THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

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Friday, March 12 – Thursday, March 18, 2021 Since 2011 / Volume XI / No. 11 20 Baht TOURISM MINISTRY PUSHES VACCINE PASSPORTS > PAGE 2 NEWS PAGE 3 Noisy nightclub ordered closed CONFIDENCE for five years BOOST

LIFE PAGE 9 Baz honours Duane Lennie: ‘Mr Koh Lanta’

Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon receives his first Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine injection on Monday (Mar 8), his first day as the new Chief of the Phuket Provincial Health Office. Photo: PPHO SPORT PAGE 16 HOPE FLOATS FOR TOURISM AS SHORTER QUARANTINE Yan loses UFC NOW LIKELY FOR VACCINATED ARRIVALS title following haps as short as three days. by the CCSA board, chaired by PM period as early as next month even The Phuket News disqualification [email protected] The news broke on Monday (Mar Prayut, at its meeting on Monday for arrivals who have not been vac- 8) as assistant spokeswoman for (Mar 15), she said. cinated for COVID-19. (See page 7.) opes are high that come Mon- the Centre for COVID-19 Situation “The quarantine period will be Currently, all arrivals in Thai- day (Mar 15) Prime Minister Administration (CCSA) Apisamai different from those who are not land – whether vaccinated or not HPrayut Chan-o-cha will an- Srirangson announced that CCSA vaccinated,” Dr Apisamai noted. – must observe a mandatory 14-day nounce that foreign tourists who have officials “favoured” Oct 1 for the eas- “Travel from overseas would be quarantine. been vaccinated for COVID-19 will ing of restrictions on travellers who easier,” she added. Dr Apisamai said the board meet- be required to observe a much shorter have been given an approved vaccine. In addition, moves are also afoot ing next week would also discuss mandatory quarantine period – per- The final decision would be made to reduce the mandatory quarantine the possible lifting of the emergency... CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews 2 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

[email protected] Thief slashes German expat News in Karon > p4 Vaccine push vital for Oct 1 Continued from page 1 understand that private sector on this. The other source is ...decree at the end of May, help is needed in order to vac- to purchase the vaccine by and reliance on communicable cinate enough people quickly ourselves. But we have to disease laws to contain the enough to safely reopen Phuket see how many vaccines we virus from June. to receiving international receive from the government The Oct 1 deadline coin- tourists by Oct 1. before we can know how much cides with the #PhuketFirst- “The number of vaccines to order.” October campaign launched is not enough for 70% of the Time is of the essence, in January by a consortium Phuket population, so we have Mr Bhummikitti noted. The of key tourism and other in- to wait and see how many vaccination rollout must be dustry figures on the island, vaccines from AstraZeneca coordinated so that operators spearheaded by Phuket Tourist we will receive in June to could start marketing and Association president Bhum- September. We need to pro- promoting travel to Phuket to mikitti Raktaengam. Until pose the number of vaccines markets abroad so that tourists now, the campaign seemed that we need to the central know what will be required to have fallen on deaf ears. government,” he told The if they chose to travel here. However, a key require- Phuket News. “We have a lot of things ment of the #PhuketFirstOc- “We have been in constant to do, such as marketing and tober campaign is that at least contact with a few vaccine organising flights to Phuket, 70% of the island’s residents importers. At this stage it and so on. We will meet with must be vaccinated in time Vachira Hospital Director Dr Chalermpong Sukontaphon speaks to the press. Photo: PPHO looks like we might be able to ‘big operators’ in Phuket soon, to provide “herd immunity” determine how many of which in order to see and understand from the virus as a way to Without private sector help, vaccine doses in Phuket ex- Phuket or Bangkok have yet types of vaccines will come the demand from Europe,” safely allow foriegn tourists the Oct 1 deadline is simply plained, “In the next delivery, provided any details on the after Songkran,” he added. he said. to return by reducing the quar- not achievable, they say. At we will receive 16,000 doses country reaching anywhere In order to reopen Phuket Mr Bhummikitti also antine period for international the time of going to press, no of vaccine, and another 48,000 near herd immunity by Oct 1. to international tourists by Oct pointed out that a recent survey visitors – while maintaining Phuket or Bangkok officials doses will come in May. In Dr Chalermpong last week 1, Mr Bhummikitti said, “Basi- had indicated that a staggering confidence among local people had made any announcement total, for the first three months, said the delivery of AstraZen- cally, we have a lot of things 80% of all tourism-related that they themselves are not regarding how this was to be we will receive 68,000 doses eca vaccines will not arrive to do. Vaccination is one of businesses in Phuket have being exposed to high risk. achieved. of vaccine.” until “around June to August”. the most important. To open closed their doors at least Mr Bhummikitti and oth- At last report, as of Mar That will be enough to He also confirmed that the island to tourists without temporarily to ride out the er strong supporters of the 1, Phuket had so far received vaccinate just 34,000 people even with all Phuket public any quarantine, we have to storm. #PhuketFirstOctober campaign just 4,000 doses of the Sino- in Phuket, which has an es- hospitals administering vac- vaccinate local people as much “Before the second out- have repeatedly emphasised vac vaccine, all dedicated to timated population of circa cination injections, the most as we can, about 70% of the break about 35-40% of the that in order for enough Phuket inoculating medical workers, 400,000 people. the hospitals could achieve population. We have already hotels on the island were open, residents to be vaccinated to frontline staff dealing with Although Health Minis- would be about 1,500 people received 68,000 doses, but but after the second wave hit safely start receiving foreign the general public and those ter Anutin Charnvirakul on a day. we need about 900,000 doses. our survey found that only tourists, private organisations, specifically at higher risk of Monday said that first rollout That pushes herd immunity “To fill the gap between about 20% of hotels are still including hospitals, must be al- infection. of 117,000 doses of the Astra- inoculation for Phuket back to 68,000 and 900,000, we have open,” he said. lowed to independently source Vachira Phuket Hospital zeneca vaccine was to start late November at the earliest. two sources. One is the gov- “More hotels will gradually large quantities of vaccines Director Dr Chalermpong yesterday (Mar 11) with PM Mr Bhummikitti is hold- ernment. We have to see how re-open, but the number of ho- that have been approved by Sukontapol in announcing the Prayut as the first recipient ing on to the prospect that the many doses [of vaccine] they tels that are temporarily closed the central government. arrival of the 4,000 Sinovac (see page 7), no officials in central government will finally will give us. We are working at this stage is about 80%.”

Tourism Ministry pushes vaccine passport system to skip quarantine THE TOURISM AND SPORTS Administration (CCSA) was also Then, they will be allowed to travel it will be used as an example for Ministry has asked the Public discussing a 14-day quarantine freely through the quarantine area. other hotels across the country to Health Ministry for approval to that would allow foreign tourists The plan will be operated via accept foreign tourists launch a vaccine passport system to leave their hotel rooms after just 29 travel agencies supervised by “Thank you to all the officers in a bid to kick-start the tourism three days of self-isolation. the Tourism Authority of Thailand involved for their cooperation in industry this year. Mr Phiphat also said the gov- (TAT), he added. making everything done very Russian tourists in Phuket ernment has unveiled its “area quickly, from the identification- will likely be the first to expe- quarantine” plan to re-open Thai- TESTED checking process, whereby we had rience the eased quarantine re- land to foreign tourists from next The “area quarantine” has already received the information before strictions. Tour agents in Russia month. been tested in Phuket with the the tourists arrived on the island, say demand is high enough for Tourism Minister Phiphat Mr Phiphat said area quarantine arrival on Feb 21 of Phuket’s first all the way through to taking the regular Phuket flights of 300-400 Ratchakitprakarn said adopting will be piloted in five provinces ‘travel bubble’ tourists, who ob- tourists to the hotel,” he said. Russian tourists, reported state a vaccine passport or a similar popular with foreign tourists – served a 14-day ‘villa quarantine’ V/Gov Pichet in his report also method of enabling foreign news agency NNT last week tourists to skip quarantine would Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Surat at the five-star Sri Panwa resort on pointed out the requirements for Tourism Minister Phiphat guarantee at least 5 million Thani and Chon Buri. the island’s east coast. implementing a ‘villa quarantine’ Ratchakitprakarn said adopting foreign visitors to Thailand in He said after meeting with the Phuket Vice Governor Pichet at a resort, including that hotel staff a vaccine passport or a similar 2021. Photo: NNT Public Health Ministry and 216 Panapong praised the test, high- must stay only in the resort area method of enabling foreign tour- tourism operators that tourists will lighting that the ‘villa quarantine’ while the tourists are completing ists to skip quarantine would waiting for a World Health Or- quarantine in their rooms for the was to be deployed elsewhere their 14-day quarantine. guarantee at least 5 million ganization (WHO) announcement first three days and they will be throughout the country once proven “They cannot go outside of the foreign visitors to Thailand on vaccine passports before issu- granted access to the whole hotel successful. location to ensure confidence for in 2021. ing the measure, adding that the or resort until their 14-day quar- “At this stage, the villa quaran- all people,” he said. He said the government was Centre for COVID-19 Situation antine ends if they test negative. tine has been well organised and The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 3 Gov shutters noisy nightclub Eakkapop Thongtub peal with the Phuket Administrative [email protected] Court within 90 days from the date of the order. wo nightclubs in Phuket Town The H2O nightclub was ordered central to noise complaints closed by provincial order 1233/2564, Tfiled by the Provincial Police also issued last Friday. Chief from another province have The order explained that Phuket been closed by order of the Phuket City Police had inspected the venue Governor. One of the venues has and later charged the operator, been ordered closed for five years. named as Mr Thipasut Prateep Na The two nightlife venues, Mal- Thalang, for selling or providing dives and H2O on Lim Sui Ju Rd baraku (shisha) without permission, on the south side of Phuket Town, operating an entertainment venue were ordered to close immediately without a permit and violating the following the orders issued by Phuket Phuket provincial order enforcing Governor Narong Woonciew last COVID-19 protection measures. Friday (Mar 5). Unlike the order closing the The orders noted that the opera- Maldives venue, the order to close tors of both venues had separately H2O did not confirm what penal- violated a raft of laws, but none of ties, if any, Mr Thipasut was handed the violations were for noise. down for the violations. The Maldives nightclub was The Maldives nightclub in Phuket Town was ordered Instead, Governor Narong cited ordered closed for five years under closed for five years. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub his authority under Revolution Coun- provincial order 1232/2564. cil announcement No 50, issued on The order explained that on Feb Khwaeng Court (Municipal Court) an entertainment venue without thority under the Section 4 of NCPO Jan 15, 1959, to order the venue to 18 Phuket City Police inspected the as confirmed by judgments handed a permit; order 22/2558 to order the Maldives close for 30 days, from March 5, venue and arrested the manager, down for Black Case 164/2564 and • B5,000 fine for violating or nightclub to be closed for five years, 2021 to April 3, 2021. named as Ms Mintra Yindamnoon, Red Case 136/2564, said a report failing to comply with the order of from Mar 5, 2021 to Mar 4, 2026. If found violating the order, for the charge of operating an en- announcing the closures. Phuket Provincial Communicable The order also banned the op- the operator faced up to 10 days tertainment venue without a permit, The court judgement noted that Disease Control Committee; erators from opening any other imprisonment or a fine of up to selling alcohol without a permit and the defendant was to be punished • B250 for selling alcohol without entertainment venue elsewhere B500,or both. for allowing people younger than 20 for each violation under Section 91 permission; and during the same period. The operator of H2O also had years old to work or “use services of the Criminal Code. • B10,000 fine for encouraging If caught violating the order, the the right to appeal the closure, the in the venue”. However, as the defendant had and supporting youths to behave in venue owner and manager faced a pen- order noted. The acts violated National Coun- entered a plea of guilty to each an unreasonable manner. alty of up to one-year imprisonment To do so, the operator had 15 cil of Peace and Order (NCPO) charge, the court would reduce the In short, the total fines handed or a fine of up to B20,000 or both. days to file an appeal directly with order 22/2558 and 46/2559. The punishment to half, as follows: down was just B25,250. The owner and manager of the the Phuket Governor, the order manager was found guilty by Phuket • B10,000 fine for operating Governor Narong cited his au- venue have the right to file an ap- concluded.

No serious injuries in underpass pile-up Man arrested for stealing police ALL DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS IN four cars and a pickup truck luckily escaped any serious injuries in a pile-up involving a officer’s gun 15 years ago 22-wheeled truck and trailer while exiting the A CONSTRUCTION Darasamut Underpass on the afternoon of Mar 3. worker in Koh Kaew has Wichit Police were called to the scene, been arrested by officers in the southbound exit lane just north of the Photo: Jongpit Thonglangphra from the Royal Thai Police intersection to Naka Temple, at about 4:10pm. Special Service Division, At the scene officers found a 22-wheeled which calls itself the “Com- truck and trailer had struck the back of a small experiencing minor chest pain and arm pain. mando” division, for a gun white hatchback. The collision started a chain Kusoldharm rescue workers transported he stole from a police of- reaction, with four other cars rammed into both of them to Bangkok Hospital Siriroj for ficer’s house in Nakhon each other, and one black pickup truck pivoted treatment. Ratchasima 15 years ago. across the lane with its tailgate resting on a Wichit Police soon had the vehicles removed The “commandos” ar- station wagon that had ploughed through the to allow traffic flow to resume, while they rested 57-year-old Jamkat concrete divider separating oncoming traffic. continued their investigation to determine Sriwawong on Mar 3, one Only two people, one man and a woman, whether any charges were pending. of the arresting officers told were reported as suffering any injuries, both Eakkapop Thongtub The Phuket News. Jamkat was wanted on arrest warrant No. 52/249 is- sued by Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court on Sept 8, 2006, for the charge of “theft Jamkat Sriwawong, 57, was arrested at a construction from an accommodation site in Koh Kaew on Wednesday (Mar 3). Photo: Royal in the nighttime”, said the Thai Police Special Service Division officer. The arrest was conducted complices and recovered Police Station in Nakhon by officers under the com- the stolen firearm, he said. Ratchasima to be charged. mand of Lt Gen Torsak Police kept investigat- His arrest came four months Sukvimol, the officer added. ing until they eventually before the warrant for his The officer explained that learned that Jamkat had arrest was to expire, the Jamkat and his three friends fled to Phuket and worked officer noted. entered a house owned by as a construction worker The officer did not -ex a police officer and stole a at a site in Koh Kaew, the plain who the gun was stolen revolver on July 25, 2006. officer explained. from or whether it was used Police had already ar- Jamkat was arrested in committing any other rested two of Jamkat’s ac- and taken to Chumphuang crimes. thephuketnews @thephuketnews 4 PHUKET NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

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CHRIS HUSTED Executive Editor 084 307 7408 [email protected] Thief slashes German expat Eakkapop Thongtub Mr Jaiser noticed that some [email protected] of his belongings were in the BEN TIREBUCK News / Sport Editor basket, and whistled to call his 061 806 8132 [email protected] olice have arrested a son to see. The man, Sompong, man in Patong for rob- heard the whistle and quickly Pbing a German expat’s ran to his black pickup truck, home in Karon last month, and which was parked in front of slashing the German man’s a construction site nearby. CHUTHARAT ‘UM’ PLERIN arm with a knife after being Mr Jaiser ran in front of the Thai Editor 088 766 1615 [email protected] confronted over the robbery. pickup to prevent Sompong Maj Pitchayut Srinak of from escaping. the Karon Police reported Sompong got out of the that the suspect, Sompong pickup with a knife and pro- Chaichana, 28, originally from ceeded to attack Mr Jaiser, KIATTIKUL ‘JOM’ Phang Nga, was arrested at a who used his left arm to pro- CHUMANEE Translator 082 729 0270 house in Patong last Sunday tect himself. In doing so, he [email protected] (Mar 7). suffered a large slash wound Sompong faces charges to his arm. of theft causing others to be Fearing for his safety, Mr seriously harmed and using a Jaiser fled, and Sompong got vehicle to flee the scene of the back in his pickup and drove JASON BEAVAN General Manager crime, attempted manslaugh- off, said Maj Pitchayut in his 086 479 7471 [email protected] ter, trespass and carrying a report. weapon in a public area, Maj Mr Jaiser returned home Pitchayut noted in his report. and his wife, Ms Saritrat, In placing Sompong under took him to Bangkok Hospital arrest, police also seized his Photo: Karon Police Phuket for treatment. SIRIPORN (NOK) SEANGMAS black Krabi-registered Mit- Through CCTV, police Sales Support 086 479 7470 [email protected] subishi Cyclone pickup truck 42, filed a complaint at Karon arm slashed by a man in front Mr Jaiser told police that he managed to track down Som- as evidence, he added. Police Station on Feb 26. of their house in Soi Patak was standing in front of his pong to the house where he Maj Pitchayut explained Ms Saritrat explained that 24, Karon. house when he saw a man was staying in Patong and

NIRAVIT ‘MOS’ VORAVANITCHA that the arrest came after her husband, German national After being discharged walk past carrying a green take him into custody, Maj THANAPONG ‘OAK’ KHAO-AMPHAIPHAN Graphic designers Saritrat Hiranwanthanadet, Ralph Jaiser, 58, had his left from hospital that same day, basket filled with some items. Pitchayut concluded.

The Phuket News @thephuketnews Navy inspections find no illegal Wichit street shooting was over blocking traffic, reveal police workers on Phuket fishing boats WICHIT POLICE HAVE RE- RANDOM INSPECTIONS vealed that the street shooting in of four Phuket fishing boats by front of Soi Hua Hom, off Sakdidet Navy personnel last Thursday Rd, last month was the result of an (Mar 4) found no illegal migrant argument over the victims parking workers among the 147 fishermen in the middle of the narrow street, checked, reports the Thai Navy. preventing any other motorists from The raids were conducted to passing through. prevent any illigal human traf- Wichit Police Deputy Superin- ficking, reported Vice Admiral tendent Lt Col Thammasan Bunsong Cherngchai Chomcherngpat of told The Phuket News on Mar 2 that the Royal Thai Navy Third Area the suspect wanted for the shooting Command. had already been arrested. V/Adm Cherngchai also serves Lt Col Thammasan said he was Officers at the scene of the shooting as Director of the Third Area unable to provide the name of the on Feb 19. Photo: Phuket Provincial Command’s Maritime Enforce- Photo: THAI-MECC Area 3 suspect as he did not have that Police / file ment Coordination Centre (THAI- information available at the time MECC Area 3), which conducted Thai nationals, 31 were Myanmar The Phuket News called, but said started shooting at them, then fled, the inspectionson Thursday, led nationals, 38 were Cambodian na- the man was “about 20 years old” leaving fellow residents Thammaboot by Capt Kriangkrai Lai-ngern of tionals and two were Lao nationals. and was a local resident in the area Prachumphan, 46, with a gunshot Phuket Naval Security Control “The results of the inspections, where the shooting took place. wound to his head and his son, Centre. which included random interviews “The father of the suspect 28-year-old Anusit, with gunshot The Hua Hin class patrol boat of the workers on the boats, showed brought him to Wichit Police Sta- wounds to his leg and stomach. Tor 543 was used to carry out the that there were no illegal acts or tion on Feb 20, just one day after Of the victims of the shooting, Lt inspections. human trafficking,” said Vice he conducted the shooting,” Lt Col Col Thammasan said, “The father, Present to oversee inspections Governor Pichet. Thammasan said. who suffered a gunshot graze wound were Phuket Vice Governor Pi- “The inspections went very “The suspect confessed that the to his head, has already been dis- chet Panapong, and Thanapong well. All fishing crewmen had motive of the shooting was that the charged from hospital, but as for his Orachorn from the Department of proper identification documents victims had parked their vehicle in son, I do not have any information.” Labour Protection and Welfare. making sure that they were not the street, preventing other vehicles Lt Col Thammasan confirmed that Of the 147 fishing workers illegal migrant workers,” he added. from passing,” he said. the 20-year-old man has now been found on the four boats, 76 were The Phuket News An argument ensued and the charged with attempted murder. 20-year-old pulled out a gun and The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 PHUKET NEWS 5 Hundreds of sea urchins Koh Maphrao sighted for wash ashore Patong Beach MARINE LIFE EXPERTS sustainable development are trying to figure out what The Phuket News port. Visitors have to pay for caused many hundreds of red [email protected] transport many times before sea urchins to wash ashore reaching their destination, Patong Beach last week. huket Governor Narong such as the cost of parking at Lifeguards and members of Woonciew led an inspec- the pier or taking a local taxi Patong Baywatch discovered Ption and beach cleanup [to the pier] , then paying the the urchins after arriving to Hundreds of sea urchins at Koh Maphrao last week as boat fare and then paying for begin their patrols on Mar 2. lined Patong Beach last part of a campaign to highlight tuk-tuks on the island,” he The phenomenon inspired Saturday (Mar 2). Photo: and support community devel- explained. locals to turn out in droves to Patong Lifeguards opment on the small island, If such issues could be see the red spectacle stretch- located off Phuket’s east coast. resolved, “this could be a ing hundreds of metres along Respected marine biologist Joining Governor Narong charm and a selling point of the the beach, with some people Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, during the visit on Mar 3 was Transport fares remain a key issue for Koh Maphrao’s island,” Governor Narong said. alarmed by what may have who serves as the Deputy Wiwat Sanlayakamthorn, long-term sustainable development. Photo: PR Phuket “The ‘Koh Maphrao Model’ caused it. Dean of the Faculty of Fish- President of the Agri-Nature must develop all aspects of Officers from the Depart- ery at Kasetsart University Foundation, along with Vice In the afternoon, Gover- Hospital and two hotels on the society at the same time, with ment of Marine and Coastal in Bangkok, noted that some Governor Piyapong Choowong, nor Narong led reporters and island,” he said. a plan to enhance the quality Resources (DMCR) collected species of sea urchins, with local officials and staff from officials on a field trip, and The goal of the develop- of life of the people on the some specimens for investiga- short thorns, could be found the foundation. led a public hearing for local ment plan is to create a model island to have a better life, tion and took water samples in some relatively shallow In the morning, Vice Gov- people to share their problems to be used elsewhere, Governor but the development must for testing, while lifeguards waters, such as near rocks. ernor Piyapong together with and suggestions to develop the Narong noted. be people-centered. People called in officers from Patong However, he pointed out Koh Kaew Tambon Adminis- island in terms of ‘agrinature’. “The development plan must be ready to cooperate. Municipality, who together that if deep sea waters had trative Organisation (OrBor- Governor Narong explained must focus on the [economic] They must create their own helped clear the mass of sea been disturbed, officers could Tor) Deputy Chief Pongsatorn to reporters that Koh Maphrao potential and lifestyle of lo- products. People must have urchins from the sand. expect to see many more sea Rangsinthurat and Phuket covers about 2,000 rai, and cal residents as its priority,” skills in welcoming tourists,” “I have never seen any- urchins wash ashore during Reporters Association President is home to about 700 people Governor Narong said. he added. thing like it,” said lifeguard high tides in the coming days. Watcharaporn Kulsiri-itthikorn living there. “The main feature of the is- The development plan must Somchai Tiangnoi, who urged The DMCR the next day led local reporters to collect “About 99% of the island’s land is its distance from Phuket, also support career develop- all beach-goers beware the (Mar 3) identified the sea trash along the beach on the residents are Muslim and work only 10 minutes by boat. The ment, ensure children and sharp thorns or any sea ur- urchins as ‘Astropyga radiata island. as fishermen and farmers. The island has beautiful beaches, young people have access to chins that may still remain Leske’, and posted their ex- The cleanup was held under island has one school, Koh rich nature, good soil for ag- a good education and that el- on the beach. planation that the mass of sea the banner “Reporters do only Maphrao School, which is riculture and has a calm and derly persons and people with “Sea urchins usually live urchins washing ashore was good things ‘Hidden island@ open [to students] from kin- private atmosphere, which is disabilities receive comprehen- in deep water, and are rarely nothing more than the result Koh Ma Prao” as part of the dergarten to Prathom 6 [final perfect for relaxation,” he said. sive care through government found near beaches. It is worth of strong waves during the “national mass communication year of elementary school], “However the weakness welfare campaigns, Governor thinking about what caused recent spring tide. day” activities. as well as a Health Promotion of the island is the local trans- Narong concluded. them to end up here.” Eakkapop Thongtub

@thephuketnews 6 BUSINESS NEWS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 Phuket-based Businesses Have Adapted to the ‘New Normal’ and Are Redefining Consumerism Phuket-based Blue Horizon Developments has introduced the concept of remote property investments to its customers, reinforcing its status as one of the leading property developers in the region ideal investment properties from ADVERTORIAL the comfort of their couches. The company offers virtual property aving come to terms with tours, carries out the negotiations the fact that waiting for over video meetings, and sends Hthe COVID-19 pandemic contracts via courier for buyers to to pass is not the best financial sign and execute the deals. Buyers decision, many businesses have also have the option to provide a adapted to the ‘new normal’ and power of attorney to a third party come up with creative solutions to of their choice to take care of the not just stay afloat, but to thrive paperwork. and come out on top once the “Investing in a property re- pandemic blows over. motely is not as simple as online From further digitalizing the shopping,” explains Pira. “It in- way they operate in reaction to volves a lot of time, effort, and the social distancing measures most importantly, trust. Our long- to creatively addressing customer standing reputation and credibility needs, businesses are redefining have allowed us to successfully consumerism by proving that garner the trust of international neither distance nor borders are investors and proceed with prop- deterrents in our highly globalized erty transactions even during this world, and the Phuket-based prop- pandemic. We hope to continue to erty developer Blue Horizon De- lead the evolution in high-quality velopments is no exception. developments and to offer excellent Since the first quarter of 2020, client satisfaction.” Blue Horizon Developments ex- Blue Horizon Developments perienced fewer property sales as For more information go to: bluehorizon-thailand.com or WhatsApp: +66 94 580 4602. is currently developing more con- its customers, both old and new, struction projects that are set to could not travel to the highly- spired idea to introduce the concept especially during times of crisis, the changing times, they will be launch this year. The company is frequented island to complete of remote property investments to even if they have operated in a left behind.” confident that its newer projects property transactions because of his customers. certain way for years and decades,” Blue Horizon Developments has will receive the same level of the pandemic. However, CEO & “It’s important for businesses to says Pira, a serial entrepreneur. been offering its customers the op- international recognition as its Founder Andres Pira had an in- be open to new ways of thinking, “If they choose not to change with tion to buy their dream homes and existing ones.

AirAsia ramps up Bangkok- Phuket flights to six a day AIRASIA HAS IN- ures in many areas, tourists creased its number of can travel more confidently flights between Bangkok and conveniently… We are and Phuket to six a day assured tourism industry to serve what the airline operators in both major and calls “pent up demand” for secondary cities are fully travel following the COVID ready to accommodate visi- lockdowns earlier this year. AirAsia has increased its tors, especially during the The move to ramp up flight Bangkok-Phuket flights to upcoming holiday periods services to Phuket comes six a day to serve ‘pent up when demand is usually ahead of upcoming holidays demand’. Photo: AirAsia highest.” that are expected to see a surge Mr Santisuk noted, in demand, AirAsia said in a gion connections, to meet an “There is much pent up release on Mar 4. expected surge in demand. demand for travel and the At an event also held Higher frequencies are ex- recent release of our #FlyRu- on Mar 4 for AirAsia to pected for popular routes as aRuaPass promotion, which thank the Tourism Author- well, with seven flights daily saw all 80,000 privileges ity of Thailand (TAT) for its from Don Mueang-Chiang snapped up in just 48 hours support in promoting safe Mai, three flights daily for is testament to that.” domestic tourism, AirAsia Suvarnabhumi-Chiang Mai, “Relaxed health meas- Thailand Chief Executive Of- six flights daily from Don ures, a lift on 14-day quar- ficer Santisuk Klongchaiya, Mueang-Phuket, five flights antine in most provinces and said, “We wish to thank TAT daily from Don Mueang-Hat vaccinations have signifi- for their continued support Yai, and four flights daily cantly added to consumer to promote safe domestic from Don Mueang-Khon travel confidence,” he added. travel. We expect tourism to Kaen, while Don Mueang- The news of increased recover continuously from Udon Thani will have three flights to Phuket came as this March and April, when flights daily,” Mr Santisuk Phuket International Airport Songkran and other long said. released its full monthly holidays will provide more At the event, Tourism schedule of domestic flights, opportunities for travel. Authority of Thailand (TAT) showing Bangkok Airways, “AirAsia is preparing Governor Yuthasak Su- Thai Lion Air, Vietjet, Nok to bring back 100% of its pasorn stated, “Now that Air and Thai Smile all flying domestic network by April, the government has relaxed to and from Phuket. including domestic cross-re- COVID-19 prevention meas- The Phuket News

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 THAILAND NEWS 7 Ministry proposes shorter Songkran is crucial to help boost economy, says PM PRIME MINISTER PR- quarantine from next month ayut Chan-o-cha insisted Bangkok Post on Monday (Mar 8) that Songkran celebrations be he Public Health Min- held to revitalise the strug- istry is to ask the gov- gling tourism industry. Samut Prakan celebrates Ternment to consider People would be allowed Songkran in April 2019. reducing the length of manda- to travel across the country Photo: Pattarapong tory quarantine for incoming to celebrate, the PM said, Chatpattarasill travellers from 14 days to 7-10 but each area must impose days, from next month. measures to prevent the virus The first phase start- The plan was announced spreading. ing on April 1, the easing on Monday (Mar 8) by Pub- Gen Prayut said he would be in line with the lic Health Minister Anutin wanted to see the economy government’s vaccination Charnvirakul, in his capacity improve and people’s income plan with adjustments to the as chairman of the National boosted by tourism activities colour-coded status of each Committee on Communicable over the long holiday. province, she said. Diseases. A group of Thai returnees head into the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok last April to He therefore vowed to The second phase will Mr Anutin said the minis- quarantine for 14 days after returning from Russia. Photo: Bangkok Post ease restrictions ahead of include the lifting of the state try would ask the government the festival so that people of emergency at the end of to cut the length of mandatory can produce more for us.” cinated against COVID-19 from Africa, who will still be had enough time to plan May, and thereafter a reliance quarantine in order to help If approved, shorter quar- between 14-days to three required to observe the full 14- their trips and make hotel on communicable disease stimulate tourism and give antine requirements will apply months before their arrival in day quarantine, as the Public reservations. laws to contain the virus. the economy a boost. to travellers who fall into the Thailand. These travellers, he Health Ministry is concerned The Centre for COV- From Oct 1, the third “We are prepared to open following three categories, said, also will be required to about the possibility of more ID-19 Situation Administra- phase will likely begin with the country to help drive eco- starting in April, he said. stay in quarantine for seven contagious COVID-19 variants tion (CCSA) said Songkran a further easing of meas- nomic growth,” he said after The first are non-Thai days. from the continent spreading this year would be celebrated ures, including entry and the committee met. citizens who were vaccinated Third, Mr Anutin said, to Thailand. as a “new normal” festival, quarantine requirements for “If we can administer vac- against COVID-19 between 14 are non-Thai citizens who On a separate note, the the goal being to preserve foreign visitors. This phase cines to 70% of all medical days to three months before have not been vaccinated public health minister insisted Thai culture while containing will coincide with more peo- workers by October, we may their arrival in Thailand and but possess COVID-19-free that the government never the virus. ple having been given their consider abolishing mandatory have tested negative for the certificates. These travellers had any intention to block Spokesperson Apisamai COVID-19 vaccinations. quarantine requirements for disease. These travellers, Mr will be required to stay in private hospitals from pro- Srirangson said the CCSA Quarantine requirements some groups. Anutin said, will be required quarantine for 10 days, he viding COVID-19 vaccines would meet next Monday would vary based on the “We have enough vaccines to quarantine for only seven said. to paying patients. (Mar 15) to consider rolling vaccination status of foreign from AstraZeneca, and we days. These shortened quaran- “But they must comply out a further relaxation of visitors, Dr Apisamai said. are planning to get 10 million The second are Thai re- tine requirements will not with guidelines on vaccine restrictions in three phases. Bangkok Post more doses from them, if they turnees who have been vac- apply to travellers arriving registration,” Mr Anutin said.

AstraZeneca vaccine rollout confirmed AFTER MUCH ANTICIPATION AND delay, Thai authorities announced on Mon- day (Mar 8) that the roll out of AstraZeneca jabs were to begin yesterday (Mar 11) with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha the first recipient. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister, told the media on Monday that the Department of Medical Sciences would soon complete the mandatory quality check on 117,000 At time of press Prime Minister Prayut doses sent to Thailand late last month. Chan-o-cha was expected to be the “[The rollout of] AstraZeneca vaccines first person in Thailand to receive the in Thailand will take place on March 11 AstraZeneca vaccine. Photo: Bangkok Post at the earliest with the PM to be the first to receive the vaccine,” Mr Anutin said. istry to help provide vaccines to 200,000 Initially, the rollout was set for Feb Chinese citizens living in the kingdom. 28, but it was pushed back pending the Beijing will provide the vaccines for free, mandatory quality check on the shipment Mr Anutin added. of vaccines. In another development, officials have Mr Anutin said senior Cabinet members, met to discuss the World Health Organiza- including Khunying Kalaya Sophonpan- tion’s COVID-19 passport proposal. ich, acting education minister, and Don They focused on the criteria needed Pramudwinai, foreign affairs minister, to obtain a vaccine passport, according to wanted to obtain COVID-19 vaccines from Dr Apisamai Srirangson, assistant spokes- AstraZeneca. woman to the Centre for COVID-19 Situ- Senior citizens aged 60 and over would ation Administration. “The Public Health be prioritised to receive the jabs, while Ministry insisted that the use of the vaccine younger people would be given China’s passports must wait for standards to be set Sinovac vaccine, according to the authorities. by the WHO,” she said. Dr Apisamai said the ministry would VACCINE PASSPORT issue a certificate only to those who had Mr Anutin said the Beijing-based manu- received two jabs. Those certificates, she facturer is considering making Thailand said, had been approved by the WHO. a regional vaccination centre for Chinese An immunised person could use the citizens living in Asean. certificate to acquire a vaccine passport, He said the country has asked his min- she said. Bangkok Post

@thephuketnews 8 ENVIRONMENT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

Kombucha Club. Pumpkin Soup. Delicious plant-based dishes SUSTAINABLY YOURS

Palmer Owyoung

year and a half ago Netflix released the documentary The Game Changers, about injured MMA fighter James Wilks looking for a way to heal his body. What he found was that many professional athletes, including Olympic cyclists, runners, weightlifters and AAmerican football players, had all switched to plant-based diets to im- prove their performance. When the documentary was re- leased, it stirred up a lot of emotion and brought the debate against eating Falafel Box. animal products into the mainstream, with everyone from Joe Rogan to Ar- eral Thai dishes, the site also has Geranium restaurant in Copenhagen, based, in moderation they actually are. nold Schwarzenegger commenting on American, Indian and European recipes Denmark. While there, he began his You probably already know the whether a plant-based diet is healthy. and a food library which contains the foray into a plant-based lifestyle. Ko- health benefits of reducing or elimi- Fast forward 18 months, several nutritional value of various ingredients foed taught Raftery how to take the nating meat and dairy from your diet. major fires, a few hurricanes and a with instructions on how to integrate humblest of ingredients, from seeds Done correctly, eating a plant-based global pandemic later and plant-based them into your cooking. and nuts to seaweeds and onions, and diet is scientifically proven to fight diets are more popular than ever. By Trained by famed Michelin Star- elevate them into something sublime heart disease, cancer and diabetes. now you know about the health ben- winning chef Thomas Keller, Raftery and worthy of an award-winning res- However, there are also environ- efits of eating less meat and dairy, but was at one time a butcher, so moving taurant mental benefits as well. According to a what you may not know is that when to a strict plant-based diet was ini- After his internship, he came to recent study published by the United done correctly plant-based food can be tially foreign to him and happened by Thailand in search of new culinary Nations Environmental Program just as, or even more, delicious than accident. In his 20s he paid his dues, adventures and a healthier lifestyle. (UNEP) our global food system is the meat-based dishes. working 80- to 100-hour weeks at During a trip to Chiang Mai, he main driver for loss of biodiversity and Meet Jamie Raftery, the owner and award-winning restaurant The French stopped eating meat in what he thought that as the population increases, this founder of the Holistic Chef Academy, a Laundry, which eventually took its toll. was a temporary reprieve. What he will only accelerate, noting that 86% of website where he shares ideas on how In 2014, he left California ex- found was that besides adding yoga, species are at risk of extinction. The pa- to make plant-based cuisine, healthy, hausted and started interning with 3 meditation and Muay Thai, eating a per states moving to a more plant-based delicious and affordable. Besides sev- Star Michelin Chef Rasmus Kofoed at plant-based diet became a way of life, diet that has fewer animal products that not only made him healthier, but will help to reduce pressure on forests happier, stronger and fitter as well. and other ecosystems. To help Thais Raftery also found inspiration from transition to a healthier and greener looking at food in another way. He re- diet, Sinergia Animal created the Thai placed the meat-heavy French cuisine Challenge 22, where you can get tips with plant-based dishes, now that he and recipes from nutrition experts. was cooking for health, rather than For more tips ongoing plant-based: awards and accolades. ● Visit Jamie Raftery’s Holisitic Chef He also took a job as Director of Academy Culinary Development at Thanyapura, ● Root The Future is a site started where he regularly consults with visit- by a Bangkok-based expat couple who ing elite athletes and weekend warriors share tips on embracing the lifestyle. on improving their diet for better ● Search on Facebook for Kombu- performance. In addition, he runs work- chawow to get delicious ice cream and shops, cooking demonstrations and of yogurt delivered to your door. course cooks for Divine and the Booster ● Try some frozen entrees from Ve- Deli and Café, the two restaurants at gan Ready available for sale at Villa the sport and health resort. There you Market. can find anything from soups, salads and wraps to pizzas, pastas, burgers Palmer Owyoung is an environmental and ice creams, which sound anything activist working with the Kamala Green but healthy, but since they are plant- Club and the Global Sustainability Hub.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 COMMUNITY 9 ‘Mister Koh Lanta’ Duane’s story was notable because BLAZING SADDLES he had chosen in 2001 to forsake a suc- cessful career in one of the world’s most Baz Daniel desirable and liveable cities, Vancouver, [email protected] to travel out to this far-flung corner of Thailand in search of adventure and ased in Bangkok and still serendipity. Prior to relocating, Duane with one foot in the high was a founding partner in Curve Com- (blood)-pressured world of ad- munications, one of Vancouver’s top vertising, I started pursuing billing public relations companies, yet my retirement dream of be- his pioneering adventurous spirit had coming a travel writer in 2004 brought him to this fabled isle to set up by freelancing for John Ever- various tourism-related businesses and ingham’s iconic Art Asia Press become ‘Mister Koh Lanta’. and The Greater Phuket Magazine. Over the ensuing years, by then BDecember of that year saw me on an as- working as Editor of The Greater Duane Lennie, 1964 - 2020. signment to a magical realm called Koh Phuket Magazine, I became immensely Lanta, where John said I should get in fond both of Koh Lanta and of Duane ever, we managed to keep on laughing 2017. His friend Roman Weber took touch with a fellow named Duane Len- himself. I travelled there many times and enjoying our shared sense of hu- over the running of Mango House and nie… who he described as “Mister Koh and stayed with Duane at his funky mour in spite of the many rogues and it remains to this day as beautiful and Lanta” and who was reputed to know Mango House Boutique Resort nestled villains we encountered! beguiling a place to stay as you’ll find everything there was to know about in a cluster of 100-year-old wooden Duane was a major force in the in all the Andaman. this fabled isle. Chinese Shophouses jutting out over Laanta Lanta Annual Festival, one of Like so many of his friends around Getting to Koh Lanta in 2004 rep- the turbid waters of the bay in the the most charming events you’ll find the region, I was devastated to learn resented something of a challenge in heart of Lanta Old Town (known as Sri around this region and a rich celebra- of Duane’s passing in August last year itself as one had to drive on and then Raya in Thai). tion of the peaceful cultural diversity of aged just 56. It was a cruel blow and off two ancient, decrepit, car ferries to Very few foreigners called this Mus- Koh Lanta’s residents. It’s a chance for it’s supremely unfair that such a lovely, cross two pieces of water separating the lim fishing town home, but one was the various ethnic groups to say thank lively soul, who brought so much hap- mainland Isthmus of Kra from firstly Duane’s great friend Julie Prescott, you to each other, displaying the best of piness to others, has been taken away Koh Lanta Noi, and then onward to who helped him design and furnish their own art and customs to each other from us. Saladan Town on Koh Lanta Yai. aspects of Mango House Resort. With and to visitors. Duane and his funky Personally, I wanted to write this Now, 17 years later, we are down to guesthouse rooms, over-the-sea villas resort were at the centre of all this and piece to thank Duane for all the laugh- just one decrepit car ferry to get there, and a 50-seat bar and bistro, Mango many of us enjoyed the wonderful musi- ter and joy we shared. Duane Lennie and that folks seems to be progress Koh House Resort was as unusual and cal raves which Mango House hosted as was certainly a one-off character, a true Lanta-style for you! Maybe it’s this ec- creative as Duane himself and became a part of the Festival. romantic adventurer, but to me he was centric indifference to the outside world one of the region’s unique places to Tragically, Duane suffered a mild and will always be.. ‘Mister Koh Lanta’. which fosters much of the charm of this stay, winning accolades and write-ups stroke in 2015 and subsequently decid- R.I.P. Duane Patrick Lennie, 1964 - other-worldly island, beloved to the in prestige publications from Conde ed to return to Vancouver in September 2020. hippy back-packer party crowd, as much Nast Traveller to The Sun newspaper as to the sophisticated well-heeled in- in the UK. ternational jet-set hidden away in their Over the years I wrote many lauda- luxurious hillside villas, or billeted at tory stories about Koh Lanta for this stellar five-star resorts such as Pimalai ongoing ‘Blazing Saddles’ column, after on stunning Kantiang Bay in the south- pedalling along the beguiling beaches, west corner of the island. or up into the silent hills of the central My first visit in 2004 saw me set- spine of this magical island. After each tling into a little beach-side cottage day’s adventures I’d look forward to a overlooking Long Beach to the south of sunset return to my romantic base at Saladan Town on the northwest coast. Mango House and drawn-out suppers Once settled, I duly called “Mister Koh with Duane holding court at some ram- Lanta” and he agreed to drop over that shackle water-side restaurant long into evening for a sun-downer drink at my the tropical night. resort. A deep West Canadian vocal As our friendship developed, I had burr with honeyed edges announced the the pleasure of working with Duane as arrival of the warm-hearted fellow who a writer and consultant on several mar- turned out to be Duane Patrick Len- keting and communications projects nie… a big teddy bear of a man with a which his consultancy handled around twinkle in both eyes. We hit it off im- the Andaman region. This was not mediately and settled down with some without its challenges, as anyone who cold ones for a long, beachside chat has toiled in the shark-infested depths about the island, as a stunning Anda- of the property and tourism business man sunset engulfed us. around the Andaman will know. How-

@thephuketnews 10 TIME OUT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 59. Bit in a horse’s 24. Catch 1. Cores mouth 25. Alain Robbe- 6. Tacky chic 60. Ripen Grillet novel, 1. Triton is a moon of which planet? 10. Enhances 63. Mags with “The” 2. The Australian film Crocodile‘ Dundee’ was released in which year? 14. Courtyards 66. Algonquian 27. “Who ___?” 15. Sea position Indian 28. Kind of molding 3. Which name did Karl Marx give to all four of his daughters? 16. Hawaiian tuber 67. Brown shade 30. Aardvark’s tidbit 4. In the northern hemisphere, moss mostly grows on which side 17. Mags 68. Fat units? 32. Worthy of of trees – north, south, east or west? 20. Increase, with 69. Frau’s partner comment “up” 70. Blabs 33. Candidate’s 5. Which cathedral contains the world’s oldest working clock and 21. Poetic 71. Nobel, for one the best surviving copy of the four original Magna Cartas? concern palindrome 34. Certain posers Answers below, centre 22. WWII battle site Down 36. Quail food 23. Crackers 1. Perry Como’s 38. Disney workers 26. Mandela’s org. “___ Loves 41. Fed. 27. Stimulant Mambo” construction Easy ingredients 2. Any thing overseer SUDOKU 29. Kuwaiti, e.g. 3. In Aruban 42. Brio 31. Land of fashion? leprechauns 4. Cool 47. Sirhan Sirhan, 35. Profits 5. Vendor’s e.g. 37. Indonesian mistake? 49. Fuse mishaps roamer 6. Linked series of 52. Back when 39. Australian runner writings 54. Churchill’s “so 40. Rags? 7. “Aladdin” prince few,” (abbr.) 43. Addition 8. Exec’s note 55. Creep 44. Affectation 9. Gotcha moments 56. Bird beak part 45. Cow fuel 10. Immediately 57. The America’s Solutions to last week’s puzzles: 46. Some beans 11. “Two Years Cup trophy, e.g. 48. Campaigns Before the 58. Gull-like bird 50. Some bays Mast” writer 61. Neuter 51. Family dog, for 12. Attracted 62. To be, to short 13. Bean used to Tiberius 53. Psychoanalyzed? make miso 64. Paranormal 55. Cooling-off 18. Time piece? ability

periods? 19. Time div. 65. Line

Answers to thisCathedral week’sSalisbury 5) North; Pop4) Quiz:

wife); his (after Jenny 3) 1986; 2) Neptune; 1)

GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW NUMBER 1 in 3 children in the UK, even before COVID-19, spent less time outside than maximum-security inmates did. 41 percent of women and 9% of men admit to crying at work, according to one research study. 2015 was the first year since 1974 that nobody climbed to the top of Mount Everest. 81,000 drug overdose deaths were recorded in the US in the 12 months ending in May 2020, the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period, according to Centers for Windsurfing fun off The Play Yard Phuket, Mai Khao (east coast). Photo: Brian Stamm Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to [email protected]

1 This week in history Mar 12, 1881 Mar 14, 44 BC Mar 17, 1963 Andrew Watson makes his Scot- Casca and Cassius decide, on the Mount Agung erupts on Bali million land debut as the world’s first night before the Assassination of killing more than 1,100 people. US dollars is how much the ‘DKNY Golden Delicious Million Dollar black international football player Julius Caesar, that Mark Antony Fragrance Bottle’ costs, last year rated and captain. should live. Mar 18, 1241 the most expensive perfume in the Ash plume from Mount Agung on First Mongol invasion of Po- world. It came is a bottle studded with Mar 13, 1921 Mar 15, 1985 Nov 27, 2017. Photo: Michael W. Ishak land: Mongols overwhelm 2,909 precious stones including 2,700 Mongolia is proclaimed an inde- The first Internet domain name Polish armies in Kraków in hand-cut white diamonds. pendent monarchy, ruled by Rus- is registered (symbolics.com). Babylonians capture Jerusa- the Battle of Chmielnik and Source: Uberfacts sian military officer Roman von lem, and replace Jeconiah with plunder the city. Ungern-Sternberg as a dictator. Mar 16, 597 BC Zedekiah as king. Source: Wikipedia

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 CLASSIFIEDS 11

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@thephuketnews 12 EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

14 20 SUN MAR SAT MAR

Lean On Me Live Fest Lean On Me Live Fest will feature between 10 and 14 local bands. The concert is free and we will rely on donations from the patrons to raise money for the food charity drives. Contact [email protected] Sunday Brunch at Pine Beach Bar Try exciting new items including organic truffle poached egg, lobster house made pasta and unagi don. Enjoy complimentary use of pool and beach facilities before and after your brunch with a bottle of sparkling, a selection of delicious dishes, funky tunes of our DJ and beach activities. Intercontinental Phuket Resort, Kamala, 076 629 999. DAILY EVENT UP DAT ES

PROPERTY FOR RENT MEMBERSHIPS ON Golf membership for sale Kata Gardens Private Pool Loch Palm lifetime golf membership for sale - THB230,000. Kata Gardens Private Pool Penthouses. Walk to Beach Ocean View 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Units 50/50 on transfer fee. Call Mr. Bill on 089 594 4067. Available. 2 Common Area Pools. [email protected], +66909959767, Graham Herdman

PROPERTY FOR RENT PROPERTY PROPERTY FOR SALE FOR RENT

New Modern Villa 5 Mins Ao Po Modern Pool Villa 200 SQM. Garden 500 SQM. 3 bedrooms, HALF PRICE CONDO LAGUNA 4 bathrooms. Close security. Permanent staff. UWCT- BIS. Land for sale near Long terme lease 49000 Bath/ Month. Wifi/ TV.SAT. Google AREA maps: DELTA PHUKET Contact owner( Alain): mrdupouy@ 200m to Bangtao, 2 pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, BBQ, 140 Mission Heights yahoo.fr Line: alainphuket Villa Coconut 57/10 Moo3 Soi sqm. Free: bikes, electric scooters, drinking water, coconuts, Land is 1,656 square meters approx on Bhanbangphea, T.Paklok, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thai- 3TVs, Netflix, 200TV channels. HALF PRICE 076 324404 3 Chanote titles. Has concrete road, land, [email protected], 0818935270 [email protected] water and electric. Small quiet village close to Mission Heights. I’m looking for 4.5 million Baht, negotiable. Call 093 629 4400.

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 ISLAND SCENE 13

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON - EMPOWERING WOMEN TO SUCCEED Over 130 like-minded guests enjoyed a fantastic luncheon held at Angsana Laguna Phuket’s ballroom on Tuesday, March 8. The welcome address by Matthew Barclay, Australia’s Consul-General to Phuket and inspirational speakers Thanaporn Phonboon, from the Australian Consulate-General; Jo Barnes, Globetrotting Lifestyle Entrepreneur; and Karine Gauthier, Body Temple, Singapore, were warmly received. The event was proudly supported by The Australian Consulate-General, Phuket, The Phuket News and Angsana Laguna Phuket. Congratulations to the organisers from Good Shepherd Phuket and Phuket Has Been Good to Us on a great event and raising much-needed funds for their local charities.

@thephuketnews 14 SPORT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 A close encounter at the ACG start, Bootsy stepped up to the the target within six runs for CRICKET task and blasted his way to 50 the start of the final over.

Neil Quail at a blistering pace, reaching Given an opportunity to re- it in just the 8th over. deem himself, Yassir took the ragging rights went to By the 14th over, the part- ball for his team and looked he Rest of the World nership had reached cricket’s to have swung the odds back B(ROW) select XI fol- superstitious score line of 111, in Asia’s favour with only lowing their grand final vic- which if believed would have 2 runs scored from his first tory over the Asia select XI an immediate negative effect. four balls. last Sunday (Mar 7) at the With Bootsy on 81 runs, a However, his next delivery ACG in yet another incredibly tally that included a number of veered wide down Livermore’s close-fought match. superbly timed shots off Fon- leg-side, allowing the pair to Having the series poised seka’s fiery pace, Mushtaq’s scramble an extra two runs, but with two wins apiece, and four-wicket haul began by importantly levelling the scores. more than 350 overs played cart-wheeling Nicholson’s off- Yassir’s frustration was by the end of the weekend’s stump, and just five balls later complete in seeing his next action, the winning runs came bringing Bootsy’s dramatic delivery beat Livermore’s bat, in the very last over, with innings to a close in a repeat but also the wicket and then just two balls remaining in of Nicholson’s demise. the wicket-keeper to trundle the game. The new partnership of over the boundary for four Both teams fielded their Swart and Paul Judge fared invaluable runs as the sun set strongest teams possible, Asia well in adding 50 runs to the over the ACG and the series, buoyed by the inclusion of pace total, before Mushtaq bowled with a hard won victory going bowler Ashan Fonseka, while Swart and then took Judge’s to the ROW. Stuart Hamilton’s return was wicket with a catching assist An MVP performance a welcome boost to the ROW. ROW’s Jeremy Bootsy and Michael Flowers celebrate their batting performances and from Pir. from Mushtaq (92 runs and Asia looked to set a chal- the series win against Asia last Sunday at the ACG. Photo: Stuart Hamilton Flowers and Livermore bowling figures of 4 for 40) lenging target as Joe Ninan raised the tempo with a little was unfortunately not enough and Imtiyaz Mushtaq opened would go on to build a pow- lofted shot fell short to Michael tachayraya (20 n.o.) and Sami help from a loose Yassir 30th on this occasion. Bootsy’s 81 the batting, facing ROW’s erful partnership of 145 runs Flowers at deep cover. Pir (17 n.o.) added to the score, over which gifted a vital injec- runs certainly gave ROW a bowling attack of captain Jason before Fonseka was bowled by Pratap would also find with Asia eventually setting tion of 23 runs, and arguably crucial platform for their win, Robertson and Dom Judge. Justin Swart in the 18th over himself tantalisingly close ROW a total of 289 to win. became the game’s turning while the 82-run partnership Ninan’s innings was to be with the score at 166 for 2. to a milestone before falling A deserved break from the point in favour of ROW. during the last eight overs be- short-lived, however, edging a Supported by Bhanu victim to the combination of day’s heat and for lunch then Now needing 38 runs to tween Flowers and Livermore shot in the 3rd over for Judge to Pratap, Mushtaq continued Robertson and Judge in the brought Jeremy Bootsy and win from four overs, Flow- will also be remembered as take a sharp catch at first slip. to frustrate the ROW bowlers 31st over just seven short of Dan Nicholson to the middle, ers and Livermore knuckled integral to an overall solid Mushtaq was then joined and was just eight runs short his half-century. beginning ROW’s chase. down to exploit any wayward team performance from the by Fonseka (63), and the pair of reaching his ton when his Captain Shivam Bhat- In needing a confident deliveries, eventually bringing ROW select XI.

BISP students climb the national tennis ranks TENNIS

THREE BRITISH IN- ternational School, Phuket (BISP) students are working their way up the national ten- nis rankings after their recent Photo: BISP Media success on the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand’s In late February, Ig and tournaments,” said Acting (LTAT) national tournament Bebe competed at the PTT Head Coach Rachna Sharma. circuit. LTAT Development Tourna- “They are supportive of each Year 7 student Tarita (Ig) ment, Southern #1 in Hat other and we also have a has moved up one place in Yai, where Ig won the Un- great community of parents the national rankings for der-12 Girls Singles and supporting our players.” Under-12 Girls Singles and Bebe finished runner-up in “The coaching team are is now the second-ranked the Under-14 Girls Singles. thrilled to now have three of player in her age category Luke competed at the our players ranked in the top in the country. PTT LTAT Development 10 in Thailand for their age Year 8 player Thanwarat Tournament in Phang Nga groups. Congratulations to (Bebe) has recently edged at the end of November, all our students on their great her way into the top 10 in the where he was the winner of attitudes and commitment. Under-14 Girls Singles cat- the Under-16 Boys Singles Keep up the great work.” egory and Tinnapat (Luke), category. Upcoming tournaments Year 10, is currently ranked The BISP Sea Eagles for BISP’s High-Performance fourth in Thailand for Un- RPT Tennis Academy High- players include the PTT der-16 Boys Singles. Performance players train LTAT Development Tourna- The LTAT’s national between 11 and 13 hours ment, Southern #2, in Surat tennis rankings are updated per week. Thani from 13-15 March. every week. Although many “Ig, Bebe, Luke and the Congratulations to all ranking tournaments have rest of our High-Performance players and the entire BISP been cancelled this year team continue to show great Sea Eagles RPT Tennis due to the pandemic, the dedication to the programme Academy coaching team! students have continued by working hard in train- For more information on to train hard and travel to ing sessions, listening to British International School, weekend tournaments when feedback and putting what Phuket please contact info@ they can. they learn into games and bisphuket.ac.th. Lee Blake

thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021 SPORT 15 Running through quarantine MARATHON

Continued from page 16 …“We had to remain in our room without exception for the first five days,” Nick said. “We had temperature checks twice a day during that time, once in the morning, once in no distractions or potential the evening. dangers that are presented when “After five days we took the on the streets such as traffic, mandatory COVID swab test other people, etc.” and were then allowed to go It was that laser focus gen- onto the roof of the hotel for erated in his hotel room in Bruno Fernandes scored fresh air but were not permit- Bangkok that allowed Nick to a first-minute penalty as ted to use any of the facilities breeze through his quarantine Manchester United ended such as the gym or pool. That’s and not be at all desuaded if their rivals’ winning run at the Etihad Stadium why I took to running in my he had to do it again. last Sunday. Photo: AFP room,” he added. “We are waiting on the “I’ve always been an active finalisation of a contract with person,” Nick said. “When I a client which would mean was a child I walked 3km to delivering another boat to the United hush their noisy school every day for years. Philippines,” Nick said. I took up running seriously “I would be more than when I was 31.” happy to take on quarantine He also inspired one of his again if necessary. neighbours and halt run fellow quarantine mates to “It would be a great op- points behind City with 10 games left That run is all the more remarkable take up the activity, although portunity for me to beat my FOOTBALL at time of press. as Jurgen Klopp’s men had gone nearly he did not achieve anywhere personal best,” he concluded

AFP Despite surrendering their 15-match four years without a league defeat at near the kind of distance that with a smile. winning league run in their first defeat home in 68 games between April 2017 Nick accomplished. Nick is part of a 25-strong anchester United shattered since losing at Tottenham in November, and January this year. “Even a small amount of running group that regularly Manchester City’s record win- City remain firm favourites to lift the Liverpool’s best chance of qualifying exercise is better than nothing meet and take on routes in the Mning streak with an impressive title for the third time in four seasons. for next season’s Champions League during quarantine,” he said. “I Pa Khlok area. Anyone inter- 2-0 victory against the Premier League Leicester are in third after a 2-1 win may now be in winning this season’s would find it very challenging ested in joining in the fun can leaders, while Liverpool hit a new low at Brighton and Chelsea a place behind competition for a seventh time as they to be so inactive for that length contact him on 091-154-4569 as relegation-threatened Fulham won at them after overcoming Everton 2-0 on sit eighth, seven points adrift of the top of time.” or [email protected] Anfield last Sunday (Mar 7). Monday. four, having played at least one game On arriving back in Phuket Pep Guardiola’s side were on an West Ham continued their fine form more than all their rivals. post-quarantine, Nick imme- Nick’s quarantine-run English top-flight record run of 21 suc- with a 2-0 win over Leeds, which keeps Despite their lowly position in the diately took to the streets of breakdown was as follows: cessive wins in all competitions heading them in fifth, and Gareth Bale’s resur- table, Fulham had lost just one of their his Pa Khlok neighbourhood Day 2: 15km, 1hr 30mins into the Manchester derby. gence continued as he scored twice in previous six games and were well worthy for a 14km run. Day 4: 21km, 2hr 5mins But United ruined City’s 28-game Spurs’ 4-1 win against Crystal Palace. of the win courtesy of Mario Lemina’s Did he find it strange run- Day 6: 7km, 40 mins unbeaten run in all competitions thanks first-half goal. ning once again in a more fa- Day 7: 11km, 1hr 2mins to an early penalty from Bruno Fernandes LIVERPOOL Fulham remain in the bottom three miliar or natural environment? Day 8: 20km, 1hr 49mins and Luke Shaw’s second-half strike at CRASH AGAIN but only on goal difference behind “Actually I did, yes,” he Day 10: 42km, 3hr 55mins the Etihad Stadium. Liverpool have now lost six consecu- Brighton. replied. “The one thing I did Day 11: 11km, 1hr Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team, unbeaten tive home league games and gone eight Newcastle, one point above in the notice when running in the Day 12: 15km, 1hr 30mins in their last 22 away league games, moved without a win at Anfield after a 1-0 loss relegation zone, remain in deep trouble room is how much more fo- Day 13: 11km, 1 hr into second place but they were still 11 to Fulham. after a 0-0 draw at West Brom. cused you become – there are Day 14: 1hr, 2mins

Gerrard hungry for more FOOTBALL

STEVEN GERRARD HAS his sights set on more sil- verware with Rangers after leading the club to their first Scottish league title for 10 years. Gerrard is aiming The former Liverpool and high. Photo: AFP England midfielder celebrated his first managerial trophy on and the next thing for me, Sunday (Mar 7) after Celt- when you win, it is always ic’s goalless draw at Dundee about what is next, and I am United ended their chances so proud of the players first of retaining the Premiership. and foremost – they are the Gerrard’s men have not lost most important people inside a single game in the league in the club,” Gerrard told the their successful quest to end club’s website. Celtic’s record-equalling run The 40-year-old added of nine consecutive Scottish that he wanted his players to league titles. “keep delivering” until the Rangers were not even end of the season. in the top flight for four of At time of press they were those seasons after they were to meet Slavia Prague in the demoted to the fourth tier fol- Europa League last-16 last lowing liquidation in 2012 due night and Cove Rangers in to financial troubles. the third round of the Scottish “There is more to come Cup on April 3. AFP

@thephuketnews THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

[email protected] BISP students a big hit on the Sport court > p14

Naruttama ‘Nick’ Jarat back on the streets doing what he loves best: running. Photo: Naruttama Jarat THE RUNNING MAN he decided to take a leaf out of his quarantine ended. On returning to Thailand, decided to not just emulate that first run in 1 hour and MARATHON Forrest Gump’s book and run. Nick and the crew left Nick and three of his col- his friend’s feat but to take a 30 minutes.”

Ben Tirebuck And run. Then run some more. Phuket on Dec 4 and sailed leagues stayed at the Radisson it a step or two further. Nick then staggered a [email protected] Nick, 37, recently spent two their client’s 115-foot boat hotel in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit “On my second day of further nine runs across his weeks in quarantine at a hotel to Manila, arriving on Dec 13, where they served their quarantine I ran 15km, non- remaining 12 days of quaran- hould you be faced in Bangkok after he and fellow 17. The client had invited mandatory quarantine, paying stop,” Nick told The Phuket tine, running an impressive with the scenario, how crew members had delivered friends for a nine-day cruise B43,000 for the two-week stay. News. 144km in total. Swould you likely spend a yacht to a customer based which took in island hopping, Managing to see out the “The room was relatively “I managed 20km on day your time during COVID-19 in the Philippines. snorkelling and New Year’s first day, Nick knew he would small but I was able to run 8 in 1 hour 49 minutes,” he quarantine? Relax and do Faced with the daily re- Eve celebrations at sea. Nick very soon grow restless. How- back-and-forth in the corridor beamed. very little? Watch an endless striction of his hotel room’s worked onboard as the head ever, that same day a friend from the front door to the “Although day 10 was my amount of TV? Catch up four walls and the ensuing chef. who had recently undertaken window, using my watch and highlight – I managed 42km on current affairs, box-sets boredom this would bestow They flew back to Bangkok quarantine in New Zealand running app on my phone to that day in 3 hours and 55 and movies? Learn a new on such an active character, on Jan 19 after a mix-up with messaged him to say she had track the distance and time. minutes!” language? Read a series of Nick decided to use his time the initial immigration stamps run 10km one day in her hotel “I made sure I had water Nick said the manner in books? Write a book even? as productively as possible by in Manila meant they had to room in a bid to pass the time. and fruit to hand so I could which the quaratine was han- For Phuket resident Narut- continuing his hobby of run- stay aboard the boat until the A keen runner since a grab it when needed and not dled by hotel staff was very tama ‘Nick’ Jarat the answer ning. In total he had amassed situation was resolved and youngster, this was a light- interupt my running, which professional… was none of the above. Instead more than 140km by the time they could leave the country. bulb moment for Nick, who I did barefoot. I completed Continued on page 15

No mercy for disqualified Yan as he loses UFC belt contest, meaning Yan forfeited relayed from Yan’s corner while shaken and took a while to regain MMA the title. Sterling was grounded, with claims his senses. His trainer had to physi- Phuket-based Yan, who trains at that one of his coaches had urged cally hold him up when the fight PETR YAN LOST HIS UFC Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Train- him to strike. outcome was delivered and the bantamweight championship to ing Camp in Chalong, claimed in “To be honest, I didn’t really newly crowned champion threw the Aljamain Sterling at UFC 259 in the post-fight interview he did not understand what they were yelling, belt on the Octagon canvas soon Las Vegas last Saturday (Mar 6) mean to strike with the knee. I was just focused on the hands, after UFC president Dana White Petr Yan in training at Tiger due to disqualification, the first “I don’t even know what to say,” and throwing the knee when he had wrapped it around his waist. Muay Thai & MMA Training time that a UFC belt has changed the 27-year-old Yan said. would be up,” Yan said. “Not the way I ever want to win Camp in Chalong. Photo: Hip hands in such a manner. “Of course, if his knee was on “For a while I thought I did a fight.” Sterling said via Twitter Panakom Santayanon. In the fourth round, Yan, known the ground, he was grounded oppo- everything right and that he was afterwards. as ‘No Mercy’, delivered an illegal nent, but I didn’t do it intentionally. knocked out.” Yan took to Twitter himself mistake and paid for it.” knee strike to Sterling’s head, who There is a belt on the line and you The 31-year-old Jamaican- to exclaim: “I apologize and wish White said he would like a was in a grounded position at the make mistakes,” he added. American Sterling, who broke down speedy recovery to @funkmas- rematch between Sterling and Yan time of contact, before referee Mark It appeared there was some in tears in the ring after Smith had terMMA. I didn’t mean to throw to be booked “as soon as possible.” Smith intervened and waived the confusion with instructions being stopped the contest, was visibily an illegal strike, I just made a big Ben Tirebuck

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