partners’ and teams’ commitment to make a lasting difference to both those in need and those that can help. And in the process, we all get to experience some- thing that no money can buy: a loving community upheld and in harmony with its natural environment and resources.

Thai Child Development Foundation 71/2 M4 T Pak Song, Phato, Chumphon 86180 Tel: 086 172 1090 Site: thaichilddevelopment.org/

Eco-Logic Resort Tel: 086 172 1090 Site: www.ecologicthailand.com Email: [email protected]

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 HEALTH 13 Watch your heart Digital wearable technologies can help monitor your cardio activity

Arusa Pisuthipan he newest version of the Apple Watch is inching towards becoming a medical device. With a built-in electrocardiogram, it is said A useful to be the world’s first wearable available to consumers over the counter to offer such monitor- medical functionality. ing tool Launched last September, the Apple for the heart or a Watch Series 4 has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to potential healthcare Toperate an on-demand electrocardiogram. Though headache? such an advancement could mean a leap forward in personal healthcare, it is still a subject of debate as to whether this incarnation of the Apple Watch will prove to be a useful monitoring tool for the heart or a potential healthcare headache, responsible for trig- gering false alarms. Cardiologist Dr Krisda Vilaiwatanakorn said that wearable devices with medical features can be con- sidered supplementary equipment to keep an eye on the heart. However, they should by no means be the main source of information for medical diagnosis. “These devices can give preliminary data to sug- gest if something should be done. But users should A doctor running an EKG test on male patient. Photo: heartandstroke.ca not solely depend on them or be overly alarmed by the results without consulting a specialist,” he said. rhythm and if the heart is beating An electrocardiogram, also known as an EKG normally. However, it doesn’t detect or ECG, is a diagnostic procedure to measure and electricity that runs to and from record the electrical activity of the heart. The heart other parts of the body. Illnesses like has its own electrical system for making and con- thickened heart muscle, cardiomegaly ducting signals that trigger the heartbeat. The (enlarged heart) and coronary artery electricity is generated by a group of cells in the diseases can only be confirmed by a heart’s wall called the SA Node, which signals the 12-lead EKG,” he said. atria, or upper chambers, to contract. Then it sends Despite such limitations, Dr Krisda signals to the AV Node, another group of cells, to is of the opinion that wearable devices trigger the ventricles, or lower chambers, to contract. with built-in EKG can be helpful, es- So to check the whole picture of the heart and pecially among the elderly, as many how each chamber functions, Dr Krisda explained, of them do not feel like complaining EKG comes into play, as it is designed to monitor the about their health or visiting a special- electrical activity from different angles in order to ist for regular screening. identify and locate the heart’s pathology. “Of course, a wearable is more con- There are several markers to monitor the pattern venient than a portable EKG device of electricity. A full-scale EKG used by cardiologists because it does not require any compli- to check for abnormalities in the heart usually com- cated installing instructions. And it is prises 12 leads, imaginary lines between two EKG FDA-approved, so the results are relia- electrodes. A 12-lead EKG procedure uses 10 elec- ble to a certain extent. It helps monitor trodes – six for the chest and four for the limbs. the heart’s health, which means it Jeff Williams, COO of Apple, speaks about the Apple “EKG is a standard diagnostic protocol for pa- takes better care of us, especially in Watch Series 4. Photo: Noah Berger tients who come in with heart-related symptoms terms of prevention. like chest pain,” said the cardiologist. “It works best “The important thing to note here should last no less than 30 minutes. If when symptoms appear while the EKG is being car- is that the device will not do harm un- you do heavy exercise, the number can ried out. Nonetheless, for those with heart-related less users become overly anxious about go down to three times a week. If you conditions, an EKG that shows normal results does it. Whether your smartwatch goes off wear a smartwatch, keep an appropri- not mean the end of the story. A specialist might or not, you have to visit a doctor if any ate heart rate while exercising,” said need to check cardiac markers or the patient’s fam- abnormalities develop. On the other Dr Krisda. ily history, or conduct a hand, if you look at your device all Each individual’s target heart physical examination to day and become too stressed out about rate for exercise varies, but should be assess the risks.” the results you keep reading, then around 70% of one’s maximum heart Painless and quick, that means it’s doing more harm than rate for moderate-intensity physical an EKG can be used to good.” activity. The maximum rate is based check the heart’s rhythm With or without a smartwatch, tak- on a person’s age and can be calculated and blood flow, and de- ing care of the heart is paramount and by subtracting the age from 220. If you tect heart attacks or that requires human attention rather are 40 years old, for instance, your tar- other abnormalities, such than medical technology. First, Dr get heart rate should be 70% of 180 or as thickened heart mus- Krisda advises starting with some- around 126 beats per minute. cles and coronary artery thing that can be amended. “For those without a smartwatch, diseases. “Smoking is a threat to the heart,” just use your intuition,” he said. “You According to Dr Kris- he said. “So if you smoke, quit. Also should feel exhausted during exercise. da, the biggest difference salty diets can lead to high blood pres- An easy way to measure the level of between wearable-scale sure, which puts more pressure on the exhaustion is through your ability to and hospital-scale EKGs heart. Food that is high in fat, espe- speak. While working out, you should is the number of leads. cially fried and deep-fried dishes, can be able to talk but with some difficulty. While a full-scale EKG lead to high cholesterol which is also If you can still chat or have a long con- contains 12 leads, a detrimental to the heart’s health.” versation with friends, it means you’re wearable-scale EKG is a As with anything else, exercise is not doing it hard enough. Conversely, single-lead detector. crucial. if you feel so tired you are unable to “A single-lead EKG “It’s recommended that you work speak, that’s probably too much.” Apple heart monitoring applications. Photo: mobihealthnews can only check heart out five times a week. Each time Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews 14 ENTERTAINMENT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 What we watched in 2018 The great and the good from the silver screen, TV and phone screen

Kong Rithdee & Melalin Mahavongtrakul

he highest-grossing film of 2018 in Thailand was Aveng- ers: Infinity War. In Bangkok, the Disney/Marvel superhero jamboree made B420 million, a new high for Hollywood film. The total receipt from the whole country is around B700 million. Let’s see if the final Avengers Tfilm that will come out in May will beat that. The Thai film that reigned above all Avengers: Infinity War reigned at the Box Office. Image: Marvel Studios Bupphaesannivas. Photo: Channel 3 in 2018 was Nagi 2, a movie sequel of a hit TV drama about two lovers and a mythical snake. Starring popular soap actors Nadech Kugimiya and Urassaya Sperbund, the film made B160 million in Bangkok and B400 million in total. Nagi 2 was an unexpected hit and an unusual case of a cinematic version that becomes as successful as the original TV series. The second-biggest Thai title of the year came from hitmaker GDH-599 – the romantic comedy Nong Phi Tee Rak (Brother Of The Year) earned B150 mil- lion in Bangkok and B245 million in to- tal; the film again stars Urassaya Sper- bund, the TV darling who’s now cast her appeal over the big screen as well. Prathet Ku Me. The highly anticipated return of Game Of Thrones. Photo: HBO

Closer to home become a real cultural and marketing doses, but just enough to show that Thai throwing in elements of drama, romance Identity politics, stirred into life in the force. filmmakers still have political bones in and humour. The huge popularity of mid-2010s, remains the cultural force of Earlier in the year Tai Ban The their body. Bupphaesannivas also sparked the ‘or 2018 – the #metoo movement, the black Series, a romantic comedy about Isan In December, Ten Years Thailand jao’ fever that saw the return of period lives matter activism, or the flip side of boys and girls, drew massive crowds passed the censors (to the surprise of costumes, traditional food and historical nationalism and nativism. to multiplexes in the northeast, mak- many, including the filmmakers) and tourist attractions to the mainstream. They are clearly manifest in the ing over B50 million. In November the was released in limited cinemas. Though movie culture throughout the past 12 sequel was released and it was a major relying on metaphors and symbolism, 2019… worth the wait months – from the success of Black hit in the region. The film earned over the omnibus of four short films is by far There may be a lot of shows to come this Panther to the passionate call for more B120 million, with only a fraction of this the clearest anti-junta cinematic stance year, but nothing can rival the antici- female directors at major film festivals, amount coming from Bangkok, while the to have hit the big screen. The four sto- pation over the intense fight for power from the downfall of badly-behaved film rest of the haul was from Isan. ries – about state censorship, intolerance in HBO’s Game Of Thrones. Its eighth stars to the excitement (in the US) over This year, look forward to more films of dissension, national hypnotism and season, and the series’ last, is set to pre- Crazy Rich Asians. about Isan romance, molam music and an intriguing meditation on Thailand’s miere in April. Fans are, of course, torn In Thailand, these phenomena rarely other representations of Isan life. This authoritarian past – are critical without between the excitement of the upcoming matter or find their local counterparts. decentralisation of filmmaking activity being belligerent, and they’ve done a grand finale, and the sadness that this But a mild version of identity politics is and cultural hegemony away from the great service of bringing down the ceil- beloved series is inevitably coming to here too, and it has found its expression bourgeoise dominance of Bangkok is a ing a few notches. an end. This final season is slated for on the screen in the rise of regional cin- sign of diversity that may hint at the fu- But the clearest anti-junta statement six episodes only, and they are sure to ema or, to be precise, Isan cinema. ture of Thai cinema. arrived not on the big screen but on You- be packed with all the action one could It began a few years ago but the trend Politics had been absent from Thai Tube – the music video for the rap track squeeze in. Hopefully, nobody’s favour- was cemented in 2018. Films produced cinema for a long period. Thanks to Prathet Ku Me rattled the status quo ite character will get killed, but that’s by northeastern filmmakers, speak- the May 2014 coup and the subsequent with raw energy and courage, and the almost impossible in this series where ing northeastern dialect, and targeted build-up of frustration, politics has found video’s re-enactment of the Oct 6, 1976, people drop dead like autumn leaves. primarily northeastern audiences, have its way back to the screen – not in large massacre is a gutsy move in presenting one of Thailand’s most long-standing Disney enters the platform space taboos. That it escaped the wrath of the We sure have a lot of streaming plat- establishment was probably because of forms these days: Netflix, LineTV, iflix, its huge popularity. Prathet Ku Me also Hooq, Hulu and more. Taking a giant achieves something unusual for a politi- leap into this competitive arena this cal statement – it’s so compelling that year is Disney+, and what a strong pres- the view count now tops 48 million. ence it’ll be with all the original films and series from Walt Disney Studios. TV Some Marvel and Star Wars-based con- Thai people – and even the Dear Leader tent is already among that announced – hadn’t been this crazy about a soap for Disney+. opera in a long time. In February, Bup- Their existing film library from phaesannivas (Love Destiny) became a Disney, Pixar and Marvel Cinematic smash hit and launched a cultural phe- Universe will reportedly be available for nomenon for nostalgia. streaming as well. It is expected that The time-travelling romance, aired all of Disney’s content on Netflix will be on Channel 3, brought the young and transported into Disney+ once the distri- old to the TV screen and became the bution agreement is over. We now wait highest-rated soap opera in the digital- to see how the new platform will fare, as TV era. The story is told through the well as how it will affect its competitors. eye of a modern-day archaeologist who’s Here’s to happy viewing in 2019. transported back to 1660s Ayutthaya, Bangkok Post

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 HISTORY 15 The Kingdom of Funan The First Great Southeast Asian Empire HISTORY OF PHUKET

Colin Mackay

he smaller kingdoms develop- ing in the central peninsula came to be dominated by the Kingdom of Funan from the first to the seventh centuries AD. Funan, probably the first great Southeast Asian empire, apparently started out as a simple pirate base at Óc Eo, strategical- Tly situated on the southwest coast of Vi- etnam today between the Mekong delta A 1,300 year-old ancient tower and the main east-west maritime trade An illustration depicting the early capital of Vyadhapura in the Funan empire. of the Funan Empire in Vietnam. routes. An early Chinese account tells us that the Funanese were a “dark and was a more agricultural and less mari- 3,000 li southwards of Funan. Among kingdoms there after they had become curly haired people who went naked.” time kingdom and it was ultimately un- the inhabitants are many with white independent of Funan’s overlordship According to Indian legend, Funan able to maintain the control that Funan complexions.” It is unclear whether this and several of them began to send their became a more civilised place when had maintained over the trans-peninsu- means Malays, Persians, Romans or own embassies and trade missions an Indian leader of high birth sailed lar trade routes and the local kingdoms simply rich traders who did not have to north to China. east, married a Funanese princess and that had grown up around them. work in the fields or on ships. became king. He persuaded the Funa- A few existing Chinese and Arab The kingdom of Tun Sun is, rather Adapted with kind permission from nese that supplying and trading with writings leave us fleeting descriptions strangely, never mentioned in Chinese the book ‘A History of Phuket and the passing ships would be more profitable of these smaller central Malay Penin- writings after the eighth century, prob- Surrounding Region’ by Colin Mackay. in the longer term than attacking and sula kingdoms during this period of ably because Chinese travelers and of- Available from good bookshops and Am- plundering them. Funanese domination from roughly the ficials got to know the peninsula better azon.com. Order the softcover 2nd edition Óc Eo then developed as the main first to the end of the seventh century. and began to identify the individual directly at: www.historyofphuket.com trading port in the Gulf of Thailand re- gion, a central emporium for goods and Tun Sun traders from China, the Malay world Tun Sun seems to have been the early and the Indian Ocean. Archaeological Chinese name for the whole central Ma- excavations at Óc Eo have unearthed lay Peninsula under Funanese control. objects there from as far away as Rome, It was mentioned that this kingdom India, China and Japan. was centered on the Tapi River which Kangtai and Zhuying, two third- empties into the sea at Surat Thani and century Chinese emissaries to Funan, that it controlled several of the main noted the wealth of the Funanese and central trans-peninsular trade routes. tell us, “They live in walled villages, One third-century Chinese script palaces and houses … [the people] go tells us that Tun Sun was “An ocean about naked and barefoot. Their nature stepping stone, situated on a precipitous is simple and they are not inclined to- coast 3,000 li south of Funan … it has wards thievery… they undertake agri- five kings, all vassals of Funan … On culture… Customs and taxes are paid the east, the kingdom was in commu- in gold, silver, pearls and perfumes… nication with Tongking (South China), there are books and depositories of ar- on the west, with India and Parthia chives and other things.” (Persia).” Funan developed a powerful navy Another third-century Chinese and army and attempted to control all source, the “Tai Ping Yu Lan” chronicle trade around the Gulf of Thailand in- notes, “Tun Sun was originally an in- cluding the important trans-peninsular dependent kingdom but King Fan Man portage routes in the Malay Peninsula. [of Funan] subdued it.” A fifth-century A third-century Chinese report tells Chinese chronicle, the “Fu-Nan Chi” of a powerful Funanese king called tells us: Fan Chu Man who, “by the might of his “Ton-sun is a dependency of Funan. arms, attacked and subdued neighbor- In the country there are five hundred ing kingdoms and all admitted them- families of ‘Hun’ [merchants?] from selves his vassals … He had great ships India, two hundred ‘fo-te’ [Buddhists?] constructed in which he crossed over and more than a thousand Indian the sea [Gulf of Thailand] and attacked Brahmins. The people of Tun sun prac- and subdued more than ten kingdoms tice their doctrine and give them their and expanded his kingdom in all direc- daughters in marriage; consequently tions for some 6,000 li” (roughly 3,000 many of the Brahmins do not leave the kilometers: Phuket Island is only some place. They do nothing but study the sa- 1,000 kilometers from Óc Eo). cred canon, bathe themselves with scent By AD 503, the imperial court of and flowers and practice piety by day China officially recognised the King of and night.” Funan as the leader of all the “Nang Clearly these Brahmins, who in In- Yang” (South Seas) and conferred upon dia would have been celibate, were en- him the title “General of the Pacified joying the comparatively more relaxed south”. mores and lifestyle in Suvarnabhumi, By the late seventh century, however, which also calls into question their au- Funan was attacked and overrun by the thenticity. Kingdom of Chenla, a large Khmer ag- The same chronicle also states: “Tun ricultural kingdom to its north. Chenla sun is situated across the Gulf of Siam

@thephuketnews 16 GARDENING THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 Yes! We Have No Bananas A walk through of Thailand’s popular potassium produce

The lady’s tip is a good idea for Musa balbisiana. GREEN THOUGHTS Phuket’s rose lovers though – that is if you are brave enough to try cultivat- Photo: David J. Stang Patrick Campbell ing what is essentially a cool-climate shrub in a tropical climate. After all, banana skins are common enough here was talking recently about gar- – both literally and metaphorically. dening to an English lady visiting Wild bananas (or kluay in Thai) grow Phuket and the subject of banan- everywhere in Phuket, taking over hill- as came up. “Do you know,” she sides, secondary forest and even waste enthused, “that banana skins put ground. Drive the coast road from around the roots of rose bushes, Rawai to Kata and you will see banana promote better growth?” trees everywhere. “No,” I replied in surprise. And widely available hybrids make But then I wouldn’t have known that, an excellent choice for the gardener with sinceI bananas were like gold dust in a new property and a bare plot, since my childhood, and my father’s 150 or so they will not only thrive in full sunshine hybrid tea roses had to make do with and relatively shallow soil, but will shoot dollops of cow muck carted in by wheel- up fast enough to provide shade for less barrow from the field next door. In fact robust plants. Commercial growers ap- the first banana I remember eating was ply a nitrogen-rich N3: P1: K6 fertiliser. when I was 10 years old. Appearances, however, can be de- ceptive. Most wild bananas are full of countries. The world’s most popular Many health benefits accrue from seeds or are suitable mainly for cooking. fruit. All, however, ultimately trace eating bananas. They are currently Seedless or parthenocarpic commercial their origins back to two wild species, fashionable among sportsmen, espe- varieties owe their existence to hy- musa acuminata and musa balbisiana. cially tennis players, as an instant bridisation. Even so, flavours can vary Popular among Thais, short and stubby energy provider, since they contain enormously – from mild, almost taste- balbisianas owe their popularity to a three natural and readily assimilated less varieties to sweet and even slightly sharp, astringent taste when green and sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose. acidic ones. Some have dense flesh, young, a characteristic which makes Rich in vitamin B6, they also contain while others are soft and floury. them a useful accompaniment to pad manganese, potassium and vitamin C. In fact there are more than 200 thai noodles, certain kinds of nam prik People who suffer from cramp swear by Musa ornata. Photo: Dinesh Valke kinds, grown in no fewer than 107 and nam nuang. Both the flower – which them, and they are known to be good for has an artichoke-like flavour – and the the heart, nervous system and kidneys. stem are also used in Thai cuisine, and Above all they are affordable, conveni- the leaves perform a range of functions ent, ubiquitous and relatively low in from packaging for sticky rice and other calories. snacks to roofing material. For the small garden, the decora- Most tropical countries differenti- tive cultivars are the best bet. Grown ate between green plantains which are for their ornamental value, they are more starchy and generally used for generally much smaller and more man- cooking, and dessert bananas which are ageable. They may be cultivated either sweeter and eaten raw. Thailand, which for their handsome foliage or for their probably has more kinds than any other attractive flowers. For example, Su- country, does not make this distinction. matrana has leaves which are maroon In fact the world’s leading commercial underneath and green above. More banana, the Cavendish, exported by popular is M. uranoscopus which has the such leading producers as Fyffes, is not characteristic, tightly sheathed flower generally available in the Kingdom. at the end of an upright spike. But the Coals to Newcastle. flower, surprise, surprise, is a brilliant The ones favoured here, as a dessert red. M. ornata has flowers that range fruit eaten raw, are finger bananas, in colour from lavender to deep purple. which are usually bought when green And on M. velutina, the bracts are pink- and allowed to turn yellow. Quite small, ish and are succeeded by pink, velvety they possess a sweet, perfumed flavour fruits. Most unusual… Bananas are rel- and are delicious. They are best eaten atively easy to propagate by dividing up when the yellow skin is beginning to the fleshy roots. In fact the root systems develop brown spots. At the other end of are not as large as one might expect. An- the scale are “king” or “rajah” bananas other bonus… which may be as much as 18 inches long. If you need some ordinary banana Bananas are unusual plants. They plants, you can find them just about look like trees with their straight trunks anywhere. They are considered lucky in and palm-like leaves, but in fact they are Thailand, and a neighbour will probably herbaceous, flowering perennials. What be prepared to give you a few. But if you appears to be a woody trunk is in fact want to obtain the ornamental varieties, a stem of toughly packed sheaths. Cut you will need to visit a good plant nurs- a cross-section through the soft, water- ery. But these cultivars are becoming laden tissue and it will resemble the increasingly popular in Thailand – and layers of an onion. rightly so. Once mature, the banana plant will Yes, we do have bananas – and oodles produce a huge, sexy-looking purplish of them. flower spike which will in turn bear fruit – up to 100 or more on a single Patrick has been writing for 10 years plant. Slowly the parent plant will then about gardening in Phuket and allied expire, but suckers or offshoots from the topics. If you have horticultural or envi- underground roots will develop into new ronmental concerns, please contact him plants. Provided there is enough depth of at [email protected]. Many of soil (a minimum of 60 centimetres), the his earlier creative and academic publi- banana will continue to generate new cations can be found at Wordpress: Green growth. Galoshes.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 DINING 17 French aromas

near Nai Harn The new restaurant has a spacious Le Paris Phuket Restaurant, Bar & Grill and relaxed interior style.

The Phuket News [email protected]

e Paris Phuket Restaurant, Bar & Grill is now open. Located near Nai Harn Beach in Tambon Rawai, it serves international cui- sine under the direction of famous French chef, Pascal Guedin. Chef Pascal began his career at age 15, and now has more than 30 years’ experience, preparing dinners for sovereigns and states- men in embassies – and at some of the world’s great Lrestaurants. He specialises in French cuisine, but Le Paris Phuket Restaurant, Bar & Grill also offers a fine selection of Thai dishes and barbecue – all made with an eye towards healthy eating and minimal use of oil. European-style barbecue dishes. The chef’s signature Seafood Barbecue. The chef’s Seafood Barbecue, with his signature sauce, is a stand-out. The dish is redolent of Thailand – restaurant is the fine quality of its Thai cuisine. The venue features a full bar, with focus on cock- with garlic, fresh pepper corns and lime. Flavours and On the Thai side, the restaurant offers popular tails, including the Le Paris Phuket Signature drinks; aromas are distinct. It’s a dish you’ll never forget. favourites such as Somtam (Spicy Unripened Papaya and a wide selection of fine French, European and New Other European-style barbecue dishes include beef, Salad), Pad Kai Med Mamuang (Fried Chicken in World beverages – so many you’ll be hard-pressed to pork, chicken, and mixed sausage. Cashews), and Pad Thai (Thai Fried Noodles), among make up your mind. The selection is impressive. Le Paris Phuket Restaurant, Bar & Grill serves: no- others too numerous to list. table steak dishes, a variety of salads, vegetable, crab Of course, no restaurant with such deep French Le Paris Phuket Restaurant, Bar & Grill and other soups, and many other memorable recipes roots as this can be deaf to the inquiries of those with a Open daily, on Sai Yuan Road, near Nai Harn Beach, in French and American style. Service, by the way, is sweet tooth. Le Paris Phuket Restaurant, Bar & Grill in Tambon Rawai. excellent throughout. makes superb pastries, pies, mousses and cakes – so Tel: 094 807 6831 An important feature of this charmingly European good, in fact, they alone are sufficient reason for a visit. Facebook: Le Paris Phuket Restaurant, Bar & Grill

@thephuketnews 18 ISLAND SCENE THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

Swissotel Patong and Kamala made our Christmas a colourful one with a bright bouquet.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING Renaissance Resort & Spa got our new year health kick started. Although the Christmas period is over, staff at Class Act Media are still spreading their gratitude to the host of guests from hotels, restaurants and other businesses who kindly came through our doors bearing gifts and good wishes across the festive season.

Thank you Kata Rocks. It suits us to a tee. The Racha had Christmas in the bag.

Naughty Nuri’s Phuket dropped by with piggy treats. Smiles all round with Thavorn Hotels & Resorts.

A full house with JW Marriott Phuket. What’s in the box? From Pullman Naithon Resort.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 ISLAND SCENE 19

Kwan and Boo. Jeniffer, Richard, Wicky and James.

Louie, Peter, Jeroen, Bed and Jay. Andy and Wade. GROW, GROW, GROW YOUR BOAT. MARINE EVENT’S CONTINUED SUCCESS It was another fine turnout at the most recent Grow Boating networking event. The monthly event for Phuket’s marine industry, which took place at the Lagoon Saloon at Boat Lagoon, boasted burgers and banter as well as free libations sponsored by Class Act Media. It was held on Jan 4, ahead of the upcoming Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous taking place in Phuket this weekend from Jan 10-13.

Waving goodbye to 2018. Celebrations underway. Giving thumbs up to 2019. AMARI PHUKET STAFF AND GUESTS GET TOGETHER FOR 2019 NEW YEAR Over 400 of Amari’s heads of departments, management teams, team members and guests came together to welcome 2019 at Rim Talay restaurant. Fireworks lit up Patong Beach and made for a memorable night. That’s Amari!

Matthias Y. Sutter, General Manager of JW Marriott Phuket, Pierre-Andre with Jürg, Andrea, Paul, Brigitte welcomed the guests at the New Year’s Eve Countdown event. and Peter of the SSP, all in the festive spirit. THE SWISS SOCIETY IN PHUKET JW MARRIOTT PHUKET RESORT CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS AT AMARI & SPA RINGS IN 2019 IN STYLE Guests at JW Marriott Phuket saw in the New Year in style – under the stars on the On Dec 28, 2018, Amari Phuket’s representative, Pierre-Andre Pelletier, Regional hotel’s beachfront. Turned out in white as per the night’s theme, guests sampled Vice-President, Operations – Southern Thailand, Vietnam and the Maldives (left), gave the lavish buffet, danced to music from UK band Ignite and DJ Mick and were a warm welcome to the board and members of the Swiss Society Phuket (SSP) at their treated to fire shows and a midnight fireworks display. annual Christmas dinner at Rim Talay Restaurant. Schöni Wiehnachte! thephuketnews @thephuketnews 20 EVENTS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

11 FRI JAN

Traditional Sunday Roast at O’Tool’s Served from 2pm. Your Choice of either Roast Beef, Chicken, Loin of Pork or Leg of Lamb Served with Roast & Boiled Potatoes, 3 Fresh All you can eat BBQ Ribs night Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy. Only 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served 350 Baht. Includes a Free Glass of House Red Boat Lagoon with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauc- or White. See: www.otools-phuket.com Weekend 11-12 January 2019 es. Reservation recommended. 295 baht P.P. [email protected], 081 891 4381. Beats & Bites. Music & Food & Fun. From 6.00 Mussels night @ Shakers pm till 10.00 pm. at Lagoon Quay. พบกับงานแสดง ดนตรี อาหาร และความสนุกหลากหลายรูปแบบ ที่งานโบ๊ 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your ทลากูนวีคเอนด์ Phuket Boat Lagoon, Phuket Boat choice, your style: natural, marnière, Proven- Lagoon. 13 çale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reser- JAN vations recommended B295 P/P. shakers- SUN Sala Sunday Night [email protected] 081 891 4381. Steak & Seafood Premium barbecue main course, including im- ported Australian Rib Eye, full rack of Lamb or whole Phuket Lobster accompanied by buf- fet of delicious appetizers. Live music from 6.30pm. Premium BBQ. 1,700*Baht.Reserva- tions, Sala Phuket, [email protected] 076 338 888.

Sunday Roast All Day, Thailand Yacht Show All Night & RendezVous 2019 Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY Held at Royal Phuket Marina from 10-13 of Jan- SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata uary, the THAILAND YACHT SHOW AND REN- Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional DEZVOUS combines all three of the island’s Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY previous boat shows to create the definitive cel- 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT ebration of yachting and all things luxury. There selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast will be live radio seminars, exotic car parades Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or and activities for all the family to enjoy, includ- Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables ing a painting competition from Elephant Parade Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire TREVOR LOCK IN PHUKET Healthy Vegan Buffet at where you can win prizes. Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Announcing STANDUP ASIA’s next show fea- DiLite Restaurant Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for turing British, Malaysian, and South African co- Come to Thanyapura’s DiLite Restaurant to 12 the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at median. Do not miss TREVOR LOCK (UK) with enjoy a healthy vegan buffet every Monday to bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more special guest RIZAL VAN GEYZEL (Malaysia) JAN and host DUSTIN MOORE (South Africa). Tick- Saturday. Lunch: 12pm to 3pm Dinner: 6pm to SAT details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents 8:30pm. Price: Lunch B350 and Dinner B550. Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, ets are on sale now from 350 THB (limited early Information and bookings call 076 336 000 or Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333- bird), 600 THB (show only), 950 THB (burger, visit: thanyapura.com/hotel/dining/ 370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286- 2 beverages & show), or 1400 THB for VIP 479 Patong 076-344-914 tickets, which includes free-flow drinks, meet & greet with the comedians, and the best seats in the house. Get your tickets today on TicketFlap: www.ticketflap.com/phuketcomedy-trevorlock Magic Rock, Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, Phuket.

Raw Movement is the Key to 14 Vitality @ Outrigger Laguna JAN Phuket MON ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Are you a Movement Machine? Come and join Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY us for a dynamic physical and educational expe- FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two rience that will give you the Know How To Look Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and and Feel Your Best! Your Team has a combined Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork 50 years of professional experience and are Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! passionate about the carrying the message. The All you can eat Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try team includes Craig Burton - Nutrition; Thomas us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, Engberts - Physiotherapist; and Rob Morgan - Sunday Roast Buffet flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Optimal Strength and Performance Coach. Your Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our ticket includes two action-packed training ses- Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled toma- Simmer & Spice Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD sions, all meals the Highlight being a BBQ din- toes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, Curry buffet, Great variety, Vibrant flavours. - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata ner on the Beach, plus all Master Classes. Price mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, Every Monday from 18.30 - 21.30. Reservations, Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 9,500b. Contact Darren on 061 251 9768. mint sauce. Reservations recommended. B350 SALA Phuket, [email protected], 076 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914. P/P. [email protected] 081 891 4381. 338 888.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 EVENTS 21

special Flambé 300g Australian grass fed rib eye in Phuket (AIP) is hosting a very informal get to- 14 steak served with a creamy peppercorn sauce, gether on the beach in front of the Mövenpick 16 JAN roasted vegetable medley and potato gratin Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket. The BBQ will be FEB MON for ONLY 595 THB. Have a sweet tooth? Treat fired up along with chilled drinks in the esky, a SAT yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served few beach sports and activities for kids. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream for ONLY 95 THB. Sit back 60THB drinks & sausage sizzle or BYO food & and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen drinks. FREE for all to attend. AIP members shall to the famous Two Chefs band performing all your enjoy a complimentary welcome drink. 3.00pm favorite retro hits and more! Live music starts from till sunset. facebook.com/aussiesinphuket 8pm and goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations. Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at WWW.TWOCHEFS.COM or find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/ TWOCHEFSTHAILAND/ COME FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE FUN! Reservations, Call us PIWC - Annual Fundraiser 2019 directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076-330-065, Phuket International Women’s Club Annual Fundraiser Kata Beach 076-333-370, Karon 076-286-479, 2019. At Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort on February Patong 076-344-914 16, 2019. Start from 18.30. Dresscode: Rock or Pop. Tickets 2,500 baht; Buffer, welcome drink and Live Band. All proceeds go to PIWC scholarship fund. Tick- All you can eat BBQ night PAPA Event 2019 eting & info: [email protected] 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, On the 26th of January 2019 the PAPA will host Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Instruments for Orphans Live at the Underwood Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns Art Factory to raise funds for the Instruments for 27 and garlic bread. Reservation recommend- Orphans drive. It start at 7pm and will feature the APR ed. B395 P/P. [email protected] best and cutest students from PAPA, The Young SAT 081 891 4381. PIWC - January 2019 luncheon Musicians Collective, JamStart and special guest AndreaH. For information email papa@ Please join us at our very first lunch of the year on legendmusic.net Thursday the 17th at the beautiful Wyndham Grand 16 in Kalim Bay. Registration will commence at 11.30am JAN in the beautiful Lattitude 98 Terrace Bar where you will WED be greeted with a welcome drink and a view to die for. 1 Lunch will commence at 12. Members 700 baht. Non FEB Members 800 baht. Contact: [email protected] FRI

19 Blue Horizon WCGC Thailand SAT JAN 2019 The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Chal- lenge continues in 2019 with the top 10% of teams (2 people per team) from each qualifier gaining entry to the Thailand Final on the 27th of April 2019 at Laguna Golf Club Phuket. Promi- nent sponsors provide an all-expenses paid trip to the World Final at Oitavoss Dunes in Cascais, Portugal. For more details and to sign up con- tact [email protected] Sala Wednesday nights: Sala Wednesday nights: Ribs, beats, brews Ribs, beats, brews Circoloco arrives in Thailand Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with Beats & Bites. Music & Food & Fun. From 6.00 sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist for a one-off event pm till 10.00 pm at Lagoon Quay. พบกับงานแสดง at the award-winning ดนตรี อาหาร และความสนุกหลากหลายรูปแบบ ทีงานโบ๊ทลากูน่ EVERY DAY cornbread and finish it off with a bread and but- ter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and Baba Beach Club in Phuket วีคเอนด์ Phuket Boat Lagoon your toes tapping as you wash down those ten- January 19th 2019, Circoloco arrives in Thailand der ribs with a bucket of craft brews. Full Rack for a one-off event at the award-winning Baba set B1,600, Half Rack set B1,200, bucket of Beach Club in Phuket. Tickets are available. 13 craft brews B800. Reservations, SALA Phuket For more information & bookings, contact us: Resort and Spa. Email: events@sala phuket. FEB +66 76 429 388, [email protected] WED com or call 076 338 888. Facebook: www.facebook.com/BabaBeachClub Instagram: www.instagram.com/bababeachclub Website: www.bababeachclub.com Sound- 17 cloud: www.soundcloud.com/baba-beach-club THU JAN 26 SAT JAN

The 22nd Bay Regatta 2019 ZUMA returns to The 22nd Bay Regatta is expected to be the big- Anantara Layan gest yet and will firmly stand out as one of South Award-winning contemporary Japanese res- East Asia’s finest yachting events. Taking place taurant, ZUMA, returns for a third season to the RETRO NIGHT – in some of the most beautiful scenery the region beachfront at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort has to offer, the four days racing and daily prize- between 15 December 2018 and 15 Febru- BACK TO THE 70s & 80s Australia Day Beach BBQ giving dinners will bring a buzz of excitement to ary 2019. For more information and bookings, Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly Celebrate Australia Day with a traditional Beach Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. More info: face- please call + 66 (0) 7631 7200 or email zuma@ event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our BBQ, a few drinks and great friends. Australians book.com/bayregatta anantara.com

@thephuketnews 22 TIME OUT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 46. Chucklehead dependent 1. Math rings 47. Word said with a 22. Set of values 5. Toolbar command salute 25. Place to lounge 1. What was the name of the volcano that erupted in Indonesia 9. Willow 48. GPS system last month? 26. Graphic symbols 14. Jessica Biel’s 50. Cheerful 27. Spasm 2. Which Hollywood A-lister is the former mayor of Carmel, role in “The 53. Mountain range California? 29. Some wedding Texas Chainsaw area guests 3. What does the chat acronym TYVM stand for? Massacre” in 2003 57. Spore sac 30. Greek portico 15. Getting warm 60. Midwestern state 4. Which dinosaur, made famous In films and popular culture, 32. Curves is well known for having a large bony frill with three horns? 16. Chummy 61. Fairway club 33. Blood line 5. How many iPhones have been released, including 17. Gazillions 62. Boorish sort “submodels” of the same release? 18. Stockbroker or 63. Rapper for one 34. Peacock walk 35. Porcini Answers below, centre corn? 64. “Forget it!” 19. Break down 65. Crow’s home 36. Indigenous 20. Joshua tree area 66. Icelandic epic 39. Plunder, old word Easy 23. Polytheistic 67. Bite like a beaver 40. Absolving from SUDOKU believers sins 24. Lake of asphalt Down 45. Guarantee 28. Brit.money, for 1. Squad 47. Series of short 2. Lowest deck on a movements 29. Cigar residue ship 49. Supermarket 31. All, individually 3. Table wine section 32. “Midnight at the 4. Gem with a sunken 50. Shot the breeze ____, “ Maria design 51. Hammerin’ Hank Muldaur song 5. Straighten 52. Parkinson’s 35. Interrupt 6. Has to have treatment 37. High up point 7. Chip’s partner Solutions to last week’s puzzles: 38. Arrive at a gambling 8. Bits 54. Ready to be area 9. Drama picked 41. Slip 10. French 55. Cross 42. Greek coin philosopher 56. De novo 43. “___ Calloways” 11. Int’l workers’ grp. 57. Do something (Disney film) 12. Antiquity, once 58. 1967 Monkees 44. Case for sewing 13. Reuben bread song gear 21. Feudal 59. Trophy

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 3) Thank you very much; 4) Triceratops; 5) 25 5) Triceratops; 4) much; very you Thank 3)

Eastwood; Clint 2) Child); Krakatoa’s (of Krakatau Anak 1)

GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW NUMBER 2.84 percent of worldwide deaths are caused by intentional injury (war, violence, suicide, etc) – 3.15% of worldwide deaths are caused by diarrhea. 10 times more likely are you to be bitten by a New Yorker than a shark. 99.9 percent of germs are killed by hand sanitizer, while 0.1% of germs actually makes us sick.

360,000 Canal Village. Photo: Ulli Schonart babies are born around the world Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to [email protected] every day, according to the UN. 25 This week in history Jan 11, 532 AD the history of Southeast Asia, is Jan 16, 2003 Nika riots in Constantinople: A crowned King of Burma. The Space Shuttle Columbia takes million quarrel between supporters of dif- off for mission STS-107 which US dollars is what Sony was ferent chariot teams – the Blues and Jan 13, 2018 would be its final one. Columbia offered to buy the rights to all the Greens – in the Hippodrome A false emergency alert warning disintegrated 16 days later on Marvel characters for in 1998. escalates into violence. Nearly of an impending missile strike in re-entry. Sony rejected the deal, instead half of Constantinople is burned Hawaii caused widespread panic buying only the rights to Spider- or destroyed and tens of thousands in the state. Jan 17, 1981 Man for US$10mn, which they of people are killed in one week President of the Philippines Ferdi- thought was the only character of unrest. Jan 14, 1967 The Hawaii missile alert. nand Marcos – his regime infamous people would care about. Counterculture 1960s: The Human for corruption, extravagance and Jan 12, 1554 Be-In takes place in San Francisco, Jan 15, 2001 brutality – lifts martial law eight Source: Uberfacts Bayinnaung, who would go on California’s Golden Gate Park, Wikipedia, a free wiki content years and five months after declar- to assemble the largest empire in launching the Summer of Love. encyclopedia, goes online. ing it. Source: Wikipedia

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 CLASSIFIEDS 23

The Phuket News Jobs @thephuketnews

Need a governess/ International Sales Support Website operator Thai Yoga Instructor nanny APR is an international company dealing with Female website operator capable Position available now - Full Time A family needs a customers in Asia and Australia, as well as decorative surface of building a shopping site and Position - 24 Yoga Classes per month. nanny for a special suppliers from Europe. Asia Pacific Representatives Ltd are looking driving traffic to the site via Google, Wellness Skills - Certificated to teach needs child. The ideal for: • Sales Support staff for decorative products • Age: 20-35 Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, blogs and various Yoga Styles. Additional Health candidate will have a years • Thai National • Excellent English language skills required other systems. Will work a flexible 4 Skills i.e. Aerial Yoga, Acro Yoga, background in teaching • Knowledge of Microsoft office • Comprehensive understanding hours a day, 5 days a week. Fixed etc. - Assist with Yoga Class inquires and varied methods of of Microsoft Excel • Office location: Phuket – Chalong Tasks will salary B20,000 + 5% commission on and Retreat health consultations. promoting learning in include: - Project tracking and follow up - Communication with sales generated by the site. 20,000 English Speaking - Thai National a fun way. Working 6 international suppliers and customers - Understanding of our + commission. Contact Ron via: only 25,000 to 30,000. Kenneth Miller days per week. English products and services Please submit your resume and recent photo [email protected], 0866041333. www.ccshideaway.com/ speaker essential. Celina [email protected] 0874178715. wellness.htm teacherphuket@gmail. com

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The Phuket News Trades & Services @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES CLEANING SERVICES CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT MARINE SERVICES

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The Phuket News @thephuketnews [email protected] & Services

MARINE SERVICES OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES

POOL SERVICES TRAINING ADVERTISE HERE

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 CLASSIFIEDS 27

The Phuket News Buy & Sell @thephuketnews

JOB CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE MOTORBIKES FOR SALE

URGENT Ducati Multistrada 2012 Toyota Soluna - cheap! 2012 Model Multistrada. Perfect condition. Only Personal Assistant Year 2000, under 200,000km, recently changed For retired UK/CAD businessman in high end resort. Good English, some driving, 23,000 kms. Faithfully maintained. Have panniers battery, checked engine - all works. Has dents and shopping etc. Part Time OK. Brian 089 054 4354. and 15 liter tank bag. Steve, ducphuket@gmail. scratches but starts every time and goes from A com, 081-734-8309. to B. 0836012526. BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Toyota GT 2013 - FT86 GT Brembo brake system. Adjustable suspension, PROPERTY FOR SALE FOR SALE AIR BERTH remote auto adjust w/ te controls. Performance exhaust. 2Din Pioneer AVH-X8850BT sound Single story home for sale M320 system. Audison speakers. Wheels ADV7.1SL. 1 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, 1 living 250,000THB incl VAT. For boat up to 32 feet / Piece forged. 2 mil. Or best offer..., Dan Miles, room, 2 cars parking space. Fully furnished, Ja- 9.5 metres. Contact: Asia Yacht Agency Co., [email protected], 065 621 5541, Thai cuzzi, walk-in wardrobes, garden and swimming Ltd. [email protected], 081-894 091 165 9332 pool with Sala. Can do more build-in. Sunny, -3234 (French/English), 086-269-0808 (Thai/ [email protected], 0823775555. English). Amazing Deal! 2016 Toyota Vios Model E with only 35,000 Km on it. Is an automatic, with fog lights, windows are House for Sale/Rent Fully furnished with swimming pool, 3 bed- tinted already, has the plastic insert for the trunk, Riviera sport fishing boat rooms, 5 bathrooms + maid room, 2 living rubber floor mats for all seats, rain shields on all Perfectly maintained and cared for, this boat rooms, Large entertainment area. Convenient windows. Only driven locally in Phuket. It is kept in is in excellent condition and will provide great location close to major shopping center and great condition and is available to view in Chalong. enjoyment for the next owner. Powered by twin international schools. Easy access to airport. Only 465,000 THB. Adam 091 016 1167. 660hp Caterpillar diesel engines and fitted Long term lease 65,000 includes pool +garden with every conceivable optional extra includ- services. Negotiable Price, Bea, Baan Saun ing True Visions satellite connection through Loch Palm Kathu, [email protected], 098 194 9351 and 097 352 4114. a 42” Smart TV, Raymarine navigation system, Dive Compressor, powerful stereo 2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open system and extensive fishing equipment. Selling to upgrade to a larger vessel. URGENT SALE Cab 9,000,000, Phuket Yacht Haven, [email protected] 78,000km. Six-gear manual transmission. Looks Penthouse for sale and feels like a new car, treated like a baby by 432.44 sqm Penthouse for sale: 320 Degree its single owner. Engine clean as. Full set of new view of Patong bay and city. Private pool. Boat Rinker 290 tyres. B500,000. Call 081 427 5168. 22nd floor (top floor) at Andaman Beach Con- Rinker 290 with trailer Continental 2017, en- dominium, Patong, Phuket, Thailand. Condo gine Volvo Penta, Under warranty includes Facilities. See beachsuites.com/gallery. No all standard equipment, less then 100 hours brokers please. 60 Million Baht O.N.O., Song- used. More information in link: clc.la/07hDmA FURNITURE pan, [email protected], 081 737 8662. 3,990,000, +66-97-175-00-96. NEW, LUXURY 2-UNIT Villa in Boat Lagoon Marina URGENT SALE LEATHER SOFA BUSINESS FOR SALE BOUGHT IN SB DESIGN SQUARE PHUKET. 5 bedroom, pre-school place in walking dis- LUXURY KELVIN GIORMANI SOFA. PER- URGENT SALE tance, 10mins to BISP, 30mins to UWC and Golden Business FECT, NEVER USED. PAID PRICE B67,500/ HeadStart. Must Sell, Pls contact for price. Pen, UNIT TOTAL B135,000 NOW B50,000/UNIT [email protected], +66 (0) 874658883. URGENT SALE Opportunity TOTAL B100,000. W2.30m D1.65m H65-90cm. Brand new two story massage shop for sale with 0930914502. high end furniture. 10 Beds, 6 chairs and nail PASAK LAND PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 Salon. Great opportunity for high season. 1.2 3.9MB 510 sq.m. sq.m. Chanote Million THB ono, Lek, Soi Post Office, Patong Beach Road, sweet_lek55@ Private location in prestige area. Outstanding hotmail.com, 099 362 7979. Chanote Value. Call owner (Alan): 084 0657590.

@thephuketnews 28 CLASSIFIEDS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

The Phuket News Buy & Sell @thephuketnews PROPERTY FOR SALE

Lovely Pool Villa, Nai Harn Prime location, 4 bedrooms, large garden and pool, 764 sqm, Chanote title, double garage. Great family home or investment property. Motivated seller. 12,500,000, Dean, [email protected], 0857932667.

Dream Village Phuket – house 2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated.: new water, elec- tric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 engl/german picharly@ gmail.com, 66870608400.

Villa Mission Heights – Big Pool 3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quite area, 2km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 engl/german picharly@gmail. com, 0870608400.

Unique Investment Opportunity Unique investment opportunity not to be missed: 5 pool villas, big land, large entertaiment areas, parking garages and private gates. More info www.thegardenkptphuket.com www.thegardenkptphuket.com

PENTHOUSE PROPERTY FOR SALE PROPERTY FOR SALE Stunning ocean & sunset views over Patong Bay: 2 bedrooms 2 bath- rooms, fully furnished with car park & pool 121sqm+. Email for more details House for Sale or Rent, RPM by owner [email protected] URGENT SALE A Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, URGENT SALE Rawai 155sqm. Foreign FREEHOLD. Archi- Cape Lam Promthep, Rawai - Nature tect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. area, beside sea. Swimming. Very qui- All round beautiful views. Completely et, just live and enjoy your life. If you furnished to a high standard. Very Hot sale! Pool villa want to make money perfect for building motivated owner leaving Thailand. Naiharn Rental Homes or Healing or Mediation Available to agents. Priced at 16MB center - Chanote land is not the way to A lovely fully furnished pool villa in a se- or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 cured estate in Naiharn, 5 minutes drive go. We can’t own anything here with 054 4354, 076 360 943. [email protected] Thai wife unless stay together a long to Naiharn beach and 10 minutes drive time and can take everything so best to Rent Land and have contract with a to Kata. Freehold. 455 sqm of land. Sold Thai. - All houses this area some WORTH MILLIONS OF EUROS ARE ON, fully furnished and equipped (solid teak “ LAND RENTED FROM GOVERNMENT,” FOR APPROXIMATELY 1000 HOT PRICE furniture and high quality equipment). BAHT A YEAR FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT. “You can Sell your Right to URGENT SALE [email protected], Occupy to others,” – this is LEGAL - Same as Crown Land in Canada, New - SURIN BEACH 0638394973. 3 B/R, Duplex, 170 sq/m. Shared pool, Zealand, Australia and America, but still hasn’t stopped people from building three decks, fully furnished. 400 meters expensive homes and title can be up graded with time - 12 million baht sale from Surin Beach. Great Condition. Must or 30,000 baht rent (one year rent in advance) - Almost 3 rai BESIDE THE sell [email protected] 5,699,000, SEA ( Zoned Yellow) CAN BUILD MULTIPLE HOMES, Healing or Medita- 0836450097 tion Center - TWO HOUSES, One large house 2 bedrooms and 2 bath, 2 3 B/R Surin Duplex decks, One Small House 1 bedroom and 1 bath 1 deck 12million or 30,000 400m from Surin Beach, fully fur- month Andy, [email protected], 091 823 2271. nished. Shared pool, 3 bathroom, 5-Bed Pool Villa and two decks/salas. 38k per/month [email protected] 0836450097. 1.2 Rai Rawai Villa with 4 beds, open-plan living area, west- ern kitchen. Separate 1-bed guest suite. Sep- BKK condo arate workshop and laundry. Pool 11mx5m, COMMUNITY URGENT SALE by Chaophya River large private garden, residential area. www. The Water Mark: Luxurious living by the ma- thaivillaonline.com Price - B15,750,000. jestic river “Chaophya”, the river of the King. 0844477247. Located on Charoen Nakhon Road. Beautiful, spacious condo 283.6 Sqm. / 4 bedrooms / high floor (52nd floor) /panoramic view of the Beach Front Land city & river / fully fitted to highest standard * 128 meter of white sand beach frontage * Facility: swimming pool by the river, gym, amazing views * 9 Rai , Secure Nor Sor 3 Kor sauna 40,500,000-, Jitsarn, jitsarn@yahoo. tittle * located on Koh Yao Yai * 20 minutes boat com, 0859776301. drive from Phuket * public road with water and electricity * ideal for high-end development * ready to build * sale direct by owner *ONLY 1 Bed Condo in Laguna 11.9 Mill. Baht / Rai Email : [email protected] Tel: 095 014 7888. Exquisite Property meets Luxury Area in the Heart of Phuket. Welcome to the Ocean Sands, an upcoming hotel devel- Bkk urban living opment located close to the Laguna Area, near BTS one of Phuket’s most luxury and trending URGENT SALE NEW 2 bedrooms for sale: Noble areas. Comprising a total of 213 keys rang- Ploenchit Condominium Next to BTS ing from our signature 1 Bedroom Deluxe Ploenchit Station, Walk to Central Em- Suite up to our well-appointed Family Suite, bassy & Central Chidlom Dept Store. 2 this exquisite property equipped with large bedrooms, 85 Sqm, corner unit, high swimming pools around central simulated fl, unblock View, fully fitted wardrobe beach and five-star standard facilities will & kitchen, aircon, bathrooms Facility: become a new enjoyment for lifestyle living. beautiful swimming pool & common Invest with us and elevate your lifestyle, be a part of the Ocean Sands. phuket@ area, gym, sauna 23,500,000-, Jitsarn, thairesidential.com, 0872699206. [email protected], 0859776301.

House for sale Villa in Patong Detach single story home, 1 Rai of land, 4 prime location URGENT SALE bedrooms 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens 1 living One of the last Villas available in Patong. room, 2 cars parking space with garden and in top condition. 24 hour security. 3 bed, swimming pool. Sunny, 25/11 Soi Salika, Moo 3 bath, 160sqm living. Fully furnished, 2, Viset Road. 082 377 5555. garden. Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 SPORT 29 Thailand looks for redemption Rajevac sacked after shocking defeat, Sirisak vows to do better of Thailand (FAT) appointed of producing better results horror show against under- FOOTBALL Sirisak to take charge of the than before,” Somyot said in dogs India, whose veteran

Tor Chittinand national team at the continen- a statement. striker Chhetri scored twice, tal championship on Monday “But the result [against overtaking Lionel Messi’s 65 hailand interim coach after it sacked coach Milovan India] is not what is expected international goals for Argen- Sirisak Yodyardthai Rajevac following the War of the Thai national team and tina in the process. Thas vowed to get at Elephants’ humiliating 4-1 that our supporters deserve. Lamenting his side’s abject least two points from the War loss to India in their opening As president of the football display, Rajevac admitted that Elephants’ remaining two Group A match in Abu Dhabi association, I cannot stand India were worthy winners. group games at the Asian Cup last Sunday night (Jan 6). still with this problem.” “They were phenomenal in the United Arab Emirates. India’s Sunil Chhetri scored “I would like to announce – they ran more, were more Breaking many Thai hearts, twice as the Blue Tigers out- the termination of the con- aggressive and wanted it more,” former coach Kiatisak “Zico” played and outclassed the tract of the head coach of the he said. “They absolutely Senamuang won’t be returning Thais. Thai national team, Milovan deserved to win. But we un- to the team. “It is an honour to be given Rajevac, and also announce derperformed, especially in Pol Lt Kiatisak told a Chan- the duty. I will do my best the appointment of Sirisak the second half.” nel 3 interviewer on Monday although it is a tough job,” Yodyardthai to perform the Rajevac was criticised for that he has no ambition to said Sirisak, 49. Now-sacked Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac looks on as duties with the team.” his defensive style but the Serb return to the War Elephants “We will fight for all Thai the War Elephants collapse in a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Choketawee Promrut has clearly felt otherwise after any time soon. fans.” India in their opening Asian Cup match. Photo: AFP been appointed as Sirisak’s watching Thailand overrun He has one of the best At the time of going to assistant. by a hungry India side. coaching records of all time, press Thailand was to play Thai fans,” said the former the Thai national team moral Rajevac’s job was on the “It’s not always about tech- and Thai fans have made it Bahrain on Thursday (Jan Thai Honda coach. support.” line since two-time defending nical ability and skill on the clear on social media that they 10) and meet the hosts UAE Sirisak, who has been serv- Hours after Thailand’s loss champions Thailand’s disap- ball,” he said. “We lacked hope strongly for his return. next Monday (Jan 14) at 11pm ing as Rajevac’s assistant since to India, FAT president Somyot pointing semi-final exit in the power, strength and aggres- But it won’t happen, at Thailand time. Bahrain drew the Serb was named coach of Poompunmuang fired Rajevac. AFF Suzuki Cup last month. sion. We need to put more least for now, and Sirisak is 1-1 with the hosts in their first Thailand in 2017, talked to “We are playing in the Rajevac, who turned 65 on pressure on the ball and show in charge. game last Saturday. Rajevac after he was fired. biggest football competition Jan 2, is well known for guid- more passion.” Of note, Kiatisak did tell “We will give our all in the “I thanked him for giving in Asia. This is something ing Ghana to the quarter-finals Thailand, appearing for the interviewer on Monday that remaining two group games me football knowledge and we have waited for very long of the 2010 World Cup. the first time since co-hosting if he were Thailand coach, he for the Thai fans. We are un- new experience,” Sirisak said. and the FA Thailand has fully A large number of fans the Asian Cup in 2007, have would promote young players derdogs against both Bahrain “He told me to work harder supported the preparations of have also called on FAT head now won just one of 21 games as starters for the next two and the UAE. But we hope to as head coach. He wished us the national team to reach its Somyot to resign. at the continent’s showcase matches. get two points from the two good luck in the remaining two highest potential before the Earlier, Rajevac was left competition. The Football Association games for the happiness of the games and said he would give competition with the intention shell-shocked by Thailand’s Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews 30 SPORT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 Black Sheep clinch RPL title Seize third consecutive season with 7-0 Spotless performance by winning both doubles, and stay stuck to the root of POOL despite Tropical Sands seiz- the table. Masaya Bar went

By Barry Craig and ing the beer leg bounty. Final into a quick lead winning the Richard Hearne score there: 3-4. first three singles, but it could White Hart remain hot on have been a French renaissance he Rawai Pool League their heels in third with vic- when Jonathan won his singles enjoyed the penulti- tory away to Future Bar. The leg for Orange against new- Tmate fixtures of its visitors looked like they were comer Seyfi. Pierre and Nico 14th season on Monday night going to romp to victory after then got a vital first doubles (Jan 7) and saw Black Sheep going ahead 1-3 in the singles leg but Masaya’s Marcus and crowned champions for the but Future had other ideas and Phil G condemned Orange to third time. They hosted Spot won both the doubles. With defeat, 3-4. Bar whose resistance was lim- White Hart on the back foot it ited to a single frame against looked like Future Bar would Division B the league leaders. steal the game in the beer leg The second-from-last week Black Sheep’s Nanni and but a rare mistake by Future of play in Division B won’t Goh were also fighting it out Bar Superstar Barry allowed provide any major surprises. for Season 14’s title of best the visitors in for an easy clear The Division winners and player. Both won their singles up, and another 3-4 ending three promotion teams have Nanni, Season 14’s top Division to ensure Nanni will take scoreline. been decided, so the teams A player, and team-member the award. Goh will not be Freedom Bar were heav- are settling into a relaxed final of the winning team Black disappointed to lose his title ily constrained by visitors two weeks of play. Sheep. Photo: Rainier Vigneau to a fellow teammate who Mango Bar, winning just Our opening game featured makes pool look astonishingly one doubles-leg match on the Season 14’s Division B winners easy while producing some night. Mango dominated the and third-placed runners-up. scintillating play throughout singles without conceding a Roses Bar hosted Black Bull the season. single frame. In the doubles, in a game that was sure to With Riky and Thomas Mango’s Mike and Gregg include some competitive play, fresh from tournament suc- put them 0-5 ahead but Dave on paper at least. Roaring out cesses over the holiday season, and Tom secured Freedom’s of the gates, Roses took all four the Black Sheep team enjoyed solitary point on the night. singles matches, with all but a clean sweep of Spot Bar in Unusually for Freedom, they one of the games requiring a the singles. In the doubles, failed to take the Beer Leg, deciding frame. The doubles Spot’s girls, Mimi and Dao, leaving the score 1-6. legs were shared, Kevin and made Thomas lose focus to A Beer Leg decider was Noom winning for the home take their contest to the de- all that separated Black Pearl side and Andy and Franck ciding frame, but Goh got the and Pita Bar. Throughout the scoring a win for the visitors. job done in the end with some match it was tit-for-tat with The Beer Leg also needed a showstopping shots. Pita’s Stefan showing no fear deciding frame, but went the Riky and Nanni, Black of Grega’s pre-match bravado. way of the Division winners. Sheep’s Italian connection, Black Pearl’s Dave, with the Roses 6, Black Bull 1. had no such distractions in beautiful smile, brought the The Kilt’n Haggis ventured their match-up against Richard game level. Flob put Pita back over to Stor Bar and managed and Paul. The whitewash was in front but Black Pearl’s Bang to produce a great upset over complete on the Champagne brought the scores level by the second-placed hosts. It leg, 7-0; many congratulations beating Grant, who drinks was honours-shared in the to Division A’s new champions way too quickly to be drawn singles with some very tight Black Sheep. last in the singles. games going to three frames The race for runner-up is It was honours even in each. Stor Bar’s Ying and Taka still too close to call. Shot Bar the doubles but Pita sneaked had looked to open some clear retain their second position, but the win with a fine deciding air over the visitors with their it wasn’t plain sailing. Harry frame display. win in the first doubles leg. and Buster put Shot Bar into Orange Bar continued But Paul and Graham kept an early away lead against their successive run of nar- the pressure on the hosts with Tropical Sands, but they nearly row defeats, this time against a good victory in the second a well-deserved 3-4 away win. the singles. Only Andy, who hosts to The Stoned Crab. ran aground when Craig and Masaya Bar. Masaya ensure doubles leg. It went down to Neither Islander team took must have been ginless on Singles wins for Moonlight’s Andy brought the game level. they stay in Division A while the Beer Leg, with The Kilt home points this week. Islander the night, managed to take Nonie, Patrick and Claudio, Shot Bar weathered the storm Orange remain without a win not giving an inch and taking A hosted Baroque Bar, and some points for the visitors. and Stoned Crab owner Sam were close to being knocked The doubles were shared, and left the score at 3-1 going into out in the singles. The Baroque the Beer Leg was an easy 2-0 the doubles games. However, girls took three of the four win for the girls. Pink Sheep it was game-up for the Stoned games, with only Andy M. continue their fine form with Crab team with both doubles maintaining some pride for a 5-2 scoreline. going to Moonlight Bar. A con- the home boys. Some light O’s Bar travelled down solation drink from the Beer was restored when the home Viset to visit White Hart BBQ. Leg was all that Stoned Crab side took the first doubles leg, The visitors were far from took away on the penultimate but soon after extinguished favourites pre-match, but the night of Season 14. The last entirely when Nikki and Oh outcome is sure to delight their match of the night ended 5-2. won their doubles leg to win team. It was a clean-sheet for the match for visiting Baroque. O’s Bar as they produced a 0-7 For fixtures, rankings and Islander A salvaged the hard- thrashing of White Hart BBQ. match scores please visit the fought Beer Leg, leaving the The hosts only managed to official Rawai Pool League score on the night 3-4. win two frames, and all credit website at Rawai-Pool-League. The Islander B boys made to the visiting team for a fine com. Even better, come and their way across to Shot Bar performance. watch or join in the fun eve- to face the Pink Sheep girls. The last match of the night ry Monday. For supplies, It was the girl’s night, as they featured two teams new to please visit league-sponsors turned on the style to race the Rawai Pool League this Phuket Pool Tables at Thai- quickly into a 3-1 lead after season. Moonlight Bar played landPoolTables.com

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019 SPORT 31 PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

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The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a two-bedroom private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 90-minute spa treatment for two persons at Baba Beach Club Phuket. Total prize value: B130,000 The monthly competition winner for January 2019 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach.

EPL PREDICTIONS

MONTHLY STANDINGS OVERALL STANDINGS 1. AAY 7 1. fazza 126 2. adamrosindale 7 2. giggs 126 3. The Machine 6 3. Smiley Bar 123 4. bondi brummie 5 4. Griffsbar 122 5. fazza 5 5. Fitz 121

English Premier League 2018 - 2019

Team MP W D L F A GD Pts 1 Liverpool 21 17 3 1 49 10 +39 54 2 Manchester City 21 16 2 3 56 17 +39 50 3 Tottenham Hotspur 21 16 0 5 46 21 +25 48 4 Chelsea 21 13 5 3 38 16 +22 44 5 Arsenal 21 12 5 4 46 31 +15 41 6 Manchester United 21 11 5 5 43 32 +11 38 7 Leicester City 21 9 4 8 25 23 +2 31 8 Watford 21 8 5 8 30 31 -1 29 9 Wolverhampton 21 8 5 8 23 25 -2 29 10 West Ham United 21 8 4 9 29 32 -3 28 Manchester United's legendary former manager Alex Ferguson gave the players a rousing speech promising them 11 Everton 21 7 6 8 31 31 0 27 success lay ahead under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Photo: AFP / Andrew Yates 12 Bournemouth 21 8 3 10 31 40 -9 27 13 Brighton 21 7 5 9 24 29 -5 26 14 Crystal Palace 21 6 4 11 19 26 -7 22 15 Newcastle United 21 4 6 11 15 29 -14 18 16 Burnley 21 5 3 13 21 42 -21 18 Fergie delivers rousing call 17 Cardiff City 21 5 3 13 19 41 -22 18 18 Southampton 21 3 7 11 21 38 -17 16 19 Fulham 21 3 5 13 19 47 -28 14 to arms to United players 20 Huddersfield Town 21 2 4 15 13 37 -24 10 The latest intervention from Ferguson told the players been appointed as a stop gap till Live Sports TV Schedule FOOTBALL Ferguson, who has made a that in Solskjaer – who has put the end of the season – Spurs *Times may be subject to change

AFP remarkable recovery from the a smile back on the players' manager Mauricio Pochet- SPORT START STOP EVENT TEAMS / INFO brain haemorrhage he suffered faces since the departure of the tino remains the bookmakers' Friday 11th Jan anchester United's last May, came at the behest of volatile Mourinho – they could favourite for the full-time Cricket 15:20 23:30 Test 3, New Wanderers South Africa v Pakistan, Day 1 legendary former Solskjaer and took place at the look forward to happier times. post – the players are keen 14:45 18:15 Australia BBL Adelaide v Melbourne manager Alex Fer- training ground. Solskjaer and Ferguson according to the Daily Mirror Saturday 12th Jan M Rugby Union 17:30 19:00 Heineken Cup Gloucester v Munster guson delivered a rousing call The squad are presently know each other well as the he gets the job. to arms to the players, insisting in Dubai for a training camp Norwegian played under him Solskjaer could do himself 19:30 22:00 Heineken Cup Leinster v Toulouse they could make the club suc- ahead of Sunday's clash with for 11 years, accruing many no end of good in pursuit of the 22:00 00:00 Heineken Cup Ulster v Racing 92 cessful again, a source close Tottenham Hotspur which rep- trophies including six Premier job by landing a trophy this 00:15 02:15 Heineken Cup Toulon v Edinburgh to the Premier League team resents a real test for Solskjaer League titles and the 1999 term with United still involved Soccer 19:25 21:30 EPL West Ham v. Arsenal told The Sun. to maintain his perfect record Champions League trophy. "He in the Champions League and 00:30 02:30 EPL Chelsea v Newcastle The 77-year-old Scot – who of five wins in five matches. also told them that the club is the FA Cup, though they were 22:00 00:00 EPL Brighton v Liverpool guided United to numerous "He (Ferguson) told the in good hands and he promised drawn away to Premier League 22:00 00:00 EPL Crystal Palace v Watford Cricket 12:30 17:15 ODI - SCG Australia v India trophies including two Cham- lads that this group will make them that it will become big- rivals Arsenal in Monday's 1 pions League titles during his United dominant and successful ger and better in the years to fourth round draw. 17:15 23:30 Test 3, New Wanderers South Africa v Pakistan, Day 2 27-year reign – has played an again," the source told The Sun. come and they will be part of "The players want to repay Sunday 13th Jan increasingly prominent role "He said that he believes this success," the source said. Sir Alex for his support and Rugby Union 22:00 00:00 Heineken Cup Glasgow v Cardiff since former striker Ole Gun- in them and he wants them to "The players believe that kind words and are determined Soccer 21:00 23:00 EPL Everton v Bournemouth nar Solskjaer became interim enjoy themselves and to fight there are some good times to win something for him and 23:30 01:30 EPL Tottenham v Man United manager following the sacking hard for each other and leave ahead." Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this Cricket 17:30 20:45 Australia BBL Perth v Sydney of Jose Mourinho. everything on the pitch." Although Solskjaer has season," the source said. 15:20 23:30 Test 3, New Wanderers South Africa v Pakistan, Day 3

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1719: Saturday Jan 12 Run Start Time: 3:30pm Hares: Lucky Lek, Fungus, Nutty Professor Fungi, Sing Bark Location: Phuket Town - Khao Toh Sae Directions: From Central, enter Phuket Town, passing Sura- kul stadium. Stay left onto Mae Luang road which becomes Damrong road once past Thepkasattri road. Continue past Phuket Prison and just past Phuket Labor court. Make a LEFT (HHH) to Soi To Chae towards Wat Charoen Samanakij then after 120m turn RIGHT (HHH) onto Soi 4110. Continue through the village and past the Boy Scout HQ to the top bend and our laager on the LEFT (HHH). Coming from the north on Thepkasattri road there are several ways to approach turning at Rajabhat or the Mae Luang intersection. Bus pick-up: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2pm | Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2:30pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

[email protected] Sir Fergie makes rousing call for Sport Man Utd > p31 WHEELS OF CHANGE Phuketian faces 19-hour Everest cycle challenge for charity

CYCLING Darren replied “I have no idea, I With five Ironman triathlons under don’t touch any of the money.” his belt, Darren is confident of Poria Mermand Darren, 46, a Canadian expat making the ‘climb’. Photos: Supplied [email protected] living in Phuket for the past five years, has dedicated the past 18 n the early hours of Saturday years of his life to being physically Jan 19, Darren Scherbain will and mentally fit and healthy, whilst Iembark on a gruelling uphill, passing on the wisdom he has gained 19-hour stationary bicycle ride, and motivation to others. “Being simulating the height of Mount fit isn’t about looking good, it’s Everest. about being useful, to be involved Asked why he will be putting and engaged in your community,” himself through 19 hours of men- Darren says. tal and physical strain, Darren Darren’s story is inspiring. A responded, “I’m sitting here today self-harming, alcohol and cocaine because somebody reached out to addict who attempted suicide, he did me 18 years ago, and I feel a strong not have much hope until somebody sense of duty to reach out to others who had been down a similar path in similar, desperate circumstances.” and survived took his hand and The feat will commence at 3am guided him towards recovery and outside The Shack on Soi Ta-iad, a fresh mindset. Chalong, with the finish expected Since then, Darren has spent to be around 10pm. much of his life coaching people So what’s the reward? Darren mentally, emotionally and physi- wants to raise B300,000 for Phuket cally through sport to help them Has Been Good To Us Foundation find the balance in their lives that (PHBGTU), a Phuket-based char- he managed to find for his own. ity set up in the wake of the 2004 One thing that cocaine and exercise ‘Healthy body, healthy mind’ To take the easy route out. That is same simulated route. There will tsunami. have in common is the fact that they as they say. when training and experience of also be DJs to help keep energy The foundation works to im- trigger the release of the hormone Having not had an alcoholic overcoming huge hurdles prevail. levels up. prove the economic opportunities dopamine, which although essential drink or used any drugs in 18 years, “As a child growing up in Cana- Darren is asking for as much and life chances of young people to the normal functioning of the Darren seeks his highs elsewhere. da, it wasn’t my lifelong dream to be support as possible, particularly by funding and implementing high central nervous system is also highly Having completed five Ironman tri- a cocaine addict and an alcoholic,” in the final hours which will be quality, practical English language addictive. Therefore from where athlons and run a full lap of Phuket Darren explains. the toughest both physically and education, for free, in government we derive our hit of dopamine is a island non-stop in just under 20 hours “That wasn’t supposed to hap- mentally. The triathlon academy at schools to around 1,200 children crucial point and a major factor in – among many other self-inflicted pen to me. So when the plot takes British International School will be in Phuket. addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling challenges – he is undoubtedly get- an unexpected twist, the countless supporting Darren by riding with PHBGTU also runs an extracur- and even sport. ting his share of highs. flat tyres and steep hills remind him. Headstart International School ricular program, Coconut Club, for The neurotransmitter dopa- His relationship with cycling is a me that nothing is impossible and have also been showing their support. 195 underprivileged children who mine is associated with feelings deep, challenging and unbreakable everything is achievable.” are orphans or whose families are of euphoria, bliss, motivation, and partnership with what he deems a To make next Saturday’s chal- To donate, deposit to the PHBGTU unable to look after them. Each day concentration, whilst a deficiency life saver. A metaphor for life on lenge as realistic as possible, Dar- bank account or via PayPal: after school and on Saturdays the will have the opposite effect and can earth – “the brutal painstakingly ren will be hooking up his bike to https://www.paypal.me/PHBGTU children visit the club to take part lead to medical conditions including slow grind in that big chainring. an electronic trainer which will be in sports, arts and crafts programs. depression and Parkinson’s disease. Meandering around the obstacles connected to a computer system Bank name: Siam Commercial The aim of the organisation is to Other hormones released through along the journey. It is never a clear- that will simulate the gradient of Bank – Patong Branch help Thai youth become confident exercise include endorphins which cut, perfect straight line overcoming the climb. A specific climb will be SWIFT Code: SICOTHBK English speakers so that they can relieve pain and stress and boost the challenges of the road ahead,” selected and repeated until a distance Account name: Phuket Has Been secure well-paid employment in pleasure; and serotonin which is he describes. of 8,848 metres is completed – the Good To Us Foundation Phuket’s tourism industry. believed to help regulate mood Darren stresses that the biggest same distance as the summit of Account number: 601-2-71944-7 The B300,000 that Darren hopes and social behaviour, appetite and challenge he will face on Saturday Mount Everest from sea level. to raise will fund one class of 10 digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual will be the mental battle. When his Supporters can join Darren by To book a time to cycle next to Dar- students for one year. When asked desire and function. Low serotonin body is pushed beyond its limits and donating B500 to cycle alongside ren, or for more information, email: how much has been raised so far, levels have been linked to depression. sending signals to his brain to stop. him for 30 or 60 minutes along the [email protected]

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